Messi wins his 46th trophy as Inter Miami secures first MLS Supporters Shield.
Inter Miami clinched their first MLS Supporters’ Shield with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew, securing the best regular-season record with 68 points from 32 games. Lionel Messi led the charge, scoring twice, while Luis Suárez added another goal to seal the victory. This win marks Miami’s first MLS trophy since joining the league in 2020, and Messi’s 46th career title. Speaking to Apple TV, Messi expressed his joy, stating, “I am happy, happy that we did it.” With home-field advantage secured for the playoffs, Inter Miami set their sights on the MLS Cup. They also have a chance to break the MLS record for most points in a season, currently held by New England Revolution with 73 points in 2021, if they win their final two matches.
46 CAREER TROPHIES!
THE GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF ALL TIME! 💖🌟 pic.twitter.com/7LQ3Ue2a2I
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 3, 2024
Ademola Lookman fires Atalanta to a dominant win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
In-form Nigerian winger, Ademola Lookman delivered a stellar performance for Atalanta on Wednesday, scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal and providing an assist in their 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in Germany. This marked Atalanta’s first away Champions League win in five matches. Lookman’s pinpoint cross set up Berat Djimsiti for the opening goal in the 21st minute, and he nearly doubled the lead with a volley that hit the crossbar. In the 44th minute, Lookman finished off a Sead Kolašinac assist with a composed finish. Later, Raoul Bellanova sealed the win with his first goal for Atalanta. Lookman, with four goals and two assists in all competitions, is staking his claim for the African Player of the Year award after an outstanding season.
Ademola Lookman wins the Man of the Match award against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Africa’s best 🇳🇬⚽️
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) October 2, 2024
Jonathan David’s penalty helps Lille end Real Madrid’s 36-game unbeaten run.
French side, Lille secured a stunning 1-0 win over reigning champions Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday, ending Real’s 14-game unbeaten streak in the competition. Jonathan David’s penalty, awarded after a VAR review for an Eduardo Camavinga handball, was converted in first-half stoppage time, handing Real their first defeat since January. Despite starting without Kylian Mbappé, who was benched due to injury, Real dominated possession and created early chances, with Vinicius Jr. and Endrick testing Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. Lille’s relentless pressure led to the decisive penalty. In the second half, Lille continued to press while cutting off supply to Jude Bellingham. Despite late substitutions of Mbappé and Luka Modrić, Real couldn’t break through, leaving both teams with three points in the group.
🔴✨ Lille end Real Madrid’s 36 games unbeaten run! pic.twitter.com/H3fFCZiZUh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2024
Bruno Fernandes’ Tottenham red card overturned after appeal.
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes received a straight red card for a challenge on James Maddison late in the first half of their Premier League match against Tottenham, which ended in a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. After the game, Fernandes protested that the decision was unfair, and United subsequently appealed the call. The Football Association (FA) has now confirmed that Fernandes will not have to serve a suspension. Initially, the red card, the third of the 30-year-old’s career, would have seen him miss United’s upcoming matches against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham. However, following the FA’s ruling, Fernandes will be available for head coach Erik ten Hag in these fixtures, much to the relief of United fans.
🚨 Manchester United have won their appeal of Bruno Fernandes' red card against Tottenham.
He will be available for the next three fixtures. pic.twitter.com/8gD9mR8wgR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2024
Jhon Durán shoots Aston Villa to a shocking win over Bayern Munich.
Aston Villa secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, with Jhon Durán scoring a brilliant late goal. Celebrating their first home game in Europe’s elite competition in 41 years, Villa weathered Bayern’s dominance in possession. In the 79th minute, Durán capitalized on a high ball, spotting goalkeeper Manuel Neuer off his line and lofting the ball over him to seal the win. It marked Durán’s fifth goal as a substitute this season. Despite controlling two-thirds of possession and creating the better chances, Bayern couldn’t get past Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The win was reminiscent of Villa’s famous 1982 European Cup triumph over Bayern and leaves them with two victories in the new Champions League format, while Bayern have one win and one defeat.
🟣🔵 Aston Villa end Bayern’s unbeaten run in 41 Champions League group/league phase matches. pic.twitter.com/MePwKzwmDE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2024