Raphinha scores a hat trick as Barcelona stuns Bayern Munich.
Brazilian forward, Raphinha scored a brilliant hat-trick as Barcelona secured a 4-1 win over Bayern Munich in a Champions League group-stage clash. The Catalans, who had lost their last six meetings with Bayern, dominated at the Olympic Stadium. Robert Lewandowski added to Barcelona’s tally, while Harry Kane scored for Bayern. Managed by Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s emphatic victory suggests they may be contenders for their first Champions League title since 2015. Bayern, now with only one win from three group games, sits in the bottom half of the table. Raphinha, celebrating his 100th appearance for the club, opened the scoring within one minute after being set up by Fermín López. Kane equalized briefly before Barcelona regained control, with Lewandowski and Raphinha scoring three more goals to give Flick’s men a 4-1 victory. After the match, Raphinha expressed his joy, highlighting the significance of the win. Barcelona will now turn their focus to a highly anticipated La Liga Clásico against Real Madrid this weekend.
FT: Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich.
BARCELONA FINALLY BEAT BAYERN MUNICH AND THEY HAVE DONE IT IN A HUMILIATING WAY TOO, NEXT UP: REAL MADRID! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AQ2CKlp69l
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 23, 2024
The Federal Executive Council scraps the Ministry of Sport Development.
In a significant restructuring of Nigeria’s sports administration, President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Ministry of Sports Development and reinstated the National Sports Commission (NSC). Shehu Dikko, an experienced sports administrator and former League Management Company Chairperson, has been appointed Chairperson of the Commission. Dikko, who withdrew from the 2022 Nigeria Football Federation presidential race, is expected to lead efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s sports Economy and improve international performance. The NSC, originally dissolved in 2015, has a long history dating back to 1910 with the Empire Day competition. Its reinstatement marks a new era in Nigeria’s sports management. Additionally, John Enoh, the former Minister of Sports Development, has been reassigned as Minister of State for Trade and Investment, as part of the broader administrative reforms under Tinubu’s government.
The Ministry of Sports Development has been scrapped by the Federal Executive Council.
National Sports Commission will take over the duties of the Ministry of Sports Development 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/e2AKbVw3Uq
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) October 23, 2024
Lille secures a comeback win over Atlético, thanks to Jonathan David’s brace.
Jonathan David scored twice as Lille secured a 3-1 comeback win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, adding to their recent victory over Real Madrid. Despite Atlético’s early lead from Julián Alvarez, Lille responded with a standout performance from goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who made crucial saves. Edon Zhegrova, brought on for the injured Rémy Cabella, equalized in the 61st minute with a superb strike. David then converted a penalty in the 74th minute to complete the comeback, becoming the all-time top Canadian scorer in Champions League history with six goals. Chevalier’s late save preserved Lille’s lead before David sealed the win with a deflected shot in the 89th minute. The victory moved Lille to six points in the group, with Atlético remaining on three after a disappointing run of just one win in their opening three matches.
FT: Atlético Madrid 1-3 Lille.
DEFEAT VS BENFICA FOLLOWED UP BY DEFEAT AT HOME VS LILLE! ❌ pic.twitter.com/RkK3b08F7d
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 23, 2024
Giannis and Damian Lillard dominant as the Bucks defeat the Sixers.
The Milwaukee Bucks opened their season with a commanding 124-109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, leading by as many as 22 points in the second half. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points and 14 rebounds. Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis Jr. also contributed 16 points each. Philadelphia, missing Joel Embiid and Paul George, struggled offensively, shooting just over 40% overall and under 30% from three-point range. Despite five players scoring in double figures, the 76ers couldn’t keep pace. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged missing Khris Middleton but emphasized focusing on his team’s performance rather than the opponent. He praised his players’ focus and effort, noting that despite the absences, they maintained intensity throughout the game, signaling their serious approach to the season.
Won and 0.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/TMT9LKzwfG
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 24, 2024
Kevin Durant shines in the Suns’ overtime win over the Clippers.
The Phoenix Suns edged the Los Angeles Clippers in an overtime thriller, winning 116-113 to kick off their season at the new Intuit Dome. The Suns held a slim lead at halftime, up 47-39, after strong three-point shooting and solid defense. Grayson Allen and Kevin Durant led Phoenix with eight points each, while Norman Powell paced the Clippers. The Clippers came alive in the third quarter, fueled by James Harden’s 16 points, taking a 74-72 lead into the final frame. Los Angeles built a nine-point lead in the fourth, but Phoenix fought back, giving them a late lead. Devin Booker fouled out with 15 points. After Harden missed a potential game-winner, overtime ensued. In the closing seconds, Jusuf Nurkic’s free throws secured the Suns’ win after Harden fumbled a final inbounds pass. Phoenix will face the Lakers next in Los Angeles.
Kevin Durant pours in 25 as the @Suns pull out the thrilling OT win to start the season 1-0! #KiaTipOff24
Bradley Beal: 24 PTS, 4 3PM
Devin Booker: 15 PTS, 4 3PM, 4 REB, 6 AST
James Harden: 29 PTS, 12 REB, 8 AST pic.twitter.com/kHPDsuO90Q— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024