Neymar scores his first goal for Santos FC since his surprise January return.
Brazilian star, Neymar scored his first goal since rejoining Santos FC, easing pressure amid scrutiny over his form. In a 2-1 victory against Água Santa in the São Paulo state tournament, the 33-year-old captain converted a 14th-minute penalty at Vila Belmiro. The penalty came after Neymar combined with Yeferson Soteldo and was fouled by Villian Guilherme. He calmly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, sending goalkeeper Luan Ribeiro the wrong way. This marked his 139th goal in 234 appearances for Santos and his first since October 3, 2023, when he scored for Al-Hilal. Thaciano extended Santos’ lead in the 26th minute before Netinho pulled one back for Água Santa in the 43rd. Neymar, who returned in January after leaving Al-Hilal due to injuries, had been criticized for his form. With two rounds left in the first stage, this win provides relief for Santos and their star forward.
⚪️⚫️🇧🇷 Neymar Jr scores his first goal as Santos player since returning to the club in January.
Ney won the penalty and scored. pic.twitter.com/ZocxUtaIHn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 16, 2025
Liverpool go 7-points clear atop the PL table after narrow win against Wolves.
Premier League leaders Liverpool extended their advantage to seven points with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. Luis Díaz opened the scoring in the 15th minute, bundling in Mohamed Salah’s deflected cross for his first goal of 2025. The Colombian then won a penalty after drawing a foul from goalkeeper José Sá, allowing Salah to convert from the spot for his 23rd league goal. Liverpool seemed in control at halftime, but Wolves responded with attacking intent. Alexis Mac Allister blocked Matheus Cunha’s effort before Alisson denied Marshall Munetsi. Salah had a goal ruled out for offside, and a Diogo Jota penalty was overturned by VAR. Liverpool were punished for missed chances as Cunha curled in a stunning 20-yard strike. The hosts struggled for a response but held on, thanks to Jarell Quansah’s late block. Unlike their midweek draw at Everton, the Reds secured a vital win.
FT: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves.
ANOTHER 3 POINTS FOR LIVERPOOL AND ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TOWARDS THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE AS THEY REMAIN 7 POINTS ABOVE ARSENAL! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XMeptEmXIL
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 16, 2025
Steph Curry wins his second NBA All-Stars Most Valuable Player Award.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game took on a new format as a three-game mini-tournament, but it still delivered plenty of excitement. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shined in front of his home crowd in San Francisco, leading Shaq’s OGs to victory over Chuck’s Global Stars, 41-25, in the final. Curry scored 12 points, including a signature half-court three, earning him the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP trophy. In the semifinal, he added eight points and six rebounds, finishing the event with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two assists. The tournament featured four teams, with each game ending when a team reached 40 points. Curry sealed the final with back-to-back threes, extending his team’s lead to 39-21. He won MVP honours with 12 of 14 votes, while Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each received one. Reflecting on the weekend, Curry called it a special celebration of basketball. This is Curry’s second All-Star MVP award after his spectacular 2022 performance where he scored 50 points, including a whooping 48 points off 16-made 3-pointers.
IT WAS STEPH CURRY'S SHOW IN THE BAY 🤩
🌟 20 PTS
🌟 10 REB
🌟 6 3PM
🌟 WHe takes home his 2nd Kobe Bryant Trophy as he wins the #KiaAllStarMVP at 2025 #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/62ArXQffSB
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Injury-ridden Manchester United slip to 15th after 1-0 loss to Tottenham.
Manchester United’s struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, leaving them 15th in the Premier League and on course for their worst finish since 1974. James Maddison scored the only goal in the 13th minute, capitalizing on United’s poor defending after André Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot. Despite creating chances, United’s attack was ineffective, with Alejandro Garnacho missing a clear opportunity and Rasmus Højlund failing to score again. Ruben Amorim’s side faced multiple setbacks before kick-off, including Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury, Kobbie Mainoo’s muscular issue, and travel disruptions. Additionally, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro were ill, while Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer were injured, forcing Casemiro into his first league start in six weeks. United’s bench was notably inexperienced, with eight of nine substitutes yet to make a senior appearance. They had opportunities but lacked composure, with Joshua Zirkzee also miscuing a free header in another frustrating performance.
FT: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United.
MANCHESTER UNITED LOSE ONCE AGAIN AND GO 15TH IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE! ❌ pic.twitter.com/91D3WByrIh
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 16, 2025
Conceição’s decisive goal gives Juventus a crucial win over Inter Milan.
Inter Milan missed the chance to go top of Serie A after a 1-0 defeat to Juventus, with Francisco Conceição netting the decisive goal in an intense Derby d’Italia. The Portuguese winger struck in the 74th minute after Randal Kolo Muani’s clever footwork set him up inside the box. Inter failed to capitalize on Napoli’s 2-2 draw with Lazio and remain second with 54 points from 25 games, two behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Juventus climbed to fourth with 46 points. The reigning champions knew a win would see them overtake Napoli, while Juve aimed to secure a top-four spot after an inconsistent season. Inter started brightly, with Mehdi Taremi’s bicycle kick denied by Michele Di Gregorio before Denzel Dumfries missed a key opportunity. Despite early pressure, they couldn’t break through, allowing Juventus to claim a crucial victory and shake up the title race in Serie A.
Juventus take down Inter in the Derby d'Italia ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/I5025ImjRP
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 16, 2025