Victor Osimhen’s brace gives Galatasaray a 2-1 win over Çaykur Rizespor.
Galatasaray secured a vital 2-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor, with Victor Osimhen emerging as the hero. The league leaders initially struggled at the Çaykur Didi Stadium, failing to create clear chances in the first half. Rizespor, despite threatening attacks, couldn’t break the deadlock, leading to a goalless halftime. The breakthrough came in the 47th minute when Osimhen netted Galatasaray’s first shot on target. However, their advantage was short-lived as Ali Sowe equalized for Rizespor just seven minutes later. With the match heading toward a draw, Osimhen struck again in the 86th minute with a powerful header, securing three crucial points. This win maintains Galatasaray’s six-point lead over Fenerbahçe ahead of their highly anticipated derby next week. Osimhen has now scored 12 goals in 18 league appearances, proving his immense value to the Yellow-Reds as they push for the title in the final stretch of the season.
Victor Osimhen scores his second goal of the match 🇳🇬
Rizespor 1 – 2 Galatasaray pic.twitter.com/OtTSQWnMAC
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) February 17, 2025
Wonderkid, Claudio Echeverri finally set to arrive at Man City after a year.
Manchester City are finally set to integrate Claudio Echeverri into their squad, a year after signing the highly-rated Argentine midfielder from River Plate. The club secured Echeverri’s signature in the winter of 2024 for £12.5 million ($15.7m) plus add-ons, before loaning him back to River Plate for the remainder of the year. After completing his Loan spell, the 19-year-old joined Argentina’s U-20 team for the South American Championship but is now preparing to travel to Manchester, as reported by CityXtra. Initially expected to go out on another loan, Echeverri will instead remain with City for the rest of the season while the club decides his long-term future. However, his debut may be delayed after suffering an injury against Brazil late in the tournament. While he could see some playing time once fit, the general expectation is that Echeverri will focus on training and development rather than making an immediate impact this season.
🔵🇦🇷 Claudio Echeverri will travel to England this week to join Man City’s team immediately.
He’s ready after completing all games with Argentina U20. pic.twitter.com/R6udoaGQ5B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2025
Barcelona moves back atop the La Liga table after vital win over Rayo Vallecano.
Robert Lewandowski’s first-half penalty proving decisive as Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Hansi Flick’s side climbed above Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to reclaim the top spot in La Liga. The hosts created their first major chance after 24 minutes when Raphinha latched onto a Pedri pass, only to be denied by Augusto Batalla. Four minutes later, Barça won a penalty after Pathé Ciss brought down Iñigo Martínez in the box. Lewandowski converted, firing his shot off the post for his 20th league goal. Barcelona nearly doubled their lead as Lamine Yamal forced another save, while Rayo Vallecano had a goal ruled out for offside. In the second half, Raphinha squandered a golden opportunity, blazing over the bar. Rayo pushed late on, with Adrián Embarba setting up Jorge de Frutos for a stoppage-time header, but he missed, sealing Barça’s return to the summit.
FT: Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano.
BARCELONA ARE THE NEW LA LIGA LEADERS! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/OHKJnsNFYW
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 17, 2025
Top European clubs at alert as Dean Huijsen’s release clause is finally revealed.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of Europe’s most in-form defenders, attracting interest from top clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. The 19-year-old joined the Cherries from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for a fee that could reach €18 million (£15m) and has since been instrumental in their push for a top-four finish. Huijsen has made 22 appearances across all competitions, forming a solid defensive partnership with Illya Zabarnyi. Bournemouth currently sit just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City, with their defensive solidity playing a key role in their success. They have conceded only 29 goals in 25 league matches—joint third-best in the Premier League behind Arsenal and Liverpool. According to Fabrizio Romano, Huijsen’s contract includes a £50m release clause, which becomes active in the summer transfer window, making him a highly sought-after prospect for Europe’s elite clubs.
🚨⭐️ EXCL: Dean Huijsen’s contract at Bournemouth includes £50m release clause.
The clause is 100% confirmed as revealed in January. It will be valid from summer 2025.
19 year old defender attracting top clubs interest after excellent performances at Bournemouth this season. pic.twitter.com/mDtzTGfUg9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2025
The NBA considering introducing a 1v1 tournament to the All-Star Games.
According to new reports, the NBA is reportedly considering introducing a one-on-one tournament during the 2026 All-Star Weekend, featuring a $1 million prize. The idea has been discussed for years but gained momentum during the 2025 All-Star Weekend, with several NBA stars voicing their support. The move follows the success of the Unrivaled League’s one-on-one event, where co-founder Napheesa Collier claimed a $200,000 prize. The 2025 All-Star Weekend received widespread criticism for its lack of star participation, excessive commercials, and an underwhelming four-team format, prompting the league to explore new ways to boost excitement. During a recent media session, Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed interest in competing, joining Kyrie Irving and James Harden in backing the concept. “If I had the chance to play one-on-one with anybody, I’d love to do it,” Antetokounmpo said. With fan engagement becoming a priority, the league sees this as a potential solution to revitalize All-Star Weekend.
BREAKING: The NBA is discussing adding a 1v1 tournament next All-Star Weekend with a $1 million prize, per @FOS pic.twitter.com/567u65sAT7
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 17, 2025