AFCON 2025
Tonight marks another thrilling night in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, first-leg playoffs, as several big clubs aim to build an advantage in their two-leg ties.
Newcastle United wasted no time asserting control against Qarabağ FK, racing into an early lead and never allowing the hosts back into the contest.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, finishing calmly after Newcastle sliced through the defence. The Premier League side doubled their advantage moments later when Malick Thiaw powered home a header from a Kieran Trippier delivery.
Newcastle’s dominance intensified as Gordon converted a penalty in the 32nd minute, before capitalising on defensive confusion barely a minute later to complete a rapid hat-trick. The winger added his fourth goal in first-half stoppage time, again from the spot, capping a ruthless opening-half display.
Qarabağ pulled one back in the 54th minute through Elvin Jafarquliyev, but the response proved brief. Jacob Murphy restored Newcastle’s five-goal cushion in the 72nd minute, sealing a resounding 6–1 victory that leaves Eddie Howe’s side firmly in control of the tie.
In Norway, Bodø/Glimt once again underlined their growing European reputation with a composed victory over Inter Milan.
The hosts struck first in the 20th minute, Sondre Brunstad Fet finishing confidently to ignite celebrations at Aspmyra Stadion. Inter responded in the 30th minute, Francesco Pio Esposito tapping home to restore parity.
The second half, however, belonged to the Norwegian champions. Jens Petter Hauge restored Bodø/Glimt’s lead with a powerful strike before Kasper Høgh extended the advantage just minutes later, punishing hesitant defending.
Despite Inter’s late pressure, Bodø/Glimt held firm to secure a memorable 3–1 win, placing the Italian giants under significant pressure ahead of the second leg.
Late Drama Defines Bruges Thriller
Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid produced one of the night’s most dramatic encounters in Belgium, with momentum swinging repeatedly in a six-goal spectacle.
Atlético drew first blood in the 8th minute, Julián Álvarez converting from the penalty spot. The visitors strengthened their grip before halftime when Ademola Lookman finished sharply in stoppage time to make it 2–0.
Brugge emerged transformed after the interval. Raphael Onyedika reduced the deficit in the 51st minute, and Nicolo Tresoldi levelled less than ten minutes later.
Atlético appeared to have regained control when Joel Ordóñez turned the ball into his own net in the 79th minute, but Brugge refused to yield. Christos Tzolis struck late to rescue a 3–3 draw, ensuring the tie remains wide open.
Schick Double Hands Leverkusen Advantage
Bayer Leverkusen secured a disciplined away victory over Olympiacos, courtesy of a clinical second-half display from Patrik Schick.
After a tightly contested opening hour, Schick broke the deadlock just after the 60-minute mark, finishing decisively inside the area. Three minutes later, the striker struck again, rising highest to head home from a corner.
The two-goal burst proved decisive as Leverkusen closed out a 2–0 win, taking a valuable cushion into the return fixture.
