When Newcastle beat Barcelona in the Champions League
Faustino Asprilla scores a hat-trick against Barcelona on Newcastle United’s Champions League debut in 1997.
World Athletics Championships live: Keely Hodgkinson cruises into 800m semis, Noah Lyles returns
Men’s 400m final Nene has shot out of the block, Kebinatshipi is chasing and those two look like the favourites…. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 14:13 Men’s 400m final Botswana’s Kebinatshipi and Eppie, USA’s Patterson, and South Africa’s Nene all looked phenomenal in the previous rounds. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 14:13 Men’s 800m semis Max Burgin ran the third-quickest time of those semis, so stands a good chance of a medal. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 14:10 Men’s 800m semis Onto the final 800m semi and it’s a dramatic one full of big hitters… Spain’s Mohamed Attaoui wins from hot favourite Emmanuel Wanyonyi, those two clear of the rest. Jamaica’s Navasky Anderson runs a national record in third, with Tshepiso Maselela of Botswana right behind him to fill the next two quickest spots. Brazier is knocked out of contention! Flo Clifford18 September 2025 14:09 Ben Pattison: ‘I got it completely wrong today’ Ben Pattison has an honest chat with BBC Sport after missing out on a final spot: “It was awful to be honest. Tactically a nightmare. I thought I’d run close to the rail and it would open up, but it didn’t. I’ve got myself to blame, very frustrating as I had a lot more running in my legs. Very disappointed. “I should be good enough to get through a race like that. It’s hard to get in a world final, but I’m good enough. I got it completely wrong today and that’s my fault.” (Getty Images) Flo Clifford18 September 2025 14:04 Men’s 800 semis One more semi to come. 2019 world champion Brazier finished in third and faces a nervous wait to see if he’ll go through. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 13:57 Max Burgin into 800m final McPhillips overhauls Burgin and sets a new national record for Ireland of 1:43.18! Burgin is second and safely through, but McPhillips looks so dangerous after that. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 13:56 Max Burgin in 800m semi-finals Burgin hits the front but is being hunted down… McPhillips ins on his shoulder into the final 100m. Brazier is boxed in! Flo Clifford18 September 2025 13:55 Max Burgin in 800m semi-finals It’s absolutely chucking it down inside the National Stadium. There’s some pushing and shoving not involving Burgin, and he settles in on the shoulder of Italy’s Pernici, who leads after 300m. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 13:54 Max Burgin in 800m semi-finals Onto the second heat now. Britain’s Max Burgin is a major medal hopeful, but the threat in this heat is 2019 world champion Donovan Brazier of the USA, who spent three years out with injury but is back in excellent form. Ireland’s Cian McPhillips was lightning-quick in his heat, too. Flo Clifford18 September 2025 13:53
Hodgkinson eases to victory in 800m heat
Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson wins her 800m heat to ease into the semi-finals of the women’s 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Rewa dominate Northland in Ranadi Trophy clash – FBC News
Rewa stamped their authority in the Royal Tea Ranadi Trophy today, thrashing Northland 44-17 in their Round 2 clash. The win comes after Rewa claimed victory by default over Northern Bulls last week, putting them in a strong position early in the competition. Team manager Alumita Marama said the performance was especially pleasing given the team only began training last week. Article continues after advertisement “We’re really happy about today’s win because we’ve only started training last week, but from today’s game, it showed the capabilities of these girls.” She added that while many players are not yet at full fitness, their determination and teamwork carried them through. “Most of our girls haven’t really reached 100% fitness but we’re thankful for their effort, hard work, and divine intervention for the strength. One thing I can say is these girls work together, push one another until the finish, even though the tough words said on the field,” she explained. Marama stressed that beyond results, Rewa’s focus remains on developing its players for future recognition in women’s rugby. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Katie Taylor: Bray woman named ‘Champion in Recess’ by the WBC
Emeritus champion is a special honour granted by the WBC to boxers they deem to have had an outstanding career. It is awarded in situations such as injuries, personal issues that will keep them away from the sport for a period or in the case moving up in weight, allowing other fighters to compete for the regular title to keep it active. Taylor has not indicated whether she will return to the ring following her July victory in New York, but told Matchroom Boxing’s Flash Knockdown Podcast a fight at Croke Park would be the “icing on the cake” of her carer. It is unlikely that would be possible until next August at the earliest with the Dublin stadium hosting regular GAA games. Speaking in Belfast last week, Taylor’s promoter Eddie Hearn said he does not believe the Bray woman will make a decision on her future until the new year. “She’s definitely not going to fight again this year or early next year so in her head right now, she’s going to have Christmas and I don’t think she’ll make an actual decision this year because time will enable you to make a decision, so give yourself time,” he said. “How you feel today will probably be very different to how she feels in January or February. The worst thing to do is to retire and then in January go ‘I think I’ll have another fight’.”
Fiji Schoolboys present iTatau ahead of Australian tour – FBC News
The Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 rugby team presented their iTatau this afternoon to the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Maciu Nalumisa ahead of their tour to Australia next month. During the ceremony, Nalumisa encouraged the players to carry with them the pride of their families, villages and the nation throughout their time abroad. He also reminded them of the importance of upholding a positive image both on and off the field. Article continues after advertisement “Remember that you go with the name of our country on your jersey, so be mindful of how you portray us on and off the field. Take care and love one another, they are you brothers, I know you will make us proud.” The team has been training intensively since the conclusion of the Vodafone Deans Trophy competition more than a month ago. They are scheduled to depart for Australia on the 4th of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Antonio Conte seeks Kevin De Bruyne insights ahead of Man City test
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Napoli coach Antonio Conte has sought advice from Kevin De Bruyne as his team of “students” come up against the “teachers” of Manchester City. Conte led his side to Serie A glory last season – the club’s second Scudetto in three years – but in terms of the Champions League, he still considers them novices. Napoli begin their latest campaign in Europe’s elite competition at City, winners in 2023, on Thursday and Conte is leaning on De Bruyne for help. De Bruyne, the former City playmaker, joined Napoli in the summer after a glorious decade at the Etihad Stadium in which his successes included six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Conte, the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss, said: “It’s always been very careful preparation for every single match, we’re not doing anything particularly different, but I’ve spoken to Kevin. I’ve asked him a few things. “He’s been a part of this club for 10 years and had a great coach like Pep Guardiola. “Kevin will be excited to be playing but I’m hoping that after the starting whistle he will find his feet and remember he’s playing for our great Napoli and contribute like he has been doing.” De Bruyne has started well in Naples, scoring twice in his first three appearances in Serie A. open image in gallery Kevin De Bruyne has made a positive impact since signing for Napoli (REUTERS) Yet Conte has no doubt City remain firm favourites for the league phase opener. He said: “We arrive with great humility having had an amazing year last year and are proud to have that. We consider ourselves to be almost like students coming to play against the teachers. I don’t think that’s incorrect to say. “From our part, there’s definitely a desire to understand and to play against these very powerful and very important clubs to see how we’re progressing.” While De Bruyne is sure to receive a hero’s welcome from the home crowd, the reception for two other players returning to Manchester could be quite different. Midfielder Scott McTominay played a starring role in last year’s title win after leaving Manchester United while striker Rasmus Hojlund is on loan from the Old Trafford outfit. open image in gallery Scott McTominay has thrived in Serie A after leaving Manchester United to join Napoli (REUTERS) Conte claims he could not believe his luck when Napoli signed McTominary last year. He said: “I saw great potential in this player and my mind (wondered) why Scott McTominay was not dominant in England. When the possibility happened to sign him for Napoli, honestly in the first moment I didn’t believe that it could happen. “But it happened and now he is enjoying it. We are really, really happy because we are not only talking about a fantastic player but a really good man.” Hojlund scored on his debut against Fiorentina last weekend. Conte added: “He has great potential and now it’s up to me to improve him and (help him) to grow and to become a really really top striker.”
What time is kick off for Springboks v Argentina at Kings Park?
The Springbok squad will assemble in Durban on Thursday to begin their preparations for the last two matches of the Rugby Championship against Argentina, the first of which will take place at Kings Park next Saturday. These rounds will decide if the Springboks can retain the southern hemisphere title, with very little separating all four teams. As things stand, the Wallabies are currently on 11 points going into their Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand, while the Springboks are in second place, and the All Blacks in third place (both on 10 points), while the Pumas are one point back with nine points. The Springboks’ clash against Argentina at Kings Park kicks off at 17:10 The teams will first meet at in Durban on Saturday 27 September, and then at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in London on 4 October. “The Pumas are a tough and physical outfit, and they’ll come to South Africa full of confidence after beating Australia 28-26 last weekend and knowing that they beat us in Santiago Del Estero last year, as well as the All Blacks earlier in the competition,” said Erasmus. “They have quality forwards and backs, and they play with guts and passion, so we know it will take two great performances to beat them and hopefully reclaim the Rugby Championship title. “The next two games are going to be vital for all four teams because there is so little between them in terms of the way they play, and given how close the standings are. Any team can still win the competition, so there is no margin for error, and every point will count. These are going to be massive battles.” Latest Bok squad: Forwards – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.Backs – Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Thursday’s briefing: Liverpool leave it late again as Harry Kane downs Chelsea
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Liverpool again left it late as they got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start while Chelsea became the first English side to lose in Europe this week. Ange Postecoglou’s wait for his first win goes on after they surrendered a two-goal lead to Swansea in the Carabao Cup. Van Dijk nods in late for Liverpool Virgil van Dijk headed home from a corner in stoppage time as Liverpool left it late again to secure a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Andy Robertson and Mo Salah each bagged in the first six minutes of the contest as Liverpool got off to a flying start, but for the third time in five matches they let a two-goal lead slip courtesy of Marcos Llorente’s double. Late winners have been a familiar pattern for the Reds this season and Van Dijk proved to be the hero as boss Arne Slot celebrated his 47th birthday with victory. Robertson told TNT Sports: “I think we need to maybe get back to winning a bit simpler and a bit easier.” Kane double downs Chelsea Chelsea’s first Champions League appearance for two and a half years ended in defeat after Harry Kane’s double helped seal a 3-1 win for Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany’s side clicked into gear midway through the first half and struck twice in seven minutes courtesy of a Trevoh Chalobah own goal and a Kane penalty. Cole Palmer produced a moment of magic to help get Chelsea back into the contest, but Kane’s second-half finish was enough to earn victory over last season’s Conference League champions. The Blues were dining at Europe’s top table for the first time since being dumped out by Real Madrid in the 2022-23 season, and will look to bounce back when they welcome Benfica to Stamford Bridge in two weeks’ time. Ange’s wait for win goes on Championship side Swansea scored twice in stoppage time to stun Nottingham Forest 3-2 and dump them out of the Carabao Cup. Postecogolou was handed his second straight defeat since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo following their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend. Forest were on course for a fourth-round tie thanks to Igor Jesus’ first-half double before Cameron Burgess pulled one back. Zan Vipotnik got the Swans on level terms before Burgess snatched victory in the seventh minute of added time. Postecoglou told BBC Sport: “That’s a game we should have put to bed well before.” Donnarumma: City my only option Gianluigi Donnarumma said Manchester City was always his first choice after Pep Guardiola declared his interest early in the summer. The Italy goalkeeper completed a £26million deadline-day switch to the Etihad Stadium after being frozen out by Champions League winners Paris St Germain, where he was entering the final year of his contract. Donnarumma made his debut in Sunday’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, where he also made an incredible save to keep out Bryan Mbeumo. Donnarumma said: “I didn’t hesitate to come here with great joy and great enthusiasm. “I was very clear. My desire was to come here, that was my first and only option, the only thing I wanted.” What’s on today? Newcastle make their return to the Champions League with the visit of LaLiga giants Barcelona, while Kevin De Bruyne returns to the Etihad Stadium with his new side Napoli.
Fiji Schoolboys U18 gelling ahead of tour – FBC News
Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 head coach Peniona Ranitu says the team is beginning to find its rhythm as preparations continue for their tour of Australia. Unlike last year, when the majority of the squad was drawn from Deans champions Queen Victoria School, this year’s selection followed a wider talent identification program, stretching from sub-zonal competitions all the way to the Deans Final. Ranitu said the challenge has been to mold players from different schools into a single cohesive unit. Article continues after advertisement “The key component of our camp was to get the boys to come together, to play for each other, to understand how their teammates play, and to build a common pattern.” The coach added that the process has been aided by technical support from the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Secondary Schools body, ensuring the young players receive the best guidance. The side will take on the Australian Schoolboys on the 4th of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.