Champions League Analysis: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink discusses Harry Kane for Bayern Munich against Chelsea
BBC Sport’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink analyses Harry Kane’s start to the season after the England captain scores twice to help Bayern Munich beat Chelsea in their opening match in this season’s Champions League. MATCH REPORT: Kane scores twice as Bayern Munich ease past Chelsea Available to UK users only.
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid live: Champions League result as Van Dijk scores dramatic winner and Diego Simeone sent off in thrilling finish
Electric Salah doubles Liverpool’s lead inside six minutes Liverpool’s second was altogether more intentional and typical, the type of one-two Mohamed Salah often plays as he cuts infield. Ryan Gravenberch, who had won the free kick for the opener, returned the ball to him. Salah angled a shot past Oblak. Salah was electric, close to a spectacular second with a curling shot, denied by the post when he should have extended Liverpool’s lead. There are days when he seems impossible to contain. This was the first such occasion in the current campaign. Richard Jolly18 September 2025 02:00 Scrappy Andy Robertson goal gives Liverpool an early lead “I was just trying to get in the line of the keeper, so he couldn’t see,” Robertson said. “It’s a great finish, give me the Puskas award now! But no, honestly I didn’t know anything about it. It was a great start and thank goodness it went in.” Jamie Braidwood18 September 2025 01:00 Virgil van Dijk’s assessment of Alexander Isak’s debut Isak played 58 minutes before he was replaced by Hugo Ekitike and showed some bright moments. “He did really well, held the ball up and linked play really well,” Van Dijk said. “He’s a very good player and we know there’s more to come from him.” (Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood18 September 2025 00:00 Arne Slot: ‘We could have made it easier for ourselves’ Liverpool boss Arne Slot said his team could have made it easier for themselves in beating Atletico Madrid but praised his side’s mentality in finding another late goal in their Champions League opener. “If you want to beat a team like Atletico that has a great mentality you have to beat them using their weapons as well, and that is mentality. That’s what we showed today. But I think we should have made it easier for ourselves,” Slot said. “In moments, we gave away something. It wasn’t a complete surprise to me that it was 2-1 at half time, because they were coming more. We need to find a better balance to not give away too much at the end of the first half.” (REUTERS) Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 23:30 Andy Robertson: ‘We need to get back to winning easier’ Liverpool’s run of late wins isn’t good for their supporters’ health, Andy Robertson joked, including that of Arne Slot’s assistant Sipke Hulshoff. “We need to get back to winning a bit simpler and easier,” Robertson told TNT Sports. “The assistant manager turned to me when Virgil put it in and said he’s getting too old for it, so I can’t imagine what the fans are like. “It’s a great thing to have, being able to keep going until the end. When you’re 2-0 up and playing so well in the first half it should’ve been a more comfortable night.” Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 23:10 Diego Simeone explains altercation with Liverpool fan at Anfield Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said he was “insulted” by a Liverpool supporter at Anfield, leading to his altercation at the end of his team’s defeat to the Reds. Simeone was seen arguing with fans behind his dugout after Virgil van Dijk’s late winner and the fiery Argentine was pulled away as stewards stepped in. “We are in a place where we don’t have a right to reply or react and it is never good when we react as managers,” Simeone said. “When they scored the third goal, he turned round and insulted me. I am a person, I am human.” (AFP via Getty Images) Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 22:50 Enraged Diego Simeone sees red for altercation with Liverpool fan after late winner Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone had to be held back by stewards as he engaged in screaming match with a fan moments after Liverpool’s late winner in the Champions League. Simeone was shown a red card for his reaction, with the TV cameras picking up a Liverpool supporter cheering in the Argentinian’s face as he was squared up to. The altercation occurred in the midst of wild celebrations over yet another last-gasp goal from Arne Slot’s side, with captain Virgil van Dijk heading past Jan Oblak in the 92nd minute. Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 22:32 It can’t carry on like this, can it? Ridiculous Liverpool maintain winning start Injury time is still Arne time. On Arne Slot’s 47th birthday, Liverpool extended their extraordinary run of decisive late goals. The specialists in drama at the death conjured a victory they seemed to have tossed away. Virgil van Dijk planted a 92nd-minute header into the Atletico Madrid net. Like Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, like Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah before him, he got Liverpool a win from the jaws of a draw. In the Champions League as in the Premier League, they found a way to win. Richard Jolly17 September 2025 22:31 Liverpool’s late goals this season It can’t go on, can it? Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth (88’, 94’) Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool (100’) Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal (85’) Burnley 0-1 Liverpool (95’) Liverpool 3-2 Atletico (92’) Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 22:12 Diego Simeone sent off at Anfield Simeone was sent off for an apparent confrontation with a fan in the Main Stand, following Van Dijk’s winner. Jamie Braidwood17 September 2025 22:09
Nottingham Forest got too ‘comfortable’ in shock EFL Cup loss at Swansea, says Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou says his Nottingham Forest players got too “comfortable” after Championship side Swansea scored twice in stoppage time to knock them out of the Carabao Cup. Two first-half goals from Igor Jesus had put the Premier League side firmly in control of their third-round tie. However, a Cameron Burgess goal gave the Swans hope and, in a stunning finale, Zan Vipotnik levelled before Australia international Burgess scored his second to send the 2013 winners into the last 16. “We had to finish them off and we had plenty of opportunities to do that, and a couple of decisions didn’t go our way,” said Forest boss Postecoglou. “I think the lads got a bit comfortable in that moment and you’ve got to know the warning signs. “Players just thought it would naturally finish that way and we’ve paid a heavy price for that. We need to improve.” The former Spurs boss had promised this would be the night fans started to see his imprint on the side he inherited from Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground. Instead, Forest conceded three for a second game in a row under Postecoglou, who added: “Tonight was a great opportunity for us to progress in a cup and give ourselves an opportunity to that success – and to let it slip is hugely disappointing. “But it doesn’t change anything – we understand some of the things we have to work on.”
Fiji women’s cricket preps for Pacific Cup – FBC News
File Photo After a fifth place finish at the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup EAP Qualifier in Suva last week, Fiji’s national women’s team is gearing up for another international tournament early next year. According to their team manager Mereoni Uluiviti, the side is expecting to compete at the Pacific Cup in New Zealand. The side will use their learnings from the qualifier to prepare for this tournament. Article continues after advertisement “We have the Pacific Cup that is awaiting us in January, and that will be held in New Zealand, but that will be determined by the management.” She adds that while they could not qualify for the world cup, she is happy with how the side held their ground. The Pacific Cup will be held in January. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Swansea produce stoppage-time fightback to stun Nottingham Forest in Carabao Cup
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 Swansea scored twice in stoppage time to complete a stunning comeback and knock Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-2 win in Wales. Ange Postecoglou could only watch on in horror as his side surrendered a two-goal half-time lead, courtesy of Igor Jesus’ double, and fluffed a host of big chances after the break to allow battling Swansea to come back into the third-round tie with three second-half strikes. Cameron Burgess notched the first brace of his career either side of Zan Vipotnik’s leveller as the 2013 winners advanced to the last 16. Having seen his new troops end up on the wrong end of a 3-0 drubbing by Arsenal at the Emirates in his first game in charge last weekend, Postecoglou watched on as Jesus, the club’s £10million summer signing, marked his first start with two first-half goals to put his side in charge. The Brazil international was one of eight debutants thrown into the cup tie by Postecoglou and he had four more summer recruits on the bench. One of them, the £26m French Olympic star Arnaud Kalimuendo, replaced Jesus at half-time. open image in gallery Ange Postecoglou has had a losing start to life at Forest (Getty Images) Swansea, unbeaten in their last six outings, enjoyed long periods of pressure in the first half and looked the most likely side to open the scoring. But a touch of luck in the 15th minute allowed Jesus to showcase his sharp-shooting skills as he took full advantage of ricochet off a Swansea defender and goalkeeper Andy Fisher’s knee to hammer home from a narrow angle. The home side continue to press forward and Eom Ji-sung fired inches wide from 25 yards. The Swansea fans thought they should have had a penalty on the half-hour mark when Willy Boly shoved Malick Yalcouye in the box. It was not given and their hopes of getting back on level terms were then dealt a killer blow just as the first half went into added time. James McAtee, who arrived in the summer for £30m from Manchester City, was twice involved in a sweeping move which began deep in Forest territory. It was a McAtee cross from the right which was met by Omari Hutchinson at the far post and he simply turned the ball back across goal for Jesus to strike again. Kalimuendo had a third Forest goal ruled out for offside and McAtee was guilty of blasting over from six yards, while Callum Hudson-Odoi also had a shot brilliantly saved by Fisher. But Swansea came storming back as Burgess headed home the first from a corner and then Vipotnik made it five goals in five games when he speared a Liam Cullen cross past John Victor before acting skipper Burgess, who joined from Ipswich in the summer, smashed home the dramatic winner. Forest, four-time winners of the competition, gave away a needless throw-in and then conceded a corner with one of the six minutes of added time left. The ball was cleared to Ethan Galbraith 20 yards out and his shot hit the crossbar before rebounding to Burgess on the edge of the area and he lashed an unstoppable left-footed volley into the back of the net to clinch a famous victory. PA
‘Who says no to Benfica?’ – Jose Mourinho arrives for talks with Portuguese club
Mourinho began his managerial career with Benfica in 2000 but took charge of only 10 games and left after a dispute with the club president. He then made his name with Porto between 2002 and 2004, winning six trophies – including the Champions League in 2003-04. Since leaving his homeland in 2004, Mourinho has managed Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce. He left the Turkish club on 29 August, two days after they were eliminated from the Champions League play-offs by Benfica. Should Benfica appoint Mourinho, he would face Chelsea in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on 30 September. Benfica also travel to Newcastle United and host Real Madrid later in the league phase of the competition.
Balenasau’s pride grows as daughter dons Fiji colors once again – FBC News
Nasoni Balenasau was overcome with emotion as he proudly presented his daughter, Ema Mereia, with her Young Kulas jersey during the team’s farewell ceremony at the Fiji Football Academy in Ba. The Young Kulas departed on Tuesday for Tahiti, where they will compete in the OFC Women’s U19 Championship. Their opening match is scheduled for next Thursday against the Cook Islands. Article continues after advertisement Balenasau shared that Ema, a defender for the Baby Kulas, has always been passionate about football. Watching her represent Fiji once again filled him with immense pride. While supporting a family is no small task, Balenasau said he has always ensured that Ema’s football needs are met, allowing her to pursue her dreams in the sport. Insert: Young Kulas 8am “Something we’ve always taught her at home is our faith, to always listen and be obedient and that’s what has got her this far. I always remind her when she’s away in camp to always look to God in everything she does.” Mereia, who plays her club football for Labasa FC, is a key member of the current Young Kulas squad. She also represented Fiji at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Canelo, Inoue, Stevenson: Who will be boxing’s next five-weight world champion?
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 Victory for Terence Crawford over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez last weekend elevated ‘Bud’ into a select group of men – six fighters that have won world titles in five separate weight classes. Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Crawford have all stretched their greatness across numerous divisions. There are a few modern-day greats who could yet match those feats – but who is most likely to be boxing’s next five-division world champion? Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year Naoya Inoue open image in gallery INOUE-CÁRDENAS (AP) It is almost cheating to include Naoya Inoue on this list. Like Crawford, Inoue has reigned as undisputed in two different divisions, with ‘The Monster’ having won world titles at four different weights. The Japanese maestro likes to plan his fights well in advance, and it appears he has two more targets left at super bantamweight before moving up to featherweight. He is likely to face Mexican David Picasso at the end of December, whilst an all-Japanese bout with countryman Junto Nakatani is eyed for next spring. If he is victorious in both fights, Inoue will likely be able to command a world title shot in his first fight at featherweight. Britain’s current sole world champion, Nick Ball, is the WBA title holder at 126lbs, with a fight between the two floated in recent months. One of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars, it truly feels like a matter of when – not if – Inoue becomes a five-division champion. Canelo Alvarez open image in gallery (Getty Images for Netflix) Canelo’s stock has dropped slightly after losing to Crawford last weekend, but the Mexican remains at the top of the sport. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The big question now for four-division champion is what happens next. Becoming a five-division champion has previously been an ambition for Canelo. In 2022 he attempted to move up to cruiserweight to face Ilunga Makabu for the WBC version of the world title. Instead Canelo returned to light heavyweight to face Dmitry Bivol, losing to the established 175-pounder. A few years older, Canelo has now been freed of his belts at super middleweight. A prize draw no matter who he faces, a weak cruiserweight division could be ripe for the taking. Fellow countryman Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez holds two belts at 200lbs, whilst Australian Jai Opetaia has made noises about vacating his IBF crown to move to heavyweight. Although Canelo would be at a significant size disadvantage if he was to compete at 200lbs, he could capitalise on an opportunity that comes his way in order to make further history. Junto Nakatani open image in gallery Junto Nakatani pictured in May 2023 (Getty) The first three-division champion on our list, Junto Nakatani has already announced he plans to step up to super bantamweight. As previously mentioned, Nakatani appears to be on a collision course with compatriot Inoue. Of course, whilst Inoue will be the overwhelming favourite, it does give Nakatani an immediate shot at becoming a world champion in a fourth division. Even if Nakatani fails to defeat Inoue, it is expected that ‘The Monster’ will instantly move up to featherweight next year – vacating all four belts at 122lbs. As such, Nakatani will be thrown back into the mix for a world title. At just 27, and with a 5ft 8in frame, Nakatani has years ahead of him – and room to grow. How he approaches the next steps of his career could lead to success at bigger weights. Shakur Stevenson open image in gallery Shakur Stevenson poses for a portrait (Getty Images) Shakur Stevenson is another three-division champion seemingly on the verge of a shot for a world title at a higher weight. The outspoken Stevenson has increasingly been linked to a fight with Teofimo Lopez, who holds the WBO strap at super lightweight. If that fight is made, Stevenson could become a four-division world champion in just 25 fights. Similar to Nakatani, Stevenson is arguably yet to reach his prime at 28, and with a 5ft 8in frame, could fill out more over the coming years. Fellow Americans Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, who have previously operated at lightweight, have since gone on to compete as welterweights. Garcia, Haney, Lopez, and Stevenson have frequently been lumped together, thanks to their similar ages, weights, and heights. Although currently two divisions above his current weight, Stevenson has entertained fighting at 147lbs in the past. He said he would
Nabi CAF license, R50 million, Grobler
Kaizer Chiefs appear to be cruising before the FIFA break, but things have completely shifted in the past 24 hours. Following their 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United on Tuesday, things have taken a turn at the Amakhosi camp. Reports emerged that the club had made a decision to part ways with head coach Nasreddine Nabi. “The decision was linked to his CAF coaching qualifications, which would have prevented him from sitting on the bench during any of the club’s interclub competition fixtures this season, particularly if Chiefs were to advance further in the tournament,” SABC Sport reported. Kaizer Chiefs however have not stated the claims of Nabi’s potential exit. The club did make a post on Wednesday afternoon but it was related to their upcoming CAF Confederations Cup fixture this weekend. A 3-1 defeat saw Amakhosi concede for the first time in six matches. Bradley Grobler scored a brace and provided an assist as Babina Noko edged out the Glamour Boys to once go top of the log. Many Chiefs fans were unhappy with Nabi’s lineup and felt the decision to start with Gaston Sirino and Aden McCarthy did cost them the match. Kaizer Chiefs and Nabi part ways, according to reports Amakhosi have already parted ways with 10 players this season as they look to rebuild and challenge for the league. One of the departures was their former captain Yusuf Maart, who was sold to a club in Austria. In other news, Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe is close to joining Turkish side Rizespor from FC Cincinnati in a deal worth around R50 million, according Daily Sports.
Dana White gives verdict on Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis
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 Dana White has revealed why he believes Jake Paul could have some success against Gervonta Davis in their exhibition bout later this year. Paul and Davis are due to face each other in Atlanta on November 14 after the fight was officially announced last month. The bout has sparked controversy, with Davis opting to take the lucrative fight rather than defending his lightweight world title. Paul will have significant height, reach and weight advantages when he steps into the ring, and UFC CEO White, who has rarely seen eye to eye with Paul, just like his older brother Logan did against Floyd Mayweather during his own exhibition in 2021. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty Images) “You guys need to fight guys your same size!” White said on Logan’s podcast, Impaulsive. “When you fought Floyd [Mayweather], you are massive. You’re a massive dude. Floyd’s tiny. And I’m sure when you were training, you’re like, ‘all right, I’m going to hit this guy with a couple punches and grab him, tie him up.’ “And he did hit you with a bomb of an overhand right one time and you f****** ate it. You ate that punch. And Gervonta, I think, hits way harder than f****** Floyd, but he’s too small. “I mean, your brother’s going to be able to get inside on him, put his weight on him, tie him up.” Logan took on Mayweather four years ago and managed to go the distance. He tipped the scales almost 35lbs heavier than Mayweather and used his superior size to hear the final bell. The difference in weight between Jake Paul and ‘Tank’ Davis is set to be even greater. Paul recently claimed he will have to make 195lbs, while Davis has never weighed more than 140lbs in his professional career. Davis is unbeaten in 31 fights and has 28 knockouts to his name, but was held to a draw in his last outing by Lamont Roach Jr. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Meanwhile, Paul has a 12-1 (7KOs) record, but has been taken the distance in his last two fights by Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.