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UCL: Spurs snatch late 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt

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BODO (BN24) — Tottenham Hotspur snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday, as a last-minute own goal from Jostein Gundersen denied the Norwegian side their first-ever win in Europe’s top competition.

Local hero Jens Petter Hauge scored a brace to give Bodo/Glimt a 2-1 lead in the second half, and it seemed the debutants were set for a historic victory. However, with the clock ticking down, Tottenham’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute, when Gundersen’s unfortunate own goal leveled the score and salvaged a point for Spurs.

The match was a repeat of last season’s Europa League semi-final, where Spurs triumphed 5-1 on aggregate. However, this time, it was the hosts who looked to be in control for much of the encounter. The result leaves Tottenham on four points from two matches in Group D, following their opening win over Villarreal, while Bodo/Glimt now have two consecutive 2-2 draws after their late equalizer at Slavia Prague.

Bodo/Glimt, playing at home for the first time in the Champions League, quickly took the initiative. They dominated possession in the opening half, and the referee awarded them a penalty just after the half-hour mark when Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur fouled Fredrik Andre Bjorkan in the box. However, Bodo/Glimt’s Kasper Hogh continued his penalty woes, sending the spot-kick over the crossbar — following a similar miss against Slavia Prague on matchday one.

Spurs were pinned back for much of the first half, unable to break out of their own half as Bodo/Glimt’s attacking pressure continued. It took until the 53rd minute for the hosts to get the breakthrough when Hauge curled a beautiful shot past Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to give Bodo/Glimt a deserved lead.

Tottenham responded immediately, and Pedro Porro’s free-kick hit the post just two minutes later. Bentancur was on hand to turn in the rebound, but after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Van de Ven during the buildup.

Bodo/Glimt extended their lead in the 66th minute when Hauge scored again, this time with a powerful left-footed shot that sailed past Vicario after he breezed past Porro on the edge of the box. The Norwegian fans erupted, sensing a famous victory for their team.

But Tottenham refused to give up. Two minutes later, Micky van de Ven made amends for his earlier mistake by heading in a perfect cross from Porro, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Spurs continued to press, and with just five minutes remaining, substitute Wilson Odobert’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.

The drama didn’t end there. With just seconds left in regulation, the Spurs forced the equalizer when Haikin made a save, but the ball ricocheted off Gundersen’s stomach and trickled over the line. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal was confirmed, leaving Bodo/Glimt heartbroken at the last-minute twist.

The final whistle came shortly after, with both teams walking away from a thrilling encounter. For Tottenham, it was a late escape, while Bodo/Glimt will rue their missed opportunities but still take pride in an impressive performance.

Spurs will look to bounce back in their next Champions League fixture, while Bodo/Glimt will continue their historic European adventure, with their eyes set on another positive result in their next match.

UCL: Galatasaray beat Liverpool 1-0 as Osimhen’s penalty seals victory

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ISTANBUL (BN24) — Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty handed the Turkish side all three points.

The defeat marked a second consecutive loss for Liverpool under manager Arne Slot, who made several changes to the lineup following a rare 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. Slot left Mohamed Salah and £125 million ($168 million) signing Alexander Isak on the bench, among other tactical adjustments. However, the changes did little to improve Liverpool’s form, with a lackluster first-half performance that saw only goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s saves prevent the scoreline from being worse.

Galatasaray, who had been hammered 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening Champions League match, showed a different side of themselves on home soil. The Turkish champions capitalized on Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, with Slot’s decision to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back proving costly.

The match began with a warning for Liverpool when Baris Alper Yilmaz failed to score in a one-on-one chance against Alisson. Moments later, Liverpool had a golden opportunity to take the lead when goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir denied Hugo Ekitike’s shot, and Cody Gakpo’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Ismail Jakobs.

However, just minutes later, Liverpool’s defensive problems were exposed again. Yilmaz was awarded a controversial penalty after Szoboszlai’s arm made contact with the Turkish forward’s face. Osimhen, who had missed a penalty earlier in his Champions League career against Alisson, made no mistake this time, converting from the spot to give Galatasaray the lead.

Liverpool struggled to respond. Florian Wirtz, who has been underwhelming since his £100 million move, saw his shot saved by Cakir, while Ibrahima Konate’s header from a corner was just off target. Konate’s shaky form has been a concern for Liverpool, and his defensive lapse nearly handed Galatasaray a second goal early in the second half. Alisson saved Osimhen’s attempt, but the Liverpool keeper was injured in the process and had to be replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Slot made changes to his attack in the 60th minute, introducing Salah and Isak, but Liverpool continued to lack urgency in the final third. Isak, in particular, had little impact, firing tamely into Cakir’s arms with his first touch.

In the dying minutes, Liverpool thought they had a chance to equalize when French referee Clement Turpin initially pointed to the spot for a foul on Konate. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. Instead, it was Galatasaray who came closest to a second goal in stoppage time when Lucas Torreira’s shot narrowly missed the target.

The defeat leaves Liverpool with much to ponder as their early-season struggles continue in Europe, while Galatasaray celebrated a vital win to kickstart their Champions League campaign.

Osimhen breaks record, becomes Nigeria’s top champions league goal scorer

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ISTANBUL (BN24) — Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has etched his name into history, becoming the country’s all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League after scoring for Galatasaray in their 1-0 win over Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles striker converted a 16th-minute penalty, taking his tally in the competition to 10 goals, surpassing the previous record of nine set by Nigerian legend Obafemi Martins, who starred for Inter Milan and Newcastle United.

Osimhen’s Champions League journey began in 2019 with French side Lille, where he netted his first goal against Chelsea. His move to Napoli saw his continental tally grow, and now with Galatasaray, he has reached double figures, solidifying his place as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards in Europe’s premier club competition.

The 24-year-old’s rise in European football has been meteoric. In addition to his Champions League exploits, Osimhen has been a standout performer in domestic leagues. He became the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot, scoring 26 goals for Napoli during the 2022/23 season. In the same year, Osimhen was named the CAF African Footballer of the Year, making history as the first Nigerian to win the prestigious award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

Osimhen’s landmark goal against Liverpool is just the latest chapter in his extraordinary career. As he continues to break records and win accolades, his legacy in Nigerian football is only growing stronger.

U.S. government shuts down as Trump and Congress deadlock over funding

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Washington (BN24) – The U.S. government officially shut down at midnight after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement on extending federal funding, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing furloughs or working without pay. The closure marks the first government shutdown since Trump’s first term in 2018, when the impasse lasted a record 34 days into early 2019.

The standoff has paralyzed Washington, with Democrats and Republicans locked in a bitter dispute over health care funding and budget priorities. Democrats are demanding renewed federal subsidies for health insurance and assurances that Trump will not continue withholding congressionally approved spending. Republicans, meanwhile, insist on a “clean” temporary funding bill with no additional provisions, accusing Democrats of holding the government “hostage.”

Despite Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Senate rules requiring 60 votes for passage meant bipartisan support was necessary. On Tuesday, both a GOP-backed measure and a Democratic proposal failed in the Senate just hours before the deadline. Three Senate Democrats—John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Angus King of Maine, and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada—broke ranks to support the Republican plan, but it fell short of the necessary votes.

As the shutdown takes effect, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed each day, while essential workers such as TSA agents, air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers, and military personnel will continue to work without pay. Although employees are legally entitled to back pay when the government reopens, the CBO projected that compensation for furloughed workers alone will cost taxpayers about $400 million.

National parks will remain partially open, though services will be limited. Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue unaffected, but new applications could face delays. Airports, hospitals, and federal agencies are bracing for disruptions as the shutdown drags on.

The White House has shown little sign of compromise. Administration officials argue Democrats will ultimately face public backlash for refusing to approve temporary funding. “It’ll be hard for Democrats to explain why they are blocking a clean bill to keep the government open,” one White House official said. Trump himself suggested Tuesday that the shutdown could be an opportunity to dismiss “many” federal employees permanently.

Democratic leaders, however, insist Republicans are to blame for rejecting bipartisan negotiations. “Republicans are plunging America into a shutdown — rejecting bipartisan talks, pushing a partisan bill and risking Americans’ health care worst of all,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The war of words has intensified, with the political battle extending beyond Capitol Hill. A White House meeting Monday between Trump, Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries yielded no progress, instead devolving into new hostilities. Hours later, Trump shared an artificial intelligence–generated video mocking the two Democrats, prompting Jeffries to call the president a coward.

Polling suggests both sides risk public backlash. A New York Times survey found that 26% of Americans would primarily blame Trump and Republicans for a shutdown, 19% would blame Democrats, while 33% said both sides equally. A Marist poll showed similar results, with 38% blaming Republicans, 27% Democrats, and 31% both parties.

Republican leaders have hinted that the political dynamics could shift once the economic pain of a shutdown sets in. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said he expects cracks to appear among Democrats as pressure builds. “The cracks in the Democrats are already showing,” he told reporters.

Still, Democrats show no signs of backing down, with party leaders under pressure from their base to confront Trump aggressively in his second term. “The next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out through a racist and fake AI video,” Jeffries said on the Capitol steps Tuesday. “When I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”

White House budget director Russell Vought instructed federal agencies hours before the deadline to “execute their plans for an orderly shutdown,” underscoring the administration’s expectation that the stalemate could last.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., predicted the impasse could extend at least into next week. “I don’t think anything’s going to happen until the House gets back,” he said. “Then people can sit down and find a way to get it done.”

With no negotiations scheduled, it remains unclear when the government will reopen, as both sides brace for a protracted battle over funding, health care, and Trump’s policies.

Philippines earthquake kills at least 69, dozens feared trapped

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Manila (BN24) – At least 69 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines, toppling buildings, cutting power, and trapping dozens under rubble in the coastal city of Bogo and surrounding towns in Cebu province. Authorities warned Wednesday that the toll could rise further as rescue efforts continued into the night.

The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than a decade, struck late Tuesday at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers (3 miles) off the coast of Cebu. Officials said the violent shaking caused widespread damage, collapsed homes, triggered landslides and left hospitals overwhelmed with patients.

Jane Abapo, of the regional Civil Defense office, said 69 deaths had been recorded by Wednesday morning, citing provincial disaster data still subject to validation. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier said at least 150 people were injured, with dozens more still missing.

Rescuers used backhoes, cranes, and sniffer dogs to comb through collapsed buildings, while sporadic rain and damaged roads slowed operations. “We’re still in the golden hour of our search and rescue,” deputy civil defense administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV told reporters, adding that reports continued to come in of people trapped under debris.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured survivors that the government was mobilizing resources for relief and recovery. “We are assessing the damage, we are assessing the needs,” he said while distributing aid on Masbate island, still recovering from a typhoon last week. The Philippine Coast Guard deployed a ship carrying dozens of doctors and nurses to Bogo City, near the epicenter, where hospitals were overrun with victims.

Local officials said children were among the dead. Mariano Martinez, mayor of nearby San Remigio, reported 11 casualties in his town, including a 12-year-old boy. In another incident, three coast guard personnel, a firefighter, and a child died when walls collapsed as they tried to escape a sports complex where residents had gathered.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) briefly issued a tsunami warning, advising people to move away from coastal areas of Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran. No waves were recorded, and the warning was lifted after three hours, but thousands of residents refused to return to their homes, instead sleeping in fields and parks under intermittent rain.

Officials reported more than 600 aftershocks, including one as strong as magnitude 6, and warned that more tremors were likely in the coming days. Phivolcs chief Teresito Bacolcol noted that rain-soaked mountainsides were particularly vulnerable to landslides after recent storms.

“This was really traumatic to people. They’ve been lashed by a storm, then jolted by an earthquake,” Bacolcol said.

Vice Mayor Alfie Reynes of San Remigio appealed for food, clean water, and heavy equipment to speed up rescue operations. “It is raining heavily and there is no electricity, so we really need help,” she said.

The quake damaged homes, schools, government buildings, and churches, including a century-old structure that collapsed in Cebu. While the Mactan-Cebu International Airport remained operational, power outages affected large swathes of the island.

Cebu province, home to 3.4 million people and one of the country’s top tourist destinations, is now bracing for aftershocks while authorities assess whether to request international assistance.

The Philippines, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is among the world’s most disaster-prone nations. It endures frequent typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, including two earlier this year that caused no casualties. In 2023, a 6.7-magnitude offshore quake killed eight people.

Source: AP

Boy, 14, arrested as murder probe continues following teen’s death in Manchester

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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder as police continue to investigate the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Mohanad Abdullaahi Goobe in the Moss Side area of Manchester earlier this month.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Tuesday that the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody following his arrest. He is the third teenager detained in connection with the September 15 incident, which took place near Moss Lane East and Monton Street.

One teenage boy has already been charged with murder, while a second suspect was previously arrested and released on bail. The third suspect, aged 14, was taken into custody as detectives continue their inquiries into the attack that shocked the local community.

As the murder investigation progresses, detectives are urging witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward. Investigators believe a separate incident occurred shortly before the fatal stabbing and may be linked. According to police, officers had responded to an earlier call at Whitworth Park just before 4 p.m.—roughly 30 minutes before Mohanad was attacked.

Due to the potential connection and the timeline of events, Greater Manchester Police has referred its handling of the initial incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as required under mandatory referral procedures.

Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team said the force continues to support Mohanad’s family during what he described as a “tragic and heartbreaking” time.

“As an investigation team, our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Mohanad as we continue to support them while investigating his tragic death,” Wilkinson said. “One teenage boy has now been charged with murder. A second was previously arrested and released on bail, while a third remains in custody. However, our investigation is ongoing, and we are still appealing for any potential witnesses to come forward and help our enquiries.”

He added that any piece of information — no matter how small — could prove vital to the case. Detectives are particularly interested in dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the attack.

Police are continuing to appeal for the public’s help as they work to piece together the full circumstances of the incident that led to Mohanad’s death.

UCL: Mourinho’s Benfica beaten 1-0 on Chelsea return

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LONDON (BN24) — Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment on Tuesday as his Benfica side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. The loss came after a costly first-half own goal by Richard Rios.

Mourinho, whose two stints at Chelsea turned the club into a European powerhouse, had hoped to pull off a victory over his former team. However, an error from Ríos in the 18th minute proved decisive. Alejandro Garnacho’s cross from the left forced Ríos into a panicked clearance that looped into his own net, putting Chelsea ahead.

The match marked Mourinho’s first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea for a second time in 2015. His tenure at Chelsea saw him win three Premier League titles and seven major trophies. However, since his departure, his visits to Stamford Bridge with other clubs have been less successful. His only victory in West London came in 2010, when he guided Inter Milan to a 1-0 win in the Champions League.

On Tuesday, Mourinho’s side started brightly. Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio both tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez early in the match, but their efforts were either saved or denied by the post. Despite controlling much of the play in the opening minutes, Benfica was punished by Ríos’s unfortunate mistake.

After the goal, Mourinho’s side struggled to find a way back into the game. While Chelsea failed to extend their lead, Tyrique George missed a good chance just before halftime, Benfica’s attacking play lacked the sharpness required to break down Chelsea’s defense in the second half.

Mourinho, known for his fiery demeanor, did attempt to quell tensions when Benfica fans threw objects at Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez. The Portuguese manager walked along the touchline, urging supporters to stop the barrage, which appeared to defuse the situation.

Despite the late drama, which included a red card for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro for a high boot on Leandro Barreiro, the scoreline remained unchanged. Mourinho, visibly frustrated by his team’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities, could do little to prevent his first loss as Benfica manager.

Chelsea, meanwhile, bounced back from recent setbacks. After losing three of their last four games, the 1-0 victory will provide a boost to manager Enzo Maresca, whose team had struggled for consistency early this season.

The win lifts Chelsea’s confidence as they look to regain momentum in both the Premier League and Europe. For Mourinho, it was a painful reminder of the challenges ahead as he looks to turn Benfica’s fortunes around.

San Siro for demolition after sale to Inter, AC Milan approved

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MILAN (BN24) — The historic San Siro stadium is set to be demolished after Milan city council approved its €197 million ($231 million) sale to Inter and AC Milan in a contentious overnight vote, ending years of uncertainty over the future of one of football’s most iconic venues.

After more than 11 hours of debate that stretched into the early hours of Tuesday, the measure passed with 24 votes in favor and 20 against. The approval allows the two Serie A clubs, both owned by American investment funds, to purchase the stadium and over 28 hectares (70 acres) of surrounding land in the city’s western outskirts.

The deal clears the path for the construction of a new 71,500-seat stadium just west of the current San Siro, on land now used for matchday parking and a local park. Foster and Partners will design the new arena in collaboration with MANICA. Once completed, San Siro, nicknamed “football’s La Scala,” will be almost entirely demolished, replaced by new parkland, office spaces, and entertainment venues.

The clubs plan to continue playing at San Siro until 2031, when they expect to move into the new stadium. The timeline is critical: the sale must be finalized before November 10, when a public building protection order would prevent demolition of the existing structure.

The vote follows years of delays and a failed attempt in 2023 to redevelop the site while keeping it under public ownership. In March, the clubs proposed a full purchase of the land, prompting city officials to reconsider their stance under pressure from the teams, which had previously explored relocating to suburban sites.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who backed the proposal, secured a majority with help from the abstention of councillors from Forza Italia, the center-right party founded by the late Silvio Berlusconi, a former Italian prime minister and ex-AC Milan owner.

However, the resolution sparked sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Opponents, including members of the hard-right League and Brothers of Italy, as well as dissenters within Sala’s own left-leaning majority, accused city leadership of bypassing public scrutiny and failing to provide development details. Others argued the sale price was too low for such valuable real estate.

Despite the backlash, the decision is likely to be welcomed by the Italian football federation (FIGC), as Milan is among the potential host cities for Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. The FIGC must submit its final list of five stadiums to UEFA by October 2026, and construction must begin by March 2027. Currently, only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Turin meets UEFA’s infrastructure criteria.

The San Siro has long been a symbol of Italian football and European nights, serving as home to both Inter and AC Milan since 1947. While its demolition marks the end of an era, club officials say the new venue will be vital to modernizing their operations and securing their future in an increasingly competitive football landscape.

Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona to face Athletic, Real Madrid draw Atletico in semifinals

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (BN24) — The Royal Spanish Football Federation has officially announced the semi-final matchups for the 2025 Spanish Super Cup, with defending champions Barcelona set to play Athletic Club and arch-rivals Real Madrid facing Atletico Madrid in an all-Madrid derby.

The tournament will take place once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 7 to 11, with all matches scheduled at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. This venue has become a familiar setting for the competition since its international expansion.

Barcelona, under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, returns as title holders following a dominant 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in last season’s final. That result not only secured the Super Cup but also completed a historic Treble for the Catalan club, who also claimed the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey in the same campaign. It marked a significant achievement in Flick’s debut season, further strengthening Barcelona’s pedigree in the restructured competition.

Athletic Club, Barcelona’s semi-final opponents, will be aiming to upset the holders and add to their storied history in Spanish football. Athletic were Copa del Rey finalists, earning them a place in this year’s Super Cup lineup under the revised format.

On the other side of the draw, the Madrid derby between Real and Atletico adds extra spice to the tournament. Real Madrid, runners-up in last season’s final and LaLiga campaign, will look to bounce back after falling short in 2024. Atletico, meanwhile, enter with renewed ambition to lift silverware early in the new year, seeking to repeat their 2020 triumph when the Super Cup was last held in Saudi Arabia.

The Spanish Super Cup adopted its current four-team format in 2019, expanding from a traditional two-club contest between the league and cup winners to include both finalists from the Copa del Rey and the top two finishers in LaLiga. The move was intended to increase competitiveness and commercial value, including taking the event abroad to reach a wider international audience.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the tournament several times since the revamp, part of a broader partnership between the Spanish football federation and the Saudi government to promote the game in the Gulf region. Despite criticism from some quarters, the arrangement has persisted, bringing some of Spain’s biggest footballing names to a growing Middle Eastern fanbase.

With historic rivalries on full display and major titles on the line, the 2025 edition of the Spanish Super Cup promises to be another high-stakes chapter in the evolving saga of Spanish football. The final will be played on January 11, following the two semi-final fixtures earlier that week.

As the countdown begins, attention will shift to Riyadh, where four of Spain’s elite clubs will battle for the first trophy of the calendar year.

UCL: Mbappé nets hat-trick as Real Madrid thrash Kairat 5-0

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan (BN24) — Kylian Mbappé scored a sensational hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised to a 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Kairat in their second UEFA Champions League group stage match on Tuesday at the Kassym-Jomart Stadium.

The French forward opened the scoring in the 26th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after Madrid began to assert control in the early stages. Despite dominating possession, the Spanish giants struggled to double their advantage in the first half as Kairat goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza produced a string of fine saves to keep the home side in contention.

Kalmurza denied Rodrygo twice in quick succession and parried away a long-range strike from Jude Bellingham in first-half stoppage time, keeping the scoreline respectable heading into the break.

However, the second half saw Madrid’s attacking firepower come alive. Mbappé netted his second in the 56th minute with a deft lob over the advancing Kalmurza, showcasing his clinical finishing and sharp movement inside the box. The 26-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, latching onto a through ball before slotting home to seal a dominant personal performance.

Brahim Díaz added a fifth in the third minute of injury time, smashing in from close range after an assist by Gonzalo García to round off a ruthless display from the visitors. Madrid’s offensive depth was evident throughout, with multiple efforts striking the frame of the goal and the team creating scoring chances almost at will.

With the victory, Real Madrid moved to the top of their group with six points from two matches. The 14-time European champions now lead the table ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt, who sit on three points but have a game in hand.

The win reinforced Madrid’s credentials as serious contenders in this season’s Champions League, with new signing Mbappé continuing to impress as the focal point of the club’s new-look attack.

Javi Alonsoa’s side will now turn their attention to the upcoming domestic fixtures before facing stiffer European tests in the weeks ahead.