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Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire following Doha peace talks

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Simeon Bateren
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ISLAMABAD/KABUL (BN24) — Pakistan and Afghanistan announced an immediate ceasefire on Sunday after high‑stakes negotiations in Doha, marking a tentative pause in the worst cross‑border violence between the two neighbours since the Taliban takeover in Kabul in 2021.

The truce was declared after a marathon 13‑hour session in Qatar’s capital, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, in which officials from both sides agreed to halt hostilities and establish mechanisms to ensure implementation and sustainability of the agreement.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif posted on X that the ceasefire “has been finalised,” adding that both sides will reconvene on October 25 in Istanbul to address “detailed matters.”

In Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement saying the parties had agreed on “a complete and meaningful ceasefire,” pledging that “neither country will take hostile actions against the other, and support will not be provided to groups operating against the Government of Pakistan.”

The round of talks came after a week of intense clashes along the 2,600‑kilometre (1,600‑mile) frontier, where fighting and air strikes resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of wounded, the most serious escalation between the two nations in years. The spark for the violence was Islamabad’s accusation that militants, including the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan and other proxy groups, were operating from Afghan territory and launching attacks into Pakistan. The Pakistani military responded with air strikes targeting alleged militant hideouts inside Afghanistan. Kabul has rejected the accusations, insisting it does not permit its soil to be used against another country and accusing Islamabad of misinformation and violations of Afghan sovereignty.

One key flashpoint occurred on Friday when a suicide attack near the border killed seven Pakistani soldiers and injured 13. The attack significantly raised pressure on Islamabad to act decisively. During the Doha talks, Pakistan emphasised it did not seek escalation, yet it insisted that the Afghan authorities must deliver verifiable action against militant groups. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the deal as “a first step in the right direction” and underscored the need for a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” in the next meeting.

From the Afghan perspective, the Taliban’s statement stressed mutual respect for sovereignty and territory, noting that future meetings will aim to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than force.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the follow‑up sessions were meant “to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation reliably and sustainably.” Turkey’s mediation was also acknowledged.

Nevertheless, the situation remains fragile. Afghan officials accused Pakistan of conducting air strikes hours after the ceasefire extension on Friday, which targeted civilians in Paktika province, including three cricketers killed in a gathering, prompting Afghanistan to withdraw from a scheduled tri‑series in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar rejected those claims and said the strikes hit verified militant camps and killed more than 100 militants, including those behind the suicide attack. Reuters could not independently verify the figures or targets.

Analysts note that longstanding mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul, unresolved border disputes over the Durand Line, and competing regional alliances complicate the prospects for enduring peace. The Doha agreement offers a window of opportunity, but its durability will depend on follow‑through and whether both sides allow monitoring and accountability mechanisms to function.

If the ceasefire holds, it could ease humanitarian pressure in the border regions, reopen key transit points, and reduce the cycle of violence that has plagued the frontier zones for decades. For now, both sides have stepped back from the brink, but the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the pause evolves into stability or merely a lull before renewed conflict.

Source: Associated Press

At least 3 wounded after shooting at Oklahoma State University residence hall-AP

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At least three people were injured in a shooting at a residence hall at Oklahoma State University early Saturday, authorities confirmed.

The shooting happened shortly before four in the morning Central Time at Carreker Hall, university police said. People were arriving at the residence hall after attending a large private party off-campus.

University police Chief Michael Beckner said in a statement posted online that there were multiple victims, one of whom was known to be a student at the school. A university spokesperson said at least three people were shot. All were being treated at hospitals.

Police became aware of the shooting at Carreker East residence hall “after shooting victims arrived at off-campus locations and reported the incident.”

While there is no ongoing threat to the campus community, police have asked anyone with information to contact them.

The university is located in the city of Stillwater, about fifty miles northeast of Oklahoma City.

University officials have not released the names or conditions of the victims. It remains unclear whether all three shooting victims were Oklahoma State University students or if some were visitors attending the off-campus party.

Police have not announced any arrests or identified suspects in the shooting. Investigators are working to determine what led to the violence and whether it stemmed from an altercation at the off-campus party or occurred upon return to the residence hall.

The timing of the incident, in the early morning hours when students were returning from a social gathering, suggests the shooting may have been related to disputes that began at the party. However, authorities have not confirmed details about the circumstances surrounding the violence.

Carreker Hall is one of several residence halls on the Oklahoma State University campus that houses undergraduate students. The building’s location and the time of the shooting raised concerns about security protocols for residence halls during late-night hours.

University officials are expected to review security measures and provide additional information to students and families as the investigation continues. Campus police are working with local law enforcement to gather evidence and interview witnesses who may have information about the shooting.

The incident marks the latest episode of gun violence on an American college campus, where students and administrators continue to grapple with safety concerns. University officials emphasized that there is no continuing danger to the campus community based on information gathered during the initial investigation.

Oklahoma State University has approximately twenty-five thousand students enrolled at its Stillwater campus. The university typically provides counseling and support services to students affected by traumatic incidents on campus.

Students and staff were notified of the shooting through the university’s emergency alert system. The notification assured the campus community that police had determined there was no ongoing threat while asking anyone with information to come forward.

The investigation remains active as police work to identify those responsible for the shooting and establish a timeline of events. Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the residence hall and surrounding areas to assist in the investigation.

University officials have not indicated whether any changes to campus operations or security protocols will be implemented as a result of the incident. Classes and campus activities are expected to proceed as scheduled while police continue their investigation.

Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband Ojani Noa accuses her of cheating in scathing public attack

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Jennifer Lopez’s first husband, Ojani Noa, has publicly accused the singer of cheating and lying during their brief marriage, launching a scathing attack after she claimed in a recent interview that she had “never been truly loved” by any of her past partners.

During a candid appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Lopez, 56, reflected on her romantic history and said she had never experienced true love from any of her partners. “What I learned, it’s not that I’m not lovable — it’s that they’re not capable. They don’t have it in them,” she said.

Noa, who was married to Lopez from 1997 to 1998, took offense to the remark and responded with a blistering statement posted to Instagram over the weekend. “Stop putting us down. Stop putting me down with your victim card. The problem is not us. Not me. The problem is you,” he wrote.

He accused Lopez of infidelity, claiming she was unfaithful during their short marriage. “You’re the one who couldn’t keep it in your pants. Tell the truth for once,” he added, asserting that he had been honest and loyal throughout their relationship. Noa described himself as “an amazing, loving person” who moved out of state to support and protect her, alleging that Lopez begged him to stay in the marriage to avoid negative publicity while pursuing her fast-rising career.

Lopez’s remarks also appeared to take indirect swipes at her fourth ex-husband, actor Ben Affleck, and other former partners. She said that although they gave her “all the rings, all the things,” she did not fully love herself at the time, and her partners also needed to learn to “appreciate the little person inside of them.”

She described her February 21 divorce from Affleck after two years of marriage as “the best thing that ever happened to me,” explaining that the breakup prompted deep personal reflection involving therapy, religious coaching, and self-work.

Noa has previously discussed their turbulent relationship. “I was the first, the pioneer,” he told The Daily Mail last year. “I was there at the beginning of her career supporting her, dealing with her anxieties and insecurities. When we divorced, I was heartbroken. I feel when she got what she wanted, I was no longer needed.”

The couple met in the 1990s and married in 1997, separating just 11 months later. Noa said he initiated the divorce and received a $50,000 settlement in January 1998. “I never looked at another woman when I was with Jennifer,” he said, adding that Lopez’s team portrayed him as the bad guy to protect her image amid her rising fame.

A representative for Jennifer Lopez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

dailymail.com

Chainsaw gang steals Napoleon-era jewelry worth millions from Louvre in brazen 7-minute raid

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A chainsaw-wielding gang pulled off a high-speed heist at the Louvre Museum in France, on Sunday morning, stealing priceless Napoleon-era jewelry worth millions of euros in a raid that lasted just seven minutes, French authorities said.

The audacious daylight robbery forced the sudden evacuation of thousands of visitors from the world’s most visited museum as police launched a major investigation into one of the most brazen cultural thefts in recent French history.

According to investigators, three suspects carried out the attack shortly after 9 a.m., scaling the historic museum’s stone walls from the Seine River side using a ladder attached to a flat-bed truck. They gained entry to the building through a freight elevator currently being used for construction, bypassing traditional security checkpoints.

Once inside, the thieves used power tools — including chainsaws and disc cutters — to break through a gallery window and smash their way into a display housing the Napoleon and Empress Joséphine jewelry collection. In minutes, they made off with nine glittering pieces, including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara, before fleeing toward the A6 motorway on a TMax scooter.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called it a “major robbery,” noting that the operation was “highly organized” and executed with precision. The thieves entered using a cherry picker and targeted some of the most valuable jewels in French history. One of the stolen crowns, once worn by Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, was found shattered below a Louvre window after the gang made their escape.

Tourists described scenes of chaos as alarms sounded and police cleared the plaza surrounding the Louvre. “We got to the plaza around 10 a.m., and by 10:30 staff started telling us the Louvre was closed because someone had tried to steal something inside,” one British tourist said. “Police and military arrived, and it got pretty chaotic. People were still taking selfies as we were evacuated.”

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the @MuseeLouvre. No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway.”

The museum announced an unscheduled full-day closure “for exceptional reasons,” as detectives from the Banditism Repression Brigade (BRB) and the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property began analyzing CCTV footage. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the perpetrators are foreign nationals.

The stolen collection dates back to the early 19th century, after Napoleon and Joséphine were crowned Emperor and Empress in 1804. Many pieces were looted from royal households during the French Revolution or seized across the Napoleonic Empire, making the collection among the most historically valuable in France.

Police believe the gang may have been working on commission for wealthy private collectors. Experts warn that stolen high-value art and jewels often disappear into private collections, never to reach the black market.

The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, welcomes up to nine million visitors a year and is regarded as one of the most secure cultural sites in Europe. Yet the incident echoes a series of high-profile Paris art thefts, including the infamous 1911 Mona Lisa heist and the 2010 theft of five masterpieces worth nearly £100 million from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the suspects and recover the stolen jewelry.

thesun.co.uk

Israeli military launches new strikes on Gaza, threatening fragile ceasefire-Reuters

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The Israeli military launched a series of strikes on Gaza on Sunday, Israeli media and local residents reported, threatening to unravel a fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement amid renewed accusations between Israel and Hamas.

The assault marks the most serious challenge to the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 11. Explosions and heavy gunfire were heard in Rafah in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian residents who spoke with Reuters. Witnesses also reported Israeli tank fire in the eastern town of Abassan, near Khan Younis, as well as waves of airstrikes launched into Rafah early Sunday afternoon.

An Israeli government spokesperson declined to confirm the strikes, referring inquiries to the military, which had no immediate comment.

Gaza health officials said two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza. The Times of Israel reported that airstrikes in Rafah followed militant attacks on Israeli forces, though it did not identify a source.

An Israeli military official said Hamas fighters carried out multiple assaults against Israeli troops inside Gaza, including a rocket-propelled grenade attack and a sniper ambush.

“Both of the incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area,” the official said. “This is a bold violation of the ceasefire.”

Senior Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq denied the allegations, insisting the militant group remains committed to the truce and accusing Israel of repeated violations. Neither Al Risheq nor the Israeli military made specific reference to Sunday’s reported airstrikes.

Gaza’s government media office accused Israel of committing 47 ceasefire violations since the deal was struck, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries.

“These violations have ranged from direct shooting at civilians, to deliberate shelling and targeting operations, as well as the arrest of several civilians,” the office said in a statement.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli officials said, extending a months-long shutdown that began in May 2024.

The ceasefire agreement included commitments to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, where international monitors warned of famine conditions in August. Israel and Hamas are also locked in a dispute over the return of the bodies of 28 deceased hostages. Hamas has so far returned 20 living hostages and 12 bodies but says recovering additional remains will require special equipment to dig through rubble.

The escalation underscores the steep challenges facing President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war. Critical issues — including Hamas disarmament, Gaza’s governance, the composition of an international stabilization force, and steps toward establishing a Palestinian state — remain unresolved.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem referred inquiries to the State Department.

Renewed fighting and uncertainty over the ceasefire dragged Tel Aviv’s key share indices down nearly 2% on Sunday, reflecting investor unease.

Lionel Messi scores second MLS hat trick as Inter Miami defeats Nashville 5-2 on final day of regular season

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BN24) — Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi struck a hat trick on the final day of MLS’ regular season Saturday to all but clinch the 2025 MLS Golden Boot award, leading his team to a 5-2 victory over Nashville SC.

Messi’s three goals, along with an assist, took the Argentina forward to twenty-nine goals in just twenty-eight regular-season matches. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now almost certain to finish as MLS’ top scorer for the first time since joining Inter Miami in July 2023.

His nearest challenger, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, is five goals back and would need six goals against Colorado later Saturday to take the award. Messi also leads the league in assists, which is the first tiebreaker for the Golden Boot.

Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge is currently tied for second on twenty-four goals after scoring against Miami on Saturday.

Only three players have scored more goals in a single MLS regular season than Messi: Carlos Vela with thirty-four, Josef Martínez with thirty-one and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with thirty.

With nineteen assists along with his twenty-nine goals, Messi finished one shy of Vela’s MLS record of forty-nine goal contributions in a single regular season.

Messi’s contributions propelled Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference, securing home-field advantage for the playoffs. The team will face Nashville again in the first round of the 2025 MLS playoffs.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has insisted Messi has done more than enough on the field to earn the 2025 MLS MVP award, which would make him the first player to win the trophy on two consecutive occasions.

“Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is, well, today he was exceptional, as he usually is,” Mascherano said in his postgame news conference. “Clearly, I think if anyone had any doubts about what his regular season was like, the reality is that he’s cleared any doubts. They’ll surely give him the MVP award for everything he’s shown.”

“Talking about the three goals he scored, well, happy for him because he helped us win the game again,” Mascherano added.

Messi won the 2024 MLS MVP trophy after recording twenty goals and sixteen assists to inspire Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield and break the league record for most points recorded in a single season.

Saturday’s hat trick was Messi’s second in MLS. His first came in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New England Revolution on October 19, 2024, on the final day of last year’s regular season. It was the nineteenth hat trick scored in the 2025 MLS season.

He scored his first goal of the game from the top of the box in the thirty-fifth minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. Messi was awarded a penalty kick in the sixty-third minute and scored to tie the game 2-2.

He completed the hat trick in the eighty-first minute, scoring from the center of the box on a left-footed shot and extending Inter Miami’s lead to 4-2.

Messi also had a late assist for Telasco Segovia to score Miami’s fifth and final goal of the night in stoppage time.

The performance showcased Messi’s continued dominance in Major League Soccer despite being thirty-eight years old. His ability to score from multiple positions and situations demonstrated the versatility that has defined his legendary career.

Messi’s regular season performance has far exceeded expectations since his arrival in Miami. His impact extends beyond statistics, elevating the profile of MLS internationally and driving record attendance and television viewership.

The hat trick against Nashville provides momentum heading into the playoffs, where Inter Miami will aim to capture the MLS Cup after winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. The rematch with Nashville in the first round will test whether Miami can maintain its form in the postseason.

Messi’s pursuit of consecutive MVP awards would be historic for MLS. The league has never had a player win the honor in back-to-back seasons, reflecting the difficulty of sustaining elite performance in the demanding MLS schedule.

With home-field advantage secured for the playoffs, Inter Miami enters the postseason as one of the favorites to win the championship. Messi’s goal-scoring prowess gives the team a significant advantage in knockout competition where individual brilliance can determine outcomes.

The Argentina captain’s success in MLS has validated the league’s growing stature as a destination for elite talent. His presence has attracted other high-profile players to consider MLS as a viable option during their prime years rather than only at the end of their careers.

Army colonel sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader following military coup

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Simeon Bateren
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ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — In a dramatic power shift, Colonel Michael Randrianirina was officially sworn in as the new president of Madagascar on Friday, following a swift military coup that saw the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina, a commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, took the oath of office at the High Constitutional Court before the country’s nine justices, marking the culmination of just a few days of tense developments.

Randrianirina’s rise to power came a mere three days after he declared the military’s takeover of the nation. The coup followed weeks of growing unrest, primarily among young protesters demanding greater political accountability and economic reforms. With Rajoelina now reportedly in hiding abroad, fleeing on a French military plane after claims of threats to his life, the country faces an uncertain future.

The United Nations swiftly condemned the military coup as a violation of constitutional norms, calling for the restoration of lawful governance. However, international reactions have been muted, with little intervention from Madagascar’s former colonial power, France. The African Union has suspended Madagascar’s membership in response to the coup, further isolating the island nation from the broader international community.

Randrianirina’s sudden elevation to the presidency follows a wave of anti-government protests that engulfed the country. The protests, largely driven by young people disillusioned with chronic power outages, high living costs, and widespread corruption, led to calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. The 49-year-old colonel, who has only recently emerged as a public figure, capitalized on the popular discontent, aligning himself with the protesters before making his dramatic move.

A former mutineer who spent time in detention in 2023 for an attempted coup, Randrianirina appeared at his swearing-in ceremony dressed in a sharp suit, a stark contrast to his military fatigues. Despite his military background, his supporters have praised him as a beacon of change in a nation plagued by poverty and political instability. Madagascar’s economy, burdened by poverty affecting over 75% of its population, has long struggled under ineffective governance.

The political upheaval comes as Rajoelina’s government was already under scrutiny for its handling of the country’s social and economic challenges. He was impeached by Madagascar’s parliament just before the coup announcement. In his absence, Randrianirina now claims leadership, stating his intention to rule through a military council for up to two years before holding new elections.

Although his military council’s plans promise reforms, critics warn that the prolonged military rule could delay the very democratic reforms that the protests sought. Randrianirina’s pledge to address insecurity, improve social conditions, and restore the nation’s pride resonates with the younger generation that spurred the protests. However, the uncertain path forward means that many citizens may face an extended wait before they have the opportunity to elect a civilian government once again.

The ongoing standoff has seen relatively little violence, with Randrianirina’s forces being met with cheers from protesters and minimal resistance from loyalist factions. Despite the public support for his leadership, Randrianirina’s path to stabilizing the country remains fraught with challenges, including the skepticism of international bodies and the daunting task of navigating Madagascar’s history of political volatility.

Meanwhile, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of constitutional order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the military takeover, calling for Madagascar to return to democratic rule. With tensions still high, the world watches closely as the island nation embarks on a new and uncertain chapter under its newly sworn-in military leader.

EPL: Chelsea outclass Nottingham Forest 3-0 as pressure mounts on Postecoglou

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Simeon Bateren
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NOTTINGHAM, England (BN24) — Chelsea delivered a dominant second-half display to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the City Ground on Saturday, increasing the pressure on Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, who is now without a win in his last eight Premier League matches.

Despite a bright start and early chances from the home side, Forest once again failed to capitalize on their moments. At the same time, Chelsea, missing several key players, showed ruthless efficiency after the break.

Taiwo Awoniyi, returning to the starting XI for the first time this season, gave Forest energy up front and was involved early. Elliot Anderson had a clear opportunity after a defensive lapse by Chelsea, but was quickly closed down in the box. Moments later, Morgan Gibbs-White failed to connect cleanly with a close-range volley that sailed wide, and Andrey Santos curled a shot just past the post after receiving a clever pass from João Pedro.

Chelsea, without creative linchpin Cole Palmer and midfield anchor Moisés Caicedo, offered little in the opening 45 minutes. Their play lacked fluidity, with much of their possession breaking down in the final third.

The turning point came shortly after the interval. Portuguese winger Pedro Neto sparked Chelsea into life in the 52nd minute with a blistering run down the left flank. Skipping past two defenders, Neto cut the ball back into the box for 18-year-old Josh Acheampong, who calmly slotted past Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner to give the visitors the lead.

Just three minutes later, Neto doubled Chelsea’s advantage with a moment of individual brilliance. After winning a free-kick on the edge of the area, he stepped up and curled a left-footed strike over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Turner rooted to the spot and the home crowd stunned.

Forest’s attempts to respond were disjointed. Their defensive line, already looking shaky, came under increased pressure as Chelsea pushed forward. In the 76th minute, Callum Hudson-Odoi, formerly of Chelsea, nearly pulled one back. Still, his header — deflected off teammate Igor Jesus ricocheted off both the crossbar and the post before being cleared.

Chelsea sealed the win in the 85th minute. A poorly cleared Forest corner fell to Reece James just outside the penalty area. The Chelsea captain made no mistake, driving the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 3-0 and spark celebrations among the away supporters.

The only blemish on an otherwise flawless second half for Chelsea came in stoppage time when Malo Gusto received a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Neco Williams. Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

Postecoglou, hired in the summer amid high expectations, now finds his position under intense scrutiny. Owner Evangelos Marinakis was visibly frustrated, reportedly leaving his executive box before full-time, a symbolic gesture that may foreshadow changes behind the scenes.

“We played well in spells, but you can’t gift a side like Chelsea those kinds of chances and expect to stay in the game,” Postecoglou said post-match. “We’re in a rough spell, but I believe in the process and the players.”

Chelsea manager praised his squad’s resilience after a slow start. “We were missing key players, but the boys responded with character,” he said. “Pedro Neto was outstanding. The second half was some of the best football we’ve played away this season.”

The result sees Chelsea strengthen their push for European qualification, while Forest teeters just above the relegation zone. With the international break approaching, the club now faces a crucial decision regarding Postecoglou’s future.

Chelsea have now won four of their last five visits to Nottingham Forest and continue their recent dominance in this fixture. For Forest, the form search and perhaps a managerial reset become more urgent by the week.

Araujo’s late winner sends Barcelona top in dramatic La Liga clash with Girona

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Simeon Bateren
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BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona climbed to the top of La Liga on Saturday night after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Girona, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from an unlikely hero, central defender Ronald Araujo.

In a bold tactical move, Araujo was introduced in the 82nd minute and sent forward to bolster Barcelona’s attack. The decision paid off spectacularly when, in the 92nd minute, Frenkie de Jong slid a low ball across the six-yard box and Araujo stretched to guide it into the back of the net. The late goal ended Barcelona’s two-match losing streak and sparked wild celebrations at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Barcelona had taken an early lead in the 26th minute through Pedri, who found space just outside the penalty area and drilled a low shot that bounced off the inside of the post before rippling the net. The goal gave the hosts deserved momentum, but Girona found an equaliser against the run of play.

Axel Witsel, rising highest at a corner, directed a firm header beyond goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to bring Girona level in the 33rd minute — a frustrating blow for Barcelona, who had dominated possession and created the better chances in the opening half.

Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was Barcelona’s most threatening outlet throughout the match. He came close to scoring with a powerful free-kick that struck the crossbar in the first half. Later, he squandered a golden opportunity from close range, steering a low cross wide when it seemed easier to score.

Girona, who arrived in good form, held firm for much of the second half and threatened on the break, but Barcelona kept pressing as time ran out. The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time when Araujo’s striker instincts delivered all three points.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, however, will miss his side’s next league match, the highly anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid, after being shown a red card for his angry reaction when the fourth official indicated just four minutes of stoppage time.

Flick had been animated throughout the final stages and was visibly incensed by several refereeing decisions. His dismissal adds further drama ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, where Barcelona will now enter as league leaders following the dramatic win.

With the victory, Barcelona moved two points clear at the summit of La Liga, while Girona, who had been looking to maintain their surprise title challenge, slipped back into fourth.

The result not only reasserted Barcelona’s championship ambitions but also demonstrated their growing resilience under Flick and the willingness to take tactical risks when needed.

Araujo’s late strike may prove to be a turning point in their season.

Erling Haaland scores twice as Manchester City defeat Everton to go top of Premier League

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Simeon Bateren
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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Erling Haaland continued his blistering goalscoring form with a second-half brace as Manchester City overcame a spirited Everton side 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, moving top of the Premier League on goal difference.

After a subdued first half in which City struggled to break down a well-drilled Everton defense, Haaland burst into life after the interval to take his tally to 23 goals in just 13 appearances this season for club and country. The 25-year-old had netted a hat-trick for Norway during the international break and carried that momentum into Saturday’s fixture, once again proving the difference for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when substitute Nico O’Reilly whipped in a teasing cross from the right. Haaland, who had been tightly marked for most of the game, rose powerfully to head past Jordan Pickford with his first clear chance of the match.

Just five minutes later, City doubled its lead. A sharp move down the left saw Savinho cut inside and fire a low ball across the goal. The delivery took a slight deflection off Everton defender James Tarkowski, and Haaland was on hand to sweep it in at the near post.

City had been second-best for much of the opening 45 minutes. David Moyes’ Everton came into the match on a high after their dramatic win over Crystal Palace and caused problems early on, particularly through the lively Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegalese forward twice came close to opening the scoring, first intercepting a loose pass from Nathan Ake and nearly setting up Beto, before drawing a stunning fingertip save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a long-range strike.

Everton’s Jake O’Brien narrowly avoided scoring an own goal, sending a misdirected header against his own crossbar under pressure from Savinho. On the other end, City created a few half-chances. Savinho shot straight at Pickford from close range, and later forced another save — but lacked their usual attacking sharpness until the second half.

Despite the result, it was far from a comfortable outing for City, who were fortunate not to be behind before Haaland’s double. However, Guardiola will be encouraged by the response and the growing depth of his squad. Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, and Mateo Kovacic all made second-half appearances after returning from injury layoffs, boosting City’s options ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

Haaland nearly completed his third hat-trick of the season late on, twice breaking through on goal but seeing his efforts denied by an alert Pickford. Full-backs O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes also had late efforts that flashed wide, but by then the damage had been done.

The victory extends City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches and places them at the summit of the Premier League table ahead of Arsenal’s evening fixture against Fulham.

For Moyes, the defeat continues a grim record he has now failed to beat a side that finished in the Premier League’s top three the previous season in 37 attempts. Everton’s winless run against Manchester City also stretches to 17 league matches, a streak dating back to a 4-0 victory in Guardiola’s debut campaign in 2016-17.

City will now shift its focus to Europe, with a Champions League group-stage clash away to Villarreal on Tuesday. At the same time, Everton returns to league action next weekend when it hosts Tottenham at Goodison Park.

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