Mourinho set for Benfica return

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September 17, 2025

FBL-EUR-C1-BAYERN MUNICH-CHELSEA — Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane (C) celebrates scoring his team's third goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League football match between FC Bayern Munich and Chelsea FC in Munich, southern Germany on September 17, 2025. (Photo by Alexandra BEIER / AFP)

MUNICH (BN24) — Harry Kane scored twice to lead Bayern Munich to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League group stage opener on Wednesday, continuing his blistering scoring form and extending the German champions’ remarkable run in opening matches.

Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in the summer, converted a first-half penalty and added another in the second half to take his tally to 10 goals in just six matches this season. The England captain said playing against Premier League opposition gives him added motivation.

“Facing English clubs always pushes me to play better,” Kane said after the match. “I know the league, I know the players, and I want to prove myself.”

Bayern took the lead in the 20th minute when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah turned a Michael Olise cross into his own net under pressure. Just seven minutes later, Kane won and dispatched a penalty after Moises Caicedo’s awkward challenge inside the box.

Chelsea hit back almost immediately. Caicedo atoned for his earlier error by launching a swift counterattack, combining with Cole Palmer, who finished calmly to reduce the deficit in the 29th minute.

The Premier League side, managed by Enzo Maresca, began with high intensity and pinned Bayern back early. Maresca had reintroduced Palmer and three other starters after criticism over his lineup choices in Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Brentford.

Despite Chelsea’s fast start, Bayern gradually settled and asserted control after halftime. A flurry of efforts from Konrad Laimer, Olise, and Kane tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez before Bayern finally struck again.

Kane capitalized on a misplaced back-pass from Malo Gusto in the 67th minute, intercepting the ball and calmly sliding a shot into the far corner to restore Bayern’s two-goal cushion. The 32-year-old striker was substituted in stoppage time to a standing ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd.

“He’s been phenomenal,” Bayern’s coach said during the post-match. “His presence, his decision-making, and his finishing make a huge difference.”

Veteran Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer marked his 100th Champions League victory on the night, becoming only the fourth player to reach the milestone behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, and teammate Thomas Müller. Neuer is the only Bayern player still active from the club’s 2012 Champions League final loss to Chelsea, also held in Munich.

The result extends Bayern’s streak of winning every Champions League opener since a group stage defeat to Deportivo La Coruña in 2002, now 22 straight. Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson made his Champions League debut off the bench, featuring against his parent club in the closing minutes

Slug: kane-brace-bayern-chelsea-champions-league

UCL: PSG cruise past Atalanta 4-0 to open Champions League title defense

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September 17, 2025

PARIS (BN24) — Paris Saint-Germain began their Champions League title defense decisively on Wednesday, sweeping aside Atalanta 4-0 at the Parc des Princes to signal their intent for back-to-back European crowns.

Fresh off a resounding 5-0 win over Inter Milan in last season’s final, PSG wasted no time asserting its dominance against another Italian opponent. Captain Marquinhos opened the scoring just three minutes into the Group Stage encounter, steering home Fabian Ruiz’s low cross from close range.

Nuno Mendes, Senny Mayulu, and Bradley Barcola all went close to doubling the lead in a blistering early spell, with Barcola seeing a goal ruled out for offside after a tidy finish.

Luis Enrique’s side found their second goal six minutes before halftime through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who capped a dazzling solo run with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.

PSG appeared poised to make it 3-0 moments later when referee Sandro Schärer awarded a penalty after consulting VAR for a foul on Marquinhos by Atalanta’s Yunus Musah. But Barcola’s low spot-kick was comfortably saved by Marco Carnesecchi.

The missed chance did little to stall PSG’s momentum. Just six minutes into the second half, Barcola turned provider, slipping a precise pass into the path of Mendes, who squeezed his finish through Carnesecchi from a tight angle.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos added the final touch late on, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box and lifting a composed finish over the onrushing Atalanta goalkeeper to seal the 4-0 rout.

PSG’s dominant display sends a clear message to their European rivals, with Enrique’s men looking sharp, cohesive, and relentless in their first outing of the 2025–26 campaign.

‘Genius’ De Bruyne leads Napoli in emotional return to Manchester City

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September 17, 2025

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Kevin De Bruyne returns to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday as Napoli’s key creative force, leading the Italian champions into their Champions League clash with Manchester City in what promises to be an emotional homecoming for the Belgian midfielder.

De Bruyne, the 34-year-old, has made a strong start to life under Antonio Conte at Napoli, scoring twice in his first three Serie A appearances since leaving Manchester City this summer. Fully fit after recurring hamstring injuries last season, the veteran midfielder appears revitalized and ready for a high-stakes reunion with the club where he spent a decade and helped win six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.

Napoli enters the contest with complete confidence, having opened the Serie A season with three straight wins. Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Fiorentina saw De Bruyne convert from the penalty spot and dictate play from a central creative role carved out specifically for him by Conte.

“The role that we’re creating for Kevin is perfect for him because he loves having the ball at his feet,” Conte said after the win in Florence. “He’s a bit of a genius. He sees situations that others rarely see.”

Conte’s tactical setup has shifted to accommodate De Bruyne’s unique playmaking ability, pushing last season’s standout performer Scott McTominay to a freer role on the left flank. The adjustment paid off quickly as Napoli overwhelmed Fiorentina early, with both De Bruyne and McTominay involved in the attacking momentum.

The visit to Manchester marks a significant test for Napoli and Conte alike. Despite winning the Premier League with Chelsea, Conte has often faced criticism for his limited success in European competitions. He acknowledged the magnitude of Wednesday’s encounter with Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.

“We’re going there as pupils to learn from the masters, me included, in the hope that the pupil may one day beat the master,” Conte said. “It’s the moment of truth.”

City, fresh off a dominant Manchester derby win, has shown signs of resurgence despite recent inconsistency. Guardiola’s side remains a daunting opponent for any club, particularly at home.

The absence of center-back Amir Rrahmani has complicated Napoli’s preparations. However, Dutch defender Sam Beukema stepped in seamlessly on Saturday, scoring on his debut. Additional summer signings, including Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Netherlands forward Noa Lang, and forward Rasmus Hojlund, who scored in place of the injured Romelu Lukaku, have added depth to a squad now anchored by a rejuvenated De Bruyne.

Backed by president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who reinvested heavily after significant outgoing transfers including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, Napoli are targeting a deeper run in Europe after reclaiming the Serie A crown last season.

As Napoli seek to make their mark in the Champions League, De Bruyne’s return to Manchester offers both a compelling personal storyline and a crucial tactical edge that Conte hopes will tilt the balance in the pupil’s favor, if only for a night.

Slug: de-bruyne-napoli-return-man-city-champions-league

Van Dijk’s late header seals Champions League win for Liverpool in thriller against Atletico

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September 17, 2025

LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) — Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time header sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Liverpool over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in a heated Champions League opener at Anfield that ended with visiting manager Diego Simeone sent off.

Van Dijk rose unmarked in the 92nd minute to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner, restoring Liverpool’s lead after Atletico’s Marcos Llorente had erased a two-goal cushion. The late winner sparked a confrontation between Simeone and a section of the home support, with the Atletico coach shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani for his reaction.

The match bore a striking resemblance to Atletico’s controversial 3-2 extra-time win at Anfield in 2020, when Llorente also scored twice to eliminate Liverpool from the last 16. This time, however, the Spanish midfielder’s efforts came in vain.

Liverpool appeared to be cruising after a fast start saw them score twice within the first six minutes. Mohamed Salah’s free kick deflected off Andy Robertson and into the net for the opener, before Salah doubled the lead moments later with a composed finish from Ryan Gravenberch’s pass, weaving through multiple challenges.

Alexander Isak made his debut after becoming the most expensive signing in English football history following a £125 million ($170 million) move from Newcastle. The Swedish striker showed flashes of promise but lasted less than an hour, having missed pre-season amid transfer negotiations.

Isak’s most notable moment came in a move that saw Florian Wirtz round Atletico keeper Jan Oblak, only for Jeremie Frimpong to misfire from close range. Salah nearly made it 3-0 shortly after, striking the inside of the post after a flowing move involving Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Szoboszlai.

Despite their early dominance, Liverpool were punished for failing to extend the lead. Llorente pulled one back in first-half stoppage time with a low finish into the far corner. The equalizer came nine minutes from time when his volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, wrong-footing Alisson Becker.

Liverpool, unbeaten in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season, has now scored the winning goal after the 80th minute in all five of their competitive matches. However, their defensive stability remains a concern under new manager Arne Slot, with the Reds conceding two or more goals in four of their opening six matches across all competitions.

Atletico’s own struggles continued, having won just one of their opening four La Liga games. The disciplined structure once associated with Simeone’s sides was missing again, as Van Dijk was left completely unmarked to head home the match-winner.

Simeone’s frustration boiled over in the aftermath, with the Argentine seen gesturing toward supporters before being dismissed from the technical area.

Nigeria lifts emergency rule in Rivers State after 6 months of political crisis

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September 17, 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN240 — Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday lifted emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstated the suspended governor and lawmakers after six months of direct federal control, ending a turbulent period marked by political infighting and unrest in the oil-rich region.

Tinubu declared emergency rule last year after a political crisis escalated between Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. Some legislators had sought to impeach Fubara, accusing him of illegally presenting the state budget and altering the composition of the legislature, charges the governor has consistently denied.

The president said the extraordinary measure was necessary to “arrest the drift toward anarchy in Rivers State.” In a statement, Tinubu called the end of emergency rule a milestone, adding: “This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.”

During the suspension, the state was administered by retired Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who oversaw governance under federal emergency powers. Tinubu said the decision to return power to elected officials reflected his administration’s commitment to stability and constitutional order.

Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most important oil-producing regions, has long been a flashpoint for political and economic unrest. Militant groups have frequently targeted oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, disrupting production and fueling instability.

Nigeria’s constitution permits the imposition of emergency rule in rare situations to preserve law and order. The last time the measure was invoked before Rivers State was in 2013, when then-President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergencies in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states during the Boko Haram insurgency, though those state governors remained in office.

With Wednesday’s move, Tinubu said the government was signaling its confidence that Rivers State had returned to “peace, normalcy, and democratic process.”

At least 2 seriously injured in Pennsylvania shooting involving police; Gov. Shapiro rushes to scene

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September 17, 2025

YORK COUNTY, Pa. (BN24) — At least two people were seriously wounded Wednesday in a shooting involving police in southern Pennsylvania, prompting a large emergency response and drawing Gov. Josh Shapiro to the scene, authorities said.

The incident unfolded in North Codorus Township, about 115 miles west of Philadelphia and near the Maryland border. Investigators blocked off rural roads lined with barns, soybean fields, and a goat farm as dozens of police vehicles secured the area. Pennsylvania State Police, Northern Regional Police and other emergency responders were deployed.

York Hospital confirmed it was treating two patients in serious condition connected to what officials described as a police incident. The hospital also implemented heightened security measures as authorities worked to control the scene.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis called for prayers in a social media post for “the officers and those involved in the shooting in York County.” Attorney General Dave Sunday also said he was en route and urged residents to follow law enforcement instructions, adding that he was “praying for all involved.”

The situation led a local school district to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order as a precaution. Schools and students were not involved, officials emphasized, and the order was lifted later in the day once roads reopened.

The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia said it was closely monitoring the incident and advised Mexican nationals in the area to remain alert and follow official guidance. Officials stressed the advisory was precautionary.

Authorities have not released details on the circumstances of the shooting or those directly involved. Police maintained a wide perimeter, keeping residents and bystanders well back from the unfolding investigation in York County’s farmland.

“The York County Commissioners are monitoring the situation closely and praying for all those involved,” county officials said in a statement.

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci breaks Guinness World Record for largest jollof rice dish

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September 17, 2025

Guinness World Records has officially confirmed Nigerian chef Hilda Baci as the new record holder for the largest jollof rice dish ever cooked, cementing her status as one of West Africa’s most celebrated culinary figures.

Baci, already a household name after briefly holding the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, achieved the feat last Friday in Lagos by preparing an astonishing 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice. The popular dish, made from rice simmered in a spiced pepper sauce, is a staple across West Africa and a cultural touchstone in Nigeria.

“It took nine hours of fire, passion, and teamwork,” Baci said after completing the massive undertaking, which drew large crowds. The event nearly ended in chaos when the specially retrofitted pot collapsed under the weight of the rice as it was being lifted by crane for weighing. Despite the setback, Guinness officials confirmed Baci had far exceeded the 4,700-kilogram minimum requirement to set the record.

The giant mound of rice was then shared with hundreds of spectators who gathered on Victoria Island to cheer on the chef. The celebration quickly turned into a community feast, underscoring the cultural importance of jollof rice and the pride Nigerians place in the dish.

Baci first rose to international prominence in 2023 when she cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Her title was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher, but her accomplishment inspired a wave of similar attempts across West Africa. In the months that followed, record-seekers launched challenges ranging from the longest book reading and speech to the longest skipping rope session, reflecting the growing appetite among young Africans for global recognition.

Guinness World Records announced Baci’s latest achievement in a post on its official X account Monday, congratulating her on securing a place in culinary history.

Associated Press story

UCL: Spurs and Real Madrid win as Juventus and Dortmund share eight-goal thriller

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September 17, 2025

LONDON (BN24) — A thrilling night of UEFA Champions League group-stage football unfolded on Tuesday as Tottenham Hotspur marked their return with a narrow home win, Real Madrid staged a comeback to defeat Olympique de Marseille, and Juventus shared eight goals with Borussia Dortmund in one of the competition’s most explosive draws. Meanwhile, debutants Union Saint-Gilloise stunned PSV Eindhoven to announce their arrival on the European stage.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Thomas Frank celebrated a victorious start to his Champions League tenure as Spurs edged Villarreal 1-0. The breakthrough came early, in just the fourth minute, when Lucas Bergvall’s cross was mishandled by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior and spilled into his own net. Despite growing second-half pressure from Nicolas Pepe and Juan Foyth, the Premier League side held on to secure three points on their return to Europe’s top competition after a two-year absence.

In Spain, Kylian Mbappé scored twice from the penalty spot to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory over Marseille. The French visitors had taken a surprise lead through Timothy Weah, who finished from close range following an assist from Mason Greenwood in the 22nd minute. But a foul on Rodrygo by Geoffrey Kondogbia allowed Mbappé to equalize before halftime.

The match turned tense when Dani Carvajal was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, leaving Madrid a man down. Yet the drama intensified in the final minutes, as substitute Facundo Medina conceded a penalty for a handball. Mbappé converted again to maintain Real Madrid’s perfect record against Marseille.

Turin saw the night’s most dramatic clash, as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund shared a breathless 4-4 draw. After a goalless first half, the match erupted in the second. Karim Adeyemi and Felix Nmecha put Dortmund ahead before Juventus responded through Kenan Yıldız and Dušan Vlahović.

Ramy Bensebaini appeared to seal the win for Dortmund from the spot, but Juventus mounted a furious stoppage-time comeback. Vlahović struck again to make it 4-3, before Lloyd Kelly headed home a 96th-minute equalizer to complete an extraordinary finish.

The biggest shock came in the Netherlands, where Belgian newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise pulled off a 3-1 win over Dutch champions PSV in their group-stage debut. Promise David gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot, Anouar Ait El Hadj added a second before halftime, and Kevin Mac Allister sealed the result with a late third. Ruben van Bommel’s goal offered scant consolation for a PSV side overwhelmed by Union SG’s intensity.

The night’s results leave Tottenham and Real Madrid at the top of their respective groups, Juventus and Dortmund level with a point each, and Union SG making headlines with a landmark win on their first appearance at this stage of the tournament.

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson charged with murder; prosecutors to seek death penalty

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September 16, 2025