WARSAW, Poland – Kylian Mbappé made a dazzling debut for Real Madrid, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Atalanta that secured Madrid their record-breaking sixth UEFA Super Cup title on Wednesday night.
The match, held at Warsaw’s Stadion Wojska Polskiego, saw Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde open the scoring for the reigning European champions after 59 minutes. Valverde capitalized on a close-range opportunity, slotting the ball into the net to put Madrid ahead.
Just nine minutes later, Mbappé doubled the lead with a sensational strike. Latching onto a precise pass from English star Jude Bellingham, the 25-year-old French forward fired the ball into the top corner, sealing the victory for Madrid.
Mbappé, who signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid last month after completing a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, took a little time to adjust to the rhythm of his new Galactico teammates Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. However, his impact in the second half was undeniable, as he announced his arrival with a powerful debut goal.
Having joined Real Madrid’s preseason training only last week, following his participation in Euro 2024 with the French national team, Mbappé was swiftly integrated into the squad for the Super Cup final. The match featured a showdown between the reigning Champions League winners, Real Madrid, and Europa League champions, Atalanta.
With this triumph, Real Madrid clinched a record sixth UEFA Super Cup, surpassing Barcelona and AC Milan, both of whom have lifted the trophy five times. The victory further cemented Madrid’s dominance in European football and highlighted their ability to maintain success with their latest star signing, Mbappé.
LONDON, UK – The Premier League aims to reduce frustration surrounding the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system by launching a dedicated social media account that will deliver real-time updates and explanations on officiating and operational decisions for each match.
This move follows strong support for keeping VAR in use despite the extensive criticism of the technology-aided officiating system last season, including a petition initiated by Wolverhampton Wanderers to scrap it. The Premier League believes this social media initiative will bridge the communication gap and bring greater transparency to the process.
“In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay real-time updates on social media directly from the VAR Hub during a game,” the league announced in a statement on Tuesday.
This new X (formerly Twitter) account, @PLMatchCentre, will provide detailed insights directly from the VAR hub, with officials explaining the decisions being made on the field. Additionally, the Premier League’s officiating body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), will use the account to clarify laws of the game and share updates on any decisions that require further explanation or analysis.
By offering real-time updates, the Premier League hopes to provide fans with a clearer understanding of how and why specific decisions are made during matches. “We want to bring more transparency to the officiating process and give our audience timely information that enhances their experience,” the statement added.
As the Premier League continues to develop its use of technology in the game, this initiative is seen as a step toward improving the communication between officials and fans, ensuring that decisions are made clearer and frustrations around VAR are minimized.
Real Madrid has strengthened their position in the UEFA Super Cup match against Atalanta, extending their lead to 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The second goal came in the 68th minute, courtesy of Kylian Mbappe, marking a dream debut for the French superstar.
The scoring opened in the 59th minute when Federico Valverde found the net, capitalizing on excellent teamwork between Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. Bellingham’s precise pass to Vinicius Jr. set up the Brazilian winger to assist Valverde for a simple tap-in.
Mbappe’s goal nine minutes later has put Real Madrid in a commanding position. The former PSG striker, making his much-anticipated debut for the Spanish giants, showcased why he was one of the most sought-after players in world football.
Following the second goal, Jude Bellingham nearly added a third, but his shot was saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso, highlighting Real Madrid’s continued pressure on the Italian side.
Earlier in the match, both teams had their chances. Mbappe himself came close to scoring before his eventual goal, while Bellingham demonstrated his defensive capabilities by blocking a shot from Atalanta’s Marten de Roon.
Atalanta made tactical changes, introducing English defender Ben Godfrey and Italian forward Mateo Retegui for their debuts, but these substitutions have yet to turn the tide in their favor.
As the match enters its final stages, Real Madrid looks set to secure the UEFA Super Cup title. The Spanish side’s dominant performance, featuring goals from Valverde and debutant Mbappe, has put them in a strong position to lift the trophy.
Atalanta now faces a significant challenge to get back into the game, needing to score at least twice to force extra time. With time running out, the Italian side will need to push forward, potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to Real Madrid’s potent counter-attacks.
The closing minutes promise to be intense as Real Madrid aims to maintain their clean sheet, while Atalanta desperately searches for a way back into the match.
It’s that time of the year again—the annual act of speculation where I attempt to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 Premier League season for all 20 clubs.
Tipping Manchester City to win last season’s title hardly required any boldness, although predicting Aston Villa to finish fifth—who eventually finished fourth and secured a spot in the Champions League—at least earned some kudos.
Of course, these predictions come with the usual caveats: transfer activity could significantly alter this landscape, but as things stand, here is how I believe the season will unfold.
1. Manchester City
Last season: Champions
Think about betting against them. Then think again.
Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of success under manager Pep Guardiola brought them a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons last term, including a record fourth consecutive win, despite Arsenal’s consistency and excellence.
All the same world-class talent remains, led by the generational goal machine that is Erling Haaland. City will also have the financial power to add to their squad, armed with the vast resources following the £81.5m departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
Young stars Oscar Bobb and James McAtee have shown they are ready to step up to new levels this season, strengthening Guardiola’s already formidable team even further. It’s a daunting prospect for their rivals.
There will be a season when Manchester City does not win the Premier League—I’m just not sure this will be it.
“City will finish, once again, top. Understanding of philosophy, experience, and Pep Guardiola’s relentless hunger for more will be the difference, despite concern over a lack of new signings. Given our recent history too, you could comfortably regard this as a safe bet.”
2. Arsenal
Last season: 2nd
Arsenal pushed City all the way last season but ultimately fell short. Mikel Arteta’s side has been on a steady upward trajectory, and there is little reason to believe they won’t be City’s closest challengers again.
The squad depth has been improved with some smart additions, and the Gunners will be hoping that key players remain fit to avoid the stumbles that cost them last season.
If Gabriel Jesus can avoid injury and Kai Havertz can find his best form, Arsenal might just have enough to make the title race even closer this time around.
3. Liverpool
Last season: 4th
After a turbulent 2023-24 season where they barely scraped into the top four, Liverpool looks set to bounce back stronger. Jurgen Klopp has addressed the issues in midfield with the signings of proven players, and the attack remains as potent as ever.
The Reds will be eager to reclaim their place at the top, and with the Anfield crowd behind them, they could very well push City and Arsenal all the way.
4. Manchester United
Last season: 3rd
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United made significant strides last season, finishing third and securing Champions League football. With a few key signings and further tactical refinement, United should maintain their place in the top four.
However, breaking into the top three will be tough unless they can find the consistency and cutting edge that often eluded them last season.
5. Aston Villa
Last season: 4th
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa exceeded all expectations last season, finishing fourth and earning a Champions League spot. Replicating that success will be challenging, but with the squad they have and Emery’s tactical acumen, Villa should still be in the mix for European places.
They may not break into the top four again, but another strong season is certainly on the cards.
6. Chelsea
Last season: 6th
Mauricio Pochettino’s first season at Chelsea was one of steady progress, though not quite at the pace many fans had hoped. The Blues finished sixth and will look to build on that this season.
With the addition of a few key players and Pochettino’s philosophy taking deeper root, Chelsea will aim to challenge for a top-four spot. But with the competition so fierce, another season just outside the Champions League places seems likely.
7. Newcastle United
Last season: 5th
Newcastle’s return to the upper echelons of English football has been impressive, and Eddie Howe’s side shows no signs of slowing down. However, balancing the demands of European football with a domestic campaign could take its toll.
Expect Newcastle to remain competitive, but they may just miss out on a top-six finish this time around.
8. Tottenham Hotspur
Last season: 8th
Spurs endured another frustrating season last year, finishing eighth and missing out on European football. Ange Postecoglou has been tasked with revitalizing the squad, but it won’t be an easy job.
While Tottenham should improve under new management, breaking into the top six might be beyond them this season. A Europa League spot could be within reach, though.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion
Last season: 7th
Brighton continued to punch above their weight last season, finishing in the top seven and securing European football. However, with the added demands of the Europa League, maintaining that level of performance will be challenging.
A solid mid-table finish, with perhaps a cup run thrown in, seems like a realistic target for the Seagulls this time around.
10. West Ham United
Last season: 14th
David Moyes guided West Ham to European glory last season by winning the Europa Conference League, but their domestic form suffered as a result, with the Hammers finishing 14th.
This season, with the distractions of Europe potentially behind them, West Ham should climb back into the top half of the table.
11. Brentford
Last season: 9th
Brentford continued their impressive run in the Premier League, finishing ninth last season. Thomas Frank’s side has shown they belong in the top flight, and they’ll be aiming to consolidate their position this season.
A solid mid-table finish looks likely, with the Bees remaining a tough opponent for any side.
12. Crystal Palace
Last season: 11th
Roy Hodgson’s return to Crystal Palace steadied the ship last season, guiding them to an 11th-place finish. The Eagles will be looking to build on that under his experienced management.
Palace should comfortably avoid relegation and could challenge for a top-half finish if everything clicks.
13. Fulham
Last season: 10th
Fulham exceeded expectations last season by finishing in the top half. Marco Silva’s side played some excellent football, but maintaining that level of performance will be tough.
Expect Fulham to drop slightly down the table this season, though they should avoid any relegation worries.
14. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season: 13th
Wolves endured a difficult campaign last season but ultimately survived comfortably. Julen Lopetegui will be hoping to steer the team to safety once again, though a top-half finish looks unlikely.
Wolves should have enough quality to stay clear of the drop zone, but it could be another season of consolidation.
15. Bournemouth
Last season: 15th
Bournemouth surprised many by avoiding relegation last season, finishing 15th. The Cherries will be aiming to stay up again, but it won’t be easy.
With a couple of smart additions, Bournemouth should have enough to survive, though it’s likely to be another tough campaign.
16. Burnley
Last season: Promoted (1st in Championship)
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley stormed to the Championship title last season, playing an exciting brand of football. However, the Premier League is a different beast, and survival will be their main aim.
Burnley should have enough about them to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, but it could be close.
17. Nottingham Forest
Last season: 16th
Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 16th. Steve Cooper’s side showed spirit, but they’ll need to improve to stay up again.
Expect another tough season for Forest, with survival likely to go down to the wire once more.
18. Everton
Last season: 17th
Everton barely escaped relegation last season, and with financial issues hampering their ability to strengthen the squad, they could be in for another struggle.
If the Toffees don’t improve, they could find themselves slipping into the Championship after years of flirting with the drop.
19. Sheffield United
Last season: Promoted (2nd in Championship)
Sheffield United made a triumphant return to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship. However, staying up will be a huge challenge for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
With limited resources and a squad that might struggle at this level, the Blades could face a swift return to the second tier.
20. Luton Town
Last season: Promoted (via Playoffs)
Luton Town’s fairy-tale promotion via the playoffs was one of last season’s great stories. However, the Premier League will be an enormous step up for the Hatters.
With a small budget and squad depth a concern, Luton may find life in the top flight too tough to handle, making them favorites for relegation.
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian forces have reportedly advanced further into Russia’s southern Kursk region, just a week after launching a bold cross-border incursion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that his troops have already captured dozens of Russian soldiers and destroyed a Russian fighter jet as part of the operation, which has shocked international observers and intensified the ongoing conflict.
In a video call with Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Zelenskyy detailed the progress made by his forces, stating that they had advanced 1 to 2 kilometers in various areas within the Kursk region since the beginning of the day.
“We are advancing in the Kursk region, 1 to 2 kilometers in various areas since the beginning of the day,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that Kyiv’s forces now control over 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of Russian territory as a result of their surprise assault.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that 100 Russian servicemen had been captured during the operation. “This will accelerate the return of our guys and girls,” he added, indicating that the capture of these soldiers could potentially be used as leverage in negotiations for Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Earlier, video footage obtained by AFP at the Ukrainian border crossing between the Sumy region and Russia’s Kursk region showed a Ukrainian truck carrying blindfolded men in Russian military uniforms traveling away from the Russian border.
The footage has yet to be independently verified, and CNN has reached out to the Ukrainian military for comment.
A Ukrainian official explained that the operation in Kursk is aimed at creating a “security zone” on Russian soil. Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukraine’s minister for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories, stated that the operation is designed to protect the border regions of Ukraine, particularly the Sumy region, which has been a target of persistent Russian shelling and missile strikes.
Russia has reportedly pulled reserves from key battleground areas in Ukraine, including the occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, and Kharkiv, to reinforce its defenses in Kursk.
A Ukrainian military source told CNN that this redeployment suggests the Kremlin is struggling to maintain its positions amid the Ukrainian advance.
“This operation marks a major embarrassment for the Kremlin,” military analyst Andriy Kholod commented, noting that Russia’s inability to repel Ukrainian forces from its own territory could have significant implications for the conflict’s future trajectory.
Commander Dmytro Kholod, leading Ukraine’s “Nightingale” battalion, told CNN that Ukrainian forces had received intelligence indicating that Russian soldiers were being pulled from various fronts to counter the incursion.
Kholod added that his battalion had been involved in the capture of Russian troops and the destruction of Russian military assets during the operation.
The Ukrainian advance into Russian territory represents a significant escalation in the conflict, challenging Moscow’s military capabilities and raising questions about the Kremlin’s response.
As Kyiv’s forces continue to push forward, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments that could reshape the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Wednesday have claimed the lives of at least 17 people, including five children and their parents. The strikes occurred as new cease-fire talks are set to begin, marking 10 months of relentless conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are expected to mediate the upcoming discussions aimed at brokering a cease-fire. However, sources indicate that the negotiating parties remain far apart on several key issues despite months of indirect negotiations.
A top Hamas official, speaking to The Associated Press, expressed growing frustration, stating that the group is losing faith in the U.S. as a mediator. It remains unclear whether Hamas will attend the talks scheduled to begin Thursday.
The overall Palestinian death toll in the conflict has approached 40,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, underscoring the devastating impact of the ongoing war.
One of the most recent strikes targeted a family home late Tuesday in the densely populated Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, a camp dating back to the 1948 war that led to the creation of Israel. The strike killed five children, aged 2 to 11, along with their parents.
The bodies were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where an Associated Press reporter witnessed the harrowing aftermath, describing the victims as dismembered by the blast, with the 2-year-old child reportedly decapitated.
In another tragic incident, a strike on a home early Wednesday in the nearby Maghazi refugee camp claimed the lives of four more people. The Health Ministry’s emergency service in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, reported that first responders found the bodies of four individuals killed in a strike on a residential tower late Tuesday.
Additionally, two more people were killed in a strike on a house in the northern town of Beit Lahiya, according to hospital sources.
Israeli military officials have not commented on these specific strikes but have maintained that they do not intentionally target civilians. The Israeli government frequently accuses Hamas of using residential areas for military purposes, which they argue makes it challenging to avoid civilian casualties.
However, officials in Israel rarely provide detailed accounts of individual strikes, leaving much of the devastation unaddressed in public statements.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the death toll rising and cease-fire prospects uncertain, the humanitarian crisis deepens. The international community watches closely, hoping that the upcoming talks might bring some respite to the war-torn region.
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Finnish government has assured Nigeria that legal proceedings involving Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be expedited and concluded soon. This assurance was provided by Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Simon Ekpa, who currently resides in Finland, leads a faction of IPOB known as Autopilot, which advocates for the creation of an independent state of Biafra, covering Nigeria’s South East and parts of the South-South regions. Ekpa has been accused of playing a pivotal role in instigating violence in Nigeria, particularly through the enforcement of a controversial sit-at-home order and other attacks targeting security personnel.
On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, engaged in high-level discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark. The discussions were centered around Ekpa’s activities and their impact on Nigeria’s security.
Finnish delegates to Nigeria
The delegation included Tobias Billström, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden; Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bjørg Sandkjær, the State Secretary for International Development from Norway; and Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy from Denmark.
During the discussions, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of Simon Ekpa. “It was a priority. There is no way Nigeria would engage with Finland without raising the issue of Simon Ekpa vociferously,” Tuggar stated, confirming that the matter was central to his talks with Valtonen.
The Finnish delegation assured Nigeria that the legal process against Ekpa would be handled swiftly and in accordance with Finnish law, underscoring their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Nigeria while addressing the concerns raised by the Nigerian government.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Authorities in Kampala have arrested three foreign nationals on Tuesday for attempting to illegally acquire Ugandan passports using fraudulent documents, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed.
The individuals, including a Nigerian national and two Cameroonians, were intercepted at the Immigration office in Kampala Central while trying to secure Ugandan passports under false pretenses.
The Nigerian, identified as Rahman Adam Bolakale, reportedly used a forged National ID under the name Makenke Rahman Adam to apply for a Ugandan passport, despite already holding a valid Nigerian passport. “He falsely claimed to be a Mufumbira with a Mufumbira father and Muganda mother,” the ministry stated, highlighting the extent of the deception.
In a related incident, the Cameroonian duo—Sah Cruz Nyimaneke, alias Kato Cruz, and Sah Yuri Kor-Nyui, alias Wasswa Alex—attempted to obtain Ugandan passports by presenting fake National IDs. The two, known as the Baganda Twins, were discovered to be holding valid Cameroonian passports.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has indicated that its legal team, along with other relevant agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation into the trio’s activities in preparation for their prosecution. “We want to reassure the public that our passport system is robust and that we consistently identify and apprehend such fraudsters,” the ministry asserted in a statement.
In light of this incident, the Ugandan public is being urged to avoid assisting foreigners in obtaining passports through fraudulent means, as doing so could result in severe legal repercussions. “We encourage anyone with information on such individuals to promptly report them to us so that appropriate actions can be taken,” the ministry added.
A 69-year-old German widow, Ms. Waltraud Wiesent, is appealing to Ghanaian authorities and the German Embassy in Accra for assistance in confiscating the property of two Nigerian fraudsters who swindled her in 2010. The appeal comes after a 2015 court judgement ordered the convicts, Mark Latif Adijum and Benjamin Taofeek Oluwashola, to refund €248,000 they fraudulently obtained from her under the guise of supplying gold.
Ms. Wiesent, speaking through the Ghanaian Times, has called on Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, to intervene in identifying and confiscating the convicts’ investments and properties in Ghana. She has also requested the German Embassy to engage with Mr. Dame to facilitate the recovery of her stolen funds.
The victim revealed that her bank sold her houses to settle the loan she had taken to send money to the Nigerians, who had presented themselves as legitimate gold dealers in Ghana.
In 2015, Adijum was sentenced to eight years in Nsawam Prisons by the Accra Circuit Court, while Oluwashola was fined GH¢40,000. Adijum’s subsequent appeal at the High Court was unsuccessful.
The case, which saw multiple adjournments, involved the fraudsters introducing themselves under false pretenses and convincing Ms. Wiesent to transfer money through various means, including Money Gram and bank accounts at Ecobank and Guaranty Trust Bank.
As Ms. Wiesent seeks justice and the enforcement of the court’s judgement, this case highlights the challenges of international fraud and the complexities of recovering stolen funds across borders.
South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 32.9% in the first quarter, according to a report released Tuesday by the government’s statistics office. This increase represents a 0.6 percentage point climb in joblessness for Africa’s most industrialized economy.
The number of unemployed individuals has now reached 8.4 million, a significant increase from 5.2 million in 2014. Simultaneously, the number of employed persons decreased by 92,000 to 16.7 million in Q2 2024.
Key sectors experiencing job losses include trade, agriculture, and construction. Only manufacturing, social services, and utilities showed job growth during this period. The Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces saw the most significant decreases in employment.
This rise in unemployment comes as South Africa continues to grapple with economic challenges, including a prolonged recession and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The country has struggled to create jobs in recent years, a situation that has become a critical political issue.
The unemployment figures are the first to be released since the May 2024 elections, which resulted in a coalition government. The new administration has placed economic revival at the top of its agenda, responding to the unemployment crisis that likely contributed to the African National Congress (ANC) losing its absolute majority.
As South Africa faces this growing unemployment challenge, the new government’s ability to stimulate job creation and economic growth will be closely watched by both citizens and international observers.
