Atletico Madrid staged a thrilling comeback to defeat RB Leipzig 2-1 in their Champions League opener, with Jose Maria Gimenez scoring a dramatic 90th-minute winner. Leipzig had taken an early lead through Benjamin Sesko, but Antoine Griezmann equalized before Gimenez’s late heroics secured the victory.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former Arsenal striker, has been arrested and charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis into the UK. The 33-year-old footballer was apprehended by the National Crime Agency (NCA) after Border Force officers discovered 60kg of cannabis in suitcases arriving from Thailand. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and the significant risks involved for those caught.
Barcelona travels to face AS Monaco in their opening Champions League match of the new season. While Barcelona boasts an impressive La Liga record, they face a significant challenge with numerous injuries to key players. Monaco, in third place in Ligue 1, will be hoping to capitalize on Barcelona’s vulnerabilities and secure a strong start to their Champions League campaign.
Sunil Chhetri scored a brace to lead Bengaluru FC to a 3-0 victory over Hyderabad FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) opener. Chhetri’s milestone achievement tied him with Bartholomew Ogbeche as the joint all-time leading goal-scorer in ISL history.
The city of Munich will rename a street near the Allianz Arena in honor of legendary German footballer Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away earlier this year. The street will be renamed Franz Beckenbauer Platz, effectively giving the stadium the address of Franz Beckenbauer Platz 5, reflecting his iconic shirt number.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former Arsenal player, has been arrested and charged with attempting to smuggle 600,000 pounds worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport. The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for Greenock Morton, was apprehended at his home near Glasgow.
Qatar Airways has announced a long-term partnership with the UEFA Champions League, extending its commitment to the world of football and uniting people through the power of sport. The partnership will see the airline become the Official Airline Partner of the prestigious tournament, showcasing its brand to millions of fans globally.
Dinamo Zagreb manager Sergej Jakirovic has stepped down by mutual agreement following their record-breaking 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The decision comes after a tumultuous week for the Croatian club, with Jakirovic’s future under scrutiny following the devastating loss.
Oman has decided to part ways with Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy, less than eight months after his appointment, following the team’s disappointing start in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Silhavy’s departure comes after Oman failed to earn any points in their first two matches of Group B, losing to Iraq and South Korea.
Kevin Lamour, a highly regarded executive in European football and UEFA’s deputy general secretary, is moving to FIFA as their new chief operating officer. This move reunites him with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, with whom he previously collaborated at UEFA. Lamour’s appointment comes amidst a period of relatively smooth relations between FIFA and UEFA.
