India Edge Bangladesh 1-0 in SAFF U17 Championship Opener

India Edge Bangladesh 1-0 in SAFF U17 Championship Opener

Defending champions India kicked off their SAFF U17 Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in a Group A encounter at the Changlimithang Stadium. Despite dominating the match, India struggled to break down a resolute Bangladesh defense until defender Sumit Sharma’s late header in the 90th minute secured the win.

Substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang, introduced in the 78th minute, played a pivotal role in the goal. His precise cross from the right flank found a host of Bangladesh defenders out of position, allowing Sharma to head the ball into the net.

India’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with wing-backs Renin Singh Chingtham and Yaipharemba Chingakham providing constant overlaps and wingers Vishal Yadav and Samson Ahongshangbam posing a constant threat. However, the Bangladesh defense, aided by some luck, managed to keep the Indian attackers at bay for most of the match.

In the final 20 minutes, India intensified their attack, with Samson’s long-range effort hitting the crossbar and Yaipharemba’s header narrowly missing the target. Despite the Bangladesh defense’s resilience, Sharma’s late goal proved decisive, giving India a crucial three points in the three-team group.

While the victory was a positive start for India, they will be disappointed with the narrow margin of victory given their dominance. The team will need to improve their finishing and efficiency in front of goal if they are to retain their title.

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League continues unabated as they sit atop the standings with a perfect record after four games. Their impressive start has fueled speculation about whether they can extend their title reign to an unprecedented five consecutive seasons.

Former City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the team has the potential to achieve this feat. “There is nothing wrong with them being able to win it again,” he said. “The team is pretty much the same.”

Wright-Phillips highlights the additions of Sylvinho and Ilkay Gundogan as key factors in City’s strength. “They give City a different edge and make them stronger in a different way,” he said.

Despite losing Julian Alvarez, Wright-Phillips believes City’s ability to adapt and find solutions is a testament to their resilience. “City have a knack of finding a way to deal with it and the players who are in there step up and do what they need to do,” he said.

The diminutive winger attributes City’s success to the mentality instilled by manager Pep Guardiola and the players. “The mentality they have for being at their best all the time is incredible,” he said.

Erling Haaland’s prolific start to the season, with nine goals in four matches, has further bolstered City’s title hopes. “He came to the club to score goals and he is doing exactly what he came to do,” said Wright-Phillips. “He is smashing every individual record that’s humanly possible to do in the space of two years.”

Wright-Phillips identifies Arsenal and Liverpool as City’s main challengers for the title. “You can’t write off Arsenal. They are a fantastic team with a fantastic manager,” he said. “You can’t write off Liverpool even though they have a new manager. It will be within those three teams.”

However, Wright-Phillips believes the early clash between City and Arsenal could have an impact on the title race. “In many ways, City vs Arsenal has come too early,” he said. “It would have been better 10-15 games in because the players would have been a lot sharper.”

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City and Arsenal, two English Premier League powerhouses, are set to clash once again on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with the coveted title on the line. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, will be determined to dethrone the reigning champions, who have triumphed over them in the past two seasons.

Arsenal’s defense has been a formidable force this season, conceding only one goal in five matches. However, they will face a stern test against Manchester City’s attacking prowess. Former City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that the team’s ability to create individual moments of brilliance will be crucial in overcoming Arsenal’s defensive resilience.

“City always play tactically, but they also have players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne who can produce moments of magic,” Wright-Phillips said. “It doesn’t have to be a one-two or an interchange; it can be a shot from outside the box.”

Arsenal’s challenge has been compounded by the absence of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Gunners’ attacking play has suffered in his absence, as evidenced by their recent goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.

Manchester City, on the other hand, also faced a goalless draw in their Champions League match against Inter Milan. However, they dominated the game, creating 22 shots with five on target. Wright-Phillips believes that City’s experience and depth will give them an edge over Arsenal.

“They dealt with a similar situation against Inter Milan and they will be prepared,” Wright-Phillips said. “I think they will be able to deal with the Arsenal counterattack and take their chances.”

The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit each other’s weaknesses. Arsenal will need to find a way to break down City’s defense without Odegaard, while City will need to be clinical in front of goal.

Galaxy Racer Emerges as Home for European Football in India, Offering Free Live Streams

Galaxy Racer Emerges as Home for European Football in India, Offering Free Live Streams

Galaxy Racer (GXR), a leading transmedia powerhouse based in Dubai, has emerged as the Home for European Football fans across the Indian subcontinent. The Galaxy Racer app has commenced LIVE streams of the Spanish LALIGA, the Italian Serie A – as well as the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana – and the French Ligue 1 McDonald’s and Ligue 2 BKT starting from the 2024/25 season kick-off.

GXR has bagged the official media rights partnership for these 3 premier European Leagues featuring legendary football clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid in the Spanish LALIGA for the next six years, AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan of the Serie A for the next four years and not to forget PSG, Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais from the French Ligue 1 McDonald’s for four seasons as a minimum.

Importantly, GXR is airing the matches of these three leagues LIVE on a FREE TO AIR basis for fans in the Indian Subcontinent. With this move, GXR is poised to establish itself as the premier football platform in India, transforming the way fans interact with the sport and creating deeper connections through a fan-first approach.

As part of this ground-breaking partnership, GXR will not only provide high-quality streaming of top European football leagues, but also offer an immersive fan experience through its innovative Super App. The App promises to evolve beyond traditional streaming by integrating fan engagement tools, news, chat features and real-money gaming in the future updates, creating a comprehensive football ecosystem tailored to the Indian market.

Paul Roy, CEO, Galaxy Racer (GXR), said: “Football is more than a sport; it’s a passion that millions of fans across India consume with great enthusiasm. The appetite for high-quality football content in India is immense, and with GXR’s Super App, we aim to cater to this demand in a way that has never been done before. By streaming LALIGA, Serie A, Ligue 1 McDonald’s and Ligue 2 BKT matches live and free to air, we’re providing millions of fans with unparalleled access to world-class football. Through our expertise in key areas like licensing, content creation, esports, influencer and talent management, merchandising, and music, we’re offering a truly unique and immersive football experience to the Indian audience.”

With media rights for three of Europe’s biggest football leagues, GXR is now positioned to become the largest European football rights holder in India. The content will soon be available in multiple regional languages, including Bengali, Malayalam and Hindi enabling GXR to penetrate key football markets. This multilingual offering is expected to drive deeper interaction and loyalty among football fans across the country.

Javier Tebas, President, LALIGA said: “We are thrilled to partner with GXR to bring LALIGA closer to the passionate football fans of India. This innovative platform will connect young fans directly with their idols, creating a more immersive and personal football experience.”

Luigi De Siervo, Lega Serie A CEO said: “An exciting and innovative journey begins together with two other great European Leagues, in a country that has already hosted some legends of Italian football such as Del Piero and Materazzi, football stars in the recent past in India. Teaming up with GXR we will bring the excitement of Serie A straight to the hearts of the millions of fans living in this new frontier of football.”

Benjamin Morel, LFP Media CEO said: “Our partnership with GXR offers a fresh, dynamic way for young fans in India to experience Ligue 1 McDonald’s and Ligue 2 BKT. Through this innovative platform, we’re bridging the gap between fans and their favorite footballers, creating unforgettable moments and fan interactions.”

What sets GXR apart from other platforms is its mission to provide an all-encompassing digital experience. As a Super App, fans will not only watch their favourite teams play but also engage in discussions, participate in real-money gaming, and enjoy exclusive content from influencers and talent across the football world.

GXR’s partnership with LALIGA, Serie A, and Ligue 1 McDonald’s and Ligue 2 BKT signifies a new era for football fans in India, where cutting-edge technology and a fan-centric approach will deliver unparalleled access to global football content. The platform’s direct-to-consumer strategy aims to revolutionize how Indian football fans interact with the sport, placing them at the heart of the action like never before.

To catch all the live action and experience this revolutionary football experience first-hand, download the GXR app or visit www.gxr.world. Join the football revolution with GXR!

Barcelona Face Monaco in Champions League Opener After Pre-Season Shock

Barcelona Beaten for the first time in the season

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick delivered a pressing message to his players following their first defeat of the season in the Champions League against Monaco. 

The match was significantly impacted by an early red card shown to Eric Garcia, leaving Barcelona in a challenging position. Despite the disadvantage, the team fought hard and came close to equalizing, but Monaco ultimately secured a 2-1 victory.

Flick acknowledged the pivotal role of Garcia’s sending off in the game’s outcome. “Yes, the game changed completely [after the red],” he stated, emphasizing that the team did their best under the circumstances. 

Although Flick acknowledged mistakes were made, he praised the team’s effort, saying, “We defended with passion. We made some mistakes, but we tried to score goals. We had some chances, but they deserved to win.”

Despite the setback, Flick remains optimistic about the team’s future. He expressed his determination for Barcelona to rebound from this loss, urging his players to come back stronger.

He remarked, “We lost, okay, I told the players that, but now we have to come back stronger, recover for Sunday’s game. We have to give our best and fight for the team. ​We lost this game, but we will continue to fight.​”

Looking ahead, Barcelona will quickly shift their focus to their upcoming match against Villarreal this weekend. Flick will strive to maintain their unbeaten run in La Liga, seeking to lift the team’s spirits following the Champions League defeat.

UEFA Champions League: A Legacy of Triumph, Tragedy, and the Curse of Béla Guttmann

UEFA Champions League: A Legacy of Triumph, Tragedy, and the Curse of Béla Guttmann

UEFA Champions League: A Legacy of Triumph and Tragedy

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, has captivated fans worldwide for decades. Its history is intertwined with iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable storylines.

In 1956, the tournament was inaugurated as the European Cup, with Real Madrid emerging as the inaugural champions. The Spanish giants dominated the early years, winning five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960. However, in 1961, a Hungarian manager named Béla Guttmann led Benfica to a stunning victory over Real Madrid, breaking their streak.

Guttmann’s triumph was not without controversy. After a dispute with the club’s management, he famously cursed Benfica, declaring that they would never win the European Cup again. The curse has haunted the Portuguese club ever since, as they have reached the final eight times but have never lifted the trophy.

Over the years, the tournament has undergone several changes. In 1992, it was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League and expanded to include more teams. The format has also evolved, with the introduction of a group stage and a knockout phase.

Real Madrid remains the most successful club in the tournament’s history, with a record 15 titles. Other notable winners include Bayern Munich (6 titles), Liverpool (6 titles), and Barcelona (5 titles).

The Champions League has also witnessed some of the greatest players in football history. Cristiano Ronaldo is the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, with 140 goals. Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldinho are among the other legends who have graced the competition.

However, the Champions League has also been marred by tragedy. In 1985, 39 people were killed in a stampede at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels during the final between Liverpool and Juventus. The disaster led to a ban on English clubs from European competitions for five years.

Despite the challenges, the UEFA Champions League continues to captivate fans around the world. It is a tournament that combines the highest level of football with a rich history and unforgettable moments.

Young Stars Shine and Veterans Deliver in Champions League Opener

Young Stars Shine and Veterans Deliver in Champions League Opener

Two of the world’s most promising young players, Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz, made their mark on the Champions League stage on Thursday, albeit with contrasting fortunes.

Yamal, 17, scored his first Champions League goal for Barcelona, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Spanish giants from falling to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco. The teenager’s equalizer in the 28th minute canceled out Maghnes Akliouche’s opener, but George Ilenikhena’s 71st-minute strike sealed the victory for the French side.

Meanwhile, Wirtz, 21, enjoyed a dream debut in Europe’s elite club competition, scoring twice as Bayer Leverkusen romped to a 4-0 win at Feyenoord. The German midfielder opened the scoring within five minutes and added another six minutes later. Alejandro Grimaldo and Edmond Tapsoba also found the net for Leverkusen, which lost in the Europa League final in May.

Other notable results on the night included Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Leipzig, Benfica’s 2-1 triumph over Red Star Belgrade, and Brest’s historic 2-1 win over Sturm Graz in their first-ever European appearance.

Yamal’s goal made him the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history, behind only his Barcelona teammate Ansu Fati. The Spanish teenager has now scored in all three of his Champions League appearances.

Wirtz, who has three goals in as many Bundesliga games this season, continued his impressive start to the campaign with his brace against Feyenoord. The German international has now scored in each of his last four competitive matches.

Despite the presence of these young stars, it was a veteran who stole the show for Atlético. Antoine Griezmann, 33, scored for the 11th straight season in the Champions League and also assisted José María Giménez’s last-gasp winner.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was the hero for the Gunners, saving a penalty in the 51st minute to preserve a 0-0 draw at Atalanta. The Spanish international’s double save denied Mateo Retegui and kept Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season intact.

Anwar Ali Cleared to Play for East Bengal After AIFF Reverses Suspension

Anwar Ali Cleared to Play for East Bengal After AIFF Reverses Suspension

Anwar Ali Cleared to Play for East Bengal After AIFF Reverses Suspension

Indian defender Anwar Ali has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Players Status Committee, allowing him to officially join East Bengal. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court ordered a rehearing of Ali’s case, overturning a previous four-month suspension imposed by the AIFF.

The AIFF had initially suspended Ali for allegedly terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan in an unjust manner. The federation also sought a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore from Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal. However, the Delhi High Court intervened, criticizing the AIFF’s decision for lacking reasoning and failing to follow principles of natural justice.

The court directed the AIFF to reconsider its ruling, and the Players Status Committee has now granted Ali the NOC. This means that Ali is now free to join East Bengal and participate in the ongoing Indian Super League. He will be available for their upcoming match against Kerala Blasters on September 22 and the highly-anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on October 19.

Ali’s suspension had been a major setback for both the player and East Bengal. The defender is a key member of the Indian national team and has been a consistent performer for East Bengal in the past. His return to the team will provide a significant boost to their title aspirations.

The AIFF’s decision to reverse Ali’s suspension is a positive step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in Indian football. It also highlights the importance of due process and the right to a fair hearing for players.

Barcelona Face Monaco in Champions League Opener After Pre-Season Shock

Barcelona Face Monaco in Champions League Opener After Pre-Season Shock

Spanish giants Barcelona embark on their UEFA Champions League campaign with a daunting trip to the Principality to face AS Monaco at Stade Louis II. The Catalan club, eager to reclaim their European glory after years of setbacks, will be determined to make a statement under new coach Hansi Flick.

Flick’s Barcelona have made an impressive start to the season, winning all five of their La Liga matches. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for the Blaugrana, playing a pivotal role in their attacking prowess. However, Monaco sent shockwaves through the Barcelona camp when they met in a pre-season friendly last month.

Adi Hutter’s Monaco stunned Barcelona with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. The Ligue 1 side have also begun their season strongly, winning three of their first four games.

The Monaco vs Barcelona clash promises to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes in recent years. Barcelona, desperate to return to the European elite, will be eager to avenge their pre-season defeat. Monaco, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their impressive start and prove that their pre-season triumph was no fluke.

Arsenal Face Atalanta Hurdle in Champions League Opener

Arsenal Face Atalanta Hurdle in Champions League Opener

Arsenal’s European adventure begins with a daunting challenge as they travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners, fresh off a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, will be eager to make a winning start to their continental campaign.

However, Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, will pose a formidable obstacle. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has bounced back from recent Serie A setbacks with a victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.

Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Declan Rice, who is suspended. These absences will test the depth of Mikel Arteta’s squad, particularly in midfield.

Atalanta, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the return of key players such as Duvan Zapata and Ruslan Malinovskyi. The Italian side is known for its high-octane attacking style, which could pose problems for Arsenal’s defense.

The match will be played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Friday, September 20, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports network and streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

Arsenal will be looking to make a statement in their first Champions League match under Arteta. A victory would boost their confidence and set the tone for the rest of the group stage. However, Atalanta will be determined to prove that they are not to be underestimated and will be eager to make a mark on the European stage.

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