Marcus Rashford reminded Europe of his elite finishing ability with two sensational goals as Barcelona edged past Newcastle United 2-1 in their opening game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage. On loan from Manchester United, Rashford became the first English player to score for Barcelona in European competition since Gary Lineker in 1989, delivering a match-winning performance that silenced a spirited St James’ Park. Despite being the more aggressive side for much of the match, Newcastle were made to pay for a string of missed opportunities. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes failed to make the most of several inviting deliveries from Anthony Elanga, while Barcelona were ruthlessly efficient at the other end. Rashford Makes His Mark The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jules Kounde whipped in a precise cross from the right, and Rashford rose between two defenders to steer a composed header past Nick Pope. Just nine minutes later, the England international produced a moment of brilliance. Picking up the ball outside the box, Rashford unleashed a powerful dipping strike that clipped the underside of the bar before nestling in the top corner — a goal worthy of the occasion and a clear message to doubters following a mixed final season at Manchester United. England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance to witness Rashford’s performance first-hand, no doubt taking note of the forward’s clinical display ahead of next month’s international fixtures. Newcastle Fight Back, But Fall Short To their credit, Newcastle didn’t give up. The Magpies created 19 shots in total and had more efforts on target than the visitors, but their finishing lacked the sharpness shown by Rashford. Their persistence paid off late on when Anthony Gordon, who had been Newcastle’s liveliest attacking outlet all evening, finally found the net in the 88th minute with a composed finish after a slick passing move. But it was too little, too late. Barcelona held firm in the final moments, with Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong standing tall under pressure to help the Spanish giants secure a valuable three points on the road. What It Means The result gives Barcelona their first Champions League away win of the season and puts them in strong early contention in their group, while Newcastle will rue missed chances in what could prove to be a crucial fixture. For Rashford, it was a night to savour — not just for the goals, but for proving that on Europe’s biggest stage, he still has the tools to change a game.

Man City 2-0 Napoli: Haaland Hits 50th UCL Goal as 10-Man Napoli Fall at the Etihad

Erling Haaland reached yet another remarkable milestone as Manchester City kicked off their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night. The Norwegian striker netted his 50th Champions League goal in just 49 appearances — making him the fastest player in history to reach the mark, surpassing previous record-holder Ruud van Nistelrooy who did it in 62 games. City dominated from the start but were handed a major advantage in the 28th minute when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Jeremy Doku. The Italian side, already under pressure, were forced to retreat into a low block for the remainder of the match. Despite a goalless first half, City’s breakthrough came shortly after the interval. Haaland struck with typical precision in the 53rd minute, latching onto a low cross from Phil Foden and firing home past Alex Meret to break the deadlock and bring up his half-century in the competition. Napoli, down to ten men and struggling to maintain possession, offered little resistance as the hosts continued to dominate. The second goal arrived in the 68th minute, with Doku — who had tormented the Napoli backline all evening — finishing neatly after a slick one-two with Julian Alvarez. Pep Guardiola will be pleased with his side’s fluid attacking play and defensive discipline, especially ahead of their top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Arsenal on Super Sunday. City now top their group, while Napoli face an uphill battle in a competitive section. For Haaland, the night marked another milestone in a glittering European career — and ominous signs for City’s rivals.

US, UK Sign Nuclear Deal to Build Reactors and Power AI Data Centres

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have signed a multibillion-pound agreement to expand nuclear energy infrastructure in both countries, aimed at addressing rising power demands and bolstering clean energy initiatives. The deal, called the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, includes plans to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, northeast England. These reactors are expected to power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs. The agreement also covers the development of next-generation data centres powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) in Nottinghamshire, in a project valued at £11 billion ($15 billion). US-based Holtec, France’s EDF Energy, and UK investment firm Tritax will lead the data centre initiative, while UK energy supplier Centrica will partner with American firm X-energy on the Hartlepool reactors. The partnership builds on ongoing nuclear collaborations between UK firm Rolls-Royce and US contractor BWXT and is part of a broader strategy to modernise aging UK nuclear infrastructure. The UK currently operates eight nuclear power stations, most of which are nearing the end of their service life. The move comes as global demand for low-carbon, high-reliability energy surges—particularly in industries like artificial intelligence, where energy needs are rapidly increasing. The US aims to quadruple its nuclear capacity by 2050, with Trump’s administration supporting the expansion of modular reactor technology as a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional plants. Experts estimate the UK-US nuclear programme could generate at least £40 billion ($54.4 billion) in economic value. Construction timelines for these modular reactors typically span five to seven years, with deployment expected to begin in the early 2030s.

Super Eagles Slip on FIFA World Ranking

Former African Champions, Super Eagles have dropped one spot in World football governing body, FIFA monthly world ranking. The Eric Chelle lads are ranked 45th in the world and are sixth in Africa behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire. Nigeria won 1483.86 points as against her 1484.26 points in July. Meanwhile, Spain have returned to the ranking summit after a making a sensational start to qualifying for World Cup 26. They kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win in Bulgaria, then made it back-to-back away victories with a 6-0 trouncing of Turkey. La Roja last topped the ranking back in June 2014, when they were world and European champions. Argentina – the reigning world champions – booked their ticket to next year’s global finals back in March and had already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings before their final-round defeat to Ecuador. That loss has resulted in them losing their grip as the planet’s top-ranked team, however. La Albiceleste are now third, with France second after back-to-back wins over Ukraine and Iceland.

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