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Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the team announced Thursday.
Messi, 38, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a 2½-year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his deal.
The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the field of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
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“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed his desire to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team makes the move from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will play the final matches of the 2025 campaign at Chase Stadium before kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.
“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new standards on and off the pitch by leading Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, before going on to inspire Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and league record for most points in a single season.
Individually, Messi has won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in just 28 games.
Messi also has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favorite to become the first player to clinch the award on two consecutive occasions.
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Lionel Messi signs contract extension at Inter Miami
Lionel Messi extends his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season.
The club has seen a massive rise in global popularity with Messi on the roster. His pink No. 10 jersey has been MLS’ highest seller since he joined the league, and he has added to his massive off-field business empire since coming to the U.S. — even starring in a Super Bowl ad last year.
Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since Messi’s arrival, climbing to a reported $1.19 billion as of January 2025.
The league has prospered, too, with ticketing revenue reaching an all-time high in 2025. Five clubs has broken their attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league.
“We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”
Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who previously announced their retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Busquets and Alba will compete with Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs, with the hopes of clinching one final trophy as players.
Luis Suárez may also play his final games with the club, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. Though Suárez has yet to announce an extension with the club, Mas previously insisted the door remains open for him at Inter Miami should the Uruguayan choose to stay for another season.
Inter Miami and Messi will now prepare for the first game of the Round 1 playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Crystal Palace’s first home game in a major European competition didn’t go to plan as they were beaten by AEK Larnaca, but manager Oliver Glasner said “maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble”.
Thursday was supposed to be Palace’s big night as Selhurst Park hosted a match in Europe for the first time in its 101-year history.
There was an extra buzz at Selhurst station and inside the ground a sell-out crowd was chanting Glasner’s name and singing songs about last season’s FA Cup win.
Right before kick-off a stunning Dad’s Army-inspired tifo plotting out Palace’s path from south London to May’s Conference League final in Leipzig was unfurled, with a banner underneath saying “we are the boys who will win your little game”.
The stadium has become a fortress for Palace, who went into the game against the Cypriots unbeaten at home since February in all competitions.
But the Eagles’ play never reflected the hype. Yes they created plenty of chances, 15 in total, but just one was on target.
Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a hooked volley from close range in the first half and substitute Eddie Nketiah should have levelled in a late rally from the hosts, but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out.
Does Glasner have a point?
“You are always told when you play in the Premier League you win the Conference League,” said the Palace boss.
“Stay humble. I don’t know if any debutant [is able] to win the competition. I don’t think so.
“We will learn from it, the players will learn. It’s disappointing, a frustrating night, but maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble.”
So far this season, we’ve seen a total of six different MLS teams get their hands on major silverware.
Philadelphia Union claimed the Supporters’ Shield, Nashville won their first-ever trophy after beating Austin in the U.S. Open Cup Final, Vancouver Whitecaps came away with the Canadian Championship, whilst Seattle Sounders secured their maiden Leagues Cup title. However, the most important trophy is still up for grabs: the MLS Cup title.
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1. Supporters’ Shield
Inter Miami with the Supporters’ Shield (Image credit: CHRIS ARJOON/AFP via Getty Images)
In contrast to just about every other major soccer country in the world, the United States does not define its champion based on the regular season. Instead, the team that finishes with the best regular season record out of the entire 30 teams will come away with the Supporters’ Shield.
The Supporters’ Shield isn’t just a prestigious trophy – it also guarantees you homefield advantage from the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs all the way to the final. However, it hasn’t always coincided with the ultimate prize, as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami came to found out last season. After finishing with an MLS record 74 points, Miami were bounced in the opening round of the playoffs by Atlanta United.
Furthermore, the Supporters’ Shield champions will host the Campeones Cup Final against the best team in Mexico. They will face off against whichever team wins the Campeón de Campeones, an annual match held between the Liga MX Apertura and Clausura winners.
2. MLS Cup
The Philip F. Anschutz trophy is seen on the field before the start of a match between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City (Image credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Only six teams have managed to pull off the elusive Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup double, with just two teams completing the feat in the past 11 years. Philadelphia will be looking to break that trend and conquer the biggest prize in American soccer for the first time in club history.
The Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions face off against the winners of the wild-card match between the eighth and ninth-placed team, with a total of eight teams competing in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The higher-ranked team will host the first match (and third if necessary), with the two sides facing off in a penalty shootout in the event of a stalemate after 90 minutes.
After playing two or three legs in the opening round, it then goes to a sudden-death, one-leg format for the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and MLS Cup Finals.
Every match will go to 120 minutes and potentially a penalty shootout if necessary to determine the winner, and every match will be hosted by the higher-ranked opponent in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
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3. U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final trophy is displayed before Seattle Sounders play Sporting Kansas City (Image credit: Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Whilst the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield are the two most coveted trophies in American soccer, they’re far from the most senior in rank. That title would go to the U.S. Open Cup, which has been in business since the 1913/14 season.
This competition is a single-elimination tournament that has been contested by at least 80 teams since the 2014 edition, and it doesn’t just consist of MLS teams, but teams all across the American pyramid, mixing professional and amateur sides together and consistently serving up its fair share of matches, which last up to 120 minutes and a penalty shootout if necessary.
But despite its historical context, MLS has taken steps to ensure that not all of its teams compete in this tournament. On December 15, 2023, MLS announced that affiliated reserve teams from MLS Next Pro would be sent in place of MLS teams for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Final, only for U.S. Soccer to deny the request.
For the first time in the modern era, the US Open Cup defending champions did not defend their crown with LAFC participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The U.S. soccer authorities have been careful to ensure that teams competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup are not burdened with fixture congestion, with 16 MLS teams taking part in the fourth round of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup and the others sending their reserve side in their place.
4. Leagues Cup
David Beckham celebrates with the Leagues Cup trophy (Image credit: Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images)
History was made in 2019 when Liga MX and MLS announced the first-ever annual soccer competition between clubs of two different leagues. The first three editions would see four teams from each country compete in the Leagues Cup, but the 2023 edition would see all 47 sides from the USA and Mexico’s top soccer divisions compete in the tournament, with both leagues needing to take a one-month pause in order to hold the tournament.
It couldn’t have come at a better time for expansion, as Lionel Messi immediately integrated into his new Inter Miami side and elevated them from MLS’ cellar to beating Nashville the first-ever edition of the expanded Leagues Cup Final, whilst the 2024 tournament would see Columbus edge LAFC to the title. However, the 2025 edition would see only 18 of the 30 MLS teams compete, whilst all 18 Liga MX teams competed.
In contrast to previous editions where each team competes in a three-team group in order to reach the knockout round, this edition featured a league phase of three games, with each of the four highest-ranked Liga MX and MLS teams advancing. There was an all-American podium for the second straight year, with all four MLS teams winning in the quarterfinals, and Seattle beating Miami on home soil.
5. CONCACAF Champions Cup
Salomon Rondon of Pachuca celebrates with the CONCACAF Champions Cup (Image credit: Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Last but certainly not least, there is the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which is MLS teams’ equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. As a result of a newly expanded version that commenced in 2024, five MLS teams qualify for the tournament in addition to six Liga MX clubs, two Canadian Premier League clubs, the U.S. Open Cup winner, the Canadian Championship winner, three Leagues Cup sides, six Central America Cup clubs, and three Caribbean Cup clubs.
Whilst 22 clubs enter the tournament in the opening round, five teams (the winners of MLS Cup, Liga MX, Leagues Cup, Central American Cup, and Caribbean Cup) receive byes to the Round of 16. So far, Seattle, Miami and the LA Galaxy have already qualified for the 2026 edition after winning the gold, silver and bronze medals in the Leagues Cup, whereas Nashville and Vancouver qualified after winning the U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship, in addition to Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia, and FC Cincinnati.
Since the tournament’s launch in 1962, only three American sides have been able to get their hands on the continental title: D.C. United in 1998, LA Galaxy in 2000 and Seattle Sounders in 2022. Could we see a fourth American champion in 2026?
Without the injured Chris Wood, who has been nursing a knee injury, his manager was robbed of his most potent weapon.
The striker scored 53 goals for Dyche at Burnley and despite his struggles this season, scoring just three times, still represents Forest’s biggest threat.
Jesus replaced Taiwo Awoniyi and dropped deep to cause problems for Porto, pulling them out of position, before scoring his third Europa League goal to seal the game from the spot.
Dyche moved to a back four, with centre-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic more comfortable, especially with Elliot Anderson and Douglas Luiz sitting in front of them in midfield.
Anderson was his usual energetic, all-action self, which allowed Gibbs-White more freedom going forward, flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye.
The widemen were utilised often, even if their end product was lacking at times.
Around £120m worth of summer signings in James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa and Arnaud Kalimuendo was left out of the squad on Saturday and Dyche recalled McAtee and Kalimuendo to the bench.
Hutchinson, Forest’s £37.5m record signing, was not included in the European squad while Bakwa was injured.
Forest can perhaps slip back into their old ways under Nuno Espirito Santo – compact, counter-attacking and more pragmatic – quicker than adapting to the high press, high-tempo style Ange Postecoglou wanted to employ.
It certainly looked easier, with more fight, spirit and courage shown than under Postecoglou. The Australian could be forgiven for wondering where it was while he was in charge.
It ultimately earned Forest a first clean sheet in 21 matches, since a 1-0 win over Manchester United in April.
“I can finally breathe tonight,” Gibbs-White told TNT Sports. “It has been a difficult couple of months with all the changes and the bad performances, so it was good to get our first win in eight or nine games.
“We are delighted to get the three points and I want to thank the fans for sticking by us.
“The gaffer said when he came in that last season we had a real identity, and he wants to build on top of that. I am just delighted that the boys got the three points and the win.
“You can feel the morale. It feels a lot more positive and it needs to stay like that. That’s credit to the manager. He has instilled that in us, and we have to keep up that mentality.”
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72 min: I realised I never got back to you with Jan Bednarekâ€s age. He is still in his 20s – 29! It feels like the Polish defender has been around since the 2004.
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Crystal Palace are 1-0 down AEK Larnaca in Conference League!
Riad Bajic has got the goal to give the Cypriot side a shock lead at Selhurst Park!
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RED CARD! Sturm Graz down to 10 men against Celtic!
Chukwuani sees red for a high foot on Callum McGregor in midfield. The referee issues a straight red for the challenge. Iâ€m probably in the minority in thinking that that is a little harsh on the Sturm Graz man – McGregor came into the 50/50 with much more force but won the ball, and Chukwuani just clumsily dangled his foot, with his studs finding McGregorâ€s shin. I can see why itâ€s a sending off, but the little smile from McGregor when he saw the red in the refereeâ€s hand tells a little story.
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67 min: Feyenoord have also turned it around against Panathinaikos! Algerian international Anis Hadj-Moussa has sold one almighty dummy and curled a finish into the far corner to give the Dutch side a 2-1 lead!
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GOAL! Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz (Nygren 64)
Two goals in three minutes! Nygren has missed a couple of chances tonight but he makes no mistake in nodding in from another Celtic corner! Celtic have turned this one around!
Benjamin Nygren heads Celtic in front! Photograph: Jane Barlow/PAShare
Updated at 16.38 EDT
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Sturm Graz (Scales 61)
Celtic are level! A quick corner catches the Austrian side unawares and a low cross finds Scales on the six-yard box, with the centre-back turning a tidy finish into the far corner. Parkhead erupts!
Liam Scales equalises for Celtic! Photograph: Jane Barlow/PAShare
Updated at 16.37 EDT
57 min: A sluggish start to the second half for Porto, who are struggling in particular with Ndoye down Forestâ€s right wing. Porto manager Francesco Farioli has seen enough and is preparing three substitutions. Veiga, Fernandes and Mora coming on, Varela and former Norwich forward Borja Sainz are among those being hooked.
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55 min: Celtic go close! An inch-perfect through ball from Scales at the back finds Nygren, who canâ€t convert a header from six yards out. The only issue with the ball was that it was a little too ‘straight†but Nygren completely misjudged the connection, the ball bouncing off his dome at a disgusting angle, as though he had a Toblerone on top of his head.
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Peeeeeeeep!
Weâ€re back underway for the second halves in our 8pm kick-offs.
Porto fans, can you tell me why Rodrigo Mora is on the bench? Heâ€s the next big thing, apparently, and this is the first time this season that the Portuguese club have trailed.
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Half-time reading:
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Half-time scores in the Conference League
Palace are being held by AEK Larnaca, the Cypriot side!
Photograph: GuardianShare
Half-time scores from around the grounds
Photograph: GuardianShare
Half-time: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Porto
Morgan Gibbs-White has scored the first goal of the Sean Dyche era, from the penalty spot.
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Half-time: Celtic 0-1 Sturm Graz
The Scottish side trail to that fine Tomi Horvat goal, which is one of the best goals Iâ€ve seen live this season.
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44 min: A shocking first half for Lille, who find themselves 3-0 down at home to Greek club PAOK. Giannis Konstantelias, voted the Greek player of last season, has scored the latest goal for the visitors, cutting inside on his right foot and squeezing a finish inside the near post.
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42 min: Celtic are really ramping it up, as they search for an equaliser against Sturm Graz. Sebastian Tounekti has turned his marker inside out on the left wing, and the Tunisia international sends a searching cross across the face of goal, with no Celtic player able to get onto the end of it. Rodgers†side might be 1-0 down, but they are right in this.
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40 min: Pop quiz, how is Jan Bednarek? The former Southampton defender, now of Porto.
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37 min: Given their record this season, it is not a surprise to see Porto coming back into this game against Porto. Alan Varela zings a swirling, dipping shot from 30 yards out towards the far corner, which nearly deceives Sels in the Forest goal, but the Belgian gets his fingertips to the ball, tipping wide.
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34 min: I have only two eyes and many screens to glean, so I missed Viktoria Plzenâ€s opening goal against Roma. Fear not, reader Kári Tulinius caught it, and has emailed in a fine description of what sounds like a fine goal.
“Prince Kwabena Adu of Viktoria Plzen, who Guardian readers with long memories will remember from the Next Generation 2020 feature, scored an absolute beauty against Roma. For the first, he ran towards goal from the left wing, going past two or three defenders and banging it in past Mile Svilar.â€
Prince Kwabena Adu scores a beauty against Roma for Viktoria Plzen in Rome. Photograph: Alfredo Falcone/APShare
Updated at 16.19 EDT
32 min: That scare has jolted Celtic into gear, as they try to find an equaliser. Tierney does well to reach the byline and his cross eventually finds Engels, who heads at goal … cleared off the line by Sturm Grazâ€s Emanuel Aiwu. It remains 1-0 to the Austrian side.
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30 min: Sturm Graz should be 2-0 up at Celtic, as Karic has the freedom of the left wing to canter into the penalty area, cuts the ball back to the unmarked Otar Kiteishvili but the No 10 could only ping a shot against the outside of the post!
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GOAL! Roma 0-2 Viktoria Plzen (Cheick Souaré 22)
Two quickfire goals, the latter from Cheick Souaré, has left Roma reeling! The Italian side are just one point off the top of Serie A at the moment but look well off the pace here, as Cheick Souaré scores another long-range scorcher, his low shot finding the far corner from 25 yards out to double Viktoria Plzenâ€s lead.
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24 min: More bad news for Celtic, with Alistair Johnston pulling up. That looks like a recurrence of his hamstring injury. This was the Canadianâ€s first game since August and now he looks set for another spell on the sidelines. Colby Donovan, his replacement, isnâ€t quite ready to come on yet, so Celtic are going to have to play with 10 men for a short while!
Iheanacho has also had to be replaced, so more problems for Rodgers.
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Updated at 15.34 EDT
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 1-0 Porto (Gibbs-White 19 pen)
Gibbs-White scores his first ever European goal, sending Diogo Costa the wrong way! The City Ground absolutely erupts, but Sean Dyche is a picture of calm on the sidelines. As though he planned all this. In the stands, the spectacled Evangelos Marinakis calmly claps.
Morgan Gibbs-White scores the the first goal of the Forest Dyche-ball era. Photograph: Nick Potts/PAShare
Updated at 15.28 EDT
Penalty to Forest! Handball!
Jan Bednarek, the former Southampton centre-back, is penalised and the Porto defender canâ€t really have any complaints!
A penalty all day long. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 15.25 EDT
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Sturm Graz (Tomi Horvat 15)
WHAT. A. GOAL! Sturm Graz take the lead through a sensational strike from Tomi Horvat! The ball breaks loose in midfield and the Slovenian pounces on it, before curling an outrageous pearler into the top corner from 30 yards out. Schmeichel no chance! Celtic are stunned!
Tomi Horvat scores a beauty for Sturm Graz! Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 15.22 EDT
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Updated at 15.17 EDT
10 min: Forest are dominating the ball against Porto. It will be a fascinating game and very intruiging to see how strong the visitors are here, given they have won all but one of their matches this season. The only game they havenâ€t was a 0-0 draw with José Mourinhoâ€s Benfica a couple of weeks ago. This season Porto have scored 26 goals in all competitions and conceded just two. How will they go against a Premier League side currently languishing in the relegation zone?
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GOAL! Celta Vigo 1-0 Nice (Iago Aspas 3)
Iago Aspas might be 38 but he knows where the goal is, and the Celta Vigo legend arrows a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards!
Iago Aspas fires in for Celta. What a finish from the former Liverpool man. Photograph: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 15.18 EDT
4 mins: I can report that Dyche has immediately reverted to a back four. None of that 3-5-2 woke nonsense.
(Itâ€s 4-3-3 tonight, for the record).
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Updated at 15.08 EDT
Sean Dyche has opted for a bright blue tracksuit for his first appearance in the Forest dugout. The manager is given a fine reception as he takes his place, one of their own. Dyche is a Forest man through and through, came through the academy, still lives in the city, this is the realisation of a dream.
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Peeeeeeeeep!
All 10 of the 8pm BST kick-offs get underway. Here are the fixtures.
Photograph: GuardianShare
Here is a record of all the full-time scores from the early kick-offs. A great win for Ferencvaros, who came back from 1-0 to win in Austria after three goals in eight second-half minutes.
Photograph: GuardianShare
Itâ€s a fine atmosphere at Parkhead as the players come out onto the pitch, Celtic fans belting out a rendition of ‘Youâ€ll Never Walk Aloneâ€. The return of Alistair Johnston is a big plus, the right backâ€s first appearance since August.
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers speaks to TNT:
The real leaders that I work with normally turn pressure into progress. Thereâ€s no doubt that weâ€ve had setbacks this season but this is a wonderful opportunity to take a step forward.
We want to bring joy and happiness to supporters and the way we do that is perform. Thatâ€s what we want to do tonight.
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Itâ€s worth noting that the travelling Rangers fans still gave Danny Röhl a warm reception when the new manager went across to greet them, despite the defeat. I donâ€t think anyone holds the German accountable for that dreadful defeat to Brann.
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Just a laugh, like, but I had a good chuckle at this.
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Of course, Danny Röhl is not the only new manager in the dugout this week. Nottingham Forest now have Sean Dyche running the show. Itâ€s a clash of two former European champions at the City Ground, as Porto come to town. Here are our preview pieces.
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Celtic v Sturm Graz team news
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, Hatate, McGregor, Nygren, Engels, Iheanacho, Tounekti.
Subs: Sinisalo, Trusty, Balikwisha, Yang, McCowan, Kenny, Bernardo, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Donovan, Ralston.
Sturm Graz: Bignetti, Oermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Chukwuani, Horvat, Kiteishvili, Rozga, Malone.
Subs: Wiener-Pucher, Khudyakov, Mitchell, Kayombo, Jatta, Beck, Malic, Hierlander, Geyrhofer, Grgic, Hodl.
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Nottingham Forest v Porto team news
Forest: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Zinchenko, Anderson, Douglas Luiz, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Igor Jesus.
Subs: John Victor, Morato, Sangare, Kalimuendo, Dominguez, Yates, McAtee, Boly, Savona, Abbott, Willows, Blake.
Porto: Costa, Alberto Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura, Froholdt, Varela, Rosario, Pepe, Aghehowa, Sainz.
Subs: Claudio Ramos, Joao Costa, Stephen Eustaquio, William, Veiga, Sanusi, Prpic, Gul, Alarcon, Fernandes, Bras, Mora.
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Full-time: Brann 3-0 Rangers
A miserable defeat for the Scottish side in Danny Röhlâ€s first game in charge. Gers are rock bottom of the standings, owing to their miserable goal difference. One shot on target tonight. Ouch.
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Full-time: Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 Aston Villa
A famous win for the Dutch side! The runaway favourites for this yearâ€s competition, Villa, have been beaten in the rain!
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Weâ€re into stoppage time at Go Ahead Eagles. Just two minutes for Villa to find an equaliser … Cash crosses to the back post towards Mings … the big defender rises highest but completely fails to make contact on the greasy ball. Go Ahead Eagles survive!
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“Can I be the first of many to propose ‘Brann Flakes†for tomorrowâ€s breakfast headlines?†emails Keith Buchanan.
Thatâ€s excellent, Keith.
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GOAL! Brann 3-0 Rangers (Noah Holm 79)
A simple goal, as Noah Holm has all the time in the world to control a cross on the penalty spot and leather his shot past Jack Butland. Itâ€s true that Röhl might not be fully chastised for this defeat, given he is only three days into the job, but this is not a very good look. All McCoist, Rangers legend and TNT co-commentator tonight, started the night in optimistic mood, but is struggling to make sense of this performance now. That will be three defeats from three games in the Europa League for Rangers, who are also struggling domestically, sixth in the table and hosting Kilmarnock on Sunday.
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Buendia misses the penalty for Villa! Go Ahead Eagles still lead 2-1!
In a swirling wind, Buendia opts to try and find the top corner and gets it all wrong, blazing the ball over the bar! A dreadful effort and the stadium erupts! The camera cuts to Emery and Villa fans in the away end, all of whom are cursing and gesturing towards the Argentinian. Ooooof.
Deary me. Photograph: Alex Bierens de Haan/UEFA/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 14.30 EDT
Penalty to Villa!
Itâ€s a soft one, Cashâ€s cross clearly catches the hand of Dean James but there was nothing the Indonesia international could do about it, just a yard or two away from the Villa right back when he kicked it.
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Emery has brought a lot of the big hitters off the bench – Rogers, McGinn, Cash, Kamara – as they try to get an equaliser. Rogers has just hit the outside of Go Ahead Eagles†post through a cross/shot from an acute angle. Maatsen has just flashed a dangerous low cross across the face of goal. Villa are getting closer.
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GOAL! Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 Aston Villa (Deijl 61)
Go Ahead Eagles come from behind to lead! Itâ€s the right back and captain Mats Deijl with the goal for the Dutch side, latching onto a fine lofted through ball and finishing delicately over MartÃnez with a little dink! Unai Emery, half-hiding in his anorak, looks absolutely miserable on the sidelined as he is getting pelted by the rain.
Go Behind Villa. Photograph: Christof Köpsel/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 14.19 EDT
Rangers have an immediate chance to get a goal back, but Mikey Moore, the teenager on loan from Tottenham, blazes his effort over the bar from the penalty spot! He really should have hit the target after a fine cross from Meghoma.
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GOAL! Brann 2-0 Rangers (Sorensen 56)
Bad to worse for Rangers and Röhl! Awful marking from a set piece as Jacob Sorensen bundles the ball into the net, doubling Brannâ€s lead! This is woeful stuff from the Scottish side.
Jacob Sorensen scores to make it 2-0 to Brann. Photograph: Marius Simensen/BILDBYRÃ…N/ShutterstockShare
Updated at 14.18 EDT
Villa are pushing for another go-ahead goal at Go Ahead Eagles. Buendia looks full of confidence following his weekend winner against Spurs, but overall they are finding things a bit tricky in windy and wet conditions.
Villa are wearing their third kit for the first time, a blue and white number, which feels all wrong. The club describes the design as “paying homage to the rich history and unique architecture of Villa Park, drawing direct inspiration from the signature stained glass windows that have adorned the stadium since it first opened in 1897â€.
Jadon Sancho tries to wriggle out of a tight space at Go Ahead Eagles. Photograph: Christof Köpsel/Getty ImagesShare
This is a Europa League blog, but this is what is happening in the Conference League tonight. In the early kick-offs, Aberdeen are getting a pasting at AEK Athens and Shelbourne are involved in a goalless draw in North Macedonia.
Crystal Palace face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park later on. The Lincoln Red Imps play Lech Poznan and Shamrock Rovers host Slovenian side Celje.
Photograph: GuardianShare
Elsewhere, Aston Villa have been pegged back to 1-1 by Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles after Evann Guessand scored his first goal for Unai Emeryâ€s side, capitalising on a rebound after some very questionable goalkeeping from Jari De Busser, who failed to snaffle a Jadon Sancho cross.
Go Ahead Eagles equalised through a deflected strike from Mathis Suray after a clever set-piece play.
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Updated at 13.50 EDT
Half-time scores from the early kick-offs
Photograph: GuardianShare
Appointed only on Monday, this is Danny Röhlâ€s first game in charge of Rangers, who are 1-0 down at half-time to Norwegian side Brann. Emil Kornvig scored a tap-in at teh back post after a deflected cross.
Not a great start for the German manager, although there is 45 minutes for Rangers to rectify things. Here is some background to Röhlâ€s appointment this week, courtesy of Ewan Murray.
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Preamble
Breaking to your loved ones that a third consecutive night of continental football is beckoning – when there are chores to do, Celebrity Traitors to watch and children to put to bed – but the Europa League isnâ€t going to watch itself, and where else would you get written updates on Braga v Red Star Belgrade?*
*I am attempting to cover a total of 18 matches of football with just two typing hands, so please be kind if I miss the odd goal.
The Europa League may have been usurped in the hipster stakes by the Conference League but it remains arguably the most interesting European club competition, from which the eventual victors could come from all over the continent.
We join the evening at the mid-way point in the early 5.45pm BST kick off – weâ€ll bring you the half-time scores from those imminently – before gearing up for the 8pm BST kick-offs, which are below.
Photograph: Guardian
Letâ€s get it!
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Pratika Rawal’s century played a crucial role in India’s 53-run win over New Zealand in Navi Mumbai (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade) Navi Mumbai: Dishing out a clinical brand of cricket when it mattered the most, India outplayed New Zealand by 53 runs (via DLS method) to make it into the semifinals of the 2025 Womenâ€s World Cup as the fourth team at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday night. The prolific opening pair of Smriti Mandhana (109 off 95 balls) and Pratika Rawal (122 off 134 balls) slammed scintillating hundreds, while returning to the XI, Jemimah Rodrigues proceed her worth by smashing a stroke-filled 76 not out (off 55 balls) as India posted 340 for three in 49 overs, feasting on a feeble New Zealand attack.Thanks to some unseasonal rain, there was a 90-minute break and New Zealand, who blundered by deciding to field first in hot and humid conditions, were left to get 325 in 44 overs. Cracking under pressure of a huge chase, the White Ferns finished at 271 for eight, with only Brooke Halliday (81 from 84 balls) and Isabella Gaze not out (65 from 51 balls)offering some fight. To round off a fine outing for her, Mandhana took a brilliant catch at short mid-wicket to send back Amelia Kerr (45).Tournament hosts India will now feature in the second semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium at the same venue on Oct 30. Their final league game against Bangladesh on Sunday is now of academic interest. New Zealand, the reigning Womenâ€s T20 World Cup champs were left to rue their two washed out games in Sri Lanka and a poor show in the crunch match here. The record 25,166 crowd – the highest in this World Cup – at this venue was entrained to some spectacular fireworks with the bat by Indiaâ€s top three, as the Women In Blue, with qualification at stake, blazed way to the highest score of this World Cup on a batting paradise. Mandhana and Pratika shattered multiple records while sharing an epic opening partnership of 212 off 202 balls-their second double century partnership, and seventh century stand in 23 WODIs. It is now the highest opening partnership ever for India in women’s ODIs, and the biggest stand for any wicket for India in Women’s ODI World Cups, going past 184 between Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur against West Indies Women in Hamilton in 2022. The batters had, earlier in the tournament, added 155 against Australia in Visakhapatnam.Mandhana and Rawal have added a staggering 1557 runs as a pair in WODIs in 2025, a number only exceeded by the Sachin Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly pair – 1635 in 1998 – for highest partnership aggregate in a calendar year in ODIs – Men or Women. The firm of Mandhana and Rawal was ‘launched’ only in December last year when Rawal made her WODI debut against West Indies at Vadodara. However, the numbers that they have already achieved by now are frightening, with many more yet to come. This was the pair’s fourth 150-plus partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Rawal in WODIs, the joint-most by any pair, alongside Belinda Clark-Lisa Keightley and Suzie Bates-Amy Satterthwaite. When Pritika smashed New Zealand captain Sophie Devine for a four over mid-wicket, the 25-year-old Delhi batter became the joint-fastest to 1,000 WODI runs in women’s ODIs, taking just 23 in nings to get to the landmark, highlighting what has been a sensational start to her international career so far. Backed by India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar despite criticism against her strike-rate (82.82), the young batter recorded her second WODI century and her maiden WODI World Cup hundred. Driving, cutting, pulling and flicking the ball with aplomb, Pritika showed she can unleash the big hits too when she smashed two sixes after reaching her century. Rawal and Rodrigues, who smacked a 39-ball fifty after being excluded from the previous match to accommodate a sixth bowler, added 76 in just 58 balls for the second wicket as the White Ferns were sent on a leather hunt by the Women-in-Blue on a featherbed. Taking a liking for Eden Carson, Rodrigues hit her for three fours in the 46th over.Mandhana reached her 14th WODI century off 88 balls with a single, hammering 10 fours and three sixes, showcasing another batting masterclass. Now only former Australian captain Meg Lanning (15) has scored more WODI centuries than her. It was the dashing left-hander’s fifth WODI century this year-only Brits (2025) has scored that many centuries in a calendar year.
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Who was the standout performer in the match against New Zealand?
With the tremendous form that she is in, it’s no surprise that Mandhana is the leading run-scorer in this calendar year, having amassed 1259 runs so far in 2025. She’s also the leading run-scorer in the World Cup (331 runs) with two half-centuries and a hundred. After a slow start in the tournament, Mandhana, who has notched up scores of 80, 88 & 109 in her last three matches, has come into her own at the perfect time for India.Starting cautiously – the duo added just 40 in the first 10 overs – Mandhana and Rawal accelerated thereafter, with Mandhana cutting, driving and pulling with ease, she dominated the insipid New Zealand bowlers. Two of her four sixes came off leggie Amelia Kerr.
Kevin Nolan has called for referees to join club training sessions to break down the “them and us” relationship with players.
The Northampton Town manager believes an unhealthy distance has developed with officials which is not helping either party.
He feels that a system whereby referees work with specific clubs, but do not take charge of their games, would develop more trust.
“I think we can do more to help them, I really do,” the former Bolton and West Ham midfielder told BBC Radio Northampton.
“I always remember when I was playing in the Premier League, we always had referees come in and train with us and officiate and get to know how players are, which gave them a really good opportunity to see the craic and banter around training grounds. I think that’s important. There’s too much ‘them and us’ now.
“It’s not just in League One. I was assistant coach to Moysey (David Moyes) at West Ham and I thought then it was becoming ‘them and us’ and it didn’t feel right.
“If you’re doing training ground games and even just five-a-sides I think it would help.”
Nolan was dismayed at the decision-making in the Cobblers’ midweek defeat at Reading and made his point through the official channels but he feels a closer relationship will improve refereeing standards.
“[Former referee] Mark Halsey was with us for years and I know it helped him,” Nolan said.
“It gives an insight into what goes on in the week and the work that goes in from coaches, managers and players.
“Would that be allowed now? I’m not too sure with Premier League teams but I’d be open to referees coming in on a daily basis, a couple of times a week, because I feel there’s too much detachment.”
Liverpool are facing a race against time regarding Ryan Gravenberch’s injury issues.
The Netherlands international played no part in the Reds’ 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night in Europe, as Florian Wirtz finally registered his first couple of goal contributions for the club.
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Is Ryan Gravenberch fit to play for Liverpool this weekend?
Ryan Gravenberch has been integral to the way Liverpool want to play (Image credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Gravenberch had initially appeared to have shaken off an injury scare he picked up during the international break, with Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman forced to clarify the matter.
But when it rains, it pours for the Reds, and after being brought off against Manchester United in their 2-1 loss at Anfield, it seems Slot will have to rejig his midfield once again, ahead of their trip to Brentford this weekend.
Ryan Gravenberch is facing a later fitness test (Image credit: Getty Images)
After not travelling to Germany in midweek, Liverpool posted a statement explaining the 23-year-old’s non-inclusion in the UEFA Champions League.
Whether it is time to panic or not remains to be seen, especially given his FPL prowess in terms of goals and defensive contributions.
“Yeah, I had to take him off during the weekend because he limped a little bit, as we could all see. So, unfortunately, he’s not ready to play tomorrow.
“That already means I definitely have to change one player and with him not being there, that might mean something for others as well, because he has such a particular quality in our squad, which we’ve seen when we played Bournemouth for example, when we played the Community Shield – that we missed a little bit of a player that was always protecting our back four.
“Ryan is not available for the Frankfurt game, hopefully he will be available at the weekend.
“But it’s an ankle injury, we have to wait and see, give him a bit of time and see where he is when we come back from Frankfurt.”
A major scandal has rocked the basketball world after federal indictments revealed that current and former NBA players, including a Hall of Fame coach, were allegedly tied to Mafia-linked gambling rings. The unsealed court documents expose two interconnected criminal networks involving illegal poker operations, sports betting manipulation, and financial fraud totalling tens of millions of dollars. The FBI and NYPDâ€s Joint Organized Crime Task Force coordinated the multi-year probe, which has now led to more than 30 arrests — among them, several high-profile NBA figures accused of leveraging insider access for profit and protection.
NBA players and coaches named in the investigation
Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, was among the most prominent figures arrested. According to investigators, Billups was allegedly involved in an underground poker network connected to organised crime families, where games were said to be fixed in exchange for payouts and influence.Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, was also detained in connection with a separate but related illegal sports betting ring. Authorities claim Rozier participated in insider betting schemes, allegedly sharing or exploiting confidential game information to gain advantage in wagers.Damon Jones, a former NBA player and assistant coach, was arrested alongside Billups for his alleged role in the same poker operation. Both were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and gambling-related offences.These three names mark the most high-profile NBA links in what investigators describe as a “multi-layered criminal enterprise†blending professional sports, organised crime, and financial deception.
How the Mafia-linked schemes operated
According to federal prosecutors, the operations functioned in two layers: an underground poker ring frequented by professional athletes and an illegal sports betting network that allegedly exploited NBA insider data. Mafia intermediaries reportedly financed, protected, and profited from both systems. The investigation uncovered the use of offshore betting accounts, money laundering channels, and encrypted communication apps to conceal transactions.The FBI described the schemes as “sophisticated but deeply corrosive to the integrity of sports,†suggesting that some games may have been influenced by betting activity, though no direct evidence of match-fixing has yet been released.
What authorities are saying
At a press conference in Brooklyn, FBI Director Kash Patel called the scale of the operation “mind-boggling,†noting that “tens of millions of dollars†were laundered through the network. Federal agents said the indictments were the culmination of years of surveillance and financial tracking, supported by the NYPD and the U.S. Attorneyâ€s Office for the Eastern District of New York.Prosecutors emphasised that while the investigation remains ongoing, more arrests may follow as evidence is reviewed. “This case shows that even elite athletes and coaches are not beyond the reach of organised crime when greed meets access,†Patel said.
Broader implications for the NBA
The scandal has reignited long-standing concerns about gamblingâ€s influence on professional sports, especially after the legalisation of sports betting across much of the United States. NBA officials have yet to issue a formal disciplinary response but confirmed that they are cooperating fully with federal authorities.Sports law experts say the case could prompt tighter league oversight, mandatory financial disclosures, and stricter betting regulations for players and staff. It also raises uncomfortable questions about the vulnerability of athletes to high-stakes gambling culture — one increasingly entwined with mainstream entertainment and sponsorship.
Whatâ€s next
The defendants, including Billups, Rozier, and Jones, are expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks. If convicted, they could face substantial fines, suspensions, and potential prison sentences depending on the severity of their charges.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is still continuing to be frustrated by injury setbacks.
The England international has not played for Enzo Maresca’s side since a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on September 20, with Robert Sanchez sent off early in that contest.
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When will Cole Palmer play again for Chelsea?
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has struggled with injury issues this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
Chelsea swept Dutch giants Ajax aside 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League this week, with Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao and Tyrique George all on the scoresheet.
Next up for Maresca’s side is a home clash with Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, as they look to continue their impressive form as of late.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer grew up supporting Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite having already spent a lengthy period on the sidelines, the recent communications coming out of Stamford Bridge suggest Palmer is set for another six weeks out.
It is a persistent thigh injury that continues to trouble the England star, with Palmer and Chelsea keen to get the issues resolved fully before the 2026 World Cup next year.
“I was wrong,” Maresca told a news conference on October 17. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update.
“We try to protect Cole as much as we can,” Maresca said. “The most important thing is [that] when he comes back, he is fully fit.
“The medical staff are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step-by-step. For sure, he’s going to be OK. He looks relaxed. He has tried to recover from the injury and is doing all the therapy.”