Sports
Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica

Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica
Raphinha struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a wild match on Tuesday and virtually ensure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16.
Benfica were leading 4-2 with under 15 minutes remaining but Barcelona mounted a stunning late comeback to stay three points behind leaders Liverpool.
Vangelis Pavlidis hit a first-half hat-trick for the hosts, in part thanks to two big errors by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
However a Robert Lewandowski double from the penalty spot, Eric Garcia’s header and a brace for Raphinha helped Barcelona claim a stunning last-gasp triumph in Lisbon.
“We knew how hard it would be here, in front of their fans, and they know how to play really well, they have top level players,” Raphinha told Movistar.
“We didn’t let ourselves sink at 3-1 down, we were focussed on what we needed to do to try and change the game.
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“It was a spectacular game for everyone. They could have won, or us, but we managed to take it.”
Benfica opened the scoring in the second minute, when Pavlidis escaped Pau Cubarsi and fired home from Alvaro Carreras’ low cross.
Barcelona responded swiftly with Lewandowski scoring from the penalty spot after Alejandro Balde was brought down by Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.
The hosts nosed back ahead through a stroke of luck, when Szczesny raced out of his goal to try and cut out a through-ball, but crashed into Balde.
Greece international Pavlidis gleefully collected the loose ball and rolled his second into the empty net.
Barcelona in major comeback claim victory at Benfica
Sports
Tems joins San Diego FC ownership group of MLS

Tems joins San Diego FC ownership group of MLS
MLS Club San Diego FC has announced Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems as the latest addition to the club’s ownership group through her company.
The American club announced the inclusion of the two-time Grammy award winner to its executives in a statement on Wednesday.
Tems acquired a stake in the club through The Leading Vibe, her company. The deal was also brokered through a partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that worked on driving investors for NBA Africa.
According to San Diego FC, the singer has become a club partner and shares a “commitment to excellence and community engagement”.
Tems, born in Lagos, described football as “a unique way of bringing people together,” adding that she looks forward “to help build something special in San Diego”.
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“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” the singer said.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Tems also becomes the first African female to be involved in MLS ownership.
Juan Mata, a former Chelsea player; Issa Rae, an American actress; and Jocko Willink, a retired US Navy SEAL, are other San Diego FC ownership group members.
San Diego FC was founded in May 2023. The club will play its first season in the MLS 2025 campaign.
Tems joins San Diego FC ownership group of MLS
Sports
Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City

Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout round play-off.
The result marked Real Madrid’s first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium inside 90 minutes.
Before kickoff, City fans taunted Vinícius Júnior and his club with a “stop crying your heart out” message.
The Brazilian forward was at the heart of early action, seeing a penalty claim denied by an offside call before setting up Kylian Mbappé, whose effort was saved. Nathan Aké then prevented Ferland Mendy from converting another Vinícius pass.
City capitalized on their first clear opportunity when Joško Gvardiol chested the ball into Erling Haaland’s path, allowing the Norwegian to score his first-ever goal against Real Madrid. Los Blancos nearly responded as Vinícius’ deflected shot hit the crossbar.
However, City suffered a setback when Jack Grealish, who had started brightly, was forced off injured after 30 minutes. His replacement, Phil Foden, immediately tested Thibaut Courtois, while Manuel Akanji’s header clipped the bar at the other end.
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At halftime, Akanji was withdrawn after struggling physically, but the intensity remained high. Haaland’s deflected shot struck the crossbar before Vinícius weaved past Rico Lewis to set up Bellingham, who headed wide.
Ederson denied Mbappé twice, but the French forward eventually found the net on the hour mark, wrongfooting Ederson with a clever finish from Dani Ceballos’ pass.
City quickly regained the lead when Ceballos fouled Foden in the box, allowing Haaland to convert from the penalty spot. However, their advantage was short-lived.
Ederson’s save from Vinícius’ shot rebounded kindly for substitute Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club just two minutes after coming on.
Real completed their stunning comeback in stoppage time when Vinícius capitalized on City’s defensive hesitation, poking the ball through for Bellingham to score.
The win extends Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance with a fourth consecutive victory, while City have now won just one of their last six European games.
Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York

Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York
Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo, received a unique birthday tribute in New York City as fans gathered at the Times Square to perform his iconic “Siu” celebration.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned 40 on February 5, just days after scoring his 922nd and 923rd career goals in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl.
Ronaldo’s famous celebration, first seen in 2013 with Real Madrid, remains a global fan favorite.
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“I started to say ‘si,’ it’s like ‘yes,’ when I was in Real Madrid,” he explained via FourFourTwo.
Ronaldo’s birthday also followed a headline-making interview with El Chiringuito, in which he criticized misconceptions about the Saudi Pro League compared to MLS.
“People talk too much and give opinions without knowing,” he said, adding, “Because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it… You have to give it the credit it deserves.”
Despite his comments, MLS is preparing for a major 2025 season, with stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez entering their final contract years at Inter Miami.
Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York
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