Liverpool thump Toulouse 5-1, Brighton earn first European win – Newstrends
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Liverpool thump Toulouse 5-1, Brighton earn first European win

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Liverpool thump Toulouse 5-1, Brighton earn first European win

LIVERPOOL, England, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Liverpool thrashed Toulouse 5-1 at Anfield to reach the halfway point of the Europa League group stage with a perfect record, while Brighton & Hove Albion secured their first win in European football with a 2-0 home win over Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday.

Diogo Jota opened the scoring for Liverpool after nine minutes, embarking on a solo run that saw him navigate past four defenders before planting the ball into the bottom corner.

Toulouse responded seven minutes later as Thijs Dallinga perfectly timed his run from the halfway line into the box, effortlessly slotting home in the Group E clash.

The rest of the match belonged to Liverpool as Wataru Endo headed them back in front just past the half-hour mark. Four minutes later Darwin Nunez extended their lead with a shot from a tight angle, capitalising on a rebound inside the box.

Nunez nearly netted again in the 65th minute but his shot from the right side of the box struck the post after a superb run. Nevertheless, Ryan Gravenberch capitalised on the rebound to score Liverpool’s fourth goal.

Three minutes into stoppage time late substitute Mohamed Salah completed the thrashing with a well-placed shot into the top corner from closer range, having bemused his marker.

That goal took the Egyptian’s tally to 43 for Liverpool in major European competitions, a record for any player at an English club.

Liverpool top the group by five points over Union Saint Gilloise and Toulouse, who both have four points.

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Union defeated LASK 2-1 with a late Cameron Puertas penalty and winning goal from Christian Burgess four minutes into stoppage time to leave the visitors bottom without a point.

BRIGHTON ROCK

Brighton achieved a European milestone by beating Ajax and reigniting their chances of reaching the knockout stages. They are now level on four points with second-placed AEK Athens in Group B, a point behind Olympique de Marseille.

Marseille overc a m e AEK 3-1 earlier on Thursday.

Brighton got a break three minutes before halftime when Joao Pedro capitalised on a rebound from a save by goalkeeper Diant Ramaj and slotted the ball into the net.

The Seagulls extended their lead eight minutes after the break when Ansu Fati received a lofted pass into the box and the 20-year-old calmly slotted home into the far bottom corner.

The result leaves Ajax in a difficult position as the Dutch side are now bottom of the group with two points.

The former European champions are also second-bottom of the Eredivisie and parted ways with coach Maurice Steijn on Monday.

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Olympiakos Piraeus beat Europa Conference League holders West Ham United 2-1 in Group A to end the visitors’ 17-match unbeaten run in Europe. The Londoners remain top, albeit level on six points with Freiburg who beat Backa Topla 3-1 away.

Kostas Fortounis opened the scoring for the Greek side before Rodinei’s shot was sliced into his own net by Angelo Ogbonna. West Ham pulled one back with Lucas Paqueta’s volley.

AS Roma maintained their dominant form in Group G with a 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague as Edoardo Bove scored after 45 seconds and striker Romelu Lukaku extended his remarkable streak by netting in a 14th consecutive Europa League match.

Jose Mourinho’s side top Group G with a maximum nine points, three clear of second-placed Slavia.

Bayer Leverkusen thumped Qarabag 5-1 in Group H as Alejandro Grimaldo scored twice and Xabi Alonso’s side now lead the group with nine points, three clear of their Azerbijani visitors.

Stade Rennais moved top of Group F with a 2-1 victory at Panathinaikos to move two points clear of their second-placed opponents with goals from Amine Gouiri and Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Villarreal and Maccabi Haifa match has been rescheduled to Dec. 6.

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This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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Stanley Nwabali

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.

Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.

In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.

Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.

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His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) extended heartfelt condolences to Nwabali following the devastating loss of his mother.
In a message shared on social media, the NFF expressed solidarity with Nwabali during this extremely difficult time, offering strength and support.
“Stay strong, Stanley. You are not alone; we are all with you,” the NFF wrote, demonstrating the collective support of the football community as he navigates through his grief.

This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing

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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.

But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.

It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.

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Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.

But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.

Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.

Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.

EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool

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Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

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Abiodun with Joshua and his family

Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently paid a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during his trip to Nigeria.

In a heartfelt display of respect for Yoruba culture, Joshua took to social media to share a moment where he fully prostrated to greet the governor, embodying the Yoruba tradition of humility and reverence.

The image quickly went viral, resonating deeply with many Nigerians who admired his pride in his heritage.

Joshua, whose roots trace back to Sagamu in Ogun State, has long celebrated his Nigerian background despite achieving global recognition in the boxing world.

His connection to his heritage has remained a core part of his identity, and this visit further solidified his bond with the country.

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The meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, where Governor Abiodun and his team warmly welcomed the boxing champion.

He wrote: “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming @anthonyjoshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit.

“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state.

“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.

“Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud.”

Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit

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