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Napoli claim 1-0 win at strugglers Union Berlin with Raspadori goal

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Napoli claim 1-0 win at strugglers Union Berlin with Raspadori goal

NAPOLI’s Giacomo Raspadori scored a second half goal to secure a 1-0 victory at Union Berlin in their Champions League Group C match on Tuesday.

The result meant Napoli stretched their opponents’ losing run to nine straight games in all competitions.

In a match that had few highlights, the Germans enjoyed the better chances in the first half.

But it was a run by Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left that decided the game as he set up Raspadori to fire home the winner in the 65th minute.

The result kept Napoli in second place on six points, three behind Real Madrid who won 2-1 at Sporting Braga.

Braga are on three while struggling Union are still without a point in their first season in the competition.

“It wasn’t our best game technically, but winning this kind of game is important,” scorer Raspadori said.

“They were well organised and had prepared for the match very well.

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“We knew it would be difficult and we saw it on the pitch. I believe we could have done better.

“But an away win like this in the Champions League is always good. Playing in the Champions League and scoring is fantastic,” he said.

Napoli initially had most possession but Union, desperate to end their losing streak, tried to hit the Italians on the break in the first half through Brenden Aaronson and David Fofana.

The latter, who had an effort saved, also put the ball in the net in the 24th but was ruled offside.

The visitors, without injured striker Victor Osimhen, struggled to break through a solid backline until the Germans repeatedly failed to clear the ball in the 65th.

Kvaratskhelia got possession, turned on the turbo to charge into the box from the left and cut the ball back for Raspadori, who had no trouble beating goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.

Union, who have now lost their last six league and three Champions League matches on the trot, had no comeback in them despite coming close with a Robin Knoche header in the 81st.

“The first half was courageous and very good from us,” said Union captain Christopher Trimmel.

“It was a good step in the right direction. Yes we lost but overall delivered a good game.”

The frustration of a third straight loss in the competition was evident, however, when Fofana was substituted but refused to shake the hand of coach Urs Fischer, who is under mounting pressure.

Napoli claim 1-0 win at strugglers Union Berlin with Raspadori goal

(Reuters/NAN)

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“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

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Anthony Joshua

“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have once again reignited speculation over a long-anticipated “Battle of Britain” after a tense post-fight confrontation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.

The drama unfolded after Fury, who secured a comfortable win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in a one-sided bout, shifted attention to Joshua—who was seated ringside—and publicly demanded an immediate in-ring face-off to push forward long-standing negotiations for a potential blockbuster clash.

Fury used his post-fight interview and in-ring moment to directly call out Joshua, urging him to accept the challenge and stop delaying what he described as the fight fans have been waiting for. He pressed Joshua for a clear yes-or-no response on whether the heavyweight showdown would finally happen.

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

The call-out created a charged atmosphere inside the stadium, with many fans expecting Joshua to step into the ring and respond face-to-face. However, Joshua chose not to enter the ring, a decision that drew mixed reactions, including jeers from parts of the crowd.

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Joshua later responded firmly to Fury’s challenge, dismissing the need for a staged in-ring confrontation. He accused Fury of seeking attention and insisted that public call-outs were not necessary for serious fight negotiations, stressing that discussions should remain professional and behind closed doors.

He also referenced their long-running rivalry, insisting that he has never avoided a fight with Fury and remains open to the matchup, but only when proper contractual negotiations are completed.

Joshua further stated that he would not be pressured into making public decisions on demand, emphasizing that he has control over his career direction and fight choices. He maintained that he has been pursuing major fights for years and will continue to do so on his own terms.

Despite the strong words, Joshua reiterated that he is still willing to face Fury in the future, but insisted that any agreement must come through official negotiations rather than public confrontation.

He also revealed uncertainty about his immediate boxing return, noting that he is currently managing personal matters and assessing his physical condition before committing to his next fight. Joshua added that while an interim bout remains an option, his priority is ensuring he is fully ready before stepping back into the ring.

The rivalry between the two British heavyweights has stretched for over a decade, with multiple attempts to finalize a deal repeatedly collapsing at negotiation stages. Despite renewed public exchanges and continued fan demand, the long-awaited fight remains unsigned and uncertain.

“I’m the Boss” — Anthony Joshua Fires Back at Tyson Fury Amid Fight Tension

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Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

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Victor Osimhen

Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

Victor Osimhen has returned to full training with Galatasaray, boosting hopes that the Nigerian striker could make an earlier-than-expected return to competitive action following an arm injury that initially ruled him out for several weeks.

The Turkish club confirmed in an official update that Osimhen has resumed group training while continuing a specialised rehabilitation programme supervised by the club’s medical and physiotherapy staff. The striker had earlier been expected to miss up to six weeks, but his recovery has progressed faster than initially projected.

Club sources say Osimhen has been gradually reintegrated into team drills after completing individual recovery sessions, with coaches carefully monitoring his workload to avoid any setback. His return to the training pitch is being treated as a significant positive development within the squad.

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The injury, which affected his arm, forced the 27-year-old forward to miss key preparations, but medical assessments now suggest he is responding well to treatment and rehabilitation protocols. His improved condition has raised optimism within the club that he could return to match action sooner than expected.

Osimhen’s availability is now being closely assessed ahead of Galatasaray’s upcoming league fixture against Gençlerbirliği vs Galatasaray, with reports indicating he could be in contention for selection if he continues his recovery trajectory without complications.

His return is a major boost for Galatasaray, who rely heavily on his goal-scoring ability and physical presence in attack. Since joining the club, Osimhen has become a key figure in their domestic campaign, contributing significantly to their offensive output.

Fans have welcomed the news of his return to training, with many expressing optimism on social media about his potential early comeback as the club enters a crucial phase of the season.

While no official date has been confirmed for his full return to competitive matches, Galatasaray are expected to take a cautious approach, ensuring he reaches full match fitness before being cleared for regular action.

For now, Osimhen’s return to team training marks an important step forward in his recovery and provides a timely boost for both Galatasaray and Nigerian football supporters ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Osimhen Returns to Galatasaray Training After Arm Injury Layoff

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Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

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Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

AFC Bournemouth dealt a major blow to Arsenal title hopes with a stunning 2-1 victory over Arsenal FC at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, throwing the Premier League title race wide open.

The defeat comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Arsenal sitting top but now under serious pressure from Manchester City, who have games in hand and are still scheduled to face Mikel Arteta’s side.

Despite entering the match with a nine-point cushion, Arsenal delivered a disappointing performance, lacking urgency, sharpness, and defensive discipline. The warning signs were evident early as Bournemouth looked more purposeful and composed.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute through Eli Junior Kroupi, who finished off a flowing attacking move that carved open Arsenal’s defence—before the hosts had even registered a shot on target.

Arsenal’s equaliser came in controversial fashion in the 35th minute after a penalty was awarded for handball against Ryan Christie. The decision raised questions, with proximity seemingly ignored. Viktor Gyokeres converted from the spot to level the score.

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However, the goal failed to inspire a sustained response from the Gunners, who continued to struggle in midfield and lacked creativity in the final third.

Bournemouth capitalised again in the 74th minute when Alex Scott struck to restore their lead, punishing Arsenal’s poor marking and defensive lapses.

Arsenal pushed forward in the closing stages but failed to break down a disciplined Bournemouth side, whose organisation and resilience ensured they left North London with all three points.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta had urged perspective, highlighting that Arsenal have played more matches than any other team in Europe this season. The Gunners had also edged Sporting CP 1-0 in midweek, with a crucial return leg still to come.

However, this result raises fresh concerns over Arsenal’s consistency and ability to handle pressure in the run-in. With just six games remaining, the loss could prove decisive—especially with Manchester City closing in.

If results do not improve, Arsenal risk extending an unwanted record, potentially finishing second for a fourth consecutive season despite leading the table for much of the campaign.

Bournemouth Shock Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates as Title Race Takes Dramatic Turn

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