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Manchester City pass latest test of their mettle

There were five and a half months between Manchester City’s first-leg tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, and the return leg at the Etihad Stadium, but it was the same scoreline and the same unique intensity that saw Pep Guardiola’s side come up trumps in both games.

The Champions League has long been City’s bug bear – a competition where the team’s performances seem to always dip below the supreme levels set by the club in the Premier League. But this time, City proved their mettle in Europe’s premier club competition, and improved their chances in the odds on the UEFA Champions League.

It was a tie delicately poised, and balanced on a knife-edge in the wake of the long suspension of European football as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid had since won La Liga after an impressive return to action domestically, and you could’ve forgiven Manchester City fans for being somewhat nervous ahead of the Champions League last-16 return leg, despite City’s 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg back in February.

But City’s style of play on the night vanquished the doubts that have surrounded Guardiola’s men in the Champions League. It was a frantic, urgent performance in the best possible sense. City did not merely cling to their aggregate lead and away goals, instead they went out and took the game to the Spanish champions.

There was anger in the performance, anger perhaps created by Liverpool’s commanding triumph in the Premier League, and indeed City’s limp defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final. The Champions League is the Manchester club’s last chance to secure more silverware in this long, drawn out season, and they aren’t going to give it up in a hurry.

City’s singular focus and drive was evidenced by the manner in which they scored their goals in the 2-1 win at the Etihad. Both came as a result of irresistible pressing from the home side, led by the indefatigable Gabriel Jesus, who gave Real Madrid’s Raphaël Varane a night that will haunt the Frenchman’s dreams for weeks to come.

For the first, Jesus nipped in to dispossess Varane close to Real’s penalty area, before teeing up Raheem Sterling to slide into an empty net. After just nine minutes played, City and Jesus had already asserted how this game was going to be played.

The second was entirely down to Jesus’ persistence and brinkmanship, pursuing Varane deep into the Real Madrid half before capitalising on a poor downward header to dink the ball delicately past Thibaut Courtois and into the net, rubber stamping City’s progression to the quarter-finals and inflicting yet more misery on the despairing French defender. 

Of course, City did not have it all their own way, and they were never likely to, given Real Madrid’s qualities in every area of the pitch. Karim Benzema’s headed equaliser provided a test for Guardiola’s side, but they didn’t crumble as they have done in past Champions League ties where the pressure has told, instead they stuck to their game plan, weathered the storm, and delivered on the expectations which have long surrounded them.

The next test is Lyon in the quarter-finals, as the Champions League jets off to Lisbon for its final stages. All matches will be single-legged affairs from now on, and that creates the kind of level playing field that should lend itself to City’s strength in depth. It’s been a long, hard season that so far hasn’t yielded the success City aspire to. But they now have the chance to make it a memorable end to the campaign if they can secure that elusive European Cup.

The greatest ever Champions League Finals

As this (extended) season’s Champions League gets back underway, beginning with the remaining second leg ties of the Round of 16 this week, fans around the world will be jubilant to see the stars of Europe’s elite back on the big stage.

We’re at that point in the tournament where underdogs can still spring a surprise, but one of the usual favourites will undoubtedly still reign supreme – making it difficult to predict the winner when betting on Champions League.

As we gear up to the final at the Estádio da Luz on August 23rd, let’s take a walk down memory lane and look back at some of the best Champions League finals.


  1. 2014: Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (AET)

Not just another thrilling Madrid derby, but one with extra spice as Real Madrid were looking to win their tenth Champions League title, while rivals Atlético Madrid had recently won La Liga – securing the championship on Catalonian turf at Camp Nou.

Atléti took the lead in the first half through Diego Godín, who had seen another Diego limp off injured – Costa, that is – much earlier in the half. It was a matter of when and not if, their defence would be breached. Often the villain, but this time the hero, Sergio Ramos’ stoppage time header sent the game to extra time and Real let their class show.

Inspired by Ángel Di María’s man-of-the-match-performance, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and who else but Cristiano Ronaldo, added to the tally to see Los Blancos run out worthy winners – finally securing La Decima.


  • 1997: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Juventus

Considered one of the biggest shocks in Champions League Final history, the German club were making only their second appearance in this era of the competition, while they faced the holders and well-respected European powerhouse, Juventus. Karl-Heinz Riedle netted a first-half brace, sending the Italians into shock.

Their usual slick and silky play had been well stifled, with Dortmund’s midfield managing to keep Zinedine Zidane quiet. Changes were needed and second half substitute Alessandro Del Piero pulled one back for Juve just after the hour mark.

But Dortmund quickly restored their two-goal cushion – Lars Ricken’s audacious chip, with his first touch of the game, sealing victory and completing this underdog’s tale.


  1. 2011: Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United

Barcelona under Pep Guardiola in their prime were a delight to watch and were on a completely different level to anyone else, domestically and in Europe. If a single game could define the Spaniard’s time at Barca, this is it. Even at 24 years old, Lionel Messi was pivotal to every goal – setting up two and scoring one.

His mazy run confused United’s defence and allowed Pedro to open the scoring, before Wayne Rooney equalised. In the second half, Barcelona were dominant, their pass-and-move football a joy to fans watching on, all over the world.

Although they could have retaken the lead on countless occasions, Messi got his name on the scoresheet and turned provider to round-up the scoring – David Villa’s curling shot reaching the top corner and handing Barça yet another European title.


  1. 1994: AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona

The Catalans were the overwhelming favourites ahead of this clash in Athens – and Milan’s preparations could not have been worse, with seven players ruled out due to injuries or suspension.

But the Italians came out all fired up, producing one of the best Champions League Final performances ever, scoring four goals in the process to record the greatest winning margin in the current era. Daniele Massaro was at the double in the first half, as Milan were dominant.

It was a night to forget for defender Miguel Ángel Nadal who was at fault for the first goal, and the third, as Dejan Savićević lobbed the Barça goalkeeper to make it 3-0. Marcel Desailly completed the rout before the hour mark, and that’s how the scoreline stayed.  


  1. 2005: AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool (2-3 pen)

We still talk about that miraculous night in İstanbul and while Liverpool won’t be returning to the final this season, having been knocked out by Atlético Madrid, 2005’s has to go down as the greatest of all-time. Milan got off to the best possible start when Paolo Maldini put them ahead in the opening minute, and many would have thought that Hernán Crespo’s brace killed the game off at the break.

But Liverpool staged one of the almightiest comebacks, scoring three goals in six second half minutes: captain Steven Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer and Xabi Alonso all netting to level the score. Extra time ensued and neither side could capitalise – after 30 minutes, the final would be concluded by penalties. 

Milan were up first, and Serginho missed, while Dietmar Hamann put Liverpool in front. Milan failed to score their second spot-kick; Andrea Pirlo’s penalty saved by Jerzy Dudek. Djibril Cissé made it 2-0, before Jon Tomasson finally got Milan off the mark and John Arne Riise missed. Kaká managed to level the scores and after Šmicer scored for the second time in the match, Andriy Shevchenko missed to end what was a thrilling finale.

Cricket vs American Pool: Differences and Similarities

The game of cricket is vastly different from American pool, but both are incredibly popular. American pool tends to be played in bars and clubs across the world. Cricket is played outdoors on a ground with teams of 11 players.

Pool is a one-on-one game with two competitors. There is lots of appeal to both sports, depending on whether you like something outdoors and athletic, or prefer to be indoors and more sedentary. Here, we will look in detail at both games and discover whether there are any similarities or whether they are just completely different.

More About Cricket

Cricket is considered a refined game, but it does actually feature a lot of action and adrenaline. World Series and Test cricket receive a lot of media coverage, inspiring a new generation to take up the game.

A single ball is used, which is bowled at the batsmen who must hit it as far as he can. Once the ball is set in motion by the bat, he attempts to get as many runs as possible by running from one end of the pitch to the other. If the ball crosses a boundary line and hits the floor first four points are immediately awarded and his runs no longer count.

If the ball crosses a boundary line but does not hit the floor before doing so then six points are awarded, and his runs no longer count. The opposing team will be fielding, and should they manage to catch the ball before it hits the ground he would be considered out. Both teams take turns on being the batting side, and the fielding side until everybody is out. 

Cricket Rules

There are lots of different complex rules in cricket, it has a high standard of dress code and etiquette, and play is judged by the umpire whose decision is final. Modern cricket often uses a video judge, which can see the wickets and make decisions on whether a ball was in or out or wide et cetera. Test cricket games at a professional level can go on for several days before a winner is established. In that respect it can be a very long game. 

As mentioned, cricket also demands a high standard of dress, it is expected that match games will only ever be played with the players wearing correct cricket whites. A cricket ball is very solid and moves that speed so can also be quite dangerous if it strikes a player. With this in mind there is also a lot of protective gear that they must wear at all times.

When training, players often wear team tracksuits but must still adhere to the rules of padding and helmets in order to ensure there are no injuries. A blow to the head with a cricket ball could potentially be fatal. 

More About American Pool

American pool it is a game played on a table, similar to a snooker table but smaller, and with a different ball arrangement and rules. The American version of the game, which is also known as billiards, should not be confused with the English version of the game which is quite different.

American pool tables feature nylon cloths and pointed cushions which gives the game a faster speed, than its British derivative. The game is played with balls that are 2 1/4 inches, and comparatively quite heavy for the size. At one end of the table 15 numbered balls are arranged in a triangle shape using a plastic or wooden guide, and this is called the rack. The cue ball is hit by player one from the opposite end of the table into the rack and this is called a break.

The rules state that four of the balls must bounce off the cushion on this first hit or it is deemed foul. The first player to pocket a ball, becomes either the spots or the stripes depending on what they have put in the pocket. The turn passes to the next player when a shot is made that does not lead to a ball going into a pocket. Particularly good players may never let their opponent onto the table clearing the whole set of their balls in one long turn. 

American Pool Rules

As you might expect, there are a number of rules and a number of reasons in which you can be declared foul. At this point, the turn passes to the next player. If you miss the balls completely with your shot that is a foul.

When a foul is declared, the opponent may take the white ball and place it anywhere he chooses on the table to resume play. If there is no foul, but the turn ends because a ball has not been potted the next player must just take his shot with the white ball from wherever it landed.

The black ball must stay on the table until one player has potted all of their other balls, if the black ball is accidentally potted the game is lost and the opponent is declared the winner. Pool is always the subject of hustling in movies, where someone pretends to be a complete novice and never played before, places a large bet and then completely cleans up because they are actually somewhat of an expert.

American pool seems to have more of a glamorous side than the British equivalent and is a thoroughly fun game.





Irish Open looks set to be moved

The Irish Open looks set to moved from Mount Juliet in Co Kilkenny to the Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, just outside Ballymena in Co Antrim.

Reports state that it is now “likely” that Ireland’s showpiece golfing event will take place in Galgorm from September 24th to September 27th. This would be to allow those from the USA to travel without having to quarantine. As we know by now restrictions mean that anyone arriving from the USA have to self isolate for a period of 14 days. These restrictions do not apply in Northern Ireland. The Belfast Telegraph report that efforts were made to make the event happen in Co Kilkenny as well as the Old Head of Kinsale. However, due to the Covid 19 restrictions European Tour organisers were forced to go up North.

However, the only negative about moving the tournament is that many European players may not travel as up to 40 players from Europe will be contesting the US Open the previous week. This will likely limit the field. Although, players like Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry could compete in tournament. However, McIlroy has stated he is staying in the US as of now due to the current Covid 10 pandemic. He said at the start of August, “I don’t know if I want to travel, I don’t know if I want to be exposed to more things and more people,”.

Incidentally, Galgorm us also due to host the Challenge Tour’s 160,000 pounds Northern Ireland Open also in September. This event is due to take place from September 3rd to 6th.

Selby progresses to World Championship semi-finals

Mark Selby has progressed to the World Snooker Championship semi-finals. Selby said he doubted whether he would return to the one table setup at the Crucible in Sheffield after he defeated Neil Robertson 12-7.

Selby held a healthy overnight lead. He moved one frame away from the win when he recorded a break of 91. He had a break of 56 in the next frame only to miss a red, Robertson took control and won the frame. The Aussie won the next two frames, however, he missed an easy enough black which allowed thee Jester from Leicester back in to take the frame and the match.

Selby said following the win, “Over the last 12 to 18 months I was questioning myself. I had got so used to winning tournaments then when I wasn’t winning tournaments it became very damaging to my confidence”. “I was happy with my performance against Neil. I felt if I got a chance I could score, and my safety play was back up with how it was a few years ago”.  Robertson was obviously disappointed with the defeat and said, “It was a really tough game and apart from three or four frames in the match, every frame came down to the final few reds or the colours. “Mark’s defensive safety was absolutely unbelievable. He didn’t let up really and I think he got his game plan spot-on over over the two days”.

In other games 2019 World Champion Judd Trump exited the championship after a 13-9 defeat to Kyron Wilson. In fact, it comes as no surprise given that no returning champion has yet to win back to titles since 1977. Trump reduced the gap down to two frames having registered three 50+ breaks in four frames. However, Kyron moved just a frame away after winning frame 21 with two visits. Then came a break of 104 to round of a fantastic win.

Five time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan levelled proceedings in his game with Mark Williams. The Rocket pegging back the Welsh man to level the game 8-8. O’Sullivan trailed Williams 7-2 at one period in the game, but won four frames on he bounce to edge his way back into contention.

Henderson could miss Six Nations

Ireland and Ulster second row Iain Henderson could miss Ireland’s rearranged Six Nations fixtures against Italy and France in October after Ulster rugby confirmed that the Lions lock has undergone hip surgery.

Henderson who is 28 years old, is expected to be out for a period of 8-10 weeks. Therefore, this would mean he would not be returning until around the middle or end of October. This means he will likely miss the remainder of Ulster’s season also. Ulster return to action on August 23rd, where they will play Andy Friend’s Connacht. This game will take place at the Aviva Stadium. Ulster will also contest a Champions Cup quarter-final in the coming weeks against Toulouse.

Ulster Rugby also issued a squad update on their website.  They confirmed that Angus Curtis is still rehabilitating from a multi-knee ligament injury. Andrew Warwick will have to undergo a hip operation next week. Will Addison is also nursing a back injury. Sam Carter and Matt Fades are now back in training following shoulder surgeries as are Greg Jones and Matthew Rea who both had ankle surgeries. Ulster Rugby say that the quartet will be fit for selection on August 23rd.

In terms of the international game, Ireland will play the remaining of their 2020 Six Nations in October. The first game is against Italy on October 24th, while they will face France a week later in Paris. Henderson will likely have to plan towards the one off Eight Nation tournament which will be run from November. Ireland will face Wales, Fiji and England. As we previously stated these games will be run over a period of 4 weekends from November 14th until December 5th.

Celtic given red card from Nicola Sturgeon

Celtic have had their upcoming games postponed after defender Boli Bolingoli played following a secret trip to Spain. Scotland first Minister issued Celtic with a “red card warning” but let Scottish football off with “a yellow card warning”.

The government in Scotland were considering suspending all Scottish football after it emerged Bolingoli failed to quarantine after his trip to Spain. In fact, the Hoops defender came off the bench in Sunday’s Scottish Premier League game with Kilmarnock which ended in a 1-1 draw. Celtic have since came out and said it as stupid behaviour and inexplicable. However, Celtic are due to face Icelandic side KV Reykjavik in a first round Champions League qualifier on August 19th. They now face an anxious wait as investigations will have to occur, with decision likely left up to UEFA.

The Scottish Champions game with St Mirren has been called off, as has Aberdeen’s match with Hamilton on Wednesday. The Don’s trip to Celtic Park on Saturday has been postponed. It’s not the first incidence of players breaking rules though, as Nicola Sturgeon issued a stark warning to Scottish football after 8 Aberdeen players broke protocol and went on a night out after the opening game of the season. Incidentally, 2 of the 8 contracted Covid 19, while the other 6 had to self isolate for the period of 14 days.

The Scottish First Minister issued a statement on Tuesday saying, “This is just not acceptable. We can’t have privileged football players just deciding they are not going to bother. “Consider today the yellow card. Next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice.” Neil Lennon, Celtic boss was very angry that Bolingoli broke protocol. He said “it might be very difficult to be welcomed back into the fold at Celtic Park”. Lennon continued, “I am livid; (it was a) total betrayal of trust. He took a flight to Spain on the Monday and flew back on Tuesday – one day in Spain, no logic to that – and decided to keep it to himself. “Trained all week in this bubble and was part of the squad for Sunday and put everybody at risk, the Kilmarnock players and staff as well.

Bolingoli did say he wanted to apologise to fans and players for letting them down so badly. He said, “I am guilty of a major error of judgement. I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences.”

Betsson Enters Kenya

The Betsson Group confirmed plans to expand into the Kenyan sports betting market after committing to a formal partnership with Bet High Ltd.

Media in Kenya recently reported that the Nordic sportsbook’s subsidiary, Betsafe, was named as the new shirt sponsor of KPL football clubs AFC Leopards and For Mahia. Betsson already established its presence within the EU, with several licensed online casino properties, and now it’s time for another chapter. 

Launching Through Bet High

Betsafe hasn’t yet registered its license with the Kenya Betting Control Board (BCLB). Betsson, however, has since announced that Betsafe Kenya will be launched through Bet High, a fully owned subsidiary that will manage any licenses for Betsafe’s casino and sports betting arms.

Betsson has given permission for Bet High to operate in Kenya under ‘Betsafe Ventures’. The operation will be charged with servicing and managing all of Betsafe Kenya’s day-to-day business functions, such as customer support, operations, local marketing, and management.

Supporting Kenya Football

Bet High partner and public relations manager, Tom Bwana, said that their number one priority when entering the Kenyan market will be to support football in the country. Bwana added that they aim to provide fans of the two clubs with more excitement and engagement in the near future.

Betsson will fully finance the venture, providing Bet High with technical support and technology platforms. Kenyan media praised Betsson’s sponsorship of the two Nairobi football club. The move will ease Kenyan football’s financial hardships it’s suffered since the region’s clubs could no longer depend on SportsPesa for sponsorship.

 

 

27 Sportsbooks Blacklisted

Due to certain interruptions that occurred in 2019, the sports betting marketplace was suspended by the Uhuru Kenyatta government, resulting in 27 licensed sportsbooks being blacklisted. This was in relation to tax disputes with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The KRA gave all national telecoms and licensed banks no choice but to put an end to all mobile and payment M-PESA wallet services for betting companies. This led to SportPesa’s announcement that it would pull out of the market, which all but destroyed finances in KPL football. SportsPesa had previously declared net revenues of €200 million with a workforce of 450 employees. The numbers prompted Betsafe to feel confident about entering the Kenyan market.

Improved Financial Outlook

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier is delighted that his club has found a new sponsor. He feels that having a reliable sponsor on board is necessary for the club to achieve long-term financial support. Gor Mahia has won the Kenyan Premier League for 18 times, more than any other club in Kenya. Three of those titles were won in the last three seasons.

AFC Chairman Dr Dan Shikanda offered a similar sentiment to Rachier, in that Shikanda is confident that a new sponsorship deal will help his club’s financial security. He made it clear how pleased AFC are to be able to tell fans about the deal. Shikanda added that the club believes that now their financial worries are behind them, they can concentrate on becoming Kenya’s best club. AFC Leopards have won 13 Kenyan Premier League titles.

The U.S. is Next

Not saturated with just Kenya, Betsson is also planning on entering the sports betting market in the U.S. The firm has come to an agreement with Dostal Alley Casino to launch a sportsbook early next year once regulatory approval has been received. The agreement is for 10 years, initially. Betsson sees the move as one with low risk coupled with the potential for long-term growth and sustainability. The group aims to use its name and technology to offer its customers a tailored experience through sports such as soccer, golf, and baseball.

All Gallagher Premiership games played behind closed doors will be live on BT Sport

Premiership Rugby has confirmed that with the resumption of the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season next weekend, every match which will be played behind closed doors will be live on BT Sport.

In a ground-breaking agreement between Premiership Rugby and BT Sport, fans can watch more live matches than ever before, from 14 August, including all six matches in Round 14.

The 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season resumes on Friday, 14th August, when Harlequins host Sale Sharks at the Twickenham Stoop, with the season ending on 24 October with the Final.

BT Sport will present live coverage from the grounds, led by a team of rugby experts with presenters and commentators including Dubliner Craig Doyle, Sarra Elgan, Martin Bayfield, Ugo Monye, Ben Kay, Lawrence Dallaglio, Austin Healey, Nick Mullins and Ali Eykyn.

Four of the 57 matches for the remainder of the season will also be shown free-to-air on Channel 5 – with details to be announced – while the Premiership Rugby highlights programme will also be on Channel 5 from Monday, 17th August.

Premiership Rugby has also confirmed that the 2020-21 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season will start on Friday, 20 November, concluding with the Final at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 26 June 2021.

London Irish Gallagher Premiership Fixtures

With the resumption of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby now just days away, further details have been revealed about London Irish’s fixtures for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

The Exiles return to action at the Rec against Bath on Saturday next, 15th August , with a 3pm kick-off.

A first ‘home’ fixture at the Stoop – where the Exiles will play all their remaining home fixtures between now and the end of the current campaign. The following week, on on Saturday 22 August, Irish will play Northampton Saints in a game which will be live on BT Sport at 2pm.

Rounds 14-17 are concluded with an away fixture against Leicester Tigers (Wednesday 26 August, 6pm) and a home clash versus Saracens, which has now been moved back 24 hours, to the Bank Holiday Monday in Britain, on 31 August, at 1pm.

Declan Kidney’s men will start their final five fixtures of the campaign at Gloucester Rugby in another live TV fixture on Saturday 5 September (4.30pm), before Exiles play ‘host’ to their temporary landlords Harlequins at the Stoop in a midweek clash on Wednesday 9 September (6pm).

The following Sunday, 13 September, Worcester Warriors are the visitors to the Stoop, prior to London Irish’s penultimate fixture of the season at current leaders Exeter Chiefs, on a date to be confirmed in due course. The Exiles’ final fixture of a prolonged 2020-21 season sees them host the Bristol Bears on Sunday 4 October – 3pm kick-off.

Every match played behind closed doors in the resumption of the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership will be shown live on BT Sport.

Exiles Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, said:

“Seeing all the remaining fixtures confirmed takes us that bit closer to the return of rugby, which we’re all really excited about. We’re keen to finish the season strongly and regain the momentum which we had had when the league went on hiatus back in March.

“Of course, there’s an element of the unknown with so many fixtures in such a short space of time, but it presents an opportunity for us to use the full squad as well as delving into the Academy.

“We’re disappointed we can’t play in front of our fans, but we know they’ll be with us in spirit – as always, every time we pull on the jersey, we do it for our supporters.”

The Exiles will play their home games at The Rec for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

London Irish Fixtures R14-22:

Saturday 15 August: Bath Rugby v London Irish kick-off 3pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Saturday 22 August: London Irish v Northampton Saints kick-off 2pm – BT Sport 3.

Wednesday 26 August: Leicester Tigers v London Irish kick-off 6pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Monday 31 August: London Irish v Saracens kick-off 1pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Saturday 5 September: Gloucester Rugby v London Irish kick-off 4.30pm – BT Sport 1.

Wednesday 9 September: London Irish v Harlequins kick-off 6pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Sunday 13 September: London Irish v Worcester Warriors kick-off 3pm – BT Sport Red Button.

Sunday 4 October: London Irish v Bristol Bears kick-off 3pm.