Sports
Joao Felix Shines as Chelsea Wins Emotional Night Against Panathinaikos
Joao Felix scored twice to lead Chelsea to a 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the UEFA Conference League, on a night filled with heartfelt tributes to the Greek side’s former defender George Baldock, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 earlier this month.
Before the match, Panathinaikos players trained in shirts bearing Baldock’s squad number, 32, and Chelsea’s players honored his memory by holding up a shirt with his name and number. Fans from both clubs also paid tribute, displaying placards with the number 32. David Bowie’s Starman played over the stadium’s speakers, a nod to Baldock’s nickname, creating a somber yet united atmosphere.
Panathinaikos started the game with intensity, almost taking an early lead through Tin Jedvaj’s header, but Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a sharp save. Despite Panathinaikos’ high-energy opening, Chelsea slowly found their rhythm. Joao Felix opened the scoring with a clever one-two with Mykhailo Mudryk, slotting the ball home.
Mudryk then added a second goal early in the second half, heading in a cross from Pedro Neto for his first goal of the season. Felix completed his brace shortly afterward with a deflected shot, following another assist from Mudryk.
Chelsea’s dominance continued when Christopher Nkunku sealed the victory with a confident penalty after Daniel Mancini’s foul. Though Panathinaikos managed to pull one back through a well-taken goal by Facundo Pellistri, it was not enough to change the outcome, as Chelsea maintained their perfect record in the league phase.
The win marks another solid performance for Enzo Maresca’s side, while the night will be remembered for the emotional tributes paid to Baldock, a player deeply cherished by Panathinaikos fans and beyond.
The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League is set to deliver high-stakes encounters, with Chelsea drawn against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will meet Real Madrid in what marks the fifth consecutive season the two sides have faced off in the competition’s knockout rounds.
Despite six Premier League teams reaching the last 16, there will be no all-English ties. League leaders Arsenal are set to take on Bayer Leverkusen, while Newcastle United face Barcelona.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been paired with Galatasaray, and Tottenham Hotspur will go up against Atlético Madrid.
The first-leg matches are scheduled for 10 and 11 March, with return fixtures set for 17 and 18 March.
Chelsea’s meeting with PSG revives memories of last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, where the Blues secured a 3-0 victory over the European champions in New Jersey.
Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool have all already faced their respective opponents during the league phase this season, adding familiarity to the upcoming contests.
Looking ahead in the bracket, a successful run could see Newcastle and Tottenham meet in the quarter-finals, while Chelsea may face Liverpool should both sides advance.
The competition will culminate at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May, where Europe’s next champions will be crowned.
The timing of the Africa Cup of Nations played a decisive role in why Manchester United opted not to pursue Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to former first-team coach Benni McCarthy.
Osimhen had emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards after netting 26 league goals during the 2022–23 season, powering Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
McCarthy, who was part of the Old Trafford coaching setup under then manager Erik ten Hag, revealed he had been involved in striker recruitment discussions and viewed Osimhen as an ideal fit for the club.
However, the biennial scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations — which often overlaps with the European club season — ultimately proved a significant obstacle.
Despite Osimhen initially topping the shortlist, concerns about his absence during international duty led United to explore alternative options.
The club instead moved to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72m in August 2023. The Danish forward went on to score 26 goals in 95 appearances before joining Napoli on loan last September.
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s career continued its upward trajectory. He was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2023 and later joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024, before completing a permanent move to the Turkish side last July.
Legal proceedings are steadily progressing in Nigeria following the tragic road accident that left British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua injured late last year.
The driver involved in the fatal crash has now appeared before a magistrates’ court in Ogun State, marking another step forward in the judicial process as authorities continue working toward clarity and accountability.
The accident occurred on 29 December along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major route in south-west Nigeria. Joshua sustained injuries in the collision and received medical treatment before being discharged from hospital just two days later, highlighting a positive turn in his personal recovery.
Tragically, members of his training team — personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami — lost their lives when their vehicle collided with a stationary lorry near Lagos.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who was behind the wheel at the time of the incident, faces multiple charges including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, operating a vehicle without due care, and driving without a valid licence.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the 46-year-old made his second court appearance. Prosecutors informed the court that additional time is required to finalise evidence preparation, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure a thorough and transparent legal process.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until 13 March, allowing all parties time to prepare as the case continues to move forward.
Kayode has not yet entered a plea.
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