Sports
Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!
On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!
Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24
The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.
Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.
Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25
0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.
Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.
Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25
José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.
Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.
Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25
Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.
Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.
Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
We hope that our preview will help you make successful predictions. Follow the principles of responsible gambling, place your bets on the best sports betting site 1xBet via this link and share the victory with your favorites!
SMM
🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!
📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:
❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!
Rugby is known for being physically tough, brutal, muddy, matchday Guinness sales, and living in football’s shadow. Yet across the continent, rugby is attracting private investment, corporate sponsorship and broadcasting deals at a pace that would have seemed unlikely a decade ago.
South Africa: The Commercial Benchmark
The SARU made rugby news in 2024 when they signed a landmark $375 million deal with US-based Ackerley Sports Group, consolidating sponsorship, broadcasting, content and match-day revenue into a single commercial entity.
In 2025, they reported commercial income surged 74%, drawing in FNB, MTN, Coca-Cola and Samsung, while merchandising receipts more than doubled in the most recent reporting cycle.
The Springbok brand and commercial model demonstrate what structured investment in rugby infrastructure can deliver. Other rugby unions are taking note.
Broadcasting and Sponsorship
Rugby Africa’s appointment of TV Media Sport to distribute continental broadcast rights through 2026 marked a turning point in the sport’s media commercialisation.
SuperSport, which carries rugby across South Africa, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, drew 3.7 million viewers during AFCON 2024 alone, part of a continent-wide audience of 22.3 million, giving rugby sponsors meaningful access to one of Africa’s most powerful broadcast platforms.
Beyond the broadcasters, technology and finance companies are moving into the space: gaming brand SportPesa committed $650,000 to the Kenya Rugby Union in 2024, while Zimbabwean fintech Mukuru sponsors the national team’s World Cup qualification campaign.
These deals reflect a broader shift in which rugby is being used as a brand visibility vehicle in high-growth markets.
Nigeria: The Emerging Frontier
World Rugby has identified Nigeria as one of six nations experiencing strong rugby growth, and the commercial indicators are beginning to follow participation.
An estimated 200,000 children play the sport at school level, building a pipeline of future fans and consumers that brands and broadcasters are increasingly alert to.
With a population exceeding 220 million and a rapidly expanding middle class, Nigeria represents the kind of untapped consumer market that global sponsors and broadcasters are actively trying to reach. Rugby’s growing grassroots presence there makes it an increasingly credible vehicle for that ambition.
Looking Ahead
Rugby in Africa is transitioning from a participation story into a business one, with private equity circling and sponsorship diversifying beyond traditional markets. Now that an expanded Rugby World Cup is approaching in 2027- , the conditions for sustained commercial growth across the continent are more favourable than they have ever been.
A place in the semi-finals is at stake as the Champions League and Europa League quarter-finals conclude this week. With advantages to defend and deficits to overturn, the second legs carry significant weight across Europe. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Barca, Liverpool & Madrid face elimination
At 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid host Barcelona, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Atletico carry a 2-0 advantage into the second leg after a disciplined first-leg performance. Barcelona, despite a morale-boosting domestic result, face a significant challenge against a side that has consistently disrupted them this season. Overturning the deficit against Diego Simeone’s defence will require a near-perfect display.
Also at 8:00 PM, Liverpool welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG hold a 2-0 lead and arrive with strong momentum, while Liverpool must respond after a difficult run of form. The hosts will look to their European pedigree at Anfield, but face a side capable of managing the tie with control and precision.
On Wednesday at 8:00 PM, Arsenal take on Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal hold a narrow 1-0 advantage but come into the match under pressure following recent domestic setbacks. Sporting remain firmly in contention, setting up a finely balanced encounter.
At the same time, Bayern Munich host Real Madrid, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Bayern lead 2-1 heading into the second leg and will look to assert themselves at home. Real Madrid, however, have built a reputation on overturning deficits in this competition and will aim to deliver another comeback performance.
Europa League: Down to the Wire
Thursday’s action shifts to the UEFA Europa League, where both ties carry significant intrigue heading into the second legs.
At 8:00 PM, Aston Villa host Bologna, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Villa take a 3-1 advantage into the return fixture and will look to manage the contest on home soil. Bologna, however, must take risks early to shift the momentum of the tie.
Also at 8:00 PM, Nottingham Forest face FC Porto, live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). The tie is level at 1-1 following the first leg, setting up an evenly poised encounter. Forest will rely on home support, while Porto’s European experience remains a key factor.
At the same time, Real Betis host Braga, live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). With the tie balanced at 1-1, both sides enter the second leg with everything to play for. Betis will look to make home advantage count, while Braga’s counter-attacking threat ensures a closely contested match.
Quarter-Final Fixtures – Second Legs
UEFA Champions League
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Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
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Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
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Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
UEFA Europa League
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Aston Villa vs Bologna – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
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Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
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Real Betis vs Braga – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Africa 2)
Follow the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League and Europa League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
A decisive weekend unfolds across Europe’s domestic leagues as title races tighten and battles for European places and survival intensify. Catch all the action live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Pressure and Survival Battles
The Premier League resumes with Arsenal firmly in control at the top, while Manchester City continue the chase. The race for the top four and the fight for survival remain tightly contested.
Saturday opens with Arsenal hosting Bournemouth at 12:30 p.m. Arsenal have won four straight league matches and will look to extend their lead, while Bournemouth face a difficult test against the division’s form side.
At 3:00 p.m., Brentford take on Everton. Brentford have drawn their last three matches, while Everton arrive with confidence after a commanding win over Chelsea and will target further progress up the table.
Liverpool welcome Fulham at 5:30 p.m. with pressure mounting on the hosts after a difficult run. Fulham, buoyed by a strong result last time out, will look to capitalise.
Sunday’s fixtures begin at 2:00 p.m. as Nottingham Forest face Aston Villa. Forest will aim to build on a standout win, while Villa remain firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification. At the same time, Sunderland host Spurs in a crucial fixture near the bottom. Sunderland are lifted by a derby victory, while Spurs arrive under pressure following a heavy defeat.
The headline clash comes at 4:30 p.m. as Chelsea face Man City. With Arsenal playing earlier, City know victory is essential to keep the title race alive.
The round concludes on Monday night as Man United host Leeds at 8:00 p.m. in a high-stakes derby, with United chasing a top-four finish and Leeds battling for survival.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65), with selected fixtures on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61).
La Liga: Barcelona Hold Advantage as Pressure Builds
Barcelona hold a seven-point lead at the top of La Liga, but recent European setbacks have added pressure as rivals look to close the gap.
Real Madrid host Girona on Friday at 8:00 p.m. seeking stability after a difficult run, while Girona arrive in confident form.
Saturday features the Catalan derby as Barcelona face Espanyol at 5:30 p.m. Barcelona will look to respond immediately, while Espanyol aim to exploit any vulnerability. Later, Sevilla host Atletico Madrid at 8:00 p.m. Atletico have impressed in Europe but must improve domestically to strengthen their position in the top four.
On Sunday, Athletic Club face Villarreal at 8:00 p.m. in a key contest with significant implications for Champions League qualification.
La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Serie A: Inter Set the Pace as Top-Four Race Tightens
Inter Milan remain in control of Serie A, opening a gap at the top, while Napoli lead the chase and the battle for Champions League places intensifies.
AC Milan host Udinese at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, looking to steady their position after a recent setback, while Udinese aim to frustrate. Atalanta face Juventus at 7:45 p.m. in a decisive clash for European places, with both sides separated by fine margins in the standings.
On Sunday, Napoli travel to Parma at 2:00 p.m. aiming to extend their strong run and maintain pressure on Inter.
The standout fixture sees Como host Inter at 7:45 p.m., with the league leaders looking to extend their advantage against a side pushing for a top-four finish.
Serie A matches air live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Weekend Highlights
Premier League
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Arsenal vs Bournemouth – Saturday, 12:30 PM
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Brentford vs Everton – Saturday, 3:00 PM
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Liverpool vs Fulham – Saturday, 5:30 PM
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Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Sunderland vs Spurs – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Chelsea vs Man City – Sunday, 4:30 PM
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Man United vs Leeds – Monday, 8:00 PM
La Liga
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Real Madrid vs Girona – Friday, 8:00 PM
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Barcelona vs Espanyol – Saturday, 5:30 PM
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Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid – Saturday, 8:00 PM
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Athletic Club vs Villarreal – Sunday, 8:00 PM
Serie A
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AC Milan vs Udinese – Saturday, 5:00 PM
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Atalanta vs Juventus – Saturday, 7:45 PM
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Parma vs Napoli – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Como vs Inter Milan – Sunday, 7:45 PM
Follow the Action
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Stay connected by managing or upgrading your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps or by visiting www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com.
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