Sports

A Look Back At Last Year’s Champions League Final

Published

5 years ago

21/05/2021

With football finding itself within the vice-like grip of a global pandemic, it was enough to put last season’s Champions League at risk and with pan-continental competition being considered an absolute no, it would require a considerable amount of thinking outside the box to restart it.

Thinking that was required for this and the Europa League, to reach a rightful conclusion and with the usual format of home and away legs scrapped, it meant one nation would host each of the final phases of these respective competitions.

For the Europa League, it was the home of the Bundesliga which become rather welcome hosts and once again it would be Sevilla who became accustomed to the trophy, as they managed to get the better of Inter Milan in the final.

While for the pinnacle of European club football, it was Portugal which hosted eight of the biggest clubs in the land and although Porto will have to get ready to host this season’s edition of the final, it was Lisbon which was tasked with staging duties last summer.

Because with UEFA’s other crown jewel having been delayed by 12 months, the lack of European Championships meant a huge void in the usual summer football schedule and, therefore, a different looking Champions League for 2020 was a welcome replacement.

A replacement that saw a rather simple format installed, as eight teams would eventually be whittled down to a winner by virtue of a straight knockout competition and one that Barcelona would not play a substantial part in.

Although their part was still memorable and that was down to the eight goals that they conceded to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals and such was the result, that it was nearly enough for Lionel Messi to leave the Camp Nou for good.

The Argentine is still calling Catalunya home for now and even if he does pen a new contract in the next few weeks, the sight of him and his teammates being mauled by the Munich based outfit is one that will be etched in his mind for near eternity.

Going into the game, a look at the sports betting stats would have suggested that there was not a great deal between the two sides and although it looked like being a rather close contest on paper, it was nothing of the sort come the final whistle.

Disaster for Quique Setien and his Barcelona men and with the former Real Betis manager falling on his sword soon after, it was a result that subsequently saw Ronald Koeman take the reins during the off-season.

While if it was a disaster for the club that won the 2015 edition of the competition, it was progress for the team that thrashed them and lying next in wait, was Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnais in the Semi-final.

Olympique Lyonnais or Lyon as they are perhaps better known had a considerable amount riding on this game and if they were the next outfit to be dumped out by the German giants, there would be no European football for them the following season.

That’s because with Ligue 1 being curtailed early after instruction from the French government, they found themselves lying outside the qualification places for any of the UEFA competitions and with no time to make up any necessary ground.

Unfortunately for them, they were no match for a once again brilliant Bayern side and although the level of defeat was not as high on the Barcelona scale, the German champions of 2020 still managed to put three unanswered goals past their opponents.

An outcome which meant they would find themselves in the final and the question was who would be joining them in the showpiece event. A question that was eventually answered by Thomas Tuchel’s star-studded PSG.

After scoring two late goals against Atalanta, the dominant force in French football managed to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat and in doing so, booked a Semi-final meeting with RB Leipzig.

A meeting that was just as once sided as the other semi-final and although RB Leipzig are backed by a famous energy drink, they had certainly run out of fizz by the time they squared off against Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Because if RB Leipzig have designs on being considered one of football’s elite, they were shown that there is still some way to go and with manager Thomas Tuchel overseeing a 3-0 win, it meant more German opposition for him in the final.

A final that pitted last season’s Bundesliga winners versus the outfit who were crowned the kings of Ligue 1 and with these two combustible elements, everybody was preparing for the sparks that were set to fly.

Only that was not really the case and although it would be unfair to label last season’s Champions League final as an anti-climax, it certainly did not live up to the hype. The hype that was generated by the prospect of Neymar and Mbappe going up against the fearsome Robert Lewandowski.

However, it would be neither of these three who would score the game’s only goal and in doing so, write themselves into football folklore. Because that honour was bestowed to Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.

Champions League Final2

The former PSG youngster was on hand to finally break the deadlock after the interval and in doing so, he put himself and his teammates in pole position to see out the remaining half-hour of the game as winners.

Something that would be achieved come to the final whistle and although the players on the field will have taken the credit, their success would also cap a remarkable debut season in charge for manager Hans-Dieter Flick.

Only installed the previous November as an interim, he would transform the Bavarian outfit and after already winning a German trophy double before leading his side to battle in Portugal, success on August 23 would complete what at one point seemed like being a rather unlikely treble.

Related Topics:champions league Champions League Final

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Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Sports

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Lead a Packed Football Weekend Live on SuperSport

Published

1 hour ago

05/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Club football continues with major clashes across Europe’s top leagues, headlined by Arsenal’s trip to red-hot Aston Villa, and a strong slate of fixtures in La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. All matches will be live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Villa Test Arsenal’s Mettle, City Push the Pace

On Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Aston Villa host league leaders, Arsenal. Villa have surged into third with four straight wins, including a dramatic 4–3 result against Brighton. Arsenal remain five points clear after a composed 2–0 win over Brentford.

At 4:00 p.m., Man City welcome Sunderland to the Etihad. City edged Fulham 5–4 in a wild contest and sit second, one point ahead of Chelsea. Sunderland arrive with just one win in their last five.

At the same time Tottenham face Brentford. Spurs remain winless in six and have slid to 11th, while Brentford, coming off a 2–0 loss to Arsenal, continue to battle inconsistency. This match airs live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205).

Leeds United meet Liverpool at 6:30 p.m. after ending their losing run with a morale-boosting victory over Chelsea. Liverpool, held 1–1 by Sunderland, need rhythm and stability after several poor results.

On Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Fulham host Crystal Palace. Fulham showed impressive fight despite losing 5–4 to Man City, while Palace remain solid in fifth with three wins in their last six.

The round wraps up on Monday at 9:00 p.m. as Wolves face Man United. United have managed one win in five, while Wolves stay bottom with twelve losses in fourteen.

La Liga: Barca Protect Lead, Madrid Stay Close

On Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Villarreal face Getafe. Villarreal are third after five straight wins and sit four points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand. Getafe have won three of their last five and remain difficult opponents.

At 6:30 p.m., Barcelona travel to Real Betis. Barça sit top after extending their winning run to five matches, while fifth-place Betis aim to close the seven-point gap to the Champions League spots.

At 9:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Atlético Madrid. Both sides suffered defeats to La Liga’s top two in midweek. Atlético have won eight of their last ten but remain fourth behind Villarreal, while Athletic have struggled with only two wins in seven.

On Sunday at 9:00 p.m., Real Madrid face Celta Vigo. Madrid ended a three-game winless spell in La Liga with a strong victory over Athletic Club and look to reclaim top spot. Celta have picked up form with three wins in their last five.

Serie A: Napoli vs Juventus Takes Centre Stage

On Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Inter take on Como. Inter, sitting third, continue to chase the top after beating Pisa, while Fabregas’ surprise package Como remain fifth with only one defeat this season.

On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., Cagliari host Roma. Roma, currently fourth, look to recover from their narrow home loss to Napoli. Cagliari remain desperate for points after a close defeat to Juventus.

At 8:45 p.m., Napoli meet Juventus in the weekend’s marquee Serie A fixture. Second-placed Napoli go into the game confident after beating Roma, while seventh-place Juventus aim to climb the table after defeating Cagliari.

The round concludes Monday at 8:45 p.m. as Torino host AC Milan. Milan remain league leaders and seek another steady result to hold off Napoli and Inter.

Ligue 1: Marseille Chase the Top Two, PSG Seek a Response

Action begins Friday at 9:00 p.m. as Lille face Marseille, live on SS Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207). Lille arrive after edging Le Havre, while third-place Marseille aim to rebound from a 2–2 draw with Toulouse.

On Saturday at 9:05 p.m., PSG host Rennes. The champions look to recover quickly from a 1–0 loss to Monaco, while fifth-place Rennes continue their strong form and push for European qualification.

On Sunday at 8:45 p.m., Lorient welcome Lyon. Lyon, fresh from a convincing 3–0 win over Nantes, look to break into the European conversation. Lorient, boosted by a 3–1 victory over Nice, will aim to make their home advantage count.

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

Aston Villa vs Arsenal — Sat, 1:30 p.m.
Man City vs Sunderland — Sat, 4:00 p.m.
Tottenham vs Brentford — Sat, 4:00 p.m. (SS Football)
Leeds United vs Liverpool — Sat, 6:30 p.m.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace — Sun, 5:30 p.m.
Wolves vs Man United — Mon, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

Villarreal vs Getafe — Sat, 2:00 p.m.
Real Betis vs Barcelona — Sat, 6:30 p.m.
Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid — Sat, 9:00 p.m.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

Inter vs Como — Sat, 6:00 p.m.
Cagliari vs Roma — Sun, 3:00 p.m.
Napoli vs Juventus — Sun, 8:45 p.m.
Torino vs AC Milan — Mon, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

Lille vs Marseille — Fri, 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 1)
PSG vs Rennes — Sat, 9:05 p.m.
Lorient vs Lyon — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Where to Watch

All Premier League action airs on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).La Liga matches are live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62). Serie A games are on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64). Ligue 1 fixtures air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS Africa 1 for selected matches. Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream.

Sports

Most Popular Games at Pin Up Casino Nigeria

Published

7 hours ago

05/12/2025

Dipo Olowookere

Online casino entertainment in Nigeria revolves around three core segments: slot games, live casino rooms and traditional table games. Each category appeals to different types of players, from beginners learning how to play casino games to experienced users who prefer strategic formats. As mobile casino Nigeria platforms and Android apps expand accessibility, many reviews discussing popular games reference resources such as Pin Up casino when analysing which titles Nigerian players explore most actively. More users also pay attention to modern slots and live dealer formats that combine convenience with engaging gameplay.

Slot games as a leading category in Nigeria

Pin Up slots remain the most widely played casino games online due to their simplicity, fast pace and large selection of themes. They suit both newcomers and experienced players, making them an accessible entry point for anyone exploring the online casino environment.

Why Nigerian players choose slot games

Slot entertainments offer straightforward mechanics that make learning how to play casino games easy for beginners. Key reasons for slot popularity:

Simple rules and easy-to-understand mechanics
Compatibility with Android and mobile casino platforms
Wide range of themes, features and visual styles
Fast-paced gameplay suitable for short sessions

These features allow players to enjoy slot entertainments without needing complex strategies or advanced knowledge.

Types of slot games popular in Nigeria

Nigerian players explore a wide mix of slot categories, each offering a different style of gameplay. Understanding these slot types helps players choose a format that matches their gameplay expectations and entertainment preferences.

Common slot types enjoyed by Nigerian players

Classic fruit slots — simple three-reel games with familiar fruit symbols, BAR icons and sevens
Video slots — modern five-reel games with animations, storylines and bonus features
Adventure and themed slots — titles inspired by mythology, treasure hunting, history or fantasy worlds
Crash games like Aviator — fast-paced multipliers where players cash out before the line drops
Megaways slots — games with changing numbers of winning ways on every spin
High-volatility slots — suitable for players who prefer infrequent but potentially larger wins

These categories offer something for every player, whether they enjoy simple three-reel mechanics or complex bonus features.

Growing interest in live casino experiences

Live formats attract players who want a more immersive and realistic environment. These Pin Up casino games combine the comfort of online play with the atmosphere of a land-based casino, allowing users to interact with real dealers and follow the action in real time.

Types of live casino games

Live casino rooms permit players to play online casino sessions with full transparency, realistic pacing and opportunities for communication. These sessions recreate the casino feeling while maintaining online convenience.

Most played live formats

Live Roulette
Live Blackjack
Live Baccarat
Game-show inspired titles

These entertainments appeal to players who enjoy authentic interaction and visual transparency. Platforms widely discussed in the Nigerian gaming community — including Pin Up — offer structured live sections where each table has clearly defined rules and gameplay formats.

Table games appealing to strategic players

Traditional table games remain popular among Nigerian players who prefer strategy-based formats. These entertainments combine elements of chance with decision-making, offering more control and deeper engagement.

Common table game selections

Players who enjoy analysing situations and applying basic strategies often choose table games. Such formats allow users to test tactics, track outcomes and develop a more structured approach to play casino sessions.

Key trends shaping Nigeria’s casino gaming landscape

In 2025, Nigerian online casino preferences remain focused on slot games, live dealer formats and traditional table entertainments. Users interested in play online casino Nigeria titles increasingly choose mobile and Android-friendly platforms where these categories are easily accessible. Discussions within the gaming community often mention Pin Up as a platform offering a wide range of options, though the core choice for players always depends on personal interests, gameplay style and responsible decision-making. Exploring different formats helps users understand the strengths of each category and enjoy an engaging and balanced online casino experience.

Sports

SuperSport to Broadcast Midweek Football Action in the Premier League and La Liga

Published

3 days ago

02/12/2025

Business Post Contributor

Midweek football returns with crucial fixtures across the Premier League and La Liga, as title contenders look to maintain momentum and struggling sides fight to steady their campaigns. Fans can watch all the action live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Key Battles Across the Table

On Tuesday, Fulham host Man City at 8:30 p.m. City edged Leeds 3–2 at the weekend, with Phil Foden scoring twice to keep them five points behind leaders Arsenal. They now face a revitalised Fulham side who have won back-to-back matches, including a gritty 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, and are steadily pulling clear of the relegation zone. The match will air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

Also at 9:15 p.m., Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park. Spurs remain winless in their last seven games across all competitions and have dropped to fifth after their 2–1 home defeat to Fulham. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after a commanding 4–1 win at Everton and continue to be one of the league’s toughest home sides. The match will air live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206)

On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal return at 8:30 p.m. when they face Brentford at the Emirates. Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Chelsea but remain firmly in control at the top. Brentford, who beat Burnley 3–1 last time out, continue to show strong form at home but have struggled to replicate those performances on the road. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

At 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Leeds United take on Chelsea at Elland Road live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61). Chelsea battled to a 1–1 draw against Arsenal despite going a man down, and a win here could push them into second place depending on other results. Leeds, however, have lost four straight and sit in the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid deeper trouble.

Also at 9:15 p.m., Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool stopped their run of defeats with a controlled 2–0 win away at West Ham and now aim to re-establish rhythm against a Sunderland side sitting near the top of the table. Sunderland edged Bournemouth 3–2 in their last outing, ending a three-game winless stretch. The match will be live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204)

On Thursday, Man United host West Ham at 9:00 p.m., airing live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, recording their first victory in four matches. West Ham, meanwhile, remain close to the relegation zone after a 2–0 loss to Liverpool and need a stabilising result.

La Liga: Top Contenders Face Crucial Tests

On Tuesday, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid at 9:00 p.m. Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Alavés moved them top of the table, but they now confront an Atlético side in exceptional form. Atlético have won six straight league matches and remain unbeaten in more than ten across all competitions, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Spain at the moment.

On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Real Madrid at San Mamés. Real Madrid have drawn their last three league matches, including a 1–1 result against Girona, a run that has cost them top spot. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive after a confident 2–0 win away at Levante and continue to show strong defensive discipline. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético all tightly packed at the top, every point now carries significant weight. Both games air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

Fulham vs Man City — Tue, 8:30 p.m.
Newcastle vs Tottenham — Tue, 9:15 p.m.
Arsenal vs Brentford — Wed, 8:30 p.m.
Leeds United vs Chelsea — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Wed, 9:15 p.m.
Man United vs West Ham — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid — Tue, 9:00 p.m.
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid — Wed, 7:00 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.