Football

Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League 2026-27 season-opener at St. James' Park. Newcastle drew first blood inside five minutes when Anthony Elanga capitalized on a turnover in the final third to arrow a clinical shot past Alisson Becker.  Liverpool responded after the break when Cody Gakpo leveled terms with a well-struck effort in the 55th minute. However, the parity lasted merely moments as Joe Willock quickly restored the hosts' advantage in the 57th minute. Just as Newcastle looked bound to secure all three points, a dramatic stoppage-time breakthrough arrived when Dominik Szoboszlai held his nerve to convert a high-pressure penalty in the 9th minute of added time, rescuing a dramatic point for the visitors

FC Barcelona began their La Liga 2026-27 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Captain Raphinha set the tone early, converting a 14th-minute penalty after being fouled inside the box. New signing Karim Adeyemi marked his debut in style just before the interval, latching onto a pass from Raphinha to double the visitor's advantage. The second half continued similarly as Hansi Flick's side capitalized on their attacking depth. Raphinha netted his second of the night in the 67th minute from an assist by substitute Anthony Gordon. Super-sub Fermín López then took over, rounding off the night with a quick-fire double in the 71st and 79th minutes to seal a five-star opening display.