Brazil forward Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris St Germain in a lively Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, earning the Spanish side their first win in the knockout stage in four years.
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe was nowhere to be found in Parc des Princes as five-times European champions Barca managed to neutralise France’s captain, who was often frustrated in his attempts up front.
PSG came into the match unbeaten in their last 27 games in all competitions but were undone by a fired-up Barcelona side looking to return the club to the summit of European football.
After a glorious run from 2005-15, winning four Champions League titles, Barca failed to get past the last 16 in Europe’s elite competition in three consecutive seasons after being humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 quarter-finals.
“We should be proud to say that Barca is alive,” manager Xavi Hernandez told reporters.
“We understood how we had to work against one of the best teams in the world. It’s a small advantage but a victory that generates even more excitement in our city and within our fans.”
Xavi’s side dominated proceedings early on against the French side still looking for a first Champions League crown. Raphinha gave the visitors the lead with a rebound strike in the 37th minute after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to clear a cross from his box.
Donnarumma looked nervous throughout the match, showing bad timing and making errors that almost led to Barcelona scoring the opener earlier in the first half.
However, PSG looked transformed after the break with manager Luis Enrique, a former Barca player and coach, switching things up and bringing on forward Bradley Barcola for Marco Asensio.
The attacking change resulted in the equaliser in the 48th minute when former Barca winder Ousmane Dembele smashed the ball into the top corner afterscooping a rebound inside the box and making a quick cut to his left, before unleashing a unstoppable shot between three defenders.
Barca were still reeling when the hosts took the lead through Vitinha who stroked the ball in two minutes later from a quick counter attack and substitute Bradley Barcola almost scored the third minutes later when his close-range strike hit the cross bar.
But Raphinha’s deft volley in the 62nd minute from a brilliant long pass by substitute Pedri brought the match level again, silencing the home crowd.
Andreas Christensen came off the bench to take advantage of a static Donnarumma to jump unchallenged in the six-yard-box and head in from a corner 13 minutes from time to give the Spanish side a narrow advantage going into next week’s second leg.
“It was a spectacular night, not only for me, but for the team as well,” Raphinha told reporters.
“We have been working very hard to come out and play like we did, showing our grit with such a good atmosphere is a very positive sign moving forward.”
Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket. Canada Super 60 is the world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side event to launch with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season. The league will be staged under the roof of the iconic BC Place in Vancouver, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent.
As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition will not only create awareness but also honour trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.
This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones—not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and the ICC has widely recognized her efforts. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021, helping coordinate their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers. In recognition of these efforts, she was honoured with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.
Thanks to her advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad including two who are now living in Canada, following the Canadian government’s support for their refugee applications. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion. Mel Jones on Receiving the Honour said “This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”
The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8–13, 2025.
Golf fans, mark your calendars. The DP World Tour has announced its blockbuster 2026 global schedule, featuring 42 tournaments across 25 countries and a record-breaking $157.5 million prize fund (excluding the Majors).
Headlining the season are two exciting highlights:
The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship in Barcelona (May 7-10), making its debut at Real Club de Golf El Prat. The event celebrates Spain’s growing importance in world golf ahead of hosting the 2031 Ryder Cup.
A brand-new venue for the Amgen Irish Open, which will be staged at Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, from September 10-13.
The 2026 schedule will once again be divided into five Global Swings, the Back 9, and the DP World Tour Play-Offs, culminating with the Race to Dubai finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.
Dubai remains at the heart of the season with three tournaments:
The Dubai Invitational (January 15-18)
The prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22-25), part of the Rolex Series
The season-ending DP World Tour Championship (November 12-15)
Other Rolex Series events include the Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Championship, ensuring fans will see top fields competing for major points and prestige.
Key Changes for Players
The DP World Tour also confirmed updates to its membership structure to create more balance and clarity. Among the changes:
Only the top 100 players will keep full cards for 2027 (previously 110).
Fewer Qualifying School spots: 15 cards instead of 20.
Conditional categories for those finishing just outside the cut-off.
DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings said:
“Our 2026 schedule once again showcases our global talent in global destinations as we celebrate the diversity of the courses and cultures we visit.”
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic isn’t just about world-class golf anymore; it’s about shaping a greener future.
In partnership with Deloitte, the tournament has launched the Green Incubator Challenge, a first-of-its-kind global call for ideas that could transform how sports and entertainment events tackle climate change.
The challenge is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and companies worldwide. Organisers say they’re looking for both fresh concepts and ready-to-deploy solutions that can make events more sustainable.
And here’s the big prize: the winning idea will be rolled out at the 2027 DP World Tour and Rolex Series tournament — giving it a global platform.
To help participants succeed, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic team and Deloitte will provide expert mentoring, guidance, and evaluation, ensuring that the solutions are not only bold but also practical and scalable.
“Through this challenge, we aim to identify visionary ideas that will shape the future of sustainable events globally,” said Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The initiative is also part of the DP World Tour’s Green Drive programme, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.
Key Dates
November 18 – Shortlist announced
December 19 – Three finalists revealed
2026 Tournament – Final pitches to expert judges
With this challenge, Dubai is sending a clear message: the future of global events must be sustainable, and innovation starts here.
