Lead:
European football accelerated into matchday three and four across top domestic leagues, with defending champions and emerging contenders delivering decisive results. Across Africa, the 2024-25 Champions League group stage commenced, while Lebanese football resumes its domestic calendar with the new season of the national cup competition beginning Sunday.
Top Stories:
Inter Milan defeats Napoli — Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez led Inter to victory against Napoli in a Serie A matchday fixture. The defending Italian champions maintained their strong early-season form with the win.Atletico Madrid suffers first loss to Athletic Bilbao — Atletico Madrid conceded three goals in a clean defeat to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, marking the Spanish capital club's first loss of the season.Erling Haaland rescues Manchester City — Norway international Haaland scored to preserve Manchester City's perfect record through the opening phase of the English Premier League season.Chelsea prepares for Arsenal clash — Chelsea travels to Emirates Stadium to face reigning English champions Arsenal on Sunday in a matchday three fixture, testing the midfielder performance of both sides.Lebanon youth national team defeats Kyrgyzstan 3-2 — Lebanon's under-age football selection recorded a crucial away victory against Kyrgyzstan in Asian Cup qualifying group play, signaling promising youth development prospects for the nation.African Champions League group matches begin — Pyramids Egypt faces Gormahia Kenya, while Salah Eldin (Tunisian Club) meets Djoliba Mali and Molodiya Algeria hosts Nigelique in opening group fixtures.What to Watch:
Juventus meets Milan on Sunday evening in Serie A's top fixture. The Lebanese Cup competition launches Sunday with revised format following the close of the 2023-24 domestic season.