Once teams promote a country, are owned by states or have to reflect government policy, sport becomes a playground for powerHigh fives all round at Hamas high command. The triumphant clink of Gaza Cola tins pings across the bunker. It’s been a tough week for the lads, what with five of their members being killed in the Doha airstrike, but …

Pep Guardiola facing big selection call for the Champions League opener at the Etihad

Napoli face the 2023 winners in their opening Champions League tie.

Magpies return to Europe’s top table with a mouth-watering league phase opener

Kevin De Bruyne is set for an immediate reunion as Man City host Napoli in the Champions League

Kevin de Bruyne did not leave Manchester City by choice this summer - but now he is set to line up against them in the Champions League for Napoli.

Virgil van Dijk headed home a corner in the second additional minute to continue their remarkable run of late winning goals.

Champions League football returns to the north-east after a season away

Great Britain play Japan in their quarter-final, with Italy the defending champions

After recording their first win over the Black Ferns last year, Canada have understandable belief that they can end the world champions’ reign

Cole Palmer says Chelsea do not see this season's Champions League campaign as a "learning curve" - because they want to be competitive in it straight away.

The Olympic champion has barely raced this year after a long injury layoff but remains the favourite for gold in Tokyo

Champions League football returns to the north-east

Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick for Newcastle United against Barcelona in 1997 and will be watching on as the teams meet at St James' Park tonight.