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Paris Saint-Germain dominated Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, securing a 2-0 victory at the Parc des Princes. The gulf in quality between the two teams was evident throughout the match, with PSG creating numerous scoring opportunities.The hosts took the lead through a fortunate deflected strike from Désiré Doué, which looped over Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper made a vital contribution to prevent further damage at halftime, producing a fine save to tip away a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shot that was heading towards the bottom corner.PSG extended their advantage in superb style through Kvaratskhelia, who held off Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, rounded Mamardashvili, and converted into an unguarded net. The win leaves Liverpool facing a tough task to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

Opening new oil and gas fields in the North Sea would send a shock wave around the world, senior climate diplomats warned, saying the move would imperil international climate targets, erode the United Kingdom’s reputation as a climate leader and embolden developing countries to exploit their own fossil‑fuel reserves.The UK government faces intense lobbying from the oil industry, Conservative MPs, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, certain trade unions and factions within the Treasury. Yet research shows that new drilling would do little to lower energy prices and would have almost no impact on gas imports.Two of the remaining large North Sea prospects – the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields – sit in a basin that is over 90% depleted and increasingly costly to develop. Even if fully exploited, they would displace only about 1% and 2% of the UK’s gas imports respectively, according to recent analysis.Senior figures in international climate diplomacy described the prospect of new drilling as dangerous for global emissions‑reduction efforts and a step back from the phase‑out of fossil fuels.Lord Nicolas Stern, professor at the London School of Economics, warned that “new drilling and a slowdown in climate action would be bad for growth and for energy security in the UK, and a damaging signal for the world.” He added that the UK’s pioneering climate legislation and its role as the first G7 nation to commit to net‑zero by 2050 give its actions “extra weight” on the global stage.An anonymous senior African negotiator reacted angrily to the proposal, stating that Africa would “reject any proposal for the UK to expand oil drilling” because it is “fundamentally inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the Paris Agreement” and would “weaken trust with climate‑vulnerable nations”.Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and co‑founder of the Global Optimism think‑tank, argued that true energy independence lies in “scaling clean, domestic energy, not in extending the life of declining industries”. She cautioned that reverting to old‑fashioned oil expansion would lock in infrastructure at odds with the direction of the global energy system.The UK has been a vocal supporter of an upcoming conference in Colombia on the “transition away from fossil fuels”, a pledge made three years ago at COP28 that remains largely unfulfilled. However, the Guardian learned that Ed Miliband, the UK secretary of state for energy security and net‑zero, will not attend; the government’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, will travel in his place.Campaigners had urged Miliband’s presence, citing his pivotal role in securing a last‑minute deal at COP30 in Brazil last November.Experts caution that licensing new fields before the Colombian summit could undermine progress in persuading developing nations to forgo fossil‑fuel‑based economies and adopt cleaner energy pathways.Mohamed Adow, director of the Power Shift Africa think‑tank, warned that a UK approval would “send a shock wave around the world that short‑term interests are being prioritised over long‑term responsibility”. He stressed that many African countries are being asked to leapfrog to clean energy with limited financial support, and that wealthy nations continuing to invest in fossil fuels “undermine this message and diminish their credibility”.Several developing‑country officials echoed this concern, asking, “Why shouldn’t we tap into our own fossil‑fuel resources if the UK is doing so?” They argued that leadership on climate must be consistent with actions.An ally of Miliband praised the UK’s stance, calling “no new exploration licences” a “landmark global leadership position” that shows a major oil‑producing country can align policy with climate science to avoid a 3‑4°C warming scenario.A government spokesperson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, stating that the UK has placed “clean energy and climate at the heart of its agenda”, and that it will continue to “stop issuing licences to explore new fields, in line with the science and in securing a just transition in the North Sea”.

Lin Yu-ting, the 30‑year‑old Taiwanese Olympic champion, secured a bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Elite Championships in Mongolia, marking her return to competition after a gender‑eligibility controversy that clouded her 2024 Paris Olympic triumph.Competing in the 60kg division for the first time, Lin was defeated in the semifinals by North Korea’s Won Un Gyong, resulting in a third‑place finish.Her coach, Tseng Tzu‑chiang, told Taiwan’s Central News Agency that the shift to a higher weight class presented “new opponents’ skills, strategies and styles,” and that the tournament served as a valuable learning opportunity.Lin had opted out of last year’s World Championships after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for female athletes, a policy introduced following the high‑profile gender disputes involving Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif after their gold medals in Paris.Following an appeal by Taiwan’s boxing federation, World Boxing cleared Lin to compete in the female category last month, enabling her participation in the Asian championships.Looking ahead, Tseng indicated that Lin aims to compete at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan later this year, noting that while her physical condition was not yet optimal, the experience provides “room for improvement and a clear path forward.”In parallel, the International Olympic Committee has introduced a new eligibility policy that excludes transgender female athletes from women’s events, aligning with a U.S. executive order. The IOC stated that eligibility will be determined by a mandatory gene test, limiting participation to “biological females.”

Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are set to board a flight back to France after three and a half years of detention in Iran, President Emmanuel Macron announced on X on Tuesday. The release was secured through diplomatic talks led by Oman, which acted as a neutral intermediary. “Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on their way back to France, after three and a half years of detention in Iran. This is a relief for all of us and, of course, for their families,” Macron wrote. The Iranian decision arrives amid an apparent thaw in relations between Paris and Tehran, as France has openly criticized the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran. The duo were arrested in 2022 on accusations of spying for France and Israel – charges that the French government repeatedly called unfounded. After being freed from the notorious Evin Prison in November 2025, they remained under the protection of the French embassy. French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot said the couple expressed great joy at the prospect of returning home. He confirmed that he had spoken with them and that discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, helped pave the way for their departure. French lawmakers responded to the news with a standing ovation in the National Assembly. The case is part of a broader pattern, described by activists and several Western governments as Iran’s strategy of “hostage‑taking” to extract political concessions from Europe. Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed the release, noting it stemmed from an understanding that France would, in return, free Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian student detained in Lyon, and withdraw a complaint lodged against Iran at the International Court of Justice. These diplomatic moves occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. France has emerged as a vocal critic of the United States‑Israel campaign against Iran, and earlier this week a vessel owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM became the first Western ship to navigate the contested Strait of Hormuz. The strait’s blockage has contributed to a global energy crisis, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to issue stark threats of further escalation. While the immediate outcome is the safe return of two French citizens, the exchange underscores the delicate balance of diplomatic leverage, humanitarian concerns, and strategic interests shaping France‑Iran relations today.

Liverpool's recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly their slump in form following a promising start to the season. Manager Arne Slot's tactics and team selection have come under fire, with some questioning his ability to lead the team to success.Slot's romantic connection with Paris Saint-Germain is well-documented, with the manager often citing the French club as an inspiration for his playing style. Liverpool's upcoming match against PSG in the Bigger Cup has generated significant interest, with Slot's team looking to bounce back from a disappointing FA Cup loss to Manchester City.In the midst of this turmoil, Slot's past performances against PSG have been recalled, including a thrilling match last year that ended in a penalty shootout. Slot's passion for the game and his desire for an open and entertaining match have been praised, but his team's recent form has raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.The pressure is on Slot to turn things around and lead Liverpool to a strong finish in the season. With a 20th league title already secured, the team's focus now shifts to the Bigger Cup and a chance to make a statement against one of Europe's top clubs.

The recent Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts to the far side of the moon, has sparked reflection on the dual implications of space travel. US astronaut Christina Koch encapsulated the profound appreciation for Earth that comes from experiencing it from space, echoing sentiments expressed by earlier space travellers.The Earthrise photograph from the Apollo 8 mission in 1968 is often credited with galvanizing the environmental movement. Similarly, journeys like Artemis II are hoped to foster global cooperation and a deeper appreciation for life. However, the current landscape of space exploration is complicated by the involvement of tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk and the emerging post-terrestrial geopolitical battle between the US and China.There is a growing concern that the £100bn Artemis programme could divert attention and resources away from solving pressing environmental issues on Earth. This concern is particularly pertinent given that the US withdrew from the Paris climate agreement in the same year as the mission. The pursuit of space exploration must be balanced with the imperative to address ecological limits and protect the planet we currently inhabit.Despite these challenges, the unquenchable human curiosity and scientific value of space travel should not be dismissed. The Artemis II launch was made possible by a rare display of bipartisan support for NASA in Congress. The achievements of the scientists, astronauts, and support teams are a testament to the positive aspects of space exploration.The mission to the moon's dark side, while not a solution to the world's problems, represents a significant scientific and exploratory milestone. The crew has seen more of the moon and travelled further from Earth than anyone before them. As the world watches their return and landing in the Pacific Ocean, it's clear that space exploration continues to captivate and inspire, even as it poses complex questions about our priorities and responsibilities.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that his team can go 'toe-to-toe' with Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, despite a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final.Slot warned that his team will suffer another emphatic defeat if they switch off against PSG, but believes they can save their season by competing with the European champions. He acknowledged that PSG have improved since winning their first Champions League title last season and will punish any lapses from Liverpool.The pressure on Liverpool and Slot has intensified following the defeat to Manchester City, with Virgil van Dijk criticizing the team's performance. However, Slot and Florian Wirtz have emphasized the importance of character and mentality in overcoming setbacks.Liverpool have won only once in five matches, but Slot and Wirtz have expressed confidence that the team can turn their form around. Slot highlighted that Liverpool have a good record of standing up in tough moments and competing with top teams in Europe.Alexander Isak is expected to be named among Liverpool's substitutes after four months out injured, and Slot may make changes in personnel and formation in response to the City defeat.

Arsenal travel to Lisbon after recent setbacks in domestic cup finals, yet they remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stage and the last‑16, where they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3‑1 on aggregate. The Gunners entered the tie with eleven players back from international duty, but a knee injury to Gabriel Magalhães adds to a list that already includes Eze, Hincapié, Saka, Timber and Merino. The potential return of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard could restore creative spark. Sporting CP, still reeling from a 5‑1 loss to Arsenal last season, rely on Colombian striker Luis Suárez, who has netted 34 goals across all competitions, including five in Europe. Their home record at Estádio José Alvalade is formidable – five wins in five Champions League matches. Prediction: Arsenal to progress after a draw in the first leg. Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in a clash that pits a historically dominant Spanish side against a German outfit that has lost only twice in 43 matches this season and boasts a 13‑game unbeaten streak. Bayern, fresh from a 10‑2 demolition of Atalanta, have secured the Bundesliga and are eyeing a DFB‑Pokal semi‑final, but they have failed to beat Real in their last nine meetings. Madrid, despite a recent 2‑1 league loss to Mallorca, carry confidence from a 5‑1 aggregate victory over Manchester City. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined, leaving Andriy Lunin between the posts, while Kylian Mbappé leads the competition with 13 goals. Prediction: Bayern to progress after a draw in the first leg. Barcelona take on Atlético Madrid after a dramatic 2‑1 league defeat in which Robert Lewandowski scored late. Atlético, known for high‑scoring Champions League displays (55 goals in 12 games), will miss several starters, including Hancko and Ruggeri, while Jan Oblak is expected to keep goal. Barcelona enter the tie on a nine‑match unbeaten run, sit seven points clear at the top of La Liga, and have recently thrashed Newcastle 7‑2 in Europe. Injuries to Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong linger, but Ronald Araújo is likely to start. Prediction: Barcelona to win the first leg and the tie. Paris Saint‑Germain face Liverpool at a difficult moment for the English side, fresh from a 4‑0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City. Liverpool can count on the fitness of Mohamed Salah, Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, and the possible return of £125 million signing Alexander Isak. PSG, meanwhile, continue their strong record against English clubs, having eliminated Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal last season and recently dispatching Chelsea 8‑2 on aggregate. Key players such as Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes are expected to start after recent bench appearances. Prediction: PSG to win the first leg and the tie.

Chelsea have indicated they are open to re‑appointing Enzo Fernández as captain this season, even though the Argentine midfielder served a two‑match ban after suggesting he would prefer to live in Madrid and praising former Real Madrid stars Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. The £106.7 million midfielder was suspended by head coach Liam Rosenior for the FA Cup victory over Port Vale and the subsequent Premier League clash with Manchester City, after Rosenior deemed his remarks a breach of club discipline. While external observers often label Fernández as Chelsea’s de‑facto vice‑captain, the club’s internal hierarchy treats him as one of several co‑captains within a broader leadership group. He has not been formally granted seniority over teammates such as Moisés Caicedo, who is expected to wear the armband against City while Reece James recovers from a hamstring injury. Club insiders stress that Fernández’s “alpha” personality naturally positions him to step into the captain’s role when James is unavailable, but no official decision on the vice‑captaincy has been required so far. Beyond the disciplinary issue, the midfielder’s future remains uncertain. Real Madrid have placed him on a shortlist as they look to overhaul their midfield, yet they are unlikely to meet Chelsea’s asking price of around £100 million. Fernández’s contract runs until 2032, and his agent Javier Pastore warned that the player will explore options if a new deal is not secured after the World Cup. Pastore also criticised the two‑game ban as unfair, while Chelsea maintain the punishment was necessary to curb public dissent and protect club unity. The owners and sporting directors have made it clear that private feedback is acceptable, but public criticism will not be tolerated. With Chelsea currently sixth in the Premier League and still reeling from a Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint‑Germain, the club faces a crucial period. They must balance a push for Champions League qualification, upcoming FA Cup semi‑finals against Leeds, and the ongoing contract and transfer saga surrounding one of their most influential players.