Final Matches & Championships – What Happened This Week

If you love big games, you’re in the right place. Below is a straight‑forward roundup of the finals that mattered most across football, rugby and combat sports. No fluff, just the key moments you need to know.

Big Wins in Football and Rugby

The Club World Cup saw Manchester City crush Juventus 5-2. Rodri controlled the midfield while Jeremy Doku added pace on the wings. The win cemented City’s status as a tournament powerhouse and gave fans a glimpse of how they might finish the season.

In South Africa, the Stormers hosted their first Heineken Champions Cup playoff at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Even though they didn’t win, the match marked a historic step for SA clubs into elite European competition. The atmosphere was electric and showed that South African rugby is ready for more big‑stage action.

Over in South America, Grêmio turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores semi‑final. Late goals from their striker flipped the tie and sent Grêmio to the final, shaking up the continent’s club hierarchy.

Combat Sports and Other Showdowns

UFC 319 delivered a night of fireworks in Chicago. Khamzat Chimaev dismantled Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight belt, while Lerone Murphy scored a knockout against Aaron Pico in the co‑main event. Both fights were streamed on ESPN+, making it easy to catch the action live.

Paris will host UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena on September 6. French fighters Nassourdine Imavov and Benoit Saint Denis are set to headline, promising a night that could boost MMA’s profile in Europe.

The women's game got its own finale when Chelsea Women faced Manchester City Women in the League Cup final at Pride Park. Chelsea chased their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor, while City aimed to add another silverware piece to an already impressive cabinet.

Across cricket, Pakistan’s T20 series against West Indies continued in Florida. The second match offered live streaming options and a chance for Pakistan to wrap up the series after a solid opening win.

Finally, the NBA playoffs kept fans on edge. The Warriors survived an early Stephen Curry injury to beat the Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Meanwhile, the Pacers held a 3‑1 lead over the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, with Tyrese Haliburton’s triple‑double stealing the spotlight.

All these finals share one thing: they deliver drama you can’t miss. Whether it’s a football club lifting a cup or an MMA fighter earning a belt, the moments shape next season’s storylines. Keep checking African News Rehearsal for quick updates, analysis and behind‑the‑scenes details on every big final.