African stars had a rewarding weekend in Europe’s top leagues, with some excelling, while others faced contrasting fortunes.
England
Alex Iwobi inspired Fulham to a 3-1 comeback win over Brentford in the West London derby, securing back-to-back Premier League victories for Marco Silva’s side.
The visitors struck first when Mikkel Damsgaard capitalised on a loose Josh King pass to beat Bernd Leno in the 20th minute.
Fulham’s response was swift within two minutes, as the Nigeria international volleyed home the leveller before setting up Harry Wilson for a brilliant first-time finish.
After the break, an Ethan Pinnock own goal extended the hosts’ lead, while Rodrigo Muniz later saw a strike ruled out by VAR for a foul in the buildup.
The result lifts Fulham to eighth with eight points, while Brentford slip to 17th after a third straight away defeat.
Meanwhile, Yankuba Minteh opened the scoring as Brighton raced into a two-goal lead, but Tottenham fought back to draw 2-2 at the Amex.
The Gambia international struck in the eighth minute, rounding Guglielmo Vicario before rolling home, and Yasin Ayari doubled the advantage with a long-range strike that left the reigning Europa League kings frustrated.
Nevertheless, Richarlison gave the visitors hope with a close-range finish before half-time. They piled on second-half pressure, with Xavi Simons twice going close, but parity arrived late when Mohammed Kudus’ cross was turned into his own net by Jan Paul van Hecke.
At Anfield, Idrissa Gueye briefly revived Everton’s hopes with a thunderous strike, but Liverpool still marched to a 2-1 victory in the Merseyside derby to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.
Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, lofting Mohamed Salah’s clever pass beyond Jordan Pickford. The Dutchman then turned provider, releasing Hugo Ekitike to double the lead with a precise low finish.
Liverpool’s dominance was underlined by the luxury of introducing £241m duo Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak only after the break.
Italy
Nigeria’s Gift Orban held the spotlight as Verona frustrated Juventus in a 1-1 draw that exposed the visitors’ defensive lapses once again.
After a chaotic 4-4 against Borussia Dortmund in midweek and a seven-goal thriller with Inter Milan last weekend, Igor Tudor’s side looked vulnerable at the back and fortunate not to lose to their winless hosts.
Francisco Conceicao had put the Old Lady in front with a brilliant solo strike from outside the box, but Verona drew level when Orban converted a penalty off the underside of the bar after Joao Mario was harshly penalised for handball.
The home team pressed for a winner, with Orban and Martin Frese both denied by Michele di Gregorio, leaving Juventus to settle for a point that still moved them top.
At the Stadio Olimpico, Kamaldeen Sulemana inspired Atalanta to a dominant 3-0 win over Torino, grabbing a goal and an assist as his side ran riot.
The hosts’ troubles began early when Nicola Zalewski and Isak Hien both limped off injured inside the first half-hour.
Atalanta capitalised, with Lazar Samardzic setting up Nikola Krstovic for his first goal since arriving from Lecce. The Ghanaian then struck his maiden goal for the club, tucking home after Davide Zappacosta kept a move alive.
Sulemana later turned provider, rolling a low cross for Krstovic to tap in his second. Torino’s resistance crumbled further, though Giovanni Simeone and Duvan Zapata both threatened late on.
In another fixture, Walid Cheddira gave Sassuolo late hope with an 84th-minute strike after combining with Domenico Berardi, but Inter Milan held on for a 2-1 win.
Federico Dimarco opened the scoring early before Carlos Augusto doubled the lead with a deflected effort. The victory lifted Inter to six points, while Serie B champions Sassuolo remain on three.
Lastly, M'Bala Nzola’s penalty gave Pisa a brief lifeline, but Napoli held firm to claim a 3-2 victory and extend their flawless start to the Serie A season.
The champions controlled proceedings early, with Billy Gilmour netting his first senior goal to open the scoring. The Angolan levelled from the spot on the hour, only for Leonardo Spinazzola to quickly restore Napoli’s lead.
Lucca then added a third, seemingly sealing the result, before Lorran struck late to set up a nervy finish. Napoli’s resilience, however, ensured a fourth straight win, moving them top on 12 points, two ahead of Juventus.
Newly promoted Pisa remain second-bottom, still searching for their first win with just one point from four games.
Spain
Etta Eyong opened the scoring in Girona’s nightmare afternoon at Montilivi, where Levante triumphed 4-0.
The hosts started brightly but the balance shifted in the 18th minute when Wisel received a yellow card, followed by a second dismissal 12 minutes later, leaving the hosts with ten men.
Levante seized control, and the Cameroonian’s header in the 43rd minute dealt the first blow. The second half began disastrously, as Reis was sent off for a reckless challenge.
From the resulting free kick, Carlos Alvarez doubled the Frogs’ lead. Overwhelmed and two players down, Ivan Romero made it 0-3 for the visitors, and Koyalipou sealed the rout in stoppage time.
