SO FAR
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Mexico on September 19 had an effect on every aspect of our country, including sports as every sport activity was postponed.
Players from every sport both Mexican and foreign showed support for the people of Mexico, like football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who sent a message and a signed shirt to the family of a little boy that was one of the victims of the earthquake.
Ronaldo finally re-emerged in Spain’s La Liga with Real Madrid, but this didn’t prevent his team from conceding a historic loss to Real Betis, the team of Mexican midfielder Andrés Guardo, at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Ronaldo and Real overcame this disappointment by winning a Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund (1-3).
FC Barcelona sits at number one in Spain after Lionel Messi guided his team to a victory against Gerona (0-3).
In the NFL, President Donald Trump’s comments didn’t slow down the rhythm of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs who remain undefeated after beating the New England Patriots (42-27) in Gillette Stadium in New England. The Atlanta Falcons also remain undefeated after defeating the Chicago Bears (23-17) at Soldier Field.
In the MLB, the Cleveland Indians (AL Central), Houston Astros (AL West), Washington Nationals (NL East) and Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West) have all secured both playoffs and the division title. Both Indians and Dodgers have set league records this season.
THE HAPPENING
We will start with the NFL, which in recent days has grabbed the attention of the entire world due to Donald Trump’s attacks against players, owners and the league alike. Trump’s beef lies with the protests during the national anthem in which some players either kneel or remain seated on the bench.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started protesting the national anthem in 2016 in response to a series of shootings by police of African-Americans in different parts of the United States.
Kapernick was released by the 49ers and wasn’t signed by any other team for this season. Other players have started protesting during the national anthem in response to Kapernick.
During week 3 of the NFL, President Trump called players who protest the national anthem “sons of bitches” and criticized the NFL for low ratings as well as encouraged people to boycott the league.
The NFL ratings improved during week 3 thanks to Trump’s criticism. Players and owners alike protested by kneeling, locking arms or remaining in the locker room during the national anthem.
In soccer news, UK newspaper The Mirror mentioned Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez as part of the possible signings for Premiere League club Everton during the January transfer window.
Tensions were high in Paris, France after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Brazilian forward Neymar had a bit of a disagreement on the field with teammate Edisson Cavani. The South American forwards were visibly upset when deciding over who would take a penalty shot, and consequent rumors emerged about a rift between the PSG players. The dispute seems to have dissipated, at least on the field, as the two players held hands and waived to the crowd after a 3-0 victory in Champions League over Bayern Munich.
After Wednesday’s defeat in Paris, Bayern Munich has parted ways with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. The team will be taken over by assistant coach, Frenchman and former player Willy Sagnol.
On NBA news, All-Star guard Dwayne Wayde signed a one year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers for $2.3 million dollars according to ESPN. Dwayne will once again play with Lebron James, the two of them together won two titles with the Miami Heat.
GAMES
FOOTBALL
Toluca (Estate of Mexico) vs América (Mexico City) – Saturday 9 p.m. Nemesio Díaz Stadium, Toluca, Estate of Mexico.
There’s always been a bit of a rivalry between these two teams. Both of them practice an offensive style of football which always makes for an entertaining game, not to mention they are in second and fourth place in the league table with only one point between them.
Chelsea (London) vs Manchester City – Saturday 11:30 a.m. Stanford Bridge, London, United Kingdom.
Premier League matches rarely disappoint. City sits atop of the league tied in points with Manchester United in second place. Chelsea is third with only a three point difference with City. Sit back and enjoy the most competitive football league in the world. Argentinian forward Sergio Agüero is out of the game after suffering a car crash in a taxi in Amsterdam. Agüero came out with a cracked rib which will leave him off the field for two months.
NFL
Buffalo Bills (New York) vs Atlanta Falcons (Georgia) – Sunday 12 p.m. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Falcons get to week 4 undefeated and atop the NFC South, while the Bills have only lost one game and are number one in the AFC East. The stage couldn’t be better, the new Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the most amazing stadiums in the world.
MLB
Houston Astros vs Boston Red Sox – Series started Thursday and will continue through Sunday.
The Red Sox are battling the New York Yankees for the division American League East Division title, while the Houston Astros are reaching for a league record. Both teams have secured a spot in the playoffs but they both have clear goals.
