Bernie’s Sports Focus - Thursday 30th August 2012

Real Madrid recovered from a first leg 3-2 deficit to beat fierce rivals Barcelona 2-1 in the return leg to lift the Spanish Super Cup, the first silver-ware of the new season for manager Jose Mourhinio.

Celtic have qualified for the Champions League group stage after a 2-nil second leg win against Helsingborgs at Celtic Park to give them a 4-0 aggregate win and a place in the champions league proper for the first time in four years.

Lille, CFR Cluj of Romania, Spartkak Moscow and Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev also qualified for the group stages.

Liverpool have a 1-0 advantage as they prepare to take on Heart of Midlothian in the second leg of the Europa League Cup tie and Newcastle, who drew 1-1 at Atromitos of Cyprus look set to also book their place in the next round, providing they do not concede at St James’s Park.

Everton easily disposed of Leyton Orient to reach the third round of the League Cup.

Tonight Wolves travel to Northampton for their second round second leg cup tie.

Scotland’s Andy Murray cruised into the third round of the US Open with a comfortable straight sets win against Ivan Dodig of Croatia.

The Queen declared the London 2012 Paralympic games officially open in a dazzling ceremony in front of 80,000 spectators.

Malta is represented by 15-year old Matthew Sultana who will be competing in the 50m freestyle swimming.