This Week in Sport: 3rd March − 9th March 2025
March has arrived and with it comes a slate of must-see sport. On Monday, the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Houston Rockets in the NBA. All eyes will be on Madrid on Tuesday as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid take their storied rivalry to the Champions League. On Wednesday, some of the biggest tennis stars head to California for the start of the Indian Wells Open. Thursday brings the start of the AFL season, with Brisbane hosting Geelong in the opening match. There’s top-of-the-table Super League action on Friday, as St Helens Saints host Hull KR.
For the weekend, the Six Nations returns on Saturday, with Ireland taking on France. Finally, the ICC Champions Trophy comes to a close on Sunday.
NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder v Houston Rockets
Monday 3rd March 01:00AM GMT (4th)/7:00PM Local Time
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets at the Paycom Center in this high-stakes NBA Western Conference matchup. The Thunder, led by MVP contender, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, lead the conference by a wide margin. However, the young and dynamic Rockets side – already poised to make their first playoff appearance since 2020 – have already beaten them once this season.
UEFA Champions League: Real Madrid v Atlético Madrid
Tuesday 4th March 8:00M GMT/9:00PM Local Time
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium plays host to the first Champions League Madrid Derby since 2017 as Real Madrid face crosstown rivals Atlético Madrid. Atlético enters the matchup having had the better Champions League campaign so far this season. However, they have not beaten Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu since 2016. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, the defending tournament champions, are riding high again after dominating Manchester City in the previous round.
ATP Tour: Indian Wells Open
Wednesday 5th March 6:00PM GMT/10:00AM Local Time
Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells
Many of the biggest names in tennis are headed to California for the prestigious Indian Wells Open. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek will be hoping to defend their respective singles titles, but that is easier said than done. While Alcaraz won’t have to face suspended World Number 1 Jannik Sinner, the likes of Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic are sure to be a challenge. Meanwhile, Świątek will have to contend with regular rivals Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff if she wants to defend her crown.
AFL: Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats POSTPONED
Thursday 6th March 08:50AM GMT/6:50PM Local Time
The Gabba, Brisbane
The AFL is back for its 129th season. Fittingly, the reigning champions, the Brisbane Lions, are set to kick off the new season against Geelong at the Gabba. While much of the Lions’ premiership-winning team returns, they will be without their 2024 leading scorer, Joe Daniher, who retired after the season. Meanwhile, Geelong – who finished 3rd last year in the table – will be eager to get some measure of revenge on Brisbane, who beat them in the Preliminary finals on the way to the title. They will be hoping that 2024 Coleman Medal runner-up Jeremy Cameron can power them to victory.
*After this Blog was written, it was learnt that the AFL has called off its season-opening match between Brisbane and Geelong, as well as the Gold Coast and Essendon game, due to the ongoing threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland.*
Super League: St Helens v Hull Kingston Rovers
Friday 7th March 8:00PM GMT/8:00PM Local Time
Totally Wicked Stadium, Saint Helens
Hull KR travel to St Helens and the Totally Wicked Stadium for this early strength test between undefeated Super League teams. Thanks to their staggering +142 point difference, Saints top the table while Hull KR sit in second. However, both teams have been unstoppable so far this season. Watch out for Saints’ Tristan Sailor and Hull’s Joe Burgess, who enter the game as the league’s best try scorers this season.
Six Nations: Ireland v France
Saturday 8th March 2:15PM GMT/2:15PM Local Time
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
With the Triple Crown already in hand, Six Nations frontrunners Ireland now turn their attention to the Grand Slam. At 3-0, Ireland are well on their way to a third consecutive Six Nations title. However, they will need to overcome France, currently second in the standings, to ensure the silverware. France haven’t beaten Ireland since their own Grand Slam campaign in 2022 and hasn’t won on Irish soil since 2021. With the 2025 title still on the line, it’s all to play for at Aviva Stadium in what should be a thrilling game.
ICC Champions Trophy: ICC Champions Trophy Final
Sunday 9th March 09:00AM GMT/1:00PM Local Time
Dubai International Stadium
The ICC Champions Trophy has been compelling entertainment in its return to the cricketing calendar and the final is expected to be no different. With the semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, between India and Australia followed by New Zealand and South Africa, it is anybody's title. All four semifinalists have previously won the title, with India the most recent champion of the four teams still in contention.
Photo by: Carlos Alcaraz Garfia
Written and information correct on 3rd March 2025 at 6AM GMT.
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