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Raja Casablanca announces the signing of Aymen Barkouk, a Moroccan international, during the winter transfer window. The club posted footage of the signing but did not disclose contract terms, noting it was a free transfer from Schalke. Barkouk, 28, arrives after a long German Bundesliga career. He has 18 caps for Morocco and is expected to bolster Raja’s midfield with European experience.
Nico Williams was left out of Athletic Bilbao’s starting lineup for the semi-final against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The decision comes amid a mild groin discomfort. Ernesto Valverde indicated Williams could come on in the second half if needed. The match airs via the Eight app, with Bilbao aiming to upset Barça in a high-stakes cup duel.
Chelsea suffer a major setback as Mark Kokurila is sent off against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The dismissal, early in the match, triggers protests and shapes the balance of the game. Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer pick up yellow cards, while Fulham's manager Marco Silva gets booked for arguing. Opta stats highlight Chelsea's struggles this season as they chase a return to winning form.
Barcelona dismantled Athletic Bilbao 4-0 at halftime in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final staged in Saudi Arabia. Ferran Torres opened the scoring, followed by Fermin López, Rony Bardji, and Rafinha in a blistering 16-minute burst. Opta confirms it as a record—Barça's four goals before the break in a semi-final. The winner will meet the victor of Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid in the final.
Pep Guardiola has made his stance clear: Manuel Akanji will remain with Inter Milan for now. City injuries, including a knock to Josko Gavardiol, fueled talk of recalling the defender, but the January window will pass without him. The loan deal reportedly lacks a buy-back clause, ensuring Inter can keep Akanji for the season. Akanji’s performances remain crucial for Inter’s plans as they navigate the rest of the campaign.
FIFA introduces an AI-powered system using 3D player avatars to simulate offsides at World Cup 2026. The technology will be used for 1,248 players across 48 teams, replacing traditional dummies and semi-automatic reviews. The goal is more realistic offside calls and fewer debates. Fans can expect clearer visuals and faster, cleaner decisions.
Marseille has reached an agreement with Algerian midfielder Himad Abdeli, currently at Angers, to sign him in the winter window, pending financial conditions. The deal spans five years and is driven by the club’s sporting project, with input from coach Roberto De Zerbi. Abdeli has told Lyon and Sevilla of his preference for Marseille, and the transfer hinges on Marseille balancing its books. He shines for Algeria at AFCON 2025, boosting his profile ahead of the move.
French driver Isaac Hajar joins Red Bull for 2026, eager to share the track with Max Verstappen. He reflects on Red Bull's legacy and Verstappen's insatiable hunger for victory, while acknowledging the big technical rule changes ahead. Preseason testing kicks off in late January in Barcelona and continues in Bahrain before the season starts. The move marks a new chapter in a team known for producing champions, and Hajar promises hard work and curiosity as he steps into the spotlight.
Erling Haaland delivered a historic moment for Manchester City by scoring against Brighton. He opened the scoring from a penalty at the Etihad in a Premier League clash. Haaland's 150th goal came in 173 appearances, placing him among City’s all-time greats. The milestone coincides with the Premier League's 35,000th goal, marking a landmark season for City’s prolific striker.
Egypt head into the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals against Ivory Coast after a 3-1 win over Benin. Ivory Coast reached the last eight with a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Mohand Lasheen returns to training, while Mohamed Hamdi faces ACL surgery and Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' begins rehabilitation. A semifinal spot hinges on a strong performance in the upcoming clash.
Napoli battled back from two goals down to draw with Verona in a dramatic Serie A clash. Giovanni Di Lorenzo struck late to rescue a point, extending his team's momentum. Opta stats highlight his rare feat among Europe’s top defenders. The result leaves Napoli third, chasing Inter at the summit.
Manchester City hosted Brighton at the Etihad in a Premier League fixture from week 22. Haaland saved a Brighton penalty and then scored in the 41st minute to put City ahead. Jérémy Doku earned a City penalty after a clash with Pascal Groß, which Haaland converted. The goal took Haaland to 20 league goals this season, and City noted he has 150 goals in 173 appearances for the club, the fastest to reach that mark in Premier League history. The win keeps City in control, while Brighton leave with a narrow defeat.
A packed Thursday line-up features Spanish and French cup semifinals, a high-stakes Premier League clash, and hot Serie A and Saudi Pro League pairings. The piece highlights where to watch, who will comment, and how to catch all the action across multiple apps and networks. It also provides a concise schedule so fans can plan their viewing without juggling remotes and VPNs. Spoiler alert: VAR will probably make an appearance, and so will a few dramatic late goals. Humour included, of course.
Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger from RB Leipzig, is at a pivotal moment after a standout Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025. Manchester United are reported to be ready to bid around 90 million euros to secure him early, fending off interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich. Bayern has also been mentioned as a summer target by Sky Sports to bolster the left flank. Diomande heads into a decisive AFCON quarterfinal against Egypt, aiming to prove he belongs among Europe’s elite. Expect the transfer chatter to intensify as the market heats up.
Barça’s sporting director Deco reassures fans about Ter Stegen’s health after a knee concern. Barcelona overpower Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia. The match’s coverage is via the Eight app, with Garcia’s national team call-up discussed as not Barça’s concern. Deco emphasizes the player’s value and future plans remain unchanged, while fans look ahead to the final.
Nassir Mazraoui stands out in AFCON with a standout stat. Opta data shows he leads players with at least 15 successful ball recoveries in ball-winning efficiency. He won the ball 11 times from 15 tackles, a 73% success rate. Morocco heads into Friday's quarterfinal against Cameroon on home soil, hoping to push further in the tournament.
Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia. Hansi Flick reveals his lineup, with Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal on the bench. The match is broadcast exclusively on the Eight App. The winner advances to the final against the Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid winner, shaping a thrilling finale.
Ivory Coast’s head coach emphasizes a team-wide approach ahead of the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Egypt. He downplays any single-player focus, highlighting collective strength and a steady, humble prep. The coach stresses that Egypt’s power comes from its unity, not just Mohamed Salah. The goal remains clear: progress to the semifinals with disciplined, step-by-step work.
Al-Qadsiah suffer a major setback as Otávio Monteiro gets injured ahead of the Roshn Saudi League clash with Al-Nassr. The injury sidelines the Portuguese midfielder, forcing Brendan Rodgers to reshuffle midfield with Musab Al-Juwair unavailable due to national team duties. Hussein Al-Qahtani is set to step in, with more tactical tweaks likely to cover Otávio’s absence. This would have been Otávio’s first return to Al-Nassr Park since leaving the club in 2023, but the reunion won’t happen. The match, in round 14, kicks off Thursday at Al-Nassr Park.
Hakim Ziyech explains his absence from Morocco’s AFCON squad, citing form and selection dynamics as key reasons. He reflects on his move to Wydad Casablanca and the lack of competitive games since leaving Al-Duhail. Morocco’s AFCON campaign continues, with a looming quarterfinal against Cameroon and World Cup 2026 ambitions on the horizon. The interview touches on future national-team chances and the balance between club form and international duty.
