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Arne Slot explains why Mohamed Salah was left on the bench for a second straight game against Sunderland. He emphasizes team balance and continuity, hinting Salah could feature off the bench if needed. Salah’s form has dipped this season with 5 goals and 3 assists in 18 appearances. The match at Anfield tests Liverpool’s depth and tactical choices.
Napoli overcame Cagliari in a 1-1 draw, then prevailed 9-8 on penalties to reach the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. Cagliari forced extra time with a late equalizer. Atalanta also advanced with a big win, setting up a Juventus tie in the quarters. The day mixed drama, saves, and a touch of chaos—you’d think this season’s cup is auditioning for a reality show.
Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao, snapping a three-game away winless run in La Liga. Xabi Alonso lauded the team’s performance and stressed the need to sustain this momentum. Mbappe’s brace showcased a seamless understanding with Vinicius, while Arda Guler’s involvement didn’t disrupt balance. The coach emphasized focus on the next match against Celta Vigo and highlighted tactical decisions around lineup balance.
Liverpool’s Dutch coach Arne Slot named the lineup for the Anfield clash with Sunderland, keeping Mohamed Salah on the bench for a second straight game. The attack was set with Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak leading the line. Liverpool sit eighth with 21 points, while Sunderland hold sixth on 22 points. The game marks another test of Liverpool’s rotation policy and aims to keep up the push in the Premier League.
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao has presented his transfer wishlist to Al-Ittihad ahead of the winter window. The team sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League with 14 points from nine games and seeks to shore up its ranks. He wants two new players – a defender and a forward – to address current gaps, with sporting director Ramon Blanis reportedly backing the plan. Simultaneously, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud’s contract is extended to 2027, and a Dubai training camp with two friendlies is planned during the stoppage.
Enzo Maresca reshuffles Chelsea’s starting XI ahead of a Premier League clash with Leeds United. Key defenders are benched as Chalobah, Adarabioyo and Badiashile start, while Neto, Palmer and Garnacho sit among the substitutes. Estevao and Gittens join the attack alongside Joao Pedro and Delap. Leeds, guided by Daniel Farke, respond with a deliberate setup. Chelsea sit third on 24 points, Leeds 18th with 11 as the league table heat rises.
Real Madrid ended a three-match draw streak with a 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. Mbappe scored twice and Camavinga added the third as Madrid controlled the game from start to finish. Courtois produced key saves to keep Bilbao at bay, while Vinícius Junior nearly doubled the lead with a post strike. The win narrows the gap to Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Hamam Al-Hamami, Shabab’s star, faces possible surgery and a weeks-long layoff that could rule him out of the Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Ittihad on December 27, 2025. Okaz reports he will undergo surgery, keeping him out for around 3–4 weeks. The setback comes after a recent cup meeting where Al-Ittihad triumphed 4-1. The move from Al-Ittihad to Shabab last summer and his limited goal involvement add to the intrigue surrounding his return.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco clarifies that Marc Guehi is not on the club’s summer radar. Guehi’s Crystal Palace contract ends this season, and he had been linked with a move to Liverpool. Deco notes Barca has options but won’t publicly reveal identities. Eric Garcia is set to renew, while Barca remains top of La Liga after a win over Atletico.
Arsenal’s boss Mikel Arteta announces the starting XI to host Brentford in the Premier League. The lineup features Raya in goal and a defensive duo of Muskera and Hinkapié, with Rice anchoring midfield and a forward trio headlined by Madueke, Martinelli, and Merino. Saka and Izzy Ezi sit among the substitutes, while Brentford’s sheet is also outlined. Arsenal sit top of the table on 30 points, Brentford lie in 12th with 19, setting the scene for a tightly contested mid-table duel at the Emirates.
Bayern Munich lands a star-studded XI for the German Cup last-16 clash against Union Berlin at Alte Försterei. The Bavarians chase another deep cup run, while Union Berlin look to upset the odds, leveraging their counter-attacking strengths. History favors Bayern, but the cup has a way of surprising even giants. This piece lays out the lineup and key context, with a touch of light humor.
Zamalek is under mounting pressure as FIFA suspends the club from registering in the upcoming transfer window. The ban centers on a new dispute over Ferjani Sassi's dues. It adds to a growing wave of legal challenges surrounding the club and its former staff. The episode underlines how off-field problems can upend transfer plans.
Morocco's national team is riding high as they prepare for the Arab Cup clash with Oman. A source inside the squad says everything is under control, including administrative steps to qualify players legally. Two players faced visa delays but eventually received expedited clearance, while Munir Shouair gained eligibility with a sporting passport. The coach's comments about delays did not derail the team, and morale remains strong.
Global headlines center on a potential Saudi bid for two European stars. Vinícius Júnior and Mohamed Salah are reportedly at the top of the Saudi Pro League's transfer priorities. Clubs like Al Hilal, Al-Qadsiah, and Al Ahli Jeddah are mentioned as keen on the Egyptian and Brazilian, with Salah’s reduced role at Liverpool cited as a lever. The situation remains fluid, with tension between Vinícius and Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso potentially opening negotiations.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says Matheus Cunha still has untapped levels as he returns from a head injury. Cunha has just one goal this season since his £62.5m move from Wolves, inviting scrutiny. Amorim stresses Cunha’s value and role despite the noise surrounding his form. Two unnamed teammates face fitness doubts as United prepare to host West Ham in the Premier League.
Spanish international Dani Olmo sends a message of resolve after injuring his shoulder in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid. The Blaugrana claimed a thrilling victory at Camp Nou in La Liga's 19th round. Olmo was hurt while scoring Barcelona's second goal and was substituted by Ferran Torres. The club later announced a left shoulder dislocation treated conservatively, with about a one-month recovery. He will miss several important fixtures, but the team and fans stand by him as the season heads into its final stretch.
Iraq defeated Bahrain 2-1 in the Arab Cup opener in Qatar. Assistant coach Rene Moelienstein explains why Graham Arnold could not attend the session, citing voice fatigue from coaching calls. Iraq leads Group D with three points, while Bahrain sit fourth after the day’s results. The staff emphasize readiness for World Cup playoffs and keeping faith with the available squad. A pragmatic update with a touch of humor.
Former Al-Hilal star Yasser Al-Qahtani explains why the club should target two key positions in the upcoming winter window. He notes Al-Hilal sit second in the Saudi Pro League and lead their AFC Champions League group, but injuries to Darwin Núñez underline the need for a reliable striker and midfield pivot. He stresses that a flood of signings isn’t required, just two smart additions. The veteran also reflects on career highs and lows, including retirement, with a dash of humor.
Morocco delivers a landmark victory in the Arab Cup 2025 opening round, becoming the only African team to win their opener. Other African results were mixed, with Tunisia falling to Syria and Algeria-Sudan and Egypt-Kuwait ending in draws. The Moroccan coach stresses qualification and a title bid, urging calm amid a highly competitive field. This article recaps the results and their implications for Africa's performance in Qatar.
Barcelona is poised to renew Eric Garcia's contract, keeping a defensive cornerstone at the club. Fabrizio Romano reports an agreement in principle, with a five-year deal on the table. Garcia's current deal ends this season, making a January decision possible. Despite PSG interest under Luis Enrique, Garcia chooses to stay at Barca and could be a captaincy candidate in the future.
