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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.
Riyad Mahrez sparked a dramatic come-from-behind win for Algeria against DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Desert Foxes advanced to a quarterfinal clash with Nigeria thanks to a stoppage-time winner. Mahrez played most of the match, then handed leadership to a teammate as substitutions reshaped the game. A Ronaldo-inspired bench moment and a decisive late strike sealed Algeria’s progress in a scene fans will remember.
Algeria secure a 1-0 win over DR Congo in AFCON 2025 round of 16, powered by a tenacious defense led by veteran Aïssa Mandi. Sofascore highlights Mandi as the only Algerian defender to play every match so far without being dribbled past. Algeria finished top of their group with nine points, setting up a heavyweight quarterfinal against Nigeria. The winner will then face either Morocco or Cameroon in the semifinals. A touch of humor follows as the wall tightens further.
Flamengo has dismissed reports linking Marcus Leonardo to a move from Al Hilal during the current winter window. The Brazilian forward remains pivotal for Hilal as injuries affect the team. Flamengo reportedly has no official interest and is pursuing other transfer options. Leonardo scored for Hilal against Damac, highlighting his ongoing impact. The piece also notes a Saudi Pro League clash between Hilal and Al-Hazm.
Barcelona arrives at the Spanish Super Cup as defending champions and the competition's most decorated side. They face Athletic Bilbao in the Saudi-hosted semi-final, with the final set to pit the winner against Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid. The event is broadcast exclusively through the Eight app. Opta confirms Barça's record with 15 titles and highlights the current format's dynamics, while the squads promise a high-stakes, high-quality clash. Expect a game that blends experience and youth with a touch of spectacle.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco suggests Joao Cancelo is nearing a move from Al-Hilal to the Catalan club during the winter window. Inter Milan and Barcelona are vying for the Portuguese full-back, who hasn’t undergone medicals yet. The 31-year-old previously played for Barca on loan in 2023-24 before joining Al-Hilal in 2024. If completed, it would mark a high-profile return for Cancelo to a club he already knows well.
Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku start for Manchester City against Brighton as Guardiola rotates his squad. City aim to rebound to winning ways and keep pace with Arsenal at the top. Brighton travel to the Etihad hoping to upset the leaders. City sit second with 42 points, while Brighton are tenth on 28.
Manchester United begin life under Darren Fletcher with a familiar 3-4-2-1, moving Bruno Fernandes forward behind Sesko. Ogarti and Casemiro anchor midfield as Dalot and Dorjo provide width. Mejbri features for Burnley.
Getafe mocked Lamine Yamal after his flashy derby celebration. The incident sparked debate on originality and showmanship as Barcelona heads to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. Mundo Deportivo highlighted the three-finger pocket gesture, later copied by players across Europe. Getafe publicly claimed the move originated with Djeni Dakonam Ortiz and warned about rights.
The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center upheld Al-Ahli as champions of the latest Saudi Super Cup edition while confirming penalties on Al-Hilal. The ruling reverses earlier recommendations and imposes fines and bans. Hilal faces exclusion from the next edition and financial penalties, with the federation also affected. This decision seals the outcome and leaves little room for appeal, except perhaps for a good joke in the locker room.
Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic praised his team’s collective display after a tense 1-0 win over DR Congo in AFCON 2025. He highlighted discipline, organization, and control of the game, and outlined why Amoura started as the central striker. The Greens now shift focus to a high-stakes clash with Nigeria, aiming to impose their style and press high. Fitness updates and squad depth underline Algeria’s readiness for the knockout rounds, with a few jokes to keep spirits light.
Luis Enrique teased reporters about ChatGPT ahead of the French Super Cup final in Kuwait. He joked that the AI should have been asked last season who would win the Champions League, hinting PSG’s rise has been anything but scripted. The coach emphasized the classic duel with Marseille as a strong motivator and a chance to claim another trophy, underscoring PSG’s aggressive, controlled approach. The piece notes PSG’s trophy haul under Enrique across two seasons, including European honors. A light mood peppered a serious pursuit of glory, with two punchlines to end on a smile.
Xabi Alonso leads Real Madrid into a high-stakes Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid. The tie, broadcast exclusively on the Thmanyah app, pits the two Madrid giants against each other with a season-defining edge. After a heavy 2-5 Derby defeat, Madrid seeks revenge and prestige, while Mbappé’s injury casts a shadow over the squad. Alonso emphasizes collective pressing and a higher-level performance to advance to the final. Vinícius Júnior is urged to keep the pressure up, as the team gears up for a fierce showdown.
Barcelona reportedly has a fresh transfer target that could intensify the Catalan derby with Espanyol. The move follows a controversial past acquisition that strained relations between the clubs. AS reports that Carlos Romero, Espanyol’s left-back, impressed against Lamin Yamal and has drawn Barça’s eye. If Barça acts before Espanyol, fan tensions could flare even more. The mercato saga promises more twists than a soap opera in two acts.
Simone Inzaghi declares Al Hilal prepared for the Al Hazm test in Round 14 of the Saudi Pro League. He highlights a tough, improving opponent and the need to collect points at home after two away games. The coach clarifies Cancelo is not available for the matchup and that the club will address the defensive concerns, while stressing that several squad players remain under his watch. Rumors of transfers and Barcelona links are noted but not confirmed, as management handles negotiations.
Diego Simeone sparked a debate at Atletico Madrid's press conference ahead of the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Real Madrid. Asked about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, he answered 'Yes' and smiled in a way that many took as a dig. Supporters said the reaction came from the language of the question, not the Kingdom. The coach also praised Saudi hospitality, highlighting the broader conversation around hosting big tournaments in the region. The piece covers the event, the broadcast on Thmanyah, and watch details.
Italian coach Simone Inzaghi reportedly declined Manchester United to continue his rebuilding project with Al Hilal. United had shown interest after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, but Inzaghi preferred stability and progress with the Saudi giants. The decision keeps Al Hilal on track for strong domestic results and possible continental ambitions. The saga underscores the Saudi Pro League’s growing pull for elite coaches and players alike.
