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Gonzalo Garcia starts for Real Madrid in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe as Madrid host Real Betis in La Liga. Xabi Alonso named the lineup for the Santiago Bernabeu clash. Garcia joins Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the forward line to man Madrid's attack. Barcelona's win has pushed the gap to seven points, intensifying Madrid's push for the title.
Benin’s football federation triggered a controversy 24 hours before the AFCON Round of 16 match with Egypt by posting an insulting image of Mohamed Salah. The posts on Facebook and Instagram showed Salah on the ground as a Beninese Pharaoh delivered the blow. Officials framed the moment as a signal that the quarterfinals will be decisive. Egypt topped its group, while Benin finished third, adding intensity to a historic head-to-head. Racist abuse in the comments has also been reported.
Real Madrid signals a defensive rebuild for next summer, eyeing Nico Baz as a cornerstone. A buy-back clause keeps the door open to a potential return from Como. The plan hinges on strategic options with Como, while other top clubs are in the background. The story blends insider quotes with clear indications of Madrid's long-term intent.
German coach Hansi Flick watched from the stands as Barcelona faced defensive challenges. He reiterated a plan to strengthen internally, leaning on La Masia talents rather than expensive transfers. The match underscores his long-term approach: promote youth, rotate squads, and wait for a January window to reinforce the back line. Flick’s in-depth knowledge of Barça’s academy could be the deciding factor as injuries mount.
Al-Wehdat terminated Junior Ajayi's contract after a short spell of four months. The Nigerian forward played six games and scored once, failing to win over the coach or the fans. His career includes CAF Champions League glory with Al-Ahly and stints across Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. With the winter window open, the club is already searching for a top foreign striker to fill the void.
Two fierce rivals collide in a chaotic Serie A affair that ends 2-0 for Napoli. Three red cards, a late flare-up, and shifting standings define the night. The match blends discipline issues with momentum swings, leaving fans buzzing about the title race.
Egypt welcomed a FIFA delegation as part of the World Cup Trophy Tour ahead of the 2026 edition. The visit underlines Cairo’s growing ambitions to host the tournament someday. The global tour travels through 30 countries and 75 stops while carrying the original World Cup trophy. President Sisi expressed optimism for a successful event and for Egypt to potentially host the finals in the future.
Barca secure a valuable 2-0 away win against Espanyol in the Catalan derby, strengthening their La Liga lead. A standout performance from the goalkeeper and late goals from Olmo and Lewandowski sealed the result. Fans erupted with chants and fireworks, while Espanyol lingered in a mid-table position. The victory keeps Barca seven points clear at the top as the season progresses.
Al Ahly plans a strategic upgrade of its attack in the winter window. Coach Jess Thorup wants two forwards of different ages. One target is Kamovich from Tromsø, with a second striker also in the talks. A decision is expected within two days. The club aims to add depth by also bringing in a younger forward alongside a veteran.
Enzo Maresca’s abrupt exit from Chelsea continues to dominate British headlines, with questions over whether it was a dismissal or a resignation. The Sun claims he stepped down, potentially forfeiting a substantial payout. The departure came amid clashes with the club’s hierarchy, just months after domestic and international silverware. A frontrunner to replace him is Liam Rozinior, with Chelsea already planning their next chapter.
Al-Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi shocks defender Ali Bulayhi by omitting him from the squad for the Damak match. The move comes despite Bulayhi’s readiness and amid defensive depth concerns with Kalidou Koulibaly missing AFCON. Bulayhi has appeared seven times this season with one assist and 377 minutes on the field. January transfer talk around Bulayhi intensifies as the window opens. A win would move Hilal to the top of the Saudi Pro League for the first time this season, following Nasr’s setback to Al-Ahli.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has named his squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Betis. Dani Carvajal returns from injury but is expected to start on the bench, with Fede Valverde moving to right-back. Several key players are sidelined, including Militao, Mbappé, and Ibrahim Diaz, as Madrid seek to tighten their hold on the table. The lineup blends veteran presence with youth, aiming to climb the standings after a mixed start to 2026.
Barcelona edged Espanyol 2-0 in a tense Catalan derby, with the referee delivering a standout performance. Víctor García Verdora, 31, commanded the game with calm authority, drawing praise from the referees’ committee. The match marked a test for a policy shift away from region-based derby refereeing. The night highlighted potential modernization in Spanish officiating amid a charged atmosphere.
Egypt’s Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' announces the team is fully prepared to face Benin in the AFCON Round of 16 in Morocco. He stresses respect for all opponents and the readiness to please the Egyptian people. The forward points to an improved attacking approach, acknowledging misses are part of football and that the coaching staff is sharpening it. With the title in sight, Egypt seeks AFCON glory after a wait that stretches back to 2010.
Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Adam Warton of Crystal Palace as a potential summer signing. Palace reportedly wants a premium fee, likely above €65 million, with a bidding war possible. The move would add a ball-winning, architect-like midfielder to Madrid's plans, potentially replacing or complementing Aur e9lien Tchouam e9ni and integrating with Jellingham and Mbappe. Several English rivals loom as competition, including City, Liverpool, United and Chelsea. The narrative blends tactical maturity with rising data-driven praise for Warton's capability.
Cristiano Ronaldo, star of Al-Nassr, receives a warm message from Merih Demiral after the Saudi Roshen Pro League Clasico. Demiral posts a photo with Ronaldo on Instagram captioned ‘Brothers since 2019.’ The two previously shared Juventus days (2019-2021) and are now reunited in Saudi football. Demiral plays a key role in the match, scoring the third goal that sealed Al-Ahli’s 3-2 win over Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr face a potential setback as a key player could miss the Riyadh derby if he collects another yellow card. Ayman Yahya is eyeing the clash against Al-Hilal by avoiding cautions in the upcoming match versus Al-Qadisiyah. The team leads the league but with a delicate balance, as recent results have not gone perfectly. The scenario adds extra drama to a season that already features a tense title chase.
Visnik Aslani, Hoffenheim’s Kosovan striker, turned heads by attending the Catalan derby between Barcelona and Espanyol. Reports say Barça are monitoring him as a potential long-term successor to Lewandowski. The 23-year-old has drawn attention for his versatility and goal-scoring potential in the Bundesliga. His release clause is reportedly in the €25–€29 million range, per Sky Sports.
American Lerner Tin and Frances Tiafoe moved into the Brisbane second round, chalking up straight-set wins. Tin defeated Camilo Ojo to set up a clash with a winner from the Duckworth–Michelsen match, while Tiafoe sent a wildcard packing 6-2, 6-2 and waits for the Medvedev–Fucsovics winner. In the women's draw, Kenin, Bouzkova, Cirstea and others advanced, while Fonseca's start was postponed due to a back issue. A busy day left Brisbane buzzing about the early rounds and the shifted schedule.
Brighton & Hove Albion has publicly dismissed Manchester United’s alleged interest in Cameroon's Carlos Baliba, stating he is not for sale in January or any future window. Baliba is currently with Cameroon at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and is expected to help his team in the knockout rounds. Brighton emphasizes his importance for the rest of the season and says there have been no contact from United. The piece also notes Brighton’s recent, high-profile signings and the club’s evolving transfer strategy.
