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Before the Catalan derby, Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick met Espanyol's Manolo González at Cornellà-El Prat. The coaches exchanged team shirts in a pre-match moment ahead of La Liga Week 19. The encounter underscores the long-standing city rivalry and the high tension surrounding El Derbi. Barcelona currently leads La Liga with 46 points, while Espanyol has 33.
Barcelona sit atop La Liga with 46 points, while Espanyol trail in fifth with 33. This local derby pits style against grit and adds a dash of bragging rights for the neighborhood. BeIN Sports holds exclusive rights for the 2025-2026 season, broadcast on BeIN SPORTS 1 HD with Arabic commentary. For online viewing, TOD TV and BeIN Connect are options, with NordVPN offering a workaround for viewers outside the region. Expect a tactical, tightly contested encounter between two Catalan clubs.
Tunisia faces a tough knockout test against Mali at the Mohammed V Complex in AFCON 2025. Mali reached the knockout stage as group runners-up after three draws, while Tunisia advanced with four points. The match is broadcast on beIN Sports MAX 1 HD with Arabic commentary and can be streamed via TOD or BeIN Connect. This guide covers broadcast channels, online viewing options, and match details, with a dash of light humor to keep you entertained. Expect a tight contest as the winner moves closer to a potential quarterfinal against the Senegal vs Sudan winner.
Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi previews a daunting Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash with Morocco, stressing focus and composure. He acknowledges the 80,000-strong crowd in Rabat and warns that pressure can backfire on the Moroccans if they rush. Gamondi recalls his time in Morocco and emphasizes staying collected against a heavyweight opponent. The interview underlines Tanzania’s belief after strong showings against Nigeria and Tunisia, as the team psyches up for a high-stakes match.
The Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah hosts a key Roshen Saudi League clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Taawoun. Al-Taawoun sit third with 28 points from 11 matches, while Al-Ittihad are sixth with 20 points. The match will be broadcast on eight channels with online streaming available via the Eight app. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30 local time on January 3, 2026. A win could boost Al-Taawoun’s title challenge or help Al-Ittihad restart their climb in the standings.
Aziz Ki, a star for Wydad Casablanca, receives heartbreaking news just hours before a crucial AFCON Round of 16 match in Morocco. The game between Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast is set to take place in Marrakech on Tuesday. Wydad issued a condolence statement to Ki and his family. Ki is expected to miss the Ivory Coast match to travel home for his son’s funeral. Ki’s career has seen stops at ASEC Mimosas, Young Africans, and Omonia Nicosia before joining Wydad this season, and he has 20 international caps.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick tackles the first tough question of 2026 as the new year begins. The Blaugrana head into the Espanyol derby with top spot in La Liga and defensive concerns after Christensen's knee injury. Flick signals the need for a January defensive addition, though admitting it will require club approval. He remains hopeful that a beneficial deal can be reached after discussions with management. The piece also previews Barca's Spanish Super Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao and a broadcast on the Eight app.
Global media report that a key Al-Ittihad player is poised to depart this winter window. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, 28, is among the season's top scorers and could exit mid-season. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano notes interest from European and Middle Eastern clubs. Bergwijn has 14 appearances this season with 6 goals and 1 assist, and 44 appearances with 20 goals and 9 assists since joining.
CAF appoints an all-Egyptian refereeing crew for the Algeria vs Congo DR AFCON knockout clash in Morocco. The match is scheduled for Tuesday in the tournament hosted by Morocco. Algeria topped Group 5 with maximum points, while Congo DR finished as runners-up in Group 4 on goal difference with Senegal. The crew includes Mohamed Maarouf as referee, with a full Egyptian support team, marking the first time this edition that Egyptian officials oversee matches.
Saudi Arabia’s football federation announced Gulf Cup 27 will be staged in Jeddah this year. The tournament runs from September 23 to October 6, with matches at two venues in the city. Bahrain is the defending champion after a victory over Oman in the last final hosted by Kuwait. This edition marks Saudi Arabia’s return to Gulf Cup hosting after 12 years, with Qatar having previously lifted the trophy in 2014. Expect a festive atmosphere, modern facilities, and regional bragging rights on the line.
AC Milan has officially signed German forward Niclas Vollkrog from West Ham United to bolster the Rossoneri’s attack. The deal is structured as a loan with an option to buy, giving Milan flexibility for the remainder of the season. Vollkrog, born in Hanover in 1993, has previously shone for Dortmund and Bremen and brings Champions League experience. He will wear the number 9 shirt as Milan navigate the January transfer window.
Mohammed Timoumi, Morocco’s former star, says the Tanzania knockout clash in the Africa Cup of Nations won’t be easy for the Atlas Lions. He warns that knockout games are always high risk and urges Morocco to treat Tanzania with respect despite history. Timoumi expresses confidence in Morocco’s ability to progress while acknowledging Tanzania’s energy and hunger. He also notes Morocco’s 3-0 win over Zambia and calls on fans to stay behind the team to chase the dream.
Four Spanish clubs will compete in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup, with the event broadcast on the Eight app. The tournament kicks off with Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao, followed by Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid. Prize money rises to 23 million euros, distributed among the four clubs. Mundo Deportivo explains revenue streams and the allocation for amateur football, wrapping up with a touch of humor on money and football.
Bosnian referee Irfan Bilito will officiate the Roshen Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr. The 41-year-old has a history with Saudi clubs and is familiar on European stages. He will be supported by two assistants and a VAR duo, with memories of past Al-Ahli games shaping expectations. Ronaldo’s performances under Bilito’s whistle add an extra layer of intrigue as fans anticipate a high-stakes encounter.
Raja Casablanca is closing in on Moroccan winger Ayman Berkouk during the January window. Negotiations reportedly reached an advanced stage. Berkouk, 27, is currently unattached after parting ways with Schalke. The deal, described as a free transfer, would boost Raja's Botola Pro campaign as they sit fourth.
Gulf Cup organizers are reportedly weighing a broader invite list for the 2026 edition in Riyadh, aiming to include Arab teams beyond the GCC. Egypt is among the nations mentioned as a potential guest, alongside Morocco, Algeria and Jordan. The Egyptian Football Association has not received an official invitation yet, and any decision would come after Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Bahrain remains the defending champion from Gulf Cup 26 in Kuwait.
Barcelona is reportedly monitoring Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old Algeria international at Bayer Leverkusen, amid growing transfer talk. Catalan outlets say Barça has intensified its interest in the youngster who shone at AFCON in Morocco. Maza moved from Union Berlin to Leverkusen for €12 million and is valued around €25 million by Transfermarkt. He has been productive for both club and country, including a goal for Algeria at AFCON.
Chelsea met Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille coach, this summer as they weighed a replacement for Enzo Maresca, but the Blues are now downplaying the likelihood of appointing the former Brighton chief. Maresca was sacked on New Year’s Day, and a Strasbourg coach, Liam Rozineur, has emerged as a frontrunner. Chelsea also discussed other names like Kieran McKenna, while Marseille remain locked in their title push with De Zerbi at the helm. The decision will hinge on long-term ambitions, playing style, and alignment across the club.
Venus Williams received a wildcard to compete in the Australian Open 2026. At age 45, she could become the oldest player in the main draw, adding another record to her storied career. With 49 titles including seven Grand Slams, she remains a formidable force and continues to build towards a late-career surge. The American has been preparing with events like Auckland and Hobart, while fans await her 22nd main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam.
Al-Nassr’s vice president Khalid Al-Malik reassures fans amid rumors of administrative changes and Semedo’s supposed power freeze. He stresses a calm, trust-based approach as the team heads into a Saudi Pro League match with Al-Ahli. Semedo’s career path within the club is outlined, and a hopeful note is sounded for the road ahead. The piece ends with a light touch of humor to keep spirits high.
