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Al-Ittihad fights back to level but is haunted by past failures as Damac takes the lead. The visitors respond, yet the same pattern persists: struggles to win after conceding. The clash, amid a league-wide backdrop of mixed results, underscores the team's ongoing inconsistency. A dramatic draw leaves questions for the next fixture, with humor as a small consolation.
Barcelona is negotiating Marcus Rashford's future amid tight finances, weighing a permanent move or an extended loan. United values the buyout at 30 million euros, but Barca seeks a more viable option. Rashford wants to stay at Camp Nou, while Barca explores alternatives to reduce costs. The English forward has contributed goals and assists, reinforcing his value to the project.
Mohannad Al-Shenqiti, Ittihad’s right-back, shines in a Roshen Saudi Pro League clash with Damac. A VAR moment cancels an early goal, but Shenqiti rebounds to score before halftime. The hosts push toward a top-six finish as he racks up seven goal contributions this season. Expect drama, goals, and a touch of light humor as officials review every touch.
New reports reveal a clear split in Real Madrid’s locker room during Xabi Alonso’s tenure, contributing to a crisis that ended his brief spell. The Athletic identifies two camps inside the squad, with five players backing Alonso and four uneasy allies. A third group privately doubted the coach, fueling tensions. The piece also notes a controversial attempt to impose a fitness regime, underscoring broader friction.
An emotional upheaval surrounds Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso exits and Álvaro Arbeloa steps in. The piece argues that Arbeloa cannot replicate the Zidane/Ancelotti golden era and explains why the club’s balance and circumstances have shifted. Historic Galactico ambitions collide with new realities, including tougher domestic and European competition. The article closes with a light, snarky note to keep spirits up while acknowledging a challenging season ahead.
Al Hilal presses its winter recruitment push, scouting Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, the right-back brother of Al Ahli’s star. The club has already announced Pablo Mari and Sultan Mundesh and is nearing a deal for Murad Hosawi. Talks with Al Qadisiyah to sign Abu Al-Shamat follow Joao Cancelo’s loan departure to Barcelona, signaling a need for options at right-back. Abu Al-Shamat is a standout in the Saudi league, having appeared 16 times and contributed three assists. The potential move would reunite him with his brother Saleh, who previously played for Qadisiyah before moving to Al Khaleej and then Al Hilal.
Aït Nouri returns to Manchester City's squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United at Saint James' Park. Pep Guardiola experiments with a mix of youngsters and fringe players, with Erling Haaland spearheading the attack. Gianluigi Donnarumma is listed among City's substitutes, while James Trafford starts in goal. The second leg will decide who advances, with the return at the Etihad on February 4.
Jude Bellingham has spoken out after Real Madrid's decision to part ways with coach Xabi Alonso. Madrid announced Alonso's exit and appointed Álvaro Arbeloa in the interim. The England midfielder posted a brief Instagram tribute, wishing Alonso well. Real Madrid also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and now prepares for a Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Albacete under the new leadership.
Manchester City welcome Antoine Semenyo in the winter window and share a playful moment between him and Erling Haaland. Semenyo's first appearance for City includes a goal and an assist in the FA Cup rout of Exeter. City posted a video of Semenyo meeting teammates, including Haaland, who teased him about the Golden Boot. Haaland remains the league's top scorer while Semenyo sits among the leaders, as City prepare for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini comments on Real Madrid's decision to dismiss Xabi Alonso after a brief spell in charge. He expresses sadness for Alonso and cautions against judging a coach too quickly. The piece notes Madrid's continued competition in all major competitions despite the Super Cup setback and summarizes Alonso's Madrid tenure.
Novak Djokovic arrives in Melbourne for the Australian Open, chasing a 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian icon shares a poignant moment at Rod Laver Arena before his first practice. He hasn’t played a competitive match since his Athens win last November and skipped Adelaide to focus on training. All eyes will be on the crowd’s reception after last year’s semi-final exit, while Marca notes his 1000 weeks in the top 40.
Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abourida expresses gratitude to the people of Agadir for their warm hospitality toward the Egyptian team and fans during Africa Cup of Nations. He sends a formal thank you to Fouzi Lekjaa and the Agadir governor, praising the sense of belonging and excellent organization. The team stayed in Agadir through the semifinals before moving to Tangier, with players noting they felt at home. Abourida hopes Morocco will host the 2030 World Cup and praises the tournament's hospitality and spirit of brotherhood.
Al-Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao keeps the starting XI for the 15th round against Damac, hoping to sustain harmony after a run of consistent selections. Benzema remains upfront with Diaby on the right and Bergwijn on the left. The match pits Al-Ittihad’s settled approach against Armando Evangelista’s Damac lineup. Both sides aim to extend their positive momentum in the Saudi Pro League.
Algerian commentator Hafid Daraji warns that officiating may spoil the remainder of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He notes several potential final matchups and emphasizes that refereeing standards could overshadow the tournament if officials falter. Daraji has long criticized officiating and ticketing issues, linking referee decisions to Algeria’s quarterfinal exit. He also praises Nigeria while urging resilience for a potential World Cup 2026, underscoring that a fair spectacle matters as much as the sport itself.
Real Madrid officially kicks off a new chapter at the Valdebebas training ground under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, following his succession of Xabi Alonso after the Super Cup defeat to Barcelona. In his first session with the first team, Arbeloa addressed players in the locker room before a light training and conditioning block ahead of the Copa del Rey last-16 against Albacete. The return of Antonio Pintus as fitness coach signals a core role for his methods, backed by Arbeloa's Castilla staff. Some stars were absent due to injuries, while Castilla regulars joined the drills, signaling integration with the first team.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been suspended after a red card against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona won 3-2 to lift the trophy for the second straight year. The ruling means De Jong will miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie with Racing, with a return planned for the La Liga clash vs Real Sociedad. The decision raises questions about Barcelona's midfield depth ahead of a busy schedule.
Al Ahly confirms Mohamed Magdy Afsha's season-long loan to Al Ittihad Alexandria. Afsha trains with the squad and bids farewell to the coaches and teammates. He shares a heartfelt message with fans on Instagram. Al Ittihad responds with a string of new signings to bolster the squad as the season unfolds.
N'Golo Kanté's status at Al-Ittihad is under the microscope as rumors link him with Fenerbahçe amid World Cup 2026 prep. Reports say talks are ongoing; the French midfielder could switch clubs in the winter window. His contract situation may force Al-Ittihad to decide between selling now or losing him for free later. Kanté joined Al-Ittihad in 2023 and helped secure a domestic double, but the next chapter could be abroad. The world waits, coffee in hand, for a potential midfield masterclass across continents.
An Arabic broadcaster has secured the rights to televise Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The announcement comes from Ibrahim Fayeq of MBC, who says MBC MASR 2 will carry both fixtures. Real Madrid face Albacete, while Barcelona square off with Racing Santander, with both tie details anchored to the Saudi-hosted Super Cup context. The move adds drama to the King’s Cup as the two Spanish giants chase silverware.
Al Ahli Saudi FC has loaned young midfielder Ayman Flatah to Neom during the winter window. The move aims to give him regular first-team football and valuable experience after limited opportunities. Matthias Jaissle is reshaping the midfield, seeking to keep the team competitive on all fronts. The loan runs until the end of the season, with potential reassessment based on Al Ahli’s needs.
