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Teenage Spanish striker Gonzalo Garcia nets a sensational hat-trick for Real Madrid against Betis. The 5-1 victory at the Bernabeu keeps Madrid in the title race behind Barcelona. Garcia's treble comes alongside goals from Raúl Asensio and Fran Garcia as Madrid showcase attacking depth. Mbappé's absence due to injury didn't stop them from seizing momentum.
Mexican forward Julián Quiñones shocks fans by scoring in 16 seconds, the fastest goal of the Saudi Pro League season. He opened the scoring early against Al-Riyadh at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. The league's official post confirms the record, sparking social media chatter. This milestone also marks a personal best for Quiñones, now totaling 37 goals in 46 club appearances, surpassing his previous 36-in-83 tally with Atlas Guadalajara.
A British report reveals why Liverpool cooled on Antoine Semenyo and why the Ghanaian winger favored Manchester City. The tale centers on a wage offer that outshone Liverpool’s proposal during the January window. Liverpool had long courted Semenyo, especially with talk of Mohamed Salah’s possible departure. Salary clashes and strategic priorities at Fenway Sports Group are cited as deciding factors. The piece underscores how money and squad plans shape modern transfers.
Manchester United drew 1-1 at Leeds, failing once again to keep a clean sheet away from home. Leeds extended their unbeaten run to seven league games, the longest since 2001. The story includes a historic note from Leeds’ 2001 campaign under David O’Leary, and Daniel Farke’s Leeds remain two wins with five draws in their current streak. United’s away defensive woes persist as they sit fifth with 31 points, while Leeds hover at 16th with 22.
Egypt meets Benin in a crucial AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash at Adrar Stadium in Morocco. The Pharaohs carry momentum after finishing the group stage with 7 points, while Benin aims to pull off a surprise. BeIN Sports holds the rights, with online options via TOD and beIN Connect. Read on for kickoff times, commentators, and how to watch online from anywhere.
Manchester City announce their starting XI to host Chelsea at the Etihad in a high-stakes Premier League clash. The front line is led by Haaland with Foden and Cherki supporting, while Chelsea begin life under interim boss Calum Makfarlin aiming for stability. The Blues rely on Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro, and Estevao to spark the attack, as City look to climb the table. City sit third with 41 points and Chelsea are sixth with 30, setting the stage for a gripping encounter.
Darwin Núñez leads a potent Al Hilal front line as coach Simone Inzaghi names an attacking lineup to face Damac in the Saudi Pro League. The teams meet at Damac’s stadium on Sunday evening, with Al Hilal aiming to extend a winning streak. The frontline features Núñez alongside Marcos Leonardo and Malcolm de Oliveira. The article also lays out both starting XIs and the bench options.
Napoli defeated Lazio 2-0 at the Olimpico, delivering a crucial win in Serie A. The result ends Napoli’s winless spell against Lazio and boosts their standings to second place, just one point behind Milan. Lazio remain mid-table at 24 points. Inter sit third, and Napoli’s upcoming clash with Bologna could reshuffle the table once again.
Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr says his team isn’t favorites to topple Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. He calls the match extremely difficult and notes Benin’s growing experience against Africa’s big sides. Olivier Verdon adds that the squad will fight hard to progress despite injuries and a suspension. The piece previews a high-stakes duel with kickoff set for January 5, 2026, as Benin aims to surprise.
A controversial moment in the sixth minute sparked debate in Real Madrid vs. Real Betis. An expert referee analyzed the incident on Radio Marca and concluded there was no foul warranting a penalty. The Brazilian Vinícius Junior was at the center of the discussion, with the assessment suggesting simulation rather than a genuine foul. The call was defended as the correct decision, and play continued early in the match.
João Cancelo is reportedly eager to leave Al Hilal in January and return to Europe. Barcelona is seen as the likely destination, with Inter Milan and Juventus among suitors. The move would likely be a loan, with Barca covering part of his wages. Barcelona's stance remains cautious, while Inter keeps hope alive as the window narrows.
German ex-Madrid star Toni Kroos weighed in on rumors of a January return to Real Madrid. Although he retired in 2024, his light reply added fuel to the debate. Alonso hinted at possible January signings, feeding the chatter. Sergio Ramos even congratulated Kroos on his birthday, adding a personal twist to the saga.
Real Madrid fans welcomed Vinícius Junior with cheers and applause during the Betis game, defying pre-match nerves. The broadcasting report had suggested a tense reception due to ongoing contract renewal talks. On the field, the atmosphere shifted as supporters offered visible encouragement. This moment comes at a delicate time for Vinícius, amid questions about his form and future with the club.
Al-Ahli Saudi Club announces its first winter signing to bolster the squad this season. Brazilian forward Ricardo Matias arrives from Internacional. The 19-year-old will add attacking depth under coach Mathias Jaissle as the team navigates potential departures. He previously appeared in 35 Internacional games, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. He is the fourth Brazilian in the squad, alongside Roger Ibanez, Mateus Gonzalez, and Winderson Galino.
Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui named the lineup for AFCON’s Round of 16 against Tanzania. Achraf Hakimi starts at right-back for the first time in the tournament, aiming to notch his 90th cap for the Atlas Lions. Anas Salahuddin starts on the bench, with Bilal Khannous coming in to cover for the injured Azzedine Onahi. The team includes Yassine Bounou in goal and a familiar defensive setup as Morocco chase AFCON glory.
Rumors about Sofiane Amrabat’s absence in Morocco’s AFCON match against Tanzania are addressed. An exclusive Kooora source rejects claims of mutiny or disciplinary issues. The official line blames a lingering ankle injury carried from Betis, keeping him out for weeks and sending him to treatment. If Morocco advances, Amrabat is expected to train alone to regain fitness. The piece clarifies the situation while keeping a light note on the drama around the squad.
Houssam Aouar is cleared to return for Al-Ittihad after recovering from injury. He is set to rejoin training ahead of the Al-Khulud clash in Buraydah. Al-Ittihad just beat Al-Taawoun 1-0 and eyes a strong run in Round 14. Sergio Conceicao will decide on his involvement.
Barcelona remains cautious about bolstering the defense during the winter window as Christensen's injury tests depth. Coach Hans Flick says any move must be carefully considered. Joao Cancelo, linked with a return to Barcelona, faces financial hurdles despite interest. Marca reports Cancelo's €17 million annual salary clashes with Barça's wage cap, keeping the deal uncertain. The club prioritizes a central defender, with a decision unlikely to be rushed before the 14th to formalize medical paperwork.
Imam Ashour confirms Egypt’s readiness to face Benin in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 in Morocco. Egypt chase a quarterfinal spot and a historic eighth continental title. He emphasizes that African teams have evolved and no opponent is weak anymore. He also salutes Egyptian fans as the backbone of the campaign and outlines a focused path toward glory.
Canada opened its Davis Cup campaign in Sydney with a commanding win over China. Felix Auger-Aliassime led the charge with a straight-sets win, while Victoria Mboko fought back to claim victory in her debut. The pair then sealed the doubles, completing a 3-0 sweep. The performance highlights Canada's depth and bodes well for their title bid this season.
