Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Matchs du Jour

Latest football news

Find here all the latest live football news: results from Ligue 1, La Liga, Premier League, and the biggest European and international competitions. Follow the latest transfers, match summaries, standings, and upcoming fixtures. Don’t miss any of today’s football news on Aballou, your site dedicated to football enthusiasts.

Benfica goalie Anatoly Trobin scores dramatic late header against Real Madrid in Champions League
Champions League

Benfica's late heroics stun Real Madrid as Mourinho erupts in Lisbon

Benfica edged Real Madrid 4-2 in a dramatic Champions League clash. Schjelderup scored twice for Benfica, with Pavlidis and Trobin adding goals, while Mbappé hit a brace for Real Madrid. Madrid barnstormed back late but were reduced to nine players, and Mourinho celebrated like a man who just found the last pizza slice. A night in Lisbon that will be remembered for the goalkeeper-turned-scorer and a chorus of wild celebrations.

Bernardo Silva leads Manchester City to a direct knockout-stage qualification against Galatasaray in the Champions League
UEFA Champions League

City clinches last-16 escape hatch as Silva hails rising star Sharqi

Manchester City secured direct progression to the Champions League knockout stage after beating Galatasaray 2-0. Bernardo Silva stressed the importance of avoiding playoff matches amid a heavy fixture list and injuries. The article also highlights the breakthrough performance of young Rayan Sharqi and Guardiola’s flexible tactics. It closes with reflections on former teammates Gundogan and Sane and a hopeful note for the stretch run.

Benfica stun Real Madrid as goalkeeper Anatoliy Troubin scores a stoppage-time header to seal a 4-2 win, sending Benfica into the knockout playoff.
Champions League

Unlikely Hero: Benfica Keeper Nets Late Header to Down Real Madrid in Champions League Thriller

Anatoliy Troubin, Benfica’s goalkeeper, scores a rare official goal in stoppage time during a Champions League group-stage clash with Real Madrid. Benfica triumphs 4-2, securing a playoff spot for a chance at the knockout rounds. Real Madrid’s campaign ends with defeat away from home. The match also features goals from Schildroop and Pavlidis for Benfica and Mbappe for Real Madrid.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona vs Copenhagen reaction Getty image
Champions League

Barca's Calm Power: Yamal Breaks Down Rest, Two-on-One Battles, and Flick's Edge

Lamine Yamal helps Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Copenhagen, sealing a place in the Champions League last eight. He stresses the benefits of fewer games for better rest and reflects on the role of rest in staying sharp. He also touches on Gavi, on qualification chatter, and on Hansi Flick's approach that gives him more freedom. The piece closes with light notes on Barca's resilience and a nod to the tactical edge Flick provides.

Real Madrid Benfica playoff clash
Champions League Playoffs

Two Rivals, One Shock: What Madrid Might Face in the Playoff Draw

Real Madrid head into the Champions League playoffs after finishing outside the top eight in the group stage. They lost 4-2 at Benfica in the final group game, dropping to ninth. Benfica clinched the last playoff berth with nine points, edging Marseille and Union Saint-Gilloise on goal difference. The Friday draw will determine Madrid's potential foe, with Bodø/Glimt or Benfica in the mix, and the playoff winners heading to a Round of 16 clash with Manchester City or Sporting CP.

Benfica vs Real Madrid dramatic 4-2 Champions League clash in Lisbon, 2026
Champions League

The Hitchcock Night: Benfica’s Late Twist Forces Real Madrid into a Champions League Playoff

Real Madrid fell 4-2 to Benfica in Lisbon, ending the group stage with Madrid slipping to ninth and a playoff to reach the knockout rounds. Benfica’s late drama and a decisive moment in the Bilbao–Sporting Lisbon clash reshaped the table. The night delivered Hitchcock-like suspense as the path to the knockouts was rewritten. A couple of light laughs sneak in as the drama wraps up.

Al-Ittihad resists winter bids to keep Diaby, Kanté, and Saudi internationals for a strong second-half season.
transfers

Ittihad Stands Firm: Diaby, Kanté, and the Saudi Core Survive the Winter Transfer Window

Al-Ittihad solidifies its stance on four players amid ongoing winter bids. The club rejected Inter Milan's loan proposal for Moussa Diaby and dismissed a potential move for N'Golo Kanté, preferring to keep both through the season. Saudi stars Saleh Al-Shehri and Abdulrahman Al-Aboud are also retained, while rumors around Al-Shehri to Al-Shabab and Al-Aboud to Al-Hilal persist. The article notes the broader market remains quiet as the team prioritizes depth for the second half of the season.

Liverpool vs Qarabakh Anfield Champions League lineup 2026
Champions League

Salah Takes Center Stage as Slot Bets on Europe: Liverpool's Final Group Clash

Liverpool hosts Qarabag in a decisive Champions League group-stage clash at Anfield. The Dutch coach Arne Slot sticks with Mohamed Salah in a forward trio that includes Iketiki, Jakbo, and Firtz. Alisson guards the goal as Robertson, van Dijk, Gravenberch, and Frempong line up in defense, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in midfield. Liverpool sit fourth in the group on 15 points, five clear of Qarabag in 18th.

Benzema refuses to play for Al Ittihad amid renewal talks
Saudi Pro League

Benzema's Quiet Rebellion: Al Ittihad Star Skips Saudi Clash Over Renewal Talks

Karim Benzema reportedly refused to play for Al Ittihad against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. The coach left him out of the squad for the Al-Ahsa clash amid contract renewal tensions. Journalist Santi Ona claimed Benzema wasn’t happy with the renewal offer ending this season, prompting the decision to sit out. Since joining in 2023, Benzema has been a key contributor with numerous goals and assists.

Inter Milan vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League group stage at Signal Iduna Park
Champions League

Inter Milan’s Bold Gambit: Boni and Touram Lead a Surprising Frontline Against Dortmund

Inter Milan faces Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Champions League group-stage showdown at Signal Iduna Park. Inter, sitting in 14th with 12 points, must win to solidify their knockout chances, while Dortmund are eager to claw their way to the last 16 with 11 points. Coach Cristian Kievo shakes up the attack with Boni and Touram up front, while Lautaro Martinez starts on the bench. The match also features tactical tweaks in defense and midfield as both teams chase a direct route to the knockout rounds.

Mourinho Benfica Real Madrid 2026 photo
Champions League

Mourinho's One Clear Goal: Beat Real Madrid at Da Luz

Jose Mourinho asserts Benfica's sole aim is to defeat Real Madrid in the final Champions League group game. He emphasizes analyzing the opponent as thoroughly as his own team, while acknowledging that surprises can occur during the match. He dismisses any attention to other results, insisting progress depends on winning. The article notes Real Madrid's third-place standing with 15 points and Benfica's six points in the group.