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Girona problems pile up as injury list reaches double figures
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LALIGA

Girona problems pile up as injury list reaches double figures

Alejandro Frances of Girona FC during the UEFA Champions League match, date 3 between Girona FC and SK Slovan Bratislava played at Montilivi Stadium on October 22, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Girona’s start to the season has been challenging, to say the least. Saturday’s defeat at Las Palmas was a second loss in a row for the Catalans, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the La Liga standings – what’s more, they are also in the midst of a seriously worrying injury crisis. Daley Blind returned against Las Palmas after four weeks out, but fellow defender Alejandro Frances sustained an injury during the first half in Gran Canaria – as per Diario AS, he joins Oriol Romeu, Yaser Asprilla, Christian Portu, Abel Ruiz, Ivan Martín, Viktor Tsygankov, Jhon Solís, Bryan Gil and Pau Lopez on t...
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Yildiz double earns Juve amazing 4-4 draw with Inter
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SERIE A

Yildiz double earns Juve amazing 4-4 draw with Inter

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates with his teammate Andrea Cambiaso after scoring goal 4-4 during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Teenager Kenan Yildiz has emerged from the substitutes' bench to help Juventus salvage a 4-4 draw at Inter Milan in a highly entertaining Derby d'Italia. Yildiz was brought on in the 61st minute on Sunday with Juve trailing 4-2 and Inter seemingly headed for an important victory before the 19-year-old's late double. "I want to thank the team, the coach and my family: it was not easy, but I am very happy," Yildiz said. "You always have to stay together and play as a team; in soccer everything can change quickly." Inter remained second ? four points behind Serie A leaders N...
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Pep Guardiola issues Man City reality check despite Liverpool vs Arsenal title race bonus
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola issues Man City reality check despite Liverpool vs Arsenal title race bonus

Manchester City's Manager Josep Guardiola during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. Pep Guardiola will settle down on Sunday afternoon to watch Liverpool take on Arsenal knowing his Manchester City side are top of the Premier League. City beat Southampton on Saturday to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Premier League ahead of the leaders travelling to third-placed Arsenal on Sunday. Elsewhere on Saturday, Aston Villa and Brighton moved up places in the top five but were both held and Guardiola says the results so far this season prove that nothing can be taken for granted - especially after seeing City given two tough contests against the bottom two sides in the last week. "I will watch...
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Leipzig surge to top spot with comeback win
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BUNDESLIGA

Leipzig surge to top spot with comeback win

Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on October 26, 2024. RB Leipzig came from behind to beat Freiburg 3-1 at home on Saturday to leapfrog Bayern Munich and go top of the Bundesliga, while Borussia Dortmund’s away woes continued with another defeat. Freiburg, impressive this season under new coach Julian Schuster, scored first when Japan winger Ritsu Doan was in the perfect place to head in a Vincenzo Grifo cross. Leipzig, who looked heavy-legged after a 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, were a goal down at half-time but equalised shortly after. Germany defender Benjamin Henrichs, who was at fault for Freiburg’s opener, cut a dangerous cross goalwards...
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Lille leave it late to beat Ligue 1 rivals Lens
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Ligue 1

Lille leave it late to beat Ligue 1 rivals Lens

Joanthan David #9 of Lilleis eject by Kevin Danso #4 of Lens during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Racing Club de Lens and Lille OSC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 26, 2024 in Lens, France. In-form Jonathan David's penalty in stoppage time has broken the deadlock for Lille to beat bitter rivals Lens 2-0 in the Ligue 1 Derby of the North on Saturday. David scored eight minutes into added time with a well-taken shot into the top corner amid whistles and boos from the home fans. It was his 11th goal in 16 appearances in all competitions. Mohamed Bayo added the second on the break three minutes later to give Lille more lustre to a scrappy win. Lens, who looked solid throughout but cracked at the very end, slumped to their first league loss. Tempers frayed at the end as players an...
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Serie A leader Napoli scores late to beat struggling Lecce and Atalanta routs Verona
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SERIE A

Serie A leader Napoli scores late to beat struggling Lecce and Atalanta routs Verona

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Serie A leader Napoli needed a late score from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo to secure a 1-0 victory over struggling Lecce at home on Saturday. Di Lorenzo, who had an earlier goal waved off by the VAR, bundled in from close range following a rebound of a header by Scott McTominay. Antonio Conte’s Napoli moved five points ahead of defending champion Inter Milan, which hosts rival Juventus on Sunday. Lecce remained one point above last-placed Venezia. Di Lorenzo's goal came a minute after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came on. It was Napoli's fourth straight win. The 2023 champion hasn't lost since dropping its season opener in Augu...
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Iwobi rues Fulham’s failure to hold on
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Iwobi rues Fulham’s failure to hold on

Fulham's Alex Iwobi scores their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday October 26, 2024. Alex Iwobi was phlegmatic after Fulham failed to hold onto the lead he established for them at Everton on Saturday evening – as the Whites were denied three points on his return to Goodison Park by Beto’s late, late leveller. The Nigerian international struck a superb second half opener from just outside the box after a brilliant individual dribble from Emile Smith Rowe. His low-key celebration in front of the travelling fans was a testament to how special he considered his years on the blue half of Merseyside. Iwobi told Sky Sports after the final whistle: “It would have been a nice feeling to get three points against my old...
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Five talking points as Barca beat Real Madrid in El Clasico
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LALIGA

Five talking points as Barca beat Real Madrid in El Clasico

Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, interacts with Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. ( Hansi Flick has Barcelona dreaming Hansi Flick simply can’t put a foot wrong as Barcelona boss. The German was at it again on Saturday night, overseeing an incredible 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu to round off a magical week. The German once again named a young side, starting six players under the age of 22 years for the first time in 108 years of Clasico history. The kids did alright too. Pau Cubarsi continues to astound, Marc Casado put in another unreal performance and Lamine Yamal made more history with his goal. Flick also made a key change at half-t...
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Bayern Munich predicted XI vs VfL Bochum: Kingsley Coman given a rare start?
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich predicted XI vs VfL Bochum: Kingsley Coman given a rare start?

Kingsley Coman left winger of Bayern Munich and France during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Bayern München at Villa Park on October 2, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Kingsley Coman, who featured as a substitute in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 defeat against Barcelona, could start against winless Bochum on Sunday afternoon. Vincent Kompany’s side, level with RB Leipzig, top the Bundesliga after seven games, but the Belgian could make several changes for today’s game given the high workload. Bayern Munich will play five games in the space of two weeks with Bundesliga games against Bochum, Union Berlin and St. Pauli, a DFB Pokal tie against Mainz, and a Champions League game against Benfica. As such, Kompany is expected to make at least two chan...
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Fabregas disappointed after Como’s narrow defeat to Torino
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SERIE A

Fabregas disappointed after Como’s narrow defeat to Torino

Head coach Cesc Fabregas of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 25, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Como manager Cesc Fabregas expressed his frustration following his team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Torino in Serie A. Despite the defeat, Fabregas remained optimistic about his team’s performance and future prospects. Addressing Braunoder’s error that led to the goal, Fabregas emphasized the importance of team unity: “We are a family more than ever. He’s a golden boy who gave us so much for promotion. Football is like this, now it’s important to show that we are a growing family. This is the message to learn: football is not fair, we deserved much more.” Fabregas praised his team’s overall performance, stating, “Only Juventus ha...
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Barcelona announce squad for Real Madrid clash in La Liga
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LALIGA

Barcelona announce squad for Real Madrid clash in La Liga

Robert Lewandowski does not celebrate his goal during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to week 3 of the League Stage of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on October 23, 2024. Following their crushing victory over Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona have another blockbuster tie awaiting them as they are set to face Real Madrid in their upcoming La Liga game at Santiago Bernabéu. The Blaugranes were able to exact some revenge over the Bavarians, who had beaten Barcelona several times over the last few years. Now, they will be looking to do the same by dealing a defeat to the Merengues, who are coming into this game having won the last four El Clasicos. For this purpose, Hansi Flick will have quite a strong squad av...
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Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off
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NEWS

Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off

Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Just before full time in Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain in a vital 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month, fans in Jeddah started to hold up phones with Roberto Mancini’s face on the screen with “out” written below. There was lengthier communication after the match as the Italian exchanged gestures with supporters behind the dugout and, as he exited the pitch at the King Abdullah Sports City, it was pretty clear that Mancini would not be coming back. The 59 year-old was seemingly an upgrade on his predecessor, Hervé Renard. There was the same European sophistication a...
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Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Newcastle United as Cole Palmer returns and £215m midfield duo
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Newcastle United as Cole Palmer returns and £215m midfield duo

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca could change his entire starting XI from the one that beat Panathinaikos 4-1 on Thursday night when Newcastle United come to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues boss was able to leave a host of first-team regulars in West London as they jetted out to Greece for their Europa Conference League game, and he is set to ring the changes again for this weekend's Premier League test against Eddie Howe's side. Of the side that started against Panathinaikos, only two are likely to keep their place against Newcastle, with Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez expected to start on Sunday - although Maresca has options to replace both. However he is expected to make at least NINE changes this weekend, with Cole Palmer likely to start. The Premier League's in-form star didn't e...
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Pep Guardiola: Manchester City missing key quartet for Southampton game
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola: Manchester City missing key quartet for Southampton game

  Pep Guardiola has confirmed Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku all remain unavailable for Saturday’s home Premier League game against Southampton. Guardiola, who named only 15 outfield players in his squad for this week’s Champions League win against Sparta Prague, also admitted he had no idea when De Bruyne would return to contention. When asked if De Bruyne and Walker were available, Guardiola said: “No, not yet.” And when pressed on whether De Bruyne’s extended absence due to a thigh injury was a concern, Guardiola added: “Yes of course. I’d prefer to have all the squad (fit) with the amount of games, but it is what it is. “Hopefully he can come back soon. I don’t know (when) yet. I would like to tell you, but I don’t know.” Playmaker De Bruyne has been out si...
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Mancini Formally Relieved of His Duties by Saudi Arabia
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SERIE A

Mancini Formally Relieved of His Duties by Saudi Arabia

Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Roberto Mancini is no longer the Saudi Arabia coach after just 13 months at the helm. The FA announced to have reached an agreement to terminate his contract early on Thursday. The coach left the Azzurri to take over the Middle Eastern national team in August 2023. He collected 9 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses in 21 games. His former squad will need to make up some ground in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group after the early results. The boss was contested by the crowd after the most recent draw versus Bahrain and responded accordingly. Mancini made the headlines following his ...
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Arsenal, Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of £100 million-rated attacker
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TRANSFERS

Arsenal, Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of £100 million-rated attacker

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and SSC Napoli at Carlo Castellani on October 20, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in acquiring the services of Napoli attacking sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal and Liverpool both seek attacking reinforcement. They want to further bolster their attack and according to a report from Fichajes, both Premier League giants are interested in bringing Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to England. After making a name for himself while playing in Georgia, Kvaratskhelia secured a big move to Napoli in the summer of 2022 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has established himself as one of the best young wingers in the world and his e...
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Man Utd held, Spurs sneak home in Europa League
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NEWS

Man Utd held, Spurs sneak home in Europa League

Christian Eriksen of Manchester United in action with Dusan Tadic of Fenerbahce during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Fenerbahce SK and Manchester United at Ulker Stadium on October 24, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Manchester United's box office reunion with Jose Mourinho has lived up to the billing, with their former manager sent off as his Fenerbahce side denied Erik ten Hag a first Europa League win of the season. The Red Devils have made a stumbling start to the new-look competition, with a shock home draw with FC Twente followed by an added-time goal saving them from defeat in Porto. Christian Eriksen temporarily silenced Fenerbahce's febrile support but old foe Youssef En-Nesyri secured a 1-1 draw against a United side that have now won just one of their...
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Man United hold talks to sign manager to replace Ten Hag
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United hold talks to sign manager to replace Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, shows appreciation to the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Brentford FC at Old Trafford on October 19, 2024 in Manchester, England. Despite the narrow 2-1 win over Brentford back in the weekend, the pressure remains on Erik ten Hag to get Manchester United to win games consistently and later today, he will take charge as his side face Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The Jose Mourinho-led Turkish team will be keen to ensure that they find a way to get one over the Red Devils. The legendary manager has personal revenge to fulfil against Manchester United, having managed them in the past. A loss today could push Erik ten Hag further closer to the axe. Manchester United on their part are looking at potential ...
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Lille’s Jonathan David becomes top Canadian goal scorer in Champions League history
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Champions League

Lille’s Jonathan David becomes top Canadian goal scorer in Champions League history

Jonathan David of Lille celebrates the victory following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 football match between Atletico de Madrid and Lille OSC (LOSC) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on October 23, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. After scoring the winner against Real Madrid, Jonathan David came through with a pair of goals to help Lille beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday. With the goals against Atletico, David became all-time top Canadian scorer in Champions League history with six goals, one more than Tomasz Radzinski, according to UEFA. David, a native of Ottawa, came off the bench to replace Mohamed Bayo in the 65th, then converted a 74th-minute penalty kick for Lille's go-ahead goal at the Metropolitano stadium. His second goal, to seal the 3...
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Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern
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Champions League

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain on October 23, 2024. In the most star-studded game on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, one star wasted little time shining brighter than the rest – Raphinha. Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday was chiefly a showcase for the Brazilian's skillset as he scored a hattrick, skillfully finding the back of the net on each occasion. He set the tone in the first minute, receiving a slick pass from Fermin Lopez deep in the opposition half before darting towards goal without a defender in sight. The finish, which came from close range after running around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, was the e...
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