mbappe

Mbappé penalty earns Real Madrid narrow win over Osasuna in opener

Kylian Mbappé second-half penalty gave Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten La Liga run to 21 matches. Xabi Alonso’s side were without Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, Endrick and Eduardo Camavinga, but dominated possession from the outset. Despite controlling 79% of the ball in the first half, Madrid struggled to create clear chances, with Vinícius Junior missing their best opportunity before the break. Osasuna grew into the match after half-time, but a clumsy challenge by Juan Cruz on Kylian Mbappé in the 50th minute allowed the French forward to convert from the spot and secure the points. The result keeps Real level with rivals Barcelona, who opened their campaign with victory over Mallorca. A superb slaloming run from Kylian Mbappé was stopped in its tracks after a crunching challenge from Enzo Boyomo, whilst long-range efforts from Dean Huijsen and Éder Militão were palmed to safety by Osasuna keeper, Sergio Herrera. As the half wore on there was little variation in Real’s play, and despite having 79 per cent possession, it was Vinícíus’ wayward effort on 38 that more than summed up the collective frustration at HT. The opening few minutes of the second half saw Los Rojillos taking the game to their opponents, however, a clumsy sliding challenge on 50’ from Juan Cruz on Mbappé afforded the Frenchman the opportunity to put Real ahead from the penalty spot.

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david-alaba

Real Madrid are searching for a new club for David Alaba

Real Madrid are keen on finding a new club for big earner David Alaba. However, Xabi sees the veteran as only cover for his first-choice players, and Alaba has been told playing chances will be limited this season. Indeed, given David Alaba is among the club’s highest-paid players, management would be happier to see him move on, given Xabi views him only as a backup. The veteran defender’s contract at Real Madrid has less than a year to run.

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Vlahović Strikes Again as Juventus Edge Past Genoa

Dušan Vlahović’s second goal in as many Serie A games proved decisive as Juventus clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Genoa  at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The Bianconeri head into the international break with maximum points, while their unbeaten record in league matches when the Serbian scores (W25, D11) remains intact. A goalless first half reflected both sides’ defensive solidity. Juventus started brighter, but Genoa came closest to breaking the deadlock when Mikael Egill Ellertsson wasted a golden chance from inside the box, firing weakly into Michele Di Gregorio’s gloves. At the other end, Federico Gatti forced a strong save from Nicola Leali, before Jonathan David missed badly from close range just before the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ellertsson again denied and Khéphren Thuram spurning a big opportunity on the counter. Genoa pushed forward, but it was Juventus who showed their cutting edge when Vlahović rose highest in the 73rd minute to nod in Filip Kostić’s corner at the near post. The striker should have doubled his tally five minutes from time but delayed his shot too long, allowing Genoa’s defence to recover. The hosts nearly punished that wastefulness, with Caleb Ekuban drawing a fine last-gasp save from Di Gregorio, but Juve held firm. Massimiliano Allegri’s side now sit among the early pacesetters with a perfect record, while Genoa will be left ruing missed chances that could have changed the game’s outcome.

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inter vs udinese

Atta Seals Historic Win as Udinese Stun Inter at San Siro

Udinese produced a remarkable comeback to beat Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro, ending a run of six straight defeats against the Nerazzurri and earning their first positive result in the fixture since 2017. Inter started brightly, with Marcus Thuram causing problems in the box before laying off for Denzel Dumfries, who slotted home in the 17th minute to give the hosts the lead. But the momentum shifted when Dumfries was penalised for handball after Nicolò Bertola’s header struck his arm. Keinan Davis calmly dispatched the resulting penalty, sending Yann Sommer the wrong way to level the contest. Le Zebrette’s confidence grew, and they struck again just before half-time. Davis turned provider, feeding Arthur Atta , who coolly drilled into the bottom corner for his first Serie A goal to silence the San Siro. Inter pressed relentlessly after the break, with Nicolò Barella, Thuram, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu all going close, while Federico Dimarco had a thunderous strike ruled out for offside in the buildup. Udinese held firm, however, surviving a late barrage as Sommer’s opposite number Răzvan Sava stood tall. Despite wave after wave of Inter pressure, Gabriele Cioffi’s side clung on to record a famous victory – one that sends an early warning to Serie A rivals that Udinese will not be easy opponents this season.

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Middlesbrough Go Top as Sheffield United Sink to the Bottom

Middlesbrough moved to the summit of the Championship with a hard-fought  1-0 win over basement side Sheffield United on Saturday. Tommy Conway struck midway through the second half to secure a fourth successive league win for Rob Edwards’ side, underlining their strong start to the campaign. Elsewhere, Wrexham claimed a historic first Championship win of the season, defeating Millwall 2-0. Kieffer Moore opened the scoring with a trademark header before Lewis O’Brien sealed the three points deep into stoppage-time — the Red Dragons’ first second-tier victory since 1982. West Bromwich Albion ended Stoke City’s perfect start, edging them 1-0 thanks to Nat Phillips’ early header, while Oxford United collected their first Championship point in a 2-2 draw against Coventry. Bristol City hit four past Hull in a 4-2 thriller, while Portsmouth overcame Preston 1-0 at Fratton Park. In London, QPR triumphed 3-1 over Charlton in a lively derby at Loftus Road. Norwich City also impressed, with Josh Sargent scoring twice in a 2-0 win at Blackburn, who had Sean McLoughlin sent off before half-time. Elsewhere, Ipswich Town’s search for a first win continued after a 2-2 draw with Derby, Swansea won 2-0 away at Sheffield Wednesday, and Southampton shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Watford.

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New Golden Generation of Australian Talent Emerging Abroad

A new wave of Australian footballers is beginning to make headlines overseas, raising hopes for the Socceroos’ prospects at the 2026 World Cup. Among the standout names is 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda , who has quickly settled into life in England. The winger made an instant impact on his Championship debut, assisting Luca Kjerrumgaard in a 2-1 win over QPR, before showcasing his trademark free-kick ability in back-to-back games that earned crucial points for Watford. His eye-catching strikes have not only boosted his team’s early-season momentum but also rekindled memories of the stunning set-piece goals he produced as a 15-year-old at Adelaide United. Fans in England have already grown familiar with his trademark cartwheel celebration, regularly seen in the A-League and now making its way into Championship stadiums. Irankunda enters the international break full of confidence as the Socceroos prepare for their two-legged “Soccer Ashes” series against New Zealand. His rapid rise is fuelling growing belief that Australia’s next golden generation is ready to shine on the global stage.

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barcelona denied by rayo vallecano

Barcelona Denied by Rayo Vallecano as VAR Breakdown Fuels LaLiga Debate

Barcelona missed the chance to go level at the top of LaLiga after being held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano, with a first-half VAR controversy overshadowing the contest at Vallecas. The home side started brightly, unsettling the champions and forcing goalkeeper Joan García into early action. Barça, however, created the first clear opportunities through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, though both were denied by Augusto Batalla. Rayo responded with chances of their own, most notably when García produced a superb save to deny Andrei Rațiu after a sweeping move. With Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazón constantly stretching the visitors’ defence, Barcelona struggled to settle into their rhythm. A moment of brilliance from Yamal broke the deadlock before half-time, the 18-year-old winning and converting a penalty amid furious protests from the stands. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that communication between the VAR and the referee had failed, preventing a review of the decision. Dani Olmo spurned a chance to extend the lead moments later, and Rayo made the most of the reprieve after the interval, with Isi Palazon again going close before García was called into action at the other end to thwart Olmo. As Pedri began to orchestrate Barcelona’s attacking play, the visitors looked more composed, but defensive lapses continued to offer encouragement to the hosts and kept the outcome in doubt. The result leaves Barcelona frustrated, halting their run of nine straight away league wins, while Rayo stretched their difficult home form to one win in nine matches but earned a performance that will feel like a statement.

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le bris

Le Bris Commends Sunderland’s Fighting Spirit After Late Brentford Win

Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris hailed his side’s resilience after they battled back to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Stadium of Light. The visitors thought they had drawn first blood in the first half when Igor Thiago found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Brentford were then handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock from the penalty spot, but Robin Roefs denied Kevin Schade with a superb save. Thiago did eventually put the Bees ahead in the 77th minute, his header clipping the bar before crossing the line. Sunderland’s response was swift, as Enzo Le Fée levelled from the spot just five minutes later after Habib Diarra was fouled inside the box. With the game finely poised, Wilson Isidor completed the turnaround in the closing stages, rising highest to head in Granit Xhaka’s cross and spark jubilant celebrations among the home supporters. Speaking after the game, Le Bris was quick to praise his players’ determination: “I am happy and we went until the end. We tried to win this game and it was really positive, the way we managed the game with two different halves.The second half was chaotic, but these are two important parts of the same game. We showed a good ability to manage the second half and that was really positive.It was good for Wilson and his family – two incredible days.” The Sunderland boss also highlighted the importance of squad depth in the Premier League: “I told the players from the beginning of the season that we will have starters and finishers, and that was really important today because in the Premier League we are always on the edge.”

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Leverkusen Sack Erik Ten Hag After Just Two Bundesliga Matches

Bayer Leverkusen have dismissed Erik ten Hag just two Bundesliga games into his reign. This makes him the Dutchman the earliest coach ever sacked in a league season. The 55-year-old, fired by Manchester United last October, was appointed in July as successor to Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24. “This decision was not easy for us. Nobody wanted to take this step,” sporting director Simon Rolfes said in a club statement. “The past few weeks have shown that the steps to build a new and successful team have not been effective.” CEO Fernando Carro added that the move was “painful, but necessary.” Ten Hag’s brief tenure included a 5-1 friendly defeat to Flamengo’s under-20s, a routine 4-0 German Cup win, and just one point from two Bundesliga fixtures. Leverkusen squandered leads in both matches, losing 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim and drawing 3-3 with 10-man Werder Bremen after being 3-1 up. He inherited a squad that had been gutted in the summer, with Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, and Lukas Hradecky all departing. In their place, Leverkusen invested more than €100m in new talent, including record signings Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah, and Eliesse Ben Seghir. For now, the club has confirmed that assistant coaches will take charge of training while a permanent replacement is sought. Ten Hag. leaves with the unwanted record of being the earliest coach dismissed in Bundesliga history, surpassing the previous mark of five games.

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donnarumma

PSG Goalkeeper Donnarumma Poised for Manchester City Switch

Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The deal is reported to be worth £31m (€35m) deal on transfer deadline day. The 26-year-old Italy international has been seeking a move after being deemed surplus to requirements at PSG, despite playing a key role in last season’s Champions League triumph. Luis Enrique made his intentions clear in the summer by installing 23-year-old Lucas Chevalier, signed from Lille, as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper. Initial reports suggested City would only move for Donnarumma if long-time No.1 Ederson departed. However, PA reports that an agreement is now in place regardless of the Brazilian’s situation. City already added James Trafford from Burnley earlier this summer, and the England U21 keeper has started all three of their Premier League matches so far. But his performances have not fully convinced, leaving Pep Guardiola keen to strengthen between the posts.

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