Bologna reached the Italian Super Cup final on Friday after beating Inter Milan 3-2 on penalties ...

Bologna reached the Italian Super Cup final on Friday after beating Inter Milan 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Riyadh.Ciro Immobile scored the winning penalty for Bologna in front of a sparse crowd in Saudi Arabia, setting up a final showdown with Serie A champions Napoli on Monday.Napoli booked a spot in the final by beating AC Milan 2-0 on Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I've had three and a half months of suffering but I've a big family who helped me," said Immobile, who has missed almost all this season with a thigh injury."Napoli are in great shape, but it's a one-off match and anything can happen."Riccardo Orsolini levelled the scores for Italian Cup holders Bologna with his penalty 10 minutes before half-time, cancelling out Marcus Thuram's early volleyed opener for Inter.Vincenzo Italiano's players held their nerve better in the shoot-out, with Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella and Ange-Yoan Bonny all failing from the spot for Inter.Traditionally featuring the Serie A and Italian Cup champions, since 2023 the Italian Super Cup has also included the runners-up from league and cup.The four-team tournament is contracted to be held in Saudi Arabia until 2029.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 19: Federico Ravaglia of Bologna, Jonathan Rowe of Bologna and Emil Holm of Bologna celebrates during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Bologna beat Inter in shootout to set up Supercoppa showdown with Napoli

Pep Guardiola said Friday that his departure from Manchester City is "not on the table" at the mo...

Pep Guardiola said Friday that his departure from Manchester City is "not on the table" at the moment as he focuses on trying to wrest back the Premier League title.Guardiola, 54, is contracted at the Etihad until the end of the 2026/27 season but reports this week said City's hierarchy were eyeing up potential replacements should the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach step away at the end of the current campaign.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola's, is reportedly among the leading candidates for the City job.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, Guardiola, speaking to reporters on Friday, gave no indication that his reign at City was coming to a close, with his side back in the mix for major trophies after a dismal campaign last season.City can go top of the Premier League, for a few hours at least, with victory at home to struggling West Ham on Saturday.They are also well set for a place in the Champions League last 16 after beating Real Madrid in the Spanish capital earlier this month and booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday."The club has to be prepared, but that subject it is not on the table right now," said Guardiola, referring to his future."I understand that question when I have an end of contract, but you have said perfectly (I have) 18 months, so I'm so delighted, happy. I am excited with the development of the team and being there."City trail Arsenal by just two points at the top of the table after a six-game winning run in all competitions.Guardiola, though, believes his young side must improve if they are to match his previous six title-winning teams during his time at City, which is nearing 10 years."Even when the results were not so good, (I said) many things are positive," he said. "In the way we play still we are not at the level required to compete to win the titles, but the margin is there to improve it. That is nice."Guardiola confirmed that Rodri, Jeremy Doku and John Stones will all miss the visit of West Ham.But he is hopeful that 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri could return for next weekend's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Manchester City F.C. manager Pep Guardiola applauds at full time during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Brentford at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, on December 17, 2025.

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Strasbourg wrapped up top spot in the UEFA Conference League with a 3-1 win over Breidablik, but ...

Strasbourg wrapped up top spot in the UEFA Conference League with a 3-1 win over Breidablik, but Crystal Palace missed out on direct qualification for the last 16 in the last round of league-phase games on Thursday.Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg were joined in the last 16 by Rakow, AEK Athens, Sparta Prague, Rayo Vallecano, Shakhtar Donetsk, Mainz and AEK LarnacaThe third-tier European competition will now have a long break before returning for the knockout phase play-off first legs on February 19.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Those games will include English FA Cup winners Palace after they were held to a costly 2-2 home draw with Finns KuPS, who snuck into the top 24 to join them in that round.Sweden international Sebastian Nanasi put Strasbourg ahead at the Stade de la Meinau from Ben Chilwell's cut-back.Hoskuldur Gunnlaugsson grabbed a surprise 37th-minute equaliser for Icelandic visitors Breidablik.But Martial Godo's 80th-minute strike and an injury-time goal from Julio Enciso ensured the Ligue 1 club finished two points above Poland's Rakow at the top of the table.At Selhurst Park, a fine individual goal, capped by a curling finish with the outside of his boot, from Christantus Uche gave a much-changed Palace the lead.But Piotr Parzyszek levelled shortly after half-time for KuPS before Ibrahim Cisse flicked them in front when Palace failed to clear a corner.KuPS defender Clinton Antwi was sent off and Justin Devenny soon headed home to level for Oliver Glasner's men with 14 minutes remaining, but Palace could not find the winner which would have put them into the top eight.AEK Athens dramatically snatched a last-16 place with 98th-minute and 105th-minute goals in a 3-2 win against Universitatea Craiova.The draw for the knock-out phase will be held in Switzerland on January 18.

Crystal Palace's Christantus Uche reacts to a challenge from KuPS goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl during the UEFA Conference League match at Selhurst Park, London. Picture date: Thursday December 18, 2025.

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Napoli downed AC Milan 2-0 in Thursday's Italian Super Cup semi-final in Riyadh.  David Neres ope...

Napoli downed AC Milan 2-0 in Thursday's Italian Super Cup semi-final in Riyadh.David Neres opened the scoring near the break with Rasmus Hojlund's lightning low shot after the hour sealing the encounter at the King Saud University Stadium, one of the proposed venues for the 2034 World Cup.The Serie A champions will face the winner of Friday's second semi-final between Bologna and Inter Milan in Monday's final.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We put in a big performance, both in commitment and intent. It's an important win for the team," said Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo.Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri said: "Once again we've conceded two goals far too easily."Napoli are seeking their third win in the annual competition but first since 2014.The win in Saudi Arabia was a quick pick-me-up after Napoli lost 1-0 to Udinese in the league at the weekend to leave them third, two points adrift of Inter and one behind Milan.This is the 38th edition of a tournament featuring the Serie A and Italian Cup champions, and the league and cup runners-ups and contracted to be held in Saudi until 2029.

Rasmus Hojlund centre-forward of Napoli and Denmark celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at King Saud University Stadium on December 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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The Italian football league on Thursday gave the green light for AC Milan's controversial 'home' ...

The Italian football league on Thursday gave the green light for AC Milan's controversial 'home' Serie A game against Como to go ahead in Australia in February.The decision comes two months after Spain's La Liga scrapped plans to hold a Barcelona match in Miami in the United States due to "uncertainty" about the game within Spain."The match between Milan and Como will indeed be played on February 8 in Perth," announced Serie A boss Ezio Simonelli.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milan's San Siro stadium is out of commission on that date because it is hosting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics two days earlier."We had a very cordial meeting with (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino. We had doubts about the obligations imposed on us, particularly the requirement to use foreign referees, but (FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi) Collina gave us guarantees about their quality," added Simonelli at the Italian Super Cup in Riyadh.For the match to go ahead the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), to which Australia is affiliated, had demanded that it be officiated by AFC referees rather than Italians."We're going to accept this condition, there are still other things to sort out," Simonelli commented in reference to marketing issues.This will be the first time a Serie A game has been played outside Italy.The relocation involving a round trip of over 13,000 kilometres has come under attack from Milan's France internationals Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.

MILAN, ITALY - 2025/12/14: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan after scoring a later disallowed goal during the Serie A 2025/26 football match between AC Milan and US Sassuolo at San Siro Stadium. Final score; AC Milan 2:2 Sassuolo.

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Rayan Cherki's stunning strike put Manchester City on their way to the League Cup semi-finals wit...

Rayan Cherki's stunning strike put Manchester City on their way to the League Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Brentford, while holders Newcastle beat Fulham 2-1 on Wednesday.Ahead of the hectic festive Premier League schedule, Pep Guardiola could afford to give Erling Haaland the night off as his side secured a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions.Haaland was left on the bench among seven changes by Guardiola at the Etihad.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Abdukodir Khusanov was one of those handed a rare start and the Uzbek defender was lucky just to see a yellow card for chopping down Kevin Schade when the German looked set to run through on goal.Guardiola was forced to field the in-form Phil Foden for longer than he hoped as the England international replaced the injured Oscar Bobb after just 20 minutes.But it was Cherki who unlocked the Brentford rearguard action in style 10 minutes before half-time.The Frenchman collected a corner cleared to the edge of the box, cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner.The home side's second was much more fortunate as Savinho's shot looped over Hakon Valdimarsson via a deflection off Kristoffer Ajer 20 minutes from time.City won the League Cup four years in a row under Guardiola between 2018 and 2021.But this is the first time in five seasons they have progressed to the last four.Newcastle are back in the semi-finals thanks to Lewis Miley's stoppage time header at St. James' Park.A dismal performance in losing 1-0 to local rivals Sunderland on Sunday heaped the pressure on Eddie Howe's men to respond.Yoane Wissa opened his Newcastle account on his first start after just 10 minutes but Sasa Lukic quickly levelled for the visitors.The tie appeared destined for penalties until Miley got a flick to Sandro Tonali's enticing delivery.Chelsea booked their place in the two-legged semi-finals early next year with a 3-1 win at Cardiff on Tuesday.Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the final quarter-final tie next week.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Rayan Cherki of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Brentford at Etihad Stadium on December 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Barcelona and Lyon clinched places in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League on Wedne...

Barcelona and Lyon clinched places in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, while Chelsea came from behind to beat Wolfsburg and qualify directly for the last eight.Holders Arsenal must go through the play-offs along with Manchester United after missing out on a top-four finish, as Bayern Munich pinched the final automatic quarter-final berth.Spanish champions Barcelona finished top of the league phase unbeaten after a 2-0 win away to Paris FC, with Vicky Lopez and Caroline Graham Hansen scoring in the French capital.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Three-time Champions League winners Barcelona have reached the final each of the past five years. They pipped Lyon to first place on goal difference after both clubs ended level on 16 points.This season's format is similar to the men's competition, with the top four teams in the league phase qualifying for the quarter-finals and clubs placed fifth to 12th going into a play-off round.Lyon thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 with a penalty from captain Wendie Renard and goals from Kadidiatou Diani and Korbin Shrader. Vilde Boe Risa's own goal gave Lyon the lead before Atletico were reduced to 10 players.Chelsea won 2-1 away to Wolfsburg to take third place. Alexandra Popp opened the scoring for the Germans but headers from Lucy Bronze and Sam Kerr ensured the Blues went through to the quarter-finals.Bayern eased to a 3-0 win over Norwegians Valerenga to edge Arsenal and United to fourth place by a point.Olivia Smith and Beth Mead struck in a 3-0 victory for Arsenal away to Belgian outfit Leuven, with Saar Janssen also turning into her own net.Arsenal picked up their fourth straight win but it wasn't enough to avoid the play-off round after starting the league phase with back-to-back losses.Jess Park's fine finish lifted United to a 1-0 win at Juventus, who had started the night in the top four. United ended level with Arsenal on 12 points.The draw for the knockout phase takes place on Thursday.

Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #11 Alexia Putellas (L), Barcelona's Dutch midfielder #24 Esmee Brugts (C) and Barcelona's Spanish defender #02 Irene Paredes celebrate following the victory at the end of the UEFA Women's Champions League group-stage football match between Paris FC and FC Barcelona at the Stade Jean-Bouin, in Paris, on december 17, 2025.

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Back-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov saved four penalties as Paris Saint-Germain edged out Brazilian...

Back-up goalkeeper Matvei Safonov saved four penalties as Paris Saint-Germain edged out Brazilians Flamengo 2-1 in a shoot-out to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar on Wednesday.PSG led through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Jorginho's spot-kick levelled for Flamengo as the game finished 1-1 after extra time.Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo defeated Mexicans Cruz Azul and African champions Pyramids last week to earn the right to face PSG and pushed the European champions all the way with a dogged display.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Luis Enrique's men, who received a bye to the final, were indebted to Safonov and followed in the footsteps of Real Madrid who lifted the inaugural title last year."I think this year is impossible to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain. It's an unforgettable year," said Luis Enrique."Six trophies, not bad. We must keep going. It's our mentality to keep winning and keep making history. That's what we want."PSG thought they had taken the lead in the ninth minute when Fabian Ruiz cleverly hooked the ball into an empty net after Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi miskicked a clearance while trying to prevent a corner.But the goal was ruled out by VAR because Rossi had narrowly failed to stop the ball from going out of play.But PSG did break the deadlock eight minutes before half-time courtesy of another Rossi error.The Argentinian turned Desire Doue's low cross, which looked to be too strong for Kvaratskhelia, straight into the Georgian's pass for the simplest of tap-ins.Flamengo managed to stay in the game, though, and were awarded a penalty on the hour mark for a foul by Marquinhos on Uruguay midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta after a VAR review.Former Chelsea and Arsenal player Jorginho stepped up to send Safonov the wrong way in trademark fashion.PSG pressed for a winner, sending on Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele who set up a last-gasp chance for Marquinhos.But the centre-back could not react quickly enough to get his effort on target as the ball flashed across goal and the game headed into extra time.Both teams saw half-chances come and go in the added half-hour, with Dembele flashing a shot narrowly off target in the 116th minute.That set the stage for Safonov -- playing in place of regular first-choice Lucas Chevalier who is still regaining full fitness after an ankle injury -- to steal the headlines and spare the blushes of Dembele and Barcola who both missed for PSG.

Doha, Qatar - December 17: Matvei Safonov of Paris Saint-Germain lifts the Intercontinental Cup trophy after Paris Saint-Germain win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 final match between Paris Saint-Germain and CR Flamengo at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 17, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

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Safonov the hero as PSG beat Flamengo to win Intercontinental Cup

Former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has signed a contract with Inter Miami for the upcoming season...

Former Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has signed a contract with Inter Miami for the upcoming season, the Major League Soccer side said on Wednesday.Suarez, who turns 39 in January, joined Lionel Messi's outfit in 2024 before helping the club to the 2025 MLS Cup and Eastern Conference title.The former Barcelona, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid attacker won the Champions League, La Liga and the League Cup during his time in Europe.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Suarez signs a new contract after recently concluding the historic 2025 season for what was his second year at the club," Inter Miami said."The striker's vast experience and leadership were crucial as Inter Miami clinched its third and fourth titles by winning the Eastern Conference Championship and the MLS Cup... while also excelling on the international stage with a historic run to the round of 16 at the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. "Suarez made a total 50 appearances across all competitions in 2025, scoring 17 goals and dishing out 17 assists for a total 34 goal contributions," it added.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 06: Jordi Alba #18, Luis Suárez #9 and Sergio Busquets #5 of Inter Miami CF celebrate the Championship win following the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Luis Suarez commits to Inter Miami for another season

Chelsea showed their support for unsettled boss Enzo Maresca as they survived a scare from third-...

Chelsea showed their support for unsettled boss Enzo Maresca as they survived a scare from third-tier Cardiff to reach the League Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win on Tuesday.Maresca's side took the lead thanks to Alejandro Garnacho's strike early in the second half of the quarter-final in the Welsh capital.Chelsea were pushed hard by the gritty League One leaders, who equalised through David Turnbull's thumping header.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the Blues delivered a welcome tonic for Maresca after his recent outburst, as Pedro Neto and Garnacho struck in the closing stages.When Maresca faced the media on Monday, the Italian refused to clarify his explosive claim after Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton that the previous 48 hours had been his worst at Stamford Bridge because he and his team lacked "support" from "many people".Maresca's rant had fuelled speculation he was criticising the club's co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.It has been suggested that Maresca was unhappy with the failure of Chelsea's hierarchy to publicly support him amid criticism of his rotation policy during the team's recent dip in form.The victory over Cardiff was only their second in six games in all competitions.Maresca, who led the Blues to Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League glory earlier this year, has now led Chelsea to three semi-finals in 18 months.Asked if he felt backed by the club, Maresca said: "Tonight the focus has to be that we reached the semi-final, the support from fans has always been there.""We are going in the right direction, everything I do is because I want the best for everyone, the fans, players everyone," he said."Very happy, especially for the effort of the players. I said yesterday that the schedule is full of these tricky games and so you have to pay attention and we did that."<h3>Immediate impact</h3>Chelsea, eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, are bidding to win the League Cup for the first time since 2015.Prioritising Saturday's Premier League trip to Newcastle, Maresca made 11 changes, with Cole Palmer rested and Moises Caicedo returning from suspension.Filip Jorgensen saved from Callum Robinson and then Turnbull as fired-up Cardiff fed off the febrile atmosphere from the sell-out 33,000 crowd.Chelsea struggled to match Cardiff's intensity and they nearly fell behind as Isaak Davies's cross deflected off Caicedo, forcing Jorgensen to make a superb stop.Maresca's worst 48 hours had been followed by one of his most forgettable 45 minutes, but he turned the tide by sending on Garnacho and Joao Pedro at the interval.Garnacho made an immediate impact as he put Chelsea ahead in the 57th minute.Dylan Lawlor's woeful pass was intercepted by Facundo Buonanotte who raced into the Cardiff area before slipping a pass to Garnacho, who kept his composure for a clinical finish.Chelsea lost their lead in the 75th minute. Perry Ng whipped his cross into the Chelsea area and Turnbull punished sloppy marking with a powerful header from 10 yards.The Blues responded emphatically in the 82nd minute when Neto took Joao Pedro's pass and drilled a low deflected strike into the far corner.Garnacho put the seal on Chelsea's victory in stoppage-time, lifting a deft finish over Nathan Trott after surging into the area.

CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 16: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Andrey Santos after scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Cardiff City and Chelsea at Cardiff City Stadium on December 16, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales.

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Manchester United blew the lead three times to miss out on moving up to fifth in the Premier Leag...

Manchester United blew the lead three times to miss out on moving up to fifth in the Premier League as Bournemouth would not be beaten in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.United have lost just once in their last 10 games but Ruben Amorim will be frustrated as more points at home were thrown away despite arguably the best attacking display of his reign in charge.Amad Diallo and Casemiro gave the hosts a half-time lead either side of Antoine Semenyo's equalizer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Two Bournemouth goals from Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier in seven minutes at the start of the second period turned the game around.The Red Devils roared back through a brilliant Bruno Fernandes free-kick and Matheus Cunha's second goal for the club.However, after failing to beat 10-man Everton and struggling West Ham at home in recent weeks, United let another two points slip away.Eli Junior Kroupi's fine finish secured a point for Bournemouth, who should have even snatched victory in stoppage time as David Brooks was twice denied by Senne Lammens.The Cherries' winless run stretches to seven games but a point edges them up to 13th.United move ahead of Liverpool on goal difference into sixth.

Bournemouth's David Brooks heads towards goal during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Monday December 15, 2025.

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Man United, Bournemouth share spoils in wild 8-goal barn burner

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes's goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga on...

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes's goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday to potentially keep coach Xabi Alonso in his job.Madrid, second, reeled league leaders Barcelona's advantage back to four points and recorded only their third victory in the last nine games across all competitions.After a home defeat by Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, Spanish media reported anything but a victory would cost Alonso his position.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After Mbappe's superb opener, Carlos Vicente pulled Alaves level in the second half, but Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Mendizorroza stadium.Alonso was able to bring his key player, Mbappe, back into the side after he could only watch the defeat by City from the bench because of knee discomfort.The coach also handed a debut to Victor Valdepenas at left-back, with both Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia suspended, and Ferland Mendy one of several players out injured.Mbappe appeared to be feeling his knee and also hobbling in the first few minutes but, despite that, was the game's most influential player.The forward had a shot deflected wide and then fired narrowly over as Alaves sat deep and tried to keep the 15-time European champions at bay.By the time Mbappe opened the scoring in the 25th minute his discomfort seemed to have cleared up.Released by Jude Bellingham, Mbappe drove towards goal at full tilt and whipped a shot into the top right corner for his 17th league goal of the campaign.England international Bellingham then blasted home from close range but his strike was ruled out for handball, as the ball had struck his arm.Needing to fight back, Alaves moved on to the front foot and took control of the game before the break, almost pulling level.Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a fine save with his head, even if he knew little about it, to deny Pablo Ibanez from close range.<h3>Tight battle</h3>Los Blancos were dangerous again soon after the interval, with Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera saving well from Mbappe and then Vinicius Junior.They came to rue those misses when Vicente pulled Alaves level after 68 minutes.The forward got in behind Antonio Rudiger, controlled former Madrid midfielder Antonio Blanco's chipped pass and whipped a shot past Courtois.Eduardo Coudet's side almost took the lead when Vicente's low cross from the right was nudged wide by Toni Martinez, shifted off-balance as he shot by Raul Asencio's pressure.Instead Madrid pulled back in front, with Vinicius breaking in down the left and crossing for Rodrygo to finish from six yards out.It was the Brazilian's second goal in two games after going the previous 32 matches without finding the net, and Alonso celebrated vehemently, knowing his future could depend on it.Vinicius had appeals for a penalty turned down and Bellingham came close in stoppage time as Madrid tried in vain to put the game to bed and ease their nerves.Third-place Villarreal's visit to face Levante was postponed because of a weather warning in the Valencia region. Real Oviedo, 19th, sacked coach Luis Carrion after a 4-0 hammering at Sevilla.On Saturday, champions Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to win a seventh straight La Liga game and ensure they will lead the table into 2026, regardless of what happens in the final round of fixtures before the winter break.

VITORIA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 14: Xabi Alonso, head coach of Real Madrid, looks on during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid at Mendizorroza Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Vitoria, Spain.

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Inter Milan climbed to the top of Serie A on Sunday after a 2-1 win at Genoa and a little help fr...

Inter Milan climbed to the top of Serie A on Sunday after a 2-1 win at Genoa and a little help from their closest rivals.The Italian summit was there for the taking after AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo before champions Napoli were beaten 1-0 at Udinese earlier in the day.That left the door open for Inter, who grabbed their opportunity at Genoa courtesy of goals in either half from German defender Yann Bisseck and captain Lautaro Martinez.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Genoa's Portuguese forward Vitinha scored in the 68th minute to set up a nervy ending but Inter held on to go one point clear of Milan with Napoli a point adrift in third.Earlier Napoli squandered the chance to top the table when their three consecutive league win sequence came to a halt after having two goals disallowed, Udinese stole the show thanks to Jurgen Ekkelenkamp's decisive 73rd minute goal.Injury-ravaged Napoli will be feeling this was an opportunity missed as a win would have lifted them top of the table following AC Milan's 2-2 draw with Sassuolo earlier.The two teams had gone into the weekend level on points, with Milan in the driving seat on goal difference.In Milan, French forward Armand Lauriente secured the 77th minute leveller for Sassuolo, who had taken an early lead via Ismael Kone.Milan fought back with Davide Bartesaghi equalising after the half hour. Having opened his Serie A scoring account, the 19-year-old defender added a second after the break, striking from a tight angle only for Lauriente to seal the away team a share of the points."We played a good match," Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri said."People might think we dropped two points, I think we gained a point that could be important," he told DAZN."We still need to improve, because we're conceding too many goals. But we're in the top four, that was our objective at the start of the season."AC Milan, along with Inter, Bolgona and Napoli, will be missing from league action next weekend as they take part in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

GENOA, ITALY - DECEMBER 14: Lautaro Martinez of Inter (left) celebrates with his team-mate Petar Sucic after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy.

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Inter win to move atop Serie A after Milan draw, Napoli lose

Lens leapfrogged reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1...

Lens leapfrogged reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 with an Odsonne Edouard-inspired 2-0 win over crisis-club Nice on Sunday.Pierre Sage's upstarts have been the surprise packages of the season so far in France and entered the weekend top of the pile until PSG's nervy 3-2 victory over lowly Metz on Saturday provisionally returned the Qatari-backed club to the summit of the table.But Lens once again took over top spot with their sixth consecutive win in the league to move to 37 points, one ahead of PSG, and ensure that they will sit atop the Ligue 1 tree over the winter break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We've been defending (top spot) for the last three matchdays and (it was) a great performance that we'll try to maintain," Lens coach Sage said. "We'll be celebrating Christmas in first place, which is wonderful for everyone in the area."Former Celtic and Crystal Palace striker Edouard scored a brace with headers either side of the break to set Lens on their way.The opener was a sublime glancing effort on the quarter-hour that looped over the helpless Yehvann Diouf and dropped in under the crossbar after Edouard had met Matthieu Udol's cross.The duo combined again on 57 minutes, with Edouard this time popping up unmarked at the back post, to condemn Franck Haise's free-falling Nice to yet another defeat.The south coast side have lost their last nine outings in all competitions and also face upcoming home matches with crowd restrictions due to repeated crowd disturbances earlier in the season.At the end of November, a group of ultras confronted the team outside Nice's training ground after they had lost away to Lorient and forced them off their bus before allegedly attacking some of the players.<h3>Lille 'energy' sinks Auxerre</h3>Marseille moved back into third with a 1-0 win over Monaco at the Stade Velodrome.Mason Greenwood scored the winner in the 82nd minute after Monaco had earlier had two goals disallowed in controversial fashion.Lamine Camara netted early in the second period only for the goal to be disallowed for an offside against Folarin Balogun in the build-up, although the American did not touch the ball.Balogun then had his deft finish on 80 minutes cancelled out for a tight offside call, minutes before Greenwood netted his 11th goal of the season at the other end."I don't want to discuss refereeing decisions," Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli said."Referees are colleagues, and I don't want to waste energy criticising colleagues. It's part of what drags us down, but that's the way it is."Lille, five points adrift of arch-rivals Lens in fourth place, won a 4-3 thriller at struggling Auxerre with both sides finishing with nine men.A chaotic final 10 minutes threw up three goals and two red cards as Benjamin Andre's 86th-minute winner edged Bruno Genesio's side over the line."Despite being outnumbered and trailing on the scoreboard, we knew we could come back. We had the energy to believe in ourselves until the very end," Genesio said."This victory reflects my team well, even if there are still many things to improve."Strasbourg were held to a goalless draw at home to Lorient, who moved ahead of Nice into 12th.In the day's early kick-off, Pavel Sulc scored the only goal as Lyon beat Le Havre.

Lens' French forward #11 Odsonne Edouard celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and OGC Nice at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France, on December 14, 2025.

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Lens reclaim top spot in Ligue 1 with Nice win

Harry Kane converted a penalty with three minutes remaining to save Bayern Munich's blushes in a ...

Harry Kane converted a penalty with three minutes remaining to save Bayern Munich's blushes in a 2-2 home draw against last-placed Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday. Mainz came from a goal down to snatch the lead midway through the second half thanks to an excellent Lee Jae-sung header, putting Bayern on track for a first league defeat since March. So often Bayern's saviour this season, Kane won and converted the penalty to keep Vincent Kompany's side undefeated and extend their lead atop the table to nine points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kane told DAZN Bayern would have to take the draw "on the chin", adding: "We conceded a really silly goal before half-time and that changes the momentum."When you play against teams who are fighting for every point, they can defend well, they can defend the box, they can make saves, make blocks -- and that's what happened."Borussia Dortmund's draw at Freiburg had given Bayern a chance to go further ahead of their rivals with victory against Mainz, who have just one win all season and had coach Urs Fischer making his league debut in the dugout.Bayern's teenage forward Lennart Karl continued his impressive form, turning in a Serge Gnabry cutback to give the hosts the lead on 29 minutes. Kacper Potulski levelled things up when he headed in a William Boving free-kick before half-time. Lee then headed Mainz into an unlikely lead.As he did when scoring to snatch Bayern a draw against Union Berlin in November -- the only previous time the defending champions had dropped points this season -- England captain Kane was again the late difference-maker for the Bavarians.Kane went down in the box under a challenge and coolly converted for his 18th league goal this season and his 29th for Bayern in all competitions.

München, Germany - December 14: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Muenchen scores his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on December 14, 2025 in München, Germany.

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Kane's late penalty saves Bayern point in clash with rock-bottom Mainz

Borussia Dortmund missed a chance to climb past RB Leipzig into second, conceding an equaliser in...

Borussia Dortmund missed a chance to climb past RB Leipzig into second, conceding an equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Freiburg after Jobe Bellingham saw red.Ramy Bensebaini's 31st-minute goal had Dortmund in front but Bellingham was sent off for a professional foul shortly after half-time.The hosts made the most of their one-man advantage, camping out in Dortmund's half and levelling things up thanks to an acrobatic Lucas Holer strike. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We're definitely disappointed," Dortmund's Gregor Kobel told DAZN. "If the red card doesn't happen, the result would look different. We had the game under control and were very dominant."Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy missed a header while unmarked in the box five minutes in, continuing his recent dry spell. Guirassy scored 38 goals in all competitions last season but has just one in his past 10 Bundesliga matches. The visitors had looked comfortable after Bensebaini's goal but lost control of the match when Bellingham, as the last man, felled an on-rushing Philipp Treu on the edge of the box.With Freiburg peppering the Dortmund goal, Kobel made a string of impressive saves but could not keep out Holer's curling strike.

14 December 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg im Breisgau: Soccer: Bundesliga, SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund, Matchday 14, Europa-Park Stadium. Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) is shown the red card by the referee. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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Dortmund held at Freiburg after Bellingham sent off

Sunderland saw off local rivals Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal.  Sun...

Sunderland saw off local rivals Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Nick Woltemade own goal.Sunderland were facing Newcastle in the Premier League for the first time in nearly a decade after spending years out of the top division. Their goal came from an unlikely source when Newcastle forward Woltemade headed Nordi Mukiele's cross past his own goalkeeper in the opening moments of the second half.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The win lifted Sunderland to seventh in the table.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United scores an own goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on December 14, 2025 in Sunderland, England.

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Woltemade's blunder gifts Sunderland win over archrivals Newcastle

Unai Emery said "ambitious" Aston Villa deserved the battling 3-2 win against West Ham that kept ...

Unai Emery said "ambitious" Aston Villa deserved the battling 3-2 win against West Ham that kept alive their unexpected Premier League title challenge on Sunday.Emery's side are just three points behind leaders Arsenal thanks to Morgan Rogers' double at the London Stadium.The midlands club haven't won the English title since 1980-81.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Villa have recovered from a dismal start to the season and head into the busy Christmas schedule harbouring genuine hopes of overhauling Arsenal."Our start was poor, two times we were behind but how they responded and how we achieved those three points is how we are as a team," Emery said."Being ambitious, responsible, being organised in our structure. I'm so happy how we responded."Villa suffered an early blow in east London as Mateus Fernandes' strike after just 29 seconds ranked as the quickest Premier League goal this season.A Konstantinos Mavropanos own-goal cancelled out the West Ham opener, but Jarrod Bowen's goal restored the lowly Hammers' advantage.That set the stage for England midfielder Rogers to bag the equaliser before his brilliant 25-yard rocket stole the points in the 79th minute.Emery saluted Rogers' latest eye-catching display, saying: "For me, the most important thing is how he is working, tactically, offensively and defensively and now he is scoring goals."He is always doing his work with huge commitment. He is growing up so quick and performing better because physically, he is strong and his mentality is huge."Villa have won 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches, having been winless in their first five, but Rogers is not thinking about the title yet."We're not looking at that at all," the 23-year-old said. "People were talking about relegation before so we are not talking about that."It is about being as consistent as possible. At the moment we are in a great run so let's see where that takes us."

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at London Stadium on December 14, 2025 in London, England.

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Aston Villa eye title push after comeback win at West Ham

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland's double inspi...

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland's double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.Pep Guardiola's second-placed side moved within two points of Arsenal after a hard-fought success at Selhurst Park.Norway striker Haaland opened the scoring late in the first half and England forward Phil Foden netted after the break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haaland bagged his 23rd goal this season to complete City's fifth successive win in all competitions.Arsenal's dramatic late win over bottom of the table Wolves on Saturday had put pressure on City to respond. Guardiola's men were up to the task, overcoming a spluttering display in large part because of the quality of their finishing."Erling is a forward to score the goals but in the second half he keeps the ball. He was able to contain situations. He helped us be together. In the second half he was outstanding," Guardiola said.After coming from behind to win 2-1 at Real Madrid in their glamour Champions League clash in midweek, a trip to freezing south London to face their FA Cup final conquerors was a testing trip for far different reasons.City were facing Palace for the first time since their shock FA Cup final defeat against the Eagles at Wembley in May.Glasner out-witted Guardiola with a tactical masterclass in the final.But City avenged that loss to keep the title race bubbling ahead of the hectic Christmas period."It is a really tough place to come. When you lose the ball they attack incredibly well but we were patient. We were lucky when they hit the post but really pleased for the performance and victory to grow our mentality," Guardiola said."In the first half we were too much in a rush. We talked about the spaces we should attack but we were not patient enough. After we played with the tempo we should."<h3>Gritty City</h3>Yeremy Pino should have exploited City's defensive frailty when Adam Wharton's sublime pass sent him sprinting clear of the visitors' creaky offside trap, but his shot smashed off the crossbar with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat.With Palace set up to neutralise City's attacks, Guardiola's men struggled to find any rhythm for long periods and Pino threatened again with a low shot that forced Donnarumma into action.It took City half an hour to muster their first shot on target as Foden's free-kick was parried by Dean Henderson.Haaland had barely had a kick before he put City ahead in typically predatory fashion in the 41st minute.Matheus Nunes curled a pin-point cross towards the far post and Haaland peeled away from Chris Richards to thump a superb header past Henderson from six yards.Donnarumma preserved City's lead, diving at Jean-Philippe Mateta's feet and then saving the France striker's close-range effort.Palace had won four of their previous six league games, losing only once, and they were inches away from a second half equaliser when Wharton robbed Nico Gonzalez and lashed against the post from the edge of the area.Without Belgian winger Jeremy Doku due to a leg injury, City were nowhere near the best and Guardiola's frustration boiled over as he argued with Glasner on the touchline. But Foden eased Guardiola's angst with his sixth league goal in his last four games in the 69th minute.Rayan Cherki sparked the goal with a dynamic run towards the Palace area before Foden arrowed a low drive past Henderson from 18 yards.Haaland wrapped up City's gritty win in the 89th minute, calmly sending Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot after the Palace keeper had fouled Savinho.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Erling Haland of Manchester City celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on December 14, 2025 in London, England.

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Guardiola hails 'outstanding' Haaland after Man City's gritty win at Palace

Villarreal's La Liga match at Levante on Sunday was suspended by the Spanish football federation ...

Villarreal's La Liga match at Levante on Sunday was suspended by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) because of a severe weather alert in the region on Spain's east coast."Due to safety recommendations regarding the torrential rains forecast in the Valencia region, and following red alert warnings (from Spain's meteorological agency) the RFEF competitions judge has decided to postpone the match," wrote the federation in a statement.Last year, several league and cup matches were postponed after deadly flooding in the same region killed over 200 people.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Villarreal, third, have impressed this season and trail leaders Barcelona by eight points, with two fewer matches played than the champions.Real Madrid, second, visit Alaves late Sunday as they try to reel in Barcelona's seven-point lead at the top of the standings.

A man walks with an umbrella outside the Ciutat de Valencia stadium after the Spanish league football match between Levante UD and Villarreal CF was suspended due to severe weather warning of torrential rains in Valencia on December 14, 2025.

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Villarreal's La Liga trip to Levante postponed after weather warning

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