International Football Thread

[ghazi52]

Arsenal’s set-piece power sinks Newcastle​

Late goals from Merino and Gabriel punish the home side

AFP
September 29, 2025

Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates in a Premier League match against Newcastle United. PHOTO: REUTERS.

NEWCASTLE: Arsenal produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday, strengthening their Premier League title challenge.

Nick Woltemade’s first-half header put Newcastle ahead, and the hosts looked on course for a fourth successive home win over the Gunners.

Arsenal had earlier been denied a penalty by VAR, while Nick Pope frustrated them with key saves from Eberechi Eze, Jurrien Timber, and Leandro Trossard, who struck the post.

The breakthrough came in the 84th minute, when substitute Mikel Merino converted Declan Rice's cross from a short corner.

Six minutes into stoppage time, Arsenal struck again. After going short for the equaliser, they went direct as Martin Odegaard’s delivery found Gabriel Magalhaes, and another set-piece sealed victory, as he powered home a header at the near post. The away fans roared, and Arsenal maintained their history of scoring late goals.

Arsenal’s boss, Mikel Arteta, described the outcome as a defining moment and a big opportunity for us to prove ourselves.

"To win in the manner that we have done it, wow, what a feeling, it was a massive opportunity to make a statement and to prove to everybody and ourselves the team that we are," Arteta stated.

Goalscorer Mikel Merino, who struck against his former club, praised Arsenal’s set-piece mentality.

“It’s not only about strategy but also mentality. For us, it is a matter of keep doing what we do at the highest level. In the end, the last one, the last second, we scored and I’m really happy,” Merino said.

The victory narrowed the gap on leaders Liverpool, who dropped points against Crystal Palace earlier in the day. Newcastle, who have often relied on aggression and intensity to unsettle Arsenal, were left stunned as the visitors’ set-piece strength proved decisive once again.

It is pertinent to mention that Arsenal has scored 36 league goals from corners, 15 more than any other side since last season.

 

[ghazi52]

Celtic lose at home to Braga in Europa League​

AFP

Brendan Rodgers admits frustration as his side struggle to convert chances in another flat display.

 

[ghazi52]

AC Milan face Scudetto rivals Juve after landmark San Siro ruling​

Milan ride five-game winning streak into Turin clash as Allegri prepares emotional reunion

AFP
October 03, 2025

AC Milan are top of Serie A on goal difference from Napoli and Roma. PHOTO: AFP

---

MILAN: AC Milan have the chance to cap a momentous week on Sunday night as the Serie A giants face rivals Juventus after taking a huge step towards building a new stadium in place of the San Siro.

Top of the pile on goal difference, Milan are on a run of five straight wins in league and cup and showed enough in their thrilling win over champions Napoli last weekend to suggest they will be in the title discussion this season.

Milan are locked on 12 points with Napoli and Roma, who respectively face strugglers Genoa and Fiorentina, and one point ahead of fourth-placed Juve ahead of Sunday's showdown.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri will make what he called an "emotional" return to Turin -- where he won five Serie A titles -- on a high from his team's win over Napoli and with a full week's rest, unlike his rivals who have all had European commitments over the last few days.

An opening-day defeat by Cremonese now looks like a freak result rather than a worrying start for Milan and with fewer matches to contend with over the course of the campaign, the seven-time European champions look a good bet for the title.

Further boosting Milan's hopes of keeping hold of top spot this weekend are injuries to Juve's Gleison Bremer and Khephren Thuram, two key players for the hosts injured during last weekend's draw with Atalanta.

And if things look good on the pitch the club's owners, American investment firm RedBird, were given a huge shot in the arm by the city of Milan finally approving the sale of the publicly-owned San Siro to Milan and their locals rivals Inter.

News of the decree came in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a drawn-out council meeting which lasted over 11 hours and featured anger from local politicians from across the political spectrum, about the sale of 28 hectares of prime public land and the demolition of possibly the world's most recognisable stadium.

The clubs and Milan's centre-left mayor Giuseppe Sala came very close to not getting their wish as the 24 votes in favour would not have been enough had a clutch of councillors from the right-wing Forza Italia party not refused to vote.

Paolo Scaroni, CEO of AC Milan said on Tuesday that he expects the new stadium to be ready for 2030, "well in time for 2032 which is a key date because the new stadium needs to be ready for the European Championship".

Inter, who are three points behind the leading trio in sixth, host promoted Cremonese who return to the site of the historic victory in the first week of the campaign.

Player to watch: Adrien Rabiot

France midfielder Rabiot returns to where he and Allegri first met and struck up an almost father-son relationship, one which coaxed him back to Italy after a violent bust-up led to him being cast aside by Marseille.

Such is Allegri's faith in Rabiot that he immediately got in touch once his brawl with Jonathan Rowe -- now at Bologna -- made his position at Marseille untenable.

The 30-year-old has slotted perfectly into Milan's midfield alongside veteran superstar Luka Modric since arriving on transfer deadline day.

Key stats

12 - Milan, Napoli and Roma are all on 12 points after five matches.
5 - Milan's winning run in league and cup

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Verona v Sassuolo (1845)

Saturday

Parma v Lecce, Lazio v Torino (1300), Inter Milan v Cremonese (1600), Atalanta v Como (1845)

Sunday

Udinese v Cagliari (1030), Bologna v Pisa, Fiorentina v Roma (1300), Napoli v Genoa (1600), Juventus v AC Milan (1845)

 

[ghazi52]

Savinho extends Man City deal to 2031​

The Brazilian winger says he is hungry to grow under Guardiola after earning City’s long-term trust

AFP
October 04, 2025

Manchester City's Savinho celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English League Cup third round soccer match between Huddersfield and Manchester City at the John Smith's stadium, in Huddersfield, England. PHOTO: AFP

MANCHESTER: Brazil winger Savinho signed a new contract with Manchester City on Friday, tying himself to the Premier League heavyweights until 2031, with an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.

The 21-year-old was a target for Tottenham during the transfer window but Spurs were reportedly put off by City's £70 million ($94 million) valuation.

Despite struggling to hold down a regular starting spot in Pep Guardiola's side, Savinho provided 13 assists and scored three goals during 48 appearances last season -- his first in English football.

"I am incredibly proud to be able to sign this new contract with City," Savinho said in a club statement.

"It's a very special feeling to know that Pep and the club have placed such faith in me."

"I feel I have so much improving to do -- I am still young and very hungry to keep learning. But I know that working with Pep and his staff will help me to keep developing as a player."

Capped 13 times by Brazil, Savinho made his breakthrough in European football at Girona, one of City Football Group's portfolio of clubs, helping them qualify for the Champions League at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

He then moved to the Etihad in a £31 million transfer.

"Savinho is still very young, but he has already demonstrated that he possesses the qualities needed to become a truly outstanding player," said City's director of football Hugo Viana.

 

[ghazi52]

Wrexham held by Birmingham in battle of star owners​

Wrexham’s early lead was quickly erased as Birmingham fought back to share the spoils

AFP
October 04, 2025

Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise with three consecutive promotions to reach the second tier of English football. PHOTO: X (@Champchatpod24)

LONDON:
Hollywood-backed Wrexham and NFL legend Tom Brady's Birmingham shared the points as a 1-1 draw on Friday did little for either side's dreams of promotion to the Premier League.

Wrexham, co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have enjoyed a meteoric rise with three consecutive promotions to reach the second tier of English football.

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady owns a minority stake in Birmingham, who beat Wrexham to win the League One title last season.

However, both teams are finding the step up to the Championship tough.

Birmingham sit 11th after just one win in six league games but are still two points better off than Wrexham in 14th.

The Blues bounced back to salvage a point after falling behind to George Dobson's header from a Wrexham corner.

Birmingham levelled just 25 seconds into the second period when Patrick Roberts latched onto Jay Stansfield's pass to fire into the far corner.

 

[ghazi52]

Arsenal blank West Ham as United ease pressure on Amorim​

AFP
October 5, 2025



LONDON: Arsenal’s Declan Rice shoots to score during the Premier League match against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.—Reuters

LONDON: Declan Rice came back to haunt former club West Ham who were beaten by Arsenal in the Premier League, while Manchester United handed Ruben Amorim some relief with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

In Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge, the Gunners proved far too strong for the struggling Hammers in a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium to further their ambitions of a first Premier League title for 22 years.

Victory came at a cost for Arsenal as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured before half-time for the third time this season.

However, the strength in depth now on offer to Arteta has made light of Arsenal’s injury troubles.

“We dominated and fully deserved to win this,” said Arteta. “To go top of the table after some big fixtures over the last week and some injuries… we were able to respond.”

 

[ghazi52]

Vinicius double helps Real Madrid beat Villarreal​

Los Blancos moved two points clear of champions Barcelona

AFP
October 05, 2025

Photo: REUTERS

MADRID: Vinicius Junior fired Real Madrid to the top of La Liga with a brace in a 3-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday, while Kylian Mbappe was also on target.

Los Blancos moved two points clear of champions Barcelona, who visit Sevilla on Sunday, as they bounced back from last week's derby drubbing.

Having returned from their long midweek trip to Kazakhstan, where they beat Kairat in the Champions League, Madrid turned their focus back to domestic matters.

Thrashed 5-2 by city rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend, Xabi Alonso's side had plenty to prove against a strong Villarreal team, who are third.

"I played very well and I want to continue like this, keeping this confidence and doing even more," Vinicius told Real Madrid TV.

"We have good feelings... when we come back (from the international break) we have big games and we need confidence," added Vinicius.

The winger did not start the season well but has found form in recent outings.

"Vini had a very good game and he was decisive, I'm very happy for him," Alonso told reporters.

Alonso brought Fede Valverde back into the team, playing him at right-back in the absence of injured duo Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Madrid had the better of a slow-paced first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

[ghazi52]

Atletico draw at Celta Vigo after Lenglet red card​

Iago Aspas scores on record-equalling appearance as 10-man Atletico are held by Celta

AFP
October 06, 2025

Celta Vigo's Spanish forward Iago Aspas scores his team's equaliser in the draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. PHOTO: AFP

VIGO: Atletico Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga, playing more than half the game with 10 men after Clement Lenglet's red card.

Diego Simeone's side are fifth, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid and six behind second-place Barcelona, who lost at Sevilla earlier on.

A Carl Starfelt own-goal sent Atletico ahead before French defender Clement Lenglet was sent off in the 40th minute.

Iago Aspas, who equalled the record for most Celta appearances, bundled home an equaliser in the second half, with the hosts on top but unable to find a winner.

Atletico thrashed Real Madrid 5-2 last weekend and had won three consecutive games before facing Celta, finding form after a poor start to the campaign.

 

[ghazi52]

Italy coach Gattuso calls up Spinazzola following Politano injury​

Spinazzola returns to Italy squad as Azzurri prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers

AFP
October 06, 2025

Leonardo Spinazzola in action. PHOTO: AFP

MILAN: Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso called up Leonardo Spinazzola for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel after his Napoli teammate Matteo Politano picked up a hamstring injury on Sunday.

Attacker Politano was forced to leave the field in the 50th minute of Napoli's 2-1 win over Genoa on Sunday, when he was also replaced by Spinazzola.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte later confirmed a hamstring knock but neither he nor Napoli said for how long Politano would be out of action.

Spinazzola, who starred in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph before rupturing his Achilles tendon, has not played international football since June 2023.

 

[ghazi52]

Algeria qualifies for 2026 World Cup​

Amoura’s brace and Mahrez’s strike sealed a commanding 3-0 victory over Somalia in Oran

AFP
October 10, 2025

Mohamed Amoura scored twice as Algeria beat Somalia 3-0 on Thursday. Photo: AFP

---

JOHANNESBURG: Mohamed Amoura scored twice as Algeria beat Somalia 3-0 on Thursday to become the fourth qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup from Africa after Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

The Wolfsburg striker volleyed a Riyad Mahrez cross into the net on six minutes, then the former Manchester City winger slammed a loose ball into the net midway through the opening half.

Mahrez turned creator again on 57 minutes, setting up Amoura to stretch the lead to three goals. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, convinced that qualification was assured, then substituted both scorers.

It was a predictable outcome in western port city Oran as the Desert Foxes are 163 places above the Ocean Stars in the world rankings.

 

[ghazi52]

Messi-less Argentina down Venezuela in friendly​

AFP

Inter Miami star Messi looked on from the stands as the Albiceleste eased to victory

 

[ghazi52]

Balogun equalises as US held 1-1 by Ecuador​

Pochettino’s side display fighting spirit in Austin, bouncing back strongly after an early setback

AFP
October 11, 2025

Folarin Balogun of United States celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during an international friendly match between United States and Ecuador at Q2 Stadium on October 10. PHOTO: AFP

AUSTIN: Folarin Balogun scored a second-half equaliser as the United States came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly international on Friday

 

[ghazi52]

Liverpool seek mojo against Man Utd, Postecoglou hunts first win​

AFP
October 17, 2025



Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their first goal with Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez in Anfield, Liverpool, Britain on August 31, 2025. — Reuters/File

Liverpool will be desperate to recapture their spark against bitter rivals Manchester United this weekend but Ruben Amorim’s men will harbour hopes of pinching a rare win at Anfield.

The champions have lost just one of their past 14 Premier League meetings against United but have suffered three straight defeats in all competitions, with Arsenal now top of the pile.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou survived the international break but remains under intense pressure after failing to record a win in his first seven matches.

Liverpool bank on Anfield factor against Man Utd When Liverpool started this season with five straight Premier League wins, it appeared they were on track for a record 21st English top-flight title — which would take them one clear of United.

But problems they had papered over with a flurry of late goals finally caught up with them in defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, either side of a Champions League loss at Galatasary.

Liverpool, one point behind leaders Arsenal, trolled United on social media this week, reminding them of the 7-0 drubbing they dished out in March 2023.

Mohamed Salah scored twice that day and has an eye-catching record against United, netting in 10 of the past 11 matches between the clubs in all competitions.

But the Egypt forward will go into the fixture searching for form while new signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are struggling to make an impact. Arne Slot’s men are also shaky at the back.

 

[ghazi52]

Billionaire Ronaldo tops Forbes footballer rich list again

AFP

Portuguese star continues to dominate global earnings as Messi, Benzema, and Haaland trail behind

..........................​

Chelsea's Palmer out of action for another six weeks: Maresca​

AFP

The Italian admits losing his key playmaker is a major setback as the team hunts for consistency

 

[ghazi52]

Liverpool seek mojo against Man Utd, Postecoglou hunts first win​

The champions have slumped to three straight defeats, surrendering top spot to Arsenal

AFP
October 17, 2025

PHOTO: AFP/ File

LONDON: Liverpool will be desperate to recapture their spark against bitter rivals Manchester United this weekend but Ruben Amorim's men will harbour hopes of pinching a rare win at Anfield.

The champions have lost just one of their past 14 Premier League meetings against United but have suffered three straight defeats in all competitions, with Arsenal now top of the pile.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou survived the international break but remains under intense pressure after failing to record a win in his first seven matches.

AFP Sport looks at three key talking points ahead of the weekend action: