Soccer

Monterrey crushed Atlético de San Luis 5-1 (6-3 on aggregate) to become the first finalist of the Apertura 2024. With a brace from Óliver Torres and an outstanding team performance, Rayados will now aim for their sixth league title after five years. Monterrey Dominates the Semifinal In the second leg of the semifinal between Rayados de Monterrey and Atlético de San Luis, the home side made their home-field advantage count by delivering a resounding 5-1 victory, overturning the 1-2 deficit from the first leg and securing their place in the Apertura 2024 final. The action at Estadio BBVA started with high intensity, both teams creating dangerous chances. Monterrey pushed to overturn the first-leg deficit, while San Luis sought to score and take control of the tie. Monterrey Strikes First After an intense yet scoreless first half, the game burst into life in the second 45 minutes. In the 47th minute, Óliver Torres fired a powerful shot to the near post following a rebound, leaving goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez helpless despite his previous heroic saves. In the 52nd minute, Rayados doubled their lead. After a powerful shot from Canales, Sánchez managed to save it but left the ball loose, allowing Germán Berterame to capitalize and tap it into the net. A Penalty Sparks Hope for San Luis In the 68th minute, a foul by Héctor Moreno on Vitinho inside the box led to a VAR review, resulting in a penalty for San Luis. Sébastien Salles-Lamonge stepped up and converted confidently, making it 2-1 in the match and 3-3 on aggregate. Monterrey Seals the Game in 10 Minutes Monterrey responded emphatically in the 82nd minute. A corner kick reached Daniel Guillén at the far post, where he headed the ball across the goal to make it 3-1. Just three minutes later, at the 85th minute, Óliver Torres struck again. After another defensive clearance, Torres smashed a first-time shot into the top corner for a stunning goal. At the 90th minute, Brandon Vázquez delivered the final blow. Receiving the ball near the penalty box, Vázquez struck a powerful shot that Sánchez failed to handle, sealing the 5-1 victory in the match and 6-3 on aggregate. Monterrey Eyes Their Sixth Title With this win, Monterrey advances to their first final in five years, since winning their fifth league title in the Apertura 2019. Rayados now await their opponent, which will be decided today in the second leg between Cruz Azul and América. Images: X (@Rayados) and X (@WeAreRayados)

In his first full season with Inter Miami, Argentine star Lionel Messi was awarded the MVP of the 2024 MLS Season. Despite not being present in 15 of the 36 matches played by his team, the “Pulga” contributed in 36 goals, 20 of which he scored and 16 assists. Messi surpassed Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández in the votes of players, coaches and members of the press to become the tenth Latin American to be awarded this prize and the first Inter Miami player to be MVP. You may be interested in: Unheard of! Riqui Puig played more than 30 minutes injured with LA Galaxy Image: X (@adidasfootball)

In an exciting showdown, Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Nassr 2-1. Both Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for their respective teams, but a decisive goal from Steven Bergwijn in the 90th minute sealed the victory for Al-Ittihad, cementing their position as leaders of the Saudi Pro League. A Clash of Former Teammates The match at King Abdullah Sports City brought together former Real Madrid stars Benzema and Ronaldo in a thrilling encounter. While both players showcased their scoring prowess, it was Al-Ittihad who emerged victorious in a tightly contested battle. A Stalemate First Half The game began with a cautious approach from both sides, marked by limited chances and intense midfield duels. While physicality played a role in disrupting rhythm, neither team managed to capitalize on early opportunities, leading to a scoreless first half. Benzema Breaks the Deadlock The second half saw a spark of brilliance from Karim Benzema. In the 55th minute, Muhannad Al Shanqeeti delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Unmarked, Benzema calmly slotted the ball past the keeper, giving Al-Ittihad a 1-0 lead. Cristiano Responds Quickly Al-Nassr wasted no time leveling the score. Just two minutes later, in the 57th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo seized the moment. After a deflected attempt by Angelo, the Brazilian recovered the ball and sent in a precise cut-back pass. Ronaldo, arriving with perfect timing, unleashed a powerful strike that found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1. Bergwijn’s Late Heroics As both teams pushed for a winner, it was Steven Bergwijn who delivered in the dying moments. In the 90th minute, the Dutch winger danced into the penalty area, cut inside to his stronger right foot, and curled a stunning shot into the far corner, out of the goalkeeper’s reach. The goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Al-Ittihad. With this win, Al-Ittihad climbed to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 36 points. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr fell to fourth place, trailing by 11 points, making their title ambitions increasingly difficult. Images: X (@ittihad) and X (@ittihad_en)

The 32 teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup now know their group-stage rivals following the draw. The tournament, featuring a new format, highlights competitive groups like Group B, dubbed the “Group of Death,” and powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. The champions of football across five continents are set for battle. The draw, held in Miami, determined the opponents for each team in the first phase of the expanded tournament, which will be hosted in the United States. The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. Group A This group promises a tightly contested phase as Palmeiras (2021 Copa Libertadores champions), Porto (UEFA ranking qualifier), Al-Ahly (CAF Champions League three-time winners), and Inter Miami (host nation’s invitee) face off. The competition for the top two spots will be intense. Group B Considered the “Group of Death,” PSG and Atlético Madrid (both UEFA ranking qualifiers) lead this challenging quartet. Joining them are Botafogo (2024 Copa Libertadores champions), aiming to prove their strength, and Seattle Sounders (2022 Concacaf champions). Group C Led by Bayern Munich (UEFA ranking qualifier), this group includes Boca Juniors (ranking qualifier from South America) and Benfica, who will likely compete for the second qualification spot. Auckland City, representing Oceania as the OFC’s lone participant, completes the group. Group D Flamengo (2022 Copa Libertadores champions) headlines this group, followed by Espérance de Tunis (CAF ranking qualifier). However, the team to beat is Chelsea, champions of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League. Club León, representing Concacaf, will aim to upset the favorites. Group E A fascinating group sees River Plate (ranking qualifier) as one of the favorites to advance. Urawa Red Diamonds (2022 AFC Champions League champions) appear to be the underdogs. Monterrey (2021 Concacaf Champions Cup winners) will fight for a top spot alongside Inter Milan, currently among Europe’s elite and 2022/23 UEFA Champions League runners-up. Group F Borussia Dortmund, UEFA ranking qualifier and 2023/24 Champions League runners-up, are the clear favorites here. Fluminense (2023 Copa Libertadores champions) will also contend, alongside Ulsan Hyundai (AFC ranking qualifier) and Mamelodi Sundowns (CAF ranking qualifier). Group G Manchester City, 2022/23 UEFA Champions League winners, are expected to dominate this group. Joining them are Wydad (2021/22 CAF Champions League champions), Al-Ain (2023 AFC Champions League winners), and Juventus, UEFA ranking qualifier and strong contenders for the second spot. Group H The reigning UEFA Champions League champions, Real Madrid, are the clear favorites in this group. Competing for the second qualifying spot are Al-Hilal (2021 AFC Champions League champions), Pachuca (2024 Concacaf champions), and Red Bull Salzburg (UEFA ranking qualifier). This tournament, with its revamped format and global representation, promises intense competition as clubs vie for glory. Images: X (@fifaworldcup_es)

Manchester City got its first victory after seven games without three points, with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, the team led by Pep Guardiola and Pep himself, took a breath of fresh air and ended the worst streak the club had had in years. In the game played at the Etihad Stadium, the goals were scored by Bernardo Silva in the 8th minute, Kevin De Bruyne in the 31st minute and Jérémy Doku in the 57th minute. With this reunion with victory, City reached 26 units, marching in fourth place and being two points behind third and second place, Arsenal and Chelsea respectively. You may be interested in: Newcastle Holds Off Liverpool and Secures a Great Draw Image: X (@ManCity)

Real Madrid missed a key opportunity to close the gap on Barcelona. With a missed penalty by Kylian Mbappé and a costly error from Fede Valverde, the Merengues fell 2-1 to Athletic Club in San Mamés. The match began evenly, with Madrid creating the first real chance. In the 12th minute, Rodrygo entered the box and attempted to cut inside but lost the ball to a defender. Fran García recovered it and took a shot, which deflected to Mbappé, who scored. However, the goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Rodrygo’s earlier challenge was reviewed by VAR for a possible penalty, but no foul was called. Athletic Strikes First The first half ended scoreless, but in the 53rd minute, Álex Berenguer broke the deadlock. A rebound from Thibaut Courtois, who reacted well to a cross-shot, fell perfectly to Berenguer, who calmly slotted it into the net. Mbappé Misses Another Penalty Madrid had their chance to equalize in the 66th minute when Julen Agirrezabala collided with Antonio Rüdiger during a free-kick, earning Madrid a penalty. However, for the second game in a row, Mbappé failed to convert from the spot. The Frenchman partially redeemed himself in the 78th minute, unleashing a powerful shot that the goalkeeper could only parry. Jude Bellingham was there to tap in the rebound and level the score at 1-1.   A Costly Mistake Just two minutes later, a defensive lapse sealed Madrid’s fate. Federico Valverde, under light pressure, mishit a pass that landed at the feet of Gorka Guruzeta. Guruzeta charged towards the box and calmly beat Courtois to secure the win for Athletic. With this result, Real Madrid remains second in La Liga with 33 points, now four points behind Barcelona. Athletic Club climbs to fourth with 29 points. Images: X (@realmadrid) and X (@AthleticClub)

Newcastle surprised Premier League leaders Liverpool with an impressive performance. The “Reds” had the win in their sights, but a mistake by Kelleher changed the game for Liverpool. The match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. While Newcastle salvaged the point in the final minutes, the real beneficiaries were the teams chasing the championship, as Liverpool’s single point allowed their 9-point lead at the top to slip away. Newcastle Puts Pressure on the Leaders The action at St. James’ Park began intensely, with both teams coming close to scoring early on. Newcastle had two chances, one hitting the post, while Liverpool also had a shot that struck the crossbar and went wide. It wasn’t until the 34th minute that the deadlock was broken, thanks to a fantastic goal by Alexander Isak. The Newcastle player received the ball in the attacking third, drove towards the box, and before reaching the edge of the area, unleashed a powerful shot that nestled in the top left corner of the goal. For the rest of the first half, the “Magpies” dominated but couldn’t convert their chances into a second goal. Liverpool Responds In the second half, Liverpool pushed forward, and just 5 minutes into the half, at the 50th minute, Curtis Jones equalized. With an assist from Mohamed Salah, Jones entered the box and fired a first-time shot that beat the goalkeeper with incredible speed. At the 62nd minute, Newcastle regained the lead with a well-executed team move. Anthony Gordon, receiving a perfect pass from Isak, dribbled past his marker and struck a cross-shot that found the back of the net, giving Newcastle a 2-1 lead. Salah Nearly Wins It for Liverpool At 68′, after a goal from Newcastle was disallowed for offside, the “Reds” found the equalizer through Salah. On a cross from Alexander-Arnold, Salah neatly finished with a shot to the far post, leveling the score at 2-2. Then, in the 83rd minute, Salah put Liverpool ahead for the first time. Controlling a low cross with his back to goal, he quickly turned and struck a left-footed shot to the far post, leaving the goalkeeper no chance, giving Liverpool a 3-2 lead. Kelleher, the Villain of the Game It seemed like Liverpool was on their way to a victory, but a blunder by goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher turned the tide. On an easy aerial ball, Kelleher let the ball slip through, thinking it would go out of bounds, but Fabian Schär pounced on the opportunity, and with Kelleher out of position, he tapped the ball into the empty net to secure the 3-3 draw in the 90th minute. Pictures: X (@NUFC) y X (@LFC)

The Mexico Women’s National Team closed 2024 with a 1-1 draw against Panama in their last friendly of the year. Mexico’s goal came in the 24th minute from Nicole Pérez, but an unfortunate rebound allowed Panama to equalize in the 29th minute. The match was very physical, with several fouls disrupting the flow and few clear scoring opportunities for both teams. Mexico finished the year with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, with victories over lower-ranked teams but unable to compete against stronger teams like Colombia, Australia, Brazil, and the United States. This leaves doubts about their performance for the future. Also of interest: Semifinal schedules for the 2024 Apertura League MX are ready. Foto de portada: X(@Miseleccionfem)

Liga MX confirmed the schedules for the Apertura 2024 semifinals following the return leg of the quarterfinals. América and Cruz Azul, the two favorites, will face off in a new edition of the “Clásico Joven.” Meanwhile, Rayados and Atlético de San Luis will compete for the first ticket to the Mexican football final. The first-leg matches will be on December 4, with San Luis facing Rayados at 9:00 PM at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras, and on December 5, América will host Cruz Azul at 8:00 PM at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. The return-leg matches will take place on December 7, with Rayados facing San Luis at 8:00 PM at the Estadio BBVA, and on December 8, Cruz Azul will host América at 7:00 PM at the same stadium. Also of interest: Epic comeback! Cruz Azul defeated Xolos 3-0 and advanced to the Apertura 2024 semifinals Foto de portada: X(@LigaBBVAMX)

An incredible event took place in the MLS Western Conference final. The Spanish player, Riqui Puig, played more than 30 minutes of play with a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee against the Seattle Sounders, as reported by his team, the LA Galaxy. It sounds surprising, but according to the LA Galaxy, “Puig continued to play more than 30 minutes despite the injury and provided the assist on Dejan Joveljic’s winning goal,” the club said in a press release.  You may be interested in: 70 Years of Blue and Gold: The Founding of Club Universidad Because of this, the player will have to undergo surgery, so he will miss the game that will decide the MLS champion against New York Red Bulls.  Cover photo: X (@LAGalaxy)