Soccer

Botafogo claimed their first-ever Copa Libertadores title with a 3-1 victory over Atlético Mineiro, despite playing with 10 men from the first minute. Luis Enrique shone with crucial goals, capping off a heroic performance in an epic triumph. The match was a historic moment for Botafogo, as they overcame immense adversity to secure the prestigious title in dramatic fashion at the Estadio Monumental.     A Red Card That Didn’t Define the Game The final started with drama before a full minute had passed. In an aerial challenge at midfield, Botafogo’s Gregore de Magalhães went for the ball with his leg raised at mid-height. Meanwhile, Mineiro’s Fausto Vera dove for a header, resulting in Gregore’s boot striking Vera’s face. The referee wasted no time in showing a red card. It was an unusual start to a final, and many expected the early dismissal to heavily influence the match. However, Botafogo defied expectations, taking control of the game and scoring the opener.     The Path to Their First Copa Libertadores Title Luis Enrique André Rosa da Silva stepped up to steady the ship for Botafogo. In the 35th minute, after a well-constructed passing sequence, a blocked shot fell perfectly for da Silva just outside the six-yard box. He struck with power, netting the opening goal. Luis Enrique was once again pivotal in the 42nd minute, drawing a penalty. In a contested ball near the penalty area, he managed to poke it away before Mineiro’s goalkeeper, who ended up colliding with him. Initially overlooked, the incident was reviewed via VAR, and the referee awarded the penalty. Alex Telles converted from the spot to make it 2-0.     A Nail-Biting Second Half Atlético Mineiro reignited their hopes early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Eduardo Vargas delivered a stunning header from a corner kick, sending the ball into the far corner to make it 2-1. Mineiro relentlessly pressured Botafogo for the remainder of the game. Playing with 10 men, Botafogo clung to their slim lead with determination and grit.     The Decisive Blow In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Botafogo sealed the victory in unforgettable fashion. A goal kick intended to clear the danger found Júnior Santos, who carried the ball into the corner, shielding it against two defenders. In a moment of brilliance, Santos evaded the double-mark, drove toward the box, and delivered a cross. A defensive miscue left the ball at Santos’ feet again, and he calmly slotted it into an open net to make it 3-1. The stadium erupted with cheers as Botafogo fans celebrated their well-earned Copa Libertadores triumph. Cover photo: X (@Libertadores)

What would have been a clash for the Premier League lead just a few matchdays ago now features Liverpool and Manchester City heading into the game under vastly different circumstances. The Reds are the undisputed leaders of England, while the Sky Blues have slipped to fifth place following the results of Matchday 13.     Liverpool Aims to Stay Unstoppable Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool is in impeccable form. In their most recent match, they convincingly defeated Real Madrid, remaining the only team in the UEFA Champions League to win all five of their group-stage games.     Domestically, it’s a similar story. After a commanding win over Southampton in their last league outing, Liverpool now sits alone atop the Premier League standings with 31 points. They hold a six-point lead over second-place Arsenal, who have already played one game more. You may be interested in: https://titansports.mx/after-five-matchdays-the-champions-league-standings-begin-to-take-shape/ Manchester City Seeks to Escape Their Slump On the other side, Manchester City is enduring their worst slump in years. In their last six matches across all competitions, they’ve managed just one point—a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League. In that game, they squandered a three-goal lead, walking away with a frustrating draw.     In the Premier League, the story is equally grim. Pep Guardiola’s side hasn’t earned a single point since October 26, when they defeated Southampton 1-0. Since then, they’ve suffered three consecutive losses, making this match a must-win. Despite their struggles, there’s a silver lining: a victory at Anfield would propel City to second place, with 26 points—one more than Arsenal. The highly anticipated clash is set to take place at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium, kicking off at 10 a.m. Central Mexico time. Cover photo: X (@LFC)

Barcelona did not celebrate its 125th anniversary as they would have liked, as in the game where they commemorated this date, the Catalan team lost 1-2 against Las Palmas. The goals were scored by Sandro at 49′ and Fábio Silva at 67′ for the visitors, while Raphinha scored the blaugranas’ goal at 61′. This result put Barça’s lead in jeopardy, as, should Real Madrid win their match against Getafe, Los Merengues would be only one point behind Barcelona, with a game in hand. You may be interested in: https://titansports.mx/barcelona-defeats-real-madrid/ Cover photo: X (@FCBarcelona).  

The Cruz Azul team, led by Martín Anselmi, achieved an impressive comeback by defeating Xolos de Tijuana 3-0 at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, tying the aggregate score 3-3 and advancing to the semifinals thanks to their position on the table. During the first half, Cruz Azul generated several goal-scoring opportunities, but it wasn’t until the 44th minute when Ignacio Rivero managed to open the scoring. In the second half, Ángel Sepúlveda assisted Giorgos Giakoumakis for the second goal, and shortly after, Sepúlveda himself scored the third to seal the match. Now, the “Celestes” will seek revenge against América in the semifinals, in a match that promises excitement after last season’s final.  Also of interest: Surprise in the playoffs! Atlético de San Luis thrashed Tigres and is closing in on the semifinals

América reached the Apertura 2024 semifinals by eliminating Toluca with a 4-0 aggregate score, keeping their dream of becoming the first three-time champions in Liga MX short tournament history alive. In the first half, the “Águilas” gave up possession to Toluca, but the home team failed to capitalize on their chances. In the second half, an own goal by Marcel Ruiz in the 49th minute and a strike by Henry Martín in the 62nd sealed América’s victory. With this result, América will face Cruz Azul in the semifinals, setting up a new edition of the “Clásico Joven.”  Also of interest: Rayados edged Pumas in the first leg of the Liga MX quarterfinals Foto de portada: X(@ClubAmerica)

Rayados won 1-0 against Pumas in the first leg of the Apertura 2024 quarterfinals, with a penalty goal by Sergio Canales in the 89th minute. The match was difficult for the “regios” as Pumas defended with a low block, limiting goal-scoring opportunities during the first half. In the second half, a goal by Jesús Manuel Corona was ruled out for offside, and despite offensive changes by Rayados, the goal finally came at the end from a penalty due to a handball by Paulo Bennevendo inside the area. With this result, Rayados has the advantage for the return leg, where a draw or a victory will guarantee their qualification to the semifinals.  Also of interest: Surprise in the Liguilla! Atlético de San Luis thrashes Tigres and moves closer to the semifinals Foto de portada: X(@LigaBBVAMX)  

Tigres is on the brink of an early elimination from the Liguilla after being thrashed 3-0 by Atlético de San Luis. Joaquim opened the scoring with an own goal in the 35th minute. In the second half, San Luis took advantage of the spaces, and after a fast break from Vitinho, Leo Bonatini scored the second. To close the match, Vitinho sealed the 3-0 victory after a great collective play. With this result, Tigres must beat San Luis by at least 3 goals if they hope to qualify for the next round. The return leg will be tomorrow, Sunday, December 1, at the Estadio Universitario.  Also of interest: América takes a big step towards the Liga MX semifinals after defeating Toluca Foto de portada: X(@LigaBBVAMX)

Barcelona celebrated their 125th anniversary with a thrilling victory over Real Madrid in a Legends Clásico, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Ronaldinho stole the show with a stunning free-kick goal, bringing nostalgia and magic to a game filled with legendary moments. FC Barcelona secured yet another Clásico victory, adding to their recent streak of wins against their Madrid rivals. This time, it was in a legends match honoring the Blaugrana’s 125 years of history. Following a 2-2 draw, the Catalan side triumphed over Real Madrid in a penalty shootout, 4-2. The victory adds to the successes achieved by both the men’s and women’s Barcelona teams in their respective encounters with Real Madrid this season.     The game, held at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar, featured legendary players from both clubs, filling the field with the magic and quality these football icons are known for. The Lineups Barcelona’s lineup included: Vítor Baía; Fernando Navarro, De Boer, Abidal, Sorín; Trashorras, Mendieta; Giuly, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Villa.     Real Madrid fielded: Buyo; Núñez, Pavón, Fernando Sanz, Raúl Bravo; Milla, Seedorf, Figo, Savio, Amavisca; Congo. Ronaldinho’s Timeless Magic Barcelona opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a goal from Juampi Sorín. The second goal came from none other than Ronaldinho, whose brilliance defies time. The Brazilian legend delivered a spectacular free-kick, curling the ball into the top right corner. His iconic smile lit up the stadium as fans celebrated the breathtaking goal.     Real Madrid wasn’t about to be overshadowed, responding with a goal from Portuguese star Luís Figo, who scored with a precise cross-shot in the 58th minute. Edwin Congo equalized shortly after, capitalizing on a defensive error from Barcelona to make it 2-2. You may be interested in: El Clásico es blaugrana, Barcelona le pasó por encima al Real Madrid     Barcelona Prevails in Penalties To delight the crowd eager for a winner, Barcelona edged out Real Madrid in the penalty shootout, winning 4-2. While Barcelona claimed the victory, the true winners were the fans, who had the rare opportunity to witness these football legends grace the pitch once again. Cover photo: X (@10Ronaldinho)  

La FIFA presentó los nominados a los premios The Best 2024 donde destaca la presencia de Messi, Haaland y Mbappé. Por primera vez los aficionados podrán votar por el 11 ideal masculino y femenino del 2024. La FIFA ya anunció a todos los nominados de las diferentes categorías en los The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024. Estos galardones reconocen a lo mejor del futbol del presente año, el mejor futbolista masculino y femenina, el mejor entrenador del futbol masculino y del futbol femenino, y al mejor guardameta en las categoría varonil y femenil. La gran novedad de esta edición de los premios The Best, será que los fanáticos podrán votar por su jugador o jugadora favoritos, donde su voto, tendrá el mismo valor que el de los entrenadores nacionales y los medios de comunicación. Además de que por primera vez podrán votar por los integrantes del once ideal masculino y femenino. A continuación, te presentaremos a los nominados de todos los premios Los nominados al mejor jugador masculino Dentro de esta lista, destaca la presencia de Lionel Messi, el anterior ganador de este galardón, además de la presencia de Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé y el recién ganador del Balón de Oro, Rodri. Dani Carvajal (España, Real Madrid) Erling Haaland (Noruega, Manchester City) Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid) Florian Wirtz (Alemania, Bayer Leverkusen) Jude Bellingham (Inglaterra, Real Madrid) Kylian Mbappé (Francia, PSG-Real Madrid) Lamine Yamal (España, Barcelona) Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami) Rodri (España, Manchester City) Toni Kroos (Alemania, Real Madrid) Vinícius Jr. (Brasil, Real Madrid) Las candidatas a ser la mejor del año Para este apartado, la clara favorita es la blaugrana Aitana Bonmatí, pues viene de ganar el recién Balón de Oro. De igual forma, el Barcelona tienen posibilidades de tener a una ganadora con Caroline Graham, Ona Batlle. Aitana Bonmatí (España, Barcelona) Barbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghái Shengli-Orlando Pride) Caroline Graham Hansen (Noruega, Barcelona) Keira Walsh (Inglaterra, Barcelona) Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City) Lauren Hemp (Inglaterra, Manchester City) Lindsey Horan (Estados Unidos, Olympique de Lyon) Lucy Bronze (Inglaterra, Barcelona-Chelsea) Mallory Swanson (Estados Unidos, Chicago Red Stars) Mariona Caldentey (España, Barcelona-Arsenal) Naomi Girma (Estados Unidos, San Diego Wave) Ona Batlle (España, Barcelona) Salma Paralluelo (España, Barcelona) Sophia Smith (Estados Unidos, Portland Thorns) Tabitha Chawinga (Malaui, PSG-Olympique de Lyon) Trinity Rodman (Estados Unidos, Washington Spirit) Los mejores estrategas del año Sin duda tendremos un enfrentamiento de estrategas muy interesantes. Carlo Ancelotti es candidato gracias a llevar al Real Madrid a ganar la Champions League y LaLiga, Pep Guardiola es otro candidato fuerte por su título de Premier League. El “caballo negro”, como su equipo, podría ser Xabi Alonso, quien guio al Leverkusen a ganar la Bundesliga y la Copa de Alemania. Carlo Ancelotti (Italia, Real Madrid) Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Selección de Argentina) Luis de la Fuente (España, Selección de España) Pep Guardiola (España, Manchester City) Xabi Alonso (España, Bayer Leverkusen) Pasando al futbol femenil, los claros contendientes son Emma Hayes y Jonatan Giráldez Arthur Elias (Brasil, Selección de Brasil) Elena Sadiku (Suecia, Celtic) Emma Hayes (Inglaterra, Chelsea-Estados Unidos) Futoshi Ikeda (Japón, Selección de Japón) Gareth Taylor (Inglaterra, Manchester City) Jonatan Giráldez (España, Barcelona-Washington Spirit) Sandrine Soubeyrand (Francia, París FC) Sonia Bompastor (Francia, Olympique de Lyon-Chelsea) Los mejores salvadores del año Andriy Lunin (Ucrania, Real Madrid) David Raya (España, Arsenal) Ederson (Brasil, Manchester City) Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa) Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italia, PSG) Mike Maignan (Francia, AC Milán) Unai Simón (España, Athletic Club) En el apartado femenil, estas son las nominadas Alyssa Naeher (Estados Unidos, Chicago Red Stars) Ann-Katrin Berger (Alemania, Chelsea-NJ-NY Gotham) Ayaka Yamashita (Japón, INAC Kobe Leonessa-Manchester City) Cata Coll (España, Barcelona) Mary Earps (Inglaterra, Manchester United-PSG) Las votaciones se cerrarán el próximo 10 de diciembre. Así mismo estas, premiaciones contarán con el Premio Puskás y la otra novedad del certamen el Premio Marta, que reconocerá al mejor gol del futbol femenino. Foto portada: X (@FCBarcelona)