Soccer

Liverpool strengthened its position as Champions League leaders with a 1-0 win over Girona, securing its sixth consecutive victory in the league phase. Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in a match where the Reds displayed dominance. Alisson Becker was pivotal in preserving the clean sheet with several crucial saves, shining in a game marked by exceptional goalkeeping. This victory underlines Arne Slot’s team as strong favorites, continuing their impressive form in both the Champions League and the Premier League. You may also like: Manuel Neuer ruled out for the rest of the year due to injury Cover photo: X (@LFC)

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not play again this year after suffering a rib fracture, as confirmed by coach Vincent Kompany ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, which Bayern won 5-1. The injury occurred during the DFB-Pokal loss to Bayer Leverkusen, where Neuer also received his first-ever straight red card. Despite his absence and other key injuries, such as Harry Kane, Kompany emphasized that Bayern has managed to stay competitive. Neuer’s recovery is expected by January. You may also like: Harry Kane’s hat-trick keeps Bayern as Germany’s dominant leader Cover photo: X (@FCBayern)

The body in charge of referees in English soccer (PGMOL), announced the dismissal from the Premier League of the now former referee David Coote, a character who was involved in controversy after videos were leaked of him insulting Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, and the same team of the eponymous city. Following the investigation the PGMOL explained that: “it was found that his actions were a serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. Likewise, the Football Association for allegedly arguing with a fan to draw the yellow card in a match, Coote denied this. Image: X (@FabrizioRomano)

The Champions League wraps up the year with Matchday 6. Unlike previous editions, the group stage will continue into 2024 with Matchdays 7 and 8. Today’s highlights include Inter vs. Leverkusen and Atalanta vs. Real Madrid. UEFA Champions League Closes the Year This year’s final Champions League matches will take place on Matchday 6. However, unlike in past seasons, the group stage does not end here. Due to the competition’s new format, the group stage will continue next year with Matchdays 7 and 8, differing from previous campaigns when only the knockout rounds—round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final—remained. Today’s Schedule The action kicks off with two matches at 11:45 a.m. Central Mexico time. Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic will fight to stay among the top 16 playoff spots, while Liverpool will look to maintain their position as tournament leaders against Girona. At 2:00 p.m., seven simultaneous games will begin. The highlight is the clash between fifth-placed Atalanta and Real Madrid, who are precariously close to falling out of the playoff positions. Other key matchups include Stade Brestois vs. PSV, an important mid-table battle; Shakhtar vs. Bayern Munich, where the German side will aim to break into the top eight for direct qualification; and Club Brugge vs. Sporting Lisbon, with the Portuguese team striving to re-enter the top eight against a Brugge team fighting for the last playoff spots. Matches to Watch Continuing the day’s action, RB Salzburg and PSG will battle for crucial points to enter playoff contention. Aston Villa will aim to get back on track against Leipzig, who remain winless in the tournament. Lastly, a standout match pits Leverkusen against Inter, a clash between two teams near the top of the overall standings. Images: X (@CampionsLeague), X (@realmadrid), X (@FCBayern) and X (@Bayer04_en) 

Puebla will once again host a Mexican soccer final after almost 33 years. This is due to the fact that in the Liga MX calendar, the first leg final of the Apertura 2024 is scheduled for December 12. In Mexico City’s Plaza de Toros, there was already an event for that date, so, according to the Benito Juarez Mayor’s Office, the organization of massive events in two such close venues, on the same day, is prohibited, so the first leg final at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes could not take place. As a result, the Águilas América will play their home game at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, just as they did on matchday 16 of the regular phase of this tournament, when they faced Pachuca. The match is scheduled for Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 p.m. Central Mexico time. Imagen: X (@ClubPueblaMX)

Chelsea overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Tottenham 3-4, securing second place in the Premier League, just 4 points behind Liverpool. Cole Palmer played a pivotal role with a penalty brace, including a daring “Panenka” finish. Tottenham Takes an Early Lead The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium started with high intensity. Within the first 5 minutes, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella slipped while controlling the ball, allowing Brennan Johnson to seize possession, sprint down the right flank, and deliver a cross that Dominic Solanke converted into the opening goal. At the 11th minute, another slip from Cucurella while clearing the ball gave possession to the Spurs. Dejan Kulusevski skillfully dribbled inside the box, cutting away from the goal, and struck a powerful near-post shot, doubling Tottenham’s lead. Chelsea’s Impressive Comeback Chelsea responded quickly, with Jadon Sancho scoring a stunning goal in the 17th minute. Receiving the ball on the left wing, Sancho drove toward the box and unleashed a long-range strike that hit the base of the far post before finding the net. Both teams pushed hard for another goal, but it wasn’t until the second half that Chelsea equalized. In the 60th minute, a penalty was awarded after a foul on Moisés Caicedo. Cole Palmer calmly converted the spot-kick. At the 73rd minute, Palmer created another chance, forcing a rebound off his shot that Enzo Fernández volleyed into the goal. It was a dream-like strike for the Argentine, putting Chelsea ahead 3-2. Chelsea extended their lead to 2-4 in the 83rd minute when another penalty was awarded after a foul on Palmer. Palmer stepped up and delivered an audacious “Panenka” to seal his brace. You may be interested in: Raúl Jiménez scored his fifth league goal in Fulham’s draw against Arsenal Son Heung-Min’s Late Goal Not Enough Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min scored in the 90+6 minute to reduce the deficit, but time ran out for the hosts. Chelsea’s comeback solidified their position as serious contenders in the league. Images: X (@ChelseaFC)

Botafogo secured the Brasileirao championship after defeating Sao Paulo 2-1, clinching their third league title and breaking a 29-year drought. This comes after celebrating their first Copa Libertadores victory. The team from Rio de Janeiro closed out an incredible season. After winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history, they now became champions of the Brazilian League for the third time in their history. Match Highlights: In the match against Sao Paulo at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, Jefferson Savarino put the champions ahead in the 37th minute. William Gomes equalized for Sao Paulo at the 63rd minute, but this result still gave Botafogo the Brasileirao title. In the 90+2 minute, Gregore de Magalhaes da Sival scored the winning goal, making the celebration even more joyous for the newly-crowned champions. Revenge Against Palmeiras: Botafogo took revenge on Palmeiras, who had denied them the title the previous season. Just like last year, these two teams were in a fierce title race throughout the season. Botafogo ended a 29-year drought without the Brasileirao title, having previously won it in 1968, when the tournament was known as the “Taça Brasil,” and again in the 1995 edition of the Brasileirao. Botafogo’s Next Challenge: For the next year, the Rio de Janeiro team will be one of the 32 clubs participating in the new Club World Cup, sharing Group B with PSG, Atlético de Madrid, and Seattle Sounders. Pictures: X (@Botafogo)

Fulham and Arsenal finished 1-1, with Raúl Jiménez delivering a standout performance by scoring his fifth goal of the season. This brings him closer to Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s record as the highest-scoring Mexican in Premier League history. Arsenal dominated possession from the start, but Fulham struck first in the 11th minute with a swift counterattack finished by Jiménez. In the second half, Arsenal equalized through William Saliba’s goal off a corner kick. With this result, the Gunners remain in third place, while Fulham holds on to 10th. You may also like: Barcelona drops points as Real Madrid closes the gap  Cover photo: X (@Fulham) 

Just like in the old days, LA Galaxy was proclaimed MLS 2024 champion after winning the final 2-1 against New York Red Bull. Thus, the Los Angeles team won its sixth U.S. title and its first in 10 years, breaking a drought. At the Dignity Health Sports Park, goals by Joshep Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic, at 9′ and 13′ respectively, gave the Gaxaxy the title. Red Bull’s goal came in the 28th minute, scored by Sean Nealis. Thus, Galaxy remains the biggest winner in MLS, with six awards, followed by DC United who has four. Image: X (@LAGalaxy)

Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Betis and Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Girona have intensified the race for the top spot in LaLiga. With 38 points, the Blaugrana lead, but the Merengues, sitting at 36 points with a game in hand, have a prime opportunity to surpass their eternal rivals. LaLiga Standings Tighten The Spanish league table is heating up following Barcelona’s draw with Betis and Real Madrid’s commanding win over Girona. The Blaugrana remain in first place with 38 points, but the Merengues trail closely with 36 and an additional match yet to be played. This positions Real Madrid to potentially leapfrog Barcelona in the near future. Betis Spoils Barcelona’s Night At the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Barcelona seemed poised to secure three valuable points in the race for LaLiga supremacy. Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead in the 39th minute, but Giovani Lo Celso equalized with a penalty. Later, Ferran Torres restored Barcelona’s lead in the 82nd minute, and just as victory seemed assured, Assane Diago salvaged a point for Betis with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+4th minute, dampening Barcelona’s celebrations. This result means Barcelona has managed only one win in their last five league matches, adding two draws and two defeats. To retain their position at the top, the Blaugrana must significantly improve in the remainder of the first half of the season. Real Madrid Dominates Girona Meanwhile, at Estadio Montilivi, Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win. Goals from Jude Bellingham (36’), Arda Güler (55’), and Kylian Mbappé (62’) secured the victory. However, the Merengues faced setbacks with injuries. Both Bellingham and Ferland Mendy left the pitch due to physical discomfort. Coach Carlo Ancelotti later downplayed concerns over Bellingham, stating the English star would be available for the upcoming Champions League clash against Atalanta. In contrast, Mendy was diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right quadriceps. Although no recovery timeline was specified, such injuries can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on severity. Images: X (@FCBarcelona) and X (@realmadrid)