December 8, 2024

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)

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)