Author name: Omar Rodríguez

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)

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)