Club Brugge converted the resulting spot kick to give them a 1-0 lead
Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings was front and centre of his side giving away a controversial penalty away at Club Brugge in the Champions League. The England international made a calamitous error, picking up and replacing the ball after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez tapped a goal-kick toward him. Not a great way to mark your Champions League debut, is it?
The referee, Tobias Stieler, instantly pointed towards the spot and gave the home side the perfect opportunity to give themselves some breathing space against Unai Emery’s men, who had not conceded a goal in their first three outings against Bayern Munich, Young Boys and Bologna.
Tactician Emery was furious with the official’s decision to award Nicky Hayen’s side an all-crucial spot-kick in the opening stages of the second half – but it was captain Hans Vanaken who stepped up to coolly slot his effort from 12 yards home past Martinez. What was he thinking?!
5th November: Erling Haaland Misses Penalty vs Sporting
The Norwegian failed to hit the target
Erling Haaland proved he is human after missing from the penalty spot in Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Sporting CP on Tuesday evening. The away side were trailing 3-1 midway through the second half when they were given a spot-kick after the ball struck Ousmane Diomande’s hand inside the box.
Haaland, usually so dependable from the spot, stepped up and it seemed almost inevitable that he would cut the deficit back to a single goal. However, that was not the case. He managed to successfully send Sporting stopper Franco Israel the wrong way but his effort cannoned off the top of the bar and out of play for a goal-kick.
5th November: Swedish Third-Tier Side Under Investigation After Two Own Goals
IFK Stocksund scored two own goals in 5-4 defeat on Sunday
Swedish third-tier side IFK Stocksund recently hosted a lost 5-4 to AFC Eskilstuna – and the home side, who are now sitting 10th in the league table, are now in a spot of bother after being accused of match-fixing thanks to scoring a duo of own-goals courtesy of Felix Bernnarp and Ludvig Ugglas. With the score at 5-1 to Eskilstuna, it was the latter’s goal – in his own net – that has raised suspicion over whether match-fixing was involved.
As you can see in the viral footage above, a Stocksund player – under little to no pressure from the opposition – kicked a rolling ball into his own goal from close range. The integrity officer at the Swedish Football Association, Johan Claesson, announced on Monday that they will be taking an in-depth look at the incident which has sparked major controversy across the nation.
4th November: Cole Palmer Humiliates Manuel Ugarte
Chelsea star produced a stunning piece of skill that went unnoticed
Cole Palmer wasn’t at his scintillating best during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, but the England international still produced several moments of breathtaking quality. His touch in the first half to get away from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford was superb, but it’s another moment of brilliance which is currently going viral on social media.
Palmer embarrassed United’s £42 million summer signing Manuel Ugarte with a sublime nutmeg which went largely unnoticed at the time. The 22-year-old bent his leg while the ball was in mid-air and then proceeded to knock the ball through the legs of his bamboozled opponent. What a player.
3rd November: Jose Mourinho Goes Wild After Fenerbahce’s Late Winner
The Portuguese manager could not contain himself
Jose Mourinho could not contain himself after his Fenerbahce side scored a 102nd minute winner against Trabzonspor on Sunday evening. The game looked like it would end in a draw, only for Sofyan Amrabat to score a dramatic late winner for the away side. Mourinho went absolutely crazy after the goal, running on to the pitch and attempting a knee slide, which went very wrong.
Mourinho then decided to give some back to the home supporters as he made his way down the tunnel. Fan footage has emerged showing the 61-year-old having to be dragged down the tunnel after goading the opposition fans.
3rd November: Lamine Yamal’s Insane Assist for Dani Olmo
The teenage wizard produced an outrageous pass with the outside of his boot
Barcelona were back in action on Sunday afternoon, taking on Espanyol as they bid to stay top of La Liga. Hansi Flick’s side got off to a great start, with Dani Olmo opening the scoring. But it was all about Lamine Yamal’s assist in the build-up.
The recently crowned Kopa Trophy winner picked up the ball on the right flank and spotted Olmo making a run towards the near post. He proceeded to play an outrageous trivela pass to his teammate, who neatly finished from close range. The Spaniard would go on to score once again before half-time, while Raphinha also grabbed a goal.
2nd November: Alan Shearer Goes Viral for Reaction to Alexander Isak Goal
‘What a cross! That was a cross from the 90s!’
As the talismanic Alexander Isak latched onto Anthony Gordon’s teasing ball to put Newcastle United one goal ahead of Arsenal in Saturday’s lunch-time kick off, Alan Shearer couldn’t help but contain his delight while watching it alongside striker-turned-pundit Ian Wright, who dedicated much of his career to the Gunners.
“Whip! Yessss! What a goal that is. What a cross, what a cross! That was a cross from the 90s!”
The former centre forward’s reaction to the Swede’s headed effort – the only goal of the game – has gone viral as the punditry pair chuckled in the post-match discourse. An inspired win from Eddie Howe and Co sees them bustle up into ninth in the table, while a loss of Mikel Arteta and his entourage sees them lose track of the title race.
1st November: N’Golo Kante Goes Viral for Respectful Moment
N’Golo Kante is regularly praised for being one of the most humble footballers on the planet. From driving a Mini Cooper to training, to being an all-round nice guy. And the French midfielder has gone viral once again for a respectful moment during a match.
Now plying his trade at Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League club were in action against Al-Ahli on Thursday night, with Kante starting in the engine room. During the tie, though, there was a pause for a drinks break, with players from both sides making their way to the sidelines. Except for Kante, who stayed in the middle of the pitch to help clean up after fans threw yellow and black flags onto the turf – a testament to his character.
1st November: Ruud van Nistelrooy on Ruben Amorim
Interim United boss was asked about conversations between the pair
It seems as though it’s only a matter of time until Ruben Amorim is officially announced as the new manager of Manchester United, but Ruud van Nistelrooy continues to serve as interim manager in his stead for the time being. But that has not stopped the media from asking him about the next potential United boss.
Taking questions in the press conference ahead of the Red Devils’ match against Chelsea, the former United striker was asked about whether he had had any conversations with Amorim about what tactics he potentially wanted to see utilised, or if he had free reign for the next three games. Van Nistelrooy, unsure if the Sporting boss had been confirmed as the new boss, asked whether he’d been announced just yet. After being told no, he said: “So then obviously you don’t talk to somebody who’s not announced.” A telling answer about what’s to come? Perhaps.
31st October: Valencia vs Real Madrid Postponed
The devastating flood in Valencia has brought football to a stop
This week has seen a devastating flood hit Valencia and as a result, the club’s La Liga meeting with Real Madrid has been postponed as the community looks to recover. The flood has taken 95 lives and Valencia requested for their meeting with Madrid to be postponed and it was granted by the Spanish officials. La Liga have released an official statement addressing the situation.
“Following the request made yesterday to the RFEF to postpone the matches of matchday 12 of LALIGA EA SPORTS and matchday 13 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION that were to be played in the Valencian Community this weekend, LALIGA informs that the Competition judge has ruled in favor of said request.
“In its resolution, it calls on LALIGA and the Clubs to formulate before next Tuesday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. a proposal with new dates for the corresponding LALIGA matches: Villarreal CF-Rayo Vallecano, Valencia CF-Real Madrid, CD Castellón-RC Ferrol, CD Eldense-SD Huesca and Levante UD-Málaga CF.”
All thoughts and prayers are with the people of Valencia right now.
30th October: Casmiro Scores Screamer Against Leicester
Midfielder gave his side the lead with a rocket
Manchester United were in action for the first time since sacking Erik ten Hag is their manager, with Ruud van Nistelrooy in temporary charge of the Red Devils. They hosted Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, and got off to a fantastic start against their opponents.
Some neat work from Alejandro Garnacho found Casemiro in space, although the Brazilian was still a fair way out from goal. That didn’t put him off, though, as the midfielder lined up a fabulous strike to send supporters and Van Nistelrooy wild.
30th October: Chiellini Surprises Roy Keane by Wearing his Retro Man Utd Shirt
Keane was visibly blushing after seeing the Italian
In the second season of The Overlap on Tour, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Ian Wright travel to Turin where they are joined by Giorgio Chiellini. The Juventus legend decided to surprise Keane by turning up in one of his retro Man United shirts, leaving the Irishman visibly blushing. Chiellini went on to say: “I have to tell this story. I was at an event with classic events and they asked me ‘pick one.’ I said ‘ok wow, I want the Manchester United of Roy Keane’.”
After Keane said he looks good in the shirt, Chiellini replied: “In Italy you are probably more famous than in England. For sure more appreciated.” Keane then signed his shirt to cap off what was a heartwarming exchange.
29th October: Ronaldo Misses 96th-Minute Penalty in King Cup
Al-Nassr were knocked out of the competition consequently
Over in the Middle East, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr crashed out of the King Cup of Champions after losing 1-0 to Al-Taawoun in the round of 16. A side packed to the brim with talented players such as Aymeric Laporte, Anderson Talisca and Marcelo Brozovic were on the receiving end of the defeat – but Ronaldo, their talisman, had the perfect chance to tie the match with a 96th-minute penalty.
Everyone in the stadium, and those watching at home, expected the ball to ripple the net, as seen on plenty of occasions over the years. With just minutes left to play, the proven goalscorer stepped up from 12 yards out and lashed his effort over the upright, much to the delight of the home crowd. Be honest: who would’ve expected that to happen?
29th October: Vinicius Jr Planned on Giving Teammates Expensive Gift for Ballon d’Or win
The Brazilian was left shocked when he found out he hadn’t won
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrates with Rodrygo
Vinicius Junior was preparing to give his Real Madrid teammates an expensive gift as a thank you for helping him win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian was the firm favourite to lift the golden ball but ended up coming second to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Vinicius found out about the news just hours before the ceremony, leading him and other members of the Los Blancos entourage to boycott the event. However, according to a report from Relevo, the winger was so certain he was going to win that he had planned to gift his teammates a set of Rolex watches for their support, setting him back thousands.
28th October: Vinicius Jr Breaks Silence After Ballon d’Or Snub
The Real Madrid star ditched the ceremony after finding out he wouldn’t win
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrating
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has spoken out after boycotting the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. The 24-year-old, widely tipped as a front-runner for the Player of the Year award, chose not to attend the gala after learning he would not be taking home the trophy.
In his first public post since the event, Vinicius expressed gratitude to former teammate Toni Kroos, who appeared to back the Brazilian on Instagram. Kroos shared a picture of the two with the caption, “the best.” Vinicius responded simply, saying: “Thank you, Toni!”
28th October: Carlo Ancelotti Also Snubbed at Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Luis de la Fuente set to win Best Coach
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti shouting instructions from the touchline
Following reports that Vinicius Junior has been overlooked for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid are set to boycott the awards ceremony tonight. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to claim the prize, sparking a shocked and angry response from those close to the Brazilian.
With Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham also missing out, Los Blancos are set to snub the awards completely. Adding insult to injury and perhaps swaying the club’s decision to abandon their plans for Paris, Carlo Ancelotti will also miss out on a key award.
Indeed, per AS, despite guiding Real to three trophies, including La Liga and the Champions League, the Madrid boss will not be named as the Best Coach for 2023/24. Instead, this will go to Spain’s Luis de la Fuente who won Euro 2024 in the summer.
28th October: Lionel Messi Reacts to Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid
The Inter Miami man couldn’t hide his joy
Barcelona’s incredible start to the 2024-25 season was underlined with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the latest installment of the El Clasico on Saturday night and Lionel Messi loved what he saw from the Catalan side. The legendary forward left Camp Nou in 2021 but will forever be regarded as the greatest player in the La Liga side’s history.
The Argentine has since represented Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, but clearly still has a huge soft spot for Barcelona and shared his joy on Instagram following their demolition of Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Commenting on his former team’s official Instagram post sharing the result, Messi commented: “What a beautiful victory!!”. Barcelona fans will no doubt be thrilled that the GOAT is still a Cule at heart.
27th October: Roy Keane Leaves Fellow Pundits in Stitches
Man Utd legend was discussing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential Liverpool exit
Roy Keane left his fellow Sky Sports pundits in stitches with a ‘mic-drop’ comment while discussing Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid. Jamie Carragher fears that Alexander-Arnold’s comments about wanting to win the Ballon d’Or could be an indication that the England international will opt against extending his stay at Anfield in favour of moving to the Bernabeu next summer.
Alexander-Arnold’s current Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season and a free transfer to Real Madrid feels like a distinct possibility at this point. Carragher explained that Steven Gerrard is regarded as a Liverpool legend in the eyes of fans – unlike Michael Owen and Steve McManaman, who left Anfield for Real Madrid during their careers. Keane then said: “I always say if you want loyalty, get yourself a dog.” Perfect.
