Kylian Mbappe was hiding in the background while Xabi Alonso soliloquised. It was just after the opening game of the Champions League group phase. Mbappe had pieced together a remarkable Blancos rescue act, scoring twice to overturn a 1-0 deficit (and he might have had one or two more.) Alonso was singing his praises. He hailed Mbappe's "incredible impact", and promised that they were "just getting started.” And then, as he realised Mbappe was in the room - just out of the shot - he tailed off.
Arne Slot knew full well that the first question of his post-match press conference after Tuesday night's Carabao Cup win over Southampton would be about Hugo Ekitike - but he wasn't happy about it.
Tottenham have made no secret of their desire to become a top-tier destination for the world's best young talent. "You can try to sell a vision to someone, but if there's tangible physical evidence of it… Anyone who has watched us since I've joined will have seen the aspirations we have to be the kind of team we want to be. That's not just me saying it, we're actually doing it," said former head coach Ange Postecoglou when he was calling the shots in N17.
For a player so crucial to Manchester City’s most glorious period ever, the manner of Kyle Walker's departure was bizarre to say the least. Pep Guardiola had let the cat out of the bag that the then-captain wanted to leave the club on loan for AC Milan at the end of a press conference after City had hammered Salford City in the FA Cup in early January.
Last time Manchester City fans saw Grace Clinton in action, she was wearing the red of their biggest rivals and kickstarting a Manchester United comeback that allowed the Red Devils to secure Champions League football at their expense. They'll have had much more favourable feelings towards the England international last Friday, then, as she re-introduced herself to those who suffered in the away end at Old Trafford back in May by netting a goal for the other side of the city, one which put them 4-0 up at Tottenham.
Super sub Robert Lewandowski saved goalkeeper Joan Garcia's blushes as Barcelona came from behind to beat a spirited Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday in La Liga. The 37-year-old is not getting any younger but he showed once again that his class is undeniable with a clinical finish against the struggling side. Garcia made a mistake he will want to forget quickly but the Poland star saved the day.
The Brazilians' Premier Soccer League title is under serious threat as Babina Noko lead the race for glory while Bucs and Amakhosi are on the hunt. Downs’ grip on the league title is starting to feel less certain as Sekhukhune have taken the spotlight, leading the pack from the very beginning of the season.
On statistics alone, it might look like Bryan Mbeumo has made a slow start to life with Manchester United. He has one goal in his five matches since his £71 million ($95m) move from Brentford, contrasting with four goals at the same stage of last season with the Bees. But ask any fan who has been their best player so far in this stop-start season and they will most likely name the Cameroon forward.
Everton might not have had any players in the Lionesses’ squad as they lifted the European Championship title this past summer but the Toffees’ influence on England’s success was certainly significant. Chloe Kelly, who made her breakthrough on Merseyside, was the most prominent example, after reprising her role as a national hero on more than one occasion. However, it is the more recent cases of Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park that have helped Everton carve out a glowing, and growing, reputation as the place to be right now if you are an aspiring Lioness.
Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down as Liverpool boss rocked the world of football. The resurgent Reds were top of the Premier League and still in three cup competitions when the Kop idol announced on January 26, 2004 that he would leave Anfield at the end of the season.
By the time the fourth goal hit the back of the net, the crowd in Queens was euphoric. Many had been there to see Lionel Messi, admittedly. Fans got a look at Messi at his magical best - and they got a look at just how dangerous Inter Miami can be - as the Argentine star scored a brace and his club sealed a 4-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday.
Arsenal laboured against a spirited Port Vale to ease into the League Cup fourth round, courtesy of Eze's first goal in a Gunners shirt early in the first half and a late strike from substitute Trossard. The Gunners made a flying start to the match, scoring inside the opening 10 minutes and looked like they would blow League One Vale away. But chances were hard to come by and the hosts enjoyed more possession as the match progressed, then Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta introduced Trossard who secured the win with five minutes remaining.
Phil Foden continued his wonderful start to the season by starring in Manchester City's 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town as Pep Guardiola's side strolled into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with little resistance. Foden scored the opener and then set up Savinho, whose second-half goal killed off any hope of a fightback from the League Two side.
Just after suffering a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup, Amakhosi's return to league action has not alleviated pressure, but it has added more after a draw against Marumo Gallants. Although crucial points have been dropped, it will remain a memorable day for Khanyisa Mayo, who scored his debut goal.
The former CR Belouizdad striker made an instant impact with a debut goal, but the Glamour Boys couldn’t hold onto their lead in midweek Premier Soccer League action at FNB Stadium.
Masandawana were frustrated and ended up dropping points that may cost them big at the end of the season. Being the defending champions and a dominant force in the last eight seasons, much was expected from them, but they look far from convincing.
Lamine Yamal won his second consecutive Kopa Trophy on Monday night, while at the same time finishing as runner up in the men's Ballon d'Or vote to Ousmane Dembele. This is not normal, of course. The kid is still only 18, which makes us think that we're witnessing the dawning of a new era of domination by a single player.
Much of the aftermath of Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium focused on the cautious tactics of the hosts, somehow ignoring that it was the visitors who resorted to park-the-bus mechanisms in order to try and grind out a win. In the end, neither side truly deserved the victory and a point apiece seemed fair, but the performance from Pep Guardiola's men was strange in several ways.
The Real Madrid attack hummed on Tuesday evening, as Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace and Vinicius Jr also scored to lift Los Blancos to a comfortable 4-1 win over Levante. Xabi Alonso's men have now won six out of six in the Spanish top flight.
Alexander Isak's first goal for Liverpool should have been the story after Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Southampton at Anfield. Instead, it was Hugo Ekitike getting himself stupidly sent off after netting the winner.
Although it is considered a scrappy win, the Sea Robbers and their fans will care less so long as they collect maximum points. After recording the fourth consecutive win, the performance of some players has been scrutinised, with some fans calling for them to be axed.
Tyrique George saved Chelsea's blushes with a goal and an assist but goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a shocker in the absence of Robert Sanchez. The Blues came from a goal down to knock Lincoln City out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 third round win but the Club World Cup champions were given a real scare. There will be plenty to ponder for Enzo Maresca, especially after a wretched first half.
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