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Things are really heating up in the run-up to Christmas across Europe's top leagues, with Inter reclaiming top spot in Serie A, Lens surprisingly leading the way in Ligue 1 and Barcelona continuing to pile pressure on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid. Over in Germany, though, it seems that nobody is really capable of dethroning Bayern Munich, but Premier League leaders Arsenal are looking more and more nervous with each passing week.

The Buccaneers have already clinched two trophies this season and, despite their CAF Champions League elimination, they still have a chance to finish the campaign with four titles. Their new signings have emerged as genuine game-changers, injecting fresh energy and quality into the squad. Their influence could prove decisive as the Soweto giants push to achieve their silverware ambitions.

Cole Palmer admits that he is still “nowhere near 100 per cent in terms of fitness” after getting back on the scoresheet for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In what has been an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign for the Blues playmaker, he helped Enzo Maresca’s side to a welcome 2-0 victory over Everton. His game time will continue to be managed from here.

Newcastle defender Dan Burn was rushed to hospital after a rib injury suffered in the Magpies’ derby defeat to arch-rivals Sunderland left him “struggling to breathe”. The towering England international was sent for medical checks after being forced out shortly before half-time, and it has now been confirmed that the towering defender has suffered a fractured rib.

Bayern Munich’s frustration following their stalemate with Mainz has been compounded by the confirmation that Manuel Neuer will miss the final fixture of 2025 through injury, handing another crucial opportunity to backup option Jonas Urbig.

With Washington pushing to retain Rodman, new league mechanisms emerging, and Europe circling, her decision could redefine what comes next for both player and league.

Cole Palmer’s stunning return to action at Stamford Bridge against Everton has drawn extraordinary praise from inside the Chelsea dressing room. The attacking star opened the scoring for the Blues against the Toffees, and Wesley Fofana later compared his team-mate to his highly successful compatriots, Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has insisted that the club have no intention of parting ways with Mike Maignan, promising that contract talks will take place with the goalkeeper soon. The French shot-stopper has attracted significant interest from Chelsea and Juventus as his current deal winds down, but Tare maintains that the 'extraordinary' custodian is happy at San Siro.

The two coaches continue to attract scrutiny as some question whether they are capable of leading the Soweto giants to success. Before the Africa Cup of Nations break, Chiefs had a chance to go level with Orlando Pirates point-wise, but they collected just two from a possible six, putting Kaze and Ben Youssef under more pressure. Angry for more titles, some have been calling for the Naturena outfit to consider the more experienced Mosimane, who is not with a club now.

Hollywood superstar Timothee Chalamet has used Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to help promote his new film ‘Marty Supreme’, with the teenage forward living proof that you should always 'dream big'. Chalamet has shared an iconic image of teen sensation Yamal alongside Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi to help hammer home his point that anything is possible.

Antonio Conte has admitted his Napoli players were "too worried and fearful" during their damaging 1-0 defeat to Udinese on Sunday. The Italian manager urged his squad to develop more "malice" and learn the dark arts of time-wasting to manage difficult moments, warning that their lack of character away from home is threatening to derail their Serie A title defence.

Mohamed Salah’s emotional return at Anfield against Brighton may have been his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt, according to a leading body language expert. Despite a warm reception from supporters in the Kop, post-match analysis suggests the Egyptian star showed clear signs of a farewell as he prepares to depart for Africa Cup of Nations duties.

Mason Greenwood proved to be the hero for Marseille once again in their Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco. The former Manchester United winger, who has been in fine form this season, settled a keenly-fought contest at Stade Velodrome when firing home in the 82nd minute. That effort led to his manager, Roberto De Zerbi, celebrating wildly on the touchline.

Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has firmly dismissed reports of 'threats and ultimatums' from Dayot Upamecano regarding his future, labelling such claims as 'nonsense'. Amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, Eberl insisted that contract talks with the French defender are progressing well and remains 'very confident' a deal will be reached soon.

Mohamed Salah’s social media activity after returning to action with Liverpool has gone viral, with the Egyptian superstar considered to have offered a nod towards his future plans on Merseyside. In the wake of an explosive outburst against the Reds, which led to him being dropped, Salah stepped off the bench to a warm reception as Arne Slot’s side beat Brighton at Anfield.

The 20-year-old has made a huge leap in his young career, sealing a major move just nine months after breaking into professional football. While he was widely tipped to take the European route, the defender has instead opted for a switch to America, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. Two former Amakhosi midfielders have come out strongly in support of the move after his national team coach openly voiced his opposition.

Gregor Kobel has shouldered the blame for Borussia Dortmund's dropped points against Freiburg, admitting his distribution error led directly to the match-altering red card for Jobe Bellingham. The goalkeeper insisted the team was 'dominant' before the incident but conceded that they were forced to be 'satisfied' with a draw after playing the entire second half with ten men.

Ruben Amorim has delivered a clear verdict on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with the Cherries at Old Trafford. While praising the Ghana international as a 'special player', the Red Devils boss played down transfer talk despite renewed January speculation regarding a move for the winger, who is being courted by multiple Premier League giants.

Ruben Amorim claims that he would be “really pleased” if out-of-favour midfielder Kobbie Mainoo asked him about a January loan transfer away from Manchester United. Questions are being asked of the 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford amid struggles for regular game time. He may need a move in order to compete for a place in England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Alexis Vega returned from injury in the second leg of the Liga MX final to help Toluca secure their 12th league championship, tying Chivas as the competition’s second-most successful club. Antonio Mohamed’s side won 2-1 on the night to level the series 2-2 on aggregate - after trailing 2-0 earlier in the tie - before lifting the trophy in dramatic fashion.

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including the USMNT's star left back returning in style for Fulham.

Mason Greenwood scored a late winner against AS Monaco to earn the Man of the Match trophy as Marseille climbed up to third place in Ligue 1. The former Manchester United forward is enjoying another prolific season at the Orange Velodrome under Roberto De Zerbi. He is currently leading the Golden Boot race in France, two goals clear of Rennes' Esteban Lepaul and Strasbourg's Joaquín Panichelli.

Legendary former Liverpool and Wales forward Ian Rush is recovering in hospital after he was placed in intensive care with flu. After suffering from breathing difficulties last week, the 64-year-old, who is now an ambassador for the Reds, was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital before being admitted to the intensive care unit.

Kylian Mbappe bagged another goal to build on his superhuman individual season and Rodrygo broke his La Liga scoring slump as Real Madrid left it late to edge a well-drilled Alaves side. Xabi Alonso's men needed a result to save their manager's job, and even if they were lacking in quality, individual moments of brilliance got the job done in a vital 2-1 away win.

Massimiliano Allegri made a late tactical change during AC Milan’s 2-2 draw with Sassuolo, substituting U.S. international Christian Pulisic in the 72nd minute. The Milan manager said the move was dictated by the flow of the match, stressing it had nothing to do with managing minutes ahead of the club’s next fixture. Pulisic has nine goal contributions in nine league matches this season.

Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes lashed out at his team-mates for failing to "compete" against Sunderland, while Eddie Howe issued an apology to fans for his team's 1-0 derby defeat on Sunday. The Magpies have now failed to beat the Black Cats in their last 10 English top-flight meetings, and have dropped into the bottom half of the table.

The reason behind Enzo Maresca's shocking "worst 48 hours" rant after Chelsea's latest Premier League game against Everton has been revealed. Maresca cut a frustrated figure in front of the media despite his side's 2-0 victory, leading to speculation about potential friction behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

South Africa’s brightest young talent, Mbokazi, finds himself in the bad books of the no-nonsense Bafana Bafana coach and needs to work his way out to keep his dream of playing in the AFCON as well as the World Cup. Broos was left fuming after Mbekezeli Mbokazi, fresh from leading the Buccaneers to yet another cup triumph, arrived late for the national team camp in preparation for the upcoming AFCON.

Former Tottenham chairman Lord Alan Sugar has urged the club to bring in Jurgen Klopp as their new manager amid widespread calls for Thomas Frank's sacking after Sunday's humiliating 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Spurs suffered their third loss in their last five league matches at the City Ground as they dropped to 11th place in the Premier League table.