Coco Gauff defeats Olympic champion, Qinwen to win her first WTA Finals.
American tennis star Coco Gauff finished her season on a high note by rallying to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 20-year-old came back from 2-0 and 5-3 down in the final set, even facing two points from defeat before taking the set to a tiebreak. Gauff won the first six points and sealed victory on her third match point with a forehand winner. She is the first American to win the WTA Finals since Serena Williams in 2014 and the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004. Her win earned her a record-setting $4.8 million prize. On her journey to the final, Gauff defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Świątek marking a historic end to her breakthrough season.
Coco Gauff becomes the first American woman to win the WTA Finals since Serena Williams in 2014.
Proud.
🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/7Y0PxrTv0f
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 9, 2024
Inter Miami crashes out of the MLS playoffs after loss to Atlanta United.
Atlanta United pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MLS history, eliminating Inter Miami 3-2 in a dramatic first-round playoff victory. The defeat abruptly ended Lionel Messi’s dream of winning the MLS Cup in his debut season, despite Miami’s record-breaking regular season, where they secured the Supporters’ Shield. Miami took an early lead in the 17th minute when Matías Rojas scored on a rebound after Messi’s initial attempt was saved. Atlanta responded quickly, equalizing through Jamal Thiaré, who then struck again minutes later to make it 2-1. Miami’s Diego Gómez had an equalizer ruled out for offside, and despite Messi’s second-half goal, Atlanta’s defense, led by an inspired Brad Guzan, held firm. With injured Sergio Busquets on the bench, Miami’s attack struggled. Atlanta now advances to face Orlando City SC in the semifinals, while Miami heads into an unexpectedly early offseason.
FT: Inter Miami 2-3 Atlanta United.
INTER MIAMI ARE OUT, HORRIBLE DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE! ❌ pic.twitter.com/dnaSLU40Gl
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 10, 2024
Núñez and Salah score as Liverpool secure a crucial 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Liverpool moved five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. Nunez scored the opener in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack after Salah was fouled, but referee David Coote allowed play to continue. Villa fought hard and created several chances, but couldn’t equalize. Salah secured the victory in the 84th minute, finishing off another quick Liverpool attack. Manager Arne Slot has now won nine of his first 11 league games with Liverpool, who enter the international break on a high before facing Southampton on November 24. Unai Emery’s Villa, with four straight losses, remain eighth and will look to rebound against Crystal Palace in two weeks.
🔴🏹 Liverpool fly on top of the Premier League, +5 points and 6 clean sheets! ✨ pic.twitter.com/8nYNrCTJrn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2024
Vinicius scores a hattrick as injury-ridden Real Madrid crushes Osasuna.
After a 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan, Real Madrid bounced back in style with a 4-0 win over Osasuna, led by a Vinicius Jr hat-trick and a goal from Jude Bellingham. Madrid started cautiously and suffered injuries to Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Lucas Vázquez, further stretching their squad. However, Vinicius opened the scoring in the 34th minute, firing past Osasuna’s Sergio Herrera. Bellingham doubled the lead before halftime, lifting a long pass over Herrera. In the second half, Vinicius netted his second when goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s long pass set him up. Just eight minutes later, he completed his hat-trick after Brahim Díaz stole the ball from Flavien Boyomo in the box. The win puts Madrid at 27 points, still six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who face Real Sociedad next.
FT: Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna.
3 POINTS FOR REAL MADRID THANKS TO A MASTERCLASS FROM VINICIUS JR! 🇧🇷🌟 pic.twitter.com/Hn9Vo8DtVw
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 9, 2024
Pep Guardiola’s City records four loses in a row after Brighton’s comeback win.
Manchester City’s struggles deepened with a 2-1 loss to Brighton, marking Pep Guardiola’s first-ever four-game losing streak. City initially looked promising as Erling Haaland gave them an early lead, bouncing back from a poor performance in Lisbon. However, Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, adjusted brilliantly in the second half, leading to relentless attacks that City couldn’t contain. Despite some missed chances, Brighton equalized in the 78th minute through João Pedro. Just five minutes later, debutant Matt O’Riley scored the winner, leaving City in disarray. This defeat follows a tough stretch for Guardiola, beginning with a 2-1 Carabao Cup loss to Spurs, a 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth, and a 4-1 setback to Sporting CP. Defensive issues, especially in Rodri’s absence, are a major concern, with City conceding 10 goals over these four games.
FT: Brighton 2-1 Manchester City.
MANCHESTER CITY LOSE THEIR 4TH FOOTBALL GAME IN A ROW AND LIVERPOOL CAN GO 5 POINTS CLEAR ON TOP OF THE TABLE, MADNESSSSSSSS! 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/onhH4t57Yr
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 9, 2024