Novak Djokovic defeats Alcaraz to secure Australian Open semifinals.
World no. 7, Novak Djokovic overcame adversity to secure a spot in the Australian Open semifinals, defeating third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash. Despite a strapped left thigh and an early deficit, the 37-year-old showcased his resilience in a three-hour-and-37-minute battle against the 20-year-old Spaniard. Djokovic, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, turned the match around with his Trademark precision and determination. This victory marks his 12th semifinal appearance at Melbourne Park and extends his record for Grand Slam semifinal berths to 50, four ahead of Roger Federer. To reach the final, Djokovic will face second-seeded Alexander Zverev, who defeated American Tommy Paul in four sets. “Recovery is key,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Zverev’s strong form. The 10-time Australian Open champion remains focused as he chases yet another historic milestone.
LISTEN UP! HE'S DONE IT! pic.twitter.com/mPcBKRf9uq
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 21, 2025
Manchester United makes contact with Leece over amid Patrick Dorgu interest.
After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford, Manchester United are focusing on bolstering their left wing-back position. Head coach Ruben Amorim views this role as crucial to improving the team’s performance, with current options Diogo Dalot, Tyrell Malacia, and Noussair Mazraoui struggling to impress. United have identified Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu as a prime target for the January transfer window. The Danish defender has shone in Serie A and fits Amorim’s system, which demands defensive stability and attacking flair on the left flank. United officials recently visited Italy to discuss a potential transfer, reportedly prepared to offer €30 million, including bonuses. However, Lecce is holding firm at €40 million but may compromise at €35 million with added incentives. Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani confirmed talks but stressed their priority to stay in Serie A, emphasizing Dorgu’s importance to their campaign.
🚨🔴 Manchester United had direct meeting with Lecce to discuss Patrick Dorgu today with a mission in Milano.
No agreement on the fee yet, Lecce want €40m package and Man United start from €30m.
🔵 Napoli also remain keen on Dorgu, open to letting him stay on Loan at Lecce. pic.twitter.com/hIV8w0NwVb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
Julio Enciso completes loan move to Ipswich Town until the end of the season.
Ipswich Town are set to secure the loan signing of Brighton attacker Julio Enciso, as reported by the EADT and Ipswich Star. Paraguayan Journalist Christian Pérez first broke the news, with the 20-year-old expected to join the squad ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Liverpool. Enciso, who signed for Brighton in 2022 from Club Libertad for £9.5m plus add-ons, has scored four goals in 24 appearances for the Seagulls. He has also netted twice in 23 matches for Paraguay. Enciso will be Ipswich’s third January signing, following Ben Godfrey (Atalanta, loan) and Jaden Philogene (Aston Villa, £20m). Due to his age, he won’t count toward the club’s 25-man senior squad limit. This move echoes last year’s loan acquisition of Jeremy Sarmiento from Brighton. Enciso, who has contributed a goal and an assist in 16 matches this season, is set for a medical today.
🚨🚜 Julio Enciso to Ipswich Town, here we go! Agreement with Brighton on straight loan until June.#ITFC to cover salary until June, medical tomorrow as he’s travelling tonight. 🇵🇾
Enciso accepted the proposal after bids from 3 more clubs, as @chrisperezz7 reported. pic.twitter.com/wyNB6STOPz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
Raphinha inspires Barcelona to a crazy comeback win against Benfica.
Barcelona staged an extraordinary comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash at the Estádio da Luz. Falling behind 4-2 after a Vangelis Pavlidis first-half hat-trick and a Ronald Araújo own goal, Barça appeared doomed. Robert Lewandowski’s penalty provided their first-half lifeline, but two major errors from Wojciech Szczęsny put the Catalans in a dire position. The second half saw Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin unintentionally kick the ball into Raphinha, gifting Barcelona a bizarre goal. Lewandowski added another penalty before Eric García’s header leveled the match in the 85th minute. A last-minute counterattack by Benfica was heroically stopped by Szczęsny, redeeming his earlier mistakes. In the 96th minute, Raphinha completed the comeback with a remarkable winner, sealing one of the most dramatic victories in Champions League history and ensuring Barcelona’s unbeaten start to 2025 continues.
FT: Benfica 4-5 Barcelona.
BARCELONA WIN A HISTORICAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TIE AFTER GOING 4-2 DOWN! 🌟🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/1L9wlvXyZj
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 21, 2025
Keylor Navas joins Newell’s Old Boys as a free Agent until 2026.
Newell’s Old Boys has announced the signing of legendary Costa Rican goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. The three-time Champions League winner joins the Rosario club as a free agent on a one-year deal to bolster the team for the domestic league and Copa Argentina. The club shared the news with a celebratory message: “A legend of international football is arriving at the Parque. Welcome to your new home, Keylor!” Fans erupted with excitement over the announcement. Navas is set to arrive in Argentina between Thursday and Friday for medical checks before being officially introduced by head coach Mariano Soso. Though he hasn’t played an official match since May 2024 with PSG, his vast experience, including World Cup appearances, promises to elevate Newell’s squad. Joining until June 2026, Navas’s arrival is a game-changer for Argentine football, bringing world-class talent to the local league.
🚨🔴⚫️ Official, confirmed. Keylor Navas has joined Newell’s Old Boys on free transfer.
Former Real Madrid and PSG GK joins until June 2026. pic.twitter.com/FweVCf5Smf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2025