Saka shines as Arsenal hands Sporting Lisbon their first defeat of the season.
Arsenal delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday, bouncing back emphatically from their previous Champions League loss to Inter. With their sights set on a top-eight finish, the Gunners started strong as Gabriel Martinelli tapped in Jurrien Timber’s low cross just seven minutes in. Arsenal dominated the first half, doubling their lead through Kai Havertz, who finished into an open net after Bukayo Saka beat goalkeeper Franco Israel to a long ball. Gabriel Magalhães made it 3-0 before halftime with a powerful header from a corner. Sporting responded early in the second half, with Gonçalo Inácio scoring from a corner, but Arsenal swiftly extinguished their hopes. Saka converted a penalty after Martin Ødegaard was fouled, and Leandro Trossard sealed the win with a late goal. The victory reasserted Arsenal’s ambitions in Europe, defeating one of the tournament’s standout teams.
FT: Sporting CP 1-5 Arsenal.
MASSIVE VICTORY AND MASSIVE STATEMENT BY ARTETA’S BOYS! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XcfIwJkzog
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 26, 2024
Barcelona moves to 2nd place in the CL group after big win over Brest.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Barcelona secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday, becoming only the third player after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to surpass 100 goals in the competition. The Polish striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute, converting a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Barcelona, seeking to bounce back from two winless LaLiga matches and missing injured starlet Lamine Yamal, dominated proceedings, creating 19 chances while Brest failed to register a shot on target. Despite their control, the hosts missed several opportunities and nearly conceded on counterattacks before Dani Olmo doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort. Lewandowski sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing a cross from Alejandro Balde. The victory moves Barcelona to second in the standings with 12 points, behind leaders Inter Milan.
FT: Barcelona 3-0 Brest.
BARCELONA GO 2ND IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP! 🌟🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/JFfLYE6BF5
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 26, 2024
Atlético enjoys a perfect night; secures a dominant 6-0 win over Sparta Prague.
Argentina striker, Julián Álvarez and Ángel Correa each scored twice as Atlético Madrid delivered a dominant 6-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday. Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann also found the net in a commanding display that marked Atlético’s sixth consecutive victory in all competitions. Diego Simeone’s side took control early at the Letna Stadion, punishing Sparta for missed opportunities. Álvarez opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a superb free kick into the top corner. Marcos Llorente added the second before halftime, with Alexander Sorloth’s clever dummy setting up a fortunate finish. Álvarez struck again in the 59th minute, finishing a swift counterattack, before substitute Griezmann added a fourth with a composed finish. Correa capped the rout with two late goals from inside the box. The win lifts Atlético to ninth in the standings, while Sparta Prague remain 28th.
FT: Sparta Prague 0-6 Atlético Madrid.
A PERFECT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NIGHT FOR ATLETICO MADRID! ✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/QWwl8k3XwQ
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 26, 2024
Pep Guardiola’s men squanders a 3-goal lead against Feyenoord.
Manchester City’s struggles in the UEFA Champions League continued as they squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions appeared in control after Erling Haaland’s penalty just before halftime and quick goals from İlkay Gündoğan and Haaland early in the second half. However, Pep Guardiola’s side collapsed following a trio of substitutions, including the withdrawal of Gündoğan, Phil Foden, and Nathan Aké. A costly mistake by Joško Gvardiol allowed Anis Hadj-Moussa to score Feyenoord’s opener, sparking a remarkable comeback. Substitute Santiago Giménez reduced the deficit with a close-range effort before Dávid Hancko netted the equalizer after a brilliant Feyenoord move. The draw leaves City with just two wins from five group-stage matches, jeopardizing their chances of securing one of eight automatic knockout-stage spots in the Champions League league phase.
FEYENOORD EQUALIZE IN THE 89TH MINUTE TO MAKE IT 3-3 VS. MAN CITY!!!
CITY HAVE THROWN AWAY A 3-0 LEAD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8iWk7NVB61
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 26, 2024
Promising striker, Evan Ferguson will be available for a loan move this January.
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is reportedly available for a Loan move in January, with the Republic of Ireland international struggling for game time under new manager Fabian Hürzeler. The 20-year-old has made just one Premier League start this season, scoring once in Brighton’s October win over Newcastle. Currently behind Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter, and João Pedro in the pecking order, Ferguson is eager for regular minutes after recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery earlier this year. Valued at £60 million, Ferguson is unlikely to leave permanently, as Brighton view him as one of the league’s brightest young talents. Clubs like Leicester, Fulham, West Ham, and Newcastle, all seeking attacking reinforcements, could be interested. A proven goal-scorer with 18 Ireland caps, Ferguson’s development was highlighted by his hat-trick against Newcastle last year, a feat achieved by only four Premier League 18-year-olds.
🚨🚨| Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is available on LOAN this January.
[@TeleFootball] pic.twitter.com/dMGcpxz54g
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 26, 2024