Vinícius and Rodrygo score braces as Real Madrid defeats Salzburg.
Real Madrid rediscovered their Champions League form with a dominant 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday, moving closer to securing a knockout stage spot. Despite a lackluster first half, Madrid took control in the second, led by a dazzling performance from Vinícius Jr. and a brace from Rodrygo. Rodrygo opened the scoring after a clever buildup involving Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, finishing from close range. His second goal was a stunning curler, set up by Jude Bellingham’s no-look backheel. Salzburg’s defense faltered again early in the second half when Mbappé capitalized on a goalkeeping error for an easy tap-in. Vinícius added a signature far-post finish and a composed strike after a clever twist, securing his 100th goal for the club and sealing Madrid’s dominance. Salzburg managed a late consolation goal, but it served only as a footnote in a commanding performance that keeps Madrid on course for the last 16.
🏁 @RealMadrid 5-1 @RedBullSalzburg
⚽ 23' @RodrygoGoes
⚽ 34' @RodrygoGoes
⚽ 48' @KMbappe
⚽ 55' @ViniJr
⚽ 77' @ViniJr
⚽ 85' Bidstrup pic.twitter.com/xEBTTTrV5e— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 22, 2025
Borussia Dortmund fires Nuri Şahin after a dismal losing streak.
Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund have parted ways with Nuri Şahin after just seven months as head coach, following a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bologna on Tuesday. Despite Serhou Guirassy’s early penalty, second-half strikes from Thijs Dallinga and Samuel Iling-Junior handed Dortmund their fourth straight loss. Şahin’s side has managed only one victory in their last nine matches across all competitions. The 2023/24 Champions League runners-up are struggling in the league phase of this year’s tournament, sitting mid-table with their round-of-16 qualification hopes hanging by a thread ahead of their final match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Domestically, Dortmund’s Bundesliga campaign has been equally disappointing. They sit 20 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and are seven points off the Champions League spots. Under Şahin, who played 274 times for the club, Dortmund won just seven of 18 league games, were knocked out of the DFB Pokal, and remained far from silverware contention.
🚨🟡⚫️ OFFICIAL: Nuri Sahin has been sacked by Borussia Dortmund with immediate effect.
BVB will low look for new head coach. pic.twitter.com/JoJEeow4jX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2025
Solskjaer inspires Beşiktaş to an emphatic 4-1 win in his first game in charge.
Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a triumphant return to management, leading Beşiktaş to a resounding 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League. The Norwegian coach, appointed just days prior, inspired a dominant display that revitalized Beşiktaş’s European campaign. Milot Rashica scored a hat-trick, with goals in the 17th, 55th, and 70th minutes, while João Mário added a late penalty to seal the win. Solskjaer’s impact was evident, as Beşiktaş bounced back from a disappointing run in European competition. The win breathes new life into their campaign, and Solskjaer will aim to build on this success in their domestic league match against Antalyaspor on Sunday.
🚨🇳🇴 Ole Gunnar Solskjær wins his FIRST match as manager of Beşiktaş! ⚫️⚪️
Huge 4-1 win vs Athletic Club who were unbeaten in the Europa League before today. pic.twitter.com/DeXvaXPLn3
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) January 22, 2025
PSG seals a 4-2 comeback win over Manchester City in the Champions League.
Luis Enrique’s men staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Manchester City 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League. City took a 2-0 lead through Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland, but PSG dominated the second half. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola equalized within seven minutes, and Luis Enrique’s team sealed the win with goals from João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos. The victory revives PSG’s qualification hopes, while City faces a humiliating exit. PSG needs at least a draw against VfB Stuttgart to qualify, while City must beat Club Brugge to stay in contention. The comeback win marks a significant turning point in PSG’s season, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming match.
FT: PSG 4-2 Manchester City.
MANCHESTER CITY BOTTLE A 2-0 LEAD AND MOVE OUTSIDE OF THE QUALIFICATION ZONE WITH JUST 1 GAME LEFT!❌ pic.twitter.com/H1tGwQkRpM
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 22, 2025
Karim Adeyemi on Napoli’s Radar as Potential Kvaratskhelia replacement.
Napoli’s pursuit of reinforcements has led to Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, following Manchester United’s firm rejection of their £50 million bid for Alejandro Garnacho. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A giants have turned their attention to Adeyemi as a potential replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Reports suggest Napoli contacted Dortmund to explore the possibility of a January move. Adeyemi, who joined Dortmund in 2022 with high expectations, has displayed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency due to recurring injuries. Despite his potential, Dortmund are reportedly open to letting the German international depart this winter. Napoli are now working to gain Dortmund’s approval to begin negotiating personal terms with Adeyemi. The Partenopei see him as a suitable addition to bolster their attack and are keen to finalize a deal before the January transfer window closes.
🚨🔵 Understand Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are discussing package worth €45/50m for Karim Adeyemi.
Direct club to club contact made today, as exclusively revealed.
Napoli have also approached player’s side to discuss contract terms. pic.twitter.com/8U0eB52fnK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2025