Ronaldo scores a brace in Al-Nassr’s dominant win over Al-Gharafa.
Despite struggling for consistency in the Saudi Pro League this season, Al-Nassr delivered a commanding performance against Al-Gharafa in their AFC Champions League matchday five clash, securing a 3-1 victory at Al Bayt Stadium, as they dominated from the outset. Cristiano Ronaldo came close early with two long-range efforts, both saved by Al-Gharafa’s Sergio Rico. After a goalless first half, Ronaldo broke the deadlock with a precise header from Sultan Al-Ghannam’s cross. Al-Nassr doubled their lead shortly after when Angelo’s dazzling footwork finished a clever one-two with Otávio. Ronaldo struck again, outmaneuvering a defender with a brilliant dummy before slotting the ball into the net. Al-Gharafa responded with a goal from Joselu, capitalizing on a rebound, but their momentum was cut short by Seydou Sano’s red card. Al-Nassr comfortably held on to secure an important away win.
CRISTIANO RONALDO HAS A SECOND-HALF BRACE AND MAKES IT 3-0 AL NASSR!
WHAT A PERFORMANCE 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JlwSalTp9v
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 25, 2024
Vinícius Jr. to be sidelined for 3-4 weeks due to a biceps femoris injury.
Real Madrid superstar, Vinícius Júnior will miss the club’s Champions League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday due to a leg muscle injury sustained during Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga win over Leganés. The club confirmed the winger has a biceps femoris injury in his left leg. Sources close to the player suggest he could be sidelined for three to four weeks, potentially missing up to seven matches before the winter break. Vinícius joins an already extensive injury list at Real Madrid, which includes Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and David Alaba. Real Madrid are second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points but with a game in hand. In the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have suffered two losses in their last three matches and currently sit 18th in the 36-team standings with six points from four games.
Vinícius Jr. has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg and will be out for approximately 3 weeks, Spanish sources report 🤕 pic.twitter.com/IS4SjCI0WS
— 433 (@433) November 25, 2024
Eddie Howe under pressure as West Ham claim huge 2-0 win over Newcastle.
West Ham United claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday night at St James’ Park, ending the Magpies’ winning streak and easing the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui. Tomáš Souček opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a powerful header from a corner, despite Newcastle dominating possession for most of the first half. The hosts squandered opportunities to equalize, with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak missing clear chances. West Ham struck again early in the second half, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka finished a swift counterattack to notch just the third goal of his career. Despite making several substitutions, Newcastle struggled to respond and faded as the match progressed. The victory moves West Ham to 15 points after 12 games, while Newcastle remains 10th on 18 points, trailing third-placed Chelsea by four.
FT: Newcastle United 0-2 West Ham United.
THAT'S 3 MASSIVE POINTS FOR WEST HAM UNITED! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/84JJKga8Rm
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) November 25, 2024
Chelsea reportedly leading the race to sign Victor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Victor Gyökeres, one of Europe’s most in-form strikers, has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs after netting 23 goals in all competitions this season. The Swedish international has been a standout performer for Sporting Lisbon, but reports suggest he could be on the move soon. According to “Fichajes”, Chelsea has emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 26-year-old and are prepared to offer €90 million for his services in January, with a plan to Loan him back to Sporting for the remainder of the season. Chelsea sees Gyökeres as a transformative addition to their attack, addressing their need for a consistent goalscorer. While Nicolas Jackson has shown improvement this season, the Blues require greater firepower to compete for major trophies. Gyökeres’ proven track record and versatility make him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s long-term ambitions.
‼️Chelsea are leading the race to sign Victor Gyökeres and are prepared to agree a €90m deal in January and loan him back to Sporting Lisbon for the rest of the season.
~ @Record_Portugal pic.twitter.com/jTqqpwiRTj
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) November 26, 2024
Arsenal given an injury boost as Arteta confirms Rice and Tierney’s availability.
Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Kieran Tierney ahead of their Champions League clash against Sporting CP. Rice, who has been dealing with a toe injury, and Tierney, sidelined with a hamstring issue, are now fit and available for selection. Arteta confirmed the news on Monday, saying, “Everyone in the squad is fully fit and ready to start. Kieran is back after a long injury, which is fantastic news. He’s been training at the required level to participate.” Tierney, whose last appearance was in the 2023 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, has fallen behind Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the left-back hierarchy. Meanwhile, Rice remains a key figure in Arsenal’s starting lineup. The Gunners face Sporting later tonight before a Premier League trip to West Ham on Saturday.
🔴⚪️🔙 Declan Rice, fit and ready to face Sporting as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed. pic.twitter.com/bxExilKh4P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2024