Manuel Neuer close to signing a contract extension with Bayern Munich.
Germany’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer is set to extend his stay as Bayern Munich’s captain and first-choice goalkeeper, with sporting director Max Eberl confirming that the 38-year-old is close to finalizing a contract extension. Neuer, who retired from international football earlier this year, was in the final year of his current deal but is now expected to remain with the club until the end of the 2025-26 season. Eberl revealed that only “the final details” remain before the agreement is sealed, adding, “The talks are definitely moving in the right direction, and both sides are happy.” The extension casts doubt on Alexander Nubel’s future at Bayern, as the 28-year-old goalkeeper, currently on Loan at Stuttgart, may seek opportunities elsewhere. Despite being sidelined with a rib injury, Neuer has impressed this season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 19 appearances. He is set to return in January.
🚨🇩🇪 Manuel Neuer, set to sign new deal at Bayern until June 2026 as director Max Eberl says: “The talks are on the right track and it's about clarifying the last details”.
“Both sides would be happy when it's done. I can't say yet exactly when”. pic.twitter.com/k515u8Sw1F
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2024
Mbappé, Vini Jr. and Rodrygo score as Madrid clinched the Intercontinental Cup.
Real Madrid claimed FIFA Intercontinental Cup glory with a commanding 3-0 victory over Pachuca in Doha. The Mexican side started brightly, creating early chances, but failed to seriously test Thibaut Courtois. Madrid opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Vinicius Junior capitalized on a superb Jude Bellingham pass, unselfishly setting up Kylian Mbappé for a simple tap-in. Pachuca came close in the 52nd minute, with Nelson Deossa’s deflected shot narrowly missing the target. Moments later, Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead with a stunning curling effort. A VAR review for possible offside involving Bellingham upheld the goal. Pachuca’s Salomon Rondón nearly halved the deficit with a header in the 70th minute but missed narrowly. Vinicius sealed the win five minutes remaining, converting a penalty after Lucas Vázquez was fouled. Madrid’s clinical display ensured their dominance in the final.
Real Madrid win the Intercontinental Cup! ✨ pic.twitter.com/BnQWmkU5AC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2024
The Flamingos go through to the WAFU-B finals after defeating Benin.
Nigeria’s U-17 girls’ football team, the Flamingos, secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Benin Republic on Thursday to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In a tightly contested match, Mary Nkpa gave Nigeria the lead in the 17th minute. The game remained closely fought until the 78th minute, when Peace Effiong doubled the Flamingos’ advantage to seal the win. Under the guidance of coach Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos delivered a composed performance, maintaining their lead and ensuring a comfortable result. The win sets up a final clash against tournament hosts, Ghana’s Black Maidens. Ghana advanced to the final after an impressive display, including a hat-trick from Christiana Ashiaku and goals from Seidatu Wahab and Zipporah Ayantoya. The showdown promises to be an exciting battle for continental glory.
🏁FULL TIME!
Nigeria 2-0 Benin – SemifinalsOur sisters Flamingos are through to the finals of the U17 WAFU-B Women's Cup in Accra. They will square up against hosts Ghana for the maiden title glory in the final on Sunday #SoarFlamingos pic.twitter.com/rCpEw55Cme
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) December 19, 2024
Postecoglou’s men advance to the Carabao Cup semis after defeating Man United.
Tottenham Hotspur edged past Manchester United in a thrilling 4-3 victory to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Ange Postecoglou’s side appeared to be in complete control, racing to a 3-0 lead with a brace from Dominic Solanke and a strike by Dejan Kulusevski by the 54th minute. However, two costly errors by Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster allowed United substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo to spark a comeback. Diallo’s goal in the 70th minute made it 3-2, and United came close to equalising several times. Son Heung-min then restored Spurs’ cushion with a direct goal from a corner, though Jonny Evans’ stoppage-time header made for a tense finale. Post-match, United players and staff protested Son’s goal, claiming a foul on Lucas Bergvall, but Tottenham held firm to advance.
FT: Tottenham 4-3 Manchester United.
MANCHESTER UNITED ARE KNOCKED OUT OF THE CARABAO CUP! ❌ pic.twitter.com/ChVZVzoSoI
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 19, 2024
Marc Guiu’s hattrick inspires Chelsea to a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers.
Chelsea secured their sixth consecutive Conference League win with a 5-1 victory over the Shamrock Rovers, as 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu stole the show with a first-half perfect hat-trick. Guiu capitalized on two defensive errors and a pinpoint Noni Madueke cross to dominate the opening 45 minutes. His goals, combined with a strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, gave Chelsea a commanding 4-1 lead at halftime after Markus Poom briefly equalized for the visitors. Manager Enzo Maresca continued to trust Chelsea’s youth, starting academy graduates Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong, while Harrison Murray-Campbell made his debut from the bench. Marc Cucurella added a fifth goal in the second half, with Joao Felix making a lively return from injury. Chelsea, already qualified for the next round, now shift focus to Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton, where they could potentially claim the top spot.
Hat-trick night for Marc Guiu! 💙🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/x7SNrRNQyJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2024