Barcelona spoiled the night for Benfica in dramatic fashion, fighting back from a pair of two-goa...

<p>Barcelona spoiled the night for Benfica in dramatic fashion, fighting back from a pair of two-goal deficits to claim a sensational 5-4 victory in the Champions League on Tuesday.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/55385" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/55385">Vangelis Pavlidis</a> scored a hat-trick in the opening 30 minutes, and Benfica went on to build a 4-2 lead in the 68th minute, which seemingly established a secure advantage at home.</p><p>But Hansi Flick's team staged a brilliant late comeback, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/9563" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/9563">Robert Lewandowski</a> halving the deficit from the penalty spot and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/101141" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/101141">Eric Garcia</a> equalizing in the 86th minute. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The drama wasn't done there, though, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/96238" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/96238">Raphinha</a> delivered the knockout blow deep into stoppage time, racing away and smacking home the winning goal in the 96th minute - seconds after Benfica nearly won it at the other end amid a wild scramble in the penalty area.</p><p><em>(Available to view in U.S. only)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">90+6 WINNER FROM RAPHINHA TO SEND BARCA THROUGH 🤯🔥 <a href="https://t.co/F3YuS6Z2YD">pic.twitter.com/F3YuS6Z2YD</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1881828269885968891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>(Available to view in Canada only)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RAPHINHA WINS THE GAME AT THE DEATH!!!<br><br>📺 Watch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> live on DAZN <a href="https://t.co/3RFQ1tqapW">pic.twitter.com/3RFQ1tqapW</a></p>— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZN_CA/status/1881824943765073933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Benfica players were incensed and surrounded the referee while claiming a penalty should have been awarded for a foul prior to Raphinha's goal. But VAR didn't recommend sending on-field official Danny Makkelie to the monitor after a brief look at the play.</p><p>"We knew how hard it would be here, in front of their fans, and they know how to play really well, they have top level players," Raphinha <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/barca-score-wild-comeback-victory-at-benfica-d418fcb1">said</a> after the chaotic match. "We didn't let ourselves sink at 3-1 down, we were focused on what we needed to do to try and change the game."</p><p>The wild win keeps Barcelona in second place in the league phase of this year's competition - three points behind Liverpool - and guarantees them an automatic spot in the last 16 of the tournament.</p><p>"The mentality of the team, they always believe in themselves and this was unbelievable to see," said Flick, adding that the match was "crazy."</p>

LISBON, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 21: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio do SL Benfica on January 21, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Barca storm back for 'crazy' win over Benfica in 9-goal thriller

Neymar wants to go home.  The Brazilian will attempt to terminate his contract with Saudi Arabian...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsm/players/14263" href="https://thescore.com/olymsm/players/14263">Neymar</a> wants to go home.</p><p>The Brazilian will attempt to terminate his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and return to boyhood team Santos rather than play in Major League Soccer, report <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43490809/neymar-looking-santos-return-mls-sources">Adriana Garcia and Julien Laurens of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Speculation over a move to MLS began after Neymar said he was open to a reunion with his former Barcelona teammates, such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/4433" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/4433">Luis Suarez</a>, at Inter Miami.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He was in discussions with at least three MLS teams over a potential free transfer after his Al-Hilal contract expires this summer, <a href="https://www.espn.com/football/story/_/id/43429443/neymar-talks-three-mls-teams-possible-move">ESPN's Jeff Carlisle</a> reported last week. The Chicago Fire were reportedly the favorites to land him.</p><p>Neymar held talks with Santos over a six-month deal and will look to negotiate the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal to receive some of the money owed to him from the two-year contract signed in 2023, according to Garcia and Laurens.</p><p>Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said recently that Neymar had no future at the club because he "can no longer play at the level we are used to" after numerous injuries that have plagued his spell in Saudi Arabia. He added that Neymar wasn't going to be registered to play in the second-half of the Saudi Pro League season.</p><p>Neymar played for Santos' youth and senior teams over a 10-year spell before joining Barcelona in 2013.</p>

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL - MAY 12: Neymar player of Santos during the match between Corinthians and Santos as part of Paulista Championship at Pacaembu Stadium on May 12, 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil.

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Report: Neymar pushing for Santos return, not MLS move

The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. A time to make transformative additions tha...

<p><em>The transfer window is a time of hope and excitement. A time to make transformative additions that can revive a struggling team or put trophy-chasing sides over the top. It's also a time where expensive, crippling mistakes are made. For every brilliant deal and shrewd piece of business, there are dozens of signings that, for one reason or another, go bust. Some of them in spectacular fashion. </em></p><p><em>This week, while the wheeling and dealing is in full swing, we're ranking the 30 worst signings in soccer history. Compiled by theScore's soccer editors, our list features prototypical high-priced flops along with some of the more mystifying moves that ruined careers, damaged reputations, and set clubs back several years. The three-part series kicks off below.</em></p><p><strong>Follow the entire series this week</strong>:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Jan. 20</th>
<th>Jan. 22</th>
<th>Jan. 24</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>30-21</strong></td>
<td>20-11</td>
<td>10-1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>30. Leonardo Bonucci (AC Milan)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/cropped_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w220xh124_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w320xh180_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w640xh360_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w768xh432_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764814/w1080xh607_GettyImages-839929318.jpg?ts=1736625653 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Claudio Villa. / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Juventus for €42 million in 2017</strong></em></p><p>AC Milan made Bonucci the centerpiece of their rebuilding project in 2017, handing him the captaincy shortly after signing him. Bonucci was a shell of the defender that co-anchored Juventus' defense and admitted he only left Juventus out of anger. It was largely because of his acrimonious exit that he had no problem celebrating a goal against his former team that season, something many Juventus supporters still haven't forgiven or forgotten. But by 2018, the Rossoneri no longer wanted Bonucci and sent him back to Juve for €35 million. The fact they recouped the majority of their initial investment is the only reason he isn't higher on this list. <em>- Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>29. Kevin Davies (Blackburn Rovers)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Southampton for £7.25 million in 1998</strong></em></p><p>Davies reportedly cost 10 times more than Southampton paid for him just one year earlier - and the <a href="https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6152356.rovers-blackburn-get-davies-knockdown-7-25m/">Lancashire Telegraph</a> still described what Blackburn Rovers stumped up as a "knockdown price." It's safe to say they didn't get much of a return on the bustling forward. He lasted one season, scored once in 21 appearances as the club was relegated from the Premier League, and was sent back to Southampton in exchange for Egil Ostenstad. Blackburn's failings with Davies were highlighted years later when he enjoyed a fruitful decade-long spell with Bolton Wanderers. - <em>Daniel Rouse</em></p><h3>28. Malcom (Barcelona)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Bordeaux for initial €41 million in 2018</strong></em></p><p>The hype over Malcom was intense the summer he chose to join Barcelona. He initially had an agreement to play for Roma but ultimately couldn't resist the chance to join Lionel Messi's team. A year later, after a horrific debut season, the Brazilian's exit was a relief for both sides. A lack of trust from then Barca coach Ernesto Valverde saw Malcom end the season with four goals in 24 games. The winger's poor campaign earned him a move to Russia, where he failed to salvage a career that was already in tatters by the time he was 22. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>27. Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/cropped_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w220xh124_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w320xh180_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w640xh360_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w768xh432_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764813/w1080xh607_GettyImages-51429346.jpg?ts=1736625429 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Denis Doyle / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Newcastle United for £13.4 million in 2004</strong></em></p><p>Woodgate joined fellow Englishmen David Beckham and Michael Owen in the Spanish capital, prompting <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3580578.stm">BBC Sport</a> to run a story with the headline "Real invest in British steel." Woodgate's apparent steeliness was found wanting as he waited over a year for his debut due to fitness issues, and when his introduction finally came, he managed to score an own goal and get sent off. He was back in England a year later. The center-back's disastrous Real Madrid debut defined a playing career that could've been so much better without his persistent injury problems. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>26. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Leeds United for initial £42 million in 2022</strong></em></p><p>Roque Santa Cruz, Eliaquim Mangala, and Claudio Bravo are among many duds that Manchester City have signed since the 2008 takeover, but the acquisition of Phillips was both terrible business and ruinous for the player. Being in a team that hogged possession didn't suit the former Leeds favorite, and the injury-prone midfielder's confidence plummeted when Pep Guardiola publicly accused him of being overweight. Phillips started two Premier League matches in 18 months for City, had an error-strewn loan stay at West Ham United, and is now trying to rebuild his career on loan at Ipswich Town. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>25. Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United)</h3><p><em><strong>Henrikh Mkhitaryan sent to Arsenal in swap deal in 2018</strong></em></p><p>Sanchez wanted to leave Manchester United after just one training session. He famously asked his people if he could "rip up" his contract and return to Arsenal, and of course, they laughed. Manchester United had already sent Henrikh Mkhitaryan the other way and committed to paying Sanchez an enormous salary worth around £350,000 per week. But his gut was telling him the right thing. The next year and a half was miserable. Sanchez scored just three Premier League goals in 32 appearances for United and ended up leaving for Inter on a free transfer. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>24. Winston Bogarde (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/cropped_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w220xh124_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w320xh180_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w640xh360_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w768xh432_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764811/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1089635.jpg?ts=1736625247 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Clive Brunskill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed on free transfer from Barcelona in 2000</strong></em></p><p>Bogarde committed career suicide at 29. The English media accused him of kicking back and letting £40,000 per week - a huge wage at the time - roll into his bank account during his final four years as a pro. However, the Dutchman has since <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/27/winston-bogarde-chelsea-interview">blamed</a> his inactivity on Chelsea's insistence that clubs pay his <em>full</em> salary to sign him on loan. No one did, and the Blues' stubbornness was peculiar during a financially unstable period for the club. Bogarde played 11 times in his first campaign and appeared just once as a substitute over the three seasons that followed. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>23. Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Liverpool for £12 million in 2023</strong></em></p><p>In under six months, Henderson destroyed his reputation and harmed Saudi Arabia's expensive mission to make its league respected across the globe. Henderson, previously a vocal advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, was slammed for chasing the money to a Middle East nation where same-sex sexual activity is illegal. England fans jeered the midfielder, believing he didn't merit national team selection while playing in a weaker league. Henderson's miserable 19-game spell in Saudi Arabia also shed light on the oil-rich state having a weak appetite for the sport, with crowds not reaching 1,000 for some Al-Ettifaq games. It was a terrible transfer all around. - <em>Rouse</em></p><h3>22. Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)</h3><p><em><strong>Signed from Borussia Dortmund for €37 million in 2013</strong></em></p><p>Gotze was on top of the world in the summer of 2014. Germany was a World Cup champion again thanks to his dramatic title-winning goal in the final in Brazil. All that was left was to repair his domestic reputation. The summer before, Gotze was one of the most sought-after midfielders, and he eventually decided to take the well-trodden path from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich. However, unlike those before him, Gotze didn't enjoy success. His development stunted under Guardiola's guidance, and he ended up re-joining Dortmund. But the damage was done. Gotze has never been the same. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>21. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/cropped_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w220xh124_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w320xh180_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w640xh360_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w768xh432_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/764810/w1080xh607_GettyImages-108663979.jpg?ts=1736624952 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Darren Walsh / Chelsea FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Signed from Liverpool for £50 million in 2011</strong></em></p><p>It was awful from the beginning. Months went by before Torres scored his first goal after his shock move from Liverpool to Chelsea. The 14-game drought was initially viewed as a blip on the radar, but the worst was yet to come. Torres suffered long periods without a goal during crucial stretches over the next two seasons while producing some truly bizarre misses along the way. The once-revered forward was broken. He etched his name in Chelsea lore with a dramatic Champions League semifinal goal in 2012, but it wasn't enough to gloss over how much of a letdown he ultimately was at Stamford Bridge. - <em>Brunt</em></p><p><strong><em>The rollout continues Wednesday with Nos. 20-11.</em></strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29909899/related

Ranking the 30 worst transfers in soccer history (Part 1)

Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developmen...

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 22 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Reinforcements won't help Arsenal</h3><p>An Arsenal win seemed like the only possible outcome at the Emirates Stadium at halftime. After they cruised to a 2-0 lead, nobody expected the conversation after the game to focus on Arsenal falling out of the title race again, or their shortcomings in the transfer market last summer. But, hours after leaders Liverpool turned a draw into a win with a last-second goal, Arsenal went the opposite direction.</p><p>The dent Arsenal made in Liverpool's lead after their midweek north London derby win disappeared after a disastrous eight-minute spell cost them two valuable points. After the 2-2 draw, Mikel Arteta spoke enviously of Liverpool's depth after saying Arsenal are actively looking to improve in January. But after failing to keep up with the Premier League leaders this weekend, it's likely too late for reinforcements to impact the title race; Arsenal sit six points back of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How costly will it prove to be for Arsenal in May? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOTD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOTD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ARSAVL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSAVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEbfMoYY4P">pic.twitter.com/HEbfMoYY4P</a></p>— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1880751364588114239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Arteta complained about a lack of attacking options off the bench. Unlike Liverpool, he didn't have a Darwin Nunez to turn to late when Arsenal needed a goal. It's been an area of concern most of the season, as Raheem Sterling was the only senior attacking option available after Gabriel Jesus' season-ending injury. But even before things went downhill, it was glaringly obvious Arsenal were paying the price for neglecting other areas that should've been addressed last summer.</p><p>Their depth was tested earlier this season when multiple stars were sidelined with injuries. Suspensions were also an issue, with William Saliba missing a defeat to Newcastle United due to a ban in November. That was around the time Arsenal ruled themselves out of a league title. Liverpool were just too good at the time for the Gunners to slip in such a manner.</p><p>The situation is more dire now. A worrying injury for Saliba makes matters worse.</p><p>Saturday's game offered a glimpse of what life would look like without the French center-back. And it isn't pretty. Thomas Partey was moved from midfield to right-back, while Jurrien Timber assumed center-back responsibilities. There was hardly anything to complain about until Aston Villa's two quick goals put a spotlight on Arsenal's patchwork squad.</p><p>Partey became a liability, losing sight of his marker, Ollie Watkins, whose volley brought Villa level. Arsenal squandered chances to win late - and had an injury-time goal chalked off by VAR - reigniting calls to sign a striker. But even adding a forward, midfielder, and defender at this point wouldn't be enough to reverse Arsenal's fortunes in what's becoming another lost season.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Don't overlook TAA's part in big Liverpool win</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/cropped_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766041/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193926833.jpg?ts=1737223349 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Nunez's super-sub appearance is the story of the match. He came off the bench to score two stoppage-time goals and double his overall Premier League tally to tighten Liverpool's grip on first place. But at 0-0, when Brentford threatened to seize the initiative in Saturday's entertaining clash, few visiting players showed as much attacking intent as Trent Alexander-Arnold.</p><p>The right-back forced Mark Flekken to scramble for one shot - his fourth of the match - that narrowly missed in the 83rd minute before his one-two with Harvey Elliott preceded Nunez's crucial first strike. Liverpool also failed to capitalize on some of Alexander-Arnold's trademark fizzed deliveries earlier in the match, and his defensive frailties weren't evident as the Bees focused on Bryan Mbeumo's clear superiority over Kostas Tsimikas on the other flank. Nunez will dominate the headlines, but Alexander-Arnold's urgency in Brentford's half was pivotal in the 2-0 victory.</p><p><strong>United's colossal clean-up</strong></p><p>Antony seems to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3194736" href="https://thescore.com/news/3194736">on his way out</a>, albeit temporarily, but Ruben Amorim will be discarding Erik ten Hag's expensive mistakes for some time. The center-backs are flat-footed, the auditions at the wing-back positions have gone poorly, there's little creativity from the aging midfield, and there are few who can finish in attack. Plus, Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, shed light on a growing concern in goal. Andre Onana's errors happen too often, negating any benefits gained from his ball-playing ability. His latest gaffe, a spilled low cross that eventually fell to the feet of Georginio Rutter, put the game out of United's reach.</p><p><strong>Is Foden fixed?</strong></p><p>Pep Guardiola started his preparation for Wednesday's important Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain after just over an hour had elapsed at Ipswich Town. With the score already 5-0 in Manchester City's favor, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden were withdrawn with three goals and three assists between them. Foden's recent form is a massive bonus; the attacking midfielder battled a virus earlier in the season, and he didn't score his first Premier League goal until Dec. 21, but he has now helped his team leap up to fourth place. Foden is on five goals and an assist over his past three league appearances following his brace and inviting pass for Mateo Kovacic's strike in the 6-0 win at Portman Road. The second half of City's campaign could improve drastically with an on-fire Foden in Guardiola's ranks.</p><p><strong>Everton, Spurs on different trajectories</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/cropped_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766213/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194714851.jpg?ts=1737307174 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt McNulty / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ange Postecoglou's stubbornness can be detrimental, and he should take blame for that, but elements outside his control have arguably contributed more to Tottenham's regression. Eleven players are out injured, including several key components of the defensive group, and the recruitment has been inexcusably poor. For example, the drop-off in quality from center-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero is considerable, and it was emphasized when, for Everton's second goal Sunday, Iliman Ndiaye versus Radu Dragusin resembled a speedboat dodging a deflated dinghy. Dragusin, a year into his Spurs stint, looks far below the required standard.</p><p>It was certainly Everton's day, and there were plenty of positives in the first league win of David Moyes' second coming. Aside from Ndiaye's run and finish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin turning Archie Gray inside-out twice before scoring his first goal since September was a huge boost. Everton were genuinely good, and almost adventurous, in the opening half of their 3-2 victory.</p><p><strong>Van Nistelrooy's reign already turning toxic</strong></p><p>Tensions boiled over at Leicester City after their survival hopes were dealt another blow. Less than a week after the Foxes were held goalless in defeat to Crystal Palace after producing 21 shots, coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was subject to chants of, "You don’t know what you're doing," at King Power Stadium while his squad faced an attacking barrage in a 2-0 loss to Fulham.</p><p>The two home performances were vastly different, but the outcomes were exactly the same. Van Nistelrooy's decision to remove Leicester's best player, Bilal El Khannouss, from Saturday's game proved to be the last straw for a fan base that loudly discredited Van Nistelrooy's coaching abilities afterward. At this point, fans are justified in wondering whether Leicester would've been better off if Steve Cooper was still in charge. They've lost seven of their last nine games and sit 18th - two positions lower in the table than they were when Cooper was fired in late November.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)</strong></p><p>England's hottest team was no match for Justin Kluivert. Newcastle United - in search of their 10th straight win - were humbled 4-1 at home against Bournemouth, with Kluivert producing his best performance of the season at his dad's old stomping ground. While Dutch great Patrick Kluivert struggled at St. James' Park during his spell at Newcastle, goals weren't nearly as hard to come by for Saturday's hat-trick hero in the northeast of England.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 - Only Mohamed Salah (11) has scored more Premier League goals away from home this season than Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert (8). Travels. <a href="https://t.co/4utMeVfa2A">pic.twitter.com/4utMeVfa2A</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1880607421988827192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Over 20 years after Patrick scored his lone goal at St. James' Park, Justin needed just 44 minutes to surpass his dad's record, netting a first-half brace. His second goal was cleverly taken, as Kluivert opted for precision over power. But <a href="#Highlight">his third was the best of the lot</a>, sealing three points with a blistering shot in injury time before setting up the Cherries' fourth goal. The hat-trick was his second of the season - and, by far, his most impressive after scoring a hat-trick of penalties in a game earlier this campaign. Kluivert's 10 goals put him in the conversation for the Premier League Golden Boot.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=330643:Flekken,682548:Aina,243138:Tarkowski,1367619:Huijsen,1195281:Kerkez,239219:Kovacic,540963:Berge,1400227:Minteh,815006:Foden,942368:Doku,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=4-2-3-1 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>
<a id="Highlight" name="Highlight">Highlight of the weekend</a> 🎥</h3><p>Confidence was pulsing through Kluivert's veins as he shaped to shoot for his superb third goal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Kluivert became just the seventh player in <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> history to score two hat-tricks away from home in the same season ✅✅✅ <a href="https://t.co/wYpkiBu8Zl">pic.twitter.com/wYpkiBu8Zl</a></p>— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1880736932843446730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Brentford were dangerous on counter-attacks, but Liverpool were persistent at the other end. The match was goalless until Nunez broke the deadlock in the 91st minute; still, there was a total of 48 shots in an engaging end-to-end fixture in west London.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool's 37 shots vs Brentford is the most an away team has had in a Premier League game in recorded history (since 03-04) <a href="https://t.co/DFhKro0FNh">pic.twitter.com/DFhKro0FNh</a></p>— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst/status/1880664595972730957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>Match of the Day's iconic Saturday night slot on BBC One is at risk following reports that a Manchester United legend with a miserable managerial record could join the punditry team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He’ll get them relegated to BBC 2 <a href="https://t.co/DuE3tDZLMa">https://t.co/DuE3tDZLMa</a></p>— Will🔴⚪️ (@WillThomas96) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillThomas96/status/1880680926646272165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>+30</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+22</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+11</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Newcastle United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+10</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-1</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-5</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham United</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-16</td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>+10</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>-17</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-23</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-25</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>-35</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsm/players/14263" href="https://thescore.com/olymsm/players/14263">Neymar</a> wouldn't be opposed to reviving the once-revered MSN trident.</p><p>With his contract in Saudi Arabia expiring in June, the 32-year-old Brazilian said he'd be open to reuniting with former Barcelona teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/4433" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/4433">Luis Suarez</a> at Inter Miami.</p><p>"Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible," Neymar told <a href="https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1876649697906946466">CNN Sport</a>. "They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I am happy at Al Hilal and in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises."</p><p>Neymar played alongside Messi and Suarez for three seasons at Barcelona before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. The trio scored 253 goals in 113 matches together.</p><p>Neymar has been plagued by injuries since joining Al-Hilal in 2023. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament shortly after signing for the Saudi team and has struggled with various smaller injuries that have limited him to seven appearances over two seasons.</p><p>He added that he'll do "everything" he can to play at the 2026 World Cup in North America.</p><p>"I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot," Neymar said.</p><p> </p>

BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 28: Neymar (C) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates Luis Suarez (L) and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelonaa after scoring his team's third goal of FC Barcelonaduring the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Camp Nou on November 28, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.

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The FIFA Women's World Cup is moving to Netflix.  Netflix secured the rights to broadcast the Wom...

<p>The FIFA Women's World Cup is moving to Netflix.</p><p>Netflix secured the rights to broadcast the Women's World Cup in the United States during the 2027 and 2031 tournaments, the streaming service <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/womens-world-cup-netflix">announced</a> Friday.</p><p>"Studio shows and top-tier talent will supplement coverage with commentary and entertainment," Netflix said in a statement. "And in the lead-up to the tournament, Netflix will produce exclusive documentary programming spotlighting the top players, their journeys, and the explosion of the sport around the globe. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Nowhere was that more on display than in 2023, when Spain bested England by a score of 1-0 to win its first title."</p><p>The 2027 Women's World Cup will be the first time the tournament has been broadcasted on a streaming service. The value of the deal wasn't disclosed.</p><p>"This is a landmark moment for sports media rights," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. "As a marquee brand and FIFA’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football.</p><p>"This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. FIFA and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football."</p><p>Brazil will host the 2027 Women's World Cup, which will feature 32 teams and 63 games, while the host for the 2031 tournament has yet to be decided. The <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/04/us-soccer-and-mexican-football-federation-to-pursue-2031-fifa-womens-world-cup">United States and Mexico</a> are expected to make a joint bid for hosting the 2031 Women's World Cup.</p><p>The United States has won the tournament a record four times but lost in the round of 16 in the last edition in 2023. Spain won last year after beating England.</p>

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Women's World Cup trophy after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final game between England and Spain at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.

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Pep Guardiola won't manage another club after his Manchester City career ends, the Spanish coach ...

<p>Pep Guardiola won't manage another club after his Manchester City career ends, the Spanish coach revealed.</p><p>"At some point I will feel like it’s enough and at that moment I will stop for sure," Guardiola told the Desmontadito YouTube channel, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/10/pep-guardiola-rules-out-managing-another-club-after-manchester-city">The Guardian's Jamie Jackson</a>. </p><p>"I'm going to stop. I am not going to join another team, I'm not going to leave to go to another country (for a club). I won’t have the energy. Now I'm still here, but to think about starting again, the whole process of training – no, no."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guardiola is fresh off signing a new contract that'll keep him at Manchester City until 2026. While it's not clear if he'll leave Manchester City after the deal expires, Guardiola said an international job would interest him in the future.</p><p>"It's not every day (training), every three days (playing)," he said of coaching at the international level. "I think I would have to stop (from the daily cycle). To rest, to see what we have done, what we can do better, because day-to-day we don’t have much time to rest.</p><p>"It's continuous and to rest I think would be good for me. But right now, no, right now I’m here."</p><p>Guardiola has won every major trophy since his arrival at Manchester City in 2016, including a historic treble in 2023.</p>

Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola kisses the Premier League trophy after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham United in Manchester, Britain, on May 19, 2024.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/7611" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/7611">Lorenzo Insigne</a> will be available in the upcoming expansion draft after Toronto FC left the Italian winger unprotected, the Major League Soccer club announced Tuesday.</p><p>Toronto FC were allowed to protect up to 12 players who wouldn't be eligible for selection by San Diego FC in the MLS expansion draft on Wednesday.</p><p>However, Insigne - Major League Soccer's second-highest-paid player - was left unprotected after three disappointing seasons since his arrival as a designated player in 2022.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 33-year-old had a cap hit of $15.4 million in 2024 and a designated player option for next year.</p><p>TFC have never made the playoffs with Insigne, who has 14 goals and 11 assists over 54 games.</p><p>San Diego - the 30th MLS team - will select up to five players from the eligible player list at the draft. Teams are removed from the expansion draft once one of their unprotected players is selected.</p><p>All 29 MLS teams submitted their <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2024-mls-expansion-draft-eligible-players-how-to-watch">lists of unprotected players</a> Tuesday.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 4 : Lorenzo Insigne of Toronto FC warms up during MLS League match between Toronto FC and New York City FC at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada on May 11, 2024.

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<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 15 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Are Chelsea true title contenders?</h3><p>The results say they are. Chelsea are second in the Premier League, just four points behind leaders Liverpool, and are well ahead of expectations. Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are turning in match-winning performances, and the likes of Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson are starting to nail down regular roles in the team. The trajectory of the club has crossed a key threshold, and it would be silly to deny it.</p><p>But Sunday's 4-2 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur doesn't suddenly make them title contenders. Liverpool have a game in hand, and Chelsea have a number of shortcomings to overcome.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marc Cucurella slipped on the plays that led to Tottenham's first two goals, and giveaways by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and defender Benoit Badiashile could've heaped misery on Chelsea when the tide was turning in Sunday's London derby. The Blues also needed two penalties - which Spurs gift-wrapped in the most careless possible way - to ignite the comeback effort.</p><p>"Arsenal, (Manchester) City, and Liverpool probably don't slide - like Cucurella did," head coach Enzo Maresca <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c4g2pd77dert?post=asset%3Ad88ac3d2-507f-40c7-a2ff-aeed3f4636e9#post">said</a> afterward. "To be serious, we are not ready. We are far from these teams, but we focus on (it) day by day and (are) trying to improve the team."</p><p>Chelsea play an open and risky transition game, and as rewarding as it can be, it has its defects. Sometimes you see Moises Caicedo scrambling, and sometimes he lunges, and sometimes he gets away with a studs-up challenge, as he did Sunday. Chelsea's game is built around moments, and they can go both ways. Chelsea have already committed five errors leading to goals - higher than any other top-five team and a clear sign that they still struggle to control matches. The majority of Chelsea's wins have also come against teams in the bottom half of the table.</p><p>None of that is to say Chelsea can't win the title. But there's a lot to do before they can truly consider themselves a complete package.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Unsung coaching heroes</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/cropped_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759590/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188885195.jpg?ts=1733687626 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth / AFC Bournemouth / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Besides players underperforming, there's another big reason why teams like Newcastle, Manchester United, and Tottenham are struggling outside the top 10. The trio should be competing for places in Europe. Instead, they can barely string two wins together. While they've toiled, teams like Bournemouth, Brentford, and Fulham have stepped up, overachieving with squads that aren't nearly as expensive. The difference comes down to coaching. Unlike the three high spenders, stability on the touchline has benefited Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Brentford's Thomas Frank, and Fulham's Marco Silva. Their innovations and impact aren't talked about nearly enough. But after a weekend in which Brentford battered Newcastle, Bournemouth came from behind to beat Ipswich Town, and Fulham held title contenders Arsenal, it's time to give credit where it's due to the Premier League's most underrated coaches.</p><p><strong>Man United their own worst enemy</strong></p><p>Ruben Amorim has a massive task on his hands to turn Manchester United around. He knows that. It's going to take time and a lot of work. One thing he can't legislate for, though, is basic errors from his players. A brutal giveaway inside his own half from Bruno Fernandes, together with some truly confounding goalkeeping by Andre Onana, gifted Nottingham Forest one goal Saturday. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez simply watched on, as if frozen in time, as a looping Chris Wood header, moving almost in slow motion, nestled into the net for another. The latter stood up as the winner at Old Trafford, consigning Amorim to his second consecutive defeat. Getting the fallen club back to the top is going to be difficult enough for the Portuguese tactician. It'll be downright impossible if his players keep torpedoing their own progress with the types of mistakes commonly seen in semi-pro leagues.</p><p><strong>'Season to suffer'</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/cropped_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759591/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188715340.jpg?ts=1733687707 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ryan Pierse / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Manchester City didn't lose this weekend. Considering how things have gone for much of the last month, that's actually an improvement. It's also a sad statement that reflects the reality at the club right now. Pep Guardiola <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/4190268?sf275709994=1">admitted</a> after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace that this is Man City's "season to suffer." Whether this team is built for that remains to be seen. Most of these players have won everything already. Sure, they've had to battle extremely hard in previous seasons, fending off fierce title challengers and winning huge matches. But they've never had to deal with a soul-sapping rut like this. Even Guardiola himself isn't sure if he and his squad are capable of digging themselves out of this hole. One thing that would help right off the bat: stop conceding early. Man City have given up a league-high seven goals in the first 15 minutes of matches this season. Always playing from behind isn't a recipe for success.</p><p><strong>Good luck, schedule-makers</strong></p><p>By the Premier League's <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/261976">own admission</a>, compiling the annual fixture list is a "meticulous and painstaking process that lasts almost half a year." One of the unintended byproducts of the current schedule, already loaded to the gills with matches, is the difficulty of rescheduling postponed games. With the top clubs seemingly in action every three days, finding a decent window to squeeze in an extra contest is no simple task. The Merseyside derby, called off Saturday due to Storm Darragh, will likely have to be shoehorned into a rare midweek opening somewhere after the jam-packed holiday slate. An already tricky test for Liverpool will be that little bit more challenging.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)</strong></p><p>Vardy is the definition of a talisman.</p><p>Leicester City's season hasn't gone to plan. However, Sunday's come-from-behind draw with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion, which followed an impressive win over West Ham, suggests momentum may finally be shifting in the Foxes' favor. And it was all thanks to their trusted striker.</p><p>With the Foxes teetering toward a defeat, the 37-year-old turned back the clock with a vintage display in the closing stages that was reminiscent of the performances that helped Leicester City win a shock Premier League title almost a decade ago.</p><p>As he's done so often over the years, Vardy brought the King Power Stadium to its feet after cutting Leicester's deficit in half in the 86th minute. The confidence-booster led to bigger celebrations five minutes later after Vardy set up the equalizer to become the second-oldest player to score and assist in a Premier League match.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jamie Vardy's last 7 games for Leicester... <br><br>• ⚽️ vs Southampton<br>• ⚽️ vs Nottingham Forest<br>• 🅰️ vs Ipswich<br>• ❌ vs Chelsea <br>• 🅰️ vs Brentford <br>• ⚽️ vs West Ham<br>• 🅰️⚽️ vs Brighton<br><br>37-years-old. Incredible. 👏 <a href="https://t.co/tAjtDh0AdN">pic.twitter.com/tAjtDh0AdN</a></p>— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1865789410551148704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ten years after Ruud van Nistelrooy watched Vardy break his revered Premier League scoring record, Leicester's new coach is now relying on the revived veteran, who has six goals and three assists this season, to keep Leicester from dropping right back down to the Championship.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=317564:Arrizabalaga,955139:Lamptey,766611:Milenkovic,950485:Lacroix,966026:Maatsen,816325:Kamara,923312:Mbeumo,789502:Gibbs-White,1096353:Palmer,846381:Sancho,286119:Vardy&amp;formation=4-1-4-1 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Highlight of the weekend 🎥</h3><p>Bryan Mbeumo is having the season of his life. Through just 15 matches, the Brentford talisman has already matched his career high for goals in a Premier League campaign, registering his ninth tally in Saturday's win over Newcastle. He did it in style, too, helping the Bees maintain their status as the best home team in the country.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🧑‍🎨 Bryan Mbeumo, a master of his art <a href="https://t.co/YBuWzOaL6v">pic.twitter.com/YBuWzOaL6v</a></p>— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1865516642073194893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>We're still trying to figure out how, exactly, Andre Onana <em>didn't</em> save this. Even the commentators, absolutely perplexed, thought there must have been a deflection to wrong-foot the goalkeeper. There was no deflection.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A goalkeeper would be expected to save this shot 97% of the time, according to xGOT. <a href="https://t.co/9CVTvpXrMt">pic.twitter.com/9CVTvpXrMt</a></p>— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) <a href="https://twitter.com/xGPhilosophy/status/1865467570540642607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>If you swapped doppelgangers Jota Silva and Jack Grealish, would anybody at their respective clubs even notice?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">31' 🟨 Jota Silva is booked for elbowing Garnacho. <br><br>🔴 1-1 🌳 | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUNNFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUNNFO</a> <a href="https://t.co/wyM7qw5dFT">pic.twitter.com/wyM7qw5dFT</a></p>— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) <a href="https://twitter.com/StretfordPaddck/status/1865457376788189461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>+18</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+6</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-2</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Leicester</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-9</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-6</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-13</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>-14</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>-20</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29366545/related

EPL Review: Chelsea move into title conversation, Vardy's still got it

The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was held Thursday, with the 32 teams involved in next s...

<p>The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was held Thursday, with the 32 teams involved in next summer's revamped competition finding out which groups they'll be in.</p><p>European giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain face tricky tests in the opening round after they were each drawn into arguably the most difficult groups of the tournament.</p><p>Meanwhile, reigning Club World Cup champions Manchester City will like their chances of repeating. While they face at least one tricky test in the opening phase of the tournament after being lumped with Juventus, City should make it out of the group stage. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Defending Champions League winners Real Madrid were also drawn into a manageable group in their quest to win the Club World Cup for a record sixth time.</p><p>The groups in full:</p><h3>Group A</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Palmeiras</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Al Ahly</td>
<td>Egypt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Inter Miami</td>
<td> United States</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group B</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Paris Saint-Germain</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Atletico Madrid</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Botafogo</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Seattle Sounders</td>
<td> United States</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group C</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Auckland City FC</td>
<td>New Zealand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Boca Juniors</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Benfica</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group D</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Flamengo</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Esperance de Tunis</td>
<td>Tunisia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Leon</td>
<td>Mexico</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group E</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>River Plate</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Urawa Red Diamonds</td>
<td>Japan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Monterrey</td>
<td>Mexico</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group F</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Fluminense</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Ulsan HD</td>
<td>South Korea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Mamelodi Sundowns</td>
<td>South Africa</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group G</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Wydad AC</td>
<td>Morocco</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Al Ain</td>
<td>United Arab Emirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group H</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>POT</th>
<th>CLUB</th>
<th>COUNTRY</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Al-Hilal</td>
<td>Saudi Arabia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Pachuca</td>
<td>Mexico</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Salzburg</td>
<td>Austria</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Tournament schedule and format</h3><p>The monthlong tournament, staged in the United States, will begin June 15, 2025. A total of 12 U.S. venues will host the event's 63 matches, with the final slated for Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on July 13.</p><p>The competition follows a tried-and-true formula: Upon the completion of the group stage, where each team plays three matches, the top two sides in each group advance to the round of 16. Every game will be single elimination from that point on until a champion is crowned.</p><p>The full match schedule and tournament bracket can be found <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/club-world-cup/usa-2025/articles/match-schedule-announced">here</a>.</p>

The Club World Cup groups are displayed during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw ceremony in Miami on December 5, 2024.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29321170/related

Club World Cup draw: Man City get Juventus, tough group for PSG

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 13 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>Does Guardiola have any answers?</h3><p>Midway through Liverpool's otherwise dominant 2-0 win over Manchester City, the champions finally emerged from the rubble of an utterly one-sided opening half-hour with the ball. A lifeline was suddenly up for grabs. Liverpool had missed several chances to make it a blowout and began to retreat into their own end. But the opportunity came and went without much ado. City couldn't summon anything. They had 63% of possession between their first attempt on goal in the 38th minute and Mohamed Salah's game-clinching 78th-minute penalty but couldn't get a shot on target in that time. They couldn't disturb Liverpool, even as the hosts challenged them to do so.</p><p>Guardiola tried to inspire change beforehand, dropping Ederson for backup 'keeper Stefan Ortega and defender Josko Gvardiol for Nathan Ake. Removing Ederson and Gvardiol from the firing line seemed like a responsible choice; their errors precipitated at least a couple of City's recent losses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Neither Ortega nor Ake could reset the side. Ortega conceded a penalty when he was left all alone with two Liverpool players, while Ake did his best to resist the press on his own. They just couldn't prevent the mistakes that have cost City over the past five weeks from repeating themselves here. They gave away the ball cheaply, attempted low-percentage passes at the wrong time, and committed silly challenges early on. The self-belief that made City seem unstoppable in previous years deserted them yet again.</p><p>Guardiola <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3146465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3146465">said</a> afterward that City will have to hit the reset button and start from scratch. But he's rarely had to do that with any team he's coached. He's not used to doing something so drastic midseason. And he's never had to rethink his entire approach amid such a startling downturn. City haven't won in seven games, and it's not unreasonable to think they could lose many more before the end of the season. They face sixth-placed Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and then have a tough run of fixtures against Juventus, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. That leads them like a pig to slaughter into the meat grinder that is the festive period, which is uncompromising at the best of times.</p><p>Now is probably the worst time to have an existential crisis.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Statement win for Amorim's United</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/cropped_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758279/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187190636.jpg?ts=1733068357 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ruben Amorim's angry reactions were telling at the start of Manchester United's clash against Everton. With the visitors regularly venturing into United's half, Amorim went ballistic on a few of his players for underperforming in one of the most winnable games of the season. His patience was clearly running out just three matches into his United career. But after playing like Erik ten Hag's timid side to start the match, United started to show signs that Amorim's philosophies were taking hold. Amad Diallo was outstanding, while Joshua Zirkzee - a target of one of Amorim's early outbursts - ended his 17-game drought with a brace in United's biggest league win since 2021. The next test for Amorim's United is performing just as well against better opponents than relegation-threatened teams like Everton.</p><p><strong>If at first you don't succeed ...</strong></p><p>Daniel Munoz showed the power of persistence Saturday. The Colombian missed two glorious chances in the first half against Newcastle, one an open-net sitter with his left foot on the counterattack, the other a close-range tap-in denied on the goal line by a diving Dan Burn. But the Crystal Palace wing-back wasn't deterred. He kept taking opportunities to creep in at the back post, and it paid dividends when he finally scored his first Premier League goal, a 94th-minute equalizer that got Palace out of the drop zone. "He scored the most difficult chance," manager Oliver Glasner said after the 1-1 draw, according to <a href="https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/crystal-palace-boss-oliver-glasner-195125686.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jbXNhZG1pbi50aGVzY29yZS5jb20v&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABoxZvG_2o67V9IR1MhEd9CKldpDF316JC0rT94Lm_MqyV9kq_m0etTz0jVIwSVEayoqsAIuqfYMR89llBFm-Bl2P3f0sbjt6M_VGgWyQSc5VcF7ut1LF3VGdKk_BDdMUuXMayBa4bj0KTxuHEe3Nu0adoww-2pKtFhgy3bJB6rC">Yahoo Sports' Bobby Manzi</a>. "This shows his character, the character of the team, and the character of all of us."</p><p><strong>Kluivert holds his nerve</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/cropped_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187589859.jpg?ts=1732985902 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth / AFC Bournemouth / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Penalties often get dismissed when looking at a player's body of work. They're the easiest chances in the game to convert - you really <em>shouldn't</em> be squandering a free attempt from 12 yards out. And yet, so many do. Justin Kluivert had no such trouble Saturday, though, becoming the first player in the Premier League era to convert three spot-kicks in the same game. That hasn't happened in England's top flight since 1957. This was a showcase of mental fortitude from the Bournemouth forward as much as anything. Mind games are a key part of penalties, which is why many teams use different takers if they get multiple opportunities from the spot within a match. But Kluivert didn't get in his own head trying to outwit Wolves' Jose Sa - and made history.</p><p><strong>Brentford love home cooking</strong></p><p>The Gtech Community Stadium is a fortress. Brentford have been the best home team in the league so far this season, racking up more points on their own turf than any club. Thomas Frank's men are pouring it on against everyone who visits west London. They're unbeaten in seven home matches, winning six of those games. The Bees' 4-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday, powered by a hat-trick from Kevin Schade, gave them 16 goals in their last four home games in the Premier League (all wins). The tests get tougher in the new year - Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool make the trip in January. But Brentford's explosive attack, backed by boisterous support, can cause problems for anyone.</p><p><strong>RvN has huge task on his hands</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/cropped_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758105/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186992089.jpg?ts=1732988090 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steven Paston - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>One person in attendance at the Gtech on Saturday who likely didn't enjoy what he saw was Ruud van Nistelrooy. Watching from the stands just one day after being named Leicester manager, the Dutchman looked on as his new team fell apart after scoring the opening goal. Jamie Vardy, now 37, continues to provide production up front, and Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, is making the leap, but there's little else to be excited about right now. The defense, which hasn't kept a clean sheet since Oct. 5, is slow and susceptible, while a lack of playmakers in central midfield puts all the burden on the aforementioned attack-minded players. There's plenty for the former Manchester United interim boss to fix.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)</strong></p><p>The Premier League record for assists in a single season is jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, who each recorded 20 helpers in 2002-03 and 2019-20, respectively. That mark is in serious jeopardy of being eclipsed.</p><p>Saka is already up to 10 assists in the league this season after another terrific display in Arsenal's 5-2 dismissal of a woeful West Ham United side. He's played just 12 matches. Saka set up two goals against the Hammers, won his team a penalty with crafty footwork inside the area, and converted another spot-kick that he himself helped earn.</p><p>Some may scoff and claim the English winger inflates his numbers because he takes set pieces, an area where Arsenal are more lethal than any team in the league; indeed, one of his assists Saturday was a corner kick that Gabriel Magalhaes headed home. But that would be doing him a disservice. One of the reasons Arsenal have scored 20 goals from the corners since the start of last season - more than any team - is <em>because</em> of Saka's wicked swinging delivery, which causes instant havoc. With Martin Odegaard back and looking to feed Saka at every chance, Arsenal are humming again after a recent blip.</p><p>If Saka does eclipse the assist record shared by Henry and De Bruyne, he'll be hoping for a slightly different outcome to Arsenal's season; neither Henry nor De Bruyne won the Premier League title in their record-setting campaigns.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=789571:S%C3%A1nchez,859282:Munoz,188058:Burn,1458711:Murillo,1070052:Amad,956683:Gravenberch,1137705:Fern%C3%A1ndez,873289:Cucurella,961995:Saka,1083796:Schade,794253:Kluivert&amp;formation=3-4-3&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2013 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Highlight of the weekend 🎥</h3><p>Justin Kluivert's historic hat-trick of penalties hogged all the headlines, but teammate Milos Kerkez scored the goal of the weekend with a left-footed rocket off a sweeping team move.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A brilliant team move ✅<br>A rocket of a finish ✅<br>First ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afcb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afcb</a> goal ✅<br><br>This goal has a bit of everything ️‍🔥 <a href="https://t.co/lujRmEBdB1">pic.twitter.com/lujRmEBdB1</a></p>— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) <a href="https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1863161870435373352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Arsenal have given traveling fans plenty to cheer about in 2024.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 - Arsenal have scored 5+ goals in five away games in all competitions in 2024, a joint-record by an English top-flight team in a single calendar year, along with Sunderland in 1892 and Manchester City in 1937. Relentless. <a href="https://t.co/1uWL5qexUr">pic.twitter.com/1uWL5qexUr</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1862941743437508999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>Pep Guardiola channeled his inner Jose Mourinho with the pettiest of replies to chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" during Manchester City's loss to Liverpool. "All of the stadiums want to sack me, starting with Brighton," he <a href="https://x.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1863309433264046553">said</a>. "Maybe they're right. Maybe I must be sacked for the result that we have, but I didn't expect (that) at Anfield. ... I didn't expect (it) from the people from Liverpool. But it's fine."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liverpool fans chant "you're getting sacked in the morning" to Pep Guardiola 🎶<br><br>Pep responds with six fingers, one for each Premier League title 😏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/T4UUmuaNax">pic.twitter.com/T4UUmuaNax</a></p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1863279288159522891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+18</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>+0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>Leicester</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-10</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-11</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>-15</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> added fuel to speculation over his Liverpool future following Sunday's win over Manchester City.</p><p>After scoring and setting up a goal to help the Reds win 2-0, Salah, whose contract expires next summer, said he was savoring the moment because it could be his last game against Manchester City at Anfield as a Liverpool player.</p><p>"Honestly it's in my head. Until now this is the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I was just going to enjoy it," he said to Sky Sports after the game, according to<a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/42719216/mohamed-salah-liverpool-win-v-man-city-my-last-anfield"> ESPN's Beth Lindop</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The atmosphere was incredible so I will enjoy every second here. Hopefully we just win the league and will see what will happen."</p><p>Salah previously spoke about his contract situation in late November when he revealed to reporters after Liverpool's win over Southampton that he hasn't received an offer to extend his stay.</p><p>Letting Salah leave for free would come as a surprise considering that Salah's at the center of Liverpool's renaissance this season.</p><p>The 32-year-old has 11 goals and seven assists in 13 Premier League games and has helped the Reds build a nine-point lead. His brace against City extended his streak to six league games with at least a goal.</p><p>The Egypt international, who arrived at Liverpool in 2017, will be able to speak with teams outside of England about a free transfer next summer when the January transfer window opens.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 01: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrating after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England.

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<p>John Herdman stepped down from his role as Toronto FC head coach, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday.</p><p>"I have made the difficult decision that it's the right time for me to step away from the club as the organization defines its vision for the future," Herdman said in a <a href="https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-announces-resignation-of-head-coach-john-herdman">statement</a>.</p><p>"It has been an honor to wear the Toronto FC crest and contribute to the growth of the club."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>TFC missed the playoffs last season after finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>Herdman joined Toronto FC in August 2023 after successful stints as the head coach of the Canadian women's and men's national teams. But he didn't enjoy the same success at the club level, as TFC failed to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.</p><p>"I wish the organization success going forward, and I look forward to the next chapter in my career," he added.</p><p>MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said the search for Herdman's replacement will start immediately.</p><p>Last summer, Herdman was linked to the drone scandal that rocked the Canadian women's team at the Paris Olympics. The 49-year-old, who coached the women's team from 2011-18, was unavailable to meet with a private investigator for questioning about the illegal use of drones by national team staff.</p><p>The incident, in which Canadian coaching staff members were caught spying on the New Zealand women's team's practice with drones, eventually led to the dismissal of Herdman's successor, Bev Priestman, earlier in November. Canada was docked six points during the women's Olympics soccer tournament but managed to progress out of the group stage before losing in the quarterfinals.</p><p>Herdman also enjoyed a successful spell as head coach of the Canadian men's team, helping the country qualify for the World Cup in 2022 for the first time since 1986.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 02: Toronto FC Head coach John Herdman reacts after losing the MLS soccer regular season game between the New York Red Bulls and the Toronto FC on October 2, 2024, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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<p>Canada's men's national team soared to new heights to end the year, jumping up four places to No. 31 in the latest edition of the FIFA rankings released Thursday.</p><p>It's the highest that Canada has ever been ranked, beating the country's previous record in early 2022 when it was No. 33.</p><p>Head coach Jesse Marsch's squad is coming off back-to-back victories over Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amazing what we have accomplished with great character, total unity, and positive support!! Feel so lucky to be the coach of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canmnt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#canmnt</a>. We have big goals for the future! 🇨🇦🇨🇦 #31 ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAcom</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/4vnHcIE3jz">pic.twitter.com/4vnHcIE3jz</a></p>— Jesse Marsch (@jessemarsch) <a href="https://twitter.com/jessemarsch/status/1862210487334969787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Canada was ranked as low as 50 in 2024 after starting the year 48th. But a series of positive results helped the country steadily ascend the rankings to end the year in uncharted territory.</p><p>Canada was ranked No. 122 in October 2014, the country's lowest-ever spot in FIFA's rankings.</p><p>Meanwhile, 2022 World Cup winner Argentina is ranked No. 1 ahead of France, Spain, England, and Brazil.</p><p> </p>

J. Shaffelburg #14 celebrates his goal with Ahmed #23 during the CONCACAF Nations League Quarter Final match between Team Canada and Suriname at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on November 19, 2024.

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CanMNT climbs to highest spot in newest FIFA ranking, Argentina No. 1

Manager Pep Guardiola cleared the air over his future Thursday by signing a new two-year contract...

<p>Manager Pep Guardiola cleared the air over his future Thursday by signing a new two-year contract extension with Manchester City, the club announced.</p><p>"Manchester City means so much to me," he <a href="https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/pep-guardiola-new-contract-manchester-city-63867814">said</a>.</p><p>"This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons."</p><p>Guardiola will have spent more than a decade in charge of the English club when his new deal expires in 2027.</p><p>His current contract was set to expire after the end of the season in June 2025.</p><p>"I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much," Guardiola added.</p><p>"Hopefully, now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus."</p><p>Guardiola is already the most successful coach in Manchester City's history. He's won 18 trophies since his arrival in 2016, including the continental treble in 2023 when City won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Legend. <a href="https://t.co/gyiEZ9V3jJ">pic.twitter.com/gyiEZ9V3jJ</a></p>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1859695647022252277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>His Manchester City teams were also the first to win the Premier League four times in a row.</p><p>Manchester City were understood to be worried about the possibility of Guardiola leaving this summer, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42466271/manchester-city-future-pep-guardiola-hugo-viana-txiki-squad-transfers-analysis-premier-league">ESPN's Rob Dawson</a>.</p><p>But Guardiola's fresh contract should eliminate any distractions over his future as slumping City try to get back on track and win a record-extending fifth straight Premier League.</p><p>Manchester City are on a four-game losing streak - the longest of Guardiola's coaching career - and sit five points behind leaders Liverpool in second place.</p><p> </p>

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates winning goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Manchester City FC at Molineux on October 20, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England.

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The fourth installment of UEFA's Nations League is over after Tuesday's slate of matches. Here's ...

<p><em>The fourth installment of UEFA's Nations League is over after Tuesday's slate of matches. Here's a look at how promotion, relegation, and the eight spots in the Nations League quarterfinals were determined across the various tiers.</em></p><h3>League A</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/cropped_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185212093.jpg?ts=1732035276 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Qualified for the quarterfinals</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group A1:</strong> Portugal, Croatia</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A2:</strong> France, Italy</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A3:</strong> Germany, Netherlands</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A4:</strong> Spain, Denmark</li>
</ul><p>Euro 2024 winner Spain, the teams it beat in the quarterfinals and semifinals of that tournament - Germany and France - and Portugal are seeded as group winners in Friday's quarterfinal draw. Germany, the top scorer of the league phase with 18 goals, is the only team in that quartet yet to win the Nations League.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Second-place teams Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark can't be pitted against an opponent they faced in the opening phase during the Nations League quarterfinals, which will take place in March. The semifinals and final will be played in June.</p><p><strong>Relegated to League B</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group A1:</strong> Poland</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A2:</strong> Israel</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A3:</strong> Bosnia and Herzegovina</li>
<li>
<strong>Group A4:</strong> Switzerland</li>
</ul><p>Group A1 boasted the most dramatic finale when Scotland avoided automatic relegation and dropped its opponent Poland into League B with Andy Robertson's 92nd-minute winner Monday. Belgium - along with Scotland, Hungary, and Serbia - will compete in the League A/B playoffs after Domenico Tedesco's side finished above bottom-place Israel thanks to its superior head-to-head record.</p><h3>League B</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/cropped_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185631357.jpg?ts=1732054316 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Catherine Ivill - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Promoted to League A</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group B1: </strong>Czechia</li>
<li>
<strong>Group B2: </strong>England</li>
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<strong>Group B3: </strong>Norway</li>
<li>
<strong>Group B4: </strong>Wales</li>
</ul><p>The uncertainty over England's next coach barely impacted the Three Lions on their way to sealing automatic promotion under interim boss Lee Carsley. England will be joined by Norway, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleagueb/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/natleagueb/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a>'s seven goals helped the country secure a place in League A for the first time.</p><p>Czechia beat Georgia 2-1 and Wales thrashed Iceland 4-1 to confirm automatic promotion on the final day, leaving runners-up Ukraine, Greece, Austria, and Turkey to compete in the A/B playoffs in March.</p><p><strong>Relegated to League C</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group B1: </strong>Albania</li>
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<strong>Group B2: </strong>Finland</li>
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<strong>Group B3: </strong>Kazakhstan</li>
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<strong>Group B4: </strong>Montenegro</li>
</ul><p>Finland and Montenegro regressed big time this season, suffering relegation after amassing just three combined points. League B also proved too overwhelming for a Kazakhstan side that lost all of its games by a combined score of 15-0. The most compelling finish was in group B1, with Albania falling on the last day to lose its place in League B.</p><h3>League C</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/cropped_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185014374.jpg?ts=1732054379 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Promoted to League B</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group C1: </strong>Sweden</li>
<li>
<strong>Group C2: </strong>Romania</li>
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<strong>Group C3: </strong>Northern Ireland</li>
<li>
<strong>Group C4: </strong>North Macedonia</li>
</ul><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguec/players/101459" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguec/players/101459">Viktor Gyokeres</a>' domestic domination carried over to the international stage, where he added nine goals - including the four he scored in Tuesday's 6-0 win over Azerbaijan - to help Sweden get promoted back to League B. Northern Ireland also booked a return to the second tier alongside a North Macedonia side that's never been higher than League C.</p><p>Romania won promotion after being awarded three points retroactively after its last Nations League match was abandoned because Kosovo players walked off the pitch before full-time.</p><p><strong>Relegated to League D</strong></p><p>Lithuania bowed out of League C after losing all six games, while Azerbaijan also failed to maintain its place in the third tier. Luxembourg and Latvia will play for League C survival in the C/D playoffs with League D's Malta and Gibraltar.</p><h3>League D</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/cropped_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756223/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169763631.jpg?ts=1732035471 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Promoted to League C</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>Group D1:</strong> San Marino</li>
<li>
<strong>Group D2:</strong> Moldova</li>
</ul><p>In the most surprising story of this Nations League campaign, San Marino - a fixture at the bottom of the FIFA men's rankings - earned promotion after registering its first and second competitive wins in national team history against Liechtenstein. Moldova will join the microstate in League C after finishing above Malta and Andorra in Group D2.</p>

LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 05: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Croatia at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on September 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Head coach Bev Priestman and assistant coach Jasmine Mander "directed, approved, and condoned" th...

<p>Head coach Bev Priestman and assistant coach Jasmine Mander "directed, approved, and condoned" the use of drones to illegally film New Zealand's team practices ahead of the Canadian women's national team's opening game at the Paris Olympics, according to a summary of an independent investigation <a href="https://canada-soccer-pressroom.prezly.com/canada-soccer-releases-findings-of-independent-investigation-organizational-change-continues">released</a> by Canada Soccer on Tuesday.</p><p>Canada Soccer adds Priestman and Mander "will not be returning" after they serve one-year suspensions that were issued by FIFA last summer.</p><p>"The search for a new head coach for the women's national team will commence shortly," the statement reads.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The investigation also found that players didn't view drone footage.</p><p>Assistant coach Joey Lombardi was caught by French authorities in July after he attempted to fly a drone over New Zealand's practice on two occasions. Lombardi didn't cooperate with the investigation conducted by Toronto lawyer Sonia Regenbogen, and it's understood that he resigned from his role, according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/canada-soccer-coaches-organized-spying-with-drones-investigation-concludes-1.2203840">TSN's Rick Westhead</a></p><p>Canada Soccer apologized for the incident at the time and Priestman said she wouldn't be on the sidelines for the New Zealand game, which Canada won 2-1. Priestman and the other coaches were sent home from Paris.</p><p>FIFA later banned the three for one year and docked Canada six points. Canada still made it out of the group stage, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals.</p><p>"The drone issue at the Paris Olympics was a disappointing revelation," Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue said.</p><p>"The findings of the independent investigator reveal that the incident itself was a symptom of a difficult and unacceptable past culture within the national teams.</p><p>"Quite simply, while players on the national teams performed admirably, cultural standards and management of the programs dating back several years fell short of expectations."</p><p>Canada Soccer added that it's "in the process of taking disciplinary steps" against individuals and that those actions "will be private."</p><p>Former Canada women's coach John Herdman, who's now in charge of Toronto FC, was unable to be interviewed during the investigation due to "scheduling issues."</p><p>However, potential violations of Canada Soccer's code of conduct and ethics involving Herdman were uncovered during the probe.</p><p>"It's something that Sonia and John's representatives worked on, and I don't really have visibility into the specific situations as to why," Blue told TSN. "There was evidence gathered from witness statements and documentary review, as far as I understand, in the absence of a direct interview."</p><p>Herdman denied last summer ever spying on opponents when he was in charge of the Canadian women's team from 2011 to 2018.</p><p>The report says there's no evidence of drones being used during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Priestman's Canada team won its first gold medal in the women's soccer tournament.</p><p>Another finding is that the investigation could not substantiate allegations of drone use by the Canada's men's team at this year's Copa America. The executive summary states that a drone suspected of filming a training session at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex did not contain any actual footage. The men's team claimed a staff member was operating the drone above an empty pitch "for the purposes of a motivational and promotional video."</p><p>Men's coach Jesse Marsch seemed to express sympathy for Priestman in a text he sent to her while the drone scandal was erupting in Paris. "We went through it as well," he wrote, referring to the alleged incident involving the men's team in Orlando.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Canada women's national team head coach Beverly Priestman looks off prior to their game against Costa Rica during the 2024 Concacaf Women's Gold Cup at Shell Energy Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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