Cup competitions lit up the midweek while title races tilted again over a dramatic weekend, and now football hits its Christmas split: most leagues pause for a fortnight, but the Premier League only intensifies, with its festive fixtures so often shaping the rhythm and destiny of future champions.
Midweek Football
PSG complete the historic sextuple after beating Flamengo in a close penalty shootout
Paris Saint-Germain clinched the FIFA Intercontinental Cup with a dramatic 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Flamengo in Qatar on Wednesday night, capping an extraordinary year of silverware collection. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 38th-minute opener from a Rossi mistake gave PSG the edge, but Jorginho’s 62nd-minute penalty conversion after Marquinhos fouled De Arrascaeta equalized the contest dramatically. Backup goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero with an exceptional four consecutive penalty saves as PSG secured their sixth major trophy of 2025 alongside the UCL, Ligue 1, and French Cup.
Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester City head to the Carabao Cup semi-finals in a high-stakes draw
The Carabao Cup semi-final draw pitted holders Newcastle United against Manchester City in an all-English clash, with Newcastle hosting the first leg at St James’ Park before traveling to the Etihad Stadium for the decisive encounter. Both clubs defeated their quarter-final opponents convincingly, with Newcastle edging Fulham 2-1 and Manchester City demolishing Brentford 2-0 to secure their spots in the last four. Chelsea will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace in the other semi-final, with their quarter-final opponents determined by Arsenal’s delayed Emirates meeting against Palace scheduled for December 23, with Chelsea hosting the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Bologna stuns Inter in a penalty shootout while Napoli comfortably cruises past AC Milan to fight for the Super Cup
Bologna completed a remarkable upset over defending champions Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, emerging 4-3 winners after extra time and penalties. Marcus Thuram’s rapid opening goal gave Inter a dream start, but Riccardo Orsolini’s half-time penalty equalized the contest, with the match remaining deadlocked through extra time. Bologna’s clinical penalty shootout execution, with Ciro Immobile’s decisive conversion, sent the Emilia-Romagna side through despite Inter converting through Lautaro Martínez and Stefan de Vrij.
Napoli secured a commanding passage to the Supercoppa Italiana final with a comprehensive victory over AC Milan, booking their place against Bologna for the December 22 showdown in Saudi Arabia. The Southern Italian side’s superior tactical discipline and finishing prowess overwhelmed Milan’s defensive setup, securing the convincing victory to set up a final clash with surprising semi-final victors Bologna for Italian football’s domestic super cup.
Madrid survives late scare against third-tier minnows in Copa del Rey
Real Madrid escaped potential embarrassment with a narrow 3-2 victory over third-tier CF Talavera at the modest Estadio El Prado, demonstrating their quality despite fielding a heavily rotated squad ravaged by injuries. Talavera’s energetic performance pushed Madrid to the brink, scoring twice against the Copa del Rey holders and forcing extra time drama before Madrid’s superior class ultimately prevailed. The victory secured Madrid’s passage to the Round of 16, though their continued defensive frailties against modest opposition raised concerns ahead of their title push resuming after the festive break.
Christensen and Rashford seal late Copa del Rey victory for defending champions against third-tier resistance
Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over third-division CD Guadalajara at the Pedro Escartín Stadium after a 30-minute kickoff delay due to temporary grandstand access issues in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. The Blaugrana dominated possession with over 80% control but struggled to penetrate Guadalajara’s well-organized five-man defensive setup throughout the encounter. Andreas Christensen’s 76th-minute header from Frenkie de Jong’s precise cross, deflecting off Julio Martínez past the goalkeeper, broke the deadlock after extensive Barça pressure. Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a clinical 90th-minute finish following Lamine Yamal’s incisive through-ball, sending Barcelona into the Round of 16 despite the spirited resistance from the Spanish minnows.
Premier League
João Pedro nets late leveller as Blues storm back from two goals down against Magpies
Chelsea staged a dramatic second-half comeback from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, denying Newcastle all three points. Nick Woltemade’s double within 20 minutes gave the Magpies complete control, but Chelsea’s pace and precision in attack proved decisive. Reece James’ free-kick strike and João Pedro’s 66th-minute equalizer secured a valuable point for the visitors in an entertaining encounter.
Isak and Ekitike strike twice as Liverpool beat nine-man Spurs for third consecutive victory
Liverpool secured their third consecutive league victory with a 2-1 success at Tottenham, dispatching nine-man Spurs despite Richarlison’s first-half opener for the hosts. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike’s second-half strikes proved decisive as Liverpool climbed the table with an impressive run of form. Tottenham’s numerical disadvantage proved decisive, allowing Slot’s resurgent side to maintain momentum in their title push.
Gyökeres’ penalty keeps Arsenal atop table as Gunners edge past stubborn Toffees
Arsenal secured top spot at Christmas with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, with Viktor Gyökeres’ first-half penalty from Jake O’Brien’s handball deciding the encounter. The Gunners’ resolute defending and clinical finishing proved enough against a spirited Everton side that created minimal clear-cut chances. Arsenal’s victory moved them two points clear of Manchester City despite the latter’s 3-0 demolition of West Ham earlier in the day.
Haaland’s Double fires City to a brief summit slot before Arsenal’s victory
Manchester City delivered a clinical 3-0 demolition of West Ham at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland’s brace showcasing his lethal form before Arsenal restored their two-point advantage atop the table. City’s dominant performance showcased their superiority against struggling opposition, with the Norwegian striker’s clinical finishing moving him closer to another prolific season. The Blues’ comprehensive victory maintained pressure on Arsenal with Christmas fixtures approaching.
Calvert-Lewin’s brace fires Leeds six points clear of relegation zone
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s clinical brace powered Leeds to a commanding 4-1 victory over a heavily rotated Crystal Palace side at Elland Road. Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach’s free-kick added to Palace’s misery as Leeds exploited their aerial vulnerabilities from multiple long throws. The emphatic victory proved crucial for Leeds’ survival hopes, moving them six points clear of the drop zone with Christmas fixtures approaching.
Morgan Rogers’ Brace Extends Unbeaten Run as Villa Strengthen Title Challenge
Morgan Rogers’ clinical brace powered Aston Villa to their tenth consecutive victory across all competitions, securing a crucial 2-1 win over Manchester United at Villa Park. Emery’s men showcased their tactical discipline and attacking prowess, with Rogers’ two finishes proving decisive despite Diogo Dalot’s second-half goal providing late hope for the visitors. Aston Villa’s impressive form solidifies their credentials as genuine title contenders heading into 2026.
La Liga
Mbappé equals Ronaldo’s 59-Goal record as Madrid secure important victory
Real Madrid secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Sevilla at the Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing record of 59 goals in a calendar year. Xabi Alonso’s side controlled proceedings with clinical finishing and tactical discipline, securing crucial three points before the festive break. The dominant performance showcased Madrid’s quality despite their earlier inconsistencies, with Mbappé’s record-equalling achievement underlining his extraordinary 2025 calendar year. A worrying moment for Los Blancos came when Vinícius Jr. was booed by fans as he was substituted, prompting the Brazilian winger to express his frustration by changing his Instagram profile picture.
Raphinha’s penalty and Yamal’s strike seal Barcelona’s dominant away victory against Yellow Submarine
Barcelona secured a commanding 2-0 victory away at Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday, maintaining their La Liga lead over Real Madrid heading into the festive break. Raphinha’s 12th-minute penalty conversion after referee intervention set Barcelona on their way, with Renato Veiga’s 39th-minute red card for a last-man foul leaving Villarreal severely depleted. Lamine Yamal’s clinical 63rd-minute finish sealed Barcelona’s dominance, with the Blaugrana showcasing their superior quality against a spirited but ultimately outclassed Villarreal side in their final fixture of 2025.
Koke’s stunning strike highlights Atleti’s dominant away display against Girona
Atlético Madrid delivered a clinical 3-0 away victory at Girona, with Koke’s stunning 25-yard strike opening the floodgates in the 13th minute. Conor Gallagher’s clinical finish and Antoine Griezmann’s late consolation showcased Atleti’s superior quality against a toothless Girona side. The comprehensive victory maintained Atleti’s title ambitions heading into the festive period, demonstrating their defensive solidity and clinical attacking prowess away from home.
Serie A
Bianconeri edge tactical battle against in-form Giallorossi in crucial fixture
Juventus claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Roma at the Allianz Stadium, moving level on 29 points with a fourth-place push intensifying in Serie A’s competitive table. The Bianconeri’s defensive organization and clinical finishing proved decisive against a spirited Roma side, with both teams showcasing their credentials as legitimate title challengers. Juventus’ victory represented an important morale boost heading into the Christmas fixture congestion, with their pursuit of European football strengthened considerably.
Fiorentina finally breaks curse with five-goal feast against 10-man Udinese
Fiorentina secured their first Serie A victory of the season with a devastating 5-1 demolition of 10-man Udinese at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, ending a winless run stretching back 16 league matches. Maduka Okoye’s eighth-minute red card for a handball outside the penalty area while denying a clear goalscoring opportunity left Udinese severely depleted. Rolando Mandragora, Albert Guðmundsson, Cher Ndour, and Moise Kean’s four goals alongside substitute goalkeeper Razvan Sava’s hapless own goal sealed a morale-boosting victory.
Bundesliga
Schick’s Double hands Leipzig disappointing loss in Title Push
Bayer Leverkusen inflicted a damaging 3-1 defeat on RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena, with Patrik Schick’s quickfire double after halftime proving decisive in the league phase battle. Xaver Schlager’s 35th-minute opener for Leipzig was swiftly overturned by Martin Terrier’s 40th-minute equalizer before Schick’s two-goal salvo sealed Leverkusen’s comeback. Montrell Culbreath’s late addition consigned Leipzig to defeat despite their spirited first-half performance.
Kane Registers 100th Bundesliga contribution as Bayern end 2025 unbeaten away
Bayern Munich ended 2025 unbeaten on the road with a commanding 4-0 rout of Heidenheim, extending their lead to nine points atop the Bundesliga with a clinical display despite injury absences. Josip Stanišić and Michael Olise’s first-half strikes set the tone before Luis Díaz and Harry Kane’s second-half additions sealed Bayern’s dominance. Kane reached his 100th Bundesliga goal contribution in just 78 appearances, marking another remarkable milestone in his exceptional Bavarian campaign.
Freiburg edge thrilling seven-goal spectacle in Bundesliga upset
SC Freiburg secured a dramatic 4-3 victory away at Wolfsburg in a seven-goal thriller, showcasing their attacking prowess despite defensive vulnerabilities against the hosts. Wolfsburg’s collapse in the closing stages proved costly as Freiburg’s relentless attacking pressure finally broke through defensive resistance. The entertaining encounter highlighted both sides’ attacking capabilities but exposed defensive fragilities that could prove costly in their league campaign.
Indian Football
Mohun Bagan fined and banned from AFC continental competitions for two years
The Asian Football Confederation’s disciplinary committee handed Mohun Bagan a severe punishment with a complete ban from AFC competitions until the 2027-28 season following their refusal to travel to Iran for an ACL Two group-stage match in September. The club faces financial penalties exceeding $100,000, including a $50,000 withdrawal fine, $50,729 compensation to Sepahan and AFC, and loss of all participation fees and financial support. Mohun Bagan cited security concerns and inadequate medical insurance as reasons for non-compliance, though the AFC’s disciplinary committee deemed their actions as a competition withdrawal violation.
Transfer Corner
- Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is attracting strong interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, with a £65 million release clause that remains active until January 10.
- Inter Miami has signed MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St Clair from Minnesota despite being offered more wages by the club.
- Thiago Silva signs for Porto in a free transfer for the second half of the season with an option to extend for another season.
- Chelsea have also made contact with Yildiz’s representatives, who are also mulling over a contract extension at Juventus
- Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with an opportunistic move for Leon Goretzka amid a shaky relationship between Kompany and the German midfielder
- Fulham have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Fiorentina talisman Moise Kean
- Niclas Füllkrug is pushing for a move to AC Milan in January
- PSG boss Luis Enrique has explicitly demanded a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo
- Franco Mastantuono is seriously considering a six-month loan move away from Real Madrid for the second half of the season to secure more minutes
