This week witnessed drama across multiple fronts, from referring drama to new managerial bounce, witnessing shocking results. African Continental tournament ended amid officiating controversies and late penalty drama, meanwhile pressure mounts on English powerhouses with continued disappointing results, which may see the continued sacking in the English League. Let’s explore everything that happened in Football this week.
AFCON
Senegal seize AFCON glory after dramatic extra-time win over Morocco
Senegal claimed their second AFCON title with a gritty 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in a pulsating final in Rabat. The match was defined by controversy. Morocco was awarded a late stoppage-time penalty, prompting a walk-off protest from Senegal before they returned to the pitch on Mane’s request. Brahim Díaz’s Panenka attempt was saved by Edouard Mendy, and four minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal to secure continental glory. Senegal’s resilience and big-game experience ultimately prevailed, while Morocco’s historic dream of AFCON success continues.
Nigeria edge Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze medal
Nigeria secured third place at the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, with Egypt’s patient buildup meeting Nigeria’s athletic defensive block. The match drifted toward a shootout, where Nigeria’s superior composure proved decisive, offering a positive conclusion to their tournament after semi-final disappointment, after both Salah and Marmoush failed to convert from the spot for the Pharaohs.
Premier League
Red Devils stun City with vibrant derby performance under Carrick’s return
Manchester United delivered a statement 2–0 derby win over Manchester City, Michael Carrick’s first Premier League match in charge, ending City’s 13-match unbeaten run and handing his side a timely morale boost. Bryan Mbeumo fired United ahead on 65 minutes before Patrick Dorgu sealed it in the 76th, with United hitting the woodwork twice and having three goals ruled out before breaking through. City had a VAR-checked Dalot challenge that some felt should have been red, but United’s intensity and structure ultimately defined the derby.
Chelsea end drought with gritty 2–0 win as Rosenior marks home debut
Chelsea secured a much-needed 2–0 victory against Brentford to register their first Premier League win in six matches. Joao Pedro opened the scoring with a deflected finish on 26 minutes before Cole Palmer converted a penalty on 76 after Brentford goalkeeper Kelleher fouled Liam Delap. Brentford created several chances and dominated possession but failed to score, while Chelsea’s defensive grit and fan relief at Stamford Bridge highlighted mixed sentiment around the club’s recent struggles.
Anfield woes continue as Burnley frustrate hosts in 1–1 stalemate
Liverpool’s league campaign hit another roadblock as they were held to a 1–1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley at Anfield. Florian Wirtz gave Liverpool the lead just before half-time, only for Marcus Edwards to level midway through the second half. Dominating possession and generating 32 total shots, Liverpool were punished by Burnley’s organised defence and a lack of clinical edge, while a missed Szoboszlai penalty added to their frustration. Pressure mounts on Slot as Anfield crowd boo’d the Dutch amid hesitating performance from the Reds.
Wilson late winner ends West Ham drought and heaps pressure on Spurs
West Ham ended a ten-match Premier League winless run with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Crysencio Summerville struck early for the Hammers before Cristian Romero headed Spurs level. In added time, Callum Wilson reacted quickest from a corner to win it for West Ham, further intensifying pressure on manager Thomas Frank and leaving Spurs’ supporters calling for changes as home frustrations mount.
Forest frustrate Arsenal as North London leaders are held goalless
Arsenal’s title charge hit a minor hiccup as they were held to a 0–0 draw by Nottingham Forest. Despite dominating territory and possession, Arsenal struggled to carve out clear chances against Forest’s disciplined low block and sturdy defensive organisation. Forest disrupted key passing lanes and forced Arsenal into wide deliveries, with the Gunners unable to find a breakthrough — dropping points in a crucial stage of their top-of-the-table tussle.
Everton strike winner to dent Villa’s title hopes at Villa Park
Everton dealt a blow to Aston Villa’s league ambitions with a 1–0 win at Villa Park, ending Villa’s 11‐match home winning run. Thierno Barry capitalised on a defensive error in the 59th minute, pouncing on a spilled save after a Dwight McNeil shot to chip the rebound home. Villa hit the woodwork and created several chances but lacked clinical finishing, while Everton’s organisation and Pickford saves saw them secure a valuable victory.
La Liga
Real Madrid calm Bernabéu unrest with resilient 2–0 victory over Levante
Real Madrid eased pressure in front of uneasy home fans by defeating Levante 2–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé converted a first-half penalty after being fouled inside the box, and Raúl Asencio doubled the lead with a well-timed header. The win offered a response to recent Copa del Rey embarrassment and supporter unrest, even as boos echoed throughout, highlighting tension between results and performance expectations.
Real Sociedad stun Barcelona 2–1 to end leaders’ winning run at Anoeta
Real Sociedad delivered a shock 2–1 home win over Barcelona, halting Barcelona’s 11-match winning streak. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring before a quick response from Marcus Rashford leveled early in the second half. Sociedad reclaimed the lead through Gonçalo Guedes, and despite Carlos Soler’s late red card, they held firm. Barcelona saw multiple goals and a penalty overturned by VAR, making this tight win a major title-race moment.
Serie A
Napoli’s mixed week saw stalemate with Parma, then vital win over Sassuolo
Napoli were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Parma, a result that dented their title hopes and saw a late Scott McTominay effort ruled out by VAR. Days later, they returned to winning ways with a 1–0 home victory over Sassuolo thanks to an early Stanislav Lobotka strike. Despite threats from Sassuolo, goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savic produced key saves, although injuries to Amir Rrahmani and Matteo Politano clouded what was otherwise a morale-boosting result.
Inter maintains title charge with late winner against Lecce
Inter Milan strengthened their grip atop Serie A with a narrow 1–0 victory over Lecce. The decisive moment came from substitute Francesco Pio Esposito, whose 78th-minute rebound finish broke the stalemate after Lecce’s goalkeeper made multiple saves. Inter’s defensive resilience and tactical control allowed them to keep a vital clean sheet, extending their lead over rivals in a congested title battle, keeping pressure on AC Milan and Napoli
AC Milan edges Como and follows up with narrow home win over Lecce
AC Milan showcased their attacking prowess with a 3–1 victory at Como, with Nkunku opening the scoreline for Rosseneri in the dying minutes of the first half before Rabiot put the game to an end with a marvellous brace. Maignan proved crucial between the sticks as he saved multiple threats from a relentless Como attack, including a point-blank strike from youngster Nico Paz. Back at San Siro, Milan then secured a hard-earned 1–0 win over Lecce thanks to a late header from super-sub Niclas Füllkrug, his first goal for the club. Milan dominated chances in both games, but finishing remained a concern as they strive to keep pace with Inter in the title race.
Cagliari stun Juventus with decisive lone strike to shift momentum
Cagliari produced one of the weekend’s biggest shocks by defeating Juventus 1–0, capitalising on a defensive lapse to score through Luca Mazzitelli. Juventus dominated possession and territorial advantage but failed to convert pressure into meaningful opportunities, with only a handful of shots on target. Cagliari’s organised counterplay and resolute defensive work kept Juve at bay, leaving the Bianconeri’s title hopes in doubt and spotlighting tactical frustrations under Luciano Spalletti.
Bundesliga
Bayern storm back from behind to rout Leipzig 5–1 in a classic thrashing
RB Leipzig stunned hosts by taking a 20th-minute lead through Rômulo’s well-taken finish, only for Bayern Munich to unleash a devastating second-half response. Serge Gnabry equalised early after the break before Harry Kane’s 67th-minute strike put Bayern ahead, giving him 21 league goals this season. Late goals from Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlović and Michael Olise completed the rout, as Bayern’s unbeaten title march continued emphatically after trailing at halftime for the first time this campaign. Jamal Musiala also marked his return from injury off the bench.
Dortmund escape late scare as Can’s penalty seals dramatic 3–2 win over St. Pauli
Borussia Dortmund came from a two-goal lead to narrowly beat relegation-threatened St. Pauli 3–2 in a pulsating Bundesliga battle. Julian Brandt broke the deadlock just before halftime with a composed finish off Karim Adeyemi’s assist, and Adeyemi doubled the advantage early in the second half. However, St. Pauli hit back with James Sands’ headed goal and a clinical finish from Ricky-Jade Jones to level. In stoppage time, a VAR-checked penalty after Ricky-Jade Jones fouled Maximilian Beier allowed Emre Can to strike the winner and keep Dortmund’s title hopes alive.
Ligue 1
Wesley Saïd’s second-half strike sends Lens back to Ligue 1 summit
Lens reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Auxerre at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The deadlock broke in the 65th minute when Wesley Saïd chested down Malang Sarr’s cross before rifling a left-footed volley past Donovan Léon. Lens had struggled to unlock a compact Auxerre defence in a cagey first half, with an early penalty appeal turned down, but grew in intensity after the break. Saïd’s eighth league goal proved decisive, extending Lens’ winning streak to ten matches across all competitions and briefly putting them one point clear of PSG at the summit. Auxerre threatened sporadically, with Naouirou Ahamada forcing a near-miss just before halftime, but ultimately lacked cutting edge against a composed Lens side.
Dembélé brace powers PSG to 3–0 win over Lille and keeps the title pursuit intact
Paris Saint-Germain climbed back to the Ligue 1 summit with a commanding 3–0 victory over Lille at the Parc des Princes. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a precise strike from distance and doubled his tally early in the second half with a composed finish, putting PSG in full control. Despite Lille’s early pressure and solid buildup phases, PSG’s intensity grew after the break, and they dominated possession. In stoppage time, Bradley Barcola sealed the win, capitalising on fatigue in the Lille defence to calm Parc celebrations and underline PSG’s title intent.
Toulouse rip apart Nice with relentless attacking display in Ligue 1 rout
Toulouse produced a commanding 5–1 victory over Nice at the Stade Municipal, dominating from the outset. Santiago Hidalgo struck twice (7′, 55′) to set the tone, with Frank Magri adding a first-half goal before Nice pulled one back through Wahi (49′). Toulouse then ran away with the match as Cristian Cásseres Jr (74′) and Julian Vignolo (80′) completed the scoring, maintaining their push toward European qualification and leaving Nice in the relegation zone.
