Dribble Diaries

Real Madrid put their Clásico defeat behind them by reaching the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo in extra time. Carlo Ancelotti fielded a new-look lineup following the loss to Barcelona, but the same big names scored the first goals. After more than 30 minutes of play, Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock by grabbing the ball in his own half, racing down the left wing, and finishing into the far side of the net. Celta Vigo would be disappointed, however, because they had clear penalty claims minutes before the goal. Andriy Lunin raced off his line and defeated Williot Swedber, but nothing was given. Madrid doubled their lead right after the break. Mbappé passed the ball to Brahim Diaz, who found a racing Vinicius Junior who split two visiting defenders to make it 2-0. With only two shots on target, it appeared that the hosts would easily advance to the next round. Lunin had to be quick on his feet to deal with chances from Fran Beltrán and Hugo Sotelo, but ...

Martin Zubimendi, a Real Sociedad midfielder, has become the apple of many eyes in recent years, having moved from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, and now Arsenal again. According to recent reports, Arsenal is in advanced talks with Zubimendi, but they should not get ahead of themselves. Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause, which Arsenal is willing to pay, and while they may be in talks with Zubimendi's agents, Noticias de Gipuzkoa confirm that he will not make a decision on his future until summer. It would not be the first time a Premier League club had high hopes for a deal only to see Zubimendi back out, as Liverpool experienced last summer. Real Madrid have reportedly identified Zubimendi, alongside Rodri Hernandez, as their top target for the midfield position next summer, feeling that they have lacked control this season without Toni Kroos. If Los Balncos are to make a move, it seems likely, following the pattern of their business, they too will atte...

According to reports in Italy, Milan has reached personal terms with Kyle Walker, who has already requested to leave Manchester City in January. The negotiations have been ongoing for several days, and the full-back appears to prefer San Siro over other options, including the Saudi Pro League. Calciomercato.com now claims that Walker has agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri and is set to sign a contract worth €8 million net until June 2027. The plan is for the England international to terminate his contract with Manchester City through mutual consent, allowing him to join Milan as a free agent. Milan moves closer to Walker. There was a concern about having only one non-EU player slot remaining in the squad, but now that Milan appears to be losing the race for Marcus Rashford to Barcelona or Borussia Dortmund, this is no longer an issue. Walker, who turns 35 in May, is primarily a right-back but may be used more in central defence under new coach Sergio Conceicao. He has 93 senio...

Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport understands that Manchester City and Eintracht Frankfurt have reached an agreement in principle to sign Omar Marmoush (25). Foot Mercato reported last week that the Premier League club, which is struggling both domestically and internationally, was close to signing the Egyptian forward, who has dominated the Bundesliga this season. In 26 appearances in all competitions, he has 20 goals and 14 assists; he is contributing more than one goal per game. Marmoush has already approved a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to Foot Mercato. RMC Sport's Hawkins understands that the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle. The final details of the agreement are being worked out, and he will not play in Eintracht Frankfurt's match against Borussia Dortmund on Friday.

Manchester City are expected to make a formal offer to Juventus for Andrea Cambiaso in the next 48 hours, estimated to be worth around €65 million. According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio and pundit Fabrizio Romano, the negotiations are set to progress, with a written proposal expected over the weekend. Juve appear adamant about not selling the full-back in the middle of the season, preferring to wait until July to make the transfer. However, if the offer approaches the €70-80 million asking price, they may be willing to consider an exit. How Cambiaso Made His Mark at Juventus. Cambiaso turns 25 next month and has 13 senior caps for Italy, scoring two goals. He was a product of Genoa's youth academy and was bought by Juventus for €13.3 million in the summer of 2022. He then went on loan to Bologna before making his mark in Turin. Cambiaso is primarily a left-back, but he can also play on the right and is willing to progress to more advanced wing-back roles...

Alexander Isak is unstoppable right now. The Swedish striker continued his hot streak against Wolves this evening, scoring another goal. Isak's opener at St James' Park means the 25-year-old has now scored in eight consecutive Premier League games for Newcastle, and his form has propelled Eddie Howe's team back into contention for Champions League qualification. His purple patch also means that only two players have ever scored more goals in the Premier League. Isak has outperformed a slew of Premier League players who have scored in seven consecutive games. Some expected names appear, including Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland, Ian Wright, Thierry Henry, and Alan Shearer. Romelu Lukaku, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mark Stein, and Taiwo Awoniyi have all scored in seven consecutive games. Isak's eighth win in a row has elevated him to elite company. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in eight consecutive games during his brilliant debut season at Manchester United in 2001/...

Ange Postecoglou claimed Tottenham were 'nowhere near good enough' after losing 2-1 to Arsenal in the North London derby. Spurs' poor form continued at Arsenal, as Postecoglou's side extended their winless streak to five Premier League games. Spurs took the lead at the Emirates thanks to Heung-min Son's deflected strike, despite the fact that Arsenal dominated the early exchanges. When Arsenal equalized from a set piece, the home side's pressure paid off. Gabriel met Declan Rice's delivery with a header that deflected in off Dominic Solanke for an own goal. Arsenal's winner came four minutes later, when Leandro Trossard scored on the stroke of halftime. The Belgian's low effort fooled Antonin Kinsky into finding the far corner. Postecoglou's side barely threatened to draw level, with Pedro Porro hitting the post late on. Defeat puts more pressure on Postecoglou, as Spurs are closer to the relegation zone than the European places. "Far ...

A pause has a rejuvenating effect, builds anticipation, and allows for a reset. The WSL will have been suspended for 32 days by the time Liverpool host Brighton on Friday to begin the second half of the season, but it has felt much longer. Perhaps men's football continues to be played, with matchday after matchday passing without women's football. Perhaps we'll go into January, widely regarded as the most miserable month, desperate for the joy of the game. Regardless, the excitement level is high. How will the new players perform? Who is signing whom? What effect will players' departures have? What tactical and technological changes will have been implemented? Chelsea's unbeaten record suggests they will continue to dominate. Their six-point lead is not insurmountable, but in a 12-team league, it is a bit more difficult to overcome. Injuries could derail them, but with a roster stacked with elite talent, that seems unlikely. In addition to potentially strengthenin...

Everton have signed Chelsea forward Louna Ribadeira on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. This morning, The Blue Girls issued an official club press release informing WSL Full-Time of the news. The 20-year-old French international forward joined Chelsea from Paris FC last summer, but was immediately loaned back to her former club to further her development. Ribadeira made only two appearances for Paris FC due to injury, but she scored once. Ribadeira returned to Chelsea earlier this month, and head coach Sonia Bompastor expressed a desire for the player to join a Barclays Women's Super League club on loan in the second half of the season. It has now been revealed that the youngster will get her first taste of English football at Everton. After joining Everton on loan, Ribadeira stated, "I'm very happy to be here because Everton is one of the best clubs in the WSL, so I'm very happy and looking forward to getting started." "It's good to gain exp...

More Copa del Rey action resumed on Wednesday with two LaLiga titans in action. Here is what went down. Barcelona crushes Real Betis. Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a 5-1 win over Real Betis. Gavi broke the deadlock after receiving a pass from Dani Olmo in the box, and his close control abilities allowed him to drive a low roller home. Another teenager was later flaunting his stuff in Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old set up the second goal for Jules Kounde with a ball over the top, making it 2-0. VAR was in action as Barcelona sought a third goal. An emphatic Kounde strike that hit the crossbar was ruled out for offside, and a Yamal goal was called off for the same reason. But an in-form Raphinha ensured his side scored three goals on the night, volleying home from inside the box for his 30th goal of the season. Substitute Ferran Torres later joined in with his own volley from the bench, shushing the haters in celebration. Yamal later added his own goal to ...

The Nottingham Forest defender is getting glowing reviews. Liverpool is reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. Last year, the Daily Mail mentioned the Reds as one of four clubs monitoring the centre-back's progress at the City Ground after he impressed during his rookie season with Forest. Murillo, who cost £11 million in August 2023, was an outstanding player on Tuesday night as Forest secured a well-deserved point at home to Liverpool, moving them into second place in the league. The Brazilian is apparently in talks about extending the five-year contract he signed 18 months ago, which would result in a significant pay increase, but the Reds are again being connected. Murillo has made no secret of his desire to play for Liverpool in the future. Last year, he told Tribuna, "I had a dream of playing in the Premier League, and I thought, 'I'll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year, and then go to a big club.'" I had that in my head...

Napoli are pursuing a transfer for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho as they look to reconfigure their assault following Kvicha Kvaratskhelia's move to Paris Saint-Germain. Because of the club's extremely limited circumstances with PSR, the Old Trafford hierarchy is open to all offers this January, including those for local products. Ruben Amorim wants to begin overhauling the squad, but he can't do so without sales. Napoli has already begun negotiations on a prospective transfer, and Garnacho is said to be receptive to a move to the Italian club. The player's pace suits manager Antonio Conte's vision for how the team should play. On the other hand, Garnacho's role in Amorim's system is unclear, as the 20-year-old has only been utilized intermittently by the new United manager. The Portuguese have a different perspective on how a wide forward should play. Garnacho was also notoriously dropped, along with Marcus Rashford, from United's 2-1 vic...

Carla Ward, who previously managed Sheffield United, Birmingham City, and Aston Villa, has been named the Republic of Ireland's head coach. She will oversee the team until the end of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, starting with a UEFA Nations League game against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium next month. Ward told fai.com, "I'm very excited to get started with the Ireland Women's National Team." This is an incredible opportunity, not only with the National Team, but also to contribute to the excellent work being done to grow women's and girls' football. "Over the next two and a half years, as we build towards the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I'm looking forward to getting started." FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham stated, "We are delighted to name a Head Coach of Carla's calibre. To be able to secure such a high-quality coach demonstrates our vision for our Women's National Team's future. ...

One of the biggest games in the English football calendar takes place on Wednesday evening. Arsenal visit Tottenham in the north London derby tonight, and the rivalry between these two clubs is going to be intense. Not only are these two sworn foes, but they also consistently produce excellent games season after season. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite moments from the recent past. Lamela's wondergoal We couldn't start this list without, arguably, the best goal not just from this game, but from any Premier League match of the modern era. Nine-goal thriller One of many NLDs in which goals rained down. Rivalries aside. A beautiful moment from the first derby post-EURO 2020 final in which Bukayo Saka missed the game-winning penalty for England against Italy. Old but gold. An unforgettable moment from Paul Gascoigne in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final. An eight goal thriller. Throwing it back to 2008 with a 4-4 draw that featured goals from Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin Van...

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami might make a spectacular return loan to his old team, Barcelona, in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup. A final celebration at the club that gave him so much would undoubtedly appeal as the Argentinean will celebrate his 39th birthday during a tournament that may signal his retirement from the game. According to El Nacional, Messi is expected to sign a new contract with Inter soon. MLS regulations allow players to be loaned to other teams during the off-season, which runs from November to March. Lionel Messi might be given another opportunity to play for Barcelona. Messi must obviously be in top physical shape for the World Cup, so returning to Barcelona makes sense on all counts. Messi will most likely face the most criticism in the future season because he was unable to lead his team to an MLS Cup victory, which led to Tata Martino being removed of his responsibilities. It's also important to remember that Inter Miami will compete in the Club World...

After losing Gabriel Jesus to a permanent injury, Arsenal may try to recruit Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres during the current January transfer window, according to French publication L'equipe. After suffering a probable anterior cruciate ligament injury last weekend, the Brazilian may miss the remainder of the 2024–25 season. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is looking for a replacement because Bukayo Saka is also sidelined until further notice. Despite his €100 million release clause, Gyokeres has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, and the North Londoners may contemplate a bid for him. After paying a comparable sum on England international midfielder Declan Rice, the Gunners are no longer hesitant to pay this much for a striker. Arsenal could use a striker like the 26-year-old Swedish international, who has already scored 32 goals in 30 games this season across all competitions. Gyokeres has what it takes to lead the Gunners to the next level, and while acquiring Alex...

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are allegedly in negotiations to extend the Ballon d'Or winner's contract with the team. Ronaldo may soon sign a new contract in the Kingdom, according to sources from the Saudi Arabian publication Al Khabar that have been verified by Sky Sports and reporter Ben Jacobs. The 39-year-old, who is now among the highest-paid athletes in the world, is being offered a pay increase of more than £3 million each week in addition to a number of bonuses based on performance. With the agreement, Ronaldo would continue to play until 2026, with the seasoned forward hoping to represent Portugal in the World Cup in North and Central America. Ronaldo has scored one goal every game for the Riyadh team during his 18 months in Saudi Arabia.

Following Real Madrid's devastating 2–5 loss to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, Carlo Ancelotti has been the target of a lot of criticism. The Real Madrid manager's choice to start Aurelien Tchouameni at center back instead of Raul Asencio is one of the main criticisms leveled at him. The Frenchman has had some success at center back, but Sunday's match ended badly as the Barça onslaught completely destroyed the player. Raul Asencio will become more well-known. Raul Asencio is expected to play a larger role in the starting lineup in the upcoming games, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, despite the mounting worries about Real Madrid's defensive shortcomings. Every time manager Ancelotti has given the 21-year-old La Fabrica graduate a chance, he has performed admirably. However, club sources maintain that it was always going to be tough for him to start against Barcelona last Saturday because Los Blancos had maintained a clean sheet against RC...

Como is competing fiercely against the competition in Serie A this season despite missing out on the top division of Italian football for 21 years. Although Cesc Fàbregas' Lariani team is currently playing mighty Milan and losing 2-1 at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, home crowds briefly believed that Assane Diao could have led to a spectacular outcome. The 19-year-old Spanish U21 international made club history by winning the first goal for the home team, sending supporters into a frenzy. Following Roberto Galia's strike against Bologna in 1981, Diao's goal made him the youngest foreign player to ever score a Serie A goal for the team and the youngest to do so in the previous forty-odd years. This one seems to have a promising future.

We conclude the first half of the season with an English week in the Bundesliga. While Bayer Leverkusen defeated Mainz, Eintracht Frankfurt overcame Freiburg, and Wolfsburg easily defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund fell to Holstein Kiel in the early kickoff. Borussia Dortmund should start spending more money: Which names come to mind when we consider the Dortmund team and the guys you could see playing for a victorious team: Karim Adeyemi (on his day), Jamie Gittens, Nico Schlotterbeck, Serhou Guirassy, and Gregor Kobel? That should be plenty to tell you. Unless Dortmund, like Leverkusen, makes wise moves in the transfer market and invest in their squad's lack of winners (a mentality issue), their full-back's lack of quality (a long-term issue), additional center-backs, and dependable creative players, they are not good enough to contend for a Bundesliga title in the near future. These should all be long-term solutions, not six months into the new season when...

After surviving to defeat giants Borussia Dortmund 4–2, German minnows Holstein Kiel secured the greatest outcome in the club's history tonight. Even if the Bundesliga rookies are fighting for their lives, a memorable matchup with one of the greatest teams in the world will have supporters cheering all night long after Kiel's incredible three-point haul was aided by a first-half onslaught. By halftime, Kiel led 3-0 thanks to goals from Shuto Machino, Phil Harres, and Alexander Bernhardsson, leaving Dortmund in disbelief. Later in the second half, goals from Jamie Gittens and Gio Reyna were separated by just six minutes, but Nuri Şahin's Die Schwarzgelben finally fought back to get within one goal. Just minutes before the end of regular time, Lewis Holtby was sent off for a straight red, giving Dortmund a last-ditch chance to salvage a point when they had done little else to earn it. However, Gregor Kobel was caught out, and Jann-Fiete Arp would secure the victory from ...

Even before a ball was kicked in Sunday's 2025 Spanish Super Cup final, the stage was set for another incredible Clásico in Saudi Arabia. An remarkable benchmark was set with a spectacular pre-match show that included pyrotechnics, coordinated lights, and a drone projection that projected the Real Madrid and Barcelona emblems into the night sky over King Abdullah Sports City. The noise inside the crowded stadium in Jeddah, which holds 60,000 people, was deafening and piercing, and the throng had already reached fever pitch. A decent game of football was all that was required, and boy, did it provide. Since taking on the role of Super Cup host in 2020, Saudi Arabia has made it a welcome habit to host spectacular Clásicos, but even by the Kingdom's prior excellent standards, this was something else. However, Madrid took the lead with a quick counterattack that culminated in Kylian Mbappé's signature finish. In fewer than ten seconds, the French attacker opened the score off...

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that he is "very worried" for Gabriel Jesus, an Arsenal striker who had an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Following a consultation with a doctor, Jesus' ACL injury was verified after he was removed on a stretcher during Arsenal's FA Cup loss to Manchester United on Sunday. In the most recent setback to the Gunners this season, the 27-year-old will miss a lengthy amount of time due to a major knee injury ahead of Wednesday's north London derby. Although no date has been given, it seems likely that Jesus will miss the rest of the campaign to exacerbate Arteta's problems. While skipper Martin Odegaard missed many months earlier this season due to an ankle injury, Bukayo Saka is currently out with a hamstring issue. "Further to being substituted with an injury during our match against Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans, and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has ...

Fans rightly gave him plenty of grace over the past two seasons when competing against Manchester City, one of the best teams in history—not to mention financially doped to the gills—and failure to convert promise into titles was overlooked. But the expectation was that when PSR, luck, and old age finally caught up with City, as they appear to have done this season, Arsenal would be poised to dominate the league for the next few years. During the previous two seasons, he faced one of the greatest teams in history, Manchester City, and was rightfully given a lot of leeway by the fans. However, his inability to turn promise into titles was disregarded. However, it was anticipated that Arsenal would be in a position to rule the league for the ensuing years when PSR, good fortune, and aging eventually caught up to City, as they seem to have done this season. Rather, the quality of the Gunners has declined. Last summer's transfer window must rank among the worst since the terrible 2015 ...