Tag Archives: competitions

“He always called me ‘negro, negro’” – When former Real Madrid star opened up on his clashes with Lionel Messi at Barcelona

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Former Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe has slammed Barcelona legend Lionel Messi over his remarks and behavior during their encounters on the pitch. Recalling their clashes, Drenthe claimed that Messi repeatedly called him “negro,” a term that deeply bothered the Dutch player.

Drenthe, who faced Messi three times—once each while playing for Real Madrid, Hercules, and the Netherlands—won only with Hercules but lost the other two matches. Despite their frequent matchups, the tone Messi used during these encounters left a lasting negative impression on Drenthe.

In an interview with Dutch magazine *Helden* (h/t GOAL), Drenthe said:
“We played against each other a lot, and we always had problems. You know what really bothers me? That tone with which he always called me ‘negro, negro’. I understand that it is very common in South America, but we cannot stand it. Mahamadou Diarra, my teammate at Real Madrid, would become furious when Gabriel Heinze and Gonzalo Higuain initially called him ‘negro’. But they soon stopped.”

He added, “When I played against Barcelona with Hercules, I had the same problems with Messi again. Before the match, he gave me a hand and said, ‘Hola negro’. He didn’t shake my hand again after the match. I don’t think he’ll invite me to his birthday party.”

Drenthe made 65 senior appearances for Real Madrid over five years after joining the club from Feyenoord in 2007. He retired from professional football in November 2023.

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**Pep Guardiola likens Erling Haaland’s numbers to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi**

Erling Haaland has been in incredible form for Manchester City this season, scoring 17 goals and providing one assist in just 13 games across all competitions. For context, the club’s second-highest scorer in the same period, Jeremy Doku, has only two goals.

Haaland scored a brace in Manchester City’s 3-1 home win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on November 2.

After the match, Pep Guardiola compared Haaland’s impact to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying:
“This is what it’s like if you play with Messi or Ronaldo, his influence is so big. You see the numbers of that guy? Of course, he’s that level. Messi and Ronaldo have done it for 15 years, but this is the level. The first goal, the way he shoots the ball, it’s like, ‘I am going to score’. He has that hunger. It’s top. I said how incredibly coachable and manageable he is.”

Notably, Guardiola coached Lionel Messi for 219 games at Barcelona. During that time, Messi recorded 211 goals and 94 assists, winning numerous trophies, including a treble.

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*Edited by Aditya Singh*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-he-always-called-negro-negro-when-former-real-madrid-star-opened-clashes-lionel-messi-barcelona

Orlando Pride clinch home-field advantage for playoffs after 1-1 draw with Seattle Reign FC

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Pride secured home-field advantage in the quarterfinals of the NWSL Playoffs after playing to a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign FC in Sunday evening’s Decision Day match at Inter&Co Stadium.

The match remained scoreless until the 76th minute, when defender Carson Pickett broke the deadlock with a left-footed half volley at the back post. This marked her fourth goal of the season across all competitions. Pickett scored just eight minutes after entering as a substitute, continuing Orlando’s trend of impactful bench performances. The Pride finished the regular season with eight goals from substitutes, the second-most in the league. Jacqueline Ovalle earned her second assist of the season on the play.

Seattle responded quickly, leveling the match in the 79th minute through defender Jordyn Bugg.

Orlando, the defending 2024 NWSL Champions, concluded the regular season fourth in the standings and enters the playoffs on a five-match unbeaten streak. Head coach Seb Hines guided the Pride to 11 wins this season, tying the second-most in club history after setting the record with 18 victories in 2024.

“We did what we set out to do, and that was to host a home game in the playoffs,” Pride coach Seb Hines said. “Obviously, we would have preferred the win and finish in that third spot, but it was not meant to be.”

The Pride will host Seattle again next weekend in a win-or-go-home quarterfinal matchup. The league is expected to announce time and date details in the coming hours.
https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/11/03/orlando-pride-clinch-home-field-advantage-for-playoffs-after-1-1-draw-with-seattle-reign-fc/

“You shouldn’t be so full of yourself” – Former Argentina star sends warning to Chelsea summer signing Alejandro Garnacho

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**Oscar Ruggeri Urges Chelsea Star Alejandro Garnacho to ‘Come Down to Earth’ for Argentina Call-Up**

Former Argentina defender and 1986 World Cup winner Oscar Ruggeri has opened up about Chelsea attacker Alejandro Garnacho, emphasizing the importance of grounding the young star to secure a spot in La Albiceleste’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Garnacho, who has made eight senior appearances for Argentina and provided one assist, was last called up in November 2024 for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. However, he was not part of the nation’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. As the Mundial approaches next year, Ruggeri has expressed concerns about Garnacho’s attitude and approach.

Speaking to GOAL, Ruggeri stated, “He’s no better than anyone else, you’re a football player, enjoy it, but you shouldn’t be so full of yourself. It’s pointless because you miss out on so much. Someone has to bring him down to earth. They’re not calling him up to the national team. If he comes back down to earth like he was, they’ll call him up again because he’s phenomenal on the pitch.”

**Garnacho’s Club Journey: From Manchester United to Chelsea**

Alejandro Garnacho rose through Manchester United’s academy and made a notable impact, registering 26 goals and 22 assists across 144 senior appearances for the Red Devils. However, after experiencing a falling out with head coach Ruben Amorim, Garnacho made a high-profile move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window for a reported fee of £40 million.

Since joining Chelsea, Garnacho has made seven appearances across competitions, starting five of those games. He has scored one goal so far, which came in a 2-1 Premier League loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on October 25.

**Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Comments on Garnacho’s Progress**

Ahead of Chelsea’s EFL Cup Fourth Round clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on October 29, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca offered an update on Garnacho’s condition. The attacker was not included in the match-day squad for the game.

Speaking to Fotmob, Maresca said, “Garna is doing well. Garna is another player who we are trying to manage a little bit physically because he arrived here from United not 100% in his physical condition. He is working hard every day, he is getting better and better, and in this moment we are happy with the way he is playing.”

**Chelsea’s EFL Cup Victory and Upcoming Fixtures**

In the EFL Cup Fourth Round tie, Chelsea secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolves. Goals from Andre Santos (5′), Tyrique George (15′), Estevao (41′), and Jamie Gittens (89′) helped the Blues edge past their rivals. Wolverhampton’s goals came from Tolu Arokodare (48′) and David Moller Wolfe (73′, 90+1′).

Chelsea now face Cardiff City away in the quarter-finals of the competition as they look to continue their cup run.

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Alejandro Garnacho remains a player with immense potential both at club and international level, but according to Oscar Ruggeri, some humility and a grounded mindset may be key if the young attacker hopes to represent Argentina again on football’s biggest stage.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-you-shouldn-t-full-yourself-former-argentina-star-sends-warning-chelsea-summer-signing-alejandro-garnacho

Kobel makes a vital save as Dortmund beats Frankfurt on penalties in German Cup

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FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Gregor Kobel sent Borussia Dortmund into the third round of the German Cup with a diving save that secured a penalty shootout victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.

Midfielder Farès Chaïbi stepped up to take Frankfurt’s fourth penalty, needing to score after Ritsu Doan had fired his shot over the bar earlier. Chaïbi’s low shot to Kobel’s right was brilliantly saved by the Swiss goalkeeper, who got down to hold the ball. This gave Dortmund a 4-2 shootout win, sparking flare-waving celebrations from Dortmund’s away fans.

The loss continues a troubled run for Frankfurt, who have managed just one win in their last six games across all competitions.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Julian Brandt’s goal for Dortmund canceling out an opener from ex-Dortmund player Ansgar Knauff for Frankfurt.

In other German Cup action, Holstein Kiel, a second-tier team, caused an upset by knocking out Wolfsburg with a 1-0 win thanks to Alexander Bernhardsson’s penalty. Wolfsburg played most of the game with 10 men after Jenson Seelt was sent off in the 36th minute for receiving two bookings in quick succession.

Robert Glatzel’s 83rd-minute penalty secured a 1-0 victory for Hamburger SV over 10-man Heidenheim.

Hertha Berlin also advanced with a 3-0 win over Elversberg in a match featuring two second-division teams.

Later Tuesday, Leipzig, Hoffenheim, and St. Pauli will all be in action in the German Cup second round.
https://mymotherlode.com/news/europe/10116061/kobel-makes-a-vital-save-as-dortmund-beats-frankfurt-on-penalties-in-german-cup.html

Al-Hazem vs Al-Nassr Prediction and Betting Tips | October 25th 2025

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Al-Hazem will go up against Al-Nassr at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday in the sixth round of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. The home side picked up their first win of the season last time out and will be keen to build on it in a bid to push higher up the league table.

Al-Hazem came back from a goal behind to defeat Al-Okhdood 2-1 on Saturday after losing two and drawing two of the opening four games in the Saudi Arabian top flight. They are now in 12th place in the league table. The newly promoted side were relegated in the 2023-24 season but gained immediate promotion back to the top flight, and will be focused on avoiding the drop this time around.

Al-Nassr, on the other hand, will be focused on ending their seven-year league title drought and have started the season in very impressive form with five wins from five. Jorge Jesus’s side were completely dominant in their 5-1 win over Al-Fateh last time out and will look to widen their lead at the top of the table when they visit Buraydah this weekend.

### Al-Hazem vs Al-Nassr: Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

The two teams have met on 22 previous occasions ahead of this Saturday’s fixture. Al-Hazem have won three of those meetings, four have ended in draws, while Al-Nassr have won the remaining 15.

The home side has managed just one win in this fixture since the 2008-09 season. Meanwhile, the away side has scored a remarkable 17 goals across the five most recent editions of this fixture.

When it comes to current form, Al-Hazem have the worst offensive record in the league, with only three goals scored in five games. Al-Nassr boast the best offensive and defensive records in the Saudi top flight, having scored 19 goals and conceded only two after five games played.

### Al-Hazem vs Al-Nassr: Prediction

The home side are heavy underdogs going into the weekend and will have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid a heavy defeat. Al-Nassr recently beat Goa 2-1 on the continental stage on Wednesday to register their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions.

They are high on confidence heading into the weekend clash and should have little trouble winning this one.

**Prediction: Al-Hazem 0-3 Al-Nassr**

### Al-Hazem vs Al-Nassr: Betting Tips

– **Tip 1 – Result:** Al-Nassr to win
– **Tip 2 – Goals Over/Under 2.5:** Over 2.5 goals (Five of Al-Nassr’s last seven games have featured more than 2.5 goals)
– **Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score:** No (Both sides have found the back of the net in just one of the hosts’ last four league games)
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/al-hazem-vs-al-nassr-prediction-betting-tips-october-25th-2025

Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Prediction and Betting Tips | 25th October 2025

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The 2025-26 edition of La Liga returns this weekend with an exciting fixture as Getafe face off against Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are capable of delivering strong performances and will be eager to secure a victory in this important encounter.

### Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe Preview

Currently sitting 12th in the La Liga standings, Getafe have struggled to find consistency this season. The away side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid last week and will be keen to bounce back with a positive result.

Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are the more in-form side, positioned eighth in the league table. The Basque giants have shown resilience over the past year and come into this match buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Qarabag FK in their previous outing. They will look to maintain their momentum this weekend.

### Head-to-Head and Key Statistics

Athletic Bilbao hold a superior recent record against Getafe, having won 13 of the last 40 meetings between the two clubs, compared to Getafe’s 8 wins.

After enduring a frustrating seven-match winless streak across all competitions, Athletic Bilbao have now gone unbeaten in their last three games, claiming victory in two of those.

Getafe face a tough challenge as they remain winless in their last five La Liga matches. Their most recent league win was a 2-0 triumph over Real Oviedo last month.

Defensively, Athletic Bilbao have conceded at least one goal in 10 of their last 11 matches across all competitions. Their only clean sheet during this stretch was a 0-0 draw against Elche last week.

### Match Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe

Athletic Bilbao possess a strong squad and have much to prove in this encounter. Key players like Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta have the ability to change the game and are expected to make an impact.

While Getafe can be dangerous on their day, their current slump makes an upset less likely. Considering form, squad strength, and home advantage, Athletic Bilbao are favored to claim the win.

**Prediction:** Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Getafe

### Betting Tips

– **Tip 1:** Athletic Bilbao to win
– **Tip 2:** Match to have over 2.5 goals
– **Tip 3:** Athletic Bilbao to score first
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/athletic-bilbao-vs-getafe-prediction-betting-tips-25th-october-2025

Sega and FIFA Sign Multi-Year Deal for Football Manager Series

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**Sega and FIFA Sign Multi-Year Deal for Football Manager Series**

*News by William D’Angelo | Posted 1 hour ago | 227 Views*

Publisher Sega and developer Sports Interactive have announced an exciting new partnership with FIFA for *Football Manager 26*. This multi-year deal will introduce official FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, along with official kits, broadcast graphics, and tournament branding to the upcoming title.

“Revealing this partnership with FIFA is an incredibly historic moment for the studio,” said Sports Interactive studio director Miles Jacobson. “Heading into a World Cup year, revamping International Management and making it a much more feature-rich module for our players was important.

“To be able to do that with the support of FIFA through an official license—giving us the tournament broadcast graphics and tournament kits in-game—is a real honor. We’re delighted our fans will be able to experience this next year. And this is just the start of our relationship—stay tuned for more to come in 2026 and beyond.”

### Details of the Partnership

The multi-year agreement brings official licenses for FIFA’s biggest competitions to the *Football Manager* series, starting with *Football Manager 26*. The game will feature the FIFA World Cup 26, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Officially branded and titled FIFA competitions making their debut in *Football Manager 26* include:

– FIFA World Cup
– FIFA Women’s World Cup
– FIFA Club World Cup

Additional tournaments are expected to be added in future installments.

Coinciding with this partnership, a revamped International Management module will be introduced via a content update next year for *Football Manager 26*, *Football Manager 26 Console*, and *Football Manager 26 Touch*. This update will arrive ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 and will enhance the managerial experience for players engaging with international competitions.

While full feature details are yet to be revealed, fans can look forward to the inclusion of official kits for the final 48 FIFA World Cup 26 teams, as well as authentic broadcast graphics and tournament branding integrated directly into the game.

### Football Manager 26 Release

*Football Manager 26* is set to release worldwide across multiple platforms on November 4. Notably, the game is built with the Unity Engine for the first time, aiming to refresh the entire managerial experience and set a bold new benchmark in the iconic legacy of Sports Interactive and SEGA.

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**About the Author**

William D’Angelo is a lifelong and avid gamer who was introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he joined in 2010 as a junior analyst, worked his way up to lead analyst in 2012, and took over hardware estimates in 2017. William also produces gaming content on his YouTube and Twitch channels and can be followed on Bluesky.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on the partnership and upcoming features in Football Manager 26.*
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/466039/sega-and-fifa-sign-multi-year-deal-for-football-manager-series/

Premier League 2025-26, Arsenal overcome West Ham 2-0: Key stats

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**Premier League 2025-26: Arsenal Overcome West Ham 2-0 – Key Stats**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 04, 2025 | 10:27 pm*

Arsenal secured a convincing 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Matchday 7 of the Premier League 2025-26 season at the Emirates Stadium. Declan Rice broke the deadlock in the first half, while Bukayo Saka extended the lead with a penalty in the second half, sealing the win for the Gunners.

### Arsenal Go Top of the Table

With this win, Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League standings, accumulating 16 points from 7 games with a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Their impressive goal difference now stands at +11.

On the other hand, West Ham remain rooted in the bottom three after suffering their fifth defeat of the season. The Hammers have managed just 4 points from 1 win, 1 draw, and 5 losses so far.

### Player Highlights

**Bukayo Saka Marks 200th Premier League Appearance with a Goal**

In his milestone 200th Premier League appearance, Bukayo Saka opened up another chapter in his flourishing career by scoring his 55th goal for Arsenal. The winger has also contributed 45 assists, bringing his total goal involvements in the Premier League to 100 – a significant achievement that places him as the 8th Arsenal player and the third Englishman to reach this milestone.

**Declan Rice Nets His 22nd Premier League Goal**

Former West Ham star Declan Rice continues to shine for Arsenal, scoring his 22nd Premier League goal in his 284th appearance. Notably, 12 of these goals have come while wearing the Arsenal shirt, achieved in just 80 appearances.

### Match Stats Overview

– **Possession**: Arsenal dominated with 68% possession compared to West Ham’s 32%.
– **Shots**: The Gunners registered 21 shots, including 5 on target, while West Ham managed just 4 attempts, none of which were on target.
– **Touches in Opposition Box**: Arsenal had 47 touches inside the West Ham penalty area, in stark contrast to West Ham’s 7.
– **Corners**: Arsenal earned 8 corners; West Ham had 3.

### Match Summary

**First Half**

Arsenal started strong but were dealt an injury blow as Martin Odegaard had to leave the pitch. In response, manager Mikel Arteta pushed Declan Rice into a more advanced role, bringing on Martin Zubimendi. Rice capitalized on this tactical tweak, slotting home after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The Gunners maintained control throughout the first half, limiting West Ham’s attacking threats.

**Second Half**

Arsenal continued to dominate the match and secured the win late in the second half. In the 67th minute, Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf inside the box, awarding Arsenal a penalty which Bukayo Saka calmly converted.

This goal proved decisive, ensuring a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.

### Opta Stats and Records

– This match marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge of Arsenal across all competitions. With this win, he has now recorded 177 victories, alongside 56 draws and 67 defeats.
– Bukayo Saka’s 100 Premier League goal involvements place him among the elite at Arsenal, underlining his pivotal role in the team’s success.
– West Ham’s tally of 4 points after 7 league games matches their joint-lowest return at this stage in a Premier League season.

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Arsenal’s triumph keeps their momentum going as they aim to challenge for the title, while West Ham face an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery from key injuries as the season progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/arsenal-down-sorry-west-ham-in-premier-league/story

Hoffenheim vs Koln Prediction and Betting Tips | October 3rd 2025

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Hoffenheim will host Köln at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena in a Bundesliga clash this Friday. Both sides currently have seven points from five games, with the visitors sitting seventh in the standings thanks to a superior goal difference.

The hosts, Hoffenheim, are winless in their last two matches. Following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bayern Munich last month, they managed only a 1-1 draw against Freiburg in their most recent outing. Freiburg took an early lead through Lukas Kübler in the third minute, but Fisnik Asllani equalized just ten minutes later. Hoffenheim, also known as Die Kraichgauer, have not won any of their three games this September and will be eager to start the month with a positive result.

Köln, nicknamed Die Geißböcke (The Billy Goats), enter this matchup after suffering a second consecutive defeat in their previous game last week. They lost 2-1 at home to Stuttgart, despite Jakub Kamiński putting them ahead early in the fourth minute. Stuttgart fought back with a goal in each half to overturn the deficit. Köln are currently winless in their last three league matches and will look to bounce back on the road.

### Hoffenheim vs Köln: Head-to-Head and Key Stats

The two teams have faced each other 31 times across all competitions. Hoffenheim hold the upper hand with 14 wins, while Köln have claimed nine victories. The remaining eight matches ended in draws.

In the current Bundesliga season, Hoffenheim remain unbeaten against Köln in two meetings, registering an away win and a draw at home. Köln have only won once in their last 14 encounters with Hoffenheim, with that solitary victory coming away from home in 2023.

This season, Hoffenheim have lost both of their home games, scoring just one goal in each. Interestingly, the hosts have also scored exactly one goal in four of their last five games against Köln. Meanwhile, Köln have managed one goal in three of their last five meetings.

### Team News and Predictions

Hoffenheim’s defense has been vulnerable at home, conceding seven goals in two matches thus far. They will be looking to tighten up as they aim for their first home win this season. Injuries are a concern, with Adam Hložek, Valentin Gendrey, Kōki Machida, Ozan Kabak, and Hennes Behrens sidelined. Albian Hajdari missed last week’s game due to illness and remains doubtful.

Köln face a challenging task after failing to win in three straight league games, conceding eight goals in the process. However, they remain unbeaten in their last two away clashes against Hoffenheim and have scored four goals in those fixtures. The visitors have no new injury concerns, with only Rav van den Berg, Luca Kilian, and Marius Bülter unavailable for the trip to Baden-Württemberg.

Considering both teams’ recent form and scoring patterns, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome.

### Match Prediction: Hoffenheim 1-1 Köln

### Hoffenheim vs Köln: Betting Tips

– **Tip 1:** Result – Draw
– **Tip 2:** Goals – Under 2.5 goals
– **Tip 3:** Both Teams to Score – Yes
– **Tip 4:** At Least One Goal in the Second Half – Yes

Fans can expect a closely contested match with both sides striving to halt their respective winless runs. Stay tuned for an exciting encounter at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/hoffenheim-vs-koln-prediction-betting-tips-october-3rd-2025