Liverpool manager Arne Slot compared his team’s English Premier League (EPL) encounter against Manchester City to the ‘El Clasico’ played between Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Liverpool and City have been title rivals for much of the past decade, with the two sides winning all of the past eight EPL titles between themselves — six have been won by the Sky Blues, while the Reds have won two. Although both clubs currently find themselves trailing league leaders Arsenal, Slot still believes this game will draw the eyeballs of every football fan around the world. “[Playing] City is an occasion in itself. This game is similar to the ‘El Clasico.’ These are the games everyone is looking forward to. It’s always worth watching because so many great individuals are playing this game and these teams, nine out of 10 times, give you what you expect,” said Slot. Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola For Liverpool, this game comes at time when they’ve rediscovered their groove following a 2-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend and a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in a mid-week Champions League fixture. Slot expects his team to draw on the learnings from those results against top-tier opponents. “We expect City to play the same style we always see [from them]. But they’re very good at it. So, that makes them a big challenge. But we’ve shown what we can do against Madrid and Villa. Our main focus is only on getting [more] consistent,” Slot said. Slot’s City counterpart, Pep Guardiola, was similarly hyped for this match. “Liverpool has been our biggest rival in this country. I think we pushed them to be better, and vice versa,” said Guardiola with regards to the rivalry between the two clubs in the last decade. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 November,2025 08:45 AM IST | Manchester | AgenciesCentre-back Matthijs de Ligt salvaged a 2-2 draw for Manchester United at Tottenham in a frantic finale as both sides missed the chance to go second in the English Premier League on Saturday. Spurs looked to have secured a dramatic victory, having trailed with six minutes to go, as Mathys Tel equalised before Richarlison headed home in the 91st minute. However, De Ligt powered in a 96th minute header to extend United’s unbeaten run to five games. Both sides move onto 18 points from 11 games, but goal difference separates Spurs in third from United in seventh. Earlier, Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United when he headed in Amad Diallo’s cross in the 32nd minute amid an insipid first-half display from the hosts. However, Thomas Frank’s came back to life in the second-half as United custodian Senne Lammens was called into action twice to deny Cristian Romero’s flick on and then Joao Palhinha’s drive from the edge of the box. But the hosts eventually found the equaliser as Destiny Udogie crossed for fellow substitute Tel to turn and fire into the top corner via a deflection off De Ligt. Nevertheless, it was the United defender who ended up having the last laugh. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 November,2025 08:31 AM IST | London | AFPManchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes Tottenham Hotspur will face a much more stronger version of the Red Devils in Saturday’s English Premier League fixture than the one that capitulated four times last season against the North London club — including in the final of the Europa League. “I expect a different game this time,” said Amorim, while recalling the 0-1 loss to Spurs in May. “The characteristics of the players are different. We are a better team [now], we player better and we understand the game better. At this moment, we play with a different confidence. We manage better the moments of the game,” explained the Portuguese coach. United are currently eighth in the EPL table, with 17 points from ten games. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend, the Red Devils have managed to rack up some impressive results, including a 2-1 win vs Liverpool in late October. Having refreshed their front-line this summer, the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have impressed in recent weeks, however, their defence is still a concern — they have conceded 16 goals in the league thus far, the joint-worst among the Top 15 sides along with Fulham. It’s a weakness that Tottenham will look to exploit. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2025 08:43 AM IST | London | AgenciesSpanish giants Barcelona needed to come from behind thrice to earn a 3-3 draw at Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal was back to his best for Hansi Flick’s side to help them earn a point in a gripping clash, but Barcelona’s defence was shredded on multiple occasions by the hosts as Brugge winger Carlos Forbs struck twice (17th and 63rd minute) and set one up for Nicolo Tresoldi (6th min). Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford appears dejected after the game against Club Brugge on Wednesday; (right) Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after their 3-3 draw vs Club Brugge on Wednesday. Pics/Getty Images Ferran Torres (8th min), Yamal (61st min) and a Christos Tzolis own goal (77th min) saved the Catalan giants from what would have been a humiliating defeat, even though they have several players injured. Nevertheless, amidst criticism from fans and pundits, Flick was adamant that the result was not down to his tactics, but by the lack of cohesiveness in its application by his players. “We don’t have to change our style of play. We have to stick to our philosophy. We want to play [how] our DNA is... we are Barca. [But] we have to do things better. We didn’t press the ball and lost many duels, especially in midfield. It’s not easy for the back line to defend like that. It’s about having more intensity when we don’t have the ball. We need to improve in this area,” said the German coach. Meanwhile, his Belgian counterpart, Nicky Hayen, admitted his charges executed his tactics to perfection. “We played in a way that we knew could earn us points against Barcelona. We exploited the space behind the defence when they pressed us,” explained Hayen. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 November,2025 10:17 AM IST | Bruges (Belgium) | AgenciesPhil Foden sent an emphatic reminder to England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel with two brilliantly taken goals in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. “He is back,” City manager Pep Guardiola said, before adding, “He is a special player.” Foden has been overlooked by Tuchel this season after the former’s luke-warm performances for the Three Lions. But the City forward strengthened his case for a recall by scoring twice (22nd and 57th min). Erling Haaland (29th min) and Rayan Cherki (91st min) also scored a goal each. Guardiola was effusive in his praise for Foden, while pushing for his recall to the international set-up. “There’s no person in the world that doesn’t know his quality and ability. Tuchel is smart and he’ll know exactly what the team needs,” said Guardiola. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 November,2025 10:14 AM IST | Manchester | AP | PTIChina's appointment of former international Shao Jiayi as national team head coach on Wednesday has been welcomed at home and abroad. Shao, 45, played at the 2002 World Cup China's only appearance at the tournament and is considered one of the nation's most successful exports after spending nine years in Germany. As a coach, Shao previously served as an assistant with the national side and took over Qingdao West Coast in 2024. The club currently sits ninth in the Chinese Super League. "I support the decision", former China international Mao Jianqing said. "Shao Jiayi is capable, and his personality and other aspects are suitable. The national team can't be changed by one coach immediately, it takes time". China has been without a permanent coach since Branko Ivankovic of Croatia departed in June following the team's elimination from 2026 World Cup qualifying. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) advertised the position to domestic and international candidates and said the appointment was made after taking into full consideration the experience and lessons of previous national team coach selections, the current situation and level of Chinese men's football, the long-term development of the national team, as well as the qualities and coaching abilities of the candidates and expert opinions. As a player, Shao made nearly 200 appearances for German clubs 1860 Munich, Energie Cottbus and MSV Duisburg between 2002 and 2011 before returning to his original club Beijing Guoan where he ended his career in 2015. The German Football Association congratulated Shao and the CFA on the appointment. "We look forward to seeing China's national team reach new heights under his leadership, and the Bundesliga remains committed to long-term cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of Chinese football," it said in a statement. Shao becomes the third member of China's 2002 World Cup squad to coach the national team, following Li Tie, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence on corruption charges, and Li Xiaopeng. His first task is to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 November,2025 03:56 PM IST | Beijing | APArne Slot’s Liverpool put a miserable run behind them with a dominant performance to end Real Madrid’s perfect Champions League start with a 1-0 win at Anfield on Tuesday. Alexis Mac Allister headed in the only goal in the 61st minute, but Madrid were grateful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for keeping the score down.Trent Alexander-Arnold was met with a hostile reception on his return to Liverpool as a late substitute and the home crowd roared the Reds over the line for what could be a turning point in their season. Arne Slot Both sides are now tied on nine points from their opening four games of the league phase. Liverpool had lost six of their previous eight games in all competitions, but stopped the rot by beating Aston Villa on Saturday as Arne Slot resorted to a more tried and trusted team selection. Florian Wirtz replaced Cody Gakpo in the only change from the weekend and Liverpool again looked more like the side that stormed to the English Premier League title last season. “It is easy to say now because we won twice in a row, but in a world of chaos you have to stay calm and see perspective of things. We all know how football works — it can change overnight,” said Liverpool skipper Virgin van Dijk, with respect to how they handled the pressure when results went awry. Right-back Conor Bradley was another standout performer after he successfully nullified the threat of Vinicius Jr, earning high praise from manager Slot.“Conor was outstanding. It was very nice [to see]. Last season he was outstanding against Real Madrid, but he had to go off after 80 minutes because of an injury. Now, three days after he played 90 minutes against Villa, he again played 90 minutes with incredible intensity against Vinicius,” Madrid had lost just twice in 20 games since former Liverpool favourite Xabi Alonso took charge, but relied on Courtois to avoid a similar scoreline to their only previous defeat this season — 5-2 at Atletico Madrid. “Nothing to reproach the team for. It is only the league phase and we can recover these points. We lost due to small details. We lacked threat in the final third,” said Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. Other resultsPSG 1-2 Bayern MunichArsenal 3-0 Slavia PragueJuventus 1-1 Sporting CPCopenhagen 0-4 TottenhamAtletico Madrid 3-1 Union SGNapoli 0-0 FrankfurtOlympiacos 1-1 PSVBodo/Glimt 0-1 Monaco This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2025 08:45 AM IST | Liverpool | AFPFormer Manchester United and England stalwart David Beckham was officially knighted by King Charles III in recognition of his stunning contribution to football and charity at Buckingham Palace, according to the official website of Manchester United. The 50-year-old former footballer was sharply dressed in a three-piece suit, which was designed by his wife, Victoria Beckham. The couple was accompanied by David's parents, Ted and Sandra. During the honour, David knelt in front of the King, who carried out the procedure with the ceremonial sword. King Charles III tapped his shoulders with the blade of a sword, and the former footballer was transformed into Sir David Beckham. Arise, Sir David Beckham. ✨ This morning at Windsor Castle, The King presented Sir David Beckham with a Knighthood for Services to Sport and to Charity. pic.twitter.com/BpRQJ1lIJG — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 4, 2025 Reflecting on being knighted, the former footballer expressed happiness for achieving several things in his career and also said that being honoured by the King is in itself a proud moment for him. "I think obviously being told I had the honour was a special moment," he said, as quoted from the official website of Manchester United. "I've been lucky to have won things in my career and done things, and played for my country and captained my country, but, without doubt, this is the moment that makes me very proud," he added. Further speaking, he also said that it is special to receive the knighthood for not just his sporting career, but also the generous work he does. "For a number of reasons - not just my career, not just for the sport, but to get it for the philanthropic work I do, that's so important to me. My charity work has always been work that I don't have to do. I do it because I love doing it, I do it because I make a difference and we make change and, in all honesty, it's extra special to receive a knighthood, for not just my sport but the important work I do with children," said the London-born former footballer. "It's nice to have six Premier League titles and obviously a few other medals along the way, but this, without doubt, will be pride of place," Beckham noted. (With ANI Inputs)
05 November,2025 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAtletico Madrid were made to suffer before claiming a 3-1 win at home over Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring for Atletico in the 39th minute after excellent work from Giuliano Simeone, who opened up space down the right for Atletico, before feeding the ball to his Argentine teammate. Antoine Griezmann saw a goal ruled out in first-half injury time as he followed in to slide home after Nahuel Molina had hit the crossbar, but Conor Gallagher doubled Atletico's lead in the 78th minute following a powerful run from Alexander Sorloth, reports Xinhua. Although Atletico had a comfortable lead, Union SG players never let their heads drop and Ross Sykes got them back into the game with a powerful header. The game was suddenly more open with both sides finding space on the break. Union SG goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen made a fine save to deny Alvarez his second goal, while at the other end Louis Patris could have levelled with a header, but his effort into the ground took the sting off the ball and allowed Jan Oblak an easy save. Marcos Llorente added Atletico's third with a simple finish in the last minute of injury time after Scherpen had denied Sorloth, but could do nothing to block the rebound. The win leaves Atletico with six points from its four group matches to date, while Union SG remains on three. Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic's equaliser earned Juventus a point in their first home match under new coach Luciano Spalletti as they held Sporting CP to 1-1 draw. Maximiliano Araujo drilled in the 13th-minute opener and Sporting threatened a second when Francisco Trincão shot against the crossbar. Vlahovic's header was then brilliantly tipped away by Rui Silva before the striker poked in Khephren Thuram's cross 11 minutes before half-time. Rui Silva pawed Jonathan David's header over the crossbar during second-half added time, ensuring the visitors reached seven points, while their opponents have three. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2025 10:29 AM IST | Madrid | IANSBarcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal, 18, became the youngest player ever to be included in FIFPRO’s Team of the Year, beating Kylian Mbappe, who was picked at the age of 19 in 2018. FIFPRO is the leading association of footballers from around the globe. Yamal won 10,167 votes — the second-highest after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (13,609) — from the 20,000 players who voted. Yamal racked up 16 goals and 16 assists from 50 games across all competitions last season, helping Barcelona win La Liga, the Spanish Cup, and the Spanish Supercup. The rest of the squad included Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Vitinha (PSG), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), and Nuno Mendes (PSG). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2025 09:49 AM IST | Hoofdrop (Netherlands) | AP | PTIErling Haaland has warned opponents he is still not the finished article despite his phenomenal goalscoring record for Manchester City. The Norwegian forward, who faces former club Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, has netted a staggering 26 goals in 16 games for club and country this season. “I think you can always get better and better. So there’s something I try to practise still and you can see I’m getting better and better and there’s still a long way to go,” said Haaland at City’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday. The striker’s red-hot form prompted former England striker Alan Shearer to predict last month that Haaland would break his all-time English Premier League record tally of 260 goals. But the Norwegian insisted he was far more focused on achieving team accolades than individual ones. “I can’t think about records I can break,” he said. “That’s the last thing I think of. I try to help the team win football games. That’s my job and that’s my main focus. I know it’s boring. I know you want me to say the complete opposite, but that’s not how it is,” insisted Haaland. City boss Pep Guardiola made Haaland part of his leadership team this season and described him as a “real world-class player who is incredibly humble”. “I know he wants to score goals, but I have the feeling he always wants what is best for the team. That is difficult to find. Of course he has to score goals, that’s the best way to help us, that is perfectly clear, but he signed a contract for 10 years and is involved in many things,” said Guardiola. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2025 09:36 AM IST | Manchester | AFPADVERTISEMENT
