The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is set to make its debut in December 2024, replacing the annual Club World Cup. The tournament will feature five matches, culminating in a final between Real Madrid and the winner of a series of qualifying matches. Get all the details about the exciting new tournament and its format.
OGC Nice delivered a stunning display of attacking football, demolishing AS Saint-Etienne 8-0 in Ligue 1. The victory marked Saint-Etienne’s heaviest defeat in 73 years and saw Nice equal their record for goals scored in a single Ligue 1 match. The match was a complete rout, with Nice scoring six goals in the first half alone.
Punjab FC secured their second straight victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, defeating Odisha FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Nihal Sudeesh’s 27th-minute strike and a late goal by Leon Augustine secured the win for the home side, while Hugo Boumous’s late goal proved insufficient for Odisha FC.
Al Ettifaq and Al Nassr are set to face off in a highly anticipated Saudi Pro League match on Friday. Al Ettifaq, currently in third place, will be looking to continue their winning streak against a struggling Al Nassr side. The match will be a crucial one for both teams as they aim for a strong start to the season.
Mohammedan Sporting will face FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, both teams looking for their first win after opening-day defeats. While Mohammedan aims to improve their defensive and attacking strategies, FC Goa seeks to build on their recent dominance against Kolkata-based teams. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter with both sides eager to bounce back.
Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin has echoed concerns about the increasing workload on professional footballers, suggesting that a player strike is a real possibility. Sahin’s comments come in the wake of Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s warning that players could strike due to the expanded Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and national team commitments. Sahin believes that the situation is serious and requires immediate attention.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed criticism regarding his team’s style of play, emphasizing that winning is paramount despite their less-than-ideal performance. While acknowledging the importance of attractive football, Ancelotti believes Real Madrid fans prioritize victories, especially with several key players still recovering from injuries and others struggling to reach peak form. Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team’s progress, highlighting the intensity and pace of their approach, while also emphasizing the importance of adapting to the strengths of his players.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso have added their voices to growing concerns over player workload, advocating for a cap on games and player involvement in fixture decisions. Their comments come amidst threats of player strikes due to a packed schedule, particularly with the expanded Champions League and Club World Cup.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone emphasizes the new Champions League format’s emphasis on securing wins, following his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory against RB Leipzig. The new league phase format, with 36 teams competing in eight matches each, necessitates a more aggressive approach, pushing teams to fight for every point.
Barcelona’s Champions League campaign got off to a disastrous start with a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco. A red card for Eric Garcia early in the game put them on the back foot, and Monaco capitalized on their advantage to secure a crucial victory in their return to the competition.
