European Super Football

Is this a good temporary signing for Graham Potter's side? West Ham have secured the loan signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson for the remainder of the season. Author - Peter Grainger Check out some of his best moments for Brighton. The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland forward will be reunited with Graham Potter, the manager who handed him his senior debut at Brighton back in 2021. Ferguson has struggled for game time this season, making just 15 appearances—11 of which have come from the bench. He has also spent recent weeks sidelined with an ankle injury but made his return on Saturday, coming on in the 73rd minute during Brighton’s humiliating 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. His only goal this season—and his first since November 2023—came in a 2-2 draw with Wolves back in October. Click here for the latest transfer news from European Super Football West Ham are in need of attacking reinforcements, with Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Füllkrug, and Michail Antonio all currently side...

Sporting 1 - 1 Bologna Sporting CP scraped through to the Champions League knockout stages with a 1-1 draw at home against Bologna, who had already been eliminated. Author - Peter Grainger The Portuguese league leaders had endured a tough run in Europe, losing three consecutive matches after winning three of their first four. All three defeats came following the departure of manager Rúben Amorim to Manchester United. Bologna nearly took an early lead when Sam Beukema’s header struck the bar from a corner. However, they didn’t have to wait long, as Tommaso Pobega turned in Beukema’s flicked header to put the Italian side in front. Click here to discover more Champions League news and stories from European Super Football . Sporting pressed for an equaliser in the second half and eventually found one when Conrad Harder slotted home João Simões’ cut-back from close range. With results elsewhere going in their favour, a draw was enough to see Sporting through to the play-off round, wher...

Benfica 4 - 5 Barcelona Barcelona overcame two separate two-goal deficits to secure a breathtaking victory over Benfica. Author - Peter Grainger The match at Estádio da Luz started disastrously for the visitors as Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis netted a stunning 30-minute hat-trick. The first came from a well-placed cross by full-back Álvaro Carreras, while two further goals were gifted by errors from Barcelona's Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. Robert Lewandowski, however, kept Barca in contention with a first-half penalty after Alejandro Balde was fouled. Barcelona fought back after the break, with Raphinha and Lewandowski scoring either side of an unfortunate Ronald Araújo own goal to leave the score at 4-3. But the drama was far from over. Eric García equalised with a late header, and just when it seemed the game would end in a draw, Raphinha capitalised on a rapid counter-attack in the 96th minute. The Brazilian slotted past Anatoliy Trubin, leaving the home fans stun...

West Ham United 0 - 2 Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta's double secured a vital away win for Crystal Palace against West Ham in the Premier League. Author - Peter Grainger Mateta opened the scoring after latching onto a superb through ball from Eberechi Eze, calmly slotting it low past Hammers goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański into the bottom corner. Late drama unfolded with two minutes to go when Mateta played a neat pass to Eddie Nketiah, who was clattered by Fabiański in the box. Mateta stepped up for the resulting penalty, and although Fabiański got a touch, the ball squirmed under him to seal the victory for Palace. The match saw more frustration for West Ham, who were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute. Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown a second yellow card after tangling with Mateta and catching him in the face with a high boot. The win moves Palace up to 12th in the table, while West Ham slip to 14th, sitting just a point behind their opponents. Premier League: 2024/2025 s...

Bournemouth 5 - 1 West Bromwich Albion Bournemouth delivered a dazzling comeback to beat managerless West Brom 5-1 and secure their place in the FA Cup fourth round, with Dango Ouattara netting twice. Author - Peter Grainger The Baggies, under caretaker boss Chris Brunt, struck first when Caleb Taylor reacted quickest to head in a rebound after Grady Diangana's shot crashed off the bar. However, Bournemouth's Premier League class soon showed. Justin Kluivert equalised, pouncing on a parried save from David Brooks' effort to slot home from close range. Kluivert then turned provider, threading a clever reverse pass to Ouattara, who fired past the keeper from a tight angle to make it 2-1. Ouattara added a second before the break, finishing off a swift counter-attack after being played through by Brooks. The goals kept coming in the second half, with Brooks setting up substitute Antoine Semenyo to smash in Bournemouth’s fourth shortly after his introduction. There was still...

Sheffield United 1 - 1 West Bromwich Albion West Bromwich Albion secured their first point since Carlos Corberán's departure on Christmas Eve, courtesy of Karlan Grant’s late first-half equaliser against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Author - Peter Grainger Sheffield United initially took the lead through homegrown talent Andre Brooks, who netted a beautifully crafted first goal for the club. Despite the draw, the injury-hit Blades returned to the top of the Championship, at least temporarily, ahead of Leeds United’s late kick-off at Derby. However, just as in their 2-2 stalemate at The Hawthorns three weeks earlier, Sheffield United’s hopes of victory were dashed by another deflected goal involving Tom Fellows. For the managerless Baggies, the result capped off a mixed 2024. They end the year in eighth place, 13 points adrift of the top spot, having led the league back in mid-September. This was their 12th draw in 24 league games, following a four-match streak of two win...

Bournemouth 0 - 0 Crystal Palace Bournemouth extended their unbeaten Premier League run to six games but were left frustrated with a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. Author - Peter Grainger Buoyed by a stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United in their previous outing , the Cherries looked to build on their push for European football. They created the better chances but struggled to find a clinical edge in front of goal. Andoni Iraola's side came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Antoine Semenyo hooked a shot towards goal from a corner, only for Ismaila Sarr to clear off the line. Moments later, Sarr thought he had put Palace ahead after a solo run and finish, but the offside flag denied the visitors. The game was open and fast-paced, with both teams pressing high and attacking in numbers. Bournemouth had the lion’s share of opportunities and looked more likely to score, but their efforts couldn’t prevent a Boxing Day stalemate. Despite 18 atte...

December 2007: Chelsea 4 - 4 Aston Villa Seventeen years ago, Gareth Barry's late penalty rescued a dramatic draw for Aston Villa in what was a truly remarkable match. Author - Peter Grainger What happened in the match? The tone for a dramatic match was set from the outset as Chelsea made a sloppy start and early mistakes by full-backs Ashley Cole and Paulo Ferreira saw Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor drag efforts narrowly wide. Shaun Maloney eventually fired Villa into the lead with a volley before Petr Cech’s blunder gifted him a second. However, Zat Knight’s red card swung the momentum, allowing Andriy Shevchenko to convert a penalty. Shevchenko then powered in an equaliser, and Alex smashed Chelsea into the lead. But Villa fought back, with Martin Laursen levelling the score before Ricardo Carvalho was sent off for a reckless challenge. Michael Ballack’s superb free-kick looked to have sealed the win for Chelsea, but Gareth Barry kept his cool to make it 4-4 after Ashl...

Real Madrid 1 - 2 Chelsea Substitute Catarina Macario scored twice from the spot as Chelsea overturned a deficit to defeat Real Madrid and secure their place in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals as Group B winners. Author - Peter Grainger Real Madrid appeared poised to claim top spot after Scotland forward Caroline Weir’s early strike, which deflected off Lucy Bronze , found its way past Hannah Hampton despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. Facing her first potential loss since taking charge of the Blues in the summer, Sonia Bompastor made a decisive half-time substitution, bringing on US international Catarina Macario for the ineffective Mayra Ramirez. Macario made an immediate impact. After seeing one effort ruled out for offside and narrowly missing the target with another, she earned and converted her first penalty in the 51st minute after being brought down by Olga Carmona. Carmona, who famously scored the winner in Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the 2023...

Let's explore a couple more match reports from another dramatic weekend in English football's 2nd tier. QPR 3 - 0 Norwich City Author - Ajay  Teenager Rayan Kolli stole the spotlight with his first senior goals as Queens Park Rangers ended their long wait for a home victory, defeating Norwich City at Loftus Road. The Algeria Under-20 international, who made his debut against Norwich in last season's EFL Cup, was introduced early as a 13th-minute substitute for the injured Zan Celar. QPR took the lead when defender Jimmy Dunne punished some dismal defending, and Kolli made it 2-0 with a well-taken header deep into first-half stoppage time. EFL: 2024/2025 news and stories Norwich, struggling to make an impact in challenging conditions, offered little threat. Kolli then sealed the win in the second half, capitalising on more defensive uncertainty to score his second and Rangers’ third of the game. It was a Saturday to remember for Kolli and a much-needed boost for QP...

Mallorca 1 - 5 Barcelona Raphinha inspired Barcelona to a resounding win over Mallorca, ending their three-game winless streak in style. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. The footage is from the FC Barcelona YouTube account. The Brazilian star scored twice in the second half, helping Hansi Flick’s side extend their lead at the top of La Liga to four points over Real Madrid. With the match finely poised at 1-1 at half-time, Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box. The teenage sensation then delivered a stunning assist 18 minutes later, using the outside of his foot to set up his captain, who slotted home his 11th league goal of the campaign. Barcelona sealed the emphatic victory with late goals from substitutes Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor, who scored twice in quick succession to cap off a dominant second half. It was the perfect resp...

There has the potential to be some classic matches in the FA Cup 3rd round in 2025 Holders Manchester United face a tough test in their quest to retain the up as they have been drawn away to 14-time winners Arsenal. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Premier League leaders Liverpool have a home tie against League Two side Accrington Stanley. The famous EFL side will be dreaming about what could be one of the greatest upsets of all time. Speaking of potential upsets, Manchester City will host Salford City, the club part-owned by members of the 'Class of 92'. Co-owners Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes had some amazing and terrible moments against City. A win for Salford at the Etihad Stadium would potentially top any previous wins against the current Premier League champions.  Tamworth, one of just two non-league teams still in the competition, will welcome Tottenham to their home ground. They will still be celebrating their victory at Burton ...

Oxford United 2 - 6 Middlesbrough Middlesbrough smashed six goals in an away league match for the first time in 64 years, thrashing struggling Oxford United in a dominant display. Emmanuel Latte Lath stole the show with a hat-trick, supported by two goals from the outstanding Finn Azaz and a stunning strike from substitute Tommy Conway. The emphatic victory propelled Boro into the Championship play-off spots, securing their third consecutive win. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Greg Leigh and Dane Scarlett provided some consolation for Oxford, but the home side’s dismal form continues, with just one win in their last 11 games. The defeat sees them slip to 18th, perilously close to the relegation zone, while Middlesbrough surge into fifth place. The match began tentatively, with both sides cautious in the opening 10 minutes. Boro soon found their rhythm, though, as Azaz teed up Latte Lath for a quick counter-attack, only for United goalkeeper Jamie Cumming to produce a supe...

England 5 - 0 Republic of Ireland England sealed their return to the top tier of the Nations League in stunning fashion, thrashing the Republic of Ireland at Wembley in Lee Carsley’s final game as interim manager. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Lee Carsley now hands the reins to Thomas Tuchel, who takes charge from 1 January. During his tenure, Carsley guided England to five wins in six matches, with his team delivering a commanding second-half display here after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half. The England captain's brilliant through-ball set Jude Bellingham free, only for Bellingham to be brought down by Liam Scales, earning the defender a second yellow card and a sending-off. What's the point of the UEFA Nations League? With the Republic reduced to ten men, England took full advantage. Anthony Gordon netted his first senior international goal just two minutes later, tappi...

Greece 0 - 3 England England are poised to return to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League with a win over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday, following an impressive victory against Greece in Athens. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Lee Carsley's team avenged their disappointing defeat to Greece at Wembley in October, making Thursday's triumph even sweeter for the interim manager, especially given the squad was hit hard by player withdrawals. The emphatic result not only erased the memory of that 2-1 loss but also ensured England hold the upper hand in their head-to-head record with Greece, leaving the Three Lions in control of their own destiny. Ollie Watkins justified his selection over captain Harry Kane by giving England an early lead after just seven minutes, turning in a superb cross from Noni Madueke, who had carved open the Greek defence with a brilliant run. Jordan Pickford was pivotal when called upon, standing firm during rare moments of...

"Champions League Varane..." Raphaël Varane is a former French professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Real Madrid, Manchester United and the France national side. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Varane playing for France. Photo credit -  Xavier NALTCHAYAN | Flickr The start of his career with Lille Varane began his career at French club Lens, starting with their youth team. Ahead of the 2010–11 season, he began training with the senior squad and appeared on the bench in several league games. He made his professional debut in 2010 at just 17 years old.  Becoming an iconic defender at Real Madrid After one season as a professional, he joined Real Madrid, where he spent ten years, from 2011 to 2021, winning eighteen trophies. These included three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles , and four FIFA Club World Cups.  Known for his pace, composure, and partnership with Sergio Ramos , many fans believe that he wa...

It's time to explore another legendary footballer.  Sergio Ramos is a Spanish professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest defenders ever.  Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Ramos in action for Real Madrid against local rivals. Photo credit -  Jan S0L0 | Flickr Known for his tackling prowess, aerial strength, leadership, and an impressive goalscoring record for a defender, he netted over 100 goals for Real Madrid. During his sixteen seasons at Real Madrid, he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, as well as two UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Spanish national team. An overview of his club career Ramos was born in Seville and developed his skills in Sevilla’s youth academy. After two seasons with Sevilla's senior team, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2005. He became an integral part of the squad, winning 22 major honours, including five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles....

Tamworth 1 - 0 Huddersfield The greatest cup competition in football is here with the first-round proper, and there's already been a huge shock. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Former winners in Huddersfield Town have been dumped out by part-timers Tamworth, 57 places below them in the football pyramid. Tom Tonks' long throw caused chaos all night, and it sailed onto the line before being helped over it by the flailing fist of keeper Chris Maxwell, sending The Lamb wild. A closer look at what happened Huddersfield struggled to cope with the direct balls into their box, while the Lambs varied their approach, showing real quality and more than matching their opponents in both effort and determination. Tamworth’s keeper, Jas Singh, pulled off a couple of excellent saves, including a stunning close-range block with his legs to deny Tom Iorpenda. But Huddersfield’s attacks were few and far between – especially in the second half – and the home side, who sit 16th in th...

Arsenal 2 - 2 Liverpool Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser salvaged a point for Liverpool in a lively clash against Premier League title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Arsenal took the lead twice but were hampered by injuries to key defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber in the second half, already missing the suspended William Saliba. These setbacks opened the door for Liverpool to push back and claim a point, allowing Manchester City to remain at the top of the table, with Arsenal now trailing the relentless champions by five points. A closer look at what happened Arsenal’s strong start to this enthralling encounter paid off on the 9th minute when Bukayo Saka left Andy Robertson floundering, netting his 50th Premier League goal in the process. However, the lead was short-lived. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk drew them level in the 18th minute, heading in from close range after Luis Díaz flicked on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s near-pos...

Atalanta 0 - 0 Celtic Celtic secured a valuable Champions League point with a resilient defensive performance, holding last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta to a goalless draw in Bergamo. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football This result marked a notable shift in fortunes for Celtic, who had previously lost all seven of their matches in Italy in this competition. Despite facing relentless pressure from the hosts, the Scottish champions stood firm, taking a crucial step towards progressing to the knockout stages. Kasper Schmeichel played a pivotal role with several impressive saves, while Atalanta squandered several clear chances. Celtic’s defensive discipline proved key in denying the Serie A side, who grew increasingly frustrated as the match developed.  After two challenging away fixtures, Celtic now have the advantage of back-to-back home games against RB Leipzig and Club Brugge, with four points already secured.  Celtic’s Champions League campaign has been ...