European Super Football

AEK Larnaca 0 - 0 Aberdeen Aberdeen claimed their first point of the Conference League campaign after battling to a goalless draw against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. Author | Chris Thomas Stadium | AEK Arena George Karapatakis Jimmy Thelin’s side had endured a tough start to the group, losing 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk before a heavy 6-0 defeat to AEK Athens. Larnaca, meanwhile, came into the game buoyed by victories over AZ Alkmaar and FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. Despite that contrast in form, Aberdeen produced a composed and disciplined performance, limiting their hosts to few clear chances and threatening on the break. The home side came closest in the first half when defender Hrvoje Milicevic struck the base of the post from distance before curling another effort narrowly wide moments later. Aberdeen carved out opportunities of their own through Jack Milne, who dragged a shot wide and later headed over, while Jesper Karlsson’s deflected strike also flew just past the post. The secon...

Strasbourg 2 - 1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace’s impressive run came to an end as they slipped to defeat against Strasbourg in the Conference League. Author | James Lees Stadium | Stade de la Meinau Tyrick Mitchell broke the deadlock after 35 minutes with a crisp finish across goal, latching on to a clever pass from Jean Philippe Mateta. Palace, unbeaten in five, should have added a second on the stroke of half time but Ismaila Sarr struck the post from distance after Strasbourg keeper Mike Penders had surrendered possession, leaving his goal unguarded. The French side were level eight minutes into the second half when Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea next summer, steered in a low ball from Diego Moreira. Penders was soon exposed again, caught out of position as Adam Wharton clipped the crossbar from range. The goalkeeper redeemed himself moments later with a sharp stop to deny Yeremy Pino at close quarters, yet Palace’s wastefulness proved costly. Julio Enciso’s free...

Big wins, clubs in crisis, pressure building It has been another fun-packed weekend in the Premier League Author |  Olivia T It all started on Friday night at Elland Road and two managers facing off that both desperately needed a win.  Leeds United get first home win since opening day Brenden Aaronson needed only three minutes to put the hosts ahead, capitalising on slack defending after Noah Okafor’s header was pushed out. Joe Rodon then doubled the advantage just past the quarter hour, rising unchallenged to meet a Sean Longstaff corner. It marked the earliest Leeds had established a two-goal lead in the top flight for more than two decades. Mateus Fernandes offered the faintest of late consolations in the 90th minute, yet it could not prevent a third straight defeat in what is now West Ham’s worst top-flight start since the early 1970s. Nuno Espirito Santo remains winless after four matches in charge, his task made tougher by an injury to the young defender Scarles and a Lu...