European Super Football

Napoli 2 - 1 Sporting Rasmus Højlund scored twice to seal a win for Napoli where there were a number of familiar names facing off. Author | Paul L Stadium | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona On loan from Manchester United, the Denmark striker struck in each half, with Kevin De Bruyne supplying both assists as the pair combined to decisive effect against determined opposition. Luis Suárez pulled one back from the penalty spot to give Sporting hope and the visitors pressed for an equaliser in a frantic finale, but Napoli held firm to take the points. ⏹️ Full time! #NapoliSportingCP 2-1 💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/uD8KRXbWve — Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) October 1, 2025 A closer look at what happened Sporting made a lively start as Geovany Quenda and Iván Fresneda combined to deliver a dangerous cross, but Napoli’s defence cleared with Fotis Ioannidis poised to pounce. Napoli had lost just once in their previous 17 home fixtures in the Champions League and they soon a...

The Italian champions have strengthened their squad Kevin De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season. Author | Macca De Bruyne playing for Belgium at Euro 2024 The Belgian midfielder links up with Antonio Conte, who guided Napoli to the Serie A title last season. De Bruyne turned down an offer from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in order to remain in European competition and is set to feature in the Champions League next term. His exit from City brings an end to a decade of service in which he won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, after arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015.  READ MORE | Transfer news and rumours from European Super Football READ MORE | The night Napoli won Serie A Manchester City confirmed his departure before the season concluded, and he was given an emotional send-off at the Etihad Stadium following the final home game against Bournemouth. He made ...

Semi-final first leg: Real Madrid 1 - 1 Manchester City A screamer from Kevin de Bruyne earned Manchester City a Champions League semi-final first-leg draw at Real Madrid. Manchester City know that any win at home against Madrid will send them to only their second Champions League final, against either Inter Milan or AC Milan. Will Manchester City win The Treble this season? Click here to read all the latest news and stories from The Etihad Stadium. Let's now explore all the best reaction. Luka Modric said: “We put in a good performance, the tie is still open." Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti added: "We deserved to win it.” 🏁 FT: @realmadriden 1-1 @ManCity ⚽ @vinijr 36'; De Bruyne 67' #UCL pic.twitter.com/OlMvSwn2tI — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 9, 2023 One Twitter user replied: " Happy that we stopped Haaland. However, we could have done better. Lets hope for the best in the second-leg." Andy is a City fan who is conflicted...

Wales 2 - 4 Belgium  Wales’ hopes of automatic qualification for the World Cup were all but extinguished after a home defeat to Belgium. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium The defeat leaves the play-offs as their only realistic path to next summer’s finals. Craig Bellamy’s side made a superb start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Joe Rodon rose highest to head in from a corner. Their early momentum was halted when Kevin De Bruyne equalised from the penalty spot after a harsh handball decision against Ethan Ampadu, confirmed following a lengthy VAR check. Wales fought to get back in the game From that point, Belgium’s superiority began to show. Jeremy Doku, who has been in outstanding form for Manchester City this season, tormented Wales on the counterattack and set up Thomas Meunier to put the visitors in front. De Bruyne, Doku and Leandro Trossard all missed chances to extend the lead before another De Bruyne penalty, this time for a clear ha...

Belgium 2 - 0 Romania Kevin De Bruyne led Belgium to a crucial Euro 2024 victory with an exceptional performance in a thrilling match against Romania in Cologne. Belgium, under pressure in Group E after losing their first game to Slovakia, delivered an outstanding attacking display, proving why they are among the favourites in Germany. In a vibrant and colourful atmosphere, Youri Tielemans' low shot put Belgium ahead just 73 seconds into the game, setting the stage for numerous scoring opportunities. Belgium and De Bruyne were unstoppable. The Manchester City midfielder secured the victory with a close-range goal after 79 minutes, leaving Group E finely balanced with all four teams on three points each. Romelu Lukaku was unlucky to have a goal disallowed by the  Video Assistant Referee,  who ruled him offside from De Bruyne’s perfect pass. After the disappointing defeat to Slovakia, Belgium responded impressively in a lively and action-packed encounter on Saturday. Tiele...

France 1 - 0 Belgium A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert. Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will ...

Burnley 0 - 3 Manchester City It wasn't a great return to the Premier League for Burnley Erling Haaland returned to his usual form with an impressive demonstration of his scoring abilities as Manchester City began their defence of the Premier League title by securing a comfortable win against Burnley. The exceptional goal-scoring talent, who scored 52 goals in the previous season during City's triumphant campaign in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, wasted no time in the new season.  Within just 185 seconds, he found the back of the net, dealing a blow that the newly promoted Burnley side couldn't recover from. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from  Haaland & Rodri Put First Points On Premier League Board | HIGHLIGHTS | Burnley 0-3 Manchester City - YouTube Haaland capitalized on an opportunity inside the penalty area when Rodri directed Kevin de Bruyne's cross downwards. Later, at the 36th minute mark, Haala...

 Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea City have progressed to another FA Cup final. Let's explore all the best reaction to the match. Manchester City managed to recover from the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Real Madrid.  For Silva, it was a moment of redemption following his earlier penalty miss that contributed to City's loss to Real. The Portuguese midfielder netted the winning goal, meeting Kevin de Bruyne's cross at the far post six minutes before the final whistle. Chelsea will rue missed opportunities, particularly by striker Nicolas Jackson, as they once again endured a heart-wrenching experience at Wembley. This defeat comes after their loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Adding to Chelsea's frustration was the belief that they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half. They felt aggrieved when Jack Grealish's hand appeared to block Cole Palmer's free-kick, but the video assistant refere...

Manchester City 4 - 1 Manchester United Manchester United were completely outclassed by Manchester City as the home side maintained control of the Premier League title race with an outstanding display.  City stays six points clear of Liverpool, having played one game more. This victory was arguably even more convincing than the scoreline suggested. United were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw. They found themselves overwhelmed by the quality and intensity of the reigning champions. --- You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage courtesy of the Manchester City YouTube channel. --- Kevin de Bruyne put City ahead with a crisp early finish then restored their lead before half-time after Jadon Sancho put United level with a precise low strike, the Belgian's second hammered home in a goalmouth scramble. The blues increased their speed and tempo after the break, and got the goal they deserved after 68 minutes. Riyad ...

Ukraine 0 -  0 Belgium Belgium advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group runners-up, while Ukraine bowed out of the competition after a goalless draw in Stuttgart. All four teams in Group E began the evening on equal points, each with a shot at progressing. Ukraine's chances were hampered by an inferior goal difference, meaning their fate hinged on the outcome of Slovakia's match against Romania, which ended 1-1. Despite limiting Belgium to few chances, Ukraine struggled to mount a consistent attacking threat until the latter stages of the game. Leicester City's Wout Faes stood out in Belgium's defence, making two crucial blocks late on to deny Artem Dovbyk a shot at goalkeeper Koen Casteels. With Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk injured, Roman Yaremchuk served as Ukraine's sporadic attacking outlet, while Ruslan Malinovskyi almost curled a corner past Casteels and inside the near post. Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne added a touch of class for Bel...

Belgium 4 - 3 Wales Wales produced a stirring fightback in Brussels, recovering from three goals down to draw level with Belgium, only for Kevin De Bruyne to strike late and hand Craig Bellamy his first defeat as manager Author | Mark Milward Stadium | Stade Roi Baudouin Belgium raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, with Romelu Lukaku converting from the penalty spot before Youri Tielemans capped a sweeping move and Jeremy Doku added a dazzling third, cutting inside and drilling into the bottom corner. For Wales, it threatened to be a repeat of the 4-0 defeat by Slovakia a year ago that brought an end to Rob Page’s tenure.  But this team, under Bellamy, has shown greater resolve. A penalty from Harry Wilson shortly before the break gave them a foothold, and the comeback gathered pace in the second half. READ MORE | World Cup Qualifying match reports READ MORE | Stories from across Belgium Wilson turned provider to set up Sorba Thomas, who finished coolly for ...

France 2 - 0 Belgium France picked up their first victory of their Nations League campaign with a comfortable win over Belgium.  After losing 3-1 to Italy in their first League A Group 2 match and they faced a tough challenge against Belgium.  Kylian Mbappe, the France captain, started on the bench for this game as he had played the full 90 minutes against Italy.  France's coach, Didier Deschamps, decided to change the entire forward line for this match. Belgium had a bright start but fell behind just before the half-hour mark when Kolo Muani scored his sixth goal for France after pouncing on a loose ball.  Ousmane Dembele, Muani's teammate at Paris St-Germain, made it 2-0 after the break with a well-struck shot. Mbappe came on in the second half and had two good chances but was unable to score. Click here for more news and stories from across France What next for Belgium? They opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win against Israel - with De Bruyn...

Manchester City 2 - 0 Napoli Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals as City were forced to dig deep in their victory over Napoli. Author | Macca Stadium | Etihad Stadium Haaland needed just 49 games to reach the milestone, nodding in a second-half header to put City on course for three points. Doku scored City's 2nd after 65 minutes to give them the perfect start.  The 2023 Champions League winners played most of the match against ten men after Giovanni di Lorenzo was sent off. A closer look at what happened City dominated possession as anticipated but Pep Guardiola will have been frustrated that his side were not ahead at the interval, despite a barrage of efforts that met an inspired Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the Napoli goal. The Serbian produced a series of outstanding saves, denying Tijjani Reijnders with a sharp stop, blocking Phil Foden’s low effort and turning away a fierce volley from Rodri. He also clawed out headers from Nico O’...

Brentford 2 - 2 Manchester City Manchester City’s bid for a fifth consecutive Premier League title took another hit as they squandered a 2-0 lead to draw against Brentford. Author - Macca The Bees looked down and out after trailing by two goals with just 12 minutes left, but Yoane Wissa sparked a dramatic comeback with a strike before captain Christian Nørgaard’s 92nd-minute header salvaged a point in a thrilling finale. Brentford nearly snatched all three points in the dying moments, but Nathan Aké came to City’s rescue, heading Bryan Mbeumo’s curling effort off the line in the 95th minute. City had taken the lead in the 66th minute, with Phil Foden expertly guiding a side-footed volley from Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime cross. Brentford almost levelled five minutes later, only for Aké to clear Wissa’s attempt, set up by Mbeumo’s impressive work around goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, off the line. Premier League: 2024/2025 season Foden looked to have sealed the win in the 78th minute, poun...

Which Welsh players performed well during their heartbreak defeat against Belgium? The result leaves them facing a potentially intense play-off campaign to qualify for the World Cup. Author | David Sampson Despite the defeat, there were promising performances from a number of players. Yet again, Wales caused a major nation problems, they just didn't have enough quality on the night. Karl Darlow | 5. 5 Had little chance with either of Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint penalties but could have done more to prevent the second goal. Neco Williams | 7 Strong defensively and lively going forward, showing a much-improved display from the Nottingham Forest full-back. Ben Cabango | 5 A tough evening for the Swansea defender, who should have reacted better for Belgium’s second goal. Wales defending Ben Davies | 6 Will be relieved to see the back of the electric Jeremy Doku. Despite being under pressure, Davies handled his defensive duties with composure. Joe Rodon | 7.5 Produced a key bloc...

Manchester City remain on course to reach a second successive Champions League final after beating Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final first leg. Twitter went crazy during the match. What a game of football ⚽️ absolutely incredible biblical celestial MCFC LG x — Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) April 26, 2022 Kevin de Bruyne's Gabriel Jesus gave City a 2-0 lead inside the opening 11 minutes. Karim Benzema then  volleyed home for Real, but Phil Foden's header made it 3-1. Real's Vinicius Jr scored a superb individual goal to make 3-2. Bernardo Silva blasted in City's fourth to restore their two-goal advantage before Benzema's chipped penalty pulled another back for Real Madrid. European Super Football (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) City have never won the European Cup or Champions League and lost 1-0 to Chelsea in last season's final, but produced a superb performance to take the advantage to Spain. --- This video from the Man City YouTube channel con...

Manchester City 2 - 1 Brentford Erling Haaland netted twice, bringing his Premier League tally to nine, as Manchester City overcame an early setback to secure a victory over Brentford and maintain their perfect start to the season. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa opened the scoring just 23 seconds in, heading into an empty net after a mix-up between John Stones and Ederson, who failed to clear Keane Lewis-Potter’s nod-back. City players and fans were shaken. However, Haaland quickly restored order, firing in a loose ball after Kevin de Bruyne was dispossessed inside the Brentford penalty area. The Norwegian striker then was in action again and bagged a second goal before half-time. He shrugged off Ethan Pinnock to reach Ederson’s long pass and slot the ball home. Fan reaction Macca, a Manchester Cit y fan, told us: "It was great to get the but there were some concerning signs throughout the match. Brentford caused our players a lot of problems. The atmosphere was also a bit rubbish. ...

Arsenal 1 - 1 Manchester City Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties  The Community Shield victory gave Arsenal's title hopes a psychological boost as they beat Pep Guardiola's side on penalties. Cole Palmer curled home a stunning strike. He thought he would win it for City after a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser. However, Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute after his shot was deflected into the net. In the end, Arsenal won on spot-kicks after Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar, Rodri had his effort saved, and then Fabio Vieira converted to seal the victory. A statement of intent from Arsenal? Despite leading the Premier League for over 240 days last season, Arsenal's challenge fell apart as City overtook them in the final stages to win the Treble along with the Champions League and FA Cup. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta spoke with a lot of media outlets before the match. He admitted that the end of last season still hurt, and was clearly despe...

Wales v Belgium preview Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday was always likely to feel significant. Now, it has the potential to be decisive. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium Their fate is once again in their own hands after Belgium were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia on Friday. If Craig Bellamy’s side win their final three matches, they will secure a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That remains a sizeable challenge. The most daunting obstacle comes next. This may not be the same Belgium that finished third at the 2018 World Cup or topped the world rankings three years ago, but they still possess a wealth of talent, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku among their array of attacking options. Not that Wales are likely to be overawed, particularly under a head coach as determined and optimistic as Bellamy. The current state of the play in the group North Macedonia lead the group on 12 points, o...

The shortlist for Ballon d'Or 2022  has been announced, and there have been some interesting developments. Let's take a look at some of the talking points. No Messi and Neymar! Lionel Messi and Neymar have not been included on the 30-man shortlist for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. The Argentina international has won the most Ballons d'Or in history with seven, but he did not make the list despite scoring 11 goals in 34 matches for Paris Saint-Germain last season. His team-mate Neymar is also not on the list. He played just 28 times for PSG last season in an injury-hit campaign. Kylian Mbappe does make the list. Recognition for the Lionesses  England's Euro 2022 success has been recognised. Millie Bright, Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze have been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best female footballer of 2022. Women's Euro 2022: England win after dramatic final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Who could win it? Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, ...