Football

Pep Guardiola has extended his contract with Manchester City, ensuring his continued reign at the helm of the Premier League giants. The Spanish manager, whose previous deal was set to expire at the end of this season, has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium for at least another year.Guardiola's decision to extend his stay is a testament to the unprecedented success he has overseen at City since his arrival in 2016. Under his guidance, the club has established itself as the dominant force in English football, winning six Premier League titles in seven years. City has also triumphed in the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup multiple times under Guardiola's leadership.The Catalan coach's impact on City extends beyond trophies. He has instilled a winning mentality and a distinctive style of play that has made the team one of the most admired in the world. Guardiola's commitment to attacking football and his ability to develop young players have earned him widespread praise.Guardiola's contract extension comes at a time when City faces a slew of alleged financial breaches. The club has been charged with over 100 offenses spanning nine years, ranging from failing to provide accurate financial information to misleading UEFA about sponsorship revenue.Despite the ongoing investigation, Guardiola has expressed his confidence in City's ability to clear its name. He has stated that he welcomes the opportunity to defend the club and its reputation. A verdict in the case is not expected until next year.Guardiola's decision to stay at City is a major boost for the club, which is aiming to maintain its dominance in English football and challenge for major trophies in Europe. The Spaniard's experience, tactical acumen, and winning mentality will be invaluable assets as City navigates the challenges ahead.

Bayern Munich's Champions League campaign received a much-needed boost with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica at the Allianz Arena. After consecutive defeats in Europe, the German giants found themselves in a precarious position, but Jamal Musiala's second-half goal proved to be the difference.Despite dominating possession, Bayern struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Benfica defense. The home crowd, in a somber mood due to a hospitalized fan, remained silent throughout the match. However, Musiala's header from a Harry Kane assist broke the deadlock in the 70th minute.Bayern's victory was far from convincing, but it was enough to lift them to 17th place in the Champions League standings. They still have work to do to secure a knockout spot, especially with a daunting clash against Paris Saint-Germain looming."We had good moments, but the opponent defended well," said Musiala after the match. "It was very important to get three points today. We don't have to win every game by four or five goals. Sometimes 1-0 is enough."Bayern coach Vincent Kompany echoed Musiala's sentiments, saying, "Sometimes it's good to win like this -- even though we of course prefer to win by three or four. I knew we needed to stay patient and calm. We did that well. It was a good game and a good win."Despite their struggles in Europe, Bayern remain unbeaten at the top of the Bundesliga table. However, their Champions League campaign has been a rollercoaster ride so far. After a 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb, they suffered a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa and a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona.The match against Benfica was delayed by 15 minutes due to public transport issues, and the home fans remained silent throughout due to a medical emergency in the stands. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer revealed that the team "didn't celebrate in the cabin like we normally would" due to the incident.As the game wore on, Bayern grew nervous, but Benfica failed to capitalize on their few chances. Leroy Sane's introduction as a substitute added some much-needed speed, and he played a key role in Musiala's goal.Bayern's final match before the international break is against St Pauli in Hamburg on Saturday. They will be hoping to build on their Champions League victory and maintain their dominance in the Bundesliga.

In a thrilling Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes, substitute Angel Correa's dramatic 93rd-minute goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Atletico Madrid over Paris Saint-Germain. The result reignited Atletico's European hopes while casting a shadow over PSG's aspirations.PSG took an early lead through Warren Zaire-Emery's composed finish in the 14th minute. However, Atletico responded swiftly, with Nahuel Molina equalizing just four minutes later. The hosts dominated possession and created numerous chances, but their profligacy in front of goal proved costly.Atletico, missing several key defenders, defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak making several impressive saves to keep PSG at bay. As the game entered its final stages, it seemed destined for a draw.However, in a moment of brilliance, Correa broke the deadlock. After PSG failed to clear a loose ball, the Argentine forward collected it and fired a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma, sending the Atletico bench into raptures.The victory was a much-needed boost for Atletico, who had lost their previous two matches. It puts them back on track to qualify for the play-off round of the Champions League.For PSG, the defeat was a major setback. Despite being top of Ligue 1, they have struggled in Europe this season, with just four points from four games. Their hopes of reaching the knockout stages are now in jeopardy.

Inter Milan maintained their unbeaten streak in the Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the San Siro. Hakan Calhanoglu's first-half penalty proved to be the decisive moment, handing the Gunners their first defeat in the revamped tournament.Inter dominated the early exchanges, with Denzel Dumfries rattling the crossbar within the opening minute. However, Arsenal gradually grew into the game and created several chances of their own. Mikel Arteta's side felt aggrieved when they were denied a penalty after Yann Sommer collided with Mikel Merino, but their protests fell on deaf ears.Just before the break, Inter were awarded a spot-kick when Merino was adjudged to have handled Mehdi Taremi's flick. Calhanoglu stepped up and coolly slotted home, giving the hosts a slender advantage heading into the interval.After the restart, Arsenal continued to press for an equalizer, but Inter's defense held firm. Dumfries cleared off the line to deny Gabriel Martinelli, while Sommer produced a stunning save to keep out Kai Havertz's effort.Simone Inzaghi introduced Marcus Thuram, Nicolo Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the second half to bolster Inter's attack. However, Arsenal remained a threat, with Havertz coming close to scoring on several occasions.In the end, Inter held on for a hard-earned victory that keeps them in contention for a top-eight finish in the Champions League. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lost their unbeaten record but will take solace in the fact that they played well against a strong opponent.

Barcelona continued their impressive form in the Champions League with a dominant 5-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. Robert Lewandowski led the charge with a brace, taking his career tally in the competition to 99 goals.The Catalan giants took the lead in the 13th minute through Inigo Martinez's header from Raphinha's free-kick. However, Red Star equalized in the 27th minute when Silas capitalized on a defensive lapse.Barcelona regained the lead just before halftime when Lewandowski pounced on the rebound after Raphinha's shot hit the post. The Polish striker doubled his tally in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after Jules Kounde's cross.Raphinha extended Barcelona's lead to 4-1 with a low drive from the edge of the box. Substitute Fermin Lopez added the fifth goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by Kounde.Despite Milson's consolation goal for Red Star, Barcelona cruised to a comfortable victory. The win keeps them in contention for the top spot in their Champions League group, having previously thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1.Barcelona's attacking prowess has been on full display in recent weeks, with the team scoring at least three goals in each of their last seven matches across all competitions. Lewandowski has been a key figure in this run, scoring 19 goals in 16 appearances this season.

Xabi Alonso's bittersweet return to Anfield ended in a resounding 4-0 defeat for his Bayer Leverkusen side as Liverpool maintained their perfect record in the Champions League. Luis Diaz stole the show with a hat-trick, while Cody Gakpo also found the net for the Reds.Alonso, who won the Champions League with Liverpool as a player, was warmly received by the home crowd despite his decision to remain at Leverkusen. However, his team was outclassed by a rampant Liverpool side that dominated the second half.Arne Slot's tactical masterstroke of moving Diaz into a central role proved decisive. The Colombian opened the scoring with a delightful chip over Lukas Hradecky and added two more goals in the second half. Gakpo's header from Mohamed Salah's cross put the game beyond doubt, and Diaz completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.Despite the heavy defeat, Alonso remained optimistic about Leverkusen's chances of progressing to the knockout stages. "We are in a good position to fight to go through to the next round," he said. "Today it will be tougher to sleep, but we have time to see the positives as well."Liverpool, meanwhile, are almost assured of a place in the last 16 and are closing in on direct progression to the knockout stages. Slot praised his team's performance, saying, "Second half we could adjust the gameplan, we took more risks and we were better with the ball as well."

Manchester City's defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed as Sporting Lisbon stunned the Premier League champions 4-1 in the Champions League, with Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick inspiring the Portuguese side to a famous victory.Ruben Amorim, who has agreed to take over as Manchester United manager on November 11, orchestrated Sporting's triumph, showcasing his tactical acumen and the potential he brings to Old Trafford.Despite Phil Foden's early goal for City, Sporting refused to be intimidated. Gyokeres equalized before halftime, and Maximiliano Araujo doubled Sporting's lead shortly after the break. Gyokeres then converted two penalties to complete his hat-trick and seal a remarkable comeback.Erling Haaland missed a penalty for City, hitting the bar, as the visitors' defensive woes continued. Amorim's tactical brilliance was evident as Sporting exploited City's injury-hit backline, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, making his first start for the club, particularly vulnerable.Amorim's victory over City has heightened expectations among Manchester United fans, who hope he can replicate his success at Old Trafford. However, the Portuguese manager faces a daunting task in restoring the club to its former glory.Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's City have suffered a dramatic loss of momentum, losing three consecutive games for the first time this season. The absence of key players has taken its toll, and Guardiola will need to find solutions quickly to avoid further setbacks.Sporting, on the other hand, are in excellent form under Amorim, who has guided them to two Portuguese titles in four years. Their victory over City leaves them in a strong position in the Champions League, with 10 points from four games.

Real Madrid's Champions League woes continued on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan. The loss marked Madrid's second in four matches and left them languishing in the middle of the table.Kylian Mbappe, who has struggled to find his best form since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, failed to score again and has now netted just once in his last six matches for Madrid. The French striker was denied by Mike Maignan in the first half and again before halftime.Milan took the lead in the 12th minute through Malick Thiaw's header from a corner. Vinicius Junior equalized from the penalty spot after being fouled by Emerson Royal, but Alvaro Morata restored Milan's lead before the break.Tijjani Reijnders sealed the victory for Milan in the second half, finishing off a superb solo run by Rafael Leao. Madrid's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Antonio Rudiger's goal was ruled offside.Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team is "not giving a good account of itself" and called for improvements in compactness and organization. "We have to be worried," he said. "The team's not giving a good account of itself."Milan coach Paulo Fonseca praised his team's bravery and work rate. "The players came here with courage, didn't have any fear... in the first half we created plenty and in the second half we were on the back foot, but we fought together," he said.Madrid's next Champions League match is at Anfield against Liverpool, by when Ancelotti will hope to have solved some of his team's growing problems.

Liverpool, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, will host Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in a crucial Group B match. The Reds, currently second in the group with 9 points, will be aiming to secure the top spot, while Leverkusen, with 7 points, will be looking to strengthen their position in the top two.Liverpool, under the guidance of manager Jürgen Klopp, have been in impressive form in the Champions League this season, winning their last three matches. They will be confident of extending their winning streak against a Leverkusen side that has also shown glimpses of quality.Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, will make a special return to Anfield as the manager of Leverkusen. Alonso, who played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph, will be hoping to guide his team to a memorable victory against his former club.Leverkusen, currently third in the Bundesliga, have been inconsistent this season but have shown their potential in the Champions League. They will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Liverpool defense and capitalize on their attacking prowess.The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with a rich history in European competition. Liverpool will be looking to maintain their dominance in the Champions League, while Leverkusen will be determined to prove that they can compete with the best in Europe.