Football

Union Berlin and Freiburg played out a goalless draw in the German capital on Friday, with Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow saving a first-half penalty.Freiburg were awarded a penalty after 22 minutes when Eren Dinkci was brought down in the box. Captain Vincenzo Grifo stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was expertly saved by Ronnow. This marked the fifth consecutive missed penalty for Freiburg in the Bundesliga, equaling a club record set in 1999.Despite the missed penalty, Freiburg continued to press for a goal. Lucas Hoeler had a late chance to snatch all three points, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by Diogo Leite.The draw moved Freiburg one point ahead of Bayer Leverkusen into fourth place in the Bundesliga standings, while Union Berlin remained in seventh, just outside the European qualification spots.The match was a rematch of the final matchday of last season, when Union secured their top-flight status with a home win over Freiburg.On Saturday, league leaders Bayern Munich will travel to promoted St. Pauli, while defending champions Leverkusen will face last-placed Bochum.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has vowed to prevent the recurrence of a controversial banner display during their midweek match against Atletico Madrid. The banner, unfurled by the Paris Ultras Collective (CUP), read "Free Palestine" and featured a bloodstained Palestinian flag, a man wearing a keffiyeh, the Al-Aqsa mosque, and a child wrapped in the Lebanese flag.Following a meeting with the French Football Federation and government officials, PSG pledged to "guarantee the absence of political messages" in the stands. A government spokesperson stated that a "frank and constructive dialogue" had identified solutions that PSG would implement at their next home match.PSG had previously denied knowledge of the banner's display, stating that it was not aware of the plan to display such a message. The banner was accompanied by another slogan that read "War on the pitch but peace in the world."The incident has sparked debate about the role of politics in sports. Some argue that sports should be a neutral space, while others believe that athletes and fans have a responsibility to use their platforms to raise awareness of important issues.PSG's decision to ban political messages in the stands has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans support the move, arguing that it will prevent the politicization of the sport. Others criticize the decision, claiming that it stifles freedom of expression.The incident highlights the complex relationship between sports and politics. As sports continue to gain global prominence, athletes and fans are increasingly using their platforms to express their views on social and political issues. It remains to be seen how sports organizations will navigate this evolving landscape in the future.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is demanding a strong response from his team after they suffered consecutive defeats to Barcelona in La Liga and AC Milan in the Champions League. The Spanish giants will face Osasuna in a league clash on Saturday, November 9, 2024, and Ancelotti is determined to see a positive reaction from his players.Following a humiliating 4-0 home loss to Barcelona, Real Madrid were once again outplayed at the Santiago Bernabeu, falling 3-1 to AC Milan. The defeats exposed the team's defensive frailties and lack of attacking firepower, raising concerns about their ability to compete for major trophies this season.Ancelotti acknowledged the team's struggles, stating that they "see tomorrow as a great opportunity to get back to doing things right." He emphasized the need for unity and motivation, adding that "we have a chance to get back to our best."The Italian manager also expressed confidence in forward Kylian Mbappe, who has been struggling to find his form since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in June. Ancelotti believes that Mbappe, who has scored just once in his last six games, can overcome his current difficulties and regain his top form."He's training well, he's going through a difficult moment... like each one of us. And like all of us, he has to think that this is an opportunity, that if he is clever he can get through it, but it requires more concentration and attitude," Ancelotti said.Real Madrid currently sit second in the La Liga standings with 24 points from 11 matches, nine points behind leaders Barcelona. Ancelotti is aware of the need to close the gap and believes that a victory over Osasuna can provide the team with a much-needed boost."Osasuna are doing very well, playing brave football and well positioned in the table," Ancelotti said. "We have analysed the situation. We think we have found the solution, but it has to be seen in practice. We want to see a different version tomorrow. I see the team united, motivated and aware. But we have to wait until tomorrow to see if we act in the right way."

Israeli and Dutch leaders on Friday (November 8, 2024) condemned "anti-Semitic" clashes that erupted after a Europa League football match in Amsterdam overnight, with Israel sending rescue planes for their citizens.The violence flared after the game between Maccabi Tel-Aviv and home team Ajax, which won 5-0. A Dutch police spokesperson told ANP news agency that 57 people had been arrested without further details.Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the "completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis.""I followed with horror the coverage from Amsterdam," Mr. Schoof wrote on X, adding that he had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to assure him that "the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted."The pair spoke after Mr. Netanyahu ordered rescue planes to the Netherlands to transport the Israeli fans back home.Mr. Netanyahu's office said he told Mr. Schoof that he "views the premeditated anti-Semitic attack against Israeli citizens with utmost seriousness and requested increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands," his office said.Dutch media AT5 said the clashes occurred around midnight. Social media platforms were flooded with unverified images purported to be of the violence, but confirmed details of the clashes were few.AT5 said that numerous fights, as well as acts of vandalism, had occurred in the city center. "A large number of mobile unit vehicles are present and reinforcements have also been called in," it said. "Young people also allegedly provoked the police."Images on AT5 showed Dutch police escorting fans back to their hotels. The Israeli embassy in the United States said "hundreds" of Maccabi fans were "ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game."In its post on social media platform X, the embassy blamed the incident on a "mob who targeted innocent Israelis."Israel's President Isaac Herzog called on the Dutch government "to protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack." "We see the horror this morning, the shocking images and videos that since October 7th, we had hoped never to see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands," Herzog said in a statement.Rescue MissionIsraeli authorities urged their citizens in Amsterdam to stay in their hotels and avoid showing Israeli or Jewish symbols if they do go outside. The army said it was coordinating a "rescue mission" with cargo aircraft and medical and rescue teams.Israel's new foreign minister Gideon Saar said in a statement that he had requested the Dutch government's assistance in ensuring Israeli citizens' safe exit from their hotels to the airport.On Thursday, Amsterdam police said on social media that they were being particularly vigilant in the wake of several incidents, including the tearing down of a Palestinian flag from a building.A pro-Palestinian rally demonstrating against the Israeli football club's visit was initially scheduled to take place near the stadium but was relocated by the Amsterdam city council for security reasons.The violence took place with anti-Israeli sentiment and reported anti-Semitic acts across the world soaring as Israel wages wars against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and in Gaza, which have seen massive civilian casualties.

Barcelona, the current La Liga leaders, are in scintillating form, having scored 55 goals in 16 matches across all competitions. They visit Real Sociedad on Sunday, brimming with confidence after scoring three or more goals in each of their last seven outings.Despite Real Sociedad's historical resilience against Barcelona in San Sebastian, Hansi Flick's team has been unstoppable since September. Their only league defeat came six weeks ago at Osasuna, but they have since thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 and Bayern Munich 4-1 in Europe."The results speak for themselves, and it's great to see," said Flick, whose team holds a nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.Robert Lewandowski, the veteran Polish striker, has been a key factor in Barcelona's resurgence under his former Bayern Munich coach. After struggling last season, the 36-year-old has been unstoppable this season, scoring 19 goals in 16 games.Lewandowski's superb support comes from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who have been tearing apart opponents. Dani Olmo, Barcelona's summer signing, is also expected to start as he continues his recovery from injury.Real Sociedad, currently 11th in La Liga, are improving under Imanol Alguacil. The coach believes his team's results will improve after poor finishing cost them points earlier in the campaign.Real Madrid, in second place, face Osasuna on Saturday, hoping to reduce Barcelona's lead to six points.

Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, are poised to extend their lead at the top of the table when they visit promoted St. Pauli on Saturday. A victory would put them six points clear of RB Leipzig, who face Borussia Moenchengladbach later that day.Bayern's dominance this season has been evident in their unbeaten record and their impressive goal-scoring form. In their last four Bundesliga matches, they have netted 16 goals without conceding. This resurgence has been attributed to the arrival of Vincent Kompany as manager, who has instilled a renewed sense of confidence and tactical discipline in the team.Leipzig's recent 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund has given Bayern the opportunity to widen the gap at the summit. The Bavarians are also buoyed by the return of Jamal Musiala, who has added a new dimension to their attack with his aerial prowess.St. Pauli, on the other hand, will be determined to make a statement against the league leaders. Despite losing their coach, Fabian Huerzeler, they have remained solid defensively, conceding only 11 goals this season. They will look to emulate their performance against Leipzig in September, where they held the Saxons to a goalless draw.Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen will face last-placed Bochum, while Mainz host Dortmund. On Sunday, third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt will travel to Stuttgart, who finished as runners-up last season.

Manchester City, plagued by injuries, are desperate to end their losing streak in their final Premier League match before the international break. Chelsea, on the other hand, aims to worsen Arsenal's misery.Pep Guardiola's City, accustomed to success, have suffered three consecutive defeats, raising concerns. Last week, they were eliminated from the League Cup by Tottenham. Their unbeaten run in the Premier League ended at Bournemouth, followed by a 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.Despite being two points behind Liverpool, City is wary of losing further ground. Midfielder Bernardo Silva acknowledges the team's injury woes but emphasizes the importance of the upcoming international break.A positive for City was Kevin De Bruyne's return as a late substitute against Sporting after seven weeks out.Arsenal, meanwhile, could drop to eighth in the Premier League if results go against them. Mikel Arteta's team has earned only one point in their last three league games and lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in the Champions League.A defeat to Chelsea and a Liverpool win would leave Arsenal 10 points off the top spot. Thierry Henry believes Arsenal could be out of the title race if they lose.Liverpool, under Arne Slot, has won 14 of their first 16 games in all competitions. They have taken seven points from matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton and have a perfect record in the Champions League.Slot downplayed the notion of Liverpool's success being "easy," emphasizing the intensity required to beat them. Liverpool faces a tough run of fixtures, but they have proven their mettle so far.

Galatasaray's impressive performance in the Europa League continued on Thursday as they handed Tottenham their first defeat of the season with a 3-2 victory in Istanbul. The Turkish champions now sit atop the Group D standings with 10 points from four games, while Spurs find themselves in seventh place after losing their 100% record.Galatasaray took an early lead through Yunus Akgun's stunning long-range volley, but Tottenham responded quickly with a goal from teenage striker Will Lankshear. However, the home side regained control before halftime as Victor Osimhen scored twice in quick succession.Osimhen's first goal came just after the half-hour mark, and he doubled his tally with a clever volley from Dries Mertens' cross. The Nigerian star has now scored six goals in eight appearances for Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli.Galatasaray had several chances to extend their lead, but Spurs' hopes of a comeback were boosted when Lankshear was sent off for two yellow-card offenses in the second half. Dominic Solanke pulled one back for Tottenham in the 69th minute, but Galatasaray held on for a comfortable victory.In other Europa League action, Manchester United finally secured their first win in the competition with a 2-0 victory over PAOK Thessaloniki at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo scored both goals for the Red Devils, who had previously drawn their first three matches.Lazio remain the only team with a perfect record in Group F after Pedro scored an injury-time winner in a 2-1 success against Porto. Ajax sit in second place, two points behind Lazio, after thrashing Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.Eintracht Frankfurt clinched a 1-0 win against Slavia Prague thanks to Omar Marmoush's superb free-kick, while Athletic Bilbao came from behind to grab a 2-1 victory at Ludogorets. Roma's disappointing form continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.

In a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Hyderabad FC staged a remarkable comeback to snatch a 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters. The match initially seemed destined for a comfortable Blasters win, but Hyderabad's resilience and determination proved decisive.Kerala Blasters began the match with a dominant display, slicing through Hyderabad's defense with ease. Mohammed Aimen and Adrian Luna were particularly impressive on the left flank, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The home side's efforts were rewarded in the 13th minute when Korou Singh delivered a precise cross to striker Jesus Jimenez, who tapped it in with ease.However, Hyderabad refused to be disheartened. Towards the end of the first half, Andrei Alba capitalized on a pass from Parag Shrivas to score a stunning equalizer with a rising shot. The goal transformed Hyderabad, instilling confidence and belief in the team.After the break, Edmilson Correia came on as a substitute for Hyderabad and nearly gave the visitors the lead in the 55th minute. However, goalkeeper Som Kumar made a brilliant save to deny him. K.P. Rahul's introduction 10 minutes later brought a renewed sense of urgency to Blasters' play, as he sent dangerous crosses into the box from the right.Just when Blasters fans thought they were on the verge of a goal, Hyderabad struck again. The visitors earned a controversial penalty, despite replays showing that defender Hormipam did not handle the ball. Alba stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, giving Hyderabad a 2-1 lead.Despite their best efforts, Kerala Blasters were unable to find an equalizer. Hyderabad held on to their slender advantage, securing a valuable three points that lifted them to seventh place in the ISL standings. Blasters, on the other hand, remained in 10th place after their third consecutive loss.