THE RED DEVILS ARE BACK

 

Image Credit- The Busby Babe.

Manchester United and Liverpool are the two biggest football clubs in England. Whenever these two clubs clash, fireworks are expected. Moreover, the rivalry has passed on from generation to generation, thus making it one of the most awaited fixtures of English football. Even though Liverpool has dominated over United in the past few years, there have been moments wherein United has matched fire with fire. They were unfortunate to only manage a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season, but this time they went above and beyond and accomplished the seemingly impossible.

Manchester United has beaten Liverpool 2-1 in one of the most exciting games of the season.  Harry Maguire, who missed a sitter on the previous occasion, scored the winner this time and ended Liverpool's unbeaten streak against United at Anfield. It was truly a moment of redemption for Maguire.

Interestingly, Bryan Mbeumo scored the opening goal in the second minute of the game and gave United a crucial lead. However, Liverpool continued their attack but were unfortunate that they didn't get an equaliser soon. Cody Gakpo hit the bar multiple times, but it was one of those days wherein the ball just did not go into the net. Even Mo Salah, who has a tremendous record against United, missed an easy opportunity. However, in the 78th minute, Liverpool did equalise, with Cody Gakpo getting the crucial touch. 

The match was again on a knife-edge. Anyone from here could win the game. It was just a matter of one good shot on target. Eventually, in the 84th minute of the game, Maguire got that one shot when he got his header right, which helped United get a vital 2-1 lead. In the last minutes the Sousers tried hard to get back into the game, but they failed to get past the United defence.  

The United dugout erupted with joy when the final whistle was blown. No one could believe what they had seen. Liverpool beaten, United triumphant. Anfield was shocked, and so were the football fans all over the world. The impossible has happened. The Red Devils are back to their winning ways, just like the good old days. 

THE BAVARIANS ARE COMING

 

Image Credit- Bundesliga.

FC Bayern Munich is one of the strongest clubs in Europe. Not only have they dominated in the German League, but they are also a force in European competition. They are truly royalty. Winning the league title is not a big thing for them. From 2012 to 2023 they won eleven league titles in a row, creating a world record. As a result, when they failed to win the league in 2024, it was seen as a major footballing upset. However, the Bavarians came strong next season and reclaimed their Bundesliga title. Interestingly, it also became the first silverware for their striker Harry Kane, who has failed to win a trophy with all the teams he has played with. Thus, it was a special moment for him. 

From matchday one, everyone has started expecting that they would undoubtedly defend their Bundesliga crown, given the depth and performance of their team.  But their actions over the last two months are absolutely unthinkable. They have won their first three Champions League games and all eight of their Bundesliga games [This includes victory over clubs like Chelsea and Dortmund].

Their performance in the first two months has shocked Europe, even if there is still a lot of the season left. The Men in Red look strong and determined. Will the Bavarians' 2019–20 campaign be repeated? The womb of time holds the answer. In Munich, however, everything appears to be ideal right now. 

THE HEARTBREAK

 

Image Credit- Khel Now.

On October 22, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, FC Goa suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Saudi Giants in the third matchday of the AFC Champions League Two. The match had garnered attention all over because there was a possibility of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo coming to India. Unfortunately, he didn't come to India, thus breaking the hearts of millions of fans. However, that didn't affect the visitors' performance for Al Nassr; they took control right away, scoring goals in the tenth and twenty-seventh minutes through Angelo Gabriel and Haroune Camara, respectively, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. To everyone's surprise, Brison Fernandes scored a goal for the hosts in the 41st minute, which cut the opposition's lead and gave some hope to the home team. 

Even though Al Nassr fielded some well-known players in the second half, such as Sadio Mane and Joao Felix, who tried their hardest to attack, the Goan defence kept the visitors from scoring more goals, and the game ended at full time with a respectable 1-2 score.

While FC Goa has had a challenging season and is currently at the bottom of the table, Al-Nassr has up until now maintained a spotless record. The Gaurs would find it difficult to accept the hard-fought defeat against Al Nassr after suffering two straight defeats to Al-Zawraa and Istiklol. Moreover, it looks impossible that FC Goa can make it to the next round. But hope is all we have got right now. 

THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ARE CRUMBLING

 

Image Credit- Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC won their 19th EPL title in 2020. However, for the next four years Manchester City maintained their domination in the English Premier League as they won 4 Premier League titles back to back. However, a resurgent Liverpool under Arne Slot did the impossible as they ended Manchester City's winning reign and won their 20th Premiership Title in 2025. 

There was joy all round Anfield. Moreover, the Men in Red looked solid and strong. As a result, there was a belief among the fans that they could defend their title. Interestingly, the defending champions started off their campaign pretty well, as they won the first five games, including their game against Arsenal in Anfield. Unfortunately, post their win against Everton, everything has been down the slope. 

Since then they have lost 4 Premier League games in a row [including defeats against Chelsea and United] and are now reeling at 6th position. It appears that the title defence might be over even before Christmas. It's high time for the Scousers to regroup and act before it's too late. After all, the defending champions are crumbling. Their Premier League hopes are on a knife-edge now. 

JUST JOSE THINGS

 

Image Credit- Sky News.

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as the new manager of Benfica after being sacked by Fenerbahce a few days ago. Despite finishing second in the league, Jose was sacked by the Turkish Club because he failed to get them a spot in the Champions League. However, now comes the interesting part: Fenerbahçe lost their place in the Champions League because they were beaten by Benfica in the qualifiers. As a result, the Fenerbahçe management decided to part ways with Jose. However, just a few weeks after the sacking, Jose has joined the club that actually got him sacked. Jose has joined a club that is playing in the European Competition. Truly a Jose Thing.  

THE TOPSY TURVY RIDE

 

Image Credit- Chelsea Football Club

The 2024-25 season was a wonderful season for Chelsea Football Club. After all, we lifted not one but two pieces of silverware after three long years. First it was the UEFA Conference League, and second was the FIFA Club World Cup. By winning the Conference League, we became the first club in Europe that has won all three European titles. Furthermore, the victory in the USA was even more special since it was the inaugural edition of the newly launched FIFA Club World Cup. 

Interestingly, we won that trophy by hammering PSG 3-0. Paris Saint-Germain are presently in their peak era. They are Champions League winners. Moreover, they hammered the top clubs whom they faced in the Champions League as well as the Club World Cup. As a result, a victory against them is even more special.

Due to the success in 2024-25, the hopes were high at Stamford Bridge. People started believing that we can win the Premier League this season; after all, we have a team that can beat the best of oppositions. However, after two months one can say that the journey has been a topsy-turvy ride.

The team lacks consistency and is struggling to perform on the big stage. We are presently reeling in the 8th position in the Premier League and have lost our opening Champions League game against Bayern Munich. Yes, we have managed a win in the Carabao Cup. However, this is not what we expect from Chelsea. Chelsea is a big team, and we expect them to perform like a big team. 

Can we make a comeback from here? Definitely yes. But it won't be easy. After all, we have a mountain to climb. But, we have done that in the past, and one will hope that they will replicate it again.

THE MAN

 

Image Credit- The New York Times.

Date- 24 July, 2000

Luis Figo was unveiled at Real Madrid. One of those footballing transfers that shocked the entire footballing circuit. The impossible had happened. After all, the best player in the world, set to win the Ballon d’Or, has left Barcelona to join Real Madrid. Interestingly, this was the transfer that launched the Galacticos Era and made Perez the most influential club president. This move made him the man.