Bellingham Claims Liga Leaders Real Madrid Clasico Win Over Barca

 Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after a La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP)
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after a La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP)
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Bellingham Claims Liga Leaders Real Madrid Clasico Win Over Barca

 Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after a La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP)
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham reacts after a La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP)

Jude Bellingham's goal helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 to win a tense Clasico and move five points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Champions Barcelona won all four times the teams were pitted against each other last season but in his first Clasico as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso snapped that run.

Kylian Mbappe, who later missed a penalty, fired Madrid in front and although Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham netted a second for the hosts before half-time which proved decisive.

Barca playmaker Pedri was sent off in the final stages for a second yellow card as tensions spilled over in the Spanish capital.

Madrid's victory means they have won nine of their opening 10 league games and Alonso's side proved against Barca they can triumph on the big occasion, following their derby humbling by Atletico Madrid in September.

Hansi Flick's team were led on the touchline by his assistant Marcus Sorg, as the German coach was suspended following a red card last weekend as they scraped a victory over relegation-battling Girona.

Barcelona were without several regular starters, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo among others, while Lamine Yamal still does not appear fully fit after a groin injury but started.

The teenager wound up Madrid fans in the week by claiming Los Blancos "steal" and "complain" and his name was greeted with a chorus of jeers when read out before kick-off.

Barcelona had more of the ball in the first half, but it was largely sterile possession and Madrid created the most dangerous opportunities.

The hosts were awarded an early penalty when Yamal appeared to bring down Vinicius Junior. However, it was cancelled after a VAR review as it was the Brazilian initiated the contact.

Madrid fans' ire at the officials grew when Mbappe blasted home from outside the area, but the goal was ruled out for a millimetric offside against the French superstar.

Mbappe did not have long to wait before he could celebrate in earnest, after superb work by Bellingham sent him through on goal.

The forward, the division's top goalscorer, netted his 11th league goal of the campaign with a lethal low finish past Wojciech Szczesny.

The goalkeeper made a good save from Dean Huijsen, while Bellingham and Fede Valverde went close as Madrid took control.

Szczesny stopped efforts from Vinicius and Bellingham again, and it was against the run of play when Barcelona equalized.

Arda Guler gave away possession in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford, playing in his first Clasico, crossed for Lopez to blast the visitors level in the 38th minute.

Bellingham struck Madrid's second five minutes later to give Los Blancos a deserved advantage at the interval.

The England international, who scored his first goal at the Bernabeu since April in midweek against Juventus, gleefully tapped home after Eder Militao nodded Vinicius's cross back into his path.

Madrid should have extended their lead at the start of the second half but Szczesny made a fine save to push out Mbappe's penalty, after Eric Garcia was penalized for handball.

Yamal, frustrated and struggling to make an impact on the game, sent a long-range shot high over the bar as Madrid closed ranks and kept the Catalans at a safe distance from their goal.

Madrid looked the more threatening in the final stages despite Barca needing to score, able to bring on Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz, while Barca had little in the way of attacking reinforcements.

Sorg sent defender Ronald Araujo up front during nine minutes of stoppage time after he netted the winner as a makeshift striker against Girona, but the center-back could not trouble Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Pedri was sent off in the final seconds for a second yellow card for a late foul on Aurelien Tchouameni, sparking a brief sideline shoving match, while players from both sides rowed after the final whistle.



Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
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Swiss Haenni Takes over RB Leipzig as First Female CEO of a Bundesliga Club 

Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)
Tatjana Haenni, FIFA deputy director of the competitions division and head of women's football, listens during the opening news conference for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP)

Former Switzerland international and experienced football administrator, Tatjana Haenni, became the first female CEO of a Bundesliga club after she was appointed to the post at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Haenni has decades of experience following her playing career, having held various posts in women's football at global governing body FIFA for more than a decade.

She was also in charge of women's football at the Swiss football association and sports director at the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States among others until her departure earlier this year.

"In our discussions, she impressed us and the committees with her expertise, as well as her combination of specialist knowledge, leadership strength and strategic thinking," said Oliver Mintzlaff, chair of RB Leipzig's supervisory board in a club statement.

The 59-year-old will take up her role on January 1, 2026.

Leipzig, owned by energy drinks maker Red Bull, are currently in second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga will go into a winter break between December 21 and January 9.

"I am very much looking forward to this new role. I am convinced that with strong teamwork and a focus on RB Leipzig’s strengths, we can tap into significant potential," Haenni said.

"I can’t wait to get started in January and to get to know the club on a deeper level," Haenni said. "Together, we want to continue on what is already a successful path, and achieve our ambitious goals."


Egypt Teammates Rally Behind Unsettled Salah before AFCON 

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
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Egypt Teammates Rally Behind Unsettled Salah before AFCON 

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on December 6, 2025. (AFP)

While the future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool hangs in the balance, Egypt teammates have rallied behind the national team captain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The record seven-time continental champions are in Group B with Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and will be based in southern coastal city Agadir throughout the first round.

"Players like him do not get benched," said striker Ahmed "Kouka" Hassan on social media, referring to Salah being a substitute in the last three Liverpool fixtures, and coming on only once.

"If he starts on the bench, you must make sure he is the first to come on, after 60 minutes, 65 at the latest.

"Mo is not just a teammate, he is a leader, a legend for club and country. Keep working hard brother, every situation in life is temporary, moments like this pass, what stays is your greatness."

Head coach and former star Hossam Hassan posted a photograph of himself and Salah and a message: "Always a symbol of perseverance and strength."

"The greatest Liverpool legend of all time," wrote winger Ahmed "Zizo" El Sayed. Goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy called Salah "always the best".

Liverpool have struggled in their title defense this season and lie 10th after 15 rounds, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. Salah has also battled with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.

After twice surrendering the lead in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United last Saturday, Salah told reporters "it seems like the club has thrown me under the bus".

"I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame (for the slump)... someone does not want me in the club."

Salah was omitted from the squad that travelled to Milan for a Champions League clash with Inter on Tuesday and has hinted that he may not play for Liverpool again.

- 'Great feeling' -

Although Egypt last won the AFCON 15 years ago in Luanda, Salah, 33, believes they will lift the trophy again before he retires.

"It will happen -- that is what I believe. It is a great feeling every time you step on the field wearing the Egyptian colors."

Salah has suffered much heartbreak in four AFCON tournaments as Egypt twice finished runners-up and twice exited in the round of 16.

He created the goal that put the Pharaohs ahead in the 2017 final, but Cameroon clawed back to win 2-1 in Libreville.

Hosts and title favorites Egypt were stunned by South Africa in the first knockout round two years later, conceding a late goal to lose 1-0.

Egypt reached the final again in 2022 only to lose on penalties to Senegal after 120 goalless minutes in Yaounde.

In Ivory Coast last year, Salah suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana and took no further part in the tournament. Egypt lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a last-16 clash.

This year, Egypt boast an array of attacking talent with Salah, Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes and Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan and Zizo from Cairo giants Al Ahly.

Group B is the only one of the six in Morocco featuring two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Egypt and South Africa heading to the global showpiece in North America.

South Africa exceeded expectations by finishing third at the 2024 AFCON, but Belgian coach Hugo Broos expects a tougher campaign in a tournament that kicks off on December 21.

"It will be harder because every opponent will be more motivated to beat us after our bronze medals," said the tactician who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title.

Angola and Zimbabwe recently changed coaches with France-born Patrice Beaumelle and Romanian Mario Marinica hired.

The Angolans have reached the quarter-finals three times, including last year, while the Zimbabweans have never gone beyond the first round.


Pressure Is on Real Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso Ahead of Champions League Match Against Man City 

Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso in action during a training session at Valdebebas sports city in Madrid, Spain, 09 December 2025. (EPA)
Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso in action during a training session at Valdebebas sports city in Madrid, Spain, 09 December 2025. (EPA)
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Pressure Is on Real Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso Ahead of Champions League Match Against Man City 

Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso in action during a training session at Valdebebas sports city in Madrid, Spain, 09 December 2025. (EPA)
Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso in action during a training session at Valdebebas sports city in Madrid, Spain, 09 December 2025. (EPA)

The pressure is mounting on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match with Manchester City.

Madrid has won just two of its last seven in all competitions including a 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo over the weekend.

Ahead of the City match, Alonso had to contend with reports in the Spanish media that he had lost control of the locker room.

“This is a team, and we all stand together,” he said. “In soccer, you can change perspective quickly, and we’re at that point.”

Doubts over Kylian Mbappé's availability added to Alonso's concerns. The France striker trained separately to the rest of the team on Tuesday, having reportedly had issues with his left leg.

City manager Pep Guardiola sympathized with Alonso, who he coached as a player at Bayern Munich.

“Barcelona and Real Madrid are the toughest clubs to be manager of because of the environment,” he said. “It’s a difficult place but he knows it — it’s the reality of being here."

Other games on Wednesday include defending champion Paris Saint-Germain at Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal at Club Brugge and Italian champion Napoli at Benfica.