Looking for Soccer News?

Vitesse fans avoided a catastrophe on Sunday when part of the stand collapsed as they celebrated their side's 1-0 win at NEC.

The players made their way to the away of the Goffertstadion end to cheer along with the supporters when the front of the stand gave way underneath them.

Despite the collapse, no injuries have been reported and fans continued to celebrate the victory in the Gelderland derby.

What has happened?

The enthusiastic fans moved to the front of the stand as the Vitesse players approached following the win in the Eredivisie match.

The structure snapped under the weight but the fall was stopped by a container, which NEC general director Wilco van Schaik believes may have prevented a much more severe outcome.

"As far as I know, there are no injuries," Van Schaik said to NOS.

"All kinds of things go through your head. There was a container under that stand and it has prevented worse."

He continued to ESPN: "The first question was: were there any victims involved? Well, fortunately not, as it looks now. But things do go through your head.

Will there be an investigation?

The Dutch football federation (KNVB) and the mayor of Nijmegen, Hubert Bruls, also called for an investigation into the incident.

A spokesman for the KNVB told Omroep Gelderland: "Of course a lot has been done to make stadiums safer in recent years. But this incident also needs to be investigated. We fully support that."

Bruls said: "I am very shocked by what has happened. Fortunately, as far as is known, no one has been injured. I want an investigation into what happened here as soon as possible."

Further reading

An impressive first-half showing by Rennes saw them pick up a valuable 3-0 away triumph over Metz, with Ghanaian star Kamaldeen Sulemana registering his name on the goal scorer’s sheet.

Still basking in the excitement of their 2-0 defeat of Paris Saint-Germain their last time out, Rennais travelled to Stade Saint-Symphorien with the aspiration of extending their unbeaten run to five matches.

They made that intent known as early as the 23rd minute when Gaetan Laborde opening the scoring with an improvised backheel from close range.

Thirteen minutes later, Sulemana doubled Rennes’ lead after nutmegging Matthieu Udol, before he raced into the area to drill home a powerful shot.

Martin Terrier capped off a rapid Rennes counterattack, getting on the end of a Hamari Traore cross to end a great half for the visitors.

With no goals in the second half, Metz suffered their sixth defeat of the 2021-22 campaign to stay in the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Troyes secured their first home victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Nice at the Stade de L’Aude.

Mama Balde’s first-half effort settled the encounter while the visitors would have themselves to blame for missing several clear-cut opportunities.

Guinea-Bissau international Balde benefitted from a clinical counter-attack involving Oualid El Hajjam and Guilin Biancone to fire into the roof of the net just four minutes into the game.

Troyes could have gone two goals up in the 17th minute, but Guilin Biancone mistimed his effort in front of goal to the relief of Gauthier Gallon.

Although Nice stepped up their game in the second half, albeit, they could not get the much-desired equaliser.

At the Stade de la Meinau, Strasbourg overpowered Saint-Etienne 5-1 with French midfielder of Comorian descent Zaydou Youssouf given his marching orders.

The Racers took a 26th-minute lead through Maxime Le Marchand who headed home Frederic Guilbert’s corner kick to score his first goal for the club.

They doubled their lead in the 38th as Youssouf poked Anthony Caci’s dangerous delivery into his own net. To make matters worse for the African star, he was sent off following a harsh challenge on Ludovic Ajorque.

Notwithstanding their numerical disadvantage, the visitors pulled a goal back through Wahbi Khazri on the stroke of half-time. The Tunisia international converted a penalty after Le Marchand carelessly brought down Arnaud Nordin in the box.

Second-half strikes from Kevin Gameiro, Ludovic Ajorque and Senegal’s Habib Diallo handed Julien Stephan’s men a comprehensive home win.

In another match-up, Moses Simon’s Nantes recorded a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux – who introduced Samuel Kalu in the second half.

Ronald Koeman has praised Philippe Coutinho's impact off the bench for Barcelona in a 3-1 win against Valencia on Sunday, stating that he has "always believed" in the player's abilities and suggesting the midfielder could earn a larger role in the team with physical improvement.

The Brazil international was brought on just shy of the hour mark at Camp Nou with his side holding a one-goal lead, and ultimately snagged their third to assure victory late in the day.

It marked the first top-flight goal Coutinho has scored since late-2020, having been sidelined for much of the last term - but now his manager has been quick to sing his praises.

What has been said?

"It was good," Koeman told reporters at his post-match press conference when asked about Coutinho's performance and impact following his introduction into the match.

"When he entered the game he was good. With his freedom we were able to control the game better. He knows how to score goals.

"He has taken an important step because I have always believed in Coutinho. Physically, he is getting better and better.

Koeman weighs in on penalty debate

The Dutchman also addressed his side's second goal, earned from a Memphis Depay penalty after Ansu Fati was deemed to have been fouled whilst bearing down on goal.

"You can doubt whether it is a penalty or not," he added. "The referee has whistled, the VAR has not entered and, therefore, it is a penalty."

Fati made a long-awaited start following a lengthy injury lay-off, while there were also debut minutes for Sergio Aguero off the bench late on, with Koeman adding: "It is the same case as Ansu.

"He is an important player for his quality and experience. We want to give him minutes and he will be physically better to help the team. It is not a quality issue, but a fitness issue."

The bigger picture

With two victories from their last three games in La Liga, Barcelona may be starting to feel the heat lessen slightly around the back of their necks.

But with their title hopes likely all but gone already, they will next turn their attention to the Champions League.

The Blaugrana host Dynamo Kyiv in midweek - before they return to prepare for a long-awaited El Clasico clash with Real Madrid on Sunday.

Further reading

Karim Benzema hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane by winning the Ballon d'Or.

The Real Madrid striker is among the nominees for the award this year following his impressive performances over the course of 2021. 

Benzema, 33, has been integral for his side, finishing as the second top scorer in La Liga last season, while he currently leads the Spanish top-flight's goals and assist charts for this term.

What has been said?

The France international is considered one of the top contenders to win the accolade and doing so would fulfil a childhood dream.

He told Canal+: "Win the Ballon d'Or? Yes, that would be one of the many dreams I have had since childhood. Of course I dreamed of it as a kid.

"My idols, whether it's R9 [Ronaldo] or Zizou [Zidane], they came to Real Madrid and won the Ballon d'Or. And that's one of the little things I think about. Today, I’m not far from it."

Zidane backs Benzema to win it

Former Madrid manager and France icon Zidane believes the award should go to Benzema this time around.

He said to Telefoot: "We are talking about a player who deserves to win this Ballon d'Or.

"He's an incredible player, I had the great honor of coaching him. He associates easily with others. He knows how to do everything in the field.

"I hope he can be rewarded with this Ballon d'Or." 

Who could beat Benzema to the Ballon d'Or?

There are many top names who pose a threat to Benzema's hopes of achieving his dream.

As always, Lionel Messi is considered one of the top candidates to win it. Despite Barcelona's disappointing season, he was the top scorer in La Liga and went on to win the Copa America with Argentina in the summer.

Coming off the back of a fantastic year, Robert Lewandowski is also in the frame, while Chelsea star Jorginho could claim it after his role in their Champions League triumph.

Cristiano Ronaldo is another serious contender after ending the 2020-21 campaign as Serie A's top scorer before getting off to a great start on his return to Manchester United.

Further reading

Anthony Nwakaeme and Ivory Coast’s Gervinho played crucial roles as Trabzonspor beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in Sunday’s Super Lig fixture. 

Nwakaeme could not add to his tally of four league goals after nine matches so far but his presence pushed the hosts to turn the game around and grab a vital win. 

Diego Rossi opened the scoring for the visitors as early as in the third minute, however, a spirited display from Fenerbahce  

Anastasios Bakasetas grabbed the equaliser in the 25th minute before two late goals in the second half secured a win for them. 

It remains to be seen whether Abdullah Avinci's men wil applaud Dapo Abiodun for any project down because they finished the encounter in your area. Fenerbahce were reduced to 10 men in the 12th league appearance this week. 

Bayelsa United secured a 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup second round, first leg encounter.

Having subdued Guinean side AS Ashanti Golden Boys in the first round, the Nigerian National League side were pooled against the Juventus of the Arabs – who have won the competition on three occasions.

However, it was Bayelsa United who had the last laugh thanks to Victory Beniangba’s effort on the hour mark.

The Yenagoa based outfit could have gone at least three goals up in the first 45 minutes but profligacy and excellent goalkeeping by Mohamed Gaaloul ensured that the goal did not produce more than one goal.

Speaking to Goal after the match, goalkeeper John Shaibu is delighted with the result, although states that his team still has the second leg to contend with before thinking of celebrating.

“It was a very tough game but I am delighted that we were able to get a win as well as keep a clean sheet in Yenagoa.

“We gave our hearts out and I’m glad that our efforts paid off. We would have loved to score more than one goal, but you know it was not easy against a big club like CS Sfaxien.

“They came at us but we were able to hold on and prevent them from scoring. We showed them some respect but we were not carried away by their pedigree in African football.

“We are not going to celebrate this win yet because we know that we still have a tough game ahead of us in Tunisia.

“With luck on our side, we will be hoping to make it to the Confederation Cup group stage. And there, anything can happen.”

Bayelsa United must avoid defeat in the return leg billed for Stade Taieb Mhiri Sfax, to stand a chance of reaching the competition’s group phase.

Bayelsa United won the 2021 Aiteo Cup after defeating NPFL side Nasarawa United via a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.

Aside from becoming the first team from Nigeria’s second division to lift the prestigious cup since Dolphins FC's feat 20 years ago, the Yenagoa-based outfit picked a ticket to represent the West African nation alongside two-time African kings Enyimba.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Rhulani Mokwena insisted that he cannot fault his players’ commitment after they were held to a draw by AS Maniema Union on Sunday afternoon.

The Tshwane giants let their lead slip twice in their 2-2 draw against the DR Congolese side in the first leg of their Caf Champions League first-round tie at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

“Yeah, always difficult after a Fifa international break. To come back particularly because of course there’s not a lot of training time," Mokwena told the club's media department. 

"And then you miss a couple of players with regards to preparation, and then you get players coming back from different playing concepts and spaces.

"But we showed resilience and a good fight in a very difficult away match, with very difficult conditions and against a very, very good team that was motivated and fought for 90 minutes," he continued. 

"For us, the first half wasn’t very good. We made a lot of, a lot of unforced errors. We struggled a little bit with the boxes today.

"Only in the first-half we managed the two buildups that they got, we created chances immediately from those two scenarios, including the penalty when they started from the back."

Themba Zwane opened the scoring to hand Sundowns the lead, but the hosts made it 1-1 through Kita Kalowa after Mosa Lebusa had given away possession and Mokwena described the incident as unfortunate.

“But I think that then said to them no more starting, and they then went along to Kitwa with the number nine and played off the second ball that forced us a little bit too dragging our line a little bit deeper," he said. 

“Our turnovers were far too much and yeah, unfortunately even with that situation where Mosa, unfortunately, made a miss pass, it started further up when we just couldn’t keep the ball with Pavol [Safranko] and Peter [Shalulile].

"And that was our story in the first half, too many turnovers, very short strings of passes, we couldn’t retain our compactness in possession, and then we struggled a little bit on transition," he explained.

“It was better in the second half even the numbers speak a very good language where we did a little bit better with the boxes, and we did a little bit better with minimizing turn-overs, which helped us to be in a bit more control of the game."

Mokwena and his fellow co-head coach Manqoba Mngqithi introduced Sibusiso Vilakazi, who made an impact on the game by creating Sundowns' second goal, but Tenda Mukuila snatched a late equalizer for Maniema.

"Deservedly we created a very good chance, good goalscoring opportunity with Vila who came in and did exceptionally well, but let down a little bit by a lapse in concentration with a couple of minutes to go," Mokwena added.

“But you can’t fault the players for the commitment, the intensity, the fight, in a very difficult match amidst difficult conditions, in relation not just the preparation but also the type of conditions we faced.

“But we don’t complain at Sundowns, we are strong, we are gallant and we take the 2-2 and we move.”

Sundowns will now play host to Maniema in the second leg encounter in Pretoria on October 24.

Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon has explained how his attention was caught by the medical emergency that led to his intervention to stop his side's Premier League clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

The Spurs left-back was the first player to signal to referee Andre Marriner to bring proceedings to a halt after an incident in the East Stand at St James' Park, which led to a temporary suspension.

Play eventually resumed in a match that saw Nuno Espirito Santo's visitors beat out Steve Bruce's Magpies 3-2, but speaking after the game, the Spaniard has now revealed how he came to be aware of the emergency.

What has been said?

"I saw the man lying down. I was very nervous. I went to the referee and said "look at this, we cannot play like this, we must stop the match"," Reguilon told Sky Sports News in his post-match comments.

"I look at the fans saying "stop, stop". I look over and I say "He's lying down, it's no good... please stop the game".

More to come...

Galatasaray secured a slim 1-0 victory over Konyaspor in Sunday’s Super Lig encounter, with Mostafa Mohamed scoring the only goal.

Four minutes into the game, the Egypt international put the ball beyond goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic after profiting from some poor defending from the visitors.

That goal stood as the game’s only effort as the Anatolian Eagles returned home with heads bowed low.

Mohamed – who now boasts of three goals in eight Super Lig matches – was subbed off for Senegal international Mbaye Diagne with three minutes left on the clock.

Congolese defender Christian Luyindama and Algeria international Sofiane Feghouli were unused substitutes.

Konyaspor was without DR Congo forward Paul-Jose M'Poku who remains on the sidelines due to a muscle injury.

"A little change we made us very positive in the first half,” Gala coach Fatih Terim told the media after full-time.

“The first half was an outstanding game for us, and we got a lot of positions.”

Thanks to this win, Galatasaray moved to fifth in the Turkish top flight having accrued 17 points from seven matches.

Unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions, Terim’s men are guests of Besiktas on October 25. Before that, they travel to Russia for a date with Lokomotiv Moscow in Thursday’s Uefa Europa League encounter.

Konyaspor – on the other hand – would be hoping to bounce back to winning ways against Kayserispor on October 23.

Elsewhere, Fatih Karagumruk secured a 1-0 triumph over Altay FC.

Ivorian star Yann Karamoh was the hero for the Black Red as his 15th-minute effort helped them earn maximum points inside Bornova Aziz Kocaoglu Stadium.

Ahmed Musa was handed a starter’s role by Karagumruk but he was substituted for Fabio Borini in the 64th minute while Morocco international Medhi Benatia was not listed for action by manager Francesco Farioli.

On the other hand, Gabon's Andre Biyogo Poko, Cote d'Ivoire's Daouda Bamba and Khaly Thiam played from start to finish. On-loan Al Ahly striker Ahmed Rayyan was replaced by Marco Paixao at half-time.

Fatih Karagumruk climbed to fourth in the Turkish elite division log with 17 points from nine games. Whereas, Altay retain their seventh position with 15 points from the same number of matches.

Zamalek SC head coach Patrice Carteron has explained why it was hard playing against Tusker despite registering a 1-0 victory in the first round of the Caf Champions League on Saturday.

Achraf Bencharki scored the goal that handed the Egyptian Premier League champions the first leg victory, but Carteron insisted they faced a tougher side even though they emerged winners at Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium.

"It was a difficult game and we knew facing Tusker was never going to be easy, especially when a lot of their players are playing for the national team. We also did not have time to prepare for this game, so really I am happy how we faced this team," Carteron told Goal.
 
"We did create many chances and we could have scored two easy goals and we also know it is going to be a tough match next week and we have to prepare ourselves well to finish the job.
 
"Tusker are really organised well defensively and hard to ask them a lot of questions. They are one of the most difficult teams to face, and being the champions of Kenya is proof that, indeed, they are a good and a very team."

"We have not lost anything, the game is still ongoing. It is just the first leg that has ended. As usual, we are expecting unfriendly reception, but it will not deter us from getting a win there. 

"We will change [the loss], I have been in this situation many times. It is a matter of players believing in themselves and influences the game.

"They put themselves in the situation and they have to work hard and get out of it. We must come out of it and we will, it is possible and it is going to happen."

Tusker will be in Egypt for the second leg encounter on October 22 as they hope to overturn the home loss and book a group stage slot.

Serie A side Napoli have released a limited edition change kit that will see them become the first in football history to have a strip that is worn solely at Halloween.

Luciano Spalletti’s team will be hoping to avoid any serious scares over the next couple of weeks, but they are getting into the spooky spirit and will want to put the frighteners on their upcoming opponents.

The Naples-based outfit have been in impressive form so far this season, with 21 points taken from an unbeaten seven-game start to the 2021-22 campaign.

What has been said?

Revealing their latest kit design, Napoli have said in a statement on the club’s official website: “It will be the first time a football team has worn an official alternative kit for Halloween.

“However, the design – a white spider's web on a black background in a nod to the world of superheroes - makes it suitable for any time of the season.”

When will the Halloween kit be worn?

A historic kit will only be used in two fixtures, both of which are due to be staged at Napoli’s Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

It will not be worn in a Europa League clash with Legia Warsaw on October 21, or an away date at Salernitana – despite that contest actually taking place on Halloween.

The Serie A title hopefuls have added: “EA7 has designed a new Napoli jersey that the players will wear for their Serie A matches against Torino, on Sunday 17 October, and Bologna, on Thursday 28 October.”

How many kits have been made?

While diehard Napoli fans will be eager to get their hands on a limited edition design, they will have to be quick in order to beat the rush as just 1926 versions – a nod towards the year in which the club was formed – have been produced.

Further reading

Jose Mourinho has admitted to having an "emotional connection" to Newcastle United amid links with the top job at St James' Park.

Excitement is building at Newcastle following the completion of their £300 million ($411m) Saudi-backed takeover, with club officials having already outlined their ambitions to fight for the Premier League title in the near future.

Steve Bruce's position in the dugout is being called into question as an ambitious project gets under way and Mourinho has been mentioned as a possible replacement, with the Portuguese coming out to address the speculation in his latest press conference at Roma.

What's been said?

Mourinho, who won three Premier League crowns across two spells at Chelsea and has also helmed Manchester United and Tottenham, worked with legendary former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona at the start of his coaching career.

The 58-year-old has a fond affection for Newcastle as a result, as he has told reporters: "On Newcastle, I don't have anything to say. Absolutely nothing to say.

"The only thing I can say is that for many, many years, I worked with one of the most important figures in the history of Newcastle, Sir Bobby Robson, and so because of that I have always had a bit of an emotional connection with that city and that fanbase. But it's nothing more than that."

Could Mourinho succeed Bruce?

Mourinho has, however, distanced himself from the managerial post at Newcastle for now, with the former Chelsea boss having only just begun his tenure at Roma.

The Italian giants have also been under new ownership since August 2020, with The Friedkin Group investing heavily in the club's future, and Mourinho is fully behind their long-term vision.

"I am here, I am really happy to be here," he added ahead of Roma's Serie A clash with Juventus. "I am 100 per cent focused on the Roma project, the Friedkin project."

Newcastle's stance on Bruce

Despite the fact that Newcastle are sitting 19th in the Premier League standings after their first seven games of the 2021-22 campaign, Bruce has been given a short-term vote of confidence by the powers that be.

The English tactician will take in his 1000th game as a manager when the Magpies face Tottenham on Sunday, and the club's new part-owner Amanda Staveley has said: "Steve has been very professional in our dealings with him and he and his coaching team will take the team on Sunday.

"If we make any changes going forward, Steve will be the first to know but, in the meantime, we wish him the best of luck in his 1,000th match as a manager and will be joining you in getting right behind the team."

Further reading

Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane says he is happy and proud to have scored 100 Premier League goals, hoping to get more, and trophies as well.

The Senegal international latched onto a precise Mohamed Salah pass in the ninth minute to open the scoring against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The Egyptian was also on target with Brazilian Roberto Firmino scoring a hat-trick to help the Reds to a healthy 5-0 win.

But eyes were on the Senegal international who became only the third African to score 100 league goals in the English game, behind Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba and Salah.

"Honestly, when I came to the Premier League my dream was to score as many as I can and especially to win trophies," Mane told Liverpool's official portal.

"So today [Saturday] I’m very happy and very proud to score 100 goals. Hopefully, more goals [are] coming and also trophies coming."

Mane also commented on Salah's fine effort. The Pharaohs' captain danced past three defenders before firing his effort beyond the Hornets' goalkeeper.

Just before the international break, the attacker had also managed to get past three Manchester City defenders before scoring in the 2-2 draw and his teammate has now ranked the two goals.

"I think it’s a better goal than City! But it’s no surprise for us because we know his quality, one of the best players in the world. He showed it [on Saturday]," Mane continued. 

"[Firmino] as well – he showed it – one of the best for sure in the world. I’m very happy for them.

"Especially [Firmino's] hat-trick, it was not an easy time for him with injuries but he is back and I’m happy for him. Hopefully, he will be here for us and score more goals for us until the end of the season."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also lauded his attacker for reaching the milestone.

"And the special thing is, we should not forget that Mane – I'm not sure if he scored penalties for Southampton, not that I know – scored 100 goals without a penalty, so that makes a difference for sure," the German said.

"It's a special number, absolutely. He should be and will be, hopefully, proud of that. That doesn't happen for a lot of players. You don't have to talk about Mane's quality – he's a world-class player as well. It's incredible how good he is. Big day for him, 100 percent, and I'm really happy for him."