United News of Bangladesh

Arsenal continued their superb form in the Champions League with a commanding 3-0 win over Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, thanks to a brace from Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino and an early strike from Bukayo Saka. Playing away at the Czech champions’ home ground, Mikel Arteta’s men took control of the game after a composed start. Arsenal recorded their first shot on target in the 20th minute and capitalized on mounting pressure just 12 minutes later. From a fifth consecutive corner, Gabriel Magalhães’ header struck the arm of Slavia midfielder Lukas inside the box. The referee awarded a penalty to the Gunners after checking the touchline monitor, which Saka confidently tucked away to put the visitors ahead at the break. Arsenal doubled the lead within a minute of the restart. Leandro Trossard whipped in a cross from the left towards the edge of the six-yard area, and Merino met it with a superb volley beyond goalkeeper Jakub Markovic. The Premier League side sealed the victory in the 68th minute following a oppositons’ defensive blunder. Declan Rice delivered another teasing ball into the area, and Markovic misjudged its flight, allowing Merino to head in his second goal of the night. In the 72nd minute, Arteta introduced Max Doman for Trossard. At just 15 years and 308 days old, Doman became the youngest player to feature in Champions League history. Slavia Prague, who drew two of their previous three matches, failed to create serious threats in the final stages as Arsenal comfortably saw out the game. The victory extended Arsenal’s flawless run in Group B to four straight wins, taking their tally to 12 points. Arteta’s side also equalled a historic English football record by claiming their eighth successive win in all competitions without conceding a single goal, a record previously achieved only by Preston in 1889 and Liverpool in 1920.

Erling Haaland has played down comparisons between himself and modern football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he is nowhere near their level. But, the striker believes he is in “a good way” to surpass his best tally of 56 goals in a season. The Manchester City forward delivered another masterclass on Sunday as his side beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1, climbing up to second place in the Premier League after 10 matches. With his brace, Haaland now has 13 Premier League goals this season—more than twice as many as any other player. He also achieved a rare milestone, becoming only the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (4 in 1995–96) and Luis Suárez (5 in 2013). Across all competitions, Haaland has already scored 26 goals in 16 appearances for club and country as of early November, taking his career tally to 327. After the Bournemouth match, City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the 25-year-old striker, comparing him to Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, noting how the two remained consistent over 15 seasons. Asked about Guardiola’s comparison, the Norwegian immediately dismissed the idea: “No, not at all. I am far off. Nobody can get close to them two, so no.” Haaland trails a long way behind the pair’s extraordinary goal totals. Argentina great Messi, 38, has scored 892 career goals, while 40-year-old Portugal icon Ronaldo is on 952 as he continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark. Haaland scored 56 goals in the 2022–23 season, his first at Manchester City following his move from Borussia Dortmund, which remains his most prolific campaign so far. This season, Manchester City could play a maximum of 52 more matches, while Norway could play up to 12 if they reach the FIFA World Cup final, plus additional friendlies yet to be decided. With 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances, Haaland is closing in on becoming the fastest player to reach a century of goals in English top-flight. Former England captain Alan Shearer set the record at 124 games and sits atop the all-time Premier League charts with 260 goals. Shearer, who played for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, said last month that Haaland has a “brilliant chance” of breaking the record. Asking on that matter Haaland said, “Which record? Not to sound arrogant! I am in a good way but I don't think of this. “Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus. “I know it's boring, I know you want me to say the complete opposite but that's not how it is. I have to ignore them.” Manchester City host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in their fourth Champions League group match, with both teams on seven points.    

Real Madrid have been dealt a blow ahead of their Champions League trip to Liverpool, as Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono will miss the match with a groin injury. “Following tests carried out today on Franco Mastantuono by Real Madrid's medical department, the player has been diagnosed with pubalgia. His recovery will be monitored,” the club confirmed on its website. Pubalgia, sometimes referred to as a sports hernia, affects the lower abdomen and groin area and often results from the repeated twisting and turning motions common in football. The condition can be persistent and difficult to treat. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams have both recently struggled with the same issue. While rest can provide temporary relief, symptoms often recur under a heavy playing schedule, and surgery is sometimes required for full recovery. Mastantuono, who joined Madrid from River Plate this summer, is certain to miss Tuesday’s clash at Anfield and is also expected to be sidelined for this weekend’s La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans received positive news regarding forward Ousmane Dembélé ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. The 28-year-old French international trained with the squad on Monday, suggesting he is fit for Tuesday night’s crucial encounter at the Parc des Princes. However, head coach Luis Enrique remains cautious about the winger’s condition. When asked whether Dembélé could start, Enrique told reporters at a press conference on Monday that he would not take unnecessary risks with any player. “No risk, with any player. But Ousmane is in good condition. He has completed all the training sessions over the past two weeks, he has played, and he’s improving physically. He will play, of course. He is ready for competition. Tomorrow, we will decide how long,” he said. Discussing the importance of the fixture, the Spanish coach said, “Should we evaluate our team? I think not. We deserve some confidence. It’s important to win tomorrow—for the three points, for our group, which is the toughest in the competition, but also because we want to be competitive in every match. It’s important to enjoy it with our supporters.” Enrique added that both sides will stick to their usual playing styles: “Bayern will not change their way of playing. Neither will we.” On the broader significance of the tie, he noted: “All matches are important, but our schedule is very intense and difficult. We must collect points as early as possible. We’ve done it in three matches; we want to do the same tomorrow.” Looking ahead to the key aspects of the match, Enrique said the contest would likely be closely fought: “It’s obvious this kind of match will be balanced. Bayern won’t change their style, neither will we—and maybe we’ll do even more because we’re at home. I think we can overcome their pressing and cause them problems. They can strike hard too. There won’t be a big difference. It will come down to details—that’s football. Whoever controls them best will make the difference. Both teams will give everything. I hope our supporters have a great time.” Meanwhile, PSG midfielder Désiré Doué, who recently suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh, has been ruled out of the match.    

Erling Haaland delivered another masterclass on Sunday as Manchester City beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1, climbing into second place in the Premier League. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute and doubled the lead in the 33rd. In between, Bournemouth’s USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams pulled one back in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Nico O’Reilly sealed the victory for the hosts with a goal in the 60th minute of the game. With his brace, Haaland has moved onto 13 goals in the Premier League this season—more than twice any other player. He also achieved a rare record, becoming only the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (4 in 1995-96) and Luis Suárez (5 in 2013). Barcelona narrow gap with Real Madrid with a 3-1 win over Elche Arsenal remain well ahead at the summit of the table with 25 points from 10 games, but this win keeps Pep Guardiola's side within touching distance. The gap is now six points, while Bournemouth drop to fourth in the table with 18 points. The gap is now six points, while Bournemouth drop to fourth with 18 points. Liverpool have collected the same number of points as the Cherries but sit third due to goal difference. The Blue half of Manchester will host Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League match on Wednesday before facing Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will look to return to winning ways on Sunday at Villa Park.

Barcelona returned to winning ways after a frustrating 2-1 defeat in El Clásico last week, securing a 3-1 victory over Elche on Sunday. The win brought Barcelona within five points of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table. The Catalans went ahead with two quick goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres in the 9th and 12th minutes respectively. Rafa Mir pulled one back for Elche three minutes before halftime, before Marcus Rashford sealed the victory for the Blaugrana in the 61st minute. Injury-plagued Barcelona had struggled to show character at the Santiago Bernabéu last week, but this time Hansi Flick’s men responded in style. Their intent to return to form was evident from the opening whistle, as they dominated the early stages. In the ninth minute, Alejandro Balde intercepted a misplaced pass in midfield and sent a precise through ball into the penalty area. Yamal controlled it between two defenders and fired a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead. Barely two minutes later, Barcelona doubled their advantage. From the left flank, Fermín López’s low cross found unmarked Ferran Torres inside the six-yard box, and the winger calmly slotted home with his right foot. It was Ferran’s 50th goal wearing the Barca shirt. López, who had scored Barcelona’s only goal against Real Madrid the previous week, almost found the net again in the 33rd minute with a curling long-range effort that was superbly pushed away by the Elche goalkeeper. After spending most of the first half defending, Elche pulled one back in the 42nd minute with their first meaningful attack. Álvaro Núñez led a counter-attack and set up Rafa Mir, who drove into the box unchallenged and finished clinically into the far corner.

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League, defeating Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday. The night brought extra joy for the Reds’ fans as Mohamed Salah reached a major milestone, scoring his 250th goal for the club across all competitions. The Egyptian star put Liverpool ahead following a rare error by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, and Ryan Gravenberch later sealed the victory. Salah became only the third Liverpool player to reach 250 goals in all competitions, joining club legends Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346). The victory also ended a poor run for Arne Slot’s men, who had lost six of their previous seven matches across all competitions. After four consecutive league defeats, Liverpool finally tasted victory, while Villa suffered their first defeat following four straight league wins. With this win, Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League with 18 points from ten matches. Bournemouth, with the same points but one game fewer, sit second, while Arsenal lead the table with 25 points from ten matches. Aston Villa are in 11th place with 15 points. Liverpool dominated possession with 54 percent and created 16 shots, four of which were on target. Villa managed ten shots, three on target. Villa could have taken an early lead in the fifth minute when English winger Morgan Rogers’ powerful effort from outside the box hit the post. In the 19th minute, Matty Cash’s shot was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s Dominic Szoboszlai had a chance in the 23rd minute after a Villa error, but Martínez kept the goal intact. He denied another attempt from Szoboszlai in the 33rd minute. In the 43rd minute, Hugo Ekitike headed the ball into Villa’s net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. In the first minute of added time in the first half, Martínez made a critical mistake that allowed Liverpool to take the lead. Receiving a back-pass from defender Pau Torres, Martínez miscontrolled the ball while attempting a return pass; it was not directed toward Torres. Salah reacted quickly to find the net with a tap-in, leaving Martínez helpless. Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. From outside the box, Gravenberch’s shot, set up by Alexis Mac Allister, deflected off Torres and went into the net. Both sides had chances in the remaining minutes, but neither could convert. Earlier in the night, Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0, moving into fifth place with 17 points from ten matches. Tottenham, with the same points, sit fourth.

Kylian Mbappé struck twice as Real Madrid crushed Valencia 4-0 in their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night, extending their dominant run under Xabi Alonso. Vinícius Júnior missed a first-half penalty, but the Brazilian’s miss barely mattered on a night when his teammates dazzled. Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras also found the net as Los Blancos continued their fine form in both attack and defense. Real were in complete control throughout the game, enjoying nearly 65 percent possession and firing 21 shots, 11 of which were on target. Valencia never came close to challenging Real, managing just four attempts, with only one troubling the goalkeeper. The result strengthened Real’s position at the top of the table with 30 points from 11 matches, including 10 victories. In another fixture of the day, Villarreal thumped Rayo Vallecano 4-0 to climb to second place with 23 points from 11 games, overtaking Barcelona. The Catalan giants, with one match in hand, slipped to third with 22 points. Real’s aggressive start paid off in the 19th minute when César Tárrega handled the ball inside the box. Mbappé, who missed a spot kick against Barcelona last week, made no mistake this time to give his team the lead and register a goal in his eighth consecutive La Liga appearance.

Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved another penalty but the reigning Serie A Champions were held to a goalless draw at home by newcomer Como on Saturday. The result shook Napoli’s position at the top of the Serie A table. Although Antonio Conte’s side remain at the summit with 22 points from 10 matches, second-placed Roma are just one point behind with a game in hand and can overtake them with a win. Como, meanwhile, continued their impressive run, moving up to fifth place with 17 points from the same number of matches. Cesc Fàbregas’ side have lost only once in 10 outings, defeating the likes of Juventus and Lazio while also frustrating Fiorentina, Atalanta, and now Napoli. Having already lost Kevin De Bruyne to a long-term injury, the defending champions welcomed back Rasmus Hojlund after a brief physical setback, but still struggled to create meaningful chances. The visitors, on the contrary, dominated 55 percent of possession, and could have defeated the Conte’s team. Veteran striker Álvaro Morata earned a penalty in the 26th minute, but failed to convert, as Milinkovic-Savic dived low to deny the Spaniard. It was the Serbian goalkeeper’s sixth penalty save out of the last ten he has faced. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock in the remainder of the match, settling for a draw. With this result, Napoli extended their unbeaten home run to nearly a year. Their last defeat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona came against Lazio in December 2024. Earlier in the day, Udinese beat Atalanta 1–0 to hand the Bergamo side their first loss of the season. Nicolò Zaniolo struck before halftime, netting his third goal in four matches, as Udinese leapfrogged Atalanta to move up to eighth place. Atalanta, who had drawn their previous five matches, extended their winless streak to six.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who have been struggling for form in the league recently, appeared set for another setback on Saturday evening. However, a last-minute goal from Gonzalo Ramos ensured Luis Enrique’s side left the pitch with all three points. The reigning champions defeated Nice 1–0 at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 on Saturday. This was only their second win in the last five matches, with the other three ending in draws, and their first victory in a game after a brief winless run. Manchester United’s winning run ends with 2–2 draw against Nottingham PSG remain top of the table with 24 points from 11 matches, including seven wins and three draws. Monaco, with 20 points from one fewer game, sit in second place. Nice are eighth with 17 points from 11 matches. Throughout the match, PSG dominated possession with an attacking display, holding around 77 percent of the ball. They had 28 shots, with the first 27 failing to find the target, but the breakthrough came on the 28th and final shot of the game. In the fourth minute of added time, Ramos, who came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, scored the decisive goal. Lee Kang-in’s corner was met by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who headed the ball to the far post, where Ramos directed a perfect header into the net. The goal made Ramos’ 100th appearance for PSG a memorable one. Arsenal consolidate Premier League lead with dominant 2–0 win over Burnley This season, Ramos has scored two league goals in 10 matches, while PSG have netted a total of 38 goals across all players.