Weekly Soccer Updates: Surprising Twists, Player Retirements, and Thrilling Matches

Manchester United Could Face £17.5m Payout if They Sack Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag might be in line for a hefty payout if Manchester United decide to part ways with him. After signing a contract extension this summer until June 2026, sacking the Dutchman would reportedly cost the club £17.5 million—£7.5 million more than it would have been in June. Despite a rocky start to the season, with just three wins in eight games and some dismal performances, internal sources say the United hierarchy is still backing Ten Hag for now. The pressure is mounting, though, with pivotal games against Porto and Aston Villa looming.

Will United stick with Ten Hag or consider a costly managerial change?

Wojciech Szczesny Joins Barcelona on One-Year Deal

Barcelona have made a surprise move by signing goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on a one-year deal. The 34-year-old had announced his retirement last month after leaving Juventus but was lured back to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. Szczesny brings a wealth of experience, having won multiple Serie A and Coppa Italia titles with Juve, and is set to bolster Barça’s defense as they aim to maintain their top spot in LaLiga.

Bruno Fernandes’ Red Card Overturned After Successful Appeal

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will not face suspension after his controversial red card against Tottenham was overturned. Sent off for a high tackle on James Maddison during United’s 3-0 defeat, replays showed that the challenge was less severe than initially thought. Despite VAR upholding the decision during the game, an appeal led to the dismissal being rescinded. Pundits and former referees criticized the original call, and Fernandes himself insisted it was “never a red card.”

Weekly Big Game Updates

⚽ Lille 1-0 Real Madrid: Los Blancos Suffer First Defeat as David Nets Penalty

In a stunning upset, Real Madrid suffered their first defeat since January as they fell 1-0 to Lille in the Champions League. Jonathan David scored the decisive penalty in first-half stoppage time after Eduardo Camavinga handled the ball. Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, and despite bringing on the fit-again Kylian Mbappé, they couldn’t break through Lille’s resolute defense. The loss ends Madrid’s 14-game unbeaten run in Europe and leaves them level with Lille on three points after two matches.

⚽ Barcelona 5-0 Young Boys: Lewy Strikes Twice in Dominant UCL Win

Robert Lewandowski was in sensational form as Barcelona thrashed Young Boys 5-0 in the Champions League. The Polish striker opened the scoring in the 8th minute and added another early in the second half. Raphinha and Iñigo Martínez also found the net, with the fifth goal coming from an own goal by Mohamed Ali Camara. The victory keeps Barcelona atop their group and showcases their attacking prowess despite the absence of injured goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

⚽ Atletico 1-1 Real Madrid: Correa Nets Last-Gasp Equalizer in Madrid Derby Draw

The Madrid derby ended in dramatic fashion as Atletico’s Ángel Correa scored a 95th-minute equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid. Éder Militão had given Los Blancos the lead, but the match was overshadowed by disturbances in the stands after his goal, leading to a temporary suspension. Despite the chaos, Atletico fought back, and Correa’s late strike salvaged a point. Marcos Llorente was sent off deep into stoppage time as tensions flared in a match that will be remembered for both on-field drama and off-field issues.

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