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Julian Alvarez faces Madrid media backlash after Atletico defeat by Barcelona
Julian Alvarez draws sharp criticism from Spanish media after Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona on November 9, 2026. Commentators challenge whether the Argentine striker lives up to his hefty transfer fee and fan expectations, despite his work rate and the assist that set up Atletico’s lone goal. The backlash highlights growing doubts about his impact at the club, prompting debate over his future role in the team.
France fined by Uefa after Nations League delay over players’ socks
UEFA fines the French Football Federation €10,000 after France’s Nations League clash with Belgium on 28 September 2026 is delayed over a footwear controversy. The match—won 1‑0 by France—started several minutes late because players’ socks featured coloured laces that breached kit rules. The fine highlights UEFA’s strict enforcement of equipment regulations.
Fermin Lopez sparks debate with Cristiano Ronaldo-style celebration against Atletico Madrid
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez nets a brace in a 2-1 La Liga win over Atletico Madrid on 22 November 2026, but his replica of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “SIII” celebration steals the headlines. Lopez sprinted to the fans, jumped, spread his arms and shouted the chant, sparking a hot debate among pundits and supporters. The article, by Eric Kwafo for AfricaSoccer.com, examines the goal details, the reaction to the tribute, and its implications for the league’s star culture.
Alex Baena backs Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid’s defeat by Barcelona
After Atletico Madrid's 2-1 loss to Barcelona on November 9, 2026, coach Alex Baena publicly defends Julian Alvarez, calling the Argentine forward one of his team's best performers despite the criticism that followed the second consecutive home defeat. Baena argues the media reaction doesn't match Alvarez's on‑field impact at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Pau Cubarsi avoids title-race talk after Barcelona edge Atletico Madrid
Defender Pau Cubarsi downplays title‑race chatter after Barcelona’s gritty 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. He told Movistar, via Mundo Deportivo, that the Catalans rallied from a sluggish first half to secure three points, but he refuses to focus on the three‑point gap to Real Madrid. Cubarsi emphasizes the team’s immediate boost rather than the league standings.
Raul Gonzalez emerges as contender for Real Oviedo job amid doubts over Julian Calero
Real Ovuelta’s board weighs sacking head coach Julián Calero even after a 2‑1 win over Cádiz, as confidence in him wanes, according to Marca. Former Real Madrid star and club legend Raúl González Blanco surfaces as a leading candidate to take over the reins. The article details the growing doubts around Calero’s future and outlines González’s potential role in steering the Asturian side forward.
Komphela urges Mamelodi Sundowns to show character after USM Alger defeat
Senior coach Steve Komphela urges Mamelodi Sundowns to bounce back after their 3-1 loss to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Nov. 9, 2026. The defeat follows a surprising early exit from the Champions League preliminaries and marks Sundowns' first loss of the season. Komphela stresses the need for resilience and character as the club seeks to regroup for upcoming challenges.
Kaizer Chiefs set up Mamelodi Sundowns semi-final in Carling Knockout
Kaizer Chiefs book a Carling Knockout semi‑final against Mamelodi Sundowns after a 2‑1 win over Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Coach Fernando da Cruz hails the tie as a key development chance and stresses the team’s goal of reaching the final. The matchup, set for early November, pits two of South Africa’s top clubs together, promising a high‑stakes showdown.
Ahmed Khaldi strengthens Algeria case after starring in USM Alger’s African triumph
Ahmed Khaldi shines in USM Alger’s 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final in Pretoria, delivering the assist for Zakaria Draoui’s opener and driving the team to its fourth African title. His performance fuels renewed pressure on Algeria’s coach to recall the winger for upcoming internationals. The article, by Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah on AfricaSoccer.com (Nov 9, 2026), details Khaldi’s impact in the match and how the win boosts his national team case.
Ayoub Oufkir inspires AZ Alkmaar comeback after Morocco call-up
Twenty‑year‑old winger Ayoub Oufkir celebrates his first Morocco call‑up by sparking AZ Alkmaar’s dramatic 4‑3 comeback against Groningen on Sunday. After falling 3‑1 behind, Oufkir scores and nets the winning penalty, sealing the Eredivisie win. He was added to Mohamed Ouahbi’s national squad just four days earlier, making his impact on the club side instantly memorable.
TP Mazembe captain Magloire Ntambwe earns first DR Congo call-up
TP Mazembe captain Magloire Ntambwe Kalonji receives his first senior call‑up for DR Congo after defender Willy Kambwala withdraws. The 27‑year‑old will join coach Sébastien Desabre’s squad for the November 2026 international window, featuring the two‑legged 2027 AFCON qualifier versus Sierra Leone.
Five African players who made the difference in Europe this weekend
African stars dominate Europe’s top leagues this weekend, directly influencing results in the Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Serie A. Highlights include Ezechiel Banzuzi’s pivotal role in Leipzig’s comeback after Anton Kade’s opening goal, along with four other standout performers whose goals and assists secured vital points for their clubs. The piece profiles each player’s impact and the matches that mattered.
Mosimane targets perfect start continuing as Bafana face Kenya in Afcon qualifiers
Coach Pitso Mosimane aims to cement a flawless opening to his tenure as South Africa’s head coach when Bafana Bafana host Benni McCarthy‑led Kenya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 6 p.m. The hosts hope to secure a win before heading to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, keeping their campaign on track. Mosimane emphasizes continuity and a winning mindset as the team seeks to build momentum in the early qualifying rounds.
Simeone: Atletico Madrid ‘need’ Julian Alvarez despite Barcelona defeat
Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid must hold out for Julian Alvarez to regain his scoring form, even after the Argentine striker went blank in a 2-1 loss to Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano in La Liga’s 12th round. The defeat, which handed Barcelona back the league lead, underscores Simeone’s belief that Alvarez’s goals are vital for Atletico’s season ambitions.
Al-Ittihad assess futures of injured foreign duo before winter window
Al-Ittihad are holding off on any winter‑window moves until they gauge the recovery of foreign signings Mohamed Doumbia and Richard Rios. Both players are sidelined with injuries, and their medical updates will dictate whether the Saudi club reshapes its squad or retains the duo for the second half of the season.
Youth Olympics: Idris praises Egypt’s rising stars after eighth medal
Egyptian Olympic Committee president Yasser Idris hails taekwondo prodigy Youssef Hassan after Hassan clinches the under‑48 kg gold at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, defeating France 2‑0. The win marks Egypt’s eighth medal of the tournament and underscores the nation’s emerging talent across sports. Idris, also a vice‑president of World Aquatics, praised the broader cohort of young Egyptian athletes who are making their mark on the global stage.
Egypt Cup: Wadi Degla and ZED feature as November international break begins
The November international break kicks off on Monday, 9 November, but Egypt’s cup action continues. The Egypt Cup’s last‑32 stage sees Wadi Degla host El Kahraba Ismailia at Suez Stadium (2:30 pm) and ZED take on Samannoud at Petro Sport Stadium (5 pm). Both fixtures proceed despite the break, offering fans a glimpse of the tournament’s next round.
Totti credits Roma for Mohamed Salah’s breakthrough
Former Roma legend Francesco Totti says the Italian club was pivotal in Mohamed Salah’s rise, highlighting the Egyptian’s self‑less style and willingness to aid teammates. Totti notes Salah’s 2015 loan from Chelsea, his permanent 2016 transfer to Roma, and how those years shaped the future Liverpool star. The piece, written by Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah for AfricaSoccer.com, explores Roma’s influence on Salah’s breakthrough before his global fame.
Namibia name squad for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon
Namibia’s head coach Collin Benjamin unveils his 24‑man roster for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon, scheduled for 12 and 16 November 2026. The squad blends veteran internationals with rising prospects, though striker Peter Shitembi misses out due to injury. Benjamin appoints a new captain to lead the team in the crucial two‑leg tie.
Togo begin CAN 2027 preparations in Tunisia ahead of Algeria clash
Togo launches its CAN 2027 qualifying campaign from a training camp in Tabarka, Tunisia, gearing up for the crucial third‑day showdown with Algeria on 14 November 2027. The Eperviers' squad filters in gradually, with newcomers Henri Koudossou, Loic Bessile, Sadik Fofana, Steven Mensah, Augustin Drakpe, Faad Sana and Yaya Achirafou already at the base. The report, by Issa Said for AfricaSoccer.com, tracks the team's preparation ahead of the high‑stakes encounter.
2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying: eight teams make perfect starts
Eight nations kick off the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a perfect record, each securing six points from two matches. Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, South Africa, DR Congo, Rwanda, Mali and Guinea‑Bissau all win their opening games, positioning themselves as early front‑runners. Meanwhile, Ghana, Cape Verde and other sides trail, highlighting a split between in‑form squads and those still finding rhythm as the third round unfolds this week.
Guinea suffer fourth squad withdrawal ahead of Eritrea qualifiers
Guinea face a fourth squad loss ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations third‑ and fourth‑round qualifiers in November. Rakow Częstochowa striker Lamine Diaby Fadiga is ruled out after a serious injury sustained in a Polish league match on Sunday, adding to three prior withdrawals. The setbacks threaten Guinea’s preparation for the upcoming Eritrea‑hosted qualifiers.
CAN 2027 qualifying: Cote d’Ivoire-Gambia and Mali-Rwanda headline third round
The third matchday of CAN 2027 qualifying kicks off on 12‑13 November 2026, with Côte d’Ivoire facing Gambia and Mali taking on Rwanda as the headline fixtures. As teams look to solidify early points or claw back lost ground, these clashes could reshape the group standings after the opening two rounds. Eric Kwafo’s preview on AfricaSoccer.com highlights the stakes and key players to watch in these decisive games.
Raphinha receives mixed reviews despite Barcelona’s comeback win at Atletico Madrid
Barcelona clinch a 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, keeping them atop La Liga. Fermin López nets both goals to overturn Diego Simeone’s side, while winger Raphinha endures harsh criticism, receiving predominantly negative ratings from Spanish media despite the victory. The piece details his struggling performance and the mixed reactions it sparked.
Fermin Lopez stars for Barcelona as stunning season reaches new heights
Fermin Lopez nets a brace to spark Barcelona’s 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at Riyadh’s Metropolitano on Sunday. The 23‑year‑old’s decisive strike record lifts the Catalans higher in a season already described as spectacular, cementing his reputation as a top attacking midfielder. The victory, crucial after a slip‑up in the previous match, showcases Barcelona’s resilience and Lopez’s rising influence in the campaign.
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