Northern Irish football manager and former player, head coach of Al Qadsiah
Celtic has moved ahead in their Champions League play-off after a 3-0 first leg in Glasgow, with Nygren and Durán scoring and Duran adding a third. LASK created chances; Celtic are in a strong position for the return leg in Linz.
Mourinho has confirmed his return to Real Madrid for a second spell, a move that reshapes the club’s coaching dynamics and expectations after a trophy-laden first era. The Netflix documentary adds fresh context, recounting a pivotal moment when a Chelsea reunion fell through after Real Madrid’s 2010-13 dominance.
BBC and Al Jazeera report Manchester City are negotiating the transfer of Bouaddi from Lille to strengthen midfield, while Rodri’s exit to Barcelona is set to proceed on a four-year contract. City’s midfield overhaul appears imminent as Reijnders moves elsewhere.
Arsenal have begun the season with a string of wins, including a hard-fought Champions League victory over Napoli decided late by Martin Odegaard, and sit among early title favourites. Manchester United have opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford, while Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also taken strong early European results.
Arsenal has clinched back-to-back Premier League titles and is defending the crown in a season opening match against Coventry. Coventry, 25 years out of the top flight, returns with Frank Lampard at the helm and a ready-made test for Arsenal. The Premier League starts amid widespread managerial upheaval and a shift in balance as clubs adapt to new coaches and a deeper squad landscape.
Celtic has built a commanding advantage in the Champions League qualifier, routing LASK Linz 3-0 with Camilo Duran scoring twice as they push toward a spot in the group stage. The night showcased the team’s ambition, pace and ruthlessness, while leaving a heavier defensive task for the return leg.
Celtic has collapsed from a 4-0 aggregate lead to a 5-4 loss in Linz, exiting the Champions League playoff. Manager Martin O’Neill has taken responsibility, while players defend the team as they face a costly European setback.
Atletico Madrid has lost 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and faces a challenging Champions League opener at Liverpool. Simeone cites a mixture of injuries, late arrivals and Alvarez transfer speculation as hampering preparations, while Jonathan David has joined on loan. The team seeks a sharp response in a challenging week.
Two European clubs chase early-season glory as Villa secures a European win in Bruges while Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli face mixed results in Saudi action, underscoring a volatile start to the campaign.
Manchester United have beaten Bodo/Glimt 5-0 at Old Trafford in their Champions League return. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Kane scored; Fernandes, Kane and Michael Olise have each been nominated for this year’s Ballon d'Or. United have recorded their biggest European win since 2020.
Neom defeats Al-Hilal 2-0, ending Hilal’s 47-game league unbeaten run. Neom’s win follows a string of strong performances that emphasize youth development and sustainable growth in Saudi football.
Saudi Pro League officials condemn offensive chants directed at Ruben Neves during a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun. Neves’s teammate Jota died in 2025; Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans for offenders. Al-Hilal has filed a complaint, and governing bodies vow to pursue disciplinary measures.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has signalled he is considering his future after a week of Old Firm defeats and a European setback, saying he will reflect with the board and may step away if needed. The club remains top of the Premiership as discussions unfold.
The United States has defeated Peru 2-1 in an international friendly at Inter.com Stadium. Trusty, 28, has faced scrutiny after a prior Rangers loss but shows solidity alongside a new defensive lineup as the U.S. returns to action following a World Cup exit. Late goals from Tillman and Hall secure the win as Peru equalises briefly before the U.S. pulls ahead.
Disruptions surrounding Celtic Football Club have intensified following tennis-ball protests aimed at Dermot Desmond at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews. Celtic condemns the act and cuts ties with the Celtic Fans Collective, while supporters groups push back and vow further action.
Bernardo Silva opens the scoring for Madrid, with Arda Guler doubling the lead; Mbappe adds a third as Madrid beat Leipzig. Vinicius returns from ban, Diomande shines late, and Mourinho hails the win ahead of a Clasico. Madrid’s European form improves while domestic issues linger.
Al-Nassr has beaten Neftchi 3-1 in the AFC Champions League after a one-hour delay caused by a missile alert in Riyadh. Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal and the match featured security alerts and audience warnings amid regional tensions.
Manchester City faces renewed scrutiny as fans express defiance after being found guilty of Premier League financial rule breaches. The club’s appeal is ongoing, with supporters’ displays signalling solidarity with the team; critics warn of potential sanctions that could reshape English football.