Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha and an acrobatic Lamine Yamal effort. After Real Madrid beat Villarreal on Saturday to take pole position overnight, the Catalans edged a point ahead again. Earlier Atletico Madrid eased to a 3-0 win over Mallorca to strengthen their position in third and move eight points behind Barca. Although Oviedo are bottom of the table with just two victories all season, Barca had to scrap for their victory as the visitors worked hard defensively to keep Hansi Flick's team at bay until the second half. Eventually the hosts' quality told at the partially-reopened Camp Nou and after Olmo opened the scoring Barca never looked back. The pick of the goals was teenager star Yamal's strike, an impressive volley from Olmo's cross to secure Barca's triumph. "We have game after game, a lot of travel, we came back late at night (from Prague in midweek), almost no days off, and that's what you also have to see," Flick told reporters, defending his players after they struggled to make inroads in the first half. "In the first half we struggled a little bit, we didn't have the confidence we normally need... but in the end the second half was much better." The coach praised Yamal for his hard work in terms of pressing and said it was even more crucial than his impressive strike. "For me, much more important was the first goal, how he pressed, that he recovered the ball, that we scored the first goal because that was the key to open this game for us and get the three points," explained Flick. "It was more important than the third goal but everyone loves to see this in football and I'm happy he scored such a (great) goal." Barca could not get out of first gear in a dry first half and their passing was unusually imprecise. Injured midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez watched on from the stands with an unimpressed expression. They came out with renewed energy for the second half and soon took the lead. After Yamal and Raphinha pressed in the box the ball broke loose to Olmo, who steered home. Oviedo gave away a poor second goal after 57 minutes, with Raphinha running on to an undercooked back-pass from David Costas and lobbing home. Barcelona's third was expertly taken by Yamal, as Olmo's cross was falling behind him he produced an eye-catching sideways scissor-kick to wrap up the victory. "We are talking about a player from another galaxy," said Oviedo coach Guillermo Almada of Barca's 18-year-old star. "He has so much quality and delivers in key moments in games." Atletico cruise Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid capitalised on Villarreal's loss with a solid home victory to go three points clear of the Yellow Submarine. Alexander Sorloth and Thiago Almada struck for the hosts, either side of a David Lopez own goal at the Metropolitano stadium. The hosts took the lead after 22 minutes when Marcos Llorente walloped the ball towards goal, with Roman saving well but unable to keep the ball from falling to Sorloth to tap home. It was the Norwegian target man's third goal in his last three league games and his seventh of the season, equalling Julian Alvarez as the team's top goalscorer in the competition. Alvarez failed to score for a ninth consecutive game, although his coach said the Argentina international played well and will be key in the months ahead. "We have to be calm and know (Alvarez) is a player who can make the difference," said Simeone. "If we want to go some place important this season we need him at 100 percent, because he's one of the best players we have in the squad." Midway through the second half Atletico doubled their advantage when an attempted clearance from Llorente's cross comically deflected off Lopez into his own net. Almada wrapped up the win late on when an Atletico corner came through to him and he found some space in the box before firing home. Elsewhere Real Betis and Celta Vigo suffered setbacks in their hopes for European football next season. Sixth-placed Betis fell to a 2-1 defeat at Alaves, who rose to 15th, while Celta, seventh, were beaten 3-1 at Real Sociedad. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 09:34 AM IST | Madrid | AFPManchester United inflicted Arsenal's first home defeat of the season in a 3-2 thriller to blow the Premier League title race open on Sunday as Aston Villa beat Newcastle to close within four points of the Gunners. Villa's impressive 2-0 victory at Newcastle took Unai Emery's men level on points with Manchester City, whose own title chances were boosted by events at the Emirates Stadium. A week on from dominating City in the Manchester derby, Michael Carrick's dream start as United boss continued thanks to Matheus Cunha's stunning later winner. "A really painful one," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. "But now it is time to be very close to those players that have given us so much joy and support them because we all want to win." A Lisandro Martinez own goal put Arsenal in front but the Red Devils quickly levelled when Bryan Mbeumo pounced on an error by Martin Zubimendi. Patrick Dorgu's brilliant strike put the visitors in front early in the second half. Not for the first time this season, despite their lofty league position, Arsenal were blunt as an attacking force from open play. But they could rely on their prowess from set-pieces to equalise when Mikel Merino forced in a corner on 84 minutes. Just moments later Cunha took aim from outside the box and delivered a telling blow to the Gunners' hopes of a first league title in 22 years. Victory also propelled United into the top four to boost their chances of Champions League football next season for the first time in three years. "To come here and score three goals in the manner we did, going one down, coming back, then the setback, and still keeping going," said Carrick. "It was a huge moment for us." Chelsea inflict more pain on Palace Villa kept their outside shot at a first league title since 1981 alive with their first victory at St. James' Park for 21 years. "We are competing against Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham... Wow, the power they have!" Emery said. "But we are competing and we are there." Emiliano Buendia's brilliant strike from outside the box opened the scoring before Ollie Watkins secured victory when the England international headed in Lucas Digne's cross two minutes from time. Newcastle slip to ninth but still only four points outside the top five, which will likely be enough for a place in the Champions League. Chelsea piled more pain on Crystal Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner promised to do his best to turn around a miserable run for the Eagles despite announcing he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Palace are now winless in 11 games and never recovered after a wayward back-pass from Jaydee Canvot freed Estevao to sprint clear and fire in Chelsea's opener on 34 minutes. The Brazilian then set up compatriot Joao Pedro to gallop in behind the Palace defence and double the Blues' advantage just after half-time. Enzo Fernandez's penalty rounded off a fourth win in five games for Liam Rosenior since he took charge at Stamford Bridge. Nottingham Forest gave their survival chances a huge boost by inflicting just a second home defeat of the season on Brentford. Forest moved five points clear of the drop zone with a 2-0 win in west London thanks to goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 January,2026 09:28 AM IST | London | AFPChelsea climbed into the top four of the EPL on Sunday after a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Estevao fired in Chelsea’s opener (34th min) before Joao Pedro doubled their lead (50th min). Enzo Fernandez then slotted home a penalty (64th min) to give new manager Liam Rosenior his fourth win in five games. Palace’s misery was compounded by Adam Wharton’s sending off in the 73rd minute, but defender Chris Richards still managed to score a late consolation goal (88th min). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 09:38 AM IST | London | AFPPep Guardiola said his Manchester City side beat Wolves 2-0 in spite of refereeing decisions going against them on Saturday. City were denied a penalty in the first-half when referee Farai Hallam, who was taking charge of his first EPL game, refused to overturn his initial decision not to give a handball against Yerson Mosquera despite being called to review the incident by VAR. “I would love to have the players fight against that [the refereeing decisions]. They [City players] know we won despite them [referees]. I think it’s the first time they go to the TV and disallow [a penalty],” said a sarcastic Guardiola. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 09:38 AM IST | Manchester | AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot blamed fatigue for his side’s first defeat in 14 games as Bournemouth’s Amine Adli struck with virtually the last kick of the game to snatch a 3-2 win for the Cherries on Saturday. Slot had steadied the ship in recent months after a run of nine defeats in 12 games earlier in the campaign for the English champions. But the Reds have now failed to win in their last five English Premier League (EPL) games in a major dent to their hopes of Champions League qualification next season. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is dejected after Bournemouth score the winning goal on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images The Dutch manager blamed the tight turnaround between games — the Reds also played a mid-week Champions League tie against Marseille — and his threadbare options due to a number of injuries for his side running out of steam on Saturday. “They [Bournemouth] probably had even more chances than us [in the final 10 minutes], which shouldn’t come as a complete surprise knowing that we’ve played two days before in Marseille. For the last nine, 10 games we’ve had to play with the same players [due to injuries]. We [simply] ran out of energy, you could see that at the end,” said the disappointed Liverpool boss. The Cherries went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Evanilson (26th min) and Alex Jimenez (33rd min), before Virgil van Dijk (45+1st min) and Dominik Szoboszlai (80th min) drew Liverpool level. However, Amine Adli turned out to be the hero for the home side as he bundled in a 95th-minute winner. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 09:38 AM IST | Bournemouth | AFPMikel Arteta expects his Arsenal side to face an ‘intense’ Manchester United when the two face off in Sunday’s English Premier League (EPL) clash. The Red Devils put up a stunning performance last weekend under interim manager Michael Carrick as they stormed to a 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City. Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard during a training session on Friday. Pic/Getty Images Arteta expects to face a similarly effervescent team, who appear rejuvenated under the new boss. “Michael coming in will bring new ideas. Always, the intensity rises up. You could see that in the Manchester derby, the kind of game that they played. So we expect a really tough match and we’ll adapt to that for sure. But we are at home and we know how important this game is for us,” said the Spanish coach. The Gunners are currently leading the EPL table with 50 points from 22 games, but have not fully been able to capitalise on the failings of their title rivals, having drawn their last two games. Meanwhile, United boss Carrick is under no illusion of the challenge at hand. “It’s a big challenge. They’re a very good team. They’ve got so many strong points. We’re fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all,” said the English coach, before adding that they will approach the game with “positive energy and enthusiasm.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 January,2026 09:32 AM IST | London | AgenciesThe 2026 football season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. Fans across the globe are gearing up to witness their favorite teams battle it out on the pitch, striving for glory in their respective leagues and tournaments. With the rise of digital streaming platforms, watching live football has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a local club or a global football enthusiast, this season promises to deliver unparalleled drama and entertainment. And for those looking for a reliable way to catch every match, COOL-TV offers a seamless live football streaming experience, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action. The Evolution of Football Viewing The way fans consume football has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Gone are the days when watching a match meant being glued to the television at a specific time or relying on radio broadcasts for updates. The advent of digital technology has revolutionized football viewing, making it more accessible, interactive, and convenient.In the early days, television was the primary medium through which fans could watch football matches. Major broadcasters secured exclusive rights to air games, and fans had to rely on scheduled programming to catch their favorite teams in action. However, this method had its limitations. Time zone differences, limited coverage of certain leagues, and the inability to watch matches on the go were significant drawbacks.The rise of the internet and digital streaming platforms in the 21st century changed the game entirely. Fans could now watch matches live from anywhere in the world, on any device with an internet connection. This shift democratized football viewing, giving fans more control over how, when, and where they watched the game. The 2026 season continues this trend, with more streaming options than ever before, ensuring that every fan can stay connected to the sport they love.The Importance of Watching Football Live There’s something uniquely thrilling about watching a football match live. The unpredictability, the tension, and the emotional roller coaster of real-time play create an experience that’s hard to replicate. Whether it’s a crucial league match, a high-stakes cup final, or a fierce rivalry, the intensity of live football is unmatched.Watching a match live allows fans to be part of the moment. It’s not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch; it’s about the build-up, the atmosphere, and the shared experience with fellow fans. Whether you’re in a packed stadium, at a lively sports bar, or in the comfort of your own home, watching live football connects you to the global community of football enthusiasts.Moreover, live viewing offers the opportunity to witness history as it unfolds. Iconic moments, such as last-minute goals, stunning saves, and controversial decisions, are best experienced in real-time. These moments become part of the collective memory of football fans, discussed and debated long after the final whistle. The 2026 season is sure to produce its fair share of unforgettable moments, making live viewing all the more essential.What to Expect from the 2026 SeasonThe 2026 football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Across Europe’s top leagues, the competition is fiercer than ever, with established giants and rising stars vying for supremacy. Here’s a glimpse of what fans can expect:Premier League: A Battle of TitansThe English Premier League remains one of the most competitive and widely watched leagues in the world. This season, the title race is expected to be a closely contested affair, with multiple teams in the running. Manchester City, fresh off another successful campaign, will be looking to defend their title. However, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, all of whom have bolstered their squads in the summer transfer window.Manchester United, under the guidance of their new manager, will also be a team to watch. After a period of rebuilding, the Red Devils are aiming to re-establish themselves as title contenders. With several marquee signings, they will be eager to challenge for the top spot. The Role of Digital Streaming in the 2026 SeasonWith so much action to look forward to, fans will need a reliable way to watch matches live. Digital streaming platforms have become the go-to option for many, offering the flexibility and convenience that traditional broadcasting methods lack. In the 2026 season, these platforms will play an even more significant role in how fans experience football.Streaming platforms also provide access to matches that might not be available on Cool TV: Your Gateway to the 2026 SeasonAs you prepare for the 2026 season, finding the right platform to watch live football is crucial. With so many options available, it’s essential to choose a service that offers reliable, high-quality streams and comprehensive coverage. Cool TV stands out as one of the top choices for football fans this season.Cool TV offers a seamless streaming experience, with access to live matches from all the major leagues and tournaments. Whether you’re watching on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, Cool TV ensures that you can follow your favorite teams and players in real-time, no matter where you are. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to providing high-definition streams, Cool TV is the perfect companion for the 2026 football season.Conclusion: Don’t Miss a Moment of the 2026 SeasonThe 2026 football season is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments awaiting fans. Whether you’re following the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, or any other league, watching live is the best way to experience the drama and excitement of the game.Digital streaming platforms have made it easier than ever to watch live football, offering fans the flexibility to catch matches anytime, anywhere. As you prepare for the new season, consider making Cool tv your go-to platform for live football streaming. With its comprehensive coverage, high-quality streams, and user-friendly interface, Cool TV ensures that you never miss a moment of the action, no matter where you are.
24 January,2026 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPep Guardiola backed his “extraordinary” group of players to step up and help Manchester City seal their first league win of the year when they take on Wolves in Saturday’s English Premier League clash. City have brought in the new year with three draws and a defeat in four EPL games, however, they still remain in title contention after table-topping Arsenal’s failure to fully capitalise on their failings — the gap between the two sides is only seven points. But Guardiola knows it’s about time they snap their winless streak if they want to remain in the battle for silverware. “Hopefully we can be close. [We are] getting better and have the chance to catch them. I have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. And we are all together. We are a fantastic football team, I don’t have any doubts about that,” said Guardiola in a bid to boost his team’s morale after a shock 1-3 loss in the Champions League to Bodo/Glimt. City will not have a better chance to snap out of their funk as they face a team mired at the bottom of the table. Furthermore, their injury-plagued defence will be boosted with the arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. “The experience of Mark is exceptional. Considering the absence of central defenders it [his addition] is really good,” remarked the Spanish coach. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 January,2026 08:23 AM IST | Manchester | AFPReal Madrid stayed atop football’s rich list as Liverpool outstripped their English rivals for the first time, according to Deloitte’s Money League study on Thursday. Spanish giants Madrid generated nearly €1.2 billion (approximately Rs 12,877cr) in revenue in the 2024-25 season despite failing to win a major trophy. The refurbishment of the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium into a multi-purpose venue continues to pay rich dividends. Barcelona climbed into second place with €975 million (approximately Rs 10,460cr). Bayern Munch were third on the list with €861 million (approximately Rs 9239cr), marginally ahead of Paris Saint-Germain who racked up €837 million (approximately Rs 8928cr) — their income was boosted by winning the Champions League for the first time. Meanwhile, Liverpool lead the English contingent for the first time with €836 million (approximately Rs 8971cr) to round out the Top 5. Top five richest clubs in 2024-25 Real Madrid - €1.2bn approx Rs 12,877crBarcelona: €975mn approx Rs 10,460crBayern Munich: €861mn approx Rs 9239crPSG: €837mn approx Rs 8982crLiverpool: €836mn approx Rs 8971cr This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | London | AgenciesLiverpool took a big step towards automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Wednesday after a 3-0 victory at Marseille. Dominik Szoboszlai put the six-time European champions ahead on the stroke of half-time (45+2nd min) before a Geronimo Rulli own goal (72nd min) and Cody Gakpo (90+3rd min) strike added gloss to the scoreline in the second period. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring vs Marseille on Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images Reds boss Arne Slot lauded his players for stepping up when it mattered in a turbulent season plagued by poor form and injury woes to key players. “We’re already seven or eight months into the season and I don’t think Virgil [van Dijk] has had more than three days off. It’s the same for all my players. But they constantly show up and show their mentality no matter how many setbacks we’ve had and today again as a team we had a very good performance,” said Slot. Other results Barcelona 4-2 Slavia PrahaBayern 2-0 Union SGNewcastle 3-0 PSVChelsea 1-0 PafosAtl Madrid 1-1 GalatasarayJuventus 2-0 BenficaAthletic Club 3-2 AtalantaQarabag 2-0 Frankfurt This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2026 09:33 AM IST | Marseille | AFPErling Haaland, Manchester City’s Norwegian star striker, said sorry to the team’s fans after being at the end of a stunning Champions League upset at Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt. City, on Tuesday night, slumped to a 1-3 away loss in a match that also saw star midfielder Rodri get sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession.The unexpected defeat against the tournament debutant came three days after City was outplayed in a 2-0 loss at fierce rival Manchester United in the Premier League. City has won just two of its last seven matches in all competitions — and one of those was against third-tier Exeter in the FA Cup. “I don’t have the answers. I take full responsibility of not being able to score the goals I should do,” Haaland said. “I just apologise to everyone — every single Man City supporter and every single supporter that travelled today. Because in the end, it’s embarrassing,” he added. City manager Pep Guardiola said “everything is going wrong” for his team. “Today was an incredible opportunity for us,” Guardiola said, “but everything is going wrong, going against us in many details. That’s a fact and we have to try to change it. The players are there and we tried. I don’t have any doubt that in this competition, nothing is for granted, that’s for sure. United were better than us [Saturday]. Today it was momentum that punished us,” said Guardiola.City has also been hit by injuries, especially in defense, where centre backs Ruben Dias, John Stones and Josko Gvardiol are all out and right back Matheus Nunes was absent due to illness. “We arrived in some departments without important players... we are a little fragile,” Guardiola said. Meanwhile, A last-gasp Luis Suarez header condemned Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-2 defeat at Sporting Lisbon, jeopardising the title-holders’ chances of a top eight finish and direct qualification for the last-16. Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus pushed Arsenal into the last 16 with a double in 3-1 win at Inter Milan. Also, Kylian Mbappe struck twice against his former side Monaco as Real Madrid romped to an emphatic 6-1 victory. 2No. of wins for Man City in seven matches since the start of 2026 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | Bodo (Norway) | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
