SOCCER

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Thirteen-time Supercopa de Espana winners Real Madrid booked their spot in the 2026 final, setting up an El Clasico date with Barcelona by beating city rivals Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso warned Atletico pre-match that they were going to see the best of his side, and Federico Valverde took it upon himself to display that inside two minutes. The Uruguayan stood over a free-kick from all of 35 yards and unleashed a rocket that flew into the roof of Jan Oblak’s goal. Diego Simeone’s men responded well to falling behind, but as they probed for a route back into the game at one end, they were almost undone at the other. A swift Real counter-attack culminated in Rodrygo driving into the area, but after sitting an Atletico defender down, his curling effort was beaten away by Oblak.

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The 15-time winners scored four goals in 16 minutes to put the game beyond doubt at half-time.

That made Barcelona the first team in history to score four first-half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 22nd minute by finishing from close range, before Fermin Lopez hammered a shot into the top corner.

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Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils in what was the first goalless Premier League H2H since August 2015, ending the Gunners’ seven-match winning run across all competitions and proving the title race is still far from a formality.

This was a match-up between the champions-elect and the title holders, as Mikel Arteta’s side looked to strengthen their stranglehold at the summit after Manchester City’s two dropped points on Wednesday night.

They smelt blood early on here, with Bukayo Saka giving Liverpool’s defence a torrid time down the right. The England forward cut inside off the flank and forced Alisson into a low save for his first sight of goal.

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Chelsea has moved swiftly to replace Enzo Maresca, appointing Liam Rosenior as head coach just days after the New Year. The former Strasbourg boss has committed to a five-and-a-half-year term and will begin his transition immediately, watching from the stands during Wednesday's clash with Fulham. After taking the reins for his first practice on Thursday, Rosenior will lead the Blues into their FA Cup campaign against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

"I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club," Rosenior said.

"To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job. I will give everything to bring the success this club deserves."

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane said he briefly spoke to Rosenior on Monday night.

"I wouldn't be giving him any advice because he is a really accomplished coach," McFarlane said.

"I am here to support him but I won't be giving him any advice."

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Thomas Frank insisted he had no idea he drank from an Arsenal-branded cup during a “painful” 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth that piled pressure on the beleaguered Tottenham boss on Wednesday.