7-Goal Thriller! Inter Milan Knock Out Barcelona in Champions League Quarterfinal Showdown

Nontonlives    Tuesday, May 06, 2025    Comment   

7-Goal Thriller! Inter Milan Knock Out Barcelona in Champions League Quarterfinal Showdown

7-Goal Thriller! Inter Milan Knock Out Barcelona in Champions League Quarterfinal Showdown.

The second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Inter Milan and Barcelona on May 7, 2025, was an absolute rollercoaster! Both teams went all in for 120 minutes, but in the end, Inter came out on top with a dramatic 4-3 win, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory.

First Half: Inter Take Control Early

Inter wasted no time and struck first in the 21st minute with a clinical finish from Lautaro Martinez, assisted by Denzel Dumfries. Just before halftime, Hakan Calhanoglu doubled Inter’s lead with a coolly taken penalty in stoppage time (45'+1).

Barcelona struggled to get into rhythm during the first half, and Inter looked fully in charge.

Second Half: Barca Comeback Sparks Chaos

After the break, Barcelona came out swinging. Eric Garcia pulled one back in the 54th minute with a powerful header. Then, in the 60th minute, Dani Olmo leveled the score at 2-2 after a slick through-ball from Gavi.

Barcelona kept the pressure on, and in the 87th minute, Raphinha scored to put Barca in front 3-2. But just when they thought it was over…

Late Equalizer Forces Extra Time

Francesco Acerbi stunned the visitors with a clutch goal in the 90'+3 minute, bringing the score to 3-3 and forcing extra time in one of the wildest matches of the season.

Extra Time: Frattesi Seals It for Inter

In the first half of extra time, Davide Frattesi stepped up and scored the decisive goal in the 99th minute. Inter led 4-3, and that score held until the final whistle, sending the Italian side into the semifinals.

Match Stats: Barca Dominates Possession, But Inter Finishes Better

Statistically, Barcelona controlled the match with 63% possession and 22 total shots (10 on target), compared to Inter’s 13 shots (7 on target). But in the end, it was Inter’s sharp finishing that made the difference.

Key Stats:

• Possession: Inter 37% - 63% Barcelona

• Total shots: Inter 13 - 22 Barcelona

• Shots on target: Inter 7 - 10 Barcelona

• Final score: Inter 4 - 3 Barcelona (Aggregate: 7 - 6)

This match had everything: goals, drama, late twists, and extra time tension. It’s the kind of match that reminds you why the Champions League is so special. Inter Milan showed heart and grit, while Barcelona fell just short despite a strong performance.

With this result, Inter Milan advance to the 2025 Champions League semifinals, solidifying their place as one of the top contenders for the title.

Toprak Razgatlioglu Akui Motor BMW Masih Bermasalah dengan Grip Belakang di WorldSBK Italia

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Toprak Razgatlioglu Akui Motor BMW Masih Bermasalah dengan Grip Belakang di WorldSBK Italia

Toprak Razgatlioglu Akui Motor BMW Masih Bermasalah dengan Grip Belakang di WorldSBK Italia.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning World Superbike champion, had another tough weekend at the Italian round of WorldSBK, held at the Cremona circuit. Despite finishing second in all three races, Toprak admitted that his BMW still struggles with rear grip, making it hard for him to truly challenge Nicolo Bulega’s Ducati.

And yeah, Bulega is absolutely on fire right now! The Ducati rider bagged a triple win this weekend, stretching his points lead over Toprak from just 21 to 34. Toprak gave it everything he had, but Bulega’s Ducati clearly has the edge—especially on corner exits.

“It’s been a tough weekend for me, honestly. I didn’t race here last year, so I was kind of blind going in. But the team worked really hard, and we tried a lot of things,” Toprak said after Race 2, quoted by WorldSBK.com.

The main issue? You guessed it—rear grip. Without it, the bike just can’t accelerate properly. Toprak was able to stick with Bulega early on in the races, but once the rear tire started to drop off, the Ducati took off without mercy.

“All I want is that top spot. But man, it’s really hard because Ducati has a clear advantage here, especially coming out of corners. My bike just doesn’t have enough grip, so I can’t accelerate the way I need to,” he added.

Still, Toprak gave props to his team for their hard work and the results they did manage to pull off. Finishing second three times in one weekend is no easy feat—especially with how hard he fought in every single lap.

“But hey, we did our best and pushed in every lap. Finishing second is better than nothing. Those points are important for the championship, so now we look ahead to Most.”

To make things even tougher, Toprak revealed that he had to take huge risks just to keep up with Bulega. From the rear starting to slide to the front losing grip too—it was a wild ride.

“Every race, I could stay close to Nicolo in the early laps. But once the rear tire started to fade, Ducati pulled ahead. I kept pushing, but then I started losing front grip too. So yeah, there were some sectors where I could catch him, but in others, he was just stronger.”

Even though he hasn’t won yet, Toprak is staying positive. His podium consistency is a key weapon in the championship fight.

Toprak Razgatlioglu is definitely going through a rough patch with his BMW. That rear grip issue is still a huge problem, especially when going up against a red-hot Ducati in the hands of Nicolo Bulega. But despite all the challenges, Toprak keeps showing his champion mindset—never giving up and always chasing solutions. The next round in Most could be a turning point. Will Toprak fix the grip issue and stage a comeback, or will Ducati keep running away with it?

We’ll see, bro! One thing’s for sure—WorldSBK is getting more intense than ever!

Pecco Bagnaia Told to Find the Missing Piece to Stop Marc Marquez in MotoGP 2025

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Pecco Bagnaia Told to Find the Missing Piece to Stop Marc Marquez in MotoGP 2025

Pecco Bagnaia Told to Find the Missing Piece to Stop Marc Marquez in MotoGP 2025.

The 2025 season hasn’t exactly been kind to Pecco Bagnaia, but don’t be fooled—he’s still hanging tight in the standings and hasn’t lost his chance to fight for the MotoGP World Championship.

As Ducati's lead rider, Pecco is only 20 points behind the current leader, Alex Marquez. Not too far off, considering that his teammate Marc Marquez is only 19 points ahead. The issue, however, is that this season hasn’t quite clicked with the GP25 bike.

The good news? Two major crashes for Marc Marquez—one in Texas and the other in Jerez—have opened up opportunities for Pecco and other riders. It’s now all about how they can capitalize on this chance.

Pecco Told to Push Hard After Marc’s Mistakes

MotoGP analysts have started offering advice, with one suggesting that Pecco needs to quickly find a solution that could change his season performance.

“Luckily for Pecco, Marc has made two big mistakes in races. So the situation isn’t as bad as it might seem,” said one analyst.

“If Pecco can figure something out in testing… all the riders are looking for the best setup, but I believe Pecco’s issue lies mainly in his corner entry.”

The problem lies in corner entry, a crucial point in MotoGP. Unfortunately, race weekends aren’t ideal for experimentation due to the high pressure and tight schedules. So the hope is that Pecco can find something in testing, like they did last Monday.

“If Pecco can find that missing piece, after Marc’s two blunders, we could see an even more exciting title fight!”

Hope Still Alive, But Action Is Needed

Although the season has been tough for Pecco, he’s maintaining a positive mindset. Last week at the Spanish GP, he made it to the podium, signaling that his potential is still very much alive. And after the test on Monday, Pecco seemed even more optimistic.

He didn’t reveal exactly what parts he tested, but mentioned he would bring the results to the next race in Le Mans. Unfortunately, the weather during testing prevented him from focusing on bike setup changes and he ended up testing old parts that had been discarded during pre-season. Ironically, those parts are still being used by Marc Marquez!

Is Europe the Deciding Factor?

Now that MotoGP has entered the European phase of the season, Pecco will encounter circuits he knows well. For a rider of his caliber, this could be the opportunity to recover lost points.

Le Mans could be a turning point. If Pecco can find that “missing piece” at the French circuit, it’s not impossible for him to push hard and disrupt the dominance of the Marquez duo.

Who’s the True King?

This season’s races have become even more exciting with the tight standings. Alex Marquez remains at the top, but with a slim margin. And while Marc made mistakes, he has still been consistent in gathering big points.

One thing is clear—MotoGP 2025 is far from over. The racing world is still waiting for Pecco to truly “explode.” He’s admitted that he can’t make overtakes as easily as in previous seasons, but if everything clicks and he finds the right setup for the GP25, the story of this season could change drastically.

So, get ready for an even hotter title battle! Pecco, it’s time to show who the real king of Ducati is!

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: Fierce London Derby Ends in a Draw

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: Fierce London Derby Ends in a Draw

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: Fierce London Derby Ends in a Draw.

It was a lively night at the London Stadium as West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday (May 3). Both teams pushed hard, but neither side could grab all three points in this intense Premier League showdown.

Bowen Shines Again, But It’s Still Just One Point

Jarrod Bowen was the hero for West Ham once again, scoring the equalizer in the first half. That goal marked his 10th Premier League goal of the season, and more than that — it also tied him with Michail Antonio as the top contributor in goals at London Stadium with 54 goal involvements in the Premier League.

Tottenham took the lead early thanks to a mistake by Max Kilman, which Wilson Odobert calmly capitalized on to put Spurs ahead.

But West Ham responded well. After some sustained pressure, Aaron Wan-Bissaka threaded a sweet through ball to Bowen, who slotted it home from close range. Game on.

West Ham Had the Edge, But Missed Chances Cost Them

If we’re being honest, the Hammers looked like the better side throughout the match. They controlled possession, created better chances, and seemed more dangerous going forward.

Bowen nearly stole the show late in the second half, but Guglielmo Vicario pulled off a stunning save to deny him. In stoppage time, James Ward-Prowse came inches away from winning it with a free kick that curled just wide.

In the end, West Ham will feel like they let this one slip.

Stat Watch: A Historic Night for Bowen, But a Tough Streak for West Ham

Even though they couldn’t grab the win, there was a silver lining for West Ham — Bowen made history by becoming the club’s joint-top contributor in Premier League goals at their home stadium.

But on the flip side, this result also extended West Ham’s winless run to eight games, their longest streak without a victory since late 2017 when Slaven Bilic was still in charge.

Tottenham Still Inconsistent, Europa League Distraction?

For Tottenham, it’s more of the same. They now sit in 16th place, just one point above West Ham. Out of 35 games this season, they’ve only managed 11 wins — a poor record that only compares to their struggles in the 1994-95 and 2007-08 seasons at this point.

It’s possible their focus is shifting toward the Europa League, but a result like this shows their domestic form still needs a lot of work.

Stuck in the Same Struggles

This match showed that both teams are struggling for consistency. West Ham looked better, but still couldn’t break their winless streak. Tottenham had their moments, but lacked sharpness and perhaps focus.

With the season winding down, both teams need to step up if they want to avoid a forgettable campaign. Let’s see who finds their rhythm first.

Brentford 4-3 Man Utd: 3 Talking Points from Another Chaotic Red Devils Defeat

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Brentford 4-3 Man Utd: 3 Talking Points from Another Chaotic Red Devils Defeat

Brentford 4-3 Man Utd: 3 Talking Points from Another Chaotic Red Devils Defeat.

Wow, what a wild ride! Manchester United once again gave fans a rollercoaster of emotions as they suffered their 16th defeat of the Premier League season. Yep, that’s a record – and not the kind they’d want to be bragging about. Brentford outplayed them in West London with a thrilling 4-3 win on Sunday, exposing more cracks in United’s already shaky defense.

So, what went down in this chaotic match? Here are 3 major talking points that fans (and critics) won’t stop talking about:

1. Defense Disaster: What Was That, United?

It all started pretty well for the Red Devils. Mason Mount, out of nowhere, scored his second-ever goal for United after a sweet assist from Garnacho. For a second, fans probably thought, “Hey, maybe today’s our day!” But nope. That was just false hope.

Brentford flipped the script quickly. Damsgaard equalized after a messy deflection off Luke Shaw, and then Schade punished United with a towering header. And guess what? Matthijs de Ligt was already down injured during that moment. Play continued, Brentford scored, and United’s defense just looked completely lost.

By the time Wissa made it 4-1 with a classy finish, United’s backline looked more like holograms than actual defenders. Even though Garnacho and Amad Diallo tried to spark a comeback late in the game, it was too little, too late.

2. Young Guns Showed Some Spark – But No End Product

Let’s talk about Chido Obi – the 17-year-old who made his first-ever Premier League start. On Star Wars Day no less (May the Fourth be with him!). He might’ve been the youngest starter for United in over 30 years, but he held his ground. Sure, he had the fewest touches of the match and got bullied a bit by Brentford’s defenders, but the kid kept going.

Same goes for Garnacho and Diallo. Both players scored some beautiful goals in the final minutes – Garnacho with a curling strike and Diallo with a low bullet between the keeper’s legs. If only United had played like that the whole game...

Still, it’s clear United has attacking talent. What they lack is consistency and sharp finishing when it matters.

3. Luke Shaw’s Nightmare Return

Yikes. Luke Shaw had a game to forget. Barely five minutes in, he almost scored an own goal with a wild back header. Then in the 27th minute, Damsgaard’s goal deflected right off Shaw’s chest. It was just not his day.

By halftime, Shaw looked totally out of it – like a lost suitcase on a luggage carousel. Manager Ruben Amorim pulled him out at the break, saying it was to "protect" him for the upcoming Europa League match. But let's be real – it felt more like damage control.

Chaos Is the New Normal for United

Manchester United right now is like a soap opera – dramatic, unpredictable, and sometimes just painful to watch. Brentford didn’t just beat them, they exposed them. Again.

There were some bright moments, especially from the younger players. But without a solid defense and clear tactical identity, United will keep dropping points – and fans will keep losing patience.

With a crucial Europa League semifinal coming up, Ten Hag and the team need to regroup, refocus, and most importantly, wake up. Otherwise, this season might spiral even further into disaster.

Brentford 4-3 Manchester United: Crazy Game at Gtech! United’s Young Squad Nearly Pulls Off Comeback, But Fall Short

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Brentford 4-3 Manchester United: Crazy Game at Gtech! United’s Young Squad Nearly Pulls Off Comeback, But Fall Short

Brentford 4-3 Manchester United: Crazy Game at Gtech! United’s Young Squad Nearly Pulls Off Comeback, But Fall Short.

Brentford secured a huge three points against Manchester United in a wild 4-3 thriller! Even though they went behind early, Thomas Frank’s boys turned on the style and powered into 10th place in the Premier League table — leaving United stuck down in 15th.

Non-Stop Drama from Start to Finish

This match was pure chaos — the kind of game that had fans on the edge of their seats the whole time. United started with an ultra-young squad (average age just 22 years!), and things looked promising early when Mason Mount smashed in a goal in the 14th minute. Funny enough, that was his first Premier League goal since March 2024 — also against Brentford at the same stadium!

But Brentford wasn’t about to let them have it easy. Just a few minutes later, Luke Shaw accidentally put one into his own net, leveling the score. Then Kevin Schade headed home to give the home side the lead in the 33rd minute. From there, Brentford took full control.

Schade struck again in the 70th minute with another sharp header — marking his 10th Premier League goal this season. Four minutes later, Michael Kayode broke through the defense and squared the ball to Yoane Wissa, who tapped it in with ease. Wissa has now scored in four straight Premier League matches — he’s on fire!

United Tried to Fight Back, But It Was Too Late

Even down 4-1, United didn’t completely fold. Alejandro Garnacho blasted a beauty from long range in the 82nd minute to pull one back. Then in stoppage time, Amad Diallo scored again to make it 4-3. But that was it — they simply ran out of time. Brentford held on to grab the win.

Stat Spotlight: United Go Super Young!

This game also saw Manchester United make history. With an average age of 22 years and 270 days, it was the third-youngest starting XI ever in Premier League history. It also featured Chido Obi, who at just 17 years and 156 days, became the youngest Premier League starter in club history. Bold move by Erik ten Hag, especially in a big game like this.

But experience still matters. Brentford stayed calm, composed, and clinical — taking full advantage of United’s shaky defense and youthful inexperience.

Brentford Eyes Europe, United in Trouble

This win lifts Brentford to 10th in the table with 15 Premier League victories this season, matching their best-ever campaign (2022/23). With their current momentum, a shot at European competition next season isn’t out of the question.

Meanwhile, United needs a serious reset. That’s three losses in their last five games. If new manager Ruben Amorim wants to salvage the season, he’s got some work to do. Otherwise, it could turn into a disaster.

Brentford taught Manchester United’s young squad a tough lesson. Despite a late scare from two brilliant goals, the Bees held firm to grab a vital win and keep their European dreams alive. As for United, talent is there, but they’ll need a lot more discipline, experience, and defensive solidity to turn things around.

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: 4 Talking Points from a Boring London Derby That Ends All Square

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: 4 Talking Points from a Boring London Derby That Ends All Square

West Ham 1-1 Tottenham: 4 Talking Points from a Boring London Derby That Ends All Square

LONDON STADIUM – Jarrod Bowen’s tenth Premier League goal of the season helped West Ham United hold Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw on Sunday in what turned out to be a pretty dull London derby.

Tottenham initially took the lead through Wilson Odobert in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a blunder by Max Kilman. But Graham Potter’s West Ham, still trying to find rhythm under their new coach, hit back with a quality finish from Bowen in the first half.

Despite the big names and a crowd of over 60,000 fans, the match never really took off. Here are four key takeaways from the game:

1. Spurs Have Bigger Things on Their Mind

Let’s be honest — Spurs didn’t look too bothered about this game. With a crucial Europa League semifinal second leg against Bodo/Glimt coming up this Thursday, Ange Postecoglou made it clear where his priorities lie. His starting XI featured a heavily rotated backline: Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, and Djed Spence.

Sure, Postecoglou would’ve loved the win, but this match clearly wasn’t high on his list. Winning the Europa League is what really matters. That would book them a spot in next season’s Champions League and bring in serious cash — not to mention attract top talent.

But this game showed Tottenham still lack depth. Richarlison was almost invisible up front, and Yves Bissouma just doesn’t offer the control you need in midfield. If Spurs want to be serious contenders across competitions, they’ll need to invest in better squad depth this summer.

2. West Ham Just Want the Season to Be Over

This season has been a letdown for West Ham. Fans called for a new direction after getting tired of David Moyes’ playing style, but the arrival of Graham Potter hasn’t exactly sparked a revival.

They’ve been out of the FA Cup since January and have had nothing major to play for since. Even the usually electric atmosphere at London Stadium was flat — the Premier League anthem didn’t even play when the players walked out.

West Ham need a reset, big time. They’ve slipped while other mid-table teams like Fulham, Bournemouth, and Brentford have improved. Unless the Hammers get things sorted fast, they risk falling even further behind next season.

3. Mathys Tel: Promising, But Still Needs Time

Spurs made a late move to bring in Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich — with an option to buy for around £50 million. That’s a lot of cash for a player who’s still finding his feet.

Tel played on the left with Son Heung-min sidelined. He did a good job pressing Kilman and forcing the error that led to Odobert’s goal, but beyond that, he didn’t pose much of a threat.

It’s clear Tel has talent, but is he really worth £50 million? And what’s his best position? These are the questions Tottenham will need to answer before deciding whether to make his move permanent.

4. West Ham Missing a Midfield Boss

Potter’s system has changed how West Ham play. Bowen and Kudus now operate more centrally, while the width comes from wing-backs like Wan-Bissaka and Emerson. Structurally, it looks decent.

But there’s a missing piece: someone who can control the tempo in midfield.

Lucas Paquetá is supposed to be that guy. He has the vision, the technique, and passing range. But he plays a little too slow for the fast-paced game Potter is trying to implement. He also gets caught on the ball too often, putting West Ham in risky spots.

James Ward-Prowse, who started on the bench, doesn’t seem to be the answer either. With Paquetá possibly leaving this summer, West Ham will need to find a new midfield leader — someone who can really dictate the game and bring energy to the center of the park.

This match felt more like a formality than a fierce London derby. West Ham fans are just counting down the days to the end of a forgettable season, while Spurs are focused on European glory. Both clubs clearly have big decisions to make in the summer — and they better get it right.

Monza 0-4 Atalanta: De Ketelaere Runs the Show as Monza Crashes Out of Serie A

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Monza 0-4 Atalanta: De Ketelaere Runs the Show as Monza Crashes Out of Serie A

Monza 0-4 Atalanta: De Ketelaere Runs the Show as Monza Crashes Out of Serie A.

Brutal. That’s the only word to describe what happened on Sunday night. Atalanta absolutely demolished Monza 4-0, sealing their spot in third place and officially sending the hosts down to Serie B. While Monza crumbled, Atalanta flexed their muscles and showed why they’re one of the hottest teams in Italy right now.

De Ketelaere Starts the Party Early

It took just 23 minutes for Charles De Ketelaere to steal the show. The Belgian striker was on fire, netting twice early in the game. First, he danced past two defenders and calmly slotted the ball into the net like it was just another training drill. Then, he capitalized on a sloppy mistake from Monza’s defense and tapped in his second.

This guy wasn’t just scoring — he was reading the game like a seasoned pro. Clinical, composed, and ruthless. Classic De Ketelaere.

Lookman Adds Salt to the Wound

Right after the break — just two minutes in — Ademola Lookman made it even worse for Monza. He shrugged off his marker with ease and drilled a left-footed shot straight into the back of the net. At that point, it was already game over.

Monza Tries to Fight, But Carnesecchi Says No

Monza had a rare chance to at least score a consolation goal when Omari Forson went full send with a diving header. But Atalanta’s keeper Marco Carnesecchi was not having it. He pulled off a stunning save on the line and made sure his clean sheet stayed intact.

Brescianini Finishes the Job, Monza Goes Down with a Whimper

As if three goals weren’t enough, Marco Brescianini piled on the misery with a fourth goal just two minutes before full time. And with that, Monza’s fate was sealed. Bottom of the table, 12 points behind 17th-placed Lecce with only three games left. There’s no coming back from that — it’s goodbye Serie A for Monza.

Atalanta’s On Fire, Especially Away from Home

With this win, Atalanta now has 68 points and sits comfortably in third. They’re five points ahead of Lazio in fourth, and six ahead of Juventus (who still have to play Bologna).

And get this — Atalanta’s away form is insane this season. They’ve collected 39 points on the road, the most in Europe’s top five leagues, tied with Barcelona. No one’s doing it better away from home.

Their defense is tight too. Carnesecchi now has 14 clean sheets this season — the most ever by an Atalanta goalkeeper in the three-points-per-win era. He just beat Andrea Consigli’s 13 from the 2011-12 season.

Stat Pack: What You Need to Know

• 68 points for Atalanta this season in Serie A — their third-highest total ever after 35 games. Only 2019-20 (74 points) and 2020-21 (72 points) were better.

• 39 away points — the most in Europe, tied with Barcelona.

• Mateo Retegui has been involved in 31 goals this season (24 goals, 7 assists) — the highest single-season total for an Atalanta player since data tracking began in 2003-04.

Atalanta look unstoppable right now. They’re deadly up front, solid in the back, and grinding out results away from home like champions. With just three matches left, they’re in full control of third place. Monza, on the other hand, has a tough road ahead in Serie B and a lot of rebuilding to do.

What do you think? Can Atalanta hold on to that third spot? Or will Juve or Lazio catch up in the final stretch?

Brighton 1-1 Newcastle United: Late Isak Penalty Saves the Magpies in Top-Four Chase

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Brighton 1-1 Newcastle United: Late Isak Penalty Saves the Magpies in Top-Four Chase

Brighton 1-1 Newcastle United: Late Isak Penalty Saves the Magpies in Top-Four Chase.

It was pure drama at the Amex Stadium as Newcastle United looked set for a tough defeat—until Alexander Isak stepped up in the 89th minute to score a crucial penalty that rescued a point against Brighton. The match ended 1-1, and for Eddie Howe’s men, that late goal might just be the difference in the race for a Champions League spot.

First Half: Minteh Haunts His Old Team

The game started slow, with both teams feeling each other out. But it was Brighton who broke the deadlock, thanks to former Newcastle loanee Yankuba Minteh. The 20-year-old scored in the 28th minute with a little help from Dan Burn, whose deflection sent the ball past a helpless goalkeeper.

That goal sparked some urgency in Newcastle, but the rest of the first half was a struggle. Brighton stayed solid, and keeper Bart Verbruggen was on point, keeping the Magpies at bay.

VAR Takes Center Stage in the Second Half

Things heated up after the break—especially when it came to penalty decisions. Newcastle were awarded two penalties, only for both to be overturned after VAR checks. The first, a foul by Tariq Lamptey on Anthony Gordon, was ruled to have happened outside the box. The second? Joe Willock was deemed to have dived after minimal contact from Jan Paul van Hecke.

But third time’s the charm, right? In the 89th minute, Fabian Schär’s free-kick hit Yasin Ayari’s arm, and the ref didn’t hesitate this time. Isak stepped up and slotted the penalty coolly, making it 1-1. The away fans went wild, and Newcastle kept their grip on a top-four spot—for now.

Brighton’s Late-Game Curse Strikes Again

Brighton just can’t catch a break in the dying minutes. That goal from Isak was the eighth they’ve conceded past the 89th minute this season—only Southampton have more (11). It’s the kind of stat that keeps managers up at night, especially when you’re fighting for a shot at European football.

The result leaves Brighton in 10th place, now trailing Brentford and Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Newcastle stay 4th, holding a three-point lead over Chelsea—who still have to face Liverpool later today.

Data Debrief: Records & Fun Stats

• Alexander Isak became the first Newcastle player to score 23 goals in a Premier League season since Alan Shearer did it in 2001-02. That’s legendary company!

• Yankuba Minteh (20 years, 286 days) is now the fourth-youngest African player to reach 10 goal involvements in the Premier League (6 goals, 4 assists). He joins big names like Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Ndlovu, and Alex Iwobi. The kid’s got talent!

• Despite the drama, Newcastle still haven't won an away game at Brighton in the Premier League—eight trips, zero wins (5 draws, 3 losses). That’s gotta sting.

A Valuable Point, but More Work to Do

In the end, a point is better than nothing—and given the way the match played out, it’s a result Newcastle can live with. They had the better chances (1.75 expected goals to Brighton’s 0.62), and Isak’s clutch moment might be season-defining.

For Brighton, it’s another “what could’ve been” story. Leading for so long, only to be undone by a late handball and a cold-blooded striker.

If you’re a Newcastle fan, take the point and move on. If you’re Brighton? Maybe double-check the clock—your team has a habit of heartbreak at the very end.

Mahrez Says AFC Title with Al-Ahli Feels Just as Special as Premier League and Champions League Wins

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Mahrez Says AFC Title with Al-Ahli Feels Just as Special as Premier League and Champions League Wins

Mahrez Says AFC Title with Al-Ahli Feels Just as Special as Premier League and Champions League Wins.

Riyad Mahrez isn’t playing around when it comes to winning trophies. After lifting titles in England and Europe, now he’s conquered Asia with Al-Ahli!

On Saturday night in Jeddah, Riyad Mahrez and Al-Ahli were officially crowned champions of the AFC Champions League Elite after defeating Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final. The Saudi club dominated the match so thoroughly that Kawasaki didn’t even manage a single shot on target.

The goals came from Galeno and Franck Kessie, two players who stepped up big throughout the tournament.

But the spotlight was all on Mahrez, who joined Al-Ahli in 2023 from Manchester City. The Algerian winger said this AFC title ranks right up there with his biggest career achievements—Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and even the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It feels different, but just as special,” Mahrez said with a big smile. “There was the title with Leicester, AFCON 2019 with Algeria, the ones with City… each has its own flavor. But this one, in Asia, really means a lot to me too.”

Mahrez admitted he was disappointed not to win anything with Al-Ahli last season, but he came into this year with a mission: make history.

“Last year we didn’t win anything and I was really upset. But this season, I was determined to prove myself. I wanted to win something for this club, the players, the coach, and everyone working behind the scenes.”

This win makes Al-Ahli the third Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League trophy—joining the ranks of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Mahrez believes the team deserved it all the way.

“Throughout the tournament we played so well. We didn’t lose a single match. In the group stage and the knockout rounds, whether home or away, we kept our level high. Even against Al-Hilal, who are a really strong side, we proved we can beat anyone.”

“I’m always the first to give credit when another team deserves it, but today—it’s our turn.”

This title may just be the start of a new era for Al-Ahli, as they establish themselves as one of Asia’s football powerhouses.

Riyad Mahrez has proven he’s still world-class, even after moving from Europe to Asia. For him, winning isn’t about the league’s popularity—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the pride. Every trophy has its own unique story, and this AFC title is no different.

Al-Ahli now has more than just a star player—they’ve got a champion’s mentality. And for Asian football fans, this is a proud moment. Big-name players like Mahrez are raising the game on the continent.

Congrats to Mahrez and Al-Ahli—you’ve made Asia proud!

Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo: Mbappe Brace Keeps the Heat on Barcelona Ahead of El Clasico

Nontonlives    Sunday, May 04, 2025    Comment   

Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo: Mbappe Brace Keeps the Heat on Barcelona Ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid 3-2 Celta Vigo: Mbappe Brace Keeps the Heat on Barcelona Ahead of El Clasico.

Real Madrid kept their LaLiga title hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday (May 4). It was Kylian Mbappe’s night at the Santiago Bernabeu, as the French superstar scored twice and helped Los Blancos keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona.

The gap between Madrid and Barça stays at four points, but with El Clasico just around the corner, things are heating up fast in the title race. And yeah, Mbappe is catching fire at just the right time!

Arda Guler Opens the Scoring with a Beauty

The match started off a bit tight, but Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a moment of pure quality. After a short corner routine, Arda Guler picked up the ball and curled a gorgeous shot into the top left corner. Celta keeper Vicente Guaita had no chance—what a strike from the young Turkish star!

Mbappe’s Double Delight

Six minutes later, Mbappe got his name on the scoresheet. Jude Bellingham slid him a neat pass, and Mbappe did what he does best—blazing through the defense and finishing with class. And right after halftime, he was at it again.

Just three minutes into the second half, Guler played a killer through-ball and Mbappe latched onto it before slotting home with his left foot. Calm, confident, clinical.

That brace took his LaLiga tally to 24 goals this season. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (26 goals in 2009-10) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (25 in 2006-07) have had better debut league campaigns for Madrid in the 21st century. Mbappe is seriously making history.

Celta Vigo Makes Things Nervy

At 3-0, it looked like a cruise for Madrid. But Celta Vigo had other plans. In the 69th minute, Javi Rodriguez poked the ball in after Hugo Sotelo’s slick flick from a corner nearly snuck in but got cleared off the line. Celta made it 3-1, and suddenly things weren’t so comfortable.

Then in the 85th minute, substitute Williot Swedberg finished off a beautiful passing move to make it 3-2. The Bernabeu got real quiet, real quick.

Courtois to the Rescue

Not long after, Celta nearly pulled off the comeback. Pablo Duran had a golden chance to make it 3-3, but Thibaut Courtois came up huge with a crucial save. That stop proved to be the difference as Madrid held on for a vital three points.

Stat Watch: Mbappe Chasing History

Mbappe’s debut season in Madrid is turning into something special. With 36 goals in all competitions, he’s now just one goal shy of Ivan Zamorano’s record (37) for most goals by a Real Madrid player in their first season at the club.

And guess who’s up next? That’s right—Barcelona. Imagine if Mbappe breaks the record in El Clasico. That would be legendary.

El Clasico Loading: The Real Test Awaits

This win was big, but the biggest test of Madrid’s season is coming fast. El Clasico could decide the title race, and with just four games left, every point counts.

Madrid will head into that match full of confidence, and Mbappe is playing like a man on a mission. If he keeps this up, the title race might not be over just yet.

Real Madrid might be trailing by four points, but with Mbappe leading the charge, anything’s possible. Sunday’s win over Celta Vigo showed heart, grit, and some moments of magic. With El Clasico on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Bernabeu.

Get ready, because the LaLiga title race is going down to the wire!

Valverde’s Stunning Late Goal Lifts Real Madrid as Courtois Says: “We’ve Been Telling Him for Years – Just Shoot!”

Nontonlives    Monday, April 21, 2025    Comment   

Valverde’s Stunning Late Goal Lifts Real Madrid as Courtois Says: “We’ve Been Telling Him for Years – Just Shoot!”

Valverde’s Stunning Late Goal Lifts Real Madrid as Courtois Says: “We’ve Been Telling Him for Years – Just Shoot!”

Real Madrid once again proved they have the heart of a champion after snatching a dramatic 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night. The hero of the match? None other than Federico Valverde, who scored a sensational goal deep into stoppage time to secure three vital points.

Interestingly, it wasn’t just fans who were amazed — goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois couldn’t hide his excitement either. The Belgian shot-stopper, currently recovering from injury, jokingly said, “We’ve been telling Fede for years – just shoot!”

Valverde: The Utility Player Turned Game Winner

Throughout the season, Valverde has been deployed in several roles, including right-back — not exactly his natural position. But that didn’t stop the Uruguayan from pulling off one of the most spectacular goals of the season.

Despite the shot being worth just 0.02 expected goals (xG), Valverde didn’t hesitate. He fired a rocket from outside the box that curled sharply and left Bilbao’s keeper Unai Simon with absolutely no chance.

Courtois: “His Shots Are Just Different”

Thibaut Courtois, speaking after the match, shared how special Valverde’s shooting ability is, especially during training.

“Fede has a unique shot — sharp, fast, and powerful,” Courtois said. “In training, he scores one or two goals like that every week. One time it even looked like the ball was going wide, but it swerved in at the last second. We’ve been telling him for years: ‘Shoot more often!’”

Valverde’s winner was Real Madrid’s fourth-latest goal in LaLiga since the year 2000, a true clutch moment that shows just how valuable his confidence and instincts can be.

Title Race Still Alive

With this win, Real Madrid remains in the hunt for the LaLiga title, now trailing just four points behind league leaders Barcelona. And the timing couldn’t be better — the two giants are set to face off in the Copa del Rey final this coming weekend.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the team’s performance, especially in the second half.

“We were a bit slow in the first half,” Ancelotti admitted. “But in the second, we pushed harder, defended better, and really went for the win. It was the perfect response after getting knocked out of the Champions League.”

Bellingham and Vinicius Still Crucial

With Kylian Mbappé suspended, Jude Bellingham stepped in as a false nine. Though the English star didn’t find the back of the net, he still had five solid chances totaling 0.8 xG.

“He deserved to score,” Ancelotti said. “He was in the right places, especially in the second half. It just didn’t happen tonight.”

Vinicius Jr. also stood out as one of the most dangerous players on the pitch. Though his goal was disallowed, his energy and skill were key throughout the game.

“Vini was fantastic,” Ancelotti added. “He was exhausted by the end, but still gave everything. I love how he’s responded to a tough few days — he’ll be vital for the rest of the season.”

Athletic Bilbao Fought Hard But Came Up Short

On the other side, Athletic Bilbao struggled to generate offense, especially without their star forward Nico Williams. Ernesto Valverde’s team managed only three shots all game, with a combined xG of 0.19.

Still, winger Alex Berenguer felt the team put up a good fight.

“We played well overall,” he told LaLiga TV. “We held out almost until the end, but it’s Real Madrid — at the Bernabéu. They kept pressing and eventually one of those shots got through.”

“They just have too much quality. Eventually, you end up stuck in your own box, and it only takes one moment.”

This late win does more than just add three points to Madrid’s tally — it gives them serious momentum ahead of a huge week. With the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona just days away, morale is high and belief is back.

Thanks to Valverde’s wonder strike — and Courtois’ long-standing advice finally paying off — Real Madrid fans have every reason to dream big again.