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Real Madrid secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff with a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal. Youth player Thiago Pitarch made his Bernabéu debut, and Thibaut Courtois made key saves. A Benfica fan was removed and banned for making a Nazi salute before kickoff.

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In Tuesday's Benfica vs. Real Madrid game, Vinicius told the referee that 20-year-old Gianluca Prestianni used a slur against him; Prestianni denied it and regretted threats from Madrid players. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius's celebrations draw backlash, prompting Vinicius to call out cowards online. Nigerian Barca supporters faced mockery online, with posts like one quipping a Nigerian fan justifies every Argentine crime, tying into Messi loyalty and past Argentina scandals. Defenders see it as a lazy stereotype, while others note Barca players like Lamine Yamal face racism too.

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Vinicius Jr. accused a Benfica player of a racial slur during a Champions League match, halting play for 10 minutes. Nigerian Barcelona fans caught heat for seeming to downplay it amid fierce rivalries.

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Real Madrid clinched a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League with goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior after Rafa Silva equalized. Mbappe missed the match due to ongoing left knee discomfort that's lingered since before Christmas, forcing him to leave training the day before despite playing through it previously. Arbeloa stressed prioritizing full recovery over rushing back, with no firm timeline set—possibly 10-15 days—casting doubt on his availability for Monday's La Liga game against Getafe. Vinicius stepped up big in Mbappe's absence, helping test Madrid's depth amid other injuries as they lead La Liga by two points.

Key Takeaway

Vinicius Junior curled in a beauty of a winner in the 80th minute, but all eyes turned to manager Alvaro Arbeloa's careful words on Kylian Mbappe's nagging knee pain.

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With the Champions League round-of-16 draw set for Friday in Nyon, Switzerland, PSG awaits a matchup against either Barcelona or Chelsea after advancing past Monaco in playoffs. Fans pointed to their 2-1 win at Barcelona in October, where Gonçalo Ramos scored a 90th-minute winner, and jabbed at Chelsea over ex-manager Enzo Maresca's January exit amid tensions. Chelsea fans hit back hard, while Barcelona supporters admitted recent losses to PSG have humbled them, setting up high-stakes banter as Newcastle fills the bracket spot.

Key Takeaway

PSG supporters are buzzing with confidence, calling out Barcelona to stay humble and warning Chelsea of punishment ahead of Friday's last-16 draw.

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Real Madrid secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff with a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal. Youth player Thiago Pitarch made his Bernabéu debut, and Thibaut Courtois made key saves. A Benfica fan was removed and banned for making a Nazi salute before kickoff.

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Arsenal's captain Martin Ødegaard has dismissed rumors of a summer move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich, reaffirming his full commitment to Mikel Arteta's project as the team leads the Premier League by four points after 28 games. Despite injuries limiting him to four league starts this season, he marked his value with an assist in the 4-1 North London Derby win over Tottenham, tying Declan Rice for the team's assist lead. Teammates like Rice showed support online, and fans celebrated the unity as Arsenal chase their first title in 22 years.

Key Takeaway

Martin Ødegaard beamed after his wedding last June, surrounded by Arsenal teammates like Saka and Trossard—now he's doubling down on his future with the Gunners.

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The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, release of prisoners, and return of deported civilians and children, while reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty within its recognized borders. It passed 107-12 with 51 abstentions, including the United States, which cited concerns over clauses distracting from negotiations. Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed the vote as proof Ukraine stands with the UN Charter, even as U.S. critics like retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg questioned the abstention after four years of war.

Key Takeaway

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked 107 nations for backing a call to end the fighting and bring his people home.

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As the 2025/26 Champions League round-of-16 draw approaches, Liverpool highlighted their historic 2009 Bernabeu upset over Real Madrid, echoing their recent 1-0 Anfield win this season. A fan question about clubs reaching back-to-back UCL finals drew thousands of replies, revealing over a dozen teams like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Juventus achieved it—far more than just Madrid and United. Liverpool reached consecutive finals twice under Klopp in 2018-19 and earlier in 1977-78, while Madrid holds the record with five straight from 1956-60. With Liverpool third in league-phase standings, these memories heighten excitement for Friday's draw pitting top teams against playoff survivors like Madrid.

Key Takeaway

Liverpool fans relive the gritty 1-0 win at Real Madrid's Bernabeu in 2009, a first-leg knockout victory that led to a stunning 5-0 aggregate comeback.

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Portrayed by Wilbert Ross, Larkin—also called Arkin or Kino—wins hearts as a multi-talented artist pining for childhood best friend Avianna 'Via' Diaz, played by Bea Binene. The Viva One series, adapted from Gwy Saludes' Wattpad story, traces their path from high school at Valeria High to chasing fame. Wilbert shared stylish photos of his character, sparking fan tributes like edits of his longing gazes, a custom birthday cake from the 'Valeria High Squad,' and Studio Viva's praise for turning emotions into melodies. Fans call him the 'yearner of all yearners' and Via's best friend, love, and music.

Key Takeaway

Larkin Olivier Sanchez, the devoted singer from Philippine series Golden Scenery of Tomorrow, turns a year older today, drawing waves of fan affection for his heartfelt love story.

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The German coach, who joined last summer, has Barça leading La Liga with 58 points from 23 matches, three points ahead of Real Madrid after scoring 63 goals and conceding just 23. Flick embraces Cruyff's total football philosophy of possession and youth development, earning praise as the first foreign manager to connect so deeply with the club since the legend. Fans rank him alongside Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, while rivals like Bayern's Vincent Kompany tip Barça as their top Champions League threat ahead of a potential knockout clash.

Key Takeaway

After training, Hansi Flick looked skyward in spirit, vowing to make Johan Cruyff proud of FC Barcelona's resurgence under his watch.

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Volker Struth, who manages Wirtz's commercial deals, told BILD he urged Xabi Alonso and Florentino Pérez last summer to sign the £116 million playmaker from Leverkusen for Madrid. The push fell through due to squad and budget issues, and Wirtz's father, his official agent, guided the record-breaking move to Liverpool in June 2025 on a five-year deal. Now 22, Wirtz has four Premier League goals this season and is settling in, with no signs of unrest despite Struth's lingering wishes.

Key Takeaway

Liverpool fans cringed this week as Florian Wirtz's marketing advisor revealed his dream of seeing the star in Real Madrid's white kit instead of Anfield red.

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A standout stats comparison shows Yamal with 46 goals and 51 assists in fewer minutes than Palmer's 59 goals and 33 assists, shining in per-90 metrics like elite dribbling. He's racked up Euro 2024 honors as top assister and Young Player, two La Ligas, Golden Boy 2024, and Ballon d'Or runner-up status, plus 16 senior goals for Spain. This season alone, he's notched 12 goals and 15 assists, completing 98 dribbles against top defenses, fueling excitement for Barcelona's next clash.

Key Takeaway

At just 18, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has fans buzzing over career numbers that top Chelsea's Cole Palmer and even young Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The Catalan club sees 26-year-old Álvarez, fresh off a €95 million move to Atleti Madrid and loaded with trophies like a World Cup and Champions League by age 23, as the perfect versatile successor to the 37-year-old Lewandowski, whose contract ends in June. Atleti demand around €200 million and say he's not for sale, while Argentine journalist Gastón Edul says Barcelona leak interest but lack the funds to act. As a cheaper alternative, they're considering 27-year-old Marmoush, who joined City for €75 million after scoring 37 goals for Frankfurt but now sits behind Haaland with just four this season.

Key Takeaway

Barcelona dream of Julián Álvarez stepping into Robert Lewandowski's big shoes, but with tight finances, they're lining up Manchester City's Omar Marmoush as a smarter option.

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A standout stats comparison shows Yamal with 46 goals and 51 assists in fewer minutes than Palmer's 59 goals and 33 assists, shining in per-90 metrics like elite dribbling. He's racked up Euro 2024 honors as top assister and Young Player, two La Ligas, Golden Boy 2024, and Ballon d'Or runner-up status, plus 16 senior goals for Spain. This season alone, he's notched 12 goals and 15 assists, completing 98 dribbles against top defenses, fueling excitement for Barcelona's next clash.

Key Takeaway

At just 18, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has fans buzzing over career numbers that top Chelsea's Cole Palmer and even young Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The Arsenal winger is the only Premier League player this season with 40-plus take-ons and 40-plus chances created, hitting exactly 46 in each despite just five goals and three assists in 24 games. In Sunday's 4-1 North London Derby win over Spurs, Saka led with 22 duels won, 21 final-third passes, and 18 box touches, though he missed three one-on-ones and saw a near-assist denied by deflection. Fans note multiple chalked-off assists from deflections or own goals elsewhere, praising his underlying impact as Arsenal top the table five points clear of Manchester City ahead of a Chelsea clash.

Key Takeaway

Bukayo Saka diced up Tottenham's defense, topping every key stat on the right flank while creating chaos for Arsenal's attackers.

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A standout stats comparison shows Yamal with 46 goals and 51 assists in fewer minutes than Palmer's 59 goals and 33 assists, shining in per-90 metrics like elite dribbling. He's racked up Euro 2024 honors as top assister and Young Player, two La Ligas, Golden Boy 2024, and Ballon d'Or runner-up status, plus 16 senior goals for Spain. This season alone, he's notched 12 goals and 15 assists, completing 98 dribbles against top defenses, fueling excitement for Barcelona's next clash.

Key Takeaway

At just 18, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has fans buzzing over career numbers that top Chelsea's Cole Palmer and even young Cristiano Ronaldo.

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During Bahrain pre-season testing, four-time champion Max Verstappen criticized the 2026 regulations for demanding too much energy management, making races less fun and preventing flat-out driving. Lando Norris, the 2025 title winner with McLaren, shot back that drivers like Verstappen, who earn huge paychecks, shouldn't complain and can quit if they want. George Russell agreed, while one unnamed driver confided to a podcast that Verstappen voiced widespread frustrations many keep quiet to avoid clashing with F1's push for the new rules. Early tests also highlighted turbo lag and start issues, with teams calling for fixes ahead of the new era.

Key Takeaway

Max Verstappen climbed out of Red Bull's new 2026 car after three days of testing and didn't hold back: the heavily revised machines feel more like 'Formula E on steroids' than proper F1 racing.

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Alternative MUFC released a comedic video recap of Manchester United's match against Everton, highlighting moments such as Bruno Fernandes arguing with the referee and crying on the bench. The video incorporates humorous elements like royal rumbles, dinosaurs, and satellite lugs despite the game's poor quality. Manchester United fans praised the video as brilliant and hilarious.

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Vasco da Gama, sitting 17th in the 2026 Brazilian Serie A with just one point from their opener, parted ways with Fernando Diniz and now prioritize Portuguese coaches. Amorim ranks second behind Artur Jorge, with veteran Renato Gaúcho also in contention, per local reports. At United, Amorim won only 24 of 63 games before a 1-1 draw at Leeds led to his exit on January 5; interim boss Michael Carrick has since guided the team unbeaten in six league matches, earning 16 points from 18 possible. Fans mocked the news online, though some defended Amorim's role in resetting standards and developing talents like Kobbie Mainoo.

Key Takeaway

Just seven weeks after his Manchester United sacking, Rúben Amorim finds himself on Vasco da Gama's managerial shortlist. It's a surprising twist for the Portuguese coach now linked to Brazil's struggling side.

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Manchester United secured a gritty 1-0 win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, with substitute Benjamin Sesko scoring the decisive goal in the 71st minute. Right-back Diogo Dalot stole the show, earning high ratings for his interceptions, clearances, and dangerous deliveries in Michael Carrick's 4-2-3-1 setup—his fifth win in six as interim boss after Ruben Amorim's sacking. The victory lifted United back into the top four, keeping their Champions League hopes alive, while fans hailed Dalot's 'redemption arc' despite some pundit skepticism.

Key Takeaway

Diogo Dalot charged down the right flank all night, his crosses slicing through Everton's defense like a man reborn. Fans who once criticized him now can't stop praising the turnaround.

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Fans express widespread excitement over Lando Norris achieving the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship title in the 2026 season with McLaren. Discussions highlight his podium celebrations, McLaren F1 content foreshadowing the championship, fan merchandise arrivals, and reaction videos. References include nostalgic nods to his past performances such as in Austria.

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Osasuna upset La Liga leaders Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday, with Ante Budimir scoring from the spot in the 38th minute, Vinícius Júnior equalizing in the 73rd, and veteran Raúl García clinching it deep in stoppage time. Trent Alexander-Arnold, subbed on at right-back for Madrid, faced heavy online mockery for passively jogging alongside García during the decisive goal, earning a 4/10 rating and memes like 'RB Ward Prowse.' While some blamed teammates Raúl Asencio's lunge and Dani Ceballos' backpass, the viral moment overshadowed Madrid's snapped 18-game unbeaten run as Barcelona closes in two points back.

Key Takeaway

Raúl García danced past defenders and rifled in a 90th-minute rocket at El Sadar, handing Real Madrid a shocking defeat—but a clip of Trent Alexander-Arnold jogging beside him stole the online spotlight.

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Julius Kitone, a 35-year-old senior news reporter at NBS Television, died on February 13, 2026, in a head-on collision on the Mbarara-Lyantonde highway that also claimed seven other lives. Known as 'Ambassador' for his international reporting on climate and conservation, he was remembered by colleagues like Joellah Anshemeza and Joyce Bagala Ntwatwa for his passionate storytelling and mentorship. Mourners, including his composed widow and young children collecting contributions, called for better road signs, stricter enforcement, and driver training to prevent future tragedies on Uganda's accident-prone highways.

Key Takeaway

Under a cloudy sky in Rakai District, hundreds gathered to say goodbye to Julius Kitone, the soft-spoken reporter whose stories inspired hope.

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Bukayo Saka opened the scoring early with a header from Martinelli's lay-off, and Piero Hincapie made it 2-0 soon after halftime, but Hugo Bueno pulled one back and debutant Tom Edozie leveled in the 90+4th minute via Riccardo Calafiori's own goal. Martinelli assisted the opener and had chances, yet drew ire for heavy touches, poor passes, and no further impact, with fans calling his play stagnant and lacking killer instinct. The draw cuts Arsenal's lead over Manchester City to five points ahead of the North London derby, as Declan Rice showed his fury by ripping off his shirt at full time.

Key Takeaway

Arsenal raced to a 2-0 lead at Molineux, only for a second-half meltdown to hand Wolves a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time. Fans turned their frustration squarely on Gabriel Martinelli's shaky display.

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Manchester United beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford on February 7, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring from Kobbie Mainoo's assist and Bruno Fernandes sealing it late via Diogo Dalot. Tottenham's Cristian Romero saw red for a high lunge on Casemiro, a call Oliver explained clearly to VAR and backed by Alan Shearer. The Ref Cam release four days later stole the show, showing Oliver quipping to Conor Gallagher after a missed chance—'Better first touch, you would have scored'—and earning praise for humanizing referees' tough work amid player protests and noise. While some Spurs fans saw bias, most hailed Oliver's calm multitasking, boosting respect for officials as United chase second place.

Key Takeaway

Referee Michael Oliver's on-pitch view from Man Utd's 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham captured quick decisions, VAR talks, and cheeky banter that had fans nodding in appreciation.

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes shared an Instagram message stating 'brick by brick' following the team's Premier League matches against West Ham and Everton. In those games, Fernandes scored only 2 Fantasy Premier League points each. Fans responded with complaints about his low points and turnovers alongside support for his role in the team's rebuild.

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Sundowns, second with 35 points from 16 games, need a win over fifth-placed AmaZulu (30 points from 17) to leapfrog leaders Pirates and tighten their title hold. The Brazilians fielded stars like captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and young Siyabonga Ntsabeleng up front, while AmaZulu set up in a 3-4-3 at home. Twenty minutes in, it's 0-0 after even early exchanges, with Sundowns unbeaten in seven straight against Usuthu including five clean-sheet wins.

Key Takeaway

Under the lights at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mamelodi Sundowns lined up like a Bafana Bafana dream team, ready to snatch the top spot from Orlando Pirates.

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Amorim took charge on November 11, 2024, after Ten Hag's dismissal, but United finished 15th last season with just 42 points—their worst Premier League placing. This season, after 17 matches, they sit seventh, three or four points off fourth-placed Chelsea, with Amorim at 1.20 points per game amid injuries and squad issues. Fans debate fiercely if sacking Ten Hag was wrong, as some see attacking gains and green shoots, while others fixate on the 48-point swing and demand results ahead of Boxing Day at Newcastle.

Key Takeaway

Manchester United supporters are poring over a tough stat: Rúben Amorim's 14 Premier League wins in his first 44 games fall far short of Erik ten Hag's 30 over the same span.

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