Sports

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday as Yan Diomande scored his first goal for the club before Vinícius Júnior’s controversial red card turned the closing stages into a test of the hosts’ defensive resilience.

Manchester United missed the opportunity to secure a valuable Premier League victory after Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Chelsea produced a ruthless attacking performance to defeat Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, ending a three-match winless run in the Premier League as Jordan Henderson and João Pedro both scored twice.

The Matchday Eight fixture at the Estadio de Vallecas was halted in the 13th minute, with the score still goalless, as home fans threw paper planes and small rubber balls onto the pitch during an Athletic corner. The demonstration targeted Presa, whose leadership has faced sustained opposition from parts of the club’s fanbase.

Bayern Munich were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Augsburg on Saturday after twice recovering from behind, with Harry Kane providing two assists in a contest overshadowed by a record-breaking opening goal and costly mistakes from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United on Saturday, as second-half goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimarães helped Mikel Arteta’s side recover from a difficult start and draw level on points with Manchester City.

Cristiano Ronaldo faces the prospect of a suspension from international football after walking out of Portugal’s national team camp, with the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary rules allowing a ban of up to six months for unjustified abandonment of national-team duty.

Chelsea have strengthened their long-term plans by securing Cole Palmer’s future until June 2034, handing the England international an improved contract as the club looks to build a team capable of competing consistently for major honours under manager Xabi Alonso.

Premier League football returns this weekend after an extended international break, with a major off-field controversy surrounding Manchester City, pressure on several leading clubs and a series of important fixtures shaping the resumption of the 2026/27 campaign.

LeBron James may have scored only 10 points in his Philadelphia 76ers debut, but his first appearance in the team’s colours offered a glimpse of why his influence could extend far beyond the scoreboard as he begins what is expected to be the final chapter of his NBA career.