Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 22, 2026, 9:15 PM ET

Spanish La Liga

José Mourinho's second spell in charge of Real Madrid got off to a winning start thanks to Carlos Espí's 90th-minute goal securing a 2-1 victory at Espanyol. Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid chief executive claimed that star forward Julián Álvarez has been badly advised in seeking to push through a move to Barcelona this summer. The saga continues to dominate headlines as the transfer window winds down.

Italian Serie A

Inter Milan launched their Serie A title defense with a 4–1 opening-day win against newly promoted Monza at San Siro, with John Stones making his debut in the triumph. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri’s dominance was the highlight, but the south stand saw a display that suggests they will again be the team to beat in Italy.

German Supercup

Bayern Munich laid down a marker for the new season as they beat Klassiker rivals Borussia Dortmund 2–1 to win the German Supercup at Signal Iduna Park, with Michael Olise leading the charge. The Bavarian giants showcased their attacking depth with a composed performance on enemy territory.

English Premier League

Arsenal more than looked the part of reigning champions, strolling past Anthony Gordon 3–0 to kick off the season. Meanwhile, a woeful Tottenham started their new campaign dismally with a 3–0 loss at Brentford despite a big spending summer, leaving head coach Roberto De Zerbi to discover that cash is no cure for a losing mentality. Manchester United boss Michael Carrick insisted it was not the time to panic despite a humbling 2–0 defeat to Hull City that exposed a lack of guts and fight. West Ham “let down” their fans with a 2–1 home loss to Charlton, as Nuno Espirito Santo admitted.

Nottingham Forest’s new manager Oliver Glenski lost his first match after a late goal from Leeds United’s Anton Schick. Leeds under Daniel Farke aim to thrive, not just survive, this season after that winning start. Separately, Jean-Philippe Mateta is challenging the validity of the final ten months of his Crystal Palace contract.

Scottish Premiership & EFL

Dundee claimed a deserved 2–0 derby win over Dundee United to move joint‑top of the table. Head coach Steven Pressley said he was “immensely proud” of his players, adding that the victory was another chapter in his “redemption arc”.

Transfer Gossip & Club News

Manchester City will “try to find the new Rodri” after the Spanish captain left to join Barcelona, says hoof coach Enzo Maresca. The Sunday papers report that Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have been in “frequent contact” with Julián Álvarez over a summer move. Liverpool want Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, with Endrick on standby should that deal fail.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says there are no guarantees of further signings, though he has held discussions with co‑owners Reynolds and Mac. Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy expects to bring in a new player before the Carabao Cup tie against Norwich.

International and Other Football News

Gianni Infantino defiantly ignored a request from one of his FIFA vice‑presidents to stay away from an under‑14 event in the Caribbean. Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim recorded a global record 109–0 success, a streak that has broken the old mark. Former West Brom midfielder Quevin Castro died at 25 after collapsing in a friendly, the tragic news confirmed Sunday.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Ian Fray have been fined undisclosed sums for head contact incidents during their 2–2 draw.

Other Sports Round-Up

In rugby, the All Blacks defeated South Africa 33–16 with a Five‑try performanceat Ellis Park. Lando Norris kept his title hopes alive after securing Dutch Foley pole, saying the persistence “feels good.” In darts, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock split the honours at the PDC Women’s Series, while in cricket Ben Stokes starred with bat and ball as Durham took a huge win to boost their promotion hopes.

US Soccer

A viral Manchester United fan faces another week without the trig‑cut() after his team lost on Saturday, meaning the challenge continues. The saga of a supporter who promised to go released only when united wins fits the ongoing narrative around the club’s troubles. For now, the challenge is still alive.