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Well wedged in the soft underbelly of the ranking, Brentford today occupies 14th place in the Premier League with 6 points behind the last European folding seat and 6 ahead of the first relegation place. It's often all or nothing with the Bees who have won 4 of their last 8 championship matches, losing 4. After gaining the upper hand at home over relegated Burnley 3-1, they conceded expected setbacks at Arsenal 2-0 and Tottenham last weekend 2-0. Back in the elite this season, Leeds are currently 16th in the Premier League and are 2 points ahead of the red zone.

After having suffered four losses in a row, Daniel Farke's men resumed their march forward during the last two days played at home. This allowed them to get a breath of fresh air. Leeds first created a surprise by beating Chelsea 3-1 before holding Liverpool to a draw last weekend 3-3. 

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Crystal Palace is reaching an important milestone in its project and today occupies 4th place in the Premier League, 1 point ahead of 5th place. The London team hopes to go the distance in order to join the fight for the European folding seats or even for the next Champions League. Confidently, the Eagles have only lost one of their last 6 championship matches, for 4 victories and 1 draw. Beaten at home by Manchester United 1-2, they then won on the lawns of Burnley 0-1 and Fulham last weekend 1-2. Champion of England continuously from 2021 to 2024, Manchester City hopes to regain the title this season.

Trailing for a while, the Skyblues took advantage of Arsenal's recent drop in performance to get back into the race. Indeed, they are currently 2nd in the Premier League and are 2 points behind 1st place. The Citizens are at their advantage these days, as evidenced by the 5 successes gleaned during the last 6 days, for 1 defeat. After a loss to Newcastle 2-1, they in turn dominated Leeds 3-2, Fulham 4-5 and Sunderland last weekend 3-0. 

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Not at the same level as in the previous year, Nottingham Forest may have to work hard to avoid a decline this season. Authors of an alarming start to the championship, Morgan Gibbs-White's teammates have regained momentum following the arrival on the bench of Sean Dyche. Indeed, they have pocketed 3 victories in the last 5 days, for 2 defeats. This allows them to be 17th in the Premier League with 2 points ahead of the red zone. After winning at bottom side Wolverhampton 0-1, the Nottingham club fell to Everton last weekend 3-0. Eager to fight for the European seats this season, Tottenham is currently 11th in the Premier League and concedes 3 points in 5th place.

The Spurs got off to a very good start before seriously marking time with a string of 5 games without a win, 2 draws and 3 defeats. They put an end to this bad dynamic last weekend. After bringing back a good point from Newcastle 2-2, the London team got the better of Brentford 2-0. This week, Tottenham easily won against Slavia Prague in the Champions League 3-0. 

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Sunderland defied the predictions for its return to the elite and quickly distanced itself from the fight for maintenance. Indeed, the promoted team now occupies 9th place in the Premier League, 2 points behind the last European folding seat. Less irresistible in recent weeks, the Black Cats have won only one of their last 6 championship matches, for 3 draws and 2 defeats. After taking a good point from Liverpool 1-1, they were soundly beaten in the lair of Manchester City last weekend 3-0.

Behind on their progress table, Newcastle is currently 12th in the Premier League and is 1 point behind their opponent of the day. The Magpies have suffered from chronic irregularity but seem to have found the right fuel in recent weeks, as evidenced by their current series of 4 matches without defeat, 3 victories and 1 draw. Held to a draw at home by Tottenham 2-2, they otherwise won against Manchester City 2-1, Everton 1-4 and Burnley last weekend 2-1. 

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Not necessarily expected so much this season, West Ham is currently 18th in the Premier League and is 2 points behind the first non-relegation team. Despite the quality of its squad, the London team will have to work hard to avoid a decline. The recent dynamic still brings hope. Indeed, the Hammers have only lost one of their last 6 championship matches, for 2 wins and 3 draws. After losing to Liverpool 0-2, they held off Manchester United 1-1 and Brighton last weekend 1-1.

Aston Villa worried all their fans at the start of the season but quickly rectified the situation. The Birmingham-based club today occupies 3rd place in the Premier League with 3 units of spending on 1st place. Full of confidence, the Villans have pocketed 9 victories in the last 10 days, for 1 defeat. Beaten at Liverpool at the beginning of November 2-0, they then took over Bournemouth 4-0, Leeds 1-2, Wolverhampton 1-0, Brighton 3-4 and the leader Arsenal last weekend thanks to a goal scored at the very end of the game 2-1. 

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Auxerre 16th had a double blow last week. By ending a drought of 9 games without a victory, AJA doubled its victim, FC Metz 3-1, and left the bottom of the ranking. It is now 16th and a virtual play-off, with a small point ahead of Messins and above all three lengths behind the first non-relegation club. The Icaunais club held off Lyon 0-0 and Paris FC 1-1 before securing their third victory in the Championship. Opposite, Lille 4th remains successful against Paris FC 4-2, Le Havre 0-1 and Marseille 1-0.

Like this last result against a serious contender for the podium, LOSC has performed well in the race for Europe and sees the podium elude it on goal difference. Bruno Genesio's men have since been looking for a fifth victory in all competitions. They went to the Young Boys pitch in Bern on Thursday, during the Europa League league phase. 

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Lens remains the nice surprise of the first part of the season in France. Winner last week in Nantes 1-2 after crushing Monaco 1-4 and then against Strasbourg 1-0 and Angers 1-2, the Artesian club was in control of the Championship before the weekend's matches, with one point ahead of PSG. His performances over the last few weeks have been excellent, as evidenced by his 8 wins in the last 9 matches. Pierre Sage definitely took very little time to adapt to the club for his first season at the helm. His team is seeking a sixth victory in a row this Sunday.  OGC Nice's latest results speak for themselves: 7 successive defeats in all competitions, perhaps even an eighth Thursday in the Europa League against Braga.

Since the return from the November break, it has been Marseille 1-5, Lorient 3-1 and most recently Angers 0-1 who have caused the Aiglons to hit rock bottom in the Championship. This deep crisis has serious consequences for the ranking. Le Gym, although claiming a place in the top 4, was relegated to 12th position and now finds itself closer to the first relegation place than places for Europe. With 27 goals conceded in 15 days, Franck Haise's team has the third worst defense in Ligue 1. 

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Falling last Sunday in Lorient 1-0, a week after having disposed of Nantes 3-0, Olympique Lyonnais remains on alternating current to close the year. His balance sheet over the last 6 days alone illustrates this: 1 victory, 3 draws, 2 defeats. The irregularity of the Rhone club logically took it off the podium and made it 5th in the Championship, 4 points behind the top four. The form shown at the start of the season now seems a distant memory for the Lyonnais who on Thursday aimed to maintain the lead in the Europa League standings against Go Ahead Eagles. Le Havre 15th is in great difficulty as mid-season approaches.

Unable to win any of its last 5 matches, the Norman club, defeated by the big fish that are PSG 3-0 and Lille 0-1, at least broke this series of defeats last weekend, against Paris FC 0-0. A contribution, however, not sufficient to keep it away from the poorly classified. Didier Digard's HAC is the first non-relegation club, with only 3 points ahead of the virtual play-off. 

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Its poor performances over the last two days against Toulouse 2-2, returning to the score in added time, and at Lille, scene of a narrow 1-0 defeat, were fatal for Olympique de Marseille. If he could be satisfied with having retained his place on the last step of the podium, he was now 4 points behind 2nd placed PSG and 5 behind the leader, Lens, after the matches of the 15th day. The expected reaction in the Champions League took place on Tuesday in Belgium. The Phocéens' victory at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-3 brought them closer to qualifying for the play-offs. For its part, Monaco was scuttled last week in Brest 1-0, suffering a fourth defeat on this occasion in the last 6 days.

ASM had just recovered with a surprise victory against PSG 1-0 after having suffered 3 losses in November. She is paying a high price by now being out of the European places, in 7th place with one unit behind the top 5. Also, the gap which keeps her from the podium is significant - 6 points. The Principality club also took advantage of the Champions League of the week, at home against Galatasaray 1-0, to find some color. 

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Strasbourg traveled to Aberdeen on Thursday in the Conference League, in preparation for the 16th chapter of Ligue 1. The Alsatian club is capitalizing on this European campaign to maintain itself successfully, which it is unable to do on the Ligue 1 pitch. Defeated by Lens 1-0 and Brest 1-2 at the end of November, it began December with a third loss in a row, on the pitch of Toulouse 1-0. Liam Rosenior's players fell to eighth position before the weekend's matches, 2 lengths from the top 5. His opponent, FC Lorient, is ending the year with a bang.

Falling from Nice two weeks ago 3-1, the promoted player did it again at home against Lyon 1-0 and aims to go on to a fifth unbeaten match to reassure himself a little more in the standings. After 13th, the Merlus are ahead of the virtual barrage by 5 points but have an unfortunate tendency to concede a lot of goals. They have taken 28 in 15 days, a statistic which makes it the penultimate defense of the Championship. 

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Without real competition at its level this season, Bayern Munich maintains an unsustainable pace for all of its opponents. Vincent Kompany's men have indeed taken 37 points out of the 39 put into play this season in the Bundesliga. And since their only draw conceded at Union Berlin 2-2, the Bavarians have resumed their irresistible march forward as if nothing had happened against Freiburg 6-2, Sankt Pauli 3-1 and finally Stuttgart 0-5 last weekend. In the meantime, Harry Kane's partners also validated their ticket for the quarter-finals of the German Cup against Sankt Pauli 3-1 and they will be competing in the Champions League this week. Beaten by Arsenal the previous day 3-1, the Munich team bounced back, not without difficulty, against Sporting this week 3-1. If Bayern Munich crushes all the competition across the Rhine, we are far from being able to say the same about Mainz.

On the contrary, this team is currently experiencing a real crux this season in the Bundesliga where it brings up the rear with a very meager record of 6 points gleaned in 13 days. At the bottom of the hole, FSV has just suffered 3 defeats over the last 4 days played against Frankfurt 1-0, Hoffenheim 1-1, Friborg 4-0 and against Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-1. As a result, he finds himself relegated to 6 points from the first non-relegation place. This week, Mainz players will challenge Lech Poznan in a Conference League match. 

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This first part of the season is mixed for this Friborg team which is struggling to stand out in this German championship. With only 16 points taken in 13 days, the Black Forest club only occupies 9th place in the ranking, more behind the top 6 qualifying for Europe 6 points than ahead of the first relegation 5 points. Too irregular, the Brazilians from Brigsau won their last 2 matches at home against Sankt Pauli 2-1 and Mainz 4-0 but they were no match away against Bayern 6-2 and Heidenheim 2-1. In the meantime, they were still able to qualify for the quarter-finals of the German Cup at the expense of Darmstadt 2-0. This week, Freiburg hosted Salzburg in a poster for the 6th day of the Europa League league phase.

For its part, Borussia Dortmund was also on deck in the European Cup this week by hosting the Norwegians of Bodo/Glimt with the intention of retaining their place in the top 8 of the Champions League league phase standings. Rather serious so far in the Bundesliga, Niko Kovac's men are undefeated in the league since the Klassiker played at the end of October 2-1. Successively held by Hamburg 1-1 and Stuttgart 3-3, the BVB players were on the other hand able to win against Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 and Hoffenheim 2-0 last weekend.

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11th in the standings with a total of 16 points gleaned during the first 13 days, Werder Bremen is not under the immediate threat of immediate relegation to the 2.Bundesliga. However, the locals will still have to re-mobilize after having achieved only one success over the last 5 days. Winners of Wolfsburg 2-1, Horst Steffen's players were then dominated by Leipzig 2-1 and then held to a draw by Cologne 1-1. Finally, last week, the Werderaner were beaten at the end of the match by Hamburg, thus seeing the first relegation come back to just 5 lengths. On the other side of the halfway line, Stuttgart is in the fight for a place in the top 4 and a place for the next Champions League.

The VfB occupies 6th place in the ranking, only a small point behind the 4th place occupied by Bayer Leverkusen at the start of this 14th day. Unfortunately for them, Sebastian Hoeness' men have not won for 3 days. And after being held to a draw by Dortmund 3-3, they were dominated at the very end of the match by Hamburg 2-1 and more broadly by Bayern Munich last week. In the meantime, the Swabians were able to qualify for the quarter-finals of the German Cup ahead of Bochum 0-2 and they face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League this week.

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Not at the level during the previous year, AC Milan is once again playing the leading roles under the orders of Massimiliano Allegri this season. However, the championship got off to a bad start for the Lombard team who lost against Cremonese on the first day. The Rossoneri, however, have not tasted defeat since 9 wins and 4 draws. After being held to a draw at Parma 2-2, they in turn won against Inter 0-1, Lazio 1-0 and Torino last Monday despite falling behind by 2 goals 2-3. AC Milan takes the lead in Serie A with the same number of points as Napoli.

Back in the elite this season, Sassuolo has defied all predictions so far. Indeed, the promoted team is currently 8th in Serie A and only concedes 4 units of expenditure on the last European folding seat. With confidence, Fabio Grosso's men have lost only one of their last 4 championship matches, for 2 victories and 1 draw. After losing to Como 2-0, they got things going again by dominating Fiorentina at home last weekend 3-1. 

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Now considered a solid contender for European folding seats, Bologna is currently 5th in Serie A and is 2 points behind 4th place, qualifying for the next Champions League. The Rossoblu recently ended an excellent series of 9 games without defeat, 6 wins and 3 draws, by being surprised at home by Cremonese 1-3. Last weekend, they took a point at Lazio 1-1. Juventus now occupies 7th place in Serie A with 2 units of spending on their opponent of the day. Checkered results precipitated the departure of coach Igor Tudor.

Following this change, the Bianconeri regained color with a sequence of 5 matches without a setback, 3 victories and 2 draws. They ended this positive dynamic by losing on the lawn of Napoli last weekend 2-1. 17th in the Champions League, the Old Lady has just dominated Pafos this week 2-0. 

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Expected in the fight for the European folding seats, Fiorentina is having a nightmarish season so far. En effet, la Viola occupe tout simplement le dernier rang de la Serie A et n'a toujours pas empoché la moindre victoire 6 matchs nuls et 8 défaites. The first non-relegation team is already 7 steps ahead. A reaction is eagerly hoped for, otherwise we risk being left behind irremediably. After sharing the points with Genoa 2-2 and Juventus 1-1, Fiorentina lost on the lawns of Fiorentina 2-0 and Sassuolo last weekend 3-1.

19th in Serie A with 3 points ahead of their opponent of the day, Hellas is also struggling this season. The Veronese did not win any of their first 13 league matches, 6 draws and 7 defeats. On the other hand, they finally unlocked their victory counter last weekend. In front of their fans, Hellas created a surprise by taking the lead over Atalanta 3-1. 

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Genoa is currently 14th in Serie A and is 4 points ahead of the first relegation team. Authors of a very bad start to the season, Ruslan Malinovsky's teammates have not won any of their last 9 championship matches, 3 draws and 6 defeats. On the other hand, they have shown a much better appearance since the ousting of French coach Patrick Vieira, as evidenced by their current series of 5 matches without a setback, 3 victories and 2 draws. Genoa remains on the successes acquired against Hellas Verona 2-1 and Udinese last Monday 1-2. Logically considered one of the favorites for the Scudetto this season, Inter today occupies 3rd place in Serie A with 1 point behind the leader.

After stringing together three victories in a row, the Nerazzurri suffered a setback by losing, in front of their fans, against AC Milan 0-1. Subsequently, they resumed their march forward with successes against Pisa 0-2 and Como last weekend 4-0. 6th in the Champions League, Inter has just fallen at home to Liverpool this week 0-1. 

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Well wedged in the soft underbelly of the ranking, Udinese today occupies 11th place in Serie A with 6 points behind the last European seat and 8 ahead of the first relegation. Less sovereign for some time, the team based in Friuli has lost 3 of its last 4 championship matches, for 1 victory. Udinese won at low-ranked Parma 0-2 but otherwise fell to Roma 2-0, Bologna 0-3 and Genoa last Monday 1-2. Napoli are still in the fight for the Scudetto this season. The reigning Italian champion is currently 2nd in Serie A and has the same number of points as the leader, AC Milan.

In a good dynamic, Antonio Conte's men have only conceded one setback in the last 7 days, for 5 victories and 1 draw. Beaten in Bologna just before the November international break 2-0, they then showed the muscles to dominate Atalanta 3-1, Roma 0-1 and Juventus last weekend 2-1. Napoli, on the other hand, is less comfortable in the Champions League and has just lost at Benfica this week 2-0. 

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AZ Alkmaar head into their upcoming Eredivisie clash with Excelsior carrying a sense of momentum and expectation. Over the past two months, AZ have been in the headlines for their strong performances in both domestic and European competitions, with their young squad continuing to impress under manager Maarten Martens. Notably, AZ secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Heerenveen in late November, showcasing their attacking depth and defensive organization. They also battled hard in a narrow 2-1 defeat against PSV, a match that highlighted their resilience despite the loss. The team’s ability to rotate players effectively has been praised, and recent news has focused on their push to secure a top-three finish in the Eredivisie, which remains within reach given their consistent form.

Excelsior, on the other hand, have endured a more turbulent period in the past two months, with results fluctuating and defensive frailties often exposed. Their recent 4-2 defeat against Ajax in November was a reminder of the gap between them and the league’s top sides, though they did manage to grind out a 2-2 draw against Utrecht shortly afterward, showing flashes of determination. Excelsior’s squad has been in the spotlight due to injury concerns, particularly in their defensive line, which has forced tactical adjustments from manager Marinus Dijkhuizen. Despite these challenges, the Rotterdam-based side has continued to fight for points, with their attacking duo of Kenzo Goudmijn and Lazaros Lamprou providing occasional sparks of creativity. The club’s recent news has centered on their battle to avoid slipping further down the table, as the relegation zone looms uncomfortably close.

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Ajax enter this clash with Feyenoord after a turbulent couple of months both on and off the pitch. The Amsterdam side recently secured a 3-1 away victory against Fortuna Sittard on December 6, showing glimpses of their attacking flair despite inconsistency in prior weeks. Just days earlier, they had beaten FC Groningen 2-0 at home, but their Champions League campaign faltered with a 0-2 defeat to Benfica in late November. Ajax’s domestic form has been patchy, with losses to Excelsior and Utrecht, yet the team remains competitive in the Eredivisie. The managerial transition to Fred Grim has brought a more pragmatic approach, though questions remain about their ability to sustain momentum against top opposition.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, arrive in Amsterdam with confidence soaring after a dominant 6-1 win over PEC Zwolle on December 6, powered by Ayase Ueda’s hat-trick and Quinten Timber’s penalty. Their recent run has been impressive, with Robin van Persie’s side balancing Eredivisie duties and Europa League commitments. Feyenoord also celebrated a historic development off the pitch in early December, as the club secured majority ownership of De Kuip, paving the way for modernization and long-term stability. This combination of strong form and structural progress has energized supporters, who see Feyenoord as genuine title contenders this season. Their attacking depth and defensive organization have made them one of the most balanced squads in the league.

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NAC Breda’s return to the Eredivisie has been marked by a mixture of resilience and growing pains, as the club continues to adapt to the higher tempo and quality of the league. Over the past two months, Breda have been in the headlines for their spirited performances despite struggling to consistently secure points. Their recent fixtures included a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Excelsior and a narrow 2-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar, where they showed flashes of attacking promise but were undone by defensive lapses. The team’s supporters remain optimistic, especially after the announcement that key midfielder Velthuis has returned from injury, adding much-needed stability in the center of the pitch. Breda’s home ground has been buzzing with anticipation, and the clash against Utrecht is seen as another opportunity to prove they belong at this level.

FC Utrecht, on the other hand, have been enjoying a more stable run of form, with their squad showing signs of cohesion under coach Ron Jans. In the past two months, Utrecht secured a notable 3-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard and battled to a 2-2 draw against Feyenoord, demonstrating their ability to compete with both mid-table and top-tier opposition. Their attacking trio, led by Sam Lammers, has been particularly effective, combining pace and creativity to trouble defenses. Utrecht also made headlines in November when they extended the contract of defender Mike van der Hoorn, a move that reinforced their commitment to building a solid defensive foundation. With their recent performances, Utrecht have positioned themselves as a dangerous side capable of punishing any lapses in concentration from opponents.

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Sparta Rotterdam enter this fixture with a sense of cautious optimism, having shown flashes of resilience in recent weeks despite mixed results. Their defensive structure has tightened compared to earlier in the season, and the team has been working on maintaining discipline both in and out of possession. In early December, Sparta managed a notable 3-1 victory over Heerenveen in a cup tie, which gave them confidence, though their league form has been inconsistent with losses against Utrecht and PSV. The club has also been in the news for extending the contract of head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk, signaling stability in leadership as they aim to climb higher in the Eredivisie standings. Fans at Het Kasteel will be hoping that the team can replicate their sharper performances and avoid lapses that have cost them points in tight matches.

SC Heerenveen, on the other hand, arrive in Rotterdam with a reputation for unpredictability. Over the past two months, they have alternated between strong attacking displays and frustrating defensive errors. Their recent 2-2 draw against NEC highlighted both their offensive flair and their vulnerability at the back, while a narrow defeat to Ajax showed they can compete with top-tier sides but struggle to maintain consistency. News around the club has focused on the return of key forward Sydney van Hooijdonk from injury, which has boosted their attacking options. Heerenveen’s away form remains a concern, as they have dropped points in several matches on the road, yet their ability to score in nearly every game keeps them dangerous. The team’s supporters are eager to see whether this fixture can mark a turning point in their season.

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The upcoming clash between Moreirense and Benfica in Liga Portugal arrives at a fascinating moment for both clubs. Moreirense, under coach Vasco Botelho da Costa, has been making headlines in recent weeks with spirited performances and notable resilience. Their 2-2 draw against Famalicão at the end of November showcased both attacking flair and defensive lapses, with Guilherme Schettine and Dinis Pinto finding the net for the side. Earlier in November, they managed a strong 2-0 away victory over Arouca, but also suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Braga. Off the pitch, Moreirense celebrated its 87th anniversary and highlighted several players called up for national team duty, reflecting the club’s growing stature in Portuguese football. These developments set the stage for a high-profile encounter against one of the league’s giants.

Benfica, meanwhile, enters this fixture with momentum and renewed confidence after a mixed but ultimately positive run of results. Under José Mourinho, the Lisbon club has been balancing domestic commitments with Champions League challenges. In late November, Benfica secured a crucial 2-0 away win against Ajax, reviving their European campaign after earlier setbacks against Leverkusen. Domestically, they edged Nacional 2-1 away and drew 2-2 with Casa Pia, while also recording a commanding 3-0 victory over Guimarães. More recently, they held Sporting CP to a 1-1 draw in Lisbon, a result that kept them firmly in the top three of the Liga Portugal standings. News surrounding Benfica has focused on injuries to key players like Bruma and Lukebakio, but the emergence of Georgiy Sudakov and Gianluca Prestianni has added fresh attacking options.

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Portimonense enter this clash against Leixões with renewed confidence after a turbulent autumn that saw them adjusting to life in Liga Portugal 2. In the past two months, the Algarve side has been in the headlines for their managerial reshuffle, with Paulo Sérgio stepping aside and the club appointing a younger coach to bring fresh energy to the squad. Their supporters have been vocal about the team’s resilience, especially after a hard-fought draw against Nacional and a spirited win over Tondela in November. These results have kept Portimonense in the conversation for promotion contention, even though consistency remains their biggest challenge. The squad has also benefited from the return of key midfielder Relvas, whose injury absence earlier in the season had left a noticeable gap in their transitions from defense to attack.

Leixões, on the other hand, have been navigating their own set of challenges, with the club making headlines in October and November due to financial restructuring and renewed focus on youth development. Despite off-field concerns, the team has shown flashes of quality, particularly in their recent victory against Oliveirense and a narrow defeat to Academico de Viseu. Their supporters have praised the emergence of young forward João Oliveira, who has been instrumental in creating attacking opportunities. The past two months have also seen Leixões experimenting with tactical flexibility, shifting between a compact defensive shape and a more expansive pressing game depending on the opponent. This adaptability has allowed them to remain competitive even when facing stronger sides, though lapses in concentration have cost them valuable points.

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Sporting CP B enter this clash against Vizela with renewed confidence after a strong run of performances in Liga Portugal 2. In late November, the young Lions secured a notable 3-1 victory over SC Farense, a result that pushed them closer to the top of the table and highlighted the depth of talent being nurtured within their ranks. This win was not an isolated success, as Sporting CP B have consistently shown resilience in recent weeks, blending youthful energy with tactical discipline. Their squad, largely composed of emerging prospects, has been praised for its ability to adapt quickly to the demands of senior football, and the last two months have underlined their growing maturity. The team’s development program continues to pay dividends, with several players catching the eye of scouts and analysts, reinforcing the club’s reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.

Vizela, on the other hand, have endured a more turbulent period in recent weeks, with mixed results across their fixtures. In early December, they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Farense, a setback that exposed defensive vulnerabilities and raised questions about their consistency. However, they also managed to grind out a 1-1 draw against Feirense at the start of December, showing that they can remain competitive even when not at their best. Their November fixtures were equally varied, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Felgueiras and a narrow 1-3 loss to Penafiel. Despite these challenges, Vizela’s squad has demonstrated flashes of attacking quality, particularly in their 2-1 win over Benfica B in early November, which reminded supporters of their potential when the team clicks. The past two months have therefore been a rollercoaster for Vizela, with moments of promise tempered by lapses in concentration.

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Aberdeen head into their clash with Kilmarnock at Pittodrie with renewed confidence after a mixed run of results in recent weeks. In November, they battled to a 1-1 draw against Motherwell, showing resilience despite struggling to convert chances. Earlier in October, they edged Kilmarnock 1-0 away from home, a result that highlighted their ability to grind out wins even when not at their fluent best. The Dons have been buoyed by the form of forward Milan Lazetic, who has netted four goals in eleven appearances, while Johan Karlsson has chipped in with three. Manager Barry Robson has emphasized the importance of tightening up defensively, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov proving reliable between the posts. The team’s current position in mid-table reflects inconsistency, but recent performances suggest they are capable of climbing higher if they maintain focus.

Kilmarnock, meanwhile, have endured a tougher spell, sitting lower in the Premiership standings after a series of challenging fixtures. Their October defeat to Aberdeen was followed by a disappointing run, including a 0-1 loss to the Dons and a heavy 4-0 defeat earlier in the year. However, Derek McInnes’ side has shown flashes of promise, particularly through midfielder Danny Watson, who has scored three goals this season, and forward Brad Anderson, also with three. Goalkeeper Mateusz Stryjek has been busy, making 23 saves in seven appearances, though the defensive unit has struggled to keep clean sheets. The team’s possession statistics remain among the lowest in the league, which has forced them to rely on counterattacks and set pieces. Despite these challenges, Kilmarnock’s fighting spirit has kept them competitive in tight matches, and they will be eager to prove themselves against Aberdeen once again.

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Deportivo Alaves is not to be taken lightly this season. Difficult to negotiate at home, the Basque team has just defeated Real Sociedad in the championship 1-0 for what was a 3rd victory in its last 4 matches at home in La Liga after the successes obtained against Espanyol Barcelona 2-1 and Elche 3-1. Note, however, that this victory against Real Sociedad put an end to a drought of three successive defeats within the elite which occurred against Barcelona 3-1, Celta Vigo 0-1 and Girona 1-0. The boat is pitching in Madrid. With only one victory in the last 5 league games, Real Madrid has just been swept away at home by Celta Vigo 0-2. A defeat with serious consequences since at the start of this day, the White House was 4 lengths behind the leader Barça while it held a 6 lead at the end of October following its success in the Clasico victory 2-1. Furthermore, this debacle against the Galicians marked a point of no return on the lack of intensity on the pitch.

4 days before, the Merengue had offered their best score of the season in all competitions on the pitch of Athletic Bilbao, winning 0-3. This is the problem with this Madrid team, they seem incapable of reproducing good performances. Players probably used too much and borrowed physically to get back on track every three days. This week, again at home, the 15-time winner of the Champions League hosted the English ogre Manchester City, in the UEFA Champions League defeat 1-2. An unusual match marked by several issues: the reaction at home, the future of Xabi Alonso, Mbappé-dependence, a further step towards crisis or conversely a benchmark success? In short, Real Madrid is in turmoil, like last season. 

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Traveling to the Bernabéu last weekend to challenge a reinvigorated Real Madrid after their success in Bilbao, Celta Vigo inflicted punishment on the Merengue by winning two goals to nothing. Vigo absolutely did not steal their victory and the two red cards from Carreras and Fran Garcia changed absolutely nothing to the merit of the Celticos, much better on the field than the Madrilenians. A very important success for Celta who had lost 2 of their last 3 previous matches in La Liga against Espanyol Barcelona 0-1 and Barça 2-4. This week, the local players hosted Bologna in the Europa League result to come. A match that was also crucial since the Galician club lost its last European performance against Ludogorets 3-2.

 For its part, Athletic Bilbao met Paris SG this week at home, results to come. In order to prepare for this meeting against the reigning European champions, the Lions simply crossed swords with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid last week. If against Real Madrid the affair did not end well with a 3-0 defeat, the reaction was positive against the Colchoneros 1-0 victory. In La Liga, Ernesto Valverde's men have won 3 of their last 5 matches and they are finding momentum in the fight for the top 6 and European qualification. 

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In the same basket as Oviedo, Levante is in the tough at the bottom of the table. Almost halfway through the season, the Granotes are last in the elite with 9 points on the clock. It has now been 7 days of the championship since Levante has celebrated a single victory. Last weekend, by losing to Osasuna 2-0, Levante suffered a 5th successive defeat in the league after those experienced against Bilbao 0-2, Valencia 1-0, Atlético Madrid 3-1 and Celta Vigo 1-2. The Yellow Sub Marine advances with confidence on the Levante pitch due to its very good dynamic. 3rd at the start of this day, Villarreal still has a day late to play, and even without the latter, a success at the end of regulation time would allow them to move ahead of Real Madrid in 2nd place. Marcelino's men are aiming for a 7th success in a row in La Liga this afternoon.

Last weekend, they did not give Getafe a 2-0 victory, after their success obtained at the Anoeta Arena of Real Sociedad victory 2-3, at home against Mallorca 2-1, on the turf of Espanyol 0-2, in demonstration for the reception of Rayo Vallecano 4-0 and without conceding a goal in Mestalla against Valencia 0-2. This week, Villarreal was playing for its future in the Champions League against Copenhagen and suffice to say that the carrots are practically cooked with a place in the play-off lost 2-3. Villarreal has always chased the score... 

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Sevilla FC thought they could achieve the perfect move in Valencia last weekend, but ultimately, following an equalizing goal from Hugo Duro in the money-time, Matias Almeyda's men left with only a small point from Mestalla 1-1. It is nothing other than a third successive match without success in La Liga for the Sevillians who remained on two defeats in a row against Bétis in the Sevillian derby 0-2 and against Espanyol in Llobregat 2-1. In the ranking, the Andalusian team occupied 13th place at the start of this day. How difficult it is to acclimatize to the level of the 1st division when you haven't tasted it for more than 20 years. Real Oviedo are penultimate in the elite but they still have the merit of defending themselves by displaying some nice football. But this is not enough to amass results and it is clear that the truth of both surfaces hurts the promoted.

Last weekend, the Carbayones continued an unsuccessful 8th day of the championship by being held to a draw at home by Mallorca 0-0. Note that Oviedo finished the match 9 against 11. On the road, Oviedo suffered two defeats against Athletic Bilbao 1-0 and Atlético Madrid 2-0. Real Oviedo has only lost one match by a margin of 3 goals or more, it was during J2 at home against Real Madrid 0-3. 

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Albacete arrive at this clash with Malaga after a mixed run of results in LaLiga2 over the past two months. Their most recent victory came away at Burgos on December 8, where Jefté Betancor’s late strike secured a 1-0 win. Prior to that, they suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Deportivo La Coruña on November 29, and a narrow 2-1 loss at Las Palmas on November 21. Earlier in November, they managed a 1-0 home win against Andorra, showing resilience in tight matches. This fluctuating form has kept them mid-table, with the team struggling to find consistency but still capable of grinding out results against tough opposition. The Carlos Belmonte faithful will be hoping their side can build momentum from the Burgos win as they prepare for Malaga’s visit.

Malaga, meanwhile, have been battling to climb out of the lower half of the table, and their recent fixtures highlight both promise and frustration. On December 8, they drew 1-1 at home against Real Zaragoza, with Einar Galilea scoring early before a late penalty denied them all three points. Just before that, they earned another 1-1 draw away at Valladolid on November 29, following a spirited 3-2 home win against Mirandés on November 23. However, their November also included a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Cultural Leonesa and a 2-2 draw with Córdoba. These results underline Malaga’s tendency to compete well but struggle to close games, leaving them vulnerable to late goals. Their coach Sergio Pellicer has emphasized the need for sharper finishing and defensive concentration, especially in away fixtures.

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Ceuta enter this clash against Las Palmas with a mixture of resilience and inconsistency that has defined their recent run in LaLiga2. In the past two months, Ceuta have shown flashes of quality, such as their 3-2 victory over Almería and a narrow 1-0 win against Burgos, but they have also stumbled with defeats to Guadalajara and Deportivo La Coruña. Their most recent outing was a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Granada, where Cristian Rodríguez equalized after Pedro Alemañ had put the hosts ahead. This result highlighted Ceuta’s ability to stay competitive against stronger sides, though their defensive lapses remain a concern. News around the squad has focused on maintaining fitness, with several players managing minor knocks, but overall the team has kept a relatively stable lineup heading into December.

Las Palmas, meanwhile, have been navigating their own challenges in the second tier. Their December fixtures have included a gritty 0-0 draw against Mirandés, a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Castellón, and more positive results like a 2-1 win over Albacete and a 1-0 victory away at Real Valladolid. They also impressed with a 3-1 triumph over Racing Santander, showing their attacking potential when given space. However, discipline has been an issue, as seen in the Mirandés match where goalkeeper Dinko Horkas was sent off, forcing the team to play with ten men for much of the contest. Off the pitch, Las Palmas have welcomed the return of Kirian Rodríguez after his battle with illness, a morale boost that has resonated strongly with fans and teammates alike.

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Septemvri Sofia enter this Bulgarian Cup tie with mixed fortunes over the past two months, showing flashes of resilience but also inconsistency. Their league campaign has been marked by alternating wins and losses, with notable victories such as the 4-1 triumph over Spartak Varna in early November and a hard-fought 2-0 Cup win against Sportist Svoge. However, defeats against Slavia Sofia and Botev Vratsa highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities. News surrounding the club has focused on their determination to stabilize results and prove themselves against top-tier opposition, especially in knockout competitions where surprises are always possible. The team’s younger talents have been praised for their energy, but questions remain about their ability to sustain pressure against elite sides.

Ludogorets, by contrast, have maintained their reputation as Bulgaria’s dominant force, continuing to balance domestic success with European ambitions. In the past two months, they have recorded strong wins in the league, including a convincing 5-0 victory over Septemvri Sofia back in July and more recent triumphs that underline their attacking depth. Their squad news has revolved around rotation strategies, with key players being managed carefully to ensure peak performance in both the Cup and continental fixtures. Despite a rare slip in form against certain opponents, Ludogorets remain a powerhouse, with their midfield creativity and clinical finishing setting them apart. The club’s leadership has emphasized the importance of the Cup as another avenue to showcase their dominance, ensuring no complacency creeps in.

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AEK Larnaca enter this clash with Omonia in the Cyprus League carrying a wave of mixed emotions from their recent performances. Over the past two months, AEK have been in the headlines for their resilience in domestic competition, particularly after their hard-fought victory against Anorthosis in late November, where they managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win despite being under pressure for long stretches. They also drew 2-2 with Pafos, showing both attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities. News surrounding the club has focused on their determination to stay in the top half of the table, with coach José Luis Oltra emphasizing the need for consistency as the season progresses. The squad has been boosted by the return of key midfielder Gus Ledes, whose presence adds balance to their transitions from defense to attack.

Omonia, on the other hand, have been making headlines for their strong push in recent fixtures, particularly their impressive 3-0 victory over Doxa Katokopias in November, which highlighted their attacking depth. They followed that up with a gritty 1-1 draw against APOEL, a match that showcased their defensive organization and ability to frustrate one of the league’s top contenders. In the past two months, Omonia’s news has also revolved around the fitness of star striker Bruno, who returned from injury and immediately made an impact with crucial goals. The club’s management has been vocal about their ambitions to challenge for the title, and their recent form suggests they are building momentum at the right time. Their supporters have been energized by the team’s ability to combine youthful energy with experienced leadership on the pitch.

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Sheffield Wed are at the bottom of the bucket having -9 points in the standings, logically positioned at the bottom of the standings. Only one victory gleaned in the league, against Portsmouth 0-2. Since this success on September 20, Sheffield has no longer found the recipe for success, thus going 14 games without a victory. Last week, traveling to Watford, the local evening team managed not to lose a fifth successive time in the championship 1-1. His Matchday 19 match at Blackburn never ended 1-0 for Blackburn. Before that, Sheffield Wednesday lost to Preston 2-3, Millwall 1-0, Sheffield United Blades 0-3 and Southampton Saints 3-1.

  For their part, Derby have found themselves without a win for three days now, including two defeats in quick succession against Middlesbrough 2-1 and for the reception of Leicester 1-3. Fortunately, the series of defeats did not continue last week for the reception of Millwall 1-1, a lesser evil therefore. More generally, the Rams have lost three of their last five league games. Quite surprising all the same, since before this bad dynamic, the visiting team had stacked up to five victories in a row in the Championship.

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A big disappointment from the previous year, Manchester United is in much better shape this season. Indeed, Ruben Amorim's band today occupies 6th place in the Premier League with 1 point behind 4th place, qualifying for the next Champions League. To their advantage these days, the Red Devils have only conceded one setback in the last 9 days, for 5 wins and 3 draws. After being held to a draw at home by West Ham 1-1, they won at bottom side Wolverhampton last Monday 1-4. Eager to take a new step this season, Bournemouth made a very good start to the championship but have seriously fallen into line since then.

The Cherries are currently 13th in the Premier League and are 5 points behind their opponent today. On the tough side, they have not won any of their last 6 championship matches, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Beaten by Sunderland 3-2 and Everton 0-1, Bournemouth showed a reaction last weekend by holding off Chelsea 0-0. 

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Drafted a few days before the start of this Ligue 2 championship last August, this Boulogne team had difficulty starting its season with a lot of defeats from the first days. But now, USBCO has been able to raise its level and accumulate numerous points to appear today outside the red zone, in 14th position in the ranking, with a small lead over the first relegation zone. Undefeated since the end of October, the promoted side had a series of 2 draws against Annecy 1-1 and Dunkirk 1-1 before bringing down Grenoble 3-1. And last week, the Côte d'Opale players achieved a new parity score against Clermont 1-1.

Troyes, for its part, established itself as the strongest team in this first part of the season in Ligue 2. Beaten only twice since the summer restart, Estac has collected 32 points in 16 days which allows it to prance at the top of the standings with 3 lengths ahead of his first pursuer, Saint-Etienne. Beaten by the Greens precisely during the top-of-the-table clash at the start of November 2-3, Stéphane Dumont's men then resumed their march forward against Laval 0-1 before conceding a draw against Rodez 1-1 last weekend. 

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Bnei Yehuda enter this clash with Maccabi Herzliya under pressure to regain consistency in the Leumit League. Over the past two months, the Tel Aviv side has endured a turbulent run, including a heavy 6-0 defeat to Maccabi Petah Tikva and a narrow 1-0 loss to Hapoel Afula. They did manage to secure a 1-1 draw against Hapoel Raanana in early November, showing resilience despite their struggles. More recently, on December 5, they fell 2-1 away to Kiryat Yam, a match where they initially led but conceded twice in the second half. News around the club has focused on their need to stabilize defensively, as lapses in concentration have cost them valuable points. Their coach Dego has emphasized the importance of discipline and sharper finishing, hoping to spark a turnaround before the winter break.

Maccabi Herzliya, on the other hand, have been one of the more intriguing stories in the league this season. In November, they played out consecutive 2-2 draws against Hapoel Acre and Hapoel Hadera, showing attacking promise but also vulnerability at the back. However, December began brightly for them, as they secured a 1-0 away victory over Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa on December 1, thanks to Ran Israel Vaturi’s decisive strike. Just a week later, they faced Maccabi Petah Tikva, a tough opponent, and although the odds were stacked against them, Herzliya’s recent form suggested they were capable of competing. The club’s supporters have been encouraged by their ability to grind out results, and the team’s balanced midfield has been praised for dictating tempo in tight matches. Their coach Elad Braown has spoken about maintaining momentum and pushing for a top-half finish.

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The upcoming clash between Hapoel Akko and Hapoel Kfar Saba in the Israeli Leumit League is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of December. Over the past two months, both sides have been navigating mixed fortunes, with Akko struggling to convert draws into victories while Kfar Saba has maintained a steadier rhythm near the top half of the table. Akko’s resilience has been evident, but their inability to secure consistent wins has kept them in mid-table positions. Meanwhile, Kfar Saba has been pushing forward with a balanced approach, combining defensive solidity with opportunistic attacking play, which has helped them remain competitive against stronger opponents. This meeting is not just another league game; it is a test of Akko’s ability to break their cycle of stalemates and Kfar Saba’s chance to solidify their push for promotion contention.

Looking at recent matches, Hapoel Akko’s form has been defined by narrow margins and stubborn defensive efforts. In late November, they drew 1-1 against Hapoel Rishon Letzion, a game that highlighted their tendency to concede late goals. Earlier in November, they battled to a 2-2 draw with Maccabi Herzliya, showing flashes of attacking promise but also lapses in concentration at the back. Their most notable win came on December 8, when they defeated Hapoel Kfar Shalem 2-1, a result that gave them a much-needed confidence boost. However, with only one win in their last six matches, Akko’s challenge remains consistency. Their defense has been relatively solid, but their attack often lacks the cutting edge to finish off games, leaving them vulnerable to teams with sharper strikers.

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Beitar Jerusalem enter this clash with renewed confidence after a string of impressive performances in Ligat ha’Al. In the past two months, the club has made headlines by winning the Toto Cup against Hapoel Tel Aviv, their first such triumph since 2019/20, and by producing a stunning rout of Maccabi Tel Aviv with a 6-2 victory away from home. They followed that up with a 4-2 win over Netanya and a 5-0 demolition of Ironi Tiberias, showing attacking flair and resilience. Even in tighter encounters, such as the 1-1 draw with Hapoel Jerusalem, Beitar demonstrated their ability to grind out results. The team’s offensive strength, led by Dor Micha and Johnbosco Kalu, has been a key talking point in recent weeks, and their supporters are optimistic about maintaining momentum in the league.

Bnei Sakhnin, meanwhile, have had a more mixed run of form, though they remain a stubborn side capable of frustrating opponents. Over the past two months, they have been in the news for off-field controversies, including disciplinary issues involving supporters and political tensions surrounding the club. On the pitch, Sakhnin managed a 1-0 away win against Maccabi Bnei Reineh, a valuable result that lifted morale. They also held Kiryat Shmona to a 1-1 draw and produced a thrilling 3-3 stalemate against Maccabi Haifa, showing resilience against one of the league’s strongest teams. However, defeats such as the 2-0 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. Despite these inconsistencies, Sakhnin’s ability to battle through difficult fixtures has kept them competitive in the mid-table picture.

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Double title holder, Maccabi Tel Aviv presents itself today with a delay of Hapoel Beer Sheva, who, in the event of success over the weekend, could have taken off 8 lengths. Tel Aviv can blame themselves for this, as they simply missed the opportunity to get closer to the lead by losing to Hapoel Be'er Sheva themselves on the previous day 1-0. Worse still, he has only won one of his last four matches in the Israeli elite, making it difficult to keep up with the frantic pace of the competition. Let's note as a bonus the setback against the current runner-up in the elite, Beitar Jerusalem 2-6, two defeats against the highest ranked. Last Thursday, the Israelis traveled to Germany to challenge Stuttgart in the Europa League, results to come.

For their part, Hapoel Petah Tikva is fighting to get back close to the top 6 in order to participate in the final phase of the championship. The task promises to be difficult for the visiting team, especially since they have not raised their arms to the sky to celebrate a success since 09/20. Clearly, by losing on the lawn of Hapoel Tel Aviv during the previous day 4-0, Petah Tikva accumulated a ninth match without a win in the championship 3 defeats, 6 draws. 

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Under the leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini this season, Roma aims to finish in the Top 4 in order to qualify for the next Champions League. The Louve club currently occupies 4th place in Serie A, 4 points behind the leader and 2 ahead of 5th. The Giallorossi have let precious points slip away recently, as evidenced by the 3 losses suffered in the last 5 days, for 2 victories. They have just lost against Napoli 0-1 and Cagliari last weekend 1-0. Eager to take a new step in their ambitious project, Como is showing great promise this season.

The Lombard team is currently 6th in Serie A and has 3 points less than its opponent of the day. Cesc Fabregas' men marked their territory by going 11 games without defeat in the league, 5 wins and 6 draws. However, they suffered a brutal halt last weekend. Indeed, Como was crushed in the lair of Inter 4-0. 

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Cusco arrive to this clash with a mix of resilience and unpredictability that has defined their past two months. Their recent league run has included notable highs, such as the 2–1 away win over Alianza Lima on November 3 and the hard‑fought 2–1 home victory against Los Chankas on October 17. However, they have also stumbled, falling 4–1 to Mannucci on October 23 and losing 1–0 at home to Atlético Grau on October 28. News around the club has focused on their push to stabilize form under pressure, with discussions about squad rotation and the need for sharper defensive transitions becoming increasingly prominent as they seek consistency heading into this fixture.

Sporting Cristal, meanwhile, enter the match with a stronger recent trajectory, highlighted by their emphatic 12–0 demolition of Unión Comercio on October 27 and a composed 3–0 home win over Comerciantes Unidos on November 3. Their only major setback in the last two months was the 1–0 loss to Alianza Atlético on October 19, but they quickly recovered with a 2–1 victory over Universitario on October 23. Recent news surrounding Cristal has centered on their attacking efficiency and the emergence of key performers who have helped them maintain pressure at the top end of the Liga 1 table. Their confidence appears high, and their rhythm suggests they will approach this match with assertiveness.

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Braga needs a string of victories to catch up on the European places. 5th at the start of the day, Braga was 2 lengths behind Gil Vicente and 7 on the last step of the podium, occupied by Benfica. This local team has come a long way, having won its last three matches in the elite against Moreirense 2-1, in Arouca 0-4 and on the Famalicao turf during the previous day 1-2. Thursday, it was a trip to Nice in the Europa League on the program for the Portuguese to come.

Author of a quality season last year which allowed it to play in the Conference League qualifiers this summer, Santa Clara is, for the moment, quite far from its performance of the previous year. 11th in the elite at the start of this day, Santa Clara remained on two defeats in the league against Gil Vicente 1-0 and against Sporting 1-2 but finally managed to react by offering themselves Casa Pia during the previous day 1-0, in the wake of a draw on the pitch of Rio Ave 1-1. 

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FC Porto enter this clash with Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal riding a wave of confidence, having consolidated their position at the top of the table with 37 points after 14 rounds. In the past two months, Porto have shown consistency both domestically and in European competition, with their recent 2-0 away victory against Tondela underlining their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness. News around the club has also focused on the return of key players from injury, giving coach Francesco Farioli more options in midfield and attack. The Estádio do Dragão is expected to be packed, with fans eager to see Porto extend their unbeaten run and maintain momentum heading into the winter break.

Estrela da Amadora, meanwhile, have had a more turbulent campaign, sitting in the lower half of the table with 14 points. Their form over the past two months has been mixed, with a notable 2-0 win over Porto in April’s Taça de Portugal still fresh in memory, though their league performances have been less convincing. Recent matches include a narrow defeat against Braga and a hard-fought draw against Gil Vicente, showing glimpses of resilience but also exposing defensive vulnerabilities. News surrounding Estrela has highlighted the challenge of balancing youthful talent with experienced campaigners, as coach Luís Filipe Saraiva da Silva continues to search for a formula that can stabilize results against stronger opposition.

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Farul Constanța enter their upcoming clash with UTA Arad in the Romanian Superliga with a mixed run of form that has kept fans both hopeful and cautious. Over the past two months, Farul have been involved in several tightly contested matches, including a 1-2 defeat against FCSB at the end of November and a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Oțelul Galați. They also managed a convincing 2-0 win over Botoșani earlier in November, showing glimpses of their attacking strength. In the Romanian Cup, Farul played out a goalless draw against Dinamo București, which highlighted their defensive resilience but also raised questions about their ability to break down stubborn opposition. The team’s balance between attack and defense has been a recurring theme, and Gheorghe Hagi’s side will be eager to prove consistency when they face UTA Arad.

UTA Arad, meanwhile, have been steadily building momentum, with their performances in recent weeks reflecting a team capable of grinding out results. In late November, they secured a 1-1 draw against Universitatea Craiova, and earlier in the month they managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Rapid București, which boosted their confidence. Their defensive organization has been a key strength, but lapses have occasionally cost them points, as seen in their 0-1 defeat to CFR Cluj. The squad has relied on contributions from players like Andrei Roman and Vasile Costache, who have been instrumental in both scoring and creating chances. UTA’s ability to remain competitive against stronger sides has made them a tricky opponent, and their recent form suggests they will not be easy to break down in Constanța.

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Unirea Slobozia enter this clash with FCSB under heavy scrutiny, as the team has endured a difficult run of results in recent weeks. In early December, they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Oțelul Galați, a match that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cutting edge in attack. Just days before, they had also fallen 0-1 at home to FC Botoșani, continuing a streak of narrow losses that have kept them near the lower end of the table. News surrounding the club has been turbulent, with reports suggesting that the coaching staff were under pressure and even prepared for possible dismissal. Despite these challenges, Slobozia remain determined to prove their resilience, and the upcoming fixture against FCSB offers a chance to showcase their ability to frustrate one of the league’s giants.

FCSB, on the other hand, arrive with mixed form but still carry the aura of a top contender. In the past month, they recorded a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Farul Constanța, showing flashes of their attacking quality. However, inconsistency has plagued them, as seen in their 0-0 draw against Dinamo București and a disappointing 3-0 defeat to UTA Arad in the Cupa României. Their European campaign also brought setbacks, including losses to Crvena Zvezda and Basel in the Europa League, which raised questions about squad depth and defensive stability. Still, FCSB’s domestic record remains competitive, with Florin Tănase continuing to be a key figure in their attack. The team’s ambition to stay near the top of the Superliga standings ensures that every match, including this one, carries significant weight.

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4th-placed Rangers have spent their season watching Celtic take the league title for years, and while one might believe that Celtic seem less likely to go for the grail this year, they are not in the running to take over from their rivals. Indeed, at the start of this day, the local team is 9 lengths behind the surprising Hearts leader team. And yet, we are talking about a team undefeated for ten matches in the league, but "only" 6 wins for 4 draws. Recently, Rangers lost against Falkirk 0-0 and at Dundee 2-2. On the other hand, they reacted perfectly by crushing Kilmarnock on the road to a 0-3 victory. Thursday evening, the Scots traveled to Hungary to challenge the excellent Ferencvaros team in the Europa League, result to come.

Hibernian, fifth in the championship at the start of this day, will obviously want to make an excellent move on the road and take fourth place. The objective is high but everything is possible for a team which has gained confidence following its great victory against Falkirk 3-0. A success which avoided a third poor performance after the setbacks suffered against Celtic at home 1-2 and on the Motherwell pitch 2-0. The visiting team has won 50% of its last 10 league matches. 

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The upcoming clash between TSC and Crvena zvezda in the Mozzart Bet Super Liga has been drawing significant attention, especially given the recent developments in Serbian football over the past two months. Crvena zvezda, despite their dominant reputation, suffered a surprising setback in early December when they were defeated 0:1 at home by Vojvodina, a result that momentarily shook their confidence but also highlighted the competitiveness of the league. Meanwhile, TSC managed to secure a hard-fought 2:1 victory away against Spartak Subotica, showing resilience and determination to stay relevant in the top half of the table. These contrasting outcomes have set the stage for a compelling encounter, with both sides eager to prove their strength as the season edges closer to its midpoint.

Crvena zvezda’s form overall remains impressive, as they have collected numerous wins across the campaign, including a convincing 3:1 triumph against TSC earlier in the season where Bruno Duarte, Uroš Spajić, and Timi Max Elšnik all found the net. Their squad depth and attacking options continue to be their greatest asset, even when faced with occasional setbacks. In recent weeks, their ability to bounce back from defeats has been evident, and their defensive organization has tightened considerably since the loss to Vojvodina. The team’s consistency in the Mozzart Bet Super Liga has kept them firmly in contention for another title, and their supporters expect nothing less than dominance in fixtures like this one.

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12th at the start of this day, Rayo Vallecano has fallen behind in the race for Europe, the fault of a lack of positive results in recent weeks. Indeed, the team located in the Madrid suburbs has not won for five days, even suffering two defeats against Villarreal 4-0 and last weekend on the turf of Espanyol Barcelona 1-0. In the meantime, Vallecano achieved three draws against Valencia at home 1-1, Oviedo 0-0 and Real Madrid at home 0-0. Thursday, the Madrilenians went to Poland to challenge the very good opposition of Jagiellonia as part of the Conference League result to come. Welcoming FC Barcelona last weekend, Bétis took lightning on the scoreboard defeat 3-5 in particular because of a disastrous first half 1-4 at the break.

Manuel Pellegrini's men reacted well in the second half but the damage had already been done. This defeat against the Blaugrana put an end to a nice unbeaten run of 8 matches in all competitions, 6v, 2n. It can be mentioned that the Verdiblancos' last away match in La Liga ended a 7-year drought against Sevilla FC on the road thanks to a nice success without conceding a goal, 0-2 victory. Last Thursday, as part of the Europa League, Bétis traveled to Dinamo Zagreb with the result to come. 

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Sitting nicely in fifth place in the standings at the start of this J18, Castellon has not given up in the title race by winning five of its last six matches in the league. Better yet, the local team located in the Valencian Community will defend this evening its series of four victories in a row, built against Real Sociedad B in a spectacular display 5-4, Andorra 1-3, Las Palmas 1-0 and during the previous day on the turf of a competitor at the top of the table, La Coruna 1-3. It is not the same song at Mirandes who has only won 2 of his last 13 matches in the league for a poor record of 7 defeats. To date, Mirandes brought back the point of the Las Palmas draw 0-0 while she played in numerical superiority throughout the second act.

It's all the more a shame since before this trip to Palmas, the Rojinegros had beaten Real Sociedad B at home 1-0, also finishing 10 against 11. In the standings, Jabatos is frolicking in the red zone. 

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Sakaryaspor’s upcoming clash with Hatayspor in the Turkish 1. Lig is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of December. Over the past two months, Sakaryaspor have been battling inconsistency, but they remain a side capable of producing exciting football. Their recent 1-1 draw against Umraniyespor on November 29 showed resilience, while the 3-3 thriller against Istanbulspor on November 22 highlighted both their attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities. Earlier in November, they suffered narrow defeats to Serik Belediyespor and Van Spor FK, but their emphatic 4-0 victory over Inegolspor in the Turkish Cup on October 28 reminded fans of their potential when everything clicks. News around the club has focused on tightening defensive structures and maintaining momentum as they aim to climb higher in the standings.

Hatayspor, on the other hand, have endured a far more difficult stretch in recent weeks. The team has struggled to find rhythm, sitting near the bottom of the table with only four points from fourteen matches. Their last two months have been marked by repeated losses, including defeats to stronger sides that exposed their lack of depth and cohesion. Despite this, Hatayspor still possess individual talents capable of troubling opponents, with players like A. Parmak and others showing flashes of creativity. Club news has revolved around the urgent need to stabilize performances and avoid slipping further into relegation danger. The squad’s youthful profile suggests potential for growth, but their immediate challenge is to translate effort into results against a Sakaryaspor side that has shown more consistency.

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The Yellow Canaries of Fenerbahce find themselves chasing Galatasaray again. The fault of two draws to date against Galatasaray in person 1-1 and on the lawn of Basaksehir during the previous day 1-1. The statistic to note is Fener's invincibility in the league: 9 wins, 6 draws, 0 defeats. Last Thursday, the local team traveled to Brann in the Europa League, results to come. Remember that before this game, Fenerbahce had not conceded the slightest defeat since 09/24 and a trip to Dinamo Zagreb 3-1, a series of 13 matches 8v, 5n.

Konyaspor is already well out of the race for Europe and there is no indication that it will be able to fall behind as its results are far from satisfactory. No success in the last five performances in the elite including three defeats against Trabzonspor 3-1, Karagümrük 2-0 and for the reception of Samsunspor 1-3. Last weekend, as part of the previous day, the Anatolian Eagles were embarrassed by Rizespor at home 1-1. 

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Emelec and El Nacional are set to meet in a highly anticipated Liga Pro clash in mid-December, with both sides coming into the fixture after a turbulent couple of months. Emelec, who have struggled with consistency, recently suffered defeats against Aucas and Macará but managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Delfín at the end of November. Their Copa Ecuador campaign also saw them eliminated by LDU Quito after a 1-2 loss, highlighting the challenges they have faced in balancing domestic and cup competitions. Meanwhile, El Nacional have shown flashes of resilience, including a strong 3-1 victory over Aucas earlier this month, though they were humbled by a heavy 5-0 defeat against Cuenca in late November. The narrative leading into this encounter is one of redemption for Emelec and consolidation for El Nacional, with both teams eager to end the year on a high note.

Recent headlines have focused on the attacking struggles of Emelec, particularly their reliance on José Cevallos, who has been one of their few consistent scorers. The team’s defensive frailties have also been exposed, conceding multiple goals in losses to Macará and El Nacional earlier in November. On the other hand, El Nacional have been buoyed by the form of Djorkaeff Reascos, who has been prolific in front of goal and remains one of the top scorers in the league. Their ability to bounce back from setbacks has been noteworthy, as seen in their draw against Aucas and subsequent win against the same opponent. The media has also highlighted the tactical adjustments both managers are expected to make, with Emelec likely to tighten their backline while El Nacional aim to exploit counterattacking opportunities.

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Cardiff City prepare to host Chelsea in the EFL Cup quarter-final on December 16, 2025, at the Cardiff City Stadium, and the build-up has been lively. Cardiff have shown resilience in recent weeks, bouncing back from a heavy 1-5 defeat against AFC Wimbledon with a spirited 3-2 victory over Huddersfield Town, where Yousef Salech scored twice and Isaak Davies added another. Their form has been mixed, but the win against Huddersfield highlighted their ability to fight back under pressure. Injuries remain a concern, with goalkeeper Ben Alnwick doubtful due to a hamstring issue and defender King ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, Cardiff’s attacking energy has been evident, and the home crowd will expect them to rise to the occasion against one of England’s elite clubs.

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, arrive with momentum but also questions about consistency. In the past two months, they have beaten Burnley 2-0 and Barcelona 3-0 in a high-profile friendly, but they stumbled in domestic fixtures, drawing 1-1 with Arsenal and losing 3-1 to Leeds United. Their defensive structure has been tested, though their attacking flair remains strong with contributions from Estêvão and Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea’s squad depth is impressive, but they too have injury concerns, with Romeo Lavia sidelined until January and Liam Delap nursing a shoulder problem. Still, Chelsea’s ability to dominate possession and create chances makes them favorites, and their away record in cup competitions has been solid, giving them confidence heading into this clash.

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Truro City enter this clash with Wealdstone under the shadow of recent turbulence both on and off the pitch. In early December, the Cornish side confirmed that American investors Dawn Sports & Entertainment LLC had acquired a stake in the club, a move designed to secure long-term stability and inject fresh ambition into their National League campaign. Yet, despite this promising news, results have been difficult to come by. In the past month, Truro suffered defeats against Hartlepool (3-1), Sutton (3-2), Braintree (2-0), and Altrincham (1-0), while also enduring a heavy 4-0 loss to Solihull Moors. Their only respite came in a 2-2 draw away at Gateshead, but overall, the team remains rooted to the bottom of the table, struggling to find consistency and confidence. The FA Trophy tie against Southend United also highlighted their challenges, as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 earlier in the season, reinforcing the uphill battle they face.

Wealdstone, by contrast, have shown flashes of resilience and attacking flair, even if their season has been punctuated by mixed results. Their recent fixtures include a spirited 3-3 draw against Truro on December 16, where they demonstrated both vulnerability in defense and potency in attack. Earlier in the campaign, they secured wins against Halifax (2-1), Southend (3-2), and Woking (2-1), while also battling to draws against Gateshead and Eastleigh. Losses to Rochdale (3-1) and Boston United (2-1) revealed their inconsistency, but overall, the Stones have managed to stay mid-table, with key contributions from forwards like Micah Obiero and Enzio Boldewijn. Their upcoming fixture against Halifax on December 20 will be another test of their ability to maintain momentum, but the squad appears better balanced and more confident compared to their Cornish opponents.

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The upcoming clash between Bedford Town and Macclesfield in the National League North has been drawing attention, especially as both sides have had contrasting fortunes over the past two months. Bedford have struggled to find consistency, with their form showing a worrying trend of defeats and narrow losses. In late November, Bedford fell 3-1 away to Peterborough Sports and followed that with a dramatic 3-4 home defeat against Darlington, highlighting defensive frailties that have plagued them throughout the season. Their resilience was tested again in early December when they managed a 2-2 draw against Scarborough Athletic, a result that at least halted a string of losses but did little to lift them up the table. The club’s supporters remain hopeful, but the team’s inability to close out games has become a recurring theme in recent weeks.

Macclesfield, on the other hand, have shown more stability and competitiveness in their campaign. Sitting higher in the table, they have managed to grind out results even when performances have not been spectacular. Over the past six weeks, Macclesfield have picked up valuable points, including a solid win against lower-ranked opposition and a couple of hard-fought draws that kept them in contention for a playoff push. Their defensive organization has been notably stronger than Bedford’s, and their attacking line has been more clinical, often capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. While not flawless, Macclesfield’s ability to maintain composure in tight matches has been a defining factor in their recent run, and they arrive at Bedford with confidence and momentum.

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The KNVB Beker clash between AFC Amsterdam and NEC Nijmegen on December 16, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of the competition. AFC, competing from the Tweede Divisie, will host the match at Sportpark Goed Genoeg, a venue that has seen its fair share of cup upsets in the past. Recent news surrounding AFC has highlighted their spirited performances in the domestic league, including a hard-fought draw against GVVV earlier this month and preparations for this cup tie that have energized their supporters. The club has also been in the spotlight for community-driven initiatives, such as honoring long-time members and organizing fan events, which have added to the anticipation of this knockout encounter. NEC, meanwhile, comes into the tie with momentum, having celebrated their 125th anniversary in November with a spectacular tifo and fireworks display during their 2–0 victory over Groningen, a moment that underlined their growing stature in Dutch football.

AFC’s recent form has been mixed, reflecting the challenges of balancing league commitments with the excitement of cup football. In early December, they battled GVVV in a competitive Tweede Divisie fixture, showing resilience despite not securing a win. Their schedule has been packed, with matches against sides like HHC Hardenberg and Excelsior Maassluis testing their depth and tactical flexibility. Manager Benno Nihom has emphasized the importance of discipline and defensive organization, knowing that NEC’s attacking prowess could expose any lapses. The club’s preparations have been marked by optimism, with local media noting their determination to make the most of this rare opportunity to face a top-flight opponent. While AFC may not boast the same resources or squad depth as their Eredivisie counterparts, their ability to rise to the occasion in cup competitions has been a hallmark of their identity.

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FC Den Bosch enter this KNVB Beker clash with a sense of renewed identity, helped in part by the club’s increased visibility in recent weeks. One notable storyline came when Ruud van Nistelrooij, speaking at FC Den Bosch’s 60‑year anniversary book presentation, openly stated that he would never rule out a future role at the club, even though nothing is currently in motionVoetbalzone. That comment stirred local excitement and added a layer of optimism around De Vliert. On the pitch, Den Bosch have been balancing cup and league duties, preparing for this second‑round meeting with Katwijk scheduled for 16 December 2025Voetbalzone+1.

Their recent form shows a team capable of both explosive attacking spells and occasional defensive lapses. In the past six matches, Den Bosch have produced high‑scoring encounters, including a 2–1 win over Willem II on 28 November 2025 and a 5–2 victory against Almere City earlier in NovemberSportyTrader. They also battled to a 3–3 draw with ADO Den Haag in the KNVB Beker on 28 October 2025SportyTrader. Despite a narrow 3–2 loss to Jong Utrecht and a 1–2 defeat to De Graafschap, their ability to consistently score multiple goals suggests they will approach this cup tie with confidence.

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The upcoming KNVB Beker clash between Hoek and Telstar has generated considerable attention, not only because it pits a lower-tier side against a professional Eerste Divisie outfit, but also due to the contrasting form of both teams in recent weeks. Hoek, competing in the Tweede Divisie, have struggled to find consistency, with their last five matches yielding no victories and a narrow 1-0 defeat against Rijnsburgse Boys earlier this month. Just days ago, they faced Treffers and again failed to secure a win, highlighting their ongoing issues in both attack and defense. Telstar, meanwhile, enter this fixture with a stronger pedigree, having shown resilience in the Eerste Divisie despite mixed results. The Beker offers them a chance to assert dominance and progress further, and their squad depth gives them a clear advantage heading into this tie.

In the past two months, Hoek’s campaign has been marked by defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Their inability to keep clean sheets has been a recurring theme, with nine consecutive matches conceding at least once. Players such as S. Schalkwijk and W. den Engelsman have tried to provide leadership, but the team’s overall cohesion has been lacking. Telstar, on the other hand, have had their own challenges in the Eerste Divisie, including a recent loss that extended their winless streak, yet their attacking options remain far more potent. M. Zonneveld has been a standout performer, scoring three goals in recent outings, while midfield creativity from T. Owusu has added balance. The contrast in squad quality between the two sides is evident, and Telstar’s recent performances suggest they are better equipped to handle the knockout pressure.

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Elgin City head into their Challenge Cup clash with East Fife looking to steady their form after a mixed run of results in League Two. Over the past two months, Elgin have struggled to find consistency, with defeats to Dumbarton and Forfar Athletic highlighting defensive vulnerabilities, though they did manage a spirited draw against Stranraer. Off the pitch, the club has been in the news for appointing Ross Draper as player-manager, a move that has generated plenty of discussion among supporters about whether his dual role can inspire a turnaround. The team’s resilience has been tested, but the Challenge Cup offers a fresh stage to prove their mettle.

East Fife, meanwhile, have enjoyed a stronger spell in recent weeks, climbing steadily in League Two and showing signs of momentum. Their victories over Clyde and Bonnyrigg Rose in November were particularly impressive, with the side demonstrating attacking flair and defensive discipline. They also pushed league leaders Stenhousemuir close in a narrow defeat, underlining their ability to compete with the division’s best. News around the club has focused on their push for promotion and the emergence of younger talents stepping into the first team, giving fans optimism that East Fife can balance cup commitments with their league ambitions.

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St. Gallen enter this clash with momentum from a mixed but competitive run of fixtures in the Swiss Super League. Over the past two months, they have shown resilience at home, securing important wins against Lugano and Lausanne while narrowly losing to Basel in a tightly contested encounter. Their attacking play has been spearheaded by Lukas Daschner, who has been influential in creating chances and scoring key goals. News from the camp suggests that despite injuries to players like Fazliji and Konietzke, the squad remains confident heading into this match at Kybunpark. The team’s ability to dominate possession and generate high corner counts has been a recurring theme, and supporters expect another energetic performance in front of their home crowd.

Sion, meanwhile, have been equally determined to prove their consistency in recent weeks. They managed a hard-fought draw against Young Boys and followed it up with a victory over Luzern, showing their capacity to grind out results even against strong opposition. However, their away form has been less convincing, with defeats to Servette and Zurich highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. News from the past month indicates that Kabacalman has been one of their standout performers, contributing both in attack and midfield transitions. Despite some knocks to players like Owusu and Buettiker, Sion’s squad depth has allowed them to remain competitive, and their ability to score in away fixtures has kept them within touching distance of the top half of the table.

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The upcoming clash between Winterthur and Thun in the Swiss Super League has drawn considerable attention, especially with both sides experiencing contrasting fortunes in recent weeks. Winterthur, who have struggled to find consistency, remain near the bottom of the table with only a handful of points collected across their last fixtures. Their defensive frailties have been evident, conceding heavily against teams like Basel and Lugano, while their rare bright spot came in a friendly win against Vaduz in October. On the other hand, Thun have been riding high, sitting near the top of the standings with a string of impressive performances, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Winterthur at the end of October. The December 16 fixture at Stadion Schützenwiese is being billed as a test of resilience for Winterthur and a chance for Thun to solidify their title credentials.

Looking at Winterthur’s recent form, the team has endured a difficult stretch, losing four of their last six matches. Their 4-0 defeat to Servette and a 3-0 loss to Basel highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, while a 2-2 draw against Luzern showed glimpses of attacking promise but also underlined their inability to close out games. Remo Arnold has been one of the few sparks in their lineup, scoring and trying to inspire his teammates, but the lack of clean sheets and the high number of goals conceded remain a major concern. Winterthur’s supporters are hoping for a turnaround, yet the statistics suggest they face an uphill battle against a Thun side that has been far more clinical and disciplined.

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Rayong FC enter this clash with Ratchaburi in Thai League 1 carrying a mixed bag of recent performances that highlight both resilience and inconsistency. Over the past two months, Rayong have managed to secure important points against mid-table rivals, including a 1-0 victory over Chonburi on November 29 and a gritty 1-1 draw away at Kanchanaburi on November 23. Their most recent outing on December 6 saw them battle Lamphun Warriors to a 2-2 draw, a result that showcased their attacking intent but also exposed defensive lapses. News around the club has focused on their ability to grind out results despite limited resources, with manager Jukkapant Punpee emphasizing the importance of discipline and teamwork as they aim to stay competitive in the top half of the table. Rayong’s supporters have been encouraged by the team’s fighting spirit, even as they acknowledge the need for sharper finishing in decisive moments.

Ratchaburi, meanwhile, have been one of the more consistent sides in the league, sitting comfortably near the top of the standings thanks to a string of strong results. In the past two months, they have recorded a notable 3-1 away win at Ayutthaya United on November 9, followed by a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Pathum United on November 22. Although they stumbled with a 2-0 defeat to Buriram United on November 30, they quickly bounced back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sukhothai on December 5, courtesy of a Denílson penalty. News surrounding Ratchaburi has highlighted their attacking depth, with players like Negueba and Rakotoharimalala providing consistent contributions. Their defensive organization has also been praised, as they have managed to keep several clean sheets in recent weeks, reinforcing their reputation as a team difficult to break down.

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Cardiff Metropolitan enter this fixture with renewed confidence after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Llanelli Town earlier this month, where Sam Jones struck late to secure three points and keep them firmly in the top six conversation. Their recent form has been mixed but encouraging, with a notable Welsh Cup win against The New Saints in November and a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bala Town at the end of November. Manager Ryan Jenkins has emphasized the importance of resilience, and the squad has responded with spirited performances, particularly from Lifumpa Mwandwe, who continues to be a key attacking outlet. The Cyncoed Campus side has shown they can grind out results even when trailing, a trait that could prove decisive against Briton Ferry.

Briton Ferry Llansawel, meanwhile, have endured a challenging run in the Cymru Premier, suffering a 0-2 defeat to league leaders The New Saints on December 9. Despite the setback, Chris Llewellyn’s team has demonstrated flashes of competitiveness, including a 1-1 draw against Penybont earlier in the season and a spirited effort against Barry Town United. Their defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, but the squad remains determined to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. The Old Road faithful will be hoping for a more disciplined showing, especially after Ferry’s struggles in containing top-tier opposition. With a relatively young squad, consistency has been elusive, but the team has shown resilience in patches.

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With only 3 points on the clock after 5 days, Dynamo kyiv has no chance of going beyond the Conference League. In fact, he is only in 28th position in the ranking, 4 lengths behind the top 24 qualifying for the play-offs. The Ukrainians were in fact dominated 4 times by Crystal Palace 0-2, Samsunspor 3-0, Omonia Nicosia 2-0 and finally Fiorentina 2-0 last week for a single victory against Zrinjski Mostar 6-0. Distanced by the top of the table in the league, the Dynamo players are only 6th in the standings, 9 points behind the leader before their scheduled duel against Veres Rivne next weekend. For their part, FC Noah still has every chance of being able to advance to the play-offs.

17th in the ranking, the Armenians are 2 steps ahead of the 25th, the last potential non-qualified for the rest of the competition. After beating Rijeka 1-0 from the start, this team was then held to a draw by Universitatea Craiova 1-1 and beaten by Sigma Olomouc 1-2. After this single setback, she took a point at Aberdeen 1-1 and then performed excellently against Legia Warsaw 2-1 last Thursday. 5th in the standings in his own championship, Noah is 11 points behind and one match behind the competition.

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Announced among the teams to follow in this Conference League, Mainz has for the moment assumed this outsider status since it is in 8th place in the ranking with 10 points taken in 5 days. The Germans had an impeccable first phase with 3 victories against Omonia Nicosia 0-1, Zrinjski Mostar 1-0 and Fiorentina 2-1 before losing against Universitatea Craiova 1-0. Finally, last week, FSV had to share the points with Lech Poznan 1-1. On the other hand, it is very complicated in the Bundesliga for Mainz which brings up the rear in the standings. Defeated 3 times in 4 days, this team will have a lot to do to revive against Bayern on Sunday.

For their part, Samsunspor are 3 places ahead of their opponent of the day but they have the same number of points thanks to their record of 3 victories, a draw and a defeat after 5 days. Beaten by AEK Athens 1-2 last week, the Turks were otherwise able to win against Legia Warsaw 0-1, Dynamo kyiv 3-0 and Hamrun Spartans 3-0 before being held to a draw by Breidablik. In their championship, Thomas Reis' players are in 6th place in the ranking before hosting Istanbul Basaksehir next weekend. 

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Barring disaster, Omonia Nicosia should be able to get through this league phase and compete in the play-offs. This team in fact occupies 15th place in the ranking with 2 lengths ahead of the first non-qualified team and it would therefore take a huge combination of circumstances for it not to pass. The Cypriots, however, got off to a very bad start with only 2 points taken during the first 3 days against Mainz defeated 0-1, Drita 1-1 and Lausanne 1-1 but they then accelerated against Dynamo kyiv 2-0 and Rapid 0-1. At the same time, on the national scene, the Clubs are fighting for 1st place in their championship. On Monday, an important duel awaits them against AEK Larnaca to aim for a 5th victory in a row in all competitions.

Opposite, Rakow is an opponent far from easy to negotiate since it is still undefeated in this competition with 3 successes obtained against Universitatea Craiova 2-0, Rapid Vienne 4-1 and Zrinsjki Mostar 1-0 last week and 2 draws against Sigma Olomouc 1-1 and Sparta Prague 0-0. With such a record, the Poles are in 3rd position in this league phase, 2 lengths behind the Strasbourg leader. At the same time, the Czestochowa-based club is in 3rd position in the rankings in Poland before hosting Zaglebie on Sunday. 

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Rayo Vallecano, in the second part of the table in Spain, is among the big favorites for the title in a Europa Conference League in which there are quite a few modest European teams. After 5 days, the Iñigo Pérez men, ex-Osasuna player, are in an interesting position, in 7th place, with 10 points on the clock even if mathematically nothing is decided as the 24th is 7 points away. Rayo beat Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland 2 goals to 1 in their last match. Opposite, FK Drita Kosovo is the kind of team that is showing up at the beginning of July to try to qualify for the unlikely Champions League and firmly hopes to nab a ticket for the C3 and C4.

Moreover, the Kosovo champion, 5th two-thirds of the way through the season this year, is doing not so badly in this C4 by being in the top 20 with the firm hope of staying warm to compete in the 1/16 finals play-offs. FK Drita defeated AZ Alkmaar 0-3 on the last day. 

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Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of the Ukraine-Russia war had lost almost all of its foreigners, more precisely all of its Brazilians. After a few difficult years to negotiate, the Ukrainian club returns, with a group designed to play the last four of the competition like this 2nd place, temporarily acquired thanks to 4 successes and 1 defeat. Second in the local championship before Sunday's reception of Epitsentr to come, Donetsk beat Hamrun Spartans 0-2 last Thursday in C4. Rijeka occupies 14th place in the Europa Conference League standings, close to qualification, with the firm intention of making a move in Ukraine in order to think of the top 8 directly qualifying for the 1/8 finals.

Surprise champion in Croatia last season, Rijeka 6th, 21 points completely behind Dynamo Zagreb 1st, 32 points who obviously don't want to joke this year, before Sunday's match against Istra to come. Rijeka finally beat the Slovenians from Celje 3 goals to 0. 

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With 3 points to its credit after 5 days, Slovan Bratislava, qualified for the Champions League last season, is already eliminated from this Conference League being mathematically speaking, four lengths behind 24th, Lincoln. It must be said that the results were not those expected by the management of the Slovak club. And yet, by beating Rayo Vallecano on the 4th day 2-1, hopes were high among the locals who ultimately failed to confirm their renewed energy by losing at Shkendija last week 2-0. Note all the same, that in the championship, Slovan Bratislava is in pole position in the fight for the title and played an important match last weekend against Zilina, result to follow. Opposite, the Swedish club Hacken is languishing in soporific results.

Not the slightest victory in an official match since October 5, it was in the championship on the Brommapojkarna pitch 1-3. Like their evening opponents, the Swedes have already said goodbye to the final phase of the competition by having the same number of points as the latter 3 units. Held in check by Shelbourne 0-0, Rayo Vallecano 2-2 and by Larnaca last week 1-1, the Swedish team was oppressed by Zrinjski 2-1 and by the current leader of the competition: Strasbourg 1-2. 

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Sparta Prague are in sixth place and only need a small point to qualify for the knockout stages of the Conference League. The adventure started perfectly with a very large victory against Shamrock Rovers 4-1 but the road subsequently became cloudy with a defeat on the lawn of Rijeka 1-0 and a sharing of points with Rakow 0-0. Back in business, the Czech club got the better of Legia Warsaw 1-2 and Universitatea Craiova last week 1-2. In the championship, as often, Sparta finds itself in the title fight with the rival, Slavia Prague, and received Liberec the last weekend, result to follow. For its part, we find Aberdeen, a Scottish club, far from the title race in the country only 6th.

It was quite predictable, but under European skies, the task promised to be delicate and at the dawn of this last performance of the league phase, Aberdeen are still chasing their first victory 2 small points collected and will be eliminated whatever happens at the end of regulation time. In 5 matches, the visiting team scored only 3 small goals for a total of 11 goals conceded. Last week, Aberdeen failed to prevent Strasbourg from taking the lead in the league in a 0-1 defeat. We will remember the volley conceded on the pitch of AEK Athens 6-0 or the setback at home against Shalhtar 2-3. 

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