Barcelona midfielder Rodri Hernandez has spoken highly of Jose Mourinho’s work as Real Madrid manager ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.

Rodri said the two clubs have contrasting styles of play, but that both are driven by a strong competitive spirit. He hopes Real Madrid will give everything when they face Barcelona in the upcoming fixture.

The La Liga match, part of the 10th round of the season, will be played at Camp Nou in Barcelona on Sunday, 25 October. Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time.

AS Nancy-Lorraine secured a narrow 1-0 win against Stade Lavallois on Friday, with Ilyes Housni providing the decisive moment in a closely contested Ligue 2 encounter.

The 21-year-old Moroccan striker supplied the assist for Zakaria Fdaouch, who scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute. Housni’s delivery helped Nancy break the deadlock and ensured they took all three points on the 10th matchday of the season.

The assist further underlined Housni’s growing influence in Nancy’s attack. While he has shown an ability to pose a threat in front of goal, he is also proving capable of creating opportunities for his team-mates to make the difference.

Friday’s contribution takes Housni’s tally to three assists since the beginning of the campaign. His latest decisive involvement came as Nancy held on to claim victory over Laval.

Housni is under contract with Nancy until June 2029. The player is valued at one million euros by Transfermarkt, and at 21 he continues to develop in Ligue 2 while seeking to play an increasingly important role in his club’s performances over the coming matchdays.

At 17, Abdellah Ouazane is attracting attention from some of the leading clubs in European football. The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder is being closely monitored by Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus, according to Ekrem Konur.

The level of interest underlines the growing reputation of a player regarded as one of the promising young talents emerging from the Dutch club.

Ouazane’s contractual position could give Ajax considerable control over his future. He is under contract with the Amsterdam side until June 2028, leaving the club in a strong position should any of his admirers decide to make a formal approach.

The teenager already has experience at senior international level with Morocco. He also holds Dutch nationality, giving him connections to both countries as he continues his development within European football.

His international background and progress at Ajax have added to the interest surrounding him, although it remains unclear whether the attention from Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus will lead to concrete offers in the coming months.

According to Transfermarkt, Ouazane’s current market value is estimated at 8 million euros.

Ajax Amsterdam are next due to play Sparta Rotterdam in the 10th round of the Dutch championship. The listed odds for the match are 1.41 for an Ajax victory, 4.60 for a draw and 5.00 for a Sparta Rotterdam win.

Warren Bondo could leave AC Milan during the January transfer window, with Bologna having made enquiries about the 23-year-old midfielder’s situation, according to Nicolo Schira.

Bondo does not appear to be part of the Rossoneri’s plans and Bologna are considering a move to strengthen their midfield. The Italian club are understood to be exploring a loan deal with an option to buy.

That arrangement would allow Bologna to assess Bondo’s performances before deciding whether to make the transfer permanent. The player, who is of Congolese origin, is contracted to AC Milan until June 2029.

Bologna’s interest could be helped by Bondo’s relationship with Raffaele Palladino. The midfielder and the manager worked together at Monza, and that previous connection may influence Bondo’s decision if he is offered the chance to move in January.

Bondo is currently valued at 4m euros by Transfermarkt. A move away from AC Milan this winter could give him more regular playing time and an opportunity to revive his progress, while Bologna continue to examine the terms of a potential deal.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after Wiliete SC progressed from a closely contested second qualifying round tie.

The South African club, regulars on the continental stage, were held to a goalless draw in the first leg before another stalemate in the return match. The sides drew 1-1 in South Africa, a result that was not enough to keep Mamelodi Sundowns in the competition.

Wiliete SC advanced on the away-goals rule, which remains in use in this tournament. Their goal in South Africa proved decisive and secured their place in the next round.

The result brings Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental campaign to an unexpectedly early end. Wiliete SC, meanwhile, produced a notable result by eliminating one of African football’s best-known clubs and can now target a place in the group stage.

ASEC Mimosas will host Maghreb de Fes on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League at stake. The second-leg tie is finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first meeting, but the Ivorian side hold the advantage of having scored away from home.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. The match will be broadcast on beIN CONNECT MENA HD, beIN Sports MENA 1 HD, SuperSport Variety 4 HD, Azam Sports Channel and Canal + Sport Afrique.

First meeting leaves tie open

The clubs had never faced each other before this season’s second qualifying round. Their first competitive encounter came on 18 October 2026 in Meknes, where they drew 1-1 on the MAS pitch.

That result gave ASEC Mimosas a valuable foothold ahead of the return match in Abidjan. Having scored on the road, the Ivorian club would qualify with a goalless draw at home on Sunday.

ASEC appeared to be heading for defeat in the opening leg before salvaging the draw in the 90th minute and three minutes of stoppage time. The late equaliser strengthened their position and means they can progress without needing to win the return fixture.

For Maghreb de Fes, the outcome was especially damaging. The Yellow Tigers had led for much of the match after scoring around the half-hour mark and looked set to secure a home victory. However, conceding in the final moments denied them that advantage.

The Moroccan side now have to score in Abidjan if they are to remain in contention for a place in the group stage. A draw would not be enough unless they score at least once, while defeat would end their campaign.

ASEC favourites to progress

ASEC Mimosas go into the decisive match with the benefit of home support at the Felicia and the confidence gained from their late equaliser in Morocco. Their position is strengthened by the fact that they only need to avoid defeat to move through.

Africafoot’s pre-match assessment is that ASEC’s home form and defensive resilience could prove decisive against a Maghreb de Fes side that must attack. The prediction is for the Ivorian club to win 1-0 and confirm its place in the CAF Champions League group stage.

Borussia Monchengladbach came from behind to beat Stuttgart 3-2 away from home and claim their first points of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.

The victory spared Gladbach from becoming the first side in Bundesliga history to lose their opening seven matches without registering a point, after they had endured a winless start to the campaign.

However, their difficult beginning continued when Stuttgart took the lead after only five minutes. Dzenan Pejcinovic headed on to Leo Sauer, who found Ermedin Demirovic. The Stuttgart forward struck a powerful volley from distance which caught Moritz Nicolas by surprise, with the goalkeeper unable to prevent the ball from bouncing over the line.

Gladbach looked short of confidence in the early stages, but Stuttgart could not take advantage of their opportunities to extend the lead. Pejcinovic, Lorenz Assignon and Ramon Hendriks all missed chances to put the hosts in control.

The visitors gradually grew into the match and equalised before half-time. Stuttgart failed to clear a cross into the six-yard box, allowing Zento Uno to volley the ball back into the crowded area. Joe Scally reacted instinctively, using a backheel to guide it into the bottom corner.

Gladbach nearly completed the turnaround before the interval. Wael Mohya’s effort struck the crossbar in stoppage time, while Hugo Bolin failed to convert the rebound.

They did not have to wait long for a second goal after the restart. Mohya showed strength and skill to get beyond Sauer and Assignon before cutting the ball back for Shuto Machino, who fired into the near corner.

Stuttgart’s problems continued as they struggled to respond. Finn Jeltsch gave possession away to Mohya, whose first attempt was saved by Nicolas. The resulting scramble caused confusion in the penalty area, but Scally managed to send the ball back across goal, where Mohya headed in from the far post to make it 3-1.

Stuttgart threatened a late comeback when Jamie Leweling delivered a cross which Demirovic headed home. Nicolas then produced an important save to deny Leweling and preserve Gladbach’s lead.

The result gives Gladbach their first league points of the season and prevents them from setting an unwanted Bundesliga record. Stuttgart, despite their strong start in the UEFA Champions League, have now suffered five league defeats this campaign, more than half of their total from the whole of last season.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Wael Mohya (Borussia Monchengladbach).

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has praised Nigeria’s Flamingos after their 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea at the 2026 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup.

The result, recorded in the final Group B match on Friday, secured the Flamingos’ place in the round of 16 and saw them finish second in the section.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Kanyisola Yusuf scored for Nigeria in an impressive performance against North Korea.

Ajibade congratulated the team in a message posted on her X handle.

“Congratulations to the Flamingos on your win today!

“Keep going, Flamingos! ??.”

The victory completed a recovery in the group for Akeem Busari’s side, who began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Poland.

Nigeria responded by beating tournament debutants Puerto Rico 2-1 before producing their strongest result against North Korea, the reigning champions.

Poland claimed top spot in the group after a 6-2 victory over Puerto Rico in the other final Group B fixture.

That result left Puerto Rico in third place, while the Flamingos advanced to the knockout stage in second.

Nigeria defeated defending champions North Korea 3-1 in their final group-stage match at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with DPR Korea head coach Ji Yun-nam admitting his side could not match the Flamingos’ physical strength.

Akeem Busari’s team produced an impressive display on Friday to secure a convincing victory over the holders.

Nigeria made the breakthrough in the 25th minute after Oluwakemi Adegbuyi collected a pass on the left. The forward held off a North Korean defender before finishing calmly with her right foot.

The Flamingos increased their advantage before the interval. Oluebube Umejiaku powered her way through the DPR Korea defence and then placed her shot beyond goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong.

North Korea responded with greater urgency after the restart, applying pressure as they attempted to get back into the contest.

Nigeria, however, remained firm and added a third goal through Kanyinsola Yusuf, who found the net with a superbly executed free-kick.

The Asian side were awarded a late penalty, which Yu Jong-hyang converted to reduce the deficit. It was not enough to change the outcome, as Nigeria held on for a 3-1 win.

Yun-nam acknowledges Nigeria’s advantage

Yun-nam said the match had highlighted weaknesses his team must address, particularly their physical preparation, as North Korea looks ahead to the Round of 16.

“Playing against a strong team like Nigeria made me realise how challenging it is to compete at the world level,” Yun-nam told FIFA.

“Facing an African team also showed me that we need to prepare better in terms of strength. We will prepare well for the Round of 16 and aim to achieve a better result.”

Jadon Sancho would need to accept a substantial reduction in wages to join Getafe, with the Spanish club reportedly offering the former Manchester United winger £10,000 per week.

The 26-year-old is a free agent after leaving Manchester United in the summer, having arrived from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £76 million.

Sancho’s spell at Old Trafford ultimately included loan moves to Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa. He scored nine goals in 101 appearances for Manchester United.

His time at the club has been widely viewed as a major disappointment, with Sancho potentially regarded as one of the worst signings in Manchester United’s history.

Getafe have been linked with a move for the England international since his departure, but the reported terms would represent a significant fall from his previous earnings.

According to The Telegraph, Getafe have offered Sancho a salary of £10,000 a week. That is considerably below the £250,000 to £300,000 per week he was reportedly earning at Manchester United.

Sancho has not ruled out moving to Getafe, although he is understood to want to speak with manager Jose Bordalas before deciding on his next club.

Real Madrid are preparing to bring Nicolas Paz back to the club after the 22-year-old midfielder’s impressive performances for Como in Italy.

The Argentina international recently strengthened his growing reputation by scoring twice and providing an assist in Como’s Champions League match against Manchester United. According to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Real Madrid intend to use their first-refusal buy-back option next summer, with the deal set at €80m.

Paz came through Real Madrid’s academy but chose not to return to the Spanish club during the most recent close season. Instead, he remained at Como to secure regular first-team football and continue his development.

Como, a Serie A club, had bought all rights to the emerging star from Real Madrid for €60m.

Former AC Milan and Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli has been seen in Naples ahead of the Italian club’s important Serie A meeting with Roma.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Pioli, who is currently without a club, was spotted walking along the city’s waterfront.

The sighting has prompted further interest because Pioli has previously been linked with Napoli. However, local media have stressed that his visit does not necessarily relate to the club’s current managerial situation.

Napoli’s board continues to back Massimiliano Allegri, despite increased pressure on the manager following a 1-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Venezia.

Napoli are ninth in Serie A with 10 points from seven matches. They subsequently secured their first points in the Champions League by beating Bodø/Glimt 4-3.

Pioli guided Milan to the Serie A title in 2022.

Torino defeated Monza 3-2 at home in the eighth round of the Serie A season.

The hosts took the lead shortly before half-time when Kiyan Fitz-Jim scored in the 39th minute.

Monza levelled two minutes after the interval. Gustavo Varela found the net in the 47th minute to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Torino responded strongly and regained the advantage in the 61st minute, with Rafik Belghali scoring their second goal.

The home side extended their lead in the 72nd minute as Nikola Vlasic made it 3-1.

Monza reduced the deficit to one in added time, but Torino held on to secure victory.

Former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla believes the club’s latest injury problems may be linked to their preparation during the summer.

Rampulla, who played for Juventus from 1992 to 2002, also questioned the intentions of head coach Luciano Spalletti, saying: “It is difficult to understand what he wants to achieve.”

His comments came after the latest injuries to Zeki Celik and Nico Gonzalez. Rampulla noted that the number of injuries at a club can vary from one season to the next, but suggested Juventus’ pre-season work could be a factor in the current situation.

Juventus have now reached seven rounds of the Italian championship and sit eighth in the table.

Juventus have confirmed that Nico Gonzalez and Zeki Celik sustained muscle injuries during their 2-2 draw with Rennes in the third round of the Europa League league phase.

Celik put Juventus ahead in the fifth minute but later suffered a minor strain to the muscles at the back of his left thigh. Gonzalez damaged the soleus muscle in his right leg.

Both players have already started rehabilitation programmes, according to Juventus’ official website, although the club has not given a timetable for their returns.

The injuries add to the selection problems facing Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti. The club have already had to manage the absences of Kenan Y?ld?z, Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli this season.

Francisco Conceicao is recovering from a dislocated shoulder, while Jeff Ekhator and Kamil Grabara are also unavailable.

The growing injury list has left Juventus short of attacking options ahead of Sunday’s Serie A away match against Lecce.

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas says he has never considered leaving the club, despite recent speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona.

The former Spain international also explained why he continues to select midfielder Nico Paz on a regular basis.

Fabregas highlighted Paz’s contribution without the ball as a key reason for his faith in the player. He said the midfielder makes a significant impact on Como’s defensive work as well as offering qualities in possession.

Fabregas took charge of Como and guided them into Italy’s top division. Under his leadership, the club subsequently reached the Champions League.

Recent reports have linked the Spanish coach with the Barcelona job, but Fabregas insists he has not thought about departing Como.

Borussia Monchengladbach claimed their first points of the Bundesliga season by beating Stuttgart 3-2 away from home in the seventh round.

Stuttgart made the stronger start and took the lead after only five minutes. Ermedin Demirovic finished the hosts’ attack to put them in front.

The visitors responded before half-time, with Joseph Scally levelling the score in the 38th minute. The teams went into the break at 1-1.

Borussia Monchengladbach then took control early in the second half. Suto Matino completed the turnaround in the 51st minute, before Wael Mohia extended the visitors’ advantage 15 minutes later.

Stuttgart continued to push for a way back into the match and reduced the deficit in the closing stages. Demirovic scored again in the 84th minute to complete his double and make it 3-2.

The hosts could not find an equaliser, however, and Borussia Monchengladbach held on for their first victory of the campaign.

Despite collecting their opening three points, Borussia Monchengladbach remain bottom of the table in 18th place. Stuttgart have six points and sit 14th.

Bayern Munich are concerned about the health of head coach Vincent Kompany after he lost consciousness during a training session and was taken to hospital.

Kompany has reportedly been dealing with a viral infection in recent weeks. He also spent a night in hospital several days ago for extensive medical examinations, although those tests did not provide an answer, according to TZ.

The club are aware that the 39-year-old has been sleeping very little because he works late into the night preparing for matches. Bayern believe Kompany “must slow down by at least two gears” and should not return to work until he has fully recovered.

The latest incident resulted in Kompany being hospitalised after he fainted during training. No further details about his condition have been given.

Bayern are due to travel to face Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, 25 October. The Munich side currently lead the German league table with 14 points.

Bayern executive board member Uli Hoeneß believes Harry Kane deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London on 26 October, with the Bayern striker regarded as one of the leading contenders for the award.

Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or last year.

Manchester City have sent their best wishes to former captain Vincent Kompany after the Bayern head coach was taken to hospital in Munich on Friday.

Kompany was admitted after fainting during a training session with Bayern’s reserve team. The club said he would undergo medical examinations and remain under doctors’ observation.

Bayern are due to play Freiburg on 25 October in the seventh round of the Bundesliga. Kompany’s side currently lead the German league with 14 points.