Ollie Watkins double helps Aston Villa win seven-goal thriller at Brighton

Liverpool's defensive struggles continue as they prepare to face Leeds this weekend, following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth loss in seven Premier League matches. Manager Arne Slot faces increasing scrutiny as he seeks to halt the team's alarming decline.

Bayern Munich has reached an agreement to sign a teenage defender from Ecuador for an undisclosed fee, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. This move marks a significant addition to their squad as they continue to invest in young talent.

This weekend in the Premier League, Arsenal will face Aston Villa, a team that has historically posed challenges for them, particularly after a previous match where Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead. With Arsenal currently leading the league, a victory at Villa Park would further solidify their title ambitions.

FC Barcelona has reopened the Spotify Camp Nou, welcoming up to 62,000 fans for the upcoming match against Osasuna, following the acquisition of the first occupancy license for the stadium's redevelopment phases 1A and 1B. This marks a significant milestone after a 909-day absence due to renovations, with the first match held against Athletic Club on November 22, 2025.

Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley has faced challenges in his integration into the team, particularly after suffering a long-term injury shortly after his debut against Crawley Town. Although he started the season in the starting XI, he has since found himself on the bench, raising questions about his impact at the club.

Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has stated in a recent interview that the current squad is incapable of winning the UEFA Champions League, citing deficiencies in performance and team dynamics. This criticism highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the club in European competitions.

Liverpool has officially dropped out of contention to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is a target for Barcelona as they look to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming summer transfer window in 2026.

FIFA has granted clubs an additional week to retain their star players before they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), allowing athletes like Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo, and Achraf Hakimi to play until December 15. This decision comes as top European clubs prepare to lose key players for up to five weeks during the tournament in Morocco, scheduled from December 21 to January 18.