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• Diego Simeone and Jan Oblak clash after Atletico Madrid loss to Rayo Vallecano

  Internal friction has surfaced at Atletico Madrid as goalkeeper Jan Oblak publicly criticized the team’s performance following a 3-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, prompting a direct disagreement from manager Diego Simeone. ​Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title hopes suffered a devastating blow following a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at Butarque. The loss leaves Los Colchoneros 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Captain Jan Oblak was visibly furious after the final whistle, suggesting the squad lacks the mental consistency required to compete. Oblak stated, “It seems that La Liga has been thrown away.” ​Manager Diego Simeone quickly moved to downplay the goalkeeper’s scathing assessment during his post-match press conference. Despite the heavy defeat and lackluster performance, the coach defended his players’ application ahead of their Champions League fixture. Simeone pointedly countered his captain’s view of the squad’s effort, telling the media, “I don’t agree with what Oblak said. I think the team gave what it could.”

• Super Eagles’s flair hailed, but defensive woes persist in AFCON 2025, Makinwa

  While Henry Makinwa has praised Nigeria’s new attacking identity under Eric Chelle following their perfect group stage run, he warned that Semi Ajayi must take defensive command to ensure their goal-scoring flair isn’t undermined by defensive lapses.

  Nigeria’s Super Eagles concluded a flawless 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday night.

  Topping Group C with nine points, head coach Eric Chelle’s side has emerged as the tournament’s most prolific attacking force, netting eight goals across three matches.

  This expansive style marks a significant departure from the defensive-heavy approach seen in previous tournaments, signaling a new, purposeful identity for the three-time continental champions.

  Former international Henry Makinwa has praised the team’s evolution, noting the improved transitions and collective spirit under Chelle.

  Speaking to Footy Africa, Makinwa highlighted the need for a balance between flair and grit.

  “What the team needs to reinforce is character: play with the flair of a Spanish side and win with the character of an Italian team,” he stated, adding that the recent performances felt more purposeful than those of previous years.

  Despite the attacking success, Nigeria has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in every match in Morocco so far.

  Makinwa believes Semi Ajayi must step up to lead the backline following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement. “I expect Ajayi to take charge of the defensive line,” Makinwa noted, suggesting the Hull City man act as a “defence minister.”

  Chelle must now address these lapses before the knockout rounds begin on January 5.

• Crystal Palace eyes direct qualification for Conference League last 16 as first phase ends

  Crystal Palace is looking to secure a direct spot in the Conference League round of 16 by finishing in the top eight as the tournament’s league phase concludes.

  Crystal Palace heads into the final matchday of the UEFA Conference League league phase with their sights firmly set on a top-eight finish.

  A victory in their concluding fixture would secure the South London club a direct path to the round of 16, bypassing the potentially treacherous two-legged play-off round in February.

  The Eagles have enjoyed a steady continental campaign thus far, establishing themselves as a serious contender in the competition.

  The new format of the tournament has ensured that high stakes remain for several clubs as the league phase reaches its climax.

  Palace, currently positioned among the chasing pack, knows that goal difference could prove decisive in the final standings.

  Management remains focused on maintaining the team’s momentum, aware that direct qualification would provide a much-needed break for the squad during an increasingly congested domestic and European schedule.

  The tournament’s conclusion to this phase marks a significant milestone for Palace as they continue their historic pursuit of European silverware.

  While several other clubs have already secured their progression, the final order of the table remains fluid.

  “The goal from the start was to progress as far as possible,” noted club representatives, highlighting the ambition at Selhurst Park as they prepare for the knockout stages of their maiden European journey.

• Simeone defends struggling striker julian alvarez again

  Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has defended Julian Alvarez amidst a recent goal drought. The striker drew criticism after the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona but has scored ten goals across all competitions this season, prompting his manager’s public backing ahead of a trip to Athletic Club.

  “We are supporting him in a moment where maybe he isn’t scoring as much,” Simeone stated. Data suggests an Atletico win is likely, despite their tendency to drop points from winning positions this season, a weakness Athletic Club, who hold leads firmly, could exploit.

• Real Madrid host Celta Vigo in crucial La Liga clash

  Real Madrid hosts Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu seeking consecutive La Liga wins to maintain pressure on leaders Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s side, second in the table, boasts a perfect home record this season, securing six league victories and scoring 14 goals.

  Celta Vigo, sitting 12th, arrive after a Copa del Rey win but a recent league defeat. Claudio Giráldez’s team faces a formidable challenge against a Madrid side that has won their last 11 encounters across all competitions.

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