Domenico Tedesco is reportedly set to leave Bologna after a difficult opening to the 2026-27 Serie A season.

Bologna have failed to win any of their first four league matches under the 41-year-old, recording three defeats and one draw. They sit 16th in the table and have scored only two goals.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the club are now preparing to sack Tedesco and have agreed to appoint Raffaele Palladino as his replacement.

Palladino was most recently in charge of Atalanta and is expected to take over as Bologna look to recover from their poor start.

Tedesco would become the second managerial departure in Serie A this season. Fabio Grosso was the first coach to lose his job, being dismissed by Fiorentina after only three league games.

Bologna’s struggles have been underlined by their lack of goals, with their two-goal total contributing to a run which has left them just above the bottom three.

The club’s decision to turn to Palladino comes after four matches without a victory and with pressure mounting on Tedesco.

Yan Diomande registered his first assist for Real Madrid in Tuesday’s La Liga meeting with Elche, setting up Kylian Mbappe for the club’s second goal of the game.

The contribution marked an important moment for the young Ivory Coast international, who has been working to establish himself since moving to the Spanish capital. His pass to Mbappe was his first direct involvement in a goal for Real Madrid and added to the side’s attacking performance.

Diomande made his second start of the season against Elche. He had also been named in the starting line-up for the previous league fixture against Rayo Vallecano, but looked more effective against Elche, particularly in the final third.

His combination with Mbappe was the clearest highlight of his display. By finding the France striker in a good position, Diomande produced the decisive contribution that had so far eluded him since joining Real Madrid.

The assist offers the Ivorian a significant boost as he continues adapting to his new surroundings. His early appearances had been relatively quiet, but the chance created for Mbappe provides a first tangible sign of his influence in a Real Madrid shirt.

Diomande is under contract with Real Madrid until 30 June 2033. His estimated market value is 90 million euros, and he is the most expensive Ivorian footballer of all time as well as the biggest sale in the history of Leipzig.

Yan Diomande registered his first assist for Real Madrid in Tuesday’s La Liga meeting with Elche, setting up Kylian Mbappe for the club’s second goal of the game.

The contribution marked an important moment for the young Ivory Coast international, who has been working to establish himself since moving to the Spanish capital. His pass to Mbappe was his first direct involvement in a goal for Real Madrid and added to the side’s attacking performance.

Diomande made his second start of the season against Elche. He had also been named in the starting line-up for the previous league fixture against Rayo Vallecano, but looked more effective against Elche, particularly in the final third.

His combination with Mbappe was the clearest highlight of his display. By finding the France striker in a good position, Diomande produced the decisive contribution that had so far eluded him since joining Real Madrid.

The assist offers the Ivorian a significant boost as he continues adapting to his new surroundings. His early appearances had been relatively quiet, but the chance created for Mbappe provides a first tangible sign of his influence in a Real Madrid shirt.

Diomande is under contract with Real Madrid until 30 June 2033. His estimated market value is 90 million euros, and he is the most expensive Ivorian footballer of all time as well as the biggest sale in the history of Leipzig.

Real Sociedad and Bournemouth begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. The Spanish side are expected to use their established 4-2-3-1 formation, while Bournemouth face the match with a significantly reduced squad because of injuries.

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo is likely to keep faith with a system that provides protection in midfield and attacking options further forward. The formation features a double pivot, three creative players behind the striker and a strong group of substitutes capable of influencing the game after the break.

The expected Real Sociedad XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro

Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Luken Beitia, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gomez

Midfielders: Y. Herrera, Carlos Soler, A. Barrenetxea, Luka Sucic, G. Guedes

Forward: M. Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad are regarded as having both a high-quality squad and considerable depth, allowing them to approach the opening fixture with confidence. Their range of options on the bench could also prove important if the game remains finely balanced in the second half.

Bournemouth, however, have fewer choices available to Marco Rose because several first-team players are injured. The absences have particularly affected the defence and midfield, with Tyler Adams the main doubt ahead of kick-off.

The United States international is an important presence in midfield because of his work rate and ability to regain possession. He is not yet fully fit, and a late withdrawal would leave Rose needing to reorganise his double pivot, potentially weakening the team’s defensive balance.

Bournemouth are expected to line up as follows:

Goalkeeper: D. Petrovic

Defenders: A. Truffert, Antonio Silva, James Hill, Adam Smith

Midfielders: Alex Scott, T. Adams, M. Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Rayan

Forward: Evanilson

The fixture will be Real Sociedad’s first in the league phase of the Europa League, with Bournemouth also beginning their campaign in the competition.

According to the odds published by 1xbet, Real Sociedad are priced at 2.70 to win, while a draw is listed at 3.50. Bournemouth are the shortest-priced side at 2.25.

Real Sociedad and Bournemouth begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. The Spanish side are expected to use their established 4-2-3-1 formation, while Bournemouth face the match with a significantly reduced squad because of injuries.

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo is likely to keep faith with a system that provides protection in midfield and attacking options further forward. The formation features a double pivot, three creative players behind the striker and a strong group of substitutes capable of influencing the game after the break.

The expected Real Sociedad XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro

Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Luken Beitia, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gomez

Midfielders: Y. Herrera, Carlos Soler, A. Barrenetxea, Luka Sucic, G. Guedes

Forward: M. Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad are regarded as having both a high-quality squad and considerable depth, allowing them to approach the opening fixture with confidence. Their range of options on the bench could also prove important if the game remains finely balanced in the second half.

Bournemouth, however, have fewer choices available to Marco Rose because several first-team players are injured. The absences have particularly affected the defence and midfield, with Tyler Adams the main doubt ahead of kick-off.

The United States international is an important presence in midfield because of his work rate and ability to regain possession. He is not yet fully fit, and a late withdrawal would leave Rose needing to reorganise his double pivot, potentially weakening the team’s defensive balance.

Bournemouth are expected to line up as follows:

Goalkeeper: D. Petrovic

Defenders: A. Truffert, Antonio Silva, James Hill, Adam Smith

Midfielders: Alex Scott, T. Adams, M. Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Rayan

Forward: Evanilson

The fixture will be Real Sociedad’s first in the league phase of the Europa League, with Bournemouth also beginning their campaign in the competition.

According to the odds published by 1xbet, Real Sociedad are priced at 2.70 to win, while a draw is listed at 3.50. Bournemouth are the shortest-priced side at 2.25.

Real Sociedad and Bournemouth begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. The Spanish side are expected to use their established 4-2-3-1 formation, while Bournemouth face the match with a significantly reduced squad because of injuries.

Real Sociedad manager Matarazzo is likely to keep faith with a system that provides protection in midfield and attacking options further forward. The formation features a double pivot, three creative players behind the striker and a strong group of substitutes capable of influencing the game after the break.

The expected Real Sociedad XI is:

Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro

Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Luken Beitia, Mamadou Sarr, Sergio Gomez

Midfielders: Y. Herrera, Carlos Soler, A. Barrenetxea, Luka Sucic, G. Guedes

Forward: M. Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad are regarded as having both a high-quality squad and considerable depth, allowing them to approach the opening fixture with confidence. Their range of options on the bench could also prove important if the game remains finely balanced in the second half.

Bournemouth, however, have fewer choices available to Marco Rose because several first-team players are injured. The absences have particularly affected the defence and midfield, with Tyler Adams the main doubt ahead of kick-off.

The United States international is an important presence in midfield because of his work rate and ability to regain possession. He is not yet fully fit, and a late withdrawal would leave Rose needing to reorganise his double pivot, potentially weakening the team’s defensive balance.

Bournemouth are expected to line up as follows:

Goalkeeper: D. Petrovic

Defenders: A. Truffert, Antonio Silva, James Hill, Adam Smith

Midfielders: Alex Scott, T. Adams, M. Tavernier, Justin Kluivert, Rayan

Forward: Evanilson

The fixture will be Real Sociedad’s first in the league phase of the Europa League, with Bournemouth also beginning their campaign in the competition.

According to the odds published by 1xbet, Real Sociedad are priced at 2.70 to win, while a draw is listed at 3.50. Bournemouth are the shortest-priced side at 2.25.

Real Sociedad begin their Europa League league-phase campaign against Bournemouth at Anoeta on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The match will be shown on Canal+ Sport in France, HBO Max in the United Kingdom, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, RTL+ in Germany, Canal+ in Austria and RTBF, Telenet, BeTV and VRT in Belgium.

Paramount+, DAZN and TUDN / ViX will broadcast the game in the United States, while DAZN holds the rights in Canada. Coverage will also be available on Sky in Italy, Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands, Sport TV and DAZN in Portugal, SuperSport and New World TV in sub-Saharan Africa, and beIN Sports in the MENA region.

Previous meetings

The historical record favours Bournemouth ahead of the clubs’ first meeting.

Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side at home, drawing twice and losing three times in their previous five such matches.

Real Sociedad return to European competition after a one-year absence, having qualified by winning the Copa del Rey. Their most recent European run ended in the last 16 of the 2024/25 Europa League, where they were eliminated by Manchester United.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side will be looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Sunday. That result ended a three-match unbeaten run in which Real Sociedad recorded two wins and one draw.

Their home form will be a concern, however. Real Sociedad have won only one of their past seven matches at the Reale Arena, alongside three draws and three defeats.

Bournemouth begin first European campaign

Bournemouth are preparing for their first European campaign after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, four years after securing promotion.

The Cherries have endured a difficult start to the new season. They took the lead in each of their first four matches without winning any of them, a first in the Premier League, with three draws and one defeat.

Manager Marco Rose has extensive Europa League experience, with a record of 17 wins, eight draws and seven defeats from 32 matches, but is still waiting for his first victory in the competition.

Bournemouth’s away record offers encouragement. They have lost only once on the road since December, with that defeat coming at Manchester City.

Prediction

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerability and have struggled for consistency at home or away. Africafoot expects Real Sociedad’s uncertainty at the Reale Arena and Bournemouth’s tendency to score before being pegged back to produce a 2-2 draw.

Africafoot’s prediction is therefore a 2-2 draw.

The listed betting prices are 2.70 for a Real Sociedad win, 3.50 for a draw and 2.25 for a Bournemouth victory.

Real Sociedad begin their Europa League league-phase campaign against Bournemouth at Anoeta on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The match will be shown on Canal+ Sport in France, HBO Max in the United Kingdom, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, RTL+ in Germany, Canal+ in Austria and RTBF, Telenet, BeTV and VRT in Belgium.

Paramount+, DAZN and TUDN / ViX will broadcast the game in the United States, while DAZN holds the rights in Canada. Coverage will also be available on Sky in Italy, Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands, Sport TV and DAZN in Portugal, SuperSport and New World TV in sub-Saharan Africa, and beIN Sports in the MENA region.

Previous meetings

The historical record favours Bournemouth ahead of the clubs’ first meeting.

Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side at home, drawing twice and losing three times in their previous five such matches.

Real Sociedad return to European competition after a one-year absence, having qualified by winning the Copa del Rey. Their most recent European run ended in the last 16 of the 2024/25 Europa League, where they were eliminated by Manchester United.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side will be looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Sunday. That result ended a three-match unbeaten run in which Real Sociedad recorded two wins and one draw.

Their home form will be a concern, however. Real Sociedad have won only one of their past seven matches at the Reale Arena, alongside three draws and three defeats.

Bournemouth begin first European campaign

Bournemouth are preparing for their first European campaign after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, four years after securing promotion.

The Cherries have endured a difficult start to the new season. They took the lead in each of their first four matches without winning any of them, a first in the Premier League, with three draws and one defeat.

Manager Marco Rose has extensive Europa League experience, with a record of 17 wins, eight draws and seven defeats from 32 matches, but is still waiting for his first victory in the competition.

Bournemouth’s away record offers encouragement. They have lost only once on the road since December, with that defeat coming at Manchester City.

Prediction

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerability and have struggled for consistency at home or away. Africafoot expects Real Sociedad’s uncertainty at the Reale Arena and Bournemouth’s tendency to score before being pegged back to produce a 2-2 draw.

Africafoot’s prediction is therefore a 2-2 draw.

The listed betting prices are 2.70 for a Real Sociedad win, 3.50 for a draw and 2.25 for a Bournemouth victory.

Real Sociedad begin their Europa League league-phase campaign against Bournemouth at Anoeta on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

The match will be shown on Canal+ Sport in France, HBO Max in the United Kingdom, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, RTL+ in Germany, Canal+ in Austria and RTBF, Telenet, BeTV and VRT in Belgium.

Paramount+, DAZN and TUDN / ViX will broadcast the game in the United States, while DAZN holds the rights in Canada. Coverage will also be available on Sky in Italy, Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands, Sport TV and DAZN in Portugal, SuperSport and New World TV in sub-Saharan Africa, and beIN Sports in the MENA region.

Previous meetings

The historical record favours Bournemouth ahead of the clubs’ first meeting.

Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side at home, drawing twice and losing three times in their previous five such matches.

Real Sociedad return to European competition after a one-year absence, having qualified by winning the Copa del Rey. Their most recent European run ended in the last 16 of the 2024/25 Europa League, where they were eliminated by Manchester United.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side will be looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Sunday. That result ended a three-match unbeaten run in which Real Sociedad recorded two wins and one draw.

Their home form will be a concern, however. Real Sociedad have won only one of their past seven matches at the Reale Arena, alongside three draws and three defeats.

Bournemouth begin first European campaign

Bournemouth are preparing for their first European campaign after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, four years after securing promotion.

The Cherries have endured a difficult start to the new season. They took the lead in each of their first four matches without winning any of them, a first in the Premier League, with three draws and one defeat.

Manager Marco Rose has extensive Europa League experience, with a record of 17 wins, eight draws and seven defeats from 32 matches, but is still waiting for his first victory in the competition.

Bournemouth’s away record offers encouragement. They have lost only once on the road since December, with that defeat coming at Manchester City.

Prediction

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerability and have struggled for consistency at home or away. Africafoot expects Real Sociedad’s uncertainty at the Reale Arena and Bournemouth’s tendency to score before being pegged back to produce a 2-2 draw.

Africafoot’s prediction is therefore a 2-2 draw.

The listed betting prices are 2.70 for a Real Sociedad win, 3.50 for a draw and 2.25 for a Bournemouth victory.

Liverpool are considering a move for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara in the winter transfer window, according to journalist David Lynch. The Senegal international was close to joining Chelsea in the final hours of the summer window, but Monaco ultimately decided to keep him.

Camara’s failed move to Stamford Bridge has not reduced his appeal in the Premier League. Lynch, speaking to Anfield Index, said Liverpool’s interest in the 21-year-old is genuine and that the Reds are monitoring his situation closely ahead of January.

The Merseyside club could now explore the possibility of making an offer when the next transfer window opens. Monaco’s decision to retain Camara has been linked to Liverpool’s late interest and the possibility that the club could make a more substantial proposal in the winter.

Chelsea had appeared to make significant progress in their pursuit of the midfielder. Camara held several discussions with the London club’s directors about his potential role and was reported to have agreed to the project put forward by the Blues.

That understanding was expected to pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge. However, Monaco changed its position during the final hours of the transfer window and refused to sanction the transfer.

The timing of the decision left Chelsea with little opportunity to find a replacement. It also reportedly angered the club’s directors, who were particularly unhappy with the way the negotiations had been handled.

Chelsea had been prepared to pay about 55 million euros for Camara. Liverpool may now face a considerably higher asking price, with Monaco potentially seeking close to 70 million euros before considering his departure.

That figure could prove acceptable to Liverpool if the club’s staff decide that Camara is a priority target. The failed Chelsea transfer could therefore lead to a fresh transfer saga in January, with Liverpool potentially positioned at the front of the queue.

Camara is valued at 40 million euros by Transfermarkt and earns an annual salary of 1,380,000 euros, equivalent to 897,000,000 FCFA.

The next transfer window could give the midfielder another opportunity to move to the Premier League. This time, Liverpool may be the club attempting to complete the deal, although the cost is expected to be significantly higher than the fee Chelsea were willing to pay.

Liverpool will also soon face Tottenham in the round of 16 of the EFL Cup.

Sunderland are at the front of the queue to sign Geny Catamo, with the Sporting CP winger attracting growing interest from several Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old Mozambique international was targeted by English clubs during the summer and remains under close scrutiny in the Premier League. Sunderland have not dropped their interest after making Catamo a priority for their right flank earlier this year.

However, there has been no concrete progress towards an agreement between the clubs or with the player. Sunderland are currently regarded as the leading contenders, but any move is likely to face strong competition.

Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring Catamo’s situation, according to TeamTalk. None of those clubs has made an official offer at this stage.

The number of interested parties could increase the pressure on Sporting CP during the January market. Should more than one club make a formal approach, the Portuguese side would be in a strong negotiating position as it considers the future of its winger.

Catamo’s form at the start of the season has helped fuel the interest. He has featured in all six of Sporting’s official matches so far, scoring twice and providing three assists.

His performances have also attracted attention in the Champions League. Catamo scored in Sporting’s 3-1 victory over Galatasaray, adding to the impression that he can offer both attacking threat and end product from the right wing.

Sporting hold a further advantage in any negotiations after Catamo recently extended his contract until 2029. The new agreement includes a release clause worth 60m euros.

That figure is considerably higher than Catamo’s current estimated market value of 25m euros, according to Transfermarkt. Sporting are therefore under no obligation to consider an offer close to that valuation and can demand a fee nearer to the clause.

Sunderland may need to meet those expectations if they are finally to secure the player they pursued during the summer. With Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest also watching closely, Catamo’s future could become one of the central transfer stories of the winter window.

Sporting CP will next face Arouca in the seventh round of the Portuguese league.

Besiktas host Marseille on Thursday, 17 September 2026, as both sides begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 GMT, with the Turkish side appearing to hold the advantage in terms of preparation and squad freshness.

Besiktas benefited from two days off over the weekend, giving Vincenzo Italiano’s players additional time to recover ahead of the opening fixture. The coaching staff have also devoted considerable attention to set-piece work, building on a style of play that has already earned positive reaction.

The mood in the Istanbul camp is strong, although Ridvan Yilmaz has been confirmed as unavailable. Besiktas are expected to line up with Nubel in goal, behind a four-man defence of Kassoum Ouattara, Topcu, Emmanuel Agbadou and Murillo.

Ozcan, Trossard, Kokcu and Junior Olaitan are likely to form the midfield, with Fakili and Vlahovic leading the attack.

Marseille facing defensive test

Marseille may be particularly vulnerable in defence, with the absences of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Tochukwu Nnadi leaving the squad short of players capable of stopping opposition transitions.

That weakness could be exposed further in European competition, where the pace of counter-attacks can punish defensive uncertainty. Marseille manager Genesio is aware of the challenge, with the campaign expected to require regular adjustments to his team.

De Lange is the expected goalkeeper, while Emerson, Nayef Aguerd, Egan-Riley and Timothy Weah are in line to start across the defence.

Paixao, Maupay and Keyliane Abdallah are the probable midfield three. Amine Harit, Tadjidine Mmadi and Amine Gouiri are expected to operate in the attacking positions.

The match will be Besiktas’ first fixture of the Europa League league phase, with Marseille also beginning their European campaign in Istanbul.

The pre-match betting prices list Besiktas as the favourites at 1.74. A draw is priced at 4.00, while a Marseille victory is rated at 3.90.

Bayern Munich have ruled out a move for Manchester City attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to journalist Christian Falk.

Cherki had been linked with a switch to the Bundesliga club in recent weeks, but he is not considered a priority by Bayern’s recruitment team ahead of the next transfer window. There are also no negotiations taking place between Manchester City and the German side.

The reports bring an end, for now, to speculation that the France- and Algeria-eligible midfielder could move to Bavaria. Despite suggestions that Bayern were considering him as an option to strengthen their attacking positions, the club have reportedly decided against pursuing the possibility.

Bayern focused on summer business

Bayern’s position is understood to reflect their wider transfer strategy. The club intend to focus their major investment on the summer window and do not want to change that approach during the season.

A January signing is therefore only likely if Bayern face an exceptional need, such as a serious injury crisis that significantly reduces their squad options. Otherwise, the club plan to wait until the summer before making major additions.

That approach means Cherki is not currently part of Bayern’s plans, with no operation involving the 22-year-old being considered at this stage.

The Manchester City player may continue to attract interest from leading European clubs because of his technical ability and his capacity to operate in the position behind the striker. However, Bayern’s stance appears clear: Cherki is not a target and there is no active move for him.

Manchester City are due to play Norwich in the last 16 of the EFL Cup next.

African players made decisive contributions across Europe, with Malick Yalcouye, Mohamed Belloumi, Lassana Coulibaly and Yassir Zabiri among those on target for their clubs.

Brighton and Hove Albion beat Coventry City 5-0, although Taiwo Awoniyi was sent off for the newly promoted English top-flight side.

Charalampos Kostoulas opened the scoring before half-time by placing a shot into the bottom corner. Yalcouye doubled Brighton’s lead 10 minutes after the restart, reacting first to a loose ball ahead of Aurele Amenda before running through and finishing at the near post.

Coventry’s hopes of recovering were dealt another blow when Nigeria international Awoniyi received a straight red card for elbowing Maxim De Cuyper away from the ball. Pascal Grob added a penalty, while Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari completed the scoring. Frank Lampard’s side have failed to score in their first four league games.

At Stamford Bridge, Algeria forward Belloumi scored twice as Hull City came from behind to draw 2-2 with Chelsea.

Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea a seventh-minute lead with a powerful finish, but Belloumi levelled before the half-hour mark by guiding Ryan Giles’ cross beyond Emiliano Martinez.

The forward put Hull ahead six minutes later when he fired in a deflected shot after Semi Ajayi’s header struck the crossbar. Chelsea responded after the break, Joao Pedro equalising in the 66th minute.

Goals in Italy and Germany

Akor Adams scored his first Serie A goal, but Venezia were beaten 4-2 at home by Fiorentina.

The Nigerian striker was found inside the area by Gianluca Busio midway through the first half and produced a powerful first-time finish with his right foot into the far corner.

Fiorentina overturned the deficit before the interval through two goals from Franco Mastantuono. Mateo Pellegrino added another after the break, before Mastantuono completed his hat-trick. Antoine Hainaut scored a late consolation, but Fiorentina held on for their first Serie A points of the season.

Paul Mendy also scored as Cagliari won 2-1 away at Atalanta. Michel Adopo got behind the defence in the 19th minute and cut the ball back for Senegal forward Mendy, who finished first time. His effort struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.

Gianluca Scamacca equalised shortly before half-time, but Daniel Maldini restored Cagliari’s lead from the penalty spot after the interval. Mendy thought he had scored again, but a VAR review ruled out his effort for offside.

Malian midfielder Coulibaly scored twice in Lecce’s 3-2 victory over Monza. He headed in an Ivan Ilic corner at the back post after three minutes, with Tiago Gabriel extending Lecce’s lead seven minutes later.

Ricardo Mangas pulled one back from close range, but Coulibaly restored Lecce’s two-goal advantage less than 90 seconds later, steering the ball into the near corner after Monza failed to clear a long throw. Exequiel Zeballos scored in the 89th minute, but Lecce held on.

At San Siro, Maduka Okoye conceded five times as Inter Milan recovered from two goals down to defeat Udinese 5-3.

The Nigerian goalkeeper produced an excellent double save to deny Marcus Thuram early on, but Udinese went 2-0 ahead through James Abankwah and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. Carlos Augusto and Nicolo Barella brought Inter level before half-time, with Thuram, Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny scoring after the break. Okoye made several important saves despite being beaten five times.

Christian Kofane scored for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-2 draw at Augsburg. The Cameroon forward collected Edmond Tapsoba’s long ball and calmly finished beyond Finn Dahmen to put Leverkusen ahead.

The visitors created several further chances in a dominant first half, but Augsburg turned the game around after the interval as Michael Gregoritsch scored twice in quick succession. Patrik Schick rescued a point late on. The result lifted Leverkusen to seventh, while Augsburg remained unbeaten at home.

Adil Aouchiche helped Schalke secure their first Bundesliga victory since the 2022/23 season with a 3-1 win over Union Berlin.

Robin Gosens put Schalke ahead in the 24th minute. Aouchiche then exchanged passes with Junior Adamu before firing beyond Frederik Rønnow shortly after half-time. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

Union had most of the possession but struggled to break Schalke down. Tim Skarke scored a late consolation before Maximilian Wober completed Schalke’s win in stoppage time, moving them up to seventh.

Zabiri double helps Racing Santander

Moroccan forward Zabiri scored twice as Racing Santander came from behind to beat Deportivo Alaves 2-1 at El Sardinero.

Ville Koski gave Alaves the lead in the 18th minute, following up after Julen Agirrezabala had saved an initial effort.

Zabiri equalised before half-time, racing on to a ball over the top and calmly finishing with his left foot past Antonio Sivera. He completed the comeback early in the second half by meeting Inigo Vicente’s cross.

Alaves pushed for an equaliser but could not create clear chances, leaving Racing with their second victory of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalled a LaLiga record last achieved by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009 by scoring in Deportivo La Coruna’s 1-1 draw with Getafe.

The 37-year-old has now scored in each of Deportivo’s opening five league matches of the 2026/27 campaign, becoming only the 11th player in LaLiga history to find the net in the first five rounds.

His run began against Elche and continued with goals against Malaga, Valencia and Villarreal. The former Gabon international and Barcelona forward has five goals and two assists, helping newly promoted Deportivo remain unbeaten under Antonio Hidalgo.

In Ligue 1, Adil Bourabaa and Abdallah Sima scored as Le Mans surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Lens. The result extended Le Mans’ wait for a home Ligue 1 victory to 2010.

Algeria international Bourabaa headed in after 32 minutes following Louis Mafouta’s effort against the crossbar, then set up Lucas Calodat for Le Mans’ second before half-time.

Lens responded in stoppage time when Senegal international Sima headed Florian Thauvin’s cross into the top corner. Franjo Ivanovic completed the comeback as the teams shared the points.

Valencia ended a run of four successive defeats with a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Mendizorrotza, giving interim manager Oscar Sanchez a winning start in charge.

The result also lifted Valencia out of the LaLiga relegation zone, at least for the time being, after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Previous head coach Carlos Corberan was dismissed after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Sevilla proved to be the final setback. Valencia showed early signs of a response under Sanchez, although they had a goal disallowed shortly after the quarter-hour mark.

Arnaut Danjuma’s first-time strike beat Antonio Sivera and went in off the inside of the post, but a VAR review ruled that the forward had been offside.

The decision appeared to prompt a reaction from Alaves, who began to threaten as the first half progressed. Pablo Maffeo tested Sivera with a volley from just outside the area, although the goalkeeper was able to collect it.

Alaves had taken 10 points from their first five matches, their joint-best start to a top-flight season, and their confidence was evident as they continued to create opportunities.

They came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval when Angel Perez delivered into the area, but Pablo Ibanez headed wide.

The first half had offered signs of an open contest, but the attacking quality dropped after the break as both teams struggled to establish a rhythm.

Alaves had won all three of their previous matches at home this season, including a 5-2 victory over Osasuna in their most recent game in front of their own supporters. They could not reproduce that attacking performance against Valencia.

The visitors were also short of threat for long periods, but a draw would still have represented progress following their recent run of results. Instead, they scored the decisive goal with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Javi Guerra released Luis Rioja with a well-weighted through ball. Rioja raced into the penalty area before lifting his finish over Sivera to secure three important points for Valencia and send the visiting supporters into celebration.

The defeat ended Alaves’ chance of winning four consecutive home matches for the first time since 2001. However, their impressive start means they remain fourth in the table despite the loss.

Luis Rioja was named Flashscore Man of the Match.

African players made decisive contributions across Europe, with Malick Yalcouye, Mohamed Belloumi, Lassana Coulibaly and Yassir Zabiri among those on target for their clubs.

Brighton and Hove Albion beat Coventry City 5-0, although Taiwo Awoniyi was sent off for the newly promoted English top-flight side.

Charalampos Kostoulas opened the scoring before half-time by placing a shot into the bottom corner. Yalcouye doubled Brighton’s lead 10 minutes after the restart, reacting first to a loose ball ahead of Aurele Amenda before running through and finishing at the near post.

Coventry’s hopes of recovering were dealt another blow when Nigeria international Awoniyi received a straight red card for elbowing Maxim De Cuyper away from the ball. Pascal Grob added a penalty, while Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari completed the scoring. Frank Lampard’s side have failed to score in their first four league games.

At Stamford Bridge, Algeria forward Belloumi scored twice as Hull City came from behind to draw 2-2 with Chelsea.

Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea a seventh-minute lead with a powerful finish, but Belloumi levelled before the half-hour mark by guiding Ryan Giles’ cross beyond Emiliano Martinez.

The forward put Hull ahead six minutes later when he fired in a deflected shot after Semi Ajayi’s header struck the crossbar. Chelsea responded after the break, Joao Pedro equalising in the 66th minute.

Goals in Italy and Germany

Akor Adams scored his first Serie A goal, but Venezia were beaten 4-2 at home by Fiorentina.

The Nigerian striker was found inside the area by Gianluca Busio midway through the first half and produced a powerful first-time finish with his right foot into the far corner.

Fiorentina overturned the deficit before the interval through two goals from Franco Mastantuono. Mateo Pellegrino added another after the break, before Mastantuono completed his hat-trick. Antoine Hainaut scored a late consolation, but Fiorentina held on for their first Serie A points of the season.

Paul Mendy also scored as Cagliari won 2-1 away at Atalanta. Michel Adopo got behind the defence in the 19th minute and cut the ball back for Senegal forward Mendy, who finished first time. His effort struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.

Gianluca Scamacca equalised shortly before half-time, but Daniel Maldini restored Cagliari’s lead from the penalty spot after the interval. Mendy thought he had scored again, but a VAR review ruled out his effort for offside.

Malian midfielder Coulibaly scored twice in Lecce’s 3-2 victory over Monza. He headed in an Ivan Ilic corner at the back post after three minutes, with Tiago Gabriel extending Lecce’s lead seven minutes later.

Ricardo Mangas pulled one back from close range, but Coulibaly restored Lecce’s two-goal advantage less than 90 seconds later, steering the ball into the near corner after Monza failed to clear a long throw. Exequiel Zeballos scored in the 89th minute, but Lecce held on.

At San Siro, Maduka Okoye conceded five times as Inter Milan recovered from two goals down to defeat Udinese 5-3.

The Nigerian goalkeeper produced an excellent double save to deny Marcus Thuram early on, but Udinese went 2-0 ahead through James Abankwah and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. Carlos Augusto and Nicolo Barella brought Inter level before half-time, with Thuram, Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny scoring after the break. Okoye made several important saves despite being beaten five times.

Christian Kofane scored for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-2 draw at Augsburg. The Cameroon forward collected Edmond Tapsoba’s long ball and calmly finished beyond Finn Dahmen to put Leverkusen ahead.

The visitors created several further chances in a dominant first half, but Augsburg turned the game around after the interval as Michael Gregoritsch scored twice in quick succession. Patrik Schick rescued a point late on. The result lifted Leverkusen to seventh, while Augsburg remained unbeaten at home.

Adil Aouchiche helped Schalke secure their first Bundesliga victory since the 2022/23 season with a 3-1 win over Union Berlin.

Robin Gosens put Schalke ahead in the 24th minute. Aouchiche then exchanged passes with Junior Adamu before firing beyond Frederik Rønnow shortly after half-time. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

Union had most of the possession but struggled to break Schalke down. Tim Skarke scored a late consolation before Maximilian Wober completed Schalke’s win in stoppage time, moving them up to seventh.

Zabiri double helps Racing Santander

Moroccan forward Zabiri scored twice as Racing Santander came from behind to beat Deportivo Alaves 2-1 at El Sardinero.

Ville Koski gave Alaves the lead in the 18th minute, following up after Julen Agirrezabala had saved an initial effort.

Zabiri equalised before half-time, racing on to a ball over the top and calmly finishing with his left foot past Antonio Sivera. He completed the comeback early in the second half by meeting Inigo Vicente’s cross.

Alaves pushed for an equaliser but could not create clear chances, leaving Racing with their second victory of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalled a LaLiga record last achieved by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009 by scoring in Deportivo La Coruna’s 1-1 draw with Getafe.

The 37-year-old has now scored in each of Deportivo’s opening five league matches of the 2026/27 campaign, becoming only the 11th player in LaLiga history to find the net in the first five rounds.

His run began against Elche and continued with goals against Malaga, Valencia and Villarreal. The former Gabon international and Barcelona forward has five goals and two assists, helping newly promoted Deportivo remain unbeaten under Antonio Hidalgo.

In Ligue 1, Adil Bourabaa and Abdallah Sima scored as Le Mans surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Lens. The result extended Le Mans’ wait for a home Ligue 1 victory to 2010.

Algeria international Bourabaa headed in after 32 minutes following Louis Mafouta’s effort against the crossbar, then set up Lucas Calodat for Le Mans’ second before half-time.

Lens responded in stoppage time when Senegal international Sima headed Florian Thauvin’s cross into the top corner. Franjo Ivanovic completed the comeback as the teams shared the points.

Valencia ended a run of four successive defeats with a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Mendizorrotza, giving interim manager Oscar Sanchez a winning start in charge.

The result also lifted Valencia out of the LaLiga relegation zone, at least for the time being, after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Previous head coach Carlos Corberan was dismissed after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Sevilla proved to be the final setback. Valencia showed early signs of a response under Sanchez, although they had a goal disallowed shortly after the quarter-hour mark.

Arnaut Danjuma’s first-time strike beat Antonio Sivera and went in off the inside of the post, but a VAR review ruled that the forward had been offside.

The decision appeared to prompt a reaction from Alaves, who began to threaten as the first half progressed. Pablo Maffeo tested Sivera with a volley from just outside the area, although the goalkeeper was able to collect it.

Alaves had taken 10 points from their first five matches, their joint-best start to a top-flight season, and their confidence was evident as they continued to create opportunities.

They came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval when Angel Perez delivered into the area, but Pablo Ibanez headed wide.

The first half had offered signs of an open contest, but the attacking quality dropped after the break as both teams struggled to establish a rhythm.

Alaves had won all three of their previous matches at home this season, including a 5-2 victory over Osasuna in their most recent game in front of their own supporters. They could not reproduce that attacking performance against Valencia.

The visitors were also short of threat for long periods, but a draw would still have represented progress following their recent run of results. Instead, they scored the decisive goal with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Javi Guerra released Luis Rioja with a well-weighted through ball. Rioja raced into the penalty area before lifting his finish over Sivera to secure three important points for Valencia and send the visiting supporters into celebration.

The defeat ended Alaves’ chance of winning four consecutive home matches for the first time since 2001. However, their impressive start means they remain fourth in the table despite the loss.

Luis Rioja was named Flashscore Man of the Match.

Real Madrid are working to sign 15-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, who has asked to leave the club and no longer wants to play for the “Red Devils”.

The Spanish club are confident of winning the race for the England youth international, according to The Athletic, and have already begun efforts to complete a deal.

Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich are also interested in Gabriel, with several of Europe’s leading clubs competing for the teenager’s signature.

Manchester United do not want to lose the highly rated youngster and are attempting to find a solution. Gabriel’s current contract with the club expires in the middle of next year.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has extended his contract with the club until 2030, with the new agreement making him their highest-paid player, according to the Daily Mail.

The 29-year-old became Crystal Palace captain last season and helped the club win the Conference League. Henderson made 52 appearances during the campaign, keeping 18 clean sheets.

He joined Crystal Palace from Manchester United in 2023 for £15m. Nottingham Forest were interested in signing the goalkeeper last summer.

Henderson is currently recovering from a foot injury and is expected to return after the international break.

Real Madrid are working to sign 15-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel, who has asked to leave the club and no longer wants to play for the “Red Devils”.

The Spanish club are confident of winning the race for the England youth international, according to The Athletic, and have already begun efforts to complete a deal.

Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich are also interested in Gabriel, with several of Europe’s leading clubs competing for the teenager’s signature.

Manchester United do not want to lose the highly rated youngster and are attempting to find a solution. Gabriel’s current contract with the club expires in the middle of next year.