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Real Madrid’s Title Hopes Dented by Isco’s Heroics for Real Betis

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Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez commonly known as Isco
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In a pivotal La Liga encounter, Real Madrid faced a significant setback in their quest for the title after a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis. The match was highlighted by Isco, who, despite not being confirmed as captain, played a crucial role by scoring the winning goal and assisting another, earning him the Man of the Match honors.

 

His performance against Real Madrid, his former team, has stirred discussions across social media, with fans split between celebrating his skill and questioning the etiquette of his celebration. This loss has implications for Real Madrid’s league position, potentially benefiting rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race for the championship.

 

The match began with Real Madrid taking an early advantage in the 10th minute. Kylian Mbappé’s precise pass found Ferland Mendy, who squared the ball for Brahim Díaz to tap into an empty net, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

 

However, Betis, under the guidance of former Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini, responded strongly. Cardoso’s goal leveled the score, and after the break, Isco capitalized on a penalty opportunity—earned when Antonio Rüdiger fouled Jesús Rodríguez in the box—firing past Thibaut Courtois to give Betis a 2-1 lead. Despite late pressure from Madrid, including a saved shot from Vinícius Jr. by Betis goalkeeper Adrián, the hosts held firm, ending with 18 shots to Madrid’s nine in a deserved victory.

 

This loss leaves Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, vulnerable in the tight title race. They remain second, level on points with leaders Barcelona—who face Real Sociedad on March 2—and could drop to third if Atlético Madrid defeat Athletic Bilbao later on March 1.

 

Madrid’s away form has faltered, with no wins in their last three league road games (one draw, two losses), a stark contrast to their formidable home record. For Betis, the win—Pellegrini’s first against Madrid in 10 meetings—lifts them to sixth place, bolstering their European ambitions. Isco’s heroics, underscored by his 97 touches and 90% pass accuracy, highlighted a resurgent season, with six goals in 15 games, four in the last month alone, haunting his former team at a pivotal moment.

 

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CAF and PUMA Unveil ITRI Match Ball for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

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CAF and PUMA
Introducing ‘ITRI’ The Official Match Ball for Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
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The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and global sports brand PUMA have officially revealed ‘ITRI’, the designated match ball for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

This unveiling marks a celebration of Moroccan heritage blended with the dynamic energy of African football, just weeks ahead of the tournament’s kickoff on December 21, 2025.

Design and Cultural Inspiration
ITRI draws its aesthetic from Morocco’s ancient zellij art—a traditional form of intricate geometric mosaics found in historic architecture.
The ball features a white base accented by vibrant red and green patterns, echoing the colors of the Moroccan flag.

Key design elements include:

  • Star geometry at the center, symbolizing ambition, light, and the pursuit of excellence on Africa’s premier football stage.
  • Floral petal outlines representing celebration, growth, and the joyful spirit of the AFCON.
  • Circular symmetry, embodying the unity of the 24 competing nations.

These motifs are enhanced by ‘Flow of Movement’ patterns that capture the rhythmic, expressive style of African play. The name ‘ITRI’ itself honors the five-pointed star on the Moroccan flag while nodding to the starry configurations in zellij craftsmanship.

Technical Performance
Engineered on PUMA’s Orbita 6 platform, ITRI combines artisanal aesthetics with elite-level functionality. It ensures optimal aerodynamics, grip, and durability for high-stakes matches, making its debut in the tournament’s opening fixture.

Fans can purchase the ITRI ball in select markets for a recommended retail price of €130.

CAF’s Creative Development Manager, Mohamed Ghonemi, emphasized the ball’s unifying power: “Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection.”

PUMA’s Director of EEMEA Distribution, Peter Dangl, added: “We’re proud to unveil the ITRI ball – the official match ball of AFCON 2025 and a true symbol of African football’s spirit. Combining Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, ITRI celebrates both the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent. Our collaboration with CAF reflects PUMA’s lasting commitment to African football and the communities that bring it to life.”

This launch underscores PUMA’s ongoing role as CAF’s official match ball supplier, building excitement for what promises to be a landmark edition of the AFCON in Morocco. For more visuals and updates, check official CAF channels or PUMA’s football collections.

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Barcelona President Joan Laporta Rejects Lionel Messi Loan Return

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Juan Laporta
Joan Laporta: "Despite how everything happened with Leo Messi's departure, I have no regrets. Barça is above anyone else."
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FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta firmly dismissed speculation about a short-term loan deal that would allow Lionel Messi to return to the Camp Nou during Inter Miami’s MLS off-season. Speaking in an interview with Catalunya Radio, Laporta emphasized respect for all parties involved, stating: “Out of respect for Messi, for the professionals at the club, and for our members, I won’t make any unrealistic speculations—it wouldn’t be appropriate right now.” This comes amid ongoing fan hopes for a sentimental reunion with the club’s all-time greatest player, who left Barcelona in dramatic fashion in 2021 due to the club’s financial woes.

 

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Liverpool Edges Real Madrid 1-0 in Tense Champions League Clash at Anfield

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Mac Allister
An epic night of football at Anfield, Credit: UEFA
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In a pulsating encounter under the Anfield floodlights on November 4, 2025, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s clinical second-half header.
The win marks a statement performance for Arne Slot’s side, reigniting their European campaign after a testing domestic spell, while ending Real Madrid’s perfect record in the competition’s new league phase format.
Key Moments
  • 61′ – GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Mac Allister rose highest to meet a pinpoint Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick delivery, nodding past Thibaut Courtois into the far corner. It was his second goal against Madrid in as many seasons, evoking memories of last November’s 2-0 triumph.

    Anfield erupted, with the Kop’s roar amplifying the tension.

  • Early Exchanges (0′-30′): Liverpool started brightly, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike probing Madrid’s defense. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, controlled possession (around 58%) but struggled to create clear chances, relying on Jude Bellingham’s industry and Vinícius Júnior’s bursts.
  • Courtois’ Heroics (45′-60′): The Belgian goalkeeper, a nightmare from the 2022 final, produced eight saves, including a stunning leg denial on Szoboszlai from point-blank range. His performance kept Madrid in the hunt until Mac Allister’s breakthrough.
  • Late Drama (75′-90+’): Bellingham, reaching 50 Champions League appearances at just 22, was denied by Giorgi Mamardashvili’s feet after a rare Madrid counter. A half-hearted penalty appeal for Andy Robertson’s challenge on Arda Güler came to nothing, as Liverpool saw out the win with composed defending led by Virgil van Dijk.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Return
The evening carried extra spice with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s first start for Real Madrid against his boyhood club. Booed relentlessly from the stands and even by some former teammates’ gestures, the right-back endured a tough night. His crosses lacked precision, and a misplaced pass nearly gifted Liverpool a second. Post-match, warm embraces from old pals like van Dijk softened the blow, but the result amplified the “what ifs” of his summer transfer saga.
This result boosts Liverpool to third in the league phase standings (pending other results), while Madrid slip to fifth but remain favorites to advance.

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