Aston Villa marked a strong return to winning ways in Europe with a 2-0 triumph over Maccabi Tel Aviv on UEFA Europa League matchday four a fitting way for Unai Emery to celebrate both his 54th birthday and three-year anniversary at the club, Softfootball reports.

The result was also the perfect response after their 2-0 loss to Liverpool over the weekend, as the Villans extended their impressive home record in European competitions to 13 wins from their last 15 outings.

The build-up to the clash was overshadowed by the decision to ban Maccabi supporters from Villa Park, leaving empty patches in the stands and a muted atmosphere. The opening exchanges reflected that energy, with few clear chances at either end. Donyell Malen’s deflected strike that flew narrowly wide midway through the half offered the first glimpse of quality, before Maccabi’s Osher Davida nearly stunned the hosts with a ricocheted effort that crept just past Emiliano Martínez’s post.

Villa struggled to break through the Israeli defence until winger Morgan Rogers decided to take matters into his own hands, weaving past three defenders before being denied by Roei Mashpati. The visitors responded swiftly, with Roy Revivo cutting the ball back for Dor Peretz, whose close-range shot was brilliantly stopped by Martínez.

That moment proved pivotal as Villa took the lead in first-half stoppage time. Rogers was again the instigator, finding Ian Maatsen in the box, and the Dutchman’s thunderous strike went in off the underside of the bar to make it 1-0.

Maccabi came out stronger in the second half and nearly drew level through Peretz, but Martínez pulled off another fine save. Their hopes were dashed minutes later when Elad Madmon tripped Ezri Konsa in the box, gifting Villa a penalty that Malen confidently converted to double the advantage.

The forward nearly added another when he raced through on goal but was denied by Mashpati’s fingertips. With the game under control, Emery rotated his squad to protect key players ahead of their weekend Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

After the game, Aston Villa via its official X handle confirmed that the team has now gone 8 European games unbeaten at Villa park further solidify their strong record at home. They posted:

EIGHT unbeaten European games in a row at Villa Park

The Fortress pic.twitter.com/gWAGdLcoRZ

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 6, 2025

It was a composed, professional showing — exactly what Emery would have wanted on such a milestone week. The victory reinforced Villa’s growing European confidence under the Spaniard, who continues to make history in continental competitions. For Maccabi Tel Aviv, however, it was another frustrating night in a campaign that has offered more questions than answers.

Every footballer starts somewhere — for Conor Bradley, it was in the backyard, dreaming he was Steven Gerrard or Luis Suárez as he slid across the grass trying to hit the top corner, Softfootball reports

Now, years later, those childhood dreams have become his reality. The Northern Irish defender has gone from a football-mad kid in County Tyrone to a key member of Liverpool’s first team ,and one of the brightest young full-backs in the Premier League.

In a new feature titled Backyard Dreams, shared on Liverpool’s official X handle and presented by Husqvarna, the Reds’ official lawn care partner, Bradley looked back fondly on where it all began, he stated;

Yeah, I would have spent a lot of time [in the backyard], Any time we got home from school, we just went straight out and played football. Steven Gerrard was one [I pretended to be], definitely. I used to slide about the garden trying to copy him, hit it top bins. And then [Luis] Suarez as well.

Those backyard moments built the foundation for the fearless, hard-working player Liverpool fans see today. On Tuesday night, Bradley was outstanding in the Reds’ 1–0 win over Real Madrid at Anfield, shutting down the left wing completely and keeping Vinícius Júnior quiet all night — no small feat against one of the most explosive wingers in world football.

Since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, Liverpool’s new signing Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to maintain consistent fitness, with recurring injuries disrupting his rhythm. His current spell on the sidelines has opened the door for Conor Bradley to further establish himself in the starting lineup, offering the youngster a golden opportunity to prove he belongs at the top level with extended game time.

His defensive awareness, energy, and confidence on the ball stood out as Liverpool held firm to claim a famous European victory. The right-back was later named Player of the Match, a fitting reward on a night when he marked his 70th appearance for the club.

Reflecting on how far he’s come, Bradley admitted that even he sometimes struggles to believe it.he said,

I think he’d be pretty surprised to see what I’ve gone on and done, (referring to his younger self) He’d be telling me now to keep going and keep working hard, and just try to make the most of what you’ve got.

Meanwhile, Liverpool via it’s official X handle uploaded the full video of Connor Bradley talking about growing up as a supporter of the club. Watch the full video below:

“I used to slide about the garden trying to copy him, hit the top bins”

Backyard dreams with @conorbradley03, presented by @UK_Husqvarna #Ad pic.twitter.com/bE96lwORPs

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 5, 2025

From sliding around in his family garden pretending to be Gerrard to silencing Real Madrid at Anfield, Conor Bradley’s story is a reminder that every dream no matter how small can grow into something unforgettable.

Looking back, Bradley’s story feels like a full-circle moment, the boy who once dreamed of being Gerrard is now living that same Anfield dream, inspiring the next generation of Reds to believe it’s possible too.

Eric García has suffered a nasal fracture and will be fitted with a protective mask as Barcelona monitor his recovery ahead of the trip to Celta Vigo. The centre-back picked up the injury during Barcelona’s dramatic 3-3 Champions League draw away to Club Brugge, a match that saw the Catalans come from behind three times but also left the squad a little more dented.

The setback is particularly unwelcome because Hansi Flick has relied on García heavily this season, the Spaniard has featured more than almost anyone in the centre of defence as Flick tries to build a settled backline. Softfootball understands that García’s availability has been vital to the coach’s plans.

Barcelona provided the latest update on the Center back in a statement shared via its official X handle. They posted;

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
First-team player Eric Garcia has suffered a nasal fracture.
He will be fitted with a protective mask and his recovery will determine his availability for the upcoming match against Celta. pic.twitter.com/BwJlLDJSzW

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 6, 2025

This injury piles onto Barcelona’s growing list of absentees, Pedri, Raphinha, Joan García and Andreas Christensen are already sidelined and adds fresh pressure to a squad juggling fixtures and fitness. Softfootball understands the club’s medical team will fast-track assessments, but will not rush García back until they are satisfied he can play safely.

Barcelona now face a short sprint of matches where squad depth will be tested; the priority is clear, protect the players and steady the team as Flick seeks a quick response on the pitch.

Liverpool produced one of their most disciplined and dominant performances of the season, beating Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League this week. The victory was not just about the scoreline, it was about the control, composure, and tactical precision that defined Arne Slot’s side from start to finish. Softfootball reports.

Remarkably, the Reds did it all without their British record signing, Alexander Isak. The £125 million striker missed the game due to injury concerns, yet his absence hardly showed as Liverpool executed their game plan to near perfection.

From the opening whistle, Liverpool took control of possession and pressed with a level of intensity that suffocated Madrid’s rhythm. The Anfield crowd roared their approval as Slot’s men dictated the pace, winning key battles in midfield and forcing Xabi Alonso’s side into mistakes.

The Reds’ defensive organization was equally impressive, allowing Real Madrid only two shots on target throughout the game a rare feat against a team boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

The winning goal came midway through the second half when Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to nod home a pinpoint Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick. It was a set-piece straight off the training ground, executed with precision and confidence and it reflected Liverpool’s growing efficiency under Slot’s leadership.

After the game, Liverpool shared via their official X handle the highlight of Mac Allister’s bullet header which ultimately proved more than enough to separate both sides. Watch the goal below:

Szobo Macca pic.twitter.com/iHkNsLrHv7

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 5, 2025

Despite missing Isak, Liverpool didn’t lack attacking intent. The fluid movement of players like Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo kept Madrid guessing, while the midfield trio controlled the tempo and pressed relentlessly. Slot’s decision to trust his existing squad depth paid off handsomely, with every player on the pitch stepping up in Isak’s absence.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the performance was Liverpool’s defensive composure. Virgil van Dijk led by example, marshaling the backline with authority, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili produced key saves when called upon. The team’s discipline and positional awareness ensured Madrid never found the space to exploit Liverpool’s high line.

Liverpool through its official X handle, shared the full highlights of important moments during game, so the anfield faithfuls can relive and rewatch the masterclass performances put in by the players and coach Arne slot. They posted:

Enjoy the highlights from our #UCL win over Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/RX9TmJ7K1A

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 6, 2025

For a side that had struggled for consistency in recent weeks, this win felt like a turning point. Beating Real Madrid, a team synonymous with Champions League dominance, is no small feat, and doing it in such commanding fashion without their record signing makes it even more significant.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool may still be a work in progress, but this was a statement victory. It was a reminder that even without their biggest summer acquisition, the Reds remain one of Europe’s most formidable forces when everything clicks.

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has urged his players to maintain belief and composure as they prepare to face Tottenham at Old Trafford. The Reds are coming off a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, a result that left fans both hopeful and cautious about the team’s progress.

Amorim, who has been under the spotlight since taking over at United, remains optimistic about the team’s development. Speaking to the press via the club’s official YouTube channel.

The Portuguese manager reflected on his side’s evolution since their Europa League exit to Spurs last season. He stated;

Characteristics of the players are different in the team now. We also have players who played last year. But we are a better team. We understand the game better.

We are more confident. We reached the Europa League final confident that we could win it. But in this moment, we are playing with a different confidence.

Amorim continued by emphasizing the squad’s newfound ability to adapt and change games when needed, saying;

We are more confident, we can win any game and we have proved that already. The last game was tough on us because in some moments, we weren’t the team that we were supposed to be.

We suffered two goals against Brighton too but it was different. We have a lot to improve but we are now more prepared for anything that happens in the game.

We are in a better moment but we still have a lot to do to consistently win games in a row.
We can manage the games better now. We can always change from one moment we are struggling because we have players who can do that individually and not just as team.

But if you look at Nottingham Forest game, you can sense the energy was not the same. You can see that from the first moments of the game itself.

When asked whether not playing in European competition this season has benefited his side, Amorim admitted it has allowed him and his players more time to reflect, rebuild, and connect. He noted;

It is not seeing the positives [from the defeat by Tottenham in the Europa League], it is using the positives.

I would say, yes. Any situation you have in life, you can look at it positively or in a bad way. If you ask me whether I prefer to be here with the cup and Champions League football, I might say yes.

But on the other side, you have more time to train and know your players. Arrange everything and prepare with the staff and players. So we try to use the positive thing of not playing in the midweek games. But the future will be with European competition. I can see the positives.

The manager also addressed United’s injury record and defensive struggles, two areas that have drawn criticism in recent weeks. He said;

Sometimes you have problems with players with knocks. It’s not something… soft tissues, and you never know what’s going to happen in the next training. If you play with intensity in training, anything can happen.

But I think the big reason is one game every week. You can give an extra day to the players that you know that could struggle in the next training, so I think that is the big reason.

It’s a problem. If you see the league nowadays, the team that is winning is not conceding goals. That’s a big thing.

When you have talented players, if you defend well, in one moment, you can score and win a game. But it’s a team thing. We need to defend well and be more aggressive. Everything is connected.

But we cannot concede the amount of goals we are conceding at the moment. Sometimes if you defend really well, you attack better. In the last game, they had 17 shots against us. We cannot allow that. We need to pay attention to that.

Ruben Amorim has expressed his confidence in his side ahead of the big game against Tottenham this weekend, catch the managers full reactions and answers to questions concerning Manchester United on and off the field via the Team’s YouTube channel. Watch full video below:

Meanwhile, Softfootball understands that Amorim also addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent comments about Manchester United’s on and off-field struggles. The Portuguese manager acknowledged Ronaldo’s influence in world football but emphasized that the club is focused on learning from past mistakes and building a stronger future rather than dwelling on previous setbacks.

With the Tottenham test looming, Amorim will be hoping his words translate into another strong performance, one that could reignite belief among fans and set the tone for United’s push up the Premier League table.

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has responded to recent remarks made by Cristiano Ronaldo about the club’s internal struggles and organizational structure.

Softfootball understands that Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about Manchester United’s recent issues and overall club management during his appearance on The Piers Morgan Podcast, where he reflected on the changes he believes are needed at Old Trafford.

Ahead of United’s crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham, Amorim addressed the press, calling for calm and focus despite the noise surrounding Ronaldo’s comments.

According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, the Manchester United boss Amorim said:

Cristiano knows he has a huge impact on everything he says. We know as a club we made a lot of mistakes in the past. We are trying to change that. Let’s not focus on what happened. We need to focus on the future.

Amorim’s response also highlighted his growing confidence in the team’s long-term project, insisting that Manchester United’s rebuild will take time but is already showing signs of progress both on and off the pitch.

Amorim will be hoping his players channel that same forward-looking mentality when they face Tottenham, especially after last weekend’s disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest a result that raised questions about the team’s consistency.

The Portuguese tactician will also be counting on his senior players to show leadership on the pitch as United aim to return to winning ways and regain momentum in their campaign.

Softfootball reports that Barcelona’s unbeaten run on the road in the UEFA Champions League came to a dramatic end on Wednesday night, November 5, 2025, as they were held to a thrilling 3–3 draw by Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium. It was a match filled with chaos, brilliance, and defensive lapses that once again exposed Hansi Flick’s men at the back. something in the opposite direction of the pregame predictions,, as Barcelona were expected to have it easy.

The Catalans, who had won all four of their previous away fixtures in the competition, were rocked early when Nicolò Tresoldi opened the scoring in just the 6th minute, finishing off a quick counter from Carlos Forbs, who tore through Barcelona’s high line with ease. But Barça responded immediately through Ferran Torres, who calmly slotted home to level things two minutes later.

Still, the defensive cracks remained. Forbs who was a constant menace throughout, struck again in the 17th minute, cutting inside and curling a superb left-footed finish past Wojciech Szczęsny to restore Brugge’s lead. Despite controlling the game with 76% possession and 23 attempts on goal, Barcelona struggled to make it count. Jules Koundé rattled the crossbar, and Marcus Rashford saw a fine effort tipped over before the break.

After halftime, the game continued at a frantic pace. Brugge nearly made it 3–1 through Joaquin Seys, but the visitors found their equaliser when Lamine Yamal, fresh from his inclusion in the FIFPRO World Starting XI, coolly finished off a sweeping move in the 61st minute with the outside of his foot, a reminder of his composure beyond his years, an act that drew appreciation from the club, which was reflected via a post on their official X account.

They posted:

This kid’s unreal pic.twitter.com/CqFel9TupR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 5, 2025

However, just when it seemed Barcelona had settled, Forbs struck once more two minutes later to complete a brilliant hat-trick, punishing another lapse in concentration with a deft chip over Szczęsny. The Blaugrana pushed hard for a response and got a stroke of luck in the 77th minute when Lamine Yamal’s dangerous cross deflected off Christos Tzolis and into the net for 3–3.

In the dying moments, Brugge thought they had snatched all three points when Romeo Vermant bundled the ball home, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for a foul on Szczęsny in the buildup.

The draw means Barcelona drop points away from home in the Champions League for the first time under Flick, leaving them on six points, level with PSG and Real Madrid in Group D. For Brugge, the result extends their impressive five-match unbeaten home run in Europe, proving once again that the Belgian champions are no pushovers on the continental stage.