Van Dijk's Late Header Propels Liverpool to Victory Over West Ham

Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Eduardo Camavinga scoring the decisive goal. Despite a red card for Kylian Mbappé in the second half, Los Blancos held firm to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga.

The first half was a frustrating one for Real, who struggled to break down Alavés’ disciplined low block. Alavés stayed compact and were content to absorb pressure, with few genuine chances emerging. Andriy Lunin made a key save just before the interval to deny a rare counter from the visitors.

The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute when Camavinga surged forward from midfield, played a quick one-two with Brahim Díaz, and fired a powerful shot low into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

However, Madrid’s control of the match was disrupted in the 70th minute when Kylian Mbappé received a straight red card for a reckless challenge—his first sending-off since arriving in Spain. The incident sparked a tense final 20 minutes.

Alavés pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Rüdiger and Nacho stood resolute in defense, blocking multiple late efforts and clearing a dangerous set-piece deep into stoppage time.

Carlo Ancelotti remained measured after the match: "We showed maturity. It was a difficult game, especially after the red card, but the team stayed focused."

With this result, Real Madrid maintain their narrow lead over rivals Barcelona as the title race remains delicately poised.

Newcastle United produced a stunning performance to dismantle Manchester United 4-1 at St. James’ Park in what will be remembered as one of their most dominant showings of the season. With goals from Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and a brace from Bruno Guimarães, the Magpies overwhelmed an out-of-sorts United side, who now face serious questions about their top-four hopes.

Eddie Howe’s side started the game with intensity, pressing high and attacking with purpose. Their efforts paid off in the 15th minute when Guimarães fired home from the edge of the box after a slick passing move involving Gordon and Almirón.

Manchester United attempted to respond, and Marcus Rashford did find the net shortly before halftime after a brilliant solo run, but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR check. That disallowed goal seemed to deflate United and fire up the home side.

The second half was all Newcastle. Just five minutes in, Isak latched onto a long ball and chipped André Onana with aplomb to make it 2-0. The Swedish striker’s finish was met with thunderous applause as St. James’ Park roared in approval.

Guimarães then added his second and Newcastle’s third after a chaotic scramble in the box, pouncing on a loose ball and blasting it into the roof of the net. United’s defense looked completely lost, unable to cope with Newcastle’s fluid attacking movements.

The only consolation for Erik ten Hag’s side came in the 77th minute when substitute Rasmus Højlund pulled one back with a well-placed header, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed minutes later. Gordon, who had been a menace all game, completed the rout with a calm finish after cutting in from the left.

With this win, Newcastle climb into the top five, while United drop points yet again in a frustrating and inconsistent campaign.