Bayern Survive Late Kiel Fightback To Go Nine Points Clear

With a remarkable 4-3 victory over Holstein Kiel on Saturday, Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to nine points.

Bayern led 4-0 as Harry Kane scored twice, but Finn Porath replied for Kiel before Steven Skrzybski’s stoppage-time double threatened to steal an unlikely point.

Around the Allianz Arena, there was cheerleading after the full-time whistle.

“None of us are happy that we won 4-3 here”, Jamal Musiala, scorer of Bayern’s first goal, told Sky Sport. “We must have the mindset to work for 90 minutes without giving up goals.”

The way his team ended the game also irritated Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.

“It was a pretty complete game until the 80th minute. But we also played against a team that was fighting for every moment”, Kompany told reporters.

“I thought we started the second half really well, but in terms of how we finished the game, that’s something we’ll have to review with the players”.

With Bayern’s closest title rivals, Bayer Leverkusen, hosting Hoffenheim on Sunday, Kompany’s side took their chance to create a gulf between them and the champions.

In the 19th minute, Musiala scored his 10th league goal of the year through a quick exchange of passes between Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, and then Musiala, who scored.

German forward #07 Serge Gnabry (hidden) celebrates scoring his country’s fourth goal in the German first division Bundesliga game between FC Bayern Munich and Holstein Kiel on February 1, 2025 in Munich, southern Germany. (Photo by LUKAS BARTH-TUTTAS / AFP)

With less than a minute of stoppage time left, Bayern delivered a devastating blow to Kiel, who had almost made it to half-time.

Kingsley Coman beat his man on the left and lofted a cross past Kane, who was unable to miss from a close range. Kane scored another in the first minute of the second half, heading home Raphael Guerreiro’s pinpoint cross.

It was Kane’s 55th league goal in 50 appearances, another Bundesliga goalscoring record that Kane has rewritten.

Olise’s half-time replacement, Serge Gnabry, made a great first-half goal, sending a high ball under his feet with his right foot and striking in with his left.

Even after the fourth official indicated five more minutes, Porath’s beautifully executed strike, which appeared little more than a consolation, was fired back.

Bayern were almost embarrassed by Skrzybski’s late brace, but the hosts limped over the line as beaten-ups.

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Dortmund win before Kovac begins&nbsp,

In their final game since Niko Kovac was fired, Borussia Dortmund defeated struggling Heidenheim 2-1 to claim a win.

Dortmund took the lead when Heidenheim couldn’t clear a corner, and Serhou Guirassy fired a close goal.

The Guinean striker scored five goals in his last four games, which came after a double in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.

Heidenheim occupying the relegation play-off spot with their previous 14 league games, which included a win.

Max Beier’s difficult finish appeared to be easy in the 63rd minute when Ramy Bensebaini drilled a low cross in from the left.

Dortmund became their own worst enemies, conceding 18 seconds after the restart. Frans Kraetzig found space down the left and cut back for Mathias Honsak, whose first-time finish cut Dortmund’s lead in half.

Dortmund held on to end a four-game winless streak in the Bundesliga by overcoming some late pressure to record their first league victory since December 22.

In another game, Borussia Moenchengladbach defeated Stuttgart 2-1 in a late goal by Germany international Tim Kleindienst.

Nathan N’Goumou, a Frenchman, rifled into the top of the net before the break, but a Nico Elvedi own goal set the game level.

But a slick Gladbach counter-attack saw Lukas Ullrich pick out Kleindienst, who tapped in the winner.

Freiburg picked up a 1-0 win at bottom-placed Bochum, with another Frenchman, Kiliann Sildillia, nodding in a corner for his first Bundesliga goal.

When late strike from Augsburg teen Mert Komur sealed a 1-1 draw for St Pauli, they were denied a victory.

Man Utd’s Rashford Close To Aston Villa Loan

According to reports from Saturday, unresolved Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is close to signing for Aston Villa on loan.

Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on Friday, and Villa have since made a move for Rashford.

The 27-year-old’s representatives are said to have spoken with Tottenham and West Ham during the January transfer window, and he had previously been linked with AC Milan and Barcelona.

After his astonishing fall from grace in the last two years, Rashford could rehabilitate his tarnished reputation with a temporary move to Villa.

As Villa prepare to compete for a top four spot in the Premier League and the Champions League last 16, Villa could benefit from a revitalized Rashford with a point to prove.

When his side face Wolves in Saturday’s late Premier League game, Villa boss Unai Emery will likely be questioned about Rashford’s interest.

READ ALSO:  Amorim In The Dark Over Rashford’s Man Utd Future

Since admitting he was ready for a “new challenge” after being dropped by United boss Ruben Amorim for the December transfer to Manchester, Rushford has been considering leaving Old Trafford.

The England international has missed 12 of United’s previous games, with Amorim recently saying he would rather name the team’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach. Amorim appeared to lose patience with Rashford after the game.

This week, Amorim predicted that Rashford would have to completely alter his behavior in order to flee.

However, it appears that Rashford will request a departure before the transfer deadline on Monday.

Meanwhile, United have signed England Under-19 international Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in a deal worth over £1 million in compensation to the Gunners.

The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a contract until 2029, with the option of a further year.

He turned down the chance to sign a professional contract with Arsenal because he was only six months into his academic year at the club.

Head of Arsenal made his League Cup debut against Preston earlier this year, and Manchester United announced that he would be “immediately” joining Amorim’s squad.

“I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United,” Heaven said.

Everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality is a blessing to me.

I want to succeed in the game a lot. I’ll give everything to advance my career and become the best player possible. ”

Nottingham Forest Thrash Brighton 7-0 In The Premier League

Nottingham Forest defeated Brighton 7-0 to reclaim their lead in the Champions League for the next season on Saturday at the City Ground, thanks to Chris Wood’s hat-trick.

After Nuno Espirito Santo’s men recovered from a 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, Lewis Dunk’s own goal opened the scoring for Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and Jota Silva, who were also on target.

Victory takes Forest level on points with second-placed Arsenal and opens up a seven-point cushion on sixth-placed Chelsea.

Due to English clubs’ strong start in European competitions, fifth place in the Premier League this year is almost certain to qualify them for Champions League qualification.

Two-time European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980 during the club’s heyday under Brian Clough, Forest last played in Europe back in 1996.

However, they are now well on track to end that two-decade wait for continental competition after a run of ten victories from their last 12 games.

On February 1, 2025, Nottingham Forest’s New Zealand striker #11 Chris Wood (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his fifth goal of the English Premier League against Brighton and Hove Albion at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

With five starting eleven players in place, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler made a daring selection.

However, that had a huge negative impact, as Forest’s frightening pace and precision led to the Seagulls’ wide openness and punishment going forward.

After just 12 minutes, Dunk turned Gibbs-White’s risky low cross into his own net to give the hosts a helping hand they did not need.

On his 100th Forest appearance, Gibbs-White then rose highest to power in a header from Anthony Elanga’s corner.

As Brighton is cut open at will down Forest’s right side, Manchester United will wonder what they let go in Elanga.

Wood had just 15 minutes to score his 15th Premier League goal of the year, setting his own personal best ever for a season in the English top flight, with his pinpoint cross on the half-hour mark.

After the break, the New Zealander, 33, was set for two more opportunities for him to enjoy his best career.

As Elanga hurried toward the byline and squared in from point blank range, Wood was once more the creator of the fourth.

On February 1, 2025, Nottingham Forest’s New Zealand striker #11 Chris Wood (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fourth goal at the Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton and Hove Albion English Premier League game at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

After scoring from the penalty spot, Tariq Lamptey man-handled Gibbs-White to the floor, giving Wood the opportunity to complete his hat-trick.

Stan Collymore’s record of 24 goals as Forest’s top scorer in a single Premier League season is now in the balance.

After a negative day for their own European ambitions, Brighton remain ninth.

After a bright start to Hurzeler’s reign, the 31-year-old has won just two of his last 11 league games.

In the final stages, Williams smashed in from close range, going from bad to worse for the visitors.

In stoppage time, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made it even worse for his side when Jota Silva surged forward and fired past the Dutch international.

Rashford Close To Aston Villa Loan – Reports

According to reports from Saturday, unresolved Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is close to signing for Aston Villa on loan.

Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on Friday, and Villa have since made a move for Rashford.

The 27-year-old’s representatives are said to have spoken with Tottenham and West Ham during the January transfer window, and he had previously been linked with AC Milan and Barcelona.

After his astonishing fall from grace in the last two years, Rashford could rehabilitate his tarnished reputation with a temporary move to Villa.

As Villa prepare to compete for a top four spot in the Premier League and the Champions League last 16, Villa could benefit from a revitalized Rashford with a point to prove.

When his side face Wolves in Saturday’s late Premier League game, Villa boss Unai Emery will likely be questioned about Rashford’s interest.

Since admitting he was ready for a “new challenge” after being dropped by United boss Ruben Amorim for the December transfer to Manchester, Rushford has been considering leaving Old Trafford.

The England international has missed 12 of United’s previous games, with Amorim recently saying he would rather name the team’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach. Amorim appeared to lose patience with Rashford after the game.

This week, Amorim predicted that Rashford would have to completely alter his behavior in order to flee.

However, it appears that Rashford will request a departure before the transfer deadline on Monday.

Meanwhile, United have signed England Under-19 international Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in a deal worth over £1 million in compensation to the Gunners.

The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a contract until 2029, with the option of a further year.

He turned down the chance to sign a professional contract with Arsenal because he was only six months into his academic year at the club.

Head of Arsenal made his League Cup debut against Preston earlier this year, and Manchester United announced that he would be “immediately” joining Amorim’s squad.

“I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United,” Heaven said.

Everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality is a blessing to me.

I want to succeed in the game a lot. I’ll give everything to advance my career and become the best player possible. ”

Neymar Signs For Boyhood Side Santos

Neymar signed a six-month deal with the Brazilian club Santos on Friday.

“The contract is for six months initially, but obviously we will do all we can that he remains with us”, Santos’s vice-president Fernando Bonavides told Canal SporTV.

We anticipate that he will stay with us until the World Cup in the following year.

The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player has returned to Santos after playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia for just seven games, with a reportedly $104 million in annual revenue.

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Neymar gives a welcome address to Brazilian football stars to the Santos football team fans at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on January 31, 2025. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP)

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer, joined Al Hilal in August 2023, following fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Gulf.

However, he broke a cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in 2026, which kept him on the sidelines for a year.

As he attempted to return to action, he also sustained a number of hamstring and knee injuries.

Neymar donned a happy face as he received fans at a ceremony held at the club’s Estadio Urbano Caldeira, which featured performances from local musicians.

Amorim Praises Garnacho Revival After Man United Snub

Since the Argentinian was dropped for the derby win against Manchester City, Ruben Amorim claims that Alejandro Garnacho has “everything” won him over.

Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were unsurprisingly dropped from the United squad in December’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Ravashford is still imprisoned and has indicated that he wants to leave Old Trafford, with Amorim urging the England international to raise his standards if he wants to return to the club.

Garnacho impresses Amorim with his improved attitude and performances, despite speculation that he might be sold before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Kobbie Mainoo scored the assist goal in United’s 2-0 win over FCSB on Thursday, continuing his renaissance.

Since that game against City, he has immediately changed. He understands that I only want to help him and that I only want to win games, Amorim said.

He completely changed, from the way he approaches to the way he recovers. ”

After starting more frequently under his predecessor Erik ten Hag, Garnacho has frequently been used by Amorim as an impact substitute.

And the former Sporting Lisbon boss revealed that Garnacho has occasionally been hard-pressed to improve his form in an effort to maintain consistency.

“He understands that sometimes I’m a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it’s hard,” he said.

“He understands that it is never in a bad way, it’s always for him, but I am different person.

“I think all the merit goes to Garnacho. We want to keep improving with Garnacho because he is getting better. ”

As the club tries to balance profit and sustainability goals while allowing Amorim to revamp his squad, there has also been talk of selling midfielder Mainoo.

But the 19-year-old delivered a man-of-the-match performance, featuring a goal and an assist, against FCSB as Amorim moved him to a more attacking midfield role.

Less defensive responsibilities, according to Amorim, whose team plays Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

Downplaying talk over contract negotiations potentially affecting the teenager, he said: “I don’t think it is about the contract. He is regarded as a very good player by everyone in England.

“He played in the European Championship final, so I think it is more the position. He becomes uncomfortable as a result because he used to play constantly and now occasionally plays but never does.

“It’s different for him, it demands a lot from him and in that position, I feel that he was more happy to play. If they are happy, they play better. Simple as that. ”