Every week we will be reviewing the top games, events, and stories of the weekend, making sure you don't miss a beat. Come here every Tuesday to catch up on what you might have missed around the football world!
Spanish Ups and Downs
We start off this late edition of Weekend Roundup at Wembley, where Messi dismantled Spurs Wednesday evening. Barcelona slipped past the opposition often, and the assault began in just the second minute of the game after Coutinho capitalized off of a Lloris blunder. A beautiful Rakitic volley added to their lead, and the Catalans were clearly operating on all cylinders. Messi in particular was at his best, hitting the post on two occasions before finishing off a gorgeous team goal early in the second half. Though Spurs flirted with a comeback, Messi grabbed his second on the day in the 89th minute to quell any remaining efforts.
Barcelona has looked absolutely dominant in the Champions League so far, yet this result comes off of poor performances against Leganes and Athletic Bilbao. However, their Spanish counterparts Real Madrid also struggled this week, and September 26th was the first time since 2015 that the clubs have lost on the same day. Madrid was trounced by Sevilla early last week, causing a bit of uneasiness at the club. A home loss to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League only amplifies the growing frustration at the now Ronaldo-less club. With Gareth Bale, Isco, Luka Modric, and Marco Asensio, Madrid are still stacked with talent, but their efficiency in front of goal will determine the level of success they find this season.
Due to such slow starts in La Liga from the big boys, only two points separate Barcelona in first and Real Betis in fifth. History suggests that Real Madrid and Barca will pull away, nonetheless La Liga viewers will welcome such a competitive close.
Chelsea and Liverpool Deliver
We have officially witnessed the game of the young Premier League season, ending in a draw between Chelsea and Liverpool. A thrilling back and forth, each club imposed their philosophies on the pitch: Chelsea's "Sarri-ball" and Liverpool's "Gegenpress." The aftermath was two spectacular goals, both scored by players that have worn the Chelsea kit.
Brewing in the midfield with a flurry of quick passes, Chelsea's first goal came from Hazard, who received Mateo Kovacic's through ball and cooly shot it past Alisson and into the right corner. This is the goal you see in the dictionary next to "Sarri-ball", and Hazard's world class finish illustrated his new found confidence. Three points were nearly secured, until former Blue Daniel Sturridge received the ball from Xherdan Shaqiri and curled an unstoppable shot over Kepa. Manchester City awaits Liverpool at the weekend, creating an even more salivating matchup. We are not worthy.
Ronaldo Accused of Rape
On a more serious note, Cristiano Ronaldo - arguably the biggest sports figure on the planet - is being sued for rape, which he allegedly committed at a Las Vegas resort in 2009. His accuser, Kathryn Mayorga, decided to come forward earlier this week via German news outlet Der Spiegel, who initially came across the incident last year online. Mayorga accounts that once reaching Ronaldo's penthouse suite at the resort, he exposed himself to her and forced her onto the bed, raping her while she repeatedly screamed no.
Not wanting to go public in fear of widespread ridicule, Mayorga and her then attorneys agreed to a non-disclosure agreement with Ronaldo's representatives, receiving $375,000 in return for silence. The current lawsuit would void the NDA and previous settlement, while the Las Vegas police have reopened the case.
In response to the lawsuit and allegations, Ronaldo released a very stern statement: "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in. Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense." He has also publicly deemed the allegations "fake news."
Physical evidence, the actions of Ronaldo's representative's during the settlement, and a detailed account from Mayorga all create a mountain of evidence against CR7. In addition, Der Spiegel claims to possess a questionnaire that Ronaldo filled out by order his attorneys, in which he says "she said no and stop several times." (https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2018/10/4/17938012/cristiano-ronaldo-rape-case-der-spiegel-kathryn-mayorga). Nervousness from sponsors Nike and EA Sports suggests that the claims are extremely credible.
No matter the result of the lawsuit, these allegations are incredibly damning for Ronaldo, and excruciatingly saddening for Mayorga. Regardless of the validity of her claims and the evidence she brings forward, she will have to face an ugly storm from Ronaldo's combined 217 million social media followers, who will vehemently defend the player. Those that berate her will only prove her hesitation to name her attacker valid, thus exemplifying her bravery.
For more information:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/30/us/cristiano-ronaldo-rape-allegations-lawsuit/index.html
https://www.gq.com/story/on-cristiano-ronaldos-rape-allegation
German Title Race?
This is the question many in and around the Bundesliga are raising. Borussia Dortmund stands atop the Bundesliga, a position that giants Bayern have comfortably held for years. Marco Reus and his Dortmund mates are yet to lose in the league, and now have a 14 goal-difference in just 6 games.
Finding themselves down 2-0 in the second half against Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund rallied and scored four consecutive goals to win. This victory took them above Bayern, who lost Friday to Hertha Berlin. Contributing to Dortmund's early success has been Englishman Jadon Sancho, who left Man City to get more first-team minutes in the Bundesliga. Sancho has one goal and five assists in the Bundesliga so far, and has earned a call-up to Southgate's England squad. Fingers crossed that a genuine title race ensues.
You're all caught up! Here are a few marquee games to keep an eye on this upcoming week and weekend:
10/5: Brighton vs. West Ham, 3pm
10/6: Manchester United vs. Newcastle, 12:30pm
10/6: Bayern vs. Monchengladbach, 12:30pm
10/7: Atletico vs. Real Betis, 10:15am
10/7: Manchester City vs. Liverpool, 11:30 am
10/7: Valencia vs. Barcelona, 2:45pm
10/7: PSG vs. Lyon, 3pm