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!
Seeing Red
Just three days after scoring his first goals in a Juventus kit, Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League debut for the club ended prematurely. CR7 saw red after grabbing at Valencia defender Jeison Murillo's head, yet what exactly he did has been up for debate. Reactions have ranged from complete exoneration to 'he scratched Murrillo's scalp'. Regardless of intent, Ronaldo was foolish for engaging with the defender and ultimately putting his fate in the referee's hands.
What followed was a fascinating, multi-faceted, and relatively predictable reaction from one of the greatest athletes ever. Upon realizing he had been sent off, Ronaldo became distraught, flinging himself to the ground and becoming teary-eyed. On the surface, CR7's reaction appears one of a child, not a 33 year-old man. Although his antics were a bit over the top, once delving into the context of situation they actually make a bit of sense. First, the decision to give a red card for an offence that took multiple viewings to decipher what he had done feels a bit harsh. I'm always open to criticizing Ronaldo, but even I pitied Cristiano in that moment. Additionally, he was brought to Juventus with one goal in mind: to finally win the Champions League. Massive amounts of pressure have been on Ronaldo, and getting sent off in your CL debut is quite disappointing.
Juventus eventually pulled out the win, and Ronaldo's initial three match ban was reduced to one, so not too much was lost. The star scored in their next Serie A match on Sunday, looking like an inspired man.
City Gets Fek-ed
In possibly the shock of the first round of CL play, Manchester City fell at home to Nabil Feker and Lyon. Due to a red card carried over from last season, manager Pep Guardiola was forced to remain in the stands, with Mikel Arteta in charge of the squad for the day. Unfortunately for City, while Pep is away Fekir will play. The creative midfielder ran rampant, scoring a beautiful goal and supplying the assist (with some help from Delph) for Lyon's second.
While City will surely regroup and still dominate the group, this was a huge win for a Lyon squad that quietly is stocked with talent. It's no wonder why Liverpool was so desperate to snag Fekir during the summer, as the Lyon captain continues to shine. Following Wednesday's performance, Fekir is being linked with a move to Madrid.
M&M Take Home Top Awards
The Best FIFA Football Awards were held in London Monday evening, with Luka Modric and Marta headlining the event. Modric toppled the duopoly on the The Best FIFA Men's Player award that Messi and Ronaldo have held for years. Leading Croatia to the World Cup Final and winning a third straight Champions League title with Real Madrid was enough for the midfielder to receive the honor. Luka was clearly emotional, and described the night "when all my dreams have come true."
Meanwhile for the women, Brazilian star Marta took home the Best FIFA Women's Player award. This is now her sixth victory of said award, giving her the most ever - man or woman. It may be time that we begin considering Marta as not only one of the best female footballers of all time, but as one of the best footballers to play period.
However, the spotlight was not exclusive to the footballers. Actor and host for the occasion Idris Elba stole the show, sporting a waistcoat covered with pictures of Gareth Southgate wearing a waistcoat. Southgate's waistcoat was a hit during England's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia.
Championship Golazos
When picturing the EFL Championship - the second tier of English football - one does not usually envision eye-popping world class goals. Well, after two insane goals this weekend from Championship sides, that narrative may be changing. Enjoy, courtesy of John McGinn and Harry Wilson.
Silence and Statements in the Bundesliga
Fan outrage and protests are not a rarity in football, especially in the German Bundesliga. In lieu of increased ticket prices, week-day kick off times, and overall treatment of supporters, fans of numerous Bundesliga clubs have announced a silent protest during the upcoming midweek matches. Monday and midweek matchdays have historically been off limits in Germany, largely because they restrict some fans from going to games due to work obligations. Additionally, fans have seen ticket prices rise as the DFB and DFL attempt to market the league to foreign markets and maximize profits.
The protests began Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena during Bayern's match with Augsburg, and fans were relatively silent for the first 20 minutes of game. In the second half, Bayern ultras raised a banner in the form of a letter to the DFB, proclaiming a "house ban" on all DFB personnel. Tensions are obviously rising, and now that talks between the fan coalition and DFB has ceased, it's hard to believe much will change in 2018.
You're all caught up! Here are a few marquee games to keep an eye on this upcoming week and weekend:
Chelsea vs. Liverpool (Carabao Cup) - 9/26 2:45pm
Sevilla vs. Real Madrid - 9/26 4pm
Roma vs. Lazio - 9/29 9am
Everton vs. Fulham - 9/29 10am
Juventus vs. Napoli - 9/29 12pm
Chelsea vs. Liverpool - 9/29 12:30pm
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund - 9/29 12:30pm
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid - 9/29 2:45pm
NY Bed Bulls vs. Atlanta United - 9/30 1pm