New Delhi: This weekend delivered an exhilarating mix of comebacks, upsets, and standout performances across Europe’s top football leagues, reminding fans why the sport captures hearts worldwide. La Liga delivered high-stakes drama with Atletico Madrid mounting a sensational comeback against Sevilla while Real Madrid continued their charge back to the top of the standings, keeping the title race wide open. In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich continued their dominant start despite notable absences with Jamal Musiala stealing the show in a high-scoring clash.
Serie A added its share of drama with Atalanta climbing to the summit after a late winner against AC Milan while Juventus showed resilience in an electrifying comeback. Ligue 1’s narrative shifted with Paris Saint-Germain dropping points in another goalless draw, allowing Marseille and Monaco to close the gap in the standings. From last-gasp goals to pivotal moments that may shape the season, here is a detailed roundup of the major action that took place this weekend.
La Liga
STANDINGS | Here’s how the #LALIGAEASPORTS table looks after Matchday 16. pic.twitter.com/p4jTNujQP0
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 9, 2024
In La Liga, Atletico Madrid staged a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Sevilla at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano with Antoine Griezmann’s brilliant stoppage-time winner completing the turnaround. Atletico initially led through Rodrigo de Paul’s early strike but Sevilla responded emphatically with goals from Dodi Lukebakio, Isaac Romero, and Juanlu Sanchez to take a 3-1 lead by the 57th minute. Refusing to concede defeat Griezmann scored twice including the decisive goal, and Samuel Lino’s long-range effort further energized Diego Simeone’s side. The win brings Atletico within three points of league leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand while Sevilla’s inconsistent campaign continues as they sit 13th.
Real Madrid kept up the pressure in the title race with a 3-0 victory over Girona. Jude Bellingham scored for the fifth consecutive league game, adding an assist for Arda Guler before Kylian Mbappe sealed the win with his 200th career league goal. Despite being substituted after a knock, manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Bellingham’s availability for their Champions League match.
In another fixture, Barcelona dropped crucial points in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres were on target but Giovani Lo Celso’s penalty and Assane Diao’s stoppage-time equalizer secured a point for Betis. The draw tightens the title race as their arch-rivals Real Madrid are trailing by just two points.
Elsewhere, Athletic Club secured a 2-0 win over Villarreal to bolster their league position.
Bundesliga
#Bundesliga Así marcha la tabla de posiciones del fútbol alemán, tras cumplirse entera la fecha 13, con el Bayern Múnich solo en la punta. #FutbolAleman
Foto: vía @New_World_Sport pic.twitter.com/P0Y6rQh2Zl
— Andrés Eduardo Gutiérrez (@Guti99) December 9, 2024
In Bundesliga, Bayern Munich extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-2 victory over Heidenheim at the Allianz Arena despite missing key players like Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, and Serge Gnabry. Dayot Upamecano opened the scoring but an error from the defender allowed Mathias Honsak to equalize. The introduction of Jamal Musiala proved pivotal as the 21-year-old scored twice including a sensational solo effort alongside Leon Goretzka’s deflected strike to seal the win. Bayern now sit six points clear at the top after Eintracht Frankfurt were held to a 2-2 draw by Augsburg.
Elsewhere, Wolfsburg produced a dramatic late comeback with Jonas Wind scoring twice to secure a thrilling 4-3 win over Mainz. Bayer Leverkusen edged past St. Pauli 2-1 maintaining their pursuit of European places. Stuttgart staged an extraordinary fightback as they overturned a 2-0 deficit against Union Berlin to win 3-2, with Nick Woltemade netting a brace.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s European hopes took a hit after a 1-1 draw at Borussia Monchengladbach. Jamie Gittens shone with his fifth Bundesliga goal of the season but Dortmund couldn’t hold their lead as Kevin Stoger converted a penalty for the hosts. Dortmund are sixth in the standings while Monchengladbach despite Tomas Cvancara’s late red card stay within three points of their rivals.
Serie A
It’s tight at the top after matchweek 15 👀 pic.twitter.com/5FAWaSQ6ka
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 9, 2024
Atalanta climbed to the top of the Serie A standings with a dramatic 2-1 victory over AC Milan. Ademola Lookman’s 87th-minute header from an unmarked position sealed the win adding to Charles De Ketelaere’s early opener against his former club. Milan equalized in the 22nd minute through Alvaro Morata who converted Rafael Leao’s pinpoint cross but failed to secure a second goal. The victory moves Atalanta to 34 points, two ahead of Napoli while Milan sits seventh with 22 points.
Elsewhere, Inter eased to a 3-1 win over Parma in their first game since last weekend’s abandonment against Fiorentina due to Edoardo Bove’s on-pitch collapse. Federico Dimarco’s stunning solo strike opened the scoring before Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram extended the lead with Thuram taking home a corner in the 66th minute.
Meanwhile, Juventus staged a thrilling comeback with Bologna to draw 2-2. Trailing by two goals after strikes from Dan Ndoye and Tommaso Pobega, Juventus fought back through Teun Koopmeiners and a stunning stoppage-time equalizer from Samuel Mbangula. Juventus head coach Thiago Motta dismissed for dissent, saw his side extend their unbeaten run to 15 games, though they remain seven points behind leaders Atalanta. Bologna, despite their spirited display, stay eighth with 22 points.
Ligue 1
Marseille retakes second place in Ligue 1 📈 pic.twitter.com/W3fPxoe1HX
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 8, 2024
In Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain’s struggles continued as the league leaders were held to a second consecutive draw, this time a goalless stalemate with Auxerre. Despite dominating possession, PSG were thwarted by an inspired performance from goalkeeper Donovan Leon who denied Goncalo Ramos’ powerful header in the first half and made crucial saves throughout the game.
Vitinha came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock as he struck in the 69th minute but the visitors failed to capitalize on their chances. The result keeps PSG atop the standings with 34 points.
Meanwhile, second-placed Marseille closed the gap with a 2-0 win at Saint-Étienne, courtesy of goals from Andre Rabiot and Mason Greenwood. Monaco secured a 2-0 victory over Toulouse, while Lyon earned a commanding 3-0 win at Angers. Jonathan David, linked with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United, scored twice to help Lille defeat Brest 3-1. Nice also edged Strasbourg 2-1 to stay in contention for European spots.
Catch up on this weekend’s thrilling European football action, from Atletico Madrid’s sensational comeback to Real Madrid’s push towards the top of the standings, along with other standout moments across Europe’s top leagues. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
