Alex Connor

FotMob • 16th December 2025

EFL Cup: Cardiff City 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea took advantage of their unassailable squad depth and advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals thanks to a chaotic 3-1 victory over Cardiff in the Welsh capital. This game burst into life in the second half as substitute Garnacho opened the scoring with a ruthless finish, following Lawlor’s glaring error. Cardiff threatened an upset when Turnbull levelled with a brilliant header. However, Chelsea’s Premier League quality prevailed as Neto’s deflected strike and Garnacho’s second of the match sealed the win to break Cardiff hearts. The visitors recorded a massive 2.57 xG, while also registering 20 shots. Meanwhile, Barry-Murphy’s men, who battled tremendously hard, managed 0.58 xG and ten shots. Ultimately, Maresca’s changes were the all-important difference between the sides, and they’re into the last four of the competition. Later this week, Cardiff travel to Lincoln City for a League One game, while Chelsea face a Premier League away fixture against Newcastle United. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 10th December 2025

Champions League: Benfica 2-0 Napoli

It’s full-time in Portugal, and Benfica have deservedly secured a 2-0 victory over Napoli. The hosts were comfortably the better side throughout the contest and opened the scoring in the first half through Rios’ poked finish. Just minutes into the second half, the Portuguese giants doubled their lead when Barrerio’s exquisite flick rounded off a free-flowing counter-attack, after excellent work from Ivanovic and Rios in the build-up. Napoli struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing an xG of just 0.69 and two shots on target. Meanwhile, Benfica’s superiority is reflected by their 2.17 xG and 13 shots. This result moves Mourinho’s men up to 25th in the Champions League standings, while Conte’s side are 23rd. Later this week, Benfica face an away fixture against Moreirense in the Primeira Liga, and Napoli travel to Northern Italy to play Udinese in Serie A. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 3rd December 2025

Premier League: Leeds United 3-1 Chelsea

Leeds desperately needed a win and emphatically answered their critics with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Elland Road to move out of the relegation zone. The Blues couldn’t cope with Leeds’ intensity and fell two goals behind in the first half, thanks to Bijol's header and Tanaka's powerful strike. Neto smashed in from close range at the beginning of the second half to briefly provide Chelsea with some hope, but this was extinguished by Calvert-Lewin, who pounced on a defensive mistake from Tosin to tap into an empty net. The hosts recorded a massive 2.82 xG and 17 shots, while from 71.4% possession, Chelsea managed just 1.1 xG and two shots on target. This sobering result is a reality check for Chelsea, who drop to fourth, while Leeds leapfrog West Ham United and move up to 17th, three points clear of the relegation zone, to end a run of four successive defeats. Later this week in the Premier League, Leeds host Liverpool in Yorkshire, while Chelsea travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 30th November 2025

Serie A: Roma 0-1 Napoli

The full-time whistle sparks jubilant scenes for the away side as Napoli clinch a pivotal 1-0 victory in the Serie A over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Ultimately, the two teams were separated by a breathtaking Napoli breakaway goal in the 36th minute, when Hojlund and Neres ruthlessly combined. The Napoli winger raced clear on the counter-attack and calmly dispatched the one-on-one opportunity. The Giallorossi’s best chance fell to substitute Baldanzi in the 90th minute, but his strike was well-saved by Milinkovic-Savic as Napoli held on to claim a monumentally important win. Roma recorded more possession (56%), but managed just two shots on target and an expected goals (xG) of 0.56. Meanwhile, Napoli outscored their opponents’ xG with a total of 1.03 and move up to second in Serie A, level on points with table-toppers Milan, as Roma drop to fourth. Next weekend in Serie A, Roma travel for an away tie against Cagliari. Napoli have two matches next week, including a Coppa Italia game with Cagliari, before a reunion with Conte’s old club Juventus in Serie A. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 29th November 2025

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Fulham

Tottenham’s wretched home form continues as Fulham secure their first Premier League away win of the season with a 2-1 victory in North London. Spurs paid the price for a dreadful first-half performance, and quickly fell two goals behind when Tete fired the visitors in front, before Vicario’s glaring error gifted Wilson the second. Frank’s side improved in the second half and pulled a goal back through Kudus’ thunderous 59th-minute finish. However, Silva’s men held on to clinch a momentous three points as Spurs have now lost five of their last seven games in all competitions. The 2025 Europa League winners registered 62.8% possession, 0.86 expected goals (xG) and 14 shots, but just two were on target. While Fulham managed 0.42 xG and seven shots. This result means Fulham are 15th and a point behind Spurs, who stay tenth. Next week, Tottenham face a daunting away fixture against Newcastle United and a home match against Brentford. As for Fulham, they host Manchester City and Crystal Palace. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 29th November 2025

Ligue 1: Monaco 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain

Monaco have condemned PSG to their second Ligue 1 defeat of the season and added more excitement to the title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Enrique’s side at the Stade Louis II. In a largely uneventful first half, Minamino forced Chevalier into a smart save, and Salisu hit the post for Monaco as PSG struggled for creativity. The visitors didn’t do enough to raise the tempo in the second half, and Monaco capitalised on their lacklustre display when Minamino slotted into the bottom corner. Kehrer’s sending off set up a nervy finish, but Vitinha, Ndjantou and Neves all missed chances, allowing Monaco to claim a monumental three points. PSG posted more possession (56.5%) and a higher expected goals (xG) with 1.01 to Monaco’s 0.52, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Monaco move up to sixth, seven points behind table-toppers PSG. In their upcoming Ligue 1 outings, Monaco face an away trip to Brest, while PSG host Rennes. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 26th November 2025

Champions League: Liverpool 1-4 PSV

Liverpool’s crisis dramatically deepens as Slot’s team suffers an embarrassing 4-1 defeat against a rampant PSV side. The Dutch giants jumped into an early lead through Perisic’s penalty, before Liverpool equalised thanks to Szoboszlai. The visitors then produced a mesmerising second-half performance, with Til’s dinked finish putting PSV back in front. Substitute Driouech added two late goals as Liverpool fall to another crushing loss at Anfield, with the pressure increasingly mounting on Slot. The Merseyside outfit recorded more possession with 63.3%, and registered a higher expected goals (xG) with 2.66 to PSV’s 2.21. The reigning Premier League champions posted 27 shots to their opponents' nine, but they played chaotically and were deservedly beaten. This result moves PSV up to 15th in the Champions League standings as Liverpool drop to 13th. Later this week, Liverpool travel to London to face West Ham in the Premier League, while PSV have a home game against Volendam in the Eredivisie. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 14th November 2025

International Friendly: Angola 0-2 Argentina

Argentina earn their eighth win in their last ten games in all competitions with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Angola at the Estadio 11 de Novembro. Messi missed two massive chances in the first half before playing an inch-perfect pass to Martinez, who fired La Albiceleste into a 43rd-minute lead. The hosts didn’t give up and continued to pressure the 2022 World Cup winners, with Luvumbo twice failing to convert presentable opportunities. Eventually, Argentina’s unerring quality prevailed as Martinez picked out Messi, who coolly doubled the lead. Scaloni’s men recorded 65.8% possession and also posted a higher expected goals (xG) with 1.50 to Angola’s 0.49. This game will be an important lesson for Angola, whose Africa Cup of Nations campaign starts next month. Meanwhile, this competitive battle has served as another key part of Argentina’s defence of their World Cup crown, as they continue preparation for next year’s tournament. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 9th November 2025

Serie A: Inter 2-0 Lazio

Inter cruise into the November international break at the top of Serie A on goal difference, following an eye-catching 2-0 victory over Lazio at the San Siro. Martinez swiftly put the Nerazzurri ahead in the third minute with a magical long-range effort that flew into the top corner. In the second half, Inter’s dominance continued, and Bonny doubled the lead by finishing off a brilliant team move from close range. Zielinski thought he had added a third for the hosts, but VAR intervened to rule it out. Lazio threatened at the end when Gila struck the bar and Pellegrini had an effort saved by Sommer, but Inter held on for the win and a clean sheet. Chivu’s side registered more possession with 53.8%, and also recorded a higher expected goals (xG) with 1.91 to Lazio’s 0.68. This result propels Inter to first, while Lazio are ninth. In their next Serie A outings, Inter face Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on 23rd November, while Lazio host Lecce on the same day. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 5th November 2025

Champions League: Qarabag FK 2-2 Chelsea

In a fiercely competitive encounter, Qarabag earned a commendable 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League group stage. The visitors opened the scoring through Estevao’s smart finish, but Qarabag kept their composure and swiftly found an equaliser when Andrade tapped in a rebound following Hato’s mistake. The young Chelsea defender then conceded a penalty through a handball, allowing Jankovic to dispatch the resulting spot-kick with unerring confidence. Garnacho, who was introduced as a half-time substitute, fired in a leveller swiftly after the restart. Both sides had chances to win it, with Kashchuk spurning a golden opportunity for the hosts, while Delap, Fernandez, Garnacho and Buonanotte all went close for Chelsea. Maresca’s men had far more possession (61.3%), but Qarabag recorded a higher expected goals tally with 1.65 to Chelsea’s 1.08. This result means that both teams move onto seven points from their first four 2025-26 Champions League fixtures. Later this week, Qarabag play Neftci in the Misli Premier League. As for Chelsea, they host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English top-flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 1st November 2025

LaLiga: Real Madrid 4-0 Valencia

Real Madrid have strolled to a resounding 4-0 victory over Valencia, moving seven points clear at the top of LaLiga. The hard work was done in the first half, and the scoring began when Mbappe coolly dispatched a penalty. The 2018 World Cup winner quickly notched his second with a clinical volley, before Bellingham curled in a third. Los Blanocs comfortably protected their lead in the second half and managed to extend their advantage through Carreras’ thunderous finish. Guerra hit the woodwork with a wonderful effort in the closing stages, denying Valencia a consolation. Alonso’s men had 64.8% possession, and also registered an expected goals (xG) total of 2.80 to Valencia’s 0.46 as the visitors recorded just one shot on target. Corberan’s side remain 18th, and face Real Betis at home in their upcoming LaLiga fixture. Next week, Real Madrid travel to Liverpool for an exciting Champions League battle, before an away encounter against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 1st November 2025

Premier League: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United

That was the Premier League at its very best! Forest and United share the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the City Ground! United jumped into the lead in the 34th minute when Casemiro headed in from Fernandes’ corner. Forest were furious that was goal was given, feeling that the initial corner was the wrong decision, with Savona believing he kept the ball in play. However, Dyche’s men responded incredibly in the second half as Gibbs-White and Savona both swiftly netted, firing Forest into the lead. United didn’t give up and found a late equaliser through Diallo’s wonderful volley. The visitors nearly sealed a victory in added time, but Murillo cleared Diallo’s effort off the line. Forest registered a higher expected goals (xG) tally with 1.92 to United’s 1.15, while the away team recorded more possession (58.8%). This result means Forest stay 18th and United remain sixth. Next week, Forest travel to Austria to take on Sturm Graz in Europe, before a Premier League home tie against Leeds United. Meanwhile, the Red Devils face Tottenham in the Premier League in North London. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!

FotMob • 29th October 2025

Ligue 1: Lorient 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain

Nothing separates the two sides, as Lorient and PSG share the points in Western France with a fiercely competitive 1-1 draw. All the action occurred in the second half, and PSG opened the scoring within minutes of the restart as Mendes bundled the ball into the net after Doue’s eye-catching build-up. However, on the next attack following this goal, Lorient equalised through Silva’s powerful effort. PSG’s evening became even trickier when Doue had to be substituted due to injury. Both teams pushed for a winner, with PSG’s Barcola and Lorient’s Le Bris missing notable chances. Enrique’s men massively dominated the expected goals (xG) with 1.43 to Lorient’s 0.23, and also retained the majority of possession with 78.2%. This result keeps PSG top while Lorient stay 16th. In their next Ligue 1 outings, PSG host Nice and Lorient travel to Lens. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 24th October 2025

Premier League: Leeds United 2-1 West Ham United

Despite a late rally, West Ham suffered another damaging defeat, succumbing to a 2-1 loss against Leeds at Elland Road. The visitors started woefully and fell two goals behind in the first half thanks to Aaronson’s tap-in and Rodon’s emphatic header. In the second half, with the expectation on Nuno’s men to attack and find a goal, they struggled to show intent. Eventually, West Ham scored in the 90th minute when Fernandes flicked in Bowen’s cross. However, Leeds held on and claimed a deserved three points. Farke’s side recorded a higher expected goals (xG), with 1.58 to West Ham’s 0.63. Leeds also managed more shots, with 13 to West Ham’s nine. This result moves Leeds up to 13th, while West Ham stay in the relegation zone in 19th. In their next Premier League games, Leeds travel to Brighton, while West Ham host Newcastle United. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 21st October 2025

Champions League: Villarreal 0-2 Manchester City

Ultimately, City were too clinical, and the English giants leave Spain with a professional 2-0 victory over Villarreal. The visitors were extremely efficient, netting two cleverly worked goals in the first half through the irrepressible Haaland and the diminutive Silva. Villarreal lacked end-product as Pepe missed two presentable chances and Oluwaseyi struck the post in the second half. Guardiola’s side registered more possession with 65.8%, and outscored Villarreal on expected goals (xG) by 1.5 to 1.38. The hosts have failed to win in their last six games in the Champions League, and this result leaves them 29th in the European standings. Meanwhile, City move up to fifth in the table, taking seven points from a possible nine in the opening three games. In their next matches at the weekend, Villarreal travel to Valencia in LaLiga, and City have an away Premier League clash against Aston Villa. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you for joining us!

FotMob • 19th October 2025

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa

Villa secure their first Premier League away win of the season, with an incredible 2-1 comeback victory over Spurs in North London, thanks to stunning goals from Rogers and Buendia! The hosts jumped into an early lead through Bentancur’s thunderous half-volley. Rogers’ dipping strike in the 37th minute levelled the score. The visitors sealed the three points in the second half, when a gloriously worked move was finished off by Buendia’s curling effort. Spurs registered a higher expected goals (xG) tally with 0.97 to Villa’s 0.37. Frank’s men also recorded more possession (52.8%), but this result moves Emery’s side up to tenth, while Spurs are sixth. Both clubs have midweek European action. Spurs will travel to France to play AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Villa also have an away fixture, as they face GA Eagles in the Europa League on Thursday. Next Sunday in the Premier League, Spurs are away to Everton, and Villa will host Manchester City. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!

FotMob • 14th October 2025

Portugal 2-2 Hungary: Ronaldo's record-making double cancelled out by Szoboszlai’s late equaliser

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers, but Portugal could not hold on as they drew 2-2 with Hungary.

Marco Rossi's Hungary team manufactured a dream start, and were ahead after eight minutes when Szoboszlai’s pinpoint corner was nodded in at the back post by Attila Szalai. 

However, Ronaldo dragged Portugal level just 14 minutes later when he pounced onto Nelson Semedo's pass to equalise from close range.

The 40-year-old's insatiable appetite...

FotMob • 14th October 2025

Raphinha considered Barcelona exit amid interest from Saudi Arabia

Raphinha has revealed that he was close to leaving Barcelona in 2024 for Saudi Arabia, but was convinced to stay at the club by Hansi Flick.

Last summer, the Brazilian felt unwanted in Catalonia and was tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia for life-changing money.

However, Flick, who replaced Xavi as Barcelona’s head coach, ensured that Raphinha stayed put.

In 2024-25, across Europe's top five leagues, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (57) registered more goal involvements than Raphinha (56).

How...

FotMob • 14th October 2025

Norway 1-1 New Zealand: Nusa's stunning equaliser earns hosts a draw

New Zealand claimed a courageous draw at the Ullevaal Stadion, as Finn Surman's opening goal was cancelled out by Antonio Nusa's brilliance. 

Before this match, Norway boasted nine consecutive wins in all competitions, but were without the likes of the talismanic Erling Haaland, as well as Alexander Sorloth and the injured Martin Odegaard. 

New Zealand capitalised and jumped into an unexpected lead when Francis de Vries swung in a deep free-kick, which was headed into the corridor of uncertain...

FotMob • 13th October 2025

World Cup Qualifier: Wales 2-4 Belgium

Belgium have secured a monumental 4-2 victory over Wales to move top of their World Cup Qualifying Group. Wales jumped into an early lead through Rodon’s header. Their advantage didn’t last long as Belgium netted a swift double thanks to De Bruyne’s penalty and Meunier’s thunderous finish. De Bruyne scored another emphatic penalty in the second half, but Broadhead’s late goal gave Wales a lifeline. However, in the final stages, the Red Devils sealed the win with Trossard’s clinical strike. Bellamy’s men dominated possession with 61.8%, but Belgium massively outscored their opponents on expected goals (xG), with a tally of 3.12 to Wales’ 0.87. This result means the hosts are four points and two places behind Belgium in the group, while North Macedonia are second, following a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan. Wales need to win their upcoming two games to get a play-off spot for the 2026 tournament. In their next outings, Wales travel to Liechtenstein and Belgium are away to Kazakhstan. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary. Thank you.

FotMob • 5th October 2025

Premier League: Brentford 0-1 Manchester City

City have secured a vital 1-0 win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League, to move three points behind table-toppers Arsenal. Ultimately, City and Brentford were separated by a clinical ninth-minute finish from Haaland. In the first half, the visitors flaunted their incredible skill and quality, creating various opportunities, with Foden and Reijnders going close. After the break, they produced a regimented defensive performance, limiting Brentford’s threat. Guardiola’s men dominated possession with 70%, but each side registered an expected goals (xG) total of 0.83. This result means City are fifth, while Brentford drop to 16th, three points above the relegation zone. After the international break in the Premier League, City host Everton at the Etihad Stadium, while Brentford travel to West Ham United for a London derby. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!

FotMob • 5th October 2025

Premier League: Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley

Villa register their fourth successive victory in all competitions, as they hold on against Burnley to record an important 2-1 Premier League win in the Midlands. The home side completely dominated the first half, and deservedly opened the scoring through Malen’s resounding finish. The same trend persisted in the second half, and Villa doubled their lead, thanks to another superb effort from Malen. However, Burnley found a late route back into the match with Ugochukwu’s close-range header. Nevertheless, Villa protected their lead to secure three points, moving up to 13th, while Burnley stay 18th. Emery’s men posted a far higher expected goals (xG) tally of 1.37 to Burnley’s 0.42. They also took 15 shots, compared to the visitors’ five, to further emphasise their control. After the international break in the Premier League, Villa travel to Tottenham Hotspur, while Burnley host Leeds United. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!

FotMob • 1st October 2025

Champions League: Villarreal 2-2 Juventus

That’s full-time at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Villarreal and Juventus share the points with a pulsating 2-2 draw in the Champions League. The hosts were the better team in the first half, and jumped into a deserved lead through Mikautadze’s smart finish. However, Juventus looked like a completely different side in the second half. Gatti levelled the score with an eye-catching overhead kick, before Conceicao’s emphatic strike made it 2-1. Villarreal continued to showcase their fighting spirit, and Veiga’s late header from a corner meant both teams leave with a point. Villarreal sit 26th in the Champions League standings, while Juventus are 23rd. Tudor’s men recorded more possession with 55.6%, but Villarreal narrowly outscored their opponents’ expected goals (xG) total, registering 1.67 to Juventus’ 1.55. Both clubs are still without a victory in the 2025-26 Champions League campaign. This weekend, Villarreal will play Real Madrid in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Juventus travel to Milan in Serie A. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!

FotMob • 30th September 2025

Champions League: Chelsea 1-0 Benfica

In a match desperately lacking end-product and attacking quality, Chelsea have scrambled to a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League to spoil Mourinho’s return to West London. Ultimately, the sides were separated by a first-half own goal by Benfica midfielder Rios, following eye-catching build-up play from Neto and Garnacho. The hosts defended resolutely in the second half as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Pedro received a red card in the final stages, but the Blues still protected their slim lead. Chelsea registered 56.1% possession, and a higher expected goals (xG) tally with 0.93 to Benfica’s 0.86. This result moves Chelsea up to 17th in the Champions League standings, while Benfica are 31st. This weekend, Chelsea return to Premier League action with a mouthwatering clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Benfica will head back to Portugal to prepare for a massive game against arch-rivals Porto in the Primeira Liga at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday evening. We hope you’ve enjoyed this live text commentary! Thank you!