First Up: Football - daily football news and opinion

Nottingham Forest’s wait for a win under Ange Postecoglou goes on after a 3-2 Europa League defeat to Midtjylland, making him the first permanent Forest boss in a century to fail to win his first six games. Aston Villa enjoyed happier fortunes with victory at Feyenoord, while Celtic were left fuming after a disallowed goal in their loss to Braga. Elsewhere, Roma endured a bizarre triple-penalty drama against Lille and Rangers slipped up in Austria. In the Premier League, Liverpool have been dealt a major blow with Allison ruled out for at least six weeks, while Oliver Glasner is being linked to the Manchester United job. In the US, Nashville SC lifted their first ever trophy by winning the US Open Cup. And finally, NBA star Joel Embiid made headlines with his World Cup predictions - backing France and Spain while cheekily dismissing England’s chances of glory in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PSG sent out another Champions League statement with a late Gonçalo Ramos winner to beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou. Elsewhere, Manchester City were pegged back by a stoppage-time penalty in Monaco, Arsenal saw off Olympiakos at the Emirates, Newcastle hammered Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, and Rasmus Højlund struck twice in Napoli’s win over Sporting. Also, Fede Valverde responded to rumours about refusing to play at right-back for Real Madrid and Sheffield Wednesday face a possible 15-point deduction after repeated wage delays. Newcastle’s Tino Livramento picked up a knee injury, while Gareth Southgate ruled himself out of any future move to Manchester United. And in the US, Emma Hayes made headlines by likening international management to being a grandparent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool fell to a fiery 1-0 defeat in Istanbul as Victor Osimhen’s penalty gave Galatasaray their first clean sheet in 24 Champions League games. Arne Slot’s side also lost keeper Alisson to injury and had a late penalty overturned by VAR. Elsewhere, Spurs nicked a last-minute draw in Norway, Real Madrid cruised past Kairat with a Kylian Mbappé hat-trick, Atletico thumped Frankfurt, and Jose Mourinho’s Benfica were beaten on his return to Stamford Bridge. In other news, Arsenal’s William Saliba signed a new five-year deal, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall vented frustration after a fifth booking of the season, and Milan’s city council approved plans to sell the San Siro to Inter and AC Milan, paving the way for redevelopment. And in the Championship, Chris Wilder was sent off in bizarre fashion after striking a Sheffield United fan with a wayward shot while arguing a penalty decision, before his Blades side went on to lose 2-1 to Southampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look back at Nuno's first game in charge at West Ham as they take on Everton in Merseyside. Then we preview a huge night of Champions League action: nine fixtures on Tuesday including Jose Mourinho’s dramatic return to Stamford Bridge as Benfica boss, Liverpool’s tricky trip to Galatasaray, Spurs back in Norway against Bodo Glimt, and Atletico Madrid, Inter, Ajax, and Bayern also in action. We break down the latest drama at Chelsea, where Enzo Maresca faces growing scrutiny despite board support, and look at a top-of-the-table Championship clash between Middlesbrough and Stoke. Plus, we wrap up with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and his increasingly eccentric methods for motivating his players; from dogs named 'Win' and pickpockets to blasting anthems at training - culminating in his latest experiment: learning leadership lessons from RAF fighter pilots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap a dramatic Premier League weekend, starting with Crystal Palace stunning Liverpool 2-1 thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner, ending the Reds’ unbeaten run and lifting Palace to second. Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle 2-1 with late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel, while Manchester United’s woes deepened in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford after Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial penalty. Elsewhere, Brighton overturned Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City thrashed Burnley 5-1, and late goals stole points for Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Off the pitch, West Ham sacked Graham Potter after a poor run and appointed Nuno Espírito Santo as their new head coach, just days after Potter became the subject of viral AI face-swap memes—adding a surreal twist to a tough week for the former Hammers boss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Aston Villa’s nervy Europa League win over Bologna and Rangers’ setback against Genk, to standout moments across Europe including Lyon’s Tanner Tessman and Porto’s late winner - it's a packed Friday show! We look ahead to a huge weekend of Premier League action, with Liverpool’s unbeaten showdown at Crystal Palace, Manchester United’s tricky trip to Brentford, and Newcastle hosting Arsenal in a fiery St James’ Park clash. Abroad, it’s the Madrid derby and a Serie A top-of-the-table meeting between Napoli and AC Milan. Off the pitch, Arsenal secure William Saliba on a long-term deal, Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike lands in hot water after his bizarre red card, and Cole Palmer finds himself in an unexpected legal tussle with a French vineyard over his “Cold Palmer” trademark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs and Newcastle all progressed in the Carabao Cup, while Forest were denied a famous win on their Europa League return after Antony’s late strike for Real Betis. Elsewhere Roma, Freiburg and Celtic all picked up results on the opening night of the group stage. Away from the pitch, Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out with an ACL tear, Chelsea fans are angry over ticket hikes for Jose Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge return with Benfica and FIFA is pushing for an expanded 2030 World Cup - even bigger than the 48-team format in 2026. And in non-league football, Spalding United’s Lewis White went viral after accidentally driving 180 miles to the wrong 'Bury' before making it back to play the last few minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Premier League side bowed out of the Carabao Cup as Burnley were beaten 2-1 at home by League One Cardiff City. Chelsea avoided embarrassment with a comeback at Lincoln City, Liverpool squeezed past Southampton thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s late strike, and Wolves knocked out Everton to continue their cup run. Elsewhere, Brighton hit Barnsley for six, Fulham edged Cambridge United, and Real Madrid and AC Milan recorded comfortable wins in Spain and Italy. Off the pitch, Aston Villa parted ways with football operations chief Monchi, Arsenal confirmed Noni Madueke faces up to eight weeks out, and the EFL discussed a radical play-off expansion. Plus, Fulham fans were left amused when new signing Kevin’s apparent marriage proposal turned out to just be him asking his girlfriend to make it official. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in Paris, beating Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to the men’s prize. In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by claiming her third consecutive Ballon d’Or. PSG’s Luis Enrique and England’s Sarina Wiegman won the coaching awards, while Lamine Yamal and Vicky López picked up the Kopa Trophies. Back on the pitch, PSG’s big night was soured by a 1-0 defeat to rivals Marseille in Le Classique - their first away loss in the derby for 14 years. Napoli maintained their perfect start in Serie A, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva sparked debate after criticising fixture scheduling. And in a surprise revelation, Wayne Rooney revealed that Manchester United’s success in the late 2000s wasn’t just down to Sir Alex Ferguson or Cristiano Ronaldo - but the team bonding they built while playing SOCOM on the PSP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabriel Martinelli struck a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue Arsenal a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates, cancelling out Erling Haaland’s early opener. The Brazilian’s lob from Ebere Eze’s assist earned Mikel Arteta’s side a precious point in the title race. Elsewhere in the Premier League, 10-man Manchester United beat 10-man Chelsea 2-1, Liverpool edged Everton in the Merseyside Derby, and Fulham came out on top in a West London clash with Brentford. Across Europe, Lorenzo Pellegrini sealed a Derby della Capitale victory for Roma, Ajax and PSV shared the spoils in De Topper, while Marseille v PSG was postponed due to storm warnings. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both stayed perfect in their leagues thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and a Harry Kane hat-trick. And tonight, football’s biggest individual prize will be awarded at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal are among the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with England’s Alessia Russo and Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí leading the women’s race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Barcelona beat Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park in the Champions League. His second goal, a thunderous strike off the underside of the bar, sealed victory despite Antony Gordon’s late reply for the Magpies. Elsewhere, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku secured a 2-0 win for Manchester City against Napoli, while Club Brugge stunned Monaco 4-1 and Sporting and Eintracht Frankfurt both won heavily. In the day’s other news, Wolves surprised fans by offering under-pressure boss Vítor Pereira a new three-year contract despite four straight defeats. José Mourinho was unveiled as Benfica’s new manager with a typically fiery press conference, and Manchester United’s women qualified for the Champions League group stage. And off the pitch, Manchester United’s famous long-haired fan “The United Strand” has a new rival: a Liverpool supporter who completed the same challenge in just 33 days thanks to the Reds’ flying start to the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool left it late once again, as Virgil van Dijk’s 94th-minute header secured a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Elsewhere in the Champions League, PSG hammered Atalanta 4-0, Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 thanks to another pair of Harry Kane goals, and Inter Milan won 2-0 away at Ajax. There was also history for debutants Bodo/Glimt, who earned a dramatic draw at Slavia Prague, while Pafos claimed a first-ever Champions League point at Olympiakos. In the Carabao Cup, Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest threw away a 2-0 lead at half-time to lose 3-2 to Championship side Swansea City - capped off by Cameron Burgess’ stoppage-time rocket. Manchester United, meanwhile, posted record revenues of £666m, and Jose Mourinho is set to return to Benfica as manager, more than 20 years after resigning from the club. And in one of the strangest football travel stories in recent memory, Monaco’s players were forced to strip down to their underwear after the air-conditioning failed on their private jet to Belgium. The squad eventually had to evacuate the aircraft at Nice airport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Champions League group stage is back - and it delivered a night full of drama. Arsenal beat Athletic Club 2-0 in Bilbao with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Tottenham returned to Europe’s elite competition with a helping hand from Villarreal’s goalkeeper. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus shared a wild 4-4 draw, Real Madrid edged Marseille thanks to two Kylian Mbappé penalties, and Benfica suffered a shock home defeat to Qarabag - the first ever group-stage win for an Azerbaijani club. In the Carabao Cup, Brentford knocked out Aston Villa on penalties despite conceding their first goal of the season, Crystal Palace edged Millwall in a shootout, and Grimsby Town’s dream run continued with a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. Looking ahead, Liverpool host Atlético Madrid tonight with record signing Alexander Isak set for his European debut, while Bayern face Chelsea, PSG meet Atalanta, and Ajax take on last year’s finalists Inter. And finally, a row has erupted over the EA Sports FC soundtrack. Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, performing as KMB, was hailed as the first pro footballer to feature on the game’s soundtrack - but former Luton midfielder turned musician Kamakaze quickly pointed out that he beat him to it on FIFA 20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's First Up: Football, we dive into a blockbuster Tuesday of Champions League action, from Arsenal’s trip to Bilbao to Juventus' clash with Dortmund. We explore Chris Wilder’s return to Sheffield United, Liverpool’s transfer interest in Brighton star Carlos Baleba, and Strasbourg’s fan controversy over Emanuel Emegha. Plus, why a Manchester City steward was sacked for a cheeky stunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erling Haaland stole the show in Sunday’s Manchester Derby, scoring twice as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win over rivals United. The Norwegian followed up his five-goal international haul with another match-winning display. City dedicated the win to Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, who sadly passed away at the age of 48. Elsewhere in the Premier League, Mo Salah struck a stoppage-time penalty to give Liverpool yet another late win, Arsenal comfortably saw off Ange Postecoglou’s Forest, and Spurs claimed a big victory at West Ham. Fulham finally picked up their first win thanks to one of the strangest own goals you’ll ever see, while Brentford rescued a point against Chelsea through Fabio Carvalho’s late equaliser. In Italy, 19-year-old Vasilije Adžić scored a wonder goal to seal Juventus’ 4-3 Derby D’Italia win over Inter. Bayern hammered Hamburg again in Germany, Real Madrid and Barcelona stayed unbeaten in Spain, and in MLS, Charlotte stunned Inter Miami with a 3-0 win - a match that also witnessed av Lionel Messi’s Panenka blunder. And finally, Aston Villa’s season has gone from bad to worse. Four games in, no goals, no wins - the only men’s team across England’s top seven divisions yet to score. To make matters worse, a pre-season club video asking players who’d score first has resurfaced and gone viral. With Sunderland up next, can Villa finally break the curse? 💫 SUPPORT FIRST UP: FOOTBALL Get ad-free episodes & newsletters: https://firstupfootball.com 🎙️ FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODES: Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/first-up-football Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/first-up-football/id1831301526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NdFHpufatDXdOac5WhzBy 🗣️ FOLLOW FIRST UP: FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X: https://www.x.com/firstupftbl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstupfootball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstupfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League is back - and it returns with a bang. Ange Postecoglou takes charge of Nottingham Forest for the first time as they face Arsenal, but the headline act comes on Sunday with the 197th Manchester Derby. After Amad’s heroics gave United a famous win at the Etihad last season, can the Red Devils upset City again? We preview all the weekend’s action across England and Europe, from London derbies to the South Coast showdown between Southampton and Portsmouth. Elsewhere, the World Cup ticketing process for 2026 has already angered fans and... wannabe mayors as FIFA’s dynamic pricing model sparked fierce debate. Tickets start at $60 but can rise to more than $6,000, and critics say the system shuts out ordinary supporters. And in the UK, an employment tribunal judge has ruled that it could be legal not to hire someone based on the football team they support - raising questions about just how far workplace rivalries can go. 💫 SUPPORT FIRST UP: FOOTBALL Get ad-free episodes & newsletters: https://firstupfootball.com 🎙️ FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODES: Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/first-up-football Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/first-up-football/id1831301526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NdFHpufatDXdOac5WhzBy 🗣️ FOLLOW FIRST UP: FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X: https://www.x.com/firstupftbl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstupfootball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstupfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down a big night of internationals as the USMNT finally grab a statement win over Japan, Bolivia stun Brazil in World Cup qualifying, and Colombia edge Venezuela in a nine-goal thriller. We also dive into Newcastle fans’ fury over leaked ticket deals, Barcelona’s latest stadium setback, and a supercomputer’s bold Premier League title predictions. And to wrap it all up, a cheeky trick for football fans hoping to get some time off over the 2026 World Cup… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nottingham Forest wasted no time replacing Nuno Espirito Santo - confirming Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach on a two-year deal. The Australian returns to the Premier League just three months after leaving Tottenham, and will take charge against Arsenal this weekend. We look at the contrasting styles between Nuno and Ange, the challenges he faces with Evangelos Marinakis, and what Forest fans can expect from “Ange-ball.” Elsewhere, England impressed in Belgrade with a big win over Serbia, moving within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Norway hit double figures in an 11-1 thrashing of Moldova, while Cape Verde are one win away from a first-ever World Cup after a historic victory over Cameroon. There was also frustration for Nigeria and Ireland as their qualifying hopes took major blows. And in the United States, legendary co-commentator Ray Hudson announced his retirement. Famous for his exuberant, poetic turns of phrase and unforgettable Lionel Messi soundbites, Ray leaves behind one of football’s most beloved commentary legacies. 💫 SUPPORT FIRST UP: FOOTBALL Get ad-free episodes & newsletters: https://firstupfootball.com 🎙️ FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODES: Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/first-up-football Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/first-up-football/id1831301526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NdFHpufatDXdOac5WhzBy 🗣️ FOLLOW FIRST UP: FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X: https://www.x.com/firstupftbl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstupfootball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstupfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We begin with the big breaking news as Nuno Espirito Santo is set to leave Nottingham Forest after months of tension with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Despite leading the club into European competition, Fabrizio Romano reports that Nuno will depart with immediate effect, with three candidates including Ange Postecoglou under consideration. Elsewhere, World Cup qualifying delivered fireworks. Tunisia sealed their place at the 2026 finals, Italy survived a 9-goal thriller against Israel, Kosovo stunned Sweden, and Luka Modrić rolled back the years on the eve of his 40th birthday. We also preview tonight’s crunch qualifiers, including England’s trip to Serbia, Portugal away in Hungary, and Nigeria facing South Africa. In the Premier League, Manchester City have settled their Associated Party Transactions case with the league, Tottenham insist they are not for sale despite takeover rumours, and Liverpool’s Arne Slot could be set for a new contract. Over in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Kasper Hjulmand as manager, while Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been suspended for 10 months following a failed doping test. And finally, Spain crushed Turkey 6-0 on Sunday - but the headlines belong to 18-year-old Lamine Yamal who lost his passport after the match, and Jorge de Frutos, whose entire village erupted in joy as he made his international debut. 💫 SUPPORT FIRST UP: FOOTBALL Get ad-free episodes & newsletters: https://firstupfootball.com 🎙️ FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODES: Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/first-up-football Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/first-up-football/id1831301526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NdFHpufatDXdOac5WhzBy 🗣️ FOLLOW FIRST UP: FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X: https://www.x.com/firstupftbl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstupfootball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstupfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to defy the passing of time. Messi scored twice on what is widely believed to be his final competitive appearance in Argentina, while Ronaldo struck goals number 941 and 942 for Portugal in a 5-0 win over Armenia as he edges closer to the dream of 1000 career goals. Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, and Morocco booked their spots at the 2026 tournament, while Europe’s big hitters - Italy, Spain, and Portugal - eased through their opening fixtures. England laboured past Andorra, Kylian Mbappé climbed France’s scoring charts, and Florian Wirtz lit up Germany’s win over Northern Ireland. However, in New Jersey, the USMNT were booed off after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea. Mauricio Pochettino is under growing pressure with his side now on a run of seven straight defeats against top-30 ranked nations. Canada fared better with a 3-0 win over Romania, while Mexico and Japan played out a goalless draw. In the WSL, Chelsea began their title defence with victory over Manchester City, Arsenal’s new record signing Olivia Smith scored on debut, and London City Lionesses made their top-flight bow. Meanwhile, Manchester United keeper Andre Onana sealed a loan move to Trabzonspor, and Erling Haaland suffered an injury in the most unusual way - courtesy of the Norway team coach. And to wrap things up, Peter Crouch finally paid the price for finishing bottom of his fantasy football league - donning the mascot kit for non-league Farnham Town. From Champions League finals to crossbar challenges in the seventh tier, Crouchy really can do it at every level. 💫 SUPPORT FIRST UP: FOOTBALL Get ad-free episodes & newsletters: https://firstupfootball.com 🎙️ FOR FULL PODCAST EPISODES: Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/first-up-football Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/first-up-football/id1831301526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NdFHpufatDXdOac5WhzBy 🗣️ FOLLOW FIRST UP: FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: X: https://www.x.com/firstupftbl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstupfootball TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstupfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices