Lookman shines on Atletico debut in 5-0 Betis rout
Ademola Lookman starred on his debut for Atletico Madrid, scoring and assisting in a 5-0 demolition of Real Betis on Thursday to seal a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Reuters reported.
The 25-year-old Nigerian international, who signedfrom Serie A side Atalanta earlier this week, delivered a confident performance as Atletico ran riot at Seville's La Cartuja Stadium.
Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, and Lookman consigned Manuel Pellegrini's Betis to a humiliating defeat in front of their home fans, according to Reuters.
Real's Rodrygo handed two-match ban by UEFA for insulting referee during Benfica loss
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been handed a two-match ban for insulting a match official during last week's 4-2 Champions League lossat Benfica, European soccer governing body UEFA said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
Brazilian Rodrygo was shown two yellow cards in stoppage time as he angrily protested perceived time-wasting tactics employed by the Portuguese side.
UEFA's disciplinary committee said Rodrygo was suspended for directing insulting or abusive language at the referee, according to Reuters.
Leicester docked six points for breaching spending rules
Leicester City have been docked six points in the current Championship campaign after an independent regulatory commission found they had breached the English Football League's spending rules, the Premier League said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The deduction leaves Leicester 20th in the second-tier table, above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The Premier League referred Leicester to an independent commission in May over the alleged breach of EFL profitability and sustainability rules in the three years up to 2023-24. A week-long hearing took place in November, according to Reuters.
Benzema scores hat-trick on his debut for Al-Hilal
Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick and grabbed an assist on his debut for Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal as they thrashed lowly Al-Akhdoud 6-0 on Thursday, Reuters reported.
The 38-year-old joined Al-Hilal on Monday after reports said he turned down an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, who he joined on a free transfer in 2023 after 14 years with Real Madrid.
The former France striker made an immediate impact for his new side as he broke the deadlock in style with a back-heel touch after seizing on a loose ball inside the area shortly after the half-hour mark, according to Reuters.
