News & analysis

29 Matches, Eight Leagues: Sunday’s Early Table Tests

A 29-match Sunday spans eight leagues, led by the Manchester derby and featuring major tests for Barcelona, Bayern München, Flamengo and MLS leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.

35 matches, eight leagues: Saturday’s football guide

A 35-match guide to Saturday’s football, led by Inter v Napoli and a packed programme across eight leagues.

36 matches, eight leagues: Sunday’s table stakes

A 36-match Sunday guide covering eight leagues, with table positions, recent form and the day’s key fixtures.

29 Matches Shape a Packed Saturday Football Schedule

The schedule combines a leading Brazilian fixture between Cruzeiro and Flamengo with meaningful midseason meetings in Brazil, Argentina and MLS. Europe’s opening rounds add fresh table questions, from Espanyol against Real Madrid to Inter’s visit from Monza.

From Sixth to Ninth: Le Mans’s Six-Point Ligue 1 Start

Form check

Le Mans have moved from sixth to 14th and back to ninth across the opening five Ligue 1 rounds. Their six points reflect a home win and two home draws, while the team remains winless away, has scored in every match and has kept no clean sheets.

Six Shots on Target Carry Le Mans Past Lorient 2-1

Le Mans beat Lorient 2-1 at MMArena, taking an early lead through Adil Bourabaa and adding a second via Habib Diallo before Isak Jensen replied for the visitors.

Le Mans 2-2 Lens as Ivanovic Equalises After Four Goals

Le Mans and Lens drew 2-2 at MMArena after a four-goal match featuring a late first-half response from Lens and an early second-half equaliser by Franjo Ivanovic.

Nice 1-1 Le Mans: Bourabaa and Wahi share the goals

Nice and Le Mans shared a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Riviera after Adil Bourabaa and Sepe Elye Wahi scored before half-time. Nice dominated possession, but Le Mans matched the hosts for total shots and recorded more efforts on target.

Lepaul’s late penalty gives Rennes a 3-2 win over Le Mans

Esteban Lepaul scored twice, including a 90th-minute penalty, as Rennes defeated Le Mans 3-2 after a match in which Le Mans twice came from behind.

Le Mans 2-2 Stade Brestois 29 as Four Goals Split the Opening Round

Le Mans and Stade Brestois 29 shared a 2-2 draw after four goals, with Brest producing more shots but the hosts edging possession in Ligue 1’s opening round.