Kick Off: Man City advance to the EFL Cup final; CR7 to extend boycott

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

Man City 3-1 Newcastle (agg 5-1): Marmoush scores twice to help hosts into final

Manchester City will face Arsenal in next month's EFL Cup final after easing to a 3-1 win over Newcastle United in the second leg of their semi-final, prevailing 5-1 on aggregate.

No PIF Guarantees, No Games: Cristiano Ronaldo to extend boycott

Sources have told ESPN that Cristiano Ronaldo is standing firm and continuing his match boycott, after failing to secure concrete guarantees from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) over management changes at Al Nassr.

Match Reports

Inter 2-1 Torino: Bonny and Diouf send Chivu's men into Coppa Italia semi-finals

Inter advanced to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 victory over Torino in the last eight, with Ange-Yoan Bonny and Andy Diouf on target either side of half-time.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Ruben Neves' contract with Al-Hilal extends to 2029

Al-Hilal have announced that Ruben Neves is Hilali until 2029.

Sky: Al Nassr waiting for Ronaldo strike decision

According to Sky Sports, Al Nassr are waiting for confirmation that Cristiano Ronaldo will end his strike and start playing again.

Man Utd shifts focus to financial discipline, title target set for 2028

According to renowned journalist Andy Mitten’s latest report, Manchester United made no signings in the January transfer window.

Favourite Opponent: Chelsea is Arteta’s most beaten side, 10 wins from 16 games

According to the latest figures from Transfermarkt, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has recorded 10 wins in 16 matches against Chelsea in his managerial career, making the Blues his most beaten opponent, level with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the top of the list.

OFFICIAL: Man Utd's Casemiro voted EPL Week 24's Player of the Matchweek

Brazilian midfielder tops fan poll for best Premier League performance in 24th round of matches

Saudi media: CR7 arrived at the base 2h earlier to prepare for training session

According to the latest report from Saudi media Okaz, Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at the base two hours before training today to prepare for the training session.

Núñez demands that Al Hilal accept Fenerbahçe's offer or he will go on strike

According to the latest report from Saudi media Okaz, Núñez has demanded that Al Hilal accept Fenerbahçe's offer for him, or he will go on strike.

TA: RM keen on Vitinha & Enzo but deals tough; Ancelotti wanted Mac Allister

According to the latest report from The Athletic, Real Madrid are in the market for midfield reinforcements. Carlo Ancelotti pushed to sign Alexis Mac Allister during his tenure as manager, but a deal never materialized.

AS: RM want another deal like Alaba & Rüdiger by signing center-back for free

Real Madrid hopes to continue the success achieved with Alaba and Rüdiger by signing a center-back on a free transfer.

TA: Manchester United’s winter transfer window review and their summer priority

It was a January of major upheaval at Manchester United, with the sacking of Ruben Amorim as head coach followed by Michael Carrick’s appointment until the end of the season.

Rashford closes in on realising Barcelona dream as long as two conditions met

Marcus Rashford has impressed during his loan spell at Barcelona and has a chance to join the club permanently in the summer if he keeps things up

What They Say

Al Hilal CEO: We care little about Ronaldo’s discontent

Al Hilal’s Spanish CEO, Jorge Carrasco, recently appeared on El Larguero of Cadena SER to discuss the transfer of Karim Benzema and the future transfer strategy of Saudi football. 

Roncero: Fed up with Mourinho’s conduct; Real Madrid unfair to CR7

Recently, Thomas Roncero, Real Madrid socio and editor-in-chief of AS, shared further views in an exclusive interview for the show El After de Post United.

Cunha: Music can change energy when I need it, and I use it to motivate myself

Earlier, MU officially released a co-branded jersey with The Stone Roses. In Manchester United's latest official club magazine, Cunha was interviewed and talked about his love for music.

Giovanni: Vinicius is just a normal player, he doesn't have the decisive ability

Former Barcelona midfielder Giovanni stated on a podcast that Vinicius Junior is just an average player without decisive ability. He also noted that the current Brazilian national team lacks superstars of Ronaldo's or Ronaldinho's caliber.

Inter president Marotta: Chelsea and Arsenal the example for player recruitment

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta believes that Arsenal and Chelsea are the examples all Italian teams should follow when recruiting young players. 

Højlund responded to Man United's birthday wishes: May the succes continue

February 4th was Højlund's 23rd birthday. Yesterday, Manchester United officially sent birthday wishes to the Danish striker, and the player himself responded.

FIxtures of Today

Saudi PL

Al-Okhdood VS Al Hilal   2026/02/05   17:30UTC

Coupe de France

Strasbourg VS Monaco   2026/02/05   20:00UTC

Copa del Rey

Real Betis VS Atletico Madrid   2026/02/05   20:00UTC

Coppa Italia

Atalanta VS Juventus   2026/02/05   20:00UTC