European Football Roundup: Ten Hag sacked, Mbappé controversy and João Pedro shining

02/09/2025

By RSR Málaga — 2 September 2025

This weekend’s European action brought drama everywhere. Erik ten Hag has been dismissed as Bayer Leverkusen coach after the draw that sparked outrage within the club players reportedly lost faith and his public comments sealed his fate.

Manchester United once again relied on Bruno Fernandes, who scored a last-minute penalty, while City suffered a second straight defeat despite Rodri’s long-awaited return. Dominik Szoboszlai stole the spotlight with a stunning free-kick goal.

Arsenal heads into the break with Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, and Saliba all injured, while Jack Grealish became an Everton hero with four assists. Lucas Paquetá turned heads, rejecting Aston Villa interest mid-celebration. João Pedro continues to impress with two goals and two assists in just three matches.

In Spain, Real Madrid came from behind against Mallorca despite three disallowed goals, one of them protested by Mbappé himself on social media. Atlético Madrid is enduring its worst start in 15 years under Simeone. Barcelona struggled at Vallecas, rescued by Joan García’s six saves.

In Serie A, Inter dropped points, Milan won with Modric assisting, and Vlahovic scored again off the bench. Anguissa’s late goal kept Napoli joint-top with Roma, Juve, and surprise package Cremonese. In France, Joao Neves delivered a spectacular hat-trick for Lyon, who remain perfect alongside PSG. Luis Díaz now has 3 goals and 2 assists in four games.

The headline: Ten Hag out. Who should replace him at Leverkusen?