Can Real Madrid continue its fast start under Xabi Alonso?
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso on the Verge of Making Club History
On the eve of a clash with Liverpool, Real Madrid approach the encounter with calm confidence. Xabi Alonso, flawless since returning to the Spanish capital, is quietly writing history. His team impresses not only with ruthless efficiency but also with the clarity and elegance of its football. In both La Liga and the Champions League, Los Blancos march forward with rhythm and authority reminiscent of the club’s golden years.
A European Night to Remember
This Tuesday, Anfield will once again tremble as two European giants meet under the floodlights. Real Madrid and Liverpool — two institutions forged in the fire of Champions League nights — are set to face off in a battle that transcends the sporting realm.
For Xabi Alonso, this encounter means far more than just another European fixture. It could mark his entry into Real Madrid’s history books. A victory would bring him one step closer to legendary status.
The Alonso Philosophy
Since taking charge, the former midfield maestro has instilled a clear philosophy: simple, fast, and disciplined football. Under his guidance, Madrid have regained their trademark authority. The team has won three straight matches, including a 1–0 victory against Juventus in the Champions League, a 2–1 triumph over Barcelona in El Clásico, and a resounding 4–0 success against Valencia at the Bernabéu.
With 30 points from eleven league matches, Real Madrid currently lead La Liga. Their only defeat dates back to September 27, away to Atlético Madrid, with a 5–2 scoreline. Since then, the squad has found balance — compact, cohesive, and remarkably resilient.
Xabi Alonso on the Brink of History
Next weekend, against Rayo Vallecano, Xabi Alonso will have the chance to write another glorious page in the club’s story. With one more win, he would equal the mythical record of fifteen victories in sixteen matches — a milestone set during the 1928–1929 and 1961–1962 seasons by J.A. Berraondo and Miguel Muñoz. Today, Alonso stands on the verge of matching and potentially surpassing those historic figures.
This resurgence bears the unmistakable signature of a meticulous coach. Faithful to his principles, Alonso has re-centered his team around discipline and unity. He demands collective effort — defending as one and attacking as one. Madrid not only score goals but, more importantly, they control games. Even in moments of tension, composure reigns. Every player understands his role and embraces responsibility with maturity.
An Irresistible Attack and the Dawn of a New Era
Despite recent challenges faced by Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick, Real Madrid continue their march with confidence. Arda Güler, the breakout star of this early season, has emerged as a key figure in Alonso’s project. His technical chemistry with Kylian Mbappé — who has already scored 13 league goals — has illuminated Madrid’s attacking play.
The Frenchman, once criticized for his central role, now appears fully integrated into this ambitious collective. Together, they embody the new face of Real Madrid — a team that is talented, disciplined, and hungry for trophies.
A New Chapter in Real Madrid’s Legacy
If Real Madrid overcome Liverpool and then confirm their dominance against Rayo Vallecano, Xabi Alonso will officially etch his name into the club’s legend. For a man who grew up within the walls of the Santiago Bernabéu, this would be far more than a record. It would symbolize a passing of the torch from a glorious past to a new era — the beginning of a Real Madrid already ready to conquer everything.
Bio — Carinos Satya Chanhoun
Carinos Satya Chanhoun is a Beninese sports journalist recognized for his insightful coverage of African football. Based in Abomey-Calavi, he works with Quotidien Le Devoir and contributes to several leading sports outlets in Benin. Known for his sharp analysis and clear communication, Satya regularly covers national team performances, tactical evolutions, and the development of local football talent. His commentary reflects both deep knowledge of the game and a passion for promoting African sport on the international stage.
Luke Littler 8 – 5 Michael van Gerwen(best of 15 legs)
Reigning double world champion and world number one Luke Littler bounced back from his Bahrain setback to win the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters on the eve of his 19th birthday, rounding off a sensational day by defeating Michael van Gerwen 8–5 in a high-quality final.
Littler had to come from behind in a hard-fought quarter-final against Gian van Veen, before exacting revenge on Gerwyn Price in the semi-final, having lost to the Welshman at last week’s event in Bahrain.
‘The Nuke’ then started off like a bullet train against van Gerwen, racing into a 4–0 lead in a matter of minutes while averaging a remarkable 114. ‘Mighty Mike’, to his credit, raised his level to haul it back to 4–3, only to miss three darts at double 10 to draw level.
From there, Littler regained his edge, and despite pressure from the Dutchman, got over the line with a superb 11-darter to seal the victory.
Explosive darts action in a restrained atmosphere in Riyadh
If the sport is judged purely on the competition itself, then the crowd were treated to a spectacular showcase of darts at its very best. van Gerwen illustrated that range perfectly, averaging just 87 in a laboured quarter-final win over Stephen Bunting before lifting his level dramatically to post 100-plus averages in both his semi-final and final.
Then there was Littler, who had to produce his best to overcome three opponents in high-quality encounters, while surprise quarter-finalist Man Lok Leung impressed by pushing Nathan Aspinall all the way. From a purely sporting perspective, it was the kind of day any darts fan would happily lap up.
But Riyadh had never hosted a PDC event before, and it showed. Without the usual fancy dress, constant noise and crowd-led momentum that darts thrives on, the atmosphere was noticeably muted from start to finish.
Culturally, that is understandable and works well enough for many sports, but darts is different. The gap in understanding was evident when the crowd greeted an early sub-50 checkout with the same muted enthusiasm as a ton-plus finish later on, flattening moments that would normally lift the room.
The players would have felt it too. Darts players feed off the crowd in different ways, and there was little coming back at them to draw energy from. Most are media-trained to not criticise openly, although Nathan Aspinall did suggest that the crowd were still finding their way with the finer details of the sport, and some may even have been ringers.
As a first staging of the event, lessons will inevitably be learned and things may improve when darts returns to the Kingdom. One thing is certain – Saudi Arabia rarely loosens its grip once it has a sport in its grasp, and it is unlikely to be content in the long term with hosting a solitary, minor tournament while the game itself is still shaking off the afterglow of the World Championship.
But if the sport is to truly thrive here long term, a balance will need to be found between local traditions and the atmosphere that has long been part of what makes darts what it is.
Tune în Wednesday for a special show from Tampa Bay Downs
Let ‘em Run Special Wednesday Podcast LIVE from Tampa Bay Downs
Midweek racing brings fresh opportunity, sharper opinions, and real-time insight from the track. This Wednesday, Let ‘em Run takes the show on the road with live analysis straight from Tampa Bay Downs. With strong angles, value-driven plays, and boots on the ground, this special edition delivers the kind of edge horseplayers look for during the week.
Be sure to tune in on Wednesday at 12:30 PM EST for our special “Boots on the Ground” segment. John Kostin will be live from Tampa Bay Downs and joined by guest handicapper Wadie Khalaf. Together, they will break down the card with a sharp focus on the Late P5 and key spot plays, including the always-popular Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day. You can catch the show live on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Let’s take a closer look at a few races that stand out.
Tampa Bay Downs | Wednesday 1/21/26
Race 2 | 12:20 PM EST
This race offers a strong opinion with limited value, but there is still a way to make it pay. The #5 Uncashed sits at 2-1 on the morning line and owns a +10 BRISnet Prime Power advantage over the rest of the field. That edge pushes the projected win percentage to around 55%. He also profiles as the lone “E” type in the race, which strengthens the pace advantage. Trainer numbers support the play as well, with a 31% win rate when sending out runners who won last time out.
Since the price will likely drop, the value shifts to a double play. The suggested approach is a $50 double using 5 with 9 and 10 in Race 3. The outside posts win often in that race, and the odds should offer a better return.
Race 8 | 3:55 PM EST
This race sets up nicely for another BRISnet-based angle and should provide a fairer price at post time. The #1 Paynter’s Prodigy sits at 3-1 and checks several important boxes. He is an “E” type, owns the highest last-race speed figure, and also tops the field in early TimeformUS Pace.
The only other true speed appears to be #12 Chico Charlie at 6-1, but that runner draws a tough, ground-losing outside post. The price on the #1 may drift up, as jockey Wesley Ho remains capable but does not draw heavy public support. That scenario could create solid betting value.
All three of us will share insights and opinions on the full Late P5 during the live podcast. Be sure to tune in. Bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and as always, Let ‘em Run.
On January 10, 2026, Dalton Smith announced himself on the world stage with a stunning knockout victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship. Fighting in Brooklyn, New York, Smith delivered a fearless performance in his United States debut and dismantled one of the division’s most feared punchers.
Smith stopped the Puerto Rican powerhouse in the fifth round with a brutal sequence of chopping right hands. The finish capped a fight that evolved from a sharp, technical opening into an all-out war, with both men trading heavy shots. When the moment arrived, Smith imposed his will and closed the show against the 33-year-old champion.
Built for the Big Stage
Smith entered the fight with a growing reputation for knockout power, fast hands, and a proven chin. Against Matias, he matched intensity and confidence from the opening bell. As the rounds wore on, Smith controlled the exchanges and turned pressure into opportunity, becoming the first fighter to knock Matias out.
Matias arrived with a reputation as a destroyer, but Smith refused to retreat. He stood his ground, answered fire with fire, and changed the trajectory of the junior welterweight division.
Roots in Sheffield
Born February 8, 1997, in Sheffield, England, Smith grew up in a sports-driven household. Football came first, but boxing quickly took hold. His father, Grant Smith, and grandfather, Brian Smith, introduced him to the Steel City Gym around 2003, setting the foundation for his career.
Smith thrived as an amateur. He collected national titles, earned a medal at the 2014 European Youth Championships, and captured the ABA title in 2018. Those accomplishments marked him as one of Britain’s elite prospects.
The Professional Rise
Smith turned professional in 2019 after signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. He debuted in Nottingham against Luka Leskovic and earned a points win. Momentum followed fast. Seven straight victories, many by knockout, pushed him into the national spotlight.
In 2021, Smith captured the English title with a sixth-round stoppage of Lee Appleyard. He followed that by winning the WBC International Silver super lightweight title in 2022, forcing Ray Moylette’s corner to halt the fight in round ten. Eight months later, Smith claimed the British title with a devastating sixth-round finish against Sam O’Maison.
From Contender to Champion
Victories over Sam Maxwell and former WBC Silver champion Jose Zepeda elevated Smith into elite company. In 2025, wins over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain sealed his world title opportunity.
Smith entered the Matias fight undefeated at 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Matias stood at 23-2 with 22 knockouts. The collision delivered fireworks, and Smith emerged as the last man standing.
With the win, Dalton Smith became the fifth active British world champion, joining a growing list of elite names and signaling the arrival of a new force at 140 pounds.
Politics8 years ago