Sports News from Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of the FIFA Arab Cup third place playoff between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Doha on Thursday, with both teams sharing the title.

Manchester City has eased into the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 2-0 home win over Brentford on Wednesday, and will meet holders Newcastle United who needed an added-time Lewis Miley goal to beat Fulham 2-1 at St James' Park.

Kylian Mbappe has moved tantalisingly close to Cristiano Ronaldo's calendar-year scoring record for Real Madrid with a brace as they earned a 3-2 victory at third-tier Talavera de la Reina on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey's last 16 after a pulsating encounter.

MI Emirates has stunned the Dubai Capitals with a seven-run victory at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, defending a modest total of 137/8.