Inter Milan missed a chance to close the gap on Serie A leaders Napoli after a 2-2 draw with Bologna. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich secured their Bundesliga dominance with a resounding 5-0 victory over Hoffenheim.
Inter Milan squandered a golden opportunity to seize control of the Serie A title race after a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Bologna. A victory would have propelled the reigning champions within striking distance of league leaders Napoli, placing them just one point behind with a game in hand. The Nerazzurri appeared on course for a crucial win when Lautaro Martinez, with a precise finish, capitalized on Federico Dimarco's pinpoint cross just before halftime.
However, Emil Holm's deflected shot in the 64th minute brought Bologna level, who had earlier taken a 15th-minute lead through Santiago Castro, only to be quickly countered by Denzel Dumfries. This result leaves Inter trailing Napoli by three points.Meanwhile, in Germany, Leroy Sane delivered a masterclass with a brace as Bayern Munich crushed Hoffenheim 5-0 at home, reaffirming their four-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga table. Bayer Leverkusen's 1-0 victory over Mainz on Tuesday had threatened to close the gap, but Bayern showed no mercy against a lackluster Hoffenheim. The former Manchester City winger, aiming to impress with his contract ending in the summer, opened the scoring in the sixth minute following a clever interplay with veteran Thomas Mueller. Harry Kane orchestrated Raphael Guerreiro's 12th-minute goal, delivering a precise pass to the Portuguese who outmaneuvered Hoffenheim and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Kane then added a goal of his own midway through the first half, converting a penalty after a handball inside the box. This marks his 27th consecutive successful penalty for club and country, dating back to his miss against France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar. Sane secured his second goal three minutes into the second half, tapping in a Mathys Tel cross from close range, further exploiting Hoffenheim's defensive vulnerabilities. Serge Gnabry joined the scoring spree in the 66th minute, netting his first league goal since September to complete Bayern's dominant performance.In other developments, Lamine Yamal shone as Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with a resounding 5-1 triumph over Real Betis. Atletico Madrid secured their place in the last eight with a comfortable 4-0 victory at second-tier Elche. Barcelona's 17-year-old prodigy Yamal scored and contributed to two more goals as Hansi Flick's side ran riot at the Olympic Stadium. Gavi put Barcelona ahead early on, followed by goals from Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Yamal, showcasing the Catalans' attacking prowess. Having won the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last weekend with a dominant victory over Real Madrid, Barca entered the cup clash with renewed confidence, having endured a shaky period in the final weeks of 2024. In France, late goals from Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos rescued defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, securing them a nerve-wracking 4-2 victory against fifth-tier Espaly in the French Cup last 16. Lyon, however, suffered a heartbreaking exit as they were defeated 4-2 on penalties by another fifth-tier team, Bourgoin-Jallieu.
SERIEA BUNDESLIGA BAYERN MUNICH INTER MILAN BOHEMIA FOOTBALL COPA DEL REY
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