Still going very strong in the league and your defensive record is brilliant! Champions League progress is secure and you're very well placed to get a good draw in the next round!
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Ryan Ferguson: The Unorthodox Approach
For most, the battles stay on the pitch. For Ryan Ferguson, his battles are off it.
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Ferguson: Club World Cup Won't Be Easy
Whitehawk Will Compete In South Africa For The FIFA Club World Cup
01/12/2027
Not many teams could dream of an unbeaten opening three months to the season, but for Whitehawk it has become a regularity in recent seasons. The English powerhouse has won 21 of their opening 23 fixtures in all competitions, drawing the other two. Their record hasn't surprised manager Sir Ryan Ferguson, who gave his players and staff much credit for their early season wonders.
Ryan, how impressed have you been with your team's start to the season?
Ryan Ferguson: "We've been terrific. Apart from two draws, we've had a flawless run of games so far this season and we've played some brilliant football on the way. There have been a few things to cause worry for us, but we have worked hard in training and the players and coaching staff fully deserve the success we've had so far."
You play Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter finals of the EFL Cup tonight, are you prepared?
Ryan Ferguson: "We're as prepared as we can be. Kingsley Osagie has a slight knock so he'll miss out, but the squad is otherwise fit. We expect a tough game, especially now that we're in the latter stages of this competition, but every game is a tough game at this level of football and we know what we have to do to win."
Five wins from five in the Champions League, is there any team who can stop you in Europe?
Ryan Ferguson: "Yes, of course there is! I think its fair to say that we've been brilliant in Europe every year we've been involved, but we know that there are many teams capable of winning the trophy. The two Manchester clubs provide strong competition from the English contingent, let alone what the rest provide! I think we are favourites to win, as we are champions, but anybody who progresses to the knockout rounds are capable of lifting the trophy!"
This month brings FIFA Club World Cup action. How excited are you about the prospect of competing against clubs from around the world?
Ryan Ferguson: "It is a very exciting competition. It is somewhat neglected because you could perhaps say there are more world class teams involved in European competition, but the Club World Cup brings the best clubs from all around the world. This year we have Racing Club of Argentina, Tigres UANL of Mexico, Ghuangzhou Evergrande of China. They're all very good teams. It won't be an easy competition, but we hope to win the title again."
Six points clear at the top of the league, is it yours for the taking?
Ryan Ferguson: "Our fate is in our hands. If we win every game from now until the end of the season, we are champions. We're the only team in the Premier League who can say that right now. But we won't get too comfortable, we know all too well how quickly a title race can turn on its head."
As for the Champions League, it's great to have progress wrapped up but any opposition will be tough opposition in the next round.
putanginamo, no. I don't use any sort of tool at all, as it would take away from the challenge of the game (in my opinion). I can understand why some people would choose to use tools, but I have no interest in that.
Previous Update: #65 - Season 2027/2028: November Review
Next Update: #67 - Whitehawk Edge Hard Fought Quarter Final
Not many teams could dream of an unbeaten opening three months to the season, but for Whitehawk it has become a regularity in recent seasons. The English powerhouse has won 21 of their opening 23 fixtures in all competitions, drawing the other two. Their record hasn't surprised manager Sir Ryan Ferguson, who gave his players and staff much credit for their early season wonders.
Ryan, how impressed have you been with your team's start to the season?
Ryan Ferguson: "We've been terrific. Apart from two draws, we've had a flawless run of games so far this season and we've played some brilliant football on the way. There have been a few things to cause worry for us, but we have worked hard in training and the players and coaching staff fully deserve the success we've had so far."
You play Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter finals of the EFL Cup tonight, are you prepared?
Ryan Ferguson: "We're as prepared as we can be. Kingsley Osagie has a slight knock so he'll miss out, but the squad is otherwise fit. We expect a tough game, especially now that we're in the latter stages of this competition, but every game is a tough game at this level of football and we know what we have to do to win."
Five wins from five in the Champions League, is there any team who can stop you in Europe?
Ryan Ferguson: "Yes, of course there is! I think its fair to say that we've been brilliant in Europe every year we've been involved, but we know that there are many teams capable of winning the trophy. The two Manchester clubs provide strong competition from the English contingent, let alone what the rest provide! I think we are favourites to win, as we are champions, but anybody who progresses to the knockout rounds are capable of lifting the trophy!"
This month brings FIFA Club World Cup action. How excited are you about the prospect of competing against clubs from around the world?
Ryan Ferguson: "It is a very exciting competition. It is somewhat neglected because you could perhaps say there are more world class teams involved in European competition, but the Club World Cup brings the best clubs from all around the world. This year we have Racing Club of Argentina, Tigres UANL of Mexico, Ghuangzhou Evergrande of China. They're all very good teams. It won't be an easy competition, but we hope to win the title again."
Six points clear at the top of the league, is it yours for the taking?
Ryan Ferguson: "Our fate is in our hands. If we win every game from now until the end of the season, we are champions. We're the only team in the Premier League who can say that right now. But we won't get too comfortable, we know all too well how quickly a title race can turn on its head."
Comment Section
mgriffin2012, yeah I've been impressed with our change in fortunes defensively! Much better than conceding four goals to Man Utd, that's for certain! As for the Champions League, it's great to have progress wrapped up but any opposition will be tough opposition in the next round.putanginamo, no. I don't use any sort of tool at all, as it would take away from the challenge of the game (in my opinion). I can understand why some people would choose to use tools, but I have no interest in that.
Previous Update: #65 - Season 2027/2028: November Review
Next Update: #67 - Whitehawk Edge Hard Fought Quarter Final
The Club World Cup lineup does look pretty impressive this season. The South American representative is always strong and Tigres will be no pushover. Guangzhou could also be a dark horse dependent on how much money they've spent in the last few years!
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Whitehawk Edge Hard Fought Quarter Final
Whitehawk Progressed To The Semi Finals Of The EFL Cup At Spurs' Expense
01/12/2027
Whitehawk battled out a hard fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. The English champions raced in to a two goal lead in the first half, but an early Spurs goal in the second half provided a nervy final forty minutes to end the game.
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Regular EFL Cup goalkeeper Daniel Bentley kept his place in Whitehawk's side for this competition, as Sir Ryan Ferguson fielded a nearly full strength side for the quarter final. Anton Nyman and Kylian Mbappé found themselves on the bench, however, with a key Premier League match against Everton coming up.
Central defender Rúben Dias was the captain of Tottenham Hotspur for the game, as manager Diego Simeone looked to win Spurs' first trophy since 2019, when they lifted the EFL Cup. Other notable inclusions in the starting eleven included veteran midfielder Dele Alli and Italian international defender Luca Di Marco.
Whitehawk very nearly took the lead in the ninth minute of the game as Martin Ødegaard's wasn't dealt with properly. The ball bounced kindly for Sergi Samper who unleashed a powerful half-volley at goal, but Spurs midfielder Carlo Alberto Conte blocked it on the line.
Spurs will have rued missing a guilt-edged opportunity to score five minutes later as Wilco Meulemans raced in to a one-on-one opportunity, but he scuffed his shot well wide of the post. This miss would prove costly.
The deadlock was broken in the eighteenth minute, and Jason Coffey was the scored. Lewis Cook expertly broke down a Spurs move, and Stephen Lacy sent a searching ball for Miroslav Novakovic on the right wing. The Serb controlled well, and his near post cross was converted by Jason Coffey to give Whitehawk the lead.
Novakovic would then find the back of the net himself just minutes later, only to see his goal disallowed for offside. Sergi Samper found himself with space to move in to in midfield, before picking out Novakovic in the box. The Serb finished with aplomb, but saw his goal chalked off as he was a yard offside.
He would get his goal, with ten minutes remaining in the first half, and he did so well. Martin Ødegaard was the provider, as he played the ball in to the feet of Novakovic. With his back to goal, Novakovic turned on his heels and curled a low effort in to the far corner to give Whitehawk an established lead.
Spurs clawed one back early in the second half, and it came from Whitehawk's defensive frailties out wide. Carlo Alberto Conte played Kresimir Tomic in to space on the left wing, and his near post cross was converted by Wilco Meulemans.
The Dutch center forward will feel aggrieved that he didn't add to his tally as he raced in to another one-on-one position late on. However, his shot was palmed over the bar by Daniel Bentley, to secure passage to the semi finals for Whitehawk.
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Miroslav Novakovic (Whitehawk) - 8.3/10
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Whitehawk were handed a difficult tie against Manchester City in the semi finals of the EFL Cup. The teams would compete in two legs in January for a place in the final, against either Manchester United or Swansea.
Previous Update: #66 - Ferguson: Club World Cup Won't Be Easy
Next Update: #68 - Whitehawk To Face Barnsley In FA Cup
Whitehawk battled out a hard fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. The English champions raced in to a two goal lead in the first half, but an early Spurs goal in the second half provided a nervy final forty minutes to end the game.
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2-1 Win vs Tottenham Hotspur ![]()
- EFL Cup Qtr Final
2-1 Win vs Tottenham Hotspur 
- EFL Cup Qtr Final
Whitehawk's Two First Half Goals Proved To Be Enough To Win The Tie
Regular EFL Cup goalkeeper Daniel Bentley kept his place in Whitehawk's side for this competition, as Sir Ryan Ferguson fielded a nearly full strength side for the quarter final. Anton Nyman and Kylian Mbappé found themselves on the bench, however, with a key Premier League match against Everton coming up.
Central defender Rúben Dias was the captain of Tottenham Hotspur for the game, as manager Diego Simeone looked to win Spurs' first trophy since 2019, when they lifted the EFL Cup. Other notable inclusions in the starting eleven included veteran midfielder Dele Alli and Italian international defender Luca Di Marco.
Whitehawk very nearly took the lead in the ninth minute of the game as Martin Ødegaard's wasn't dealt with properly. The ball bounced kindly for Sergi Samper who unleashed a powerful half-volley at goal, but Spurs midfielder Carlo Alberto Conte blocked it on the line.
Spurs will have rued missing a guilt-edged opportunity to score five minutes later as Wilco Meulemans raced in to a one-on-one opportunity, but he scuffed his shot well wide of the post. This miss would prove costly.
The deadlock was broken in the eighteenth minute, and Jason Coffey was the scored. Lewis Cook expertly broke down a Spurs move, and Stephen Lacy sent a searching ball for Miroslav Novakovic on the right wing. The Serb controlled well, and his near post cross was converted by Jason Coffey to give Whitehawk the lead.
Novakovic would then find the back of the net himself just minutes later, only to see his goal disallowed for offside. Sergi Samper found himself with space to move in to in midfield, before picking out Novakovic in the box. The Serb finished with aplomb, but saw his goal chalked off as he was a yard offside.
He would get his goal, with ten minutes remaining in the first half, and he did so well. Martin Ødegaard was the provider, as he played the ball in to the feet of Novakovic. With his back to goal, Novakovic turned on his heels and curled a low effort in to the far corner to give Whitehawk an established lead.
Spurs clawed one back early in the second half, and it came from Whitehawk's defensive frailties out wide. Carlo Alberto Conte played Kresimir Tomic in to space on the left wing, and his near post cross was converted by Wilco Meulemans.
The Dutch center forward will feel aggrieved that he didn't add to his tally as he raced in to another one-on-one position late on. However, his shot was palmed over the bar by Daniel Bentley, to secure passage to the semi finals for Whitehawk.
Miroslav Novakovic (Whitehawk) - 8.3/10
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EFL Cup Semi Final Draw
EFL Cup Semi Final Draw
Whitehawk Would Face Manchester City In The EFL Cup Semi Finals
Whitehawk were handed a difficult tie against Manchester City in the semi finals of the EFL Cup. The teams would compete in two legs in January for a place in the final, against either Manchester United or Swansea.
Ryan Ferguson's Interview
Ryan Ferguson:
"It wasn't easy but we never expected it to be. We're in the latter stages of the competition now and every game will be as tough as imaginable. Tottenham gave us a good run for our money today, but we got a deserved win in the end. Credit to the lads for holding on when Spurs put the pressure on."
Comment Section
mgriffin2012, yes indeed! Racing Club are quite a major force in Argentina, while Tigres have a number of established international players! Guangzhou have been spending money, but they lack true team chemistry which money just can't buy!Previous Update: #66 - Ferguson: Club World Cup Won't Be Easy
Next Update: #68 - Whitehawk To Face Barnsley In FA Cup
Whitehawk To Face Barnsley In FA Cup
The FA Cup 3rd Round Draw Presented Champions Whitehawk With Barnsley
06/12/2027
FA Cup champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against Barnsley in the third round of the competition, as Whitehawk begin their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy in May with a penalty shootout victory over Manchester City in the final.
Whitehawk have lifted the trophy twice, winning it for the first time in 2025 with victory over Chelsea. They are looking to win it for a third time, and are touted as the favourites to do so.
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Barnsley lifted the FA Cup in 1912 with victory over West Brom, but have since struggled to reach such heights. Barnsley were defeated at the third round stage last season, following a narrow defeat to Manchester City.
Barnsley have struggled to find consistency in the EFL Championship this season. Manager John O'Shea has yet to find the magic formula, and his side currently sit in a dismal 15th position, with just one victory in their last eleven league games.
The fixture between Whitehawk and Barnsley will be played at Oakwell on 08/01/2028, with the victor progressing to the fourth round.
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Previous Update: #67 - Whitehawk Edge Hard Fought Quarter Final
Next Update: #69 - Mbappé Punishes Sorry Milan
FA Cup champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against Barnsley in the third round of the competition, as Whitehawk begin their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy in May with a penalty shootout victory over Manchester City in the final.
Whitehawk have lifted the trophy twice, winning it for the first time in 2025 with victory over Chelsea. They are looking to win it for a third time, and are touted as the favourites to do so.
Barnsley Had Struggled To Progress in The EFL Championship Recently
Barnsley lifted the FA Cup in 1912 with victory over West Brom, but have since struggled to reach such heights. Barnsley were defeated at the third round stage last season, following a narrow defeat to Manchester City.
Barnsley have struggled to find consistency in the EFL Championship this season. Manager John O'Shea has yet to find the magic formula, and his side currently sit in a dismal 15th position, with just one victory in their last eleven league games.
The fixture between Whitehawk and Barnsley will be played at Oakwell on 08/01/2028, with the victor progressing to the fourth round.
Barnsley Have Struggled To Find Any Sort Of Consistency In Recent Months
Ryan Ferguson:
"I'm delighted that we will be participating in the FA Cup again very soon. It is a competition I hold close to my heart, and has produced many memorable moments for Whitehawk. My first great memory comes from 2020 when we, a League One side at the time, defeated Manchester United in the quarter finals in a penalty shootout.
Barnsley will be a tricky team to play against. They haven't had the best of luck recently, but they have great spirit and tremendous ability. We will need to be at our best to progress."
Previous Update: #67 - Whitehawk Edge Hard Fought Quarter Final
Next Update: #69 - Mbappé Punishes Sorry Milan
You're through in the EFL Cup and that is all that matters, and the report was a very good read!
Barnsley should be straight forward enough opposition too!
Barnsley should be straight forward enough opposition too!
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Mbappé Punishes Sorry Milan
Kylian Mbappé Scored Twice As Whitehawk Ended Group Stage With Victory
08/12/2027
Kylian Mbappé twice scored from direct free kicks to earn Whitehawk victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. The result secured a 100% win record for the champions in the group stage, deservedly earning top spot, while AC Milan dropped to third place, resulting in UEFA Europa League football for the second half of the season.
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Suspended full back Erkan Aktaş was unavailable for Whitehawk, meaning Rasmus Nissen Kristensen would get a run out in the final group game of the campaign. Lewis Cook's impressive form saw him keep his place in the side, to Franco Díaz' expense. The rest of the side was full-strength.
Gianluigi Donnarumma captained AC Milan, as ever. André Silva was the lone striker for the Italian side, who were in desperate need of a result, if they were to qualify for the next round.
The first notable piece of action came early in the second half, with Osagie very nearly breaking the deadlock. Whitehawk were keeping possession very well, before Osagie picked up the ball. The Englishman wriggled his way around the edge of the area before firing a low shot at goal. Donnarumma did well to tip it just wide of the post.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the fifty-fourth minute from a set-piece. Having won a free kick just twenty yards from goal, Mbappé curled a controlled shot in to the top left-hand corner to give Whitehawk the lead.
André Silva very nearly produced an equaliser with a moment of magic on the hour mark. Silva picked up the ball with his back to goal, twenty five yards out, but held off Lacy and turned before placing an effort towards the top corner. However, Rajkovic was alert to the danger and calmly plucked the ball out of the air.
Mbappé added to his first goal, in almost identical fashion. Whitehawk won a free kick just five yards further away than their previous one, but the end product was the same. Mbappé curled another great shot in to the top corner, securing the win for his side.
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Kylian Mbappé (Whitehawk) - 8.9/10
Previous Update: #68 - Whitehawk To Face Barnsley In FA Cup
Next Update: #70 - Whitehawk To Play ES Tunis In CWC
Kylian Mbappé twice scored from direct free kicks to earn Whitehawk victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. The result secured a 100% win record for the champions in the group stage, deservedly earning top spot, while AC Milan dropped to third place, resulting in UEFA Europa League football for the second half of the season.
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2-0 Win vs AC Milan ![]()
- UEFA Champions League
Kylian Mbappé Scored Two Free Kicks From Very Similar Positions
Suspended full back Erkan Aktaş was unavailable for Whitehawk, meaning Rasmus Nissen Kristensen would get a run out in the final group game of the campaign. Lewis Cook's impressive form saw him keep his place in the side, to Franco Díaz' expense. The rest of the side was full-strength.
Gianluigi Donnarumma captained AC Milan, as ever. André Silva was the lone striker for the Italian side, who were in desperate need of a result, if they were to qualify for the next round.
The first notable piece of action came early in the second half, with Osagie very nearly breaking the deadlock. Whitehawk were keeping possession very well, before Osagie picked up the ball. The Englishman wriggled his way around the edge of the area before firing a low shot at goal. Donnarumma did well to tip it just wide of the post.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the fifty-fourth minute from a set-piece. Having won a free kick just twenty yards from goal, Mbappé curled a controlled shot in to the top left-hand corner to give Whitehawk the lead.
André Silva very nearly produced an equaliser with a moment of magic on the hour mark. Silva picked up the ball with his back to goal, twenty five yards out, but held off Lacy and turned before placing an effort towards the top corner. However, Rajkovic was alert to the danger and calmly plucked the ball out of the air.
Mbappé added to his first goal, in almost identical fashion. Whitehawk won a free kick just five yards further away than their previous one, but the end product was the same. Mbappé curled another great shot in to the top corner, securing the win for his side.
Kylian Mbappé (Whitehawk) - 8.9/10
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UEFA Champions League Qualifying Teams
UEFA Champions League Qualifying Teams
 Arsenal (ENG) Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) Bayern München (GER) Juventus (ITA) |
 Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) Porto (POR) Real Madrid (ESP) Whitehawk (ENG) |
 Atlético Madrid (ESP) AS Roma (ITA) Barcelona (ESP) Celtic (SCO) |
 Fenerbahçe (TUR) Manchester City (ENG) Manchester United (ENG) Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) |
 AC Milan (ITA) Ajax (NED) AS Monaco (FRA) Benfica (POR) |
 CSKA Moscow (RUS) Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) RB Leipzig (GER) Rosenborg BK (NOR) |
Ryan Ferguson's Interview
Ryan Ferguson:
"It was a good win for us. We played well and didn't provide AC Milan with too much to get excited about. We scored from two free kicks, which just shows the tremendous ability of Kylian Mbappé, but we also created a few other chances from open play which I'm happy about. We've done well and we deserve to be proud of our performance."
Comment Section
mgriffin2012, yeah progress is all that matters, at the end of the day. I'm hoping for a comfortable win over Barnsley, but anything can happen!Previous Update: #68 - Whitehawk To Face Barnsley In FA Cup
Next Update: #70 - Whitehawk To Play ES Tunis In CWC
A good victory over AC Milan, Mbappe is one hell of a player! To go through the entire group stages with 6 wins is something even the giants of european football rarely achieve so a huge well done is in order!
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Whitehawk To Play ES Tunis In CWC
Whitehawk Were Drawn Against ES Tunis In Club World Cup Semi Finals
12/12/2027
FIFA Club World Cup champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against ES Tunis in the semi finals of the competition, as Whitehawk begin their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy last December with a victory over Santos in the final.
Whitehawk first won the competition back in 2025, and have since won every edition since. The English powerhouse are looking to lift the trophy for a fourth consecutive year.
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ES Tunis have never won this competition, and were eliminated in the quarter final last year following defeat to Cruz Azul. ES Tunis have lifted the Orange CAF Champions League twelve times, winning the competition each time since 2021. The Tunisian giants were well and truly Africa's top team.
The fixture between Whitehawk and ES Tunis will be played at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa , on 15/12/2027. The winner would compete in the final against either Tigres UANL or Racing Club.
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Previous Update: #69 - Mbappé Punishes Sorry Milan
Next Update: #71 - Whitehawk To Face Atlético In KO Round
FIFA Club World Cup champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against ES Tunis in the semi finals of the competition, as Whitehawk begin their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy last December with a victory over Santos in the final.
Whitehawk first won the competition back in 2025, and have since won every edition since. The English powerhouse are looking to lift the trophy for a fourth consecutive year.
ES Tunis Are The Reigning Orange CAF Champions League Champions
ES Tunis have never won this competition, and were eliminated in the quarter final last year following defeat to Cruz Azul. ES Tunis have lifted the Orange CAF Champions League twelve times, winning the competition each time since 2021. The Tunisian giants were well and truly Africa's top team.
The fixture between Whitehawk and ES Tunis will be played at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa , on 15/12/2027. The winner would compete in the final against either Tigres UANL or Racing Club.
ES Tunis Were Relentless In Their Orange CAF Champions League Campaign
Ryan Ferguson:
"I'm so excited about starting our Club World Cup campaign. The prospect of playing against the top teams of each continent is a delightful one, and we hope to create some terrific memories as we have in recent years.
We know how capable ES Tunis are of playing terrific football. They're the best team of Africa, and deservedly so, and so we must show them great respect. We'll take nothing for granted, I can assure you of that."
Comment Section
mgriffin2012, I'm so delighted with Mbappé's form, he's been nothing short of sensational! Yeah six wins from six is always good, although we never really faced any top teams in this group so we were somewhat fortunate!Previous Update: #69 - Mbappé Punishes Sorry Milan
Next Update: #71 - Whitehawk To Face Atlético In KO Round
You can never underestimate these type of clubs, they've earned their right to get here and so obviously have the ability. It'll be an interesting game but obviously I think you'll see them off comfortably.
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Whitehawk To Face Atlético In KO Round
Whitehawk Will Face Atlético Madrid In The UEFA Champions League
13/12/2027
UEFA Champions League champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against Atlético Madrid in the first knockout round of the competition, as Whitehawk continue their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy last May with victory over Bayern Munich in the final.
Whitehawk first won the competition back in 2025, and have incredibly won every single edition of the most prestigious club competition since. The English giants are looking to lift the trophy for a fourth consecutive year.
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Atlético Madrid have never won the competition, surprisingly, and were eliminated in the first knockout round by Manchester United last season. However, the Spanish capital side have lifted La Liga Santander twice in recent seasons, and in-form captain Romelu Lukaku has already scored seven goals in this seasons Champions League.
The first leg of the tie between Whitehawk and Atlético Madrid will be played at the Vicente Calderón in Madrid on 16/02/2028, with the return leg at the Whitehawk Stadium in Brighton to be played on 07/03/2028. The winner would progress to the quarter finals.
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The draw did not get any easier for Whitehawk's compatriots. Manchester United faced a tough tie against Real Madrid, while Arsenal and Manchester City faced FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, respectively.
Previous Update: #70 - Whitehawk To Play ES Tunis In CWC
Next Update: #72 - Ødegaard Stars In CWC Semi Final
UEFA Champions League champions Whitehawk were presented with a fixture against Atlético Madrid in the first knockout round of the competition, as Whitehawk continue their defence of the competition. The reigning champions lifted the trophy last May with victory over Bayern Munich in the final.
Whitehawk first won the competition back in 2025, and have incredibly won every single edition of the most prestigious club competition since. The English giants are looking to lift the trophy for a fourth consecutive year.
Atlético Madrid Have Never Won The UEFA Champions League
Atlético Madrid have never won the competition, surprisingly, and were eliminated in the first knockout round by Manchester United last season. However, the Spanish capital side have lifted La Liga Santander twice in recent seasons, and in-form captain Romelu Lukaku has already scored seven goals in this seasons Champions League.
The first leg of the tie between Whitehawk and Atlético Madrid will be played at the Vicente Calderón in Madrid on 16/02/2028, with the return leg at the Whitehawk Stadium in Brighton to be played on 07/03/2028. The winner would progress to the quarter finals.
Atlético Were In Third Place In La Liga Santander
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UEFA Champions League Draw
All Four English Teams Faced Tough Opposition In The Knockout Round
The draw did not get any easier for Whitehawk's compatriots. Manchester United faced a tough tie against Real Madrid, while Arsenal and Manchester City faced FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, respectively.
Ryan Ferguson:
"What an exciting draw! We come up against one of football's toughest teams and we are looking forward to this challenge. We have some wonderful memories of this competition and we hope that the two games against Atlético Madrid will prove to be as amazing as previous fixtures.
We know how good they are. Romelu Lukaku is a fantastic player with over 300 goals for Atlético, which is absolutely phenomenal. He's probably the greatest out-and-out striker of all time and we know we'll have a challenge on our hands. Hopefully we can come out on top."
Comment Section
ScottT, yes indeed! They have as much merit to be there as anybody else!Previous Update: #70 - Whitehawk To Play ES Tunis In CWC
Next Update: #72 - Ødegaard Stars In CWC Semi Final
Ødegaard Stars In CWC Semi Final
Martin Ødegaard Starred In Whitehawk's Victory Over ES Tunis
15/12/2027
A Martin Ødegaard-inspired performance saw Whitehawk defeat ES Tunis in the semi finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, booking their place in the final. Two goals from the Norwegian for a much-changed Whitehawk side proved more than enough to dismantle the African champions.
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Ryan Ferguson named a completely second string side for the semi finals, with Daniel Bentley starting in goals. A back four of Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (captain for the day), Danny Wickenden, Jérôme Onguéné and Pipoca lined up behind a midfield duo of Sergi Samper and Franco Díaz. Martin Ødegaard, Ricardo Barbosa and Gradimir Lucic made up an attacking midfield trio, as Tomas Mrva lead the line. 21 year old Australian international Jordan Turner was on the bench, ready to make his debut for the club.
It all started very very horribly for Whitehawk, and in particular for captain-of-the-day Rasmus Nissen Kristensen. The defender collapsed in a pile following a robust challenge, and was stretchered off with torn knee ligaments. The extent of the injury would not be known until after the game.
Kristensen's replacement, Erkan Aktaş, had an equally miserable game. Substituted on in the fourth minute, he was sent off just three minutes later. The Turkish defender saw red as he slid in two footed for the ball, leaving Whitehawk with ten men and no right backs.
This would not halt Whitehawk's attacks, however, and they did break the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half. Pipoca charged forward in to space and clipped a beautiful cross to the far side of the six yard area. Martin Ødegaard was on hand to strike a low first-time volley beyond the keeper, giving Whitehawk the lead.
Sergi Samper very nearly added a second early in the second half. Pipoca was proving a real handful on the left, despite being Whitehawk's only left-sided player following the red card, and his low cross picked out the Spaniard on the edge of the area. Samper took one touch before firing towards the top corner. His shot was tipped on to the bar by the ES Tunis goalkeeper, keeping the African side in the game.
Whitehawk would earn a penalty in the final few minutes of the game, with Danny Wickenden bundled over in the box. Up stepped Martin Ødegaard to the spot, and he calmly rolled the ball down the middle to send Whitehawk through to the final.
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Martin Ødegaard (Whitehawk) - 8.8/10
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Previous Update: #71 - Whitehawk To Face Atlético In KO Round
Next Update: #73 - Kristensen Sidelined For Nine Months
A Martin Ødegaard-inspired performance saw Whitehawk defeat ES Tunis in the semi finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, booking their place in the final. Two goals from the Norwegian for a much-changed Whitehawk side proved more than enough to dismantle the African champions.
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2-0 Win vs ES Tunis ![]()
- FIFA Club World Cup
- FIFA Club World Cup
Martin Ødegaard Scored Twice In A Rare Start For Whitehawk
Ryan Ferguson named a completely second string side for the semi finals, with Daniel Bentley starting in goals. A back four of Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (captain for the day), Danny Wickenden, Jérôme Onguéné and Pipoca lined up behind a midfield duo of Sergi Samper and Franco Díaz. Martin Ødegaard, Ricardo Barbosa and Gradimir Lucic made up an attacking midfield trio, as Tomas Mrva lead the line. 21 year old Australian international Jordan Turner was on the bench, ready to make his debut for the club.
It all started very very horribly for Whitehawk, and in particular for captain-of-the-day Rasmus Nissen Kristensen. The defender collapsed in a pile following a robust challenge, and was stretchered off with torn knee ligaments. The extent of the injury would not be known until after the game.
Kristensen's replacement, Erkan Aktaş, had an equally miserable game. Substituted on in the fourth minute, he was sent off just three minutes later. The Turkish defender saw red as he slid in two footed for the ball, leaving Whitehawk with ten men and no right backs.
This would not halt Whitehawk's attacks, however, and they did break the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half. Pipoca charged forward in to space and clipped a beautiful cross to the far side of the six yard area. Martin Ødegaard was on hand to strike a low first-time volley beyond the keeper, giving Whitehawk the lead.
Sergi Samper very nearly added a second early in the second half. Pipoca was proving a real handful on the left, despite being Whitehawk's only left-sided player following the red card, and his low cross picked out the Spaniard on the edge of the area. Samper took one touch before firing towards the top corner. His shot was tipped on to the bar by the ES Tunis goalkeeper, keeping the African side in the game.
Whitehawk would earn a penalty in the final few minutes of the game, with Danny Wickenden bundled over in the box. Up stepped Martin Ødegaard to the spot, and he calmly rolled the ball down the middle to send Whitehawk through to the final.
Martin Ødegaard (Whitehawk) - 8.8/10
Whitehawk Would Face Mexican Side Tigres UANL In The Final
Ryan Ferguson Interview
Ryan Ferguson:
"I'm happy with the result, but I'm disappointed with what happened in the first seven minutes. Unfortunately, Rasmus (Nissen Kristensen) was brought off with what looks like a very serious injury. We won't know the full extent of this injury until later but we hope it isn't too bad, and we will fully support him.
I'm also very disappointed with Erkan Aktaş for getting sent off in the way he did. He put the team under a lot of pressure for the majority of the game and we now head in to the final without a natural right back. Luckily, (Emanuel) Mammana and (Danny) Wickenden have some experience in this position, so we should be okay.
We play a very strong Tigres in the final, so that will be exciting. They have a number of fantastic players including American internationals Travis Clark and Emerson Hyndman. We will need to be at our best to beat them but I am confident in our chances."
Previous Update: #71 - Whitehawk To Face Atlético In KO Round
Next Update: #73 - Kristensen Sidelined For Nine Months
Tigres will not be easy but you shouldn't have major problems in overcoming them! As for Atletico, the hope will be that they're not as defensively disciplined without Simeone as manager and they'll be a bit easier to break down!
Well done on seeing off Tunis, again Tigres can't be underestimated but I can see another 2-0 win on the cards. 
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