Midweek football usually feels like a filler. You know the vibe—scattered cup games, a few rescheduled league matches, and a lot of squad rotation. But honestly, today, January 14, 2026, has been anything but quiet. Between a massive London derby in the Carabao Cup and a high-stakes AFCON semifinal, the current score of the football game across several continents is actually reshaping how we look at the rest of the season.
If you're just checking your phone now, you missed a chaotic evening at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal Edges Chelsea in a Five-Goal Thriller
The first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Arsenal just wrapped up, and it was a mess in the best way possible. Arsenal walked away with a 3-2 victory, but that scoreline barely tells the story.
Ben White, of all people, was the hero early on. He headed in a cross from Declan Rice in the 7th minute to silence the Bridge. By the time the second half started, it looked like Arsenal would cruise. Viktor Gyökeres—who has been a revelation for the Gunners—pounced on a Robert Sanchez error in the 49th minute to make it 2-0.
Then things got weird.
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Alejandro Garnacho, making a massive impact off the bench for Chelsea, clawed one back. Martin Zubimendi responded for Arsenal to make it 3-1, and for a second, it felt over. But Garnacho wasn't done. He completed a brace in the 84th minute, firing home a half-volley that gave Chelsea a lifeline. They’ll head to the Emirates for the second leg on February 3rd down a goal, but with way more momentum than they deserve.
Mane Sends Senegal to the AFCON Final
While London was freezing, the heat in Tanger was localized entirely on Sadio Mane’s right boot. In a tense, cagey Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, Senegal beat Egypt 1-0.
If you like defensive masterclasses, this was your game. Egypt didn't even record a shot in the first half. Zero. Not even a speculative effort from distance. Senegal dominated the ball but couldn't find a way through until the 78th minute.
Mane basically took matters into his own hands. He drove through a crowded midfield and beat El Shenawy with a low strike. There was a brief, heart-stopping VAR check for offside, but the goal stood. Senegal is back in the final, waiting for the winner of Nigeria vs. Morocco.
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Quick Hits: Scores From Around Europe
It wasn't just cup drama today. The European leagues had plenty of action that’s worth a look if you’re tracking the standings.
- Bundesliga: Bayern Munich made short work of FC Cologne with a 3-1 win. They look like they’re hitting their stride just as the Champions League knockout rounds approach. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig and Freiburg played out a physical 1-1 draw that helps neither side in the top-four race.
- Serie A: Inter Milan handled Lecce 2-0 at the San Siro. It was clinical. It was boring. It’s exactly what Inter does. Napoli also secured a much-needed 2-1 victory over Parma to keep their European hopes alive.
- Copa del Rey: Real Madrid avoided a massive upset, beating Albacete 2-1. They trailed for a good portion of the first half before their depth finally wore the underdogs down.
Why These Results Matter for the Weekend
The current score of the football game today isn't just about tonight's bragging rights. It sets a massive precedent for the weekend fixtures.
Arsenal’s win over Chelsea took a physical toll. Arteta played a nearly full-strength side, and with the second leg weeks away, their upcoming Premier League fixture might see some heavy rotation. On the flip side, Chelsea’s resilience under Liam Rosenior (who was taking charge of his first home game) suggests the "new manager bounce" is real, even if the result didn't go their way.
In Africa, the Senegal victory confirms they are the team to beat. Their defensive structure is basically a wall. If Morocco wins the second semifinal, we are looking at a final that could legitimately be one of the best in AFCON history.
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What You Should Do Next
Keep a close eye on the injury reports coming out of London tomorrow. Both teams looked gassed by the 90th minute, and with the "January slog" in full effect, these midweek minutes are where seasons start to unravel.
If you’re a betting person, look at the "Under" for Senegal's final. They don't concede, and they don't overextend themselves once they have a lead. It’s not flashy, but it’s winning football.
Check the local kickoff times for the Nigeria vs. Morocco game scheduled for later tonight. That match will determine the final landscape of the tournament, and given how Nigeria has played lately, it’s going to be a high-tempo contrast to the Senegal-Egypt tactical battle we just witnessed.