All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the WSL season, falling 1-0 to a spirited Aston Villa side. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, with Miri Taylor firing in from the edge of the box for her first goal as a professional. The Red Devils were uncharacteristically listless in attack as Mark Skinner's side failed to score for the first time in the 2025-26 season.

United entered the game as heavy favourites, sitting in third at the start of the day's play and the visitors winning just once in their first seven league games. 

Villa frustrated the hosts in an uneventful first half. Taylor's strike came after the hosts failed to clear their lines from a corner. The Scottish midfielder managed to keep the bouncing ball down, driving the ball into the corner of Phallon Tullis-Joyce's net. 

Ella Toone produced United's first shot on target shortly after the hour mark. Her scrambled effort was gallantly cleared off the line by a lunging Villa defender. Skinner's substitutions could do little to influence the game, with United failing to create a clear cut chance until Rachel Williams' header was comfortable stopped by Sabrina D'Angelo in the 85th minute. 

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from the Leigh Sports Village.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Phallon Tullis-Joyce (5/10):

There was little she could to stop Taylor's effort as she was left unsighted by a sea of bodies from the uncleared corner. Dealt with Villa's otherwise tame efforts with minimal fuss.

Jayde Riviere (6/10):

Provided some attacking impetus, but her delivery was inconsistent. 

Dominique Janssen (5/10):

Was caught high up the pitch on a couple of occasions. Bailed out by her centre back partner and the covering Miyazawa.

Maya Le Tissier (6/10):

Fierce battle with player of the match Kirsty Hanson. Stood up to the striker physically, and made some well timed recovery tackles. 

Gabby George (4/10):

Failed to push on with any threat. Pulled in the 55th minute. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):

An outstanding covering tackle stopped Villa from extending their lead on the hour mark. Unable to dictate play in possession. 

Lisa Naalsund (4/10):

Subbed before the hour mark. Another victim of Villa's compact defence. 

Ella Toone (5/10):

Struggled to impact the game until her snatched chance in the box was cleared off the line. 

Getty Images SportAttack

Jess Park (4/10):

Floated in and out of the game. Showed little sign of the attacking threat she has provided so far this season. 

Fridolina Rolfo (4/10):

One jinking run in the first half resulted in a poor effort on her weaker foot. An anonymous performance otherwise. Pulled before the hour mark. 

Elisabeth Terland (5/10):

Next to no service before getting the hook in the 55th minute. A frustrating afternoon.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Melvine Malard (6/10):

Provided a physical presence in the box that almost lead to a Toone goal. Her willing runs down the channel turned the Villa defence. 

Anna Sandberg (6/10):

Retained possession well in the final third. Her floated cross for Williams could have set up the break through.

Leah Galton (5/10):

One headed effort screwed harmlessly wide. Little to talk about otherwise. 

Julia Zigotti Olme (4/10):

Little to report. Tidy enough on the ball, but like many of her peers, provided no sustained attacking threat. 

Rachel Williams (N/A):

Could have done better with her headed chance as time expired. 

Mark Skinner (4/10):

His side looked a shadow of the attacking threat they have provided over the season to date. Some of the subs had an impact, but it wasn't enough to break down the visitors' low block. 

Manchester United now hold an advantage in the race to sign Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand, with the midfielder being targeted as a replacement for Casemiro.

Casemiro has repaid Ruben Amorim’s faith in him with some fantastic performances this season, most recently picking up a goal and an assist in the 4-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, while also making a number of other important contributions.

Statistic

Number completed

Tackles

3

Interceptions

2

Ground duels (won)

6 (4)

The Brazilian was lauded by Amorim after the match, with the 40-year-old suggesting he should be a role model for the other United players, saying: “I think he gives a lot of experience,

“He’s so important for us. Today he run a lot. He had to press so high and then return, and he’s doing that. So, I’m really pleased with him. And the other guys need to look at Casemiro.”

However, the 33-year-old’s long-term future at Old Trafford remains up in the air, given that his contract is set to expire next summer, and the Red Devils are now lining up moves for new midfielders, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson emerging as a target.

A deal for Anderson could be on the expensive side, however, with it being reported Forest could hold out for £120m, and the England international is not the only target on the shortlist…

Man Utd hold advantage in race for Hjulmand

According to a report from Football Insider, Man United hold an advantage in the race for Sporting CP midfielder Hjulmand, given his links with Amorim, with the Portuguese manager signing the Dane from Lecce back in 2023.

The central midfielder has a £70m release clause in his contract, but there is now a feeling he could be available for the cut-price fee of £50m, which will also be welcome news for the Red Devils.

Amorim is known to be a big fan of the 26-year-old, but there may be competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City also in the race.

With it also being revealed that United don’t plan to trigger the extension clause in Casemiro’s contract, the Sporting star could be brought in as a replacement, and he may be a solid option, having impressed for club and country.

The Denmark international displayed his ball-striking ability with a fantastic goal against England at Euro 2024, and there are signs he could have a positive influence in the Man United dressing room, having been dubbed a “leader” by sporting boss Rui Borges.

It would be a shame to see Casemiro depart, but the 33-year-old is on massive wages, raking in £350k-a-week, so it could make sense to sign a younger midfielder this summer, and Hjulmand, who’s made 12 Champions League appearances, may now be ready to test himself at a top club.

Find out the latest on Man Utd's move for Conor Gallagher Man Utd set to push for "amazing" English signing, £52m bid in the works

The Red Devils have identified a new top target in midfield, and they could make a move in the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025

Hetmyer hit Fabian Allen for five sixes in an over, while Motie followed figures of 3 for 9 with 19 runs in the chase

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jul-2025Shimron Hetmyer went 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 6 off Fabian Allen to pump life into Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAW) chase of 126 against Hobart Hurricanes (HH), as Amazon Warriors warmed up for the GSL final by beating Hurricanes by four wickets. From 43 for 3 after nine overs in pursuit of 126, Amazon Warriors won with more than three overs to spare as Hetmyer crashed 39 off just ten balls – including another six, off Usama Mir.But the win was set up by Gudakesh Motie’s economical spell of 3 for 9, and Moeen Ali’s twin strikes in the second over of the Hurricanes innings, after they elected to bat first. Moeen got Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jake Doran within three deliveries to reduce Hurricanes to 14 for 2.Dwaine Pretorius then bowled Ben McDermott for 21 off nine balls to make it 28 for 3 in the third over, which had begun with McDermott smashing Pretorius for three boundaries in a row. Despite the three early wickets, though, Hobart didn’t take a step back. Nikhil Chaudhary and Macalister Wright added 29 runs in the second half of the powerplay, including three fours and a six.But Amazon Warriors introduced Motie in the seventh over, and there was a turnaround. Motie had Chaudhary stumped first ball for 21, and trapped Wright in front for 16 off his fourth ball. What was 65 for 3 became 77 for 6 when Imran Tahir cleaned Odean Smith up. Mohammad Nabi and Allen staged another brief recovery with a 35-run stand, but Tahir and Motie cleaned the tail up to bowl Hurricanes out for 125.In reply, Amazon Warriors had their share of worries as well. They were 29 for 2 after seven overs, as Nabi, Billy Stanlake, Chaudhary and Usama Mir kept a lid on the scoring. Stanlake had bowled Johnson Charles for 8 in the first over while Nabi got Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw for 7 in the fourth.Moeen, who had walked in at No. 4, was struggling to get going, with only eight runs coming off his first 17 deliveries. But he ended the eighth over by swinging Nabi for a six. Next over, Mir got Evin Lewis for 7, and with GAW three down and stuck at 43 in nine overs, it looked like HH would give tough competition despite a small total to defend.But Hetmyer’s six-laden cameo provided a dramatic twist. Although Stanlake had Sherfane Rutherford caught for 3 after Hetmyer fell to Mir, Motie’s 19 off 13 balls and Moeen’s patient 30* from 36 deliveries took Amazon Warriors home.

Neymar has been reportedly offered an escape route from Santos as a Brazilian club is looking to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to unite him with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea legend Thiago Silva. The 32-year-old’s time at Santos appears to be winding down, and potential suitors are already lining up for the former Barcelona forward's signature.

Santos ready to move on

Santaos are mired in a relegation scrap and have reportedly informed Neymar’s father and agent that a contract extension is no longer a certainty. With his deal set to expire on December 31, the one-time golden boy of Brazilian football is edging towards free agency and a major decision about his future is set to be taken. His return last year was hailed as a fairytale homecoming, but persistent injuries have blunted the romance.

The club’s hierarchy now appears ready to turn the page as they are wary of committing large wages to a player whose fitness remains a gamble. Reports from Brazil suggest Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, are exploring a move to bring the Brazilian star to Florida. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba expected to retiring, Miami’s Designated Player slots will soon open up, which will potentially pave the way for another Barcelona icon to join Messi in the sunshine state.

For Neymar, the idea holds undeniable emotional appeal. The Brazilian has never hidden his affection for Messi and Luis Suarez, with whom he formed the devastating 'MSN' front line at Barcelona. When earlier asked by whether he’d like to reunite with his former teammates, Neymar didn’t hesitate to give his approval. "Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible," he had said. "They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFluminense launch bold plan for 2026

But MLS isn’t the only door open to Neymar. Back home, Fluminense are quietly plotting a move of their own, according to reports. The Rio giants have supposedly identified Neymar as their marquee target for 2026. It will be an audacious transfer that would unite him with Thiago Silva, as revealed by journalist Rodrigo Dias from the channel The transfer is already being discussed internally, though much will depend on the outcome of the club’s upcoming presidential elections.

To add fuel to fire, Fluminense’s head of physiotherapy, Nilton Petrone, known in Brazil as 'File', spoke openly about the possibility of Neymar joining the club.

"Neymar is the last genius we have produced in Brazilian football. It's undeniable," he began. "What we need to know is how much Neymar wants, and what Fluminense proposes, he will propose, right. Thiago (Silva) is very close to Neymar; he has probably been talking to him, not just today, there was already that first moment at the (Club) World Cup."

Petrone emphasised that Fluminense would only proceed if Neymar demonstrated full commitment. "Neymar has to want it. That's the first thing," he insisted. "Then, he has to adjust to the commitment to the procedural protocols that Fluminense has today. Fluminense today is not a ‘la vonte’ club. It has processes. These processes are established, and there is integration between the teams. Fluminense is an example of a multi, inter, and transdisciplinary team. It depends on him.

"If you asked me: would you make it available? Obviously, how could you not make the club available to help an athlete? We do it for so many, so many athletes that few people know and who went to Fluminense."

World Cup hopes fading?

Since Carlo Ancelotti assumed control of the Selecao earlier this year, Neymar has found himself conspicuously absent from the Italian’s plans. The former Real Madrid manager remains adamant that the forward must prove himself before getting a call from him. 

During a recent press conference, Ancelotti said: "I haven't spoken to Neymar yet, we'll see what happens when he recovers and is able to play again. (I) might call up a player who lacks fitness for the first match or two of the World Cup, but it is impossible to include a player who is not physically ready for the entire tournament. We need players who are at their best." 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportThe clock is ticking for Neymar

Time is running out for Neymar. The deal with Santos ends on December 31, and as things stand, the club sits 17th in Serie A, two points away from safety. They are winless in their last five matches, and desperately need a spark before facing Palmeiras this weekend. Neymar was handed 36 minutes during their defeat to Flamengo, and it remains to be seen if the forward gets an opportunity to impress his potential suitors. 

The visitors had collapsed from 96 for 0 to 125 for 5 in a chase of 175 in Harare

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Sep-2025Kamindu Mendis’ 41 not out off 16 from No. 6 rescued Sri Lanka from a collapse, and catapulted them to victory in a game that seemed to be slipping away. Sri Lanka needed 46 runs off the last four overs, having slipped from 96 for no loss to 125 for 5.But Kamindu crashed four sixes and a four, the vast majority of those shots coming behind square on the leg side as Zimbabwe’s seamers got their lines wrong at the death. In the end, Sri Lanka cruised home with five balls remaining and four wickets in hand.Higher up the order, Pathum Nissanka struck his third half century of the tour to set the platform for this chase of 176. It was a competitive total given the conditions, with Brian Bennett’s 81 off 57 balls being the primary driver of Zimbabwe’s score.Aside from Richard Ngarava, who took 2 for 19, Zimbabwe’s seamers were expensive.ESPNcricinfo LtdTinotenda Maposa’s horror overWith three overs to go and Sri Lanka still needing 34, Zimbabwe needed a quiet over from Tinotenda Maposa, who had bowled well until that stage. Kamindu manufactured a boundary off a wide yorker by reverse-scooping him for four first ball. Then came the horror deliveries. The next one was a chest-high full toss at the body which Kamindu swatted over the deep fine boundary. Maposa followed up that no-ball with a leg-side wide, and finished the over with another leg-side full toss that Kamindu happily deposited over the deep square leg rope. That 18th over cost Zimbabwe 26 runs, and essentially decided the match.Sri Lanka’s middle-overs wobbleFollowing Nissanka’s outstanding 55 off 32 in which he was typically strong square of the wicket, Sri Lanka went through a period in which they lost six wickets for 46 runs in seven overs, with several Zimbabwe bowlers striking through this spell. The opening stand of 96 had come rapidly however – Kusal Mendis and Nissanka having scored at more than nine an over. This gave Sri Lanka some cover to weather the collapse.Bennett holds Zimbabwe togetherAlthough his innings began with some lucky edges through deep third, Bennett powered Zimbabwe through an impressive powerplay in which they reaped 59 – Bennett contributing 32 off 17. The deep third area would continue to be productive for Bennett, who used the seamers’ pace well. He also reverse-swept the spinners behind square on the offside. He was involved in fifty partnerships with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, before Dushmantha Chameera took out Bennett’s stumps with the last ball of the 19th over.Chameera takes threeThe best of Sri Lanka’s bowlers was Chameera, who finished with figures of 3 for 30. He was effective both in the powerplay and the death, taking the first wicket, before later sending down a series of excellent yorkers. He was good at reading the batters too – twice batters attempted to spring to the offside to drag him to leg, but found that Chameera had sent a rapid yorker at the base of their stumps and rattled them.

Ruben Amorim has put some credit in the bank in recent weeks, having overseen an upturn in performances and results at the Manchester United helm.

But the Red Devils’ three-match winning run in the Premier League was halted on Saturday’s draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. It was a creditable result, even if the performance left plenty to be desired.

Negativity has hung over Old Trafford like a brooding cloud for far too long, but Amorim will sense the first signs of a shift, with his side not only more fluent as a unit but demonstrably stronger from a mental standpoint too.

While impactful additions like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have helped refashion the outfit’s attack, they have been joined by a number of players, finding form after such bleak and low-ebb efforts last year.

Amorim's resurgent Man Utd stars

Cunha and Mbeumo are difference-makers, but no one has personified Manchester United’s budding resurgence under Amorim quite like Amad Diallo.

Amad salvaged a draw in that 2-2 battle at Forest last weekend, with that late volley salvaging a result and easing his own frustrations at being beaten by Morgan Gibbs-White in the air after the break. There it was that Casemiro’s first-half goal was cancelled out.

The Ivorian is a nifty little playmaker, with quick feet and an eye for goal that requires only a glance back at the weekend for proof, that strike very much pressed firmly in fans’ minds.

But his reshaped role as a wing-back has come at the expense of attacking freedom. Amad is not a natural defender, but neither is he a lost cause when against the ball. He works well on the flank of that line, adding to a defence that still searches for its final form.

But it’s getting there. Harry Maguire did not play against the Tricky Trees, but he has proven himself to be an important player this term. Likewise, Matthjis de Ligt is starting to come into his own after previously toiling through his first campaign in England.

And Casemiro’s strike to open the scoring underscored once again his own revival. Jamie Carragher’s acerbic comments have fallen flat, with the Brazilian now something of a linchpin in the centre for a side that has proven unable to find answers in the engine room.

But there’s an even bigger turnaround taking place at the Theatre of Dreams. Yes, one of United’s longest-serving stars appears to have found his finest form in some time.

Struggling Man Utd star is now undroppable

Manchester United have been through a lot over the past 12 years. Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement was always going to knock Old Trafford out of kilter, but no one expected the club to have fallen from their perch as they have.

A trophy-winning identity has been maintained throughout, but inconsistencies have been rife, and too many frustrating players have been signed, unable to find the form that their skillsets demand.

Chief among these cases would be that of Luke Shaw, who has come a long way in a short amount of time this year.

Not only enjoying a prolonged run of fitness, the England international is performing resolutely in a left-sided centre back berth, and that after playing as if he “didn’t want to tackle anyone” toward the start of the campaign, as was said by Roy Keane, who also declared the defender has been “getting away with murder for years”.

Undoubtedly, Shaw has been put through a career-long wringer in terms of fitness levels. He left Southampton and joined Man United for a fee in excess of £30m in 2014, and after more than 11 years of service, the 30-year-old has 297 games chalked off.

Many times, he has languished in the infirmary, never quite able to build up that natural athleticism and energy and technical ability to a point of recognition as one of the best left-backs in the world.

But, having started each of his side’s ten Premier League matches so far this season, there’s reason to be excited as Shaw continues to make headway. He is sharp and aware and robust in his defensive duties.

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

90′

Goals conceded

2

Touches

85

Accurate passes

65/74 (88%)

Possession lost

9x

Dribbles

1/1

Recoveries

1

Tackles

2/2

Interceptions

3

Clearances

1

Ground duels

4/5

Aerial duels

3/4

The point gained at Forest proved this. In isolation, it was a frustrating performance, not quite slick enough and disappointing to have conceded twice after the interval, having worked hard to take the advantage into the break.

But we are not talking in isolation here. United played with heart and understanding, and Shaw was at the centre of this, building upon months of work. The Manchester Evening News noted he ‘will play himself back into the England squad’ with a continuation of these performances.

Keane would be the first to rejoice at Shaw’s rejuvenation. There has been no vendetta against the experienced ace, but rather, a deep disappointment relating to the club’s struggles to kick on. Shaw has been at the epicentre of this, too often injured and too often out of sorts. But no longer. This is a player who has rediscovered his self-belief and the joy of wearing the United badge.

This Saturday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur – in London – will mark the perfect chance to enter the November international break with a real sense of progress. Amorim, undoubtedly, will field Shaw in his starting line-up, with the defender’s composure and ease on the ball now blended with renewed defensive iron. He is undroppable at this moment in time.

As the early-season form at Man United will attest, there is a long road to walk before the Red Devils and Shaw can look back and nod at efforts well expended.

Silverware is needed, and stability in contention at the top of the table. Whether United will do it is anyone’s guess, but so far, so good.

Man Utd's "anonymous" flop is rapidly becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Ruben Amorim has a job on his hands to put one Manchester United player on the right track.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 3, 2025

A surprise guest was introduced over the Oakland Coliseum loudspeakers on Thursday to sing the national anthem for the Oakland Athletics' final home game in the East Bay—former AL Cy Young winner Barry Zito.

Zito, who pitched for the A's from 2000 to '06 and rejoined the club for three appearances in '15, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" in front of a sold-out crowd of 46,889 fans.

After 57 years in the Oakland Coliseum, the A's will play their home games at Sutter Health Park, the home of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, in California's capital city for the next three seasons as they attempt to relocate the franchise to Las Vegas by 2028.

"You can't prepare for something like this," Zito said of the final Coliseum game on the NBC Sports California broadcast. " … I had to be a part of this. This is just so special. I love seeing all the fans and all the green and gold, man."

Zito's singing talent didn't come out of nowhere. He has a long history as a musician, as he began playing guitar in the minor leagues and played with his sister Sally's band during each offseason from 2000 to '07. After he retired from baseball in 2015, Zito released his first EP in 2017 and appeared on season three of on Fox.

Although he has plenty of talent on the microphone, Zito was even better on the mound. Across 15 seasons, Zito was a three-time All-Star and logged a 165–143 record and 4.04 ERA. He was named the 2002 AL Cy Young winner after registering a 23–5 record, 2.75 ERA and 182 strikeouts in 35 starts, leading the "Moneyball A's" to an AL West division title.

Barcelona have confirmed the date for their long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou. The Blaugrana haven't played at the famous stadium since the end of the 2022/23 season as the La Liga giants' home underwent major renovation works. However, the project, which was due to be sufficiently completed to resume playing there by the end of 2024, has dragged on significantly longer than initially anticipated.

Getty Images SportSuccessful test event paved way for re-opening

Barcelona have played their home games at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium since the start of the 2023/24 season, which has a capacity of 55,926. The initial plan was to play the Olympic Stadium for the duration of that campaign and the first half of last season before returning to Spotify Camp Nou earlier this year.

However, a string of missed deadlines means Barcelona have been forced to continue to play away from Spotify Camp Nou for longer than they originally expected. The La Liga champions did receive a permit to re-open the stadium last month, but a limit was placed on the capacity to just 25,991, which the club felt didn't make sense financially.

Barcelona subsequently held a test event at the famous stadium as 23,000 fans attended a test event, which president Joan Laporta deemed a success. "The players and Hansi [Flick] did really well in front of the supporters. They want to come back, and today they've seen that we’re very close," Laporta said after the open training session, which was key as the Spanish giants sought to receive license 1B, which enables the club to open another stand and significantly increase the available capacity.

AdvertisementBarcelona confirm welcome of Athletic Club for re-opening

Earlier this month, Barcelona executive Joan Sentelles, who is overseeing renovations, said: "Our goal is to have it ready in time for the match against Athletic Club. "As soon as we obtain the 1B license, we'll open the Lateral Stand, which will already give us a capacity similar to the Olympic Stadium. At that point, it wouldn't make sense to continue playing there – all our matches will be here [at Camp Nou]."

"I haven't been informed of any problems so far," Laporta added. "We have the initial occupancy permit; it would hold 27,000 spectators, but we're waiting for the 1B license so that 45,000 can enter. That would mean the entire stadium except for the North Stand.

"We are working so that, when we get the 1B permit, we can play. If they give it to us next week, we could play [against Athletic Club]. But we will play as soon as possible, depending on the permit. We have an obligation to work with dates."

And on Monday, Barcelona confirmed in a post on X that Spotify Camp Nou would re-open for supporters. "We've dreamed about the return. Now, it's here. We’re back home. Back at Spotify Camp Nou," they posted on their official club account.

Renovation work will continue in the area and capacity is capped at 45,401 for Saturday's game as Barcelona look to return to domestic duties with victory over Basque powerhouse Athletic Club. A 4-2 win at Celta Vigo last weekend means Hansi Flick has overseen back-to-back league victories for the first time since September.

AFP'It's like going back to the future'

Laporta spoke glowingly of the stadium following the test event earlier this month and highlighted the emotional weight of the return to Spotify Camp Nou, stating: "When I entered the Spotify Camp Nou, I relived so many memories from the past. But I also see the present and the future. This is a legacy for future Barca supporters."

The Barcelona supremo added that the new stadium is "an architectural jewel that will be the best in the world" and that the new ground "retains the magic of its greatest moments, but with a new soul. It's like going back to the future."

Renovations are expected to continue until 2027, and when works are complete, Spotify Camp Nou will boast a capacity of 105,000.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Will Barca be able to host Champions League games?

However, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to hold Champions League games at their home or whether these will be played at the Olympic Stadium. Barcelona's next home European match takes place on December 9, when they host German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

UEFA's rules differ to La Liga regarding stadium changes mid-season, though Tottenham Hotspur were permitted to do so during the 2018/19 season when they left Wembley for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs' second match at their new ground was the welcome of Manchester City, a game they won 1-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Laporta, though, has expressed confidence that the new stadium will be up to scratch, stating that there are plans in place to meet all the governing body's requirements.

Real Madrid have now set their sights on signing Dominik Szoboszlai in another blow for Liverpool, with the Reds working to set up obstacles to prevent the move.

It’s been a disastrous season for those at Anfield. After spending over £400m and breaking their transfer record twice to welcome Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the Premier League champions have looked a shadow of their best. Sat as low as eighth as the November international break begins, the pressure is growing on Arne Slot for the first time in his Liverpool tenure.

Last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at the Etihad against Manchester City was another game in which Liverpool were physically outmatched, and that’s a major concern. That’s the one thing that they could never be accused of under Jurgen Klopp, but Slot’s technical side simply haven’t been able to compete out of possession.

Club legend Jamie Carragher shared a similar view on the Overlap Fan Debate, claiming that Slot’s attempts to build a more entertaining side have come just when the tide is changing in the Premier League.

It’s difficult to pick out many players who have still thrived for the Reds in recent months, but Szoboszlai is certainly one of them. He has had no trouble adjusting to this so-called new version of the Premier League and his form has not gone unnoticed.

Real Madrid now targeting Dominik Szoboszlai

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now targeting Szoboszlai in a move that could cost them as much as €80m (£71m). Given that they’re already linked with a move for Ibrahima Konate, it would be a major blow for the Reds if they lost their star midfielder alongside the Frenchman in 2026.

After Isak: Liverpool's "next Michael Owen" is destined to be the club's #9

Arne Slot has an emerging 17-year-old star at Liverpool who could take Isak’s number nine shirt off him.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 12, 2025

Unlike in Konate’s case, however, Liverpool have handed Real Madrid an obstacle in the way of Szoboszlai’s signature in the form of his contract, which doesn’t expire until 2028, and have already opened talks over a new deal with the Hungary international.

Those at Anfield know more than most just how much the Spanish giants love a free deal, but it looks as though they’ll have no choice but to offer a premium fee if they want to sign the midfield star.

That said, after Slot dubbed Szoboszlai “unbelievable” back in August, it seems unlikely that he will be going anywhere anytime soon.

Liverpool star is quickly becoming their biggest "disaster" since Keita

A win will take Afghanistan to the top of the Group B points table

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-20252:26

Abhinav Mukund impressed by Afghanistan’s on-field trial

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat against Afghanistan in their Asia Cup clash in Abu Dhabi.Bangladesh captain Litton Das said the pitch looked a bit on the slow side, despite the Abu Dhabi surface having been better for batting recently. Rashid Khan said Afghanistan would have liked to bat first as well.Bangladesh made four changes with Saif Hassan, Nurul Hasan, Taskin Ahmed and Nasum Ahmed coming in. Mahedi Hasan, Pervez Hossain Emon, Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan missed out. Afghanistan, meanwhile, named an unchanged XI.Related

Why are Sri Lanka and Bangladesh so poor at T20I batting?

For AM Ghazanfar, the future is now

'Belief is key' – Mushtaq rallies Bangladesh

A win for Afghanistan On Tuesday will take them to the top of the Group B points table.Bangladesh: 1 Tanzid Hasan Tamim, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Nurul Hasan, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Shamim Hossain, 8 Nasum Ahmed, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin AhmedAfghanistan: 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Sediqullah Atal, 3 Ibrahim Zadran, 4 Gulbadin Naib, 5 Karim Janat, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan (capt), 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 AM Ghazanfar, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi