Tag Futebol

And so Tottenham Hotspur put the brakes on their campaign for the third time this season, having played out a frenzied draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.

And so Tottenham sit fifth in the standings, 18 points from 11 matches and eight points behind table-topping rivals Arsenal. Thomas Frank will be frustrated with the manner of this side’s dropped points last weekend, Matthijs de Ligt nodding home right before the final whistle after Richarlison had struck moments before and wheeled away in topless celebration.

How to dissect the details of Spurs’ season? Improvements have been made since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou after that Europa League triumph last season, a strange repulsion between the continental elation and the sour taste of a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

But Tottenham lack confidence and coherence and quality in the final third. To dare is to do. Are Tottenham doing enough? That is one of the biggest contentions of the campaign so far, and Frank simply has to find a formula to his side’s offensive struggles as the season heads into the wintry midpoint.

How Frank can fix Spurs' attacking problems

Tottenham have found a way to secure a greater number of points under Frank than they typically managed under his predecessor. However, more goals and created chances are needed if the Londoners are to hit the heights anticipated.

But this is a long-term project, and overnight success was never going to be on the cards. What Frank can do, though, is consider ditching Richarlison, even though the Brazilian scored with a deft header against United at the weekend.

We would be remiss not to acknowledge the cameo of Mathys Tel at the weekend, too. The young striker spun and scored after replacing Xavi Simons off the bench. It started the comeback that ultimately didn’t cement itself, but demonstrated the potential of a versatile forward whose talents could yet be fashioned into something special and suitable for life at the peak of the Premier League.

Dominic Solanke continues to languish in the infirmary, a frustration that has undoubtedly had an adverse effect on Frank’s start at the helm. Had the former Bournemouth striker been fit and in the form of his previous chapter across these past few months, Tottenham would have had a focal outlet from which to channel creativity.

It’s been an issue for the strikers, though, and there’s one man in particular whose campaign has been sent into a spin, even though some have acknowledged he has a bit of Jermaine Defoe about him.

Spurs' "Defoe-esque" star is becoming a big problem

Defoe was a proper Premier League striker. Something of a journeyman, he was always prolific and scored 143 goals across 363 matches in a Lilywhite shirt.

Jermaine Defoe – Career Stats by Club

Club

Apps

Goals (assists)

Tottenham

363

143 (31)

West Ham

104

40 (4)

Sunderland

100

37 (3)

Rangers

74

32 (10)

Bournemouth

64

23 (2)

Portsmouth

36

18 (5)

Toronto

21

12 (3)

Data via Transfermarkt

Quick feet, attacking smarts and a natural-born instinct in front of goal made him a force to be reckoned with.

And now, some feel Spurs have found a similar profile in Randal Kolo Muani. Indeed, presenter Ben Bowman hailed Kolo Muani for his “Defoe-esque” attacking play after the weekend match.

In August, Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but he has struggled for fitness across his opening months in England, left waiting until midway through October for his Premier League debut, and has yet to score or assist in four matches since.

Disaster has struck once again, with the 26-year-old having fractured his jaw during the draw against the Red Devils. Now he is set to see a specialist to ascertain the severity of the setback.

Given the nature of Spurs’ attacking problems, with the injuries, yet again, piling up, it’s fair to say that Kolo Muani is presenting quite the conundrum to Frank’s desk, with this being a “strong, fast and powerful” centre-forward, as said by one analyst, endowed with all he needs to succeed in the Premier League, yet one whose time in England may be short-lived and unsuccessful on the grass.

His time in the French capital was somewhat turbulent, having failed to nail down his presence after transferring from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 for a whopping £76m fee. However, a short loan spell with Juventus last season led to ten goals and three assists from only 22 appearances.

Linking this back to the aforementioned Tel, Kolo Muani’s second injury of his Spurs stint could provide the Frenchman with the chance to nail down a regular starting berth.

Couple that with Solanke’s much-anticipated return and the wonders that could work on creating a more solid and dynamic attacking spread, Kolo Muani may be a striker on borrowed time as he struggles to acclimatise before the end of the season, when he will surely close the door on his loan stay down N17 without a sharp upswing in fortunes that look unlikely to materialise at this stage.

Tottenham have some issues, to be sure, but they have also shown themselves to have what it takes to make incremental improvements this season and beyond.

With Kolo Muani now sidelined once again, however, Frank’s scope at number nine has been narrowed. How big a blow will this prove to be? Whatever the verdict, the Les Bleus star is becoming a problem for the London-based outfit.

Related Spurs flop who's been "swallowed in the PL" must be dropped for Odobert

Thomas Frank can unleash Wilson Odobert by ruthlessly dropping this Spurs flop.

Posts 2 ByDan Emery Nov 10, 2025

انتهت منذ قليل، قرعة بطولة كأس أمم أفريقيا لكرة اليد، والتي أسفرت عن وجود منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية.

ومن المقرر أن تستضيف دولة روندا، بطولة كأـس أمم إفريقيا 2026 خلال شهر يناير المقبل.

وكان منتخب مصر، في المستوى الأول من القرعة رفقة منتخبات الجزائر وتونس والرأس الأخضر.

ويأمل منتخب مصر لكرة اليد، في الحفاظ على البطولة للنسخة الرابعة على التوالي، بعد التتويج بالنسخ الثلاث الأخيرة.

ويحتل الفراعنة المركز الثاني، في ترتيب المنتخبات الأكثر تتويجًا بأمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد بـ 9 ألقاب بعد تونس صاحب الـ 10 ألقاب. مجموعة مصر في أمم إفريقيا لكرة اليد

– مصر

– أنجولا

– الجابون

– أوغندا

West Ham chiefs are already working to try and save Nuno Espírito Santo when the January window opens for business, with Brazil international defender Alexsandro now a key winter target.

According to recent reports, and amid the Hammers’ dire start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the board are ready to back Nuno to the hilt with new additions mid-season.

Sky Sports reported last week that Nuno has got confirmation funds will be available to spend in January, and West Ham are actively targeting a new defender, midfielder and forward.

Much has been made of their glaring need for a new striker, with Real Madrid sensation Endrick rumoured to be on West Ham’s January shortlist as the east Londoners ponder a loan deal.

However, long-term injuries to Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles have left West Ham desperately short at the back too.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

Mavropanos is expected to be out for up to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Brentford, while Scarles was forced to undergo surgery on his collarbone and could be missing until 2026 (ExWHUemployee).

If West Ham’s desire for a star new defender to shore up their leaky backline wasn’t already there, it definitely is now.

So far, West Ham have conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League, and it is crystal clear that Nuno needs to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Bearing this in mind, Nuno has now got his eyes on Alexsandro.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for Lille and his impressive performances in France even attracted attention from Premier League title frontrunners Arsenal in the summer.

Before Mikel Arteta’s side eventually signed Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera as their central defensive additions, credible South American news outlet UOL reported that Arsenal held initial talks over Alexsandro, which eventually went nowhere.

This is good news for West Ham, as Nuno is believed to be extremely keen.

Alexsandro makes key demand to join West Ham in January

According to Hammers News, the Irons boss wants him in the first week of January after identifying Alexsandro as the club’s priority defender signing this winter.

A deal is described by one transfer source as having a “good” chance of happening, and early talks have already been held over the centre-back’s potential arrival.

However, Alexsandro has apparently set out a key condition to join West Ham.

It is believed the Ligue 1 star wants “assurances” that there will be a route out of the London Stadium if West Ham enter the doomsday scenario of relegation, so it appears he’s looking for a safety net before committing.

While Alexsandro has been excellent for Lille overall, as evident by the Gunners’ reported interest earlier this year, he has real disciplinary issues.

Last season, the player was handed a seismic 13 bookings in all competitions, picking up three yellow card suspensions in the French top flight alone.

Nuno would need to try and work this out of Alexsandro’s game if the defender moves to Rush Green at the start of next year, but according to ESPN, he could be available for just £26 million.

West Ham have also held talks to sign two more players from the same club

The development came after eight BCB directors wrote to Bangladesh’s sports ministry seeking his removal

Mohammad Isam29-May-2025Faruque Ahmed is no longer the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president after the country’s sports ministry removed him as its representative on the BCB’s board of directors.The ministry issued a statement on Thursday evening after it received a no-confidence motion against Faruque signed by eight BCB directors.”In light of the no-confidence letter sent by eight BCB directors against Faruque Ahmed, and the report presented by the fact-finding committee about the BPL, his nomination as the representative of the National Sports Council (sports ministry) has been cancelled,” the statement from Bangladesh’s sports ministry said.Faruque was one of two directors nominated by the sport ministry to the BCB’s board of directors. He was made director on August 21 last year and elected BCB president the same day. His tenure lasted nine months and eight days.The directors who signed the no-confidence motion – though there is no room for one in the BCB constitution – were Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, Mahbubul Anam, Kazi Inam Ahmed, Fahim Sinha, Salahuddin Chowdhury, Iftikhar Rahman, Saifur Alam Swapan Chowdhury and Manjur Alam. Former Bangladesh captain Akram Khan was the only board director – apart from Faruque himself – who didn’t sign the letter.The directors accused Faruque of autocratic leadership and constitutional violations. They pointed towards clause 14-B of the BCB’s constitution, which requires approval of the board of directors when hiring or sacking coaches. Faruque, the letter said, dismissed Chandika Hathurusingha in October without informing the board of directors. They also claim Faruque didn’t perform due diligence when approving BPL franchises Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings in the 2024-25 season.”Capable professionals have been overlooked while loyalty and personal allegiance have been rewarded,” the letter read. “He is neither working for the development of Bangladesh cricket nor respecting the spirit of democratic governance.”One of the BCB directors told ESPNcricinfo that Faruque had ignored the rest of the board directors by delaying the formation of the new sub-committees. He said Faruque’s focus on running for the BCB elections later this year was another reason why they had lost confidence in him.Faruque said he was considering legal action after seeing the no-confidence letter signed by the directors. “I will speak to my lawyer about the letter. I might take legal action. There is no mention of no-confidence motion in the BCB constitution, so I don’t think it matters,” he told the Bengali daily . “I have seen the letter. They have accused me of wrongdoings that they have done themselves. I laughed out loud seeing the letter.”

Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya shared a 109-run stand for the second wicket to help PBKS chase down 185 with ease

Shashank Kishore26-May-20251:48

Moody: Inglis taking on MI’s threats was a real positive

Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis were at the heart of a statement win for Punjab Kings (PBKS), a seven-wicket demolition of Mumbai Indians (MI) that sealed a top-two finish and gave them a shot at a direct entry into the IPL 2025 final.Chasing a potentially tricky target, the pair added 109 for the second wicket en route stunning half-centuries each to turn what could have been a tense contest into a canter. It meant Suryakumar Yadav’s 57 – a record consecutive 14th score of 25 or more in T20s – wasn’t anywhere near enough.MI will now play in the Eliminator, with the final playoffs line-up to be decided after Tuesday night’s fixture. A Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will set up their clash with PBKS in Qualifier 1. A defeat will see them meet MI in the Eliminator on May 30.Related

Shashank Singh: 'I'll tell you we are at the top of the world on June 3'

Arya and Inglis – contrasting methods, near-identical results

PBKS 'haven't achieved anything yet' – Ponting keeps it real

The Arya-Inglis knockout blowArya, known as a powerplay dasher, began by hitting Trent Boult for three fours off his first four deliveries, but quickly showcased a new gear to his rapidly evolving game. Coming off three single-digit scores, he allowed Inglis to dictate the early tempo when PBKS needed momentum after the loss of Prabhsimran Singh had them 35 for 1 in five overs.Once settled, Arya stamped his authority – none of his shots more emphatic than a short-arm jab off Hardik Pandya for six over wide long-on to raise a 27-ball half-century. That wasn’t it. He also hooked Jasprit Bumrah over fine leg for six at a time when he could have so easily afforded to play him out.Inglis, for his part, was equally enterprising, marrying brute force with audacity. He countered Mitchell Santner’s threat early, by pulling him to the short leg-side boundary for six – his first two overs cost 23.1:33

Jaffer: Arya showed a lot of maturity after low scores

Along the way, Inglis also exhibited his flair for innovation. The knock featured a pair of audacious reverse scoops off Ashwani Kumar, including one against a slower ball, underlining his confidence and clarity.It wasn’t just the rookie he was after. Inglis ramped Hardik for six, and was equally authoritative against Bumrah, who he drove on the up through the line fearlessly, at no point showing any willingness to back down against MI’s trump card. The effect of the second-wicket partnership meant Bumrah had bowled out by the 17th, with PBKS needing just 20 off 18.Arya and Inglis fell with the target within touching distance, but Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera, formerly MI, saw PBKS home without any flutters.MI’s misery was compounded by potential injuries to Deepak Chahar and Tilak Varma. Chahar had his right hamstring heavily taped one ball into his opening burst in the powerplay. He bowled three overs in all but was seemingly low on pace. Tilak, meanwhile, jarred his knee onto the turf while trying to stop the ball on the boundary rope and spent the remainder of PBKS’ chase off the park.1:41

‘SKY adjusted quickly and knew which shots he could play’

SKY sets the toneSuryakumar came in at No. 3 in the sixth over after MI were put into bat. He batted right through until the final over, helping ride through a wobbly middle phase, before accelerating towards the end with Naman Dhir.The penultimate over, Vijaykumar Vyshak’s fourth, went for 23 to raise hopes of a grandstand finish. But Arshdeep Singh then nailed his yorkers in a gun final over that went for just three runs as PBKS closed out the innings well.Suryakumar and Dhir aside, there was a key lower-middle-order contribution from Hardik (26 off 15). This injected momentum before the final lift-off gave them a total to bowl at.2:22

Is this finally PBKS’ year?

Rohit sparkles brieflyPlaying his final game of the season before he leaves for national duties, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton did the early running until Rohit Sharma caught up. Rohit, who had been dismissed by left-arm seamers four times this season, struggled a touch early on against Arshdeep and Marco Jansen but seemed to get into his groove as he took the attack to Harpreet Brar in the powerplay.He first stepped out imperiously to hit him over long-on and then lofting him inside-out over cover. It needed Wadhera’s stunner at long-on to send him back for 24.Rohit’s dismissal followed a choppy middle phase where they lost two wickets in quick succession, before Hardik, who had batted just 39 balls in the last six games, injected momentum along with Suryakumar, who brought up his half-century off 34 balls.Vyshak, playing only his third game of the season, was on track to be the pick of the bowlers until he leaked two fours and two sixes in his final one to finish with 2 for 44. Arshdeep and Jansen, too, picked up two wickets apiece.While MI made 53 off the last five, there was a sense that they may have missed out on a few extra runs. Inglis and Arya proved that.

It would be fair to say that it’s been a reasonably successful transfer window for Manchester United so far this summer.

On top of shipping off a few unwanted stars, like Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, they’ve massively improved Ruben Amorim’s attack.

The triumvirate of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo has the potential to be one of the very best in the Premier League, although even with them in the side, there are a couple of areas that still need addressing.

Fortunately, it looks like the Red Devils are closing in on another signing who has been compared to Eric Cantona and could be viewed as a Mbuemo repeat.

Manchester United target their new Catona

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United remain interested in signing Emiliano Martínez.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, the Italian journalist goes further, revealing that personal terms have now been agreed and that the Argentinian shot-stopper now “wants to join” the Red Devils.

Romano does not state just how much Aston Villa might want for their £150k-per-week star, but reports from earlier in the summer claimed that the Aston Villa ace may cost around £40m.

Even then, for a player of his quality, that may well be a price worth paying, especially as he has been compared to Cantona and could be seen in a similar light to Mbeumo.

How Martínez compares to Catona and Mbeumo

Before examining the reasons Martinez could be considered another Mbeumo for Manchester United, it’s worth looking into this comparison to Cantona, as the retired goalscorer is a legend of the club and English football.

In this instance, it stems from Sky Sports analyst Dougie Critchley, who boldly described the Argentine as the “Cantona of his generation.”

It might sound like a wild take, especially as the two internationals play, or played, in totally different positions, but when you take where they played out of the equation, it starts to make a lot more sense.

Outside of scoring for fun, what was the Frenchman known for? Arrogance and bravado.

Now, that might sound like a bad thing, and outside of football it may well be, but in the context of the beautiful game, it is most certainly a positive, and a massive one at that.

The former United magician was a natural-born entertainer and someone who thrived on the biggest stage, which is exactly how you would describe the World Cup-winning Villa man.

On top of pulling out world-class save after world-class save in the biggest games, he is a natural entertainer, someone rival fans love to hate, but would love to have at their club.

With that cleared up, why could he then also be another Mbeumo for Amorim and Co?

Well, this comparison is all down to the club signing a ready-made Premier League-proven superstar who could come right into the starting line-up for the next game.

Appearances

213

Goals Conceded

257

Clean Sheets

70

Points per Game

1.63

After all, the former Arsenal ace has won two of the last two Yashin Trophies and won two of the last three FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards.

As if that wasn’t enough, he also won last 24/25’s Premier League Save of the Season for his magnificent stop against Nottingham Forest.

Ultimately, Martinez possesses the same swagger and confidence as Cantona, and the proven track record of Mbuemo, so even if his price tag is a little high, Man United should do everything in their power to bring him to Old Trafford before 7pm.

West Ham in shock talks for "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history"

Potter is in a desperate situation.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 27, 2025

Barcelona have been told to get rid of Hansi Flick due to his methods with Robert Lewandowski. Legendary goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski did not mince his words, declaring that a squad the veteran striker “should have won everything", including the Champions League, last season as he blamed the German coach for their failure.

Lewandowski saved the day off the bench

Thrown on in the second half of Barcelona's midweek clash against Real Oviedo with the game tied at 1-1, the veteran needed just five minutes to turn the tide. Frenkie de Jong rose to nod down a perfect header, and the Polish hitman met it with a delicate flick that nestled past the keeper to give Barcelona the lead. Barca went on to complete a 3-1 turnaround, but the headlines focused less on the three points and more on the fact that their No.9 is being used as a super-sub rather than the spearhead.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrom main man to bench weapon

For a player who built his career as the ultimate talisman, Lewandowski’s new reality under Flick is striking. Instead of leading the line week in, week out, he has been eased back into action after a preseason setback. So far, that has meant brief cameos rather than 90-minute stints, but the 37-year-old has performed well in his new role. He bagged a brace against Valencia earlier in the campaign and has now scored three times off the bench. Few strikers in Europe can boast such efficiency. But to Tomaszewski, treating Lewandowski like a ‘Plan B’ borders on criminal.

Tomaszewski tore into Barca boss

The outspoken Poland legend did not hold back when quizzed on Lewandowski's situation, telling : "Barcelona have a squad for the Club World Cup, which they didn't even participate in in America. They definitely have a squad for the Champions League, the most important trophy. Unfortunately, the coaching staff should stick it out until the end, and I hope their contract isn't extended, because 'Mr. German' isn't performing very well.  With such a footballing 'gun' he should have won everything in Europe, and they lost to Inter, a good team, but the subsequent 5-0 final against PSG exposed them."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Lewandowski remains patient

After the Ovideo win, Lewandowski insisted that he is unfazed by the new role and remains "patient" as he awaits further opportunities to prove his worth to Flick this season. 

“I’m patient," he claimed. "The most important thing is that if I play, I want to score a goal to help the team. Physically, I feel very good.” 

Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez offered his assessment of the hostilities between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders ahead of their first meeting since last month's controversial Leagues Cup final. The former MLS striker referenced the postmatch altercation that resulted in suspensions for multiple Miami players.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Inter Miami has become the villain of MLS'

  Gomez highlighted the deep hostility between the two clubs, noting that both sides harbor real hatred toward each other after Seattle’s 3-0 victory over Miami in the final. The former MLS striker pointed to the post-match clash that led to several Miami players receiving suspensions.

  “Seattle Sounders hate Inter Miami, Inter Miami hate the Seattle Sounders, and I would go as far as saying the rest of MLS will be supporting the Seattle Sounders,” Gomez said on Futbol Americas. “Inter Miami has become the villain of MLS in the eyes of many hardcore MLS fans.

  “Hardcore MLS fans, they see a team that gets away with everything, they see players who get away with everything, they see Messi who gets everything. You have Sergio Busquets sucker-punch a 20-year-old in Obed Vargas, you have Luis Suarez spitting at an elder man in Gene Ramirez, and you have the rest of the players who didn’t get suspended or anything close to that putting players in headlocks."

  While much of the criticism has centered around Suarez, Gomez pointed to some controversial behavior from Lionel Messi as well. 

  “You have reports of Lionel Messi telling Pedro la Vega, ‘as long as I’m around on the Argentine national team, you will never be called in.' There are reports of Messi telling Obed Vargas, ‘you are sh*t and you will never get out of MLS.'“

Advertisement

• Sounders out to prove a point

  Gomez suggested this history has transformed their upcoming fixture into more than just a regular-season match, with underlying tensions certain to surface when the teams meet again.

  “So, Seattle Sounders are not going to take that lightly,” Gomez explained. “They’re not going to stoop to the lows that some of the teams would stoop to, or maybe the Inter Miami team has stooped to, but they’re going to try to prove a point to Inter Miami at Miami in front of Messi, in front of their fans. They weren’t happy even though they won Leagues Cup…I think we’re going to see some fireworks here.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Results aren't in Inter Miami's favor

  With only a handful of games left in the season, have had a tough run of things lately as they’ve only managed to win one of their last four games. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Leagues Cup rematch ahead

  Following their 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC, Inter Miami will host the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday and will then welcome DC United to the Chase Stadium on September 20.

A 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it wasn’t a perfect night for everyone. Youngster Arda Guler was at fault for Marseille’s early opener. After the match, coach Xabi Alonso addressed the mistake, but also made it clear that the Turkish talent has his full backing.

Guler punished for costly error in build-up to Marseille’s goal

In the 22nd minute, Guler received a pass from Dean Huijsen deep inside Madrid’s half. Instead of releasing the ball quickly, he kept it in possession, allowing Mason Greenwood to close him down and steal it. Marseille broke forward, and Tim Weah slotted home to put the French side ahead. It was a tough lesson for the 20-year-old, who has been getting more minutes this season in the absence of injured Jude Bellingham.

AdvertisementGettyAlonso urges patience with Turkish star despite error

Speaking after the hard-fought win, Alonso admitted Guler made the wrong choice but urged patience with the youngster. 

“What I said at the Club World Cup about investing in Arda makes even more sense now," he said. "Arda had more touches on the ball than he should have, and that’s why the mistake happened. It’s not a problem. He’s worth it and on the right path. I’ll say the same about [Franco] Mastantuono. I think he will do well; he had his chances."

Mbappe rescues Madrid in Champions League opener

Despite the early setback, Madrid responded quickly. Kylian Mbappe equalised from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, before scoring again from 12 yards in the 81st minute to complete the comeback. Dani Carvajal’s red card left Los Blancos playing the final 18 minutes with 10 men, but they held firm to take all three points. Alonso praised his side’s 'Champions League spirit' and called it a 'big win' for their group stage campaign.

"A lot happened in the game. The first half-hour was very good, fantastic, with tempo, pressing, and many chances," he added. "We could have gone ahead but conceded instead. After that, the game became more balanced. In the second half, we pushed, maybe without too many chances, but I felt we controlled it until Carva complicated things. We showed the Champions League spirit at the Bernabeu, and the 2-1 goal allowed us to defend with ten men and take three very important points. It’s a big win."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GETTYGuler urged to step up with Bellingham back

Guler has made five appearances so far this season and scored his second goal of the season in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad last week. While his mistake against Marseille didn’t cost the team three points, the youngster will know he has to learn quickly, with Bellingham set to return and Mastantuono also making an impact. Los Blancos will now turn their attention back to La Liga, where they face unbeaten Espanyol on Saturday.

Arsenal could be closing in on two successive signings in the space of a few days, if all goes to plan, with another key transfer target reportedly nearing a switch to London Colney this week.

He's Cazorla 2.0: Arsenal make £100k-p/w "superstar" their new top target

The incredible international could be Arsenal’s new version of the Spanish magician.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

Sporting director Andrea Berta has made quite an impression already since he was announced as Edu Gaspar’s replacement in late March.

Berta’s deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard – all of which have been formally announced – strengthen key areas of Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

The experienced Kepa and Norgaard provide top-level competition for nailed-on starters in Arteta’s preferred eleven, while Zubimendi comes in to replace Jorginho after many years impressing with Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool last year, having long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but Arsenal were the side who ultimately tempted him to finally leave his boyhood club.

Noni Madueke also signed his contract as an Arsenal player today, after the north Londoners agreed a deal worth around £52 million to sign the England international from Chelsea.

As links still surround Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who could join Arsenal as a central playmaker to complement club captain Martin Odegaard (Ben Jacobs), Berta is far more likely to see striker Viktor Gyokeres arrive at the club next.

Arsenal are believed to be closing in on Gyokeres after weeks of talks, and Arteta is on the verge of seeing a much-needed number nine arrive. Some reports in Europe have even suggested that he’s set for a medical on Friday (Diario AS), but this is yet to gain traction among reliable media outlets close to home.

As supporters wait for further updates, The Guardian’s Ed Aarons has shared what is holding up the deal just now.

Arsenal talks for Viktor Gyokeres near conclusion

According to the reliable journalist, Arsenal’s talks for Gyokeres are nearing their conclusion – and this last round of negotiations revolves around bonuses.

They’re thought to have reached an agreement in principle to pay an initial £54.8 million, plus £8.6 million in add-ons, and the striker’s agent even waived his commission fee to help this move go through (The Athletic).

However, Aarons reports that some add-ons discussions are ongoing, which could take the final cost of the transfer to around £68 million.

In any case, it looks like this will be done sooner rather than later, and there is reason for supporters to get excited.

Gyokeres bagged 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting last term, helping them to a first domestic double in 20 years, and former Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas believes he’d be a perfect signing for Arteta.

“He is an extraordinary striker,” said Fabregas on Amazon Prime. “He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”