Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli on Thursday. Despite dominating the ball in the early stages, the visitors quickly became content to sit in a low block, soaking up City pressure before looking to hit on the counter. After a long range effort from Tijani Reijnders stung the gloves of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action to stop a Sam Beukema header from a Napoli corner.

Any hope of sustained attacking threat from the visitors was quashed when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought Erling Haaland down with the Norwegian breaking towards the Napoli goal. Originally ruled a fair tackle on the pitch, an intervention by the VAR led to Antonio Conte's captain being given his marching orders. Unfortunately, that brought Kevin De Bruyne's homecoming to a premature end, as the Belgian was sacrificed for Mathias Oliveira in the 25th minute. The City legend was given a hero's send-off by his adoring public at the Etihad. 

Napoli sat further and further back, and the Sky Blues camped in the Italian champions half for the remainder of the first half. Milinkovic-Savic was called into action, making smart stops from a Nico O'Reilly header, a well-struck volley by Rodri and a glancing nod from Josko Gvardiol. City's best chance fell to Tijjani Reijnders, whose shot from the edge of the box was almost turned into his own net by Matteo Politano. His block on the goal-line luckily cannoned into his keeper's grasps. 

Ten minutes into the second half, City found their breakthrough. Foden received the ball on the half turn, flicked a lofted pass into Haaland's path, and the striker nodded home. The 50th Champions League goal of Haaland's career, he is the quickest player to reach that milestone in the history of the competition. The lead was doubled not long after, as Doku brilliantly ghosted past four Napoli defenders before slotting past an onrushing Milinkovic-Savic. 

Both managers rung the changes with 15 minutes left to play, signifying the contest was over. Pep Guardiola will be happy with his team's performance, and thankful for a routine win ahead of their titanic clash with Arsenal at the weekend. 

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

A quiet evening for the towering Italian. Dealt with Napoli's one shot on target with typical aplomb. 

Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):

Convincing when called upon in defence, provided an outlet in attack. A solid performance. 

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Had very little defending to do after the red card. Popped up with some enticing crosses from an inside right position. 

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Denied a goal when his powerful header was brilliantly saved by Milenkovic-Savic. Remains an attacking threat despite sliding back into the centre of defence. 

Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

Comfortable overlapping or stepping into midfield. Has all the makings of a prototypical Guardiola full-back. 

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Rodri (6/10):

A rasping volley was again stopped by the resolute Milenkovic-Savic. A solid if unspectacular hour as he gets his sea legs back under him. 

Tijjani Reijnders (7/10):

The red card allowed him the freedom to make darting runs from midfield. Almost forced Politano to turn the ball into his own net. 

Phil Foden (8/10):

A beautiful turn and lofted pass to set up Haaland's goal. Went looking for work throughout. Signs he could be returning to his brilliant best. 

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Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Some classy touches and clever passes. Could not find that one incisive ball in the first half. Other stars provided the telling contributions. 

Jeremy Doku (8/10):

A frightening proposition to defend one-on-one. Danced past four Napoli defenders to take his goal. 

Erling Haaland (7/10):

Drew the red card challenge as he broke towards Napoli's goal. Nodded the breakthrough goal instinctively. 

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Nico Gonzalez (5/10):

Back in his role as Rodri's understudy. Kept thing ticking over after the hour mark.

Savinho (6/10):

A like-for-like replacement for Doku. Looked threatening in one-on-one situations. 

Nathan Ake (N/A):

Came on with the game already decided. Little to do. 

Rico Lewis (N/A):

Nothing to report.

Oscar Bobb (N/A):

Late second-half substitute. Had little time, or need, to affect the game.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

The breakthrough came at the perfect time to stave off any nerves. He will be thankful that he had the chance to rest key players in the second half ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Só um nome foi elogiado publicamente pelo técnico Dorival Júnior após a quase desastrosa eliminação do São Paulo, que perdeu por 3 a 1 para o Sport em pleno Morumbi, e só se garantiu nas quartas de final da Copa do Brasil nos pênaltis. E por causa de Rafael. O goleiro defendeu uma cobrança dos pernambucanos. E o comandante tricolor não economizou no enaltecimento de seu arqueiro. Confira:

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The visiting attack shared the wickets around while they were gifted two run outs by Tasmania

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2025

Aidan O’Connor made a half-century on his first-class debut•Getty Images

Tasmania teenager Aidan O’Connor posted a half-century on debut but couldn’t prevent Victoria taking honours on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash in Hobart.O’Connor top-scored with 53 as the hosts were bowled out for 236 on Saturday after being sent in to bat. The 18-year-old allrounder struck six fours and a six in his 92-ball innings.Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald (41) and Tim Ward (45) both got starts but couldn’t go on with the job as regular wickets fell. Ward’s dismissal – run out from cover after a horrid mix-up with Jordan Silk – sparked a middle-order collapse, with Tasmania losing 4 for 31 in the space of 10 overs.Victoria’s bowlers spread the workload. Captain Will Sutherland, veteran Peter Siddle, Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill all claimed multiple wickets.Siddle had Silk caught at second slip shortly after he was involved in the run out of Ward. Jake Doran was bowled when he shouldered arms at Will Sutherland.O’Connor is one of two first-class debutants for last-placed Tasmania alongside 20-year-old Raf MacMillan.

Kumble feels Rahul should have batted ahead of Axar Patel but Manjrekar wonders if less time is better for him

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-20252:22

Kumble: ‘Rahul showed what he’s capable of with his innings today’

Anil Kumble feels that KL Rahul is always put under unnecessary pressure, but his innings against Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai should give him “a lot of confidence”.In a chase of 265, Rahul came out to bat at No. 6, at the fall of Axar Patel’s wicket. Axar and Virat Kohli had added 44 off 52 balls for the fourth wicket but India still needed 87 off 90 balls. Rahul stitched handy partnerships with Kohli and Hardik Pandya and saw India home with an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls.”He [Rahul] should have come ahead of Axar Patel,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day. “I know Axar did a good job of getting that partnership with Virat Kohli but someone like KL Rahul coming in at that stage and this is what he can do – if he gets to 30, he will ensure that you cross the line. He does that and he does that consistently. Yes, he missed out on one opportunity in the last game against New Zealand, but otherwise KL is a class act. This will certainly give him a lot of confidence.Related

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“There is a lot of pressure on him. If he does well, it’s expected. If he fails even in one innings, suddenly the whole world comes after him. He was under pressure, even with his keeping in the last game, but today he showed what he is capable of.”After the match, Rahul said he was “quite used to” batting in different positions, but Sanjay Manjrekar, Kumble’s co-panellist, had a different take.”Sometimes we wonder if little time is good for KL Rahul, because then he is only thinking of attacking,” Manjrekar said. “Today he wanted to take the onus of attacking. And when he plays attacking shots, then he looks like the player… I have rarely seen KL Rahul play an innings where he is playing steadily, ones and twos, grafting and getting a hundred and winning a game, like Virat Kohli does. So maybe down the order in a way suits him.”I am so happy for him. This is a guy who is so sensitive. You can see that every mistake he makes or every batting failure he has just plays on his mind. I don’t know him well. Anil knows him better obviously. But he seems like a nice guy and India want him to be part of the playing XI. So this kind of an innings… at the end of the game, he was a happy man.”

اشتعل الصراع على خطف بطاقة التأهل إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026 في المجموعة الثانية من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى المونديال القادم المقام في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك.

وتضم المجموعة الثانية في تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم كلًا من السنغال والكونغو الديمقراطية والسودان وتوجو وموريتاينا وجنوب السودان.

وحقق منتخب السنغال الفوز بخامسية على جنوب السودان ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة اليوم الجمعة على ملعب جوبا الوطني.

طالع.. منتخب السودان يتعادل مع موريتانيا ويودع تصفيات كأس العالم

وسجل إسماعيلا سار هدفين وساديو ماني ونيكولاس جاكسون وشريف ندياي أهداف السنغال الخمسة في اللقاء.

وفي إطار نفس المجموعة والجولة، خطف منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية فوزًا صعبًا من توجو على ملعب “كيجيه” بهدف نظيف.

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة السابعة من عمر المباراة عن طريق سيدريد باكامبو ليحصد ثلاث نقاط غالية.

ورفع منتخب السنغال رصيده إلى 21 نقطة في المركز الأول من المجموعة، بينما منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية في المركز الثاني برصيد 19 نقطة.

وتأجل حسم بطاقة التأهل إلى الجولة المقبلة، حيث سيلتقي السنغال مع موريتانيا، بينما يواجه منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية منتخب السودان.

Bangladesh will be hosting Zimbabwe for two Tests starting on April 20. The matches were initially supposed to be held in April 2024 but, at the time, the BCB asked ZC to instead play a five-match T20I series.Zimbabwe will land in Bangladesh on April 15, with the first Test set to be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The teams then move to Chattogram to play the second Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from April 28. The series will not be a part of the World Test Championship (WTC); Zimbabwe are not WTC participants.Zimbabwe have had a rough time in Tests recently. They have lost eight out of their last ten Tests, and drawn two. Zimbabwe have played two Tests so far this year – one-off games against Afghanistan and Ireland in Bulawayo – and lost both. Their last win in Tests came four years ago in March 2021, when they beat Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.Bangladesh, meanwhile, have had Test success only overseas of late. They won 2-0 in Pakistan, before sharing the series 1-1 in the West Indies. Bangladesh haven’t won a home Test since November 2023, when they beat New Zealand in Sylhet. They lost 2-0 to both Sri Lanka and South Africa at home in 2024.The last time Bangladesh hosted a Test against Zimbabwe was in February 2020, when they beat the visitors by an innings and 106 runs. The last time the two teams played each other in a Test was in July 2021, with Bangladesh winning by 220 runs in Harare.Overall, Bangladesh hold an 8-7 edge over Zimbabwe in 18 Tests between the sides. Zimbabwe’s last Test win against Bangladesh had come in 2018.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin is still looking to add more players to his squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of next month.

Prior to the draw with Dundee at Ibrox last weekend, the Light Blues head coach confirmed that the club are not finished in the transfer market yet.

The Gers have already brought in the likes of Oliver Antman, Djeidi Gassama, Thelo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell, Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, among others, to bolster their options across the pitch.

But a return of two points in two games in the Scottish Premiership so far shows that there is still more work for the Ibrox giants to do to build a team that can compete for trophies.

Rangers exploring deal for Premier League midfielder

Despite already signing Rothwell, Lyall Cameron, and Aasgaard to add to their options in the middle of the park, the Gers are reportedly keen on a Premier League talent in that area of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Scotsman, Rangers are exploring a deal to sign Andy Irving from West Ham United because they feel that he would be a ‘worthwhile’ addition.

The report claims that Celtic, Sturm Graz, Stuttgart, and Borussia Monchengladbach are also interested in the Scotland international, which means that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

Meanwhile, Claret & Hugh backs up that claim that Rangers and Celtic are exploring a possible move for the central midfielder, and adds that it would take a fee of around £3m to get a deal done for him.

Why Rangers should sign Andy Irving

The Gers should swoop to sign the Scotland international because he is a midfielder with the potential to be Barry Ferguson 2.0 at Ibrox with his attacking qualities.

Way before he was the interim head coach in Glasgow last season, Ferguson was a terrific central midfielder for the Light Blues. He scored 59 goals and provided 29 assists in 420 matches in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Irving only started one Premier League game for West Ham last season, but his form on loan at SK Austria Klagenfurt in the previous two campaigns suggests that he could be a fantastic signing for Rangers.

The left-footed maestro, whose football journey was described as “fascinating” by reporter Barry Anderson, showcased his ability to both score and assist goals at an impressive rate from a central midfield position.

Appearances

31

28

Goals

5

9

Big chances missed

0

1

Big chances created

10

7

Key passes per game

1.4

1.2

Assists

6

4

As you can see in the table above, Irving caught the eye with 14 goals and 17 ‘big chances’ created in two seasons in the Austrian Bundesliga before his lack of minutes in the English top-flight last term.

These statistics suggest that the 25-year-old star could follow in Ferguson’s footsteps as a central midfielder and Scotland international who could make a big impact in the final third with goals and assists at Ibrox.

Whether Irving, who has not played in the Premiership since he was at Hearts in the 2019/20 campaign, can translate those performances over to Scotland with Rangers does remain to be seen, though.

At a potential fee of £3m, however, it appears to be a deal that could be worthwhile for the Gers, because they would be bringing in a homegrown, Scotland international, talent who has Premier League experience and the form in Austria to suggest that he could be Ferguson 2.0.

Better signing than Mendy: Rangers line up move to bring £8m star to Ibrox

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal for a star who would be an even better signing than Nobel Mendy.

ByDan Emery Aug 12, 2025

Therefore, Rangers should be pushing to beat Celtic to the signing of the former Jam Tarts man because he could be the next goalscoring Scottish midfield star to grace the pitch at Ibrox.

Manchester United’s defeat against League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night has undoubtedly set a new low for Ruben Amorim during his tenure in charge.

The Red Devils were knocked out in the second round of the competition, losing on penalties after coming from two goals down in the second half.

However, it may prove to be a damning defeat for the 40-year-old, adding more pressure to his shoulders after their dismal start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

His side have failed to win any of the first three games, which could force the hierarchy into making a change – especially after backing him with £200m worth of new additions this summer.

The window still has a few days remaining, but it remains to be seen if the former Sporting CP boss will carry on leading the side, with rumours circulating about his future at Old Trafford.

The latest on Amorim’s future at United

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported by CaughtOffside that the United hierarchy are now considering making a change of manager, after Amorim’s disastrous start to the new season.

The report states that it’s a matter of time before the 40-year-old is handed his marching orders, with concerns around his ability to take the side forward in the future.

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INEOS are said to be willing to make an early decision to sack the boss, in order to avoid a repeat of last season, which saw the side finish in a measly 15th place.

The same article also states that Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being lined up as a potential replacement, if and when Amorim is dismissed from his position at Old Trafford.

It states that the FA Cup-winning boss would be keen to take the reins, potentially being the next manager in a long list to try and take the Red Devils back to their former glory.

Why United’s Amorim replacement would be Klopp 2.0

Jürgen Klopp is a manager who has caused United no end of problems over the years, often leading rivals Liverpool to countless victories over the Red Devils in the Premier League.

The German only suffered five defeats in his 21 outings against the Red Devils, even claiming a historic 7-0 victory at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign.

Whilst he may have managed their bitter rivals, there’s no denying the former Reds boss is a serial winner – something which United have lacked, given their decade-long wait for a top-division title.

He may be out of management after leaving Liverpool in 2024, but there is no chance he would return to management and replace Amorim – especially considering his ties with the Merseyside outfit.

However, INEOS could hire their own answer to Klopp with a move for Glasner, with the Eagles boss previously being compared to the Premier League legend by German expert Constantin Eckner.

When comparing his stats at Selhurst Park to Amorim in England’s top-flight, he’s managed to better him in various key areas – potentially being the perfect replacement should the former Sporting CP boss depart.

Glasner, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – doing so whilst having a much lower budget during his time in England.

He’s also notched a better point per game record, having the tools to change the Red Devils’ fortunes should he take the reins in the coming months.

Games managed

65

45

Wins

31

17

Draws

19

9

Losses

15

19

Points per game

1.72

1.33

Win percentage

47.6%

37.7%

Goals scored (per 90)

1.69

1.98

Goals against (per 90)

1.17

1.91

Trophies won

2

0

The Austrian’s dominance over the United boss is further reflected in his ability to build a solid defensive unit – achieving a better goal conceded per 90 record.

Amorim’s future in the role could well be coming to an end in the coming weeks, but it’s clear such a decision would be the right one after such an embarrassing showing in the Carabao Cup.

Glasner would be an excellent replacement, already winning two trophies in recent months, having the tools to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford should he make the move.

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Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave

Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

Liverpool and Newcastle United have been at loggerheads for months, but a timeline for an agreement between the two clubs over the transfer of the summer may be fast approaching.

Alexander Isak's latest situation amid heavy Liverpool speculation

In a story that has twisted, turned and left everyone on the edge of their seats, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool and subsequent standoff with the Magpies has left Premier League fans desperate for a conclusion.

Earlier on Saturday, Jan Age Fjortoft sent supporters of the Reds into overdrive, offering a revealing statement on X that the Sweden international is now set to sign on at Anfield for a fee in the region of £130 million.

He stated: “Re: Alexander Isak Understand Isak – deal is done! Newcastle away at Leeds tonight, so nothing expected before that I am told. Fee expected to be around £130m Isak to Liverpool likely to happen very soon.”

However, there is always a twist in the tale somewhere, something that Mailsport’s Dominic King provided around half an hour after Fjortoft’s update on Isak’s situation.

The reporter contradicted claims that Isak is set for Liverpool, instead telling his followers that there is a chance Liverpool may not sign anyone else by Monday’s deadline.

Arne Slot’s men have always maintained hope they can land the Magpies striker, and that doesn’t look likely to change soon, even if some reports diverge from others on the current state of play.

With two extremes mentioned earlier, could the truth behind Isak’s proposed move to Merseyside from Newcastle be somewhere in the middle?

Tavolieri: Liverpool in advanced talks to land Alexander Isak

Once again by virtue of social media platform X, reputable journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Isak is now in advanced talks to join Liverpool and a full agreement should be found by Sunday.

Tavolieri stated: “NUFC and LFC now in advanced talks for Alexander Isak! As explained from Friday night to Saturday, the Reds have made an offer likely to convince the Magpies management. Sunday expected to be the day of the announcement of a full agreement. Matter of time.”

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Both Liverpool and Newcastle fans will be well-versed with his capabilities, which saw the Solna-born man register 27 goals and six assists inside 42 appearances last season.

Linking the play between Eddie Howe’s midfield and attack, Isak also managed to fashion 42 chances for his teammates on Premier League duty, albeit it doesn’t look like he will be continuing in the North East for much longer.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Liverpool could now be about to make one of the biggest signings in recent English football memory should all go to plan.

Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid has sent shockwaves through the Spanish capital, forcing key players to own up to their mistakes. Dean Huijsen publicly apologised to fans, Dani Carvajal urged the team to learn from failure, and Jude Bellingham admitted it was a “bad day” while vowing to refocus ahead of the Champions League outing against Kairat Almaty.

Madrid still coping with woeful derby loss

Madrid’s promising start to the season came crashing down with a crushing 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the derby at the Metropolitano. Julian Alvarez tore through Los Blancos’ backline, scoring twice as Atletico dominated from the outset. Real’s defensive fragility and lack of intensity cost them dearly, allowing Barcelona to leapfrog them at the top of La Liga after their 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

For a team that prides itself on resilience, this was a humbling setback – one that has forced both senior and younger players to break their silence and face the fans.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBellingham’s call to reset

Bellingham, who has already become a leader in Madrid’s midfield, addressed the setback in his own way. Sharing a post from Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Madrid are preparing for their Champions League clash against Kairat, the England international admitted it had been a “bad day” but stressed the importance of moving on.

In his Instagram story, the former Borussia Dortmund player wrote, "Bad day at the weekend and still work to do but time to refocus on UCL."

Carvajal and Huijsen address fans after Atletico humbling

Spanish centre-back Huijsen was singled out for criticism after a difficult outing. The critics argued he struggled in his debut Madrid derby, losing most aerial duels and being physically overwhelmed by Atletico’s attackers.

His defensive positioning and decision-making were also questioned as Real’s backline was repeatedly exposed. Despite these difficulties, Huijsen showed maturity by apologising to fans and acknowledging the long season ahead for the team.

“I apologise to the fans for this weekend. We’ll keep going, we have a long way to go,” he wrote on Instagram, showing accountability after the derby collapse.

Veteran Carvajal also took to social media to address the supporters, striking a more reflective tone: “The way forward is to keep working, learn from our mistakes, and rise stronger.”

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Getty Images SportMadrid eyes Champions League redemption

The derby humiliation has left Los Blancos with bruised pride but it has given them a chance to respond quickly. Their Champions League group stage trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat comes at the perfect time and provides the team with an opportunity to prove the defeat was an aberration rather than a trend.

With players owning up to their mistakes and facing fans head-on, it shows that the team are committed to the season and won't repeat the same mistake in their next fixture on September 30.