After almost two decades of waiting, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally became IPL champions, it wasn’t just a title triumph for Virat Kohli. It was the culmination of a journey that began in 2008 when he was a fiery young batter who would go on to become one of the most influential cricketers of his generation. It was also a full-circle moment for a player and a franchise that have become one and the same over time.As former RCB pacer Varun Aaron put it on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, “He [Kohli] has been the king of the castle in RCB for 18 years.” Aaron went to say, “At the end of the day, if they haven’t won a trophy, the first person they’re going to look at is Virat Kohli. And Virat Kohli, he loves to win. He can’t take second as even an option. So this is huge for him. Also, the kind of adoration and love he gets from the fans, from the franchise, is just huge.”And this is what they’ve been expecting for the longest time. It has come good. RCB have been the most loved team in the Indian Premier League by far. And now I don’t know where Virat’s going to go after this.”Tom Moody summed up Kohli’s IPL journey, saying it was a story of how a career was born, shaped, and lived out within a single franchise.”His cricketing career was nearly born at RCB,” Moody said. “So that’s why I think he’s so emotional, because he’s been so invested as a young player with a young mind, without knowing the body of work that he’s going to do in the game and that status that he was going to get in the game.”So you can see the connection that this has to him, because he’s been through all those ups and downs. We saw the stats earlier on about how many times RCB have made the finals in the 18 seasons. Ten times [in the playoffs]. Four times final. You can see why he’s emotional.”It’s nearly like the young Virat Kohli coming out of him, just celebrating and rejoicing in an emotional way.””When fans see the main player give everything on the field, they’re obviously going to feel that this guy deserves something”•AFP/Getty Images
Kohli has grown, faltered, risen and roared – all in RCB colours. With 8661 runs in 259 innings at a strike rate of 132.85 and an average of 39.54, he is the highest run-getter in IPL history.Between 2011 and 2023, he led RCB 143 times, the third-highest number of matches played as a captain in the IPL. He led RCB to the final in 2016 where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His 973 runs in that massive season still remains a record in the IPL.”The biggest Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar, I would say, who’s played day in day out for 18 years, he’s hardly ever missed matches, he’s hardly ever missed IPLs, he’s turned up season after season,” Aaron said looking back. “And given everything, when fans see the main player give everything on the field, with bat and even on the field, they’re obviously going to feel that, you know what, this guy deserves something.”While RCB gave Kohli a stage, it’s equally true – as Aaron put it – that “RCB has had its role in making Virat, but Virat has also made the franchise.”
While SL are set to play three seamers in Colombo, Bangladesh are likely to go the other way and pick three spinners
Andrew Fidel Fernando24-Jun-2025Bangladesh have a tough decision to make. If Mehidy Hasan Miraz comes back into the XI for the second Test – and according to coach Phil Simmons there is no guarantee he will – who makes way?The theory seems to be that the player who stood in for him at Galle goes out. But what if that player – offspinner Nayeem Hasan – took a vital 5 for 121 in the first innings, and a tidy 1 for 29 in the second. Nayeem was the equal-highest wicket-taker in that match, which ordinarily should ensure he plays the next match in the series.But he is an offspinner, and so is Mehidy, who is returning to the team. Taijul, by dint of experience as well as being a left-arm spinner, will likely keep his place.”You assume that [Mehidy] will be in the team for the second match,” said Simmons, implying that he still may not be ready. “But at the same time, everyone else has to do their job and we can’t worry about Mehidy coming in.Related
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Milan ruled out of second Test
There is a chance, though, that three spinners can play, according to Simmons. Sri Lanka appear to be going in the opposite direction – they are considering playing three seamers at the SSC. But Bangladesh have the problem of a performing offspinner, whom they are understandably reluctant to keep out.”The first thing is that we will assess what the wicket looks like and the conditions, and then we decide which way we’re going to go – if it’s the three spinners”, Simmons said. “Nayeem had a wonderful game up in Galle. To leave him now is a little difficult. But if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what is good for the team.”Having dominated the back end of that Galle Test – Bangladesh were the side pushing for a victory on day five – spirits in the visitors’ camp are high, Simmons said.”They players are really good. When you play good cricket, it helps to lift you. The players’ mental strength is there, and physically they are very good.”
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions and sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table, boasting a 100 per cent record in the Champions League to boot.
Mikel Arteta answers Arsenal critics
There is a sentiment going around that the Gunners have adopted a ‘boring style of play’, but as long as they get the job done, Mikel Arteta won’t be in the least bit bothered.
Besides, this ongoing narrative is in stark contrast to their imperious win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday, and club legend Paul Merson was quick to note that nobody blows away Diego Simeone’s side like Arsenal did that night.
Four goals inside just 14 minutes cemented what was a statement three points for Arteta’s men, and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres silenced his own doubters with a quick-fire brace to end his barren run without scoring.
The result means Arsenal still haven’t lost a single game in all competitions since their narrow defeat at Anfield in late August, and even that was down to a sumptuous late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai which David Raya could do nothing about.
The catalyst for Arsenal’s amazing run has undoubtedly been their rock-solid defence, which has leaked the fewest goals of any Premier League side, with just three scored past them in nine top flight games.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Much to pundit Jamie O’Hara’s detest, who said last week that Arsenal are “killing” the Premier League with their guerrilla tactics, the north Londoners have proved a constant menace through dead balls and long-throws — which have acted as a secret weapon that no opponent can match.
Gabriel already has four goal contributions as a direct result of corners and free-kicks, bagging a header against Atlético and setting up Gyokeres for his second, and teams barely have an answer to the Brazilian’s constant set piece threat.
It’s been a very promising start to 25/26, and their excellent Champions League run has now forced Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher into a U-turn.
Jamie Carragher admits he got one thing very wrong about Arsenal
Speaking live on CBS Sports last week, analysing Arsenal’s win over Atlético, Carragher admitted that Arsenal are now one of the favourites to win the competition — despite previously saying they’re not a Champions League team.
After a summer of lavish spending, where Andrea Berta splashed nearly £270 million on eight major signings, the pressure is on Arteta to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a league title.
Arsenal’s water-tight defence has formed the backbone for what could well be a successful challenge after years of near-misses, with both Gabriel and Saliba privately promising to remain at the club for years to come last summer.
With David Raya, who’s won back-to-back Golden Glove awards, commanding his area and defenders who don’t give an inch, Arsenal are proving they can grind out results when it matters most.
That kind of steel is exactly what you need to win a marathon like the Premier League, where every point counts and slip-ups are severely punished, with Arteta’s looking like real favourites for the crown as things stand.
Newcastle United are pushing to sign a “complete” centre-back, with the Magpies believed to be ahead of Liverpool in the race to snap him up.
Newcastle preparing for Benfica clash
Eddie Howe’s side’s hit-and-miss start to the 2025/26 season continued on Saturday, with Brighton winning 2-1 at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica at St James’ Park, with the Magpies coming up against Jose Mourinho, who has recently taken charge of the Primeira Liga side.
Speaking ahead of the game, Mourinho made it clear that the home crowd could have a big impact on the result, warning his side that it will be a tough night.
“Tough. They’re a tough team, very physical, with great intensity in midfield, and we’re not. They have a very strong team, giants who are very strong at set pieces. At St James’ Park, the fans play.”
For Newcastle, it is an important night, as they look to bolster their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stage, which in part will help entice top-quality players to the club in the future.
Newcastle eyeing move for "complete" £43m ace
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have a better chance of signing Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez than Liverpool, with Aston Villa also in the mix to acquire his signature.
The Ecuadorian is thought to be valued at £43m by his current club, with the Reds looking at Magpies ace Sven Botman as an alternative, creating a similar situtation to the one with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Ordonez is a highly impressive young defender who is already a key man for club and country at the age of just 21, so it is understandable why Newcastle want to sign him.
In fact, the Brugge star has been part of an incredible Ecuador defence that has conceded just five goals in 18 matches in 2026 World Cup qualifying, helping them sit second in the table behind Argentina.
Ordonez may feel that he has already outgrown Brugge, even at his tender age, and he should be viewed as a fantastic option, with scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “complete” defender in the recent past.
Newcastle can forget Elanga by unleashing 19-year-old "star in the making"
Eddie Howe could have a surprise Anthony Elanga replacement up his sleeve in this exciting 19-year-old talent.
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With Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now well into their 30s, long-term replacements need to be found, and in Ordonez, Newcastle have a player with such a high ceiling, and someone who should be viewed as one of their best options available.
Lamine Yamal seemingly confirmed his plans to buy the €14 million (£12.5m) Barcelona mansion once owned by pop sensation Shakira & Gerard Pique through a social media post. In a now-viral photodump shared with his 14 million followers, the forward was pictured standing with his back to the camera, facing the spectacular modern property and its sparkling swimming pool.
Yamal buys a luxury real estate
Built in 2012, the estate originally consisted of three separate buildings spread across 3,800 square feet, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a private tennis court, and even a recording studio once used by Shakira herself. When Shakira and Pique announced their split in 2022, the mansion was quickly put up for sale at €14 million (£12.5m). But despite global interest, it lingered on the market for over two years. One of the smaller residences was eventually sold separately, trimming the total price tag to €11 million (£9.5m), which is still enough to make most jaws drop. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo had earlier claimed that Yamal has now swooped in to take the keys, reportedly planning to move in with his cousin and a close friend. The young star is also believed to be preparing major renovations and will be spending a significant sum to remodel the home to fit his own tastes and lifestyle.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportGetting inside Yamal’s lavish new mansion
It has been reported that there are six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The main house opens into a vast living space framed by glass walls that overlook the Mediterranean. The outdoor area boasts well-maintained lawns, a private poolside terrace, and a sleek lounge zone perfect for entertaining guests. It has been suggested that Yamal could transform Shakira’s old recording studio into a gaming room or personal cinema. The move into one of Catalonia’s most iconic properties comes just months after Yamal signed a blockbuster six-year contract with Barcelona in May. The deal reportedly nets him around €30 million (£26m) per season, which is an astonishing figure for a player still in his teens. That puts him among the highest-paid players in world football, potentially earning up to €180 million (£157m) by the time his contract runs its course. And the earnings don’t stop there. Thanks to his rising global profile and a string of lucrative endorsement deals, Forbes estimates Yamal’s total annual income could reach $43 million (£32m), which is enough to buy him a seat among the sport’s financial elite alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jude Bellingham.
Injury worries cloud the celebration
Yet while the Instagram post painted a picture of glamour, things haven’t been entirely rosy for Yamal on the pitch. The youngster has been battling a groin injury, reportedly a form of pubalgia, which is a chronic and notoriously difficult-to-treat condition that has plagued several top players, including Lionel Messi. Reports from Spain claim Barca are worried the problem could become long-term if not handled carefully.
“Pubalgia is complicated," admitted Messi during an interview with Buenos Aires radio station back in 2019. “I suffer from it for a while now, I do little training and I can not play all the games. It is not a problem that can be solved overnight. I feel better now, but I still have not recovered and I still need treatment.”
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AFPBarcelona’s battle to stay in the title race
Despite the injury setback, Yamal remains central to Hansi Flick’s plans as Barcelona aim to chase down Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. He is expected to start as the German manager informed, "he’s fine. Some days he still feels a bit of pain, but he’s progressing well.” However, Pedri will be missing out as Flick also provided an update on the injury of the midfielder. "After the match in Madrid, he only had a minor discomfort, just fatigue, but when we checked it, we found the injury. We have to accept it. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon," he said. The Blaugranas currently sit five points behind their eternal rivals and will be desperate to keep the pressure on when they host Elche on Sunday.
Even though they have received plenty of criticism for it over the years, Chelsea’s transfer policy has seen them build a squad full of exceptionally talented youngsters.
The club might not be ready to challenge for a Premier League title this season, but over the next few years, as their youngsters become increasingly comfortable, they could be a real force in all competitions.
One of the players who looks like he could be a genuine superstar for the West Londoners is Estevao, who was sensational against Liverpool on Saturday.
However, Chelsea have already got their hands on another incredible prospect who could end up being an even bigger talent than the 18-year-old.
Estevao's brilliant performance against Liverpool
It should be said that Estevao’s brilliant display against Liverpool on the weekend didn’t come as much of a surprise to Chelsea fans and those who have been watching them this season.
After all, while he hadn’t scored before the game, he had made a couple of impressive cameos off the bench against the likes of Crystal Palace and Benfica.
Moreover, in his first start for the club, against West Ham United, he was near-enough unplayable and, thanks to some silky movement and technical brilliance, provided his first assist for Joao Pedro.
However, even then, it can’t be denied that his efforts against Arne Slot’s side felt far more significant and like a real statement to the rest of the league.
He only came on in the 75th minute, but once he was on the pitch, it was impossible to ignore him.
Granted, a lot of what he tried didn’t actually come off for him, but the fact that he attempted three dribbles, played two key passes, and was accurate in two of his three crosses in just a little over 20 minutes of action is hugely impressive.
He made Andy Robertson’s life miserable in the closing moments of the game and then, thanks to his awareness and positioning, was in the right place at the right time to poke home the winner.
Daniel Sturridge summed it up well after the game when he said the teenage gem “came on and was absolutely top draw.”
In all, Estevao looks destined to reach the very top of the game, but Chelsea have already signed another sensational prospect who might just be an even bigger talent.
Chelsea's bigger talent than Estevao
In good news for Chelsea fans, there are a few genuinely exciting youngsters set to join the squad next summer, including Denner, Geovany Quenda, and Kenry Paez.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, when it comes to someone who might be a bigger talent than Estevao, only one name comes to mind: Dastan Satpayev.
The Blues secured a deal for the Kazakhstani forward in February, but as he was 16 at the time and is now 17, he has to wait another season before he can move to West London.
However, that might not actually be such a bad thing, as he’s been getting plenty of game time with Kairat Almaty in recent campaigns and making quite the impression.
For example, in 27 appearances last season, totalling 1908 minutes, the young phenom scored 13 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games, or every 95.4 minutes.
Appearances
27
Minutes
1908′
Goals
13
Assists
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.74
Minutes per Goal Involvement
95.4′
So far this season, the Almaty-born ace has scored three goals and provided one assist in nine games, seven of which have been qualifiers for the Champions League, with the other two being in the competition proper.
The hype surrounding the forward is no joke, with one analyst going as far as calling him “a future Ballon d’Or winner” and, as if that wasn’t enough pressure, “a future rival to Lamine Yamal.”
Finally, the 17-year-old is not just impressing at club level, but also on the international stage.
After producing five goal involvements in ten games for Kazakhstan’s U17 side, and then making one appearance for the U21s, he has already won five senior caps, two of which have come against Wales.
Ultimately, Estevao is the man of the moment and appears destined for greatness, but it seems that Satpayev will follow a very similar path in a year’s time and could even surpass him.
Moises Caicedo tells Chelsea fans where he ranks himself compared to Kante
The Blues midfielder scored a stunning goal as his side went on to defeat Liverpool.
Muyeye’s fifty closes the contest out to keep quarter-final hopes alive
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Fred Klaassen made inroads with the new ball•ECB via Getty Images
The Kent Spitfires are still in with a shout a Vitality Blast quarter-final place, after they coasted to a seven-wicket win over Middlesex at Canterbury, with 11 balls to spare.Fred Klaassen took 3 for 39 as the visitors were limited to 160 for five from their 20 overs and they needed 68 from Leus Du Plooy to give them something to defend.A blistering opening partnership of 66 between Tawanda Muyeye, who top-scored with 59 and Harry Finch meant Kent always looked favourites and when Finch went for 36, Joe Denly took the Spitfires to the brink with 46, before Sam Billings sealed the win with a six.Middlesex chose to bat first but lost Stevie Eskinazi in the second over when he was bowled off stump by Klaassen.In his next over Klaassen got Ben Geddes for 22, after he slapped him straight to Finch at point, leaving the visitors on 40 for two after the powerplay.Kane Williamson was caught and bowled by Jack Leaning for just six but Leaning’s 10th over went for 14, and allowing Middlesex to reach 68 for three at halfway and Matt Parkinson’s 11th went for 16.There was a lengthy delay while du Plooy was treated for a hand injury, after which Grant Stewart bowled Ryan Higgins middle stump for 19, breaking a partnership worth 68.Klaassen claimed the key wicket of du Plooy when he was caught by Finch near the rope but some late hitting by Joe Cracknell, who finished on 24 not out, and Luke Hollman, who was unbeaten on 14, steered Middlesex to a defensible total.It looked less defensible when openers Finch and Muyeye flayed 59 from the powerplay,Although Zafar Gohar made a breakthrough when he caught and bowled the former for 36, it didn’t affect the scoring rate.A single from Josh Little gave Muyeye his 50 and although Higgins had him caught by du Plooy in the 16th, Billings came in and blasted 20 from seven.Denly was denied the satisfaction of hitting the winning runs when he was bowled by Tom Helm, leaving Billings to complete the job with a six off Higgins that flew over square leg.
Pep Guardiola has described what an honour it is to have watched Phil Foden's rise up close as the midfielder prepares to play his 200th game for Manchester City. The 25-year-old will reach the milestone if selected to face Bournemouth on Sunday. The coach, however, is staying out of the debate over whether Foden should be recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
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Guardiola honoured to see Foden play 200th game
Guardiola gave Foden his City debut in 2017 against Feyenoord and integrated him into the squad little by little. Foden made five Premier League appearances as City won the title in 2018 and a further 13 when they retained their crown in 2019. Guardiola described Foden as the most talented player he had ever worked with during the summer of 2019. Foden consolidated his place in Guardiola's starting XI from then on, playing a big role as City won four consecutive league titles between 2021 and 2024 and scooped numerous other titles including the 2023 Champions League and FA Cup to complete the treble. Guardiola revealed his pride at watching every step of Foden's City journey ahead of the game with Bournemouth.
"It's an honour for me to see his impact, for the club of his heart, it's a good milestone at his age," Guardiola said.
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Guardiola stays out of England discussion
Foden has not played for England since asking to be left out of the team's squad in June to focus on improving his physical and mental health after a difficult season on and off the pitch. He was injured for the September camp and although he returned to form soon after, England boss Tuchel left Foden and a number of other high-profile players including Jude Bellingham out of the squad for the October games against Wales and Latvia.
Tuchel will name his final squad for 2025 next week for the games against Serbia and Albania but Guardiola refused to be drawn on whether Foden should be picked. "A question for Thomas," he said. "He has to play good every day, the competition is not easy, there are a lot of good English players in his position and then Thomas will decide."
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Guardiola mulls playing Foden & Cherki together
Foden came on as a substitute to help City beat Swansea City 3-1 on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and reach the quarter-finals. Rayan Cherki was the standout performer for City, scoring and setting up a goal. The Frenchman and Foden are yet to start a game together this season but Guardiola said he can see it happening soon, even though they play in similar positions as aspiring No. 10s and are not the strongest players.
He said: "It's a real option to play them together, like Erling and Marmoush. I will not be the one to say I don't like these kind of players, but you have to realise what it is like to play in the Premier League with the physicality. We need to get the balance. We saw it against Aston Villa, we were not solid enough to sustain it. They will learn."
Cherki ended the Swansea match complaining of cramp but is fit to face Bournemouth. There was more positive injury news for City as Guardiola revealed that Rodri would be available for the first time in a month and top scorer Erling Haaland was also ready to play after his injury scare in the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa last week.
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Bournemouth rise demonstrates Premier League unpredictability
Bournemouth are second in the Premier League heading into Sunday's game at the Etihad Stadium while promoted Sunderland are fourth, one point and one place above City. Guardiola acknowledged that the Premier League has fewer dominant teams than before and praised the English top-flight's competitiveness.
"I remember when I was in Barcelona and Bayern Munich, I heard the rumour from England that everyone can beat everyone," he said. "Maybe Liverpool and ourselves changed that dynamic by getting near 100 points but it's good that other teams can be up there. Sometimes there is not a dominant team. Everyone can beat everyone, it's good for the Premier League and the spectators."
O Boca Juniors eliminou o Palmeiras nos pênaltis, nesta quinta-feira (5), e garantiu vaga na final da Libertadores. Após empate no tempo normal em 1 a 1, com gols de Cavani e Piquerez, a decisão foi para os pênaltis, que favoreceram os argentinos, que marcaram quatro vezes contra apenas duas dos brasileiros. Raphael Veiga e Gustavo Gómez perderam para o Verdão, já Cavani perdeu para os Xeneizes.
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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Com a vitória nos pênaltis, o Boca enfrenta o Fluminense na final da Liberta, que acontece no dia 4 de novembro, no Maracanã.
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CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM O DUELO
> CERA SEM FIM! O jogo não tinha dois minutos e o goleiro Romero, do Boca Juniors, já demorava uma eternidade para repor a bola. Assim como qualquer bola parada era motivo para pausar a partida e seu ritmo. A torcida desanimava no mesmo passo.
> CAVANI DESENCANTA! Enquanto o Palmeiras tinha enorme dificuldade para chegar perto da área do Boca, o time argentino aproveitava o nervosismo adversário para crescer. E deu certo. Numa dessas escapadas, Merentiel se livrou de Gómez e cruzou na medida para Cavani, que estava em jejum, abrir o placar.
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> CRIAS MUDAM O JOGO! Logo na volta do intervalo, Abel Ferreira fez o que toda a torcida pedia e colocou a molecada para jogar. Endrick e Kevin entraram nos lugares de Artur e Marcos Rocha. O efeito foi imediato e com 15 minutos o Verdão jogou mais do que todo o primeiro tempo.
> UM A MAIS E EMPATE! O Palmeiras estava muito melhor no jogo e ficou ainda mais quando Rojo foi expulso pelo segundo amarelo. Em um “ataque contra defesa”, Piquerez armou um chute de fora da área e Romero aceitou. 1 a 1 na semifinal.
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> VEIGA E GÓMEZ PERDEM PÊNALTI! Dois dos principais jogadores do Palmeiras nos últimos tempos foram os responsáveis por desperdiçar as cobranças de pênaltis do time. Já o Boca, que perdeu com Cavani, fez os outros quatro e venceu a decisão.
PRIMEIRO TEMPO
Apesar da enorme festa da torcida antes de o jogo começar, o Palmeiras desde o apito inicial deu sinais de que não estava embalado e de fato não evoluiu na primeira etapa. O lado esquerdo ficou “cego” e o direito não se entendeu no ataque nem na defesa. E foi por ali que Merentiel superou Gómez e cruzou na medida para Cavani desencantar. Dali em diante, bateu o desespero no Alviverde, que não soube o que fazer e ainda foi presa fácil para a catimba dos argentinos. O time foi para o vestiário sob pedidos de “raça” das arquibancadas.
SEGUNDO TEMPO
Com a entrada de Kevin e Endrick nos lugares de Marcos Rocha e Artur, o Palmeiras melhorou demais e proporcionou um “ataque contra defesa” na segunda etapa. A expulsão de Rojo também ajudou, e logo em seguida Piquerez conseguiu empatar com um gol de fora da área. Mais crias entraram no decorrer da etapa final e a superioridade foi aumentando, mas a bola batia em tudo o que era possível e não entrava. Além disso, a arbitragem deu apenas cinco minutos de acréscimos mesmo com toda a cera argentina. Com o empate, a decisão foi para os pênaltis.
OS PÊNALTIS
O Boca começou perdendo com o desperdício de Cavani, defendido por Weverton. No entanto, o Palmeiras não aproveitou a oportunidade de sair na frente e perdeu com Veiga, que foi seguido por um erro de Gómez, em péssima cobrança. Já os argentinos não perderam mais nenhum e fecharam as penalidades com 4 a 2. Kevin e Piquerez salvaram a safra para os palmeirenses.
O QUE VEM POR AÍ
Eliminado, o Palmeiras perde a chance de disputar sua sétima final de Libertadores e agora foca nos compromissos do Brasileirão, último campeonato que resta no ano. Neste domingo (8), o Verdão recebe o Santos, na Arena Barueri, às 16h (de Brasília). Atualmente, a equipe de Abel Ferreira é a quarta colocada com 44 pontos, oito atrás do líder Botafogo.
FICHA TÉCNICA PALMEIRAS 1 (2) x (4) 1 BOCA JUNIORS Local: Allianz Parque, em São Paulo (SP) Data e hora: 5/10/2023, às 21h30 (de Brasília) Árbitro: Andres Matonte (URU) Assistentes: Nicolas Taran (URU) e Martin Soppi (URU) VAR: Leodan Gonzalez (URU) Público e renda: 40.398 torcedores/R$ 4.974.909,22 Cartões amarelos: Luis Guilherme, Raphael Veiga, Gustavo Gómez e Rony (PAL) Romero, Figal, Equi Fernández e Pol Fernández (BOC) Cartões vermelhos: Rojo, aos 21’/2ºT (BOC) Gols: Cavani (22’/1ºT) (0-1), Piquerez (27’/2ºT) (1-1)
BOCA JUNIORS: Romero; Advíncula, Figal, Rojo e Fabra (Saracchi, aos 36’/2ºT); Pol Fernández, Medina, Equi Fernández e Barco (Valentini, aos 22’/2ºT); Merentiel (Valdez Rojas, aos 9’/2ºT) e Cavani. Técnico: Jorge Almirón.
PALMEIRAS: Weverton; Marcos Rocha (Kevin, no intervalo), Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael (Fabinho, aos 32’/2ºT), Gabriel Menino (Flaco López, aos 22’/2ºT) e Raphael Veiga; Mayke (Luis Guilherme, aos 32’/2ºT), Artur (Endrick, no intervalo) e Rony. Técnico: Abel Ferreira.
Manchester United had a problem between the sticks for too many seasons prior to the signing of Senne Lemmens from Royal Antwerp during the summer transfer window.
Andre Onana was signed from Inter for a fee of £43.5m in the summer of 2023, after helping the Italian side to reach the Champions League final, with the hope that he would be the answer to their problems.
Unfortunately, like the one in the clip above, his time at Old Trafford was littered with mistakes. He made two errors that led to shots and four errors that led to goals in his two Premier League seasons, per Sofascore.
Onana also made two errors that directly led to goals for the opposition in 13 appearances in the Europa League during the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he slipped up far too many times.
His short-term replacement, Altay Bayindir, did not fare much better. The Turkey international made two errors that led to goals for the opposition in ten appearances in the Premier League, with one in six games this season and one in four outings last term, per Sofascore.
Altay and Onana’s dismal form between the sticks convinced Ruben Amorim and INEOS to sign Lammens in the summer, and he has hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have already hit the jackpot with Senne Lammens
Statistics are great and can be brilliant when used correctly, as we will try to do later in this piece, but the Belgian shot-stopper provides United with something intangible: calmness.
The team looks more settled at the back and confident in their goalkeeper with situations in and around the box, because of the calmness and confidence that Lammens brings to the pitch.
Nervousness and indecision breed mistakes, as shown by Onana and Altay’s performances for United, but the summer signing looks like he will not be bringing either of those things to his performances.
Lammens, as illustrated in the post above, enjoyed a terrific debut against Sunderland in the Premier League last month, keeping a clean sheet and preventing 0.94 xG.
He has now made three appearances for United in the top-flight, winning all three, and has quickly established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the entire division.
Top-performing Premier League goalkeepers
25/26 season
Goals prevented
Goals conceded
Guglielmo Vicario (Spurs)
3.01
7
Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
2.94
7
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
2.72
9
Nick Pope (Newcastle)
2.29
8
Senne Lammens (Man Utd)
1.97
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, only four goalkeepers in the league have prevented more xG/goals than Lammens has, despite the fact that the Belgian star has only played three times.
His performances in the Pro League for Royal Antwerp in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he has the potential to go and become the best shot-stopper in the Premier League, if he can hit his peak at Old Trafford.
Top performing shot-stoppers in Premier League vs Senne Lammens
24/25 season
Goals (xG) prevented
Senne Lammens (Pro League)
+15.57
Jordan Pickford (Premier League)
+6.15
Matz Sels (Premier League)
+4.55
Mark Travers (Premier League)
+4.48
Ederson (Premier League)
+4.46
Dean Henderson (Premier League)
+3.14
Stats via Sofascore
This suggests that United have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the making, given that he has the potential to be the best shot-stopper in, arguably, the best league in the world.
However, even the best goalkeepers still need a reliable defence in front of them to help rack up clean sheets to improve their reputation in the wider footballing community.
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That is why Manchester United need to move on from and upgrade on versatile defender Diogo Dalot in order to help Lammens become known as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.
Why Man Utd need to move on from Diogo Dalot
We mentioned earlier that nervousness and indecision breed mistakes. So far this season, the Portugal international has seemed full of nerves and indecision, which has led to mistakes.
Dalot, per Sofascore, has made two errors that have led to shots or goals for the opposition across six starts in the Premier League, which shows that he is putting his team under pressure with needless mistakes.
In the recent 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst claimed that Dalot is “their weakest player”, whilst content creator Mark Goldbridge described his performance as “awful”.
It was not a direct error that led to a shot or goal from Dalot, as shown in the clip above, but he was stationed in the centre of the box and failed to position himself to cut out the ball across that Cody Gakpo scored from.
On top of his mistakes in the Premier League this season, the former AC Milan loanee’s defensive numbers have gone down across the board in comparison to the 2024/25 campaign.
Diogo Dalot (Premier League)
24/25
25/26
Appearances
33
7
Assists
3
1
Tackles per game
2.1
1.6
Interceptions per game
1.1
0.6
Ground duels won per game
3.2
2.3
Aerial duels won per game
1.2
0.6
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Dalot’s performances have declined this season, as he is making fewer tackles and interceptions and winning fewer duels on the ground and in the air.
This suggests that he has become a liability defensively for the Red Devils, particularly when you take his two direct errors into account, which is why Luckhurst calling him “their weakest player” may have been accurate.
United should, therefore, be looking to find an upgrade on the defender, who can play on the left or the right at full-back, because his mistakes may cost them moving forward.
Replacing him with a more reliable defender, who will not make as many costly mistakes, could help Lammens be known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, because it would provide him with more protection and reliability ahead of him.
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This could, therefore, lead to more clean sheets, more wins, and more people talking about how impressive United’s defence is with the talented shot-stopper behind them.