Atletico Madrid fans made their feeling about Joao Felix crystal clear as he returned to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium with Barcelona.
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Atletico fans burn Felix's shirtsAlso spit on Portuguese's plaqueForward scored against parent clubWHAT HAPPENED?
Felix left Atletico on loan for the Catalan side in the summer after announcing it was his dream to play for Barcelona. However, his actions have clearly triggered Atletico fans who set fire to his shirt and made spat on his plaque at the Wanda Metropolitano ahead of the two sides' La Liga clash.
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Felix was clearly unaffected as he opened the scoring for Barcelona against his former club. The Portugal international also scored against Diego Simeone's side when the two teams met at Montjuic earlier in the campaign. Felix's goal set Barcelona up for a comfortable 3-0 win over Atletico, with Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez also on target.
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The former Benfica forward will now join up with the Portuguese national team as he prepares with Roberto Martinez and the national side for their friendlies against Sweden and Slovenia.
White in stand of 190 with Peter Handscomb to lift Victoria to match-winning 327
Daniel Brettig23-Sep-2018Getty ImagesCameron White and Peter Handscomb set up an ample tally for Victoria at North Sydney Oval before New South Wales slid from a promising platform to their third consecutive defeat in the domestic limited-overs tournament – though under this year’s competition rules all teams are guaranteed a finals berth.The stand of 190 between White and the captain Handscomb allowed the visitors to shrug off the loss of Seb Gotch from the very first ball of the match, chipping Sean Abbott to mid-on, and pushed Victoria well past 300. White’s century was his third at North Sydney and seventh for Victoria in limited-overs matches, while Handscomb’s innings was a welcome sign of progress after he had made a series of technical tweaks in the winter. Abbott finished with five wickets, albeit at a cost of 70 runs.Left with 328 for victory, the Blues were unable to find a partnership to match that of White and Handscomb, maintaining a pattern where the NSW top order has been unable to summon truly match-shaping scores. The Blues captain Kurtis Patterson made an attractive 48 but again fell after making a start, before Moises Henriques was also dismissed when he appeared to be in control of the game.The uncontracted allrounder Daniel Sams made his second half-century of the tournament and appears to be batting too low at No. 7, meaning he was left with too much to do without top-order help. Jackson Coleman, the Victorian left-armer, persisted well and deserved his five wickets, while the legspinner Tom O’Connell was unafraid to toss the ball up on the small North Sydney Oval, being rewarded with a trio of his own victims despite having a pair of very strong lbw shouts turned down and also suffering from a dropped catch.Limited-overs teams tend to be happy to bowl first in day games at North Sydney, particularly if the pitch has some live grass on top. This was certainly the case when Patterson sent Victoria in, and the early dismissals of Gotch and then Marcus Harris, who failed to ride the bounce of a lifting delivery from Ben Dwarshuis, seemed to vindicate the decision.However White had established himself with a handful of solid blows, and proceeded to rotate the strike intelligently alongside Handscomb, who showed evidence of his off-season work to get more of his weight moving forward to meet balls pitched up to the stumps in a more positive, decisive and consistent manner.Between them, the Victorian tally mounted smoothly with a particular toll taken on Steve O’Keefe and Henriques. Offspinner Chris Green seemed more able to stem the flow, before he too began to leak boundaries. Once White had passed his century and both he and Handscomb fell in the pursuit of quick runs, Glenn Maxwell and the NSW discard Nic Maddinson were able to hammer a handful of boundaries to take the total beyond 326 – the recent par for winning totals at the ground.Grass on the surface was still catchy enough for Will Sutherland to move the ball off the seam, which he did to coax an early edge from Daniel Hughes that was well held by White in the slips. Jack Edwards batted in Patterson’s slipstream for a time before picking out third man when slashing at Coleman, and the captain made it to the cusp of a half-century before edging behind.Henriques was soon striking the ball cleanly, and his duel with O’Connell was beguiling. Bullied sixes were traded with false shots and lbw appeals, before Sutherland dropped a chance on the cover boundary when coming forward. It was to be Coleman who finally dismissed Henriques, at a time when he and Sams seemed well on course to reel in the target.Victoria’s notably deeper batting line-up than NSW was now to come into effect, as the latter’s last five wickets went down for 42 runs in six overs. A cheery Sunday afternoon crowd, having anticipated a tight finish, found themselves making for the exits at least half an hour earlier than expected.
Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has offered a bullish assessment of Rafael Leao's future, insisting the winger wants to stay at the San Siro.
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Milan chief confident Leao will stayWinger has €175m release clauseChelsea and PSG linked with 24-year-oldWHAT HAPPENED?
The 24-year-old's future has been the subject of some speculation with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea rumoured to be among suitors willing to match the €175m (£150m/$£189m) release clause this summer. But in a wide-ranging interview, Furlani was buoyant about the prospects of keeping hold of his flying winger.
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"Rafa has a release clause of €175 million," Furlani told . "But aside of that, he wants to stay in Milan. He's very comfortable here, he should be the one asking us to leave but he doesn't want to. Long live Leao at Milan."
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Leao has become a key man in Milan since his arrival from Lille in 2019 and it comes as no surprise that some of Europe's big spenders are tempted to match his release clause. But with four years still left to run on his current contract, Furlani very much sees Leao as the man to build around as the look to add a centre-forward to replace the MLS-bound veteran Olivier Giroud.
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Leao returns from international duty as Milan travel to Florence to face Fiorentina on Saturday night in Serie A. They have serious work to do if they want to catch runaway leaders and city rivals Inter at the top.
Aston Villa are back in action this afternoon, as the Villans face a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side will travel to Trentside in good confidence, being unbeaten in their previous six league games, firing them to just one point outside the top four.
The Villans have netted a monstrous 18 goals in their previous six games, putting them in good stead to challenge Steve Cooper’s side, who are without a win in their previous six.
Aston Villa team news vs Nottingham Forest
During their win against Luton Town last time out in the league, Emery’s side recorded their 12th successive Premier League victory at Villa Park, flexing their dominance on the newly promoted side with 71% of possession.
The Spaniard has got his side ticking to new levels, which could worry Forest, however form can change in one result, and with others on the Midlands side’s tail, a win must be fought for at the City Ground.
Aston Villa managerUnaiEmery.
In terms of injury news, Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain as the long-term absentees, with Jacob Ramsey also expected to be absent as he recovers from a recurring injury to his metatarsal, that he broke in the summer.
Alex Moreno has returned to training and could be included in the matchday squad, handing Emery further room to shuffle around in the defence.
Following the arrivals of five new faces in the transfer window, the manager continues to alternate to distinguish his best XI, however, one summer arrival could be dropped ahead of the Forest clash.
The stats that show Leon Bailey should start against Nottingham Forest
Nicolo Zaniolo has had a difficult time of late, with his issues off the pitch potentially playing a part in his lacklustre start to life at Villa Park.
The Italian made the move from Galatasaray on loan in the summer and is yet to score or assist for the Villans, but Emery continues to stick behind the versatile 24-year-old.
It could now be time for the Spaniard to make a switch in the front line, expelling Zaniolo to the bench to allow Leon Bailey to show his worth from the off, with the Jamaican back to firing after losing his place in the XI.
In his previous three appearances for Villa, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has contributed to four goals, scoring two and assisting two to suggest he’s back to his best amid some competition in the squad.
Aston Villa'sLeonBaileycelebrates scoring their third goal
Emery must reward the forward’s form with a starting place, as Zaniolo continues to adapt to his new surroundings, with his direct playing style destined to cause Forest problems.
The £100k-per-week Jamaican replaced the former Roma ace at half-time in the victory over Luton, suggesting that the manager sees the current form of the winger as an option for a greater threat in the final third.
Once lauded as “electric” by journalist Matt Maher, Bailey could add a refreshed dimension to the match day squad at the City Ground, in a move that would continue to promote healthy competition in the side.
Manchester United are set to face competition from top European clubs including Manchester City and Real Madrid in pursuit of Everton star.
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Man Utd eyeing move for BranthwaiteMan City and Real Madrid chasing the English defenderCould make his international debut against BelgiumWHAT HAPPENED?
Earlier in March, reported that Manchester United are strong contenders to land Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as the Red Devils look to bolster their backline ahead of the 2024/25 season.
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Now the reports that United would face competition from rivals Manchester City and La Liga giants Real Madrid in pursuit of the English defender, who has a release clause of £60m (€70m) in his current contract.
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In the 2023/24 season, Branthwaite has appeared in 31 matches across all competitions and has performed consistently for his side despite The Toffees being placed at the bottom half of the league.
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The 21-year-old, who earned his maiden England call-up ahead of the March international friendlies, could make his debut for The Three Lions on Tuesday against Belgium at Wembley.
Tottenham Hotspur are no longer a side struggling to entertain and failing to find a consistent direction. So far this season, under Ange Postecoglou, they have been a side transformed. On the pitch, the goals have been flowing and the entertainment has been matched with impressive results. Meanwhile, off the pitch, it was a summer of crucial decisions, which saw star man Harry Kane leave.
Kane's exit could have easily turned Postecoglou's Premier League start into a nightmare, but if anything, the Lilywhites look better than ever. The likes of James Maddison have arrived and have instantly flourished, and now Postecoglou reportedly wants Spurs to sign a surprising target.
Spurs transfer news
Some may have worried about just how Spurs would spend the Kane money as they looked to rebuild. Now 10 games into the campaign, however, any of those doubts have been put to rest. The North London club sit top of the league by two points, still unbeaten despite already facing Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. Postecoglou has taken a side who may not have been tipped for a place in the top four by the end of the season into early title contention.
Things could get even better if the former Celtic boss gets his transfer target, too. According to reports in Spain, Spurs are eyeing a move to sign Jadon Sancho. The winger is likely to be on the move in January after falling out with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, before being subsequently dropped from the first team. Now, Postecoglou reportedly sees the former Borussia Dortmund man as a crucial reinforcement for his squad.
Whilst Sancho has struggled to discover his best form since returning to England, his reported £30m price tag could turn him into one of the bargains of the season if he gets back to his scintillating best.
Jadon Sancho's Man Utd stats
Jadon Sancho
It's no exaggeration to say that Sancho has been a shadow of the player who rose to stardom in the Bundesliga. If ever a player needed a move, it was the England international in the summer, especially after he was frozen out at Old Trafford. Sancho's stats for the Red Devils don't exactly make for pretty reading. In just 82 games, the 23-year-old has scored just 12 goals and assisted a further six to represent a disastrous spell.
A fresh start at Spurs could be an ideal solution, however, given the positive environment at the club these days compared to what has become a nightmare situation for Sancho at Manchester United. At his best, he has received high praise, including from former manager Ralf Rangnick, who said via Sky Sports: “His development in the last three years has been amazing. He’s one of the best wing offensive players in Europe currently. If you look at his statistics last season in the Bundesliga he had 18 goals and 18 assists.
“As a winger player, those statistics are phenomenal and currently in Europe I don’t see any other player with his combination of pace, being dangerous in front of goal and ability to get assists. He’s one of the biggest talents in Europe.”
Tallawahs put up the highest-ever T20 total at Providence, on the back of a superb century from Glenn Phillips, but Devcich ensured the mark lasted less than two hours, before Ben Cutting sealed it off with a six
The Report by Peter Della Penna13-Sep-2018Glenn Phillips celebrates a hundred•Getty ImagesBen Cutting provided a sense of at Providence, striking a six off the penultimate ball to clinch a nailbiting two-wicket victory, the second time in two nights a win had been registered by that margin at this venue. This time, the result went in favour of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, as the 2017 finalists knocked out Jamaica Tallawahs in a record-breaking chase.Tallawahs had posted the highest-ever T20 total at Providence, making 191 for 5 on the back of a fantastic Glenn Phillips century. But the mark lasted less than two hours as Anton Devcich sparked a middle-order revival following Ish Sodhi’s three-wicket haul. Cutting, who had dropped Phillips during the course of his century, then turned from goat to hero by smashing the decisive blow over the midwicket boundary to put Patriots on the plane to Trinidad, where they’ll take on Trinbago Knight Riders on Friday night for the right to face Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final.Kiwi Phil-harmonicPhillips batted all 20 overs to become just the eighth batsman in CPL history to record a century, and just the second overseas batsman to do so, following in the footsteps of Colin Munro, another South African-born New Zealand international, who achieved it in 2016.Phillips played second fiddle to his senior New Zealand team-mate, Ross Taylor, through the first half of the innings. After the fall of Johnson Charles, caught at backward point off Fabian Allen’s left-arm spin in the third over, Taylor controlled a 70-run second-wicket stand with 33 off 23 balls, before being deceived by a slower ball from Cutting.Phillips finally got his motor revving in the 13th over, bashing Cutting for two sixes and a four to bring up his half-century in the 20-run over. Rovman Powell fell in the following over, slogging Tabraiz Shamsi to Cutting at long-on, and Andre Russell didn’t last long either, skying a catch to deep point off Carlos Brathwaite.Phillips kicked on past 100 with a helping hand from Cutting, who spilled him on 79 at long-on off Shamsi. Phillips became more adventurous as he closed in on three figures, ramping Brathwaite over the wicketkeeper for four, before shuffling all the way across his stumps to a ball almost off the pitch outside off stump, and flaying it over wide long-on for six to move to 97. He brought up his century off 58 balls in the 18th over, cutting Shamsi behind point for a four.However, Phillips lost steam thereafter, as a wheezing finish to the innings arguably cost them in the end. Phillips and David Miller added just 17 runs in the final two overs, underwhelming after the position they had got into, which made a record total suddenly appear far less daunting to chase.Ben Cutting clinches the eliminator with a six off the penultimate ball•Getty ImagesSod’s lawPatriots’ chase got off to a sluggish start as Devon Thomas was caught in the deep off Steven Jacobs in the second over. Sodhi continued to trouble the Patriots, striking twice in the 10th over. Rassie van der Dussen fell trying to force the pace, as he top-edged a slog sweep, which wicketkeeper Phillips collected by running to his right.Chris Gayle drove straight to long-on two balls later to make it 62 for 3. When Allen creamed a flat, low chance that was expertly taken by Russell at long-on in the 14th over, Patriots needed 74 off the last 38 balls. Unfortunately for the Tallawahs, their most potent threat with the ball – Sodhi – was two balls away from finishing his spell.Dev-con OneWith alarm bells ringing, and the season on the line, Devcich stepped up to steal the Man-of-the-Match award away from Phillips with a clinically-devastating spurt. Having swatted Jacobs for four and six over wide long-on in the 13th over, he pulled two fours off Colin de Grandhomme in a 17-run 15th over that took the required run rate down to 10 an over for the first time since the third over.Devcich continued peppering the leg side by starting the 16th over with another pulled four off Russell, and brought up his half-century off 22 balls with a single later in the over. A double-strike by Oshane Thomas in the 17th over accounted for both Devcich and Brandon King, swinging the momentum Tallawahs’ way before Cutting’s heroics.Cut through the heartTallawahs needed 27 off 12 balls with four wickets in hand, when Cutting’s six over long-on off Thomas brought the equation down to 16 off eight balls. Lewis fell two balls after the six to another sharp effort from Russell on the boundary, and Powell was tossed the ball for the first time on the night to defend 14 off the final over.Brathwaite followed a swing and a miss on the first ball with a six when he smashed a full toss over square leg. But Russell snapped up his third sensational low catch of the night, diving forward at long-on on the third ball, to leave Cutting on strike with nine needed off the last three balls.The next ball arrived with the perfect width, just inside the tram lines outside off, but was controversially signalled wide. The decision appeared to rattle Powell, who followed it up with two more clear-cut wides. Cutting turned down a run to mid-on off the fourth legitimate delivery, putting the onus on himself, instead of tailender Hayden Walsh Jr, to get Patriots across the line. Another wide down leg was followed by a juicy length ball that was heaved over the midwicket rope to end the Tallawahs season and put the Patriots one win away from returning to the CPL final.
Zazai also equalled the record for the fastest T20 fifty, while the game’s 37 sixes were the most in any T20 match
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-20180:32
Zazai’s record-equalling feat
In “idol” Chris Gayle, Hazratullah Zazai had the perfect audience for his six-sixes-in-an-over show for Kabul Zwanan against Balkh Legends in an Afghanistan Premier League clash at Sharjah.Whether it was Gayle’s presence in the opposition or the target of 245 – it is irrelevant – Zazai went on a rampage in the fourth over of the innings, smashing each of Abdullah Mazari’s six deliveries – barring a wide – out of the park.”It was a surreal moment for me to perform in front of my idol [Gayle],” Zazai said after the match. “I was just trying to play my natural game and did not in any way think of outshining anyone.”He did, however, outshine plenty of others, becoming only the sixth player in the history of competitive cricket, and only the third in T20s to hit six sixes in an over. Those to have achieved this feat before him are Sir Garry Sobers, Ravi Shastri, Herschelle Gibbs, Yuvraj Singh and Ross Whiteley.In the process, Zazai also equalled the record for the fastest T20 fifty, incidentally also held by Gayle and Yuvraj, when he got there in 12 balls, with his fifth consecutive six.”It is a proud moment for me,” Zazai said. “It is a very enjoyable moment for me that my name is now linked to so many big names of the game, who are really legends of the game. I am thankful to Almighty Allah for helping me score the 12-ball fifty.”Zazai’s 17-ball 62, however, went in vain, as he was unable to sustain the onslaught. Kabul lost by 21 runs, but Zazai’s innings was one to remember, not least for the fact that it overshadowed an archetypal 80 from his idol in the first innings. The other significant record broken on the evening was for the most sixes in a T20 match – 37 in total – only one short of the record for the most sixes in any match across any format.
Tottenham are now believed to be the main contenders to sign a "very quick" player who's absolutely adored by his club's fanbase.
Lange making Spurs transfer plans
New sporting director Johan Lange and his arrival at N17 will be very intriguing to follow, as the new transfer chief is tasked with upgrading Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou's squad in 2024. Working under Chief Football Officer Scott Munn, the former Aston Villa employee comes in as a direct replacement for Fabio Paratici after his 30-month worldwide ban from football.
While the Italian still apparently advises Tottenham on a consultancy basis, Lange is now set to play a big role in giving Postecoglou exactly what he wants in terms of transfers.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Lilywhites are said to be prioritising the addition of a new left-sided centre-back after Micky van de Ven's injury, with the Dutchman's absence seriously exposing Spurs' lack of depth in that position. Elsewhere, Postecoglou is believed to want a left-wing alternative to Dejan Kulusevski, leading to links with Al-Ittihad winger and former Celtic star Jota.
Tottenham now favourites to sign Iling-Junior
Sticking to the left wing, another transfer target has emerged for Spurs with reports out of Italy sharing details about their interest in Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior. The former Chelsea academy man has made four appearances off the bench for Massimiliano Allegri's side, playing 12 Serie A matches in total last term as well.
His cameos for the Old Lady have apparently done enough to impress Spurs, who have him on their transfer target list for Postecoglou.
A report by Italian newspaper Il Bianconero has some positive news in this regard, as it is now claimed the north Londoners are "first and foremost" in the race to sign Iling-Junior.
Indeed, Spurs have entered pole position for Iling-Junior and are the main contenders for his signature, with Juve said to value him at a pretty affordable £13 million. In a further boost for Postecoglou and Lange, Juve could even be open to negotiating a loan deal. Both Spurs and Allegri's side already seem to have a strong working relationship, having successfully negotiated the transfers of Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the summer of 2022.
Iling-Junior likened to Rafael Leao
The 20-year-old, according to Eurosport journalist Michele Neri, is similar to AC Milan star Rafael Leao in terms of playing style. Juve's fans also went "crazy" for Iling-Junior after a performance last season, with the club's supporters remaining big admirers.
“Iling Junior is a very quick player, who loves to take on opposing full-backs and attack the vertical spaces, in a very direct way,” Neri explained to TNT Sports.
“He is a left winger who can also play as a right winger if needed. He has a great sense for dribbling and a speed from a standing start that other Juventus players do not have.
“In these qualities you can absolutely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a bit younger. The fans went crazy for him after the Benfica game where he played 20 minutes and really shone, providing an assist to Milik.
AC Milan forwardRafael Leao.
“But then, due to injuries, he was not used more consistently by Allegri. However the fans appreciated him anyway."
Celtic’s Alistair Johnston has helped Canada to the Copa America, but hopes “Lionel Messi stays on the other side of the pitch” when facing Argentina.
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CanMNT involved in tournament openerSet to take on defending championsAll-time great among the stars on showWHAT HAPPENED?
The CanMNT will have the honour of opening that tournament, which will take place in the United States, when facing the reigning champions on June 20. The contest will take place in Atlanta, with 80,000 fans set to be packed into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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Johnston, who played his part in Canada overcoming Trinidad & Tobago to secure qualification through the playoffs, is looking forward to lining up against the current holders of the prestigious World Cup crown. The 25-year-old full-back is, however, aware that he may come into direct competition with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – which would present him with the biggest of professional tests.
WHAT JOHNSTON SAID
Johnston has said of facing the Inter Miami forward: “It’s exciting to have qualified and in the first match we’ve got Argentina which will be good. I hope Messi stays on the other side of the pitch! Even though it’s in America it will be 99 percent full with Messi jerseys so that’ll be fun but we’re kind of used to that now with the national team over there. It is the opening game, the opening ceremony, so I think they are expecting Messi to put on a show which is why they have put it on as the first one. So, yeah, it is my job as a defender to hopefully quieten that down but we are ready for the 80,000 screaming his name.
“I have seen in the MLS how mental it is over there and I think it will be no different in Atlanta. I’ve never played against him before but I have a couple of friends who have and they say he is a joy. He looks like he is just walking about so you just turn your head for one second. You lose the ball and turn your head back and he is gone! But that whole Argentinian team is extremely talented – you don’t win a World Cup with just one player.”
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Messi inspired Argentina to Copa America glory back in 2021, as he landed a first senior honour with his country, and will be leading the charge once again this summer in a tournament that will include his 37th birthday celebrations.