أكد خوسيه ريبيرو، المدير الفني لفريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، أن مواجهة بالميراس البرازيلي لن تكون سهلة على الإطلاق، مشيرًا إلى أن لاعبي القلعة الحمراء سيبذلون قصارى جهدهم من أجل تحقيق الفوز .
ويخوض الأهلي مواجهة بالميراس البرازيلي في الجولة الثانية من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية، اليوم الخميس في تمام الساعة الثانية عشرة ظهرًا بتوقيت أمريكا – السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب ميتلايف في نيويورك.
وقال ريبيرو في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “بالميراس يعتبر من أفضل فرق كأس العالم للأندية، كما أنه مستقر مع مدربه الحالي، والذي خاض معهم العديد من المباريات على مدار المواسم الماضية”.
وأوضح: “بالميراس متمرس وخاض العديد من المواجهات القوية، وقدم مستوى قوي خلال لقاء بورتو البرتغالي في الجولة الأولى، لكن لاعبي الأهلي لديهم رغبة قوية في تحقيق نتيجة جيدة”.
طالع | تشكيل الأهلي المتوقع أمام بالميراس في كأس العالم للأندية.. بديل إمام عاشور
وتابع: “أحمد مصطفى زيزو خاض مع الأهلي أول مباراة بعدما انضم للفريق مؤخرًا، وقدم مستوى جيد، وموضوع إضاعة ركلة الجزاء من جانب محمود حسن تريزيجيه قد تم إغلاقه تمامًا، ولن أتحدث بشكل فردي عن أي لاعب داخل صفوف الفريق، ويجب التركيز فقط على مواجهة بالميراس لتحقيق نتيجة إيجابية”.
وبسؤاله حول إمكانية وجود خطة معينة لفرض رقابة حول المهاجم الشاب استيفاو لاعب بالميراس، أردف: “هذا الأمر كان موجودًا أيضًا في لقاء إنتر ميامي، وهناك لاعبين لديهم مهارات فردية عالية، ولا بد من التعامل جيدًا مع هذه الأمور، ومحاولة إبعادهم قدر الإمكان عن مناطق الخطورة”.
طالع.. موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي وبالميراس اليوم في كأس العالم للأندية
وأتم: “فكرة الاعتماد على الجانب الدفاعي دائمًا بالنسبة لي هي إجبار المنافس على تقديم مستوى أقل من المعتاد، ومنعه من خلق فرص حقيقية على مرمى الفريق، وفرض رقابة قوية على مفاتيح اللعب، كما حدث مع ليونيل ميسي الذي بذل لاعبو الأهلي جهدًا كبيرًا لمنعه من التمرير وتشكيل خطورة على مرماهم”.
Newcastle United have enjoyed life under Eddie Howe, recently reaching their second cup final in three years, with a Champions League campaign sandwiched in between.
More importantly, the Magpies have risen from the Premier League’s lower rabble to become a genuine force, pushing for a top-four finish and a sustained seat at Europe’s pre-eminent table.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
While there has been PSR-related transfer frustration recently, it’s hard to argue against the success of Howe’s market strategy since joining the Tynesiders.
Howe's best Newcastle signings
Anthony Gordon arrived on Tyneside with plenty of detractors, but after claiming Newcastle’s Player of the Year award for 2023/24 and carrying his form into the current campaign, he and his manager’s decision have been vindicated.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
Before that, Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival from Lyon was one of the major watershed events, with the Brazil midfielder now considered one of the best in the business, worth £100m and coveted by Manchester City in January.
Certainly, not all of Newcastle’s transfer triumphs have been the big-money buys. Dan Burn was one of the first to join the project, leaving Brighton for his boyhood club in a deal worth just £13m. The value for money has been immense.
However, perhaps obviously, Newcastle’s most emphatic and significant acquisition over the past several years has got to be that of the club-record man.
Howe's best Newcastle signing
You know who. Alexander Isak has been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising forwards since his days as a peripheral member at Borussia Dortmund, but ever since leaving Real Sociedad and joining Newcastle in a £63m package, he’s gone from strength to strength.
Earlier this season, Magpies legend Alan Shearer hailed the Sweden international as a “world-class assassin” in front of goal and it’s clear to see why.
He’s coming into his own. Across all competitions in 2024/25, Isak has scored 19 goals and supplied five more assists across 28 matches, instrumental beyond league football – for example, dominating Arsenal over two legs to reach the final of the Carabao Cup.
Premier League – Top Scorers (24/25)
Rank
Player
Apps
Goals (per 90)
1
Mohamed Salah
24
22 (0.93)
2
Erling Haaland
24
19 (0.80)
3
Alexander Isak
22
17 (0.85)
3=
Chris Wood
24
17 (0.79)
5
Cole Palmer
24
14 (0.60)
5=
Bryan Mbeumo
24
14 (0.58)
Stats via Premier League
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the only player to have scored 5+ goals at a faster rate this season, with Jamie Carragher piling onto the praise to dub Isak as “the best striker in the Premier League.”
When Newcastle paid £63m for this young and relatively untested centre-forward, you’d be forgiven for saying it was a gamble. But it’s paid off – handsomely.
Alexander Isak scores for Newcastle
While rumours of Isak’s sale persist, it would take suitors such as Arsenal to break the bank, with the 25-year-old understood to have a market value in excess of £150m, as reported by The Telegraph, which would make him the most expensive player in English football history, were he to be transferred this summer.
Let’s hope that he remains at St. James’ Park for many years to come, but if he is to go, Newcastle have well and truly hit the jackpot on their club-record signing, remarkably set to bank an £87m profit.
This would placate PSR, for sure. And then, with Howe’s track record in the market, it feels like the reinvestment could actually sustain Newcastle’s new-found position of prominence for many years to come.
Newcastle nearly signed "extraordinary" PL star who's now outscoring Isak
Mike Ashley once tried to sign the impressive forward for Newcastle United.
Millwall are reportedly in talks with a Saudi Arabian powerbroker over an investment in the Championship side.
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Millwall attracting investment interest
Alalshikh at centre of Saudi boxing revolution
Two said to be in talks over possible deal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Daily Mail states that Millwall have entered into negotiations with Turki Alalshikh, who has spearheaded the huge Saudi investment in boxing in the last two years and is now looking for a way into English football.
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The report adds that Millwall insists the club is not for sale and denies that discussions have been held. But the financial might that this Saudi powerbroker can bring may be too good to refuse.
DID YOU KNOW?
Millwall Holdings Limited currently owns the Lions and have been chaired by James Berylson for the past two years. Incidentally, Alalshikh cut ties with Spanish second-tier side Almeria amid his Millwall interest.
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WHAT NEXT?
It remains to be seen if these rumours turn into something more concrete as Millwall prepare for another season in the Championship.
Arsenal are keen on signing a “sensational” forward who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final, and his current club are now willing to sell him, according to a report.
Gunners blitz past PSV
There has been a lot of talk about the Gunners’ lack of forward options in recent weeks, with both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined due to injury, but they were rampant on the front foot away at PSV Eindhoven last night.
Mikel Arteta’s side prevailed 7-1 away at the Dutch side, with Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino amongst the goals, highlighting the depth of the attacking talent the manager already has at his disposal.
That said, the north Londoners haven’t been quite as prolific in the Premier League in recent weeks, failing to score in their last two matches, which leaves Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the table.
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As such, Arteta may want to bring in additional forward options in the summer transfer window, and a report from Germany has now revealed Arsenal are a ‘hot suitor’ for Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.
Bayern are looking to raise funds in the summer, which means they are now willing to cash-in on Coman, given that he has struggled with injuries at times, and the German club would be looking to receive a fee of around €45m (£37m).
Bayern Munich's KingsleyComancelebrates
Having previously been valued at €70m (£58m), the Frenchman’s price tag has dropped considerably by around £21m, and he is now being considered as an option by Arteta, who is looking to bring in additional depth in wide areas.
A move to Saudi Arabia could also be a possibility, however, given the financial rewards that come with moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Man Utd (a)
March 9th
Chelsea (h)
March 16th
Fulham (h)
April 1st
Everton (a)
April 5th
Brentford (h)
April 12th
"Sensational" Coman has a track record of success
The winger has been lauded as “sensational” during his time with Bayern Munich, where he has experienced a great deal of success, winning eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2020.
The 28-year-old scored the winning goal against former club Paris Saint-Germain in the final, and his experience at the highest level could be of great use to Arteta, who is looking to build a squad capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League.
The only concern about signing the Paris-born winger is likely to be his aforementioned injury problems, but he has managed to stay fit for large parts of this season, picking up six goals and four assists in all competitions.
If Coman is able to stay injury-free, he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and the fact Bayern are set to lower their asking price in the summer is an added bonus.
Whilst many might have been waiting in anticipation for Manchester City to take on Liverpool later on this Sunday, those inside St James Park’ and watching from home were treated to a classic with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest putting on an incredible show.
In the end, the scoreline would swing 4-3 in favour of the Magpies with a wave of late first-half goals ultimately gifting the hosts the slim Premier League win, although Nuno Espirito Santo’s determined visitors fought right until the death to try and snatch a share of the points.
Alexander Isak would of course steal the limelight again for Eddie Howe’s men with a brace in the blistering match, but whilst the attackers put in a performance to be proud of, less could be said about the defence and, in particular, the leaky showing of Nick Pope in-between the sticks.
Pope's performance in numbers vs Forest
Fresh off the back of shipping four away at Manchester City, Pope again had an afternoon to forget against Forest.
Within six minutes, the ex-Burnley goalkeeper was already fishing the ball out of the back of his busy net, with some lackadaisical play in the middle by Jacob Murphy gifting Callum Hudson-Odoi an opportunity to fizz an effort past a startled Pope.
Thankfully for the 32-year-old, the Magpies comeback that came after spared his blushes, but the shaky ‘keeper was still left rooted to his spot when Nikola Milenković prodded home the away side’s second, before then conceding again via a late Ryan Yates effort.
In total, Pope would only make a meagre two saves all contest, with a worry in the air now that the 32-year-old is declining as Howe’s first-choice ‘keeper.
Nick Pope
He isn’t the only first-team stalwart wary of his starting spot moving forward though, with one defender putting in a valiant first-half display, only to be all at sea during that dramatic second 45 minutes.
The 6/10 Newcastle man now on borrowed time
Howe will just be glad his team managed to get over the line to pick up a victory no matter how troubling the second half proved to be, with a run of two losses now wiped away in the Premier League.
But, there will be many concerning individual displays for the 47-year-old to address away from the positive result at hand, none more so than Dan Burn’s shoddy 45 minutes.
Whilst the Magpies number 33 would have been all smiles with Pope during a breakneck first half – with Burn impressing aerially with six duels won in the air – his performance levels would soon deteriorate.
Indeed, the 32-year-old looked particularly haphazard with the ball at his feet as Forest mounted their unbelievable comeback with possession squandered a costly 12 times, with this notable drop in quality not isolated to just this breathless game at St James’ Park.
Minutes
90
90
90
90
90
Goals conceded
4
1
2
4
3
Touches
55
36
59
56
83
Pass %
81%
92%
86%
82%
85%
Clearances
7
5
6
6
8
Blocked shots
2
0
2
0
0
Interceptions
0
0
0
1
0
Tackles
1
1
1
3
2
Duels won
5/9
3/12
10/16
4/7
10/12
Looking at the table above, the towering 6 foot 7 defender has shipped a worrying 14 goals across his last five Premier League outings, with the three goals he couldn’t stop versus Forest continuing this alarming trend.
Handed a low 6/10 rating at full-time by Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr – who stated that Burn was ‘guilty’ of one too many errors – it will be intriguing to see if the long-standing Magpies servant is retained for his team’s next game away at Liverpool.
Dan Burn and Eddie Howe for Newcastle
Moving beyond that, however, although the experienced head is very much part of the Tyneside furniture, the peak of his playing days could be behind him.
Signed by Howe: Newcastle hit gold on "fearless" ace worth more than Tonali
He’s got the potential to become a Premier League superstar in the years to come.
The allrounder is unlikely to be available to bowl, however, as Australia ponder team balance
Andrew McGlashan04-Feb-2023Australia allrounder Cameron Green has shown encouraging signs in his recovery from a broken finger as he makes a late bid to be fit for the opening Test against India in Nagpur, although it remains highly unlikely that he will be able to bowl.Green got the all-clear to resume training shortly before leaving for the tour and has now begun batting and bowling with a hard ball in the nets. The concern for the management will still be the build-up of his workloads after a month out of action, but before leaving Sydney head coach Andrew McDonald indicated he would be considered as a specialist batter.Related
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“He’s made some significant steps forward in the last couple of days, probably to my surprise, so there’s still an outside chance that everything going well he might be on the team sheet,” McDonald told reporters in Alur on Saturday. “I wouldn’t say he was in discomfort with his bowling, one of the deliveries jarred the bottom of the bat and that can create discomfort for anyone but there’s a little bit of awareness around that finger.”However, with Green still only a very slim chance of being an option with the ball in the first Test, which begins on February 9, it continues to raise the question as to how Australia will balance their side. Against South Africa at the SCG last month, Ashton Agar was recalled to partner Nathan Lyon and while there has been the assumption two frontline spinners will play in Nagpur, captain Pat Cummins was well aware of the potent force Australia’s quicks can be even while they are missing the injured Mitchell Starc.”I wouldn’t say it [two spinners] is a given, it’s very conditions dependent so particularly this first Test, once we get to Nagpur we’ll see,” Cummins said. “I think sometimes talking about a couple of spinners you forget how good a lot of our fast bowlers have been in all conditions. Even some of the SCG wickets, there hasn’t been a lot in them for quick bowlers but the quick bowlers have found a way.”We’ve got plenty of bowling options here – fingerspin, wristspin, left-arm, Starcy when he comes back – so we’ll obviously pick the bowlers we think can take 20 wickets, how we are going to split that up we aren’t 100% sure yet.”If Australia do go with two frontline spinners, Cummins was open to the uncapped offspinner Todd Murphy partnering Lyon, although Australia also have Travis Head’s bowling to call on. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson is the other option in the squad.”It’s a chance. That’s something we’ll have to balance up if we want to go with two spinners,” he said. “Do we want variation, or just two offspinners? So there’s no reason why we can’t go that way. Travis Head is in the side as well and bowls really good offspin. We’ve got plenty of variety to choose from.”On the batting front, McDonald believes that David Warner will be motivated to overturn a mediocre record in India despite speaking of his fatigue after a busy home summer shortly before departing for the trip.”He’s really looking forward to the challenge of India and it’s been well documented that he hasn’t had the series that he would’ve liked here, and it’s always challenging,” McDonald said. “But the way that he’s applying himself in his downtime to really landing on a method to take on the Indian spinners, also the quicks, and to have a successful tour…I think you’ll see him fully invigorated, fully invested and fully recharged for the challenge ahead.”Australia will have another full training session in Bengaluru on Sunday before traveling to Nagpur on Monday.
Back in December, Pep Guardiola declared that Manchester City are “at risk” of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Well, this forecast could come to pass.
On Saturday, the Sky Blues were beaten 1-0 at Nottingham Forest, their 15th defeat in 30 matches; prior to this, their previous 15 losses had been spread across 169 matches, dating back over four years.
This has seen them slide down to fifth in the Premier League table, above Newcastle by virtue of goal difference alone, just a point clear of Brighton, who they’ll welcome to the Etihad on Saturday.
So Guardiola, alongside new sporting director Hugo Viana, is going to need to oversee a mass rebuilding of the squad this summer, so could the Citizens target one of the world’s most highly-rated midfielders?
Manchester City seeking to sign world-class midfielder
According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Man City have Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga ‘on their list’, adding that the Frenchman is yet to decide whether he wants to move this summer.
This would be in line with Man City’s current transfer strategy of reducing the average age of the squad.
In January, as noted by Philip Buckingham of the Athletic, the Sky Blues splashed £178m on five new acquisitions, which was more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined.
They recruited Abdukodir Khusanov (21), Vitor Reis (19), Juma Bah (18), Nico González (23) and Omar Marmoush (26), while allowing 34-year-old Kyle Walker to depart for AC Milan, with other stalwarts in the 30s, including John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, potentially on the way out too.
So, could Camavinga be the marquee signing of Man City’s summer rebuild?
How Camavinga would fit in at Manchester City
Still only 22-years-old, Camavinga burst onto the scene at Stade Rennais, debuting for les Rouge et Noirs shortly after his 16th birthday, becoming their youngest-ever player, before also being named man of the match during a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain a few months later.
His 88 appearances for Rennes earned rave reviews, with Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labelling him a ‘world-class talent’, earning international recognition too, becoming France’s youngest senior goalscorer since Maurice Gastiger in 1914 by netting against Ukraine in October 2020.
Thus, in the summer of 2021, Real Madrid paid a reported fee of £34.4m to secure his services, making 171 appearances for los Blancos to date, winning 11 major honours already, including two La Liga title and the Champions League twice.
Parshva Shah of Goal describes him as ‘defensively exceptional’, leading to, as outlined by Philippe Auclair of the Guardian, Camavinga regularly being forced to fill in at left-back, despite the fact his manager Carlo Ancelotti has explicitly stated that his best position is defensive midfield.
Thus, despite the fact he has signed a new contract until 2029, reports in Spain suggest President Florentino Pérez is open to offers, valuing the Frenchman at €70m (around £59m), which would surely be a bargain.
Man City’s star midfielder Rodri returned to individual training last week, with Guardiola revealing the Spaniard could be back in action this season, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup to come in June and July, having ruptured his ACL in September.
So, how do Rodri and Camavinga compare, and would they work as a midfield partnership?
Camavinga vs Rodri in league games (2022-present)
Statistics
Camavinga
Rodri
Appearances
81
72
Minutes
4,510
5,907
Goals
0
10
Assists
5
15
Pass completion %
90.4%
91.7%
Progressive passes
315
640
Progressive carries
133
152
Ball recoveries
337
543
Interceptions
54
60
Tackles won
112
85
% of dribblers tackled
50%
48.7%
Touches per 90
80
112
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, in league matches since August 2022, Rodri does come out on top for most metrics.
Considering he’s the Ballon d’Or holder, that should hardly be a surprise. That said, Camavinga has accumulated more tackles and is comparable when it comes to progressive carries, interceptions and pass completion.
That indicates that the Frenchman would certainly be well-suited to Guardiola’s passing style of play.
Thus, unquestionably, the Frenchman would be an excellent signing for Man City, with all the statistics suggesting he could be a perfect Rodri partner, or at the very least certainly an upgrade on both Mateo Kovačić and İlkay Gündoğan.
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The captain is due to return to lead the side in the third Test in Indore
Alex Malcolm20-Feb-2023
Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma shake hands after the second Test•Getty Images
Australia captain Pat Cummins has flown home from the tour of India due to a serious family health issue following his side’s six-wicket loss in the second Test in Delhi.Cummins will return to Sydney for a few days but is due to be back in India for the preparations ahead of the third Test in Indore. Australia are 2-0 down in the series with two Tests to play but now have a nine-day break between Tests with the third match beginning on March 1.Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins would remain in contact with the group while he is in Sydney and would remain involved in the planning for Indore.”We’ll be in contact with Patty,” McDonald said. “We’ve got some decisions to make around squads and injuries. He’ll still be engaged in those conversations whilst dealing with what’s happening back home but we’ve got some strong leaders in the squad who will be able to pick up the slack on the ground.”Cummins played as the sole quick in Australia’s XI in Delhi but did not bowl in the fourth innings of the match as India mowed down Australia’s target of 115 with ease to wrap up the Test inside three days.Although Cummins is not expected to miss a Test, vice-captain Steven Smith would lead the side if required. Smith has captained in Cummins’ absence on two occasions since the fast bowler took over the Test captaincy in late 2021.Cummins missed the second Test of the 2021-22 Ashes series in Adelaide after he was forced to withdraw due to being a close Covid contact. He also missed last year’s day-night Test in Adelaide against West Indies due to a quad injury.Australia are likely to have fast bowling cover if needed with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood aiming to be fit for the third Test in Indore while Scott Boland and Lance Morris are still with the squad. Allrounder Cameron Green is also set to be available after missing the first two Tests in India due to his fractured finger.Cummins did forecast that there could be further squad changes announced in the coming days as Australia assess their options to try and find a way back into the series.David Warner’s fitness will be closely monitored after he was subbed out of the Delhi Test with concussion having also suffered a hairline fracture in his left elbow while batting in the first innings.Todd Murphy is battling some minor side soreness but was able to bowl 24.4 overs in the Test including 6.4 in the fourth innings on Sunday. Legspinner Mitchell Swepson could possibly return after flying home ahead of the second Test for the birth of his first child.Cummins is also the ODI captain with Australia set to play three-match ODI series against India following the conclusion of the four-Test series although there is a chance he would be rested from those in any case given his heavy Test workload.
The semifinal will be decided in the return leg this Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will host Cruz Azul.
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Cruz Azul edged Club América 1-0 in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinalIgnacio Rivero scored for André Jardine was sent off for protesting the referee’s decisionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Cruz Azul edged Club América 1-0 in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinal, played at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Ignacio Rivero scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute, giving an important advantage heading into the second leg.
Following the defeat, América striker Henry Martín addressed the media in the mixed zone and conveyed confidence within the squad about mounting a comeback.
“You can never count América out,” said Martín. “I think we’re more alive than ever. We’ve come back from tough moments before, and we believe we can do it again.”
One of the most debated incidents of the match was a potential handball by Erik Lira. Martín admitted that on the pitch it seemed like a hand, but the team hadn’t reviewed the footage.
“I haven’t seen the video yet,” he said. “On the field, everything happens so fast. It looked like a hand to all of us, and that’s why we protested. But I don’t know if it was actually punishable — I’d need to see it again.”
The match was heated, and tensions flared at times. América head coach André Jardine was ejected from the sidelines for protesting refereeing decisions. Martín downplayed the incident, attributing it to the emotions of the moment.
“It was just part of the heat of the game,” he said. “I didn’t see exactly what happened — I was with Fidalgo — but nothing serious. The team remains strong, and we’ll fight just as hard in the second leg.”
América struggled to convert chances, but Martín was not discouraged by the lack of goals.
“These things happen,” he said. “It would be more worrying if we weren’t creating chances at all.”
With Jardine ejected, assistant coach Paulo Rodrigues took over postmatch media duties. He acknowledged Cruz Azul’s strength and the fine margins that decided the game.
“Matches against Cruz Azul are always intense, very even in terms of chances,” said Rodrigues. “This one came down to a set-piece. We pushed hard with the man advantage late on, but they defended well in a deep block. Now we prepare to turn it around at home.”
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Vicente Sánchez and Cruz Azul have now gone 19 matches unbeaten, firmly establishing themselves as the most in-form team of the Liguilla. However, the narrow 1-0 win offers little comfort. América, despite the loss, would advance to the Clausura 2025 final with a one-goal victory in the second leg, thanks to their higher seeding — keeping their dream of a historic four-peat alive.
Will América pull off the comeback and continue their dominance in Liga MX playoffs, or will La Máquina finally break the azulcrema stronghold and book their place in the final?
Getty Images SportWHAT VICENTE SÁNCHEZ SAID
Cruz Azul manager Sánchez praised his squad for their effort and execution in a tough and tactical match. Rivero's goal, which came off a set piece, proved to be the game-winner in a contest defined by narrow margins.
“We went out from the first minute to win it,” said Sánchez in his post-match press conference. “These playoff matches are always tight. It’s a clásico, and we were able to preserve our unbeaten home record, which means a lot to us and to our fans who’ve been behind us all season.”
Sánchez also addressed the red card issued to Rivero in the second half for a challenge on Álvaro Fidalgo. Despite going down to ten men, Cruz Azul maintained their composure and structure.
“The team reacted well and managed to hold on to the lead,” he explained. “This group has great depth and character. Now we’ll start preparing for the return leg.”
With Thursday’s victory, Sánchez extended his undefeated streak with Cruz Azul to 19 matches, tying the club record held by Juan Reynoso, who last led the team to a title in 2021.
“It’s nice to be part of history,” Sánchez admitted. “We work hard every single day to improve. This streak is a small gift for the fans and our families, but our focus remains the same — to win and give everything for this club.”
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA AND CRUZ AZUL?
The semifinal will be decided in the return leg this Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will host Cruz Azul, aiming to overturn the one-goal deficit and secure a spot in the Clausura 2025 final — with hopes of claiming a fourth consecutive league title.
If anything typified Arsenal’s calendar year to date it would be their 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
A win in the London derby against the Blues should usually be enough to spark bedlam and a roaring cacophony of sound around the Emirates Stadium.
Yet, this game felt different. Before kick-off, the Gunners were 15 points behind Liverpool and knew the title was out of reach. Still, a win is a win and it’s a vital win at that considering they have recently limped to a 1-0 defeat against West Ham, a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest and a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
While Mikel Arteta’s men enjoyed a lot of the ball against Enzo Maresca’s side, they were lacking a killer instinct that has eluded them for a lot of 2025. They are missing Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. It’s hardly a surprise they’ve been so toothless.
So, let us rejoice in Mikel Merino, the makeshift centre-forward who’s been saving Arsenal’s bacon.
Mikel Merino's performance in numbers against Chelsea
When Merino arrived at Arsenal last summer, moving from Real Sociedad, little did he think he’d be playing as a striker in the latter stages of the season. Nor did Arteta, in all fairness.
However, needs must as far as the Gunners are concerned.
Merino has done his job well and must be cut some slack. Before that two-goal cameo against Leicester in February, he hadn’t ever played as a centre-forward.
Merino vs Chelsea
Minutes played
90
Touches
22
Accurate passes
10/11 (91%)
Shots on target
2
Shots off target
0
Key passes
0
Duels won
5/15
Possession lost
5x
Tackles
2
Expected goals (xG)
0.17
Stats via Sofascore.
Since being given the reins as the focal point of the side, he has scored four goals in seven games. It’s a pretty decent record but he’s never going to carry Arsenal to trophies playing in that role.
Still, he did an admirable job against Chelsea, leading the press, closing down the defenders and scoring the all-important goal.
Merino has scored a number of different strikes this term, scoring two back post efforts against Leicester and side-footing the ball home from close range against PSV.
This goal, however, was from the near post and it marked Arsenal’s first goal from a corner in what felt like forever. Skipper Martin Odegaard swung the ball in from the right and the Spaniard darted into a good position before flicking the ball past Robert Sanchez.
Merino could have made it two but this time was denied by Sanchez who had a rather topsy-turvy afternoon between the sticks.
The Spain international met the ball at the back post this time and hammered a volley towards the goal that nearly crossed the line but was kept out excellently.
While Merino deserves praise for his performance, one of his attacking colleagues certainly doesn’t.
Arsenal's biggest underperformer against Chelsea
While this was a pretty laboured 1-0 win for Arteta and his players, there were not many players who actually contributed poorly at the Emirates.
Sadly for Leandro Trossard, his contribution did not amount to much. In fact, it hasn’t amounted to much at all really in recent months.
The Belgian did score in that 7-1 rout in Eindhoven but has really struggled to make a positive impact in the absence of Saka.
Trossard began that aforementioned clash at Leicester as the 9 but has since been moved to the left to accommodate Merino and while his performance on Sunday wasn’t awful, it lacked flair and end product.
Performance in Numbers
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Handed a 5/10 match rating by the Express’ Simon Collings, he noted that it was ‘one of those days for the Belgian. Got into some good positions, but could not make the most of the chances. Frustrating.’
Trossard vs Chelsea
Minutes played
90
Touches
37
Accurate passes
19/22 (86%)
Key passes
0
Accurate crosses
0/2
Shots on target
0
Shots off target
2
Successful dribbles
0/1
Duels won
4/7
Possession lost
8x
Tackles + interceptions
0
Stats via Sofascore.
A look at the stats paints that frustrating picture, with the former Brighton star failing to register a key pass, a shot on target, complete a dribble or do anything of note defensively. He also lost the ball every five touches with it perhaps a surprise that Trossard lasted the full 90 minutes.
As a result, once the international break is said and done, Arteta must look at other options. Saka is nearing a return but it will still be too soon for any regular involvement for their star man so it surely has to be a front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Merino.
Forget Merino: Arteta must now unleash Arsenal's "best finisher" at CF
With limited options, Mikel Arteta has deployed Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker in recent weeks, but should deploy his “clinical” star vs Chelsea.