Man City readying move to sign "ball-striking monster" to replace Alvarez

Here’s something no one has been able to say for a while: Manchester City are struggling for goals.

Right now, the Sky Blues are the joint-sixth highest scorers in the Premier League with 22 from 13 games, meaning they’ve bagged fewer goals than Brentford and the same number as Wolverhampton Wanderers, a current member of the bottom three.

As noted by Opta’s The Analyst, of Man City’s starting lineup deployed at Anfield on Sunday, only Erling Braut Haaland had scored a Premier League goal this season, a fact that remained true following their lacklustre display on Merseyside, and even the usually unstoppable Norwegian has only netted twice in his last eight league outings.

Of course, the Citizens’ current decline has been largely attributed to Rodri’s injury, leaving them exposed at the back and vulnerable to counter-attacks, but they’re also struggling to score goals too.

Thus, despite already boasting one free-scoring, often unplayable Nordic centre-forward, could the four-in-a-row Premier League champions make a move for another?

Manchester City looking at Viktor Gyokeres move

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Deutschland on social media, Manchester City have “intensified their efforts” to sign Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Viktor Gyökeres.

The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the last month or so, which isn’t too surprising considering Rúben Amorim, his now former Sporting boss has just arrived at Old Trafford.

When pressed on the matter, Gyökeres himself said: “We’re sad to see him (Amorim) go….. follow him to Manchester? I don’t know, I’m here and I like it here. I don’t think about it.”

However, could he indeed follow Amorim to Manchester, but end up donning a sky blue shirt, rather than a red one?

Analyst Ben Mattinson described Gyökeres as a “ball-striking monster”, with reference to this thunderous free-kick he scored during the Taça da Liga quarter-final against Nacional in late October.

That was one of 24 goals Gyökeres has scored already this season, including five in five Champions League appearances, most notably bagging a hat-trick during Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing at Estádio José Alvalade last month.

He was also the top-scorer in this season’s UEFA Nations League with nine, including four when Azerbaijan visited Stockholm in November, a haul that meant he pipped a certain Haaland to the golden boot.

Transfer Focus

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

Where Gyökeres would fit in at Manchester City

Overall, since joining Sporting from Coventry City 18 months ago, Gyökeres has scored 67 goals in 71 appearances for the Lions, the key figure, certainly on the playing side, as they won last season’s Primeira Liga title at a canter.

Given that the Swede will celebrate his 27th birthday next June, next summer feels the right time for him to make a big-money move, having made very little impact at the highest level before exploding onto the scene in Lisbon last season.

On the face of it, this proposed move makes little sense at all, considering Man City already have the great Haaland leading the line.

However, Gyökeres should be viewed as more of a replacement for Julián Álvarez, who was sold to Atlético Madrid for a whopping £81.5m last summer, without being replaced; İlkay Gündoğan’s, so far, underwhelming return notwithstanding.

It was viewed that Álvarez’s departure would have little impact because he didn’t play much anyway, but this was a complete myth because, contrary to popular belief, only seven outfielders accumulated more than his 3,481 minutes, while only Rodri, Phil Foden, Ederson and Kyle Walker saw more Premier League action than the Argentine forward.

So far this season, Savinho, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Jérémy Doku and an ageing Kevin De Bruyne, persistently hampered by injury, have scored a combined seven goals across all competitions, with Grealish specifically approaching an entire year since he last scored a club goal against Crystal Palace; 353 days and counting.

So, as bonkers as it may be to say, Gyökeres could be just the man the Sky Blues need to bolster their attacking firepower, consequently replacing Alvarez in the process.

Man City want to sign Premier League star who could be their own Odegaard

Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on the impressive Premier League attacker.

ByDan Emery Dec 3, 2024

صور.. شيكابالا والمثلوثي يدعمان الزمالك من المدرجات في مواجهة ستيلينبوش

شهدت مدرجات استاد القاهرة الدولي، مساء الأربعاء، تواجد الثنائي محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا وحمزة المثلوثي، لدعم فريق الزمالك خلال مواجهة ستيلينبوش الجنوب إفريقي، في إياب ربع نهائي بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية. 

ورغم غيابه عن اللقاء بداعي الإصابة، حرص قائد الزمالك شيكابالا على الحضور ومساندة زملائه من المدرجات، في خطوة تعكس روح القائد والدعم المعنوي الكبير للفريق في مباراة مصيرية.

مرتضى منصور: الزمالك مخطوف.. “وزيزو شاف المرار” وشيكابالا السبب

كما شهدت المباراة ظهور التونسي حمزة المثلوثي في استاد القاهرة، بعد فترة من الغياب، ليشكل حضوره دفعة معنوية إضافية للفريق الأبيض، الذي يسعى لحجز بطاقة التأهل إلى نصف نهائي البطولة.

وكان لقاء الذهاب في كيب تاون قد انتهى بالتعادل السلبي، ليصبح الزمالك مطالبًا بالفوز على أرضه من أجل العبور إلى المربع الذهبي.

وتأتي هذه المباراة في ظل أجواء مشحونة داخل القلعة البيضاء، خاصة بعد استبعاد أحمد سيد زيزو من اللقاء، عقب تأكد توقيعه للنادي الأهلي، حسبما كشفت مصادر خاصة.

ويأمل عشاق الزمالك أن يكون الدعم المعنوي من قادة الفريق دافعًا لتحقيق الفوز ومواصلة المشوار في البطولة القارية من أجل حصدها للمرة الثانية تواليًا.

Em noite histórica para Joel Carli, argentino marca e Botafogo goleia o Volta Redonda no Carioca

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite que marcou os 180 jogos de Joel Carli com a camisa do Botafogo – e colocou o argentino como o estrangeiro com mais jogos pelo Alvinegro -, o Glorioso venceu o Volta Redonda por 5 a 0. A partida, disputada nesta segunda-feira no Estádio Nilton Santos, foi válida pela 10ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca. O próprio argentino, Lucas Mezenga, Rikelmi e Erison, duas vezes, marcaram os gols.

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+ Contagem regressiva! Botafogo aceita pedido e Al-Duhail liberará Luís Castro em até duas semanas

O Botafogo volta aos gramados no próximo domingo para enfrentar o Audax Rio, às 18h, em Angra dos Reis. O Voltaço mede forças com a Portuguesa no sábado, às 16h, no Raulino de Oliveira. Ambos os jogos são válidos pela última rodada da Taça Guanabara.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

O Botafogo chega a 19 pontos e se iguala ao Vasco, mas ultrapassa o Cruz-Maltino e chega à 3ª colocação do Carioca por ter marcado mais gols na competição. O Volta Redonda segue em situação dramática: com cinco pontos, é o lanterna.

GOL EM NOITE HISTÓRICA!
A noite especial para Joel Carli foi coroada com uma bola na rede. O Botafogo começou pressionando e passou perto de marcar logo nos primeiros minutos. A alegria do gol veio aos 10 minutos: após escanteio batido por Daniel Borges, Carli subiu mais alto que a defesa e saiu para o abraço.

QUEDA NO RITMO
O Botafogo não tirou o pé do acelerador depois da bola na rede. Com Raí e Matheus Nascimento bem participativos, o Alvinegro era dominante em todas as áreas do campo. A equipe, contudo, caiu de ritmo após a parada técnica e a partida perdeu em intensidade.

O único lance de emoção da segunda metade da primeira etapa foi um contra-ataque puxado por Rikelmi. O camisa 27 deixou Matheus Nascimento na boa para marcar, mas o atacante quis driblar o goleiro e perdeu boa oportunidade.

AGITADO
Ameaçado pelo rebaixamento, o Volta Redonda voltou com tudo para o segundo tempo. Pressionando mais alto, o Voltaço incomodou a saída de bola do Alvinegro e até chegou a assustar o goleiro Gatito Fernández.

A questão é que a estrategia abriu espaços para o Glorioso no contra-ataque. O Botafogo teve duas descidas em velocidade com perigo envolvendo Raí, conduzindo e passando, e Luiz Fernando, finalizando: na primeira, o atacante deu uma cavadinha e o zagueiro afastou em baixo da trave; na segunda, a bola desviou no meio do caminho e o goleiro teve que operar um milagre.

XEQUE-MATE
Apesar de tanta correria, o Botafogo teve a tranquilidade no placar em um lance de bola parada: após escanteio batido por Vitor Marinho, Lucas Mezenga apareceu livre na área para finalizar e marcar o segundo gol do Alvinegro na partida.

E ainda deu tempo de fechar com chave de ouro. Em jogada pelo lado esquerdo, Romildo cruzou rasteiro para Rikelmi, que estava livre na entrada da área, acertar um chute de rara felicidade e sair para o abraço. Foi o primeiro gol como profissional do camisa 27.

VIROU GOLEADA
​A porteira abriu: o Botafogo marcou dois gols em dois minutos para fechar o jogo. Os lances foram muito parecidos: em jogadas pelo lado direito, o time conseguiu chegar à linha de fundo e, após cruzamentos rasteiros, a bola encontrou Erison dentro da área. O “El Toro” antecipou os zagueiros e marcou. Para cororar a goleada!

FICHA TÉCNICA

BOTAFOGO X VOLTA REDONDA
Data-Hora: 07-03-22, às 19h30
Estádio: Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro: Felipe da Silva Gonçalves Paludo (RJ)
Assistentes: Gabriel Conti Viana (RJ) e Daniel de Oliveira Alves Pereira (RJ)
Gramado: Bom
​Cartões amarelos: Kayque, Matheus Nascimento e Kanu (BOT); Tinga, Bruno Barra e Júlio Amorim (VRE)
​Cartões vermelhos:

Gols: Joel Carli (1-0, 11’/1ºT); Lucas Mezenga (2-0; 31’/2ºT); Rikelmi (3-0, 41’/2ºT); Erison (4-0, 45’/2ºT); Erison (5-0, 47’/2ºT)

BOTAFOGO: Gatito Fernández; Daniel Borges (Vitor Marinho/Intervalo), Joel Carli (Lucas Mezenga/Intervalo), Kanu, Jonathan Silva; Kayque (Romildo 23’/2ºT), Barreto; Luiz Fernando, Raí (Juninho 42’/2ºT), Rikelmi; Matheus Nascimento (Erison 39’/2ºT). Técnico: Lúcio Flávio.

VOLTA REDONDA: Vinícius Dias; Júlio Amorim, Grasson, Alemão, Luiz Paulo; Bruno Barra, Tinga (Romarinho 24’/2ºT), Bruno Gallo (Evertton 42’/2ºT); MV, Pedrinho, Lelê (Mattos 24’/2ºT). Técnico: Wilson Leite.

ختام المرحلة الأولى لمعسكر الحكام بتدريبات عملية واختبار فيديو

اختتمت اليوم المرحلة الأولى من معسكر الحكام الذي تنظمه لجنة الحكام الرئيسية بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، برئاسة أوسكار رويز، في مركز المنتخبات الوطنية.

ويهدف المعسكر إلى رفع الكفاءة الفنية والبدنية لحكام الساحة والمساعدين وحكام تقنية الفيديو لدوري القسم الأول، ويستمر حتى العاشر من إبريل الجاري.

طالع.. خاص | حقيقة إلغاء معسكر منتخب مصر يونيو المقبل

وشهد اليوم الثاني من المعسكر حضور 35 حكمًا، حيث تم تنظيم برنامج شامل شمل محاضرات نظرية واختبار فيديو لجميع الحكام بعد ذلك، تم تقسيم الحكام إلى مجموعتين، حيث أدت الأولى تدريبات عملية داخل الملعب تحت إشراف أوسكار رويز وأعضاء اللجنة.

وركزت التدريبات على التحركات وتمركز المساعدين بينما أدت المجموعة الثانية تدريبات عملية باستخدام جهاز محاكاة الحالات التحكيمية (السيموليتر).

وأعطى أوسكار رويز تعليماته للحكام بضرورة الاهتمام بتوقيت اتخاذ القرارات وعدم التردد، بالإضافة إلى تعزيز التعاون الفعال بين حكم الساحة والمساعدين وغرفة تقنية الفيديو (VAR).

Aston Villa considering January move for £29m midfielder likened to Pirlo

Aston Villa are among the Premier League teams considering a January move for a £29 million midfielder, according to a recent report. The Midlands side is back in Premier League action on Wednesday, as they host Brentford at Villa Park, looking to end a poor run of form which has seen them lose five of their last seven games in all competitions.

Aston Villa must finally sell £13m flop who Gerrard was "delighted" to sign

Aston Villa will look to sell on this dud for good at the next possible opening.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 3, 2024 Aston Villa news and updates

Ahead of the game against Brentford, Unai Emery was asked about Emi Martinez, and the Villa boss was unsure if the Argentine goalkeeper would be fit enough to start this week. The shotstopper had to come off at half-time on Sunday with a hand issue, and Emery said in his pre-match press conference that the club “are going to try this afternoon” to see if he is ready.

Meanwhile, Emery was also asked about what the club’s plans are for the January transfer window, and he stated that “the club are working on it” and that they must be “alert in case”: “I am focused on the matches, but we always have to be alert in case we can improve something in the squad.”

One player who could be on Villa’s radar is midfielder Valentin Atangana, as they had scouts in place last week to watch the player live. His performances for Reims have put him on the radar of a host of teams from England and abroad, and Villa could be a team that makes a move in the New Year. But Atangana is not the only midfielder in their sights.

Aston Villa considering January move for Nicolo Fagioli

According to TBR Football, Aston Villa are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli in January. The 23-year-old has been at Juventus since July 2015, but it wasn’t until the 2022/23 campaign that he became a regular in the first team, as he impressed under Andrea Pirlo.

The Italian international, who has seven caps to his name, can operate in a number of different positions, as he’s able to play as a central midfielder but also has the ability to play out wide as well as just behind the striker.

This report states that Juventus are looking to offload Fagioli in January, after he lost his place in the side under Thiago Motta. The midfielder missed most of last season due to a betting scandal and has struggled to make an impact this season.

He has been offered to a few clubs around Europe, with Juventus open to a loan move as well as a permanent switch. Aston Villa are among the Premier League clubs that have taken note of Fagioli’s situation, with Juventus wanting around €35 million, which is roughly £29 million should he be sold next month, but they are also open to a loan with a buy option.

Nicolo Fagioli’s Juventus stats

Apps

62

Goals

3

Assists

8

Fagioli may not be known much in England, but during his time under Pirlo, the then Juventus boss likened Fagioli to himself when he was a player: “The biggest leap was made by Fagioli, who made his debut with me. He knows how to do everything and is a cornerstone of Juve and has the qualities to excel in directing play. He could be the new Pirlo, but better remembered as Fagioli.”

Diretor do Corinthians afirma que Gabriel Pereira pediu para deixar o clube; jogador ainda pensa sobre

MatériaMais Notícias

O diretor de futebol do Corinthians, Roberto de Andrade, afirmou que a saída do meia-atacante Gabriel Pereira partiu de um pedido do próprio jogador. Nos últimos dias o Timão recebeu e avançou em uma proposta do Grupo City pelo atleta.

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O vínculo de GP com o clube alvinegro se encerra em 22 dias, mas em outubro foi assinado uma pré-contrato de renovação do meia-atacante com a equipe do Parque São Jorge até o fim de 2024, mas essa extensão contratual nunca foi registrada oficialmente.

> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista
> GALERIA – Veja todos os técnicos estrangeiros da história do Corinthians

De acordo com Roberto, o novo contrato não foi protocolado pois na mesma época alguns clubes manifestaram interesse por Gabriel e procuraram o estafe do jogador. Ainda segundo o diretor corintiano, na mesma época Pereira afirmou o desejo de deixar o Timão em casos de propostas vantajosas para todas as partes.

– Nós fizemos o pré-contrato e, logo em seguida, começaram a chegar algumas ofertas, e a vontade dele (GP) era sair. Vamos deixar isso bem claro, que ele disse que se aparecesse algo bom para ele e para o clube ele pereferiria sair – disse Roberto de Andrade à Gazeta Esportiva.

No entanto, nos últimos dias o Corinthians recebeu e aceitou uma proposta do Grupo City pelo meia-atacante Gabriel Pereira. No entanto, o negócio ainda não foi firmado porque o jogador ainda avalia o interesse de defender o New York City, dos Estados Unidos, um dos 11 times da franquia.

Antes, o Dínamo de Kiev, da Ucrânia, formalizou o interesse em GP, mas o início dos conflitos entre o país do Leste Europeu e a Rússia fizerm com que o atleta recusasse a investida.

De acordo com informações obtidas pelo LANCE!, Gabriel Pereira avalia com muita cautela a saída do Timão para algum time emergente. Por outro lado, Roberto de Andrade vê como muito remota a chance do negócio com o Grupo City pelo meia-atacante não se concretizar.

– A chance de melar é muito pequena, mas aí você senta e vai conversar novamente. Vai assinar o contrato e ficar aqui ou vamos aguardar. Enfim, não da pra prever o que não aconteceu. Os direitos econômicos são nossos, você tem que compor todos os valores, fazer todos os acertos, todos – destacou Roberto de Andrade.

No contrato atual, o Corinthians detém 70% dos direitos de Gabriel Pereira. No acordo firmado em outubro, mas que não está protocolado, o Timão abriu mão de 5%, cedidos para o atleta, e ficou com 65% dos direitos. Em ambos os casos, 30% pertencem ao Guarani, clube de formação do atleta.

Prithvi Shaw performs poorly at fitness test at NCA ahead of IPL

Opener fails to get prescribed minimum score on yo-yo test, PTI reports

PTI16-Mar-2022

Prithvi Shaw arrives at Delhi Capitals’ team hotel in Mumbai on March 16, ahead of IPL 2022•Delhi Capitals

Mumbai captain and Delhi Capitals batter Prithvi Shaw, who was at a camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has failed a yo-yo test. The BCCI’s prescribed minimum score on the yo-yo test is supposedly 16.5 for men, and it is learnt that Shaw scored less than 15.”These are just fitness updates. Obviously, it doesn’t stop Prithvi from playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL,” a BCCI source told PTI. “It’s just a fitness parameter and not the be all and end all.Related

Indian players work on enhancing fitness levels at the NCA

Hardik, Dhawan demoted in BCCI's central contracts list for 2021-22

'Hardik Pandya with bat and ball sounds better than just a batter'

“He has played three Ranji matches back-to-back. Once you play three first-class games on the bounce, the fatigue can also affect your yo-yo score.”Shaw was part of a group of players at a camp at the NCA between March 5 and March 14, ESPNcricinfo reported. The players had to undergo fitness tests at the end of the camp, before joining their IPL teams. The fitness tests at the end of the camp would be used to record a baseline mark for every player ahead of a busy season.Hardik Pandya bowls at NCA
India allrounder and Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, who was also at the NCA, had a bowl and passed the yo-yo test.”Let’s make it clear. Fitness test clearance is only for those who are coming back from injury. In the case of Hardik, it was about getting a general fitness assessment going into the gruelling IPL season,” the BCCI source said. “He is an asset and one needed to check his current fitness standards.”He didn’t need to bowl at NCA but he has bowled for considerable time and in the range of 135 kmph. On the second day, he crossed the yo-yo test with flying colours with a 17-plus score, which is much above the cut-off level.”Hardik is yet to return to a full bowling workload for India following back surgery in late 2019, and this has affected the team balance.

Imagine him & Amad: Man Utd plot big move for the "best LB in the world"

Manchester United are a club currently undergoing a huge transition with new manager Ruben Amorim at the helm and looking to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old has a huge job on his hands, clearing out the deadwood within the first team whilst also making some brutal decisions on players who simply don’t fit his 3-4-2-1 system.

He’s taken steps to implement his tactics, but it’s undoubtedly going to take time, as seen by their run of just one win in the first four Premier League outings since his appointment.

With January just around the corner, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if the Red Devils were to make new additions given their current standing of 13th in England’s top flight.

INEOS could be about to pursue a move for one player who would certainly go a long way to solving one of Amorim’s biggest problems which has been a constant area of concern for United over the last couple of years.

Man Utd plotting move for European star

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, United are considering making a move to sign AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

However, they aren’t alone with Real Madrid also named as a potential destination for the French international star, who previously featured for the Spanish giants back in 2018.

The 27-year-old only has 18 months left on his current deal with the Serie A outfit, allowing Amorim’s side to potentially strike a cut-price deal for the defender.

As per the report, it claims that Milan do not want to sell, but could entertain offers around the €50m (£42m) mark to prevent themselves from losing one of their key players for nothing. That would be a huge deal for a full-back considering only five out-and-out full-backs (Lucas Hernandez, Hakimi, Cucurella, Cancelo, Mendy) have ever been sold for more in football history.

Any deal could allow the Frenchman to fill the gaping void at left wing-back given the continuous injury struggles of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

It could see the former Madrid ace thrive at Old Trafford, locking down the wide areas alongside one current first-team player who has emerged in recent weeks under the new manager’s guidance.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Hernandez could thrive alongside Amad for Man United

The change in management has seen a switch in the system in the North West, putting a huge responsibility on the wing-backs to have a huge impact on both ends of the pitch.

Amad Diallo has been the player most frequently used on the right-hand side, reigniting his career for the Red Devils after failing to make a huge impact under former boss Erik ten Hag.

The Ivorian has started three of the four league outings since Amorim’s arrival, currently enjoying the form of his life after the switch to a slightly deeper role.

Despite having added defensive responsibilities, the 22-year-old has seen a sharp upturn in his attacking form, registering four assists in as many matches – now having the most of any player in the first-team setup.

His recent form has allowed him to nail down the position, something which Hernandez could do on the opposite flank should he make the move to England.

Theo Hernandez

The Milan captain, who’s previously been dubbed as “the best left-back in the world” by iconic defender Roberto Carlos, enjoyed the best season of his career last time out, registering five goals and 11 assists – able to have the same impact as Diallo in attacking areas.

However, his underlying stats from the ongoing campaign are just as impressive, showcasing why he could be the club’s long-term solution for their troubled position.

Hernandez’s stats for Milan in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics

Tally

Games played

12

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

91%

Chances created

15

Successful crosses

8

Tackles won

67%

Aerials won

80%

Recoveries

47

Stats via FotMob

Hernandez has created 15 chances from his defensive role, whilst winning 67% of his tackles – highlighting his quality at both ends of the pitch, something which the new boss wants in his wide players.

It would be another huge investment from the hierarchy but one that would inject needed quality to the left side of the squad.

The 27-year-old has shown he has all the tools to be a hit under Amorim, taking his career to the next level in the Premier League, and creating a deadly wing-back partnership with Amad for many years to come.

Forget Gyokeres: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CFs in the world"

Manchester United could be about to land one of the biggest talents in world football.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 10, 2024

فيديو | نيران صديقة.. بن سبعيني يسجل هدف برشلونة الأول أمام بوروسيا دورتموند

تمكن فريق برشلونة من تسجيل هدف أول في شباك نظيره فريق بوروسيا دورتموند، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويستضيف ملعب “سيجنال إيدونا بارك” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25.

ونجح برشلونة في تسجيل هدف أول في الدقيقة 53 من عمر المباراة، عن طريق النيران الصديقة.

الهدف جاء بعد تمريرة من فيرمين لوبيز، حيث رغب في توجيهها ناحية زميله روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، قبل أن تجد قدم رامي بن سبعيني الذي رغب في إبعادها ولكنه سجلها في مرمى فريقه بالخطأ.

وسجل بوروسيا دورتموند هدفين في المباراة الجارية حاليًا، مع العلم أن النتيجة الإجمالية تشير لصالح تقدم برشلونة 5-2.

'Emotional' Azhar Ali set to play his first Test in hometown Lahore

Lahore will host a Test for the first time since the format returned to Pakistan in 2019

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Mar-2022

“My family, my friends will all be at the ground. It’s a very emotional moment for me”•AFP/Getty Images

Nearly 12 years into his international career, 93 Tests, almost 7000 runs and 19 hundreds to the good, Azhar Ali is finally coming home.On Monday, when he steps out on the field at the Gaddafi Stadium against Australia, Azhar will be playing his first Test on what is his home ground. The final Test of the series, without a result so far, is the first in the city of Pakistan’s headquarters since Tests returned to the country in late 2019. Pakistan have played Tests in Karachi and Rawalpindi since then.”It’s a really emotional feeling,” Azhar told the PCB website. “When you’re young, Gaddafi Stadium is such an iconic venue. Whenever we would go past it, I would think I really want to play at this ground.”I’ve played at first-class level here, of course, but since my Test debut all our cricket has been outside Pakistan. At one time, we felt like we might never play a Test in Pakistan again. But finally, we have a chance – we waited so long to play in Pakistan, and then after returning have had to wait longer to play in Lahore.”

Although it is everyone’s first Test in Lahore, Azhar will cherish it more than most in the side. Now in the final stages of his career, he has been an essential part of the Misbah-ul-Haq era in which all of Pakistan’s finest moments came outside the country.Azhar’s highest Test score – the triple-hundred against West Indies – was made in a day-night Test in Dubai, an occasion lacking in any atmosphere whatsoever.Related

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“My triple-century, when I made it, it was such a big thing for me and you wave your bat around to all the crowd to celebrate them and appreciate them. When I started doing that there, I waved to one stand where about a hundred people were sitting. Then I turned around to the other stands and there was no one else there.”In Pindi and Karachi, when we have gotten centuries, it has been a totally different feeling, the acknowledgment that we get, the support, the adulation. For so long we didn’t get that. And for youngsters coming through and for those in the team, it is a real motivation.”Azhar began this series well, with a 185 in Rawalpindi that meant he is now Pakistan’s third-most prolific run-scorer against Australia. Karachi didn’t go quite as well though the Gaddafi Stadium will be an occasion unlike any other.”It’s a real happy occasion for me,” he said. “After such a long career, I’m going to play a Test at my home ground. My family, my friends will all be at the ground. It’s a very emotional moment for me.”It’s just a really different feeling. I saw when we played cricket in Pakistan again, of course we had an idea that we missed it but only after playing did we realise how many things we missed. Our achievements, our performances, they never got highlighted as much before and we also didn’t enjoy it as much.”

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