Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah both came off the bench as AC Milan earned a stupendous 2-1 win at Fiorentina.

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Pulisic and Musah come on as second-half subsBoth featured for USMNT over international breakMilan earn 2-1 win over FiorentinaGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan began without both Pulisic and Musah in the XI. Stefano Pioli addressed the former's absence pregame, saying that Pulisic had asked to be left out due to tired legs from the international break.

The first half was largely back-and-forth with both teams having chances, but the game really ignited in the second, when Milan and Fiorentina exchanged three goals in a six-minute span.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored the first of those three, seizing the lead for Milan in the 74th minute. Just three minutes later, Fiorentina were level on a goal from Alfred Duncan. Milan superstar Rafael Leao, though, ensured that Milan would remain in the lead with a goal in the 53rd, giving the visitors an advantage on the scoreboard that they wouldn't relinquish.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the win, Milan put some space between themselves and Juventus, furthering their stranglehold on second place. Juve's loss to Lazio on Saturday leaves the Old Lady stuck in third, with Milan six points ahead for second in the table. Leading the way is Inter, who are cruising to a Scudetto title in 2024.

USA Today Sports USMNT IMPACT

Pulisic remains a key figure for Milan, even if he wasn't a starter in this game. Samuel Chukwueze, his primary competitor for minutes on the right, put in a good shift, but the American is still the go-to guy in that position.

The ex-Chelsea star's benching was entirely due to fatigue, as he played big minutes against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals before featuring in the 2-0 win over Mexico in the finale. He was, understandably, a bit tired, which makes sense when you add in the travel factor involved.

Musah, too, played in the two USMNT matches, starting the first against Jamaica before coming off the bench in the final on Sunday.

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Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS

Christian Pulsiic (6/10):
Had a goal called back for offside, which was actually partly Musah's fault. Other than that, didn't get many touches.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Needed to spring Pulisic just a second or two earlier in the aforementioned sequence. The run leading up to it was great, though, and he did defend well with Milan nursing a lead.

Manchester United over the years have flexed their muscles in the transfer market by landing statement buys for extortionate fees, the Red Devils paying obscene amounts for the likes of Antony, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho who all remain at the club today – all three combined transfer fees coming in at a whopping £235m.

However, those three players in question still didn't demand a record transfer fee to get them into the building with Paul Pogba's return to Man United solidifying the Red Devils' label as major big-spenders.

The Frenchman – who was originally on the books in Manchester as a youngster – returned back to England after starring out in Italy with Juventus in the summer of 2016, rejoining the Theatre of Dreams for an eye-watering £89m.

His time back at Old Trafford would be dominated by distractions off-the-field, Pogba's attitude frequently under the spotlight throughout his six-year stay at Old Trafford, whilst his performances on the pitch never lived up to the extortionate transfer fee he demanded when he returned back.

The failure of this deal was compounded by the fact that Pogba would leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2022, Man United burning through money in the process.

Buying Sancho for an inflated transfer fee – with hindsight – also now feels like a colossal waste of money, with the former Manchester City youth product exiled from Erik ten Hag's plans completely at this moment in time.

How much did Man United buy Sancho for?

Splashing the cash on Sancho back in the summer of 2021 – the exciting winger fresh off 20 goals and assists from 26 Bundesliga games with Borussia Dortmund in the previous season – the excessive £73m transfer paid to land his services felt warranted.

Joining in the same transfer window as ex-Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane alongside the fabled return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Theatre of Dreams, everything pointed in the direction of a successful forthcoming campaign with Sancho leading the way as the bright spark.

But, his United career hasn't ever really got off the ground with the hierarchy at the Red Devils cursing their luck that they've managed to somehow purchase another expensive dud.

It even led to Football365 journalist Jason Soutar labelling the former Dortmund star-man as a "flop" in Man United colours back in November last year, a claim that has been substantiated further by recent developments at Old Trafford.

How has Jadon Sancho performed this season for Man Utd?

Before this season got underway, Sancho was showing signs of improving in a Red Devils strip if his numbers from last season are anything to go by – scoring an encouraging six goals from 26 starts, upping his goalscoring output overall for the club to 12.

But this campaign, Sancho is goalless after only being afforded brief substitute appearances under Ten Hag.

Capped 23 times by England at senior level – not featuring under Gareth Southgate however since 2021 – the 23-year-old has been frozen out of Ten Hag's plans since a cameo off the bench versus Nottingham Forest in August.

The issue surrounding criticism of the player's work ethic in training – and his subsequent response to his manager – looks to have been the catalyst for the Dutch head coach to cut all of Sancho's game-time, with a January departure now mooted.

With his wage at Man United also coming in at an unbelievable £250k-per-week, as per Capology – making Sancho a higher earner than Lisandro Martinez by £130k, for instance – it would not be a surprise if the Red Devils severed ties with the 23-year-old in the near future

In truth, this failed transfer move leaves an even worse taste in the mouth than Pogba's fall from grace, with the latter man at least helping the club to notable silverware during his debut campaign, while enjoying a handful of standout seasons – including 2018/19 in which he contributed 22 goals and assists in 35 league games.

Sancho, by contrast, has yet to get anywhere close to such highs. With Pogba there was always a sense that the Frenchman could conjure up a moment of magic, yet with his former teammate, it has largely been a tale of woe so far.

Perhaps, for all concerned, it would be best if the forgotten man finds a new home in January.

Rumbling along for more than 18 months, Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) attempt at a global, franchise-based Twenty20 tournament has become one of the costliest and most convoluted issues in the organisation’s history. From the original launch, through a player draft for a league that never happened, expensive payouts, boardroom fallouts and reshuffles, legal wrangles and a second attempt, we’ve plotted a timeline to help make sense of how CSA’s bold play at moving into the T20 big leagues went awry.January 2017
CSA seeks ICC approval for the launch of the T20 Global League, a tournament designed to replicate the success of leagues like IPL and BBL.February 2017
CSA announces the league, and a worldwide tender for franchise owners with a deadline of March 3.March 9 2017
CSA reports over 150 expressions of interest in owning teams, with more than a third coming from India.June 19 2017
CSA officially launches the league at the Bulgari hotel in London. Eight franchises unveiled, with two IPL and two PSL owners on board. Faf du Plessis says the new league is the “best way” to keep players from leaving South Africa.August 14 2017
Brimstone Investment Corporation Ltd pulls out as owner of the Stellenbosch Monarchs franchise, leaving no local owners for any franchise.August 26 2017
Draft held in Cape Town. Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Dwayne Bravo and Eoin Morgan are among the marquee players.September 8 2017
Indian movie star and Kings XI co-owner Preity Zinta takes over Stellenbosch Monarchs, taking the number of IPL owners to three.September 13 2017
CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat hints that SuperSport, Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, may be the only viable broadcast partner as concerns over a TV deal mount.September 28 2017
Lorgat parts ways with CSA over “untenable differences” in the handling of the league. CSA President Chris Nenzani suggests that the issues between Lorgat and the CSA board began in January, and came to a head at a board meeting on May 13.October 6 2017
CSA acting CEO Thabang Moroe says a loss of USD 25 million is likely from the inaugural edition, more than half of CSA’s cash reserves, but promises it will go ahead.October 10 2017
With no broadcast deal or title sponsor secured three weeks before the scheduled start, CSA announces the postponement of the tournament. The South African Cricketers Association calls for an “independent review”, and later South African players are paid out 60% of their contract value and foreign players 50%.November-December 2017
South Africa’s domestic T20 competition is moved into the window left vacant by the postponement, with SuperSport – who already hold rights to all cricket played in South Africa – in place as the broadcaster.March 2018
Hiren Bhanu, a UK-based businessman and owner of Pretoria Mavericks, proposes to pay CSA USD 70 million to own and run the T20 league for 11 years. CSA turn down the offer.March 13 2018
CSA holds a teleconference with franchise owners, where it is decided that CSA will go back to SuperSport to discuss either a proposal on the original model, an alternative model, or one involving a league co-owned by CSA, owners and the broadcaster.June 8 2018
CSA announces a new tournament to take place in November and December. The tournament is not named, but CSA will be the majority shareholder and SuperSport part-owners. Details around the number of teams, matches and allowances for overseas players are thin, but it becomes clear that none of the eight team owners from the GLT20 will be involved.June 20 2018
CSA begin giving back the deposits paid by the GLT20 team to reimburse them for expenses incurred in planning for the tournament, but Qalandars CEO Sameen Rana weighs up legal options, saying: “We simply need CSA to respect the agreements around the awarding of the franchise to us, which they themselves have given to us in perpetuity. I do not agree to this refund as condition to give up my rights so we will challenge CSA via legal [proceedings].”June 26 2018
Moroe says CSA believes it is “in a partnership” with the former franchise owners and “would ideally like to retain the relationship in case there’s an opportunity in selling equity in teams” but the threat of a messy legal battle builds.July 17 2018
Moroe admits there are “issues of trust” with previous team owners, says that CSA has “signed an equity model” with SuperSport, giving the broadcaster a 49% share while scrapping the privately-owned franchise model.July 31 2018
CSA announces that the revived T20 league will have only six teams, making it impossible to hold on to all the former owners. Moroe does not elaborate on how CSA plans to solve this new dilemma.August 13 2018
CSA representatives fly to Dubai and Mumbai for four days of heated meetings with franchise owners, who demand the 49% share held by SuperSport be handed over to them. Seven of the eight owners – all except Cape Town Knight Riders who excused themselves from the meetings – want first option to buy into a new league, given their involvement in the previous one. Hiren Bhanu intends to stop any new league from going ahead without the original franchise owners.August 17 2018
South Africa’s stadiums are asked to submit bids to host a team in the new T20 tournament. The six venues will correspond to the six teams.August 20 2018
South African sports minister Tokozile Xasa is asked to consider issuing a moratorium which would prevent CSA from issuing any announcements on a new T20 tournament until plans for the event have been scrutinised by a parliamentary committee.August 20 2018
SuperSport pull out of their equity deal with CSA, leaving the organisation without an outside shareholder while seemingly reopening the option for the franchises to be privately owned. SuperSport remain interested in broadcasting the event.August 24 2018
CSA sets a deadline of mid-September for a decision on whether or not the league will be staged in the 2018-19 season. The board suggests the tournament could be owned and run completely in-house.September 8 2018
CSA’s members’ council votes unanimously to launch a T20 league this year. It will include six teams, consist of a 30-match league phase, an eliminator match and a final, and will be played from November 9 to December 16. Sponsors and a broadcaster are not named, though it is expected that SuperSport will broadcast the games.September 25, 2018
CSA relaunches T20 tournament – calling it the “T20 Cricket League” – in partnership with South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster SABC.

قلص فريق الكرة الأول بنادي إنبي النتيجة بهدف ثاني في شباك الزمالك بالمباراة الجارية بينهما الآن ضمن مواجهات الدوري المصري الممتاز، لتصبح النتيجة 4-2.

وتقام المباراة بين الزمالك وإنبي، في المواجهة المؤجلة بينهما من الجولة الـ22 من عمر المسابقة المحلية، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام إنبي في الدوري المصري.. ناصر منسي يقود الهجوم

وأحرز هدف تقليص الفارق، اللاعب الذي شارك كبديل بقميص إنبي محمد النحاس، برأسية من داخل منطقة الجزاء بالدقيقة 92 من عمر اللقاء.

وكان الزمالك قد افتتح التسجيل عن طريق ناصر منسي في الدقيقة 6، بعد تلقيه عرضية من مصطفى شلبي صوبها مباشرة من لمسة واحدة لتسكن مرمى إنبي.

ثم أضاف منسي الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة الثالثة عشر من عمر اللقاء برأسية قوية، مستغلًا عرضية قادمة من الجهة اليمنى. 

وزاد الزمالك من غلة التهديف في الشوط الثاني بهدفي يوسف أوباما في الدقيقتين 60 و63 عن طريق تسديدتين من داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وقبل مضي 3 دقائق أخرين وتحديدًا في الدقيقة 66 سجل أحمد أمين أوفا هدف إنبي الأول مستغلًا عرضية من الجهة اليمنى. 

ويحتل فريق الزمالك، المركز الخامس في ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري، برصيد 49 نقطة، من 30 مباراة.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يتواجد فريق إنبي، في المركز التاسع في ترتيب الدوري برصيد 43 نقطة، من 31 لقاء. هدف إنبي الثاني أمام الزمالك

Crystal Palace have reportedly made some pre-January moves for one club's "valuable" forward as manager Roy Hodgson targets new attacking options.

Palace slump to defeat at Luton

The Eagles have now lost four of their last five Premier League games and look like real contenders to fall into the relegation battle as things stand, especially with the injury crisis worsening.

Despite Michael Olise's curling screamer from outside the area, which comes as an arguable goal of the season contender, Palace suffered a 2-1 defeat away to newly-promoted Luton Town and really put into question their credentials of remaining a top flight side past this season.

“I congratulate them [Luton]. I thought they worked very hard for their victory," said Hodgson after Palace's loss to Luton (via cpfc.co.uk). “I think we can feel ourselves a little bit unlucky. We could have had some good moments in the game and certainly we asked some very tough questions of their goalkeeper [Thomas Kaminski], who had an outstanding game on the day.

“In that last 10 or 15 minutes, when we were pushing for an equaliser, I thought we were going to get that equaliser on at least three occasions, but it didn’t come, and I congratulate Luton for their valiant effort. They really did put an awful lot of work and effort into getting that victory, so we have to accept that we weren’t good enough to get the points we thought we could get from this game.”

Hodgson's men are also among the division's lowest scoring sides, which will come as an alarming statistic and one which highlights their need for reinforcements in the January transfer window. Palace are reportedly targeting striker Karim Konate of Red Bull Salzburg as one option, while reports suggest Hodgson could land Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko.

Palace make approach for Murphy

Now, another option to have found his way on to Palace's transfer radar is Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy. The 28-year-old has been praised by Eddie Howe as the "ultimate professional", who publicly endorsed his quality when speaking to the press earlier this year.

"He's someone who is the ultimate professional. He's reliable, plays multiple positions and has never let me down," said Howe.

"For me, it's all about consistency. What you're looking for from the players' perspective is that they turn up every day and give their best. It's great to see someone who puts that work in rewarded with an opportunity, and then it's all about taking that opportunity."

According to Football Insider, Palace have made an approach for Murphy in the form of an enquiry and are lining up a potential January move for him. The report describes him as a "valuable squad player" for Howe and Newcastle, which has apparently done enough to attract serious interest from Hodgson and Nottingham Forest.

Likes to cross

Plays the ball off the ground often

Over his nine appearances this season, Murphy has actually scored once and racked up four assists – indicating that the Englishman can weigh in with crucial contributions on his day.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly rue his side's two-match slump in the Premier League before the November international break, but despite the recent strife will remind his squad that Manchester City are just two points ahead in pole position.

Spurs had undergone a dramatic transformation this summer after finishing eighth in the top flight last year, missing out on European football – something that prompted Harry Kane to depart for Bayern Munich as a by-product.

But the arrival of Postecoglou has changed everything, with the Australian instilling confidence and cohesion and reviving the attacking prowess of this Tottenham team.

After ten matches, Tottenham were top of the table with eight victories and zero losses, but a chaotic, controversy-strewn contest against Chelsea last week unravelled the gains made, sending it spiralling into the murk.

While losing to Mauricio Pochettino's side was a blow, it was hardly the most detrimental element of a bitter evening, with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven both sustaining injuries to rule them out until the new year.

Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero also received their marching orders, with such a raft of setbacks playing into Wolverhampton Wanderers' late turnaround at the weekend.

Talented as this Lilywhites crop may be, the recent malaise has stripped bare the lack of depth that will make challenging against a forbidding behemoth of Man City's stature something tricky.

Nonetheless, Spurs remain in an excellent position, and Postecoglou will know that if his side can battle their way to January, the winter transfer window can be used to bolster the ranks.

Tottenham transfer targets – Ruben Neves

According to TEAMtalk, a rule set to be implemented in the Saudi Pro League could have a knock-on effect for Tottenham's transfer plans, with Al Ittihad winger Jota now likely to remain at the club with the number of foreign players allowed in a matchday squad changing from six to ten.

Such could now ignite Jota's career in Saudi Arabia and close the door on a January departure, but Postecoglou still appears eager to sign in January and could yet raid the opulent division for a former Premier League star.

Indeed, the report continues that Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's radar, with Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in the Portugal ace.

Neves joined Al Hilal from Wolves for £47m in the summer after six years of service, though reports stemming from Portugal last month claim that the 26-year-old 'dreams' of returning to English shores.

Ruben Neves' style of play

It's generally accepted that Tottenham's squad is a little thin, and while the backline requires priority, regardless of Van de Ven and Romero's current absences, support must be spread across the pack to truly cement a place at the forefront of the Premier League.

And Neves, who is a tried and tested star in the division, would be the perfect addition, especially considering he has expressed a willingness to head back from Saudi Arabia now half a season into his new chapter, having been hailed as "incredible" by former teammate Hugo Bueno.

#

Player

Club

1

Ismael Bennacer

AC Milan

2

Fabian Ruiz

Paris Saint-Germain

3

Youri Tielemans

Aston Villa

4

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool

5

Thomas Partey

Arsenal

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Slick in passing and tenacious in the tackle, the £300k-per-week machine has been hailed as an Old Gold "hero" by the likes of journalist Matt Maher for his central role in guiding Wolves to the Premier League and securing a spot away from the danger zone, even leading the club to European endeavours.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 17% of midfielders for interceptions, the top 4% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90 in relation to his European peers, highlighting the defensive strength that would only enhance Postecoglou's system, installing steel framework, of a sort, to shape and structure the fluency and effectiveness in transition.

Neves scored 30 goals and supplied 13 assists across 253 appearances for Wolves; for a deep-lying midfielder, this is not a half-bad return, especially given the ferocious snap of his skilful ranged strikes.

Since signing for Al Hilal, the 5 foot 10 gem has been in fine fettle, having chalked up 17 appearances, scoring two goals, supplying an assist and having yet to taste defeat.

As per Sofascore, he has been an omnipresent figure on the pitch in the Saudi Pro League, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 2.2 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 6.3 ball recoveries per game and taking 84 touches per game, very much the fulcrum.

He would bring a fresh sense of dynamism to Tottenham's midfield and indeed some much-needed depth, and Postecoglou has to throw the kitchen sink at this deal, else risk his signature winding up at a rival, such as Arsenal or the Magpies.

Why Tottenham should sign Ruben Neves

Neves would not only bring mettle and technical prowess to the fold, but he would also offer leadership and resilience to aid the development of players such as Pape Matar Sarr, immensely talented and perhaps strengthened by a mentor of Neves' ilk.

It would also represent a statement of intent from Postecoglou, much like when Maddison was signed from Leicester City for £40m in the summer.

The England international has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and earned the Player of the Month award for August, having now posted three goals and five assists from 11 matches.

Crucially, Postecoglou felt that Tottenham needed a new first-rate playmaker to fuel his vision, and clinched Maddison's services with no European football, despite the vested interest of Eddie Howe's Newcastle.

Newcastle had been in pursuit of the former Fox for multiple transfer windows before cooling their attention this year, but must rue that decision after the 26-year-old's performances have led him to be "on the verge" of becoming a world-class phenom, according to pundit Jermaine Jenas.

Signing Neves could bring similar fruits, replicating the momentous addition of Maddison and infusing even more quality to edge Tottenham toward an illustrious position at the very top.

Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza is set to contest the country’s 11th parliamentary election, after he received confirmation of his nomination from the ruling Awami League. He will be contesting in the Narail-2 constituency, his home district, with the polls scheduled to be held on December 30.Mashrafe wrote in Facebook post about how he has always felt strongly about politics, suggesting that the 2019 World Cup would be his last international tournament.”I always had the impulse for politics,” Mashrafe wrote in the post. “I always believed that development in our country is not possible strongly without politics… now I have the opportunity to do something for my country. I don’t know what is awaiting me after the 2019 World Cup. I value my time and I am paying attention to it. I believe that everything has to be done at the right time.”Mashrafe also told the Bengali daily that he will only begin campaigning in Narail after the three-match ODI series against West Indies, which ends on December 14.There have been murmurs of Mashrafe’s transition into politics since 2017, when he established the Narail Express Foundation, a non-profit social welfare venture.The foundation had helped Narail residents get scholarships as well as medical discounts in a Dhaka-based university, and has set up drinking water jars around Narail town, mainly for rickshaw-pullers.It’s quite rare for active international cricketers to enter politics, with Sanath Jayasuriya being one of them in recent times to have done so when he ran for public office in the 2010 Sri Lanka general elections.

The Uruguyan's fine goal salvaged a first-leg draw for Los Blancos after a chaotic contest at Santiago Bernabeu

Federico Valverde's superb volley to snag a 3-3 draw capped off a chaotic contest between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The Uruguayan's memorable strike rounded out an evening of fortunate deflections, highlight-reel goals, and feisty challenges that amounted to a frantic draw that both sides will probably accept.

Los Blancos endured a nightmarish start, as Bernardo Silva's quick free-kick caught Andriy Lunin out at his near post. The hosts levelled the game soon after, though, as Eduardo Camavinga's deflected strike wrong-footed Stefan Ortega in the City net. Rodrygo then put Madrid ahead two minutes later, scampering in behind the defence and tucking the ball home.

Madrid could have added one or two more following half-time, but Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr both missed chances within the first 15 minutes of the second half. And Phil Foden made them pay, the England midfielder unleashing a fine curled effort that kissed the top corner to level the game at 2-2. Josko Gvardiol added a memorable goal of his own to make it 3-2, the left-back smashing home from 20 yards to give the visitors the lead again, but Valverde restored parity soon after, battering the ball into the bottom corner to equalise.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (6/10):

Really should have kept out Bernardo's opener, even if he can have a gripe or two about Madrid's failure to set up a proper wall. Couldn't do anything about the other two, and made a neat stop to deny Haaland.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Given a hard time by the lively Grealish, but was composed ion the key moments.

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Picked up a booking to rule him out from the second leg within 38 seconds. Should have closed Gvardiol down on City's third.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

The Haaland killer? Kept the big striker quiet throughout, and really couldn't have done much more – despite the fact that his side gave up three goals.

Ferland Mendy (8/10):

Marshalled the left side of the pitch effectively. Won a number of important duels towards the end of the first half. His best showing in a while.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Grabbed the equaliser with a slightly fortunate deflected strike. Spent the rest of the game putting out fires in midfield and keeping things moving.

Federico Valverde (8/10):

Full of energy all night, and ate up ground. Scored an absolute peach of a goal to level it.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

Didn't get on the ball as much as usual, but was still remarkably efficient when he had it. His influence waned as the game opened up.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Flew into tackles, won the ball regularly, and showed the kind of grit Madrid needed. Fortunate not to get booked, though, and is therefore lucky not to be suspended for the second leg.

Getty ImagesAttack

Rodrygo (8/10):

May have gotten a kind glance on his goal, but he did all the hard work to make it happen. Tormented the City defence all night.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Played a wonderful pass to setup Rodrygo's goal, and rovided another assist for Valverde's leveller. Perhaps could have been cleaner with efforts of his own, but his production is nothing to be sniffed at.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Luka Modric (7/10):

Brought Madrid back into it with some classy moments on the ball.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Won it back a few times, and didn't seem intimidated by the pace of the game.

Joselu (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Made a brave call to start Tchouameni in defence, but put out an otherwise full-strength line-up. Madrid were brilliant in moments, but he might rue their lack of quality in front of goal at times. A draw is far from a bad result, but his side perhaps could have scored more. Still, it's all to play for.

Monterry boss Fernando Ortiz considers Lionel Messi to be “the greatest of all time” and meant no offence with comments aimed at Inter Miami.

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• Claim of favouritism from officials
• Angry reaction from those in Florida
• Mexican side into the semi-finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash between Liga MX and MLS outfits, Ortiz claimed that his side may find themselves on the wrong end of contentious decisions from the match officials if Messi – who had been nursing a hamstring injury – figured in the tie.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Those quotes were not well received in Florida, and contributed to an angry clash in the tunnel following a fiery first leg contest in Florida. Monterrey went on to prevail 5-2 on aggregate, sending Inter Miami crashing out, and Ortiz insists that it was never his intention to ruffle the feathers of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

• WHAT ORTIZ SAID

  Ortiz said after seeing his side prevail 3-1 on home soil, with Messi playing the full 90 minutes: “I said that we were going to beat them, not for a lack of respect for Miami, just because I thought that my players would understand what needed to be done. To me, Leo is the greatest player of all time, I did not mean to offend anyone, I just gave an honest opinion.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  USMNT star Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame and Jesus Gallardo got the goals for Monterrey as they progressed to the Champions Cup semi-finals, with Ortiz adding: “As a coach, I’m happy to eliminate a great team. Gerardo (Martino) and Leo are a great coach and player who are recognised worldwide. We have the satisfaction to win the series, but we are thinking of Tigres.”

Newcastle United's preservation of impressive form despite the spate of injuries to key players is a glowing testament to the spirit and togetherness that manager Eddie Howe has instilled over the past two years.

Despite an early-season blip that yielded a three-match skid in the Premier League, Newcastle have been immense across the park and have climbed back up to fifth place in the table, now just four points off Liverpool and Arsenal in the top four.

And while successive defeats against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League have hindered the Magpies' chances of qualification to the knockout phase, they are still very much in with a shout with two matches to play, just three points off leaders Paris Saint-Germain despite sitting bottom of the group.

This week's loss against the ferocious Yellow Wall was a blow, sure, but Howe's threadbare side has been beset with so many injuries that it's a small wonder that they are still in the position that they are.

Indeed, less than one week ago in the Premier League, an injury-hit Newcastle repelled Arsenal's efforts at St. James' Park to secure three points; mere days before, Old Trafford was silenced in the Carabao Cup as the Tyneside team's rotated squad emerged as 3-0 victors.

But let's be honest, depth is a pre-requisite for success at the highest level, with Newcastle's present issues precluding Howe from achieving all that is possible this year.

With this in mind, United are sure to be busy in the market next year, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki is among those eyed for transfer.

Newcastle transfer news – Rayan Cherki

According to Football Insider, – as reported earlier this week – Newcastle are set to wage a transfer battle for Cherki against divisional rivals Manchester United, with both clubs keeping tabs on the player's development.

Cherki, aged 20, has been a prodigious presence with Les Gones over the past several years and was of a vested interest to Chelsea in the summer, who ultimately could not persuade the Ligue 1 team to sell.

Rated at £52m by CIES Football Observatory's valuation model, Cherki is out of contract in 2025 and may well be tempted to move, with Lyon enduring a terrible campaign and currently mired in last place in the French top-flight.

Rayan Cherki's style of play

Across 112 senior appearances for Lyon, Cherki has posted 14 goals and 17 assists, having scored five goals and provided six assists across all competitions last year, starting 21 times in the league.

Hailed for his “absurdly skilful” movements and tricks by journalist Tom Williams, the £60k-per-week gem's dynamism allows him to find success across the frontline, which could be crucial in convincing Howe to make his move.

Renowned for his elegance and breathtaking dribbling, Cherki is also two-footed and at ease both prioritising his goalscoring and creativity.

The Magpies have bolstered their attacking ranks with players such as Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes this year, but Cherki may well be the final piece of the puzzle to complement Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as the focal frontmen.

#

Player

Club

1

Leroy Sane

Bayern Munich

2

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid

3

Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia

Napoli

4

Kingsley Coman

Bayern Munich

5

Raheem Sterling

Chelea

*Sourced via FBref

Clearly, Cherki is a talented player, boasting skills that liken him to some of the wiliest weavers that European football has to offer, and given that he is only in the fledgling phase of his career, there is so much to get excited about.

And if Howe was to convince him to make the move to Tyneside, the Frenchman could be moulded into an incredible outlet to open a new dimension to the team.

For all the talent at the Toon manager's disposal, Cherki would bring natural flair and creativity that could surpass anything the squad currently boasts.

The stats that show Rayan Cherki would be a good signing for Newcastle

Cherki might be struggling right now but such is the magnitude of his side's capitulation this season; despite his woes, Cherki has still maintained a decent level of performance, completing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.1 shots and 1.2 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Still attempting to influence the play himself and provide support to his frontal peers, Howe knows that this rising star is willing to fight.

Given that Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is listed as a comparable player to the Lyon man, it appears Newcastle could get their mitts on quite the player, unearthing a regen with a knack for ploughing forward with menace and unleashing creative might on hapless defenders.

As per FBref, Cherki ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 4% for progressive passes and successful take-ons and the top 11% for passes attempted per 90.

Vinicius Jr., meanwhile, ranks among the top 2% for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, and the top 1% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking box per 90.

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A rate

23/24

12

4

4

0.67

22/23

55

23

21

0.80

21/22

52

22

20

0.81

20/21

49

6

7

0.27

19/20

38

5

4

0.24

18/19

31

3

12

0.48

*Statistics provided via Transfermarkt

The Brazilian wizard is now – quite unequivocally – world-class, and has risen to become one of the most prolific presences in European football.

Still only 23, Vinicius Jr. has demonstrated impressive incremental growth since his maiden days in the Spanish capital; while the 2018/19 campaign produced superior results to the two ensuing campaigns, he had largely featured off the bench and inflated his numbers through some maulings of lesser opposition in the Copa del Rey.

Nonetheless, he announced himself emphatically and currently serves as Los Blancos' starring centre-forward, now living up to praise from legendary compatriot Ronaldinho back in 2019, when the former Barcelona star proclaimed him to be "among the best" in the world in just a few years.

Now, this is very much the truth, and if Cherki can emulate the Madrid man at St. James' Park and start to ramp up his numbers to greater levels, he too could cement a spot among the game's elite.