Rangers: Calvin Bassey was a standout

Rangers were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as the Ibrox giants lost on penalties in the final of the Europa League.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave their all in Seville as they took it all the way to spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

The Glasgow outfit took the lead in the second half as Joe Aribo capitalised on a mistake at the back and raced through to slot the ball past Kevin Trapp with a composed finish.

Their lead did not last for long, though, as Rafael Borre pounced on a cross after Connor Goldson failed to cut it out at the front post.

Both sides had chances to win it in extra time and the best chance fell to Ryan Kent as he saw a close-range effort saved by Trapp from point-blank range.

It then came down to penalties and Aaron Ramsey’s poor spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Frankfurt stopper, with every other penalty in the shootout being expertly dispatched – sealing the win for the German outfit.

Whilst Aribo scored the goal for the Gers, the real standout, in what was a superb performance in spite of the defeat, was central defender Calvin Bassey. After the match, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves dubbed his performance as “astonishing” and that sums it up perfectly.

Defensively, he was absolutely outstanding. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 individual duels, won two tackles and made four clearances, two blocks and three interceptions over the course of the 120 minutes on the pitch.

The defender, who had 93 touches in total, was a menace to the Frankfurt attackers as he towered above them to win the ball time and time again – winning 80% of his aerial battles as he dominated the match.

During the BT Sport commentary, Alex Rae claimed that the Nigeria international “eats up ground” when running back to track runs in behind. He showcased his recovery speed, making nine recoveries in total, as he stopped the Bundesliga side from exposing the space between the backline and Allan McGregor.

These statistics and quotes on his display illustrate his exceptional showing in the final. He was incredibly unlucky to end the night on the losing side and van Bronckhorst will now be hoping that this display does not catch any eyes heading into the summer transfer window…

AND in other news, Gvb must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

Rangers: Kemar Roofe posts injury hint

An early Rangers team news hint has emerged ahead of the Glasgow giants’ participation in the UEFA Europa League final…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Record have relayed an Instagram story from the centre-forward that shows two custom shinpads with “Sevilla final 2022” and “Kemar Roofe” in text along with a picture of the striker with his family.

He posted the teaser on Saturday as he continues to fight to be available for the showpiece in Seville on Wednesday night.

Gio van Bronckhorst recently provided an update on his situation, saying: “He’s not training with the team at the moment. For him, he’s doing everything.

“I really admire his desire to be ready for the game on Wednesday. We’re pushing hard, but it’s one of those injuries where it’s a close call.

“Hopefully he can make some positive steps in the coming days.”

Supporters will be excited

Ibrox supporters will be excited by this teaser from the Jamaica international as it hints that Roofe is expecting to be fit for the game.

Although it is merely guesswork at this point, it seems unlikely that the forward would post that picture on his story if he was set to miss out on the squad and watch on from the sidelines. Van Bronckhorst confirmed that he is still in with a chance of making the match and this post suggests that the player is confident that he will be putting those shinpads into action against Frankfurt.

Fans will be delighted by the prospect of him being available as his return would be a huge boost to the team heading into the massive clash in Seville.

Roofe was hitting his stride before this injury disrupted his season as he scored four goals and provided two assists in his last six outings for Rangers in all competitions. One of those strikes ended up being the winner in the quarter-final of the Europa League against Braga – as he tapped home in extra time to make it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

He has shown that he can be a match-winner for the club, in Europe and domestically, and van Bronckhorst will be keen to have his goalscoring talents to call upon on Wednesday.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the teaser from Roofe and will be hoping that it means that he will be kitting up for a major European final next week.

AND in other news, GvB already heading for huge summer disaster at Rangers, Ross Wilson will be livid…

Leeds: Marsch must unleash Bate vs Chelsea

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United head into tonight’s Premier League clash with Chelsea knowing that they simply must pick up a result at Elland Road if they are to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop this season.

Indeed, with Everton’s 2-1 win over Leicester City, coupled with the Whites’ 2-1 loss to Arsenal, seeing the 48-year-old’s side slip back into the relegation zone with just three fixtures left to play, it is almost a case of now or never for the American manager.

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As such, Marsch must ensure that he gets tomorrow’s team selection absolutely spot on against Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed outfit, and, while there were very few bright sparks in north London last time out, one player who did stake a claim for a start this evening was 19-year-old Lewis Bate.

Indeed, having been brought on for the increasingly disappointing Mateusz Klich at the interval, the central midfielder immediately provided a spark of creativity for the 10-man Whites, with the teenager appearing desperate to get himself on the ball in order to progress his side further up the pitch.

This is something evidenced by the £900k-rated talent’s three progressive passes completed over his 45 minutes played – more than any other Leeds player managed – as well as his 17 carries of the ball and his 27 pressures of the opposition – the same number Kalvin Phillips managed over the full 90 – with Tariq Panja claiming that Bate was “one of the standout players” at The Emirates.

Furthermore, Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross also awarded the youngster a six in his player ratings – the highest any player in white received on the day – as well as stating of the England U20 international’s display: “A very promising half from the youngster, all things considered. Bright and energetic. Carried the ball well too.”

As such, with the Whites in desperate need of a result at Elland Road this evening, it would appear an extremely wise move for Marsch to finally unleash the 19-year-old who Jermaine Beckford claimed “isn’t afraid to get the ball in tight areas” from the off, as the youngster could well prove to be the creative spark Leeds have been desperately lacking in recent weeks.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Hay drops early Leeds team news ahead of Arsenal, Marsch will be buzzing

Allan in talks to leave Everton for UAE

Allan is reportedly in talks to leave Everton and sign for Al-Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.

The Lowdown: Flop

Unfortunately, Allan has been somewhat of a flop at Goodison Park ever since his arrival from Napoli back in 2020, with 57 appearances made in total with no goals and just three assists to his name over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He was a key part of the squad that almost got relegated last season, and has not yet made an appearance for the Merseyside club so far this term, already being usurped by new signing Idrissa Gueye in that defensive midfield role.

The Latest: Exit talks

As per Football Insider, talks are underway for Allan to join Al-Wahda in the UAE before their transfer deadline on October 4.

He has been given the green light to leave after falling down the pecking order under Frank Lampard following the summer arrivals of James Garner, Amadou Onana and Gueye.

The Verdict: Get rid

Given his lack of playing time, and the fact that the Toffees have other players who can cover in his position, now is the best time to get rid of Allan rather than having to wait until the January transfer window opens.

The Brazilian is currently their joint-fifth highest earner on £70,000-per-week, and so that would be a lot of money to save on the wage bill.

Nonetheless, they could then use that money saved to potentially invest further in January, should any enticing opportunities come up.

Neco Williams to keep his place at Forest

Nottingham Forest will keep Neco Williams as their first choice right-back despite the signing of Serge Aurier, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Forest set transfer record

The 21-year-old joined the City Ground outfit from Premier League giants Liverpool back in July, and has quickly become an integral member of Steve Cooper’s starting XI.

The Reds later announced the capture of former Tottenham Hotspur star Aurier on a free transfer, taking the club’s arrivals total to 22, a new British record for incoming players during a single window.

The Latest: Campbell backs Williams

Asked by Football Insider whether Williams would maintain his starting place following Aurier’s signing, Campbell said:

“Yes.

“I think Neco has done quite well for Forest to be honest. I think what Forest need, just like a lot of clubs, is competition. Competition is the key. One thing we do know about the Premier League, injuries will come and catch you if you’re not prepared.

“I think Nottingham Forest have got two and a half teams with the amount of signings they’ve got. I think Neco Williams will be first choice. If his form drops or he’s injured then there’s a ready made replacement.”

The Verdict: Impressive start

Williams has started all six games in the top-flight this season and has made an instant impact on the Forest squad, so it would be completely the right decision for Cooper to keep him as his first-choice full-back.

The Welshman has averaged an outstanding 4.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions, alongside 2.2 shots and 1.5 key passes per league game (WhoScored), highlighting his influence on the flank both defensively and offensively.

Williams also has the age profile that the Reds boss is looking to add to his team compared to the more experienced Aurier, though the Ivorian will provide sufficient cover for the season ahead.

Liverpool suffer Andy Robertson injury

Liverpool opened their Champions League group stage campaign in the worst possible way last week, as they were humbled 4-1 by Napoli in Naples.

Outfought from start to finish, they were deserved losers and it compounded what has been a tough start to the season for manager Jurgen Klopp.

However, he now has the chance to redeem himself as his side welcomes Ajax to Anfield in a battle between two European heavyweights.

With Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers postponed due to the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth II, tonight will be their return to football since their last game in this competition.

This slight break however has not helped the German out with regards to any injuries, and he offered the following update on Andy Robertson’s fitness and if he would be available to play the Dutch giants:

“Injured”, he bluntly labelled the Scotsman. “Robbo is now not 100 percent. Very late, 93rd or whatever minute, he felt it – actually he only felt it the next day.

“But he’s out for at least [until], I would say, after the international break.”

The last thing that Klopp needed was to further compound his injury crisis, but to see Robertson ruled out for the foreseeable future will be a hammer blow to his side.

Especially considering how Kostas Tsimikas has started the season, creating no big chances in his five Premier League appearances as well as losing possession 6.0 times a game.

They will miss the creativity provided by Robertson, who last season assisted 15 times in all competitions.

It is this attacking threat that they are in such desperate need of, as the numerous injuries to the midfield has left an ever-growing reliance upon the magic of Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz.

This injury news will come as another sucker punch for Klopp, who can’t seem to catch a break at the moment.

The German will be one of the few in the football community vying for the international break and will want to get through the fixtures in the way with as little damage done as possible.

He will be furious that another of his players has broken down with an injury.

فيديو | هاتريك.. ليفاندوفسكي يسجل هدف برشلونة الرابع أمام سيلتا فيجو

تمكن فريق برشلونة من تسجيل الهدف الرابع في شباك خصمه سيلتا فيجو، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

ويستضيف ملعب “بالايدوس” مباراة برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو، في ختام منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26.

ونجح برشلونة في تسجيل الهدف الرابع أمام خصمه سيلتا فيجو، في إطار مباراتهما الجارية في الوقت الحالي.

جاء هدف برشلونة عن طريق النجم روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، في الدقيقة 73، بعد ركنية نفذها ماركوس راشفورد، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى البولندي الذي خدع الجميع وسددها في الشباك.

وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى تقدم برشلونة بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدفين، حيث سجل روبرت ليفاندوفسكي هاتريك، بينما أحرز لامين يامال هدفًا.

"مجموعة نارية".. أول تعليق من مدرب الجيش الملكي على مواجهة الأهلي في إفريقيا

وضعت قرعة دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025/2026 النادي الأهلي في مواجهات صعبة خاصة مع فرق شمال إفريقيا من المغرب والجزائر.

وجاء الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية مع الجيش الملكي المغربي، شبيبة القبائل الجزائري وأخيرًا يانج أفريكانز التنزاني.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2025-2026

المدرب البرتغالي ألكسندر سانتوس، المدير الفني لنادي الجيش الملكي، تحدث في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات” عن قرعة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مؤكدًا صعوبة المجموعة التي وقع فيها فريقه، لكنه أبدى تفاؤله بقدرة الجيش الملكي على المنافسة والتأهل إلى ربع النهائي.

وقال سانتوس: “القرعة دائمًا ما تكون صعبة، لأن كل الفرق التي يمكن أن تواجهنا قوية وتنتمي لأفضل أندية القارة، مجموعتنا تحديدًا صعبة جدًا ومليئة بالتحدي، لكنها في الوقت نفسه تنافسية للغاية”.

وأضاف المدرب البرتغالي: “أعتقد أن كل الفرق لديها فرصة لتقديم أداء كبير في دوري أبطال إفريقيا، والجميع يريد التأهل، لذلك ستكون المجموعة بمثابة عرض كروي قوي لجماهيرنا، لأننا نعلم أننا أمام تحدٍ ضخم”.

وتابع: “سنواجه فرقًا قوية مثل الأهلي، ويانج أفريكانز، وشبيبة القبائل، وهي مباريات من مستوى عالٍ جدًا، وسنعمل على تقديم أفضل ما لدينا في كل مواجهة”.

وأوضح سانتوس أن التحضير للبطولة سيكون على أعلى مستوى، قائلًا: “نحتاج إلى استعداد قوي لأننا سنخوض أول جولتين قريبًا، وسنعتبر دور المجموعات بمثابة بطولة مصغرة من ست مباريات، وكل مباراة ستكون الأهم بالنسبة لنا”.

وأكد المدير الفني أن الهدف واضح منذ البداية: “نريد أن نحقق بداية قوية في تنزانيا، وأن نحاول الفوز بكل مباراة لأن طموحنا هو التأهل، يجب أن نكون أفضل من خصومنا في كل مواجهة”.

واختتم سانتوس حديثه قائلًا: “هدفنا الأساسي هو الوصول إلى الدور ربع النهائي من البطولة بعد مرحلة مجموعات ناجحة، كل الفرق تملك فرصًا متساوية، لكننا في الجيش الملكي نؤمن بقدرتنا على المنافسة وسنقاتل من أجل الفوز في كل مباراة”.

Cinco declarações inusitadas de Abel Ferreira nas últimas entrevistas coletivas do Palmeiras

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar de estar na semifinal da Libertadores e disputar as primeiras posições do Brasileirão, o Palmeiras não vem em boa fase. No mês de setembro, por exemplo, o time marcou apenas um gol e venceu apenas um jogo dos últimos seis disputados. Nesse meio tempo, Abel Ferreira, como de costume, roubou a cena em suas entrevistas coletivas. O treinador foi desde “pazes com os microfones”, até comparar a sua avó com um caminhão. Relembre cinco momentos inusitados do português nesse período.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

PALMEIRAS 1 x 0 GOIÁS – MEA-CULPA E DEFESA DE BRENO LOPES

O Verdão conseguiu uma vitória nos acréscimos do jogo diante do Esmeraldino e o autor do gol salvador foi Breno Lopes, que vinha sendo muito criticado pela torcida. Ao balançar a rede, o atacante correu em direção à arquibancada e mostrou o dedo médio para a principal organizada do clube. Na mesma hora, os jogadores correram para segurá-lo. Já depois do jogo, o próprio Abel Ferreira foi acalmar os torcedores, que ficaram revoltados. Na coletiva, em momento apaziguador, o treinador assumiu que ele mesmo é o primeiro a errar.

– O primeiro a cometer erros aqui sou eu, já fui expulso muitas vezes, por muitas vezes não controlei minhas emoções, apesar de que agora estou diferente, bem melhor nesse aspecto – declarou o português.

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+ Transforme sua paixão pelo futebol em profissão. Descubra o caminho com o curso Gestor de Futebol!

GRÊMIO 1 x 0 PALMEIRAS – PAZES COM OS MICROFONES

Antes mesmo do apito final, Abel Ferreira deixou o campo revoltado com a arbitragem e, de cabeça quente, insinuou que o Palmeiras havia sido “roubado”. No entanto, mais calmo na coletiva, ele mudou o discurso e não criticou a atuação do juiz. O destaque entre as respostas para os jornalistas, porém, foi a revelação sobre as pazes que ele fez com os microfones da beira do campo, que já foram alvos da ira do técnico. Ele ainda solicitou à CBF que pare de deixar um cameraman focado somente em suas ações.

– Eu quero fazer um pedido para tirar um cameraman de trás, não sei se a visão é boa, mas tem sempre um ao meu lado, se puderem tirar. Acho que o microfones já me dou bem com ele, já fizemos as pazes. Agora, se vocês me fizeram o favor de tirar o cameraman… Lá em Portugal nós chamamos de emplastro, tem sempre um cara aqui ao meu lado, para o ver o que eu faço, ouvir o que eu falo…

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+ Preferido da torcida, Endrick ainda não atuou como titular do Palmeiras na Libertadores

BOCA JUNIORS 0 x 0 PALMEIRAS – RECUPERAÇÃO RELÂMPAGO DE DUDU

De todas as coletivas desse período de má fase, certamente essa na Bombonera foi a mais tensa de todas. Visivelmente irritado, Abel Ferreira deu declarações atravessadas desde sua primeira resposta, principalmente quando os questionamentos eram sobre o desempenho ofensivo do time e as soluções para a ausência de Dudu. Já sem paciência para argumentar seus pontos, o treinador chegou a dizer que vai ver com o departamento médico se o Baixola já está pronto para voltar. Detalhe: a recuperação de sua cirurgia no joelho pode ser de nove a 12 meses.

– Vou falar com o departamento médico, se o Dudu estiver pronto, ele joga. Eu também tenho muitas dúvidas, é acreditar no elenco, desde que eu cheguei é dar o meu melhor, arranjar soluções. Valorizar os moleques, para esses jogos precisamos de jogadores pesados, com experiência. 

+ Abel vê derrota do Palmeiras como aprendizado e analisa: ‘Pênalti foi o momento-chave do jogo’

BRAGANTINO 2 x 1 PALMEIRAS – A AVÓ DE ABEL FERREIRA

O Verdão foi derrotado fora de casa, pelo Brasileirão, mas o principal assunto da coletiva pós-jogo foi a decisão com o Boca Juniors, pela Libertadores. Nas perguntas, muitas projeções e possibilidades, mas Abel Ferreira mostrou que não gosta do “se” para planejar as partidas do Alviverde. Tanto é que ele usou um exemplo inusitado, inclusive citando a sua avó e um caminhão.

– Eu não vivo com se, se, se. Se a minha avó tivesse rodas, ela seria um caminhão – declarou o treinador.

+ VÍDEO: ‘Endrick mostrou que merece ser titular do Palmeiras contra o Boca!’

BRAGANTINO 2 x 1 PALMEIRAS – ABEL E O TRABALHO INFANTIL

No mesmo jogo, Abel Ferreira optou por preservar todos os titulares e escalou um time totalmente reserva, inclusive com jovens do sub-20 completando o banco. Mesmo com a derrota, o treinador quis valorizar alguns pontos, principalmente a utilização de algumas Crias da Academia, que vão ganhando “casca”. Com isso, o português, em tom de ironia, disse temer que seja acusado de forçar o trabalho infantil.

– Eu acho que qualquer dia vou ser acusado por trabalho forçado de crianças, porque não são maiores de idade. Ainda vou ser acusado por colocar moleques sem idade para trabalhar. É isso que temos que valorizar.

Tudo sobre

Abel FerreiraPalmeiras

Gareth Bale: British manager toughened me up and made me one of the best players in the world

There is a strong argument to be made that Gareth Bale is the best British football export of all time. The Welshman did it all at Real Madrid and he did it in style. From leaving Jordi Alba chasing shadows to score one of the most iconic El Clasico goals of all time to that overhead kick in the 2018 Champions League final, Bale is an undeniable great.

For a man who famously had Wales, golf and Real Madrid in an unexpected order or priorities towards the end of his time in Spain as things soured, Bale’s numbers during his time at the Bernabeu prove that saying may not have always been true.

Gareth Bale at Real Madrid

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

258

Goals

106

Assists

67

La Liga titles

16/17, 19/20, 21/22

Champions League titles

13/4, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 21,22

Forming an iconic partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to help Real Madrid become the first and only side in history to win three-straight Champions League titles, it wouldn’t have been absurd to suggest that Bale was the best player in the world at one stage.

The praise that the iconic winger received reflected the level that he was playing at. During his first year in Spain, Madrid captain Sergio Ramos told reporters: “The truth is because he did not play for a team in England that played in the Champions League – we did not know that much about him.

“We know if he the coach wanted him that strongly he must be a good player – but nobody was prepared for how special he is. It has only been a few training sessions we have seen him in – but some of what we see we can’t believe. He is so fast, so tricky, and the frightening thing is that he is not even 100 per cent game fit yet.”

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For all his iconic teammates and coaches at Real Madrid, however, Bale has not forgotten who turned him into the world-beater that graced Europe’s biggest occassions over the years.

Gareth Bale: Redknapp made me one of the world's best

Long before the world knew exactly how good Bale was, it was Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur who was giving a young Welshman the opportunity to thrive in the Premier League.

It was the experienced manager who recognised Bale’s attacking talent and turned him into a winger as a result, birthing one of the best British players of all time as a result. And the former Spurs man hasn’t forgotten Redknapp’s influence.

Whether it’s Redknapp, Zinedine Zidane, Ancelotti – in that order – is a question that may never be answered, but Bale has certainly never forgotten the impact that his former Spurs manager had on his career.

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