Shakib will be out of action for at least three months but if the pain subsides he may not need further surgery
Mohammad Isam09-Oct-2018Shakib Al Hasan received good news on Tuesday when the medical report about his injured finger confirmed that the infection was under control. However, the allrounder will remain on antibiotics – given in injection form – for another week before he can leave Melbourne and begin his rehabilitation process back home.There was visible improvement around the infected area on the base of his little finger on his left hand. Doctors in Dhaka had to remove pus from his hand last week after it had swollen quite badly while Shakib was playing the Asia Cup in the UAE last month.”The report is good. The infection is under control. Full recovery will take time though,” Shakib told after he spent the last two days at a hospital in Melbourne under Dr Greg Hoy.After he completes the antibiotics course, Dr Hoy will have another look at the infected finger before prescribing the next course of action. According to the rehabilitation process, Shakib will be out of action for three months but if the pain subsides, he may not need further surgery.
Glasgow Rangers secured a confidence-boosting win in midweek against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, and it sets them up nicely to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Goals from Danilo and Todd Cantwell were enough to see off the Czech side at Ibrox and manager Philippe Clement will be hoping for more of the same against Livingston on Sunday.
The Light Blues find themselves eight points adrift of Celtic, although they have a game in hand and the way they are playing under the Belgian, this gap could be cut before Christmas with some luck.
Against Livingston in the Premiership on Sunday, Clement will be looking to rotate his team who sent Sparta packing from Glasgow.
Four changes from that midweek side could be expected in certain areas. Here’s the manager’s predicted XI…
1 GK – Jack Butland
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland
Jack Butland has been in inspired form this campaign for the Light Blues, proving himself to be one of the few transfers that Michael Beale managed to get right during the summer.
The Gers have conceded just six goals in the Premiership so far this term – the best defensive record in the division – and much of it has to do with how good Butland has been between the posts.
2 RB – James Tavernier
James Tavernier
Captain fantastic. James Tavernier will once again lead the Gers out for a match, and he has missed just one match so far this term, against Morton in the League Cup back in August, as he was given a rest.
The right-back has already scored ten goals this season across 21 matches, while grabbing three assists, and he is certainly showing no signs of slowing down.
3 CB – Connor Goldson
Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
Like Tavernier, Connor Goldson has missed just one match all season and that was back in August against Livingston.
He is arguably the finest defender at the club and his experience will be vital under Clement, especially if the Light Blues aim to win a trophy or two during the current campaign.
4 CB – Leon Balogun
Rangers defender Leon Balogun.
Ben Davies will drop to the bench from the tie against Sparta and in his place comes Leon Balogun.
The Nigerian re-signed for the club during the summer on a one-year deal having enjoyed a spell between 2020-2022, and he has made two appearances under Clement so far, with the club conceding just one goal when Balogun was on the pitch.
5 LB – Ridvan Yilmaz
Ridvan Yilmaz
Ridvan Yilmaz was foolishly left out of the Europa League squad by Beale, leaving Clement short on cover in that area should Borna Barisic get injured.
The Croatian has started the previous two matches and this could allow Yilmaz to come in for a rare start as he hopes to take his chance under the Belgian following a topsy-turvy campaign so far.
6 CM – John Lundstram
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram.
The midfielder looked back to his best during the victory over Sparta on Thursday evening and if he can replicate his European form from the stunning run to the final of the Europa League in 2022, then Clement will have a player ready to go through brick walls for the club.
Lundstram was dribbled past just once in midweek, and he will be given another start against Livingston.
7 CM – Jose Cifuentes
Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuentes
While Ryan Jack has looked back to his best under the Belgian recently, staying clear of any niggling injuries which have cost him games in the past, he could be given a well-deserved rest against Livingston.
This would open the door for Jose Cifuentes to come in and operate alongside Lundstram in the heart of the midfield.
The Ecuadorian has yet to really get into his groove following his move from Los Angeles FC during the summer transfer window, but he has all the required abilities to be a roaring success at the Gers once he hits the ground running.
8 RW – Ross McCausland
Rangers winger Ross McCausland.
The young winger made his debut for the senior side back in 2022 against Hearts, but it has only been in the last few weeks that he has established himself as part of the first-team squad.
He has yet to start in the league but has emerged off the bench four times and has created one big chance while averaging 1.3 key passes per game, showcasing his excellent talents and a start is more than he deserves.
The youngster was dubbed as a “spark” by journalist Josh Bunting following his impressive cameo against the Czech outfit, and he could cause the Livi defence all sorts of problems should he be unleashed.
9 AM – Todd Cantwell
Todd Cantwell
The former Norwich City man scored his first goal of the season against Sparta, curling a low shot beyond their keeper and this should hopefully be the catalyst which gives him confidence heading into the next few months.
The Englishman was deployed out on the right-hand side of the attacking unit once again in midweek, but due to Sam Lammers failing to impress, he should start in the number ten role, a spot where he can significantly impress.
10 LW – Abdallah Sima
Rangers winger Abdallah Sima.
The on-loan Brighton and Hove Albion starlet has been wonderful since joining during the summer, scoring nine goals across 21 matches, and his creativity and pace have given the Gers a solid attacking threat on the left wing.
With Ryan Kent departing in the summer, Beale needed a player who could replace him and Sima has done a stellar job thus far.
فاز منتخب مصر الأولمبي على نظيره الإسباني، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024.
منتخب مصر واجه إسبانيا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثالثة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الثالثة، في أولمبياد باريس.
واستطاع منتخب مصر الفوز على إسبانيا، بنتيجة 2-1 سجلهما إبراهيم عادل، ليتأهل متصدرًا لترتيب المجموعة.
طالع.. فيديو | منتخب مصر يفوز على إسبانيا ويتصدر مجموعته في أولمبياد باريس 2024
وبهذا الفوز، يتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة، برصيد 7 نقاط من فوزين وتعادل، يضمن تأهله إلي دور ربع النهائي في الصدارة.
كما تأهل منتخب إسبانيا، في المركز الثاني لـ مجموعة مصر، برصيد 6 نقاط حيث حقق فوزين على الدومينيكان وأوزبكستان.
وكان منتخب مصر تعادل مع الدومينيكان في الجولة الأولى سلبيًا، حقق الانتصار في مباراة الجولة الثانية أمام أوزبكستان بهدف دون رد.
ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع وصيف المجموعة الرابعة التي تضم كل من مالي واليابان وباراجواي والكيان الصهيوني.
يذكر أن منتخب الدومينيكان تعادل مع أوزبكستان إيجابياً 1-1 في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم، في إطار مواجهات نفس الجولة لدور المجموعات، ليودع الثنائي منافسات أولمبياد باريس. ترتيب مجموعة مصر في أولمبياد باريس
1- مصر 7 نقاط.
2- إسبانيا 6 نقاط.
3- الدومينيكان نقطتين.
4- أوزبكستان نقطة واحدة.
يمكنكم متابعة ترتيب مجموعات منافسات كرة القدم في أولمبياد باريس 2024 محدث باستمرار
Leeds United underwent a summer of change as new faces came in behind the scenes and on the pitch following relegation down to the Championship.
The Whites spent three seasons in the Premier League and dropped out of the top-flight at the end of last season after Sam Allardyce came in and failed to save the day.
They reacted to that disappointment with a swoop to appoint German head coach Daniel Farke to lead them back to the big time by the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Leeds' 2023 summer signings
Player
Type of deal
Joel Piroe
Permanent
Ethan Ampadu
Permanent
Ilia Gruev
Permanent
Glen Kamara
Permanent
Karl Darlow
Permanent
Sam Byram
Free
Djed Spence
Loan
Joe Rodon
Loan
Jaidon Anthony
Loan
As you can see in the table above, the Yorkshire-based outfit backed the former Norwich City tactician with nine new signings to bolster his playing squad, after the likes of Max Wober, Rodrigo, Rasmus Kristensen, and Robin Koch, among others, moved elsewhere.
Farke has proven his worth at this level, with two Championship titles at Carrow Road, and looked to strengthen his side at the top end of the pitch with the signing of Piroe.
However, the Dutch marksman was the only striker who was brought in and that has left Patrick Bamford as the back up to the ex-Swansea man and Georginio Rutter.
This appears to be a glaring weakness within the current squad after the former England international produced his latest disaster in the 1-0 defeat to Stoke on Wednesday night.
Patrick Bamford's performance against Stoke
The former Middlesbrough number nine was brought on for Piroe with 20 minutes left to play against the Potters with the score at 0-0, seemingly with the hope that he would be able to go and win the game for the Whites.
It appeared to be the perfect start for the English forward as he won a penalty just minutes after coming off the bench. Rutter played a fantastic ball through to the striker and Ben Pearson was adjudged to have fouled him after going to ground in the box.
He then had the confidence to step up and take the spot-kick himself, instead of Rutter or Crysencio Summerville, but fired it comfortably over the crossbar after the goalkeeper dived the opposite way.
Bamford attempted to lift his strike into the top left corner and put far too much on it in what appeared to be a very relaxed effort from the experienced attacker.
Journalist Phil Hay described the miss as "hugely costly" for Leeds and this is not the first time that has been the case for the ex-Norwich loanee as he has now missed his last three penalties for the club.
To make matters worse, the centre-forward then played a part in what turned out to be the winning goal for the home side. The Leeds dud allowed Wesley to get the better of him at the front post from a corner and the Brazilian ace's header came back off the crossbar and in via Pascal Struijk's shoulder.
It was, therefore, a disastrous cameo from Bamford as he missed a golden opportunity to seal all three points for Farke's team before contributing, albeit as part of a collective mistake to not deal with the set-piece, to Stoke's winner.
The Whites head coach must now finally bin the 30-year-old dud in January after they failed to move him on during the recent summer transfer window.
It was reported that Bamford was 'ready' to part ways with the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as Farke was evaluating his squad. However, no switch materialised for the former Chelsea academy graduate and he remained at Elland Road.
The 6 foot 1 striker has failed to score or provide an assist in five league outings this season and has proven himself to be a worse option than Piroe, who has struggled of late.
The statistics that show Piroe is better than Bamford
Leeds brought the talented marksman in from Championship rivals Swansea City during the summer window and he has hit the ground running in Yorkshire.
Piroe has produced five goals in ten league outings for the Whites since his move from Wales and is currently the club's top goalscorer in the league, with one more than Summerville and at least three more than every other player.
This shows that the 24-year-old finisher has been a superb addition to the squad as Farke's go-to man for goals so far this season alongside Summerville.
However, the impressive ace has hit a lull in form with one goal in his last five Championship appearances for the club, with two 'big chances' missed during those matches.
He is a proven performer at this level, though, and will, hopefully, get back to his goalscoring ways after two sublime seasons with Swansea. The left-footed whiz scored 19 league goals during the 2022/23 campaign and that came off the back of 22 strikes throughout his debut year in English football.
Despite his recent struggles in front of goal, Piroe is still a far superior option to Bamford, due to his five-goal haul so far this campaign and the ex-England international's disappointing form over the last 18 months or so.
Bamford's statistics last season
The left-footed liability came into this season off the back of a poor year at Premier League level as his team were relegated back down to the Championship.
Bamford scored four goals in 28 top-flight outings, which came after two goals in nine during the 2021/22 campaign, and missed a whopping 13 'big chances' in total.
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford.
His teammates created 8.61 xG (Expected Goals) worth of opportunities for him at the top end of the pitch but he was only able to make the most of four chances.
The Whites number nine did not return the favour to his fellow attackers as he ended the season with an xA (Expected Assists) of 0.86, and created one 'big chance'.
These statistics suggest that Bamford let the team down with his performances last season as he did not take advantage of the chances that fell his way.
Taking his displays over the last 18 months into account, along with Piroe being a considerably better option, Farke must now finally bin Bamford after a prolonged spell of underperformance in January, if possible, after a move did not go ahead in the summer.
Xavi could reportedly make a shock U-turn as the Barcelona manager seeks specific "project guarantees" from Joan Laporta to stay on beyond the summer.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Xavi has announced his intention to resign this summer
Barca board keen to hold on to him
The manager allegedly seeking assurances
WHAT HAPPENED?
Xavi sent shockwaves through the club when he announced his decision to step down at the end of the season, citing the job as "cruel" while expressing concern over his mental well-being. However, amidst an impressive 11-match unbeaten run, which includes progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, support for retaining Xavi has been gaining momentum in the upper echelons of the Catalan club.
Barca president Laporta, in an effort to retain the 44-year-old manager, has expressed his desire to persuade Xavi to continue leading the team. Vice-president Rafa Yuste echoed Laporta's sentiments and emphasised that the club legend should continue given his understanding of the club's objectives and his autonomy in making the final decision.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to Xavi is seeking specific assurances regarding the club's long-term project from Laporta and the rest of the board. The manager wants a well-chalked-out transfer shortlist with players who can be brought on board keeping in mind the financial issues of the club. He is unwilling to reach out to potential targets just for the sake of it and end up empty-handed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Spanish outlet reported that Laporta's confidence in Xavi's coaching abilities stems from his proven track record in developing young talents and fostering a cohesive team environment. The manager's rapport with both emerging prospects and seasoned veterans is well-appreciated by the executive members of the club.
Moreover, Laporta envisions a collaborative partnership between Xavi and sporting director Deco, leveraging their mutual understanding and strategic alignment to propel the club forward.
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WHAT NEXT?
Xavi has a contract with Barcelona until 2025 and Laporta wants him to honour it. There is also an option to extend it by another year and the club could potentially exercise it if positive results continue. A win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League will propel them to the last-four stage of the competition and if they indeed manage to outshine the Parisians, the voices clamouring for Xavi to stay will only get louder.
Aston Villa recorded yet another comfortable Premier League victory on the weekend, this time at home to West Ham United, and Unai Emery is building something very special at Villa Park.
The 4-1 win lifts them to fifth in the table and the Spaniard will be pleased by how effective they were in front of goal against David Moyes’ men, who have conceded three or more goals on only two occasions this season.
Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League?
The mood at the club is like night and day compared to this stage last season. Steven Gerrard had failed to inspire the team, and he was sacked in October, with Emery stepping in.
Since then, Villa have qualified for Europe via a seventh placed finish and have managed to lure players such as Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres, and Moussa Diaby to the club, signalling a major statement of intent.
Diaby became Villa’s most expensive signing when arriving in the summer, costing a staggering £51.9m and he has already registered five goal contributions – two goals and three assists – across 12 matches.
If he maintains this type of form, along with the others at Villa, Emery could realistically challenge for a top four spot and with it, a first foray into Europe’s elite competition since 1982/83.
Although Diaby has settled in well so far, could the former Arsenal boss unleash a player who has actually outscored him this season and appears to be returning to his best?
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey.
Step forward Leon Bailey.
How good has Leon Bailey been for Aston Villa this season?
The winger joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, yet his first season was disrupted by injuries as he made just 18 appearances, scoring once.
Last season the 5 foot 10 ace finally became a more consistent performer, featuring in 36 matches while registering nine goal contributions and this has laid the foundations for his successful start to the 2023/24 campaign.
Across just 12 games so far, Bailey has scored five times and grabbed two assists, flourishing in Emery’s system, and he has, therefore, scored more than Diaby this term.
He came off the bench against West Ham on the weekend and enjoyed a wonderful cameo. The 26-year-old completed 100% of his attempted passes while succeeding with his only dribble attempt and taking two shots during his time on the pitch.
He was rewarded for his intensity by scoring a wonderful goal to cap off an excellent victory and Emery should seriously consider unleashing the Jamaican international for the Europa Conference League tie against AZ Alkmaar.
Journalist Josh Bunting lavished praise on the former Leverkusen star for his “stunning” goal against West Ham while also claiming that his “footwork is sensational” following a solid cameo.
Emery must finally unleash him from the first whistle against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening, with his last start coming on the 5th of October, as he could build on his performance against the Hammers and continue his impressive start to the season.
Villa are on a high right now and Bailey could continue his fine form with a start during the week, whilst it would also provide Diaby with a rest ahead of the weekend.
Newcastle United have been left threadbare after an injury crisis, which could see up to 11 first-team players ruled out heading into Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Read more: Latest Newcastle injury news
As such, Eddie Howe will be keen to strengthen his ranks come January, particularly in midfield, where Sandro Tonali has left a huge void after picking up a 10-month suspension.
Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves had been mooted as a potential replacement for the Italian, but The Atheltic recently confirmed that he is expected to remain in Saudi Arabia, at least until the end of the season.
Although, the recent Premier League vote on a loan ban between associated clubs failed, so technically there is still a possibility.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has taken a look at five midfielders Newcastle could sign in January.
Scott McTominay – Manchester United
West Ham could provide competition for his signature
Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to the North East club in the past and the Mirror ran a report in October claiming that he is among a four-man shortlist for the January transfer window.
The towering midfielder has netted three times in nine league outings this season and has been in prolific goalscoring form for Scotland, scoring seven goals in Euro qualifying.
McTominay was subjected to a bid from West Ham United in the summer and the Hammers could return with a second proposal this winter.
That would only drive the price up for the Magpies which could force them to explore other midfield alternatives…
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City
The 27-year-old is eager to find regular football
According to ESPN, Newcastle are lining up a proposal for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also being monitored by European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The England international has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football this term and is eager to find regular opportunities ahead of the Euros next summer.
It remains to be seen whether any forthcoming deal will be a permanent or loan, though, City will likely want to recoup as much of the £42m they outlaid as possible.
Phillips' game time since moving to Man City
Season
Appearances
Starts
2022/23
21
4
2023/24
8
1
Amadou Onana – Everton
The former Lille midfielder could be sold to ease financial pressures
As reported by The Athletic, Newcastle United have previously had Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on their transfer shortlist and could materialise their interest in January given Everton's financial position.
The Toffees have recently been deducted 10 points and could face further punishment with Leeds United, Leicester City and Burnley all set to sue the Merseyside club.
One of Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite will likely depart in the next year to ease the club's financial concerns which could allow the Magpies to land the Belgian international's signature at a discounted price.
Though, TEAMtalk claim Everton remain well-positioned to keep hold of their prized assets and won't accept any cut-price offers.
João Palhinha – Fulham
The former Sporting midfielder came close to a summer exit
Fulham's João Palhinha was another midfielder namechecked in The Athletic's October report, though, the publication did note that the deal is 'potentially unrealistic'.
Bayern Munich were close to signing the 23-cap Portugal international for a reported £55m in the summer before the deal collapsed.
The Cottagers will clearly want a similar fee should they sanction a January exit, meaning the Tynesiders will have to outlay a sizable fee, which is perhaps non-viable.
The 28-year-old is under contract until June 2028.
Palhinha career path
Date
Left
Joined
Fee
12th August, 2015
Sporting B
Moreirense FC
Loan
30th June, 2016
Moreirense FC
Sporting B
End of loan
1st July, 2016
Sporting B
Sporting CP
–
9th August, 2016
Sporting CP
CF Os Belenenses
Loan
4th January, 2017
CF Os Belenenses
Sporting CP
End of loan
7th August, 2018
Sporting CP
SC Braga
Loan
31st July, 2020
SC Braga
Sporting CP
End of loan
4th July, 2022
Sporting CP
Fulham
£18.2m
André Almeida – Valencia
The Portugal youth international impressed against England's Under-21s
The Athletic further notes that Valencia's André Almeida could be targetted this winter, with the Spanish outfit potentially in need of raising cash.
The 23-year-old has represented Portugal at every age level and impressed against England in the Under-21 European Championships quarter-final in the summer.
He is thought to be worth around £20m, which could be a more feasible option than some of the aforementioned names. Despite Newcastle's significant wealth, they must operate shrewdly in the market with Financial Fair Play looming.
Whilst the focus will be on Manchester United's continued capitulation under Erik ten Hag, the fact that Newcastle United's 3-0 thrashing of the Red Devils at Old Trafford came as no surprise just about sums up how far the Magpies have come. Eddie Howe's side are now into the last eight of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Chelsea in the hope of continuing their run to a second consecutive final.
Last season, of course, Newcastle suffered Wembley heartbreak thanks to Wednesday's opposition. With both Manchester clubs now out of the competition, those at St James' Park stand every chance of ending their wait for silverware. They may have to reach the final without one particular player, however, after a recent injury update emerged.
Newcastle United injury news
In a season that has already seen them defeat Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League, Newcastle have endured some frustrating bad luck when it comes to injuries. Howe is already without Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman through injury, as well as Sandro Tonali through long-term suspension. Now the Newcastle boss has been dealt another damning blow after Matt Targett limped off against Manchester United after just three minutes of action.
Speaking about the injury, Howe said, via The Northern Echo: "I have no idea why or how it happened. It's bizarre. It's early in the game and he's not fatigued at that moment. He's stretched his leg up to tackle and instantly the minute he hit the ground he was waving to us and knew he was in trouble. It looks like a hamstring which would be a huge blow.
"The only hope for me is he wasn't really running at the time. Sometimes they're the worst ones when you're in an explosive action, but he was in pain and he's struggling to walk now so it doesn't look good."
How Newcastle can replace "very good" Matt Targett
Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United.
As the injuries continue to build for Howe and Newcastle, they must come up with solutions. Targett's blow will particularly frustrate the Magpies, given the fact that he can also fill in for midfielders – as he was supposed to do against Manchester United before being forced off within three minutes. The former Aston Villa man has been unlucky with injuries at Newcastle and looks set for another spell on the sidelines as the festive fixtures begin to come one after another in the next two months.
Howe will likely slot Dan Burn straight back into his starting place whilst also turning to the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall to provide cover in the versatile full-back/wing-back hybrid roles.
Targett, meanwhile, will be looking to get back as soon as possible and fight for his place. At his best, the left-back has impressed at the club, earning the praise of The Athletic's Chris Waugh, who posted on X last year that the former Aston Villa player was "very good" during a clash against Liverpool.
The Atletico Madrid loanee turned in a memorable performance as Xavi's side picked up three important points
Occasionally, a version of Joao Felix shows up; the one that bamboozles defences, creates chances and looks every bit the "next big thing" he was supposed to be. And he appeared here, scoring once, setting up countless other opportunities, and running the show as Barcelona edged Cadiz 1-0.
He opened the scoring for the Blaugrana, finding the bottom corner with an acrobatic volley. Fermin Lopez came within inches of doubling the Barca advantage on the stroke of half-time, but saw his effort cleared off the line.
Cadiz came close to leveling things after the break, when Juanmi put the ball in the net – but saw his strike ruled out due to offside. Otherwise, though, it was Felix's game, the Atletico Madrid loanee running the game, and cranking an effort of his own narrowly off the post.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen made one crucial stop late on – a full stretch lunge to keep out a speculative effort that seemed destined for the top corner. The Blaugrana were otherwise relatively secure, and their attention now turns to a crucial Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla…
Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Some of his distribution was lacking, but he made the necessary saves – including one immense stop late in the second half.
Hector Fort (7/10):
A rare appearance from the youngster, who impressed despite being on his weaker foot. Showed enough to earn more minutes.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
One or two unsteady moments at the back, but had the pace to recover. A solid hour.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
Questionable to hand him the start, especially given his recent workload. Still, some of his passing was wonderful and he looked more than comfortable. What a talent.
Marcos Alonso (6/10):
Tidy at left-back in his first league start since September 2023. Good to see him get 90 minutes.
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Getty
Midfield
Oriol Romeu (5/10):
Sat at the base of midfield, won some tackles, lost some others. Kept it simple in possession, ate up minutes. Job done. He's little more than an agreeable backup.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Denied a goal by a fine piece of defensive work. Full of energy on and off the ball – although he could be more accurate in his passing.
Sergi Roberto (7/10):
A valuable veteran's performance from the captain, who seemed gutted to pick up a suspension for the second leg of the Blaugrana's Champions League fixture. Setup Felix well, and looked for the forward pass.
Getty
Attack
Ferran Torres (6/10):
A welcome return to the starting XI from "the shark." Had a couple of half chances, worked hard and looked mostly sharp in a promising 90 minutes.
Vitor Roque (5/10):
Energetic through the middle as he looked to impress in his second La Liga start. Didn't get the kind of service he needed to impress.
Joao Felix (8/10):
What a goal from the Portuguese! Probably the best player on the pitch, full of energy and creativity. Why doesn't he do this more often?
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Subs & Manager
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Given a chance to impress at centre-back. Did his work well.
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Bamboozled the defence with pace and trickery in his 30 minutes on the pitch.
Pedri (6/10):
Not a bad option off the bench. Played some thoroughly silly passes.
Raphinha (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Marc Casado (N/A):
No time to make an impact in his second La Liga appearance.
Xavi (7/10):
Rotated heavily with one eye on the second leg of the Champions League tie. Got a top-class performance out of Felix, though, which largely sealed things.
Apesar das dificuldades, o Palmeiras bateu, neste domingo (27), o Red Bull Bragantino por 1 a 0. Após o confronto, o treinador alviverde, Abel Ferreira, concedeu uma entrevista coletiva, na qual destacou o esforço dos jogadores que, apesar das dificuldades, conseguiram assegurar a vitória.
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– As mudanças que fizemos foi pensando no que era melhor pra este jogo. Felizmente estamos em todas competições, mas estamos perdendo muitos jogadores por isso. Perdemos o Mayke e o Zé Rafael, e já tínhamos perdido o Ramires e o Felipe Melo. Não é fácil ficar mudando a equipe e manter a dinâmica. Temos dois dias pra preparar o nosso jogo em contexto de recuperação, enquanto nosso adversário tem a semana toda. Logicamente, a condição física conta, principalmente na segunda parte, mas fizemos nosso papel. Hoje foi preciso usar o perfume do suor, hoje não deu pra nota artística, deu pra usar o suor. Mais três pontos e continuamos na luta.
Além disso, o português comentou sobre os problemas gerados pela maratona de jogos que a equipe alviverde enfrenta.
>>Abel Ferreira ressalta qualidade do RB Bragantino após vitória por 1 a 0: “não sei como está equipe está apenas em décimo segundo lugar”
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– Temos tido muitos obstáculos. Desde que cheguei, não tive o elenco todo à disposição. Voltaram dois hoje, o Luís e o Patrick, mas deixamos três de fora, o Rony, Zé Rafael e Mayke. Hoje devíamos descansar o Menino e meter o Mayke, o Rocha também vem de quatro jogos seguidos. Temos que gerir isso, não há milagre. Vocês vêm os grandes treinadores da Europa reclamando da densidade competitiva, faço o desafio a eles, quando vierem treinar aqui vão ver o que é densidade competitiva. Cumprimos o nosso papel, faturamos mais três pontos, tá feito.
Com a vitória, o Palmeiras chegou aos 44 pontos e se aproximou do G4 do Brasileirão. A equipe de Abel Ferreira entra em campo novamente contra o América-MG, nesta terça-feira (30), às 21h30 (horário de Brasília), pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil.