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Manchester City proved far too strong for Borussia Dortmund in a commanding 4-1 Champions League win at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland once again scoring against his former club. Phil Foden’s brace drove Pep Guardiola’s side to a dominant victory, forcing Dortmund coach Niko Kovac and key players to acknowledge they are "not yet at that level".

• Man City outclass Dortmund at the Etihad

  City extended their formidable Champions League home form with a convincing 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, handing the German side their first defeat in the competition. The English star Foden opened the scoring after 22 minutes before the Norwegian hero Haaland, captaining City for the night, once again punished his former club with a clinical finish for 2-0 at the end of the first half.

  City controlled large portions of the match with their trademark tempo and positional play, leaving Dortmund frequently pinned deep and struggling to regain composure. Foden struck again early in the second half, capping another sweeping attacking phase to make it 3-0, before Waldemar Anton pulled one back for Dortmund in the 72nd minute. Any hope of a late push evaporated when Rayan Cherki restored City's three-goal cushion in stoppage time.

  It was a performance that not only highlighted City’s depth and structure, but also showed the gulf between a side pushing for European glory and a Dortmund team still trying to establish consistency under Kovac.

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  Kovac and Co. admit city 'outplayed' Dortmund

  Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck spoke bluntly about the defeat, telling : “We played well for the first 15 minutes, then we let City control the game for 20 minutes. They practically outplayed us at times. We deserved to lose because we simply weren't good enough.”

  Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel added that Dortmund started brightly but faded too quickly, saying: “I had the feeling there was a dip in our performance before the 1-0 goal. But I don't understand why. Up until then, we were playing really well… I think four goals in the end is too many.”

  While their boss Kovac did not sugarcoat the result either, and heaped a lot of praises for the Premier League club: “We’re certainly a very good team in the Bundesliga and we reached the Champions League quarterfinals. But you have to say and acknowledge that this is a world-class team. We're not yet at that level, that has to be said. That's not a bad thing, because we have to be honest. We want to get there. To achieve that, we have to improve and work every day.”

• Foden’s influence and Haaland’s familiar finishing

  City’s attacking dominance again revolved around Foden’s intelligence between the lines and Haaland’s clinical finishing. Foden is increasingly becoming the rhythm-setter for Guardiola’s system, drifting centrally to overwhelm Dortmund’s midfield shape. His two goals reflected both his composure and City’s ability to exploit space once control was established.

  Haaland, meanwhile, once again proved decisive against his old club, and with his goal, the 18th of his season in all competitions only highlighted how relentless his scoring form remains.

  Kovac also pointed to City's sharper passing, more fluid movement and greater collective discipline as the key differences: "We didn't create the chances we would have liked. Then we were simply too passive, conceding three goals from outside the penalty area. A deserved defeat. You could see the difference. City's passing was much cleaner than ours. Against teams like this, you have to defend better."

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  City strengthen European push as Dortmund regroup

  As Guardiola prepares his side for a crucial Premier League meeting with Liverpool next, the victory reinforced City’s return to fluency and sharpness in possession, traits that define their best phases under the Catalan manager.

  City are now fourth in the Champions League table and looking increasingly like the title contenders of recent seasons.

  Dortmund, meanwhile, must respond quickly to avoid stalling, as their next challenge comes in the Bundesliga against Hamburg, where the objective will be both physical recovery and restoring confidence. The defeat at the Etihad revealed areas Dortmund must address, defensive compactness, midfield resistance under pressure, and the capacity to maintain intensity across 90 minutes.

Leeds United endured a frustrating return after the international break, though their defeat to Burnley was marred by an alleged incident involving Hannibal Mejbri.

Leeds lose out against Burnley at Turf Moor

Clashes between newly-promoted sides tend to be combative in nature, and that was certainly the case as Scott Parker’s Clarets saw off the challenge laid before them by Daniel Farke to take all three points at Turf Moor.

Brenden Aaronsen was one of several underperformers on the day for the Whites in what became a forgettable occasion for the visitors despite their vastly superior chances, leaving them three points above the Premier League relegation zone with eight matches played.

After the match, Farke made it clear that his side won the statistical battle on the day and can feel hard done by that they didn’t take something in Lancashire, though conceded that goals win games when all is said and done.

He said: “You can’t have better statistics than we did today in an away game in the Premier League. When Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City travel here even they won’t have better statistics. We won each and every statistic but in football it is also just about goals. They were more effective than us today.”

Nevertheless, Burnley midfielder Hannibal was at the centre of an alleged spitting incident after a complaint was lodged from a supporter in the Leeds United section.

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BBC reporter Adam Pope said on X: “Leeds United are aware of an allegation of spitting by a Burnley player believed to be Hannibal. The authorities are investigating after a complaint was made from a supporter in the Leeds United section at Turf Moor.”

With that in mind and an investigation now launched, further developments have come to light regarding the potential consequences of yesterday’s controversy if he is to be cited.

Hannibal Mejbri could be suspended if found guilty

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former referee Keith Hackett has said Hannibal could be banned for a minimum of three matches if the allegation of spitting relating is found to be true after the investigation takes place.

Ultimately, nobody wants to see this sort of incident emerge in the aftermath of any football match. For now, it will be down to the authorities to conclude exactly what happened and to dish out the appropriate punishment.

Now, Leeds will take some time to prepare for the visit of West Ham United next Friday, offering another major opportunity to stray further away from the relegation zone after a mixed start to the campaign.

Farke’s side don’t have any problems when it comes to chance creation, but the German coach will hope his side can tighten up at the back before the Hammers make their way to Elland Road.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a saída de Murillo para o Nottingham Forest, da Inglaterra, um espaço foi aberto na zaga do Corinthians para o jogo de volta das quartas de final da Conmebol Sul-Americana, contra o Estudiantes, da Argentina, nesta terça-feira (29). Lucas Veríssimo e Caetano são os atletas que disputam a posição para entrar no lugar do agora ex-atleta corintiano.

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Contratado para ser titular, Veríssimo é uma escolha mais lógica, mas o fato de jogar pelo lado esquerdo pode ser um trunfo para Caetano ‘beliscar’ um espaço no jogo mais importante do ano para o Timão.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A dupla de zaga preferida do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo era formada por Gil e Murillo. Eles, inclusive, foram poupados no empate com o Goiás, no último sábado (26), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, e no dia seguinte fizeram um trabalho específico com Maurício Copertino, auxiliar de Luxa.

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Luxemburgo tem um carinho especial por Gil, tendo ”bancado” o jogador até mesmo no seu pior momento na temporada, quando o atleta foi cobrado fortemente por torcedores do clube alvinegro em um hotel em Belo Horizonte, após uma derrota para o América-MG, pela Copa do Brasil.

O entendimento de Luxemburgo é que a evolução do camisa 4 se deu a partir de quando ele foi fixado definitivamente como zagueiro pela direita. A alternância de sistemas, com o defensor atuando em linha de três, na sobra, e também nos dois lados, acabou prejudicando o profissional, no entendimento da comissão técnica. Assim, há o receio em modificar novamente o posicionamento dele justamente em uma partida decisiva.

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Caetano é visto como um zagueiro com características semelhantes às de Murillo, principalmente por jogar pela esquerda e por ser técnico com a bola. E isso pode ser fundamental para o camisa 14 ganhar um espaço no time corintiano em La Plata.

Quanto a Veríssimo, além da ‘grife’, pesam a favor as atuações contra Cruzeiro e Goiás, onde foi titular e, mesmo não tendo vencido, se destacou nas ações defensivas.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras acaba de lançar em sua TV oficial no Youtube, um lindo documentário sobre a história de uma comunidade que nasceu em Kumasi, Gana, muito por causa do amor de um ganês pelo Verdão.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Batizada de Palmeiras Family, tudo começou porque Abdul Kudus Zakaria, herdou uma camisa do Palmeiras de seu irmão. Ao passear pelo país africano com a camisa do Maior Campeão do Brasil, começou a ser chamado de ‘Palmeiras!’ por onde passava.

A relação do ganês com o alviverde imponente só foi aumentando de 2006 pra cá, e a identificação com o atual campeão brasileiro foi tanta, que ele decidiu montar uma comunidade em Kumasi com o nome de Palmeiras Family.

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A história chegou ao Palmeiras, e o marketing do Verdão decidiu enviar uma equipe até Gana para que essa história fosse contada nos mínimos detalhes.

O Verdão também enviou o Periquito, seu mascote oficial, e uma mala lotada de uniformes completos para que os ganeses pudessem jogar como se fossem o Palmeiras.

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+ Deyverson celebra reencontro com Palmeiras, mas avisa: ‘Estou pronto para a lei do ex!’

Diversos jogadores também gravaram mensagens para os africanos e a emocionante história você pode assistir no documentário abaixo:

MatériaMais Notícias

Palmeiras e Flamengo se enfrentam neste sábado (8), às 21h, no Allianz Parque, pela 14ª rodada do Brasileirão. A rivalidade do confronto tem aumentado ano após ano com a sequência de decisões disputadas entre os times, mas também por estarem dominando o topo do futebol brasileiro nas última temporadas. Historicamente, o Verdão leva vantagem no duelo, mas se pegarmos o recorte do Campeonato Brasileiro por pontos corridos, disputado desde 2003, o retrospecto apresenta um equilíbrio que chama muito a atenção com números de vitórias, derrotas e empates exatamente iguais.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A história desse embate começou em março de 1929, com uma vitória flamenguista por 1 a 0 diante do Palestra Itália. Ali começou a contagem para os 125 jogos entres os clubes. Até aqui são 48 vitórias do Palmeiras, 42 vitórias do Flamengo e 35 empates. São 204 gols palmeirenses contra 184 dos rubro-negros.

Talvez a mais importante partida dessa história quase centenária seja a final da Libertadores de 2021, quando Palmeiras e Flamengo se enfrentaram em Montevidéu, no Uruguai, em busca da glória eterna. Depois de empatarem em 1 a 1 no tempo normal com gols de Raphael Veiga e Gabigol, Deyverson balançou a rede para garantir o título alviverde na prorrogação.

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QUAL FOI O ÚLTIMO JOGO ENTRE PALMEIRAS E FLAMENGO?

Já o mais recente encontro entre as equipes aconteceu em janeiro de 2023, em Brasília, quando se enfrentaram pela Supercopa do Brasil, que colocou frente a frente o campeão brasileiro de 2022 (Palmeiras) contra o campeão da Copa do Brasil de 2022 (Flamengo). Quem se deu melhor foi o Verdão, que venceu por 4 a 3 e levantou a taça no Mané Garrincha.

Mas se pegarmos apenas o recorte do Campeonato Brasileiro por pontos corridos, disputado desde 2003, teremos um retrospecto extremamente equilibrado, que chama muito a atenção. Foram 36 partidas entre Alviverde e Rubro-Negro nesse período, com 12 vitórias do Palmeiras, 12 vitórias do Flamengo e 12 empates. Sim, o jogo deste sábado será um tira-teima para saber quem tem o melhor retrospecto no atual formato do Brasileirão.

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+ Receitas, despesas e dívida: compare as finanças milionárias de Palmeiras e Flamengo

No entanto, se pegarmos a sequência atual, é o Flamengo quem leva vantagem, pois está invicto há dez jogos contra o Verdão pelo Brasileirão. A última vitória palmeirense foi em 2017, com um 2 a 0 no Allianz Parque. De lá para cá são cinco vitórias flamenguistas e cinco empates. Em contrapartida, entre junho de 2010 e setembro de 2019, o Rubro-Negro venceu apenas uma vez em um intervalo de 15 duelos.

Somando todas as competições, porém, é o Palmeiras que vive uma sequência invicta de quatro jogos, com duas vitórias e dois empates), sendo que os dois triunfos valeram os títulos da Libertadores e da Supercopa do Brasil. A última derrota palmeirense no confronto foi em setembro de 2021, quando perdeu por 3 a 1, no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão.

Números gerais do confronto entre Palmeiras x Flamengo:

125 jogos
48 vitórias do Palmeiras
42 vitórias do Flamengo
35 empates

Números do confronto pelo Brasileirão por pontos corridos:

36 jogos
12 vitórias do Palmeiras
12 vitórias do Flamengo
12 empates

Tudo sobre

FlamengoPalmeiras

Fabrizio Romano has tipped Tottenham to sign two forwards, with chairman Daniel Levy and co making a decision on Richarlison’s future at the club.

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Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now welcomed playmaker Xavi Simons to N17 from RB Leipzig, after Spurs struck an overnight agreement for the Dutchman worth around £52 million.

After missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in humiliating fashion, Simons’ arrival comes as a much-needed boost to inject positivity ahead of what will be an interesting last three days of the window.

The 22-year-old bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last season, despite missing a chunk of the early-campaign with ankle ligament damage.

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has alluded to sources in Germany claiming that Simons has attitude concerns, but this may just be paper talk, and supporters can expect a “silky” new playmaker capable of making a serious contribution in the final third.

In terms of other business that Levy, Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and Fabio Paratici could conduct before the September 1 cut off time, it has been widely reported that Tottenham want a new defender and a new winger too.

Spurs were in lengthy talks to sign Savinho from Man City, but must now look at alternatives as Pep Guardiola’s side adopt a firm ‘not for sale’ stance.

The Lilywhites are still actively pursuing a centre-back too, with City’s Manuel Akanji on their list of targets heading into deadline day.

Tottenham tipped to sign two forwards with Richarlison decision made

Speaking on Men in Blazers earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that he expects Tottenham to sign two new options up front before the end of the season, with Levy and co making a call on Richarlison’s future.

It’s actually good news for Spurs supporters, because Romano expects Frank’s side to sign a forward duo on top of Richarlison – who won’t be going anywhere this summer.

The 28-year-old, after a difficult 2024/2025 marred by injury, is beginning to hit his stride just in time – with Richarlison having one eye on a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The former Everton star bagged a brace against Burnley, including an early goal of the season contender, and assisted Brennan Johnson for Tottenham’s opening goal in their outstanding 2-0 win at the Etihad last weekend.

أثار الحديث عن تقدم جيفرسون كوستا، لاعب الزمالك السابق، بشكوى ضد النادي بشأن بند “بدل التدريب”، حالة من الجدل في الساعات الأخيرة، وسط تساؤلات جماهيرية حول حقيقة الموقف القانوني بين الطرفين.

وخلال الأيام الماضية، انتشرت تقارير عبر بعض المنصات تشير إلى أن اللاعب البرازيلي لجأ إلى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، للمطالبة بمستحقات متعلقة بفترة وجوده في القلعة البيضاء.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كارثة جديدة تطارد مجلس الزمالك وتُهدد بـ إيقاف القيد

وفي تواصل خاص مع موقع بطولات، نفى وكيل اللاعب باولو جاميتو هذه الأنباء بشكل قاطع، مؤكدًا أن عقد جيفرسون مع الزمالك تم فسخه بالتراضي الكامل دون وجود أي أزمات مالية أو قانونية عالقة.

وقال جاميتو: “تم فسخ العقد مع الزمالك بالتراضي، ولم تكن هناك أي مشاكل بين الطرفين، لذلك الحديث عن شكوى ضد النادي غير صحيح تمامًا”.

وأوضح الوكيل أن قرار الرحيل جاء بناءً على رغبة اللاعب نفسه، حيث طلب جيفرسون إنهاء التعاقد في ذلك الوقت لاستكمال مسيرته الكروية في بلد آخر بعد تجربته القصيرة في مصر.

وأضاف: “اللاعب في الوقت الحالي لا يرتبط بأي نادٍ منذ نهاية الموسم الماضي، لكنه مرتاح تمامًا ولا توجد أي خلافات مع الزمالك على الإطلاق”.

Imrul Kayes has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. He said in a video message on his Facebook page that his last red-ball match will be Khulna Division’s National Cricket League (NCL) match against Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka next week. He will, however, continue to play white-ball cricket.”On November 16, I will retire from Test and first-class cricket. It is the most difficult and emotional decision of my life,” he said.Imrul played the last of his 39 Tests at Eden Gardens in 2019, in the first day-night Test match in India. Batting mostly at the top of the order and occasionally at No. 3, he made 1797 runs at an average of 24.28, with three centuries and four fifties.Imrul’s Test career was however more about his opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal. They remain Bangladesh’s most prolific opening pair by far, having added 2336 runs in 53 innings. The next-highest aggregate for a Bangladesh opening pair currently is 665 runs between Javed Omar and Nafees Iqbal. Imrul and Tamim’s average first-wicket partnership of 45.80 is also the best of any Bangladesh opening pair.They put on four century stands, the first of them a 185-run partnership at Lord’s in 2010, and the last a world-record 312 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015. It helped Bangladesh save the Test match after conceding a 296-run first-innings lead, and remains the only 300-plus opening stand in the third or fourth innings of a Test match. The last time they opened together was in the 2018 home Test series against Sri Lanka.Imrul is now 70 runs short of the 8000-run mark in first-class cricket. He will have a chance to complete the feat in Mirpur, where his farewell game begins on November 16.

Manchester United are now in talks with Aston Villa over the signing of one of their first-team stars, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing midfield reinforcements

Since the arrival of Matheus Cunha, United’s sole focus has been on securing a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international is a top target for Ruben Amorim, and the Red Devils are trying to secure a transfer while not paying over the odds.

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While they continue to try and find an agreement however, the Premier League side have reportedly identified another position they would like to strengthen this summer. Christian Eriksen’s departure has left a place to be filled in the middle of the park, and United have so far earmarked two options.

At the beginning of the week, Football Insider reported United are in a race with Everton to sign Wilfred Ndidi, who can leave Leicester City for a fee of only £9 million following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship.

Since then, it has now been reported that Man Utd have begun talks with the agent of Corentin Tolisso to get an understanding of whether he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford. The Frenchman is currently a star man for Lyon, but is said to be keen on leaving his home country to join the Red Devils.

Man Utd in talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" ace

As well as signing a new midfielder, there has been speculation that the Premier League giants could look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, amid doubts over the form and fitness of Andre Onana. And, according to journalist Gaston Edul, Man United are now in negotiations with Aston Villa over the signing of Emi Martinez.

Edul, who Sport Witness call ‘perhaps the most prominent football journalist in Argentina’ claims United have advanced their interest but as of yet have not made an official offer to Villa, who are said to be looking to get around £40 million for the Argentine international. United are hoping to agree a deal closer to the £33 million mark.

The Red Devils are well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, as neither Onana nor Altay Bayindir have left the club as of yet, but Onana has picked up a hamstring injury that is expected to see him miss all of pre-season. The Cameroon international also made some costly mistakes last season that resulted in him being dropped in Premier League games under Amorim.

Emi Martinez’s Aston Villa stats
Apps	212
Goals conceded	256
Clean sheets	70

It has already been reported that Martinez, who has been dubbed “world-class” by pundit Gary Neville in the past, is open to a move to Old Trafford even if the club are not in the Champions League this season. The 32-year-old is still under contract until 2029 however, so even with the player’s openess to a move Villa will not budge easily in negotiations.

أشاد أوريلين تشواميني، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، بمدرب الفريق كارلو أنشيلوتي، منسبًا الفضل للأخير كأحد الأسباب الرئيسية في مستواه الحالي مع الملكي.

تشواميني انضم إلى صفوف ريال مدريد في عصر أنشيلوتي، وذلك خلال صيف عام 2022 قادمًا من موناكو مقابل حوالي 80 مليون يورو.

وعانى تشواميني بعض الشيء في بداية مسيرته مع ريال مدريد، قبل أن تتغير الأمور مع الدولي الفرنسي منذ بداية العام الحالي ويتألق بصورة كبيرة مع الميرنجي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تشواميني: طريقة ألونسو تناسبني.. وأجيد التمرير بفضل ثنائي ريال مدريد

وعلى الرغم من رحيل أنشيلوتي عن ريال مدريد إلا أن تشواميني في مقابلة مع صحيفة “ماركا” لم ينس المدرب الإيطالي، وقال عنه: “أعتقد أن الأمور سارت بشكل أفضل بكثير بالنسبة لي منذ بداية عام ٢٠٢٥، وكنت أشعر بالارتياح بالفعل تحت قيادة كارلو أنشيلوتي”.

كما أثنى تشواميني وبشدة على مدرب ريال مدريد الحالي، تشابي ألونسو، حيث اختتم: “سعيد مع تشابي ألونسو، الأمور تسير على ما يرام، لديه أفكار جديدة لي وللفريق”.

ويعتبر تشواميني بين أهم اللاعبين في تشكيل ريال مدريد في الوقت الحالي، وسبق وأن أكد ألونسو على أهمية ابن الـ25 عامًا في أكثر من مناسبة.