All posts by h716a5.icu

CSK couldn’t handle the seam and swing of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood after RCB batters dominated CSK’s attack

Sidharth Monga28-Mar-20251:29

Knight: Patidar’s form is a perfect start for his captaincy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their Chennai jinx in style, beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) there got the first time since the first IPL – by a whopping 50 runs, CSK’s biggest defeat at home. The contest was so dead that more than half of CSK’s chase was all about finding out if and when MS Dhoni would bat. He eventually did so at No. 9, only for the second time in his career.The build-up was all about how RCB would tackle 12 overs of spin, but the conditions rolled out inverted the spotlight: how would CSK handle eight overs of traditional seam and swing from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood? Not very well, as their combined figures of 7-0-41-4 demonstrated.And that after RCB’s batters dominated the CSK attack on what was not a straightforward pitch. Like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, Khaleel Ahmed drew seam movement and extra bounce, but CSK didn’t have any more such bowlers. Rajat Patidar led RCB’s innings, full of intent, capitalising on a dropped catch when he was on 17, and finishing with 51 off 32 balls. R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were allowed to bowl only five overs, which were taken for 59 runs.Salt, Padikkal knock CSK aroundKhaleel drew some seam movement and uneven bounce in the first over, but CSK hadn’t planned for such conditions. They don’t have quick bowlers who can hit the good length and just short. They were going to open with Ashwin, and they did. Only for the first ball to not come out right and for Phil Salt to pull him for a six. The over went for 16, forcing the early introduction of Noor.On his way to the Purple Cap, Noor and Dhoni recreated a lightning stumping to get rid of Salt for 32 off 16 balls, but Devdutt Padikkal denied them any relief. The left-hand batter took down Jadeja in ways Jadeja is not accustomed to: a sweep and a charge down the wicket to consign him to a 15-run first over.1:34

Pujara: Kohli was trying too hard

Patidar ruins CSK’s plansWhen Ashwin got Padikkal out for 27 off 14 deliveries, CSK would have hoped to re-establish control. But the presence of Patidar meant they were not able to bowl spin at Virat Kohli, who struggled to achieve even a run a ball. Patidar took a six off Noor the moment he overpitched. Kohli, playing Matheesha Pathirana for the first time, took 16 runs off his second over, and RCB were 109 for 2 in 11 overs.Like Ashwin earlier, Jadeja nearly had his own back when he drew a mis-hit from the enterprising Patidar, but Deepak Hooda dropped a sitter at long-off. In the next two overs, Patidar offered three half-chances, but none of them was taken. Kohli’s offering was taken, though, and the pressure on Liam Livingstone, and eventually his wicket, reduced RCB to 145 for 4 in the 16th over.RCB end stronglyRCB kept the intent up, though, and Jitesh Sharma hit the second ball he played for the shot of the match, an inside-out drive off a Noor wrong’un over extra cover for six. Patidar played a delectable pick-up shot off a Pathirana slower ball in the next over. This 27-run stand in 13 balls gave RCB the impetus they needed before the death overs.In the death overs, though, both fell, even resulting in just one run off the 19th over, bowled by Pathirana. However, Tim David took them 20 past what CSK believed to be par with three sixes in the last over, bowled by Sam Curran, who has now bowled four overs for 47 runs in two matches.MS Dhoni got some hits in, but couldn’t avoid a record home defeat•BCCIFast-bowling clinicIt was a brief window, but Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar displayed what a threat they can be if there is anything available in the pitch. Not one ball in the powerplay was pitched outside the 6-10m zone. Bhuvneshwar kept testing the 6-8m length, and Hazlewood kept at bashing 8-10m. Bhuvneshwar looked for swing, and Hazlewood for uneven bounce and seam.Hazlewood got Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first over with steep bounce, and Bhvuneshwar took his 73rd powerplay wicket when he nicked off Hooda.A long meanderOnce three wickets were gone in the powerplay, the rest of the chase was just a meander towards an inevitable end. The spinners didn’t give much to Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube to hit. The asking rate got high, and they were obliged to hit, realising the pitch was not as easy as RCB made it look.Dhoni kept teasing his fans by batting after Jadeja and Ashwin. Yet there were 4.4 overs left when he walked out to bat at No. 9. Only in the last two overs did he get some hits in, but couldn’t avoid a record home defeat.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged teenage sensation Estevao Willian to follow the positional pathway undertaken by his fellow team-mate Cole Palmer. Maresca addressed talk of a position change for Estevao and believes that the young Brazilian can seamlessly transition from a right winger to an attacking midfielder, provided he is "physically prepared" for the challenge.

Estevao impressive during adaptation period at Chelsea

Estevao's minutes have been managed quite meticulously by manager Maresca as the youngster adapts to the rigours of the Premier League. However, the €57 million (£50m/$67m) signing has shown flashes of brilliance despite only starting four games and managing only 326 minutes in the eight games he has played across all competitions. He bagged an assist in the 5-1 drubbing of West Ham in August, but has since failed to contribute to a goal directly.    

AdvertisementAFPPalmer's injury opens doors for Estevao

Palmer has had rotten luck with injuries in the first two months of the 2025-26 campaign. Ahead of the second league game against West Ham in August, the ex-Man City starlet suffered an issue during warm-up, forcing him to miss the game despite being named in the starting XI. It was then revealed that Palmer was diagnosed with a groin injury, which kept him out for three weeks. He returned to action against Brentford in mid-September, after the international break, but suffered a relapse in his groin during the dismal 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.   

Although the Blues have the on-loan Facundo Buonanotte to count upon in the No.10 role amid injuries to Palmer and Liam Delap, who is a centre-forward, Maresca believes Estevao can make the transition to a No.10 and plug in in the absence of their 23-year-old talisman.  

Estevao reminds Maresca of Palmer

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Maresca said: "I think Estevao reminded me a lot of Cole when Cole was with me in the U23s at City, and when he was with us in the first team. I think Cole's path has been similar to Estevao's path in terms of starting wide as a winger. And then slowly, slowly you can move inside.”

However, the Italian head coach also admitted that the Brazil international will need to bulk up in order to thrive in the new role. “The Premier League is completely different compared to other countries in the world. If you want to play in the middle, you need to be physically prepared,” the former Leicester City boss said.

“I think Cole now is like that. In the past, he needed to develop that. I see Estevao exactly in the same way.”   

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Getty/GOALLiverpool challenge awaits Chelsea

It will be interesting to see how Maresca sets up his team and who makes the cut in his starting XI against the defending Premier League champions on Sunday. Desperate for a win after two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings, the 45-year-old will be under pressure to get both his player combinations and tactics right against Arne Slot's men.   

After the perfect start against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade has revealed how he’s similar to the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.

Howe "really pleased" with "humble" Woltemade

Eddie Howe couldn’t have asked for much more from his £69m striker on his debut last time out. The 6’6 forward rose highest to head home what proved to be the winning goal against Wolves, before wheeling away in celebration. After waiting all summer for a new striker, St James’ Park got the emphatic introduction that they had been desperate for.

Like the rest of those watching on in Tyneside, Howe was left delighted with Woltemade, telling reporters: “It was a great moment for Nick. I was very pleased with how he played today.

“You saw his qualities, his technical qualities that we’ve been discussing and his intelligence but most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there and he was.

“It was a great finish. I’m really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him, he’s a very humble guy, he wants to do well and he’s delighted to be here — I think it’s a great start.”

Woltemade’s debut goal would have surprised no one back in Germany. There’s every reason why Bayern Munich were so keen to secure his signature and even more reason why he stole the show at the U21 Euros in the summer. Now, he’s the man that could make Newcastle forget all about Alexander Isak.

Why Newcastle could be facing instant punishment from UEFA back in UCL

It could be bad news for the Magpies…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 17, 2025

The 23-year-old is hardly short on confidence, either, and has already told Newcastle fans exactly what they can expect from him in the coming years.

Woltemade makes Ibrahimovic comparison

Revealing the players that he’s most similar to, Woltemade compared himself to the great Ibrahimovic. One inch taller than the former AC Milan star, the German’s comparison is a fair one to make, given how he still maintains his technical ability despite his height. Whether he eventually reaches the same level as the Swede is the big question.

Describing his style as “rare” for someone of his height, Newcastle can expect the unexpected from their new striker, who will be looking to follow up his debut goal with another against Barcelona this week.

When Diamonds aren’t forever, legspinner makes the most of precious opportunity further north

Valkerie Baynes23-Apr-2025When Durham won the right to field a team in the top tier of women’s domestic cricket, the worlds of every Northern Diamonds squad member changed in a moment.Yorkshire, which fed heavily into that now-defunct outfit, had been overlooked and instead placed in Tier 2 of the new county-based structure for 2025, albeit only for a year now with their inclusion in Tier 1 subsequently brought forward to 2026. It left a number of players facing a tough choice – relocate to play at the highest level or mark time at home in the lower ranks.One of those players was Katie Levick, the Yorkshire born-and-bred legspinner who has consistently been one of the nation’s leading bowlers outside of the England set-up over the past five years. She believes it is testament to the closeness of that Diamonds group that her decision to accept Durham’s offer of a three-year contract was met only with encouragement from her former team-mates.”The way everything played out last year we probably sort of trauma-bonded, that group of Diamonds girls,” Levick told ESPNcricinfo on the eve of Durham’s first game, against Essex in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. “It was a tough time for all of us to try and make a decision.”One of the worst things for that particular team is that we were such an incredibly close-knit squad. We were genuinely a group of 15 friends that hung out together outside of cricket and just loved playing their cricket together. Unfortunately, the decision came, as it did, and we all chose different paths.”But that’s also professional sport, so we were all really supportive of each other, and we wanted to make sure we all made the right choices for ourselves, individually, and whether that was moving on to a new team, or if it was staying with Yorkshire, there was no bad blood and there was no malice anywhere.”Related

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Levick has form when it comes to making difficult decisions. Barely into her 20s and having spent a year training with the England Academy, she chose to pursue a career off the field after finishing university, with central contracts still two years off being introduced. When domestic women’s cricket was restructured and a handful of professional contracts dished out in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Levick was again faced with a choice between a full-time job on a now-established career path and an uncertain future with a just-convened regional team, Northern Diamonds, in a new competition.Over the next five years of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Levick was consistently among the leading wicket-takers and finished in the top five during three of four seasons in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. She was also the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the Women’s Hundred in 2023 and ninth last year, with Birmingham Phoenix.The Hundred is set to receive an injection of funds under private ownership from next year and it is expected that both women’s domestic competitions will also benefit financially by aligning with the counties and their mens’ white-ball competitions as women’s versions of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and Vitality Blast.Durham have doubled down on the one-club ethos, sending their women’s squad on a pre-season tour of Zimbabwe with the men, who have made the trip a number of times in recent years.All these changes have allowed Levick’s cricket career to continue evolving to the point where now, with her 34th birthday approaching in July, she is keen to keep playing “as long as my body allows”.

“I’m just thrilled that I clung on long enough to be a part of it, and hope I can still keep going for a few more years.”Katie Levick

“Ultimately, I wanted to play Tier 1 cricket, and so that was the decision I had to go with,” Levick said. “And Durham was just a really interesting prospect. To still be wanted at 33 and to be seen as an integral part of a team was a big draw for me, and also to be able to make history. We’re the first professional women’s team that’s going to operate out of Durham, and to be able to still make history at this later stage of my career, that was something that enticed me.”Levick isn’t the only Durham player to make a significant life move to play in the top flight. Mady Villiers has travelled from the former Sunrisers team which folded when its main components, Essex and Middlesex, split into Tier 1 and Tier 2 respectively. Villiers, whose England career looked set to take off after England played West Indies in their only series of the Covid-hit home summer of 2020, has linked up with the Durham squad after touring Australia with England A alongside former Northern Diamonds players Bess Heath and Hollie Armitage, their Yorkshire-born captain.”I’m just thrilled that I clung on long enough to be a part of it, and hope I can still keep going for a few more years,” Levick said. “The ultimate goal for anyone playing any sport is to represent your country, and to have to make a decision about that or getting a job and joining the real world, I’m so glad that girls don’t have to do that anymore.”Even if the ultimate end goal of international cricket isn’t what you reach, it’s still an amazing, fulfilling career you can have at domestic level, there’s so much franchise cricket around the world. There’s a platform and an opportunity to still show that, do you know what, I can play at this level and I am good enough, and that’s something that I still relish from this.”You’d be lying if you said you never had a ‘what if?’ But I think it was the right choice at that time in my career. Even looking now at the set-up, I’m so pleased I got to have the career I did. I think my career path, the way it’s gone, has actually probably just been the story that it was always supposed to be for me.”Obviously, I wouldn’t say no if an England cap suddenly fell at my door, but this has been enough for me that I’ve been able to show, or I hope I’ve been able to show with my stats, that I could have probably mixed it at that level if things had been slightly different.”

Cody Gakpo wrote his name into Dutch football history on Thursday night, becoming the first Netherlands player since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978 to score two penalties in a single match as the Oranje thrashed Malta 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier. The Liverpool forward converted from the spot twice and also assisted Tijjani Reijnders, leading the Netherlands to a comfortable victory in World Cup qualifying.

Gakpo matches Netherlands record with penalty brace

The Netherlands extended their lead at the top of their World Cup qualifying group with a 4-0 win over Malta, powered by Gakpo’s standout display. The 26-year-old opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Ryan Gravenberch was fouled, before doubling his tally early in the second half following another foul on Wout Weghorst. Gakpo later turned provider, setting up Reijnders for the Oranje’s third before Memphis Depay added a fourth in stoppage time.

Gakpo’s brace carries historic significance — he is the first Dutch player since Rensenbrink at the 1978 World Cup to score two penalties in a single game, excluding shootouts, as per OptaJohan. That feat ties the Liverpool forward to one of the most iconic names in the Netherlands’ football history, reflecting his emergence as a reliable and composed figure for the Oranje. His ability to handle pressure from the spot and deliver consistent attacking output underlines his growing maturity on the international stage.

AdvertisementAFPNetherlands dominate Malta — Gakpo impresses

The fixture was largely one-sided from the outset as the Netherlands dominated possession and dictated play. Despite having a goal ruled out for offside, Gakpo’s composure and creativity were evident throughout, as he created four chances and constantly stretched Malta’s defense. Depay, Donyell Malen, and Justin Kluivert all came off the bench in the closing stages, but it was Gakpo’s clinical finishing that defined the night.

Beyond the record, Gakpo’s performance comes at a crucial time for the Netherlands as they look to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ronald Koeman’s squad is entering a new phase, blending experienced internationals like Depay and Virgil van Dijk with emerging stars such as Xavi Simons and Gravenberch. In that mix, Gakpo’s versatility and experience make him one of the key attacking pillars for the team’s qualification campaign and beyond.

The result leaves the Netherlands three points clear at the top of their qualifying group, with Finland up next on Sunday. However, despite the emphatic scoreline, Ronald Koeman’s side will be aware that their overall performance lacked rhythm at times and will need improvement against stronger opponents. Still, the victory provided a confidence boost and highlighted Gakpo’s growing importance to the national team setup.

Gakpo enjoys strong start to the season with Liverpool

Gakpo's form also mirrors his steady progress with Liverpool, where he has been an increasingly influential presence this season amid Mohamed Salah's struggles on the other wing. His work rate, composure, and eye for goal have seen him evolve into a dependable performer for both Arne Slot and the Dutch national side. 

For Liverpool, Gakpo has carried similar form into the 2025–26 season, contributing two goals and two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions so far. Deployed mainly as a left forward or central striker, his intelligent positioning and finishing have made him a consistent threat in both domestic and European matches. That sharpness was evident once again for the national team, where his chemistry with Weghorst and Reijnders proved decisive.

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Getty Images SportGakpo needs to maintain form as Liverpool struggle

The Netherlands will now turn their attention to Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Finland, where they can take another step toward securing automatic qualification. With confidence high after the win over Malta, Gakpo is expected to retain his starting spot as Koeman looks to maintain attacking momentum.

For Gakpo, the challenge will be to sustain this rich vein of form as both his club and country enter pivotal phases of their respective campaigns. With Liverpool struggling for form and the Netherlands eyeing to challenge for the World Cup in the summer of 2026, Gakpo will be hoping that he can carry his form for the rest of the season and avoid any injury setbacks.

The BCCI also announced back-to-back India A series at home against Australia A and South Africa A later this year

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-2025Australia will tour India for a three-match ODI series in mid-September as part of both teams’ “crucial preparation” for the women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to be played in India from late September.The matches will be played at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), the BCCI said in a statement on Thursday, on September 14, 17 and 20. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 29.India, the hosts, and Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka had earned direct entry into the World Cup, while Bangladesh and Pakistan got there after topping a qualifying event in Pakistan earlier this year.Pakistan’s matches at the World Cup, however, are likely to be played at a neutral venue in accordance with the BCCI-PCB agreement made earlier this year before the Champions Trophy. The PCB was the host of that tournament, but all India matches, including the one against Pakistan, were played in Dubai.Australia, South Africa men’s ‘A’ teams to visit IndiaIndia A, now in England to play two four-day matches against England Lions and then a four-day fixture against the main India Test team ahead of the five-match England vs India Test series, will have more cricket in September, October and November when Australia A and South Africa A visit.Australia A will visit first and play two four-day games – starting September 16 and 23 – and three one-dayers, on September 30, October 3 and October 5. After a gap, South Africa A will play a similar set of matches, two four-dayers, starting November 2 and November 9, and three one-dayers, on November 13, 16 and 19.The four-dayers between the Indians and Australians would be played in Lucknow, and the one-dayers in Kanpur, while all the India A vs South Africa A games would be played in Bengaluru. The two four-dayers are scheduled to be played at the BCCI’s new Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy), making these the first competitive matches to be played at the facility.

Celtic have endured a frustrating few weeks on the pitch, which has included four goalless draws in all competitions for Brendan Rodgers and his players.

They were held to 0-0 draws in regulation time of both legs of their Champions League qualifying clash with Kairat, to a 0-0 draw in the Old Firm match, and a 0-0 draw in the most recent game against Hibernian.

As shown in the highlights above, Celtic missed a host of huge chances to open the scoring in front of their own fans at Parkhead, with Kelechi Iheanacho, in particular, wasteful in front of goal.

Scoring goals is not the only issue that the Hoops have had this season, though, because they have also failed to find a suitable alternative to captain Callum McGregor.

The 32-year-old defensive midfielder has started ten of his 11 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership champions, per Transfermarkt, and played 931 minutes.

This shows that Rodgers has not found an alternative to the skipper who can step in and allow the veteran midfielder to rest and recharge ahead of important matches.

Why Celtic need an alternative to Callum McGregor

The Hoops need to find a player who can be a viable option in the number six position because the wear and tear on McGregor’s legs was evident in the recent 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.

Celtic’s captain had played almost an hour against a lower league outfit in the League Cup in the game before the trip to Serbia, having played 300 minutes in the three matches before that, per Sofascore.

Minutes

90

Pass accuracy

98%

Defensive ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

0/1

Tackles won

1

Dribbled past

1x

Fouls committed

2

The result, as you can see in the table above, was that McGregor looked a little bit off the pace against the Serbian giants, losing five of his seven defensive duels on the ground and in the air.

His passing, as usual, was almost immaculate, completing 98% of his attempted passes, but he lacked the mobility and energy to win the majority of his physical duels, which is a cause for concern heading into the rest of the league phase in Europe.

The former Scotland international is a crucial player for the Hoops and keeping him fresh and ready to give his all in the Europa League matches could improve his performances and increase the team’s chances of picking up more points on the European stage.

Johnny Hayes described the left-footed maestro as a “priceless” and “irreplaceable” player earlier this season, but the Hoops are now looking at a star who could solve the McGregor conundrum.

Celtic eyeing surprise move for free agent

According to journalist Mark Hendry’s Substack report, Celtic are considering a surprise move to sign free agent central midfielder Pierre Ekwah, despite not being linked with any midfield signings since the window slammed shut.

The outlet claims that the Hoops have been offered the chance to sign the French midfield maestro after his contract with Saint-Etienne was ripped up at the end of the summer transfer window.

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Celtic already took advantage of a similar situation when they signed Kelechi Iheanacho the day after the transfer window slammed shut, thanks to Sevilla ripping his deal up on deadline day.

Ekwah, like Iheanacho was before his move to Parkhead, is now free and available to sign for a new club. Mark Hendry’s report states that he has been offered to both Celtic and Rangers as an option.

The Scottish Premiership champions are now considering whether or not to take up the option to bring the left-footed star to Parkhead on a freebie, but they should push to get a deal done because he could be a dream alternative to McGregor.

Why Celtic should sign Pierre Ekwah

Celtic should be bringing Ekwah in on a free transfer because it is a low-risk move that could pay off big time in the long run, given that he is a player who has already proven himself in a major European league.

The 23-year-old star impressed in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne in the 2024/25 campaign on loan from Sunderland, but decided to move on from the French club after they were relegated to Ligue 2 and activated their obligation to sign him permanently.

Ekwah seemingly was not keen on playing in the second division in France, hence his exit at the start of September, and that is not a surprise when you consider how well he performed last season in spite of his club’s relegation.

Appearances

29

Pass accuracy

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.6

Error led to goal

0

Duel success rate

57%

Duels won per game

5.0

Aerial duel success rate

71%

As you can see in the table above, the former West Ham United youngster won the majority of his duels on the deck and in the air, whilst remaining reliable and composed in possession with a pass accuracy of 88%.

Ekwah ranked within the top 11% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for duels won (145), the top 17% for tackles won (57), the top 3% for interceptions (47), and the top 8% for ball recoveries (157), per FotMob.

These statistics show that the left-footed star is a mobile defensive enforcer in the number six role. He can get around the pitch to dominate opposition players in duels, whilst being reliable with the ball at his feet on top of that.

The free agent midfielder, who was described as a “powerful” player by journalist and Sunderland fan Josh Bunting, could be the perfect alternative to McGregor to provide the skipper with some time off in domestic matches ahead of European ties.

Rodgers could play Ekwah from the start in league or cup matches before Europa League games, which Ekwah would be ineligible for, to make sure that McGregor is fully fit and raring to go in the big European matches.

At the age of 23, the French star is also nine years younger than the captain and could be the long-term successor to his place in the team, which is another reason why this free agent move could be a shrewd piece of business by the club.

Not Kenny: Celtic's "lightning quick" teen could replace Iheanacho

Celtic have a potential replacement for Kelechi Iheanacho in their academy, and it is not Johnny Kenny.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 30, 2025

Overall, Celtic must move quickly to beat Rangers to Ekwah’s signature because his arrival at Parkhead could solve the McGregor conundrum at the base of the midfield.

Barcelona treasurer Ferran Olive has conceded that the club are "late" in rebuilding Camp Nou, admitting that the long-overdue renovation should have been started long ago. His comments came as Barca president Joan Laporta hailed the Spotify Camp Nou project as the "collective dream" of the club's fans, calling it a legacy that future generations will inherit.

Barcelona inching closer to Camp Nou return

Barcelona have officially received the green light to reopen the Camp Nou after months of delays, with the city council approving the Phase 1A occupancy permit that allows 27,000 spectators inside the renovated stadium. However, the club have opted to remain at the Lluis Companys in Montjuic for now, prioritising financial logic over nostalgia. According to club sources, it makes little sense to return to a partially reopened Camp Nou when Montjuic's larger capacity currently yields higher matchday revenue.

The decision comes amid a crucial period for Barcelona's Espai Barca project, which continues to be one of the most ambitious infrastructural undertakings in European football. The club plans to eventually host 47,000 fans under Phase 1B, a step that would also allow UEFA approval for Champions League matches at the new stadium. Vice President Elena Fort has suggested that a grand return could coincide with the club’s 126th anniversary in late November, calling it "an ideal moment" for the homecoming.

While many supporters were disappointed by the extended stay at Montjuic, the board insists that patience now will lead to much greater financial and sporting stability in the long term. The delay also allows more time for structural checks and technical validation of the renovated areas, ensuring the safety and quality standards required by both local and European authorities.

AdvertisementAFPCamp Nou should have been rebuilt 'years ago'

Barcelona treasurer Olive acknowledged during the General Assembly that the club had left it far too long to modernise its iconic home: "We should have built this stadium years ago; we're late. And we're doing it so we can compete with the best clubs in the world. We have €175 million ($204m) in stadium revenue [for 2024-25], and without doing anything, without building a new stadium, we'd be at €250m ($291m)[at Camp Nou], but we can reach €400m ($466m)wtih the new stadium."

It underlines the project's vital role in the club's economic recovery. His remarks echoed those of  president Laporta, who described the new Spotify Camp Nou as a symbol of both unity and ambition.

"Spotify Camp Nou…it is the collective dream of Barcelona fans and the legacy that future generations will have," Laporta said. "We have had the courage to reactivate this project that had been put on hold. The members have to see this dream come true and have to live it. We have worked tirelessly to obtain the permits from the city council that would allow us to return to the stadium. This permit arrived and I would like to extend a warm congratulations."

Both Olive and Laporta reinforced that Espai Barca is about more than bricks and revenue, rather a statement of identity. The new stadium is intended not only to compete financially with Europe's elite, but also to preserve the club's essence by keeping the heart of FC Barcelona rooted in its historic home.

Controversies surrounding Camp Nou financing

The Espai Barca project, valued at nearly €1 billion ($1.17bn), has been one of the most scrutinised initiatives in Barcelona's modern history. Its construction contract was controversially awarded to Turkish firm Limak, despite the company reportedly scoring lowest in a technical evaluation against Spanish competitors Ferrovial and FCC. Limak's proposal demanded an upfront payment of roughly €200m ($233m) compared to just €12m ($14m) from other bidders, raising concerns about transparency and long-term financing. Club officials have since defended the decision, stating that Limak's plan best met the deadlines imposed by UEFA and the local government for completion.

The goal remains to transform Spotify Camp Nou into a state-of-the-art football and entertainment complex capable of generating consistent revenue year-round. The finished structure will serve as the crown jewel of the Espai Barca ecosystem, which also includes a new Palau Blaugrana arena and improved training facilities.

Off the pitch, Barcelona have strengthened their commercial backbone through an extended partnership with Spotify. The renewed agreement keeps the streaming giant as the club's primary sponsor until 2030 and extends naming rights for the stadium until 2034, ensuring consistent income during the reconstruction phase. The collaboration has been hailed as a perfect fusion of football and global entertainment culture.

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Getty Images SportWhen will Barcelona actually return to Camp Nou?

With the city council's Phase 1A permit secured, Barcelona are now focused on receiving the more expansive Phase 1B approval, which would allow 47,000 fans to attend matches at the renovated Camp Nou. Club vice president Elena Fort remains optimistic, stressing that the process is mainly administrative and that the works themselves are already complete.

Once approved, the club's long-awaited return could coincide with a marquee fixture around its November anniversary. Financially, the coming months will be decisive. The club aims to capitalise on future stadium revenues, expected to jump from €175m to as much as €400m annually once the venue is fully operational. That increase could be transformative for Barcelona, who are still recovering from years of financial turmoil and strict La Liga spending controls.

Ahead of a new era, one former Ibrox star has fired a direct warning to Celtic as Rangers set their sights on climbing the Scottish Premiership table.

Rangers set to appoint Gerrard

It’s de ja vu for Rangers, who are reportedly on the brink of reaching a full agreement with Steven Gerrard to return to the club. The last manager to win the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox, the 45-year-old is set to step foot in the dugout in Scotland for the first time since leaving for Aston Villa. He has a lot of making up to do, but arrives with it all to do after Russell Martin’s disastrous tenure.

Games

192

Wins

124

Draws

41

Defeats

27

If the former manager can pick up where he left off, then Rangers should begin to bridge the gap on Celtic and Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership. As things stand, his first game back in charge of the club is likely to be Dundee United at Ibrox, before travelling to face Brann in the Europa League after the international break.

It will be a hectic start for Gerrard and the Rangers squad, but the manager will be hoping to have learned from recent lessons in the technical area to enjoy a quick start.

He recently told Rio Ferdinand when asked about returning to management: “I’d love another go at some point. I want to change a few things and improve a few things and come back fresh, with a few different people around myself.

“I’d love another couple of challenges doing this and that’s what I’m working on in the background at the moment. A few different ideas, a few different people around me.”

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It will certainly be interesting to see the current version of Gerrard compared to 2021 and one former Ibrox star has already issued a warning to Celtic with that in mind.

Kyle Laferty fires fresh warning to Celtic

Speaking about Gerrard’s return to the club, former Ibrox ace Kyle Laferty warned Celtic about the immediate plan that the Liverpool legend has, claiming that’s what Rangers fans will “want”.

Currently nine points away from Celtic and 11 away from leaders Hearts, it would take a monumental effort for Gerrard to win the league from here, but he’ll be looking to draw on his previous experience as a champion to do exactly that.

Juventus’ crisis deepens as their winless run stretches to six games following a 1-0 defeat to Lazio marking their fourth consecutive match without scoring. Coach Igor Tudor, under rising pressure and sacking rumours, refused to hide behind excuses, bluntly stating that “everyone is responsible” for the team’s collapse, even as he urged unity and insisted he won’t step down.

Juventus’ goal drought deepens

Juventus once again found themselves on the wrong end of a narrow defeat at Stadio Olimpico. This time registering a 1-0 loss to Lazio that exposed the same recurring issues. Toma Basic’s early deflected strike decided the game, as Juve dominated possession but failed to find a breakthrough. The frontline pairing of Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David struggled for cohesion, while Andrea Cambiaso and Francisco Conceicao provided energy without end product.

It marked Juventus’ sixth straight game without victory and their fourth consecutive match without a goal. Their build-up play was predictable, and defensive lapses continued to cost them points. Lazio exploited space on the break, and Juve’s response lacked conviction. Coach Tudor, who was visibly frustrated after the final whistle, admitted the team’s shortcomings but urged collective accountability. “It’s a tough and difficult time, and we’re all responsible,” he said. “We prepared for the game well, but we’re still missing something. We need to stay united and work harder together.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEveryone is responsible, says Tudor

After the defeat, Tudor’s tone was frank, reflective, and unflinching as he addressed the critics in the post-match press conference. The Croatian manager refused to be drawn into the growing speculation around his job security, instead calling for unity and honesty.

"It's a tough and difficult time, and we're all responsible. We need to stay united and work harder together. We prepared for the game well, but we're still missing something: we need to get it right and we can't make mistakes at the back. Instead, there are always some mistakes and we lose games," Tudor said.

Reflecting on the scrutiny he is facing, Tudor explains: "I'm not thinking about myself. I see everyone asking me these questions, but I'm not thinking about myself. I live in the present and I don't care about the future. I'm clear-headed and aware of the problems that exist. Steps backward? No, no, my friend: steps can only be taken forward. We feel terrible, but we need to stick together and pull together. Everyone is responsible, we're trying to do better, and this is a time like this, but we'll play immediately in two days, and with a win we can get going again."

Tudor's tactical tweaks do no good

In recent weeks, Tudor has not stood still tactically. Facing a goal drought and pressure from above, he has experimented with systems and personnel in search of balance. Shifting between a 3-4-2-1 and a 3-5-2, he has tried pairing Vlahovic with David, expanding Conceicao’s role, and alternating midfield pivots between Teun Koopmeiners and Manuel Locatelli to improve transition play.

Defensively, Juve moved from zonal to partial man-marking in response to set-piece frailties. Tudor also gave full-backs like Cambiaso and Llyod Kelly greater licence to push higher, seeking width and unpredictability. However, the execution has lagged behind the intent, and the team continues to lack fluency in the final third.

As Tudor explained post-match, the ideas are there, but mistakes persist: “Today we tried with two strikers, we were there and had chances, but we’re definitely missing something. I chose David and Vlahovic because [Kenan] Yildiz needed a rest: both have goals in their arsenal, but when you get to the final 20 meters, someone has to score, otherwise a small mistake always happens and you get punished.”

Despite tactical reshuffles, Juventus remain toothless up front and unsettled at the back which is a worrying sign with key fixtures against Udinese, Cremonese and Sporting CP looming.

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AFPDefining weeks ahead for Tudor

The atmosphere in Turin is tense. Reports suggest Juventus have begun quietly assessing replacements should results not improve, with Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Edin Terzic among the names linked. Yet for now, the club hierarchy, led by general manager Damien Comolli, insists on patience.

Among the few positives in Turin, Kenan Yildiz continues to be viewed as the symbol of Juventus’ future. Tudor, despite resting him against Lazio, emphasised his faith in the youngster: “He’s a special player with something unique. You can see it in his attitude, his touch, his personality. But he’s still young, we must protect him and help him grow.” 

In the short term, focus turns to Udinese, Cremonese, and Sporting – three fixtures that could shape the remainder of their campaign. A win could reset momentum; another poor showing might force decisive action from the management.