Laura Wolvaardt has been signed up by Gujarat Giants as replacement for the injured Beth Mooney for the remainder of the Women’s Premier League. Wolvaardt, who was in Pakistan playing in the PCB’s Women’s League exhibition matches, has been released by her team Super Women, and her compatriot Sune Luus has replaced her for the tournament.As for the leadership at the Giants set-up in the WPL, original vice-captain Sneh Rana has been elevated to captain while Australia allrounder Ashleigh Gardner is the new vice-captain.Mooney, the designated captain at Giants, suffered a calf injury during their tournament opener against Mumbai Indians. Giants were chasing Mumbai’s 207 for 5, and in the first over of the chase, Mooney appeared to hurt her knee when stopping and turning around while trying to steal a run. She retired hurt straightaway, and Giants lost the match by a massive 143 runs after they were bowled out for 64. Mooney hasn’t played since, though she has been spotted with her colleagues at subsequent Giants matches. She later returned to training but was advised rest of 4-6 weeks.”I was really looking forward to the maiden WPL season with the Adani Gujarat Giants. But unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the sport and I am gutted to be missing the remainder of the season,” Mooney said via a statement. “I, however, will be keeping a close eye on the team’s performance from afar and will be rooting for them every single day. And though I will be away from the field of play for the rest of the season, I am looking forward to coming back stronger, fitter and I will definitely be hungrier next season. For now, I wish the Adani Gujarat Giants squad all the very best for the rest of the WPL season.”A first-time captain at a high level, Mooney was picked up at the WPL auction last month for INR 2 crore (US$ 244,000 approx.), in a side with many Australians. Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland are all part of the squad.Having come into the WPL after scoring 74 not out in 53 balls in Australia’s win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, Mooney was expected to be the frontperson of the Giants batting, a role Wolvaardt, who had gone unsold at the player auction, might well have to play now.At the Women’s League, Wolvaardt was in good form in her only appearance, scoring 53 not out in 36 balls as Super Women beat Amazons by eight wickets in the first game of the tournament.”I want to thank the PCB for this opportunity to play in the Women’s League exhibition matches. It has been an incredible short journey, but I have loved the experience. The team has been amazing and I have felt so welcoming,” Wolvaardt said in a statement released by the PCB on Wednesday. “I wish both sides the best of luck with rest of the series. I am sure both sides will strive hard and they will do well and learn a lot from the experience they will get from the matches.”I cannot wait to return to Pakistan in September with South Africa’s national women’s team and learning more about this amazing country.”Luus recently led South Africa to the final of the T20 World Cup after being appointed captain once Dane van Niekerk, the regular captain, failed a fitness test and was left out of the squad.
Depois de ter goleado o Cerro Porteño-PAR por 5 a 0 e garantido a classificação para as quartas de final da Libertadores, o Palmeiras folgou na última quinta-feira e se reapresentou na manhã desta sexta, na Academia de Futebol, já pensando no duelo deste domingo com o Fortaleza, às 18h, no Castelão, pela 16ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Veron e Navarro estão no departamento médico.
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GALERIA > Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022
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Os titulares contra a equipe paraguaia fizeram regenerativo na parte interna do centro de excelência, enquanto o restante, contando com os jogadores que entraram no decorrer do confronto, realizou atividades técnicas no campo 2 com objetivos pré-definidos.
Apesar da diminuição dos casos de Covid-19 e da flexibilização das medidas de restrição por conta da pandemia, o Verdão ainda não liberou a presença de jornalistas nos treinamentos. Assim, as informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.
O meio-campista Jailson e o atacante Gabriel Veron cumpriram cronograma específico com o Núcleo de Saúde e Performance, assim como o atacante Rafael Navarro, que lesionou a coxa direita ainda no primeiro tempo contra o Cerro Porteño-PAR. Ambos devem ser desfalques diante do Fortaleza, neste domingo, fora de casa.
Neste sábado, o elenco do Alviverde volta a treinar na Academia de Futebol a partir das 11h. A delegação fara a última atividade antes do duelo de domingo e viajará em seguida para a capital cearense.
O Palmeiras é o atual líder do Brasileirão com 29 pontos, decorrentes de oito vitórias, cinco empates e duas derrotas. O Verdão ostenta também o melhor ataque (com 27 gols) e a defesa menos vazada (12 tentos sofridos) da competição. Além disso, o Alviverde é o visitante mais indigesto do torneio: não perdeu nenhuma vez e conquistou 15 dos 21 pontos possíveis, com quatro triunfos e três empates.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has now provided an injury update on Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu after the duo sustained issues against West Ham United on Monday night.
Blues edge past the Hammers
The Blues made hard work of it, but they returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory against London rivals West Ham United on Monday night. Maresca’s side went in a goal down at the break, with Jarrod Bowen opening the scoring late in the first half, but a Pedro Neto effort and an Aaron Wan-Bissaka own-goal turned the game around after the hour mark.
The Chelsea boss was happy with his side’s performance, insisting it was a fair result in his post-match press conference: “We had more than 10 shots in the first half. We had clear chances in the first half but unfortunately, we missed the target. With some changes the game changed. Overall we completely deserved to win.”
The only cause for concern will be the fact Jackson had to be withdrawn early in the second half after sustaining a knock, before Guiu picked up an issue of his own late on, although the youngster was ultimately able to see out the match.
Chelsea'sNicolasJacksonreacts after sustaining an injury
The Spaniard appeared to be hurt when he went down the tunnel, which will have caused some concern for Blues fans, particularly considering the transfer window closed shortly after full time.
However, Maresca has now provided a relatively promising update on the knocks sustained by the attacking duo, saying: “To be honest they both said to me that they’re okay so hopefully neither of them are injured.”
Of course, the pair will be assessed by the medical team, but it is encouraging that neither player was too hurt in the immediate aftermath of the game.
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ByEthan Lamb Feb 4, 2025 Guiu impressing when given the opportunity
It has been a breakthrough season for the 19-year-old at Stamford Bridge, scoring six goals in as many Conference League games, so it is no wonder he has been handed an increasing amount of opportunities in the first-team set-up.
Jackson, on the other hand, has regressed somewhat since making a flying start to the Premier League season, failing to score in his last eight matches, stretching back to the 2-1 victory against Brentford back in December.
The 23-year-old has also consistently underperformed in terms of non-penalty goals over the past year, averaging just 0.47 goals per 90 despite an xG of 0.58 per 90.
As such, it may be worth Maresca considering handing Guiu his first Premier League start in the next few weeks, providing his recent injury issue is nothing more than a scare.
Bayern Munich have been urged to sign Jack Grealish as the Manchester City star would "bring flair" to Harry Kane's Bundesliga side.
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Grealish's Man City future in doubtScored against Leicester to end goal droughtHamann believes he should be signed by BayernFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Since completing his high-profile switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021, Grealish has shown occasional brilliance but has struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance under Pep Guardiola. With competition for places intensifying at the Etihad, the 28-year-old has seen his influence diminish, prompting whispers of a potential exit in search of a more prominent role elsewhere.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT HAMANN SAID
Former Bayern midfielder, Dietmar Hamann, believes the City winger still has plenty to offer and could rediscover his spark in Germany.
"Grealish is a player I’d really like to see at Bayern Munich. I think he has still got unlimited potential," he said in an interview with . "He has only had one standout season in four years at Manchester City, I feel like he is a free spirit both on and off the pitch and you have to let him have freedom."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While Grealish has often operated from wide areas for both club and country, Hamann believes his best performances have come when deployed in a central playmaking role.
"The question at Bayern would be where he plays, I think he is at his best just behind the centre forward as a number 10 even though he has played a lot out wide, but he was outstanding there for England against Ireland," he added. "Bayern do have Jamal Musiala there, but I think he is a player that you have to put in his best position because he is that good. It’s also a question of if they are able to afford him, but he would bring flair to the Bundesliga for sure."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH & MANCHESTER CITY?
As speculation swirls about his long-term future at Manchester City, Grealish continues to fight for his place in a squad brimming with attacking talent. His performances this season have not matched the lofty expectations set upon his arrival, and with City competing on multiple fronts, Guardiola may demand more from the former Villa captain. City are scheduled to face Crystal Palace on April 12, and all eyes will be on whether Grealish features in the match.
Liverpool are in the driving seat for the Premier League title, six points clear of second-placed sides Arsenal and Nottingham Forest while yielding a game in hand.
After Darwin Nunez came up trumps in the dying embers at the Gtech on Saturday, Brentford manager Thomas Frank conceded that Liverpool are the “best team in the world” right now and a “level above” their closest challengers in the top flight.
It’s true that the Bees missed several promising chances across a hard-contested fixture, but Liverpool’s 37 shots told the tale of the tape, with their last-gasp goals vindication after 90 minutes of profligacy.
It was an off day for the Premier League’s finest frontline, but Nunez proved that Liverpool have title-winning strength in depth, even if window-related noise suggests that the Reds should invest this winter.
Arne Slot has been predictably coy when quizzed on transfer and contract-related issues, but FSG do have some targets on their shortlist and there’s one in particular who might join the cause this month.
Liverpool's January transfer plans
Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki has reached an agreement with his club regarding his prospective sale this month. The Ligue 1 side are engulfed in financial issues and would ease their burdens by cashing in on the 21-year-old.
Fabrizio Romano has relayed the news, confirming that Cherki could be available this month for a bargain €22.5m (roughly £19m) fee.
While the transfer guru doesn’t explicitly mention Liverpool as suitors, Spanish reports have confirmed that the Anfield side are gearing up to make their move, following their own recent vein of eye-catching opportunities – the signings of Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, for example.
Lyon star Rayan Cherki
The report notes that the Reds are ‘willing’ to meet his asking price and that they are now the ‘main candidates’ to sign the Frenchman having intensified their efforts to sign him this month.
As such, it’s suggested that if ‘all goes according to plan, Cherki could be wearing a Liverpool shirt in the next few days.’
What Rayan Cherki would bring to Liverpool
Some might feel that Cherki’s profile is not of the greatest importance to Liverpool given the supposed lack of depth at centre-back and the ongoing decline of Andy Robertson.
But this is a talent – for a shrewd price – who cannot be allowed to pass by. This season, Cherki has enjoyed prolific success across all competitions, posting five goals and eight assists over 22 outings and serving as his team’s creative talisman.
Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon
Described as “one of the most skilful players on earth” by pundit Frank Lebouef, Cherki would certainly bring some flair to a Liverpool frontline blessed with dynamism and depth.
Cherki’s playmaking prowess and capacity to mix things up across a variety of positions issue a strong remark on his chances of excelling on English shores, providing relief across a range of areas for Slot’s side.
Attacking midfield
62
18
10
Right winger
43
9
9
Left winger
18
0
5
Centre-forward
7
2
0
Central midfield
1
0
1
While Liverpool already have an elite up-and-coming architect named Harvey Elliott, Cherki could be the perfect attacking midfielder to complete the set, with a dribbling skill that differentiates him from his age-mates.
As per FBref, Cherki ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.
His big personality on the field and doggedness in making things happen on the ball could serve the resurgence of Nunez neatly indeed over the coming months, with the Uruguay international’s brace reopening the door to an important role as the Slot machine churns on.
24/25
16
4
1.6 (0.6)
3
23/24
36
11
3.0 (1.3)
27
22/23
29
9
2 9 (1.3)
20
Though we’re extrapolating from a far more narrow data pool, it’s curious to note that Nunez’s woes this season have not come as a result of wastefulness, comparatively to the past two seasons, but rather, a decreased output. It’s like that this is a by-product of Slot’s lack of trust in Liverpool’s club-record striker.
Nunez, to be sure, is a player who runs on frenetic energy, on chaos. His tenacity and willingness to ruffle feathers with innate predatory movements is something that cannot be easily replaced. Diogo Jota, in this sense, is his inverse, all cool and calculated finishing.
Alongside Cherki, Nunez could take centre stage as a key man in one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable strike forces, bringing dynamism and destructive energy to Slot’s team.
Slot, of course, will always champion control, but when combining the rawness of such a forward with the Dutch coach’s sharp tactics, Liverpool might unlock new levels to their attacking line, with Nunez darting forward to latch onto Cherki’s surgical passes – hopefully with a refined ball-striking sense.
Nunez has shown that he can thrive when placed in reactionary, high-octane situations. Well, in Cherki, a player who journalist Dean Jones has lauded for his “outrageous” skills, he might just find the perfect partner.
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The Champions League underwent its biggest change in format since the second group stage was scrapped ahead of the 2003/04 season, with the 2024/25 campaign seeing the introduction of the new league phase.
After 20 seasons of 32 entrants being split into eight groups of four, with the top two qualifying for the knockout phase, UEFA revamped the format, which brought about more games, rounds and drama.
Now 36 teams play in one group stage, playing eight matches rather than six in previous editions. The top eight reach the knockout stage, while those between 9th and 24th compete in a play-off to reach the last 16. The bottom eight sides are eliminated and no longer drop into the Europa League.
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More games hands teams more chances to put wins on the board. But which teams have won the most matches in the competition?
In this list, we have taken a look at the top 11 clubs with the most victories in Champions League matches since its previous revamp in 1992.
Rank
Club
CL matches
CL wins
Real Madrid
331
Bayern Munich
308
Barcelona
309
Man Utd
248
Juventus
230
Chelsea
197
Porto
228
Arsenal
201
Milan
207
PSG
165
Liverpool
163
11 Liverpool 88 wins
Liverpool had to wait until the 2001/02 season to make their debut in the Champions League and reached the quarter-finals that season. They won the competition in 2005 after a miraculous comeback against Milan in the final, while reaching another final two years later, with the Rossoneri gaining revenge with a 2-1 win.
The Anfield side had to wait until 2018 to reach another final. Jürgen Klopp’s side lost to Real Madrid before defeating Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 to claim their sixth continental crown.
Another final loss to Madrid in 2022 is the last time they have reached this stage of the competition, earning 88 victories since 2001.
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ByRoss Kilvington Nov 27, 2024 10 Paris Saint-Germain 89 wins
The big prize has eluded Paris Saint-Germain to date, but the Parisians’ 2024/25 campaign has left them on the verge of history after being transformed under the guidance of Luis Enrique.
Despite the departure of Kylian Mbappe, PSG are in their second final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2020, where they lost 1-0 to Bayern in a behind-closed-doors finale.
PSG’s run to the 2025 final saw them rack up some wins to hurl themselves into the top 10, overtaking last-16 opponents Liverpool in the process.
9 Milan 94 wins
It may sound surprising that Milan are ranked this low, having racked up 94 wins in the competition, especially considering they have won the title on three occasions in the post-European Cup era and reached another three finals.
They failed to qualify for the competition on several occasions in recent years, which is a key reason they haven’t won as many games as the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Indeed, since winning the Champions League in 2007, Milan have reached the semi-finals only once, with Inter defeating them over two legs in 2023.
8 Arsenal 97 wins
Despite Arsenal being one of the most decorated sides in England, their record in Europe is relatively disappointing.
Indeed, since making their Champions League bow during the 1998/99 season, they have reached the final just once, in 2006.
The Gunners lost 2-1 against Barcelona in Paris as Arsène Wenger came so close to triumphing in the competition.
However, the club did have a remarkable consistency in the tournament, reaching the group stages for 17 consecutive seasons, earning 97 wins since their debut.
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ByTom Cunningham Dec 17, 2024 7 Porto 101 wins
Porto were no strangers to Europe prior to the inception of the Champions League, winning the European Cup in 1987 against Bayern.
José Mourinho led them to their second continental crown in 2004, surprising the whole of Europe in the process.
Since that spectacular triumph, they have qualified for the group stage 20 times, but have yet to make it past the quarter-finals, being stopped at that particular stage on four separate occasions.
Despite this, the club have still managed to win a total of 101 games in the competition since the 1992/93 season.
6 Chelsea 101 wins
Like Liverpool, Chelsea were relative latecomers to the Champions League, having to wait until 1999 to make their debut.
The Blues suffered agonising semi-final defeats to Monaco and Liverpool in 2004 and 2005 respectively, not making their first final until 2008.
They lost to Manchester United then, but glory finally arrived four years later, defeating Bayern in their own backyard to win the tournament for the first time.
A surprising win over Manchester City in 2021 saw the Stamford Bridge side claim their second title, and they rank sixth on this list with 101 wins, coming in fewer matches (197) than Porto (228).
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2 ByStephan Georgiou Aug 23, 2024 5 Juventus 114 wins
No European club has lost as many European Cup/Champions League finals as Juventus, with seven losses occurring at the last hurdle between 1973 and 2017.
Two of those losses arrived before the inception of the Champions League, but since 1993, the Old Lady have tasted defeat on no fewer than five occasions.
They won the tournament most recently in 1996, defeating holders Ajax in the final, yet lost the following two finals against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
It looked as though they would end that barren run in 2003, but Milan prevailed on penalties at Old Trafford. Since then, both Madrid and Barcelona have defeated the Serie A side in the showpiece event.
Despite this, they have won an impressive 114 games in the Champions League, although they would surely love to claim another title in the next few years.
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ByCharlie Smith Sep 25, 2025 4 Manchester United 127 wins
Man United
It took Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson a while to get to grips with the Champions League.
Domestic dominance between 1993 and 2001 was achieved fairly easily, but Europe was a different proposition. Of course, no one will forget the stunning comeback to win the trophy in 1999 with two injury-time goals, but this was their only final between 1993 and 2007.
United won another Champions League trophy in 2008, before reaching the finals in 2009 and 2011, losing to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola each time.
Since Fergie retired, the Red Devils have qualified for Europe’s premier club competition on just seven occasions, failing to make it past the quarter-final stage.
They rank fourth on the list of most victories in the Champions League with 127.
3 Barcelona 179 wins
Barcelona won the last edition of the old European Cup in 1992, claiming the prize for the first time in their history.
Johan Cruyff’s ‘dream team’ reached the final in 1994, but were thrashed 4-0 by Milan – and this was the last time they would reach the final until 2006.
That year, they won 2-1 against Arsenal, before winning in 2009 and 2011 under the mercurial guidance of Guardiola, with Barcelona becoming one of the finest club sides of all time.
Under Luis Enrique, the La Liga side reached another final in 2015, sending Juventus packing with a 3-1 win in Berlin, giving them their fourth Champions League crown in just nine years.
They rank third in terms of victories in the tournament, racking up a staggering 179 since their first match in 1993.
2 Bayern Munich 181 wins
Bayern Munich’s tally of six continental titles ranks them as the third-best team in European Cup/Champions League history. Since the Champions League’s inception in 1992, Bayern have won three titles, although the Bavarian club have lost a further three finals.
The German side claimed the title in 2001, 2013 and 2020, but given their stature among Europe’s elite, the club should perhaps have won more, especially when Pep Guardiola took charge between 2013 and 2016.
Since their last title, Bayern have reached just one semi-final, losing to Real Madrid in 2023/24. Under Vincent Kompany, they have a vibrant, young coach who has plenty of ambition, but they bowed out in his first season at the quarter-final stage.
They rank second on the all-time victory list in the competition, recording 181 since their first match in 1994.
Weekly wages: Bayern Munich FC 2025/26 highest-paid players
Alvaro Morata had no hesitation in freely admitting that switching Atletico Madrid for AC Milan was a glaring career mistake.
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Morata makes honest admission regarding Milan move
Confesses he shouldn't have left Atleti while battling depression
Moved to Galatasaray on loan in January
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Alvaro Morata has publicly acknowledged that his move from Atletico Madrid to AC Milan in the summer of 2024 was a mistake. The Spaniard attributed his decision to a challenging personal period, during which he struggled with depression ahead of Euro 2024, and admitted that he failed to heed the advice of those around him.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Morata joined the Rossoneri from Atletico last summer for a €13 million fee, but only managed five league goals in 16 appearances. The change of coach from Paulo Fonseca to Sergio Conceicao just before the winter transfer market opened only served to worsen his situation in Milan, leading him to decide to leave after just six months. Indeed, Morata headed to Galatasaray on loan, where he's due to remain until January 2026.
WHAT ALVARO MORATA SAID
"I should never have left Atletico," Morata told . "But I wasn't feeling well. And when you're not feeling well, you make the wrong decisions in all areas of life.
"Milan's coach called me every day – and I wanted to be loved and appreciated. Then I had to make a quick decision and didn't realise that I was also important to [Diego] Simeone and that he valued me.
"My father and my agent told me that I was making a mistake, but I didn't listen to them. When you're going through a tough time, everything looks grey, even if those around you tell you that it's not.
"If I could go back in time, I would never have left Atletico. But you can't change the past. Now I'm happy again."
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WHAT NEXT FOR ALVARO MORATA?
Morata has three goals and one assist in six appearances for Galatasaray. Currently, he is on international duty with Spain. The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward will be captaining La Roja against Netherlands in their Nations League quarter-final clash, to be played on Thursday, March 20.
يخطط المدرب، كارلو أنشيلوتي لإحداث تغييرات جذرية في تشكيل ريال مدريد خلال مواجهة آرسنال، في إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، أملًا في قلب النتيجة وتعويض الخسارة، خاصة في ظل صعوبة المهمة أمام خصم دفاعه صلب.
وسقط ريال مدريد في الذهاب بملعب “الإمارات” بثلاثية نظيفة، مما يعني أن الفريق الإسباني يحتاج لمعادلة النتيجة للانتقال إلى الوقت الإضافي وربما ركلات الجزاء، أو الفوز 4-0 للتأهل إلى نصف النهائي مباشرة.
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أنشيلوتي جرب إشراك داني سيبايوس أساسيًا في التدريبات، رغم غيابه الطويل، حيث يرى المدرب في لاعب الوسط المفتاح لصناعة اللعب وتنظيم الهجمات، مستندًا إلى تأثيره الإيجابي قبل إصابته السابقة.
اختيار سيبايوس يأتي رغم مشاركته دقائق محدودة فقط أمام ديبورتيفو ألافيس، ما يضع مشاركته محل شك بسبب احتمالية الانتكاسة، لكنه خيار مطروح بقوة في ظل الحاجة لتحولات كبيرة في أسلوب اللعب، بحسب صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية.
أنشيلوتي يفكر أيضًا في الدفع بلاعب الوسط، أوريلين تشواميني كقلب دفاع بجانب أنطونيو روديجر، مع عودة ديفيد ألابا للجهة اليسرى، في محاولة لزيادة اللاعبين أصحاب قوة الالتحامات الهوائية والصلابة أمام كرات آرسنال الثابتة وخطورته في الهجمات المنظمة.
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من التعديلات الجديدة أيضًا، إشراك راؤول أسينسيو كظهير أيمن بديلًا لزميله لوكاس فاسكيز، لتأمين الجهة بشكل أكبر أمام انطلاقات مارتينيلي، حتى وإن فقد الفريق الديناميكية الهجومية المعتادة لفاسكيز.
فالفيردي سيعود للعب في المحور بتشكيل ريال مدريد إلى جانب جود بيلينجهام وداني سيبايوس، لضمان ضغط أكبر واستعادة الكرة مبكرًا، في خطة تستهدف حرمان آرسنال من المساحات والبناء من الخلف.
الثلاثي الهجومي سيضم رودريجو ومبابي وفينيسيوس، بهدف الضغط المبكر ومحاولة تسجيل أهداف مبكرة، معتمدين على سرعتهم الفردية لتعويض الغياب التهديفي في مباراة الذهاب في لندن.
أنشيلوتي يعي صعوبة المهمة، لكنه يدرك أن العودة تتطلب مغامرة تكتيكية، لذا اختار الثورة لا المداورة، آملًا أن تقوده هذه المغامرة لريمونتادا تاريخية تضمن عبور الملكي إلى نصف النهائي.
Manchester United fans should be "fuming" with the new 100,000-seater stadium plans as the £2bn project was branded as "pathetic" by Paul Merson.
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Merson not impressed with Man Utd's stadium plans
Likely to spend around £2b for the 100,000-seater stadium
Expected to boost the economy by £7.3bn-a-year
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WHAT HAPPENED?
United have announced ambitious plans to construct a state-of-the-art 100,000-capacity stadium, aiming to create what they call "the world’s greatest stadium." The project, estimated to cost £2 billion, is expected to take five years to complete. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is leading the charge for the massive infrastructure overhaul, emphasising that the new stadium will be a global icon, visible from up to 40 kilometers away in the Peak District.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
In addition to the football venue, the redevelopment will include a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square and an avenue resembling Wembley Way. The club claims the project could add £7.3 billion to the UK economy annually, create 92,000 jobs, build 17,000 homes, and attract 1.8 million more visitors each year. However, crucial details such as funding sources, a construction timeline, and a temporary home for United during the build remain unclear.
WHAT MERSON SAID
Former Arsenal midfielder, Merson, has not held back in his criticism of Manchester United’s proposed stadium project, calling it "pathetic" and arguing that the club should focus on improving the squad rather than infrastructure.
Speaking in an interview with , Merson said: "You know what, no interest at all. I think it's pathetic. If I'm a Man United fan, I'd be fuming. They're at Old Trafford, which is one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League.
"I could understand if it's Chelsea, and Chelsea go, 'we want to move stadium' because Chelsea get around 38,000 (40,000), so they need a bigger stadium to keep on living with the big boys. But when it's Man United and they already hold 70-odd thousand, more than anybody else, why would they need a new stadium?"
DID YOU KNOW?
Merson believes that Manchester United’s current squad issues are far more pressing than a stadium rebuild. With the team struggling for form and sitting outside the Champions League places, he feels investment should go toward building a competitive team rather than a flashy stadium.
"You need new players. They need a team. This is what I can't work out," he added.
"I heard Jim Ratcliffe going, 'oh, this is going to be a stadium, England will be able to play here.' Don't worry about England. Don't worry about the national team. Worry about Man United. Worry about getting them into the top six, let alone into the Champions League. I just can't believe what I've been seeing over the past couple of days. I'm flabbergasted."