Tag Futebol

Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of disappointment after it was confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal had been reached between the Gunners and the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £63.8m including add-ons.

Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly have wanted to secure a reunion between himself and the forward after enjoying a successful stint together at Sporting CP.

However, his loss is Mikel Arteta’s gain, with the Red Devils’ hierarchy needing to identify other targets to help strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Numerous players have previously been mentioned as possible targets, potentially needing to re-enter negotiations with multiple talents after missing out on Gyokeres’ signature.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

During the current transfer window, United have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking stars who could change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins have all been discussed as possible targets, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal for Benjamin Sesko after progress was made for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils have already made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for the 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals for the German side across all competitions last season.

It also states that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has pushed a move for the Slovenian international, who’s available for £67m, after missing out on a deal for Gyokeres’ signature.

Why United’s £67m target would be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Given Gyokeres’ tally of 54 goals in his 52 appearances last season, it’s no surprise to see the Swede being a man in demand this window, having the tools to inject quality into any frontline.

Having previously featured under Amorim before, a move to Old Trafford would’ve made sense for all parties, but ultimately, the club’s lack of Champions League football has cost them in their pursuit.

The prospect of facing the 27-year-old in the Premier League is certainly a frightening one for the Red Devils, undoubtedly highlighting the talisman they missed out on this summer.

However, the hierarchy shouldn’t be disheartened, desperately needing to back Amorim in his quest for success and pushing for other alternatives before the end of the window.

Sesko could prove to be the perfect alternative, being a younger option than Gyokeres, but also a just as effective striker given the stats produced by both last campaign.

When comparing their respective figures, the Leipzig talent managed to outperform him in various departments, handing the manager his next version of the impressive talisman.

Sesko, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, may have been outscored, but did post the same goal per shot on target rate – highlighting he’s just as clinical with the opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

18

46

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Key passes made

1.1

0.5

Take-ons completed

52%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

Aerials won

2.7

1.2

Aerial success rate

59%

50%

He also registered more key passes per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he attempted, subsequently able to get the ball into attacking areas and finish chances himself or provide others with the opportunities to improve their own tallies.

The Slovenian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials and more of the battles he contested – handing Amorim the focal point he craves at Old Trafford.

£67m may appear to be a steep fee for a player who’s never played in England, but it would be a shrewd investment given the stats produced and the potential he holds.

Missing out on Gyokeres would’ve been a bitter blow, but ultimately it could be a blessing in disguise if Sesko can build on his impressive form from the 2024/25 campaign.

Better deal than Mbeumo: Man Utd preparing bid for "superstar" £39m CF

Manchester United appear to be making another huge move within the transfer market.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 22, 2025

Liverpool have adopted the mantra that the best form of defence is attack. Certainly, this is true of their summer transfer window so far, having made sweeping changes after winning the Premier League.

Some expected Arne Slot to be relieved of his duties as helmsman before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, let alone win the title with such dispatch.

Always ahead of the rabble, the Reds will now look to defend their title and challenge for more silverware across tournament fronts, well-equipped to do so after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Though Liverpool are definitely interested in bringing in a centre-back – having attempted to sign Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid and now setting their sights on Marc Guehi – many fans would agree that a centre-forward is more desperately needed.

Wirtz’s world-class playmaking would raise the level of any striker, but it won’t be enough to salvage Darwin Nunez’s Anfield career.

Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez

When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago, they thought they had secured a superstar in the making. Jurgen Klopp led the bid.

However, the Uruguay international, 25, has only scored 25 goals across his three terms in the Premier League, routinely criticised for his wayward finishing.

The pace and pressure that English football applies has foiled many a talented up-and-comer, and though Nunez has had his moments – that winner at the City Ground, that match-winning brace against Brentford – personal triumphs have been few and far between.

Under Slot’s guidance, he has scored seven times in 47 matches. Presenting that data differently, Nunez failed to score across 42 fixtures in 2024/25.

The marriage is over, but it’s an amiable divorce. Serie A champions Napoli are currently pushing to sign the striker, and it’s a move that will benefit all parties involved.

Nunez will enjoy the slower pace of the Italian division. Napoli, then, have the chance to rekindle this maverick, turn him into a chaotic weapon.

And Liverpool? Well, Liverpool will sign someone better.

Liverpool set sights on Nunez upgrade

According to German reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The sought-after star has been expected to leave Germany this summer, but his club are playing hardball.

Indeed, Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in considering a deal, but Frankfurt seem set on sticking to their €100m (£85m) valuation, a figure no one will pay.

Falk believes Liverpool will not open contacts with Frankfurt until Nunez’s future has been sorted, and a resolution on that front appears to be imminent.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Time was when the ballpark of £85m would get you record-breaking players, those of the top brass. Now, such figures make for just another day for clubs looking to stay competitive at the highest level.

That’s not to discredit Ekitike’s skill set; the Frenchman has been called “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, after all.

And he could reach some staggering standard, of course. Ekitike is tall and powerful and dynamic, endowed with pace and awareness to combine with a hunger to rattle shots off at goal.

You can only imagine the levels he could reach at Liverpool, combining with someone like Wirtz, whom Xabi Alonso had no qualms about labelling a “genius” of a playmaker for his vision and creative passing.

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Wirtz’s ability to score and to assist with regularity would suit a modern-tailored striker like Ekitike to a tee, for he scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions in 2024/25, going from strength to strength after arriving in Germany as a loanee in January 2024, scoring four times across the latter half of that Bundesliga season before wrapping the deal up by the end for €35m (£30m).

A lofty figure for a relatively unproven prospect at the time, but who can argue that Frankfurt haven’t got bang for their buck now? Ekitike will be sold for a mammoth figure, even if it doesn’t quite reach the ballpark that Die Adler are hoping for.

While some might have reservations over Ekitike’s age, and indeed his rawness, you can only imagine the heights he could reach in front of Liverpool’s new record signing, and that’s without even considering the magic of Mohamed Salah being sprinkled in from the right too.

Of course, Wirtz will certainly be helped by Ekitike’s instinctiveness, the forward’s sharp movements and clever flicks apt to cause mayhem for opposing defences when collecting one of Wirtz’s surgical passes, his angled crosses, his deft layoffs.

And, furthermore, the rangy talent boasts an underlying skill set to behold, bearing all the dynamism and roundedness that Liverpool typically like from their frontmen.

As per FBref, he finished the Bundesliga campaign ranked among the top 8% of strikers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

No doubt, he’d be a dream for Liverpool’s new German superstar, actually praised for his “incredible” style of play by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Of course, Liverpool would get a more refined and established nine in Alexander Isak, who has demonstrable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring as Newcastle United beat Slot to the Carabao Cup in March.

However, Ekitike is more affordable and has the potential to grow into a bona fide sensation. Partnered with Wirtz over the coming years, whose elegant and intelligent performances would serve chances to the France talent on gleaming platters, Slot might just hit the jackpot.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool in the race for "the new Haaland"

Liverpool are sounding out a series of Alexander Isak alternatives this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Bryan Mbeumo rapidly appears to be the latest player to be edging closer to completing a move to Manchester United this summer, looking to add to their first-team overhaul.

Matheus Cunha has already completed his own switch to Old Trafford, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m – with the Brentford talent potentially being next in line.

The 25-year-old has already chosen the Red Devils as his next destination, leaving the hierarchy to agree a deal with Thomas Frank before he can complete a medical.

It’s been reported that they’ve already placed a £45m offer with £10m in add-ons, but it’s expected to be rejected with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m to sell the Cameroonian.

It appears that the move is heading in the right direction, but he’s not alone in being wanted by the club this summer, with multiple other stars also on their radar ahead of 2025/26.

The latest on United’s pursuit of new additions

As previously mentioned, United have wasted no time in identifying options to help improve Ruben Amorim’s squad, in his attempts to transform the club during his first full season in charge.

Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap are just three names who’ve been on their list, but have had to look elsewhere – with the latter joining Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, such a transfer could massively help the Red Devils in their latest pursuit, with Blues talisman Nicolas Jackson another name they’re targeting, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The report claims that Amorim’s side are seriously interested in a move for the 23-year-old forward, who managed to find the net 10 times in his 30 league appearances this season.

It also states that the Senegalese international could be available for the right price this summer, but doesn’t state how much they could demand, with Aston Villa also credited with a strong interest.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Isak

Alexander Isak is a player who has torn up the Premier League over recent years, being one of the most feared attackers after joining Newcastle United back in the summer of 2022.

The Swede has since scored 54 league goals in just 86 appearances, with 23 of his efforts coming in 2024/25 – with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah registering more goals this campaign.

His subsequent tally from this campaign is nearly three times higher than the Red Devils’ top scorers Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes – showcasing how impressive the Magpies ace has been in front of goal.

However, given his goalscoring record, he would cost a pretty penny, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m valuation on the 25-year-old’s head this summer.

The Red Devils could be about to land their own version of the Swede in the form of Jackson, with FBref labelling the Chelsea talent as a similar player to Isak based off their respective figures in 2024/25.

When delving into the stats and comparing them, the Blues star has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, handing Amorim his own version of the talisman should he move to Old Trafford.

Jackson, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Rahman Osman, may have registered fewer goals this season, but has posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – showcasing his ability to get his efforts on target, which could lead to added goals down the line.

How Jackson compares to Isak in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Jackson	Isak
Games played	30	34
Goals & assists	15	29
Shot-on-target accuracy	45%	43%
Pass accuracy	76%	75%
Aerials won	37%	32%
Shots on target per game	1.4	1.3
Fouls won	1.2	0.4
Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to win more aerial battles, whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted, handing Amorim an all-round option within the final third at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old’s talents don’t stop there, winning more fouls per 90, offering a constant nuisance to the opposition backline, which could make him a real threat alongside the likes of Cunha and Fernandes at the Theatre of Dreams.

It’s safe to say that Jackson won’t be many supporters’ first choice for the centre forward role this summer, but he has that raw ability that could shape him into an elite-level talent.

Should he make the move to the North West and get anywhere close to the goal tally produced by Isak, it would be one hell of an addition – pushing the club one step closer to returning their former glory in the coming years.

As exciting as Mbeumo: Man Utd ramp up move for "better version of Haaland"

Man Utd’s swift start to the window could be followed by the signing of a new centre-forward

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 5, 2025

It’s fair to say Ruben Amorim’s reign at Manchester United to date has been a bumpy ride full of many ups and downs.

Amorim has collected 17 victories from the Old Trafford hot-seat, but that has been followed up by a worrying 17 losses being tallied up, which included a soul-crushing Europa League final defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

Even with the pain of this loss out in Bilbao still hurting – with no European football on the menu this coming season – the Red Devils have been able to flex their muscles in the transfer market, as seen in the notable £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha.

But, what’s around the corner for the Red Devils?

Man Utd in surprise talks to sign £70m star

Well, Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly also edging closer to a switch to the red half of Manchester despite their aforementioned problems, with a hat-trick of standout purchases from within the Premier League perhaps on the cards if another deal is also secured.

As per a report by Football Insider, United have been in surprise talks recently over snapping up Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

It’s stated that a move was being explored after United had held talks with the 6 foot 5 man mountain’s agent, but it is looking more likely that Branthwaite will pen a contract extension at the Toffees, over moving to nearby Manchester.

Yet, as has been seen in the manic transfer window so far, many twists and turns can occur, with United known to be keen admirers of the £70m-rated centre-back for some time now, having been linked with the one-time England international last summer.

A move might well finally happen for Branthwaite and the Red Devils, with Amorim’s strugglers hopeful that the strong Everton number 32 can go on to be their modern-day iteration of Rio Ferdinand if a deal is finalised.

How Branthwaite can be Man Urd's next Ferdinand

It’s been nearly 23 years now since Ferdinand crossed enemy lines to leave Leeds United behind for the Theatre of Dreams for £30m.

Rio Ferdinand

But, even nearly two decades on, Ferdinand is still seen as the cream of the defensive crop from United’s recent and more success-laden years, with a mammoth 189 clean sheets coming his way from a stacked 504 Premier League outings, away from his ridiculous trophy collection boasting six top-flight title successes.

As it did at Elland Road over 20 years ago, Branthwaite’s exit would certainly upset the Everton masses if he were to shortly walk away from Merseyside, having showcased himself, just like Ferdinand, to be one of England’s finest young centre-halves.

Ferdinand did already have 54 Premier League clashes under his belt in West Yorkshire before sealing a major switch to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and now Branthwaite will surely fancy a similar big move to elevate his game to the next level.

Games played

75

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Goals conceded

92

Clean sheets

21

After all, the now-retired United number 5 was only a year older than Branthwaite is now when he first made the leap to Old Trafford, with the 22-year-old also definitely capable of adjusting to the pressures of the Theatre of Dreams when glancing at his standout numbers from the table above.

Branthwaite would be able to chip in with goals and assists aplenty too, just like Ferdinand in his pomp, with his output during his breakout 2023/24 season seeing him fire home three strikes, away from further proving his imposing nature in the air by winning 3.9 duels per game throughout 2024/25.

Once lauded as a “colossal” presence by Statman Dave, on top of also being labelled as a “beast” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could be yet another signing that helps United push out of their current mire.

A positive new horizon could soon come Amorim and Co’s way as Branthwaite potentially goes down as a modern icon at the back, whilst Cunha and Mbeumo also aim to be heroes in their own right.

He'd be perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd prepare bid for "exceptional" £28m ace

Manchester United appear to be making serious moves in the transfer market.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

Real Madrid and Barcelona often serve up a treat when they meet, with El Clásico watched around the globe by millions.

The era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be over, but this fixture always promises drama, history and often a bit of spice.

Whether these two iconic rivals are meeting in a cup final or a crunch league clash, there is no love lost between the pair, who have even met in the Champions League on eight occasions, most recently in 2011 when Messi’s Barcelona emerged victorious.

Thankfully, there is more to this fixture than the two foremost attackers from either club, with plenty of star names getting on the scoresheet since the turn of the century.

Since 2000, nearly 100 different players have had the honour of netting in the Clásico, from legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, to more modern stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

But who has grabbed the most goals this century in this fixture? From goalscoring defenders to lethal strikers, here is the list of El Clásico’s highest goalscorers…

The last 15 players to score on their El Clásico debut

FFC takes a look at the last 15 players to score in their first Clásico. Can anyone follow in Jude Bellingham’s footsteps?

ByMark Marston May 9, 2025 11 Ronaldinho 5 goals

During the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, Ronaldinho was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side.

In four games for Barcelona against Los Blancos, the silky Brazilian superstar scored five goals, including two in a 3-0 win in November 2005 – a game which is best remembered for being Lionel Messi’s El Clásico debut.

Messi, 18 at the time, got the assist for Samuel Eto’o’s opener on the day.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

20th Nov 2004

La Liga (H)

W 3-0

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (A)

L 2-4

19th Nov 2005

La Liga (A)

W 3-0

1st Apr 2006

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

10 Pedro 5 goals

Many forget just how good Pedro was for Barcelona (and indeed for Chelsea later down the line).

A graduate of the club’s famous La Masia academy, the Spanish winger made 321 appearances for Barca between 2007 and 2016, scoring 99 goals.

Five of those goals came in 21 games against Real Madrid, including during their Champions League semi-final in 2011.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Apr 2010

La Liga (A)

W 2-0

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

3rd May 2011

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

D 2-2

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

9 Xavi 5 goals

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi often stepped up to the mark when Barcelona played Real Madrid.

In 42 matches against Los Merengues, La Computadora, as he was known, scored five goals and registered a further 10 assists.

The most important of those five strikes came way back in April 2004 when Xavi hit a late winner by lobbing Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with a superb acrobatic volley in a 2-1 victory for Barca at the Bernabeu.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Mar 2002

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

25th Apr 2004

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

8 Sergio Ramos 5 goals

Despite being a central defender, Sergio Ramos was well known for his ability to score goals for Real Madrid.

To date, the former Los Blancos captain has scored well over 100 career goals, making him one of the highest-scoring defenders the game has ever seen – and Barcelona were one of his most frequent victims.

In 49 games against the Blaugrana for Madrid between 2005 and 2021, he scored five goals, including a memorable late winner in a 2-1 win for his side in March 2013.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Mar 2007

La Liga (A)

D 3-3

2nd May 2009

La Liga (H)

L 2-6

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (A)

D 1-1

24th Oct 2020

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

7 Robert Lewandowski 5 goals

Robert Lewandowski scored a double at the Bernabeu in October 2024 to help make his way onto this list, with his first La Liga goals in El Clásico helping Barcelona to a thumping 4-0 win on their enemy’s patch.

The Pole’s other goals against Real Madrid since signing for Barcelona have been in Spanish Super Cup finals, with his penalty in the 2024/25 clash making it three years in a row of scoring in that competition against Los Blancos.

Now in his mid-thirties, one can only imagine how many he would have racked up had he been playing for Barcelona in his pomp, especially considering his goal record since arriving in 2022.

Lewandowski has been the scourge of Madrid throughout his career, netting in the Champions League against them for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich – even netting four in one game for the former back in 2013.

6 Raul 6 goals

Spanish striker Raul scored 15 goals against Barcelona during his 16-year career at Real Madrid, but just six of those came since the millennium.

Arguably the best of those goals came in May 2002. Facing off against Barca in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie, Raul thumped the ball into the top corner from outside the penalty area just before half-time, sending the crowd at the Bernabeu into hysterics.

The final score on the night finished 1-1, but with Madrid having won the first leg 2-0, the draw was enough to see them into the final, where they went on to beat Bayer Leverkusen.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

3rd Mar 2001

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

1st May 2002

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (H)

W 4-2

22nd Oct 2006

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

7th May 2008

La Liga (H)

W 4-1

5 Vinicius Junior 7 goals

Barcelona must be sick of the sight of Vinicius Junior. In just 17 games against the Catalans, the Madrid winger has scored seven goals, three of which came in last season’s Spanish Super Cup, a game which Madrid won 4-1.

He’ll have the chance to add to that total this weekend, and given that he’s already hit 8 goals in 14 games this term, don’t be surprised if he does.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

1st Mar 2020

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

14th Jan 2024

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 4-1

21st Apr 2024

La Liga (H)

W 3-2

4 Luis Suarez 11 goals

Luis Suarez spent six seasons with Barcelona between 2014 and 2020, scoring 195 goals in 283 games.

During his spell in Catalonia, the Uruguayan particularly enjoyed scoring against Real Madrid, finding the net 11 times in just 15 games, averaging a strike every 120 minutes against Los Blancos.

Madrid thought they were done with Suarez after he was let go by Barcelona in August 2020. However, just a month later, he joined their city rivals Atletico, where he would again find the net against them in March 2021 as Diego Simeone’s side stormed to the title.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

21st Nov 2015

La Liga (A)

W 4-0

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

23rd Dec 2017

La Liga (A)

W 0-3

6th May 2018

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

28th Oct 2018

La Liga (H)

W 5-1

27th Feb 2019

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-0

3 Karim Benzema 16 goals

2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema scored 16 goals against Barcelona during his 14-season spell in the Spanish capital.

Eight of those goals came in La Liga, four came in the Copa Del Rey, and four in the Spanish Super Cup.

The French striker was never able to find the net against Barca in the Champions League, drawing a blank in each of the three games he faced off against them in Europe – all of which came during his time at Lyon.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (H)

L 1-3

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

16th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-0

10th Apr 2021

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

16th Oct 2022

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

15th Jan 2023

Spanish Super Cup (N)

L 1-3

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions

Probably the only time you’ll ever see Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.

1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 2 Cristiano Ronaldo 18 goals

Following his then-record £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, it took Cristiano Ronaldo a while to get going in El Clásico.

He was unable to find the net in his first three games against Barcelona, with Madrid coming out on the losing end every time.

However, when the Portuguese star did get going, there wasn’t much anyone could do to stop him. Between April 2011 and August 2017, he scored 18 goals against Barca, four of which were winning goals, including an extra-time strike in the final of the 2011 Copa del Rey.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Apr 2011

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

20th Apr 2011

Copa del Rey (N)

W 1-0

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

18th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

L 1-2

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

21st Apr 2012

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

29th Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-1

7th Oct 2012

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

26th Feb 2013

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (A)

L 1-2

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

13th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (A)

W 3-1

6th May 2018

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

In 2006, it was all about Thierry Henry. Arsenal became the first English team to defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, capping off a remarkable win. The score on that occasion was 1-0.

19 years later, it was Declan Rice who was the hero. The score this time around? 3-0.

This great football club have had some incredible moments down the years but this was perhaps their finest night on the European stage. The Gunners had swept aside Real. The great Real Madrid, 15-time winners of the Champions League.

The tie may only be at the halfway stage and this is the inevitable Madrid, but Arsenal should savour this moment.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Arteta will get his flowers, as will the defence for shutting down the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, but this magical night was all courtesy of Rice.

How Arsenal downed Real Madrid on a magical night

Before the game had kicked off Arteta issued a rallying call to the supporters. Turn up early and get the stadium rocking. It certainly was. The atmosphere was incredible.

While it inevitably quietened midway through the first half, there were moments that certainly got fans off their seats.

They largely came from Bukayo Saka. Wrapped in cotton wool since his return to action after a hamstring injury, the winger was saved for this occasion and truly delivered.

He may not have scored, he may not have assisted a goal but in the words of Amazon Prime pundit, Daniel Sturridge, it was a night in which he “proved” he could play for Madrid.

In the first half, everything positive Arsenal did came through their number seven. Twice he drove to the byline, and twice his cross evaded those in red. Arsenal fans were crying out for a striker once again.

Come full time, they certainly weren’t. Step forward Rice and makeshift centre forward Merino.

Rice’s night, UEFA Conference League victory aside, was probably the finest of his career. He has played over 390 games in his career but had never found the net via a direct free-kick. That was until tonight. They arrived like London buses too, scoring twice in the space of 13 minutes.

The first was delightfully curled around the wall and the second was out of this world. It was perfect. The £105m signing proved exactly why so much money was paid out for his services in 2023, crunching the ball into the far left corner. Cue bedlam.

Then, when Merino added a third from the edge of the box, Arsenal fans could scarcely believe what had just happened.

To a man, everyone in red and white was outstanding. It wasn’t just Rice and Saka who stole the headlines.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Arsenal’s future £100m hero stars against Madrid

There have been some landmark performances from Arsenal players in Europe.

This one from Rice was right up there. There was that famous night in Madrid itself. Henry the hero. Think Arshavin against Barcelona, Fabregas in the San Siro.

There was also Wilshere’s coming-of-age display against Barca at the Emirates. Well, if he hadn’t already come of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly did on Tuesday evening, putting in an elite performance on the biggest of stages, evoking memories of a teenage Wilshere in the process.

The youngster may not have scored but he did play a vital role, notably popping up with the assist for Merino’s goal and dominating one of European football’s grandest of teams.

The Englishman – adopting his usual inverted left-back role – was phenomenal, barely giving Rodrygo a sniff on the Brazilian’s flank.

In the words of the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid, he proved he is a “£100m footballer” with it “absolutely bonkers” the level of physicality he shows for an 18-year-old. Quite.

The teenager won four of his seven duels and came out the victor on several occasions. Not only did he dominate Rodrygo but Jude Bellingham was also left rattled by his England colleague after being dispossessed by him late in the game.

As scout Jacek Kulig put it, this was another “special” performance from a boy who is only going from strength to strength, completing 95% of his passes and managing two key passes. He also only lost the ball seven times from 74 touches. Incredible numbers.

Minutes played

90

Touches

74

Accurate passes

54/57 (95%)

Key passes

2

Clearances

1

Blocked shots

1

Tackles

2

Duels won

4/7

Possession lost

7

Successful dribbles

1/1

He has had his critics, notably when it comes to his ill-discipline but there is no doubting the elegance, the swagger and the confidence he plays the game.

This was an occasion where it would have been very easy to get overawed but perhaps the biggest compliment we can pay to Lewis-Skelly is that he made it look like he was simply having a kickabout with his mates.

Rice and Co stole the show but his Three Lions teammate, one of his new best friends, deserves equal amounts of praise. This most remarkable of breakthrough seasons is only getting better for him.

Their new Mesut Ozil: Arsenal preparing bid for "generational" £30m star

The incredible prospect could be something truly special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025

Aston Villa are ready to splash £75m on a player who has already scored against them at Villa Park this season, according to a new report.

Aston Villa subs make the difference against Southampton

Villa made history over the weekend as they beat Southampton 3-0 at Villa Park to continue their charge towards Champions League qualification next season.

For the first time in Premier League history, three substitutes scored in one game, with Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn coming off the bench to find the net for Unai Emery’s side in the second period.

Watkins first produced a superb volleyed finish to lob Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 73rd minute, before Malen then hammered home Morgan Rogers’ through-ball with aplomb just six minutes later.

In added time, McGinn then slotted in Marco Asensio’s saved penalty – his second of the afternoon – to complete the scoring and move Villa back to within just one point of fourth-placed Manchester City.

Aston Villa join hectic Premier League race to sign "great" Bundesliga star

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 12, 2025

Speaking after the game, Emery was full of praise for both those we started the game, and those that came on to make an impact.

“The first half we didn’t concede transitions,” said the Spaniard. “We were dominating but we didn’t have many chances to score. The second half the game plan was the same and with the fast players we can add to try and push more and more and we did. It was a fantastic 90 minutes. The subs had a very good impact.”

Aston Villa ready to spend big on Wolves star Cunha

Villa and NSWE made some serious moves in the January transfer window, signing Malen on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund and completing loan moves for Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi.

Despite significantly bolstering their attacking line just months ago, however, Villa aren’t quite yet content with their options up-top.

According to reports in Spain, the Villans are keen to complete a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, and are willing to pay as much as £75 million for his services.

The Brazilian has been Wolves’ star player this season, playing a vital role in their likely Premier League survival, scoring 13 goals – including one at Villa Park back in September – and registering four assists.

Games played

26

Goals

13

Assists

4

Progressive carries (per 90)

3.9

Progressive passes (per 90)

4.7

Shots on target

1.5

Pass accuracy

70%

Take-ons completed

2.1

The report states that while Villa are keen, so are a number of other clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, meaning acquiring his signature will be no easy feat.

It’s also unclear whether Cunha, who only signed a contract extension at Molineux in February, will be open to leaving the Midlands club. Speaking about Cunha earlier this season, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira described him as a “special” talent.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Arsenal have made contact to sign a new forward who has actually been compared to Gunners ace Kai Havertz.

Arsenal looking to sign new forwards after Berta announcement

Andrea Berta was recently officially unveiled as the new sporting director at the Emirates Stadium, taking over after Edu Gaspar departed north London at the end of 2024. Talking after sealing a deal, Berta said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role.”

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

He’s been compared to Man City’s all-time top goalscorer.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

One of his first tasks looks set to be to sign a new striker for Mikel Arteta‘s side, and there have been plenty of attacking names who have been linked with a move to the Gunners ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal look set to launch an “important” proposal to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, whereas Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are also on the radar of Berta and co at the Emirates.

More than one forward could be required over the coming months after injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Havertz, and an update has now emerged over a move to sign Mohamed Amoura, currently on loan at VfL Wolfsburg from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Arsenal make contact to sign Mohamed Amoura

According to reports in France, relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal have actually made first contact over a deal to sign Amoura.

It is unclear whether or not the Gunners have approached Amoura and his representatives, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or Wolfsburg, but Premier League rivals Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have done the same.

Wolfsburg have the option to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis at the end of the season for €14m plus €4m bonuses and then could then sell the Algeria international for up to €40m (£33.3m).

Amoura has been compared to Havertz, as per FBref, but is also known for his “exceptional” pace when being linked with a move to Wolves at the end of 2023.

Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid

Omar Marmoush

Man City

Kai Havertz

Arsenal

Charles De Ketelaere

Atalanta

Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid

However, 18 months later, Amoura has gone from strength to strength and could be playing Champions League and Premier League football with one of Arsenal, Forest or Liverpool going off this update.

Australia’s players have again featured heavily in the IPL over the past week as the tournament nears the business end

Alex Malcolm06-May-20243:02

Starc explains the effects of the Impact Player rule on the IPL

Starc’s up and down tournament continues]Mitchell Starc returned to some form in the past week when he claimed 4 for 33 in Kolkata Knight Riders’ win over Mumbai Indians in a low-scoring game at Wankhede. Starc’s start with the ball was typical of his tournament so far. He conceded a four and a six before flattening Ishan Kishan’s leg stump in the space of three balls. He then returned to bowl the penultimate over of the chase with Mumbai needing 32 off 12. Australia teammate Tim David flicked Starc’s first ball for six to reduce the equation to 26 off 11. But Starc then got his execution right. David whacked a wide low full toss to long-off. Next ball Starc delivered another good wide yorker that Piyush Chawla miscued to cover. He then blew out Gerald Coetzee’s middle stump with a perfect 141kph yorker to end the match. It’s the type of performance that will please Australia’s hierarchy ahead of the World Cup.Related

'Where do you fit him in?' – Hazlewood says Fraser-McGurk's time will come

Sunrisers rely on bowling smarts to complement berserk batting

Will T20 get to the point where it becomes wearisome?

Ricky Ponting: 'The default setting now for batting is T20 and everything else works around that'

Starc: Impact Player rule has played a part in bowlers' inflated numbers

He downplayed his form in the aftermath claiming the Impact Sub was causing all bowlers to go for runs in the IPL. The comments about the Impact Sub had some merit but they were also a touch disingenuous given Starc is the most expensive of the top 19 wicket-takers in the IPL this season by some margin at an economy rate of 11.37. Most of the IPL’s best powerplay and death bowlers have economy rates under 10. He followed that four-wicket haul up with another topsy-turvy powerplay against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday night. He bowled a good opening over to pick up the wicket of Arshin Kulkarni to set LSG back in the powerplay. But his second over featured a lot of width to Marcus Stoinis who gleefully carved him for three boundaries over the off side.Stoinis stands tall againMarcus Stoinis muscled Mitchell Starc in the powerplay•BCCIStoinis’ sublime IPL continued with a Player-of-the-Match performance against MI. He again showed his incredible versatility with the ball. He bowled the opening over of the match and conceded just one run off the bat and one wide. He bowled a second over in the powerplay and picked up the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. He finished with figures of 1 for 19 from three overs as MI only managed to post 144 for 7 with the help of David’s 35 not out from 18 balls. Stoinis then controlled the chase superbly with the bat making 62 off 45 at No.3 as LSG chased it down with four wickets and four balls to spare. Stoinis looked in great touch again on Sunday against KKR as he clattered Starc for three boundaries in the powerplay before striking two sixes to race to 36 off 20. But he fell to Andre Russell off his 21st delivery, skying an attempt to hoick him over wide long-on as LSG’s chase fell in a heap. Stoinis had earlier had a difficult start with the ball conceding 29 in his only two overs. He was a little unfortunate with his first ball yielding a top edge from Phil Salt that flew over the keeper’s head for four. Sunil Narine sliced his last bowl of the first over into green space. But Stoinis’ second set of six cost 19 as Narine launched three length slower balls over the rope.Cummins’ captaincy wins praise in final ball thriller2:23

Deep Dasgupta: Cutters doing the job for Cummins

Pat Cummins continued to put on a masterclass with the ball and with his captaincy in the IPL as he steered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a thrilling final ball victory over Rajasthan Royals. He could have made things a lot easier for himself had he held a straightforward catch that Yashasvi Jaiswal offered in the powerplay at mid-off. Jaiswal went on to make 67 off 40 as RR were on track to chase SRH’s target of 202. Riyan Parag was also given a life on his way to 77 off 49. But Cummins and T Natarajan pulled the game back by breaking the partnership and taking four key wickets between them. The pair were the only SRH bowlers to concede less than 10 an over. Both went at under 9 per over and Cummins bowled 12 dots including four in the penultimate over of the match when RR only needed 20 off 12. That gave Bhuvneshwar Kumar 12 runs to play with in the last over and he was able to deliver with a wicket off the final ball to clinch the game by one run. Natarajan said Cummins had been incredibly influential on him as skipper and was a key reason why he has been one of the leading wicket-takers in the IPL this season. Earlier in the same game, Travis Head continued his great season with a half-century, although it was his slowest of the tournament at a strike-rate of 131.81.Maxwell and Green continue their batting malaiseMohammed Siraj and Cameron Green rattled Gujarat Titans with the new ball•BCCIThere have been promising signs for Australia’s World Cup campaign throughout this IPL. But the batting form of Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green remain slight areas of concern. Green had shown some signs last week with bat and ball that had coincided with his inclusion in the final 15 for the World Cup. But he and Maxwell missed out again this week as Royal Challengers Bengaluru almost botched the unlosable chase against Gujarat Titans. Green again bowled nicely taking 1 for 28 from his four overs as RCB bowled GT out for 147 in Bengaluru. A blistering innings from skipper Faf du Plessis gave RCB the perfect platform to cruise to victory. They were 103 for 3 in the eighth over when Maxwell walked out for his first bat in the tournament since he effectively dropped himself on form in early April. It was the perfect chance to get some pressure-free time in the middle and notch 20-odd not out with Virat Kohli at the other end. He clipped his first ball for four through midwicket with neat timing after making an unusual pre-delivery movement to open himself up. He then needlessly heaved his third delivery straight to deep square. Green then walked out and sliced a short wide offering from Josh Little to deep third second ball. Kohli fell in the following over as RCB had slumped from 99 for 1 to 117 for 6. But Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh steadied to guide them home. Maxwell has scored 36 runs from 37 balls for the tournament in seven innings at an average of 5.14. Green has at least contributed 112 runs from 89 balls at 18.66 with a 37 not out. Both men would love to find some touch in the final three games.

Hasan Ali endured a difficult game against Warwickshire, while Mohammad Rizwan missed out on a flat pitch in Hove

Danyal Rasool09-May-2022

Division One

Mohammad Abbas
Mohammad Abbas looks like he was born to play the County Championship, and this season with Hampshire has done plenty to bolster that perception. His form – and indeed that of Hampshire’s – shows no sign of fading just yet, with the 32-year-old picking up six first-innings wickets – and nine overall – to lead his side to an 87-run win over Gloucestershire at the Rose Bowl. After Hampshire posted 342, Abbas put on a new-ball masterclass to gut the opposition’s top and middle order, taking four wickets in his first seven overs to leave them reeling at 31 for four. He returned to polish off the tail, including his fellow Pakistani Mohammad Amir, and the second innings saw him strike with both first and second new balls as his side coasted to another victory.Mohammad Amir
On the other side of that contest was Amir, whose surprise return to red-ball cricket has given Gloucestershire a fillip midway through this season. Amir was stellar without managing the explosiveness of his fellow Pakistani in Hampshire, taking three wickets in each innings, always just about keeping Hampshire in check. Most memorable, perhaps was his spell late on day two that punished Hampshire for sending in two nightwatchmen and reducing them to 15 for 4, giving Gloucestershire a sniff of a chaseable fourth-innings target.Hasan Ali
Manchester might have played host to a bore draw between Lancashire and Warwickshire, but there were enough flickers of quality from Hasan Ali to suggest his County Championship sojourn continues to do him good. While struggling to make an impact with the new ball, three rapid-fire strikes lower down the order helped wrap Warwickshire’s first innings up for 315, with Hasan notching up figures of 3-82 in 28 overs. Lancashire ended up taking a slender lead, but with time running out, Warwickshire’s second innings was essentially academic, allowing the Lancashire bowlers a crack at some bonus match practice. It was time enough for Hasan to trap the in-form Sam Hain cheaply in front, even if, with figures of 1-55 in 18 overs, he found himself, by some distance, the most expensive bowler from his side.Shaheen Shah Afridi ensured that Middlesex kept Sussex’s batters in check on a flat pitch in Hove•Getty Images

Division Two

Mohammad Rizwan
It was a game of high scores and high scoring rates in Division Two between Sussex and Middlesex, but Mohammad Rizwan failed to benefit from either as he wades through a tricky spell in the Championship this season. He scored 31 off 58 balls in the only innings he batted in before being undone by Blake Cullen, and while that might not seem disastrous, this was a game that saw seven half-centuries and two centuries scored. It also saw Middlesex gun down 370 at over five runs an over for the loss of just three wickets in the fourth innings, driving home how few demons the pitch possessed. After getting back on track with 79 in his previous innings, the Pakistan vice-captain might have hoped to make more of an impact on a pitch as pliant as this.Shaheen Shah Afridi
Playing the same match but for Middlesex instead was Pakistan’s favourite son Shaheen Shah Afridi. The scorecard would suggest this was no bowler’s favourite pitch, but even so, Afridi managed to salvage something from the game. Three wickets for 97 runs in the first innings, including that of Sussex captain and opener Tom Haines, helped bowl them out for 392. There was also a second-ball dismissal of the other Sussex opener, Ali Orr, in the second innings, with Shaheen’s figures of 1 for 43 in 12 overs the most economical by a frontline Middlesex bowler, keeping Sussex in check to give his batters a chance of going for a sensational final-day win.Azhar Ali
Azhar Ali’s horror stint for Worcestershire continued in the first innings against Durham, when Matthew Potts – who took 6 for 62 – removed him for a second-ball duck. It meant the former Pakistan captain had managed just 34 runs in his first six innings of the season after a fairly encouraging series against Australia at a personal level. But it was in the second innings, at a time when Azhar’s specific character traits of grit and stubbornness were most in demand, that he finally rose to the occasion.With Durham having set Worcestershire an impractical 442 for victory and – more relevantly – given themselves 100 overs in which to bowl them out, Azhar came out after the openers had fallen cheaply inside seven overs. Across a vigil of 224 balls, he accumulated 92 runs in a 74-over partnership with Jack Haynes that all but extinguished Durham’s chances of victory. Potts, so lethal in the first innings, was kept wicketless, and 15 overs of Ben Stokes brought no breakthroughs either. Chris Rushworth removed him eight runs shy of a century, but the gratification an innings of this nature will give Azhar was never going to reflect in the statistics.