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Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur fans have often voiced their displeasure over the lack of money spent by the hierarchy, which has no doubt restricted them in the Premier League.

However, when money has been splashed on new additions, it has not always been spent in the best way, as seen by their first-team dealings in the summer of 2013.

Gareth Bale’s £85m move to Real Madrid generated huge funds to splash on potential replacements, which led to the arrivals of Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela.

Both cost a reported £60m combined, but neither managed to fill the void left by the Welshman, with the club growing frustrated by the lack of quality additions made in the market.

Such a feeling has become evident once again in recent years, with one member of Thomas Frank’s squad struggling to match the expectations of the supporters.

The stats behind Rodrigo Bentancur’s decline in 2025/26

Back in January 2022, Spurs paid a reported £22m for the signature of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur from Italian side Juventus – a deal that was seen as a potential bargain at the time.

The Uruguayan managed to rack up a total of 113 first-team appearances before the start of the 205/26 campaign, but his 18 outings this season have been littered with errors.

He’s so far struggled to meet the demands of the Dane’s various systems in North London, but he’s certainly not been aided by the manager’s selection of partnering alongside Joao Palhinha.

Both are predominantly better out of possession than with the ball at their feet, as seen by their combined tally of just one pass into the final third against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

However, even before the North London Derby, Bentancur has struggled for the Lilywhites, with his underlying figures in 2025/26 showcasing his lack of success to date.

He has only created 0.6 chances per 90 this season, which ranks him in the bottom 25% of all players in the division – backing up his lack of quality in possession.

Without the ball, he’s been just as ineffective, as Bentancur has also struggled under Frank, only making 0.5 interceptions per 90, which also places him in the lower quarter of all midfielders in England’s top-flight.

The midfielder has also been dribbled past more than 75% of other players in the league, further highlighting his all-round failures in the Premier League this campaign.

The Spurs star who’s become worse than Bentancur

The midfield department at Spurs has been one that has been questioned over recent months, especially given Frank’s continuation of utilising Bentancur and Palhinha together at the base of the side.

The club is home to a plethora of young talents who have previously showcased their talents, but ultimately, they’ve been unable to do so on a consistent basis since the Dane’s arrival.

Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Archie Gray all started the opening day victory over Burnley in North London, with the trio at one stage looking like the players to take the side forward.

However, it’s the only time they have all operated alongside one another in 2025/26 – a decision that has no doubt taken many of the supporters by surprise.

All of the aforementioned stars racked up over 40 appearances across all competitions under Ange Postecoglou last season, but it remains to be seen if they will reach such numbers under Frank.

New additions have also struggled to make their mark in North London, with attacking midfielder Xavi Simons yet to set the world alight after his £52m switch from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Dutchman arrived with huge expectations, no doubt aided by the transfer fee, but it’s safe to say his move to the Lilywhites has been nothing short of a disaster to date.

He’s featured in nine Premier League matches to date, failing to register his first goal for the club and only providing one assist for his teammates – with such an effort coming on his debut.

One of his darkest moments no doubt came against Chelsea at the start of the month, with the 22-year-old coming off the bench to replace Bergvall, but was later substituted himself amid his lack of impact.

To top off his recent struggles, former transfer target Eberechi Eze netted a hat-trick against the Lilywhites on Sunday, whilst Simons was brought off the bench at the break and only registered 36 touches in total.

His underlying figures from the whole campaign showcase his recent struggles, with the youngster so far being a massive waste of the hierarchy’s money.

xG

0.06

Bottom 12%

Shots taken

0.9

Bottom 21%

Goals

0

Bottom 3%

Chances created

0.9

Bottom 12%

Cross accuracy

16%

Bottom 22%

Assists

1

Bottom 40%

Touches in opposition box

1.5

Bottom 15%

Simons, who’s been “miles off it” according to Jamie O’Hara, has achieved an xG of just 0.06 in the Premier League – a tally that ranks him within the bottom 12% of all players in the division.

He’s also created just 0.9 chances per 90 and registered just 1.7 touches in the opposition box per 90, with both tallies ranking him in the bottom 15% of attackers in the league.

Other figures, such as 0.9 shots taken and a 16% cross accuracy, further indicate his struggles, with many fans undoubtedly wishing a deal was completed for Eze instead.

There’s little denying that at his tender age, he has bags of time to resurrect his career in North London, but it’s safe to say he already has a huge number of supporters on his back.

At present, his £52m transfer fee looks to be a massive waste, with such a deal having the potential to go down as one of the club’s worst-ever signings.

Frank can fix creativity woes with Spurs star who's "impossible to defend"

Tottenham Hotspur have massively struggled within the attacking third under Thomas Frank as of late.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 25, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly willing to launch a £70m offer to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid after the Spanish giants weakened their sale stance ahead of 2026.

The Lilywhites are looking to make a statement move next year in a new era without Daniel Levy. They already stole headlines when they won the race to sign Xavi Simons in the summer, but signing one of Real Madrid’s attacking stars would take Thomas Frank’s side to a whole new level.

Tottenham informed of Everton's Ndiaye stance as club-record price named

The Lilywhites are looking for an attacking boost.

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 9, 2025

Whether they’ll be in a position to convince Rodrygo to join is difficult to say, however. Whilst Tottenham sit as high as fifth and only four points off second place Manchester City, they’re also on a run of just one win in their last four games in all competitions. Life under Frank has simply shown promise but featured inconsistency.

Saturday’s frantic 2-2 draw against Manchester United summed things up. Spurs were toothless and then ruthless as they came from behind to lead 2-1 in the 91st minute only for Matthijs de Ligt to equalise for the Red Devils in the last minute.

The international break comes at a good time after such a dramatic game, but things don’t get any easier for those in North London. Up next, Spurs are set to square off against Arsenal in the North London derby. The Gunners haven’t lost since August and just conceded for the first time in over 13 hours against Sunderland.

Up against the best defence in the league, if not the world, questions will be asked about the star power in Tottenham’s frontline. They’ll already likely be without summer arrival Randal Kolo Muani through injury in a frustrating blow despite his goalscoring woes, and will be forced to turn to Richarlison to get their frontline firing on all cylinders.

It’s a problem that needs addressing in 2026 and one that Rodrygo could certainly help solve.

Tottenham now willing to launch £70m Rodrygo offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to launch an offer to sign Rodrygo worth as much as €80m (£70m) in 2026. The Brazilian has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso and could yet seek a move away ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez and co. are now reviewing the winger’s future and are more likely to accept a big-money offer for a player who is becoming less motivated sat on their bench week in, week out.

Alonso’s trash would instantly become Frank’s treasure. Rodrygo would transform Tottenham’s attack as a multiple-time Champions League winner and as one of the best wingers in world football. The Brazilian is also a player who has received incredibly high praise and comparisons with Real Madrid legend Raul – that’s the level that he’s at.

At £70m, everything points towards a player that Tottenham should go all out to sign when the January transfer window swings open.

Spurs flop who's been "swallowed by PL" must be dropped for Odobert

Los Angeles Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died at the age of 63.

The Dodgers announced that Valenzuela passed away Tuesday night at a hospital in Los Angeles but did not provide any further details.

Valenzuela pitched 17 years in the big leagues, including 11 seasons for the Dodgers from 1980 to '91. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, Valenzuela became the first player in MLB history to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same year, logging a 13–7 record and 2.48 ERA in 25 starts for Los Angeles.

Valenzuela was born in Navojoa, Mexico, to two farmers and excelled in the Mexican League before the Dodgers bought his contract in 1979. Across 17 MLB seasons, he registered a 173–153 record with a 3.54 ERA and 2,074 strikeouts. Along with the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young nods, the lefthander was named an All-Star in six straight seasons from 1981 to '86, won two Silver Sluggers in ‘81 and '83, earned a Gold Glove in ‘86 and received MVP votes four times.

Valenzuela retired from baseball after spending the 1997 season with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. He also pitched for the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies. Valenzuela was on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot in 2003 and ‘04, but didn’t receive enough votes to stay among the nominees past his second year of eligibility.

Valenzuela's success early in his career quickly made him a fan favorite among the Los Angeles faithful, as "Fernandomania" spread across the city containing a large community of Mexican immigrants. Valenzuela's No. 34 was retired by the Dodgers in 2023.

Half-centuries for Kane Williamson and skipper Leus du Plooy helped Middlesex to a 23-run win over Gloucestershire at Merchant Taylors’ School – only their fifth ever victory over the west country men in the Vitality Blast.Williamson’s 50 came in 28 balls with two sixes and six fours while du Plooy produced two maximums of his own, the pair sharing a stand of 92 as the hosts totaled 189 for 5.Australian left-hander D’Arcy Short hit 64 in 46 in reply, supported by Jack Taylor’s 41, but two wickets for debutant Sebastian Morgan and Noah Cornwell’s 1 for 20 meant they finished on 166-7.Two bowlers on the night, Marchant de Lange and Luke Hollman, found themselves on hat-tricks but neither managed to complete the feat.The hosts found early impetus as Stephen Eskinazi and Ben Geddes cleared the ropes in the powerplay, but both departed in quick succession. Du Plooy picked up the mantle, but Williamson was strangely subdued until badly dropped on 13 at deep mid-off by Graeme van Buuren, Oliver Price the unlucky bowler.The reprieve released the shackles with the former New Zealand skipper scoring 39 from his next 15 deliveries, van Buuren left to rue his spill as Williamson struck him for a glorious straight six. He departed immediately afterwards caught at short fine from the spin of Short, to end the stand of 92.Du Plooy would also make it to 50 from 35 balls, but was one of two wickets in successive balls in a fabulously hostile spell from de Lange and it needed some long handle from Ryan Higgins to get the Seaxes to 189.Morgan made a dream start ball in hand with the wicket of Miles Hammond in his opening over courtesy of a wonderful over the shoulder catch by du Plooy.Short initially struggled for rhythm but a sumptuous straight six off Higgins got the reply up and running and an uppercut over the wicketkeeper raised the 50 from the last ball of the powerplay. The 50-partnership came in 29 balls, but Cameron Bancroft spooned a catch to Williamson at deep square off Hollman and the legspinner became the second bowler in the match to take two in two when Tom Helm held another good catch at short fine to dismiss Price first ball.Short though remained and lofted Hollman for six in his next over to emphasise the point and Taylor caught the mood with successive fours from the otherwise frugal Cornwell. Short’s seventh four took him to 50 and with Taylor clearing the ropes the 50 partnership rattled up in 31 balls.Even so, a tight over from Higgins meant 52 were needed from the last four overs and that task got tougher when Short gloved one from Cornwell through to wicketkeeper Joe Cracknell. And when Taylor became Morgan’s second victim in the next over, the task became too much.

Manchester City's youth academy is one of the most productive talent factories in the world, although the reality is the vast majority of graduates end up having to seek their fortune away from the Etihad Stadium. Phil Foden is the pride and joy of City's youth system, but for many years he was the exception that proved the rule.

Exceptionally talented players like Cole Palmer have chosen to leave City in search of regular first-team football while the likes of Romeo Lavia, Jeremie Frimpong, Jadon Sancho, Morgan Rogers and Michael Olise departed without ever appearing for the senior side.

But in the last couple of years, a pathway – albeit a very narrow one – has opened up from the academy and into Pep Guardiola's squad. Rico Lewis is into his fourth season in the first-team ranks while Nico O'Reilly has established himself as a regular less than a year after making his competitive debut and recently signed a bumper new contract with the club and earned his first England call-up.

Now, another player, Divine Mukasa, is slowly forcing his way into Guardiola's plans after being fast-tracked into the team just one month after his 18th birthday. GOAL has everything you need to know about the creative midfielder who doing all he can to earn the coach's trust…

Where it all began

Mukasa was born in London to a Lithuanian mother and a father from Uganda. He enrolled in West Ham's academy when he was five years old and spent a decade there, forming part of an exciting generation of players who won the Under-18 Premier League South and FA Youth Cup double. Aged just 15 at the time, Mukasa scored in the title-clinching win over Arsenal befor the Hammers then outclassed the Gunners 5-1 in the Youth Cup final at the Emirates Stadium, although Mukasa was an unused substitute that day.

After lifting the league title, Mukasa said: "We are a relentless team, and we will never sit off. We will always try to win, and we will always try to score goals. We have won the title today, but we are not finished yet."

Mukasa, however, was about to finish his journey with the Irons. He spoke to Rangers and Newcastle that summer, but eventually decided to join City, one month after turning 16. He won his second FA Youth Cup in his first season, this time starting in the final as City rolled over Leeds United 4-0.

However, it was not the smoothest of transitions, as he admitted to the : "The first six months were tough, especially with City playing such a different way and the high standards from the club. "t wasn't just me getting used to the club, it was the staff getting used to me, what my attributes are, trying to help me optimise them. It was a little bit tough, getting used to the system and adjusting it a little bit has helped as well.

"It was that sense of freedom that I had at my previous club. I didn't get it at first, but that's natural. The coaches are used to having a set structure so I can't just come in and change that. It took some getting used to."

AdvertisementGetty The big break

Mukasa began to settle more in his second season at City as he started more often and took more responsibility. Fans subsequently began to sit up and take notice of him after he netted a hat-trick in a 7-1  trouncing of Newcastle in December 2024.

The first goal in particular was impossible to ignore as Mukasa scored directly from kick-off. Newcastle had just given themselves a bit of hope by making the score 4-1, but Mukasa brought them right back down to earth with a single kick, leaving his opponents dumbstruck as he lobbed the ball downfield and high into the net.

It wasn't the only demonstration of his innovation that day, as he scored his next goal by glancing the ball into the net with his chest. Mukasa's treble against the Magpies contributed to him ending the season with 17 goals and 25 assists in 37 age-group games, and his excellent campaign vindicated the youth team coaches' decision to keep him in the U18s for the majority of the season rather than promote him full-time to the U21s.

"I was expected to dominate a bit more this season, help lead the team," he explained. "I think I've done that, It's been a good season. For my own confidence and relationship I've built with the managers, playing all the time has helped me a lot."

Getty How it's going

Mukasa was earmarked for the U21s this season, but he has effectively jumped up a level and gained first-team experience. He got the call to join Guardiola's side for their only pre-season friendly of the summer against Palermo and impressed in his short cameo, assisting Tijjani Reijnders' second goal in the 3-0 win with a classy flick.

He continued to train regularly with the first team and featured on the bench for the Premier League games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Burnley, as well as Champions League clashes with Napoli and Monaco. Mukasa eventually made his competitive debut when he started City's Carabao Cup third round tie at Huddersfield Town in September.

He produced an impressive performance, too, as Mukasa filled the centre-forward role usually reserved for Erling Haaland. He had never played up front before and revealed that Guardiola had told him to operate more as a false nine. In doing so, Mukasa laid the ball off for Phil Foden to score the first goal and led the line admirably as City walked all over their League One opponents.

"Divine played unbelievable, he’s an incredibly top player in the pockets, he had two or three chances to score," gushed Guardiola.  "Divine is top, top. He has a sense of touch, quality with the ball, and he fought a lot. He played really well."

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Getty Biggest strengths

While his strike rate is impressive, particularly for a midfielder, Mukasa's greatest quality is his technique, which makes him a brilliant dribbler as well as someone who can play line-splitting passes under pressure.

"He is so brilliant on the ball. What he can do with the ball sometimes is unbelievable," City's U18 coach Oliver Reiss said. "It looks sometimes too easy for him, because of his quality. He's good with both feet, normally he's left-footed but then delivers to the corner with his right foot. So no problem, the way he's thinking, what he sees, it's incredible for me."

'Confidence' is another word that crops up a lot in discussions around Mukasa, and it's easy to see why. You do not score from a kick-off if you are lacking in self-belief, after all!

MatériaMais Notícias

O destino está traçado. Um sorteio realizado na tarde desta segunda-feira (28), na sede da CBF, na Zona Oeste do Rio de Janeiro, definiu que Flamengo e São Paulo farão a partida decisiva da Copa do Brasil no Morumbi.

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– Acho que escolher um local é circunstancial. Temos que ir bem nos dois, a dificuldade não é o local e sim o São Paulo – disse o técnico do Flamengo, Jorge Sampaoli.

+ Confira a tabela de classificação do Brasileirão e os próximos jogos

O técnico do São Paulo, Dorival Júnior, destacou.

– Mais importante do que a possibilidade da conquista pessoal é a de um clube. Tenho a satisfação de ter mais uma disputa, a minha quarta disputa. O principal é que possa satisfazer ao clube o melhor possível. Não existe favoritismo se jogarmos no Morumbi na segunda partida – afirmou.

O meia Everton Ribeiro, do Flamengo, valorizou o fato do Rubro-Negro estar na decisão.

– É um momento especial, uma final de Copa do Brasil. Tivemos de passar por muitos times difíceis, jogos que nos levaram ao extremo. A gente encara como se fosse a primeira decisão. Vamos nos preparar bem para fazer dois grandes jogos e tentar conquistar o grande título – concluiu.

O atacante Calleri falou sobre o desafio do Tricolor paulista.

– O clube não vai a uma final faz 20 anos. É um título que para a vitrine do clube. É muito representativo levar o São Paulo para mais uma final. Jogamos contra um time, um grande clube, mas temos vontade de levar a taça para o São Paulo – finalizou.

+ Clique aqui e saiba tudo sobre apostas esportivas

With their sights set on the January transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly already made an early approach about signing a 2026 target for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle's January transfer targets

Even though the summer transfer window just slammed shut, rumours are already beginning to arrive regarding potential 2026 deals. That should come as no surprise for Newcastle fans, however.

The Magpies endured a tumultuous summer before eventually welcoming the strikers that they so desperately needed, but were forced to take their focus away from other areas. Now, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa at the club, PIF have the chance to address the other concerns that Howe may have about his squad.

He'll outshine Woltemade: Newcastle machine can show why he's the new Isak

Newcastle begin their Champions League campaign with the tough test of meeting Barcelona at St. James’ Park.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 18, 2025

One of those could come in central midfield. As strong as Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are together, there may be some concerns about the drop-off in quality when any of those three are missing. And whilst Jacob Ramsey’s arrival may help in that regard, those at St James’ Park are still eyeing improvements.

According to recent reports, Newcastle have set their sights on signing Kobbie Mainoo if the chance arrives in January. The Manchester United midfielder was denied the chance to leave Old Trafford on loan in the summer and was told by Ruben Amorim to fight for his place. Just how long he puts up with doing that is the question that Newcastle and others will have when the winter window arrives.

In a World Cup year, players who find themselves on the fringes of their current sides will be ones to watch. It’s not just Mainoo who’s struggling with that problem. Alongside him, Newcastle are also reportedly eyeing another England international.

Newcastle make approach to sign Gallagher

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have made an approach to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January. The Magpies have reportedly made contact asking to be kept informed about the England midfielder, who is growing frustrated by his bit-part role at the Spanish club.

If Atletico Madrid make the former Chelsea man available, then the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are all reportedly ready to race towards his signature. Given that he just started against Liverpool in the Champions League, however, it seems as though Diego Simeone is still keen to find a place for Gallagher in his side.

A player who needs no introduction to English football, the 25-year-old once found himself at the centre of Gareth Southgate’s praise. The former England boss was pleased with how he worked his way back into the Three Lions’ set-up in a similar way to how he could now do so under Thomas Tuchel.

With Newcastle setting their sights on his arrival and the World Cup approaching, there’s no doubt that Gallagher is already one to watch for the January transfer window.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists that Portuguese forward Rafael Leao must learn to be ruthless. The former Juventus manager, who currently mentors the Rossoneri, was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw against the Bianconeri, where his team, along with Leao, missed numerous chances to secure a vital victory.

• Allegri disappointed with just one point

  Milan shared the spoils with Juventus when Allegri returned to the Allianz Stadium for the first time since 2024. The manager expressed his frustration with his team's profligacy in front of goal. Although the Milan boss was satisfied that they did not concede, he was disappointed about not killing the game. In the process, he spoke about Leao's performance too, offering some constructive criticism. 

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• AFP
  

  Leao and team need to be ruthless

  The 58-year-old said after the match: "In the second half we grew physically, created chances, but when we had Juventus in our hands, we needed more ruthlessness. The positive is that we didn’t concede but at certain moments you have to kill the game."

  Speaking on Leao, the manager claimed: "He’s been out for 45 days, so he’s still finding rhythm. Last week he came on out of necessity and did well. He’s worked hard this week – we need him back quickly. He and Nkunku are technical players who can solve matches. He played as a striker at Lille, so it’s not new to him. His movement on Modric’s pass was perfect but a player like him, with two chances like that, must score. He has genius, but now he must learn to determine matches – that’s what makes him decisive."

• Milan continue unbeaten run

  Although the Rossoneri failed to secure three points against Igor Tudor's Juventus, they were able to extend their unbeaten run. Since Allegri's return to the helm, Milan have lost only once, in their Serie A opener against Cremonese. Whether in the domestic league or the Coppa Italia, Allegri's team has been impressive so far. They have won both their cup games and sit third in the Serie A table, winning four games and drawing one, accumulating 13 points in six fixtures.

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• AFP
  

  When are Milan playing next?

  Milan, who are not part of European football this season, are dreaming of the Scudetto under Allegri. They will continue their quest for the same in their upcoming match against Fiorentina on October 19.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a derrota por 1 a 0 para o Bahia na noite desta quarta-feira (21), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o Palmeiras se prepara para enfrentar uma sequência pesada de jogos no período de um mês. Incluindo partidas decisivas, e até eliminatórias, o Verdão vai em busca de engatar resultados positivos contra adversários ‘complicados’ visando avançar em todas as competições que disputa.

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+ Abel leva em conta ‘injustiça’ na Data Fifa, mas vê outro motivo para a derrota do Palmeiras: ‘Não fomos eficientes

Já neste domingo (25), o Alviverde encara o Botafogo, às 16h, no Allianz Parque, no que pode ser um duelo pela liderança do Brasileirão, já que a equipe comandada por Abel Ferreira está apenas dois pontos atrás na tabela. O Fogão ainda joga na rodada nesta quinta-feira (22), diante do Cuiabá, fora de casa. Porém, vale lembrar que caso o Flamengo vença sua partida, tomará a vice-liderança do Alviverde. 

Depois, na quinta-feira (29), o Palmeiras recebe o Bolívar-BOL, em partida válida pela última rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. As equipes têm o mesmo número de pontos (12) na chave, logo, o confronto vale a liderança do grupo C da competição continental. No jogo realizado na Bolívia, o Verdão, que estava com um time alternativo, foi derrotado pelo placar de 3 a 1.

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Iniciando o mês de julho, o Alviverde vai até Curitiba enfrentar o Athletico-PR no dia 2 (domingo), pela 13ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Apenas três depois, dia 5 de julho (quarta-feira), o Palmeiras disputa o clássico decisivo com o São Paulo pela partida de ida das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, no Morumbi.

Já no dia 8 (sábado), o Verdão recebe o Flamengo no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão. Apesar de não ter caráter eliminatório, o duelo é considerado muito importante, visto que ambas as equipes são postulantes ao título nacional.

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+ Justiça suspende ação de execução que o Palmeiras moveu contra a WTorre

Com apenas oito dias de diferença em relação à partida de ida, a volta entre Palmeiras e São Paulo, dessa vez na arena alviverde, acontece no dia 13 de julho (quinta-feira). Diante de sua torcida, o Verdão terá a chance de encaminhar vaga na semifinal da competição e espera dar ‘revanche’ no Tricolor, que o eliminou da edição passada na fase das oitavas de final.

Em seguida, vai até Porto Alegre medir forças com o Internacional no dia 16 (domingo), pela 15ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Para encerrar o período de 30 dias de uma sequência pesada de jogos, recebe o Fortaleza, no Allianz, no dia 22 (sábado), também pela competição nacional.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

“I’m not here for anyone but the team,” says Australian batter after his first Test ton since 2023

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Jan-2025There was a 57 at the MCG, and a 41 in the New Year Test, but otherwise it had been a dry few months for Usman Khawaja. He’d not only averaged just 20.44 across 10 innings in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, he’d only crossed fifty twice in Tests in 2024.But he’d had a message from coach Andrew McDonald: ‘Get on the Sri Lanka tour’. Now, Khawaja has struck 147 not out on the first day of that series, top-scoring for Australia as they strode to 330 for 2 on a rain-curtailed day one. This was also Khawaja’s first Test century since mid 2023, and the 16th of his Test career.”It’s been a tough summer – I had a lot of people telling me how I should go about my career and what I should do from here on in,” said Khawaja, who turned 38 in December. “But Andrew McDonald, even last year, said to me: ‘I don’t care what happens, just make sure you’re on the Sri Lankan tour. I want you on the Sri Lankan tour.'”I’m not here for anyone but the team. I’m not just playing cricket because I’ve got a gluttony to score lots of runs. Century No. 16, 17, 18 is not going to make a difference to my life. I’m going to finish this game, and I’ve got a beautiful family. I’ll try to give back to the community as much as I can. Hopefully I can score runs and contribute to the team.”Related

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Khawaja 147*, Smith 104* put Australia in a commanding position in Galle

Stats – Steven Smith joins the 10k club of elite batters

Of those 16 hundreds, five have now come in Asia. Once a nervous batter against spin, Khawaja dwelt a little on how changes to his game have allowed him to succeed on the continent, in recent years. He is now only the second Australia batter, after Alan Border, to have hit centuries in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka (Matthew Hayden had also hit ‘away’ centuries against these teams, but the one against Pakistan had been in Sharjah). Khawaja said the Dubai Test of 2018, when he hit 85 and 141 against Pakistan, was his turning point for playing spin in Asia.”It’s a contrast of two halves – my career in the subcontinent,” Khawaja said. “There’s pre-Dubai, post-Dubai. There were some low times – my wife Rachel was here with me [in 2016, when he’d been dropped mid-series in Sri Lanka], and we had so many of those tough times. No one ever sees that. Everyone sees the good stuff.”Khawaja wasn’t the only Australia batter to get to triple figures on Wednesday. Steven Smith scored his 35th Test hundred as well.”But you have to take the good stuff when you get it. It doesn’t come around very much. We had one of the greatest players to play the game – Steven Smith – get to, what was that, 35 Test hundreds? As great as he is, he’s only done it 35 times. That puts things into perspective.”