Ahly Outclass Ittihad Jeddah, Securing Club World Cup Semifinal Berth

Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour celebrates after scoring against Ittihad Jeddah. Photo: Ahly X account.

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Egyptian powerhouse Ahly showcased their tactical prowess as they triumphed 3-1 over a formidable Ittihad Jeddah side on Friday, securing a spot in the Club World Cup semifinals.

Ali Maaloul opened the scoring with a confident penalty in the 21st minute, followed by goals from Hussein El Shahat at the 59th minute and Emam Ashour at the 62nd minute. Despite a late consolation goal by French striker Karim Benzema in injury time, Ahly's dominance prevailed.

The defeat was a stunning setback for the home crowd, hoping for success with star players like Golden Ball winner Benzema, alongside Premier League talents Ngolo Kante and Fabinho.

This victory marked Ahly's fifth entry into the Club World Cup semifinals, setting the stage for an intriguing clash against Brazil's Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense, scheduled for Monday.

Right from the start, the Red Devils asserted their strength, nearly breaking the deadlock early in the game. However, valiant efforts from Egyptian defender and Ittihad Jeddah's vice-captain, Ahmed Hegazi, thwarted attempts by Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim and Hussein El-Shahat.

A turning point came in the 20th minute when Ahly was awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Defender Zakaria Hawsawi handled the ball inside the box, denying Kahraba an opportunity. Maaloul confidently converted the penalty in the 21st minute, putting Ahly in the lead.

Despite Ittihad Jeddah's relentless efforts, Ahly's defensive resilience, supported by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy's exceptional saves against threats from Romarinho and Igor Coronado, preserved their slender lead.

El Shennawy showcased brilliance again by saving a penalty kick from Benzema just before the break.

The second half witnessed Ittihad Jeddah pushing forward aggressively, only to be punished by Ahly's clinical forward play.

Kahraba's instrumental setup allowed El Shahat to curl a magnificent shot into the far post at the 59th minute, followed by Ashour's close-range finish at the 62nd minute, marking his Club World Cup debut in style.

Despite dominating possession, Ittihad struggled to create meaningful opportunities, hindered by Ahly's resolute defense determined to secure victory.

In a dramatic late moment, Hegazi's powerful header struck the post in the 91st minute, falling to Benzema, who netted into an empty goal.

The game concluded on a tense note for Al Ahly as French striker Anthony Modeste received a red card in the 90th minute, reducing them to 10 men just moments after his introduction.

Man Utd Faces Tough Challenge Against Premier League Leaders Liverpool

Liverpool are top of the Premier League, with 11 wins in 16 matches AFP

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This weekend, Manchester United faces a daunting task as they travel to Anfield, the home of bitter rivals Liverpool, hoping to avoid another humbling defeat. The signs are not favorable for United, who left Anfield last season after a 7-0 drubbing. Currently facing a Liverpool team sitting at the top of the Premier League and brimming with confidence, Manchester United, led by Erik ten Hag, is already grappling with a challenging season.

Dumped out of Europe this week by Bayern Munich, Manchester United has lost 12 of their 24 games in all competitions this season. Struggling offensively, vulnerable defensively, and dealing with a growing injury list, United finds itself in a precarious position. Despite the inconsistency of the teams around them, they are currently sixth in the Premier League, only three points behind Tottenham and six behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

However, their recent record against Liverpool is concerning, with four losses in the last five meetings, conceding 21 goals in the process. In stark contrast, Liverpool is sharp in front of goal, full of self-belief, and has displayed a never-say-die attitude, earning them 18 points from losing positions this season.

Erik ten Hag has urged his side to focus on finishing in the top four to qualify for the Champions League next season. Still, if results don't go their way this weekend, they could find themselves nine points off fourth spot, slipping out of contention.

Chelsea Seeks a Way Out of Slump

While the spotlight has been on Manchester United, Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, is also grappling with challenges in their injury-hit squad. Currently 12th in the table after three defeats in their last four matches, Chelsea finds themselves closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table. Despite spending over £1 billion ($1.25 billion) in the past three transfer windows, Pochettino believes Chelsea needs to dip into the transfer window again in January.

With captain Reece James back on the treatment table alongside a list of other senior players, including Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea faces a critical moment. On paper, the upcoming match against bottom side Sheffield United seems like a golden opportunity for Chelsea to return to winning ways. However, Sheffield United, under newly returned Chris Wilder, secured their second win of the season last week against Brentford.

Chelsea's home form adds to the challenge, having won just two of their eight league matches at Stamford Bridge.

Dyche Proves to be the Man for Everton Crisis

Despite Everton being docked 10 points by the Premier League last month for breaching financial rules, they have managed to lift themselves four points above the relegation zone with three straight wins. Everton has won nine out of their past 13 games in all competitions, displaying impressive form. Manager Sean Dyche, pleased with his side's performance, acknowledges that there is still "a lot of work to be done" as they prepare to face Burnley, where Dyche managed for 10 years between 2012 and 2022.

The ongoing appeal against the points deduction hasn't dampened spirits at Goodison Park, with fans vocally opposing the severity of the penalty. Everton's recent success has provided supporters with plenty to cheer about.

Upcoming Fixtures (GMT)

Friday:

- Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham (20:00)

Saturday:

- Bournemouth vs. Luton

- Chelsea vs. Sheffield United

- Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace

- Newcastle vs. Fulham

- Burnley vs. Everton (17:30)

Sunday:

- Arsenal vs. Brighton

- Brentford vs. Aston Villa

- West Ham vs. Wolves

- Liverpool vs. Manchester United (16:30)

Bayern Munich Faces Tough Challenge Against Surging Stuttgart

Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane has 18 goals in 13 games this season. AFP

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The reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, are set to rebound from last weekend's defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt as they host surprise title contenders Stuttgart on Sunday. The clash at the Allianz Arena will showcase a battle between two prolific strikers, Bayern's Harry Kane and Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy.

Following their 5-1 loss to Frankfurt, Thomas Tuchel's Bayern is now four points behind early leaders Bayer Leverkusen, albeit with a game in hand. Stuttgart, just one point adrift, aims to surpass Bayern in the table and continue their surprising title challenge.

Harry Kane, a summer signing from Tottenham, has been exceptional for Bayern, scoring 18 goals in 13 league matches. On the other side, Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy has netted 16 goals in 12 Bundesliga appearances, marking his best tally for a single season.

Guirassy's impressive goal-scoring form has played a pivotal role in Stuttgart's remarkable turnaround under coach Sebastian Hoeness. The team, previously facing relegation, now sits third in the Bundesliga and poses a serious challenge to the giants like Bayern.

Hoeness, the nephew of former Bayern president Uli Hoeness, took charge of Stuttgart in April, leading them to the German Cup semi-finals and securing their top-flight status through a relegation playoff victory over Hamburg.

Bayern's recent 5-1 defeat was a setback, but they managed to bounce back with a 1-0 Champions League win against Manchester United. However, they face injury concerns, with Kingsley Coman joining Serge Gnabry and Noussair Mazraoui on the sidelines.

Stuttgart, unbeaten against Leverkusen this season, poses a serious threat to Bayern's title aspirations. The match is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, with Bayern acknowledging Stuttgart as a formidable opponent.

In other fixtures this weekend, Bayer Leverkusen takes on Eintracht Frankfurt, while Borussia Dortmund faces Augsburg, and RB Leipzig hosts Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Player to Watch: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)

English teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens continues to shine as a standout performer in an inconsistent Borussia Dortmund side. His form and contributions will be closely watched in the upcoming fixtures.

Chelsea's $1 Billion Spending Spree Fails to Improve Performance; Pochettino Eyes January Transfers

Chelsea players reacts after a match

Chelsea's extraordinary expenditure of $1 billion on player acquisitions has, surprisingly, not translated into improved performance. The team, once the reigning European champion, finds itself in 12th place in the Premier League, mirroring its position from the previous season.

Despite a massive spending spree of $280 million in the summer of 2022, an additional $350 million in January, and over $400 million in the most recent offseason, Chelsea remains in midtable, prompting manager Mauricio Pochettino to acknowledge the need for further investment.

"After the transfer window opens, (we will) see what we can do," stated Pochettino following Chelsea's 2-0 loss to Everton, a match that exposed underlying problems within the team.

Despite signing 29 players since May 2022, Chelsea's squad appears deficient in key areas. Pochettino has faced challenges with a lack of fit senior strikers, relying on the relatively inexperienced Nicolas Jackson. Defensive issues persist, with the backline often led by the 39-year-old Thiago Silva. Injuries to key players, such as Reece James and Ben Chilwell, have added to the team's woes.

While central midfield boasts quality players like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, the team has struggled to establish a cohesive attacking force.

Pochettino emphasized the need for patience with the Chelsea project funded by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, suggesting that strategic and intelligent decisions in the transfer market are crucial for improvement.

The prospect of missing out on the Champions League for a second consecutive season raises concerns, and questions loom over the effectiveness of Chelsea's bold transfer strategy. The upcoming festive schedule presents an opportunity for a turnaround, but if Chelsea remains in the bottom half of the standings into 2024, serious scrutiny and doubts about the team's direction will likely emerge.

Liverpool Defender: Salah Deserves All He Has Achieved

Mohamed Salah - Crystal Palace and Liverpool

Liverpool's defender, Konstantinos Tsimikas, praised his teammate Mohamed Salah, who continues to make history with the club.

Salah scored his 200th goal for Liverpool on Saturday against Crystal Palace, reaching this milestone in 327 matches and solidifying his fifth position among Liverpool's all-time top scorers.

Tsimikas, in statements to Liverpool's official website, said, "It's crazy how good Mohamed Salah is, both as a player and as a person."

He added, "He always works hard and consistently tries to do more, especially in finishing attacks. He deserves everything he has achieved."

The Greek international continued, "I am genuinely happy for him and happy to have him alongside me in one team."

Salah has now joined the ranks of the top scorers in the English Premier League, with 150 goals, tying with former Liverpool and Manchester United star Michael Owen. Alan Shearer, the Newcastle legend, holds the record for the all-time top scorer in the English league with 260 goals.

Salah is 12 goals away from the ninth position held by Jermain Defoe and 13 goals away from Robbie Fowler in eighth place. Furthermore, he trails Arsenal's all-time leading scorer Thierry Henry, who occupies the seventh position, by 25 goals.

Salah's remarkable achievement places him among the elite goal-scorers in English football history.

Girona Attempts to Manage Expectations Despite Impressive Start in La Liga

Girona s Spanish defender #11 Valery Fernandez celebrates with teammates after scoring his team s third goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on December 10, 2023. AFP 

Girona, currently leading La Liga, is striving to temper expectations after a remarkable start

to the season that positioned them as genuine contenders for the Spanish league title. Their recent 4-2 victory against defending champion Barcelona solidified their position at the top, hinting at their potential to compete with the traditional powerhouses of Spanish soccer.

Despite this success, coach Míchel Sánchez is cautious about setting overly ambitious goals for the team. While acknowledging that Girona has surpassed the initial objective of avoiding relegation, he emphasizes that winning the league is not the primary goal. Míchel believes the team cannot outpace Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid in the long run. He stated, "I don’t think we can keep up with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid and win the league. It’s not our objective."

Girona has secured victories in 13 out of 16 Spanish league matches, making them the team with the most wins in the top five European leagues. Currently, they hold a two-point lead over Madrid and a seven-point advantage over both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Míchel commended his team for fearlessly challenging Barcelona, showcasing the character and attitude needed to pursue loftier goals.

While acknowledging the historic achievements of the team this year, Míchel remains pragmatic about their chances of winning the league, stating, "But winning it all still is something too far away to think about. When we get to the final third of the season, we will see how things are and what our goals will be."

Partly owned by Manchester City's Abu Dhabi ownership, Girona finished 10th in the league last season after three consecutive years in the second tier. Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández praised Girona, saying, "Girona deserves a lot of credit. It has a great team. It’s the best team I’ve seen play so far."

Girona, boasting the league's best attack with 38 goals, has been a consistent presence near the top of the standings from the beginning. While they faced some doubts after a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in September, it remains their only defeat of the season. Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez expressed optimism, stating, "We are in the lead, and we will keep fighting to stay in the lead. We have been doing things well, and we need to continue like this."

In contrast, Xavi admitted that the loss to Girona represented a step backward for Barcelona in their rebuilding process. He commented, "This is a Barcelona team that is being rebuilt. And this is part of it. You take a step backward to be able to take two steps forward."

Looking ahead, Barcelona faces Valencia in the Spanish league, while Girona hosts Alaves. Additionally, Barcelona visits Antwerp in the Champions League, having already secured a place in the knockout stage after two seasons of falling short.

Arteta calls for bigger squads as Arsenal suffer double injury blow

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta, center, Arsenal's Jorginho, right, and Arsenal's Declan Rice react after the Champions League Group B football match between Sevilla and Arsenal at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Photo: AP

AFP

Mikel Arteta called on the Premier League to consider increasing squad sizes as the Arsenal boss revealed on Friday that Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey could be out of action for several weeks.

Jesus, 26, suffered a suspected hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League win at Sevilla while 30-year-old Partey is absent after sustaining a muscle injury.

"The scan shows that there is a muscle injury (for Jesus) and we might lose him for a few weeks again," Arteta told a press conference.

"With Gabby I cannot give you any timeframe because he always surprises us, but there is something there.

"He felt it in a really awkward action and it's true he's had quite a lot of load in the last few weeks with the national team and then playing those games, which he hasn't done in a long, long time. That's really bad news for us."

Arteta said the club did not yet know the extent of Partey's injury.

"He has more tests today but he picked up that injury in a training session with the last kick of the ball before Sevilla, so very unfortunate," he added.

The Arsenal boss believes expanding squad sizes beyond the current limit of 25 could take the pressure off players.

From next season, every side that qualifies for the Champions League will play at least eight matches, while from 2025 there will be an expanded 32-team Club World Cup.

"If we have more games, more competitiveness and physically the standards are higher -- by playing more minutes -- we have to do that (increase the squad size) or instead of five subs, we have 10," he said on the eve of his team's match against bottom club Sheffield United.

"The five subs is now something normal but it was a big fight to go from three to five. I cannot imagine the game in the conditions we are in today after last year and the World Cup without five subs, it would be so difficult.

"If the calendar extends, for sure we would have to think of not dropping the quality. The only way to do it is players have to have certain availability and you need players to pick."

The unbeaten Gunners, last season's runners-up, are third in the Premier League table after nine matches, two points behind leaders Tottenham.

Xavi hints injured stars could return for Clasico

Barcelona s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski was back in training for the first time since his injury and could feature against Real Madrid. AFP 

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Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said he could start some key players against Real Madrid on Saturday who have been out injured in recent weeks, if they arrive 100 percent fit.

The Spanish champions have been without forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong and defenders Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto in the lead-up to the match.

However all those players took part in training on Friday except for the latter, with Xavi saying he was surprised by their recoveries and determination to play against Real Madrid.

"I was surprised to see them in training too," Xavi told reporters on Friday.

"Players that we had almost ruled out and they want to be there, they all want to play.

"They all feel very good and you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the squad list."

Barcelona's only out-and-out striker Lewandowski has not played since going off injured against Porto in the Champions League on October 4 with an ankle problem.

"Evidently I won't tell you the line-up or give clues, (but he's) feeling very good, he's well," said the coach.

"They all feel good and want to be there -- it's a very important game."

De Jong last played in September before he suffered an ankle sprain, while a hamstring injury has ruled Pedri out since August.

Winger Raphinha has been out with a thigh problem since September, while Kounde suffered a knee sprain against Granada on October 10.

Xavi said he would have no hesitance to start any of the returning players if they are fully fit.

"If they are 100 percent, I'll play them, there's no problem," added the coach.

Barcelona have been forced to lean heavily on youngsters from their La Masia youth academy, with Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu all scoring important goals.

Xavi had some advice for the younger players who may feature against league leaders Real Madrid.

"Having homegrown players is a boost, it's fantastic to have players from La Masia, they know about the rivalry, they know the importance of the game, it's always fundamental," said Xavi.

"(In the Clasico) there are always more nerves, more tension, controlling those nerves, controlling your character, the tempo of the game, it's hard, because the heart is hot, but (you need) a cold head, I think that's the key to these games.

"There is more emotion and desire than normal, but control is key."

The coach noted Jude Bellingham's impressive impact since arriving at Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

The England international has netted eight goals and is the division's leading scorer.

"Bellingham is very important for Madrid with their change of system, he has freedom, and attacks well from deep," added Xavi.

Newcastle's Sandro Tonali Faces 10-Month Ban for Betting Violations

Newcastle United s Italian midfielder #08 Sandro Tonali (C) reacts at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund at St James Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England, on October 25, 2023. Borussia Dortmund wins 1 - 0 against Newcastle United. AFP

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Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United has been suspended for a period of 10 months by the Italian soccer federation due to his involvement in betting on matches involving teams he was a part of. This suspension means that he will not be able to participate in the remainder of the Premier League season and is ruled out for competing with the Italian national team at the upcoming European Championship in 2024.

The 23-year-old Tonali, who is the second player to face suspension in this ongoing case, agreed to a plea bargain with the federation. This arrangement includes a requirement for Tonali to undergo therapy for a gambling addiction.

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, has recently acknowledged that his client struggles with a gambling problem. Tonali revealed to prosecutors that he had placed bets on matches involving AC Milan and Brescia when he was playing for these clubs.

The Italian soccer federation's decision to suspend Tonali comes after an investigation by Turin prosecutors revealed the involvement of soccer players in illegal betting activities on various games.

The ban imposed on Tonali also implies that he will miss Euro 2024, scheduled to run from June 14 to July 14. It's worth noting that Italy, the defending champion, has yet to qualify for the tournament.

Sandro Tonali's cooperation with the authorities has led to a significant reduction in his ban, lowering it from the standard three-year minimum for players involved in betting on soccer matches.

Gabriele Gravina, the President of FIGC, the Italian Football Federation, disclosed that Tonali's suspension is for 18 months. However, eight of those months can be commuted by actively participating in treatment for gambling addiction and by making at least 16 public appearances at centers for young soccer players and associations focused on aiding those recovering from addiction.

Gravina emphasized the importance of not solely punishing the players but also helping them recover and rebuild their lives. He believes that providing talks about their experiences, conducted in an honest manner with the right behavior, holds more value than a simple one-month suspension.

In a similar case, Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli received a seven-month ban after agreeing to a plea bargain with the federation, which also mandates therapy for a gambling addiction.

Unlike Fagioli, Tonali admitted to placing bets on Milan games during his time with AC Milan, but it's essential to note that his bets were always for Milan to win, with no implication of match-fixing.

Gravina emphasized that these were straightforward bets with no influence on the match outcomes.

Sandro Tonali, who joined Newcastle from Milan in a significant transfer during the offseason, has signed a five-year contract with the English club.

Despite the gambling case, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recently expressed the club's long-term commitment to Tonali.

Tonali made one of his last appearances for the season as a substitute in the 65th minute during Wednesday's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. However, it's important to mention that the ban must still be extended internationally by UEFA.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo of Aston Villa were sent back to their respective clubs this month after police notified them of their involvement in the Turin probe during Italy's national team training camp. Zaniolo has stated that he did not place bets on games.

Tonali and Fagioli are among several top-level soccer players who have faced bans for violating gambling rules. Previously, Brentford striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month suspension from the English Football Association in May, admitting to 232 charges of breaching betting rules. In 2017, former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after confessing to placing 1,260 soccer-related bets over a period exceeding 10 years. This ban was later reduced by nearly five months on appeal.

Haaland Ends Champions League Goal Drought as Manchester City Triumph

Manchester City s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) scores his team s second goal on a penalty shot (Photo : AFP)

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Erling Haaland put an end to his Champions League goal drought with a spectacular second-half brace, guiding Manchester City to a 3-1 victory against Young Boys. This win maintained the defending champions' flawless record in the group stage.

A Long Wait for Haaland's Goal

The Norwegian striker had endured a challenging spell of five games, which amounted to 543 minutes of play in the competition without finding the back of the net. He had also squandered six excellent goal-scoring opportunities in the match against Young Boys. Nonetheless, Haaland finally broke the drought with a successful penalty conversion, followed by a powerful right-footed shot, salvaging Manchester City's fortunes after a tense encounter in Switzerland.

A Tense Encounter and Quick Equalizer

The first half of the match concluded without any goals, despite Manchester City missing several promising scoring chances. It was not until after half-time when Manuel Akanji, making a return to his homeland, opened the scoring for the visitors. However, Young Boys swiftly leveled the playing field as Meschack Elia executed a stunning chip over Ederson on a quick counter-attack.

VAR Drama and Haaland's Heroics

Manchester City thought they had secured the lead through a Julian Alvarez goal, but VAR intervened, ruling it out due to a handball by Jack Grealish in the build-up. Nevertheless, Haaland emerged as the hero of the match by converting a penalty just over 20 minutes before the final whistle, following a foul on Rodri. He then sealed the victory with a high-quality finish in the dying minutes of the game.

What Lies Ahead for Manchester City

This result means that Manchester City now need just one win from their remaining three Champions League matches to secure qualification for the knockout stages. Their focus now shifts to the upcoming Manchester derby against local rivals United, a match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports with a kick-off time of 3:30 pm.

Pep Guardiola's Response

In response to questions about Haaland's performance, Pep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports, offered a sarcastic response: "A lot, a lot. I'm so concerned about that. It's important, all the time, to have chances. People expect him to score four goals every time; people want him to fail. But I'm sorry, he's going to score all his life with the chances and the incredible threat. We missed sometimes the players who have the ability to find the pass and the tempo like Kevin [De Bruyne] and [Ilkay Gundogan], these types of players. But in all the games, he had a lot of chances, so it's about playing as well as possible because he's going to score until the last days he plays football."

Mbappé leads the way as PSG ease to 3-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League

PSG s players celebrate after Lee Kang-in, scored his side s third goal during the Champions League group F soccer match between PSG and AC Milan (AP Photo)

AP

France forwards Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani both scored as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-0 win against a lackluster AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

eenage midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery set up two goals, including PSG's third for South Korea winger Lee Kang-in near the end.

It was Lee's first for the club and a welcome win for PSG after it was routed 4-1 at Newcastle in the previous round, while seven-time champion Milan still has not won or scored in Group F.

PSG leads with six points from three matches and Milan is last. In other group game, Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Borussia Dortmund.

Mbappé rifled a 32nd-minute shot past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan to give PSG the lead. Maignan was beaten again in the 53rd, when Kolo Muani tapped into an empty net after Maignan saved France winger Ousmane Dembélé's low shot following a short corner.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli picked a starting lineup without a single Italian player in it. According to OPTA statisticians, it was the first time in Milan's history that it had done so for a European game.

Midway through the first half, a spectator ran onto the field and hugged Mbappé, who seemed unfazed. The intruder evaded several security officials before getting escorted off.

Winger Rafael Leao shot just wide from outside the penalty area in the 26th and Mbappé did the same a few minutes later.

His next shot gave Maignan no chance, and the goal came following great work from the 17-year-old Zaïre-Emery.

He showed his strength breaking through midfield before picking out Mbappé, who junked right to put England defender Fikayo Tomori off balance before drilling a low shot into the left corner.

Kolo Muani's goal was much more straightforward as Maignan spilled the ball into his path after parrying Dembélé's snapshot from just inside the area.

Moments earlier, Dembélé thought he had scored his first for the club since joining this summer from Barcelona.

He broke down the right at great speed and arrowed a low shot into the left corner. But the goal was ruled out when a review showed Manuel Ugarte barging American midfielder Yunus Musah off the ball in the buildup.

Maignan expertly tipped Mbappé's curling shot onto the post late on but was well beaten when Lee struck a crisp shot past him in the 89th after swapping passes with Zaïre-Emery.

Liverpool defender Robertson faces shoulder surgery

Liverpool's Andy Robertson is facing surgery on a shoulder injury. Photo: AFP

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Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he prepares to have surgery on a shoulder injury.

The Scotland captain sustained the problem on international duty and the club have decided an operation is the best solution.

"There is a little bit there, I think the decision is we go towards surgery," said manager Jurgen Klopp.

"There is a little chance we could try without, but talking to pretty much all experts it looks like surgery will be the best thing, especially in the long term definitely, and that means he is out for a while.

"I don't know exactly how long but it is shoulder surgery so not exactly an easy one.

"In my experience you can train pretty quickly again but not football-specific because you have to be careful of challenges and all these kind of things so he will be out for a while."

Liverpool, fourth in the Premier League table, host struggling Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

UPDATED: Juve star Fagioli hit with seven-month gambling ban

FILE - Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli controls the ball during the Berlusconi trophy football match between Monza and Juventus in Monza, near Milan, Italy, Saturday, July 31, 2021. Photo: AP

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Nicolo Fagioli's season is all but over after the Italian Football Federation banned on Tuesday the Juventus and Italy midfielder for seven months for gambling offences.

In a statement the FIGC said that Fagioli had been given the ban for betting on football matches, an activity which is forbidden for professional footballers, after admitting his guilt and negotiating a plea bargain.

The FIGC said that Fagioli's sentence was officially 12 months but that five of those had been commuted into a "treatment plan" centred on combatting gambling addiction.

Fagioli, 22, has to take part in "at least 10 public meetings to be held within five months, at amateur sports associations and both local football federation and gambling addiction recovery centres" according to a FIGC programme.

The FIGC added that Fagioli's plea bargain would be terminated and that he would be subject to further disciplinary proceedings should he not adhere to that programme.

Fagioli has been a rising star of Italian football since returning to Juve last year following a loan spell at Cremonese, and has played once for his country.

However, he won't be available for Juve, who have already suffered the scandal of France star Paul Pogba failing a doping test, until mid-May by which time there will only be two games left in the season.

Fagioli could have been banned for as long as three years had he not struck a deal with the FIGC's disciplinary authorities and shown that he was taking steps to combat an admitted gambling addiction.

His punishment is the first in a betting scandal which exploded while the Italian national team was preparing for two crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers with Malta and England.

Gambling scandal

The FIGC investigation is running parallel to a criminal probe into the use of illegal gambling platforms allegedly linked to organised crime.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were released from the European champions' training camp last week after being questioned by criminal prosecutors for over two hours.

Zaniolo's lawyer Gianluca Tognozzi told the Gazzetta Dello Sport on Sunday that the Aston Villa forward has never gambled on football but that "it's possible he played card games like poker and blackjack on illegal platforms".

If Tognozzi's claim is true Zaniolo will not receive any ban from the FIGC but could be fined following the criminal probe.

On Tuesday Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso admitted that the Newcastle midfielder had an "illness".

"Sandro is shaken up by the situation, but he has already started to fight back," Riso told Sky Sport.

"He's always been a fighter and now he's taken on his biggest challenge."

There is no indication as yet that any of the trio gambled on their own team's matches nor that they were involved in match fixing.

The news that Tonali and Zaniolo were being investigated was broken last week by disgraced Italian paparazzo Fabrizio Corona, who first claimed months ago that Fagioli had a gambling addiction.

Corona is a gossip specialist, hugely famous in Italy, who has spent time in prison for illegally obtaining photographs and blackmailing football clubs and players with them.

He also named Roma and Poland full-back Nicola Zalewski, who as yet is not being investigated by criminal prosecutors nor by the FIGC's disciplinary authorities.

PSG and Mbappe get tough Champions League draw in group with Milan, Dortmund and Newcastle

This photograph taken on August 31, 2023, shows the UEFA Champions League football trophy cup during the draw for the UEFA Champions League football tournament 2023-2024 at The Grimaldi Forum in the Principality of Monaco. AFP 

AP , fbarena.com

Paris Saint-Germain and its star forward Kylian Mbappe landed in the toughest group in the Champions League draw Thursday with former champions AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, plus Newcastle.

Bayern Munich’s new signing Harry Kane will return to England to face Manchester United in a group that also includes Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Man United beat Bayern in the 1999 final after an injury-time comeback.

Record 14-time champion Real Madrid plays Napoli, Braga and debutant Union Berlin.

Man City, the defending champion, got a favorable draw and will play Leipzig for the third straight season, plus Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys.

Last season's finalist Inter Milan will play Benfica – which it beat in the quarterfinals – plus Salzburg and Real Sociedad.

Barcelona was drawn with Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp, another Champions League debutant which last played in the competition in the old European Cup in 1957.

Arsenal’s return after six years away will be against Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven and Lens.

Feyenoord, the 1970 European Cup winner, was grouped with the team it beat in that final, Celtic, plus Atlético Madrid and Lazio.

Teams from 15 different nations were in the draw, including 14 former European champions who have combined to win 48 titles in the competition's 68-year history.

Games start Sept. 19 and group-stage play ends Dec. 13.

The knockout stage starts in February and reaches the final at Wembley Stadium in London on June 1.

Lukaku’s season-long loan deal from Chelsea to Roma made official

Chelsea's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has completed a season-long loan move to Roma. Photo: AS Roma official X account

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Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan deal from Chelsea to Roma was completed on Thursday, two days after the Belgium striker was welcomed by thousands of Giallorossi fans at a local airport.

“The welcome I’ve received from this club and its fans has excited me and given me even more motivation to give my all for my new team,” Lukaku said in a statement on Roma’s website. “As an opponent, I felt the atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico, and felt the warmth of the Romanisti.”

The cost of the loan for the 30-year-old Lukaku was reportedly 8 million pounds ($10 million), taking the cumulative transfer fees spent on the former Manchester United, Everton and Inter Milan center forward to nearly 300 million pounds (around $375 million) — second only to Neymar in soccer history.

    Tutte le strade portano a... 🟡🔴#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/dYVoAW3CBW

    — AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) August 31, 2023

Lukaku has 78 goals in 132 matches across all competitions for Inter Milan over three of the past four seasons.

He will reunite with Roma coach Jose Mourinho after stints under the Portuguese coach at Chelsea from 2013-14 — even if he was sent on loan to Everton that season — and at Manchester United from 2017-18.

France's forward Dembele signs five-year PSG deal

File Photo: Barcelona s then French forward Ousmane Dembele kicks the ball during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on January 22, 2023. AFP 

AFP , fbarena.com

France international Ousmane Dembele has signed a five-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, the Ligue 1 champions announced on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Dembele, who was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad, joined Barcelona in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund and had extended his contract last year until 2024.

PSG took advantage of the player's 50 million euros ($54 million) release clause to sign the former Rennes forward.

"I'm very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain and can't wait to play in my new colours," Dembele said in a PSG statement.

"I hope to continue to grow here and make all who love the club proud."

Dembele, who has 37 caps for France and scored four goals, joins three other World Cup winners at PSG -- Kylian Mbappé, Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez.

He is the club's ninth summer signing after defenders Milan Skriniar and Lucas Hernandez, midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Cher Ndour, forwards Marco Asensio, Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos and goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

At Barcelona, despite early problems adjusting to the Catalan side and injuries, Dembele scored 40 goals in 185 matches, winning three league titles in 2018, 2019 and 2023 and two Spanish Cups 2018 and 2021.

PSG are bolstering their attacking options with the futures of stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar still uncertain.

"The passion and determination shown by Ousmane when he joined PSG is fantastic and is the attitude required for all our players," said PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

"We are proud to have another French World Cup winner in Paris Saint-Germain at the moment. to enter a new great era for our club."

Bayern Munich move fuelled by silverware chase, Harry Kane

Harry Kane Bayern Munich

AFP , fbarena.com

Harry Kane has opted to leave Tottenham in search of silverware with Bayern Munich, likely forgoing the chance to achieve Premier League immortality.

Kane has scored 213 Premier League goals, behind only Alan Shearer's 260, and was a near certainty to overtake the Newcastle great if he had stayed in England.

The 30-year-old striker moved ahead of Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's record scorer last season and also supplanted Wayne Rooney at the top of England's all-time goal list.

But despite his impressive personal milestones, Kane has not won a single trophy with club or country, losing in the 2019 Champions League final and tasting bitter defeat in the final of the delayed Euro 2020.

At German champions Bayern he is almost certain to rectify that, joining a club who are serial winners, domestically and in Europe.

The clean-cut Kane, married to his childhood sweetheart, often feels like a throwback to a different era in the frantic circus that is the English top-flight.

He has been remarkably consistent, passing the 20-goal mark in the Premier league six times and winning the Golden Boot on three occasions.

Kane describes his predatory instincts in front of goal as "natural", adding: "When that ball drops to me my body takes over and my mind is just blank really."

The striker, who joined Tottenham's academy in 2009, struggled to make an impression early in his professional career and many doubted he would ever make it at the highest level.

Even after his breakthrough season in 2014/15, he was dubbed a "one-season wonder", an accusation that has proved laughably wide of the mark.

There were almost two years between Kane's first Spurs goal against Shamrock Rovers in 2011 and his next, against Hull in 2013.

A loan move to second tier Millwall provided a tantalising glimpse of his potential, but the lowest point of his learning curve came during difficult loan spells at Leicester and Norwich in the 2012/13 season.

- Barrage of goals -

Kane failed to score for Norwich and struck just twice for second tier Leicester.

"That was the lowest time. I was 19, living away from home and not playing," he said. "You always have that doubt. If you're not playing there then how are you ever going to play for Tottenham?"

Despite his struggles, Kane later said dealing with the aggressive physical approach of Championship opponents was an important step in his transformation into one of the world's best strikers.

"That happened a lot when I was on loan. One defender said, 'I haven't got a yellow card yet, I'm gonna use it on you'," Kane said.

"The funny thing was that two minutes later we both went up for a header and he ended up winded on the floor. So that made me pretty happy."

Suitably impressed by Kane's drive, Mauricio Pochettino, then in the early days of his successful spell as Tottenham boss, trusted his potential enough to select him regularly in the 2014/15 season.

Kane repaid Pochettino's gamble with a barrage of goals that quickly gained him international recognition.

He scored just seconds into his England debut as a substitute against Lithuania in 2015.

Kane failed to score at Euro 2016 as Roy Hodgson's men crashed out to Iceland in the last 16, but England outstripped expectations at the World Cup in Russia two years later, where Kane became into a global star.

Handed the captaincy by Gareth Southgate, he scored six goals to win the Golden Boot and lead England to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years.

Southgate's side came even closer at the European Championship in 2021, where only defeat on penalties to Italy denied them a first major trophy since 1966.

More disappointment followed for Kane and country at last year's World Cup in Qatar.

Normally so reliant from the penalty spot, he fired a vital spot-kick high over the bar in a quarter-final defeat by France.

But he now has the chance to end his trophy drought with German giants Bayern and will hope international glory follows.

English Premier League fixtures (1st matchday)

Arsenal s William Saliba, left, challenges for the ball with Manchester City s Erling Haaland during the English FA Community Shield final soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. AP 

fbarena.com , Thursday 10 Aug 2023

Follow fbarena.com coverage of English Premier League matches of the 2023/2024 season (11 / 14 August)

All times are GMT time

Friday 11 August

19:00 Burnley vs. Manchester City

Saturday 12 August

11:30 Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest

14:00 AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United

14:00 Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Luton Town

14:00 Everton vs. Fulham

14:00 Sheffield United vs. Crystal Palace

16:30 Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa

Sunday 13 August

13:00 Brentford vs. Tottenham Hotspur

15:30 Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Monday 14 August

19:00 Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Ancelotti backs Lunin as Madrid's starting goalie even if newcomer arrives after Courtois' injury

 Real Madrid s goalkeeper warms up prior La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid, Spain, Oct. 16, 2022. AP 

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Real Madrid may consider signing a new goalkeeper after the serious injury suffered by Thibaut Courtois, but coach Carlo Ancelotti says his starter heading into the new season will be the little used Andriy Lunin.

The 24-year-old Lunin is entering his fourth season for Madrid and was again expected to be rarely used as a replacement for Courtois in case of injury. Now, the Ukrainian goalie is positioned to be a key player for the 14-time European Cup winner.

“We have to wish Courtois a quick recovery and place all our confidence in Lunin,” Ancelotti said on Friday, a day before Madrid kicks off its season with a Spanish league game at Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid has until the summer transfer window closes at the end of the month to possibly bring in a new goalkeeper, but Ancelotti said any newcomer would arrive as a backup to Lunin. As of now, Ancelotti said that Lunin’s backup is 17-year-old Fran González, a youth team player.

Courtois tore a ligament in his left knee on Thursday and will undergo surgery, meaning that the Belgium international will be sidelined for several months.

Last season, Lunin started 12 games, mostly during a stretch while Courtois was out with a back issue. In those games he conceded 13 goals and kept four clean sheets. Madrid signed Lunin from Ukrainian club Zorya Lugansk in 2018. He then played on loan at smaller Spanish clubs Leganés, Oviedo and Valladolid before joining Madrid’s squad.

Lunin will have big boots to fill. Courtois was a key player in helping Madrid win a Champions League, two Spanish leagues and a Copa del Rey thanks to his ability to make high-pressure saves.

“We have complete faith in (Lunin),” Ancelotti said. “We think he is a talent and that the only thing he is lacking is experience. Now he will get that experience day by day, game by game.”

Spanish media speculated that Madrid could consider signing Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga or former Manchester United player David de Gea.

When asked what qualities he could seek in a new goalkeeper, Ancelotti said in his typical laconic fashion: “That he can stop the ball with his hands.”

Klopp confirms Liverpool and Brighton have reached agreement over transfer of Moises Caicedo

Ecuador s midfielder Moises Caicedo attends a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 19, 2022. AFP 

AP , fbarena.com

Liverpool has reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Friday.

The deal is worth a reported 110 million pounds ($140 million), which would be a record fee for a transfer in Britain.

“The deal with the club (Brighton) is agreed,” Klopp said at a news conference ahead of Liverpool's opening Premier League game at Chelsea on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Caicedo has yet to agree personal terms or undertake a medical examination.

Caicedo's move would complete a huge offseason overhaul of Liverpool's midfield, following the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister — also from Brighton — and Dominik Szoboszlai from Leipzig. Five midfielders, notably Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, have left Anfield this summer.

It would surpass the initial fee of 100 million pounds, plus add-ons, that Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice last month. That initial fee was the same as the British-record sum that Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.

It continues an extraordinary and rapid rise for Caicedo, who has only played one full season for Brighton after joining from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in 2021. He spent the first half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Beerschot in Belgium.

He quickly became one of the most sought-after midfielders in English soccer, with Chelsea retaining a long-time interest and making multiple offers this offseason — only to seemingly be beaten to Caicedo's signature by Liverpool.

Caicedo is a defensive midfielder who is good on the ball, covers ground quickly and is an intense presser. They are all attributes desired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who will hope his rejigged midfield can spark a renewed bid for the title after his team finished outside the top four last season.

If the transfer goes through, Brighton will have received around 150 million pounds ($190 million) from Liverpool this summer for Mac Allister and Caicedo, continuing its policy of buying cheaply — using its enviable global scouting network — and selling for big fees.