Matchday 3 proved to be a chastening evening for Manchester United, as the Premier League side was thoroughly outplayed by Cesc Fabregas’ side at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The setback compounded a troubled start to the campaign and placed Carrick under heightened pressure, with the manager walking directly to the travelling supporters at the final whistle to offer an apology for the team’s performance.

“I can only apologise to our fans. No excuses,” Michael Carrick said after the game. “I care an unbelievable amount about the supporters, they’re the heartbeat and always will be.”

Manchester United need a change of direction

The current campaign has proved exceptionally demanding for Manchester United across all fronts. With only one win from three Champions League fixtures, their domestic fortunes are equally concerning: they sit 13th in the Premier League standings, having collected just seven points from a possible 21 to remain uncomfortably close to the relegation places.

This heavy loss against Como could prove pivotal not only for Carrick’s immediate job security, but also for the wider club hierarchy and playing squad, both of whom face intense criticism over a string of underwhelming tactical setups and substandard individual displays.

Having fought to return to the Champions League this season, failing to qualify for next year’s edition would represent a significant sporting and financial blow. Consistency remains the fundamental challenge for the Red Devils, whose erratic form on the pitch continues to undermine their ability to establish momentum and compete effectively at the highest level of European soccer.

The England winger went down in the opening minutes after appearing to hurt himself while making a pass. Replays showed that he did not make full contact with the ball, and Saka needed medical attention on the pitch before it became clear he could not continue.

Saka was replaced by Eberechi Eze, who took his place in the attacking line alongside Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke, behind Kai Havertz. The change forced Mikel Arteta to rethink his plan early in a demanding away match against one of Europe’s strongest teams.

The setback is a major concern for Arteta at a crucial moment. Arsenal arrive in Munich with a perfect record in the competition, after a 1-0 win over Napoli and a 3-0 win over Lille, and they are the only team yet to concede in this season’s league phase. Saka has been one of the team’s key attackers, and the extent of the injury will be closely watched in the coming days.

First injury concern of the season for Saka

The scare against Bayern is Saka’s first injury setback of the 2026-27 campaign. Last season, the winger missed 11 matches across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt, because of three separate problems: a hamstring injury in August and September, a hip issue in January and February, and an Achilles problem in April.

The Achilles injury was the most serious, as it kept him out of five matches in a decisive stretch. Saka missed Arsenal’s FA Cup quarterfinal, both legs of their Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting, and Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Manchester City. He returned in time to play in the Champions League semifinals and in the final against PSG on May 30, a defeat on penalties.

Arsenal are expected to provide an update on Saka’s condition in the coming hours. Until then, Mikel Arteta may have to plan for the coming weeks without one of his key attackers.

Match Overview

Bournemouth vs AC Milan record

2026-27 UEFA Europa League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Europa League games

Summary

• Bournemouth will face AC Milan on Thursday, October 22, for the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Bournemouth vs AC Milan game in the United States.
• AC Milan lead the head-to-head with 1 win in 1 meetings.

The Colombian winger starts on the bench despite scoring a hat trick in the 6-1 win over RB Leipzig on Oct. 17. Bayern have not reported any injury or suspension for Diaz, and Kompany has not explained the decision, so it looks like a choice made for tactical reasons.

In his place, Kompany decided to start Alphonso Davies on the left wing, behind Harry Kane. The attack will look very different from the one that took the field in the 3-3 draw against Viking on the previous matchday, as Michael Olise is suspended and unavailable for this match.

Kompany’s decision to leave Diaz on the bench can be read as a more defensive approach. With Davies in his place on the left, Bayern gain a player who can help in defense against the attacks of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

Lineups confirmed

Without Joshua Kimmich and Olise, Vincent Kompany has gone with Bischof and Pavlovic in midfield. Manuel Neuer starts in goal despite being a doubt with a foot issue, while Davies, Gnabry and Saibari support Harry Kane in attack.

Bayern confirmed lineup: Neuer (C); Laimer, Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, Stanisic; Bischof, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Saibari, Davies; Kane.

Arteta has gone with Kai Havertz as his lone striker, leaving Viktor Gyokeres on the bench alongside Mikel Merino. Noni Madueke starts on the right wing alongside Bukayo Saka, with Eberechi Eze among the substitutes, while Jurrien Timber returns at right back.

Arsenal confirmed lineup: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Konsa, Calafiori; Rice, Bruno Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard (C), Madueke; Havertz.

The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward received a 30-day ban and a €255 ($286) fine after leaving Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen in September. Although the punishment has largely run its course, Coelho believes the federation must handle the captain’s potential return carefully if it wants to avoid reopening the dispute.

Speaking to Radio Renascença’s Bola Branca, Humberto Coelho backed the decision to suspend Ronaldo but criticized the financial penalty as ineffective. “Ronaldo’s suspension was important, but the fine is a bit out of place and doesn’t help at all,” the former Selecao manager said.

Coelho also argued that the incident should never have escalated to the point where disciplinary action became necessary. “What I know for sure is that if I were the coach, this wouldn’t have happened. That’s for sure. And if I were a player, I don’t think it would have happened either,” he explained.

As a former national team captain himself, Coelho believes the episode reflects a breakdown in responsibility on multiple sides. He described the situation as complicated and expressed concern about the damage it could cause to both Ronaldo and the FPF.

How Ronaldo’s dispute with Jorge Jesus escalated

The controversy began during the national team’s September international window, when Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the national team’s 2-1 victory over Norway. The forward later claimed that Jesus had given him assurances about his involvement before deciding against using him.

Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s camp on September 30, ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark. In a public statement, he accused Jesus of an “absolute breach of trust,” while the coach denied that the two had made the agreement Ronaldo described.

The FPF disciplinary council eventually found Ronaldo guilty of an offence under Article 160(1) of its disciplinary regulations. On October 19, the federation announced a 30-day suspension and a symbolic monetary fine, taking into account mitigating circumstances that included Ronaldo’s contributions to football and his recent disciplinary record.

The conditions Ronaldo must meet before returning

Coelho made clear that he would welcome Ronaldo back to Portugal, but stressed that the return must be properly prepared. He believes responsibility cannot rest solely on the player, with the national team coach and federation president also needing to help rebuild trust. “I’d like him to return. The right conditions have to be in place, and that’s up to the coach, the president and Cristiano,” Coelho said.

He added that the three parties must establish genuine understanding and accept responsibility for their respective roles in resolving the dispute. A return without proper preparation and shared accountability could create further problems rather than settle the existing tensions.

Coelho delivered his strongest warning when discussing what might happen if the situation is mishandled. “If his return isn’t properly planned and prepared, with a strong sense of responsibility from everyone involved, there’s no point in it. Otherwise, serious problems could resurface.”

On Matchday 2 of the competition, Bayern were held to a turbulent 3–3 draw by Norwegian side Viking FK. It proved to be a difficult evening for Vincent Kompany’s team, and circumstances deteriorated further inside the final 20 minutes when Olise was shown a red card.

Olise received two bookings within seconds. The initial yellow card was shown after he halted a promising Viking counter-attack with a tactical foul; he then picked up the ball and tossed it toward his opponent in frustration, prompting the referee to immediately brandish a second caution followed by a red, triggering a one-match suspension that rules him out against Arsenal.

Olise is a top-tier player

During the summer transfer window, reports circulated that Olise was a primary target for several continental heavyweights. He has established a commanding presence with Bayern Munich while cementing his role as a regular starter for the French national team, leading many analysts to regard him as one of the game’s brightest emerging superstars.

Bayern Munich remain eager to keep him in their ranks for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, a substantial bid from European rivals such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Barcelona could test the German club’s resolve, potentially opening the door to a major sale that could be reinvested into other rising talent.

His explosive pace and agility make him a uniquely dynamic attacking weapon. Having steadily refined his shooting technique and end product in the final third, Olise represents the complete profile sought after by elite clubs looking to secure a world-class winger.

Bayern confirmed that the German midfielder has been granted compassionate leave. The club asked for his privacy and grief to be respected and for further inquiries and reporting to be avoided, while sending its condolences to Kimmich and his loved ones.

With Kimmich out, Vincent Kompany has gone with Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic as the midfield pairing, behind Serge Gnabry, Ismael Saibari and Alphonso Davies, with Harry Kane leading the line.

Bayern arrive unbeaten in six Bundesliga matches and have won once and drawn once in the league phase, beating Bodo/Glimt 5-0 and drawing 3-3 at Viking. At home, they have lost just one of their last 31 Champions League matches.

Bayern also arrive with other absences

Kimmich is not the only one missing for Bayern. Michael Olise is suspended after his sending-off last week, and Jamal Musiala is out with a thigh injury, not even making the bench. Among the surprises in the starting lineup, Luis Diaz, who scored a hat trick in Bayern’s last Bundesliga match, will begin the game on the bench.

With the absences confirmed, Kompany will use the following starting lineup to face Arsenal: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, Stanisic; Bischof, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Saibari, Davies; Kane.

Bayern will have to cope without their midfield leader on an emotional night in Munich. With Kimmich away from the team, the focus turns to Kompany’s side and its strong home record as it looks to keep its Champions League campaign on track against Arsenal.

Bayern Munich confirmed lineup

Arsenal confirmed lineup

Real Madrid confirmed lineup

RB Leipzig confirmed lineup

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) punished Ronaldo for leaving the national team camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. However, the possibility of the ban affecting his club career remains uncertain, and one crucial detail suggests that supporters should not assume he will miss upcoming matches for Al-Nassr.

The FPF disciplinary council handed the veteran ace a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine after he left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark on September 30. The incident followed tensions with Jesus over Ronaldo’s role in the national team.

The forward accused the coach of breaking promises about his playing time after being left on the bench against Norway, describing the situation as an “absolute breach of trust,”. Jesus denied that an agreement had been made but subsequently left the door open for Ronaldo’s return. The veteran later apologized for leaving his teammates and failing to acknowledge supporters, while making clear that he remained available for future selection.

The disciplinary committee found that Ronaldo had intentionally committed an offence under Article 160(1) of the FPF’s disciplinary regulations. His sporting achievements, contribution to Portuguese soccer and expression of remorse were considered mitigating circumstances when the sanction was determined.

Could UEFA and FIFA extend the ban to Al-Nassr?

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the FPF disciplinary committee has instructed the federation’s legal department to assess whether the punishment should be formally communicated to UEFA and FIFA. Such a step could potentially raise the question of whether the suspension should be recognized in competitions organized by those governing bodies.

No decision has been announced to extend Ronaldo’s suspension to club soccer. The reported development concerns an assessment of whether to notify UEFA and FIFA, rather than confirmation that either organization has agreed to enforce the sanction beyond Portugal’s national team.

The distinction matters because Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where the club competes in domestic and Asian competitions. Any wider enforcement would require further clarification, and the available reporting suggests that a formal referral is considered unlikely.

What’s the catch?

There is another important detail that reduces the immediate impact of the punishment. The 30-day suspension was backdated to the period when Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in late September, meaning much of the sanction had already been served by the time it was formally announced on October 19.

That timing means Ronaldo is expected to be eligible for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, assuming he is selected and fit to play. The suspension therefore does not automatically rule him out of those fixtures.

The same timing also makes an immediate disruption to Al-Nassr’s schedule less likely, particularly because no extension to club competitions has been confirmed. The situation would become more consequential if the FPF pursued a wider application of the ban and UEFA or FIFA took further action.

The Al-Nassr captain received a suspension following his departure from Portugal’s national team camp ahead of a Nations League fixture against Denmark in September. While the ruling could have consequences for his relationship with national team coach Jorge Jesus, it was one particular aspect of the punishment that prompted Juanma Castano’s most memorable response.

The FPF’s Disciplinary Council handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine after he left the national team camp before Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark in Copenhagen on September 30. According to the disciplinary ruling, Ronaldo informed federation president Pedro Proenca that he was “not in the right frame of mind to remain with the squad.”

The forward reportedly left Parken Stadium in a vehicle requested through the federation’s director of services as Portugal prepared for a training session. The decision followed a disagreement between Ronaldo and Jesus over the forward’s involvement in the Selecao’s matches. Ronaldo subsequently accused the coach of breaking promises about his playing time and failing to deliver a public clarification they had reportedly agreed upon.

In a statement released on October 6, Ronaldo criticized what he described as Jesus’s “authoritarian, ‘I’m in charge here’ attitude.” The dispute has raised questions about whether the two will be able to move forward together, although the suspension’s timing could allow Ronaldo to return for Portugal’s November fixtures.

Hilarious comparison emerges

Speaking on Spanish radio programme El Partidazo de COPE, Juanma Castano reacted sarcastically to the FPF’s decision, suggesting that the federation had been particularly severe with Ronaldo in one respect while barely affecting him financially.

“The Portuguese Federation isn’t messing around. They’ve slapped him with a 30-day suspension—even though he hasn’t been called up—but the suspension counts from the previous training camp, from the very day he left,” Castano said.

He explained that the suspension had effectively been running since the incident, meaning Ronaldo could become eligible for Portugal’s next squad selection once the sanction expires. The journalist then turned his attention to the financial penalty, setting up the punchline that made his comments stand out.

“But they did hit him where it hurts—in his wallet. That’s where they decided to get serious: the ‘cash.’ Cristiano has been fined 255 euros,” Castano joked. He followed with the comparison that quickly became the defining moment of his reaction: “Damn, in any Spanish city, you’d get a 300-euro fine just for taking the trash out at the wrong time—that’s more expensive than deserting the Portuguese national team!”

What helped reduce the punishment

The disciplinary ruling also revealed that Ronaldo’s representatives requested mitigating circumstances based on his contributions to soccer, his sporting achievements and his assistance in establishing the facts of the case. The FPF accepted the arguments relating to his significant service to soccer and his sporting merits, but rejected the claim that he had made a decisive contribution to uncovering the truth.

The committee explained that this particular mitigating factor applied to disciplinary cases that were difficult to investigate. The decision has also attracted ridicule beyond Spain, with an English BBC panel reportedly questioning the modest size of the fine and joking about Ronaldo submitting his sporting résumé as part of his defence.

Al-Nassr ultimately secured a valuable victory over NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League, thanks to a decisive contribution from Ronaldo’s Portuguese teammate Joao Felix. However, the result was accompanied by several missed opportunities from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, leaving Postecoglou with questions about his finishing rather than the team’s overall performance.

Ronaldo had the opportunity to put Al-Nassr ahead shortly before half-time on Wednesday after a rival defender brought down Felix inside the penalty area. The 41-year-old stepped up to take the spot-kick but sent his effort wide, wasting a promising opportunity to break the deadlock.

His frustration continued after the interval, when another excellent chance presented itself inside the box. Ronaldo failed to connect properly with a close-range opportunity, while another wayward effort later in the match compounded an unusually wasteful performance.

The missed penalty was Ronaldo’s fourth from 31 attempts for Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club in 2023. Despite his disappointing finishing, the forward played the full 90 minutes as his team continued its push near the top of the league table.

Postecoglou’s emotional gesture wins admirers

While the 41-year-old superstar struggled in front of goal, Felix provided the moment that ultimately decided the contest. The Portugal international struck from the edge of the penalty area in the 61st minute, securing a 1-0 victory over NEOM and extending Al-Nassr’s winning run. The result marked the club’s seventh league victory of the season, lifting Postecoglou’s side to third place, three points behind leaders Al Qadsiah with a game in hand.

The most memorable moment came after the final whistle, when the Australian coach approached Ronaldo and put his arm around the disappointed captain, offering words of encouragement rather than publicly criticizing his missed chances. A video of the interaction circulated on social media, with supporters praising the manager for standing by his star player during a difficult evening.

Postecoglou reinforced that message during his press conference, explaining that mistakes were part of the sport and that the squad needed to respond collectively. His comments reflected a supportive approach at a time when Ronaldo was already facing scrutiny over his performances and his international situation.

“This is the nature of football, and it is good that we create this number of chances, and we will work on making up for the mistakes,” the Australian explained. He continued: “We work as a family, so a win will be good for everyone and a loss will fall upon the whole team, so we must support one another and move forward with steady steps.”

Ronaldo’s Jorge Jesus fallout adds to the pressure

Ronaldo’s difficult evening came shortly after the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine, following his departure from the national team camp without permission. The incident reportedly followed tensions involving Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, leaving Ronaldo’s immediate international future under discussion.

The suspension could be backdated to his provisional ruling, potentially allowing him to return for Portugal’s next match against Denmark on November 14. Meanwhile, Postecoglou has continued to express his admiration for Ronaldo, describing the opportunity to work with one of soccer’s greatest players as a major attraction of the Al-Nassr job.

Atletico Madrid went into the break trailing after Leweling put Stuttgart ahead in the 36th minute. Alvarez answered early in the second half, finishing a cross from Lookman first time into the top corner in the 47th minute, scoring his first goal of the season for Atletico.

The goal also ended the longest drought of Alvarez’s career. He had not scored since Apr. 29, when he found the net in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League semifinal, a gap of 174 days.

Coach Diego Simeone was full of praise for his forward after the match, especially for the effort he put in on the night. “The game he played was with incredible physical effort,” Simeone said. “He worked parts of the match as an inside forward on the left. The goal was a golazo and it makes me very happy for him, we need him.”

The Atletico Madrid manager also stressed how important the World Cup winner is to his team. Simeone described Alvarez as “decisive in getting to the places we need to reach” and made a request: “Let’s hope that little by little he starts to find himself again with what he showed us today”.

Alvarez moves into elite company

With the goal, Alvarez moved past Hernan Crespo, who sits on 25, and now ranks among the top five Argentine scorers in Champions League history. Only Messi, Alfredo Di Stefano, Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez have scored more.

Alvarez will now try to build on his goal as Atletico Madrid look to turn their Champions League campaign around. With four points from three matches, the team will need its forward at his best, and the numbers suggest he is on his way to climbing even higher on Argentina’s all-time list.

Como 1907 confirmed lineup

Manchester United confirmed lineup

The announcement comes as the prestigious award celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. However, the format introduces an unusual twist that could make the competition far more unpredictable than a conventional vote for the greatest player of all time.

France Soccer, the magazine behind the Ballon d’Or since 1956, has unveiled the Ballon d’Or Of All Time (B.O.A.T.), a public vote designed to identify the greatest individual Ballon d’Or-winning year in soccer history. Rather than simply selecting a player, voters must decide which specific winning campaign deserves to stand above the rest.

The distinction matters because a player with multiple Ballon d’Or trophies has several eligible seasons competing for votes. Messi, for example, has eight winning years represented, while Ronaldo has five, potentially dividing support between their individual achievements.

Full list of the 10 nominees

The shortlist features 10 legendary players who have won the Ballon d’Or at least twice during their careers.

Messi leads the historical standings with eight Ballon d’Or victories, followed by Ronaldo with five. Platini, Cruyff and Van Basten each collected three trophies, while the remaining five nominees won twice.

Eligibility rules: Why some legends are missing

The organizers restricted eligibility to players who have won the Ballon d’Or at least twice, immediately excluding famous one-time winners such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Eusebio. Pele and Diego Maradona are also absent, but for a different historical reason.

During their playing careers, the Ballon d’Or was restricted to European players, meaning the two South American icons were not eligible under the award’s original rules. The shortlist therefore reflects the history and eligibility criteria of the traditional prize rather than a comprehensive ranking of every player who has ever played the game.

Voting deadline, cost and prize explained

Fans can vote through the official Ballon d’Or website until October 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Paris time. Each vote costs €1, and supporters can submit multiple votes rather than being restricted to a single choice.

According to the published details, participants receive access to an iconic Ballon d’Or photograph and an opportunity to win two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The B.O.A.T. results are scheduled to be announced on October 28, two days after the main 2026 ceremony at London’s Palladium on October 26.

Match Overview

Como 1907 vs Manchester United record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Como 1907 will face Manchester United on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the Como 1907 vs Manchester United game in the United States.

Match Overview

Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Real Madrid will face RB Leipzig on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig game in the United States.
• Real Madrid lead the head-to-head with 2 wins in 4 meetings.

Match Overview

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Bayern Munich will face Arsenal on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the Bayern Munich vs Arsenal game in the United States.
• Bayern Munich lead the head-to-head with 4 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Atlas vs Club America record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Atlas will face Club America on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Atlas vs Club America game in the United States.
• Club America lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Pachuca vs Cruz Azul record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Pachuca will face Cruz Azul on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• ViX will carry the Pachuca vs Cruz Azul game in the United States.
• Pachuca lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Santos Laguna vs Pumas UNAM record

2026 Liga MX Apertura standings

All upcoming 2026 Liga MX Apertura games

If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.

Summary

• Santos Laguna will face Pumas UNAM on Wednesday, October 21, for the 2026 Liga MX Apertura.
• TUDN USA will carry the Santos Laguna vs Pumas UNAM game in the United States.
• Santos Laguna lead the head-to-head with 6 wins in 10 meetings.

Milan travels to the Vitality Stadium after consecutive victories over Red Bull Salzburg and Atalanta, while Bournemouth have also built momentum with wins over Sturm Graz and Sunderland. With both clubs looking to maintain their positive runs, Amorim must balance his selection choices against a demanding fixture schedule.

Bournemouth have made an impressive start to their European campaign, winning their opening two matches against Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz. Marco Rose’s side defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 before recording a convincing 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout rounds.

A third consecutive European victory would make Bournemouth the first English club to win its opening three major continental matches since Sunderland in the 1973-74 season. The Cherries also defeated Sunderland 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend, climbing out of the relegation zone.

Milan, meanwhile, recovered from a 2-0 defeat to Benfica on the opening matchday with a commanding 4-0 win over Salzburg. Teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse stole the headlines with a hat-trick, while Amorim’s team followed that European success with a dramatic 3-2 Serie A victory over Atalanta. The Italian side now heads to England seeking a third consecutive win in all competitions.

Milan suffers double injury blow

Fresh concerns over two attacking players have disrupted Milan’s preparations. Goncalo Ramos has been ruled out of the Bournemouth match after experiencing calf discomfort during training, with the striker expected to undergo further medical tests, as per Sky Italia.

Samuel Chukwueze has also missed training because of a problem with his left hip. According to MilanNews, the winger is scheduled to undergo a specialist examination to determine the extent of the injury, leaving Amorim with fewer attacking options for Thursday’s fixture.

The absences come at an inconvenient time for Milan, who are navigating a crowded schedule that also includes the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Matteo Gabbia and Alexis Saelemaekers remain unavailable through injury, while Filippo Terracciano is suspended after his red card against Salzburg.

Will Christian Pulisic start?

With Ramos unavailable, young striker Francesco Camarda is expected to lead Milan’s attack, while Alphadjo Cisse and Omari Hutchinson are among the players in contention for starting positions. The changes could also create opportunities for Diego Moreira and other members of Amorim’s rotation options.

Pulisic is expected to begin the Bournemouth match on the bench, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport and MilanNews. The American winger could therefore be used as an impact substitute, giving Amorim another attacking option if Milan needs a goal or fresh energy later in the game.

The decision appears connected to the manager’s rotation strategy rather than any reported injury concern involving Pulisic. With several matches approaching, the Portuguese boss may prefer to manage the workload of key players while offering opportunities to younger members of the squad.

Pulisic could still make a difference if called upon, particularly given the Rossoneri’s recent attacking form. His potential involvement will also interest American supporters, as he and Yunus Musah could face international teammate Tyler Adams, who plays for Bournemouth.

The Portuguese star left a heartfelt message of encouragement for the Georgian in a comment on the post in which the PSG player announced his diagnosis after the injury against Barcelona.

“The hardest battles in football are often ones nobody sees,” Cristiano wrote. “I know that feeling, Kvara. But never forget what brought you this far, and don’t let a difficult moment make you doubt how far you can go. Keep that fire on. Your best is still to come”.

The words carry extra weight because of who they come from. Kvaratskhelia has made it clear on several occasions that Ronaldo is his childhood idol. The two shared a moment at Euro 2024, when Georgia beat Portugal 2-0 and Kvaratskhelia swapped shirts with his hero. Now, at the lowest point of his career, that same idol has told him that his best is still to come.

When could Kvaratskhelia return?

PSG have not put a timeline on Kvaratskhelia’s recovery, and the club only confirmed that he will undergo surgery in the coming days. A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament typically keeps players out for around nine months, and projections suggest that a return could come around July 2027. That would likely rule him out for the rest of the 2026-27 season, including the decisive stretch of the Champions League and Ligue 1.

The injury is a major setback for a player who had played 11 times for PSG this season and was making his first start of the campaign in the Champions League when he went down.

Apart from the Georgian, PSG also suffered injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos in the match against Barcelona. The forward sustained a left thigh injury while the defender picked up a right thigh injury, and both join Nuno Mendes on the French side’s injury list.

With Kvaratskhelia out for a long spell and three more key players sidelined, PSG will have to lean on their depth as they try to defend their Champions League crown.

The club confirmed that Kvaratskhelia suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He went down early in the second half after a challenge with Barcelona’s Xavi Espart and could not put any weight on his leg as he was helped off.

PSG confirmed he will undergo surgery in the coming days and did not give a timetable for his return. The 25-year-old was making his first start of the season in the Champions League and has played 11 times for the club this campaign.

Kvaratskhelia reacted to the news on social media. “Why me? I was not ready for this,” he wrote, before promising to come back stronger for the fans who support him.

Despite losing one of their stars for the rest of the season, the night still ended in celebration for PSG. The game was level at 2-2 heading into the final 10 minutes, and the hosts scored twice late to keep their Champions League defense on track with three wins from three.

Dembele, Marquinhos and Mendes join the injury list

Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos were also forced off against Barcelona. PSG announced that Dembele has a left thigh injury and Marquinhos a right thigh injury, and both “will remain under treatment for the next few weeks”.

While the club did not specify exact return dates for either player, neither is expected to be available for the next Ligue 1 match on Oct. 25, when PSG face Lyon.

The list of absentees was already growing before the match. Nuno Mendes suffered a left thigh injury against Strasbourg on Oct. 17 and was ruled out for the next few weeks, which means he will not be available for the trip to Lyon either.

With Mendes, Dembele and Marquinhos all sidelined alongside Kvaratskhelia, PSG will have to rotate heavily across defense and attack in the coming fixtures.

Raphinha returned to Barcelona’s starting lineup following an injury that had sidelined him in recent weeks. While the winger acknowledged that the defeat against PSG arrived at a terrible time, he emphasized that the squad cannot afford to lose focus ahead of Sunday’s crucial showdown against Real Madrid.

“We’ve only lost three points. Now we need to be ready for El Clásico. Focus,” Raphinha said after the game. Hansi Flick supported his statements by sharing that they are now preparing for the duel against Real Madrid.

A reality check

Remaining unbeaten throughout an entire season is practically impossible, especially given the grueling schedule and fierce competition top clubs face across multiple tournaments. Barcelona’s winning streak concluded after 11 consecutive victories, but this reality check may ultimately be exactly what the squad needed.

Suffering a defeat before El Clásico could prove beneficial for Barcelona. By absorbing a difficult loss against elite opposition, they can now clearly identify the tactical flaws that require immediate attention, helping them prevent another setback against their arch-rivals in a fixture that always carries massive ramifications for both clubs’ campaigns.

While PSG are widely regarded as one of the most formidable teams in world football today—presenting a very different challenge than Real Madrid’s current setup—El Clásico operates under its own laws. It remains a fiercely contested, high-intensity encounter where recent form often matters little, as both clubs routinely elevate their performances to avoid defeat in such a pivotal clash.

Barcelona made key mistakes against PSG

PSG boast one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe, meaning no team can afford complacency against them. Unfortunately for Barcelona, careless turnovers and loose distribution proved costly, leaving their back line repeatedly exposed to the French side’s clinical forwards.

This defeat must be taken very seriously by Hansi Flick. With Real Madrid’s attack gaining significant momentum in recent weeks and the defense standing out as Barcelona’s most vulnerable area amid recent injuries, tightening the back line is essential ahead of Sunday.

According to Opta, Ngumoha is just the fourth player on record, since the 2003-04 season, to complete seven or more dribbles in multiple Champions League games as a teenager.

He has done it twice, joining Lamine Yamal, who has done it four times, Cristiano Ronaldo, who did it three times, and Arjen Robben, who did it twice. It is an exclusive list that features a Ballon d’Or contender, one of the best players in history and one of the most explosive wingers of his generation.

Ngumoha’s latest display came in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Villarreal, in which the Reds came back from two goals down. Villarreal led 2-0 after goals from Georges Mikautadze and Segi Cardona, but Alexis Mac Allister pulled one back in the 36th minute, and in first-half stoppage time Ngumoha delivered a cross from the flank that Ronald Araujo headed in for the equalizer.

In the second half, the teenager sprinted down the right side, beat two defenders and pulled the ball back for Mac Allister to score the third goal, before Florian Wirtz added a fourth to put Liverpool in control. The win also kept Liverpool’s perfect start to the league phase going, with three wins from three games.

Ngumoha sets new Liverpool record

The two assists also gave Ngumoha another record. At 18 years and 52 days, he became the youngest player in Liverpool’s history to provide an assist in European competition, passing Michael Owen, who was 18 years and 324 days old when he did it against Valencia in November 1998.

Ngumoha’s night also puts him in another select group. He became the third-youngest player to provide multiple assists in a single Champions League game, behind only PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery and Theo Walcott.

Whether or not Ngumoha keeps climbing these lists, he has shown that he belongs on this stage. At just 18, he is already delivering decisive moments for Liverpool in the Champions League, and the comparisons with players like Yamal and Cristiano, who also stood out at an early age, will only grow if he keeps playing at this level.

The dispute erupted during the September international break, when Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark. The incident followed disagreements over his playing time and allegations that Jesus had failed to honor promises made to the veteran forward.

Ronaldo was reportedly frustrated after being left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, despite warming up during the match. He subsequently learned that he would not start against Denmark, prompting his departure from the national team camp on September 30.

The 41-year-old later issued a lengthy statement apologizing to supporters and teammates while explaining his actions. He maintained that his commitment to Portugal remained unchanged and accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) could impose disciplinary measures.

The FPF’s disciplinary council ultimately imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine for the incident. The federation reportedly considered Ronaldo’s remorse, contribution to soccer and sporting achievements when determining the punishment.

Suspension expires before November fixtures

The timing of the suspension means Ronaldo is expected to be available for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League matches. With the ban effectively backdated to the period surrounding the Denmark incident, he has already served the punishment before the next international window.

Portugal is scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Cardiff to meet Wales on November 17. Ronaldo’s eligibility removes the disciplinary obstacle that could otherwise have prevented him from participating in those fixtures.

Jesus has previously indicated that Ronaldo could return if he continues performing well for Al-Nassr. The coach, who worked with the forward in Saudi Arabia before taking charge of Portugal, has also played down the controversy surrounding the player’s departure.

What’s the key to Ronaldo’s return?

Despite becoming eligible again, Ronaldo is not guaranteed a place in Portugal’s November squad, as per Portuguese newspaper Record. The final decision rests with Jesus, who must determine whether to recall the experienced captain following their public disagreement.

The dispute reportedly centred on two alleged broken promises, including Ronaldo’s expected involvement against Norway and an agreement concerning a pre-match press conference. Ronaldo described the situation as an “absolute breach of trust” in his account of the events, while Jesus maintained that leaving a player unused after warming up was normal in soccer.

FPF president Pedro Proença has expressed confidence that the disagreement can be resolved, with Ronaldo remaining an important figure in the national team’s history. His return would give Portugal access to its record goalscorer and most-capped player, but the relationship between captain and coach remains a significant talking point.

The controversy began during Portugal’s September international break, when Ronaldo was left on the bench for the national team’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway. The forward reportedly believed Jesus had promised him playing time, and tensions escalated after he was not introduced during the match.

Ronaldo subsequently left the team’s camp on September 30, before the Selecao’s next fixture against Denmark. He later accused the experienced coach of breaking his word and described the situation as an “absolute breach of trust” in a lengthy public statement.

The Portuguese Football Federation launched disciplinary proceedings, ultimately finding Ronaldo guilty of intentionally abandoning the national team without justification. Its disciplinary council imposed a 30-day suspension and a €255 ($286) fine, with the ruling confirming that the charges had been substantiated.

The unusual evidence Ronaldo submitted

The most striking detail emerged when Sky Sports News reportedly obtained the federation’s full disciplinary ruling. Ronaldo submitted a statement of approximately 2,000 words alongside his sporting CV, asking officials to consider his achievements and contributions to soccer when determining the appropriate punishment.

The ruling explicitly acknowledged his submission, stating: “In relation to the mitigating circumstances of having rendered significant services to football and receiving recognition for sporting merit, the defendant Cristiano Ronaldo submitted his sporting CV, including the awards and honours he received during his career.” The document listed his career honors as evidence of the forward’s sporting merit.

Those achievements include five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles, three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, two Serie A titles and Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph. The federation considered his contributions to football among the mitigating circumstances when deciding his sanction.

Fine worth only seconds of Ronaldo’s wages

The financial penalty is negligible compared with Ronaldo’s reported earnings at Al-Nassr, with estimates suggesting that the €255 ($286) fine represents approximately 39 seconds of his wages. The suspension initially appeared more significant, but its backdated start date means it is expected to expire before Portugal’s November Nations League fixtures.

Ronaldo apologized to supporters and teammates for leaving the camp and failing to acknowledge fans after the Norway match. He also insisted that he remained available for international selection and had no immediate plans to retire.

The 41-year-old veteran is therefore expected to be eligible for Portugal’s November fixtures against Denmark and Wales, provided Jesus selects him. However, eligibility does not guarantee a return to the starting lineup, and the relationship between the two men may require further work.

Messi has scored or assisted in each of his last 14 games, a streak that began on Aug. 15 with an assist in a 4-1 win at Nashville. It includes 12 straight MLS matches, as well as two special nights outside the league.

On Sept. 16, he scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami and assisted Casemiro’s goal in a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final, while on Oct. 6, in his farewell match for Argentina, he scored a penalty and set up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin.

In total, Messi has 15 goals and eight assists during the run, and his latest performance came on Oct. 17, when he scored a brace in a 3-1 victory at Atlanta United to reach 25 goals this season in MLS.

The only longer streak in his career dates back to 2011, when he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists over 17 consecutive official games with Barcelona, which means he needs three more matches to tie it.

The chance to do it is close at hand. Inter Miami still have four games left in the regular season, starting with visits to Red Bull New York and the New England Revolution, as well as a home match against FC Cincinnati. If Messi contributes in each of them, he will match his career-best mark, and a goal or an assist against Charlotte FC on Nov. 7, on the final day of the regular season, would give him a new record.

Breaking down Messi’s hot streak with Miami

It all started on Aug. 15 at Nashville, where Messi set up a goal in a 4-1 win over the team that is now running away with the Supporters’ Shield. Since then, he has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 12 straight MLS matches, and he has done it in every way imaginable.

He scored in eight of them and assisted in five, with some nights bigger than others: four goals in the 7-1 rout of CF Montreal, a goal and an assist in the 2-2 draw with Nashville, and a brace in the 4-0 win over D.C. United.

Whether or not Messi breaks the record, the timing could not be better for Inter Miami. The defending MLS Cup champions are heading into the playoffs with their captain in the form of his life. For a team that can no longer chase the Supporters’ Shield, Messi’s run is the best reason to believe they can defend their title.

The opportunity came just before halftime at the Al Awwal Park, with the score still 0-0 against Neom. In the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, Al Dossary brought down Joao Felix in the area, and after a VAR review the referee awarded a penalty. Ronaldo, in search of the 982nd goal of his career, took it himself but dragged his effort wide of the left post.

It did not end there for the Al Nassr captain. Right after the break, he had another huge chance when a header crossed the goal and he fired over the open net from a few meters out. In the 74th minute, he also sent another shot narrowly wide, in a game where he finished with several chances but no goals.

Luckily for Al Nassr, Joao Felix saved the night. The Portuguese midfielder struck a right-footed shot from outside the box in the 61st minute to give Al Nassr a 1-0 win, while Neom almost equalized six minutes later when Alexandre Lacazette’s header hit the post.

For the Golden Boot race, the penalty was the kind of opportunity Ronaldo cannot afford to waste. A goal from the spot would have lifted him to five league goals this season, but he remains on four, far from the 11 of the scoring chart leader, Ivan Toney. The win leaves Al Nassr third in the standings with 22 points from nine matches, and they are back in action on Oct. 23 against Al Faisaly.

Rivals pull further away in the scoring race

Ronaldo’s missed penalty came on a day when several of his competitors for the Golden Boot found the net. Al Ittihad’s Youssef En-Nesyri scored a brace in the 4-1 win at Al Ettifaq, which took him to seven goals and into second place in the scoring chart.

His teammate George Ilenikhena also scored and he now has five. Al Qadsiah’s Tijjani Reijnders scored a stoppage-time winner in the 1-0 victory at Al Taawoun, which also put him on five goals and sent Al Qadsiah to the top of the league table.

At the top of the chart, Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney still leads with 11 goals in eight matches, but he is currently injured. The English striker hurt his hip in training and missed Al Ahli’s trip to Al Fayha, with no return date announced, which gives his pursuers a chance to close the gap. Ronaldo remains on four, outside the top 10 and seven goals behind the leader.

The figures confirmed by the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday, October 20, highlight how Al-Nassr’s attack has distributed its goals and assists across four established forwards. With the Saudi Pro League campaign still developing, the numbers offer an early indication of which players have made the biggest impact.

Ange Postecoglou‘s attacking quartet combines Felix’s creativity, Mane’s directness, Ronaldo’s finishing and Coman’s speed on the wing. The different profiles give the club several ways to break down opponents, although maintaining consistent contributions from all four will be important over a demanding season.

Joao Felix has, however, emerged as Al-Nassr’s most productive attacker, recording nine goal contributions. His combination of finishing and creativity has helped the Portuguese forward establish himself as an important part of the club’s attacking setup.

The Portuguese’s contribution was evident in the Knight of Najd’s recent matches, including the 1-0 victory over NEOM SC on October 20, when he scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute. His ability to influence games as both a scorer and a creator gives Al-Nassr another significant attacking option alongside Ronaldo.

Mane and Ronaldo remain close behind

Sadio Mane occupies second place with six goal contributions, demonstrating his continued importance to Al-Nassr’s forward line. His pace, movement and experience provide valuable support, allowing the club to threaten opponents through different attacking routes.

Ronaldo follows with five goal contributions, leaving him four behind Felix in the published rankings. To make matters worse, he missed a penalty by firing it wide of the goal against Neom SC goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. Nonetheless, the Portuguese superstar remains a central figure in Al-Nassr’s attack, and his reputation as a prolific goalscorer means he will continue to attract attention even when teammates produce stronger numbers.

The early comparison highlights an important development for Al-Nassr: Felix currently leads the attacking statistics, while Ronaldo remains a major offensive presence. Their respective contributions could prove valuable as the club pursues domestic and continental success.

Coman’s numbers raise early questions

Kingsley Coman has recorded one goal contribution, putting him behind the other three forwards in the published comparison. The French winger possesses the pace and dribbling ability to trouble defenders, but his current output suggests he has yet to make the same statistical impact as his teammates.

Coman’s limited contribution does not necessarily tell the whole story, since a winger’s influence can also come through movement, chance creation and stretching defensive lines. However, he will need to produce more consistently in the final third if he is to close the gap on Felix, Mane and Ronaldo.

During a swift PSG counter-attack in the 18th minute, the French international executed a sharp change of direction to bypass Barcelona’s defensive line before abruptly pulling up. Dembele immediately clutched the back of his left thigh in visible discomfort and signaled to the bench that he was unable to continue.

Unable to finish the first half, Dembele was officially withdrawn in the 19th minute. PSG head coach Luis Enrique turned to Ferran Torres—another former Barcelona forward—calling on the Spanish international to enter the fray against his ex-club after finding regular playing time hard to come by since his transfer to Paris.

PSG prove formidable even without Dembele

Following Dembele’s early withdrawal, Paris Saint-Germain sustained their offensive pressure even without their primary attacking outlet on the pitch. The Parisian side generated multiple clear scoring opportunities against goalkeeper Joan Garcia before finally breaking the deadlock shortly before the interval.

In the 38th minute, Desire Doue collected possession outside Barcelona’s penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable drive past Garcia to open the scoring, demonstrating that PSG’s frontline possesses immense collective depth beyond any single individual.

As of now, the full extent of Ousmane Dembele’s injury and his expected recovery timeline remain unconfirmed. However, manager Luis Enrique is anticipated to exercise extreme caution to avoid exacerbating any muscular damage, leaning on Ferran Torres to fill the vacancy on the right wing.

Amorim arrived in Italy carrying questions about his tactical approach after his insistence on a 3-4-2-1 formation contributed to his struggles at Manchester United. However, his first months at Milan have suggested that he has learned from that experience and is willing to adapt to the demands of individual matches.

The Rossoneri have shown greater flexibility under the Portuguese boss, moving between different formations depending on their opponents and the demands of each match. Pulisic has contributed to that progress despite an interrupted start to the campaign following his World Cup injury.

At Manchester United, Amorim was frequently criticized for sticking rigidly to his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, even when results deteriorated. His appointment at Milan raised similar questions, but the coach has demonstrated a willingness to adapt rather than remain committed to a single tactical system. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri have developed into a “chameleonic” team capable of changing shape while maintaining the same underlying principles.

Amorim has used a 3-4-2-1, a 4-4-2, a 4-2-3-1 and, more recently, a 4-3-3. The turning point came after the Europa League defeat to Benfica, when their build-up play appeared too predictable. Amorim responded by introducing a back four against Lecce, moving Mario Gila into a wider defensive role and giving Pulisic greater freedom around Goncalo Ramos. The team won that match 3-0, offering early evidence that the adjustment could work.

Pulisic helps Milan find new balance

Pulisic has continued to contribute while rebuilding his fitness, recording one goal and one assist in Serie A during the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign. His goal came in the 3-0 win over Lecce, while his assist against Lazio highlighted his ability to influence Milan’s attack beyond scoring.

The American has also registered a 7.16 average rating and 90% passing accuracy, according to Sofascore. Although his involvement has been carefully managed following his injury, his technical quality and movement remain valuable to Amorim’s evolving system.

Milan subsequently experimented with a 4-3-3 to strengthen the midfield and create more attacking options. The change helped the team secure consecutive victories, including a 4-0 Europa League win over Salzburg and a dramatic 3-2 Serie A success against Atalanta.

Milan witnesses first since 1963 as Amorim rewrites record books

The victory over Atalanta also secured Amorim a significant place in Milan’s history. He became only the third coach to remain unbeaten in his first seven Serie A matches in charge, recording four wins and three draws to collect 15 points.

According to Opta, the Portuguese manager has matched a feat last achieved by Luis Carniglia in 1963. Hector Puricelli was the first of the three coaches to accomplish it, recording three wins and four draws during his opening seven league matches in 1955.

Milan’s win over Atalanta was particularly demanding, as the team surrendered a three-goal advantage before holding on to claim all three points. Amorim acknowledged that the late pressure exposed areas requiring improvement, despite his satisfaction with the result.

The decision to leave Haaland out comes as Manchester City seek a response in Europe after suffering a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in its previous Champions League match. Despite that setback, the Citizens remain in strong domestic form, having won their first seven Premier League matches of the season.

On the other hand, AEK Athens arrives at the Etihad after losing 3-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk in their previous European outing. The Greek outfit will hope to exploit any uncertainty in City’s lineup, although its record against English opposition and lack of away victories in the Champions League league phase make the challenge particularly difficult.

The reason for Haaland’s absence revealed

Haaland’s absence from the starting XI follows a physical issue he picked up during Manchester City’s 3-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town on Saturday. The striker scored twice but appeared to be limping late in the match after a challenge involving Ipswich substitute Jack Clarke.

Maresca initially offered cautious optimism about the forward’s condition, leaving open the possibility that he could feature against the Greek side. Speaking before the game, the Manchester City manager said: “He can be available, we will see, we have a session now. We have some doubts after Sunday’s game. He was quite good yesterday, better. So we will see today.”

However, the Norway international was ultimately left out of the starting lineup, with City opting against risking its leading goalscorer from the opening whistle. The decision comes during a demanding stretch of fixtures, with Maresca also needing to manage his squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

Haaland’s absence does not necessarily rule him out completely

With Haaland not starting, 17-year-old Floyd Samba has been selected to lead Manchester City’s attack. The young forward previously made an impressive impression by scoring twice on his senior debut during City’s 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City. Samba’s inclusion gives the teenager an opportunity to demonstrate that he can contribute at the highest level, although replacing Haaland’s goalscoring output will be a considerable challenge.

Although the 26-year-old striker has not been deemed ready to start, his absence from the starting XI does not automatically mean he will miss the entire match. His availability will depend on his fitness and whether Maresca believes he can contribute without risking further aggravation.

PSG confirmed lineup

Barcelona confirmed lineup

The Portuguese left back suffered a left thigh injury in the 3-1 win at Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Oct. 17, and medical tests the next day confirmed a muscle problem. PSG said in a statement that Mendes will be unavailable for the next few weeks, without giving a specific return date.

The injury came late in the game against Strasbourg, when Luis Enrique had already used all of his substitutions, so PSG had to finish the match with ten men. With Mendes out, Lucas Hernandez gets the start at left back in Paris, as PSG also deal with the absences of Senny Mayulu and Alessandro Longoni.

The loss is a blow for Luis Enrique as his team faces a Barcelona side that arrives with a perfect record. PSG have won both of their matches in the league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 6-1 and winning 4-2 at Manchester City, while Barcelona have beaten Feyenoord 5-1 and Galatasaray 4-1, setting up one of the most anticipated matches of the league phase.

Barcelona also arrive with injury concerns

PSG are not the only side dealing with absences in defense. Barcelona travel to Paris without Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, who did not make the trip after picking up physical problems in the 5-2 win over Real Betis.

Garcia has a muscle injury in the right thigh and is expected to be out for three to four weeks, while Kounde suffered a sprained left ankle, and his recovery will also determine whether he is available for El Clasico against Real Madrid on Oct. 25.

Andreas Christensen is also out with a muscle injury in his left quadriceps and is not expected back until mid-November, while Roony Bardghji continues his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee and is not expected to return until the final stretch of the season. The injuries leave Hansi Flick short of center backs, which makes Pau Cubarsi and Xavi Espart key pieces for the clash in Paris.

According to reports, Rodri was below his best in training and ended the session with muscle fatigue. It was described as a minor issue, not a serious injury, but enough for Flick to rest him as a precaution, especially with El Clasico against Real Madrid coming on Oct. 25, five days after the PSG game.

The defensive situation could also be a factor, as Barcelona travel without Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, which leaves Rodri as an emergency option from the bench if Flick needs one.

With Rodri on the bench, young midfielder Marc Bernal will take his place, while Frenkie de Jong, who has been called up for a second time after recovering from a long injury layoff, will also be an option from the bench for Flick.

Lineups confirmed

Raphinha returns to the starting lineup for this game after recovering from a muscle edema in the back of his right thigh. The Brazilian was included in the squad for the last LaLiga match against Real Betis, where he played 20 minutes, and now Flick will use him from the start against PSG.

Barcelona confirmed lineup: Joan Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Xavi Espart, Gerard Martin; Bernal, Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Raphinha (C), Gordon.

On PSG’s side, Luis Enrique is without a key defender, as Nuno Mendes suffered a left thigh injury during the Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg and is ruled out against Barcelona.

PSG confirmed lineup: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos (C), Pacho, Lucas Hernandez; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Liverpool confirmed lineup

Villarreal confirmed lineup

Manchester City confirmed lineup

AEK Athens confirmed lineup

Al Nassr confirmed lineup

Neom SC confirmed lineup

Ten Hag made his feelings clear when discussing the Portuguese superstar, admitting that their working relationship fell short of his expectations despite his admiration for Ronaldo’s extraordinary career. “He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag said in The Athletic. “Obviously, he’s one of the best in football history. I respected him a lot. But at that time, as a manager, I had to make a rational decision.”

The former United manager explained that he had travelled to Portugal before taking the job to discuss his plans with Ronaldo, hoping to build a successful team around the experienced forward. However, he believed the player struggled to meet the physical demands and tactical expectations his system required.

Tensions escalated in October 2022 when the Portuguese superstar refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and left the Old Trafford tunnel before the final whistle. Ten Hag subsequently dropped him from the squad for the following match against Chelsea, further deepening the divide between the two.

That November, the veteran gave a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, saying he felt “betrayed” by the club and declaring that he had no respect for Ten Hag. Manchester United and Ronaldo mutually terminated his contract later that month, paving the way for his move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Training standards became major source of tension

Ten Hag’s strongest criticism concerned Ronaldo’s preparation and willingness to contribute to the team’s pressing game. The Dutchman rejected suggestions that he had simply demanded too much running from the veteran forward, arguing that the underlying problem was his fitness and preparation.

“He was not capable of doing this. It’s the wrong idea to put this to me, that I expected him to do the pressing, that he’s exhausted. He couldn’t. He ran neither in possession nor out of possession. The reason was because he didn’t prepare himself,” the Dutch manager said.

He also alleged that Ronaldo encouraged teammates to conserve energy during training sessions, potentially undermining the standards he wanted to establish across the squad. “He was telling the players, ‘Save your legs at training’,” Ten Hag recalled. “But first, you have to train yourself to get to the right fitness levels.”

Brentford defeat exposed their differences

One incident that illustrated the disagreement followed Manchester United’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022. Ten Hag ordered his players to complete recovery runs after the performance, but he claimed Ronaldo failed to finish the full punishment, completing only two of the three scheduled laps.

The manager also described repeatedly challenging the forward to improve his positioning inside the penalty area, where he believed Ronaldo needed to work harder to benefit from his teammates’ efforts. “Ronnie, everyone wants to work for you to bring you in the right position, but if you can’t bring yourself in the box, you can’t score,” Ten Hag said he told the striker.

Nashville missed a chance to clinch the trophy on Oct. 17, when they drew 1-1 at San Jose and delayed their celebrations. Even so, they have 67 points, 12 more than second-place Inter Miami, and they can seal the Shield with a win, or even a draw, in any of their four remaining matches.

Miami, for their part, did what they could by beating Atlanta United 3-1 to reach 55 points. However, they can no longer fight for the title. A perfect finish would take the defending MLS Cup champions to 67 points at most, only level with Nashville, and the first tiebreaker in the standings is total wins. Miami have 15 victories, and even with four more they would reach 19, while Nashville already have 20.

That leaves Messi’s remarkable season without the trophy that once looked within reach. The Argentine star scored twice against Atlanta to reach 25 goals this year, and he has scored or assisted in each of his last 12 MLS matches.

Inter Miami prepare to defend their MLS Cup title

While the Supporters’ Shield is out of reach, Inter Miami are already looking ahead to the playoffs, where they will defend the MLS Cup they won in 2025.

As things stand in the Eastern Conference table, the defending champions are second with 55 points, which would give them a first-round matchup against seventh-placed Orlando City and their star signing Antoine Griezmann.

The pairing would be a best-of-three series, a new format for 2026, with the first game at Miami’s stadium. Orlando have 41 points and are five points clear of the eighth-place group, so both sides still have standings to protect. The final matchups will not be set until the regular season ends on Nov. 7.

Match Overview

Porto vs PSV record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Porto will face PSV on Tuesday, October 20, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Fubo, CBS Sports Network will carry the Porto vs PSV game in the United States.
• The head-to-head record is level at 1 win apiece with 1 draw in 3 meetings.

Match Overview

Liverpool vs Villarreal record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Liverpool will face Villarreal on Tuesday, October 20, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, ViX will carry the Liverpool vs Villarreal game in the United States.
• Liverpool lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 4 meetings.

Match Overview

Manchester City vs AEK Athens record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• Manchester City will face AEK Athens on Tuesday, October 20, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, DAZN USA will carry the Manchester City vs AEK Athens game in the United States.

Match Overview

PSG vs Barcelona record

2026-27 UEFA Champions League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 UEFA Champions League games

Summary

• PSG will face Barcelona on Tuesday, October 20, for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League.
• Paramount+, TUDN USA will carry the PSG vs Barcelona game in the United States.
• Barcelona lead the head-to-head with 5 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

Al Nassr vs Neom SC record

2026-27 Saudi Pro League standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Saudi Pro League games

Summary

• Al Nassr will face Neom SC on Tuesday, October 20, for the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League.
• Fubo, Fox Soccer Plus will carry the Al Nassr vs Neom SC game in the United States.
• Al Nassr lead the head-to-head with 2 wins in 2 meetings.

Araujo was once hailed as the long-term pillar of Barcelona’s defense. However, a string of high-profile errors invited fierce criticism from fans and the media, and the mounting pressure took a toll on his consistency for the Blaugrana in pivotal moments.

As a result, Barcelona opted to loan him to Liverpool, offering him an elite environment in the Premier League to rebuild his confidence and sharpness. Now that he is producing consistent performances, reports suggest the Merseyside club could be keen on signing him permanently—a scenario the Uruguayan insists is far too early to consider.

“It’s very early,” Araujo said on a potential permanent transfer to Liverpool. “I’m just trying to enjoy every day, continue to grow and develop every day to have that confidence. I’m really happy to be here, me and my family too.”

A loan was the best thing that happened to Araujo

While a significant portion of the campaign remains ahead, Araujo is already demonstrating his quality as a top-tier center-back who may have suffered from undue scrutiny and impatience in Catalonia. Away from the Camp Nou spotlight, the loan spell appears to be exactly what his career needed.

Should he maintain this level of success with Liverpool, the Reds are expected to give serious thought to activating the purchase option included in his contract. On the other hand, if financial considerations prompt Liverpool to pass on the option, returning to Barcelona in peak physical and mental form could give Araujo the platform to reclaim his status as an undisputed starter in Spain.

His technical and physical attributes have never been in doubt. Maintaining mental resilience and consistency under pressure has been his primary challenge, making it vital for Araujo to block out transfer speculation, sustain his focus on the pitch, and re-establish his standing among the world’s premier central defenders.

Vitinha is set to feature prominently in the lineup tasked with containing Yamal. Nevertheless, the Portuguese midfielder stressed that PSG cannot afford to focus solely on the Spanish sensation, warning that reducing Barcelona to a single player would be a mistake given the Blaugrana’s star-studded squad and dominant recent form.

“To be honest, I would not say fear. He’s a great player, one of the best in the world,” Vitinha said when asked if PSG should fear Yamal. “What he’s doing is incredible. He’s special, but tomorrow we’ll be facing a great team, not just Lamine Yamal.”

A legendary clash awaits

Barcelona and PSG share a storied, tempestuous rivalry in recent years—not only through dramatic knockout encounters, but also via high-profile departures. Multiple stars, most notably Lionel Messi and Neymar, have left the Catalan club to join the Ligue 1 giants in search of new financial terms or more ambitious sporting projects.

Supporters of both clubs are acutely aware of that simmering tension, which lends this match immense psychological weight. Furthermore, both sides are regarded as premier contenders for the trophy this season, meaning the outcome in Paris could shape the trajectory of the league phase and have direct consequences on knockout-stage seeding.

The fixture also pits two tactical masterminds against each other, with Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique widely recognized among the world’s elite managers. Determining who can dictate tempo and dominate the midfield battle across the full 90 minutes will be decisive in securing three crucial points on Europe’s biggest stage.

On Tuesday, Barcelona will take on Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. The Blaugrana travel to France led by a player widely regarded as the future of world soccer and celebrated by many as Lionel Messi’s successor: Lamine Yamal.

Luis Enrique understands this caliber of talent intimately, having managed Messi during some of his most successful years. However, the PSG coach has urged fans and pundits not to draw direct comparisons between Yamal and Messi, maintaining that the Argentine remains, in his view, the greatest player in soccer history.

“Lamine-Messi comparisons? You can not compare any player with Messi, he’s the best ever,” Luis Enrique said in press conference. “What Lamine is doing very well is that he wants to be Lamine Yamal. Lamine wants to be the best version of Lamine. He is very intelligent.”

Lamine Yamal has surpassed all expectations

A few years ago, when Lamine Yamal first emerged from Barcelona’s academy, supporters were cautious about rushing to conclusions, eager to avoid placing overwhelming pressure on another rising prospect following the developmental setbacks seen with Ansu Fati.

Yet, Yamal has proven to be an exceptional talent. Despite the inherent weight of donning Barcelona’s iconic No. 10 shirt, the left-footed winger has produced remarkable performances at an unprecedentedly young age, with his trajectory showing no signs of slowing down.

Yamal has already lifted major silverware, including triumphing at the 2026 World Cup with Spain. Now, his focus turns toward the UEFA Champions League—a competition widely viewed as a defining proving ground in his young career.

The path to the GOAT debate is long

Even as marquee stars such as Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland lead the sport today, the historical benchmark remains set by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose longevity and peak production redefined modern soccer.

For many observers, the dynamic between Yamal and Mbappe evokes memories of the classic Clasico rivalries between Messi and Ronaldo. While the new generation is steadily carving out its own place in soccer lore, replicating the sustained excellence of the Argentine and Portuguese legends remains one of the sport’s steepest challenges.

Fans at the Bernabeu displayed a prominent banner protesting La Liga’s referees, Javier Tebas, and the Negreira case. “It’s not soccer, it’s Tebas and Negreira,” the message read, with the latter portion highlighted in the blaugrana colors of FC Barcelona.

Alongside this display, fans persistently chanted for Javier Tebas’ resignation. They also voiced grievances concerning the Negreira case and referenced FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta in relation to past payments made to the former vice president of the refereeing committee.

Controversy Appeared at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Today

Real Madrid secured a commanding 4–1 victory over Sevilla on Matchday 9. However, the match drew scrutiny due to several contentious refereeing decisions on the pitch.

During the first half, Arda Guler caught a Sevilla player in the face with his elbow. Nonetheless, VAR did not intervene to review the incident for a potential red card, and the Turkish midfielder subsequently scored the opening goal for Real Madrid.

On social media, rival supporters and commentators argued that questionable refereeing calls have also benefited Real Madrid, maintaining that officiating controversies across the league are not confined to decisions favoring Barcelona.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup

Sevilla confirmed lineup

With Lamine Yamal continuing his sensational form—scoring once and assisting another against Betis after his two-assist masterclass in Istanbul—Flick is set to deploy his first-choice wing pairing from the start against Luis Enrique’s side.

Unfortunately, the German manager will have to face this crucial UEFA Champions League clash without Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, who both picked up injuries during Saturday’s 5–2 victory over Real Betis.

What happened to Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia?

Eric Garcia, who scored Barcelona’s fourth goal against Betis, suffered a tear to the rectus femoris in his right thigh. The club’s official statement estimates his recovery time at three to four weeks, definitively ruling him out not only for the PSG match but also for next weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde sustained an ankle sprain late in Seville and will not travel to Paris. While his injury is less severe than Garcia’s, the French international faces a tight race against time to receive medical clearance before hosting Real Madrid on October 25.

Their absences come at an untimely moment, as Barcelona prepare for two defining fixtures against PSG and Real Madrid this week. Nevertheless, Hansi Flick has repeatedly demonstrated his tactical adaptability amid injury setbacks, keeping the Blaugrana in commanding form across all competitions.

Who will replace Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia?

Eric Garcia has primarily featured in rotation this season, with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin forming the primary center-back pairing. In response to the shortage, Frenkie de Jong has been working in central defense, offering Flick an experienced and composed ball-playing option at the back.

As for Jules Kounde, the natural replacement on the right flank is Joao Cancelo. While the Portuguese international can also operate at left-back, Xavi Espart has locked down that position with strong performances, allowing Flick to keep Espart on the left and deploy Cancelo on the right side of defense.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are undoubtedly two of the greatest soccer players in history. They continue to make history game after game, leaving many supporters wondering how their legendary careers will ultimately conclude.

On Saturday, Lionel Messi scored a brace against Atlanta United to lead Inter Miami to a 3–1 victory, reaching 936 career goals. Compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’s output at the exact same age, the Argentine forward is on pace to finish his career with more goals than the Portuguese icon.

How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo have at 39 years old?

When Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 39th birthday on February 5, 2024, he had accumulated 873 official career goals across 1,204 appearances. By the end of his 39th year—when he turned 40 on February 5, 2025—Ronaldo had increased his total to 923 career goals in 1,254 matches after netting 50 goals across that 12-month span.

Lionel Messi turned 39 on June 24, 2026, with 916 career goals to his name—nearly matching the total Ronaldo had accumulated when he turned 40. Messi has since added 20 more goals to reach 936, with roughly eight months and numerous fixtures remaining before he celebrates his 40th birthday.

A key differentiator moving forward is their international availability. Lionel Messi has already retired from the Argentina national team, reducing the number of matches available to him. As a result, he can now only build on his tally through domestic and continental competitions with Inter Miami.

The road to 1,000 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo currently stands just 19 goals away from scoring 1,000 career goals. He is widely projected to reach and potentially surpass that milestone, depending on how much longer he decides to continue playing.

Even without fixtures for the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi remains on pace to also reach 1,000 career goals. While he is currently further away than Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is more than two years younger and maintains a superior career goals-per-game ratio, keeping the race for the ultimate scoring milestone firmly open.

AC Milan confirmed lineup

Atalanta confirmed lineup

Match Overview

Real Madrid vs Sevilla record

2026-27 LaLiga standings

All upcoming 2026-27 LaLiga games

Summary

• Real Madrid will face Sevilla on Sunday, October 18, for the 2026-27 LaLiga.
• Fubo, ABC will carry the Real Madrid vs Sevilla game in the United States.
• Real Madrid lead the head-to-head with 9 wins in 10 meetings.

Match Overview

AC Milan vs Atalanta record

2026-27 Serie A standings

All upcoming 2026-27 Serie A games

Summary

• AC Milan will face Atalanta on Sunday, October 18, for the 2026-27 Serie A.
• Fubo, Telemundo will carry the AC Milan vs Atalanta game in the United States.
• Atalanta lead the head-to-head with 3 wins in 5 meetings.

Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah reported on Saturday, citing a source close to Jorge Jesus, that Ronaldo’s return looks difficult for now and that he is likely to remain absent from the squad, although a solution is still possible.

The source said Jesus wants the striker back but is standing firm on the conditions and rules that triggered the crisis, which means the forward’s return depends on both sides reaching an understanding over them.

The same source added that the dispute is not threatening Jesus’ position at the moment and denied the rumors that he could leave his job over the clash with the national team captain. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca continues to push for a meeting between the two, but he has not yet secured an agreement from either of them.

Jesus has insisted that Ronaldo’s return depends on the player’s own wish, adding that he needs him whether he plays or not. That contrasts with the more optimistic tone of Proenca, who described the situation as a misunderstanding that should be settled internally and has said he hopes the Al Nassr star will be back for the November camp.

How the rift between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus unfolded

The rift began in September, when Ronaldo stayed on the bench for the entire Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League against Norway despite warming up. It escalated when Jesus announced the 41-year-old would not start against Denmark, prompting Ronaldo to leave the camp before that match.

The captain later issued a statement apologizing to fans and teammates, but he accused Jesus of failing to honor two agreements: giving him around 30 minutes against Norway and clarifying his situation at the pre-Denmark press conference. At the same time, Ronaldo said he was ready to face the consequences of his actions and left the door open to returning.

For now, Portugal’s next international window will be the real test. With both Ronaldo and Jesus holding their positions and Proenca still trying to bring them to the table, the November camp could decide whether the all-time leading scorer in international football returns to the squad or stays out of it.

Atlanta United confirmed lineup

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

According to Argentina national team insider Gaston Edul, Martinez suffered a bone injury to his jaw and will require surgery. The tests ruled out anything more serious, but it is still not known exactly how long the 34-year-old goalkeeper will be out of action.

The injury came after a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite when Martinez went up for a cross, a clash that forced him to be stretchered off in the second half and taken to hospital.

Mike Penders replaced him in goal, and Chelsea held on to win 0-2 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Pedro Neto scoring a brace. Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said afterward that the goalkeeper left the stadium conscious and was undergoing precautionary tests.

Martinez’s availability for Argentina’s November friendlies in doubt

The news puts his participation in Argentina’s November friendlies in doubt. The Albiceleste are scheduled to face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on Nov. 13 and Costa Rica in Cordoba on Nov. 17, and while there is no official confirmation of his absence, reports suggest he would not be rushed back for those matches, even with some form of protection.

If Martinez is ruled out, Juan Musso of Atletico Madrid and Geronimo Rulli of Marseille appear to be the first options, as Lionel Scaloni placed both ahead of Santiago Beltran in the September and October friendlies.

Beltran, a 21-year-old who has played 38 matches for River Plate in 2026, was called up as a project for the future, but he was not on the bench against Bolivia. Any of the three could take over between the posts, though nothing has been announced yet.

Balogun was sent off while representing the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 2026 World Cup, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that threatened to rule him out of the round-of-16 clash with Belgium. However, FIFA’s disciplinary panel subsequently suspended the ban, allowing the forward to play in the United States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium.

The unusual decision attracted criticism from European soccer officials, who questioned whether FIFA had applied its disciplinary rules consistently. The controversy intensified after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino about the punishment.

New allegations raise questions about FIFA’s decision

According to The New York Post, four sources briefed on the matter alleged that Infantino agreed to ensure Balogun’s suspension was overturned following a phone call with Trump on July 1. “He told President Trump that he would take care of it. One call and it was done,” one source told The New York Post.

FIFA has denied that its position has changed in response to unnamed sources, with a spokesperson telling the newspaper: “Our position has not changed regardless of what unnamed sources claim.” The spokesperson did not address the specific allegation about what Infantino told Trump during their conversation.

Proposed rule changes add another twist

The latest reporting also points to a proposed change to FIFA’s disciplinary regulations that would prevent legal panels from suspending automatic one-match bans following red cards. Documents reviewed by The New York Post reportedly indicate that FIFA circulated the draft amendment shortly before a high-stakes council meeting in Zurich.

An internal briefing document reportedly stated: “There was never a doubt nor lack of clarity on how the automatic suspension following a red card is to be served.” The document allegedly described the proposed change as a way for FIFA to address the handling of the Balogun case, although FIFA’s stated justification was to protect the stability and integrity of competitions.

Historical FIFA directives dating back to 2002, 2003 and 2005 reportedly allowed mandatory suspensions to be waived only when a referee had mistakenly identified the player who should receive a card. Those documents could become significant as officials examine whether the original decision followed established procedures.

Milan hosts Atalanta on Sunday, October 18, hoping to maintain its strong league form and overcome a difficult recent record against its Lombardy rival. However, Pulisic’s place in the starting lineup has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the encounter.

The Rossoneri head into the match after dismantling Salzburg 4-0 in the Europa League, with Alphadjo Cisse scoring a hat-trick before Goncalo Ramos added a fourth goal. The result provided a welcome response after criticism of the team’s performances and gave Amorim several selection decisions to consider. The Red and Blacks must now transfer that momentum into Serie A, particularly after drawing 1-1 with Sassuolo in its previous league fixture.

Atalanta also won in Europe during midweek, defeating Pafos 3-1 in the Conference League. Maurizio Sarri’s side has experienced an inconsistent Serie A campaign, collecting three wins and three defeats from its opening six matches, but it recently returned to winning ways against Venezia.

Pulisic faces an uncertain role

Pulisic has struggled to maintain momentum in recent appearances, with an underwhelming display against Sassuolo followed by approximately 30 minutes off the bench against Salzburg. His goal against Lecce before the international break had appeared to offer a fresh start, but he now faces renewed uncertainty over his role.

The American international had been expected to support Ramos in attack against Atalanta. However, Sky Italia, indicates that Amorim has been experimenting with a starting formation that leaves Pulisic out of the team.

Where does Pulisic belong in Amorim’s attacking combination?

Pulisic is expected to start on the bench against Atalanta, with Amorim reportedly considering Adrien Rabiot in an advanced attacking midfield role alongside Cisse. The potential change would allow Yunus Musah and Luka Modric to partner centrally, while Diego Moreira and Samuel Chukwueze provide width.

The decision would represent a significant change for the America n, although the congested schedule could give him another opportunity soon. Milan faces Bournemouth in the Europa League before returning to domestic action against Udinese, making squad rotation an important consideration.

Felix joined Al-Nassr from Chelsea last August, signing a two-year contract running until 2027. His performances alongside Ronaldo have strengthened his reputation, but his long-term future could depend on whether Barcelona turns its interest into a concrete offer.

Playing alongside his childhood idol has helped Felix establish himself at Al-Nassr, where his understanding with Ronaldo has become an important part of the team’s attacking play. The two also represent Portugal together, giving them opportunities to develop their partnership at both club and international level.

The 26-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, reportedly recording 20 goals and 14 assists as Al-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League title and ended a seven-year wait for the championship. His strong performances, including a recent hat-trick, have increased his value to the club and strengthened the case for extending his contract.

Barcelona interest creates a dilemma for Al-Nassr

The situation took an interesting turn after Félix’s agent reportedly informed Al-Nassr that the player was happy in Saudi Arabia and remained committed to his existing contract. However, the agent also made the club aware of Barcelona’s interest, particularly sporting director Deco’s desire to bring the Portuguese forward back to Camp Nou.

According to Saudi journalist Ali Al-Anzi and 365 Scores Arabic, the player’s representatives effectively made Barcelona’s intentions clear to the Saudi club. The message was straightforward: if the Blaugrana genuinely wants the player, it should make an offer.

The warning that could force Al-Nassr to act

Felix’s agent has reportedly warned Al-Nassr that Barcelona‘s interest could become a serious factor in the player’s future. Although the forward is content with his current situation, the possibility of returning to a club he has previously regarded as a dream destination could prove difficult to ignore.

The Knight of Najd is reportedly considering extending the Portuguese’s stay through an option clause, which could help protect its investment. However, Barcelona’s interest may force the Saudi club to clarify its plans sooner rather than later, particularly if Deco is determined to strengthen the Catalan side’s attacking options.

A reunion at the Spotify Camp Nou would offer Felix another opportunity to establish himself in European football after spells with several major clubs. His previous time in Spain was inconsistent, but his recent form in Saudi Arabia could strengthen his case for another chance at the highest level.

For the Catalan outfit, the financial terms would be crucial, and no formal negotiations are confirmed in the information available. Any potential move would depend on the club’s transfer priorities, Felix contractual situation and whether Al-Nassr is willing to consider an offer.

Match Overview

Atlanta United vs Inter Miami record

2026 MLS season standings

All upcoming 2026 MLS season games

Summary

• Atlanta United will face Inter Miami on Saturday, October 17, for the 2026 MLS season.
• Apple TV will carry the Atlanta United vs Inter Miami game in the United States.
• The head-to-head record is level at 4 wins apiece with 2 draws in 10 meetings.

Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 in LaLiga Matchday 9, with a brilliant performance from Yamal, who contributed a goal and an assist to the win and made history alongside Raphinha.

According to statistician Mister Chip, Raphinha and Yamal have each been directly involved in 13 or more goals in Barcelona’s first nine LaLiga matches of the 2026-27 season. Raphinha has 12 goals and three assists, for 15 goal contributions, while Yamal reached 13, with eight goals and five assists, after his strike against Betis.

Yamal then climbed to 14 when he set up Gabriel Jesus for his goal, a result that gave Barcelona their ninth straight league victory to start the season. Only one other team had done it before: Real Madrid in 1968-69, which makes Hansi Flick’s side the second in LaLiga history to open a campaign with nine consecutive wins.

The feat has been achieved before by only a handful of Barcelona players: Messi did it four times, in 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15 and 2017-18, while Cesar Rodriguez did it three times, Eulogio Martinez twice, and Mariano Martin, Estanislau Basora and Ronaldo once each.

Yamal makes LaLiga history among under-20 players

Yamal’s start to the season has also put him in a category of his own. According to Mister Chip, the Barcelona winger is the under-20 player with the most direct goal contributions in the first nine rounds of a season in LaLiga history. His 14 contributions, from eight goals and six assists, are three more than the previous best.

Jose Iraragorri held the previous mark with 11 contributions for Athletic Club in 1930-31, with nine goals and two assists. Jaime Lazcano, with Real Madrid in 1928-29, and Victorio Unamuno, with Athletic in 1928-29, each reached 11 with eight goals and three assists.

With the season still in its early stages, Yamal and Raphinha are giving Barcelona a scoring edge that few teams in Europe can match. The question now is how far they can push these numbers over the rest of the campaign, and whether they can keep the club’s perfect start going.

According to Opta, Haaland scored his 100th non-penalty goal in the Premier League in just 139 appearances, the fastest any player has reached that figure in the history of the competition. The Norwegian forward reached the milestone in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, in which he scored a brace.

Phil Foden gave City the lead in the 19th minute before Daizen Maeda equalized shortly afterward, and Haaland put the hosts back in front with a header in the 34th minute.

He added his second goal in the 69th minute after a pass from Iliman Ndiaye, and although Zian Flemming pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, City held on for their seventh win in seven league matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 103 Premier League goals in 236 appearances across two spells at Manchester United, never reached that mark. Twenty-four of those goals came from penalties, which leaves the Portuguese forward with 79 non-penalty goals in the competition, 21 fewer than Haaland has now scored in just 139 appearances.

Erling Haaland’s relentless start to the season

Erling Haaland has been unstoppable since the start of the season. The Manchester City striker has scored 12 goals in 10 matches across all competitions, playing 853 minutes, which works out to a goal roughly every 71 minutes.

Eight of them have come in seven Premier League appearances, with the other four in just two matches in the Champions League, and City remain unbeaten in the league with seven wins in seven.

His form carried over into Europe, when he scored a brace in the 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. With those goals, Haaland reached 61 Champions League goals in 60 appearances and became Manchester City’s all-time top scorer in the competition with 38, moving ahead of Sergio Aguero’s 36. Three days later, he reached his 100th non-penalty Premier League goal against Ipswich, adding to a start that shows no sign of slowing down.