Sources: Sixers eye Embiid debut amid progress​

by | Oct 31, 2024 | Sports

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward a season debut, sources told ESPN.

​ Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward a season debut, sources told ESPN. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed multiple 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he progresses toward a season debut, sources told ESPN. 

 

​www.espn.com – TOP

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As Man City spiral, Liverpool open historic lead in title race​​

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

As Man City spiral, Liverpool open historic lead in title race​​

With Man City slumping, Liverpool look like they could put the Premier League title race to bed. That and more in this edition of Weekend Review.

​With Man City slumping, Liverpool look like they could put the Premier League title race to bed. That and more in this edition of Weekend Review. With Man City slumping, Liverpool look like they could put the Premier League title race to bed. That and more in this edition of Weekend Review.   

Nov 24, 2024, 04:05 PM ET

While Manchester City were slumping to their fifth straight defeat across all competitions, Liverpool extended their lead atop the Premier League table with a come-from-behind win over Southampton. The Reds now sit eight points ahead of the four-time defending English champions.

In Spain, Valencia returned to action following a month away in light of the devastating, deadly flooding that has overwhelmed the area. From the players on the pitch to the fans in the stands, the Mestalla was full of emotion, but the home support went home with the subtle satisfaction of witnessing Los Che‘s second win of the season.

In the Bundesliga, meanwhile, Bayern Munich picked up where they left off before the international break: keeping balls out of the back of their net. The league leaders recorded their sixth straight win, while also keeping their sixth consecutive clean sheet. An impressive feat, even if the attack was far less convincing.

What else did you miss around Europe this weekend? ESPN’s Julien Laurens, Alex Kirkland and Constantin Eckner recap all the action in this edition of ESPN’s Weekend Review.

Top takeaway: Spiralling City put Liverpool in title race driver’s seat

With Ruben Amorim debuting with Manchester United at Ipswich Town on Sunday and Manchester City’s crisis continuing to unfold with their latest defeat, the Premier League was not short of storylines this weekend, but Liverpool going eight points clear at the top of the table over Guardiola’s men is the main takeaway. Their 3-2 win at Southampton wasn’t convincing, but Mohamed Salah‘s brace, massively helped by the Saints’ defensive howlers, got them over the line after being 2-1 down.

After 12 games, eight points is a massive gap. It’s a chasm. A gulf. Only Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United in 1993-94 had a bigger lead at this stage of the season in Premier League history.

With a mouthwatering clash between Liverpool and City next weekend at Anfield, could the title be done by early December? Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion (third, fourth and fifth in the table, respectively) are nine points behind.

It is hard to see the Reds continuing this incredible run of form (10 wins, one draw, one loss), but it is also hard to see them collapsing so badly that their rivals make up the necessary ground. This is the Premier League, though, and anything is possible.

Best match: Man City 0, Spurs 4

This was the game of the weekend across Europe, as much for the result plunging City firmly into crisis as for Spurs’ outstanding performance on the day. This encounter rarely disappoints, and it was quite extraordinary again on Saturday when the Londoners engineered a 4-0 win at the Etihad.

Best goal: Saka vs. Forest

Matheus Cunha, James Maddison and Kaoru Mitoma all could have won this week’s award, but Bukayo Saka‘s beautiful strike for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest on Saturday is a worthy winner. Cutting inside from the right onto his left foot, the England star unleashed an unstoppable strike from just inside the box.

MVP of the weekend: Matheus Cunha

What a weekend he’s enjoyed and what a player he has been in the past few weeks: six goals and three assists in his past nine Premier League appearances. Two beautiful goals and a great assist on Saturday at Fulham led Wolves to back-to-back wins. — Julien Laurens

Top takeaway: Valencia win, grieve in return to action

Valencia’s 4-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday wasn’t just about three points. It was an opportunity to remember those whose lives were lost in the region’s deadly floods last month (221 fatalities to date) and reflect on the reconstruction effort in the team’s first game back at Mestalla since the disaster.

Before kickoff, players, staff and officials gathered around a giant Senyera, the Valencian flag, covering most of the pitch. In the stands, a banner listed the names of towns and villages devastated by floodwater, where rebuilding will be ongoing for some time.

When Valencia defender César Tárrega scored the opener, he held up a shirt with the message, “We’ll get through this together.” Betis celebrated their equaliser, from an Aitor Ruibal free kick, by holding aloft a Valencian flag.

Outstanding goals from Hugo Duro and Diego López followed in an emotionally charged game. Many of Valencia’s players were personally affected by the tragedy and took to the streets in its aftermath to help. The win, only Valencia’s second of the season, took them off the bottom of the LaLiga table, but this was a day when the team’s recovery on the pitch was secondary to recovery off it.

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1:58

Valencia cruise past Real Betis with quick-fire second half goals

Relegation-battling Valencia defeat Real Betis 4-2 in a shock LaLiga win.

Best match: Celta 2, Barça 2

When Raphinha hit the post in the 77th minute — missing the chance to put Barcelona 3-0 up at Celta Vigo — only one outcome looked possible at Balaídos. How quickly things change. Five minutes later, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó was sent off. Two minutes after that, Alfon Gonzalez made it 2-1. And two minutes later, Hugo Álvarez scored a brilliant second, levelling at 2-2. Leaders Barça were stunned. With Celta this season, entertainment is guaranteed.

Best goal: Rodríguez vs. Valladolid

OK, so it might not have been the best goal in LaLiga this weekend, but it must have felt like it to Getafe‘s long-suffering fans. Álvaro Rodríguez‘s 70th-minute strike in their 2-0 win over Real Valladolid on Friday was Getafe’s first goal from open play all season — as a reminder, we’re now on Matchday 14, three months into the campaign. It was a smart finish, and an important goal too, helping Getafe climb clear of the bottom three.

MVP of the weekend: Federico Valverde

Real Madrid went into their game at Leganés without any fit right backs. No drama, said Valverde, who stepped into a makeshift defence and performed admirably in the role, even scoring Madrid’s second in a 3-0 away win with a trademark long-range shot. Even out of position, Valverde is still Madrid’s Mr. Reliable. — Alex Kirkland

Top takeaway: Can Bayern continue stacking up clean sheets?

Ever since Bayern Munich slipped to a 4-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Barcelona, Vincent Kompany’s side have been on a roll. Bayern’s 3-0 home win over FC Augsburg on Friday marked their sixth consecutive win and clean sheet.

However, as they have so often in league play, Bayern had to remain patient: Despite controlling up to 80% of possession, Kompany’s side looked increasingly frustrated and bereft of ideas during the first hour inside a snow-dusted Allianz Arena. If there’s anything to criticise about Bayern’s performance, it is the fact that most of their attacking plays looked interchangeable.

The ball repeatedly moved from Joshua Kimmich to Alphonso Davies to Kingsley Coman, who was usually positioned close to the left touchline. As Coman received little to no room to force a one-on-one with Augsburg wing-back Marius Wolf, the France international retreated and the process started over again. Frequent crosses were expertly defended by Augsburg.

It was eventually a handball by Mads Pedersen, who made an unnecessary error while trying to head the ball away, that gave Bayern the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Harry Kane again serenely kept his composure from 12 yards out and repeated the feat again in stoppage time after Keven Schlotterbeck had pushed the England captain inside the box.

Pessimists might say that Bayern may run out of luck at some point if teams keep defending as intensely as Augsburg and previous opponents have. In the end, though, the constant pressure through crosses and ground passes into the penalty area forces opponents into making mistakes.

Best match: Leverkusen 5, Heidenheim 2

Gone are the days when Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side were able to cruise to wins almost effortlessly. Instead, they have to fight for every point this season. Against Heidenheim, the Werkself were in trouble early on as they conceded twice in the opening 21 minutes before staging a remarkable comeback, eventually winning 5-2 at BayArena. Following three draws in a row, it was a much-needed victory for last season’s champions.

Best goal: Kane vs. Augsburg

Kane has set a new Bundesliga record by scoring his first 50 goals in only 43 league games. His 50th was also a beauty, with the England skipper picking up the ball in mid-air after a pinpoint cross, sending Augsburg goalkeeper Nediljko Labrovic flying as the Croatia international expected a direct header. Instead, Kane used his first touch to put the ball on his head, pushing it across the goal line while Labrović was laying on the ground.

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0:57

Harry Kane grabs his hat trick in incredible fashion for Bayern

Harry Kane takes an impressive touch in front of net to set up his own header to give Bayern Munich a 3-0 lead.

MVP of the weekend: Patrik Schick

Kane was not the only player in the Bundesliga to notch a hat trick. In light of Victor Boniface‘s thigh injury that could potentially sideline him until the winter break, Schick showed once again what an outstanding striker the Czechia international can be if he is healthy, scoring three goals against Heidenheim to secure Leverkusen their first win in the month of November. — Constantin Eckner

What else you missed this weekend

Hamburg dispense with Baumgart

Hamburg were once upon a time known as the dinosaurs of the Bundesliga because of their 55-year uninterrupted stay in Germany‘s top flight, but ever since being relegated to the 2. Bundesliga in 2018, the club have failed time and time again to secure promotion. When the club hired Steffen Baumgart in February, they were hoping that the former Cologne manager, who had been a self-confessed Hamburg fan for decades, could push them over the finish line.

Instead, Hamburg’s performances regressed.

Baumgart could neither convince with his results nor with the style with which his team were playing during the first few months of the season. While Hamburg were an attacking-minded side under former manager Tim Walter, they have played much more conservatively under Baumgart. Gathering only 20 points in the first 13 matchdays of the 2. Bundesliga season, Hamburg decided to sack Baumgart on Sunday.

Whoever gets hired in the coming days will be the seventh manager since Hamburg were relegated to Germany’s second division six-plus years ago. — Eckner

 

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

With Man City slumping, Liverpool look like they could put the Premier League title race to bed. That and more in this edition of Weekend Review.

Madrid to consider new ownership model – Pérez​​

Madrid to consider new ownership model – Pérez​​

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

Madrid to consider new ownership model – Pérez​​

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said he’ll propose a “corporate reorganization” of the club, with members to vote on whether a change in ownership structure is necessary to protect its financial assets.

​Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said he’ll propose a “corporate reorganization” of the club, with members to vote on whether a change in ownership structure is necessary to protect its financial assets. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said he’ll propose a “corporate reorganization” of the club, with members to vote on whether a change in ownership structure is necessary to protect its financial assets.   

 

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said he’ll propose a “corporate reorganization” of the club, with members to vote on whether a change in ownership structure is necessary to protect its financial assets.

WSL: Chelsea beat Man Utd to extend lead at top​​

WSL: Chelsea beat Man Utd to extend lead at top​​

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

WSL: Chelsea beat Man Utd to extend lead at top​​

LONDON, Nov 24 – A 17th-minute spot kick from winger Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday that extends their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to eight games and keeps them top of the standings with…

​LONDON, Nov 24 – A 17th-minute spot kick from winger Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday that extends their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to eight games and keeps them top of the standings with… LONDON, Nov 24 – A 17th-minute spot kick from winger Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday that extends their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to eight games and keeps them top of the standings with…   

ByReuters

A 17th-minute spot kick from Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday that extends their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to eight games and keeps them top of the standings with 24 points.

The Blues dominated throughout against a lacklustre United but only had one goal to show for it despite a number of excellent chances. The visitors only managed a single shot on target over the 90 minutes, though Melvine Malard struck the woodwork in stoppage time.

The game was decided early in the first half when Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez was brought down by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, and Reiten made no mistake from the spot to put her side five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

United’s first defeat of the season leaves them in fifth place, behind Arsenal on goal difference and one point behind third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion. 

 

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

LONDON, Nov 24 – A 17th-minute spot kick from winger Guro Reiten gave Chelsea a 1-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday that extends their winning start to the Women’s Super League season to eight games and keeps them top of the standings with…

Steve Cooper out at Leicester after 15 games​​

Steve Cooper out at Leicester after 15 games​​

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

Steve Cooper out at Leicester after 15 games​​

Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

​Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Sunday. Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Sunday.   

 

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

Orlando advances in MLS day after Pride win NWSL​​

Orlando advances in MLS day after Pride win NWSL​​

by | Nov 25, 2024 |

Orlando advances in MLS day after Pride win NWSL​​

Ramiro Enrique scored his first playoff goal six minutes before halftime and Orlando City SC set a new franchise high-water mark with a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United FC in Sunday’s Eastern Conference semifinal.

​Ramiro Enrique scored his first playoff goal six minutes before halftime and Orlando City SC set a new franchise high-water mark with a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United FC in Sunday’s Eastern Conference semifinal. Ramiro Enrique scored his first playoff goal six minutes before halftime and Orlando City SC set a new franchise high-water mark with a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United FC in Sunday’s Eastern Conference semifinal.   

ByESPN News Services

Ramiro Enrique scored his first playoff goal six minutes before halftime and Orlando City SC set a new franchise high-water mark with a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United FC in Sunday’s Eastern Conference semifinal.

With a shutout of ninth-seeded Atlanta — which won both these teams’ regular-season meetings — No. 4 seed Orlando reached its first conference final since the club began MLS play in 2015.

The win also came one day after the Orlando Pride beat the Washington Spirit to secure their first NWSL title.

The Lions will host the seventh-seeded New York Red Bulls, who defeated New York City FC in Saturday’s East semifinal.

“First and foremost, just happy, right? Happy, happy for this team and for this club, and to be able to move on to this moment, and to have a part in that by scoring the goal,” Enrique said after the game. “I think, you know, being able to get to the conference finals, we’re just really happy. We’re happy to be there. This club is going to take it step by step to ultimately get to what our end goal is, which we all know. I’m just really happy to be able to score tonight.”

Pedro Gallese kept his third clean sheet of the postseason, this time without having to make a single save against an Atlanta side that had scored eight goals in its first four playoff matches.

Atlanta’s season ends with the club’s best postseason finish since reaching the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Atlanta midfielder Dax McCarty played his final MLS game, finishing a career that began in 2006 with 488 league appearances and 35 more in the postseason.

Orlando City players celebrate after scoring a goal against Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs.
Orlando City players celebrate after scoring a goal against Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs.

Getty Images

The visitors won back-to-back matches just to qualify for the playoffs, then pulled off one of the biggest MLS Cup playoff upsets of all time in a three-game series triumph over Lionel Messi and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami in Round 1.

But Orlando was the superior side throughout the first half Sunday and took a deserved lead through a set piece, an area that has given Atlanta trouble this season.

Enrique helped create the corner kick when he pressured goalkeeper Brad Guzan into spilling the ball over his own endline when trying to catch a high cross.

Martín Ojeda‘s ensuing outswinger dropped to the turf after deflecting off at least one body in the box, and Enrique was first to the loose ball to poke home a finish past Guzan from close range.

Interim Atlanta manager Rob Valentino removed injured striker Jamal Thiaré — who scored twice in the Game 3 win over Miami — moments after Orlando’s goal. His replacement Daniel Ríos then also had to exit after taking a ball to the head early in the second half.

The attackers that remained had more opportunities in the second half than the first, but rarely made Gallese work.

“We are obviously very excited and proud, but first from our players and our staff, we want to honor the fans that came today with such energy and helped us,” Orlando manager Oscar Pareja said. “It’s beautiful to see the stadium that way, see the culture and how this club has become one of the best in Major League Soccer.

“So, responding with this victory is great, and just having the boys in this moment with the way they’re playing as well.”

Information from Field Level Media was used in this report.

 

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Ramiro Enrique scored his first playoff goal six minutes before halftime and Orlando City SC set a new franchise high-water mark with a 1-0 victory over visiting Atlanta United FC in Sunday’s Eastern Conference semifinal.