Tag Futebol

Sunderland are reportedly interested in appointing an "incredible" former Premier League manager, as they search for Michael Beale's long-term successor at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland manager latest

Beale was sacked by the Black Cats on Monday, despite only taking charge of 12 matches after arriving back in December, with the job he was doing not deemed good enough by the board. Sunderland were beaten 2-1 away to Birmingham City last weekend, which proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back, especially after the Englishman seemingly ignored a handshake with Trai Hume as he left the field.

The hunt is now on for the Championship side to find a new long-term manager, with Mike Dodds named as interim boss until the end of the season.

A move for Will Still could be possible, with the 31-year-old having a release clause at Reims that means he may leave this summer, but another name has also been thrown into the hat.

Sunderland eyeing Steve Cooper

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Sunderland are eyeing a move for Steve Cooper, with the Welshman sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier in the season.

"Steve Cooper is also out of work after leaving Nottingham Forest. He missed out on the Crystal Palace job despite links, as they have appointed Austrian coach Oliver Glasner to take over from the departing Roy Hodgson.

"Cooper will likely be keen to re-gain his Premier League status and wait for the correct opportunity, but a club the size of Sunderland holds a lot of potential that sources say could be of interest to Cooper."

Steve Cooper's managerial career	Date
England Under-16s	2014-2015
England Under-17s	2015-2019
Swansea City	2019-2021
Nottingham Forest	2021-2023

Cooper could be a brilliant high-profile appointment if Sunderland manage to pull it off, considering he has only recently been in the Premier League, doing a superb job with Forest for much of the time. Sam Allardyce was certainly impressed with what he saw, saying of the 44-year-old recently:

"Steve is one of the only managers to say he has too many players. Dealing with that can distract your focus. You want to keep them all involved and use them if you can and see what they’ve got, but ultimately, it’s a very tough decision. Steve has done an incredible job dealing with these issues as well as getting good results."

Cooper, who shares the same agency as Trai Hume, Anthony Patterson and Patrick Roberts, has genuine pedigree that would make him such an eye-catching arrival at the Stadium of Light, not least because he won the Under-17s World Cup with England back in 2017, in a side that featured the likes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho.

Sunderland flop was compared to Zidane, now he's worse than Ba

This Sunderland signing was boldly compared to Zinedine Zidane before joining.

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 19, 2024

The former Swansea City boss is a manager who likes to adopt a ball-playing approach, which will no doubt appeal to Sunderland fans – he is known to prefer an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation – but if a Premier League offer arrives, that could act as a problem for the Black Cats, making this one to watch.

Conor Bradley has had something of a break-out campaign this season with Liverpool after spending the 2022/23 campaign on loan with League One club, Bolton Wanderers.

Whilst at the former Premier League club, he had a solid season as a first-team regular. According to WhoScored, the Northern Ireland international managed to contribute to nine goals during that time.

His performances for Bolton were that good that he was awarded with all three of Bolton's player awards last season. His good form even helped the side to an EFL Trophy win.

This good form has been carried on into the 2023/24 season, where he is now among Liverpool's first-team players. In fact, his form has seemingly gotten even better as he is currently the proud owner of an 8.5 rating on WhoScored after appearing in two of Liverpool's Premier League games.

Granted, the games played need to be taken into account when looking at this rating, but, for a player of Bradley's age, these numbers are staggering, particularly when you consider he already has a goal and three assists in those matches.

However, Bradley isn't the only Liverpool academy graduate who has been among Liverpool's first-team this season. Ben Doak is another player who has made his debut for the Reds in 2023/24.

Liverpool's most exciting talent after Bradley

Scotland U21 international, Doak, was entrusted by Klopp to appear a total of three times in the Europa League this season. Although the 18-year-old is yet to score or assist for the Reds' senior squad, the versatility he can offer allows Liverpool to change their style of play in many ways.

This season alone, Doak has played on both wings and just last season, he was playing centrally for Liverpool's youth teams.

Despite making positive progression this season, the youngster has unfortunately suffered a tear in his lateral meniscus whilst playing for Liverpool's U21 squad. Pep Ljinders confirmed this, stating:

"He tore his lateral meniscus, which needs surgery. He is young, and he’s a positive guy, so for sure he will come back stronger," he said. "We need him to come back with the same fire he has with the ball."

Although this recent injury will undoubtedly be frustrating for Doak, there is clearly belief in the squad that he will be able to come back stronger and return to his form.

Ben Doak's season in numbers for Liverpool

Described as 'explosive' by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, there is no wonder why, before his injury, he was beginning to start games for Liverpool's senior squad.

Since arriving at Liverpool in 2022 for a compensation fee of around £600,000, the attacker has been in and around the Reds' youth set-up and has been one of their most influential players.

He has appeared for Liverpool's academy a total of 23 times and has managed to contribute to 19 goals during that time. This roughly equates to a goal every 0.8 games which, for an 18-year-old, is quite simply staggering.

During his tenure with the club, he has outperformed the likes of Kaide Gordon and Mateusz Musialowski as, combined, the attacking duo only have a total of 12 goal contributions between them.

This in itself shows how pivotal Doak is to the U21 side and how far ahead he is compared to his teammates. Once he has returned to full fitness, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the former Celtic man in and around Liverpool's first team as he makes his move to potentially dethrone Bradley as the club's current poster boy for the academy.

Batsman says England “didn’t play well enough for long enough” at Edgbaston but denies that the defeat served as a wake-up call

Matt Roller at Lord's10-Aug-2019Jos Buttler has insisted there is no need for England to panic after their defeat in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, and denied the loss would serve as a wake-up call.Despite having Australia 122 for 8 in their first innings, England fell to a 251-run loss in Birmingham, with a final-innings capitulation that might have been expected to bring about wholesale changes.But they are likely to make only two changes at Lord’s, one of them injury-enforced, with Jofra Archer and Jack Leach primed to replaced James Anderson and Moeen Ali.”We’re one-nil down, but there’s four matches to go in the series,” said Buttler, speaking at a Kookaburra event at Lord’s. “Test cricket is hard – you’re playing against the best players in the world.”If you’re not good enough for long enough, then you’re not going to win the game. But we’ve got a fantastic team … nothing really changes. We’ve lost that game, but we come here with a lot of excitement and belief that we’re a good enough side to win this Test and make it one-all.”Despite the heavy margin of defeat, there were positives for England in their win, not least the first 45 overs of Australia’s first innings, and Rory Burns’ maiden hundred.And Buttler emphasised that England had not been completely outplayed from first to last at Edgbaston.”My view is we didn’t play well enough for long enough, really,” he said. “The first couple of days especially, we played a lot of really good cricket, and got in a really good position. Any time you lose James Anderson is a huge moment in the game, isn’t it?”Not being able to take those two wickets quicker [from 122 for 8] was obviously a huge part of the game. Steve Smith played an excellent innings. That’s Test cricket – you’re playing against great players.”We know how Test cricket generally happens in England: there can be periods of the game that tend to meander along and then periods that happen very fast. If you look back to the India series [last summer], the big moments in those games we managed to get out on the right side and play well – that will be the same throughout this series.”Buttler struggled with the bat at Edgbaston, as he was dismissed twice by Pat Cummins for single-figure scores, but says he feels he is “not far” from his best form.”I’ve felt in good form for 18 months or so. I feel like I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been, so I take a lot of faith from that. I’ll prepare well, and give myself the best chance.”Several of England’s World Cup winners have opened up about the emotional comedown after the drama of the final, with Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett both revealing that they had struggled in the days immediately after.And while Buttler hinted at having similar thoughts, he said it was important to “accept your emotions” to come to terms with the squad’s achievement.”A lot of people invested a lot into the World Cup, not just in the tournament but in the time before. Obviously people had never experienced that before [but] sport always moves on, doesn’t it. Certainly for me it was nice to have a bit of time away to let what happened sink in and get energised for the next challenge.”Buttler said it was important that England’s World Cup winner “accept their emotions”•Getty ImagesButtler knows the two men likely to come into the England team better than most – he has spent the last two IPL seasons in the same squad as Archer, and first played with Leach for Taunton Deane under 11s – and expects both of them to succeed.”I’m excited for [Leach],” he said. “He’s worked very hard to be in the position he’s got himself into. He’ll come in and he’s a great person to bring into the team. He brings a lot of energy, a lot of skill with the ball, and he’ll be excited for the challenge. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to batting at Lord’s again.”Archer proved his match fitness by bowling 31 overs for Sussex’s seconds this week, and after ending the World Cup as England’s leading wicket-taker, it might be expected that there would be big expectations on his shoulders.ALSO READ: Archer bowls long spells for Sussex seconds to prove Ashes fitnessBut Buttler played those down, and suggested that Archer would be able to shut out any outside noise. “Certainly not from within, there’s no big expectations on him,” he said, “but he tends to cope with those things quite well.”He’s a pretty laid-back character who has an immense trust in his game, so if he gets his chance I expected him to perform really well.”Buttler also played down the decision to give the vice-captaincy back to Stokes. Buttler had taken on the role last summer ahead of the India series, but said it had always been the plan to relinquish it when Stokes was ready.”I enjoyed it. They said to me in time they’d like Ben to do the role again when he can, so I was very aware that was the situation, and the natural thing to happen.”It doesn’t really change a lot for me: I’m always willing to offer advice and I’m there if Joe wants to talk to me as are a lot of other players in the team as well who aren’t vice-captain. It doesn’t change a lot.”

Manchester United may have activated their option to extend the contract of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka by a further year, but his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. It was reported this week that Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are showing an interest in Wan-Bissaka, whose deal will now expire in the summer of 2025 instead.

And even if United don't intend to sell him outright, there are suggestions that they could send him back to former club Crystal Palace as part of a deal for transfer target Michael Olise. If he goes, Erik ten Hag will of course need to find a replacement, and that's where Denzel Dumfries at Inter comes into the equation.

Strong chance of United signing Dumfries

According to Italian outlet FC Inter News, Manchester United are interested in signing Dumfries. They are one of two clubs to have expressed an interest in landing the Dutchman, alongside reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Both clubs are apparently assessing right-back targets and "would have no problem making a good offer" to Inter, while also meeting Dumfries' salary demands. United are said to be considering a deal "in particular" because Ten Hag "loves him" and would already have signed him if he'd had the chance.

Like Wan-Bissaka, Dumfries is into the final 18 months of his deal and he isn't expected to sign an extension at San Siro. There's currently a feeling of "pessimism" around his future as he demands a wage of €5m per season (about £83,000 per week) and Inter refuse to go beyond €4m. The Italian government has scrapped a law that halved salary taxes for players signed from abroad, and it's put the squeeze on Inter.

Simone Inzaghi's side are therefore planning to "say goodbye" to Dumfries this summer and cash in while they still can, avoiding a repeat of Milan Skriniar's free transfer to PSG in 2023. There's a "very high chance" that he ends up at Old Trafford, provided Ten Hag keeps his job.

"Amazing" Dumfries would need to adjust to Ten Hag system

Dumfries joined Inter from PSV in 2021 and has since made 114 appearances for the Nerazzurri, including 18 this season. In that time, he's notched 27 direct goal contributions, and as the table below demonstrates, he remains of the most effective attacking full-backs in Serie A when it comes to both the headline and underlying numbers. You can see why compatriot Nigel De Jong says his presence in dangerous areas is "amazing".

Assists

3

4th

Expected assists

2.2

7th

Key passes

20

7th

Passes into the penalty area

18

10th

The only concern for United in their pursuit of the 50-cap Netherlands international may be the tactical fit. Simone Inzaghi has been using him as a wing-back this season, whereas Ten Hag has preferred to play with a four at Old Trafford. Clearly, the manager is optimistic that he can accommodate him, but how will he cope with the greater defensive responsibilities of a different role in Manchester?

Chasing 176, Rajasthan Royals slipped to 123 for six before their seventh-wicket pair turned the tide with a partnership of 44 in 21 balls

The Report by Mohammad Isam25-Apr-20191:20

We are aware our bowling needs to get better – Dinesh Karthik

After Riyan Parag’s stunning 47 took Rajasthan Royals within striking distance of their fourth win, Jofra Archer signed off his blockbuster IPL campaign with successive boundaries to complete a three-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders. It was the sixth consecutive loss for the home side, who failed to defend a total of 175 that was primarily achieved thanks to Dinesh Karthik’s valiant 97 not out.Riyan and Archer added a crucial 44 for the seventh wicket, with Riyan hitting five fours and two sixes in his 31-ball 47. Archer was left to score nine off the last over. First he edged Prasidh Krishna for a four through third man, and then he smacked him over wide long-off for the winning runs.It was heartbreak for Karthik who had batted so well for his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls, which contained nine sixes and seven fours, an innings that led Knight Riders’ recovery from early trouble, mainly caused by Varun Aaron.

Aaron from nowhereAaron, who had conceded 16 runs in his only over in this season’s IPL, had little to lose when he was brought back into the side and handed the new ball by Royals captain Steven Smith. He struck straightaway, bowling Chris Lynn with an inducker in the first over and dismissing Shubman Gill with a similar delivery in the fifth over. His first spell of 3-1-10-2 prevented the Knight Riders from making a quick start.Royals “drop” their guardKnight Riders lost Nitish Rana too and struggled to 49 for 3 at the halfway mark. The first cracks in Royals’ effort appeared when Stuart Binny misfielded at the deep midwicket boundary in the 11th over, which went for 25. Karthik had struck Shreyas Gopal for two sixes and three fours in the over.Binny then dropped Andre Russell in the 15th over before substitute Prashant Chopra shelled another Russell skier, in the 17th over. Russell’s third offering was taken well by Ajinkya Rahane at deep midwicket later in the over, and Royals were lucky the in-form West Indian only managed 14 off 14.Karthik’s solo actKarthik, who was stuck in Knight Riders’ slowness in the first 10 overs, took full toll of Royals in the second half of the innings, hitting 55 of the Knight Riders’ 75 in the last five overs. He slammed Jaydev Unadkat for three sixes, including two in the last over, sent a free-hit from Oshane Thomas sailing over long-on in the 17th, and carted the last two balls of Archer’s IPL campaign, in the 19th over, for sixes as well..It was an almost single-handed effort from Karthik to take Knight Riders to 175; their second-highest score was Nitish Rana’s 21 off 26 at No. 3Jofra Archer and Riyan Parag meet mid-pitch•BCCI

Royals slip to spinSanju Samson began Royals’ chase with sixes off Prasidh Krishna and Russell in the first two overs, before Ajinkya Rahane smashed Prithvi Raj over point for his first six. But Sunil Narine had him lbw in the last over of the Powerplay, after the openers had added 53 for the first wicket.The wicket brought another when Piyush Chawla removed Samson with a wrong’un. Narine came back from the other end to bowl Royals captain Steven Smith for 2, and could have had another in the same over had he held onto a return catch from Riyan.The stranglehold of spin continued, however, as Chawla took the wickets of Stokes and Binny, and Royals sank to 98 for 5 in the 13th over.Riyan announces himselfRiyan let the batsman at the other end do more of the hitting in his first three partnerships, and moved quietly to 22 off 21. But after Archer slammed Narine for a six in the 17th over, Parag sprung into action. He slammed Prasidh Krishna for a hooked six, before hammering Russell over the straight boundary, only just beating the outstretched Brathwaite at long-on.But he fell next ball when he hooked Russell but flicked the bails in his follow-through. That left nine to win, and Archer, duly completed the job with two decisive blows in the last over.

PCB grants all-rounder time off to deal with ‘personal issues’

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2019Senior Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has been given ten days’ leave from his team’s pre-World Cup trip of England to deal with “personal issues”.Malik will miss Sunday’s T20I and the first ODI against England on May 8. He is expected to rejoin the side before the second ODI on May 11. The reason for his unexpected exit has not been revealed by PCB.”The Pakistan cricket team management has given leave to Shoaib Malik so that he can return home to deal with a personal issue,” PCB said. “He is expected to rejoin the team in 10 days’ time. The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy.”Malik’s selection for the World Cup raised eyebrows, given that he averages 13.6 with the bat in 23 innings in England. This year’s World Cup will be his last as he has confirmed he will retire from ODIs after the tournament.He made a comeback in Pakistan ODI side in a home series against Zimbabwe in 2015 after being dropped for two straight years following the 2013 Champions Trophy. Since his return he has become an integral part of the side.His career average in 282 games is 35.12 with a strike rate of 81.75, which, since his return, has risen to 44.24 and 93.16 respectively. However, in ten of his last 11 ODI innings, the 37-year-old Malik has been dismissed between 10 and 31. He has struggled to serve as the launchpad Pakistan want at No. 5.Pakistan won their tour match against Northamptonshire by eight wickets on Monday.

Newcastle United had scored through Alexander Isak's penalty. Nottingham Forest, without a win in seven matches and losing lionised manager Steve Cooper as a result, were surely headed for further misery.

But Newcastle's faltering form proved to unravel what promised to be a triumphant day at St. James' Park, and Chris Wood came back to haunt his former club with a well-taken hat-trick to offer some respite.

Related PIF eyeing Newcastle deal to sign "great" goalkeeper in January

This could be a shrewd move by the Magpies…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Dec 28, 2023

The Magpies, having qualified for the Champions League last season, have now lost six matches from their past seven across all competitions and are in dire need of some reinforcements, having been decimated by injuries across the campaign.

Eddie Howe will remain convinced of his squad's ability to succeed in the Premier League, but there is no disputing the fact that something needs to change in January, with recent rumours suggesting that a summer transfer target could now make the move to Tyneside.

Newcastle transfer news – Kalvin Phillips

According to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle bosses are confident that a deal can be struck to sign Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Magpies are desperate to fortify their squad with impactful signings this winter but are constrained by Profit and Sustainability rules, effectively restricting the options available in the transfer market.

Phillips would be allowed to depart the Etihad Stadium on loan and would bring industriousness and Premier League experience, with Howe and United's technical director Dan Ashworth hoping to agree a deal swiftly.

Transfer specialist Rudy Galetti has confirmed that the club are "set to open talks" to sign their number one target, but with Juventus also pushing for a deal, it's right that efforts are made early to secure his services.

Kalvin Phillips' Manchester City career in numbers

Having dazzled with Leeds United and played an instrumental role in his boyhood club's rise from the Championship and sublime return to the Premier League, Phillips turned the heads of more than a few top European outfits.

And when Manchester City came calling in 2022, the 28-year-old couldn't resist the allure of English football's standout side and completed a £45m transfer.

However, a dream move turned into a nightmare when injuries precluded a chance at wedging his way into a prominent position, and the £150k-per-week ace would ultimately only start four matches across the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign as the Sky Blues won the treble.

Kalvin Phillips: Key Characteristics

Strengths

Weaknesses

Tackling

Aerial duels

Intercepting

Discipline

Blocking

Direct free-kicks

*Sourced via WhoScored

Despite a full pre-season under his belt this summer, Phillips' fortunes have not turned any brighter and he remains marooned on the fringe of one of English football's greatest squads.

Often, pragmatism is a virtue and it seems that all parties have accepted that a change of scenery would be apt for Phillips' future, and Newcastle are only too happy to accommodate.

Kalvin Phillips' style of play

At his best, Phillips is a tenacious and cultured midfielder with a wealth of tools fit to serve a squad like Newcastle's challenge for continental qualification.

The 31-cap England star was fantastic as Leeds recorded a ninth-placed Premier League finish in 2020/21, on their return, captivating with their offensive efforts and winning over supporters through their energy and expression.

Across 29 appearances that season, he made 2.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game and completed 85% of his passes, leading The Times' Henry Winter to marvel over his all-encompassing skill set.

As per FBref, Phillips ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 9% for shots taken, the top 7% for clearances and the top 19% for aerial wins per 90.

While he has only received limited action over the past 12 months, such statistics do highlight the crispness and composure that Phillips holds within his skill set.

Once described as a “monster” of a midfielder by former Crystal Palace maverick Yannick Bolasie, Phillips' struggle to make an impact under Pep Guardiola's tutelage does not define him as a player, and he would be a credit to Newcastle's impressive team, perhaps even merging with Bruno Guimaraes in the centre to revive the squad's success.

Imagine Kalvin Phillips & Bruno Guimares

Howe is the mastermind behind Newcastle's stunning rise to the fore since the PIF takeover in 2021, but the £40m acquisition of Lyon midfielder Guimaraes has proved to be one of the most influential additions to any Premier League side in recent memory.

Having now amassed 84 displays for Newcastle, scoring 11 goals and supplying nine assists, the Brazilian is regarded as one of the division's standout stars, with teammate Dan Burn even dubbing him "world-class" for his performances.

Ranking among the top 16% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, the 26-year-old is the perfect orchestrator in the centre, but Sandro Tonali was signed in the summer to complement his style, and after struggling to acclimatise the Italian was banned from football for ten months in October for breaching betting rules.

Bruno Guimaraes: Similar Players

#

Player

Club

1

Gavi

Barcelona

2

Adrien Rabiot

Juventus

3

Manuel Locatelli

Juventus

4

Rodrigo Bentancur

Tottenham Hotspur

5

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

*Sourced via Football Transfers

Once hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” by journalist Josh Bunting, Phillips is composed and assured in his passing and could offer the kind of style to allow Guimaraes to assume an even more remarkable role.

While Newcastle probably need to make several signings to combat the injury problems, Phillips' availability on a loan deal marks an excellent opportunity to complete an astute move, and Howe must ensure that this one gets over the line.

Takes over from Luke Ronchi as Islamabad captain, while Shadab Khan was named Sami’s deputy

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2019After weeks of build-up, the PSL’s most successful franchise Islamabad United named 37-year old Mohammad Sami as captain for the fourth edition of the tournament. The defending champions and the winners of two of the three tournaments held thus far had earlier appointed 20-year old Shadab Khan as vice captain.Sami has not played for Pakistan since March 2016, with international consistency proving elusive throughout his career. In the PSL, however, Sami has found a rich vein wicket-takerrforming outstandingly all three seasons. He is the second highest wickettaker across the Pakistan Super League with 37 wickets in 27 matches, behind only Wahab Riaz. He averages 17.43 – again only bettered by Wahab in the top 20, with his economy rate of 6.55 unmatched among the top ten fast bowlers.Upon announcement of the captain, Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said: “Sami has always served the franchise with utmost respect and honour. He has always conducted himself in way that defines us and has been one of the stars for the team over the past three years, winning multiple matches on his own. Furthermore, he has years of captaincy experience – he has captained various Karachi teams, on and off, for almost a decade now, and has been successful in that role.”In turn, Mohammad Sami expressed his own delight at being appointed captain, declaring himself “honoured and privileged” to be allowed the opportunity.”It’s an honour for me that Islamabad United and Ali Naqvi have selected me to lead the franchise. I have always aimed to give my all to the team, to repay the faith that they have vested in him, and I hope that I will be able to rise to this challenge too. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity and I hope that I will continue Islamabad United’s tradition of success.”Islamabad United kick off the PSL on February 14, with the first game of the tournament to be played in Dubai against Lahore Qalandars.

The England midfielder bagged his second late winner of the season against the Blaugrana to all-but end the Spanish title race

Jude Bellingham played Clasico hero again, scoring an injury-time winner to cap off yet another scintillating performance against Barcelona. His late goal, coupled with a fine showing from back-up right-back Lucas Vazquez, saw Los Blancos snatch a 3-2 win – and surely wrap up La Liga's title race for good.

Madrid endured a sloppy start, and were made to pay as Andreas Christensen rose at the back post to nod home a header from a teasing corner. They equalised soon after, though, when Vinicius Jr fired home from the penalty spot after Vazquez was fouled by Pau Cubarsi.

Barca thought they had retaken the lead later in the first half, when a Lamine Yamal flick appeared to cross the line, but a VAR check was unable to confirm whether the ball snuck in. The Blaugrana eventually regained the advantage in the second half, however, as Fermin Lopez finished from close range after an Andriy Lunin blunder.

Madrid responded again through Vazquez, who was able to sneak in at the far post to turn Vinicius' angled cross into the net, before Bellingham bagged the winner, rifling a shot into the roof of the net in the 91st minute to send the Madrid crowd into raptures. Title race over.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andriy Lunin (4/10):

  Caught in no man's land when Christensen headed home from a corner. A blunder handed Barca their second, too. Forgettable night after his Champions League heroics in midweek.

  Lucas Vazquez (8/10):

  The Vazquez Clasico? Won the penalty for the Madrid first, went on to score the second, and assisted the third. A standout showing from the deputy right-back.

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  Won his tackles and handled Lewandowski effectively. Slow to react on one or two occasions,

  Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

  Imperious at the back when needed, and can't really be faulted for either of the Barca goals.

  Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

  A return to the position he thrived in last season. Engaged in an enthralling battle with Yamal – with mixed results.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Toni Kroos (6/10):

  Pinged it around when needed, but was rather vulnerable in transition. Subbed at the right time.

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  Ran a lot, won his tackles and kept things tidy at the base of midfield. His versatility simply cannot be understated.

  Luka Modric (7/10):

  Controlled things in central areas in what could be his last Clasico. Wonderful on the ball and shrewd defensively, too. It will be weird to watch these fixtures without him.

  Jude Bellingham (9/10):

  Scored a late winner, of course. Full of industry, with some moments of quality thrown in. Second stoppage-time Clasico winner of the season. Ballon d'Or incoming?

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Rodrygo (7/10):

  Served as a buzzing presence in the final third, even if he lacked quality in key moments. A good performance, all said.

  Vinicius Jr (7/10):

  Tucked his penalty home comfortably and assisted Madrid's second. Some better decision-making could have seen him score one or two more. Always seems to show up for these games.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Fran Garcia (6/10):

  Late legs at left-back.

  Brahim Diaz (5/10):

  A sloppy few minutes, but played his part in the winner.

  Eder Militao (6/10):

  Put in one emphatic sliding challenge.

  Joselu (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

  Went for a relatively strong line up despite the exhausting effort of the Champions League in midwee. Madrid were poor for long stretches, but turned it on late – and have surely sorted the league for good, now. The double is on.

LAFC striker Mateusz Bogusz scored a wicked free kick against the Portland Timbers Saturday, helping his team to a 2-2 draw.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• LAFC draw Portland 2-2
• Bogusz nets brace, including free kick
• Timbers reduced to 10-men in controversial fashion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A Maxime Crepeau red card in the 48th minute put the Polish striker in a perfect spot on the edge of the 18-yard-box, and he didn't let the opportunity pass. Stepping up, he curled home a wicked dipping effort, leaving substitute goalkeeper James Pantemis – who replaced Crepeau – standing still.

  The strike was his second of the game, and the goal that earned his club a point on the day.

  Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The free kick came via the red card foul, and it arrived in controversial fashion. There was not a camera angle available to show whether or not a Timbers defender has stepped behind Crepeau on the far side of the box, meaning that with what VAR had to work with, the goalkeeper was deemed to be the last defender back. As a result, DOGSO was the ruling from the center official, as the foul was not a clear and obvious error after being called on the pitch.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LAFC?

  LAFC will take on one of the best teams in the East next week, clashing with the New York Red Bulls and in-form striker Lewis Morgan. They'll look to bounce back after a frustrating draw with a man advantage against the Timbers.