تُوّج فريق أهلي طرابلس بقيادة المدير الفني المصري حسام البدري، بلقب كأس ليبيا بعد الفوز على نظيره الأهلي بنغازي بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل، في المباراة النهائية التي أُقيمت مساء اليوم الخميس على استاد القاهرة.
وكان من المقرر إقامة المواجهة مساء الأربعاء، قبل أن يتم تأجيلها بسبب أزمة تقنية تتعلق بكاميرات البث التابعة للقناة الناقلة.
طالع.. رئيس البنك الأهلي يكشف لـ”بطولات” حقيقة بيع ياو أنور إلى أهلي طرابلس الليبي
في الدقيقة 67 افتتح عزو المريمي أهداف اللقاء برأسية بعد ارتداد الكرة من القائم بينما في الدقيقة 89 سجل البديل عمران سالم الهدف الثاني بعد استقبال عرضية متقنة من الجهة اليسرى.
وفي الدقيقة 95 تمكن الأنجولي كريستوفر مابولولو من تسجيل هدف احتسبه الحكم بعد العودة إلى تقنية الفيديو.
وتمكن حسام البدري من قيادة فريقه لتحقيق الثنائية هذا الموسم بعد الفوز سابقًا بلقب الدوري الليبي الممتاز.
يذكر أن أهلي بنغازي يقوده فنيا المدرب المصري طارق مصطفى، وطارق يحيى مديرا رياضيا.
Manny Machado's legacy is already secured, and it looks far different than it did a few years ago.
On Monday night, Machado notched his 2,000th career hit with a fourth-inning single against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen. In doing so, the seven-time All-Star became the 12th player in major league history to reach 2,000 hits and have 350 home runs through his age-32 season. Hank Aaron, Jimmy Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Ken Griffey Jr., Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Mel Ott and Frank Robinson accomplished the feat and are all in the Hall of Fame. The other three to do it are Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez.
The takeaway? Manny Machado will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Once a controversial figure, Machado has transformed himself into one of baseball's most consistent stars. He averages 32 home runs per 162 games despite never crossing the 40-homer threshold in a season, and with 357 career home runs after launching one in the eighth inning Monday, he has a decent shot at joining the 500-homer club one day. Beyond his immense talent, he has earned the respect of those around him for one simple reason: he shows up every day.
Machado isn't what you picture when thinking of a "grinder." He has garnered criticism in the past for not giving it his all on every play, and even once said in 2018, “I'm not the type of player that's going to be 'Johnny Hustle.’” His graceful approach both at the plate and in the field can make everything look easy. But his effort level has not been questioned in recent years, and it’s worth considering that his willingness to conserve his energy when the time is right has contributed to his remarkable ability to stay on the field.
During his 14-year MLB career, Machado, who turned 33 on Sunday, has played 150 or more games nine times, and he played in all 60 during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. Since 2015, only Paul Goldschmidt has played more games (1,551) than Machado's 1,536. He has started all 90 of San Diego's games this season, playing third base in 82 of them.
Machado has been named All-MLB three times since the honor was established in 2019. He has four top-five MVP finishes—including being runner-up in 2022—two Gold Gloves, a Platinum Glove and two Silver Sluggers. Since breaking into the big leagues in 2012, he's fourth in hits (2,001), fifth in home runs (357), fourth in RBIs (1,102), and fifth in WAR (60.3). The No. 3 pick in the 2010 MLB draft has always oozed talent, but his ability to show up every day separates him from his peers.
Not only does Machado rarely take games off for rest—he has remained remarkably healthy. On May 19, 2023, he was placed on the injured list due to a fracture in his left hand when then-Kansas City Royals righty Brad Keller hit him with a pitch. That was Machado's first IL stint in eight years. He missed 17 days and hasn't been on the shelf since.
That consistency has rubbed off on his Padres teammates. Even the fellow superstar whose locker sits next to Machado has been inspired by the way he approaches the game.
"Man, you know it's really hard, but it's part of what we have to do and what we signed up for, and it's part of the grind," Fernando Tatis Jr. told recently. "And obviously doing it right next to a guy like Manny is really special because the guy shows up every single day trying to win a ballgame in different ways. You learn from that and you just want to do the same thing."
Padres manager Mike Shildt has been with the franchise since 2022, first as a consultant before taking over as skipper prior to the 2024 campaign. He has seen firsthand what Machado brings to the table, not only with his consistency, but his leadership.
"From a clubhouse standpoint, when you have a guy that shows up, plays every day, performs every day—especially in streaks where you’re going and playing a lot of games—being able to grind and get after it is a really good trait that shows your teammates how and models what this looks like to be a contributing professional player on a winning team," Shildt says. "So those are all the things that Manny brings to the table, and he’s really taking the next steps into being that appropriate vocal leader. But it’s really most of his actions are led by just that, as actions."
Machado has averaged more than 30 home runs per full season since joining the Padres in 2019. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Machado's reputation has changed dramatically from being known for some questionable on-field antics. He drew ire in April 2017 when, as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, he slid late into Boston Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia. The former MVP second baseman suffered a knee injury and was never the same. While opinion was split on whether it was a dirty play, the incident was a mark against Machado's reputation.
It took another hit in October 2018 when, as a member of the Dodgers, Machado spiked Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar. He claimed the incident was accidental, but the Brewers were furious.
In 2019, a few months after the Aguilar incident, the Padres made a 10-year, $300 million bet that Machado could become the face of a moribund franchise. At the same time, Machado made a bet that the Padres would do what it takes to compete at the highest level. Both parties have lived up to their end of the bargain—something implicitly acknowledged when they committed to each other again with an 11-year, $350 million extension in February ’23.
Since arriving in San Diego, Machado has taken over as the face of the franchise and proven himself to be a leader. He has been at the center of turning the Padres into a consistent contender after more than a decade of futility. The controversies of his youth are largely behind him as he has rounded into a respected veteran presence who comes to the ballpark and insists he's in the lineup every day.
Despite his focus on getting the Padres back to the postseason in 2025, Machado recently allowed himself to think about the special milestones he was close to eclipsing.
"It's fun, you know, just hearing those numbers, they're racking up," Machado says. "It's pretty amazing. It's pretty hard to get one hit in the big leagues, let alone reaching some pretty historical numbers, so it's pretty exciting."
In the same media scrum, Machado was asked about the Padres' recent stretch of 26 games in 27 days, each of which he started. “I'm exhausted,” he admitted. “I'm ready for the off day tomorrow."
He doesn't get many of those. And that's what makes him special.
Chelsea are now “crazy” about signing RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, but they will have to do battle for his signature with one of their Premier League rivals.
Courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, the Blues have now moved up to second in the Premier League table, but Gary Neville believes they are still some way off being genuine contenders for the title.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “They’ve got a lot of young players, spent a fortune, it’s probably not happening as quickly as they want,(and) I don’t think they’re anywhere near a team that can win the league to be honest. When I look at them, they look well short in a number of areas.”
As pointed out by Neville, the Blues have relied on youngsters a lot in the BlueCo era, breaking the record for the youngest average starting XI in the Premier League last season.
However, the west Londoners are yet to alter their recruitment policy, and they have now joined the race for another young midfielder.
Chelsea "crazy" about signing Assan Ouedraogo
In a new update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, it has been revealed that Chelsea are one of the Premier League clubs “crazy” about signing RB Leipzig midfielder Ouedraogo, alongside Man United.
Both English sides are now scouting the 19-year-old, who remains under contract at the Bundesliga club until 2029, and his main ambition is to secure a place in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The central midfielder remains under contract until 2029, and there is no release clause, meaning it is unclear how much the Blues will have to pay for the youngster, who is being targeted for next summer.
The German starlet may stand a chance of going to the World Cup next year, considering he impressed on his debut for his country, scoring in a 6-0 victory against Slovakia in the recent international break.
Not only that, but the Leipzig star would be a versatile option for Julian Nagelsmann, given that he is capable of playing in five positions, namely on both wings, central midfield, attacking midfield and even centre-forward.
The former Schalke man is off to an impressive start to the season in the Bundesliga, chipping in with three goals and three assists in 11 outings, and he has performed very well on some key attacking metrics over the past year.
Assan Ouedraogo’s key statistics (past year)
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.48 (99th percentile)
Assists
0.48 (99th percentile)
Progressive carries
2.58 (94th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.77 (99th percentile)
As such, Ouedraogo could be an excellent addition for Chelsea next summer, and they should continue to monitor his development between now and the end of the season.
Chelsea also targeting one of the Premier League's "best" midfielders The new Caicedo: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best CMs in the league"
Chelsea are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a Premier League star who is valued at up to £120m.
Endrick jogará apenas mais uma partida pelo Palmeiras antes de se transferir ao Real Madrid. A despedida da joia será nesta quinta-feira (30), contra o San Lorenzo, no Allianz Parque, pela sexta e última rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores.
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Líder! Aposte R$ 100 e receba R$ 154 caso o Verdão vença o San Lorenzo pela Libertadores
Apesar de se apresentar à Seleção Brasileira apenas no dia 3 de junho, segunda-feira, para a disputada da Copa América, Endrick não estará à disposição de Abel Ferreira para o duelo contra o Criciúma, no sábado (2).
Isso porque o atacante recebeu o terceiro cartão amarelo contra o Athletico, o último antes da paralisação do Brasileirão em razão da enchentes no Rio Grande do Sul, e cumpre suspensão automática.
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Em sua despedida do Palmeiras, Endrick busca encerrar um jejum incômodo. O jogador não marca desde o dia 9 de maio, quando balançou as redes na vitória por 5 a 0 diante do Liverpool, do Uruguai, pela Libertadores.
➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras
Na atual temporada, o camisa participou de 21 partidas pela equipe paulista, sendo 20 delas como titular, marcou quatro gols e distribuiu duas assistências. Maior venda da história do Palmeiras, Endrick se apresenta ao Real Madrid após completar 18 anos, o que irá ocorrer durante a Copa América.
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RELEMBRE VALORES DA NEGOCIAÇÃO
Em dezembro de 2022, o Real Madrid acertou a compra de Endrick por 60 milhões de euros (R$ 337 milhões, na cotação da época), valor da multa rescisória do jogador.
Deste montante, 35 milhões de euros são fixos, com pagamento parcelado, e 25 milhões em bônus por metas. Além disso, a equipe espanhola concordou em bancar as taxas envolvidas na negociação: 12 milhões de euros. A somatória dos impostos com a multa rescisória (60 + 12) resulta nos 72 milhões de euros finais da transação.
Juan Soto would like to see Pete Alonso back in a Mets uniform next season.
Speaking with reporters at the MLB Awards in Las Vegas, Soto addressed the fact that Alonso is hitting free agency this offseason after opting out of a one-year, $24 million contract option with the Mets.
“I hope nothing but the best and I’m excited to see where he’s going to end up,” Soto said [via the Mike Puma]. “He’s one of the best power hitters in this generation. I really enjoyed my moment with him in a Mets uniform and I hope we can have more times to come.
“We can have fun together.”
Soto and Alonso did indeed have fun in the lineup in their first season together in New York. Soto shook off a slow start to the 2025 campaign and finished the year batting .263/.396/.525 with 43 homers, 105 RBIs and a career-high 38 stolen bases.
Alonso played all 162 games for a second straight year and batted .272/.347/.524 with a career-high 41 doubles and 38 home runs. He ranked in the top five percent of all MLB hitters in average exit velocity, barrel percentage and hard-hit percentage.
Alonso was also a free agent last offseason. When he didn’t find the long-term contract he was looking for on the open market, he signed a two-year, $54 million contract to return to the Mets with the aim to perform well, opt out of ‘25 and hit free agency again. One year later, MLB Trade Rumors predicts he’ll sign a four-year contract worth $110 million this offseason.
RELATED: Pete Alonso Destinations: Best Landing Spots for Mets Star in Free Agency
The Mets and their $342 million payroll missed out on a playoff berth by one game this past season thanks in large part to an eight-game losing streak in September. Soto is looking to right that wrong in 2026, and he’s hoping Alonso will be back in the heart of the Mets’ order along with him.
Kieran McKenna has delivered his verdict on Celtic following recent reports that the Scottish giants could look to land the Ipswich Town manager to replace Brendan Rodgers.
It’s been quite the week at Celtic Park. Chaos unfolded on Monday when Brendan Rodgers made the decision to resign and since then, the Hoops have travelled back in time – appointing Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.
The veteran manager has instantly got the Scottish champions back to winning ways, overseeing a 4-0 victory over Falkirk on Wednesday evening before telling reporters: “I’m really pleased to win in the manner we did, and we played some delightful stuff. Could have scored a couple more, too.
“My anxiety has calmed somewhat. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back. I’ve not seen Celtic often, not live, to make criticism of this side. A restoration of confidence was great.”
Leaving O’Neill to turn things around on the pitch, Parkhead chiefs have commenced their search for a new manager and already faced their first blow thanks to Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian has reportedly chosen to take a break from football after getting the sack at Nottingham Forest just 39 days into the job. This shuts down any rumours that he could be making a sensational return to Scotland in the coming weeks.
Forced to search elsewhere, Celtic could yet turn towards Wales boss Craig Bellamy or Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, who has refused to rule a move out.
Meanwhile, another option is McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has quite the reputation and has reportedly made Celtic’s shortlist as a result. Whether he decides to call it quits at Portman Road is another question, however.
Kieran McKenna delivers fresh Celtic verdict
Asked about the vacant job in his latest press conference, McKenna revealed where he ranks Celtic as a club whilst also speaking about his verdict on the position in Scotland.
Despite holding them in high regard, it looks as though Celtic will have a tough task on their hands if they want to lure McKenna away from Ipswich.
The former Manchester United coach has done an excellent job in Suffolk, taking Ipswich to as high as the Premier League following back-to-back promotions before suffering relegation last season.
Former Irish League star Thomas Stewart is one of many ex-players and pundits to have praised McKenna, previously telling reporters: “He’s well-educated, an intelligent man and I always felt that when we had conversations when we were younger.
As good as Kenny: Celtic star who won 10 duels is already undroppable
This Celtic star who was as good as Johnny Kenny is now undroppable for Martin O’Neill.
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“I think we were the only two from the U16 Victory Shield team that got left out and went on to play for the U21 team. I’ve full respect for him and he’s doing an amazing job.”
For now, though, Celtic may be forced to miss out on their managerial target.
Liverpool have had their fair share of special European nights over the years, with the famous comeback win against Barcelona back in 2019 in the Champions League – which saw the Reds overturn a 4-0 deficit – still sticking out as the Premier League giants at their thrilling best.
The entertainment levels weren’t through the roof in a similar fashion mid-week when Arne Slot’s men got the better of Barca’s arch rivals Real Madrid by a single goal, but the impressive all-round display would have definitely pleased the Anfield masses watching on.
Indeed, away from Alexis Mac Allister grabbing the winner, faces such as Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah also stood out, when they have otherwise failed to get going this season, with the heavily scapegoated German covering a staggering 11.37km in total.
To make the win even sweeter on Europe’s grandest stage, Liverpool managed to get one over on ex-star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who would only come on for the final few exchanges for Los Blancos.
Yet, despite a chorus of boos greeting his every touch, it’s clear – when analysing Liverpool’s wobbles this season – that they have desperately missed the creativity of their former homegrown product from the right-back spot.
Why Liverpool have missed Alexander-Arnold
Of course, all of the animosity directed towards the former number 66 comes from a place of pain that he deserted his hometown club for a shot in La Liga.
Being able to replace the creativity Alexander-Arnold possessed in spades at Anfield instantly was also going to be an extremely tough ask, with his ability to burst forward and cut open a defence for Liverpool, dubbing him a “dream for strikers” by Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Alexander-Arnold would become a modern-day icon at Liverpool, with a mighty 23 goals and 92 assists falling into his lap on Merseyside.
Liverpool had their work cut out for them in the summer to try and find an attacking full-back of the same calibre as the Englishman; therefore, with the Anfield giants presumably thinking they’d hit the jackpot with the capture of Milos Kerkez.
Unfortunately, the former AFC Bournemouth star – who amassed five Premier League assists last season – has no assists next to his name for Liverpool in league action, leading to him being branded as “out of his depth” by journalist Tim Spiers.
Thankfully, Conor Bradley showed the Liverpool masses why he could be in with a shout to be a long-term fix for Trent deserting the building.
He was phenomenal against the Spanish giants, dealing with the effervescent Vinicius Junior with an energetic display, seeing him win eight duels against Xabi Alonso’s visitors.
But, there was another standout performer on Wednesday night, who could be a surprise shout to be Slot’s next Trent-style figure.
Liverpool's new Trent is in midfield
Liverpool haven’t just experienced a crisis in the full-back areas this season, with the aforementioned Mac Allister struggling in the midfield areas in patches this campaign, too.
He does look to have exited his slump now, with the winning goal against the visitors from Madrid. Dominik Szoboszlai, on the other hand, has only gone from strength to strength this season, even as meltdowns have occurred around him.
The Hungarian would live up to his reputation for being a dead-ball specialist – which saw him hammer home a glorious free-kick against Arsenal earlier this season – against Alexander-Arnold’s new employers, with Mac Allister ultimately thankful for the 25-year-old’s incisive eye for an assist.
The two-time Premier League title winner would, time after time, also come up trumps when taking his very own corner kicks and corners at Anfield, with Szoboszlai now taking on this role expertly, as seen in him already picking up three Champions League assists for the campaign.
Szoboszlai’s numbers vs Real Madrid
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
1
Touches
54
Shots
5
Accurate passes
30/39 (77%)
Key passes
3
Accurate crosses
3/3
Ball recoveries
6
Stats by Sofascore
Back in the bread and butter of the Premier League, Szoboszlai is in a league of his own in terms of progressive carries and crosses attempted.
Two standout characteristics of Alexander-Arnold’s expansive game in England, the Hungarian has registered 26 carries and 25 crosses already in 2025/26. That’s more than any midfielder in England’s top-flight this season.
Slot has even chucked the “unbelievable” number 8 – as he has glowingly labelled him – into the right-back spot on occasion this season, with their similarities almost becoming eerie at this point.
However, as was evidenced on Wednesday night, the 25-year-old can still be an influential figure – like the number 66 – from a number ten position.
More wins will no doubt be collected this season, off the back of Szoboszlai’s “genius” alone, as his former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp also labelled him.
Arne Slot has just unlocked Liverpool's new Coutinho vs Real Madrid
Liverpool may have unearthed their next Philippe Coutinho after getting the better of Real Madrid 1-0.
New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner, their standout performer on the opening day of the second Test in Wellington, suffered a suspected dislocation of his left shoulder and was taken off the field on a stretcher.Tickner had earlier torn through West Indies’ batting with a four-wicket haul, but injured himself in the 67th over while attempting to prevent a boundary at fine leg. Chasing a flick from Tevin Imlach, he dived full-length near the rope and stayed down immediately, prompting concern from his team-mates. The medical staff from the New Zealand camp and the venue attended to him on the boundary edge before he was stretchered off – sitting upright – to warm applause from the Basin Reserve crowd.”He [Tickner] left the field with a left shoulder injury and was transported to hospital shortly afterwards,” NZC said in a release. “Once the medical team and local doctors have done their work with him an update will be fed back.”Related
Henry, Santner, Nathan Smith ruled out of rest of WI Test series
Playing his first Test since early 2023, Tickner had been drafted into the XI for this match after injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith in Christchurch. His 4 for 32 from 16 overs made him comfortably New Zealand’s best bowler on the day. His injury, however, adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable fast bowlers this series, which includes Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Matt Fisher.New Zealand are now facing the prospect of losing a third fast bowler mid-Test this series. They were similarly reduced in Christchurch, which had a knock-on effect and allowed West Indies to bat out for a draw. The setback also dampened the mood at the Basin Reserve among the fans and the New Zealand players, following what had been an upbeat second and third sessions for the hosts.Before being forced off, Tickner trapped Brandon King (33) and Kavem Hodge (0) lbw, used a sharp bouncer to dismiss Shai Hope for 48, and uprooted Roston Chase’s leg stump to put New Zealand firmly in control.Should Tickner be ruled out of the remainder of the match, it would be a major blow to an already inexperienced seam attack of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and debutant Michael Rae. Remarkably, New Zealand’s top two wicket-takers in the Test so far are part-timers Glenn Phillips (31 Test wickets) and Kane Williamson (30).This Test is also New Zealand’s first in 13 years where they have fielded a seam-bowling unit with fewer than 50 career Test wickets between them – the last instance coming in Kingston in 2012, the match in which Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner first played together.
Mikel Merino has shared his opinion on Moises Caicedo's red card offence in Arsenal's 1-1 draw away at Chelsea on Sunday. The Spaniard slammed Caicedo for what he felt was a "horrible challenge". Head referee Anthony Taylor originally gave the Ecuadorian a yellow card, but after being asked to review his decision by the VAR, he sent Caicedo off in the 38th minute.
Taylor sends off Caicedo after VAR intervention
Caicedo's challenge on Merino, which saw him catch the Arsenal star's ankle after flying in studs up, brought on a lengthy delay after the 34th minute. Taylor brandished the yellow card after Caicedo was restored to his feet, before instantly being beckoned over to the pitchside monitor. The 47-year-old referee quickly overturned the call, and explaining his decision to the Stamford Bridge crowd, he said: "After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card."
After Chelsea took the lead in the 46th minute through a Trevoh Chalobah header, Merino levelled the scores as he outjumped Malo Gusto at the back post to power home a header of his own just before the hour mark.
Speaking after the game, Merino shared that despite the initial decision and lengthy delay, he knew Caicedo's tackle was worthy of a red. The makeshift striker also revealed that he did not speak to his opponent following the game.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMerino: 'It was a horrible challenge'
Speaking to following the top of the table clash, Merino said: "I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body. I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card."
When asked if he had spoken to Caicedo, he simply replied: "No. Nothing."
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was also asked about the red card tackle, and defended his player while pointing to an incident when the Blues faced Tottenham earlier in the season that saw Rodrigo Bentancur escape a sending off.
"I think he red card is the red card. I struggle to understand the different ways to judge," Maresca said on Sky Sports. "What about Bentancur to Reece? Why is one a red card and one isn't? I think it's a red card tonight, it's clear. Why the difference? Is what it is. Moises is always the same way. Top player for us. The desire from him is to try and win the game."
Did Taylor 're-referee' with the assistance of VAR?
Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge took a different view during half time. The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea striker criticised the use of technology, suggesting Taylor had "re-refereed" the decision, after initially deeming it a bookable offence in real time.
Sturridge said: "When you see it slowed down, it looks nasty. Initially the referee makes a decision to give him a yellow card. And they've re-reffed it.
"When you look at the challenge slowed down, it makes the referee's mind up for him. When you go to the screen and see that slowed down, that's a red."
Commentator Alan Smith made similar comments in real-time, saying: "They're having a long look at it. He's come in at some speed and some force.
"Well this could be the crucial moment in this contest. It's important they show it at full speed.
"He missed the ball by a split second, but he comes at it with some force, and his straight leg is what they are usually concerned about. He's going to be fortunate if he stays on the pitch here."
Former Chelsea winger and BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Pat Nevin said: "We thought he had got away with one there – but he was out of control, the ball was miles away and the challenge was awful. Something like that could break your ankle."
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Getty Images SportWill Chelsea's ill-discipline cost them ground in the title race?
Caicedo's red card was the seventh dismissal of the 2025-26 campaign for Chelsea, including Maresca's sending off in the raucous celebrations during their 2-1 win over Liverpool in October.
The Blues have now taken just one point in three Premier League games where one of their players has been dismissed. Chelsea fell to a 2-1 away defeat against Manchester United in September after Robert Sanchez was sent off, while Chalobah's dismissal prompted a stunning Brighton comeback in their 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
If Maresca's side are to keep pace with Arsenal, they will need to have their best players on the pitch and available, especially during such a packed schedule of games over Christmas. Pending an appeal, Caicedo will have to serve a three-match ban, and while Chelsea were able to circumnavigate his absence in a febrile second half, his ongoing absence could prove to be a real setback for this burgeoning team.
Middlesex fell 42 short as Hampshire progress to face Yorkshire in the semi-finals
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 28-Aug-2025Ali Orr’s second century of the tournament guided Hampshire into the Metro Bank One Day Cup semi-finals as they saw off Middlesex in their play-off at Radlett.The left-hander struck 108, batting through most of the innings to underpin Hampshire’s recovery from 95 for 5 as they set their opponents a target of 230 with paceman Henry Brookes taking four for 53.Liam Dawson then stifled Middlesex’s reply with his spell of 4 for 33, supported by fellow left-arm spinner Andrew Neal (1 for 30) as the Seaxes were bowled out for 187 in 45.3 overs.Sam Robson top-scored with 48 and Toby Roland-Jones’ late unbeaten cameo of 39 prolonged the contest, but it was not enough to deny Hampshire a semi-final date on Sunday, when they will face Yorkshire at Scarborough.Middlesex made three changes to the side that had clinched a tense win at Lancashire to secure their knockout place, including returns for Roland-Jones and Ryan Higgins who both sent down tidy opening spells.Despite that, Orr and Nick Gubbins built a steady partnership of 45 until Brookes struck with his second delivery, tempting the Hampshire captain into a mistimed pull that sailed straight to midwicket.Fletcha Middleton was next to depart, caught behind nudging at a Brookes outswinger and the seamer soon grabbed his – and Middlesex’s – third wicket when Ben Brown was pinned leg before.Orr batted fluently, timing his shots on both sides of the wicket and steering Brookes to the point boundary to pass 50 for the second time in as many innings, but Middlesex continued to make inroads.Dawson, drafted in for his first appearance of the tournament, fell lbw to Sebastian Morgan, while Zafar Gohar’s miserly stint of one for 29 brought him the wicket of Ben Mayes, caught miscuing a reverse sweep.However, James Fuller’s spirited 42 provided the perfect foil for Orr, with the pair adding 96 from 18 overs before Higgins had the all-rounder caught in the deep.Having advanced to three figures in style by hooking Brookes for six, Orr eventually holed out to long on off Higgins, his departure effectively ending Hampshire’s hopes of clambering above 250.Middlesex rejigged their batting order, promoting Nathan Fernandes to open in the wake of his match-winning 92 at Old Trafford and the left-hander continued in similar vein with two sweetly-struck straight drives to the rope off Kyle Abbott.Although Josh de Caires fell to Fuller’s diving catch around the corner, the batting side still looked reasonably comfortable at 66 for 1 before they were decisively pegged back by the Hampshire spinners.Fernandes’ innings of 42 came to an end when he was pinned leg before by Neal and Dawson then removed Ben Geddes in the same manner before having Higgins taken low at slip.Along with seamer Eddie Jack, the spin duo smothered their opponents’ scoring rate in the middle overs and it fell to Robson to dig in, take advantage of rare stray deliveries and attempt to take the game deep.Joe Cracknell launched a brief counter-attack, clubbing a six and two fours from one Fuller over to reach 22 from as many balls, but the bowler took his revenge by dismissing both Cracknell and Gohar in the space of three deliveries.Brown’s neat stumping to remove Robson brought Hampshire a third wicket with the score unchanged and that appeared to signal the end of Middlesex’s challenge, but Roland-Jones went on the offensive, battering Abbott for a trio of off-side boundaries.He added 45 for the ninth wicket with Morgan, but Hampshire were not be denied and Dawson sealed victory by bowling last man Brookes in the 46th over.