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Aston Villa president of football operations Monchi has stepped down from his role at the club and now details behind his exit have come to light. Unai Emery's side have had a difficult start to the season after a summer transfer window where they spent just €30 million (£26m). Real Sociedad's former sporting director Roberto Olabe will replace Monchi but all is not well at Villa.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Villa confirmed Monchi's exit on Tuesday, with the club 18th in the Premier League after a winless start to the campaign. He will, however, remain in an advisory role at Emery's team. The club's failure to reach this season's Champions League has hit them hard in terms of what they can spend due to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. But how has a relationship that looked so fruitful come apart at the seams?

AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentTHE EXPLANATION

On Tuesday, Cadena Ser, via Sport Witness, claimed that Monchi decided to leave Villa due to disagreements with the club. Now, Diario de Sevilla state that there was an 'emotional factor' behind this move and also that the inclement weather in Birmingham had an impact as well. The report adds that sporting and financial aspects have ‘created a perfect climate’ for Monchi to return to Spain, too.

The newspaper article reads: "The grey skies of Birmingham have had as much, if not more, influence on Monchi’s decision than Aston Villa’s poor start, which has only been able to invest around €30m due to exceeding the Premier League’s fair play rules, where it has the lowest salary cap of the 20 teams. Roberto Olabe, a close associate of Unai Emery, is replacing him at Villa Park."

Monchi and Villa on his exit

Villa, who are owned by V Sports, did praise Monchi for his work since joining from Sevilla in 2023. 

"Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as president of football operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa," chairman Nassef Sawiris said. "His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club's recent successes, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons. We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa."

And Monchi added: "We have enjoyed so many special moments together and I look forward to continuing to support V Sports in an advisory role."

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Getty Images SportNot let up for Aston Villa

Villa, who have scored just one goal this term, will hope to secure their first win of the season when they begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday at home to Bologna. They then host Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho spoke about the "great potential" of Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian as his Benfica visited Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for a Champions League fixture. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Blues boss also revealed the truth about his links to the Brazil national team coaching job, a role that Carlo Ancelotti accepted in the summer.

Mourinho's Chelsea union ended in a loss

Mourinho was looking forward to his reunion with Chelsea, a club he managed in two stints, helping them win three Premier League titles. On Wednesday, the Portuguese coach returned to west London for a Champions League fixture against the Blues, however, the reunion turned out to be sour for the 62-year-old as Richard Rios' 18th-minute own goal handed Enzo Maresca's side all three points. 

AdvertisementGettyMourinho praised Chelsea wonderkid 'Messinho'

Speaking to , Mourinho said: "Estevao is a talent. People might think he would take a while to adapt due to his youth, immaturity, and the competition he faces at Chelsea, but he's here, playing at a higher level, and is a player with great potential."

Mourinho reveals truth about Brazil coaching role

Mourinho was linked with the Brazil national team coaching job, until they approached ex-Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and the Italian accepted the offer after leaving the Spanish giants in the summer.

Speaking on the Brazil job, Mourinho said: "No, not directly, not even the CBF. You know, in these things there are always a lot of people who talk: agents, intermediaries, former players… So, yes, I was contacted, but I tend to be reserved about it. However, no one from the CBF (reached out to him)."

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AFPChelsea gain confidence ahead of crucial Premier League game

The Blues approached the Champions League game on the back of a poor run of form that saw them winning only one game in their last five outings across all competitions. However, with the win over Benfica, Enzo Maresca's received a much-needed confidence boost ahead of facing Liverpool at home on Saturday.

There’s a very strong argument that Luis Suarez is the best striker of his generation. Above Robert Lewandowski, above Karim Benzema and above the rest of the chasing pack. From his Liverpool days, which very nearly featured the club’s first Premier League title at the time, to forming MSN next to Neymar and Lionel Messi, the South American never dipped below world-class throughout a long prime.

Even now at Inter Miami, Suarez is still showing his quality as he approaches his 40s. He’s simply one of those players who, no matter their natural physical decline, were always likely to fall back on an unbelievable technical ability.

What validates Suarez’s place as one of the best of his generation the most, however, is the praise of so many legends that came before him. Among those to be left in awe of his ability, former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said it best: “Luis seems to be cleaning up at the moment.

“He’s won everything and we are lucky to have such a world-class talent like Luis playing here with us and helping us to great things and be successful.

“He is out there by a big distance as the best player I have played with and that is no disrespect to anyone else – there has been some top talent for club and country – but this fella can do the lot.

“He is different to most footballers. There is some disappointment looming around but if this fella stays around for a few more years I think there will be some really big nights.”

Gerrard’s praise would have been music to Suarez’s ears at the time and even after he joined Barcelona, the South American didn’t forget the impact that Liverpool had on his career.

Suarez: Rodgers educated me before Barcelona move

Reflecting on his time at Anfield after grabbing further headlines in Spain, Suarez wasted no time before handing plenty of credit to Brendan Rodgers for the impact that he had on his career.

Rodgers and Suarez very nearly achieved what many thought was the unthinkable at Liverpool in 2014 before the Reds slipped to defeat in the Premier League title race. Alas, even in the face of defeat, it’s clear that both the manager and the forward got the best out of each other.

CSK dropped five catches before failing to chase another 180-plus target

Deivarayan Muthu08-Apr-20252:37

Jaffer: Hope to see Arya in India colours soon

Priyansh Arya announced his arrival in the IPL with a 39-ball century, the fastest by an uncapped Indian and joint-fourth-fastest by anyone, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) consigned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fourth successive defeat in IPL 2025.CSK didn’t help themselves in the field, dropping as many as five catches, including two offered by Arya. The 24-year-old rookie capitalised on those chances to charge to his hundred as early as the 13th over. He holed out for 103 off 42 balls in the next over, but Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) provided the finishing kick for PBKS.CSK started well in the powerplay in their pursuit of 220 – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra added 59 in the first six overs – but their soft underbelly was exposed once again in a chase. Conway retired out on 69 off 49 balls, with CSK needing 49 off 13 balls, but MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t get the job done.CSK have now failed to chase a 180-plus target in their last 11 attempts, dating back to 2020.Arya’s assaultArya had triggered a bidding war at the auction after cracking six sixes in an over in the inaugural Delhi Premier League. In the lead-up to IPL 2025, his coach Ricky Ponting had talked him up as a “special” player. On Tuesday, Arya backed up Ponting’s comments in only his fourth IPL innings.1:50

Are Ashwin and Jadeja too defensive?

Arya is a bit like a left-handed version of the original Delhi basher Virender Sehwag. He sees the ball and hits the ball. He has also the gift of timing. When Matheesha Pathirana marginally missed a wide yorker and bowled a full toss – it was still a hard-to-hit full toss – Arya opened his bat face and carved it over point for six. He dispatched the next three balls from Pathirana for 6, 6, 4 to surge to a 39-ball hundred in the 13th over. In the next over, left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad had Arya dragging a catch to long-on.While Arya finished with 103 off 42 balls, the rest of the top six had a combined 23 off 25 balls in a bizarre scorecard. Arya could have been dismissed in the very first over had Khaleel Ahmed held on to a fairly straightforward return catch. Arya was on 6 at that point, having scythed the first ball over the point boundary. He then got another life on 35 when Vijay Shankar fluffed a more difficult chance at midwicket. Arya raced to his half-century, off 19 balls, when he backed away and carted R Ashwin over mid-off in the last over of the powerplay.In all, Arya took Ashwin for 28 off ten balls. The spinner came away with 4-0-48-2, his third-most expensive spell in the IPL.Shashank, Jansen join the funDespite Arya’s departure, PBKS kept attacking. Shashank forged an unbroken 65-run partnership off 38 balls for the seventh wicket with Jansen to push them to an above-par total. Shashank welcomed Noor into the attack with a slog-swept six over wide long-on, and pumped a carrom ball from Ashwin over his head for six more. Jansen had his own fun when he launched a no-look six off Pathirana in the 18th over.17:35

Bangar: Dhoni not playing for the crowd, he has a clear role at CSK

CSK fade away in another chaseCSK started positively in the chase, with the New Zealand pair of Conway and Ravindra scoring ten fours in the powerplay. However, they had to wait until the tenth over for their first six, when Shivam Dube swatted Lockie Ferguson over the midwicket boundary.Glenn Maxwell had broken the opening stand when he had Ravindra stumped for 36 off 23 balls. In the next over, Ferguson banged the ball on a hard length at 143kph and had Ruturaj Gaikwad chipping a catch to midwicket for 1 off three balls.CSK responded by pushing their designated spin-hitter Dube up to No. 4, but PBKS countered his promotion by not throwing spin at him. They held Yuzvendra Chahal, their premier spinner, back until Dube’s dismissal at the end of the 16th over. Once Dhoni arrived in the 17th over, PBKS matched Chahal up with him and raised the asking rate to almost 20. Chahal ended up bowling just one over for nine runs.Conway retired out in the 18th over, and Dhoni hit three sixes, but CSK were left with too much to do at the end. When Dhoni flapped a full toss from Yash Thakur, the Impact Player, to short fine leg, at the start of the final over, PBKS all but sealed victory.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has been nothing short of dramatic.

The club entered the market knowing a major decision loomed over Alexander Isak, and the striker’s eventual departure on deadline day to Liverpool for a British record £125m undoubtedly defined the window.

In the weeks leading up to the move, Newcastle pursued a number of targets but suffered numerous setbacks.

They missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško, while interest in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa looked seemingly destined to go nowhere.

But then news of Newcastle agreeing a £69m deal for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade set the wheels in motion.

Isak was finally allowed to depart, and a questionable £55m deal for Wissa followed soon afterwards.

Elsewhere, Newcastle strengthened with additions across the pitch.

Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga all joined, giving Howe greater depth and competition ahead of his fourth full season in charge of the club.

Yet the reality remains – the Magpies have lost their most clinical finisher, and their ability to adapt quickly will define their season.

Newcastle’s new-look attack without Isak

For Howe, the question is simple: how do you line up after losing your star striker?

Despite last season’s off-pitch drama, Isak still managed 23 Premier League goals and eight assists.

The Swedish international’s ability to stretch defences, link play, and finish chances gave Newcastle’s attack balance and variety. Without him, the early signs have been mixed.

In their opening two fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle played with energy and structure but lacked a cutting edge.

Makeshift striker Anthony Gordon worked tirelessly up front, but his needless red card against Liverpool handed Howe another headache, forcing William Osula to lead the line in a drab 0-0 draw at Leeds.

That will soon change.

Wissa, proven in the Premier League, is expected to slot straight in after the international break, offering pace, pressing intensity, and goalscoring instincts.

Woltemade, while talented, will likely be eased in gradually to adjust to the demands of English football.

However, the ripple effect of losing Isak extends beyond the number nine position. Newcastle can no longer rely on a single talismanic goalscorer.

Their attacking success will now depend on successfully spreading responsibility across the likes of Woltemade, Wissa, Gordon, Elanga, and Harvey Barnes.

Bruno Guimarães is everything Isak could have been

While Isak’s exit dominated headlines, Newcastle’s true talisman remains in midfield.

At 27, captain Bruno Guimarães has emerged as the heartbeat of Howe’s project.

Since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, the Brazilian international has become the player Howe wanted to build his team around, offering a blend of creativity, grit, and leadership that makes him irreplaceable.

Despite reported Saudi interest this summer – with Al Hilal said to be ready to pay £120m – Bruno stayed loyal, reaffirming his commitment just as he did when he signed a new five-year contract in October 2023.

His influence cannot be overstated. In a memorable 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest in 2024, Howe described him as the “difference-maker” after a match-winning brace.

That label has stuck. Statistically, Bruno backs it up.

According to FBref, he averaged 7.47 progressive passes per 90, completed more than 40 passes a game at an 82.3% success rate, and produced 3.66 shot-creating actions per 90.

His defensive work – 2.29 tackles and nearly one block per game – adds balance, making him the complete midfielder.

Matches Played

38

Minutes

3,271

Goals

5

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

64

Progressive Passes

271

With Isak gone, Newcastle’s blueprint is clear: this is Bruno’s team. Howe even said it himself last year: “I want to build our team around him”.

Howe has constructed a midfield system that maximises his strengths, giving him license to carry the ball, dictate tempo, and act as the link between defence and attack.

While Wissa and Woltemade settle into the side, Bruno provides the consistency and leadership Newcastle need to remain competitive in both domestic and European football.

His loyalty also carries symbolic weight.

Where Isak’s future lay elsewhere, Bruno’s decision to stay – despite concrete interest from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal – demonstrates belief in the project.

For the fans, it’s proof that Newcastle still have a world-class figure to rally around.

Isak 2.0: Newcastle hero felt "stabbed in the back" after Barca move denied

Newcastle might find some curious parallels between this former saga and the recent Isak debacle.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2025

Newcastle put forward a dominant display in their 4-0 win away win over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise. Eddie Howe's side were ruthless in attack, with Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon linking well in their first start together as a trio. Woltemade opened the scoring with a clever flick, before Gordon twice bagged from the spot with substitute Harvey Barnes adding the fourth.

The visitors started brightly, neatly playing through USG's press setting up Elanga for a blocked attempt on goal in the opening minutes. Newcastle kept the pressure up on their hosts, hemming the home side in with a string of set pieces including a patented long throw from Dan Burn. Eventually, that momentum told, as USG failed to completely clear from an Elanga cross. Sandro Tonali steamed onto the dropping ball, sending a side-footed volley back towards goal. Woltemade quickly reacted, flicking the ball past Kjell Sherpen's despairing dive into the vacated half of his net.  

That brought a response from USG, as the Belgian champions looked to progress the ball quickly into Newcastle's half. A string of set pieces of their own brought two edge-of-the-box efforts from Adem Zorgane. Both were comfortably dealt with by Nick Pope in the Newcastle net. 

Despite that brief flurry, Newcastle never looked particularly rattled. The Premier League side were more than up to the task of playing through the USG press, quickly scything through the midfield thanks to clever link up play from Woltemade and progressive dribbling by the elusive Elanga. Joelinton should have doubled the Magpies lead when he nodded a volleyed Kieran Trippier cross past Sherpen's far post in the 26th minute. 

It was Elanga who provided the telling contribution for Newcastle's second. The Swedish winger cut in from the left-hand side before leaving Ousseynou Niang in the dust after two lightning quick step overs. His following touch was just heavy enough to prompt a lunging tackle by Fedde Lysen, however, the centre back failed to reach the ball before Elanga, felling the Newcastle man just inside the corner of his own box. Gordon stepped up for the resulting spot kick, who calmly sent Sherpen the wrong way, nestling the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal. 

Newcastle kept up the pace straight from the second half whistle. Woltemade's quick feet in the middle of the park allowed him to unleash Elanga, whose fizzing effort was parried away by the embattled Sherpen. That elicited a response from the hosts. Anan Kahalili's curling effort leaked past the Magpies far post, before Nick Pope was called into action twice in quick succession denying Niang's driven hit from a tight angle and another Zorgane effort from the edge of the box. 

Again, that intermission in Newcastle's dominance proved be brief. Just after the hour mark, a dnagerous insinwing cross from Gordon zipped off the turf, striking Lysen's arm as he grappled with Woltemade. The referee was beckoned to the screen by the VAR, setting up Gordon to convert his second penalty spot of the game. This time Sherpen went the right way, but he was still unable to stop the Liverpudlians strike which was fired into the side netting.  

To their credit, USG continued to push forward for a goal, however, with Eddie Howe ringing the changes in the 73rd minute, the Magpies had plenty of fresh legs on the pitch  to counter at pace. Their fourth came after Anthony Gordon won the ball on the edge of his own box and released William Osula. The young striker held the ball up masterfully, before sliding a pass into the path of Barnes. The winger seemed to dither on his chance, allowing the USG defender back in for a challenge. His side footed effort looped off the lunging tackle and nestled in the back of Sherpen's net. Entering this game, Newcastle's wingers had just one assist among them. It will give Howe immense pleasure to see his team finally start to flex their attacking muscles in the 2025/26 season.

GOAL rates Newcastle's players from Joseph Marien Stadium. 

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Nick Pope (7/10):

Was called upon multiple times in short succession after long periods of inactivity. Kept his concentration well. 

Kieran Trippier (7/10):

Linked up nicely with Guimaraes and Elanga down the right-hand flank. Provided a couple of dangerous crosses to boot. 

Malick Thiaw (6/10):

Little was asked of the German centre back who looked remarkably comfortable. 

Sven Botman (7/10):

Similarly unruffled for the bulk of the action, but intervened with a couple of well-timed tackles.

Dan Burn (6/10):

His long throw caused USG trouble in the opening stages. Probably the most wasteful Newcastle player with the ball, but that says more about his teammates' performance than his. Solid. 

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Sandro Tonali (8/10):

Provided defensive ballast, control on the ball and an attacking threat from deep. An all-round performance once again. 

Bruno Guimaraes (7/10):

Neat touches on the ball that helped to unlock Elanga on the right flank. None nicer than a first half nutmeg on an onrushing opponent. 

Joelinton (6/10):

Flashed a header narrowly wide of the post in the first half. Picked up a harsh booking not too long after that clipped his combative wings somewhat. Pulled on the hour. 

AFPAttack

Anthony Elanga (9/10):

A bright performance from a player whose output has been doubted since his £55m move. Progressed the ball on the counter and gave Niang fits in the final third. Potentially a breakthrough moment. 

Nick Woltemade (8/10):

Made a telling deflection on Tonali's shot to open the scoring. Dropped deep and linked the play nicely, showing off his dribbling prowess. Two goals in two games, including his first in the Champions League will only bolster his confidence. 

Antony Gordon (9/10):

Most of the action came down Newcastle's right, but Gordon went looking for work both in the buildup and in the box. When he was on the ball, he rarely put a foot wrong. Took both penalties with minimal fuss.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Lewis Miley (6/10):

Some neat touches, but was under little pressure in a decided game.

William Osula (7/10):

Held up the ball and found the telling pass for the fourth goal. 

Harvey Barnes (7/10):

With Elanga and Gordon's performance he will be delighted to chip in with a goal. 

Lewis Hall (6/10):

Bombed down the wing as Gordon increasingly shaded inside after Woltemade's exit. 

Fabian Schär (N/A):

Will be grateful for the minutes after missing the last three games with a concussion.

Eddie Howe (9/10):

There are signs that this Newcastle team is finding its attacking flair in a post-Alexander Isak world. He will be delighted with his side's performance.

17-year-old is due to represent Birmingham Phoenix in this summer’s Hundred

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-2025Harry Moore, the highly rated Derbyshire fast bowler, has been ruled out of action for a minimum of eight weeks with a back issue.Moore, 17, is considered one of the most promising young fast bowlers in the country, having become Derbyshire’s youngest debutant, at the age of 16, in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in August 2023.Last summer he made his debut for England Under-19 against Sri Lanka, before going on to represent England Lions on their tour of South Africa in December.Despite his injury, he is set for another significant summer in 2025, having been picked up by Birmingham Phoenix for £41,500 in the recent Hundred draft.A graduate of the Cricket Derbyshire Academy, he made his first-class debut against Northamptonshire in September, and signed a new three-year contract with Derbyshire at the end of the season.He picked up his injury during Derbysire’s pre-season friendly against SACA, leaving the field on Day Two. He will now embark on a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.

He had been with Sydney Thunder since joining as a 16-year-old rookie and top-scored for them in last season’s final

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2025Jason Sangha, who was one of the stars of South Australia’s Sheffield Shield triumph, has made a full domestic move to the state after signing a two-year deal with Adelaide Strikers.Sangha had been with Sydney Thunder since joining as a 16-year-old rookie and last season returned from an injury lay-off to top-score with 67 off 42 balls in the final against Hobart Hurricanes.Related

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'They saved my career' – Sangha repays South Australia's faith with Shield final heroics

Big Bash drafts moved earlier in bid to secure best overseas players

But his contract was up at the end of the campaign and he has moved to Strikers following a prolific Sheffield Shield season where he made 704 runs at 78.22 including the title-clinching 126 not out against Queensland.”The fans here have been incredibly welcoming, and I am eager to give my best on the field in the upcoming BBL season,” Sangha said. “My time with South Australian cricket has already been filled with some unforgettable moments, and I am excited to create many more while wearing blue.”The support from the community has been amazing, and I can’t wait to give back by helping the team achieve success. I am looking forward to building on our achievements and making a significant impact with the white ball.”Overall for Thunder, Sangha made 836 runs at 32.15 with a strike-rate of 121.15. He was named captain for BBL12, the 2022-23 season, but suffered a fractured collarbone three games into the campaign.”Jason’s talent and dedication on the field are well-known, and his impressive track record speaks volumes about his potential,” Strikers’ talent manager Shaun Williams said. “Not only has he demonstrated remarkable skill, but his leadership qualities and work ethic are also exceptional.”We believe that Jason will bring a new energy to our team, inspiring his team-mates and contributing to our overall success. We are excited to see him integrate into our squad and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have both on and off the field. His all-round abilities, combined with his leadership skills, promises exciting times ahead for South Australian cricket.”Such was the red-ball form Sangha showed in the latter stages of last season that he has a chance of featuring for Australia A who are due to play series against Sri Lanka and India during the winter.Strikers now have 10 names locked in for the 2025-26 BBL. They are one of only two clubs, along with Sydney Sixers, who do not currently have a pre-signed overseas player with each side allowed to secure one name ahead of the draft which will take place on June 19.Current Adelaide Strikers squad Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Matt Short, Henry Thornton

Regardless of the result in Seville last night, Nottingham Forest supporters will have endured a night full of memories – one that would’ve been unthinkable just a handful of years ago.

Ange Postecoglou’s side claimed a 2-2 draw against Spanish side Real Betis, but some form of disappointment will be felt after failing to hold onto the victory.

Cedric Bakambu put the hosts ahead, but Igor Jesus’ quick-fire double within a couple of minutes put the Reds 2-1 up heading into the half-time break.

It looked as though Forest could hold on for an iconic first game back in Europe for 30 years, but it wasn’t to be as Antony fired in a late equaliser to steal a point.

Whilst the Reds were unable to claim all three points, the first 45-minute showing was one of the club’s best in many years, with numerous players catching the eye during such a period.

Douglas Luiz’s stats for Forest against Real Betis

After starting back-to-back games for the first time, Douglas Luiz was handed a third start in a row for Forest last night – once again producing a sensational display at the heart of the side.

The Brazilian operated alongside Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare in the middle of the park, with the trio dominating the Spanish outfit during the first half of the meeting.

The 27-year-old completed 88% of the passes he attempted, whilst also achieving a 100% cross completion rate – showcasing the impressive nature he produced with the ball at his feet.

His cross came in the 23rd minute, with his perfectly placed cross landing on the head of Jesus, who managed to double his tally just five minutes after netting his first.

Without the ball, Luiz was just as impressive for Postecoglou’s side, making two recoveries and winning two ground duels – in what was a superb all-round showing.

However, to the surprise of many, the former Aston Villa star was replaced at halftime, subsequently being replaced by winger Dilane Bakwa for the second half of the clash with Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

It was confirmed after the game that the midfielder was replaced as a precaution, but the decision to sub on one player was arguably a bigger mistake than taking the Brazilian off.

The Forest player who failed to impress against Real Betis

The clash against Betis last night has given a generation of supporters the chance to experience the European days that will have been spoken about by loved ones before them.

For years, the club have been languishing in the Championship, but the rise has been remarkable, with huge credit needing to go in the direction of owner Evangelos Marinakis for his constant funding and ambition.

Such ambition was highlighted during the summer transfer window, with the Greek businessman dropping over £200m on new additions to help create a squad capable of competing in the Europa League.

Squad depth is something that is huge for European competition, not to mention the Premier League – with the Reds desperately needing to be competitive on all fronts in 2025/26.

Such rapid success has seen big money being spent by the board, subsequently completing the £26m transfer of French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo late on in the window.

The 23-year-old is yet to start a single game for the Reds, but has made numerous substitute appearances – even coming off the bench in the 64th minute last night.

However, after replacing goalscorer Jesus, he was always going to have a huge task on his hands, something which he ultimately failed to live up to in Seville.

Minutes played

26

Touches

13

Passes completed

5

Possession lost

6x

Duels lost

100%

Shots taken

0

Touches in opposition box

2

Fouls committed

1

Kalimuendo featured for just 26 minutes, only registering 13 touches of the ball, but ironically, it was his failure to bring the ball under his spell which saw him squander a key chance to kill the game off.

He also only completed a total of five passes, losing possession six times – showcasing his lack of positive impact after having the trust shown in him by Ange to add the finishing touches to the performance.

The Frenchman also got dominated by the Spanish backline, subsequently losing 100% of the duels he entered, with Ange making a huge mistake in not keeping Jesus on the pitch.

To top off Kalimuendo’s dismal outing, he was subsequently handed a 6/10 match rating by Nottingham Post journalist Sarah Clapson – further highlighting his lack of impact.

There’s no denying he’s a hugely talented player with a huge future, but ultimately it was the wrong decision to bring the youngster on – with a more bruising focal point needed to see out the narrow win.

However, he will still have a huge role to play in the months ahead, with the Reds having to negotiate a contested fixture schedule in Europe and domestically heading into the new year.

The main focus will be on Luiz, with real hope that the Brazilian’s injury isn’t too serious to allow him to continue his excellent form against Sunderland on Saturday night.

Weekly wages: Nottingham Forest FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Football FanCast take a look at Nottingham Forest’s top ten biggest earners for the 2024/25 season.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 24, 2025

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping he is not the man between the posts when the Catalan giants take on Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Clasico later this month. Instead, the veteran shot stopper hopes that the injured Joan Garcia is fit in time for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu as he talked up the world-class potential of the summer signing.

Garcia becomes Barcelona's latest hero

Having completed his much-anticipated €25 million (£22m/$29m) transfer from local rivals Espanyol under controversial circumstances, Garcia wasted no time endearing himself to the Barcelona faithful. His performances proved why the defending La Liga champions fought tooth and nail to acquire the promising goalkeeper's services. Szczesny, who renewed his deal at Barca for another season, has already stated in the past that he vows to do everything in his capacity to help the 24-year-old reach the pinnacle of football.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSzczesny aims to make Garcia 'the best goalkeeper in the world!'

In a recent interview with Polish publication , the ex-Arsenal and Juventus keeper spoke of his admiration of the summer signing. "I saw him last year at Espanyol and he made a huge impression on me," he said. 

"After three days of training together in Barcelona, I decided that I could contribute in my own small way to the development of possibly the best goalkeeper in the world! I'm not saying that he is there now, but I see incredible potential in him. And if I can help him in any way — not only for the good of the team, but also to feel that I was there for this exceptional talent, because he is an exceptional talent, and even if I helped him develop by just a tiny percentage — it is already a great satisfaction for me."

Szczesny in no mood to play against Real Madrid

Garcia's dream start, however, turned into a nightmare. During a training session on the morning of September 26, the 24-year-old suffered a torn meniscus. The custodian underwent a successful arthroscopic surgery the same day, but was effectively sidelined for four weeks, putting his participation in the Clasico against arch-rivals Madrid on October 26 in jeopardy. 

Szczesny wishes that Garcia recovers in time for the blockbuster clash. "I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery. And I'm not counting on playing in El Clasico myself," Szczesny told . 

"I value the clarity of our relationship with Joan. He knows perfectly well what my role is, and I want to have an influence on him playing at his best. I have no doubt who will be, and who should be, the number one goalkeeper at Barcelona. I think he's a guy with great potential. I'll be immodest to say I can help him a little . I accept this role with great responsibility. I don't want anyone to have any doubts. There will never be a competition for the number one jersey here."

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GettyWhen do Barcelona return to action?

After suffering their first La Liga defeat of the season, a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sevilla last week, Hansi Flick's men squandered top spot to Madrid. They will return to action on October 18 against fellow Catalonian outfit Girona.