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In baseball, several different roads can lead to a save—and on Friday, Houston Astros pitcher Jason Alexander took the most unconventional.

After Lance McCullers Jr. pitched the first six innings of the Astros' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Alexander entered in his stead. He proceeded to throw three shutout innings and give up two hits, while walking two and striking out two.

The result? A save for Alexander in a game Houston won 18–1, as a pitcher who throws at least three innings in relief and finishes a game with a lead of any size receives a save. That is tied for the 24th-most lopsided margin of victory in a game with a save in baseball history per Baseball Reference; Texas Rangers pitcher Wes Littleton holds the record with a save in his team's infamous 30–3 win over the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

The historic save was the first of Alexander's career; he's pitched parts of two seasons with three different teams. He has just three saves in the minors, where he reportedly returned after Friday's game and where he has primarily been a starting pitcher.

It feels like a safe bet to say none of those were as painless as this one.

Tottenham hero Cristian Romero revealed international team-mate Lionel Messi as the influence behind his "beautiful" last-gasp overhead kick goal against Newcastle. Spurs' trip to St James’ Park ended in a breathless finale, with the Argentine defender scoring an acrobatic equaliser deep into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw.

• Newcastle dominate early but made to settle for a point

  For much of the evening, Newcastle appeared set for a victory that would have accurately reflected the flow of the contest. Eddie Howe’s side were sharp from the opening whistle, pinning Spurs back and dictating the first half with confidence. Yet, despite their control, the breakthrough refused to come until midway through the second period. It was the introduction of captain Bruno Guimaraes that changed the tempo. Howe, searching for inspiration, turned to his midfield leader, and within minutes the Brazilian had stamped his authority. Anthony Gordon whipped a teasing cross into the box, a flick redirected the ball into Guimaraes’ path, and he dispatched a precise finish into the corner. 

  Up to that point, Tottenham had offered little more than occasional flashes of counter-attacking intent. But Thomas Frank, confronted by another worrying result, responded boldly with a triple substitution. Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Xavi Simons were thrown into the fray. The impact was immediate. Mohammed Kudus swung a dangerous ball into the penalty area just seven minutes after Newcastle’s opener, and Romero, who was already leading by example at the back, launched himself into a diving header that skimmed off his forehead and drew Spurs level.

  The drama only escalated as the final minutes ticked down. A Newcastle corner sparked a VAR review when Rodrigo Bentancur tangled awkwardly with Dan Burn at the back post. After a lengthy check, a penalty was awarded, and Gordon made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario the wrong way in the 86th minute. However, Spurs were unwilling to throw in the towel. When a Tottenham corner was punched weakly by Aaron Ramsdale, the ball travelled only as far as Romero. He showed great athleticism to produce a bicycle kick, and although his connection wasn't as clean as he would have liked, the ball skipped through the crowded box and rolled into the net to break Newcastle hearts.

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  Romero name drops Messi

  After the match, Romero admitted the audacity of the attempt came from studying Messi up close during Argentina training sessions.

  "I train every day with Leo Messi in the national team and I watch him,” he said to Sky Sports. ”It's a beautiful goal."

  He also acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, saying the Tottenham team had been deeply aware of their recent shortcomings.

  Romero said: "It's very important. In the last three or four games, the team knows it's not been good enough. Today, the mentality to play like this altogether it's a difficult time, but especially in this game, I love the mentality.”

• Thomas Frank praises captain’s leadership at both ends

  Spurs manager Thomas Frank was effusive in his praise, describing Romero’s performance as “exceptional” and highlighting not just his goals but also his discipline and composure in defence.

  "The perfect bicycle kick, hit the shin, aiming for the bottom corner," he said. "I think let's start praising Cuti, I think he deserved that for all of the top performance, defending, on the ball, coolness, calmness, duels. And then getting up there and scoring two goals. I think the bicycle kick will most likely get a little bit more praise, but I think the header is more exceptional, the way he does that is better than many strikers."

  Frank emphasised that the team’s resilience was what pleased him most.

  "The performance showed fantastic mentality and character," he added to Sky Sports. "Every team needs that. It is fair to say it has been a tough week, fourth game in 10 days, third away game. St James' Park is always a difficult place to come. Last 60 minutes I am very happy with that performance overall. The ability to react to setbacks was great. We suffered the first 25 minutes. Sometimes you need to suffer, after that we were very brave, calm on the ball going forward. There's a lot to love about the performance."

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  What comes next?

  The draw leaves Tottenham 11th in the Premier League table with 19 points from their opening 14 matches. The wider concern is their long winless run, which now extends to five matches in all competitions. Yet the manner of the comeback, and the grit shown in the final 30 minutes, injected a sliver of optimism into an atmosphere that has grown increasingly restless. Frank’s side will aim to turn resilience into wins when they return home to host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Needing to bat out a draw for Division One survival, visitors plunge to 85 all out

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay27-Sep-2025Yorkshire 475 (Agarwal 175, Hill 88, Lyth 69, Thompson 50, Raine 5-76, Ghafari 4-119) beat Durham 346 (Raine 101, Bedingham 93, Rhodes 50, White 5-69) and 85 (Hill 4-14, Bess 4-22) by an innings and 44 runsDurham threw away a golden chance to secure their Division One status in the Rothesay County Championship as they failed to bat out the final two-and-a-bit sessions of their season finale against Yorkshire at Headingley and were relegated in the process.Durham started their second innings 129 runs in arrears with a minimum of 89 overs left in the match against a Yorkshire side whose top-flight status had just been sealed by events elsewhere.With relegation rivals Hampshire losing to Surrey at 10.55am, Yorkshire were safe. And that result gave Durham a lifeline. Draw the game and they too were secure in Division One for next season.But they couldn’t grasp the chance, crumbling from 29 for 1 to 85 all out inside 45 overs during a remarkable afternoon collapse which saw George Hill and Dom Bess shine with four wickets apiece.Durham coach, Ryan Campbell, suggested afterwards that a “defensive mindset” had cost his side, as they attempted to survive rather than wipe out the deficit quickly.”I can’t explain it. It’s just a total capitulation,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s happened a few times this year. The pressure went on and our blokes couldn’t stop it. Obviously, there’s a room full of gutted people. We were handed a lifeline and we didn’t take it.”I’ve always said that we bat at our best when we look to score. When you look to score, you get yourself into better positions and make better decisions. I think, obviously, there was a very defensive mindset of trying to get through. What then happens is that if you lose a couple of wickets, you haven’t gone anywhere.”The facts are that we were 120-odd behind when we started, and we needed to get rid of that as quick as we could. That takes courage to back your skills and ability, and that’s something we’ve always done.”But today was one of those days that will probably go down in Durham’s folklore of hanging our heads in shame. We’re going to have to rebuild and come back bigger and better next year.”Yorkshire’s fourth win of the season – this by an innings and 44 runs – consolidated their position in seventh place, with Durham losing for the sixth time to join Worcestershire in Division Two next season.Play started here at Headingley with Yorkshire advancing their first-innings 465 for 9 to 475 all out.Jordan Thompson moved from 44 to 50 and was last man out to Ben Raine’s seam, drilling a catch to long-off. When Thompson reached his fifty off 112 balls, he tapped the white rose on his chest with his bat in an obvious acknowledgement of his love for his home county ahead of a winter move to Warwickshire on a three-year contract.Raine finished with excellent figures of 5 for 76 from 35.4 overs. Having scored a first-innings 101, he became the fifth man in Durham’s first-class history to hit a century and return a five-wicket haul in the same match. He didn’t deserve this outcome, despite an ill-judged shot with the bat in the second innings.So, with Durham’s task clear, there was absolutely no need for adventure with the bat in hand.They reached lunch at 27 for 1 in 23 overs, losing Emilio Gay caught behind off the inside-edge pushing forwards at Hill’s seam. But then came the drama, the visitors losing their last nine wickets for 56.Bess had Lees caught behind for 18 pushing forwards just after lunch, a beauty of a delivery to the left-hander.And when Thompson’s seam accounted for Ben McKinney and David Bedingham in successive overs, Durham were 62 for 4 in the 35th. McKinney was lbw offering no shot, Bedingham caught behind.Hill also trapped Ollie Robinson lbw with one that kept low shortly afterwards and struck again in his next over to get Graham Clark caught at backward point for his 50th Championship wicket of the season. Durham were 76 for 6 in the 41st over.It took less than four more overs for the game to finish in deteriorating light. Raine miscued to mid-off running around as he tried to hit Bess over the top before Matthew Potts was caught at short leg and Daniel Hogg was caught behind – three wickets falling in the 44th over.Will Rhodes was then trapped lbw by Hill to finish the game, the last four wickets falling for two runs in only 10 balls.Yorkshire were jubilant, especially Hill with 4 for 14 in 10.5 overs and Bess with 4 for 22 from 17.Durham were disconsolate, and it will take some time to work out how they let this one get away. Hamphire survived in their place after one almighty scare.

Rangers invested heavily in the summer but, given their current predicament, expect plenty more signings in January too.

During the summer transfer window, led by manager Russell Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the Gers signed 13 new players, splashing around £30m, a huge amount for a Scottish club.

The most expensive of these additions was striker Youssef Chermiti, arriving from Everton for £8m which could rise to £10m, their second-most expensive signing of all-time, but the Gers still appear light in attack, so could new manager Danny Röhl demand the addition of a new centre-forward he knows rather well.

Rangers' search for reinforcements

Even before appointing out-of-work Röhl, Rangers had taken advantage of Sheffield Wednesday’s predicament, signing winger Djeidi Gassama for a cut-price £2.2m in July.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The EFL Championship club entered administration this week, usually a dark day for any football club, but on this occasion it was a day of celebration, because it means Dejphon Chansiri is no longer running the club.

Supporters rushed to Hillsborough to buy tickets and merchandise, having been boycotting both, but there are serious ramifications, given that the Owls were slapped with a 12-point deduction, more could follow for failing to pay staff, meaning relegation to EFL League One appears inevitable, while a new owner still has to be found, all why Röhl walked away in July.

Thus, for as long as the administrators remain in charge, their task is to raise as much cash as possible, which includes selling players.

As a result, Sports Boom are reporting that Röhl is targeting a move for Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri, with the new boss telling the Glasgow side to put together ‘a proposed deal” for the youngster.

They add that Röhl is ‘eager to bolster his attacking options’, while adding that the German coach was an ‘influential figure in Cadamarteri’s development’, thereby potentially set to take advantage of the financial crisis in South Yorkshire by snapping up a bargain

So, could the 20-year-old soon be swapping Owlerton for Govan?

What Bailey Cadamarteri would bring to Rangers

Born in Leeds, Cadamarteri joined Sheffield Wednesday as an eight year old, making his senior debut in the EFL Trophy against Leicester City’s under-21s in October 2022.

He did not then feature for the Owls’ first team again for over a year, largely due to surgery, handed his league debut by Röhl against Millwall in November 2023, before scoring his first senior goal during a 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers a few weeks later.

He then also netted against Norwich, QPR and Swansea, before spending last season on loan at Lincoln City, scoring eight times in 31 outings for the Imps, his campaign at Sincil Bank cut short by a groin injury suffered mid-way through the season.

Now back at Sheffield Wednesday, given that many of the Owls’ senior players departed during the summer due to financial turmoil, he has started nine of their 12 EFL Championship matches, with the table below documenting his importance to Henrik Pedersen’s side.

Minutes

838

7th

Goals

1

4th

Expected goals

1.8

2nd

Shots

20

1st

Shots on target

5

2nd

Big chances missed

2

1st

Key passes

6

5th

Attempted take-ons

23

2nd

Touches in box

39

1st

As the table emphasises, Cadamarteri has been an integral figure for Wednesday this season, scoring during a 2-2 draw with Wrexham at the Racecourse in August.

He has though had the most shots of any Wednesday player, missing two Opta-defined big chances, while over 18% of his total touches have come in the opposition penalty area, showing that he offers an attacking presence.

Meantime, the 20-year-old has also made an interesting choice when it comes to international football.

After representing England at youth level, he switched his allegiance to Jamaica earlier this year, debuting for the Reggae Boyz in Bermuda in September, scoring against Trinidad & Tobago in Kingston a few days later.

Thus, if Steve McClaren’s team collect four points from their two qualifiers in November, again Trinidad & Tobago and then Curaçao, they’ll be heading for a first World Cup since France ’98, which could give Cadamarteri a platform to increase his exposure and market value, currently valued at around £1.1m by Football Transfers.

Ali Maxwell labels the young striker a “finisher” while Röhl, when the pair were still together in South Yorkshire, described him as “dangerous”.

A report by Total Football Analysis agrees, noting that he ‘consistently moves around to find pockets of space’, while praising his ability to ‘occupy spaces intelligently’ and excellent penalty box positioning.

Thus, it is clear that Cadamarteri is a talented young player, one who could well be available for a slashed price, while he may be eager to re-untie with Röhl north of the border.

Summer signing Chermiti has scored only once for Rangers to date, his first goal for anyone since May 2023, looking very unconvincing overall, while fellow centre-forwards Danilo and Bojan Miovski have only two goals to their name so far this season.

Given the dearth of quality in Rangers’ striker department, the young Jamaican international could come in and be first-choice from the word go, firing the Gers up the table.

Rohl could now turn "exciting" Rangers star into his own Shankland at Ibrox

Following Rangers’ 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock on Sunday, has Danny Röhl unearthed an “exciting” attacker who could be their own Lawrence Shankland?

ByBen Gray Oct 28, 2025

Newcastle United are looking to push on under Eddie Howe and may now have identified another exciting star who could make a mark at St James’ Park.

Newcastle claim last-gasp victory over Fulham

With a mixed start to the Premier League campaign setting the scene for a fascinating contest on Tyneside, the Magpies were able to show resilience to claim all three points against Fulham on Saturday courtesy of a Bruno Guimaraes effort in injury time.

In what could turn out to be a crucial victory for the hosts, Howe’s men deserved to come out on top on the balance of play, given they took on 18 shots to the Cottagers’ 12 and recorded an Expected Goals total of 2.14, per Fotmob.

Speaking post-match, the former Bournemouth manager embraced his side’s ‘relentless’ quality to weather a frantic final 20 minutes to seal a morale-boosting win.

He told Match of the Day: “You didn’t think we could get that second goal, it was end to end, it was really attacking performance from both teams, both teams were going for the win. We are delighted to get it ourselves. It was a really good last 20 minutes from us; we were relentless in our pursuit to try to win, and eventually, one of those chances fell for us.”

Even if Nick Woltemade’s goalscoring run ground to a halt, Newcastle showed another side to their game to drag themselves over the line to keep pace in the hunt for continental qualification, though they now have little time to recover before an EFL Cup last 16 clash against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

On-field matters will take priority for now, though, it appears the Magpies are already doing work behind the scenes to identify transfer targets to bolster their bid for another successful season.

Newcastle in Hayden Hackney scouting mission

According to TBR, Newcastle have been scouting Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney over the last few weeks as they size up a move for the promising England Under-21 starlet.

Labelled “outstanding” by Jonathan Woodgate, the Redcar-born star has registered two goals and two assists in 13 appearances so far this season, drawing further interest from clubs such as Tottenham, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, and Brentford also have keen eyes on his development, and Graeme Bailey has confirmed that ‘there could be some very big offers coming in January’ for the 23-year-old in light of his recent form.

WhoScored show that Hackney has been an offensive threat in the Championship this term, taking on an average of 2.2 shots per match and sliding through around 1.7 key passes per game.

Ultimately, competition for his signature is fierce, and a departure from the Riverside Stadium may only occur if Middlesbrough fail to earn promotion.

Despite this, Newcastle are a tempting proposition for any player rising through the English football pyramid, so it will be over to them to put forward a tempting package.

Related Possession lost 19x: Howe must drop 6/10 Newcastle star after Fulham

Eddie Howe must now axe this Newcastle United star who struggled again versus Fulham.

Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Oct 25, 2025

Ajax are considering a sensational reunion with Erik ten Hag, with director Alex Kroes holding fresh talks to bring the former coach back amid mounting pressure on John Heitinga. The Dutch giants’ struggles under the ex-Liverpool assistant have prompted calls from fans and insiders for change as the club seek stability after another bruising European night.

Ajax crisis deepens as Heitinga loses support

Ajax’s season has lurched deeper into crisis following their 3-0 home defeat to Galatasaray, leaving Heitinga’s future hanging by a thread. The result sparked fury among fans, who demanded “a coach with experience” in a statement released by supporters’ group AFCA, urging director Kroes to act swiftly.

Kroes, who has faced growing criticism over the team’s direction, reportedly met Ten Hag earlier this week in Huizen. Officially described as a “planned coffee meeting,” the timing just days before the Galatasaray collapse has fueled speculation of an imminent managerial change, according to .

The ex-Manchester United boss, currently out of work after a brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen, remains deeply respected in Amsterdam after his trophy-laden tenure between 2018 and 2022, during which he guided Ajax to three Eredivisie titles and a Champions League semi-final. His potential return is viewed as the club’s only viable lifeline to restore order on and off the pitch.

AdvertisementAFPKroes looks to Ten Hag as crisis solution

Inside the Johan Cruyff Arena, pressure is mounting not only on Heitinga but also on Kroes himself, whose credibility is now tied to the struggling manager. According to reports, the Ajax director will hold follow-up talks with Ten Hag, hoping to persuade him to take charge before the winter break. For Kroes, the stakes are clear. Without Ten Hag’s agreement, his own position could soon become untenable. 

Ten Hag’s track record speaks for itself. Under his leadership, Ajax became synonymous with dynamic, high-pressing football and world-class talent development, producing stars such as Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek. His return would not only bring tactical clarity but also much-needed stability to a fractured club structure.

However, the 55-year-old will face a far tougher challenge this time. The current squad, described by Dutch media as “limited and flawed,” lacks the depth and technical quality of his previous era. Yet, given the club’s current state, expectations are modest, few believe a title race is even possible this season.

Fan frustration reaches breaking point

Wednesday’s humiliating loss to Galatasaray marked Ajax’s fourth straight defeat in the Champions League, leaving them bottom of the table and with just one goal scored. Heitinga, once seen as a steady interim figure, now looks increasingly out of his depth. Players’ silence spoke volumes: Davy Klaassen, echoing teammates Remko Pasveer and Steven Berghuis, stopped short of backing the coach, admitting there was still “little foundation” and “little development.”

The discontent reflects deeper structural failings. Ajax’s recruitment has faltered, academy integration has slowed, and confidence has drained from a squad built on uncertainty. The AFCA supporters’ group voiced what many fans feel: “This football will bring tears to your eyes.”

For a club once hailed as Europe’s model of modern success, the current malaise has been jarring and it explains why Ten Hag, despite previous tensions with the board, is seen as the only man capable of restoring identity and purpose.

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AFPTen Hag’s return: motivation, timing and obstacles

Since the abrupt end to his three-game stint at Leverkusen, Ten Hag has been taking time away from football. Reports suggest he is open to returning to Ajax in January, provided the club demonstrate both ambition and structural support.

Financially, the move will not be simple. His €6 million severance package from Leverkusen complicates immediate negotiations, but Ajax are prepared to wait if it means securing their preferred candidate. Rival interest from Wolves, currently battling relegation in the Premier League, adds a layer of urgency. 

For Ten Hag, the appeal is clear – a chance to reclaim his legacy at the club where he built his reputation and reignite a project that still bears his tactical fingerprints. For Ajax, it’s a gamble they can’t afford not to take.

MatériaMais Notícias

Todo fã de futebol já se perguntou: “Quantos jogadores podem realmente ficar naquele banco de reservas, aguardando a chance de entrar em campo e mudar o rumo da partida?” Ah, o banco de reservas, essa área estratégica repleta de potencial e esperança. Vamos desvendar juntos este mistério!

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1. O que diz a regra?

Segundo as regras do futebol estipuladas pela FIFA, durante competições oficiais, as equipes podem ter até sete jogadores no banco de reservas. Contudo, não pense que isso é uma regra fixa para todos os campeonatos ao redor do mundo.

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

2. As exceções ao redor do globo

Em algumas ligas e competições, essa norma pode variar:

Liga dos Campeões da UEFA: As equipes são permitidas a ter 12 jogadores no banco, um número significativamente maior e que oferece ao técnico mais opções táticas.

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Premier League: Até recentemente, seguia a regra padrão da FIFA de sete jogadores. Porém, após a pandemia, temporariamente permitiu nove jogadores no banco, permitindo cinco substituições, para aliviar o stress físico dos atletas.

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3. O impacto tático

Ter mais opções no banco não apenas oferece alívio físico para os jogadores, mas também amplia o leque tático para os técnicos. Com mais jogadores à disposição, as equipes podem adaptar-se às situações variadas de jogo, seja buscando o empate, segurando uma vantagem ou tentando reverter um placar adverso.

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4. Curiosidades das reservas

Jogador 12: Em muitas culturas futebolísticas, a torcida é carinhosamente apelidada de “jogador número 12”, por sua capacidade de influenciar o jogo com seu apoio incondicional. Mas você sabia que, em termos técnicos, o primeiro substituto no banco geralmente usa a camisa número 12? Coincidência? Acho que não!

Estreias memoráveis: Quantos jogadores fizeram suas estreias saindo do banco e mudaram o destino de uma partida? Este espaço não é apenas para os que aguardam, mas muitas vezes para aqueles que estão prontos para brilhar!

5. O lado humano do banco

Por trás das estratégias e táticas, há um lado humano no banco de reservas. Jogadores que aguardam ansiosamente sua chance, aquecendo, torcendo e vivendo cada segundo do jogo. Alguns podem sentir frustração, enquanto outros veem como uma oportunidade de aprender e observar.

Em conclusão, o banco de reservas não é apenas um lugar de espera, mas sim um local repleto de estratégia, emoção e esperança. Cada jogador ali sentado carrega consigo sonhos, desejos e a ambição de, quando chamado, fazer a diferença em campo. E, agora que você sabe quantos jogadores podem estar lá, observará esse espaço com um olhar ainda mais atento durante as partidas!

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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. 

The circus surrounding Celtic’s transfer business will now have to be put to one side, ahead of the return of domestic action this weekend.

The fallout of what went on this summer continues, however, with it yet to be seen just how Brendan Rodgers’ side will be impacted by their lack of adequate investment, particularly in the centre-forward ranks.

At present, the Northern Irishman has been left with a pool of strikers that all have question marks around them, in the form of Shin Yamada, Johnny Kenny, Callum Osmand and late arrival, Kelechi Iheanacho.

The experienced Nigerian – who has been snapped up from Sevilla on a free transfer – scored just four times for the LaLiga side and for Middlesbrough last term, albeit while having previously flourished under Rodgers at Leicester City.

With the Hoops boss now pondering how to get the best out of the 28-year-old again, attention turns to the man he has replaced, Adam Idah, with the Republic of Ireland international departing for Swansea City following a mixed time at Parkhead.

How Idah compares to recent Celtic strikers

It is difficult to know quite what to make of Idah’s spell in Glasgow, with the 24-year-old enjoying notable highs, albeit while failing to truly deliver on a consistent basis.

Nine goals during just 19 games of his initial loan spell makes for good reading, as does his return of 20 goals in all competitions last term, despite having started just 26 games, as per Transfermarkt.

In his own words, the former Norwich City man felt that such an impact went “a bit unnoticed”, albeit with it hard to argue against his disappointing overall record of just 29 goals in 76 games in total in green and white.

Considering his £9m price tag, the man who previously scored just 17 senior goals at Carrow Road certainly underdelivered, having failed to hit the heights of those who came before him in recent times.

Of course, former teammate Kyogo Furuhashi is the gold standard when it comes to modern Celtic strikers, although even the likes of Georgios Giakoumakis fared far better, having almost matched Idah’s tally from 19 fewer games.

Kyogo

85

165

Giakoumakis

57

26

Dembele

94

51

Edouard

179

87

Idah

76

29

Oh

47

12

Odsonne Edouard – signed from PSG for a similar fee of £9m – also enjoyed a far more fruitful spell in Scotland, as did his predecessor Moussa Dembele, with the French duo playing a starring role as the club’s attacking figurehead.

Despite his £9m price tag and number nine shirt, Idah, by contrast, never truly earned such lofty status. A swift exit has now been secured, with it yet to be seen if history will repeat itself in the case of a certain Arne Engels.

The Celtic star in danger of being the next Adam Idah

The burden of a significant price tag can weigh heavy, as the case of Idah shows, with Celtic perhaps somewhat fortunate to have recouped a fair chunk of their initial investment, amid the Irishman’s £7m deadline day departure.

Time will tell whether the club will go on to cash in on young Engels for a far more handsome fee later down the line, with the £11m signing enduring his own turbulent time of things at Celtic Park thus far.

As Rodgers has been at pains to stress on numerous occasions, at 22, the promising Belgian is “nowhere near the finished article”, with there perhaps a need to look beyond the eye-catching nature of that transfer fee.

He is a player of “potential” according to his manager – having also been described as “so underrated” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – with time needing to be given for the midfielder to properly bed in at Celtic, considering his relative youth.

That being said, as was the case with Idah, that £11m figure will hang like an albatross around his neck if he continues to underwhelm, with the youngster having also dipped in and out of the side over the last 12 months or so.

Indeed, the early weeks of the new season have seen Engels start just three of a possible seven games, including a disappointing outing against Rangers, having notably been introduced off the bench for both legs of the shock defeat to Kairat Almaty in Champions League qualifying.

A return of 24 goals and assists in 59 games in all competitions to date is certainly reason for optimism, although the former FC Augsburg man is yet to truly stamp his authority on this Celtic side, having notably been usurped by summer signing Benjamin Nygren in the midfield pecking order.

With a swift departure having actually been touted over the summer, it already looks like the four-cap international could head the same way as Idah in the near future, should his standing not improve under Rodgers.

That night in Munich has highlighted what he can produce when at his best, with time still on his side to prove a success in a Celtic.

That said, if he’s not careful, Engels could well prove to be the club’s next Idah as another expensive gamble that has gone awry.

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O Botafogo tem aproveitado os dias da Data Fifa para investir na parte física e mental do elenco. Luís Castro vem utilizado este período sem jogos para recalibrar as energias dos jogadores alvinegros e montar um time que continue sendo competitivo dentro das quatro linhas.

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A maratona de jogos da temporada vinha sendo muito intensa. A equipe, até pouco tempo, estava competindo em alto nível por três competições. Antes da parada, mal havia tempo para treinos e descansos. Agora, os jogadores alvinegros estão motivados para continuarem performando com excelência.

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Por conta do desgaste, os atletas tiveram quatro dias de folga e receberam instruções para realizarem atividades físicas em casa. Alguns nomes do elenco aproveitaram as últimas atividades para se recuperarem fisicamente e chegarem preparados para os próximos compromissos do ano.

Na última semana antes da Data Fifa, Tiquinho Soares sofreu uma lesão na coxa e foi duvida para partida diante do Fortaleza. O atacante é um dos destaques do time na temporada e poderia ter agravado uma contusão se fosse acionado para muitos jogos em sequência.

Gabriel Pires e Matías Segovia têm treinado normalmente nos últimos dias, estão na reta final da recuperação e devem ser relacionados para os próximos compromissos do Glorioso. O meia sofreu uma lesão na panturrilha e o atacante teve uma fratura na mão.

Quem não conseguirá se recuperar para a próxima partida do Botafogo é Marçal. O lateral sofreu uma lesão no joelho no começo do mês e só deve retornar aos gramados no início do julho. Por conta da contusão do capitão, Hugo será titular do Glorioso nos próximos jogos.

O Botafogo entra em campo na próxima quinta-feira, diante do Cuiabá, às 20h, na Arena Pantanal, pelo Brasileirão. A equipe alvinegra busca uma vitória fora de casa para se manter na liderança isolada da competição.