O Palmeiras venceu o Cuiabá nesta noite de sábado (19), na Arena Pantanal, e diminuiu a vantagem do Botafogo para 11 pontos na briga pelo Brasileirão 2023.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAO VIVO! Abel Ferreira fala em entrevista coletiva após vitória do Palmeiras no BrasileirãoPalmeiras19/08/2023PalmeirasATUAÇÕES: Richard Ríos marca golaço de fora da área, e Palmeiras vence o Cuiabá pelo BrasileirãoPalmeiras19/08/2023PalmeirasCom golaço de Ríos, Palmeiras vence o Cuiabá e diminui distância para o líder do BrasileirãoPalmeiras19/08/2023
Com ótimo jogo da zaga alviverde, Raphael Veiga igualou Alex na artilharia da história do clube, Richard Ríos fez uma pintura, Abel rodou o elenco e o Verdão ganhou um pouco mais de confiança antes de encarar o Deportivo Pereira, pela Libertadores.
Quarta tem mais, e independentemente se vai dar pra buscar o Botafogo ou não, é importantíssimo seguir somando pontos para garantir vaga na Libertadores do ano que vem pelo Brasileirão,
Manchester United's newest star Senne Lammens supposedly became a goalkeeper to 'avoid running and being substituted', with his brother revealing the secrets of the Belgian stopper. Signed from Royal Antwerp this summer for £18.2 million ($24.5m), the 23-year-old has quickly caught attention with his commanding presence between the sticks. His clean sheet on debut in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break gave United fans a glimpse of his potential.
Lammens' trial of character awaits at Liverpool
On Sunday, the young Belgian goalkeeper will walk out at Anfield to take on champions Liverpool, in what promises to be the most intimidating test of his career. However, away from the glitz of the Premier League, his footballing story started in Erpe-Mere, a quiet town nestled between Brussels and Ghent. There, in the modest surroundings of KRC Bambrugge, one of four local clubs that would later merge to form Erpe-Mere United, he kicked his first football. The sport runs deep in the Lammens family. His great uncle Paul is now the honorary chairman of the club, while uncle Steven serves as the sporting director. His father, Eddy, a former Bambrugge player, used to coach youth teams that included Senne’s elder brother, Tom. And it was Tom who first noticed Senne’s unusual determination to stand out right from his childhood.
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Lazy Lammens turns goalkeeper
For the first few years, Lammens played as a striker. Fast, physical, and strong, he was a nightmare for defenders. But at just 10 years old, everything changed, not because of a tactical tweak, but because he disliked running.
In an interview with Tom revealed why Senne went in goal: "Mainly because he didn’t want to get substituted. He also didn’t like all the running in training."
His father, suspecting this might just be a phase, sent him to a goalkeeper training camp, thinking it would cure his boredom. Instead, it did the opposite. Senne thrived as his height and agility made him a natural fit.
"As a player, he was always quite tall and strong for his age, and had a powerful shot," Tom added.
After two years at his hometown club, Lammens followed his brother to F.C.V. Dender, a professional side not far from home. It was there that he began his transformation into one of Belgium’s most promising young goalkeepers. From Dender, he progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, catching the attention of scouts and earning a move to Club Brugge, where he developed his reputation for commanding his area and handling pressure. When Royal Antwerp offered him first-team football, he seized the opportunity, and his performances there soon put him on United’s radar.
Courtois has some advice for Lammens
Ahead of the clash at Anfield, Lammens received some tongue-in-cheek advice from Belgium team-mate Thibaut Courtois, who knows the challenge of Liverpool’s fortress.
"It’s a hard stadium," he told Belgian media. "Maybe I should tell him to clap the home fans when he arrives at the Kop!"
Courtois who has 107 caps for Belgium and two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, made clear the enormity of the task. "His first game was a flavour of what United will get," he said. "He’s a tall guy, he is not afraid to come on crosses, and he’s a kid with personality. I’m sure he can do a good job. He has a tough game this weekend, so I hope if he plays, it will go well for him. All the best to him."
The Real Madrid star will visit Anfield on November 4 for a Champions League fixture and added: "I will go there myself in a few weeks. It’s always a tough game there, and I guess Liverpool also have to bounce back after losing a few games."
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A monumental challenge for Lammens
Liverpool’s recent form has been shaky, with three defeats in a row across all competitions, but that makes them even more dangerous. Whereas, for United, it’s about momentum. Amorim’s side have found some rhythm, thanks to a win over Sunderland, and with the backline looking solid, they’ll count on their new Belgian shot-stopper to hold firm under relentless pressure. For a 23-year-old who once switched to goal just to avoid running laps, this could be a night that defines him.
After missing out on Marc Guehi on deadline day, Liverpool are reportedly ready to table a January offer to sign a Barcelona alternative for Arne Slot.
Slot admits "lot to improve" after Atletico Madrid win
If you were to ask Liverpool what their perfect set of results would look like after five games, then 15 points from a possible 15 in all competitions would be their answer.
Ask them about their ideal performances in that time, however, and they’re unlikely to request five last-gasp winners. Nonetheless, somehow, Anfield’s late show has rolled on.
Slot drops early hint about Isak's likely Liverpool role against Everton
He surprised the Liverpool boss…
ByTom Cunningham Sep 18, 2025
This time, it was Virgil van Dijk who stepped up – heading home in the 92nd minute to hand Liverpool a deserved 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid. Alas, for all the positives in arguably their best performance of the season so far, Slot admitted that there’s still a “lot to improve”.
Whether things would have been different from a defensive standpoint if Liverpool’s move for Guehi crossed the line on deadline day is certainly something to ponder.
Without the Crystal Palace captain, the Reds’ biggest weakness comes courtesy of their depth at centre-back and that may well be something they solve with an alternative option in January.
Liverpool ready to table £40m Araujo offer
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now ready to table an offer to sign Ronald Araujo in January. The Barcelona defender has lost his place in Hansi Flick’s side and the Reds are reportedly willing to submit a bid for his signature worth €50m (£43m) when the winter window arrives.
Whether the Catalan club accept that offer is the big question. Given their constant state of financial chaos and the fact that Araujo has lost his starting place, the defender could be an asset that they’re willing to let go at the right price. Meanwhile, compared to Guehi, there’s no denying that the 26-year-old has the ability to compete for a place at Anfield.
Minutes
754
3,059
Progressive Passes
5.83
3.94
Tackles Won
1.07
1
Ball Recoveries
3.21
4.29
Described as “strong” by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Araujo could become quite the coup at just over £40m. The defender has plenty of experience at the very top level and could instantly translate that to the Premier League by completing a January switch to Liverpool.
A Spanish manager who once sued Barcelona over his dismissal from the La Liga club is now in the frame to become the next Rangers boss, with the Ibrox hotseat vacant.
McCoist reacts to Martin's sacking at Ibrox
Russell Martin is now a former Gers manager, with the club finding it impossible to justify keeping hold of him any longer, following yet more dropped points in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday [via The National], Rangers legend Ally McCoist gave his thoughts on the decision to sack Martin, actually criticising the players in part, as well as the Englishman.
“It’s easy to blame the manager; that’s where the buck stops, that is where the responsibility is, at the manager’s door. We all know that is what happens. But the players have got to take some responsibility as well. Some of the defending…
“Sometimes when you get on the pitch, you have got to take responsibility, and Rangers just look like wee boys.”Falkirk outran Rangers, they outfought Rangers. And that can happen occasionally but it’s been happening on a regular basis. Not good enough.”
Spanish manager linked with Rangers hotseat
According to AS [via Sport Witness], Quique Setien is now a potential contender to become Rangers’ next manager, having quit his role at Beijing Guoan. Personal reasons are cited as being key to the decision, with the Spaniard finding it difficult being so far away from his family in China and wanting a return to Europe.
Setien would be an intriguing choice by Rangers, with the 67-year-old having a long and distinguished career in management, and taking charge of over 500 matches.In fact, he even managed Barcelona for a short period, and sued Barca back in 2020 after his spell in charge ended with a humiliating loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, claiming they did not fulfill his contract in regards to a payout.
“In my case, Quique Setien, it is public and well known that on August 17, both the club and the president announced my dismissal with immediate effect. However, it was not until yesterday, September 16 (one month later), when they sent me, for the first time, the written communication of said dismissal (without any settlement).”
Beijing Guoan
32
2.00
Villarreal
39
1.54
Barcelona
25
2.08
Real Betis
94
1.48
Las Palmas
78
1.23
CD Lugo
258
1.45
CD Logrones
20
1.05
Guinea
1
0.00
Poli Ejido
3
1.33
Racing Santander
36
1.78
Setien has managed 10 clubs in total, including Racing Santander and Villarreal, and if Rangers feel a hugely experienced figure is needed after the younger Martin, he could be a shrewd appointment.
Rangers bosses love "amazing" coach who makes players "roll their sleeves up"
Would he be the ideal successor?
ByHenry Jackson Oct 6, 2025
Reaction to Setien coming in could be mixed, however, with Gers supporters potentially a more proven boss in British football, and a younger choice.
Somerset’s James Rew has been added to the England Test squad to face Zimbabwe after Jordan Cox was ruled out with an abdominal muscle injury. Rew, 21, is currently averaging 54.71 in the County Championship this season and wins his first senior call-up.Cox had been named in the squad after missing a Test debut over the winter due to a thumb fracture suffered in the nets while on tour in New Zealand. He hurt his side when taking a single to move to 99 in Essex’s game at Taunton over the weekend, and subsequently retired hurt after bringing up three figures.Scans have now confirmed that he will not be able to take part against Zimbabwe. It is a setback that continues a cruel run of injury near-misses for Cox, including a badly broken finger sustained during the Hundred in August 2023, which required surgery and further delayed any prospect of an England debut.Related
Cox recalled to England Test squad for Zimbabwe
Cox suffers injury scare while scoring century against Somerset
Rew hundred, Overton grit help Somerset to first win of season
Instead, Rew – who scored a fourth-innings hundred in the same County Championship match to anchor Somerset’s chase of 321 – will be the spare batter in the group. That innings made him the youngest Englishman since Denis Compton to score 10 first-class centuries.Wicketkeeper-batter Rew has been on the selectors’ radar for some time, having been a key member of the England Under-19s side that finished runners-up at the 2022 U19 World Cup, top-scoring in the final with 95.He scored his maiden century for Somerset that season, and followed up by scoring 1086 County Championship runs at 57.15, with five hundreds, during the 2023 summer. His white-ball numbers are impressive, with two List A hundreds and a score of 62 not out, on only his second T20 appearance, in last season’s Vitality Blast semi-final. He has also featured regularly for the Lions.The England squad to face Zimbabwe are due to meet this weekend in London before taking part in a training camp at Loughborough. They will then be given some time at home before the start of the Test, at Trent Bridge, on May 22.
League games generally have 60 minutes extra allotted for delays, while only playoffs were supposed to have two extra hours previously
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In an effort to complete a full 20-overs match in case of rain interruptions, the IPL has decided to add 120 minutes of extra time for the remaining nine matches in the league phase of the 2025 season.Normally the two-hour extra time allowance has been part of the playing conditions for the playoffs only. However, with the tournament resuming after a week-long suspension and the onset of monsoon across India, the IPL has decided to ensure play as far as possible.Eight of the nine remaining league matches are scheduled to be played in the evening barring the Gujarat Titans-Chennai Super Kings game which will be played in the afternoon on May 25. As per the playing conditions, the regulation completion time for an evening match is 10.50pm and 6.50pm for an afternoon game (all timings IST).This means with an extra two-hour allowance now, a full 20-overs match can start as late as 5.30pm (afternoon game) or 9.30pm (evening game). For a minimum five-overs game, the cut-off time for an afternoon match will be 7.56 pm (including 10-minute changeover) and 11.56 pm for an evening game.So far in IPL 2025, three matches have been abandoned due to rain, with teams sharing points, while two other games have been shortened due to the weather.Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata was the first game to be abandoned due to rain, followed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)-Delhi Capitals (DC) match in Hyderabad. The first match that was scheduled after the week-long suspension of the tournament, between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and KKR, was then abandoned without a ball bowled in Bengaluru.PBKS earlier defeated RCB in a shortened game, while Gujarat Titans (GT) came up trumps against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a match that saw multiple stoppages.Due to a yellow alert issued by the meteorological department in Bengaluru that has predicted “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in the city until Thursday, RCB’s final home game against SRH on May 23 has been shifted to Lucknow.
Wolves have endured a bruising start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Six matches in, they sit bottom of the table after losing five and drawing once, that solitary point coming in heartbreaking fashion against Spurs when Joao Palhinha struck a 94th-minute equaliser.
A goal difference of -9 reflects the struggles Vítor Periera’s side have faced both in attack and defence.
The Carabao Cup has offered a rare glimmer of light, with Wolves progressing past Everton to set up a fourth-round clash against Chelsea.
But in the league, their attack remains toothless: their expected goals tally ranks fifth-worst in the division, better only than Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Burnley.
Burnley
4.5
Aston Villa
5.0
West Ham
5.0
Newcastle United
5.2
Wolves
5.6
Wolves must find a spark quickly, and they are already feeling the absence of their departed talisman, Matheus Cunha.
Cunha’s £62.5m exit was compounded by the sale of Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City for £31m.
Though Wolves managed to retain Jørgen Strand Larsen – who contributed 22% of their goals last season and has since committed his future until 2030 despite heavy interest from Newcastle – Pereira’s squad is still adjusting.
Several arrivals, including Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias, add depth, but none will be expected to bear the same creative burden that Cunha once carried.
That responsibility may fall on the shoulders of a new arrival.
The loss of Cunha – the man who made it all tick
Cunha was central to Wolves’ survival push last season.
Arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2023, he went on to score 31 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions.
His 2023/24 league campaign was particularly vital: 15 goals and six assists in 33 appearances ensured Wolves had a fighting chance after a bleak first half of the season.
The Brazilian forward was not just about end product; his underlying numbers highlight how complete his game had become.
He averaged 0.48 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, ranking him among the very best attacking midfielders in Europe, and his 3.87 shots per 90 placed him in the 99th percentile.
That volume alone kept defenders occupied, but Cunha also created for others, producing 4.68 shot-creating actions and 5.30 progressive passes per 90.
He combined that with 2.05 successful take-ons per game, showing he could beat a man as well as pick a pass.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhain action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Cook
For a side that already struggles to generate quality chances, losing his mix of direct shooting threat, creativity, and dribbling power is a hammer blow.
Wolves have not only lost their goalscorer but also the man who made their attack tick.
His sometimes volatile personality – including controversial outbursts on social media directed at fans – was tolerated precisely because of the quality he brought on the pitch.
Wolves' perfect Cunha replacement
Into that void steps Fer Lopez.
Signed from Celta Vigo in the summer for £19m, the 21-year-old Spaniard is being backed to take on the creative mantle.
Still developing, Lopez has already shown at youth level why he is regarded so highly, earning his Spain U21 debut in September.
Wolves see him as a player who, like Cunha once did, can gradually grow into a leader in the final third.
Lopez’s statistical profile underlines his potential. In La Liga last season, he averaged 2.68 shots per 90, enough to place him in the 77th percentile for his position throughout Europe’s top five leagues.
More importantly for Wolves, he created 4.19 shot-creating actions per 90, showing he can be a reliable source of chances for teammates.
His passing metrics are particularly impressive: a completion rate of 83.4% puts him in the 94th percentile, while his 6.52 progressive passes per 90 are elite, ranking in the 93rd percentile.
Add to that 2.33 successful take-ons per 90, and you have a “tremendous ball-carrier” – in the words of one analyst – who is capable of driving through lines and committing defenders.
Matches Played
17
Goals
2
Shot-Creating Actions
30
Progressive Carries
27
Progressive Passes
43
Those metrics echo some of Cunha’s strengths.
Where Cunha was known for his shooting volume and chance creation, Lopez’s passing reliability and ability to progress play stand out.
His 6.52 progressive passes per 90, ranking in the 93rd percentile, indicate a willingness to move the ball quickly through midfield into dangerous zones – something Wolves badly need as their chance creation dries up.
Importantly, Lopez offers versatility. He can operate as an advanced midfielder, threading passes into the front line or drop slightly deeper to dictate play in possession.
His intelligence in tight spaces could become crucial against compact defensive blocks, a recurring obstacle for Wolves last season.
The task of replacing a proven Premier League attacker like Cunha is daunting, especially for a 21-year-old still adapting to English football.
If Wolves are to climb away from the relegation zone, giving Lopez responsibility sooner rather than later may be their best route forward.
With Strand Larsen carrying the goalscoring burden and Lopez supplying the creative spark, Wolves might yet find a way to recalibrate their faltering attack.
West Ham United have splashed the cash in recent years following their move to the London Stadium, with a period of ups and downs under numerous different managers.
A European trophy came the Hammers’ way under David Moyes, but there have also been struggles, with some big-money additions failing to hit the heights.
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Here is a look at West Ham’s most expensive signings of all time to see which ones were a hit and which ones weren’t.
West Ham’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Lucas Paqueta
£51m
Lyon
2022
2
Sebastian Haller
£45m
Eintracht Frankfurt
2019
3
Mateus Fernandes
£42m
Southampton
2022
4
Max Kilman
£40m
Wolves
2024
5
Mohammed Kudus
£38m
Ajax
2023
6
Felipe Anderson
£36m
Lazio
2018
7
Gianluca Scamacca
£35.5m
Sassuolo
2022
=8
Jean-Clair Todibo
£35m
Nice
2025
=8
Edson Alvarez
£35m
Ajax
2010
=10
Nayef Aguerd
£30m
Rennes
2022
=10
James Ward-Prowse
£30m
Southampton
2023
12
Kurt Zouma
£29.8m
Chelsea
2021
13
Niclas Fullkrug
£27m
Borussia Dortmund
2024
14
Nikola Vlasic
£26.8m
CSKA Moscow
2021
15
Luis Guilherme
£25.5m
Palmeiras
2024
16
Crysencio Summerville
£25m
Leeds United
2024
17
Pablo Fornals
£24m
Villarreal
2019
18
Issa Diop
£22m
Toulouse
2018
19
Andre Ayew
£20.5m
Swansea City
2016
=20
Said Benrahma
£20m
Brentford
2021
=20
Marko Arnautovic
£20m
Stoke City
2017
=20
Mads Hermansen
£20m
Leicester City
2025
Detailed look at West Ham's 10 most expensive signings… 10 Nayef Aguerd £30m from Rennes
Nayef Aguerd came in with a big reputation and a hefty £30m price tag but got injured almost immediately.
He spent just over three years at the London Stadium before being sold to Marseille for £20m in 2025.
9 Edson Alvarez £35m from Ajax
It was something of a coup for the Hammers to land Edson Alvarez, given the interest from both Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea in the midfielder in 2023.
However, just over two years on, the Mexico international was loaned out to Turkish side Fenerbahce.
8 Jean-Clair Todibo £35m from Nice
Jean-Clair Todibo initially joined West Ham on loan, but the defender’s move became permanent in 2025 for an eye-catching £35m fee.
After making 24 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, the obligation to sign Todibo became active from Nice.
7 Gianluca Scamacca £35.5m from Sassuolo
Despite scoring eight goals in 27 games for the Hammers – three of which came in the Conference League – things just never worked out for Gianluca Scamacca in East London.
While injuries certainly didn’t help, there was something that just never clicked with this move, and it’s hard to call it anything other than a flop.
6 Felipe Anderson £36m from Lazio
Felipe Anderson was undoubtedly a good player when he arrived at the club, but given that he came in as the club-record signing – a cool £36m – it’s hard not to view his spell as a disappointment.
The Brazil international made 73 appearances and provided 25 goal contributions, which feels like an underwhelming set of numbers. He was sold back to Lazio in 2021.
5 Mohammed Kudus £38m from Ajax
Mohammed Kudus cost West Ham £38m from Ajax in 2023, and the Ghananian was electric at the London Stadium for a period of time.
However, fast forward to 2025, he headed across London to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, although the Irons did make a profit by cashing in for £55m.
4 Max Kilman £40m from Wolves
During Julen Lopetegui’s time at West Ham, the club splashed the cash on Wolves centre-back Max Kilman.
A player Lopetegui worked with at Molineux, Kilman cost £40m and signed a seven-year deal through until 2031.
3 Mateus Fernandes £42m from Southampton
Mateus Fernandes
2 Sebastian Haller £45m from Eintracht Frankfurt
Sebastian Haller was a flop at West Ham, and an expensive one at £45m. He scored 14 goals in 54 games for the club and often looked utterly lost.
Since his spell with the Irons, the forward hit the best form of his career at Ajax, earning a move to Borussia Dortmund.
1 Lucas Paqueta £51m from Lyon
Top of the charts as West Ham’s record signing is Lucas Paqueta, and it’s probably fair to say he had a slow start to life at the London Stadium.
The Brazilian has gone from strength to strength with the Hammers and is under contract until 2027.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a frustrating start to the campaign and Vitor Pereira has been dealt an injury blow involving one of his key players.
Wolves turn focus to Everton clash after defeat at Newcastle
The Old Gold are still to pick up a point in the Premier League and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend.
Despite a closely contested encounter with plenty of solidity from both sides, Nick Woltemade’s header proved to be the difference, and in a way, he also highlighted Wolves’ lack of attacking potency.
Furious at how the flow of the match was halted, Pereira vented his frustration on Match of the Day by claiming the officials’ willingness to dish out yellow cards slowed his side’s momentum.
He said: “I’m very proud of my team. I think we competed since the first minute until the last minute in a difficult stadium.
“In the end I have a question. How is it possible for a team to press and be aggressive and win duels if we got yellow cards? It spoiled our game. It’s not possible to be aggressive and compete at this level with yellow cards in the middle of the field.”
Nevertheless, their lack of creativity has had a knock-on effect in the final third, something that will need to be rectified as Wolves gear up for a crucial double-header against Everton in the EFL Cup before Leeds United visit Molineux this weekend.
Dele Alli could provide an out-of-window dose of inspiration for the Old Gold. However, Pereira has now been dealt another blow in his search for coolness in front of goal that will frustrate supporters.
Wolves fear Jorgen Strand Larsen injury is now 'more serious'
As relayed by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Wolves may be without Jorgen Strand Larsen for the visit of Leeds this weekend, after Pereira admitted last week the Norway international’s Achilles injury is ‘more serious’ than first feared.
Explaining that the timeline for his return can’t be set in stone, he said after Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle: “Day by day, it’s his Achilles tendon, we cannot push — we need to be patient.”
Wolves' most expensive signings of all time
Football FanCast takes a detailed look at Wolves’ 10 most expensive signings of all time.
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Charlie Smith
Sep 5, 2025
During the summer, Strand Larsen was the subject of significant interest from Newcastle and was valued at around £65 million by the Old Gold, hence why he ended up remaining at Molineux.
In a frustrating turn of events, the 25-year-old may be missing a while longer and unable to add to his return of 16 goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions since joining initially on loan from Celta Vigo last summer.
Tolu Arokodare made his debut in the defeat at St James’ Park, and he may now be called upon for the coming run of matches following his move to the West Midlands from Genk.
Barcelona erupted in frustration after Hansi Flick’s dramatic red card against Girona, with sporting director Deco accusing referees of treating the club more harshly than others. Flick, who made a controversial gesture while celebrating a last-minute winner, admitted he regretted his actions as Barca now prepare to appeal the decision.
Flick’s red card triggers Barcelona outrage
Barca manager Flick’s dismissal during the chaotic 2-1 win over Girona has stirred controversy across Spain. Flick was sent off after celebrating Ronald Araujo’s 93rd-minute winner with an emotional gesture that referee Jesus Gil Manzano deemed unsporting. The German, already booked earlier for protesting stoppage time decisions, was shown a second yellow for what was described as a “provocative gesture” from the sidelines.
The red card means Flick will be forced to watch next weekend’s El Clasico from the stands, unless Barcelona’s appeal succeeds. The coach admitted "have to change my behaviour," saying he did not want his grandchildren to see him behaving that way. “I don’t like seeing myself in this state on television, and I don’t want my grandchildren to see their grandfather like that,” Flick reflected after the match.
He explained the incident stemmed purely from passion and not provocation. “Maybe I should control my impulses, but I love Barca, Barcelona, and its people, and that’s why I always give my all,” he said.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesDeco defends Flick and blasts refereeing standards
Sporting director Deco strongly backed Flick after the game, confirming Barca will appeal the decision while criticising what he described as a pattern of unfair treatment. "The manager said he hadn't insulted anyone," Deco said to reporters. "We're sure to appeal Flick's sending-off. The referees are always more rigorous against us, they push the limits much further. Winning against Barça is always more complicated, but it gives you greater satisfaction. We fought hard against many things. It won't be an excuse, whatever the result against Madrid. We're not going to get into that. There are very strict things against us."
He further stressed that the club will handle the issue formally. “We’ll do what we have to do on a legal level,” he added, making it clear that Barça will not let the matter rest quietly.
Deco defended Flick’s emotional reaction, calling it normal in football. "I saw very little. Too much importance is given to these things. It's a moment of euphoria, it's almost impossible to contain yourself. I'm hoarse because I called," he said. "There's no one who loves Barca who wouldn't celebrate such a goal with euphoria. Flick has always been a restrained person, he's a balanced person. There are moments of euphoria… this is football. The manager is still a very balanced person. It's normal, and all the players were seen celebrating like crazy. Scoring a goal in the 94th minute with your defender playing as a striker is not normal."
Flick admits Barcelona has ‘changed him’ but Barca hierarchy hint at bias
Speaking ahead of Barca’s Champions League clash against Olympiacos, Flick reflected on how his emotional connection with the club has altered his personality. “Maybe my emotions aren’t the same as before,” he admitted. “I remember when I was coach of Bayern Munich, the footage of the match against Barca showed that I had the same reaction to the first, second, and eighth goals. People said I never smiled! Right now, I’m showing more emotion, it’s true, because this club has completely changed me.”
The 60-year-old coach added that his passion comes from his deepening bond with Barcelona. “I wasn’t complaining at the referee, but he saw it that way and that’s something I have to accept,” Flick said, distancing himself from claims of disrespect towards the officials.
Barca president Joan Laporta also weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that refereeing inconsistencies have disadvantaged the club. Without naming Real Madrid directly, Laporta hinted that there was a “white hand” influencing officiating standards against Barcelona. His comments added fuel to the growing debate over perceived refereeing bias in La Liga.
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Getty ImagesChampions League test before El Clasico showdown
Barca’s attention now turns to their midweek Champions League fixture against Olympiacos at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Flick’s side, who are 16th in the league phase with three points, desperately need a win to avoid slipping further behind in the standings.
The Blaugrana will be without several key players, including Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha, forcing Flick to experiment once again. Reports suggest that Roony Bardghji, Marcus Rashford, and Lamine Yamal could form the front three.
With Clasico looming on Sunday, the pressure is immense, and a win in Europe could restore confidence and calm the storm surrounding Flick’s red card, while a setback could deepen scrutiny ahead of the season’s most crucial week.