يتقدم تعافي مارك تير شتيجن بشكل جيد وسيكون جاهزًا تمامًا بعد إصابته في الظهر بنهاية نوفمبر، على أن يعود للملاعب في يناير.
ولا يزال مستقبل تير شتيجن غامضاً وسيحافظ برشلونة على التزامه تجاه خوان جارسيا المصاب والذي سيعود خلال شهر، ولن يكون هناك أي تغيير في الخطط رغم التقارب بين الحارس الألماني والنادي قبل نهاية سوق الانتقالات في أغسطس وتبقى جميع الخيارات مفتوحة.
ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فقد تواصلت عدة أندية بالفعل مع برشلونة بشأن مستقبل الألماني الوشيك سواء بالإعارة أو الانتقال ويعود القرار لحارس المرمى.
ويعي نادي برشلونة بالاهتمام الذي قد يتلقاه تير شتيجن، خاصة وأنه حارس مرمى يمتلك مستوى عاليًا يمكنه اللعب في أي ناد كبير في أوروبا.
وقد يكون أمر مشاركة تير شتيجن معقداً مع برشلونة قبل المونديال، ولكن النادي يحافظ على موقفه مع اللاعب وعقده الذي سينتهي خلال عامين ونصف.
اقرأ أيضاً.. بعد لامين يامال.. فليك ينتصر على الاتحاد الإسباني في أزمة جديدة
هناك اهتمام كبير من أندية الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز حيث قد تتعاقد عدة فرق كبرى مع حارس مرمى في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية، حيث استفسرت أندية مثل نيوكاسل وتوتنهام ومانشستر يونايتد عن شتيجن.
ولا يزال موناكو مهتمًا أيضاً بضم شتيجن، رغم أن الألماني رفض التفاوض مع النادي في الصيف وأكد رغبته في البقاء مع برشلونة.
وقد تكون معظم الفرق منفتحة على الإعارة مع خيار الشراء، لكن برشلونة لن يفتح الباب لرحيل شتيجن، إلا إذا أبدى الحارس نفسه اهتمامه بالرحيل وهو أمر لم يحدث حتى الآن في انتظار عودته.
ويتبقى ثلاثة أشهر على فتح سوق الانتقالات وسيتعين على برشلونة تسجيل تير شتيجن مرة أخرى في الدوري الإسباني، ويجب أن يعمل النادي على قاعدة 1:1 حتى يتمكنوا أيضاً من تسجيل خوان جارسيا والموجود حالياً في الفريق، مستغلاً الغياب الطويل للحارس الألماني.
Lionel Messi has been savaged by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo in an Instagram post celebrating his 38th birthday, with the GOAT receiving a Smurfs cake.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Messi savaged by wife
Instagram post celebrates his birthday
Smurfs cake for special day
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, with his wife poking fun at him and celebrating his best qualities on social media.
Advertisement
WHAT ROCCUZZO SAID
Roccuzzo wrote: "Happy birthday grumpy old man! Best dad, best partner, best everything!!! How lucky we are to have you! We love you." Among the pictures in the post was one of the GOAT enjoying a special Smurfs birthday cake.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup, where his magical free-kick in the win against Porto inspired his side's qualification into the last 16.
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
By finishing second in Group B, Inter Miami have set up a mouthwatering reunion between Messi and his former club PSG. They must overcome the champions of Europe to progress into the quarter-finals.
The new system will have the TV umpire and Hawk-Eye operators in the same room, with more split screens, better frame rates and a less rigid process
Nagraj Gollapudi19-Mar-2024To increase the accuracy and speed of decision-making, IPL 2024 will have the Smart Replay System.ESPNcricinfo has learned that under the Smart Replay System, the TV umpire will receive inputs directly from two Hawk-Eye operators who will be sitting in the same room as the umpire and provide him with images captured by Hawk-Eye’s eight hi-speed cameras across the ground. The TV broadcast director, who used to be a conduit between the third umpire and the Hawk-Eye operators until now, will no longer be involved under the new system.It is understood that the Smart Replay System will allow the TV umpire to refer to more visuals than they previously had access to, including split-screen images. Take the example of a relay catch taken mid-air by the first fielder on the boundary rope. In the past, the broadcaster was unable to provide a split screen of the fielder’s feet and hands at the precise moment when the ball was caught. Under the new system, a split screen can show the umpire when the ball was caught, or released, alongside synchronised footage of the feet.Related
IPL and Hawk-Eye join hands to end debate over above-waist no-balls
Inside the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Punjab's new open-air venue in Mullanpur
ChatIPL – An AI-powered peek at the league that defies logic
'Bangalore' becomes 'Bengaluru' as RCB announce change in team name
IPL 2024 FAQs – New captains, record buys, Smart Replay System, and more
Similarly, a split screen can now show, in case of an overthrow that goes for four, whether the batters had crossed or not when the fielder released the ball (think 2019 World Cup final for an example of a specific use case). Previously the TV umpire did not get such clear visuals, primarily because the broadcaster couldn’t marry the two images.There are eight Hawk-Eye cameras at any match: two on each side of the ground on the straight boundaries and two on each side square of the wicket. Until IPL 2023, Hawk-Eye cameras were mainly used for ball tracking and UltraEdge. So, outside of checks for lbws and edges, the broadcaster largely used footage from their own cameras for any on-field referral. That included referrals for stumpings, run-outs, catches and overthrows.In the case of a stumping referral, under the Smart Review System, the TV umpire can ask the Hawk-Eye operators to show him the split screen. In case there is a visible gap when the ball passed bat, he will not ask for the UltraEdge (to see if it was a caught behind) and instead directly proceed to check the side-on replay for the stumping. If the TV umpire doesn’t see a clear gap between bat and ball, only then he will refer to UltraEdge.For stumpings, the new system will show the TV umpire tri-vision – essentially footage from side-on cameras as well as from front-on in a single frame. The front-on camera angle is important because it gives an accurate picture of bails being removed. Previously the broadcaster would show the side-on angle from each side along with footage from Stump Cam. But Stump Cam records the action at a low speed of approximately 50 frames per second, as opposed to the Hawk-Eye cameras which record at approximately 300 frames per second, meaning there will now be more accurate footage for the umpires to base their decision on.The Smart Review System is also likely to provide more clarity in the case of a catch taken inches off the turf. Such referrals have in the past sparked debate over the TV umpire’s decision, with the video evidence upon which that decision was based seemingly not conclusive. Under the old system, the TV umpire would ask the TV director to provide him with the best angle available to provide clarity on whether the ball bounced before the fielder pouched it or if the fingers were under the ball. Even the zoomed-in visuals did not always provide conclusive evidence.Now, under the Smart Review System, Hawk-Eye will show a single frame straightaway with images from front-on and side-on angles. The TV umpire can then choose to zoom in from a particular angle.It is understood that the conversations between the TV umpire and the Hawk-Eye operator are likely to be aired live, allowing the viewer to understand the thought process behind decisions better.Speed of play is critical in T20 cricket, and the Smart Review System aims to hop over unnecessary steps to arrive at the right decision in the smallest amount of time. One good example is lbw reviews. The protocol so far involves the TV umpire being provided initially with Spin Vision, which comes from a camera that is positioned in front of the wickets outside the boundary on each side of the pitch. If the ball is close to the bat, the TV umpire would then ask to check UltraEdge. Once satisfied there was no bat involved, he would then proceed to check ball tracking. Under the Smart Review System, if the Hawk-Eye operator spots that the ball had pitched outside leg, he will tell the TV umpire immediately and they will then prioritise ball tracking.The ECB has previously trialled a similar referral system in the Hundred.The BCCI conducted a two-day workshop on the new system in Mumbai on Sunday and Monday for select umpires. It is learned that about 15 umpires, comprising both Indian and overseas umpires, will work with the Smart Replay System during IPL 2024 which starts on March 22.
All roads lead to Bilbao in the Europa League, with Manchester United bidding to ensure that this drab season can end with a flourish, having been drawn against Lyon in the quarter-final stage.
A third trophy in three years for the Red Devils would certainly help to paper over the cracks of the club’s dire Premier League form, although, as manager Ruben Amorim has already admitted, any European glory would not be enough to “save” their season.
Regardless of what happens on the continent, work is seemingly already being done behind the scenes ahead of what is yet another vital summer transfer window.
Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were acquired in January, while 17-year-old wing-back, Diego Leon, is set to arrive at the end of the season, after agreeing a £3m move from his native Paraguay earlier this year.
With departures expected – including the likes of Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen – Amorim’s ranks will need to be bolstered, with rumours already rife regarding the business that could be done over the coming months.
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
It has been noteworthy in recent times that rarely have the Red Devils recruited from within the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag’s tenure notably seeing a raft of Eredivisie arrivals make the move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag
Since signing the likes of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019, the only senior signing – excluding academy moves, loans and free transfers such as Eriksen and Jonny Evans – to have come from another top-flight club is Mason Mount, with the Englishman joining on an initial £55m deal from Chelsea in 2023.
While that deal has backfired amid Mount’s injury woes – and his return of just one goal to date – it could be wise to once again attempt to cherry-pick the best in the division. Think landing a teenage Wayne Rooney from Everton back in 2004.
That scenario could be set to repeat itself, if recent reports are to be believed, with the Daily Mail reporting that United are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have begun working on a deal for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
As per the report, 17 top-flight sides have lodged an enquiry in their bid to land the 19-year-old sensation this summer, albeit with the Old Trafford outfit holding the trump card, due to Jason Wilcox’s connection to the Saints after serving as director of football at St Mary’s previously.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The piece indicates that United have already sent scouts to watch the England U19 international of late, with the race now on to see just who will win the battle for his signature.
Why Man Utd could be chasing their next Rooney
As alluded to above, at the peak of their powers under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils were able to poach the very best that the division had to offer, be it Dimitar Berbatov, Robin van Persie, or indeed, a young Rooney.
Wayne Rooney's Manchester United record (timeless)
After two years in the first-team at Goodison Park, ‘Wazza’ – fresh off the back of his Euro 2004 exploits – was snapped up by Ferguson and co on a £27m deal, with United’s faith in that 18-year-old superstar duly rewarded amid his eventual rise to being the club’s all-time top scorer.
The former England skipper was something of a freak talent, it must be said, yet the aforementioned Dibling could well be on a similar trajectory, having been a firm fixture of Southampton’s first team in recent years, despite his youth.
Tyler Dibling’s PL season in numbers
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
25 (17)
Goals
2
Assists
0
Big chances missed
1
Big chances created
2
Key passes*
0.7
Pass accuracy*
83%
Successful dribbles*
1.6
Fouled*
1.8
Tackles*
1.2
Stats via Sofascore
Handed his senior debut back in 2023, the teenage winger has particularly caught the eye in a dismal Saints side this season, notably starring against United on his first Premier League start back in September, after winning a penalty following a foul from Diogo Dalot.
While, unlike Rooney, Dibling is an England youth star rather than a central figure in the senior Three Lions side, it is telling that he has already solidified a regular role for himself at club level, particularly at a time when teenagers are not so readily thrown into the mix.
A return of four goals and two assists so far this term in all competitions is encouraging for the Exeter-born starlet, with it no surprise that he has earned rave reviews, having been hailed as an “unreal talent” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
In a way, he does possess that almost street footballer vibe that a teenage Rooney also had, with Dibling catching the eye with his low socks and innate dribbling ability. Indeed, he ranks in the top 7% of Premier League midfielders for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
Southampton's TylerDiblingin action with AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen
A “world-class talent” – in the view of Southampton academy manager, Andy Goldie – the silky sensation looks destined for the top, with it set to be intriguing to see if he can follow in Rooney’s footsteps and shine at an elite club like United, should a deal get done.
Van Nistelrooy 2.0: Man Utd offered chance to sign "best CF on the market"
Man Utd can finally end their search for a proven number one
PSG have reached out for talks with an Arsenal transfer target’s representatives, which also follows a mammoth bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the player.
Arsenal riding high off Real Madrid win as transfer plans made
Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brentford that the Gunners’ sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night will be remembered for many years.
Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"
Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025
Two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, followed by a brilliant Mikel Merino finish, downed the 15-time European champions and put Arsenal in cruise control heading into their second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
Brentford (home)
Today
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
It was truly a statement performance by Arsenal, who will still be coming down off what was one of the best Champions League nights in their history.
“Nights like we had the other day are going to be remembered for many, many years, and that’s the kind of night that gives you belief,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real.
“It gives purpose to the competition. It brings joy, and then it prepares you for the next one because you are waiting to experience a feeling like this again. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion, that people are looking forward to, to expend this kind of emotion with us.”
After that outstanding victory at the Emirates against Europe’s arguably most feared side, Arsenal fans have been handed real hope that they could even go on to win their first Champions League title.
Such a feat would also allow Berta to attract the continent’s most elite players, with Arsenal on the hunt for a star winger as one of their many reported items on the agenda this summer.
Berta has held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to multiple reports, and the Spaniard is seen as a top target with his £48 million release clause.
However, Williams isn’t Arsenal’s only wide target, and they’ve expressed an interest in West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.
PSG open talks with Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus after £87m Al-Nassr bid
Arsenal were weighing up a January move for Kudus, according to talkSPORT, but reports at the time claimed that West Ham wanted around £100 million to let him depart mid-season.
As per Africafoot this week, Kudus remains on Arsenal’s agenda, but they face a looming threat from PSG and Al-Nassr, with the latter having already made an £87 million bid to sign the Ghanaian for this summer.
As well as the Saudis, it is believed that PSG have now made contact with Kudus’ representatives, so Arsenal may have to make their move quickly amid this growing battle from abroad for the forward’s signature.
Interestingly, despite West Ham setting a reported asking price of £74 million to sell in the next window, Al-Nassr appear to have gone above and beyond. It will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal decide to do battle with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and PSG, but it is unlikely considering there are much cheaper, quality alternatives like Williams on the market.
Nevertheless, whoever ends up striking a deal for Kudus will be getting a player of real quality, with Michail Antonio calling his teammate “unbelievable” and a “starboy”.
Can you think of a team to stop this all-star combination?
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2019Twenty-two members of our staff picked their alI-time World Cup XIs, from which we compiled a composite team. A total of 39 players featured in at least one of those 22 individual teams. Ten players featured in half or more of the sides. Of these, Wasim Akram was the only unanimous choice.The battle for the final spot was a close one: Kumar Sangakkara pipped the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Steve Waugh, Kapil Dev and AB de Villiers.Only two of the players in the final XI featured in a World Cup before 1992, both a reflection of how the ODI game has evolved and the average age of the selectors.ESPNcricinfo LtdAdam Gilchrist (wk)Matches 31 Runs 1085 Average 36.16 Strike Rate 98.01 Dismissals 52 The destructive keeper-batsman has three World Cup titles. His finest moment came in his final World Cup match, when his 149 (aided by a squash ball in his glove) clinched the third of those title wins.Sachin Tendulkar Matches 45 Runs 2278 Ave 56.95 SR 88.98 100s/50s 6/15 In the three World Cups where he opened throughout, Tendulkar topped the run-scoring charts twice, in 1996 and 2003; he was second in 2011, when India won the title in his record-equalling sixth World Cup.Ricky PontingMatches 46 Runs 1743 Ave 45.86 SR 79.95 100s/50s 5/6 Part of a record 34-match unbeaten World Cup streak during which Australia won a hat-trick of titles, two under his captaincy. Ponting’s best was a stunning 140 not out in the 2003 final. Also a gun fielder, with the most World Cup catches for an outfielder.Viv RichardsMatches 23 Runs 1013 Ave 63.31 SR 85.05 100s/50s 3/5 Two-time World Cup champion (and nearly a third). A trendsetter with the bat, who was voted the greatest ODI player by a jury in 2015. And don’t forget his electric fielding.Kumar SangakkaraMatches 37 Runs 1532 Ave 56.74 SR 86.55 100s/50s 5/7 Hundreds in four consecutive World Cup innings in 2015 – an ODI record. The leading run scorer among left-handers. Also the most dismissals for a keeper, though Gilchrist is first choice for that role in this XI.Imran Khan (c)Matches 28 Runs 666 Ave 35.05 Wickets 34 Ave 19.26 The man who delivered Pakistan’s 1992 triumph. Steady with the bat (he didn’t bowl in the 1983 edition) and deadly with the ball, Imran is also our pick to lead this side.Lance Klusener Matches 14 Runs 372 Ave 124.00 Wickets 22 Ave 22.13 The least experienced member of this side makes it on the back of his legendary showing in the 1999 edition. The stunning numbers reflect how awe-inducing his finishing was. Also a handy fast-bowling option.Wasim AkramMatches 38 Wickets 55 Ave 23.83 Economy Rate 4.04 4s/5s 2/1 The greatest left-arm bowler of his generation, and perhaps of all time. He swung the 1992 World Cup final his team’s way with bat and ball, and led them to the final in 1999.Shane Warne Matches 17 Wickets 32 Ave 19.50 ER 3.83 4s/5s 4/0 The wizard who cast memorable World Cup spells. He came up with Man-of-the-Match performances in the thrilling 1996 and 1999 semi-finals, and in Australia’s dominating win in the 1999 final.Muttiah MuralitharanMatches 40 Wickets 68 Ave 19.63 ER 3.88 4s/5s 4/0 His first World Cup was Sri Lanka’s remarkable 1996 victory, and he played a key role in their 2003, 2007 and 2011 campaigns, a constant menace to opposition batsmen.Glenn McGrathMatches 39 Wickets 71 Average 18.19 ER 3.96 4s/5s 0/2 The leading wicket-taker in World Cup history improved his performance with each edition, finishing with a record 26 wickets, the Player-of-the-Tournament award, and a hat-trick of titles in 2007.Do you have a better all-time World Cup XI in mind? Send in your team.
Alex Carey was the beneficiary when Shamar Joseph breached his defences only for a spinning bail to remain on its groove
Andrew McGlashan26-Jan-20241:57
Gabba Test, Day 2: Australia climb out of a hole
Do West Indies believe they can win? For a little while, as they cut through Australia’s top order in double quick time at the Gabba, it was just possible for the mind to drift back to the past. The quicks roaring in, a line of five slips stood well back and the ball climbing through past the edges, shoulders and heads of the batters, plenty of whom were soon in the dressing room.Steven Smith missed one that nipped back, Marnus Labuschagne fended into the cordon and was brilliantly held by debutant Kevin Sinclair, who had already scored his maiden Test fifty, Cameron Green drove to mid-off and Travis Head glanced down the leg side first ball. Australia went to dinner on 24 for 4. A short while later Mitchell Marsh’s brief counterattack ended with a miscued pull to mid-on.Then Alex Carey’s off bail refused to drop. The ball from Shamar Joseph nipped past the inside edge and there was an appeal for caught behind because of the sound. West Indies didn’t review. The replay showed the zing bail spinning in its groove. clocked the ball was travelling at 115kph. Carey was on 8 and had the bail fallen they would have been 72 for 6.Related
Khawaja, Carey, Cummins rescue Australia from 54 for 5
“We only saw it on TV inside. No one knew,” Kemar Roach said. “There was a noise, but everyone thought it was the pad. Sometimes you need some luck and it didn’t go for us today. Would have been a different game, I think, at 70 for 6.”At the end of the over Carey was on 10 off 15 balls; in another 23 deliveries he had brought up his half-century and the mood was changing. When he flicked to deep square leg and Mitchell Starc soon followed, the deficit was still 150. Yet before the close Pat Cummins, having flayed his career-best, felt confident enough to declare behind and have a crack at West Indies’ top with the new ball under lights.Alex Carey raced to his half-century in 38 balls•Cricket Australia/Getty Images
“I didn’t go out there with that [his scoring rate] in mind,” Carey said. “I felt like I reacted pretty well to what was bowled at me and had good intent. Think we’ve seen that this summer with Mitch Marsh and Travis Head, they play that way. Would have been nice to get a few more but to be where we are after a difficult start, we are certainly in this game of cricket.”Having made the major inroads, the West Indies were in a position rarely seen for visiting sides in Australia. Pakistan had a taste of it at the MCG when they had the home side 16 for 4, but Australia had taken a first-innings lead on that occasion. There was a realistic chance West Indies could earn a decisive advantage but, after Carey’s moment of fortune, they couldn’t stem the run rate. It finished as Australia’s fourth-quickest 250-plus total in Tests – two of those above it were in the second innings to set a target and the other back in 1902.”We knew that the wicket gets better after the new ball disappears so we knew it would be hard work and Australia bat deep,” Roach said. “We haven’t won [in Australia] in a long time. We don’t really come here too often, but guys really want to come here and leave a mark. To win a Test match in Australia as a young side with a lot of debutants and guys who have played less than ten Tests, that would set a really good mark for us.”Until the dying moments of the day it appeared West Indies’ openers would get through a nasty 35 minutes unscathed after Smith spilled a chance at second slip. Then Tagenarine Chanderpaul was given out caught behind on review to the smallest of spikes. West Indies lead by 35. Do they believe?
da bet7： Newcastle United supporters could hardly believe their eyes come the full-time whistle at Wembley on Sunday as the club’s long domestic silverware drought of 70 years was finally put to bed.
da bet7k： The Magpies pulled off a shock 2-1 win on the biggest stage over Arne Slot’s soon-to-be Premier League champions in Liverpool to lift the EFL Cup, with Eddie Howe’s camp now immortalised forevermore at St James’ Park as the group that put Tyneside firmly on the footballing map.
Not even all-time greats such as Alan Shearer could pull off a moment such as this when he was playing, with the notorious sharpshooter tasting silverware at Blackburn Rovers in the form of a top-flight title success, but amazingly went trophyless at the Toon.
Shearer's legendary status at Newcastle
No one can say Shearer didn’t enjoy great times donning his beloved black and white stripes.
Indeed, the now-retired striker went on to win three Premier League golden boots leading the line for his hometown club among other personal accolades.
The much-loved number nine’s long-standing association with the Toon would also see him become the division’s all-time top-scorer, with a jaw-dropping 260 strikes coming his way from 441 total league appearances, meaning a trophy here and there falling to the wayside is a pill that can be swallowed.
Shearer’s Premier League career @ Newcastle
Season
Games
Goals
1996/97
31
23
1997/98
17
2
1998/99
30
14
1999/00
37
23
2000/01
19
5
2001/02
37
23
2002/03
35
17
2003/04
37
22
2004/05
28
7
2005/06
32
10
Stats via Transfermarkt.
Shearer did get to two FA Cup finals as a Magpie, but both times Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United would outsmart Newcastle, leaving the 63-time England international empty-handed in that regard.
That’s where the Newcastle stars of today can one up the lethal marksman, with this equally deadly attacker now heading down the path of forging a better legacy for himself at St James’ Park than the goalscoring titan.
Newcastle star could leave with a bigger legacy than Shearer
Every single member of the starting XI against Liverpool will be remembered for some time now, with Dan Burn’s bullet header against the Reds reaffirming his status as a fan’s favourite.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes’ visible emotions at the end cemented his own tag as a memorable captain figure.
That’s before we’ve even mentioned the Swedish goal machine that is Alexander Isak, with the ex-Real Sociedad centre-forward sealing the historic victory in the English capital when smashing this early second-half effort past a startled Caoimhin Kelleher.
This crucial strike would give the Newcastle masses more breathing room to dream inside Wembley, with a two-goal cushion proving to be worthwhile come the end of the frantic contest, especially when Federico Chiesa got Slot’s men back into the game right at the death.
Ultimately, however, Isak’s 23rd goal of the season would gift Howe’s men their long awaited silverware, with the 6 foot 4 striker now up to a mightily impressive 58 strikes in total for the Magpies from 100 clashes.
Isak’s G/A record at Newcastle by season
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
24/25
33
23
5
23/24
40
25
2
22/23
27
10
2
Sourced by Transfermarkt
That’s some distance from ever eclipsing Shearer’s ridiculous goal haul, but it must be said that Isak has now bettered the distinguished Premier League Hall of Fame member when it comes to firing home strike after strike that then results in a jubliant trophy success.
Isak could well tarnish his ever-rising popularity at St James’ Park if he was to uproot this coming summer though, with the likes of Arsenal and now reportedly Slot’s men sniffing around, but his legacy if he does depart has been undoubtedly boosted by the heroics he provided on Sunday evening.
Alternatively, Isak could sense this is just the beginning for Newcastle in terms of picking up illustrious honours, as the “world-class” attacker – as he was once labelled by Shearer himself – aims to keep firing in the goals to round off the Toon’s successful 2024/25 season with a potential top four finish.
If he stayed and fired the Toon to even greater success, he could well better that man Shearer’s legacy at St James’ Park. Wouldn’t that be a story?
Not just Burn: 10/10 Newcastle ace had his "greatest game in black & white"
Newcastle United sealed a historic Carabao Cup victory.
da aposte e ganhe： With the rumours coming thick and fast over Marc Guehi’s Selhurst Park future, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a Champions League level defender who could replace their star man.
Crystal Palace transfer news
da leao： Whilst they may be back to their best under Oliver Glasner, that price could yet come at a cost when the summer transfer window arrives and their star men become the subject of serious interest.
The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Guehi have already found their names in the headlines amid reported interest from the Premier League’s best clubs and that interest only looks likely to increase in the coming months.
Having rediscovered his golden touch in front of goal, Mateta has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Manchester United this summer as they look to end their striker woes once and for all. Whether the Frenchman swaps Selhurst Park for Old Trafford remains to be seen, however, especially given the bottom half place the Red Devils currently find themselves in.
Crystal Palace eyeing summer move to sign £13m ace who could replace Hughes
Hughes is yet to sign a new deal…
ByTom Cunningham Mar 7, 2025
What’s more, Guehi’s form also hasn’t gone unnoticed. After Newcastle United were priced out of a move last summer, it’s Chelsea who are reportedly interested this time around and they’re unlikely to face the same money problem.
The Blues’ interest is certainly a concern for those in South London, who are seemingly planning for the worst. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now plotting a summer move to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers from Celtic.
The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of the Eagles alongside Aston Villa and Everton following another excellent campaign in Scotland almost three years on from leaving Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis.
A player who very nearly helped Celtic into the last 16 of the Champions League with a heroic performance only undone by a late Bayern Munich goal, Carter-Vickers should be high up on Palace’s list of candidates to replace Guehi this summer.
"Aggressive" Carter-Vickers can replace Guehi
Replacing Guehi, whether it’s this summer or in years to come, will be no easy task for Crystal Palace. In Carter-Vickers, however, they could welcome an ideal candidate to do exactly that. The defender is at the peak of his powers at 27 years old and ready to step back into England’s top flight to finally make his mark.
Earning praise from Brendan Rodgers for how he bounced back from an own goal against Club Brugge earlier this season, Carter-Vickers could now get the chance to bounce back from Spurs failure all those years ago courtesy of Crystal Palace.
The Celtic boss told reporters: “he’s a really, really tough character. He’s a great guy, he picked himself up. He was really strong and aggressive again in the game and got on with it and had a real bravery in the second half, because he was the one carrying the ball forward for us to start the attack.”
With the summer approaching, the American could be one to watch if Premier League and Crystal Palace, in particular, come calling in pursuit of replacing Guehi, who could commence a transfer merry-go-round in the coming months.
Barcelona fans have ripped Ronald Araujo to shreds, holding him accountable for the the final two goals Inter scored in their Champions League defeat.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Araujo trolled and called the 'Nunez of centre-backs'
Barca fans vent their anger at Uruguayan's display
Erratic defending cost Catalans a place in UCL final
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Barca fans unleashed their wrath on centre-back Araujo, blaming him for the costly errors at the back which allowed Inter to equalise and eventually find the winner in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at San Siro on Tuesday.
Advertisement
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
User @BCNOgi wrote on X: "Araujo is hilarious man. Can't even hate anymore. He just is what he is. [Darwin] Nunez of CBs."
Barca fan @Bri_an2 tweeted: "I hope you guys start appreciating [Andreas] Christensen now. If [Hansi] Flick subbed him on instead of Araujo we would be celebrating right now."
Another user, @agizzlefizzle12, wrote: "Players like Araujo make you hate the sport. The anger boiling inside of me right now isn’t good for my health man."
Real Madrid supporter @RkFutbol was clearly overjoyed at Barca's elimination, writing on X: "Real Madrid should give a guard of honor to Araujo only next Sunday for all his contributions to Real Madrid fans."
Barca fan @Ali400B was proud of every player, except Araujo, adding: "It’s not even about the loss, it’s about how we lost. Every player out there can hold their head high except Araujo. I’ll never forgive him. Lamine [Yamal], Raphinha, Pedri, [Gerard] Martin, Eric [Garcia], they all showed up. The traitor at the back just cost us everything."
Man Utd supporter @UtdEIIis quoted: "Araujo costing Barca in back to back UCLs is nasty work man."
Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Araujo was brought on by head coach Hansi Flick in the 76th minute in place of Inigo Martinez, who carried the risk of a second yellow card having been booked early on. Upon Araujo's arrival, the match was delicately poised at 2-2 on the night and 5-5 on aggregate, before Raphinha scored in the 87th minute to seemingly put the tie to bed.
However, it was not to be. Inter did not give up, scoring an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time, as Francesco Acerbi crashed the box and held his own against the physicality of Araujo to slam Denzel Dumfries' low cross past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny. Araujo and Barca's night would go from bad to worse in the 99th minute, as substitute Davide Frattesi was afforded far too much space to slot the winner.
WHAT RONALD ARAUJO SAID
Speaking to (h/t Barca Blaugranes) after the game, Araujo took responsibility for Inter's third and fourth goals, admitting that he should have done better.
“On the fourth goal, I was in front and it was the striker’s luck to place it perfectly in the corner,” he explained.
“As for the third goal, I’m obviously very good at one-on-ones and I should have been better.
“But in the end, it’s football, if you cover well, you can also keep those balls at bay. But hey, it’s football, you have to keep your head up and keep moving forward.”