Club América are among the top contenders to win the Apertura 2025 and reclaim their dominance in Mexican football after losing the Clausura final to Toluca – a result that denied them a historic fourth consecutive title. Brian Rodríguez sent a clear message ahead of the Liguilla: no team wants to cross paths with the most successful club in Mexico.

Getty Images SportImpact of injuries on the team

With only two rounds left in the Apertura 2025 regular season, América remain one of five clubs fighting for the top spot in the standings. It won’t be easy – Cruz Azul hold a four-point lead and injuries have disrupted the campaign – but Rodríguez insists that “can’t aim for anything less.”

Speaking ahead of their match against León, the Uruguayan attacker emphasized that América must recover their injured players to make a strong push in the postseason. He admitted that the team has been hit hard by a congested calendar and the demands of international duty, but remains confident that regaining full fitness will make all the difference.

“Getting everyone back is key,” Rodríguez said. “These are things we can’t control – no one wants to get injured – but when you have so many games and international breaks, it’s tough. Managing that workload is essential. Having the full squad together again is the way forward.”

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'With a complete team, it’s a different story'

Rodríguez reflected on last season’s final loss to Toluca, suggesting that missing several key players proved costly. He believes that with a healthy roster, América would be nearly unstoppable.

“Against Toluca we were missing important players. With a complete team, it’s a different story,” he noted. “No one wants to face América – at any stage – and even less when we’re at full strength. That’s why we’re working to make sure everyone’s ready.”

At the moment, are dealing with injuries to Henry Martín, José Zúñiga, and Alejandro Zendejas.

Despite some ups and downs this season, Rodríguez reaffirmed América’s ambition to finish as high as possible in the standings, saying that settling for second or third place simply isn’t acceptable.

“When you understand what it means to play for América, you know we should always aim for first place,” he said. “We can’t be satisfied with less. We’re the biggest team in Mexico – that’s just the reality.”

AFPInternal competition

The Uruguayan winger has seen his playing time reduced since the arrival of Allan Saint-Maximin, a situation he admits hasn’t been easy. That said, he remains confident they can share the field moving forward.

“When Saint-Maximin arrived, my goal was always to play alongside him,” Rodríguez said. “I know he can play on my side, and honestly, he’s a huge asset for us. We all know the kind of player he is and the quality he brings. I don’t see it as something negative – quite the opposite.

"I’ve stayed calm and focused, thinking that his presence can actually make me better. Having someone with the same or even greater potential pushes you to raise your own level, and that’s what we want here.”

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América host León this Saturday in Matchday 16, determined to close the gap with Cruz Azul, who strengthened their hold on first place after a 3-0 victory over Puebla.

Northamptonshire rearguard finally falls during final session as hosts reignite promotion challenge

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Jul-2025

Middlesex 625 for 8 dec (Holden 151, Williamson 114, du Plooy 104) beat Northamptonshire 261 (Zaib 82, Higgins 4-51) and 257 (Keogh 61*, Higgins 3-54) by an innings and 107 runsMiddlesex’s bowlers wore down heroic Northamptonshire resistance to close out an emphatic victory by an innings and 107 runs deep into the final session of day four at Merchant Taylors’ School.Rob Keogh defied the hosts attack for almost five hours despite being struck for a second time on the finger he damaged while fielding on day one to make a gutsy unbeaten 61, while Saif Zaib also battled through pain to add 44 to his 82 of the first innings.There was even a last-wicket stand of 47 between Keogh and Yuzvendra Chahal to further frustrate the Seaxes, but in the end 3-54 for Ryan Higgins (seven in the match) and a maiden first-class wicket for Ben Geddes bowled out the visitors for 257.Northamptonshire’s hopes of frustrating the host’s victory push were dealt an early blow when Lewis McManus, having played one delicious extra cover drive tried to leave a ball from Roland-Jones, only for it to cannon off the under edge and send his off stump cartwheeling.One wicket became two in the next over, Tom Helm beating George Bartlett twice in successive balls before banging in a short one which the batter skied obligingly to Roland-Jones at mid-on.Much now rested on the shoulders of all-rounders Zaib and Keogh. Zaib picked up where he’d left off in the first innings, a late cut to third and a glorious drive back past Noah Cornwell taking him into the 20sKeogh meanwhile took 18 balls to get off the mark and was then struck on his already damaged digit by a ball from Higgins. He carried on after lengthy treatment and collected four with a flick to fine leg.The physio was back on soon afterwards, this time for Zaib, struck on the funny bone by a short one from Cornwell. A lengthier stoppage ensued before he too soldiered on, defying the pain to send successive Cornwell deliveries to the fence as the 50-partnership came up shortly before lunch.Deprived of spinner Zafar Gohar due to the arm injury picked up fielding on day three and with a soft Kookaburra ball offering no help to the Middlesex seamers, the stoic resistance of the Steelbacks continued on the resumption.However, as frustration looked to be setting in, Helm found some extra bounce and Zaib feathered an edge through to Joe Cracknell.Dom Leach tarried briefly, edging a couple of fours to third before Cornwell bowled him around his legs.Still the defiance continued with Ben Sanderson on a pair from the first innings battling for over an hour for his 12 and guiding Northamptonshire to the sanctuary of tea.With the new ball imminent, Geddes was introduced to speed up its arrival and promptly found the edge of Sanderson’s bat with his third ball, Higgins taking a smart catch at slip.Higgins took the ripe cherry in hand to remove Guthrie, before an entertaining last-wicket stand.Keogh deep into his fifth hour at the crease, all of them in pain unfurled a shot or two, twice clipping Helm to the square leg fence before driving Cornwell through mid-wicket to reach a thoroughly deserved half-century.Chahal, on a king pair played a glorious off-drive and a few other less conventional shots to reach 20, but Cornwell rearranged his stumps to clinch victory with 25 overs left.

Chelsea's players were criticised by Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov for being "inattentive" in their 2-2 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday. What was expected to be a routine night for the Premier League giants quickly descended into chaos as the travelling Blues clung on to secure only one point on their travels to Azerbaijan.

• Chelsea falter despite early dominance

  For the opening 20 minutes, Chelsea looked every inch the Champions League heavyweight. After just 16 minutes, Estevao showed why he’s being talked about as the future of Stamford Bridge as he put his side in front with a sleek finish. But as the Blues’ intensity dipped and complacency crept in, Qarabag sensed blood. In the 29th minute, Camilo Duran sliced through Chelsea’s flimsy midfield and tried his luck from distance, but his effort cannoned off the post. Nonetheless, the rebound fell kindly for Leandro Andrade and he levelled the score. Six minutes before the break, Jorrel Hato conceded a penalty and Marko Jankovic converted from the spot to put the hosts in front. 

  By the interval, Maresca had seen enough. The Italian rang the changes, making three substitutions. Among those introduced was Alejandro Garnacho, and the Argentine made an instant impact. Just 12 minutes into the second half, Garnacho took matters into his own hands, driving into the box and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike that arrowed into the bottom corner, making it 2-2. But rather than building on the equaliser, Chelsea again drifted into sloppiness. The match became wide open, paving the way to a chaotic end-to-end battle that bore no resemblance to the slick, organised football Maresca preaches.

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  Gurbanov takes a dig at Chelsea players

  After the match, Qarabag boss Gurbanov couldn’t hide his pride for his own player. 

  "First of all, I would like to congratulate our supporters," he began. "It was a magnificent day, with Victory Day (a public holiday) in several days. My players struggled and are fighters. My team showed determination until the final minutes against the champions of the world. My team were not afraid and demonstrated Azerbaijani character. They earned their first point against an English team. Of course, this result boosts confidence and our profile. This is what makes our supporters love football. Maybe Chelsea players were inattentive and didn't expect us to attack."

• Maresca unsurprised by hosts' performance

  Chelsea's starting XI, with an average age of just 23 years and 97 days, was the second youngest ever fielded by an English club in a Champions League away match. And the inexperience almost cost them the match. Maresca tried to keep his cool in the post-match press conference, but there was no hiding his frustration.

  "The big difference today for me was inside the box," he said. "The goal we conceded, they are silly goals for me. In their box, for the amount of times that we arrived, we have not been clinical enough. So this is the big difference for me."

  Maresca also gave credit to Qarabag, adding: "They are a good team, I said already a few days ago, they are a good team, they are doing well. And especially at home, it's difficult."

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  A wake-up call in Baku

  Level on points with Qarabag – seven from four games – the Blues are in real danger of being forced into a knockout play-off instead of automatic progression to the Champions League last 16. They are currently 12th in the standings with the top eight assured of a last-16 berth. And tougher tests are on the horizon. Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge later this month, while away trips to Atalanta and Napoli loom ominously.

Celtic may now be forced to cope without one of their key men in a crucial clash against Hearts this weekend following the news that he has multiple injury concerns.

Rodgers admits "difficult" moments at Celtic

With less than a year remaining until his current contract expires at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers is on course to have a final season to forget in Scotland. His side are currently five points behind shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and defeat against Dundee last weekend slammed home the problems that the Bhoys are currently facing.

Having his say on Celtic’s recent dip in form, Rodgers admitted that they currently find themselves in a “difficult” moment – telling reporters: “If I’m honest, I think that it is difficult.

“We understood what we wanted to be as a football team in the summer and we never quite managed to get there. So of course we now have to live with that. So that’s something that every day we’re trying to improve and make better.

“But there’s absolutely no doubt that we’re in a difficult moment and we have to stand together and come through, and that’s what’s going to be important if we’re going to progress.”

Each moment to forget has ignited concerns over Rodgers’ Celtic future. There remains no breakthrough in contract talks and potential candidates to take his job like Ange Postecoglou are now beginning to emerge.

Whilst speculation continues to arrive, however, Rodgers must attempt to turn Celtic’s form around and could be forced to do so without one of his most important players this weekend.

Maeda now a doubt to face Hearts

As revealed by Rodgers, Daizen Maeda is now a doubt to face Hearts this weekend amid both hamstring and lower back injuries. The forward missed last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Dundee as well as the clash against SK Sturm Graz in the Europa League. Now, he could be missing for a crucial game in the title race.

Although the forward has not been at his best so far this season, his absence still comes at a frustrating time. Described as “amazing” by Rodgers last season, the Celtic boss desperately needs Maeda to come back fit and firing in time for the Hearts clash.

Related Rodgers must finally ditch Yang & unleash Celtic's "terrific talent"

With Celtic under pressure to beat Sturm Graz in the Europa League, Brendan Rodgers must bench Yang Hyun-Jun and start his “terrific talent” instead.

Posts ByBen Gray Oct 23, 2025

At his best, the Japan international scored 33 goals in all competitions last season and there’s no doubt that a player of that calibre would make all the difference for the Bhoys in their current form.

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their eighth World Series championship in franchise history earlier this week by following their scouting report that proved to be more than accurate.

The Dodgers' plan? Let the New York Yankees get in their own way.

New York Post's Joel Sherman wrote Thursday that the Dodgers considered New York to be the worst-positioned outfield in baseball heading into the World Series. But that's not all.

"What the Dodgers told their players in scouting meetings was the Yankees were talent over fundamentals," Sherman wrote. "That if you run the bases with purpose and aggression, the Yankees will self-inflict harm as was exposed by [Mookie] Betts, Tommy Edman, Freddie Freeman, etc. That the value was very high to put the ball in play to make the Yankees execute. They mentioned that the Yankees were … the majors’ worst base-running team by every metric."

All of those words rang true in the World Series.

In Game 1, for example, Shohei Ohtani took third base on an error credited to Juan Soto for a bad throw into second base. The next batter, Mookie Betts, hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Ohtani and tie the game 2–2. The Dodgers eventually won on Freddie Freeman's walk-off grand slam.

In Game 3, the Yankees' poor base running was on display when the not-so-speedy Giancarlo Stanton was thrown out at the plate by Teoscar Hernandez. In Game 4, rookie phenom Anthony Volpe failed to score from second base on a double off the wall.

The Yankees' mistakes really came back to haunt them in the fifth inning of Game 5. In one of the worst defensive frames in World Series history, the Yankees made three errors and allowed five runs—all unearned—to score with two outs. Aaron Judge missed a can of corn in center field, Anthony Volpe misfired a throw to third base and starting pitcher Gerrit Cole forgot to cover first base on a routine ground ball to Anthony Rizzo that should've ended the inning before a single run was scored.

The Dodgers were right: The Yankees did get in their own way, paving a path to Los Angeles hosting a championship parade at Gloria Molina Grand Park on Friday.

New York's biggest priority this offseason will be to retain superstar Juan Soto, the biggest name on the free-agent market. But another top priority should be manager Aaron Boone's squad getting back to the fundamentals that cost them a chance at a World Series title.

Viewers may have noticed something different about the 2024 Major League Baseball postseason. Every team has the word STRAUSS emblazoned on their helmets. There's a good reason for that: MLB has decided to allow a sponsor on helmets across the league.

Why are there ads on helmets during the MLB playoffs?

In September, MLB announced it had entered into a leaguewide helmet sponsorship partnership with STRAUSS. It doesn't just cover the big leagues, as the company's logo will be on all helmets in minor league baseball starting in 2025. It is the first time batting helmets have been used to promote a company across Major League Baseball.

According to Sportico, the ads are costing STRAUSS more than $15 million over the course of the MLB postseason.

What is STRAUSS?

Engelbert Strauss is a German workwear brand. Founded in 1948 in Germany, the company is owned by the Strauss family. Strauss clothing became available in the United States in 2023. The company entered into a partnership with MLB in an attempt to grow brand awareness. The image included next to the Strauss company name is of an ostrich, the logo of the brand.

The company currently produces in 28 countries worldwide and has been a sponsorship partner of the Germany national soccer team since 2010. It also began sponsoring Liverpool F.C. in 2024.

Engelbert Strauss CEO Henning Strauss said the following about the company's partnership with MLB.

"Whether on the field or in the field, your gear is a source of pride. We know that fans of America’s pastime are loyal, dedicated, and value a job well done—just like the STRAUSS fans around the world who love our family’s iconic ostrich. We are proud to be the first brand featured on MLB batting helmets in the US. We are excited to join the baseball tradition and help the American pastime grow back home in Europe."

Ben Jacobs was full of praise for one Manchester United player in their draw with Tottenham Hotspur, comparing him to an Old Trafford treble winner.

Matthijs de Ligt struck deep into stoppage time to rescue Manchester United a 2-2 draw after a dramatic finale at Tottenham. This repeat of the Europa League final in May looked set to go the way of Ruben Amorim’s improving team after Bryan Mbeumo haunted old Brentford boss Thomas Frank with a goal in the 32nd minute.

It sparked boos at half-time from a disgruntled Spurs fanbase which has seen only three home wins in the Premier League in 2025, but the hosts’ turned it around with substitute Mathys Tel able to produce an 84th-minute equaliser.

When Richarlison deflected in a shot by the excellent Wilson Odobert in the first minute of stoppage time, Frank looked set to get the statement home win in the league his five-month tenure had lacked.

Yet wild home celebrations were followed by more late drama as De Ligt powered home a header from a corner in the sixth minute of added time to earn United a 2-2 draw and extended their unbeaten run under Amorim to five matches.

In a dramatic game full of twists and turns, Jacobs picked out one Man United player who enjoyed a display comparable to a former treble winner in the highest praise that he could receive.

Reporter compares Lammens to Schmeichel

Lammens enjoyed an excellent display and was only five minutes away from keeping a clean sheet, only for Spurs to climb back into the game. The two goals didn’t take away from the goalkeeper’s performance, however, with saves from Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero particularly standing out.

It’s also worth noting that both goals that Lammens conceded suffered deflections, leaving him with no chance in the United net.

Jacobs was one of many to share praise for the summer signing, going as far as to say that he’s Peter Schmeichel “in disguise” following his save from Romero in the second-half.

By the time the full-time whistle sounded, Lammens had made two diving saves and made five recoveries in a solid display. As every game goes by, he’s looking more and more like an excellent signing and the much-needed upgrade on Andre Onana that United have been desperate for.

Amorim’s side are now five games unbeaten in what marks significant improvement on their previous form. Heading into the international break, things are finally looking up for those at Old Trafford. Mbeumo is firing on all cylinders, Lammens is performing and European qualification once again feels like a realistic goal.

Man Utd preparing club-record bid for "world-class" star

One of the biggest pieces of the puzzle for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim is who will play at wing-back. The right-hand side seems much clearer, with Amad seemingly securing that spot for himself.

The Ivorian – who netted at the City Ground a week ago – has impressed at right wing-back in recent outings.

However, the other flank is proving to be a bit more of a conundrum for Amorim. Patrick Dorgu is only 21 years of age and has great promise, but is not being rushed. Luke Shaw has played that role before for England, but is thriving on the left of United’s back three.

The first choice left wing-back this season has been Diogo Dalot.

Dalot’s struggles at left wing-back

26-year-old Dalot has certainly struggled at times as a left wing-back. It might not be a surprise, given that he is a right-back by trade.

At times, he is operating as the highest player on the pitch, on the opposite flank to where he is most comfortable.

Amorim has placed a lot of trust in the former FC Porto academy player as a left wing-back. This season in the Premier League, he has picked his countryman nine times, with six of those appearances coming from the left flank.

Dalot has struggled, too. In those six games from the left-hand side of United’s midfield, their number two has registered just a solitary assist. He does pose an attacking threat from that area, though, and got an assist for Bruno Fernandes in the FA Cup last season.

Generally speaking, though, it has not been easy for the 26-year-old. Blame can be given to Amorim for playing a right back as the furthest player in United’s attack on the wrong side.

United content creator Dev Bajwa says the Portugal star has “got to be dropped.”

In United’s most recent game, a 2-2 away to Tottenham Hotspur, Dalot was actually dropped from the side. Amorim chose to bring Dorgu into the starting lineup, with the United number two having to settle for a 10-minute substitute cameo.

If Amorim does decide to rotate Dalot out of the side again in the future, there could be a homegrown star waiting in the wings.

United’s in-house Dalot replacement

There are definitely options for Amorim if he thinks the time is right for a more permanent change at left wing-back. Danish international Dorgu could keep his place, or Shaw could move further up the pitch, coinciding with the return of Lisandro Martinez.

However, if the Red Devils boss decides to lean into the DNA of the club, then he could call upon Bendito Mantato. The 17-year-old has impressed for United’s academy over the past few years, and could be the attacking option Amorim needs at wing-back.

The England under-17 international, who is currently on national team duty at the Under-17 World Cup, is a winger by trade. However, he plays as a left-back for the Three Lions, and has done so for United, too.

One thing that you can guarantee from Mantato is that he will add a creative spark at left wing-back. His record for the under-18s side at Carrington is exceptional, with 15 goals and three assists in just 25 appearances.

Mantato u18S PL record

Stat

2023/24

2024/25

Games

7

11

Minutes

602

833

Goals

6

7

Assists

2

0

Mins per G/A

75

119

Stats from Transfermarkt

Speaking of that inventiveness in the final third, the Manchester-born attacker has great instinct in attacking areas.

This goal he scored in the FA Youth Cup away to Arsenal last season, where he darted in between two defenders to fire home, really sums up his quality.

Mantato has already been involved with the first team under Amorim. Not only has he trained with the seniors, but he’s been on the bench twice in last season’s Europa League.

That certainly shows how highly he is rated by the Red Devils manager.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Academy Scoop, a page on X dedicated to United’s academy, was full of praise for the 17-year-old. He called Mantato “one of the biggest talents at the club,” highlighting his excellent ability.

It will be fascinating to see whether Amorim takes a risk and brings him into the first team fold at the expense of Dalot on the left flank.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 5, 2025

Cole Palmer is set to miss the next six weeks for Chelsea with head coach Enzo Maresca warning that the club’s medical staff are “not magicians”.

The 23-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury for much of the season and has not played since being taken off 20 minutes into the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on September 20.

Maresca shares Chelsea injury blow on Palmer

Prior to the international break Maresca said he had hoped to have Palmer back for Saturday’s game at Nottingham Forest but, when asked about the progress of the injury, he admitted:

The injury, which first presented when he was forced to withdraw from the line-up minutes before kick-off in the 5-1 win over West Ham in August, will not require surgery.

“He looks relaxed,” said Maresca. “He’s doing all the therapy that he needs to do. He looks good.”

Caicedo, Fernandez and Neto also Chelsea injury concerns

There was mixed injury news elsewhere in the squad with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto, who featured against Liverpool, all doubts for the trip to the City Ground.

However Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are set to return to ease Maresca’s selection issues in defence while Andrey Santos is also back.

Tyler Adams has been ruled out of the USMNT's November friendlies due to injury, dealing a blow to manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. The Columbus Crew’s Sean Zawadzki was also withdrawn through injury. In their absence, LAFC midfielder Timmy Tillman has been called up, joining a reshuffled roster for the upcoming matches.

• Getty
  

  Big loss in Adams

  Adams’ absence is a blow for the USMNT, as the defensive midfielder has been a regular starter for the national team over the past five years and remains a key figure heading into 2026. Adams collided with his teammate Adam Smith in the first half of Bournemouth's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday. He remained on the pitch and completed the full 90 minutes. 

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  Tillman given his chance

  The decision offers an opportunity for Tillman, who has had relatively few chances in a USMNT shirt. After filing a one-time switch to represent the United States in 2023, he is no longer eligible for Germany and has featured just once for the U.S. since committing to the program. He’s the brother of Bayer Leverkusen star Malik Tillman, who has earned 25 caps with the national team. At club level, Tillman has been a standout for an LAFC side viewed as an MLS Cup contender, powered by a star attacking duo that includes Denis Bouanga, with a Western Conference semifinal against Vancouver looming in two weeks.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pulisic also already out

  Adams' removal comes at an inopportune time for the U.S., who are already missing key players ahead of two challenging fixtures. Christian Pulisic has not been named to the roster and will remain in Milan as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The attacking midfielder played 30 minutes for in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with struggling Parma. Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards is also absent, while Juventus’ Weston McKennie was not included in Pochettino's squad.

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  Hunting for a signature win

  The USMNT face a couple of tricky fixtures next week. First, they will square off against Paraguay on Nov. 15 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Pochettino's side will then host Uruguay in Tampa. Marcelo Bielsa's side are No. 15 in the FIFA rankings.