Kylian Mbappe scored on his Champions League debut for Real Madrid with a close-range finish to p...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/66967" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/66967">Kylian Mbappe</a> scored on his Champions League debut for Real Madrid with a close-range finish to put his new side 1-0 ahead against Stuttgart on Tuesday.The 25-year-old is now up to four goals in his past three matches in all competitions for his club. He's scored on the opening matchday of the Champions League for a third straight season.Mbappe is the 15th Real Madrid player to score on his first Champions League appearance for the club. The only other Frenchman to achieve that feat was Christian Karembeu in 1998.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kylian Mbappe scores his first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> goal as a Real Madrid player 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/bGte0K5zfX">pic.twitter.com/bGte0K5zfX</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1836136447457333585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
KYLIAN MBAPPE SCORES FOR REAL MADRID 🔥 Watch the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> on <a href="https://t.co/6e0eQThQd3">https://t.co/6e0eQThQd3</a> <a href="https://t.co/btuOBbsVrp">pic.twitter.com/btuOBbsVrp</a>— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZN_CA/status/1836136072276808139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Champions League holders went on to claim a 3-1 win over the German side.

Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and VfB Stuttgart at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Watch: Mbappe taps in 1st Champions League goal for Real Madrid

FC Porto won the Champions League 20 years ago. That same season, Bournemouth finished below Hart...

FC Porto won the Champions League 20 years ago. That same season, Bournemouth finished below Hartlepool United, Port Vale, and Tranmere Rovers in England's third tier.Things have changed drastically since. The balance of power in European soccer has shifted.When Dominic Solanke left for Tottenham Hotspur in one of this summer's priciest transfers, Bournemouth shopped for someone to fill the 21-goal hole in their strike force. Their response was decisive and, naturally, expensive. Six days after Solanke's exit, Bournemouth plucked Brazilian international Evanilson from Porto for a club-record fee that may exceed £40 million.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bournemouth's ability to make this deal is largely a credit to the management that helped the modest club rise from the fourth division to the Premier League in just 12 years.But it's also another clear indicator of the financial disparity between the Premier League and the rest of Europe. Porto were strong-armed by Bournemouth, a club that's spent 117 years of its 125-year history below England's top flight and has a stadium that barely holds over 11,000 spectators. That same Porto that conquered Portuguese football 30 times and Europe twice and boasted global stars like Deco, Casemiro, and Pepe had succumbed to the might of Bournemouth and sold their prized asset."From a European perspective, it does seem like there is an increasing gulf between the Premier League and other leagues," Christina Philippou, an associate professor in accounting and sport finance at the University of Portsmouth, told theScore.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/cropped_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744798/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167157729.jpg?ts=1726167492 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Record Bournemouth signing Evanilson AFC Bournemouth / AFC Bournemouth / Getty</figcaption></figure>This summer was rife with Premier League clubs overpowering traditional European powerhouses in the transfer market. Even Ipswich Town, who finished second in England's second tier last term, outspent 31 of the 36 clubs competing in this season's revamped Champions League's league phase, according to figures from <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/statistik/einnahmenausgaben">Transfermarkt</a>.The 20 Premier League teams spent almost £2 billion in the summer, exceeding the combined transfer outlay of the 58 clubs in the Bundesliga, La Liga, and Serie A.<h3>The boom and trickle-down effect</h3>"It was broadcasting that kick-started the whole thing," Dan Plumley, a senior lecturer in sport finance at Sheffield Hallam University, said when explaining the Premier League's financial dominance. "Credit where credit's due from a business point of view, (former chief executive) Richard Scudamore in the first phases of the Premier League era went really, really hard on the global market."The Premier League initially sold its broadcasting rights overseas for cheap to rapidly increase the exposure of English football and, over time, allow its popularity to soar. Plumley said the Premier League has enjoyed "continual growth" since around the mid-2000s. It boasts soccer's highest broadcasting income at $3.8 billion this year, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1120170/broadcasting-rights-sports-by-league/">Statista</a> research. Second-placed La Liga pulls in almost half of that at $2 billion, while only the NFL beats the Premier League across all sports with its huge annual total of $10 billion.Unlike the rest of Europe, Premier League clubs can thrive financially without income from the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League.Average revenue per club in 2022-23<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>League</th>
<th>Figure</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Premier League</td>
<td>€348M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bundesliga</td>
<td>€213M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>La Liga</td>
<td>€177M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Serie A</td>
<td>€143M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ligue 1</td>
<td>€119M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/services/financial-advisory/research/annual-review-of-football-finance-europe-premier-league.html">Deloitte</a>)Plumley is keen to point out that the Premier League's outreach benefits other countries. It's putting soccer on screens in all corners of the globe, from Macau to Mexico, the Pacific Islands to Portugal, and Sub-Saharan Africa to Serbia. The league is building a stronger appetite for the sport, sometimes in places where it may not have previously existed."(The clubs) are kind of joint economic partners," Plumley said."You don't really get that in a lot of other businesses because they're all trying to outdo each other: a retail business is going to benefit if another retail business goes out of business. That doesn't ring true in football."Hakan Mild, a director at IFK Goteborg and former midfielder with over 70 Sweden caps, has seen how the big leagues have directly influenced and improved smaller ones. He said there are now more "working opportunities" for players and coaches at the larger clubs and clearer coaching advancements than when he rose through the ranks as a teenager.Of course, it also helps when a Premier League outfit swoops in for a talented player. Malick Yalcouye switched Goteborg for Brighton in the summer in a club-record sale that Mild said surpassed the €7-million mark."We can use that money to develop the club," Mild told theScore. "(We can help) our young players, the boys and girls, to become better footballers because we have the possibility to put money in our facilities."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/cropped_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/w220xh124_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/w320xh180_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/w640xh360_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/w768xh432_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744796/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1253832.jpg?ts=1726167309 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Mild scored 3 goals vs. England during his international career Chris Cole / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>You can draw similarities between two-time UEFA Cup winners Goteborg selling to Brighton and Porto surrendering to Bournemouth's financial clout. However, English football's strength over Sweden is nothing new. The Swedish game only made significant steps toward professionalism in the 1960s and 1970s. English football has long represented a significant leap forward from Sweden, demonstrated by an influx of Swedes from the 1990s.<h3>'Sacrifice everything to the gods'</h3>Mild is optimistic about the future of leagues below the Premier League while he sees improvement among the smaller clubs. The Europa League and Conference League - the latter began in 2021 - can help lift the standard with more competitive games and greater financial windfalls.But there's still been just one Swedish team in the Champions League group stage or league phase over the past nine years (Malmo in 2021-22). Bodo/Glimt - on course to collect their fourth Norwegian title in five years - won five of their six 2024-25 Champions League qualification matches but didn't make UEFA's flagship competition, dropping into the second-tier Europa League instead. Dominant Danish club Copenhagen had no Champions League football for five years before earning impressive draws with Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and Sevilla in last season's group stage.Mild said Swedish clubs "have to fight" rather than complain about how the Champions League format grants automatic qualification to teams that finish as low as fifth in the Bundesliga and Serie A. Still, it often appears to be a closed shop to nations below Europe's top five leagues.UEFA's five leading leagues take up 22 of the 36 places in the Champions League's revamped league phase, with just one (Lille) needing to navigate qualifiers to reach that stage. Only 16 of UEFA's 55 national association members are represented. It's an environment where broadcasting income, prize money, European matchday revenue, and the increase in commercial interest that continental football brings are enjoyed by only a privileged minority - and regularly the same elite few each season.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/cropped_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631137/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155045181.jpg?ts=1717281720 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Real Madrid have conquered Europe 15 times, with 6 titles crammed into the past 11 seasons Joe Giddens - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</figcaption></figure>Philippou, who supports Greek club Panathinaikos, feels the frustration of trying to reach the Champions League."You have to sacrifice everything to the gods in order to go through the myriads of qualification stages before a team from one of the - quote, unquote - lesser leagues gets in," she said. "It's kind of lost its luster in many ways from the viewpoint of the lesser leagues."The gap below the Premier League is one of many financial disparities that pockmark the whole continent and create an uneven playing field. In 2023, Sweden's total revenue (€210 million) was around 10% of that pulled in by Europe's fifth-biggest soccer revenue generator, France, according to <a href="https://ecfil.uefa.com/2023">UEFA figures</a>. Sweden's TV revenue income of €35 million was paltry compared to the €178-million haul brought in by Europe's seventh-largest earner, Portugal.Despite Mild's determination to focus on Goteborg's issues, the chances of the club consistently competing with and beating some of Europe's best, like in its 1980s and 1990s heyday, are incredibly slim.<h3>UEFA powerless</h3>The solution to address the financial and competitive imbalance seems simple. First, Philippou said there should be a better way to distribute money throughout Europe, ensuring the top clubs don't snag most of it for themselves. That could be followed by UEFA revising its competitions."(Give) smaller leagues better chances of getting in and competing," Philippou suggested. "That way, you could boost your audiences and help develop football across the continent, as opposed to just focusing on the larger leagues, which is effectively what we're seeing football move toward."Improving the chances of smaller clubs participating in the best competitions is within UEFA's remit, but what motivation does it have? The long-term benefits could be huge, with clubs from lesser leagues bringing money into their domestic game and UEFA competitions becoming enriched with more cultures and a greater variety of teams. But the short-term benefits of well-known clubs attracting bigger audiences and, as a result, larger revenues are irresistible.And outside of that, there's little UEFA can do to bring more parity."They can't in many ways because the leagues are self-governed," Plumley told theScore. "They are the governing body of European football, and they have a role to play in the member associations, but they can't tell the Premier League, as an example, how to split their broadcasting money."<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/cropped_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/w220xh124_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/w320xh180_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/w640xh360_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/w768xh432_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615637/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1994763881.jpg?ts=1707397695 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin Kristy Sparow - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>UEFA and domestic leagues have tried to control the finances of its teams, but Financial Fair Play (FFP), profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), and squad cost ratios are limited. The latter is UEFA's latest initiative, dictating that clubs competing in Europe can't spend 80% or more of their revenue on transfers, wages, and agent fees. Next season, it tightens to 70%.The ratio effectively ensures that clubs don't spend beyond their means but preserves the competitive imbalance. Teams churning out the highest revenues can continue to outspend the rest, making it harder for everyone else to catch up.Individual leagues' efforts to control finances are also limited. La Liga calculates a spending cap for transfers and wages for its clubs based on various factors, including past revenues and projected income. While this can help remedy financial mismanagement at Barcelona, for example, it leaves their European rivals to potentially gain a competitive edge with larger, less contained squad upgrades.Plumley said he thinks the chasms in the European game will remain for at least 5-10 years - and it would take something drastic for them not to continue much longer than that."The only thing that really shakes it up is a new governance structure within leagues or across the ecosystem that really changes what's there and almost rips it up and starts again," Plumley added. "And I just don't think we're in that space."

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Financial inequality has ruptured European soccer. Is the damage irreversible?

theScore picks out the best stats and facts to surface following an entertaining slate of fixture...

theScore picks out the best stats and facts to surface following an entertaining slate of fixtures during September's international break.0 - Kylian Mbappe hasn't scored a non-penalty goal over his past eight France appearances. A tap-in during June's friendly against Luxembourg was his only non-penalty goal in his past 12 international outings.1 - Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the major beneficiaries of England's positive approach under Lee Carsley. After the interim boss' first two matches, the Liverpool full-back leads his teammates in chances created (seven), forward passes (55), passes into the box (29), and passes into the opposition half (138).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>3 - Colombia beat a World Cup holder for the third time in its history - and all three times it was against Argentina. Tuesday's 2-1 triumph over Argentina followed another 2-1 success in 1987 and a 1-0 win in 1989. Los Cafeteros are the only unbeaten team in South America's 2026 World Cup qualification cycle with four wins and four draws.4 - Joshua Zirkzee became the fourth men's player on record (since 1978) to both score and assist on his full Netherlands debut in Saturday's 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The other Dutchmen on the list are Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Bas Dost, and Vincent Janssen.5 - Randal Kolo Muani has scored in each of his last five starts for France. Belgium was his latest victim in Monday's 2-0 win for Les Bleus.7 - China's humiliating 7-0 loss to Japan last Thursday was the men's team's worst-ever result in World Cup qualifying and its heaviest defeat since its record 8-0 friendly loss to Brazil in 2012. There was no relief for China, as it conceded a 90th-minute goal in Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to 10-man Saudi Arabia.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/cropped_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744585/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170554595.jpg?ts=1726060160 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Zhizhao Wu / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>8 - Scotland is on a winless skid of eight matches (three draws and five defeats). It's the men's team's worst-ever run. The Scots lost to Poland and Portugal during September's international fixtures.10 - Brazil is fifth in CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 World Cup after Tuesday's surprising 1-0 defeat in Paraguay. The underperforming Selecao's miserable 10-point haul is closer to bottom-placed Peru (three points) than first-placed Argentina (18 points).11 - Breaking records is a habit for Lamine Yamal. The Spanish winger has scored three goals and assisted eight times over 16 caps, marking the most goal involvements (11) for a player aged under 18 in La Roja men's team history.13 - Sporting CP and Sweden striker Victor Gyokeres has 13 goal contributions (10 goals and three assists) in his last six appearances for club and country. His decisiveness in the final third helped Sweden to wins over Azerbaijan and Estonia during the international break.21 - Cristiano Ronaldo hogs the headlines, but Bruno Fernandes is Roberto Martinez's most effective player. Since Martinez took over Portugal, Fernandes boasts 11 goals and 10 assists in 20 appearances. That's four more goal involvements (21) than any other Portuguese player in that span.23 - Canada beat the United States men's national team on American soil for the first time since 1957. Saturday's 2-1 win for Jesse Marsch's side in Kansas City ended the USMNT's 23-match home unbeaten run against Canada.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/cropped_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744587/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170085741.jpg?ts=1726060902 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> TIM VIZER / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>27 - The Dutch have scored in 27 consecutive matches in the Netherlands. It's a record for the men's team, surpassing the scoring run of 26 home games between 1953 and 1961.40 - Italy won its first away match against France in 40 years. The Azzurri needed to fight back after surrendering a goal 12 seconds into last Friday's 3-1 victory. Bradley Barcola's opener was unsurprisingly the fastest goal France has ever scored and the earliest Italy has conceded.67 - Bolivia finally ended a winless streak of 67 away matches with Tuesday's 2-1 win in Chile. The ugly run stretched back to 1993.100 - Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah reached the 100-cap milestone. Both players are their country's leading scorer, with Kane bagging 68 England goals and Salah striking 56 times for Egypt.116 - Angel Gomes became the only player on record (since the beginning of the 2008-09 season) to complete over 100 passes on his full England debut, doing so during Tuesday's 2-0 home win over Finland.143 - Luis Suarez called time on his international career after 143 Uruguay caps. The attacker scored 69 goals for his country and won the Copa America in 2011.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/cropped_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744586/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169901904.jpg?ts=1726060287 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> DANTE FERNANDEZ / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>901 - Ronaldo keeps on adding to a tally that may never be beaten. The Portuguese veteran notched the record-extending 901st goal of his professional career in last Thursday's victory over Croatia before a late winner against Scotland on Sunday marked his 901st finish. He's scored 131 goals for Portugal, which is a record in men's international football.7,435 - The number of days the San Marino men's team had to wait for the second victory in its history. Nicko Sensoli, who plays in Italy's semiprofessional fourth tier, scored the winning goal against Liechtenstein last Thursday and wasn't alive when San Marino won its previous match in 2004.

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By the numbers: Biggest storylines from the international break

Mauricio Pochettino was finally named the new head coach of the United States men's national team...

Mauricio Pochettino was finally named the new head coach of the United States men's national team on Tuesday.The Argentine tactician - who's overseen Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea - signed a contract that will see him "lead the team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 on home soil," the U.S. Soccer Federation <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/09/mauricio-pochettino-named-head-coach-us-mens-national-team">said</a> in a statement.The United States will co-host the 2026 event with Canada and Mexico.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His contract runs for two years, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40999064/mauricio-pochettino-usa-men-head-coach-fifa-world-cup-2026">Jeff Carlisle of ESPN</a> reports. He'll be officially unveiled Friday, and his first match in charge of the team is expected to be the friendly against Panama on Oct. 12.The 52-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3054166" href="https://thescore.com/news/3054166">reportedly</a> accepted the USMNT role almost a month ago. One of the factors that may have delayed his appointment was Pochettino needing to reach a severance agreement with Chelsea, the club he left in May after one season at the helm.Pochettino succeeds Gregg Berhalter, who was fired after the United States' disappointing group-stage exit at this year's Copa America."Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams," said U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who spearheaded the search for Berhalter's replacement. "His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage."Pochettino, who has worked with the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsm/players/14263" href="https://thescore.com/olymsm/players/14263">Neymar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17427" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17427">Harry Kane</a> during his managerial career, said the national team's "hunger to achieve something truly historic" attracted him to the position."I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of," he added.Pochettino will earn $6 million per year, according to Carlisle. That makes him the highest-paid coach in USMNT history. He's also the first foreign bench boss to lead the team since Jurgen Klinsmann.The U.S. Soccer Federation said that Pochettino's appointment was supported "in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst."

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2024 in London, England.

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Pochettino named USMNT coach through 2026 World Cup

Canada strengthened its case as the best men's team in CONCACAF on Saturday with its first away w...

Canada strengthened its case as the best men's team in CONCACAF on Saturday with its first away win over the United States since 1957.The squad's recent accomplishments include topping the region's 2022 World Cup qualification cycle and reaching the 2024 Copa America semifinals. The United States and Mexico fell in the group stage of the latter tournament.And now Wisconsin native Jesse Marsch has taken down his homeland as head coach of Canada. Goals from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/159283" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/159283">Jacob Shaffelburg</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/159817">Jonathan David</a> earned Canada an encouraging 2-1 friendly win in Kansas City.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3054166">reportedly</a> set to take over the USMNT as the country prepares for co-hosting duties at the 2026 World Cup. On this evidence - and the team's limp performance as Copa America host in the summer - he has plenty of work to do. Mikey Varas is currently in interim charge of the USMNT."I'd rather coach our team right now, 100%. No questions asked," Marsch <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3069607" href="https://thescore.com/news/3069607">said</a> post-match.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/cropped_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744127/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170727382.jpg?ts=1725747105 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>An unmarked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/134054" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/134054">Stephen Eustaquio</a> wastefully flashed a shot wide from inside the box after a positive opening from Canada. Thankfully for the visitor, the U.S. was in an accommodating mood. The following minute, Shaffelburg - a revelation at Copa America - also found himself with swaths of space in the penalty area when David unselfishly rolled the ball to him. The Nova Scotian winger's left-footed shot skidded past goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/187394" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/187394">Patrick Schulte</a> and into the bottom corner.The move that led to the opener arose after the USMNT's attempt to build up play from the back culminated with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/166364" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/166364">Malik Tillman</a>'s heavy touch landing at Eustaquio's feet. That error proved costly just seconds later.Canada fired 11 shots toward the U.S. goal in the first half, while the United States attempted one shot.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/162980" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/162980">Folarin Balogun</a> raised hopes of an improved performance after the break when he forced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/22068" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/22068">Maxime Crepeau</a> into a save, but the USMNT soon surrendered another goal after more sloppiness in defense. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/3955" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/3955">Tim Ream</a>'s short yet wayward pass was gathered by the Canadians, and they squeezed through some desperate defending before David lifted the ball into the top corner from close range.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jonathan David strikes. 🇨🇦<a href="https://twitter.com/CANMNT_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CANMNT_Official</a> leads the USMNT, 2-0. <a href="https://t.co/9psMmFZ8fR">pic.twitter.com/9psMmFZ8fR</a>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1832531011105587301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Canada was unfortunate to have its lead halved in the 66th minute. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/60435" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/60435">Christian Pulisic</a>'s excellent cutback somehow evaded everybody, but the U.S. recycled possession and, via a scuffed shot and a scruffy challenge inside the box, the ball squirted to substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/85101">Luca de la Torre</a>. He coolly slotted the ball home.Substitutions appeared to rob the match of some rhythm as more players received opportunities to impress. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/160576" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/160576">Ricardo Pepi</a> fought off a challenge minutes after being introduced, but Crepeau was quick off his line to block the PSV Eindhoven forward's effort.However, the USMNT seldom threatened Canada's goal in the closing stages and succumbed to its second-ever defeat to its neighbor on home soil.

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 07: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States attempts to dribble past Moise Bombito #15 of Canada during an international friendly between the United States and Canada at Children's Mercy Park on September 07, 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas.

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Canada beats USMNT on American soil for 1st time since 1957

Exiled Napoli striker Victor Osimhen completed a season-long loan move to Galatasaray on Wednesda...

Exiled Napoli striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/90910" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/90910">Victor Osimhen</a> completed a season-long loan move to Galatasaray on Wednesday, ending one of the summer's strangest sagas.Unable to get a move to either Chelsea or Saudi side Al-Ahli on transfer deadline day, Osimhen accepted Galatasaray's terms, which include a break clause allowing him to leave for another club in January, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5740324/2024/09/02/victor-osimhen-galatasaray-loan/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.Napoli also lowered Osimhen's release clause to €75 million from €130 million, transfer insider <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1830720201744359781">Fabrizio Romano</a> reports, which could help facilitate a January transfer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The deal doesn't include an option or obligation to buy Osimhen at the end of the season, according to Ornstein. Galatasaray will, however, cover the Nigerian's reported €12-million annual salary. Napoli also <a href="https://x.com/en_sscnapoli/status/1831366784878051525?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">confirmed</a> that Osimhen agreed to extend his contract with the Italian side until 2027 as part of the deal.His loan spell in Turkey officially ends on June 30, 2025.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Masquerade with a special guest. 🎭 Osimhen is here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToGalaOsimhen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeToGalaOsimhen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GW9MDFmmyc">pic.twitter.com/GW9MDFmmyc</a>— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) <a href="https://twitter.com/Galatasaray/status/1831363061288251799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Osimhen couldn't force a transfer this summer despite making it clear as early as January that he wanted to leave Napoli. Chelsea <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3063877" href="https://thescore.com/news/3063877">reportedly</a> had an agreement in place with Napoli, but Osimhen couldn't agree to personal terms.While the transfer window is closed for each of Europe's top five leagues, Turkish clubs can make signings until Sept. 13. European clubs can sell players even after their window has closed.Osimhen was a protagonist when Napoli captured their third-ever Scudetto in 2023, scoring 26 goals. He scored 15 times last term despite the Partenopei's disappointing 10th-place finish.The Nigerian international's future teammates at Galatasaray include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/17567" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/17567">Mauro Icardi</a>, former Napoli player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/10463" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/10463">Dries Mertens</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/31093" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/31093">Michy Batshuayi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/37000" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/37000">Lucas Torreira</a>.

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 3: 25 year old Nigerian defender Victor Osimhen, whom Galatasaray plans to recruit, arrives in Istanbul, Turkiye on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

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Napoli outcast Osimhen joins Galatasaray on loan after transfer saga

On the first Tuesday of every month during the 2024-25 season, we'll debate which clubs are among...

On the first Tuesday of every month during the 2024-25 season, we'll debate which clubs are among Europe's elite in our Soccer Power Rankings. In the inaugural edition, we pick out the top 20 sides on the continent going into the first international break.Jump to: <a href="#Arsenal">ARS</a> | <a href="#Atleti">ATM</a> | <a href="#Barca">BAR</a> | <a href="#Brighton">BHA</a> | <a href="#BVB">BVB</a> | <a href="#Bayern">FCB</a> | <a href="#Heidenheim">HDH</a> | <a href="#Inter">INT</a> | <a href="#Juve">JUV</a> | <a href="#Leverkusen">LEV</a> | <a href="#Pool">LIV</a> | <a href="#Man%20City">MCI</a> | <a href="#Newcastle">NEW</a> | <a href="#Marseille">OM</a> | <a href="#PSG">PSG</a> | <a href="#PSV">PSV</a> | <a href="#Leipzig">RBL</a> | <a href="#Madrid">RMA</a> | <a href="#Sporting">SCP</a> | <a href="#Torino">TOR</a><h3>1. <a id="Man City" name="Man%20City">Manchester City</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/cropped_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741608/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167282155.jpg?ts=1723997096 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Marc Atkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 1st in Premier League<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>None of the other 19 Premier League clubs have scored more than Erling Haaland after three rounds of fixtures. The Norwegian's seven-goal haul, including two hat-tricks, have helped lift Manchester City into first place. Rico Lewis, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva are among the others who've impressed. - Daniel Rouse<h3>2. <a id="Barca" name="Barca">Barcelona</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a>
</h3>League position: 1st in La LigaBarcelona's perfect start to the season is a huge credit to new head coach Hansi Flick after another summer of frenzied financial gymnastics in Catalonia. Barca walloped seven goals past Valladolid on Saturday, but their clear superiority in matches against Valencia (at the Mestalla) and Athletic Bilbao was extremely encouraging. - Rouse<h3>3. <a id="Pool" name="Pool">Liverpool</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/cropped_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743426/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169752815.jpg?ts=1725215503 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Michael Regan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 2nd in Premier LeagueIt's been an impressive start to Arne Slot's reign, capped off with Sunday's professional 3-0 dismantling of Manchester United. The Dutch boss has leaned on the foundations that Jurgen Klopp left behind - Federico Chiesa is the only summer addition to the senior squad - while introducing a more measured approach. - Rouse<h3>4. <a id="Inter" name="Inter">Inter Milan</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a>
</h3>League position: 1st in Serie AInter's opening-day draw with Genoa turned out to be an anomaly, not a sign of things to come. The Nerazzurri quickly re-established themselves as the team to beat in Serie A with an easy win over Lecce and a 4-0 takedown of Europa League winners Atalanta. - Anthony Lopopolo<h3>5. <a id="Madrid" name="Madrid">Real Madrid</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/cropped_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169190535.jpg?ts=1725226755 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> THOMAS COEX / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 2nd in La LigaKylian Mbappe needed four games to score his first goals in La Liga. Now, the rest of the league is on notice. Sunday's 2-0 win over Real Betis helped Real Madrid shake off the disappointment of 1-1 draws with Mallorca and Las Palmas. - Lopopolo<h3>6. <a id="Arsenal" name="Arsenal">Arsenal</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3>League position: 4th in Premier LeagueThe home draw with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion on Saturday left a bitter taste after Declan Rice's controversial dismissal. Still, the recent victory at Aston Villa - who did the double over Arsenal last season - was proof that the Gunners can challenge at the top again. - Rouse<h3>7. <a id="PSG" name="PSG">Paris Saint-Germain</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-france">🇫🇷</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/cropped_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742298/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168102283.jpg?ts=1724447181 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Xavier Laine / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 1st in Ligue 1With 13 goals scored and just two conceded, PSG have responded as well as they possibly could to life without Mbappe. Bradley Barcola seems to have benefitted the most from Mbappe's departure with four goals scored in three games. PSG's youth project is paying early dividends. - Lopopolo<h3>8. <a id="Juve" name="Juve">Juventus</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a>
</h3>League position: 2nd in Serie AThe two 3-0 wins to start the season showed a hungrier and younger side to Juventus. Thiago Motta has upended Massimiliano Allegri's conservative tactics in the few months since taking the job. Sunday's goalless draw with Roma is the only thing keeping the Bianconeri from being higher on the list. - Lopopolo<h3>9. <a id="Leipzig" name="Leipzig">RB Leipzig</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-germany">🇩🇪</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/cropped_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742376/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167333027.jpg?ts=1724518337 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> RONNY HARTMANN / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 3rd in BundesligaJust outside of first place on goal difference, Leipzig have made the biggest early-season impression in the Bundesliga, coming back from two goals down to beat Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday and end their 35-match league unbeaten run. Summer signing Antonio Nusa is one to watch. - Lopopolo<h3>10. <a id="Bayern" name="Bayern">Bayern Munich</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-germany">🇩🇪</a>
</h3>League position: 2nd in BundesligaBayern avoided an upset on opening weekend, fighting back from 2-1 down to beat Wolfsburg after blowing a 1-0 lead. Despite the unsettling start, they remain one of three Bundesliga teams with two wins out of two. Harry Kane, last year's top scorer, is also off the mark. - Lopopolo<h3>11. <a id="PSV" name="PSV">PSV Eindhoven</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-netherlands">🇳🇱</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/cropped_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743539/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167409816.jpg?ts=1725297062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Soccrates Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 1st in EredivisiePeter Bosz's side isn't slowing down after storming to the 2023-24 Eredivisie crown. The richer clubs didn't pick at PSV as many predicted, with Jordan Teze's move to Monaco the only major departure. Title heroes like Joey Veerman, Luuk de Jong, and Johan Bakayoko are starring again. - Rouse<h3>12. <a id="Atleti" name="Atleti">Atletico Madrid</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a>
</h3>League position: 3rd in La LigaAtleti fans should be optimistic after an impressive summer of business at the Wanda Metropolitano. It might take a while for the new recruits to click - Julian Alvarez has been quiet so far - but a 0-0 home draw with Espanyol represents a minor blip in some strong results thus far. - Rouse<h3>13. <a id="Sporting" name="Sporting">Sporting CP</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-portugal">🇵🇹</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/cropped_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/w220xh124_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/w320xh180_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/w640xh360_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/w768xh432_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743540/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2165575916.jpg?ts=1725297176 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Carlos Rodrigues / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 1st in Primeira LigaRuben Amorim's Sporting CP have kick-started their bid for back-to-back titles with four wins in four matches. Viktor Gyokeres is registering Haaland-esque numbers with seven goals and one assist. It will be fascinating to see how Sporting fare when they host Arsenal and Manchester City in the Champions League. - Rouse<h3>14. <a id="Marseille" name="Marseille">Marseille</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-france">🇫🇷</a>
</h3>League position: 2nd in Ligue 1Marseille showed they're on the ascendancy with a 5-1 rout of Brest, last season's surprise third-place finisher in France. Mason Greenwood has contributed five of the club's 10 league goals thus far. Robert De Zerbi has overseen a massive overhaul, with 12 players arriving for a reported €85 million. - Lopopolo<h3>15. <a id="Brighton" name="Brighton">Brighton &amp; Hove Albion</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/cropped_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/741483/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166384049.jpg?ts=1723913510 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 3rd in Premier LeagueDe Zerbi lost his buzz for the Brighton job, contributing to a slide of just one win in the club's final 10 matches last season. His successor, Fabian Hurzeler, has brought back the good feeling, masterminding wins over Everton and Manchester United before earning a draw at Arsenal. - Rouse<h3>16. <a id="Heidenheim" name="Heidenheim">Heidenheim</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-germany">🇩🇪</a>
</h3>League position: 1st in BundesligaFrank Schmidt was involved in Heidenheim's promotion from the fifth tier as a player and subsequently oversaw three promotions as head coach. Now, he's guided them to the Bundesliga's summit. Chief executive Holger Sanwald is another hero of the club's rise after taking over the then-amateur outfit in 1994. - Rouse<h3>17. <a id="Leverkusen" name="Leverkusen">Bayer Leverkusen</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-germany">🇩🇪</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/cropped_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743296/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169631786.jpg?ts=1725133667 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Pau Barrena / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 8th in BundesligaLeverkusen's invincibility may have been shattered on the weekend, but a lot of their championship DNA remains intact. They added the DFL-Supercup to their cabinet with a shootout win over Stuttgart, beat Mainz while down a man, and scored a typically late goal to win their opener. - Lopopolo<h3>18. <a id="Torino" name="Torino">Torino</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a>
</h3>League position: 3rd in Serie ATorino surprised with a 2-2 draw at AC Milan and deserved victory over Atalanta. The club is full of interesting names, including Scottish forward Che Adams, and plays a rhythmic style of football with patient buildup play. Keep an eye on Torino's development under rookie Serie A coach Paolo Vanoli. - Lopopolo<h3>19. <a id="Newcastle" name="Newcastle">Newcastle United</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/cropped_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743541/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169058802.jpg?ts=1725297286 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>League position: 5th in Premier LeagueEddie Howe believes it will take longer to deliver success after a frustrating transfer window. But the on-pitch evidence indicates Newcastle can finish in the top four, especially with fewer injuries than last season and a schedule free of European football. Goalkeeper Nick Pope is their standout player so far. - Rouse<h3>20. <a id="BVB" name="BVB">Borussia Dortmund</a> <a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-germany">🇩🇪</a>
</h3>League position: 4th in BundesligaIt's all change at Dortmund despite their surprise run to the 2024 Champions League final. Club icon Marco Reus moved to Major League Soccer, Niclas Fullkrug left for West Ham United, and the largely inexperienced Nuri Sahin is at the helm. Their defense looks solid so far. - RouseOn the cusp: Monaco, Girona, Fenerbahce

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Deadline day of the summer transfer window already has a big-money deal after Aaron Ramsdale comp...

Deadline day of the summer transfer window already has a big-money deal after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/68746" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/68746">Aaron Ramsdale</a> completed a switch from Arsenal to Southampton.The English international cost an initial £18 million with an extra £7 million in add-ons, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c6246dj00m5o">BBC Sport</a>.Ramsdale was usurped as Arsenal's No. 1 goalkeeper by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/24606" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/24606">David Raya</a> in September of last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm looking forward to this year, just getting back to what I do best and having a big smile on my face while doing it here," Ramsdale <a href="https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/aaron-ramsdale-signs-for-saints">said</a> after signing a four-year contract on the south coast.The 26-year-old made 89 appearances for Arsenal after joining from Sheffield United in 2021. He's also played for Bournemouth and has experienced loan spells with Worksop Town, Chesterfield, and AFC Wimbledon.Ramsdale was also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/53437" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/53437">Jordan Pickford</a>'s backup in the England squad that finished as runner-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 and was eliminated from the quarterfinal stage of the 2022 World Cup. He has five Three Lions caps.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Southampton FC sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal FC on a permanent transfer, at the Staplewood Campus on August 29, 2024 in Southampton, England.

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Ramsdale escapes Arsenal bench with Southampton move for reported £25M

Federico Chiesa is a Liverpool player after the Premier League club offered him an escape route f...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/68002" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/68002">Federico Chiesa</a> is a Liverpool player after the Premier League club offered him an escape route from being frozen out at Juventus.Liverpool paid Juve an initial €12 million with a further €3 million in add-ons.Chiesa's "long-term" contract signed with the Reds runs for four years, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cdd7n622dzgo">BBC Sport</a> reports.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"When (sporting director) Richard Hughes called me, and he said, 'Do you want to join Liverpool?' - and the coach (Arne Slot) called me - I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans."I'm so happy, and I can't wait to get started."Chiesa is Liverpool's second signing of the Slot era. Goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/178778" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/178778">Giorgi Mamardashvili</a> was the first arrival in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3061617" href="https://thescore.com/news/3061617">deal</a> struck with Valencia on Tuesday, but he won't join the club until next summer.Chiesa should soon challenge <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/85175" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/85175">Diogo Jota</a>, and other members of Liverpool's impressive attacking contingent for game time. The 26-year-old Italian attacker progressed through Fiorentina's ranks and made 153 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists.He moved to Juventus in 2016 and played 131 times for the Bianconeri. Chiesa logged 32 goals and 20 assists over that time, including last season's haul of 10 goals and two assists, despite suffering an ACL injury in January 2022 and numerous other fitness issues. He won two Coppa Italias and one Supercoppa Italiana with Juve.Chiesa was named in Euro 2020 best XI as he appeared in all seven matches during Italy's triumphant run. He has 51 caps and seven goals for his country.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Federico Chiesa new signing of Liverpool at AXA Training Centre on August 28, 2024 in Kirkby, England.

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Chiesa joins Liverpool in cut-price deal after falling out of favor at Juventus

Attention will shift to Thursday's Champions League draw following the completion of the midweek ...

Attention will shift to Thursday's Champions League draw following the completion of the midweek qualifiers.In some ways, nothing changes. Real Madrid enter the competition as reigning champions, Manchester City will be widely dubbed as the toughest competitors for Los Blancos' crown, and fans of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona will be hoping it doesn't end in cataclysmic fashion once again.But plenty of things look very different this season. The longstanding and familiar group stage has been scrapped, with a gargantuan "league phase" taking its place, and the draw procedure leans heavily on conspiracy theorist-baiting technology.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's what you need to know as we head into the first Champions League campaign under the revamped 36-team format.<h3>What is the new format this season?</h3>After 21 seasons, the Champions League no longer comprises 32 clubs initially split into eight groups of four. Instead, UEFA is switching to a "Swiss format" that allows four more teams to enter the competition in a league phase. The league phase helps lift the total number of Champions League matches per campaign to 189, an increase of 64 matches from last season.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/cropped_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742704/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168291105.jpg?ts=1724774725 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>All 36 clubs are thrown into a single league table and will face two teams apiece from the draw's four seeding pots, resulting in a total of eight league matches each. They won't play the same team twice; there's one home meeting with a team from each pot and one away trip against a different team from each pot."This gives the opportunity for clubs to test themselves against a wider range of opponents and raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head to head more often and earlier in the competition," UEFA <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0268-12157d69ce2d-9f011c70f6fa-1000--new-format-for-champions-league-post-2024-everything-you-ne/">explains</a>.The top eight finishers automatically go to the round of 16. The bottom eight are eliminated, with no consolation prize of Europa League or Conference League football to ease their disappointment. The last-16 field will be rounded out by the teams finishing in 9th to 24th place; the clubs positioned 9th to 16th are drawn in a two-legged playoff against a team that finished the league phase placed 17th to 24th. This new round has been dubbed the knockout phase playoffs. The winners advance to the round of 16, joining the aforementioned top eight seeds, while the losers' European journey is over.From that point on, the standard two-legged matchups we've grown accustomed to will continue to be used through the semifinals.The matchdays up until the final will still be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the exception of the opening matchday and the final round of league phase fixtures. The specific dates are later in this article.<h3>How will the computerized draw work?</h3>The new format would require almost 1,000 balls for UEFA to continue with a fully manual draw. No one wants that. So, UEFA is leaning on a designated automated software to determine each team's opponents.Yes, the robots are taking over.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/cropped_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/w220xh124_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/w320xh180_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/w640xh360_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/w768xh432_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/469803/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1234396125.jpg?ts=1629922658 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Richard Juilliart - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</figcaption></figure>The 36 teams are split evenly between four pots determined by their individual club coefficient (with the exception of Real Madrid, who have fewer coefficient points than Manchester City and Bayern Munich but are automatically the top seed as the title holders).The draw starts with plucking out balls that represent the nine teams in Pot 1. Once a Pot 1 team is drawn, the computer then immediately chooses two random opponents from each of the four pots (including Pot 1) while ensuring clubs don't face more than two opponents hailing from the same country or any team from its own country.Those rules mean the German trio in Pot 1 - Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig - will each face two of the remaining top seeds: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Barcelona.AE Live, appointed last year as UEFA's official partner for all draws, developed the software that will be used to conduct Thursday's event. Ernst &amp; Young, an external auditor that reviewed the new draw format to ensure its randomness, will also be on site Thursday to "provide the review and control of the manual and digital draw operations," UEFA <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/028f-1b7f80216368-4c26e95cc15b-1000--uefa-club-competitions-2024-25-onwards-new-league-phase-/">said</a>.<h3>When is the draw?</h3>The league phase draw will take place at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday at the Grimaldi Forum in the Monte Carlo area of Monaco.The match dates and kickoff times will be confirmed Saturday once UEFA avoids calendar clashes with Europa League and Conference League teams who share cities with Champions League outfits.<h3>Which 36 teams are taking part?</h3>Pot 1<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a> Real Madrid</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-england">🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</a> Manchester City</li>
<li>🇩🇪 Bayern Munich</li>
<li>🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-england">🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</a> Liverpool</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a> Inter Milan</li>
<li>🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund</li>
<li>🇩🇪 RB Leipzig</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a> Barcelona</li>
</ul>Pot 2<ul>
<li>🇩🇪 Bayer Leverkusen</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a> Atletico Madrid</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a> Atalanta</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a> Juventus</li>
<li>🇵🇹 Benfica</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-england">🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</a> Arsenal</li>
<li>🇧🇪 Club Brugge</li>
<li>🇺🇦 Shakhtar Donetsk</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a> AC Milan</li>
</ul>Pot 3<ul>
<li>🇳🇱 Feyenoord</li>
<li>🇵🇹 Sporting CP</li>
<li>🇳🇱 PSV Eindhoven</li>
<li>🇭🇷 Dinamo Zagreb</li>
<li>🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Celtic</li>
<li>🇦🇹 Red Bull Salzburg</li>
<li>🇨🇭 Young Boys</li>
<li>🇫🇷 Lille</li>
<li>🇷🇸 Crvena Zvezda</li>
</ul>Pot 4<ul>
<li>🇫🇷 Monaco</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-england">🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿</a> Aston Villa</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-italy">🇮🇹</a> Bologna</li>
<li>
<a href="https://emojipedia.org/flag-spain">🇪🇸</a> Girona</li>
<li>🇩🇪 Stuttgart</li>
<li>🇦🇹 Sturm Graz</li>
<li>🇨🇿 Sparta Prague</li>
<li>🇫🇷 Brest</li>
<li>🇸🇰 Slovan Bratislava</li>
</ul><h3>When are the matches being played?</h3>League phase Matchday 1: Sept. 17–19, 2024 Matchday 2: Oct. 1-2, 2024 Matchday 3: Oct. 22-23, 2024 Matchday 4: Nov. 5-6, 2024 Matchday 5: Nov. 26-27, 2024 Matchday 6: Dec. 10-11, 2024 Matchday 7: Jan. 21-22, 2025 Matchday 8: Jan. 29, 2025Knockout phase Knockout phase playoffs: Feb. 11-12 and 18-19, 2025 Round of 16: March 4-5 and 11-12, 2025 Quarterfinals: April 8-9 and 15-16, 2025 Semifinals: April 29-30 and May 6-7, 2025 Final: May 31, 2025 Key draw dates Knockout round playoff draw: Jan. 31, 2025 Round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal, and final draw: Feb. 21, 2025<h3>Where is the final?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/cropped_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/w220xh124_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/w320xh180_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/w640xh360_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/w768xh432_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742701/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2161349764.jpg?ts=1724774223 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Inaki Esnaola / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, will host the final on the last day of May 2025. The stadium staged the 2012 Champions League final - a penalty shootout victory for Chelsea over Bayern - and was also a venue for the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2020, and Euro 2024.

MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 02: Real Madrid squad celebrates the 15th UCL Title in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on June 02, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Euro 2024-winning midfielder Mikel Merino joined Arsenal on Tuesday after agreeing to a move from...

Euro 2024-winning midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/58163" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/58163">Mikel Merino</a> joined Arsenal on Tuesday after agreeing to a move from Real Sociedad.The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract following a €32.5-million transfer that could rise to €37.5 million after add-ons, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c24p6r7znqyt?post=asset%3A98cb46b4-0f22-44f4-a828-2e242ed42471#post">BBC Sport</a>."Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and (has the) profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season," Arsenal sporting director Edu said in a <a href="https://www.arsenal.com/news/mikel-merino-signs-arsenal-long-term-deal">statement</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"With Mikel's arrival, he brings us an added high quality of experience, physicality, and athleticism as we look forward to this season ahead."Merino will wear the No. 23 shirt and immediately compete for game time with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/90903" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/90903">Declan Rice</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/49894" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/49894">Thomas Partey</a>.The Spaniard spent the 2017-18 season with Newcastle United, where a clause in his initial loan switch from Borussia Dortmund made his move permanent after just a few months. Then-Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez used Merino sparingly, handing almost 1,000 more Premier League minutes to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engcc/players/6900" href="https://thescore.com/engcc/players/6900">Jonjo Shelvey</a> in central midfield. Merino was transferred to Real Sociedad at the end of that campaign.Since returning to his homeland, Merino established himself as a vital member of the Real Sociedad team, making 242 appearances for the club while earning 28 Spain caps."Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said."As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros, helping Spain win the tournament."

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Arsenal unveil new signing Mikel Merino at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 27, 2024 in London Colney, England.

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Erling Haaland has begun the campaign in exceptional fashion after his hat-trick against Ipswich ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a> has begun the campaign in exceptional fashion after his hat-trick against Ipswich Town lifted his tally to four goals in two Premier League outings.The Norwegian converted a penalty and cushioned the ball into the far corner to help Manchester City vanquish Ipswich's opener and race into a 3-1 lead Saturday, but he had to wait until the 88th minute to claim his third goal. He caught <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguec/players/94368" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguec/players/94368">Arijanet Muric</a> out at his near post with an early shot from around 25 yards to seal a 4-1 victory for Pep Guardiola's side.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
101 City appearances 10 hat-tricks Running out of words to describe <a href="https://twitter.com/ErlingHaaland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ErlingHaaland</a> 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/p9QRWPWSh9">pic.twitter.com/p9QRWPWSh9</a>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1827453327405412477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Haaland now has seven Premier League hat-tricks. That puts him level with Manchester United great Wayne Rooney despite having played 423 fewer matches in England's top tier. He also has 10 trebles in all competitions for City.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's targeting a third straight Golden Boot in the Premier League, which is something only Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry have managed.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleagueb/players/24200" href="https://thescore.com/natleagueb/players/24200">Sammie Szmodics</a> collected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engcc/players/98543" href="https://thescore.com/engcc/players/98543">Ben Johnson</a>'s pass thanks to a well-timed run and slotted the ball through <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/58740" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/58740">Ederson</a>'s legs for Ipswich's surprise seventh-minute opener.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/9965" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/9965">Kevin De Bruyne</a> profited after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/189140" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/189140">Savinho</a> pinched the ball from the hapless Muric to score from outside the box between Haaland's first two finishes. The Belgian midfielder and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/189326" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/189326">Rico Lewis</a> also smacked the crossbar in the opening half.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/3137" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/3137">Ilkay Gundogan</a> was introduced from the bench to a rapturous reception from the home fans after his return to the club from Barcelona. But it was Haaland who stole the show with yet another clinical display, lifting his overall City haul to 94 goals in 101 appearances.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Haaland's Golden Boot quest off to great start after hat-trick vs. Ipswich

Joao Pedro decided Saturday's well-contested match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165016" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165016">Joao Pedro</a> decided Saturday's well-contested match between Brighton &amp; Hove Albion and Manchester United with a dramatic 95th-minute winner.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/189010" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/189010">Simon Adingra</a> was given the straightforward task of floating a delivery to an unmarked Pedro, who easily nodded the ball past <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/40714" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/40714">Andre Onana</a> to give the Seagulls a 2-1 victory.Manchester United have lost 47% of their Premier League matches against Brighton - a higher percentage than any of their other meetings in the competition.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joao Pedro comes up with a HUGE late goal to snatch the lead for Brighton. 😲 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> 📺 Peacock <a href="https://t.co/n7o4syO0kM">pic.twitter.com/n7o4syO0kM</a>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1827336559324008946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joao Pedro SCORES!! ⚽ 2-1 Brighton vs Manchester United WATCH EVERY GOAL 👉 <a href="https://t.co/2w98QqADfX">https://t.co/2w98QqADfX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PremierLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PremierLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/gu2SYo4Vmf">pic.twitter.com/gu2SYo4Vmf</a>— FuboCanada 🇨🇦 (@fuboTVCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/fuboTVCanada/status/1827337235605148061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Former Manchester United attacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/1857" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/1857">Danny Welbeck</a> put Brighton ahead in the first half when he poked in from close range, and he almost doubled his tally when he hit the bar in the 58th minute. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/163335" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/163335">Amad Diallo</a> leveled shortly after, and United were later denied the lead due to a tight offside call against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/101177" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/101177">Joshua Zirkzee</a>.Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has taken six points from his first two matches at the helm."It was very emotional, always when you get the win in the last minute it is," he told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cy080kpp0gxt?post=asset%3A260d201b-47cb-4073-9f9d-20cfe238618b#post">BBC Match of the Day</a>. "I think we deserved to win, we had a good game - not a perfect game. There were also situations where United had the chance to win the game."

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring the winning goal with Georginio Rutter during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Manchester United FC at Amex Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Brighton, England.

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Watch: Pedro punishes slack Man Utd defending with late Brighton winner

Enzo Maresca has described Chelsea's much-criticized treatment of players as "honest" while the c...

Enzo Maresca has described Chelsea's much-criticized treatment of players as "honest" while the club seeks to offload more big names from its senior ranks.After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/160089" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/160089">Conor Gallagher</a>'s protracted transfer to Atletico Madrid was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3057572" href="https://thescore.com/news/3057572">confirmed</a> Wednesday - along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///natleaguea/players/102327" href="https://thescore.com/natleaguea/players/102327">Joao Felix</a> moving the other way to Stamford Bridge - head coach Maresca made it clear that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/13749" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/13749">Raheem Sterling</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/59623" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/59623">Ben Chilwell</a> aren't part of his plans and are training separately from the first team."I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers," Maresca, who took charge of Chelsea this summer, said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5712124/2024/08/21/raheem-sterling-chelsea-transfer-permanent/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The situation with both of them is quite clear," he added of Sterling and Chilwell. "We have a big squad, and it's impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes, it's better for them to leave. I try to be honest."Maresca continued: "If you define this as brutal, it is up to you to decide. For me, it is not brutal. It is just honest."The sizeable group of players training separately have been nicknamed the "bomb squad," <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/08/21/raheem-sterling-banished-chelsea-bomb-squad-ben-chilwell/">The Telegraph's Sam Dean</a> reports."I'm not working with 42 or 43 players. You like to say we have 42 or 43 players, but more than 15 players are training apart, they are not with the team," Maresca said, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cp8nzwdrel0o">BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella</a>."I don't see them, so it's not a mess like it looks from outside. Absolutely not."The other high-profile footballers currently exiled from Chelsea first-team duties include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/2204" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/2204">Romelu Lukaku</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/57697" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/57697">Kepa Arrizabalaga</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/99554" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/99554">Trevoh Chalobah</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165856" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165856">Armando Broja</a>.The potential fire sale ahead of the summer transfer window's deadline at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 follows an unprecedented spending spree since Todd Boehly was part of a consortium that took over the club in May 2022. Sterling joined in July of that year for around £47.5 million from Manchester City but is now seemingly surplus to requirements.Dismayed at his sudden lowly status in Maresca's squad, Sterling has expressed his desire to leave the club on a permanent basis rather than on loan, according to Ornstein. Summer arrival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/92789" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/92789">Pedro Neto</a>, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3052258" href="https://thescore.com/news/3052258">reportedly</a> cost at least £51 million, made his Chelsea debut in the No. 19 jersey last weekend but <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/chelsea-squad-number-changes">took</a> Sterling's No. 7 shirt Wednesday.Felix chose No. 14, which was previously worn by Chalobah.Before this summer, the Boehly regime had committed a figure that could surpass £1 billion after add-ons to incoming deals, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5404135/2024/04/11/chelsea-billion-boehly-clearlake-players/">The Athletic's Liam Twomey</a>. Chelsea have since spent considerable sums to bring Neto, Felix, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165412" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165412">Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall</a>, Estevao Willian, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166182" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166182">Filip Jorgensen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/185753" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/185753">Omari Kellyman</a>, and other players to the club.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 31: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Raheem Sterling & Ben Chilwell of Chelsea look on prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Maresca denies harsh treatment at Chelsea as Sterling, Chilwell frozen out

Mateo Kovacic helped Manchester City puncture any new-season optimism at Stamford Bridge by landi...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/13191" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/13191">Mateo Kovacic</a> helped Manchester City puncture any new-season optimism at Stamford Bridge by landing the killer blow near the end of Sunday's 2-0 win over Chelsea.The reigning Premier League champions led through <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a>'s first-half strike but had to withstand some pressure to maintain their lead. However, with around six minutes of normal time remaining, Kovacic ended his former club's hopes of getting a result from its season opener with an impressive individual effort.The Croatian midfielder collected a loose ball after some sloppy passing by the Chelsea backline before rushing toward the edge of the box and scoring with a clever near-post shot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Beats two and bends it in! 🙌 Sensational, <a href="https://twitter.com/mateokovacic8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mateokovacic8</a> 💫 <a href="https://t.co/lCHyyhu06X">pic.twitter.com/lCHyyhu06X</a>— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1825281761623810165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Kovacic's goal means City are the first side in Premier League history to win 10 straight games by two or more goals. This win wasn't as straightforward as some toward the end of their title march last season, though, as the energy and aggression from the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/189326" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/189326">Rico Lewis</a> and Kovacic were instrumental in keeping Chelsea at bay.The hosts had 10 attempts on goal, with the best chance falling to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/169231" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/169231">Nicolas Jackson</a> just after an hour. The Senegalese striker twisted to hit a close-range volley straight at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/58740" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/58740">Ederson</a>. Jackson also had a goal ruled out for offside near the end of the opening half.But it was ultimately a deserved victory for Pep Guardiola's team. City are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive top-flight crown."This team is so hungry, and it's a pleasure to be a part of it and win titles," Kovacic told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c4ngn8wrylqt?post=asset%3A1f6143af-4213-4fff-a495-62d882624d3d#post">Sky Sports</a>.

Manchester City's Croatian midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic (2nd R) celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in London on August 18, 2024.

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Watch: Kovacic's superb solo effort helps Man City open with win at Chelsea

In the blink of an eye, we're back. After a hectic summer, the 2024-25 Premier League campaign ki...

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Atletico Madrid could be forming a formidable attack for the 2024-25 season after sparing no expe...

Atletico Madrid could be forming a formidable attack for the 2024-25 season after sparing no expense to sign <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/182721" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/182721">Julian Alvarez</a> from Manchester City.The attacker, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3049480" href="https://thescore.com/news/3049480">reportedly</a> cost €75 million up front with an additional €20 million in bonuses, signed a six-year contract at the Wanda Metropolitano. He joins fellow new signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/67204" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/67204">Alexander Sorloth</a>, who scored 23 La Liga goals for Villarreal last season, in Diego Simeone's squad.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You are not ready 😏 <a href="https://t.co/AK5JdHNuOF">pic.twitter.com/AK5JdHNuOF</a>— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1823012206323064982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/10181" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/10181">Antoine Griezmann</a> is still on Atletico Madrid's books but is linked with a move to Major League Soccer. "One day or the other he will come here," Griezmann's long-time France teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/10689" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/10689">Olivier Giroud</a> <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/olivier-giroud-on-antoine-griezmann-to-lafc-rumors-he-will-come-here">said</a> during his introductory press conference with Los Angeles FC last Thursday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>At just 24, Alvarez has amassed an obscene trophy haul. The forward swept up numerous honors with River Plate in his native Argentina - including a Primera Division title and the 2018 Copa Libertadores crown - before winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup in two seasons with Manchester City.He's also enjoyed a gold rush on the international stage, winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 Finalissima since his Argentina debut in 2021. He's bagged nine goals in 36 caps for La Albiceleste.Alvarez scored 36 times for Manchester City following his £14-million transfer from River Plate, but he was often second-choice behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a> in Pep Guardiola's strikeforce."We have won everything together … he was incredible, and there's an incredible love from the team for his behavior," Guardiola <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3051123" href="https://thescore.com/news/3051123">said</a> Friday. "But like I said many, many times about the players, if he wants to leave, (he can have) a new challenge. Atletico Madrid is a top, top club in Spain and Europe."

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 09: Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 semifinal match between Canada and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Atletico Madrid stump up reported €95M to sign Alvarez from Man City

Manchester City collected the first piece of silverware of the 2024-25 English season after overc...

Manchester City collected the first piece of silverware of the 2024-25 English season after overcoming rivals Manchester United in a penalty shootout in the Community Shield.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/188378" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/188378">Alejandro Garnacho</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/29076" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/29076">Bernardo Silva</a> traded late goals in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wembley - the setting for United's FA Cup triumph over City in May - before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/51552" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/51552">Jonny Evans</a> scooped the penultimate penalty of a lengthy shootout over the bar.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/60044" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/60044">Manuel Akanji</a> struck the decisive spot-kick to secure the Premier League champions a 7-6 win on penalties. The Swiss defender missed the only penalty in a shootout loss to England in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I let the others shoot first because obviously when you miss a penalty, you don't go into the next one with that much confidence. I told (City goalkeeper) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/58740" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/58740">Ederson</a> I would shoot it down the middle in training, so I did it, and it went in," Akanji told ITV post-match, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c9wjkjyqpg4t?post=asset%3A3ea69f23-f243-4f2c-99d7-d0165ebc35ea#post">BBC Sport</a>.Aside from Evans, the other players who failed with their penalties were City's Silva and United's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/94369" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/94369">Jadon Sancho</a>.Manchester United appeared to be on their way to victory when Garnacho impressively skipped inside from the right flank before burying the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot in the 82nd minute. However, Silva equalized in the 89th minute after heading home a cross from the impressive <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/187298" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/187298">Oscar Bobb</a>.Extra time isn't played in the Community Shield, so the match went immediately to penalties when the final whistle sounded."To start the season with a title is good. We are really pleased," City manager Pep Guardiola <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c9wjkjyqpg4t?post=asset%3A9fffcb86-421b-4a3d-94ca-d057610e983d#post">said</a>.Out of the last 13 campaigns, only one team - Manchester City in 2018-19 - has won the Premier League after hoisting the Community Shield earlier in the season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City lifts the FA Community Shield Trophy after their team’s victory during the 2024 FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2024 in London, England.

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Matthijs de Ligt will join Manchester United after a deal worth an initial €45 million plus €5 mi...

Matthijs de Ligt will join Manchester United after a deal worth an initial €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons was agreed with Bayern Munich, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5692487/2024/08/10/manchester-united-de-ligt-transfer/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>.The Dutch defender is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract with the option of an additional year after completing a medical with last season's FA Cup winners.At 24, De Ligt already boasts league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany and has represented his country 45 times. He started his career with Ajax before big-money transfers to Juventus in 2019 and Bayern in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Noussair Mazraoui could follow De Ligt from the Allianz Arena to Old Trafford. Bayern accepted an approach from United worth €20 million after bonuses for the Moroccan international, and the full-back will complete the transfer if Aaron Wan-Bissaka moves to West Ham United, Ornstein reports.West Ham have agreed to pay £15 million for Wan-Bissaka but contract talks between the club and player are ongoing. A medical is expected to go ahead on Sunday or Monday.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 6: Matthijs de Ligt of the Netherlands looks on prior to the international friendly match between Netherlands and Canada at De Kuip on June 6, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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Daniel Rouse

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Supervising Editor

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