Amid an injury crisis at the heart of their midfield, Leeds United could now sign a World Cup winner who is already reportedly training at the club in the hope of earning a contract.

Leeds transfer news

Just when Leeds were finding their form, Daniel Farke’s side were hit with a double injury blow in the middle of the park with both Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu suffering long-term blows. Creating a crisis to send those at Elland Road scrambling for options, Leeds have been left with just Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell to fill the two starting places at the base of Farke’s midfield, leaving no room for any further injuries.

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The left-back has been impressive under Daniel Farke.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 18, 2024

To solve that problem, it looked as though Leeds were going to turn the way of Premier League veteran Cheikhou Kouyate, who went as far as having a medical at the club before failing that process in an unexpected twist.

Back to square one, the Yorkshire club did not end their search at Kouyate and scoured the market of free agents before potentially unearthing a previously unnamed German player who could now steal plenty of headlines. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Christoph Kramer is now training with Leeds in an attempt to earn a contract at the club and secure his first move since leaving Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of last season.

It’s at the Bundesliga club that Kramer worked under current Leeds boss Farke in the 2022/23 campaign, before he moved on to Elland Road in the summer of 2023. Now, almost 18 months later, the duo could be reunited for at least the rest of the season to ease Leeds’ injury woes and hand Kramer the move that he so desperately needs.

A World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, it’s fair to say that Kramer certainly ticks the box for the experience that should be more than welcomed by both Leeds and Farke.

Kramer could prove to be crucial arrival

After 10 years at Gladbach, Kramer bid an emotional farewell at the end of last season, but now he seems ready for a new challenge and potentially one that will feature the race for promotion in the Championship. At 33 years old, the German’s final big move could come courtesy of Leeds and former boss Farke, as he puts his experience to the ultimate use in England’s second tier.

Of course, as seen in the case of Kouyate, nothing is certain and those at Elland Road will want to be sure about Kramer before pulling the trigger. Meanwhile, if the World Cup winner does complete a swift move, it remains to be seen just how quickly he’ll adjust to life back on the pitch after going a summer without any football.

Farke would be wise to ease any fresh face into his side at this stage, perhaps allowing Tanaka and Rothwell to keep their places and using Kramer as a backup option. On paper, it must be said that signing free agent Kramer would be a shrewd piece of business.

Birmingham City are set to welcome back a key member of their squad as they face Northampton Town, it has emerged, in what will come as a massive boost for Chris Davies.

Birmingham chasing League One title

After spending more than every other League One side put together over the summer, and breaking the league’s transfer record several times, it is little surprise to see Birmingham towards the top of the division and pushing for the title.

Relegated from the Championship last season, they now sit behind Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference, but crucially have a game in hand on their early season promotion rivals which could see them move three points clear at the summit should they pick up a victory.

Action Images/Matthew Childs

The Blues boast the third meanest defence in the division, while their 23 goals see them rank third in that metric too, and their squad depth makes them odds on favourites to return to England’s second tier at the first time of asking.

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Now backed by NFL legend Tom Brady, the Blues are hoping that their dark days are firmly in the rearview mirror as they look to imitate Ipswich Town and secure a rapid return to the Premier League from League One after several years away.

And in a bid to continue their strong start to League One, they have been handed some good news on the injury front.

Bielik back in action for Birmingham

That comes as boss Chris Davies has revealed that centre-back and captain Krystian Bielik is back in contention for their clash with Northampton Town, after missing several games through injury. The Blues host Northampton on Saturday afternoon, with a comfortable win expected against the 18th placed side. And Bielik could well be among the starting XI.

The Polish international, who was considered a “Premier League level player” by talent scout Jacek Kulig just a couple of years ago, was promoted to club captain over the summer and has moved from central midfield to centre-back under Davies, where he has thrived.

Krystian Bielik’s season so far

Appearances

8

Goals

1

Assists

0

Interceptions per 90

2.57

Yellow Cards

3

Red Cards

1

He has missed the last month through injury, but Davies confirmed he was back and ready to return to the heart of defence at St Andrews.

“He’s had a good week’s training and done very well, looked sharp, so he’s pretty much there now”, the Blues boss revealed.

Better yet, they could soon welcome back Lee Buchanan, who has been absent through calf injuries so far this season, which would leave the Blues with just two injury concerns.

“We had a flurry of injuries a few weeks ago but now we’ve got two that are really out in Scott and Emil and a couple of others who are building their way back in. That sets us up pretty well for the winter months. Once we come back after the international break, there’s a lot of fixtures and colder weather”, Davies explained.

“The whole thing was about getting a good squad with depth, and now it’s about how we recover and train to maintain a healthy squad.”

The goalkeeper spoiled a good display by spilling the ball for Madrid's equaliser before the defender lost his head and gave away the winner

Manchester City were at their very best and very worst as they twice took the lead but ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. It was all going so well when Erling Haaland dispatched a penalty in the 80th minute to restore City's advantage after a flukey Kylian Mbappe strike had cancelled out the Norwegian's opener.

But just when it looked as though Pep Guardiola's side were heading to the Spanish capital with the ideal advantage, they were haunted by a familiar inability to see out a game and conceded twice in the final five minutes. Former City academy graduate Brahim Diaz levelled after sloppy goalkeeping from Ederson before Jude Bellingham took advantage of a huge lapse of concentration in the City defence to snatch a stoppage-time winner.

Before kick-off, City fans mocked Vinicius Jr for losing out to Rodri in the race for the 2024 Ballon d'Or and throwing his toys out of the pram. The Brazilian looked fired up and provoked a foul from Ederson which would have resulted in a penalty had he not been offside, while he then had a shot deflected off the bar in a rampant start from the visitors.

But it was City who took the lead after a tremendous move which saw Josko Gvardiol play a long floor pass to Haaland, who expertly held the ball up and found Jack Grealish. Gvardiol then appeared in the box to chest Grealish's chipped cross towards Haaland, and the Norwegian fired past Thibaut Courtois. The goal survived an interminable VAR check for offside, and City then came close to doubling their lead when Manuel Akanji sent a glancing header off the bar.

At the other end, Mbappe wasted a golden opportunity to equalise when he spooned over the bar, but the Frenchman did eventually equalise in the most bizarre circumstances, taking a wild swing at a Dani Ceballos pass and striking the ball with his shin, completely flummoxing Ederson and everyone else in the ground.

City got their noses back in front when Haaland buried a penalty after Ceballos tripped Phil Foden, but just when it looked as though they were heading to the Spanish capital with the lead, they were haunted by a familiar inability to see out a game.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ederson (6/10):

  Spoiled an otherwise excellent display with a poor kick that led to the second equaliser, as he also pushed Vinicius' shot straight to Brahim. Before then he had responded to everything Madrid threw at him aside from Mbappe's freakish goal and was super-quick out of his goal to sweep up the danger while being courageous in possession.

  Manuel Akanji (6/10):

  Alert to Madrid's danger, deflecting Vinicius' shot onto the bar before then making a big tackle from the resulting corner. Headed against the woodwork at the other end, but had to come off at half-time with an injury.

  Ruben Dias (6/10):

  A strong, combative performance at the back, leading his fellow defenders through a daunting test against this world-class attack. But it could not last and he lost the ball leading to the second equaliser.

  Nathan Ake (6/10):

  Did a good job containing Mbappe before being taken off for Kovacic.

  Josko Gvardiol (9/10):

  Outstanding at both ends of the pitch. Charged into tackles and repeatedly won them while he was lethal in attack, providing a threat with his passes from deep and then acting like an auxiliary striker, laying the ball off to Haaland for the goal.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):

  Didn't really get involved in the game and couldn't spark much danger.

  John Stones (8/10):

  For much of the game played like it was 2023 again, marauding all over the pitch and showing plenty of courage in possession. But right at the end he lost the foot race with Bellingham.

  Bernardo Silva (6/10):

  Worked hard to try and keep Bellingham at bay and it paid off for much of the game.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Savinho (6/10):

  Put in a shift defensively and sacrificed his usual creativity.

  Erling Haaland (8/10):

  Delivered a statement performance against a top European opponent, demonstrating excellent hold-up play in addition to his two spot-on finishes and striking the bar. A shame it amounted to nothing in the end.

  Jack Grealish (6/10):

  His surprise but fully deserved inclusion in the line-up bore fruit when he helped set up the opening goal, but he soon succumbed to familiar injury problems and had to be withdrawn on the half-hour mark.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Phil Foden (6/10):

  Wasn't as useful as Grealish in possession, but won the penalty after deceiving Ceballos.

  Rico Lewis (4/10):

  Struggled to live with Madrid's pace on the counter, with Vinicius and Bellingham getting past him but not scoring. Paid a heavy price for lack of concentration when he gifted Vinicius the ball in the build-up to the winner.

  Mateo Kovacic (4/10):

  Cumbersome in possession and lost a couple of 50/50s. Didn't sense the danger for Madrid's second equaliser.

  Omar Marmoush (N/A):

  Came on in the 84th minute and his difficult start to life with City continued as he watched in horror as his side collapsed.

  Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):

  Brought on in the 84th minute and in that short space of time City fell apart.

  Pep Guardiola (5/10):

  It was all going so well. He reverted to similar tactics to the treble-wining season by deploying Stones in midfield and starting Grealish, but must take some of the blame for the last-gasp capitulation, particularly his late double-change when City needed consistency to see the game out.

Lizaad Williams also ruled out because of an intercostal muscle strain, Junior Dala has been added to squad

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2021

Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of action after testing positive for Covid-19•AFP via Getty Images

Lungi Ngidi has been forced to withdraw from South Africa’s squad for the three-match ODI series at home against Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19. “He is well and in good spirits,” a CSA statement on Wednesday said, adding that Junior Dala has been called up as a replacement.Lizaad Williams, another member of the fast-bowling unit, will also miss the series, having picked up an intercostal muscle strain. No replacement has been named for Williams, and he will now be undergoing treatment. The South Africa medical team will be staying in touch with both Ngidi and Williams to assess their progress and, in Ngidi’s case, “his physical and mental well-being”.Ngidi has not played for South Africa since the Ireland series in July. He missed the Sri Lanka tour that followed in September for personal reasons, and was included in the T20 World Cup squad but did not play a game.Related

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South Africa had earlier announced that six of the first-choice ODI players – captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje – were being rested for the series, and that Keshav Maharaj would lead the team, which also marks the international comeback of Wayne Parnell.Zubayr Hamza and Ryan Rickelton, meanwhile, are in line to make their ODI debuts, while Khaya Zondo, Daryn Dupavillon and Sisanda Magala have all returned to the squad after missing the series against Sri Lanka.South Africa are also giving some time off to four members of the support staff “following back-to-back tours”, including fielding coach Justin Ontong. CSA is yet to appoint an assistant coach to replace Enoch Nkwe, who resigned before the T20 World Cup. Specialist coaches have since been used in short-term roles. Justin Sammons, the head coach of the North West provincial team, has been retained as batting coach while Dolphins coach Imraan Khan has replaced Ontong for this series.The South Africans will start their training for the series later today in the lead up to the first ODI on Friday at SuperSport Park. The second and third games will be played at the same venue on November 28 and December 1.South Africa squad: Keshav Maharaj (capt), Daryn Dupavillon, Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Junior Dala, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wayne Parnell, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Khaya Zondo.

Potentially completing their midfield once and for all, Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign a Barcelona gem who they believe has the ability to compete and reinforce rotation against Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool transfer news

With just one defeat in 12 games, Arne Slot couldn’t have asked for a much better start to life at Anfield, which continued in Sussex as his Liverpool side battled past a resilient Brighton & Hove Albion to advance into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. As Cody Gakpo starred once again in cup action, the Reds flexed the strength of their squad depth to secure yet another victory.

Whilst Liverpool once again impressed, however, it was another subdued performance from Szoboszlai who has found himself in a constant battle against Curtis Jones for a place in Slot’s side as of late – a battle that he’s in danger of losing.

Against Brighton, the Hungarian played a more advanced role and managed to win just one of three duels and missed two big chances in a frustrating display which once again leaves the door open to rotation or a potential replacement to arrive.

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According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now racing to sign Fermin Lopez from Barcelona, who value their midfielder at a hefty €80m (£67m) amid interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain alongside the Reds. Just 21 years old, Liverpool reportedly believe that Lopez can complement Szoboszlai and reinforce rotation in their midfield, perhaps costing the Hungarian his place at Anfield.

A graduate from the famous La Masia academy, Lopez won’t come cheap but may well prove to be the missing piece at the heart of Slot’s side should Liverpool decide to splash the cash next year.

"Intelligent" Lopez would hand Slot a Szoboszlai headache

If Jones is currently pushing Szoboszlai all the way at Anfield then Lopez may just take his place entirely if he arrives. The Barcelona gem was brought up through the La Masia academy and, therefore, moulded into a controller at the heart of their midfield in classic fashion.

A style of player that, of course, should ease straight in at the Nou Camp, Lopez would also suit the calmer, more efficient approach that Slot takes at Liverpool, especially on the defensive front next to Ryan Gravenberch.

Minutes

129

655

Tackles Won per 90

2.86

0.97

Progressive Passes per 90

3.57

3.84

Ball Recoveries per 90

5.71

4.93

Given how Slot plays a 4-2-3-1 system too, Lopez’s arrival to sit alongside Gravenberch in the pivot at the base of Liverpool’s midfield would also allow Alexis Mac Allister to advance into his best role in the number 10. On paper, one arrival could take the Reds’ midfield to another level entirely.

Described as “intelligent” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Lopez is undoubtedly one to watch whether he stays at Barcelona or opts to join Liverpool, Arsenal or PSG in 2025.

An influential Celtic player has been hailed by the media for his performances for his country on international duty, as his stock continues to rise at Parkhead.

Celtic ace suffers international defeat

The Hoops are in the middle of a two-week hiatus from domestic duties, with the latest international break of the season getting in the way of their Scottish Premiership march.

One player who started for his country was Liam Scales, with the 26-year-old named in the Republic of Ireland’s starting lineup away to Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening after scoring against Finland in a 2-1 win days earlier.

Unfortunately for the centre-back, his country were on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat to Greece, with the hosts scoring twice in the second half to secure a relatively routine victory.

For Scales, it was the rare taste of defeat, considering he has enjoyed a perfect start to the season in the league at Celtic, winning all seven matches in the competition and starting every game.

Media hail Scales' international performance for Ireland

Despite the disappointing result for Ireland, Celtic ace Scales still received plenty of plaudits for his performance, with various outlets praising his efforts on the night.

In his player ratings, Balls‘ Eoin Harrington described the defender as “a major reason Ireland went in level at the break to begin with”, adding that he was “generally reliable at finding a solid outball.” Meanwhile, The Irish Mirror said that Scales was “the best of Ireland’s defenders, with strong aerial and ground skills, and some important blocks”, and writing for the same publication, Michael Scully described the Irishman as “outstanding” for his country during the two games.

It’s great to see Scales receive so many positive reviews for his international performances, as his excellent start to the season continues.

As mentioned, the £5,000-a-week defender has been an ever-present for Celtic in the league in 2024/25 to date, completing 91.2% of his passes and also winning a mammoth average of six aerial duel wins per game. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers lauded him and teammate Greg Taylor last month, saying:

“The British players, the Irish players, they might not be the stellar name. Everyone’s looking for something else. But these are the guys that stand out. They’ll be waiting for you, the Greg Taylors, the Liam Scales, these guys. They’re absolutely pivotal to what we’re doing. Liam gets a fantastic goal and was really strong. He played very, very well. I’m really pleased for him because he’s been a really consistent performer for us since he’s got on the team.”

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Scales is going to be a vital player for Celtic as the season goes on, proving to be a rock at the heart of his side’s defence, and the fact that he is also becoming an influential defender for the Republic of Ireland says huge things about the strides he is making in his career.

At 26, he appears to be coming right into his peak, so there is no reason why he won’t remain an integral figure for club and country for plenty of years to come.

Peter Crouch has hilariously taken credit for Kylian Mbappe's shinned volley, with the ex-England international saying you "can't teach" that skill.

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French forward on target at the EtihadShinned volley into the top cornerEx-England star used to do likewiseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid superstar Mbappe was back among the goals during his latest Champions League appearance. The World Cup winner netted Los Blancos’ first of the night as they claimed a dramatic 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe’s strike, which came on the hour mark and cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener for the hosts, had more than a touch of good fortune about it. The Frenchman did not make the cleanest of contacts as he lined up a spectacular scissor kick.

WHAT PETER CROUCH SAID

The ball was, however, to end up in the top corner as it skewed off Mbappe’s shin and looped beyond Ederson. Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Crouch hit a few like that himself during his playing days and has posted on social media alongside images of Mbappe emulating his efforts: "Can’t teach it."

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WHAT NEXT?

Jude Bellingham went on to grab a 92nd-minute winner for Real against City, as they took control of a heavyweight Champions League knockout phase play-off. Mbappe, meanwhile, has taken his goal tally for the season to 24 through 36 appearances in all competitions.

Yorkshire have been suspended from hosting international and major matches, including the Hundred final, following an ECB board meeting to discuss the implications of the Azeem Rafiq racism investigation.The club had been due to host the third Test against New Zealand at Headingley in June next year, as well as an ODI against South Africa and the potential for knockout fixtures in the Hundred, as the host venue of Northern Superchargers. They were also scheduled to host an Ashes Test in 2023.However, in a statement, the ECB said that the club would be stripped of its major-match status until such time as it has “clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member and first-class county”.A senior Yorkshire player, Gary Ballance, who on Wednesday admitted to using racist language towards his former team-mate Rafiq, has also been suspended indefinitely from England selection.”It is clear to the Board that YCCC’s handling of the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game,” the ECB said in a statement. “The ECB find this matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values.”There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in cricket and where it is found, swift action must be taken. This matter must be dealt with robustly if the sport is to demonstrate its commitment to truly being a game for everyone.”The removal of major matches is the latest blow to a county that has been fighting to manage its reputation ever since the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of institutional racism, stemming from a series of interviews by their former captain Rafiq, including with ESPNcricinfo, last year.After initially refusing to make public the findings of an independent report, the ECB finally received a full copy last week, including the revelation – reported by ESPNcricinfo – that the racial slur “P**i” had been deemed an equivalent term to “Zimbo”, the nickname that Rafiq was understood to have used for Ballance.This led to an outpouring of condemnation towards Yorkshire, mostly notably from the UK health secretary, Sajid Javid, who demanded that “heads should roll” in a reply to the ESPNcricinfo story on Twitter.Related

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A raft of sponsors have subsequently severed ties with the club, including Headingley’s title sponsors, Emerald Group Publishing; Nike, the club’s kit sponsor, and long-term local supporters, Yorkshire Tea and Tetley Bitter.There is potential for further embarrassment for the club, and by extension, English cricket, when senior Yorkshire board members, including chairman Roger Hutton, chief executive Mark Arthur and director of cricket Martyn Moxon, appear before the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee on November 16. Rafiq is also expected to give testimony, under the protection of parliamentary privilege.Julian Knight MP, the DCMS select committee chair, said: “The ECB’s action in taking international cricket away from Yorkshire should act as a short, sharp shock to bring the club to its senses. Like the rest of us, I imagine the members of Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be questioning why the board is still in place.”As for Mr Ballance, I’m choosing at this time not to comment on the specifics of the case. However, it would have been completely unacceptable if they had left him eligible for selection for the England cricket team.”The ECB board has pledged to hold Yorkshire to account in relation to their handling of the matter. “Given recent events, it is clear there are serious questions regarding the governance and management of YCCC,” the ECB statement continued. “The club’s failure in relation to actions and responses to their own report represent a significant breach of its obligations to the game.”The statement further added that the ECB executive will commission a review of Yorkshire’s governance “to consider whether the existing arrangements are fit for purpose”, while the board has also confirmed that the Cricket Disciplinary Committee, the independent tribunal that adjudicates on all breaches of the board’s code of conduct, will scrutinise the findings of the Rafiq investigation and take appropriate action.

قرر مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، التقدم بشكوى ضد لاعب نادي الزمالك محمد مصطفى لعبة، بسبب ما بدر منه في مباراة الفريقين التي أقيمت أمس الأحد، ببطولة دوري الطائرة.

وكان الأهلي والزمالك، التقيا، في دور نصف النهائي من بطولة الدوري المصري للكرة الطائرة، وشهد اللقاء إشارة من لاعب نادي الزمالك محمد مصطفى لعبة، بالبكاء لجماهير الأهلي، مما دفع الجماهير لرمي زجاجات على اللاعب، وإيقاف المباراة.

طالع التفاصيل | “إشارة بالبكاء تشعل الأجواء”.. إيقاف مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في نصف نهائي دوري الكرة الطائرة

وحقق الأهلي الفوز على الزمالك في تلك المواجهة، بنتيجة ثلاثة أشواط مقابل شوط واحد للزمالك.

وأفاد مصدر لـ بطولات، بأن النادي الأهلي تقدم شكوى للاتحاد المصري للكرة الطائرة ضد محمد مصطفى لعبة لاعب نادي الزمالك بسبب ما بدر منه من إشارات لجماهير الأهلي.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب الفريقين في المواجهة الثانية من مباريات دور نصف النهائي من بطولة دوري الطائرة غدًا الثلاثاء، لحسم المتأهل إلى المباراة النهائية.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite desta quarta-feira (26), Maringá e Athletico-PR se enfrentaram em partida válida pela 2ª rodada do Campeonato Paranaense 2022. No Willie Davids, as duas equipes criaram boas chances, mas, quando não pararam nos goleiros, erraram na pontaria, fechando o jogo em 0 a 0.

Agora, as duas equipes voltam a campo no próximo domingo (30). Em casa, o Athletico-PR recebe o São Joseense, às 16h. No mesmo horário, o Maringá recebe o Paraná. Ambos os jogos são válidos pela 3ª rodada do Campeonato Paranaense 2022.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

CHANCES INICIAIS
O começo do jogo no Willie Davids mostrou duas equipes com a mesma proposta: atacar pelos lados. As jogadas de ambos passaram pelo setor de meio de campo, mas se tornavam mais agudas quando chegavam aos laterais ou pontas.

Pelo lado do Maringá, Matheus Bianqui foi o responsável de dar o primeiro chute, mas a bola saiu à esquerda. Enquanto isso, do outro lado, João Pedro recebeu e soltou o pé de fora de área, porém Dheimison espalmou para escanteio.

ATHLETICO PRESSIONA
​Depois do começo equilibrado, o Athletico passou a assumir o protagonismo da partida. Com a posse de bola, o time abusou das jogadas com Pedrinho pelo lado esquerdo. O lateral chegou a servir João Pedro, que completou como deu para o gol, mas viu a bola pegar no travessão e sair.

Depois, em novo lance pela esquerda, a bola se ofereceu para Pablo Siles depois de cruzamento e o uruguaio bateu firme, mas só tirou tinta da trave. Pelo lado do Maringá, João Denoni arriscou e errou, enquanto que Robertinho parou em Anderson. Assim, o duelo foi em 0 a 0 para o intervalo.

DHEIMISON EVITA O PIOR
O começo da segunda etapa mostrou o Athletico com mais intensidade, enquanto que o Maringá apostou nos lances em velocidade e buscando as costas dos alas do time visitante.

As melhores chances dos primeiros 20 minutos foram do Athletico. Rômulo recebeu dentro da área, colocou na frente e soltou o pé. Dheimison se jogou na bola e conseguiu evitar o gol. Depois, o goleiro tirou com os olhos o arremate colocado de Pedrinho.

FALTOU PONTARIA
​A reta final do jogo foi de muita intensidade de lado a lado. Dheimison salvou o Maringá em jogada individual de Julimar. Depois, Jonathan arriscou de longe, mas a bola passou por cima.

Do outro lado, o Maringá ganhou fôlego nos lances em velocidade depois das substituições. Ao tentar o cruzamento, Marcos Vinícius quase encobriu Anderson, que fez a defesa. Mais tarde, Mirandinha arrancou, invadiu a área, mas, cara a cara com o goleiro, mandou para fora.

FINAL ELETRIZANTE

Nos acréscimos, os goleiros foram os protagonistas. Em cobrança de falta sem ângulo, Mirandinha surpreendeu Anderson, que voou, espalmou e ainda viu a bola tocar no travessão antes de ser afastada.

Logo depois da chance do Maringá, o Athletico teve a sua oportunidade de matar o jogo. Rômulo recebeu de frente para Dheimison, mas, mesmo tirando do goleiro, o arqueiro se esticou todo e fechou o jogo em 0 a 0.

Confira os resultados da 2ª rodada do Campeonato Paranaense 2022:

Paraná 2 x 1 Azuriz
Cascavel 2 x 1 União
Londrina 1 x 0 São Joseense

FICHA TÉCNICA
MARINGÁ X ATHLETICO-PR

Local: Willie Davids, em Maringá (PR)
Data e hora: 26/01/2022 – 21h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Ivan Correa Laureano (PR)
Assistentes: Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR) e Alessandro Rodrigues Mori (PR)
​Cartões amarelos: Matheus Bianqui (Maringá)
Cartões vermelhos: –

GOLS:

MARINGÁ (Técnico: Jorge Castilho)

Dheimison; Marcos Vinicius, Ronald, Gustavo Vilar e Carlinhos; Parrudo, Matheus Bianqui (Anderson Santos, aos 34’/2°T) e João Denoni; Robertinho (Mirandinha, aos 23’/2°T), Felipe Saraiva e Alemão (Leonardo, aos 34’/2°T).

ATHLETICO-PR (Técnico: James Freitas)

Anderson; Matheus Felipe, Luan Patrick e Lucas Fasson; Julimar, Pablo Siles (Davi, aos 34’/2°T), Juninho e Pedrinho; João Pedro (Reinaldo, aos 26’/2°T), Rômulo e Jader (Jonathan, aos 15’/2°T).