Manchester City will aim to preserve their perfect start to the season when they host Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Enzo Maresca’s side potentially moving to the top of the table.

City began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth before producing a more convincing performance in a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace last time out. A further three points against Coventry could be enough to take them into first place, depending on results elsewhere.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST.

Coventry City and manager Frank Lampard have endured a difficult return to the top flight. They have lost both of their opening matches and are yet to score a goal, leaving them facing a major challenge against a Manchester City side that has made an unbeaten start.

The hosts are strong favourites and have suffered only one defeat in their past 21 domestic home matches. That loss came in Pep Guardiola’s final game last season.

Injury news and expected line-ups

Maresca will be unable to call on Jeremy Doku, who remains out with a calf injury. Matheus Nunes is also unavailable because of a muscle problem.

Coventry have a longer injury list. Haji Wright is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Frank Onyeka is absent with a hip problem. Sidiki Cherif is not yet fit, and Bobby Thomas is doubtful after suffering cramp.

Manchester City’s predicted starting line-up is: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Bouaddi; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.

Coventry City’s predicted starting line-up is: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Pinnock, Amenda, Dasilva; Yirenkyi, Grimes, Rudoni; Mason-Clark, Awoniyi.

The match represents another opportunity for City to build early momentum in the title race. Maresca is already focused on competing at the top of the table, and victory would strengthen his team’s position after two wins from their first two games.

There is also a notable record in City’s favour when they face newly promoted opposition. Maresca’s most recent meeting with a promoted club ended in a 3-1 defeat by Leeds while he was Chelsea manager in December 2025.

However, Manchester City have not lost any of their past 30 matches against newly promoted sides. During that run, they have recorded 27 victories and three draws.

Their last defeat in this fixture sequence was a 2-1 loss to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds in April 2021. On paper, Coventry face a difficult assignment at Etihad Stadium, although Lampard’s side will be hoping to end their wait for a first goal and first points of the top-flight season.

Carlo Ancelotti is confident Jose Mourinho can lead Real Madrid to a successful 2026/27 campaign after making an unbeaten start to his second spell in charge of the Spanish club.

Mourinho has won each of his first three LaLiga matches since returning to the Spanish capital, where he is managing Los Blancos for the first time since leaving the club in 2013.

Ancelotti, who departed Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season following his second spell as head coach, believes Mourinho has the experience and knowledge required to deliver another trophy-winning period at the Estadio Bernabeu.

The Italian left his post to take charge of the Brazil national team. Since then, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have both had spells in charge of Real Madrid before Mourinho’s return.

Ancelotti said he was pleased to see his former colleague back at a club he knows well and believes the early results suggest the Portuguese manager has settled quickly.

"I'm happy he's here. He can take advantage of this great club, which he knows very well. He's going to do very well.

"Jose is a great manager and I'm convinced he's going to do a very good job here.

"It's all started very well. They had difficulties in the first match, but little by little the team played better, with a great performance against Real Sociedad.

"Now the important matches begin in La Liga against Betis and then in the Champions League. I think the team are well prepared with new signings who will contribute a lot. It's going to be a great season forReal Madrid."

Mourinho’s opening three victories have given Real Madrid an encouraging start under their returning manager, although Ancelotti pointed to the progression shown across those fixtures rather than focusing only on the results.

He acknowledged that the team experienced difficulties in the first match of the campaign, but said their performances improved gradually before a particularly strong display against Real Sociedad.

The next stage of the season will provide a more significant test of Mourinho’s side, with a La Liga meeting against Betis followed by the start of their Champions League campaign.

Ancelotti believes the squad is ready for that increase in pressure. He also highlighted Real Madrid’s new signings, saying they would make an important contribution as the campaign develops.

The former Real Madrid manager’s backing comes as Mourinho begins another attempt to establish himself at the Bernabeu. His previous spell ended in 2013, but his return has immediately placed the club among the main talking points of the new season.

Real Madrid’s current form has also offered early encouragement to supporters hoping to see the club challenge for major honours during 2026/27.

For Ancelotti, the combination of Mourinho’s familiarity with the club, the team’s improved performances and the impact expected from the new arrivals provides reason for optimism.

He believes those factors can combine to make it a successful season for Real Madrid, with the key domestic and European fixtures now approaching.

Diego Simeone says Julian Alvarez has an opportunity to rebuild his long-term future at Atletico Madrid after a transfer dispute involving Barcelona and Arsenal.

The Atletico Madrid manager confirmed the Argentina forward will be part of the squad travelling to Athletic Club tomorrow, despite Alvarez having played in only one of the club’s three LaLiga matches so far this season.

Alvarez shocked Simeone and Atletico officials during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he declared his intention to leave Madrid this summer. The situation led to a public disagreement between Atletico and Barcelona, after the Catalan club were linked with a move for the former Manchester City attacker.

Atletico maintained throughout the dispute that they would not sell Alvarez to their LaLiga rivals. The club also argued that it had been the only victim of the transfer saga, following an increasingly bitter exchange of claims between the two sides.

After Atletico told Barcelona there was a “0% chance” of completing a deal for the Argentina international, Arsenal were subsequently linked with a possible offer. However, no formal bid was made and Alvarez was not convinced by the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

Simeone has now reiterated that he still believes Alvarez can have a future at Atletico, while making clear that the player must learn from the events of the summer.

"I'm very clear about it, life is full of opportunities. Julian now has an opportunity to get things right.

"We often spend time judging, and we need to focus on doing it less and learning more. I hope this has been a learning experience for him and that he's happy.

"He's training very well. He'll be involved, and we're hoping for the best from him and his teammates."

The manager’s comments represent a firm public commitment to involving Alvarez again, even though his limited participation at the start of the LaLiga season has underlined the uncertainty surrounding his position at the club.

Alvarez’s future became the central issue of the summer after he made clear he wanted to leave Madrid. Atletico’s refusal to negotiate with Barcelona then turned the issue into a dispute between the two clubs, while Arsenal’s reported interest failed to develop into an official proposal.

With Alvarez now set to travel for the meeting with Athletic Club, Simeone has placed the emphasis on moving forward. The Atletico manager said the forward’s current opportunity was to “get things right” and expressed hope that the experience would prove valuable to him.

Atletico’s next match will therefore provide Alvarez with another chance to feature for the club after the transfer saga, while Simeone continues to indicate that the player remains part of his plans.

Paris Saint-Germain have generated a European-record €400.4m from player sales during the 2026-27 summer transfer window, completing a remarkable change in strategy nine years after spending heavily to sign Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

In 2017, PSG transformed the transfer market by paying Neymar’s €222m release clause to Barcelona. The Brazil forward was then the most marketable player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Soon afterwards, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi secured the signing of France international Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid’s grasp. The deal initially took the form of a loan with a mandatory purchase option worth €180m.

At that time, Al-Khelaifi was football’s biggest spender, before Premier League clubs moved ahead. Since then, PSG have adopted a markedly different recruitment model, helped by the arrival of sporting director Luis Campos and manager Luis Enrique, as well as the club finally achieving its long-held ambition of winning the Champions League.

That change has been reflected in this summer’s business. PSG finished as Europe’s biggest sellers, with €400.4m in income from departures. Aston Villa ranked second with €360m, while Manchester City generated €336m.

It is the highest transfer revenue ever recorded by a club in a single summer window. No side had previously exceeded €400m.

Only three clubs had passed the €300m mark before PSG’s achievement: Chelsea, with €337m in 2025-26; Atletico Madrid, with €315m in 2018-19; and Monaco, with €365m in 2017-18.

PSG now sit third in Europe for transfer income over the past five summer windows, having collected €815m. They trail Chelsea on €1.15bn and Manchester City on €845m.

The figures underline how the Paris club have developed a model based not only on attracting elite talent but also on developing players and selling them at a significant profit. That approach has brought greater financial discipline and patience in the market.

PSG allowed Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave despite criticism, then won the Champions League immediately afterwards. They waited six months before signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for half the price, chose not to pursue Zion Suzuki or Yan Diomande, and brought back Xavi Simons before selling him on for a substantial profit.

This summer’s deals provide clear examples. Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool for €145m after PSG had signed him for €45m. Academy graduate Ibrahim Mbaye left for €60m, while fellow youth product Noham Kamara moved for €4.1m.

Kang-In Lee joined Atletico Madrid for €40m, having arrived for €22m. From the Randal Kolo Muani deal, PSG recovered €64m in total: €50m from the transfer, €8m from a previous loan to Tottenham and €6m from Juventus.

Goncalo Ramos moved to AC Milan for €75m plus €15m in bonuses. PSG had signed him for €65m plus €10m in potential bonuses, although those additional payments were never reached.

“The biggest transfer window for substitutes in history,” is how PSG describe the work carried out by the leadership trio of Al-Khelaifi, Campos and Enrique.

The club’s strategy shows that sporting success and transfer profits can coexist. PSG continue to build a squad capable of competing for major honours while increasing the value of their players.

The stability between president, sporting director and head coach has been central to that policy, producing success both on the pitch and in the boardroom - a combination rarely seen in PSG’s recent history.

According to information obtained by the source, Al-Khelaifi played a decisive role in five deals this summer through his network and relationships.

Liverpool’s move for Barcola was negotiated with Billy Hogan and Mike Gordon, with the personal relationship between Al-Khelaifi and John Henry also helping. For Kolo Muani’s transfer to Juventus, Al-Khelaifi negotiated directly with John Elkann.

Talks over Ramos were held with Gerry Cardinale, who also owns Toulouse. Miguel Angel Gil, Atletico Madrid’s contact for the Kang-In Lee transfer, was involved, while negotiations over Mbaye and Aston Villa were conducted with Nassef Sawiris, with whom Al-Khelaifi also has a strong relationship.

Liverpool have confirmed a £4.3m deal to sign France Under-20 international Djylian N'Guessan from St-Etienne, but the teenager’s proposed loan move to Brest could depend on the club freeing up space in their overseas loan allocation.

N'Guessan will officially become a Liverpool player in January. The 18-year-old is then expected to spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season with Ligue 1 side Brest.

However, Premier League rules allow clubs to loan a maximum of six players to overseas teams during a single season. Liverpool have already reached that limit, meaning they must make a change to their existing arrangements before N'Guessan can move to France.

The six players currently occupying Liverpool’s overseas loan places are Harvey Elliott, who is at Valencia, Lucca Brughmans at Genk, Ifeanyi Ndukwe at Levante, Armin Pecsi at TSV Hartberg, Calvin Ramsay at St Mirren and Amara Nallo at HJK Helsinki.

Liverpool hold an option to bring either Brughmans or Ndukwe back from their loans in January. Exercising that option would create an available place and allow N'Guessan to join Brest as planned.

N'Guessan has emerged from St-Etienne’s highly regarded academy and made his senior debut in January 2025. He went on to make 13 first-team appearances for the club, scoring once.

His progress has also been recognised by France at international level. N'Guessan played seven matches at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup and was selected in the team of the tournament at last summer’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

The agreement gives Liverpool a deal for one of France’s promising young players while leaving the next stage of his development tied to the Premier League’s loan regulations. Although the transfer itself has been confirmed, his temporary move to Brest cannot go ahead unless Liverpool reduce their number of players loaned to clubs outside England.

The decision over Brughmans or Ndukwe therefore has a direct bearing on N'Guessan’s immediate plans. If Liverpool end one of those two loans in January, the French forward will be able to spend the rest of the campaign gaining experience in Ligue 1 with Brest.

For now, N'Guessan remains a St-Etienne player until the January transfer is completed. Liverpool have secured the transfer agreement, while the final practical step of placing him at Brest depends on their overseas loan places becoming available.

Real Madrid will seek a fourth consecutive victory at the start of the 2026/27 LaLiga season when they face Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja on Friday evening, with Jose Mourinho considering changes to his side ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener.

Mourinho’s team have taken maximum points from their first three league matches against Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Malaga. The results have given the returning Real Madrid manager an ideal beginning to his second spell in the Spanish capital as he attempts to win LaLiga, having finished behind Barcelona in each of the past two campaigns.

Barcelona have also won all three of their opening fixtures, meaning Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points in Andalucia if they are to maintain the early pace at the top of the table.

The match also comes four days before Real Madrid begin their UEFA Champions League campaign at home to Inter Milan on 8 September. Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler are all suspended for that European fixture because of bans carried over from last season, and their unavailability could lead to all three being included in the starting XI against Real Betis.

That situation would allow Mourinho to manage the workload of several key players. Jude Bellingham is a potential candidate to begin the game on the bench as Real Madrid look to preserve his fitness for the meeting with Inter Milan.

Bellingham has made an impressive start to the domestic campaign, scoring twice from midfield. However, he is still working his way back to full fitness after representing England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture will also reunite Mourinho with Troy Parrott, his former Tottenham forward. Mourinho famously questioned whether Parrott had the ability to establish himself at the highest level, and the pair will now meet again with Parrott representing Real Betis.

The predicted Real Madrid line-up is: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Vini Jr.; Kylian Mbappe.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 UK time on 4 September 2026.

Real Madrid’s recent record at Real Betis provides an additional test for Mourinho’s side. They have failed to win on any of their last four league visits, a run that goes back to their most recent victory at the club, a 1-0 success in 2021.

Record spending by Premier League clubs has provided a crucial source of income for French teams, which are increasingly being forced to sell their leading young players to remain financially stable.

English clubs spent about 800m euros (£687m) on players from Ligue 1 during the summer transfer window. That represented roughly one-fifth of the Premier League’s total expenditure of 4.1bn euros (£3.5bn).

More than 20 players moved from France to England, according to figures compiled by Transfermarkt, including five transfers worth more than 50m euros. The two most prominent deals saw Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi move from Lille to Manchester City for 100m euros (£85.6m), while France winger Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain for a total of 145m euros (£124m).

There was also a steady stream of less-publicised transfers, underlining how Ligue 1 continues to develop talented players before selling them to wealthier clubs abroad.

Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, ranked the fourth-richest club in the world in this year’s Deloitte Football Money League, remain the notable exception to the trend.

PSG coach Luis Enrique said Barcola had left because “he wanted to have more importance in the team, and that is something you have to earn in training. I can't guarantee that to any player”.

For most other French clubs, however, major sales have become essential to balancing their finances.

Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare moved from Lens to Brentford for 48m euros (£42.9m), just below the 50m-euro threshold. Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes to Liverpool was agreed in January before being completed in July, while Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo joined Newcastle United from Lille.

Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye left PSG for Aston Villa. The age of many of the players involved was particularly striking: Mbaye and Bouaddi are both 18, Jacquet and Fernandez-Pardo are 21, while Barcola is a comparatively experienced 24-year-old.

French clubs have long been willing to give opportunities to young players. Bouaddi was named player of the match for Lille in a Champions League victory over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday.

Players have been leaving France for more glamorous neighbouring leagues for decades. But whereas Lyon were once able to retain Karim Benzema until he had made almost 150 appearances before selling him to Real Madrid, clubs now often have to cash in much earlier. Jacquet had made only 33 appearances for Rennes before departing.

The pressure is being driven not only by the attraction of the Premier League but also by the worsening financial position of French football.

Ligue 1 is home to back-to-back Champions League winners PSG. By selling Barcola, the club recouped the money it had already invested in three new forwards, including Spain World Cup-winner Ferran Torres.

Across the rest of the division, revenues have fallen sharply following the collapse of Ligue 1’s domestic television deal. With broadcasters unwilling to pay enough for the rights, the league launched its own streaming service last year.

Reports suggest the total television revenue distributed among all 18 Ligue 1 clubs last season was about 200m euros (£172m). That was approximately the same amount as Arsenal, last season’s Premier League champions, received on their own, according to The Athletic.

“We are waiting for there to be more money flowing down to the clubs,” said Lille president Olivier Letang. “At the moment there is very little and I, like my colleagues, am very worried about that.”

Several of France’s traditional powers were left trying to manage the consequences. Lyon sold Malick Fofana to Sunderland after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Marseille made no new signings because of their financial position, while Monaco were frustrated when an anticipated major transfer to England fell through.

Monaco abandoned plans to sell Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea when it appeared Folarin Balogun was about to join Everton for £40m. The United States striker subsequently changed his mind.

“We needed to reduce our wage bill by around 20 per cent, so we still need to find solutions,” said Monaco managing director Thiago Scuro.

For French football, keeping the books balanced has become more important than ever, with Premier League spending offering both a valuable lifeline and a stark reminder of the financial gap between the two leagues.

Arsenal can bring Ethan Nwaneri back from Borussia Dortmund in January, should Mikel Arteta need reinforcements because of injuries or decide the midfielder’s form merits a return to the Premier League champions.

Nwaneri, 19, joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the 2026-27 season after finding his opportunities limited under Arteta. However, the agreement does not necessarily rule out an earlier return to North London, with Sky Sports Germany reporting that Arsenal have retained a mid-season recall option.

The clause gives Nwaneri an opportunity to continue his development in the Bundesliga while keeping open the possibility of rejoining Arsenal during the second half of the campaign. A decision could depend either on the Premier League club’s injury situation or on whether the teenager performs strongly enough in Germany to convince Arteta that he should be brought back.

Nwaneri’s move to Dortmund follows a familiar path for promising English players. Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens have also made the switch to the Bundesliga club, where they continued their development after facing competition for regular first-team football elsewhere.

For Nwaneri, the loan represents another stage in a career that appeared to be moving quickly after his Arsenal breakthrough. He remains the youngest player in Premier League history, having made his club debut against Brentford in 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days.

That appearance raised expectations that Nwaneri could become a regular member of Arsenal’s senior side. His current spell in Germany suggests that immediate first-team involvement in North London has not materialised, but the January provision means his long-term future may still lie with the Premier League champions.

Nwaneri will hope that regular opportunities at Borussia Dortmund can help him regain momentum and demonstrate that he remains capable of establishing himself at Arsenal. His loan therefore offers the midfielder a chance to prove his form away from the pressures of competing for selection in Arteta’s squad, while also leaving Arsenal with the ability to change the arrangement before the season ends.

The earliest opportunity for Nwaneri to begin that process could come on his potential Borussia Dortmund debut. He could play for the Bundesliga club tomorrow in an away match against Hoffenheim.

His arrival places him alongside a group of English players who have previously taken the route to Dortmund, while the recall option ensures that the move is not necessarily a full-season separation from Arsenal. For now, Nwaneri’s immediate focus will be on making an impression in Germany, with his performances potentially influencing whether he remains abroad for the rest of the 2026-27 campaign or returns to Arteta’s squad in January.

Michael Carrick says he has no desire to take part in Manchester United training sessions, insisting his players do not want him “hanging around” and trying to recreate methods from his playing career.

Carrick’s side responded to their opening-day Premier League defeat by newly promoted Hull City with an impressive 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town last weekend.

Despite conceding twice, United produced a performance that suggested they are returning to their best. New signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have also appeared to settle quickly, both on and off the pitch, since moving to the club.

Carlos Baleba is expected to return to training in the coming weeks, providing a significant boost to a United team targeting a title challenge this season.

Carrick, who has extensive experience from his playing career, was asked about the extent to which he becomes involved in practical work during training. He made clear that his role is now focused on coaching rather than joining in with the players.

"No," he smiled. "I genuinely haven't missed playing and I don't really have an urge to get involved in training either.

"I think the odd time I've had to do it, maybe. Not so much now.

"Time's passed too long where I'm not at the stage where when... The first year or two you can maybe get away with it. But I think you've kind of got to move on and play your role.

"The boys don't want me hanging around trying to get involved, trying to say 'This is what we used to do, lads, and this is how you do it,'" Carrick said.

"I don't think that works. I know where my role is now, and it's very different to that, and I'm quite happy with that."

Carrick’s comments underline his belief that United’s current squad must develop its own standards rather than rely on lessons taken directly from his time as a player.

The club’s first match after the transfer window closes will be away at Everton. That fixture will be followed by United’s opening Champions League match, which will take place at home against Sabah.

With preparation for the Everton game under way, Carrick will continue to oversee proceedings from outside the playing group. He will instead monitor the squad closely as he assesses which players are best placed to make an impact on Sunday.

United’s victory over Ipswich gave them an immediate response after the setback against Hull City, while the early form of Santos and Tielemans has added encouragement. Baleba’s anticipated return is another positive development for a side aiming to compete for the title over the course of the season.

Bryan Mbeumo believes Marcus Rashford can make a significant contribution for Manchester United after ending a lengthy absence from his boyhood club.

The England international returned to competitive action in United’s opening-day 2-0 defeat by Hull City, making his first appearance for the Red Devils in more than a year.

Rashford’s comeback at Old Trafford has been welcomed by Mbeumo, who says the forward’s ability and influence can provide a major boost to the team. Mbeumo was speaking after Manchester United’s emphatic victory over Ipswich, when he was asked about the prospect of playing alongside Rashford.

“It's really good to have him back. We know his quality and impact for the club. He looks happy to be with us. Everyone is really part of the good links and he's part of this,” Mbeumo told Sky Sports.

The comments underline Mbeumo’s confidence in what Rashford can offer following his return to Manchester United. Rather than focusing solely on the forward’s absence, Mbeumo highlighted the quality he continues to bring and the positive effect he can have within the squad.

Rashford spent the previous period of his career at Barcelona, where he recorded 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

He also played an important role during Barcelona’s successful campaign as the club secured the La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana. Those performances have strengthened expectations that Rashford can have a major influence after returning to United.

His competitive comeback came in a difficult result for Manchester United, with Hull City winning 2-0 on the opening day. However, the match marked an important personal milestone for Rashford, who had not represented the club in more than 12 months.

Mbeumo’s assessment followed United’s emphatic victory over Ipswich and reflects the belief that Rashford’s return can add further quality to the team. The Manchester United forward described Rashford as someone whose contribution is already part of the links developing within the group.

Rashford’s record at Barcelona provides the clearest indication of the attacking output United will hope he can reproduce. His 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances, together with his role in Barcelona’s La Liga and Supercopa de Espana triumphs, have raised expectations around his next spell at Old Trafford.

For now, his return has begun with a defeat by Hull City, but Mbeumo remains positive about the value of having the England international back in the Manchester United squad.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mason Greenwood, Matteo Guendouzi and Fenerbahce following the Turkish club’s Champions League play-off tie against Lyon.

Fenerbahce confirmed the investigation in a statement released on Thursday, saying it would submit its defence to UEFA and seek to protect the interests of both players and the club.

The proceedings follow a 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 side Lyon last month, a result which secured Fenerbahce’s place in the Champions League for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

The match ended in disorder, with several members of the Lyon support attempting to enter the pitch as the Fenerbahce players celebrated their win. A confrontation also developed between players from the two teams, with a major brawl breaking out after the final whistle.

Guendouzi was reported to have provoked the home supporters during the match. The midfielder has a reputation for antagonising opposing crowds and was said to have angered Lyon fans who were already frustrated with his actions.

The France international later said he had been subjected to sustained abuse by supporters inside the stadium, including insults directed at members of his family.

“You know, when you've got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match - and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet.

“Because I know that in France, when this sort of thing happens, there comes a point where they'll speak to the supporters and the match might be stopped. For 90 minutes - even longer if you count the warm-up - they were insulting my family.”

Greenwood was also involved in the incidents which followed the match. UEFA’s disciplinary action now includes the former Manchester United forward, Guendouzi and Fenerbahce itself.

In its statement, Fenerbahce said: “Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second leg match, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as against our club.

“Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahce. All necessary information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We inform the public accordingly.”

The club did not disclose the specific charges brought against the players or the potential sanctions they could face. However, both Greenwood and Guendouzi could be punished for their involvement in the scenes after the game.

The pair could miss Fenerbahce’s opening European fixture, which is due to take place in one week’s time as the club begins its Champions League campaign. Fenerbahce’s return to the competition represents its first appearance in the Champions League since 2008-09, making the UEFA investigation an immediate concern for the Turkish side as it prepares for its next match.

UEFA’s proceedings will determine whether either player is suspended and whether any further action is taken against Fenerbahce following the trouble involving the club’s players and the Lyon supporters.

Ayase Ueda’s late finish gave LOSC Lille a 1-0 victory at Toulouse, extending their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season and leaving Toulouse manager Jens Berthel Askou still waiting for his first win in charge.

Toulouse created the clearer chances for much of the match but were punished for failing to convert them. The defeat was their second in a row at home, a run they had not suffered since April 2025.

The hosts began with confidence despite a poor opening to the campaign that had seen them record their joint-lowest points return after two games of a top-flight season this century.

Cristian Casseres came close to rewarding their aggressive approach inside the opening five minutes, striking the crossbar with a long-range effort.

Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer was then called into action midway through the first half when Santiago Hidalgo unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards. Ozer produced an excellent one-handed save to keep the score level.

Lille had struggled to impose themselves but almost benefited from a moment of fortune when Nathan Ngoy appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area while under pressure from Jacen Russell-Rowe.

After a lengthy review of the pitchside monitor, referee Mathieu Vernice decided the incident did not warrant a penalty, giving Lille a significant reprieve.

Toulouse continued to press and should have gone ahead before the break. Ozer made another important intervention to deny Hidalgo from close range, before the Lille keeper stood up well to prevent Russell-Rowe from scoring after the forward had gone through one-on-one.

Lille manager Davide Ancelotti responded by making two substitutions at half-time. The changes did little to help the visitors take control, but they did slow Toulouse’s attacking momentum.

Neither side was able to build sustained pressure after the interval, although Toulouse remained the more threatening team. Rasmus Nicolaisen came close in the middle of the second half when he rose highest in the penalty area but headed over from an outswinging corner.

Lille finally found the breakthrough just over 15 minutes before the end. Romain Perraud’s cross reached Ueda at the near post, and the forward converted at the second attempt.

Toulouse had an immediate opportunity to equalise. Casper Tengstedt, Ueda’s former Feyenoord team-mate from last season, raced clear and attempted to lift the ball over Ozer, but his effort went over the crossbar.

That was Toulouse’s final realistic chance to rescue a point. Lille held on for a fifth consecutive head-to-head victory against Toulouse and remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season.

Ozer was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for his decisive performance in the Lille goal.

Real Sociedad missed the chance to record successive La Liga wins for the first time since January after being held to a goalless draw by Celta Vigo at Reale Arena on Thursday.

The hosts had entered the match with a strong home record, losing only twice in their previous 14 league games on their own ground, while Celta had won just one of their last six competitive away matches. That contrast was reflected in the opening stages, as Real Sociedad controlled possession and played with greater attacking confidence.

They almost took the lead after 15 minutes when Jon Martin met a cross with a powerful downward header. Celta goalkeeper Radu reacted quickly to keep the effort out.

Real Sociedad continued to create opportunities. Mikel Oyarzabal, a winner of both the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, saw a fierce left-footed shot instinctively blocked by Radu. The ball dropped invitingly to Takefusa Kubo, but the Japan international sent a close-range volley over the bar despite appearing to have the goal at his mercy.

Radu was again called upon when Yangel Herrera drove a low effort towards the bottom corner, turning the ball around the post. The goalkeeper then dealt with another dangerous attempt shortly before the interval, holding Benat Turrientes’ powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards.

Real Sociedad were unable to maintain the same level of pressure after half-time. The best chance before the hour mark went to Celta, when Andres Antanon found space on a promising counter-attack but fired well wide of Alex Remiro’s goal.

The match then became increasingly scrappy, with several robust challenges disrupting the flow. Celta defenders Yoel Lago and former Chelsea player Marcos Alonso were both shown yellow cards.

Real Sociedad thought they had a strong case for a penalty with fewer than 15 minutes remaining. Goncalo Guedes appeared to be pulled down inside the box after winning possession from Alvaro Nunez, but referee Victor Garcia Verdura rejected the appeals.

Celta nearly snatched victory with 10 minutes left when veteran forward Iago Aspas found an opening. However, the experienced striker could not find a way past Remiro, who made a comfortable save to preserve the scoreline.

The result was the first goalless draw between the two sides since November 2008. It also extended Real Sociedad’s wait for back-to-back La Liga victories, while Celta earned a point from a match in which they had spent much of the opening half under pressure.

Real Sociedad’s next fixture is an away game at Elche on Monday evening. Celta Vigo will also be on the road that night, travelling to face Getafe.

Flashscore’s Man of the Match was Marcos Alonso of Celta Vigo.

Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Spain career that produced 27 senior appearances.

The 31-year-old Atletico de Madrid defender confirmed his decision on Thursday, despite acknowledging that he could still have several years ahead of him in the national team.

Llorente made his Spain debut in 2020 and was included in the squad that defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in July. He did not feature in the final, remaining on the bench as Spain secured the title.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Llorente said the decision had been considered carefully and was based on his personal feelings rather than his age or current level of performance.

"I realise that I’m still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to perform well, I’d still have years left to play in this jersey," Llorente wrote.

He accepted that the announcement might be difficult for supporters to understand, while explaining that his perspective could have been different had he not been the person making the decision.

"I know many of you won’t understand this, and I probably wouldn’t have understood it either if I were looking at it from the outside. But it’s a personal decision - one I’ve thought through very carefully and, above all, one that comes from the heart."

The former Real Madrid player also used his message to thank those around him and look back on Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.

Llorente highlighted the final 52 days in particular, describing the period as the most significant part of his international experience.

"I’ll cherish everything I’ve experienced, but above all, these last 52 days," Llorente said.

He reserved praise for the group of players who helped Spain reach the top of world football, emphasising their determination to continue fighting until the end.

"With a wonderful group that fought until the very end to put Spain at the top. And that’s exactly what they did."

Llorente’s international career therefore ends with 27 caps and a World Cup winner’s medal, although he played no part in the final against Argentina. His decision comes despite his recognition that strong performances could have allowed him to remain involved with Spain for years to come.

Estevao’s future at Chelsea has come under scrutiny after reports claimed the Brazilian winger is worried about his limited opportunities under manager Xabi Alonso, with Liverpool potentially considering a move in January.

The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Alonso’s plans at the beginning of the season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

He has made cameo appearances against Luton Town and Fulham in Chelsea’s opening fixtures, but Alonso has so far been unable to give him an extended run in the side. Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Valentin Barco have all been selected ahead of him.

ESPN Brasil reports that Estevao has told people close to him that he fears he will not receive significant playing time under Alonso this season while he continues to be used primarily as a substitute.

The situation has reportedly revived Liverpool’s interest in the forward. The Reds were said to have contacted Chelsea during the summer, when they were expected to lose Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.

Liverpool were reportedly "weighing up" whether to make an offer on deadline day in an attempt to test Chelsea’s firm stance over Estevao, although no transfer materialised.

However, reports of the winger’s frustration could encourage Liverpool to return with a bid in January. The club may view Estevao as a possible replacement for Gakpo, whose future remains uncertain.

Estevao joined Chelsea in a deal worth £52m and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club. Despite his current lack of regular starts, he is competing for places with a group of high-level attacking players at Stamford Bridge.

At another leading club, his performances could potentially have led to consideration of a loan move, but Chelsea’s depth in attacking positions has restricted his involvement so far.

His progress was also disrupted at the end of last season when he suffered a severe hamstring injury. The problem ruled him out of the final stages of the campaign, including the World Cup.

Chelsea’s position was described as firm during the summer, preventing Liverpool from completing a deal despite their reported interest. Any January approach would therefore depend on whether the London club’s stance changes and whether Estevao’s concerns over his role become more pronounced.

For now, Estevao remains a Chelsea player, but his lack of opportunities under Alonso has created uncertainty around his longer-term prospects. Liverpool’s interest, initially linked to Gakpo’s anticipated departure, could become more concrete if the Brazilian continues to find himself behind several established attacking options.

Mika Godts says he feels no additional pressure after completing a €55m move from Ajax to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting he has joined the French champions to improve and play wherever manager Luis Enrique chooses.

The 20-year-old Belgium winger moved to the two-time Champions League winners on 15 August after attracting interest from leading European clubs with 30 goal contributions in the Eredivisie last season.

Speaking to Flashscore’s Julie Marchetti during Paris Saint-Germain’s media day on Thursday, Godts said he had quickly settled into life at his new club and was pleased with how his opening days had gone.

"I'm really happy to be at Paris Saint-Germain. The last few days have gone well with playing my first two games," Godts told Flashscore's Julie Marchetti.

Godts made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain one week after joining from Ajax, featuring for 45 minutes in the match against Stade Rennais. He then appeared as a substitute for 27 minutes against Lille, providing an assist during the French champions’ dramatic 2-2 draw.

The Belgian said he had not required much persuasion from technical director Luis Campos before deciding to move to Paris. Campos spoke to him in Porto about the club and its sporting project, but did not offer any specific guarantees.

"He didn't promise me anything. He talked to me a lot about the club, the coach, and all that. I'm very grateful to him."

Godts also held discussions with Luis Enrique, which helped him understand the manager’s approach and what would be expected of him at Paris Saint-Germain.

"He didn't say much. I was already convinced. He just talked a bit about his way of working and how we could do it together. After that, it was easy for me."

The transfer represents a significant step for a player who made his professional debut for Ajax in 2023. However, Godts said he was not viewing the move as a source of additional pressure, despite leaving the club where he had established himself and been named last season’s Eredivisie MVP.

"I came because it's a big club and I just want to learn a lot and play. There's no extra pressure for me. I'm calm. I came here to play and to learn."

Godts is also comfortable operating in several attacking positions. Rather than demanding a particular role, he said he was prepared to adapt to the manager’s plans.

"I can play anywhere. So on the right, as a number 9, as a number 10, on the left. I just want to play, so it's up to the coach."

His next opportunity could come at Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain are due to host Monaco in Paris on Friday, 4 September. That match would give Godts the chance to make his home debut for the club after his first two appearances came away from the stadium.

Mathys De Carvalho is expected to leave Olympique Lyon and join Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah, in a move that would see the 21-year-old midfielder become the latest player to depart the French side during the summer.

De Carvalho has attracted interest from a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia and Portugal, but reports say he has been persuaded by the project and ambitions outlined by Al-Diriyah coach Bruno Lage.

According to L’Equipe, De Carvalho will join a squad that already includes former Ligue 1 players Chancel Mbemba, Idrissa Gueye and Enzo Millot. Al-Diriyah have recently won promotion and are preparing for life at their new level of competition.

Lyon are expected to receive about €1m for De Carvalho, with the deal also including bonuses. The player is due to sign a contract running until 2029 once he arrives in Saudi Arabia.

The proposed transfer brings an end to De Carvalho’s time with Lyon after a brief senior career at the club. He was promoted to the professional squad by Paulo Fonseca and has made 22 appearances for the first team.

The Portugal Under-20 international has registered one assist during those outings. His move to Al-Diriyah would give him the opportunity to continue his development in Saudi Arabia, while providing Lyon with another departure as they work to reshape their squad.

De Carvalho’s exit would be Lyon’s 12th departure of the summer. The club are continuing to reduce the size of their squad and lower their wage bill, with the midfielder’s transfer contributing to those efforts.

Although several Saudi Arabian and Portuguese clubs had shown an interest in the player, the reported influence of Lage and the vision for Al-Diriyah’s project appear to have played a decisive role in his choice.

The move remains subject to De Carvalho completing his arrival in Saudi Arabia and finalising the contract expected to keep him at Al-Diriyah until 2029. If completed, he will join Mbemba, Gueye and Millot as part of the newly promoted club’s group of players with experience of Ligue 1.

For Lyon, the transfer represents the latest step in a summer of significant squad reduction. For Al-Diriyah, it would add a young Portugal international who has already gained first-team experience at one of France’s established clubs.

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been cleared by a Spanish court over allegations that he distributed an explicit video involving a minor, hours after Jose Mourinho criticised the player for an unrelated drink-driving conviction.

A court in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, said on Thursday that “no offence” had been committed by the 23-year-old after the two complainants withdrew their charges. Asencio had previously apologised to the women involved.

The case centred on allegations dating back to 2025, when Asencio and three former Real Madrid academy team-mates were accused of involvement in the recording and unauthorised distribution of sexually explicit videos involving two young women aged 16 and 18.

Asencio was not present when the incidents took place. He was accused instead of sharing the videos with a third party.

The other three players – Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia – were acquitted of distributing intimate footage without consent. However, they each received a one-year suspended prison sentence for “child pornography” and were ordered to attend a sexual “re-education” course.

The drink-driving case involving Asencio also took place in Gran Canaria. He was found to have been driving at more than three times the legal alcohol limit on 16 August.

A court in San Bartolome de Tirajana, a village in Gran Canaria, convicted him and imposed a fine of €14,400. His driving licence was also suspended for eight months.

Mourinho, speaking after the drink-driving conviction, praised Asencio’s attitude in training but said the player had damaged the reputation of Real Madrid.

“He's a model professional. When he was fit, no one trained as hard as him,” Mourinho said.

“Now that he's been injured for a few weeks, he's the first to arrive and the last to leave.

“But a Real Madrid player remains so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year.

“Everything you do outside the pitch represents Real Madrid and could affect the club's prestige.

“I'm not happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but when they pile up, it's not the same.”

Mourinho said Asencio faced disciplinary action from the club in relation to the drink-driving offence, although he also emphasised the player’s professional commitment.

Asencio suffered a hamstring injury in July and has not yet been included in a matchday squad by his new coach. Before that setback, he had featured regularly for Real Madrid during the previous two seasons.

The court ruling removes the criminal case relating to the alleged distribution of the video, but it follows the separate drink-driving conviction and Mourinho’s public expression of concern about the effect of the incidents on Real Madrid’s standing.

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has undergone surgery on his right knee and is expected to be unavailable for at least four months, according to reports in Italy. The club confirmed the operation on Thursday, with Italian media suggesting the France international will not return until next year.

Thuram has been sidelined since the end of last season because of degeneration of the cartilage in his kneecap. The 25-year-old had already missed the start of Juventus’ new Serie A campaign before undergoing the procedure.

Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Italia said Thuram faces a minimum absence of four months. That would keep him out for a substantial part of the season, although neither the club announcement nor the reports specified an exact date for his return.

The midfielder joined Juventus from Ligue 1 side Nice and has scored six goals in 70 Serie A appearances for the Turin club across his two seasons there. His latest injury represents a significant setback for a player who has become part of Juventus’ midfield options since moving to Italy.

Thuram is the younger brother of Inter winger Marcus Thuram and the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram. The family connection has made him a familiar name in European football, but his Juventus career has now been interrupted by a persistent knee problem.

The development comes as Juventus have made a positive start to the new Serie A season. They have won their opening two matches, despite finishing sixth in Italy’s top flight last term and consequently missing out on qualification for the Champions League.

Thuram’s absence will therefore be felt as Juventus attempt to build on that early league form. However, the club’s immediate priority will be his recovery after surgery, with the player not expected to feature again for at least four months.

Juventus have not provided a more detailed timetable beyond confirming the operation on the right knee. Italian reports indicate that the midfielder’s rehabilitation is likely to extend into next year.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Bradley Barcola’s transfer to Liverpool was beneficial for everyone involved, despite the winger’s departure leaving the European champions without one of their most important players from the past two seasons.

“Everyone is a winner,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Thursday, a day before PSG host Monaco in Ligue 1.

Barcola joined Liverpool in a high-profile deal worth an initial €125m (£107m, $145m), with a further €20m available in bonuses. The 24-year-old had not played for PSG at the beginning of the new campaign and wanted a greater role elsewhere.

“He wanted to leave because he wanted to have more importance in the team. And that is something that you have to earn in training. I can't guarantee that to any player.

“He has been a very important player for us, and he is an incredible person. He was liked by his teammates. He still had two years left on his contract, but he decided to leave, and I wish him all the best. We have to accept it.”

Barcola scored 13 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions last season as PSG successfully defended both their UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. He also appeared in every match played by France at the World Cup.

However, his position in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up was not guaranteed, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also competing for a place on the wing.

PSG have responded to Barcola’s departure by signing three attacking players for a combined fee of about €150m. Spain World Cup final hero Ferran Torres has arrived from Barcelona, while Maghnes Akliouche has moved from Monaco and Mika Godts has joined from Ajax.

“I am happy with the three players we have brought in up front. We must not make comparisons. We will see what happens, but I am happy with the transfer window,” said Luis Enrique.

The former Barcelona and Spain manager has also overseen the departures of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who has joined AC Milan, and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has moved to Aston Villa.

Luis Enrique stressed that the newcomers would need “time to adapt” as PSG attempt to find their rhythm domestically. They have drawn their opening two Ligue 1 fixtures against Rennes and Lille.

That uncertain start followed defeat by Lens in the French Champions Trophy. PSG had previously claimed the UEFA Super Cup by beating Aston Villa.

The Paris club will begin their defence of the Champions League at home to Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday. They are seeking a third consecutive triumph in Europe’s leading club competition.

“Our objectives are clear. I have said it many times. I want to win the most important trophies, and there is none bigger than the Champions League,” added Luis Enrique, who is entering his fourth season in charge of PSG.

The match against Monaco comes as the club continues to reshape its attack following Barcola’s move to Liverpool, with Luis Enrique confident the changes can eventually strengthen his squad rather than weaken it.

Follow PSG’s clash against Monaco with Flashscore.