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Barcelona legend Xavi has explained why Lamine Yamal was beaten to the 2025 Ballon d’Or by Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele. One exciting forward that used to grace the books at Camp Nou pipped one that is starring in the present to the title of best player on the planet. Dembele fended off the challenge of teenage wonderkid Yamal to collect the first Golden Ball of his career.

Can Yamal match Messi in the Ballon d'Or stakes?

Yamal is expected to go on and claim plenty in the future, with it being suggested that he could match or eclipse the efforts of fellow La Masia academy graduate Lionel Messi – who has eight Ballons d’Or to his name and is widely considered to be the greatest player ever to lace up a pair of boots.

Time is on Yamal’s side when it comes to achieving such feats, as he is just 18 years of age. He has signed a lucrative new contract at Barcelona and inherited the iconic No.10 shirt that Messi once filled with such distinction. He is already considered to form part of the global elite, with that standing being highlighted in his runner-up finish behind Dembele.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhy Dembele beat Yamal to Golden Ball in 2025

Former Barca player and manager Xavi believes there were a number of contenders to land the Golden Ball in 2025, with Dembele ultimately emerging as a deserving winner. The ex-Spain international told when asked about Yamal missing out: “This time, collective titles weighed more heavily. For me, of course, he deserved it. So did Vitinha, [Mohamed] Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players deserved it. But in the end, titles count more. Lamine will win it, I’m convinced – but when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”

Xavi was the man to hand Yamal his senior debut for Barcelona at 15 years of age. He had been knocking on the door prior to that, with it impossible to limit such potential. The youngster has come a long way in a short space of time, with La Liga and European Championship titles being added to his CV.

Xavi explains why Yamal was destined for greatness

Xavi added on helping to put the hottest of prospects on the path to potential greatness: “I feel very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the chance to make his debut. I saw him as very prepared despite being 15. He was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything. From the very first day, he stood out. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and can define an era in world football. He has no complexes, no fear whatsoever.”

Barca always expected Yamal to reach the very top of the game, despite being a rough diamond in need of some polishing. Xavi remains convinced that the teenager will win a Golden Ball at some stage.

He added when asked if that standing was clear from day one: “Yes, without a doubt. We said it among the staff – we said he was Ballon d’Or material. Watching him train, you could already see something different. You immediately realised he was one of the chosen ones.”

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Getty ImagesYamal injury: How long teenage wonderkid will be out for

Yamal is being forced to take in another enforced spell on the sidelines at present. He picked up a groin injury while on international duty in September and, after taking a period of rest, aggravated that when returning to action against Real Sociedad. He will play no part for his country in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.

It has been claimed that Yamal will be out for “two or three weeks”, with Barca needing to nurse him back to full health. A break in domestic competition will aid that cause, with the reigning La Liga champions playing host to Catalan neighbours Girona on October 18 – with others, such as on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, needing to step up in Yamal’s absence.

Flags at half mast at Kia Oval after bereavement in family synonymous with Surrey County Cricket Club

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2025Lynn Stewart, wife of former England and Surrey captain, Alec Stewart, has passed away after a 12-year battle with breast cancer.On Monday, flags were flown at half-mast above the Micky Stewart Members Pavilion at the Kia Oval, as a mark of respect on the final day of Surrey’s Division One County Championship match with Hampshire. Surrey players also wore black armbands in memory of Lynn.Both gestures were acknowledgements of a bereavement within a family that has been an intrinsic part of the club’s history. Micky represented the club between 1954 and 1972, before Alec followed in his father’s footsteps between 1981 and 2003.Alec returned to Surrey in 2013 as director of cricket but made the decision to relinquish the role last year to care for Lynn. “I want to give her, and my family, more of my time over the coming years than this job allows,” he said at the time.Surrey won the 2024 County Championship, registering a third successive title in Alec’s last full season – a fourth of his tenure – before the 62-year old stepped back to a part-time role as High-Performance Cricket Advisor.In a statement released by Surrey, club chair Ollie Slipper said: “The sincere condolences of everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club are with Alec and the whole Stewart family.”Our very best wishes are with the family and we will continue to offer any support to them that we are able to. In the meantime, we ask that people respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

Chelsea have identified a Real Madrid star as one of their top targets for 2026 already, with BlueCo prepared to meet the player’s asking price, according to a new report.

Enzo Maresca’s side ranked among the Premier League’s biggest-spending teams during the summer window, splashing close to £290 million, but their array of player sales meant that Chelsea actually recorded a small profit.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

The west Londoners, and quite rightly so, have earned a reputation for being one of England’s most prolific selling clubs, and if Bayern Munich trigger Nicolas Jackson’s obligation to buy clause next summer, they’ll stand to earn a further £56 million on top of his record-breaking loan fee.

Interestingly, Jackson could face off against Chelsea in the Champions League this evening, with Vincent Kompany handed a dilemma over playing the Senegalese against his parent club.

The 24-year-old’s potential sale would do wonders to fund Chelsea’s 2026 summer plans, and they have a few key items on the agenda already. If Maresca cannot sign a centre-back in January, it’s something they’ll reportedly visit later in the new year.

Elsewhere in the squad, a fresh claim has surfaced that Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is firmly on Chelsea’s radar.

Chelsea identify Eduardo Camavinga as top target for 2026

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea are eyeing Camavinga as one of their priority signings for 2026.

The Frenchman is yet to make a single appearance under Xabi Alonso this season after just returning from an ankle injury, but was on the bench for Real’s 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Valued at around £52 million, it is believed that Chelsea are prepared to pay that price for Camavinga, and if any club were to offer it, Real would also be happy to negotiate his exit.

Would Eduardo Camavinga fit in at Chelsea?

Maresca already boasts a star-studded midfield of Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo, the returning Roméo Lavia and Dario Essugo — although the latter is set to be sidelined for a lengthy period after surgery.

The 22-year-old is a player of real quality when fit and available, but Camavinga’s worrying injury record comes as a real warning to BlueCo.

He made just 35 appearances in all competitions last season — missing nearly 30 games through a combination of knee, muscle and hamstring problems — and the last thing Chelsea need is an injury-prone player who’s barely available.

That being said, Camavinga has also attracted huge praise for his performances at the Bernabeu.

Didier Deschamps' men were held to a 2-2 draw by a brave Iceland side in Reykjavik, as an experimental XI floundered under the pressure of their bold opponents, who belied their pre-match underdogs tag. France did score twice, coming from behind in the process, but a lack of concentration allowed the hosts to take a well-deserved point from a breathless encounter.

Within three minutes, Christopher Nkunku had a glaring chance to give France the lead, as the ball fell to him at the back post, but his effort was well-saved.

Iceland enjoyed a fine spell midway through the first half but Michael Olise caused panic in the backline with a wicked free-kick delivery just past the half-hour point, as goalkeeper Elias Olafsson flapped at the delivery and conceded a corner. 

But it was a wicked delivery from the home side that proved decisive, as France failed to deal with a free-kick conceded by William Saliba – the ball appeared to get caught under Eduardo Camavinga's foot – and Victor Palsson was alert enough to poke the ball beyond Mike Maignan, prompting a remarkable reaction in Reykjavik. 

Before half-time, Jean-Philippe Mateta's shot from point-blank range was cleared off the line, after Olafsson saved a fine header from Michael Olise. 

On the hour mark, Nkunku had another huge chance, again at the back post, again from a set-piece, but his effort was wild, and flew high into the Icelandic night. He would not be denied, and within minutes, he equalised, as he cut in from the left flank and fired into the bottom corner. 

France completed their comeback in the 68th minute, as substitute Maghnes Akliouche found Mateta, who finished from close-range, scoring his first France goal. 

Amazingly, within 60 seconds, Iceland were level again, as Albert Gudmundsson sprang beyond the offside trap and fed Kristian Hlynsson, who powered a finish high into the roof of the net. 

Both sides felt they could win the game, but neither were able to do so, as Iceland held out to earn a valuable point. 

GOAL rates France's players from Laugardalsvöllur…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Mike Maignan (4/10):

Beaten all ends up by Palsson's finish but he should have been more proactive at the set-piece, as he appeared glued to his line. Didn't do well enough to close the space before Hlynsson's goal, and then slipped on the ball, almost gifting the hosts a third. A heart-in-mouth night. 

Jules Kounde (4/10):

Abandoned his position and was made to pay for it, as Iceland capitalised to score their equaliser. 

Dayot Upamecano (4/10):

As useless as the rest of his team-mates at clearing the low free-kick that saw France fall behind. Flat-footed as Iceland broke through to score their second, too, and committed a very clumsy foul in the second half which could easily have seen him carded. Careless. 

William Saliba (5/10):

Needlessly conceded the free-kick that led to Palsson's goal and was nowhere to be seen as Iceland scored their second. So assured in the Premier League, but he looked nervous here. 

Lucas Digne (6/10):

Shot at goal from the halfway line and only narrowly missed. Had a couple of good opportunities in the final third but was less effective defensively. 

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):

Couldn't clear Iceland's corner, and was directly at fault for Iceland's lead. Booked for stopping a promising counter-attack. Good on the ball, as ever, but out of possession, there was much to be desired. 

Manu Kone  (6/10):

Got on the ball when he could but played a more defensive role. Did so effectively throughout, and was perhaps France's best defence-minded player on a topsy-turvy evening. 

AFPAttack

Florian Thauvin (6/10):

Put in a brilliant cross at the end of the first half but Olise was unable to convert. Almost scored with an overhead kick. A busy display, but not everything came off. Subbed for Akliouche. 

Michael Olise (7/10):

Forced an excellent save before half-time with a fine header. Always dangerous, always trying to make something happen. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta (6/10):

Spurned a good early opportunity and allowed Palsson's finish to roll past him, despite him being positioned on the correct side to clear. Shot at the end of the first-half was cleared off the line but finally scored in the second half to finally give Les Bleus the lead. He's not Mbappe, though, is he?

Christopher Nkunku (7/10):

Should have scored within a minute but his effort was straight at the goalkeeper. Missed a sitter at the back post on the hour mark but dusted himself down to cut inside from the left and fire a world-class equaliser into the bottom corner. Subbed.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Maghnes Akliouche (7/10):

Off the bench and found Mateta with a brilliant cross to give France the lead.

Khephren Thuram (6/10):

Replaced Camavinga. Slotted into midfield as France began to wrestle back control. 

Kingsley Coman (6/10):

On for Nkunku. A couple of promising dribbles down the flank came to nothing. 

Hugo Ekitike (N/A):

On for Mateta on 88 minutes. Bizarre that it took so long for him to be introduced. 

Didier Deschamps (4/10):

This wasn't a vintage France performance by any means. The attack looked largely toothless at times – France created five big chances but only scored two – and the defence looked jittery against Iceland's brave press. He will surely claim that France win this game nine times out of ten, but this was the outlier, and a weakened team selection feels like the main culprit. 

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will serve a one-match touchline ban after he admitted a Football Association (FA) charge of misconduct following his dismissal in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool. The Blues manager has also been fined £8,000 by the FA after his wild celebration following Estevao’s last-gasp winner at Stamford Bridge before the international break.

Maresca celebrated with his players after Stamford Bridge erupted

Facing the possibility of going four Premier League games without a victory, teenager Estevao popped up with a crucial winner in Chelsea’s last-minute triumph over Liverpool on Saturday, 4 October. The Brazil international scored his first league goal for the club as he prodded home at the back post in the fifth minute of added time, and the strike sparked incredible scenes of jubilation in west London with Maresca getting caught up in the moment as he sprinted down the touchline to embrace his players near the corner flag.

AdvertisementAFPItalian's celebration was reminiscent of Mourinho's famous touchline sprint

The scene was reminiscent of Jose Mourinho’s famous celebration against Manchester United back in 2004, when the Portuguese – then manager of Porto – went tearing down the Old Trafford touchline following midfielder Costinha’s late strike in the last 16 of the Champions League. The match ended 1-1 and saw Porto edge past Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 3-2 on aggregate, ultimately going on to lift Europe’s premier club competition that year. Mourinho then became Chelsea boss for the first time in the summer of 2004, winning the Premier League and the League Cup in his first season in charge in 2004-05. After departing in 2007, he managed the club again between 2013 and 2015, winning another Premier League and League Cup double.

Confirmed: Maresca learns his punishment from the Football Association

But after mimicking Mourinho by sprinting down the touchline to celebrate with his players in front of the Chelsea faithful, Maresca was subsequently sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for his second bookable offence of the evening, having been cautioned for dissent earlier in the game.

The FA have now confirmed the Italian's punishment in a statement, which reads: “Enzo Maresca has been given a one-match touchline ban and £8,000 fine for misconduct during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday, 4 October. It was alleged that the manager acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour during the fixture, which led to his dismissal around the 96th minute. Enzo Maresca subsequently admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty.”

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Maresca refused to be self-critical in aftermath of Liverpool win

In the aftermath of the victory over Liverpool, Maresca refused to be self-critical for letting his emotions get the better of him, insisting his celebration was an “instinctive” reaction to Chelsea securing a rare, late victory under his stewardship.

In quotes carried by Maresca told Trento Sports Festival: “It was a huge emotion (against Liverpool). It's my second season at Chelsea and it was the first time we won at home in the last minute. The sending-off? (I’ve said) many times, football is passion, instinct. I probably didn't have time to think. It was an instinctive reaction, but I think it was worth it.”

Manchester United find themselves in a transitional period under Ruben Amorim and could now turn their attention to an experienced international who could be available for free next summer.

Man Utd begin to look at Ruben Amorim alternatives

There is no secret that the last few days have been difficult for the Red Devils, who ended the Premier League weekend in 14th place after a frustrating defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Despite having their fair share of opportunities during the affair, including a missed Bruno Fernandes penalty, Manchester United failed to deliver, and Amorim is a man under growing pressure at Old Trafford.

Making contingency plans should their poor form continue, Gareth Southgate has been contacted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe over potentially succeeding the Portuguese boss, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also on the Red Devils’ shortlist.

In a separate development, Graham Potter is also a candidate to take over at Manchester United after a dismal spell at West Ham United, albeit he has previously proven his Premier League credentials at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sunderland visit Old Trafford this weekend, and put simply, Amorim is in desperate need of a victory. Anything less than three points would bring the Red Devils closer to the relegation zone, an unthinkable position following their summer spend of over £225 million.

Ultimately, the proof will be the pudding for the former Sporting boss over the next few weeks. There is an argument to say that consistent managers struggling to sustain success depict a wider problem, but his refusal to change tactically is a source of frustration for some.

Either way, Manchester United will continue to fight on all fronts, and they could now be about to step up the ante in their hunt for a midfielder come January.

Man Utd could sign Ruben Neves for free in 2026

According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with United in Focus, Manchester United could sign Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves for free in 2026 as they seek to bring in an experienced operator in the engine room. The Red Devils have been linked with Neves for nearly a decade, with controversial former chief executive Ed Woodward’s pursuit of the Portugal star dating all the way back to 2017.

The reporter stated: “Ruben Neves is a fascinating figure and a player Man United have long admired, even before he joined Wolves during his Porto days. Now 28, many feel he could be coming into his prime years, and he could be available for free in 2026. I am told from Al-Hilal sources that they are fighting hard to extend him beyond next year.”

Ruben Neves at Al-Hilal

Appearances

96

Goals

10

Assists

24

Formerly captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Portugal international is an established name in the Premier League and could well offer some expertise and an ability to dictate, as reflected in the fact that he has played 13 accurate long balls and created four chances this term on league duty, per Fotmob.

Neves is now into the prime years of his career at 28 years of age, and Manchester United may well be the perfect environment for him to make a return to English soil, especially since they have wanted him from his Porto days in 2017.

Here’s how things stand on the IPL 2025 Orange and Purple Cap table after RCB vs SRH in Lucknow on Friday

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20251:01

Did RCB get their bowling tactics right?

Orange Cap tableVirat Kohli was only slightly behind the table-toppers ahead of RCB’s previous game, against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home in Bengaluru. That was washed out, and the six days between that game and the latest one meant a number of batters went past Kohli on the chart.When he got a chance finally on Friday, Kohli looked in ominous form, outscoring Phil Salt in their opening stand of 80 before falling for 43 in 25 balls at the end of the seventh over. The runs were not enough to put him back in the top three – or even the top five – but left him just outside that club, at No. 6, with 548 runs from 12 innings. Looking at his form this season, though, he will be back there, also because the two men immediately above him, Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mitchell Marsh of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are not going to feature in the playoffs, with their teams knocked out.The Gujarat Titans (GT) openers B Sai Sudharsan (638 runs) and Shubman Gill (636 runs) are still one and two on the table, with Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians (MI) in third place with 583 runs.Purple Cap tableJosh Hazlewood’s continued absence has meant that RCB’s best wicket-taker hasn’t had a chance to add to his 18 wickets, but he remains at No. 4, behind GT’s Prasidh Krishna and Noor Ahmad of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 21-wicket men, and MI’s Trent Boult, who has 18.When Punjab Kings (PBKS) go up against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday night, one of the bowlers to keep an eye on would be Arshdeep Singh. He will be in action, and don’t rule out a big-enough haul to add to his tally of 16 and lift him from No. 8.Here’s what ESPNcricinfo’s MVP table looks like.And here are some other IPL 2025 tables that show the season’s best performers in different aspects of the T20 game. Highest batting strike rates Best bowling economy rates Most sixes Best bowling figures in a match

Celtic have endured a fairly disappointing start to the 2025/26 campaign across all competitions so far, in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe.

The Hoops sit second in the league table, behind Hearts, with five wins and two draws, whilst they are still looking for their first win on the European stage.

Brendan Rodgers has overseen one point from two Europa League matches after his team were beaten by Kairat in their Champions League play-off clash.

There have been several players in the squad who have not performed to the best of their ability this season, including central midfielder Reo Hatate.

Why Reo Hatate's form is a concern

The Japan international has gone eight matches without a goal or an assist to show for his contributions on the pitch, which is concerning for a player who typically provides creativity and quality on the ball in midfield.

Hatate delivered ten goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 37 appearances in the Premiership last season, per Sofascore, but he has failed to provide the same kind of quality at the top end of the pitch in the current campaign.

Appearances

37

5

Goals

10

1

Minutes per goal

241

373

Key passes per game

1.2

0.6

Big chances created

14

0

Assists

4

0

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese star’s output as both a scorer and as a creator of goals has decreased for the Hoops in the Premiership.

This is concerning because it shows that Hatate is not as influential or effective as he once was for the Scottish giants, but it has also provided other players with a chance to step up and shine.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One star who has stepped up and is now looking like a Reo Hatate-type player is summer signing Benjamin Nygren in the middle of the park for Celtic.

Why Benjamin Nygren looks like Celtic's new Reo Hatate

The left-footed star was signed from Nordsjaelland for £1.3m in the summer and may have been expected by some to play on the right wing, as that was where he played the majority of his football last season and Nicolas Kuhn left to sign for Como.

Despite that, Rodgers has played Nygren as part of his midfield three more often than not, essentially taking Arne Engels’ spot in the starting line-up from the 2024/25 campaign.

The Sweden international, who was described as “fearless” by Alexander Isak, has started five of the club’s seven matches in the Premiership, which shows that the manager already trusts him to start consistently.

Nygren has also shown that he can be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position with four goals in five league starts, whilst no other Celtic player has scored more than two league goals for the club.

As well as being an impressive goalscorer, the summer signing ranks second in the squad for ‘big chances’ created (two) and first for key passes per game (2.6) in the Premiership.

These statistics show that Nygren has hit the ground running at Parkhead as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a central midfield position, taking on the role that Hatate played last season with his ten goals and 14 ‘big chances’ created.

The Japan international has not been at his best in the current campaign, as evidenced by his aforementioned form, but the Swedish star has stepped up to carry the team on his back at times.

Cost £0, now worth more than Tounekti: Celtic hit gold on "phenomenal" star

Sebastian Tounekti has made an impressive start to life at Celtic, but a “prolific” attacker who arrived for free has a higher estimated market value.

ByBen Gray Oct 10, 2025

There is still plenty of football left to be played this season, but the left-footed star’s form for Celtic suggests that he can be the new midfield star in the final third moving forward.

West Indies bowled out for 141 in a session after Head, Webster and Carey combined to set up a match-winning lead with the bat

Andrew McGlashan27-Jun-20250:47

Hazlewood tears through West Indies’ top order

Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s surge to a 159-run victory in Barbados as West Indies lost all ten wickets in the final session of the third day, the final two falling in consecutive deliveries to Nathan Lyon in what would have been the last over of the day.Australia claimed the extra half-hour with West Indies seven down but with Shamar Joseph throwing the bat, having been dropped in the deep by Sam Konstas, and Justin Greaves playing solidly, it appeared Australia would be forced to return on the fourth day. However, Shamar edged to slip before Jayden Seales was caught at short leg to end the match. It completed a performance where familiar Australia strengths came to the fore amid continued questions about the top order, but they were confronted by challenging conditions.Travis Head, who was the beneficiary of West Indies’ seventh dropped catch of the match, Beau Webster and Alex Carey all played with the proactiveness needed on this surface. Head was named Player of the Match for his twin half-centuries on a tricky surface. Carey’s superb strokeplay gave Australia plenty of buffer zone when it came to defending the target, meaning a repeat of what happened in the World Test Championship final was always unlikely on a surface that remained devilish at times, especially with the harder ball.Related

Chase calls out 'so many questionable calls' in Barbados Test

However you get 'em – Head, Carey and Webster show the way

Mitchell Starc struck in the first over of the chase when former captain Kraigg Brathwaite clipped loosely to backward square0leg where Konstas held a low catch. However, that was followed by some adventurous strokeplay by John Campbell, including a sweep against Hazlewood, as he and Keacy Carty made encouraging process.But innovation brought Campbell’s downfall when he attempted to lap-sweep Hazlewood again, and this time could only glove the ball to Carey. Next ball, Brandon King got an inside edge into his pads which flew high towards gully where Cameron Green, who had earlier given Carty a life on 1, used all his height to cling on. Sadly for Hazlewood, he did not make Roston Chase play at the hat-trick delivery as a packed ring of catchers awaited.Not that he was delayed long when, two overs later, Chase got an inside edge that looped to short leg before spearing one through Carty. This was Hazlewood at his very best: hammering away at a back-of-a-length and giving the surface every chance to play some tricks.Pat Cummins was then the beneficiary of those tricks when Shai Hope was cleaned up by a wicked delivery that scuttled under his bat. The run-scoring of Australia’s middle order against an older ball felt a long time ago. The only question was whether the visitors could get the job done in the evening.Marnus Labuschagne, on as a sub, produced a direct hit to remove Alzarri Joseph and Hazlewood removed Jomel Warrican for his fifth wicket. Shamar Joseph launched two balls out of the stadium and some frustration was growing for Australia before Lyon sealed the job in fading light.Travis Head celebrates his second fifty in the match•Randy Brooks/Associated PressThe game was in the balance at the start of the day, Australia ahead by 82, with plenty of eyes on how the surface would play. There was an early grubber to Head, which fortunately for him wasn’t straight, and he responded by flaying the next delivery through the off side. As Head would later find out there was always something lurking, but with a touch of fortune, runs were there to be made when intent was shown.West Indies, though, were their own worst enemy again. On 21, Head was given a life when Greaves spilled a chance at second slip. It was the seventh they had put down for the game and had come after coach Daren Sammy had overseen the morning slips catching practice where nothing had been spilled. Head went to his second fifty of the match from 77 balls.Webster, meanwhile, built an excellent innings, the third of his brief Test career, which has come on a challenging surface following the debut half-century against India at the SCG. He used his reach to good effect to get to the ball but was especially eye-catching off the back foot through the off side.Travis Head and Beau Webster got the first century stand of the Test•Randy Brooks/Associated PressThe stand of 102 was broken when Head received a brute of a delivery from Shamar Joseph that barely bounced, the only success for West Indies in the morning session when they would have hoped to knock over most of the remaining Australia batting.After the break, Webster brought up his fifty from 100 balls with a thick edge along the ground through gully before glancing Shamar Joseph down the leg side to Hope. An on-field not-out decision was overturned by third umpire Adrian Holdstock without any of the drama of the previous day.By then Carey was into his stride after having started positively but went up a gear in the over following Webster’s departure when he took 14 off Seales including the shot of the match: a skip down the pitch and perfectly executed lofted straight drive into the sightscreen. He went on to repeat the stroke against the lesser pace of Greaves, sending him over the stands at long-off, to motor to a 40-ball half-century as the game sped away from West Indies.When joined by Lyon and Hazlewood, he started to farm the strike as West Indies set their entire field back to him before lofting Chase into the deep. Shamar Joseph, who bowled the most overs in a match of his brief Test career, removed Hazlewood to claim the five-wicket haul which eluded him in the first innings.

Fermin Lopez has revealed that Real Madrid once showed interest in signing him before his Barcelona breakthrough but the midfielder insists he never had doubts about his future. Lopez, now a rising star under Hansi Flick, admitted he would have chosen Barca regardless, calling it his “big dream.” Ahead of El Clasico, the 22-year-old is full of belief and confidence in his team.

Fermin Lopez reveals Real Madrid’s past interest

Barca midfielder Lopez has confirmed that Real Madrid once showed interest in signing him before his professional breakthrough, but insists his heart was always set on Barca. Speaking in an interview with , the 22-year-old revealed that Los Blancos tried to recruit him during his early years, though the idea never seriously crossed his mind.

“It’s true that there was that interest,” Fermin explained. “But my father told me very little. If he had asked me my opinion, I would have chosen Barça anyway, because it was my big dream.” 

The El Campillo-born midfielder added that achieving that dream still feels surreal: “I’m very happy to have made it come true, and I hope I can stay here for many years.”

Fermin’s revelation highlights how highly he was rated as a teenager, even by Barcelona’s fiercest rivals. But his loyalty and determination to wear the Blaugrana colours never wavered, and his rapid rise through the ranks is now being celebrated by fans and coaches alike.

AdvertisementAFPLopez 'eager to win the Clasico'

Fermin also discussed Barcas preparations for the upcoming El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, underlining his belief that the team is ready for one of the biggest games of the season. “Our confidence level from zero to ten? Ten,” he said “We’re Barca, and we have a great team. Everyone in the locker room is desperately eager to win the Clasico.”

The young midfielder acknowledged the magnitude of the game for both players and supporters. “There’s still a lot of La Liga to play for, but we know it’s a very important game for us and all the supporters,” he said. “We’ll give everything to win the game and bring joy to the Barca fans.”

His confidence comes after an outstanding run of form, including a Champions League hat-trick against Olympiacos that cemented his place in Flick’s plans. Fermin is now expected to play a key role at the Bernabeu, with the team two points behind Real Madrid and looking to close the gap in the title race.

Faith, family and the making of a Barca star

Asked about Barcelona’s current approach and tactical evolution under Hansi Flick, Fermin expressed total trust in his manager’s system. “That’s for Hansi to decide, he’s the one in charge,” he said. “We just execute the game plan, but our style of play has given us good results, as seen last year. Regarding the fact that we’re not pressing as well now, I can say that these are moments of the season, and we’ve corrected what we weren’t doing well in recent games.”

Fermin also praised his midfield partner Pedri, calling him “an incredible footballer who will mark an era in the club and in the world of football.” Their partnership has been a cornerstone of Barca’s midfield balance this season. “Playing with him is a pleasure,” Fermin said. “We have a good relationship because he’s also a great teammate. I would like to play with him for many years.”

These comments reflect a growing sense of unity within the squad as Flick fine-tunes his system for another title push, balancing experience with a new wave of academy talent led by Fermin and Lamine Yamal.

Beyond football, Fermin shared some personal insights into his life and pre-match habits, showing a grounded, family-oriented side. “Yes, there is something special I do: pray,” he revealed. “My grandmother always tells me I should do it, and that’s why I do it.” The midfielder also mentioned his love for rapper Morad, whose music he listens to before games to get motivated.

His focus and humility have impressed Barcelona’s staff, who see him as the embodiment of La Masia’s values, hard work, character, and belief. Fermin’s mental composure has stood out this season, especially after recovering from injury and immediately delivering standout performances in Europe and LaLiga.

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Getty ImagesReal Madrid ahead of Barca

All eyes will now be on Fermin as Barcelona prepare for El Clasico at the Bernabeu. After scoring a hat-trick against Olympiacos, the midfielder admitted that doing the same against Real Madrid would be “incredible” but insisted the team’s success matters more. “Scoring a hat-trick in the Clasico? I don’t know, it would be an incredible feeling. I hope it happens, but it’s a very difficult game. I’m happy if the team wins. I don’t care if I score or not.”

Barca’s form under Flick has been solid, though not without its challenges. Injuries to key players like Dani Olmo and Raphinha have tested the squad’s depth, but the return of Lopez and Yamal has added fresh dynamism. With two points separating them from leaders Madrid, a victory this weekend could be key in shifting the momentum in the Spanish league.