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يواجه الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد نظيره سيلتا فيجو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني للموسم الحالي 2025/2026.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض ريال مدريد مباراته أمام سيلتا فيجو مساء غدٍ، الأحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ 15 من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الحادية عشر بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.

اقرأ أيضًا | ألونسو يوضح التشابه بين مبابي وكريستيانو.. ويؤكد: أفرح عندما أرى ابتسامة فينيسيوس

كانت آخر مباراة لريال مدريد أمام أتلتيك بلباو في بطولة الدوري وانتهت بفوز رجال ألونسو بثلاثية نظيفة، كما قدم أداءً مميزًا للغاية.

وأسند الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم إدارة ​​مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو، تحكيميًا إلى أليخاندرو كوينتيرو، بينما سيتولى خورخي فيجيروا مسؤولية تقنية الفيديو المساعد (VAR).

يُذكر أن ريال مدريد يحتل المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 36 نقطة بفارق نقطة واحدة عن برشلونة المتصدر.

Opener shines with 84 at No.4 but seeks conversion inspiration from England’s new leading runscorer

Matt Roller09-Oct-2024Ben Duckett was at the non-striker’s end when Joe Root; hit the boundary that made himEngland’s highest-ever Test run-scorer and, after his dismissal for 84, is intent on following Root’s lead in converting his starts into match-defining hundreds. But Duckett was grateful to be batting at all after a dislocated left thumb briefly threatened to rule him out of this series.He suffered the dislocation when taking the catch – off Root’s bowling – that ended Pakistan’s first innings on the second evening of the first Test in Multan. England’s doctor Glen Rae quickly put the thumb back in place, but Duckett was unable to open the batting and feared that it would become “quite sore” overnight.In practice, it healed enough that he was able to come in at No. 4 with his thumb strapped up and he batted with characteristic aggression, hitting 40 off the 31 balls he faced from Abrar Ahmed. Duckett looked to be cruising towards a fourth Test hundred when he was trapped lbw by Aamer Jamal for his fourth score between 70 and 90 since his most recent century, in Rajkot earlier this year.”I’d done the exact same thumb in the same way a couple of years ago,” Duckett said. “When I looked at it, I knew exactly what was wrong with it. We made the decision of giving it as many hours as we could, icing it a couple of times and seeing how it was in the morning. The worry was it was going to stiffen up… thankfully, it didn’t really change too much.”I’d have certainly taken that [84] last night when it happened… I’m obviously really happy with the form that I’ve had. I’m always very critical of myself, and I know we’ve had an incredible day, so it can be looked past, but I’ve got myself in a few times in the last however many Tests, and I’m the first person to know that.”I pride myself on scoring hundreds, and today it felt like it was going to be one of those days until I missed that ball. It’s something that I’m very aware of, and that’s maybe the different side of things now: the mental side of the game of getting yourself into those positions, and really kicking on and going big.”Duckett was unable to open the batting on day two because of his injury•Getty ImagesIt is not long since there was a similar narrative around Root’s own conversion rate: from 2017-20, he passed 50 on 28 occasions but only converted six of those innings into hundreds. But since 2021, he has become a relentless run-scorer, with 15 scores of 50-99 and 18 hundreds in that time – and Duckett believes he can learn that trait from his team-mate.”The one thing now is kicking on and getting those big scores,” he said. “If I ever have that problem, I’d be pretty happy. But these things happen and for Rooty, with the amount of cricket you play, you’re going to go through periods where you don’t get over the line and you’re going to have periods – right now – where he’s cashing in and scoring hundreds for fun.”It’s just a pleasure to share the dressing room with him. You wouldn’t know that he’s achieved what he’s achieved, how he is in the dressing room: he’s such a good man to have and he’s probably still working as hard as he ever has, always grinding away in the nets. We make jokes that he says he’s out of form when he’s getting Test hundreds, so it is probably a good place for him to be.”Duckett has not had his thumb scanned, but is confident that he will be fit to play in Tuesday’s second Test. “I want to say 100 percent,” he said. “Obviously, today went well, and I’m hoping each day is going to get easier and easier… It seems like there’s no clean break, so I think it’s one of those ones where it’s going to be a bit sore for a couple of weeks.”More immediately, his focus is on helping England to win the first. “I would imagine we’ll probably try to bat for quite a lot of tomorrow,” Duckett said. “We’ve got to earn the right to do that and start well in the morning – try to limit the damage, and hopefully get ourselves in a position where, after lunch, we can really push on, and try to score as quick as we can.”[We have to] hope that there’s going to be 10 more chances. The pitch isn’t doing loads, but you’ve seen a little bit of variable bounce and a fraction more spin today… It depends how quickly we score and how well we start in the morning, and then we will be doing absolutely everything to try and take 10 wickets.”

Sometimes a game is just that for a club; other times, it feels far more consequential, and for Chelsea, their draw against Arsenal on Sunday evening falls into the latter category.

Enzo Maresca’s side went into the top-of-the-table clash with a point to prove, and while they didn’t win, they certainly proved it.

The Blues were all over the Premier League leaders from minute one, and even with a man down, continued to go toe to toe with the Gunners.

However, while most of the team put in stellar performances and more than secured their places in the starting lineup for the next game, there was one Chelsea star who had a middling day at the office.

The Chelsea stars who cemented their places in the team

As if there was ever really any doubt anyway, Reece James once again demonstrated that he has to start every game he is fit for, be that at right-back or in midfield.

Chalkboard

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

On top of providing the assist for the Blues’ goal, the unplayable captain also won 11 of 12 duels, played two key passes, won four fouls and completed three of four crosses.

In all, as presenter Olivia Buzaglo put it, it was a “gargantuan” performance from the Cobham graduate.

Speaking of academy graduates, another player who now has to be one of the first names on Maresca’s team sheets is Trevoh Chalobah.

The 26-year-old once-capped international was monstrous at the back against the Gunners, won 100% of his tackles, made six clearances, recovered the ball four times, won five of seven duels and didn’t get dribbled past once.

As if that wasn’t enough, he also rose to meet James’ corner and head it home early in the second half.

Staying at the back, Robert Sanchez again proved that he’s transformed from a liability between the sticks into one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Finally, while he didn’t get a goal or assist, Pedro Neto was undoubtedly the West Londoners’ best attacker on the night.

On top of doing his best to help out in defence, he was a constant threat on the counter and provided his side with a vital outball to relieve pressure towards the end of the game.

However, while most of the team should be starting the next game based on their performances, there was one Chelsea star who probably played himself out of the side.

The Chelsea player Maresca must axe

It seems harsh given the teams’ performance and the fact they held on with ten men, but there was one Chelsea player who underwhelmed on Sunday evening: Joao Pedro.

Now, there is absolutely no denying the Brazilian’s immense talent, nor the fact that, come the end of the season, fans will probably be more than happy with his efforts.

However, what is equally true is that, against Arsenal, the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem was really quite disappointing.

Even before the hosts went a man down, he offered little in attack, and when he was presented with a golden opportunity in the first half, he couldn’t sort his feet out in time. Joao Pedro

Then in the second 45, it quickly became clear that he was not holding the ball well enough for his faster teammates to counterattack, and he was therefore replaced by Liam Delap, who was far better at that.

Unsurprisingly, the watching press were not all that impressed with what they saw. For example, football.london’s Bobby Vincent gave him a 4/10 match rating and wrote that it ‘just wasn’t his day.’

That may sound a little harsh, but the 24-year-old’s match statistics prove it’s not.

Minutes

55′

Expected Goals

0.24

Goals

0

Total Shots

1

Big Chances Missed

1

Touches

21

Lost Possession

8

Total Passes

6/8

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (2)

Aerial Duels (Won)

3 (2)

Fouls

1

In his 55 minutes, the Brazilian took just a single shot, missed a big chance, took 21 touches – 43 fewer than Sanchez -, lost the ball eight times, failed in two of three dribbles and completed just six passes.

Ultimately, while Pedo is an excellent player, he was really quite disappointing against Arsenal and with Delap ready to step in, he should be dropped for Wednesday’s game.

Chelsea star who saved Caicedo is their "most underappreciated player"

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 30, 2025

Manchester United legend Sir David Beckham has delivered an honest take on the “slow” progress being made at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. Inconsistency has remained an issue for the Red Devils, with that proving to be a long-standing problem, but Beckham claims to have seen signs that positive steps in the right direction can be taken under the current coaching regime.

Amorim's record at Man Utd: Wins and defeats

Portuguese tactician Amorim has been at the helm since November 2024. He has taken in 56 games in charge of United, picking up only 22 wins and suffering 20 defeats. The Red Devils slumped to their worst Premier League finish last season, as they ended the campaign in 15th place.

They also suffered defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, meaning that they have no continental football on the agenda this term, which has led to talk of money-spinning midweek friendlies being lined up. United have already seen one route to tangible success closed off after suffering a humbling Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby.

Amorim was under huge pressure at that point, but managed to keep his neck off the chopping block. United have suffered just one defeat through their last seven fixtures – emerging victorious in four of those.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGood manager: Beckham encouraged by Red Devils

They recovered from falling a goal behind at Crystal Palace last time out to pick up three precious points in a 2-1 win. Commendable fighting spirit was on show at Selhurst Park, with Amorim pleased with what he saw.

Beckham was another interested observer, as he attended the latest Formula 1 Grand Prix that took place in Qatar. He was quizzed by while in the Middle East on what he makes of United’s class of 2025-26.

The Red Devils’ iconic former No.7 said: “I think there are signs of the manager turning things around. He has tweaked a few things and we are coming into a few better results. There’s still a long way to go and there has been a few games where we haven’t been playing as well. But I think we’ve got a good manager there and I think he is changing things slowly.”

What Beckham said after United's derby defeat to City

Beckham’s tune is more positive than the one he sounded back in mid-September following a 3-0 reversal against derby rivals City. The ex-England captain told at that stage: “Being an ex-player, and being a fan of the club, I would hope that they are hurting like we are as fans, and I'm sure they are because they're professionals.

“They're not going out there not wanting to win the game. They've just come up against a team like City, at City. Whenever you lose these games, you don't go out for a few weeks because you know you can't walk around Manchester and bump into United fans, because it's just not a good place to be in. It was a very hard watch, and like I said, as a United fan, I'm fed up with watching these games and seeing what we're seeing as fans.”

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Getty World Cup bid: Beckham's take on England

Beckham, who has been linked with a consortium planning a supposed takeover bid at Old Trafford – with the unpopular Glazer family still at the helm for now – has also given his take on the Three Lions ahead of their bid for World Cup glory in 2026.

The man with 115 caps to his name said: “I think Thomas [Tuchel] has got a great squad of players and we’ve got a real opportunity going into this tournament. We’ve got a captain [Harry Kane] in unbelievable form, scoring the goals and leading by example.

“Thomas has got a tough choice and tough decisions to make but that’s why he’s in the position he’s in. He’s done it a million times before and I’m sure he’ll pick the right players to win the tournament.”

England are waiting to discover who they will get in the World Cup group stage draw, which takes place on Friday, while United – who sit seventh in the Premier League table – are preparing for a home date with West Ham on Tuesday.

Pakistan’s selection committee will meet on Monday to make a decision on the matter

Danyal Rasool18-Oct-2025

Mohammad Rizwan’s status as Pakistan ODI captain has been plunged into doubt by the PCB after a statement released by the board said it was “yet to finalise a captain” for the upcoming series against South Africa. The PCB said the white-ball head coach Mike Hesson had called for a meeting of the selection committee to make a final decision on the ODI captaincy.The statement made no mention of Rizwan, who was appointed by the PCB last year and led the side to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Results in 2025 have been less attractive with a loss in a home tri-series final to New Zealand, an early exit from the Champions Trophy, and an away series defeat in the West Indies.While there had been speculation about the fate of Rizwan, no specific cricketing reason was provided for throwing his role into uncertainty. There has been no obvious drop in batting or keeping form; Rizwan is the second highest scorer for Pakistan in ODIs this year with 361 runs at over 36. In Test cricket, the other format he is currently selected for, he scored 75 as part of a 163-run stand with Salman Ali Agha that helped Pakistan take a 1-0 lead against South Africa in the ongoing Test series.Shaheen Shah Afridi previously had to vacate T20I captaincy for Babar Azam•AFP/Getty Images

While Rizwan has not officially been removed yet, the statement makes it all but inevitable. It was a fate suffered by Shaheen Shah Afridi in T20Is shortly after Mohsin Naqvi took over as PCB chairperson. At the time, the newly appointed Afridi had captained just one series, but when asked about him at a press conference, Naqvi pointedly declined to confirm he would continue the role.”Even I don’t know who the captain will be,” Naqvi said at the time. “Whether Shaheen continues or a new captain comes in will be determined after the fitness camp. There are a number of technical factors we will consider, the details of which I do not want to go into. We want a long-term solution, whether it’s Shaheen or a new man. And then we intend to stick by that man, instead of just changing a captain just because you lose a match.”A week later, Shaheen was sacked as captain and replaced by Babar Azam, with further controversy when the PCB published a statement on Shaheen’s behalf which he declined ever having written or approved. While an uneasy truce was reached between player and board at the time, ESPNcricinfo understands that relationship has improved.Hesson is not technically in charge of determining or appointing the ODI captain, and does not sit on the selection committee. However, that Naqvi appears to have agreed to put the matter to the selection and advisory committees either reflects the influence Hesson currently enjoys at the PCB, or the fact the board was not averse to a change in the first place anyway. The committee will convene on Monday, according to the PCB, with a decision expected then.

Cal Raleigh put an exclamation point on what has been arguably the greatest offensive season by a catcher in Major League Baseball by blasting his 60th home run on Wednesday night as his Seattle Mariners clinched the American League West with a victory over the Colorado Rockies. The feat is downright astounding when one considers the physical toll it takes to play baseball's most grinding position, how hard it is to be productive from both sides of the plate as a switch hitter and that he plays 81 games in a very pitcher-friendly ballpark.

As the team was in its opening minutes of celebration, Raleigh got on the loudspeaker via an interview with Root Sports and reflected on the moment. The man affectionately know as "Big Dumper" showcased the duality of man by being open with his emotions and also working blue.

"I love the city, I love my parents," Raleigh said. "Thank you for being here. I'm so happy for our guys. We're gonna celebrate tonight and we're not done yet."

Asked about the idea that the Mariners have more work to do, Raleigh directed people to his previous comments.

"I think most people heard what I said last night: might as well win the whole f—ing thing."

Nothing says October baseball like a player trying to get a catchphrase off the ground. It'll likely have plenty of time to catch on as Seattle will be awarded a by into the divisional round barring a sudden losing streak that would allow either the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers to catch them.

A significant update has now emerged regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, with a Champions League side pushing hard to sign him.

Mainoo’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having burst onto the scene at Old Trafford, and he is struggling for playing time this season.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken honestly about the Englishman’s future, admitting that he rates him but also needs to keep other players happy.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

Napoli in advanced talks to sign Mainoo

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s representatives are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli over a loan move from Manchester United in January.

It is also stated that Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City also “continue to monitor” the £45,000-a-week ace, but “Napoli’s wage pledge and option clause have vaulted them to pole position.”

It has been sad to see Mainoo fail to kick on at United, having looked such a special talent, but it simply appears as though Amorim doesn’t think he is right for his system.

That’s not to say that the Red Devils manager doesn’t consider him a talented footballer, however, with the 40-year-old lauding him back in September.

“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here. I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”

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A loan move to Napoli means that Mainoo’s United career isn’t over, giving fans some hope that he has a future, but as things stand, it is hard to see him becoming a key figure with Amorim at the helm.

Carrington's "best talent" is a big Sesko upgrade in the making at Man Utd

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on a Gunners who’s done something he never expected.

Arsenal look to extend unbeaten run against Brentford

Arsenal return to the Emirates tonight seeking to rebuild momentum against Brentford following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, where Arteta’s side failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage despite playing almost an hour against ten men.

The north Londoners have also seen their five-point lead atop the Premier League table reduced to two after Man City’s thrilling 5-4 win away to Fulham on Tuesday, so nothing but a win will do against one of the worst away teams in the division this evening.

Arteta faces selection dilemmas ahead of Brentford’s visit, with defensive concerns persisting following the unexpected absence of both first-choice centre-backs at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal 1-1 Man City

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Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

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Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

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Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

William Saliba suffered a training ground injury in the build up to Chelsea, compounding Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence and marking only the second occasion in 162 matches both defenders have missed simultaneously.

It could well be the third time in 163 matches against Brentford, with Saliba a doubt for tonight’s clash and Gabriel still weeks away from returning to the field.

Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten streak has now reached 17 matches across all competitions, yet Arteta demands improvements following the Chelsea stalemate. The Gunners managed just eight shots at Stamford Bridge – their lowest total in any Premier League fixture this season.

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The Gunners are ‘captivated’ by him.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 3, 2025

Leandro Trossard, who’s been in excellent form with 10 goal contributions already this term, looks set to miss the Brentford game with Havertz also suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Mikel Arteta says Merino has took him by surprise at Arsenal

Bearing this in mind, if Arteta doesn’t start Viktor Gyokeres, then makeshift number nine Mikel Merino could well be handed another chance to impress.

The Spain international has been nothing short of extraordinary in a very unfamiliar role, scoring 20 goals this calendar year for club and country, and Arteta has now had his say on the matter.

When asked by reporters whether he thought Merino could become a striker like this, Arteta admitted the 29-year-old has taken him completely by surprise.

Merino’s equaliser ensured that Arsenal’s unbeaten streak didn’t end in west London on Sunday, and the former Newcastle star has fast become a fan favourite.

2025 has been a real year to remember for the midfielder, who was one of Edu’s final signings before his departure as sporting director late last year.

Arteta can take a lot of the credit for transforming Merino into an attacking powerhouse and having the initiative to experiment with him up front, but the versatile star has seized that opportunity with both hands.

On a flat pitch in Harare, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a demonstration of what a modern T20 opening stand looks like with their clean swings of the bat and ruthless targeting of the bowlers. Their 159-run partnership lifted Afghanistan to 210 for 3 and, despite a spirited chase led by Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, and Ryan Burl, the visitors closed out the game to complete a 3-0 series sweep.Afghanistan’s nine-run win on Sunday without Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai – both rested – completed a superb turnaround on the tour after going down by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test last month. They have now won 19 out of the 21 T20Is played between the two sides.

A menacing powerplay

The first over delivered by Wellington Masakadza set the tone for the innings. He conceded 19 to Gurbaz’s bat. First, Gurbaz bent low, rolled the wrists, and paddled one fine for four. The next ball, Gurbaz stepped down the track to launch it straight back over the sightscreen and into the trees. When Masakadza corrected his line, Gurbaz stayed deep and carved him past point for another boundary, before pre-empting a straighter one and paddling again past short fine leg.From there, every bowler faced the same problem. Richard Ngarava’s short ball sat up to be pulled while Brad Evans induced a mis-hit that he himself spilled. There really was no stopping Gurbaz.In the fourth over, Tinotenda Maposa met Ibrahim in full rhythm and four consecutive boundaries followed: a smack through midwicket, a punch past mid-off, a square cut off the back foot, and a fluent drive through cover. By the time the powerplay ended, Afghanistan were 73 for 0, their third-highest total after the first six overs.Ibrahim Zadran struck his third successive T20I fifty on Sunday•Zimbabwe Cricket

The stand swells; Afghanistan post 210

The next phase was about control without risk. Raza turned to himself and bowled with discipline (4-0-20-0). But from the other end, the runs kept coming. Burl, in particular, was taken for 30 runs in the 14th over. Gurbaz started with a paddle over fine leg, followed by a drive drilled straight back past the bowler. When Burl went wide, Gurbaz stepped out and sent it sailing over long-off; the next, he picked up and deposited over cow corner. The fifth ball was sliced through extra-cover, and the last was lifted flat over long-on.At 155 for 0 after 15 overs, Afghanistan had broken the game. Zimbabwe needed something special and it came from Raza himself – sprinting back from extra cover to grab a running, diving catch off Ngarava’s slower ball. Gurbaz, the dismissed man, made 92 off 48 and hit eight fours and five sixes. Ibrahim, whose fifty had arrived in a quieter fashion, was next to go, beaten by Evans’ slower delivery and bowled for 60. Sediqullah Atal finished the job, clearing the ropes three times in an unbeaten, 15-ball 35 to help the visitors post 210 for 3.

Raza, Bennett spark hope

Zimbabwe’s reply started poorly. Dion Myers’ lazy run-out and Brendan Taylor’s chip to mid-on inside the powerplay left them at 19 for 2, but then came the counterattack. Raza and Bennett turned the evening into a contest again.Raza was characteristically dismissive of length. He pulled anything short, carving Fazalhaq Farooqi over square leg and slicing Fareed Ahmad through cover point. Bennett played some audacious shots too — a ramp over fine leg off Fareed and a checked drive past mid-off. Their 85-run stand off 48 balls had Harare clapping again.Sikandar Raza made 51 in 29 balls•Zimbabwe Cricket

Raza’s fifty arrived in 28 balls but his innings ended in a fluke when a sweep shot off Mohammad Nabi rolled off his glove, then his pad and onto the stumps. Bennett carried on for 47 before mistiming to mid-off. At that point, Zimbabwe were 126 for 4 in 12.5 overs.

Fareed, Ahmadzai take Afghanistan home

That could have been the end, but Tashinga Musekiwa and Burl kept the chase alive. Burl’s three sixes rekindled belief, while Musekiwa’s shots through mid-off and midwicket kept Zimbabwe within touching distance. Even after Burl’s exit for 37 off 15 balls, there was hope.With three overs to go, Zimbabwe needed 39, but Fareed’s double strike in the 18th over — bowling Clive Madande and having Evans brilliantly caught by Gurbaz — broke the chase once and for all. Farooqi conceded only 10 in the 19th, leaving Abdollah Ahmadzai with 18 to defend off the final over.Ahmadzai’s first ball was a yorker, his second uprooted Maposa with an inswinger that tailed late, and off the last ball, Ngarava’s flick hung in the air at square leg. Mujeeb Ur Rahman juggled and held on to bowl Zimbabwe out.

U.S. international Christian Pulisic said AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Inter Milan underlined the team’s determination and showed they can be serious contenders in Serie A this season. He also praised goalkeeper Mike Maignan, calling the France international’s display “one of the best goalkeeper performances” he has seen in his career.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'I can improve even more'

  Pulisic scored the decisive winner for Milan in the second half, while Maignan had six saves in the contest. 

  After the final whistle, Pulisic underlined the personal and collective significance of the derby triumph, saying the victory “means everything” for the group. He admitted that he is not yet back to full match sharpness following a recent injury layoff, but stressed that hard work and resilience had helped him contribute when it mattered. The forward framed the goal as validation of effort and a boost for the dressing room.

  “It means everything, honestly, just the result today,” Pulisic said in his post-match interview with CBS Sports. “It just puts us in a good place, and yeah, I’m really happy to come back after some tough moments in the last month to come back and help the team to win.

  “I mean, honestly, I think I can improve even more,” Pulisic added. “I don’t feel a 100 percent sharp after coming back from an injury and some time out. But it just shows the resilience, and I work really hard and happy a moment like today can come; it means a lot to me.”  

  Pulisic singled out his teammates’ determination in the closing stages, praising Milan’s defensive resolve and team unity. He pointed to the way the side defended the lead in the last half hour as evidence of a strong collective mentality, adding that confidence gained from such wins can carry through the season. The striker also reflected on his own standards, saying there is still room to sharpen his performances despite the decisive contribution.

  “Honestly, just the way this team has suffered even when we’re up goals and you can see in the last 30 minutes the way we defend,” Pulisic explained. “I just think we have a really good team spirit, the team’s will is incredible no matter what happens, we’ve gone down, we’ve come back, we’ve gone up and we’ve defended. I think we’ve just seen the games through and yup, we feel confident going into the games.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Milan's title credentials

  Milan now sit just two points back from Roma on the Serie A summit, and Pulisic stressed the club has higher ambitions. 

  "For us, you know, we're not looking at, you know, right, where we want to be at the top of the table the whole season. It's when it comes down to it, we have to be there, so we take it game by game," he said. "Big performances like this against big teams helped us a lot. Yeah, sends a message to hopefully the rest of the league, but we just have to keep going and finding consistency."

• AFP
  

  'Over and over again, he's saving us'

  Pulisic reserved special praise for Maignan after a world-class performance from AC Milan's goalkeeper. 

  "I mean, one of the best goalkeeper performances I've seen in my career, truly, not just the penalty," he said. "I mean, that was amazing, but in the first half, some big saves, some I mean, just over and over again, he's saving us. So it was a really amazing performance."

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  Next steps for the Rossoneri

  The Rossoneri will face Lazio next in the Serie A on Nov. 29 before facing them again in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia on December 4.