Monday's briefing: Man City progress as Real win marred by racism allegation
Real Madrid got their first victory in the United States after recovering from an early red card to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte despite missing Kylian Mbappe, while Juventus again impressed.
Sensational six to secure their place in the next round. 🥶#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/r5CkjGkLQW
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025
Ilkay Gundogan scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Al Ain 6-0 to secure their place in the last 16.
The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes.
Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G.
Juventus had earlier beaten Wydad Casablanca 4-1 in Philadelphia to also book their place in the knockout stage.
🫲 Boom 🫱 pic.twitter.com/KKINXpXh7e
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 22, 2025
Real Madrid overcame an early red card for defender Raul Asencio to beat Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in Charlotte and close in on the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso's side had been held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal in their opening Group H game and were without Mbappe, who is recovering after being discharged from hospital following acute gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid saw defender Asencio sent off after just seven minutes for hauling down Salomon Rondon.
The LaLiga giants, though, held out against a spell of pressure from the Mexicans to break the deadlock through Jude Bellingham in the 35th minute before Arda Guler doubled the lead ahead of half-time.
Federico Valverde volleyed in a third with 20 minutes left, before the Mexicans grabbed a late consolation through Elias Montiel's deflected effort.
However, Alonso confirmed in his post-match press duties that Antonio Rudiger had been on the end of alleged racist abuse.
'That's what Rudiger said, and we believe him,' Alonso said. 'It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. FIFA now is investigating. That's all I can say.'
Marcus Rashford has revealed he would like to play alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.
Rashford signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in 2023, but spent the second half of the Premier League campaign on loan at Aston Villa.
The future of the 27-year-old under Ruben Amorim – who had left him out of several squads – remains uncertain, with Barcelona sporting director Deco last month saying the club 'like' Rashford.
England forward Rashford opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, which was shared by BBC Sport.
Asked if he would like to be team-mates with Barca's 17-year-old scoring sensation Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see.'
'It's difficult to put into words what (Yamal) is doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before.'
One last work session in California before heading to Seattle!#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/YcuM7zyqfz
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 22, 2025
After a shock defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, European champions Paris St Germain will look to get their Club World Cup campaign back on track against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.
Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo head to the Pasadena Rose Bowl to take on Atletico Madrid in their final Group B match.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Nicolas Kuhn edging closer to completing his Celtic exit as ‘Hoops in advanced transfer talks with club'
NICOLAS KUHN is reportedly edging closer to completing his Celtic exit this summer. The German winger, 25, has been attracting interest following his standout campaign both in Scotland and in the Champions League last season. 2 Nicolas Kuhn could be on his way out of Parkhead Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 He's not short of transfer options Credit: Kenny Ramsay SunSport were first to reveal Kuhn had emerged as a £15million target for RB Leipzig after he scored twice against his old club in November. He spent three years there as a youngster and could be on his way back to Germany in a big-money move. Reports out of Germany suggest talks between Celtic and RB Leipzig have been progressing over the last few days and it's the Bundesliga club who are leading the race. According to Kicker, via Bullinews, discussions between both clubs are now at an "advanced stage". Celtic paid around £3m to sign the wide-man from Rapid Vienna in January 2024 and are now in line to make a healthy profit on the 25-year-old. He still has four years left on his current deal so the Scottish champions are in no rush to sell. SunSport understands, however, that Kuhn would be interested in making a stunning return back to Leipzig. It would certainly boost his chances of earning his first senior call up for Germany after Julian Nagelsmann revealed last year that he was already on his radar. A number of other Bundesliga clubs are also monitoring the player. Kuhn also has interest down south as well as Newcastle United scouted him several times last season. Nicolas Kuhn talks to media for first time since signing for Celtic before posing for pictures with Hoops scarf They had talent spotters in the Celtic Park stands when he scored his brace against RB Leipzig a few months ago. It's believed the Premier League club are still tracking him and are weighing up a potential swoop. But they will need to act fast if they want to land him as Leipzig are wasting no time in their pursuit for the pacy wide-man. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Liam Delap ready to bring even MORE aggression to Chelsea front line after wild Nicolas Jackson red card
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIAM DELAP chose Rocky's hometown as the place to declare himself ready to rumble at Chelsea. Their new £30million striker is a world away from the famous 'Italian Stallion' given he was born in Winchester. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Liam Delap is ready to show his aggression in a Chelsea shirt Credit: Getty 5 Striker rival Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a reckless challenge at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty And he sits down on a comfy chair in the luxurious Jean-Groges restaurant on the 60th floor of downtown Philly's sumptuous Four Seasons hotel, looking immaculate in a box-fresh club tracksuit. But Delap is proud of the fact he loves a scrap on the pitch, within reason of course. No player was booked more times than him last season with Ipswich Town. A dozen yellow cards as he walked the line for a team fighting for survival in the Premier League relegation zone. As many cautions as goals. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS END OF THE WORLD? Chelsea face awful Club World Cup last 16 draw after Flamengo collapse He is bringing that to his new club and has already shown glimpses of the aggression which is in his DNA. Refusing to cower to defenders, claiming a classy assist on his debut, throwing a football at the bowed head of Flamengo midfielder Jorginho, formerly of Chelsea, then apologising seconds later. It's not boxing. It's not beanie-hatted Sly Stallone throwing right hooks into hanging slabs of cow in the meatpacking district, but it is the kind of centre forward fans love. And Delap is ready to deliver. He said: 'Yeah, I love those battles. I always have since I was a kid. I really love the aggressive side of it and the competitive nature of the squad. It's got to be controlled at times but it's my game ultimately and I enjoy it. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'I've always had that same edge as a kid and I'm not going to change the way my mindset is. You've just got to make sure you're on the right side of the edge. 'I played every sport in school. Anything that could get me out of a lesson. I just enjoyed the competitive nature of it, whether it was rugby or rounders. BBC pundit names England's long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star's 'bullying' performance 5 5 'Last season was my first playing in the Premier League, playing with VAR so it's something that I'm going to have to get used to and work my way around to try and get less yellow cards. 'But it's not something I'm worried about. I think I can control my emotions when I need to. Maybe I'm a little bit old school but it is the way I play and I don't want to change it.' Juggling the actions of leading the line and getting into trouble is a difficult balancing act. Delap has been signed to put pressure on current Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson - currently suspended in both the Club World Cup and Premier League for getting a little too physical. You could argue that they are two of a kind. Delap played a large part of last season with broken ribs to valiantly battle away for Ipswich when they were on the ropes. Centre forwards win people over by getting stuck in. Jackson was sent off four minutes after coming on in Friday's disastrous 3-1 defeat by Flamengo for putting his studs into an opposing defender's shin. Delap said: 'Everyone playing football plays close to the edge a little bit. You have to be aggressive, on the front foot all the time. 5 'I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky. He has obviously not meant to do it. These things happen in football and I am sure he will get over it. 'With the size of the club there's always going to be competition and I think players thrive off that competition. You're going to work that little bit harder and try to compete. 'It's Chelsea, it's going to be tough and it's going to be competitive. And that's what you relish.' Delap, 22, harbours ambitions to win big with his new club. He fits the club model of promising young player with plenty of potential. He has signed a six year contract and opted for the Club World Cup rather than Euro 2025 with England Under-21s as he looks to bed in. There's history with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca from their days together at Manchester City. And a reunion with former City academy players Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia. Delap said: 'I've got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I've played in his system before. 'I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me. 'We've got a good core of English boys here. I've spent a lot of time with them. I obviously know a few people here already so I've been spending time with them. 'I've known Cole since I was 15, playing at City with him. I've got a good relationship with him so it was nice to see a familiar face. 'I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that. But I signed here and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well. I need to get to know everyone so that's why I'm here.' Ipswich turned to famous superfan Ed Sheeran to persuade Delap to sign for them last summer and leave behind Manchester City. Delap said: 'Yeah I had a little FaceTime with him. 'I think he was heavily involved with Ipswich so it was nice to speak to him. 'It was just a token that Ed was really involved in Ipswich and a lot of people were close to him.' Chelsea had the simple magnetism of Champions League football - which means a bigger spotlight on him now. Delap said: 'I am just here to play football. I don't look at everything from the outside. I am at a big club now but my mind is strong enough to not let it affect me. 'It is hard to ignore at times but it is just how you take it and you can brush it aside and stay confident. 'I'm really excited. One of the reasons I started playing football was to play in the Champions League.' Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge
Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Top Liverpool star is 'DISAPPOINTED' with club's contract offer and 'rejects' it - as fears mount that he could 'do a Trent Alexander-Arnold'
Liverpool risk losing Ibrahima Konate on a free next summer after the defender reportedly rejected their initial contract extension offer. Konate is said to be 'disappointed' with Liverpool's proposal because he wants a higher basic wage. The France international, 26, was a bastion of their Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot but only has a year remaining on his deal. There are fears that he could run down his contract and leave for free, as Trent Alexander-Arnold almost did before sporting director Richard Hughes squeezed a £10million fee out of Real Madrid. His camp are pushing for an improved basic wage after Liverpool structured their offer with too many performance-based bonuses, according to The Guardian. Liverpool are known to be stubborn negotiators but did get renewals over the line for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk last season, with Fenway Sports Group relenting on their habit of denying extensions for players over 30. Konate quickly established himself as a favourite under Slot and started all bar two of the Premier League games that he was eligible for. So impeding was his form for Jarell Quansah that the youngster has has opted to leave Anfield, agreeing a £35million move to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. Real Madrid are interested in Konate while Atletico Madrid have apparently made Andy Robertson one of their top targets, so Liverpool's defence may look drastically different in a year's time to what it did last season. Liverpool hope to re-open talks with Konate this summer but do not want to overpay. As Mail Sport reported last week, Liverpool have joined the race for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. He is heading into the last deal of his deal at Selhurst Park and Palace's bargaining power is weaker than it was a year ago, when they turned down a £65m offer from Newcastle. Jarrad Branthwaite has also been considered by the Anfield hierarchy but signing a player from city rivals Everton would be tricky. Joe Gomez is also still at Liverpool and Arne Slot likes his leadership qualities though he missed a chunk of last season through injury. Liverpool are not pushing him towards the exit door.
