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Manchester United are rallying themselves to try and enjoy an improved Premier League season but have now pulled out of a huge deal for a priority transfer target.

Ruben Amorim speaks ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal

The English top-flight has returned in all its glory and there won’t be a single eye in the footballing world that isn’t paying attention to Manchester United’s league opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ahead of the mouthwatering clash at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has confirmed that new Red Devil Benjamin Sesko is ready to start despite only having limited time on the training field in the lead-up to the clash.

“I can see Ben being a striker at this club for many years. That is why we paid a lot of money. He didn’t have a lot of time (on the training field), but physically, he is ready. That is a big component in our league. He’s ready to play, and we’ll see if he starts.”

Coming as a major boost, his arrival will form one major part of trying to reshape Manchester United’s fortunes, but who else could be set to join the Amorim revolution?

Reports suggest Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the Red Devils’ shortlist and carries an impressive profile that has also attracted Liverpool to his situation.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

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By
Charlie Smith

Jun 21, 2025

In the long-term, Harry Kane could also be set for a surprise transfer to Old Trafford amid a £56 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract that is set to activate next summer.

INEOS clearly plan to push the boat out across their reign and were prepared to shatter Manchester United’s transfer record amid recent developments.

Manchester United pull out of Carlos Baleba move

According to Graeme Bailey speaking to United in Focus this week, Manchester United were set to submit a record bid for Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. However, despite designs on smashing the £89 million fee paid for Paul Pogba, David Ornstein has now revealed INEOS are “not planning to proceed with Carlos Baleba move this summer”.

There was “direct contact between clubs but Brighton clear – not for sale”, leading the Red Devils to look elsewhere despite the midfielder’s own keeness to move.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. His personal ambitions match recent interest from high places amid claims he wants to win the Ballon D’or after Rodri’s success, given the pair feature in similar positions.

Brighton were apparently set to hold out for £115 million, and with time ticking before the window closes, Manchester United appear to have moved on to other targets with the belief a stalling deal would deprive Amorim of midfield reinforcements before the deadline.

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Sunderland have made contact to sign a £15m centre-back who Crystal Palace want to replace Marc Guehi.

Sunderland’s signings so far this summer as Le Bris eyes more

It has been an extremely busy summer transfer window for the Black Cats, who have so far signed 12 players for Regis Le Bris.

Many of the new arrivals started and impressed in the opening day win against West Ham at the Stadium of Light, however, Sunderland lost 2-0 to fellow promoted side Burnley last time out.

Talking before the defeat at Turf Moor, Le Bris admitted that Sunderland still want to make new additions before the September 1 deadline.

When asked on potential signings out wide, Le Bris added: “There’s a lot of speculation which is positive for everyone. Same answer. If it’s possible to reinforce the squad with the right profile we’ll move forward, but it’s not just our question. It’s a question of the player and the club, so we’ll see.”

Sunderland's most expensive signings of all time

Who is the Black Cats’ record addition?

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

A new centre-back is also wanted, especially as Dan Ballard went off injured against Burnley. Jhon Lucumi of Bologna has been heavily linked with a move to Sunderland, however, another defensive target with Premier League experience is wanted by the Black Cats.

Sunderland make contact to sign Lloyd Kelly

According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made an enquiry to sign Juventus centre-back Lloyd Kelly. Formerly of Newcastle, Kelly’s loan move to Turin became permanent over the summer for £15m, but a return to the Premier League is possible.

As well as the Black Cats making contact over a transfer, Crystal Palace have followed suit as they view Kelly as a replacement for Guehi, who is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Juventus have even identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo as a replacement for Kelly, so a last-minute move back to England could be on the cards.

Kelly, previously of Bristol City and Bournemouth before his move to Newcastle and subsequent transfer to Juventus, has played 64 times in the Premier League and was once called “incredible” by former manager Gary O’Neil.

Therefore, if Sunderland miss out on Lucumi and Crystal Palace keep hold of Guehi, Kelly, similar to O’Nien, could be an ideal option for Le Bris, making this one to watch.

U.S. men's national team midfielder Yunus Musah came off the bench to play a key role in Atlanta's Champions League 2-1 victory over Club Brugge. The 22-year-old assisted Atalanta's late winner to help the Serie A side secure three crucial points in the second round of Champions League league phase. La Dea now sit 19th in the standings.

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  Musah makes a difference

  Musah is still adjusting to life in his new surroundings in Atalanta, having made the move from Milan on loan this summer. The American started on the bench in Tuesday's clash, coming on in the 53rd minute with the Italian side down 1-0 to the visiting Brugge.

  The midfielder picked up a yellow card almost immediately, but settled into the game. After seeing his side pull one back on a 74th-minute Lazar Samardzic penalty, Musah then played an integral part in putting his team ahead, flicking on an 87th-minute corner kick straight into the path of Mario Pasalic for Atalanta's late game-winner.

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• Watch the clip

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  The season so far

  Musah has largely been eased into his loan spell at Atalanta, playing just 31 minutes in three Serie A appearances so far. He did start the club's 4-0 loss to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, though, to start this season's competition.

  Tuesday's game, then, could be a turning point for the midfielder, who is looking to push his way back into the USMNT picture. After skipping out on the Gold Cup, Musah was left out of September camp as Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff took a look at other midfielders.

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• AFP
  

  What next?

  Atalanta have one more game before the international break as they host Como in Serie A on Saturday. The USMNT, meanwhile, will announce their roster this week ahead of friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.

With time running out in the summer transfer window, Manchester City are now reportedly “exploring” a deal to sign a Gianluigi Donnarumma alternative for Pep Guardiola.

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In a late twist to the transfer tale, it looks as though Ederson could be on his way out of Manchester City this summer. The Brazilian missed his side’s opening game victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, as James Trafford made his second debut for the club, and has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray.

Fabrizio Romano has even gone as far as to suggest that the Turkish club have opened negotiations and talks are ongoing between themselves and Manchester City over a deal to sign Ederson. Whether they manage to match City’s reported £22m valuation before the end of the transfer window remains to be seen, however.

Of course, if Ederson does leave the Etihad this month, then it will likely trigger a domino effect of goalkeepers. Whether that sees Donnarumma head to Manchester City to replace the South American is another question entirely, though.

Although the Italian is certainly available after Paris Saint-Germain opted out of negotiations to extend their goalkeeper’s contract before signing Lucas Chevalier, the French giants’ price tag reportedly remains too high for City to consider as deadline day approaches.

Man City set to be offered £303m "best player in the world" in Haaland swap

One of Europe’s top clubs are preparing an audacious swap move for Erling Haaland.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 21, 2025

That could still change as all parties become more and more desperate to reach a resolution, but for now it seems as though those at the Etihad are ready to shift their focus towards a fresh option.

Man City now "exploring" Lammens deal

Having initially hijacked their move to jump ahead in the race to sign Donnarumma, the Citizens have reportedly set their sights on another Manchester United hijack. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester City are now “exploring” a deal to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp this month after reaching a stand-off in negotiations to sign Donnarumma.

The shot-stopper has been on United’s radar for the majority of the summer as they look to land a much-needed upgrade on Andre Onana. Like their initial pursuit of Donnarumma, however, it looks as though City could now emerge to jump ahead of their rivals in ruthless fashion.

Described as “excellent” and a young talent who’s “like Alisson” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lammens is still just 23 years old and would push Trafford all the way for a starting place under Guardiola. With a deal to sign the Royal Antwerp star, City would suddenly have two goalkeepers who are full of potential.

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If you are planning to visit Estadio BBVA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!

Nicknamed (The Steel Giant), CF Monterrey’s home ground Estadio BBVA is one of the three Mexican host stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the historic Estadio Azteca and Chivas’ home, Estadio Akron.

For the tournament, the venue will be referred to as Estadio Monterrey due to sponsorship regulations.

Having already hosted numerous matches for Monterrey as well as the Mexican national team, 2026 marks a new chapter for this modern and striking stadium.

Estadio BBVA will host a total of four World Cup matches, including both group stage and knockout games.

If you are planning to visit the stadium soon or during the 2026 World Cup to support your team, this guide is for you. GOAL has got you covered with all the essential information before you visit the stadium. 

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  Estadio BBVA Stadium overview

  Capacity	53,500
  Year opened	2015
  Tenant(s)	CF Monterrey (Liga MX)
  Address	v. Pablo Livas 2011, La Pastora, 67140 Guadalupe, N.L., Mexico

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  History of Estadio BBVA

  Estadio BBVA, originally opened as Estadio BBVA Bancomer in 2015, became the new home of CF Monterrey, replacing the historic Estadio Tecnológico, which had stood since 1950.

  In its opening match, Monterrey defeated Portuguese side Benfica 3–0 in a friendly. The stadium is considered a marvel of modern architecture, featuring stunning visuals and world-class facilities.

  In addition to Monterrey’s home games, Estadio BBVA has hosted Copa MX finals, CONCACAF Champions League finals, and Mexican national team matches.

  It is also a regular venue for major cultural events in Mexico, including concerts by world-renowned artists such as Coldplay, The Weeknd, Shakira, and more.

  At the 2026 World Cup, Estadio BBVA will stage four matches, including three group stage games and one Round of 32 clash.

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  Which teams play at Estadio BBVA

  Liga MX side CF Monterrey is the only tenant at the Estadio BBVA 

  Team	League
  CF Monterrey	Liga MX

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  How to get to Estadio BBVA

  How to get to Estadio BBVA by public transport 

  To reach Estadio BBVA by public transit, you can take Metrorrey Line 1 (L01). This metro line stops at Exposición Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

  Several bus routes also stop close to the venue, including routes 214, 223, TME, and 093. The Pablo Livas (Estadio BBVA) stop is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the stadium.

  How to get to Estadio BBVA by car 

  Both Avenida Constitucion (Highway 85D) and Carretera Miguel Aleman (Highway 54D) lead toward Estadio BBVA. Exits onto Avenida Pablo Livas or La Pastora are clearly marked with signs directing fans to the stadium on event days.

Tottenham Hotspur’s final signing of the summer transfer window, striker Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG, is poised to make his imminent Premier League debut against West Ham on Saturday.

The Frenchman’s versatility will be invaluable for Thomas Frank, with Kolo Muani able to play on both the right and left-hand side, though it appears he’ll most likely be used as an alternative to centre-forwards Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

The latter didn’t play in Spurs’ 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth prior to the international break due to a niggling ankle problem, and while Frank suggested that Solanke could be back this weekend, it is definitely wise to have another option up top considering Richarlison’s fitness issues last season.

Kolo Muani has played the vast majority of his 269 total senior appearances as a striker, and there is reason for supporters to be excited by his arrival.

During his best-ever campaign to date in 2022/2023, the 26-year-old racked up an impressive 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, and this stellar form earned him a £76.4 million move to Ligue 1 heavyweights PSG.

While it hasn’t worked out for him in the French capital, Kolo Muani’s head-turning loan move to Juventus last term, where he managed 10 goals and three assists in 22 outings, showcases a player of serious attacking quality.

On the international stage, Kolo Muani has always maintained the faith of Didier Deschamps, even amidst his PSG exile, with the forward bagging semi-final goals against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and Spain in Euro 2024.

The former Nantes sensation has also been a long-time target for the Lilywhites. Tottenham attempted to agree a deal for Kolo Muani in January before his switch to Juve, and ex-Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was personally pushing for him in the winter, according to club insider Paul O’Keefe.

Now, the Spurs recruitment team have got their man, but unfortunately for Frank, there is no option to buy Kolo Muani at the end of his loan spell if he manages to pull up trees in north London.

This is seen as quite an ‘un-Spurs like’ condition of the Kolo Muani deal, and pundit John Wenham has fired a warning to Tottenham over agreeing to a straight loan.

Tottenham sent Randal Kolo Muani warning as "frustrating" claim made

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham says thatTottenham are taking a “risk” by just signing Kolo Muani on a dry temporary deal, calling it a “frustrating” development and explaining that other sides could outbid them next year.

While there is an argument that Tottenham face not being able to hold on to Kolo Muani, the fact he’s arrived at N17 for essentially zero cost for the entire season is still a big boost for Frank.

Spurs need strength in depth if they’re to finish in the top four and contend for major trophies, and Kolo Muani is exactly the calibre of player to help them do this.

The NWSL has granted Commissioner Jessica Berman a three-year contract extension, keeping her in charge through the 2028 season. Berman’s initial four-year deal, signed in 2022, was set to expire after the current season. The extension comes after months of deliberation among league ownership, and puts her in position to lead into new phases.

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  Leadership for NWSL’s next growth phase

  Berman’s extension ensures continuity at the helm of the NWSL as the league prepares for its next chapter. Since her appointment following Lisa Baird’s resignation, Berman has overseen rapid expansion, increased media revenue, and record attendance growth.

  The extension positions her to guide the league through upcoming media rights deals and the integration of new franchises, including two – Boston and Denver – set to debut in 2026.

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• Expansion and revenue growth

  Under Berman’s guidance, the NWSL has added four new franchises, with fees exceeding $215 million. Franchise valuations have soared, highlighted by Angel City’s $250 million valuation in 2024. Domestic media rights revenue has grown to approximately $60 million annually through partnerships with CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and Scripps Sports, with a new streaming deal with Victory+ beginning next season.

  Average attendance rose 42 percent from 2022 to 2024, reaching a record 11,235 fans per game last year.

• NWSL eyes cultural breakthrough

  Speaking about the league’s long-term vision, Berman outlined her ambition to position the league as a defining force in American sports culture. With the 2031 horizon in mind, Berman emphasized the unique opportunity for women’s soccer to expand its influence beyond the pitch.

  “There is a huge opportunity between now and 2031,” Berman told The Athletic. “The NWSL has the benefit of being synonymous with greatness in the U.S in a global sport like soccer, which is so dominated by men and their narrative. There’s a lot we can do to penetrate the cultural zeitgeist that exists at the intersection of America and soccer.”

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  Confidence amid challenges

  The decision to extend Berman’s contract reflects the league’s confidence in her ability to navigate the NWSL’s continued growth despite internal challenges.

  While questions remain about executive stability and competition with European leagues, Berman’s track record of expanding the league’s footprint, increasing revenue, and elevating attendance has earned her industry recognition.

In one of his final acts as chairman, Daniel Levy signed Mathys Tel in a cut-price £30 million deal for Tottenham, but it’s been far from plain sailing for the Frenchman thus far.

Initially, Spurs agreed a £45 million buy-option in the January loan deal which saw him join from Bayern Munich. However, Levy managed to re-negotiate a lesser fee to make Tel the Lilywhites’ first signing of the summer bar Kevin Danso.

The arrival of Bayern’s former prodigy brought plenty of excitement with it, especially after Julian Nagelsmann once tipped the 20-year-old to bag 40 goals a season one day.

Whilst Tel garnered a fearsome reputation as a hot commodity during his time in Bavaria, it’s been a mixed start to life in north London.

He grabbed back-to-back Premier League goals against Southampton and Wolves in April last season, and an assist against both West Ham and Brighton, but is yet to get off the mark since Thomas Frank took charge.

Tel also missed a penalty in the UEFA Super Cup shoot-out against PSG, with Frank ultimately sacrificing the forward for Europe by omitting him from Spurs’ 22-man Champions League squad alongside the likes of Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

He therefore won’t be eligible to make a single Champions League appearance until after the league phase, if they even get that far, with pundit John Wenham suggesting that the north Londoners may be regretting the type of deal they’ve secured for Tel.

Tottenham could be regretting Mathys Tel deal as "frustrating" claim made

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham hints that Tottenham will be looking back on the permanent deal for Tel with hindsight, asking themselves whether they should’ve just gone for another loan.

Of course, there is still time for him to come good, and that is far more likely than not.

Why Mathys Tel could prove people wrong at Tottenham

Tel is still raw, but Frank has been very impressed by the attacker since his Champions League snub, not least for a hard-working display against West Ham.

The France Under-21 starlet’s main strengths lie in his athleticism and versatility. Comfortable through the middle or out wide, he gives Frank multiple options in attack. His pace allows him to stretch defences, while his ability to play with his back to goal offers a different profile to Spurs’ other forwards. That adaptability will be key in a side competing across several competitions this season.

His finishing, movement and composure are still maturing, but those are qualities that can sharpen with experience.

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

• One of the game's greatest finishers

  Having emerged from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Romario achieved the highest goals a footballer could aspire to. His greatest successes came with the Brazil national team, with whom he won the South American Under-20 Championship (1985), silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, two Copa America titles (1989 and 1997), a Confederations Cup (1997) and, above all, the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

  Romario turned scoring goals into an art form. Sometimes he scored on the run, after sneaking away and touching the ball several times with his favoured right foot, while on other occasions he was more direct, finding the net with either foot with his first touch or on the rebound.

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  'Unmarkable' with a magic touch

  Romario claims that, including friendlies, charity matches and youth games,he has scored over 1000 goals over the course of his career, a milestone he reached at the age of 41 on 20 May, 2007, when he scored a penalty for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife.

  It matters little that FIFA only recognises 760 of his goals in official matches between clubs, the senior national team and the Olympic side, making Romario the fourth-highest scorer in football history, though they concede his tally reaches 929 when taking into account his youth-team efforts.

  "When Romario touches the ball, it makes a magical sound," former Italy centre-back Alessandro Costacurta said of facing the Brazilian goal machine. "'Tum tum tum'. He touches it many times in a few metres and then has the ability to understand when his opponent is moving, but above all to understand the movements of his team-mates first in order to pass the ball. Inside the area, he is unmarkable."

• Robbed of the Ballon d'Or

  Certainly, 'O Baixinho' ('The Little One') – as he was called because of his short stature – ruled the penalty area, but Romario was capable of scoring goals in all sorts of ways; with lobs or soft touches, with brutal power, from inside the area or from distance, and even with his head, thanks to his ability to control the ball and read its trajectory in advance. He won team and individual trophies around the world, finishing as top scorer in 26 different competitions, a record that is unlikely to be equalled.

  Romario's magical year came when he won the World Cup in 1994, but at the time non-European Union players were not eligible for the Ballon d'Or, meaning he missed out on winning the greatest individual prize in the game. FIFA did award Romario the FIFA World Player of the Year award, while in 2000, he won the South American Ballon d'Or as the best player on the continent, but he never got his hands on the ultimate footballing honour.

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• From the favelas to the big leagues

  Born on 29 January, 1966 in Bairro Jacarezinho, Romario grew up within one of the worst favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the situation of destitution and absolute poverty, his love for football saved him, and at the age of 10, he began playing football with Estrelinha de Vila de Penha, a team founded by his father.

  In 1979, at the age of 13, Romario was signed by the Olaria youth team, whose first team played in the Brazilian top-flight at the time. Here he was spotted by Vasco da Gama, who brought him into their youth academy.

U.S. international Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss three to five months after sustaining an Achilles injury, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday. The injury is believed to have occurred Thursday in a Europa League match against Sturm Graz. The injury could jeopardize Carter-Vickers' changes of making the USMNT World Cup roster.

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  'We wanted to take off Cameron'

  Carter-Vickers complained about having pain in the match, Rodgers said, but the manager ran out of substitutions and elected to keep the defender on the pitch while Celtic was clinging to a one-goal lead. 

  "We wanted to take off Cameron, but we could only make one substitution in the second half. Ideally, we would have taken him off," Rodgers said after the match.

  On Friday, he told Sky Sports he expects Carter-Vickers to miss significant time. 

  "He looks like he's done his Achilles, which could be anywhere between three and five months," he said. "We just await confirmation of that, but it's not great news."

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  World Cup chances take a hit

  Carter-Vickers was competing with FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson and Toulouse's Mark McKenzie for the U.S. third centerback spot. With the 27-year-old now expected to miss significant time, it could impact his chances of making Pochettino's squad for next year's World Cup. 

  Carter-Vicker has 18 USMNT caps and was included on the 2022 World Cup roster in Qatar. While he was on the October roster, he hasn't played under Pochettino with the USMNT.

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  Next up, Trusty?

  Another U.S. international defender, Auston Trusty, also plays for Celtic and is expected to return to the Scottish giants in the near future. Carter-Vickers' injury will likely mean more defensive responsibility for the former MLS star. Trusty has recently discussed wanting to get another shot with the USMNT after not being called up in months. 

  "I will do anything possible to be on that team and be a player of that magnitude and be the guy for the U.S.," Trusty told GOAL. "I know I can do it. I've shown it. And it's just about getting opportunities. When I get the opportunity, I thrive in it. When I get the opportunity, it's game over." 

  Trusty has four appearances with the national team.

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• Looking ahead

  Carter-Vickers' injury comes at a difficult time for Celtic, who have a potentially season-defining match ahead against surprise league leaders Hearts on Sunday. The Edinborough side leads the Bhoys by five points, and Rodgers needs three points to keep the team in the title race – which also has Champions League implications as well.