GeneralCristiano Ronaldo’s like reignites controversy in Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo liked a post sharply criticising his teammates. The gesture has revived tensions surrounding his departure from Portugal’s camp.
All the news – page 61
Every SportNestra article, newest first: football, basketball, tennis, Formula 1 and other sports, with their sources.
General
FootballMadrid CFF and Athletic meet with third place in Liga F at stake
Madrid CFF host Athletic today at Fernando Torres, with third place on the line. The Madrid side have 12 points from a possible 15, while Athletic can overtake them with a win.
FootballBilly Kenny recalls his Manchester United welcome and a memorable Scottish voice
In an autobiographical extract, Billy Kenny remembers being introduced to Manchester United’s first team. He also recalls a Scottish voice linked to a league-scoring milestone not reached since George Best in the 1960s.
FootballBarcelona are monitoring Dodô, who could be available on a free transfer
The Brazilian right-back has been cited as a low-cost option for several major clubs, including Barcelona. With his contract in its final season, he could leave without a transfer fee.
FootballDani Vivian returns to action in the EH Txapela final
The defender played his first minutes of the season yesterday in the EH Txapela final. A muscle injury had kept him out of both pre-season matches and competitive action.
FootballZinédine Zidane praises Lucas Da Cunha despite error against Italy
After impressing in Belgium on Monday, Lucas Da Cunha had less influence on Friday against Italy and was involved in the equaliser. Zinédine Zidane nevertheless praised him after his second appearance for France.
FootballAnthony Joshua reunites with Ben Davison ahead of Tyson Fury fight
Anthony Joshua has reunited with Ben Davison for his heavyweight super-fight against Tyson Fury, scheduled for December. Davison, who has also trained Fury, will now be in the opposite corner.
FootballCroacia-Inglaterra face the shadow of the “City case”
The City case hangs over the England squad ahead of their Nations League match against Croatia. Both teams have three points and are targeting second place in Group A3, which also brings a place in the quarter-finals.
GeneralJorge Martín beats Marc Márquez to pole at Motegi
Jorge Martín beat Marc Márquez to take pole for the Japanese MotoGP Grand Prix. It is his second consecutive pole and his fourth of the year.
FootballWade and Aspinall make their mark ahead of World Grand Prix semi-finals
James Wade and Nathan Aspinall produced notable performances before their World Grand Prix semi-finals. Wayne Mardle and John Part praised the impression Wade made, while Aspinall spoke confidently about his ambitions.
FootballMancini says Italy are beginning to “behave like a real team”
After a 1-1 draw with France in Saint-Denis, Italy coach Roberto Mancini said he was pleased with his team’s progress. He considers the overall record from their three Nations League matches positive.
Formula 1Lewis Hamilton praises Fernando Alonso’s talent as fans hail him a legend
Lewis Hamilton’s comments about Fernando Alonso drew widespread praise on social media. The Briton said several leading drivers could not match his compatriot’s raw talent, even if Alonso cannot currently show it.
GeneralItaly are back as Zidane suffers first home setback
Italy held firm against France despite their opponents’ control of the ball and the game. Olise’s goal was not enough to preserve Zidane’s perfect run, while Donnarumma produced a string of decisive saves.
GeneralRotterdam P2: top four pairs reach the women’s semi-finals
The four highest-ranked pairs advanced through the quarter-finals and will contest the two places in the final. Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea meet Ari Sánchez and Andrea Ustero, while Claudia Fernández and Martina Calvo face Paula Josemaría and Bea González.
GeneralDzeko bids farewell to Bosnia after draw with Sweden
Bosnia and Sweden drew 1-1 in an emotional farewell for Edin Dzeko. Aged 40, the striker left the pitch in the 61st minute, bringing his time with the national team to an end.
GeneralAston Villa win the XV Trofeo Antonio Puerta after coming from behind
Aston Villa overturned Isaac Romero’s opener to win the XV Trofeo Antonio Puerta, with goals from Barkley, Garnacho and Jenner. The match at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán also marked Unai Emery’s return to a ground with personal significance.
FootballMatarazzo admits Athletic were superior after defeat
After his team’s loss to Athletic, Pellegrino Matarazzo praised their opponents. He also identified turnovers and a lack of attacking rhythm as problems for his side.
GeneralPaul Brousse sees the French team growing towards Sallanches
The national team coach describes a close-knit French squad, united by shared codes and looking to improve ahead of the World Championships in Sallanches. At the European Championships, the riders aim to build on that cohesion.
FootballTerzic sees positives and shortcomings in the win at Anoeta
Terzic welcomed a friendly victory that restored a feeling Athletic had lacked before the break. He also criticised the slow start and the missed chances that could have brought more goals.
FootballReal Sociedad lose another friendly final after a flat display
Real Sociedad have lost their sixth final in seven appearances in the friendly tournament. Played on a Friday at Anoeta, the match drew fewer than 10,000 spectators and left a subdued impression.
FootballAthletic beat Real Sociedad in the EH Txapela final
Real Sociedad lost 1-0 to Athletic in the EH Txapela final, played in front of spectators at Anoeta for the first time. Maroan scored the only goal from a Robert Navarro free kick.
FootballPau Cubarsí puts mental health at the heart of young players’ development
“Working on your mental health is the most important thing,” says Pau Cubarsí. The defender says a club psychologist helped him take his first steps towards the first team and that he sometimes goes to therapy.
FootballMaxence Caqueret owns up to his “Lyonnais haircut”
In an interview with Kampo, the midfielder looked back with humour on the hairstyle he had at the start of his time at Olympique Lyonnais. At 26, he admitted: “I have no excuse, it was ugly!”
FootballDjokovic fights back at the China Open despite fitness concerns
After losing the opening set, Novak Djokovic beat the Chinese wildcard 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 at the China Open. The win extended his record winning streak at the tournament to 31 matches and booked his place in the quarter-finals.
GeneralMancini distances himself from City financial scandal: “It’s the club’s problem”
Asked about the case involving his former club, Roberto Mancini said it did not concern him. He acknowledged having had a double contract at City, while the club rejects the verdict and is appealing.
FootballFort ruled out of Euskal Herria Txapela derby with physical discomfort
Dropped from the squad at the last minute, Héctor Fort has physical discomfort the club describes as not serious. He is expected to be able to train with the group on Monday or Tuesday.
GeneralDavid Sánchez’s family turns out in Orlando to support the Getafe youngster
Twenty members of David Sánchez’s family have travelled to Orlando to cheer him on from the stands. The young player, who moved from Real Madrid to Getafe this summer, could face former teammates there.
GeneralHonda F1 reports a positive surprise on its first day of running in Malaysia
After introducing the ADUO 2 engine at Madring, Honda F1 was pleasantly surprised during its first day of running at Sepang. Shintaro Orihara pointed to progress in energy management.
GeneralQuintero takes Rally of Morocco lead as Sainz loses top spot
Carlos Sainz and Dani Oliveras could not hold on to the Rally of Morocco lead after the fourth stage. Seth Quintero is now at the top of the overall standings with the finish approaching.
GeneralPayton Talbott draws inspiration from McGregor in pursuit of UFC title
Psychology graduate Payton Talbott will face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332 on Saturday. The bout could move him closer to a future bantamweight title opportunity.