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Real Madrid continue to monitor former midfielder despite losing buy-back clause – report

Real Madrid have continued to monitor Chema Andres following his move to Brighton and Hove Albion, despite giving up their contractual options to bring the former academy midfielder back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to AS, Los Blancos remain attentive to the Spaniard’s development in the Premier League, where he has made an encouraging start to life with Brighton. 

The situation is notable because the club no longer holds a buy-back clause, a priority purchase option or any remaining ownership rights over the player after his summer transfer.

Chema’s departure is therefore both a financial success for Real Madrid and the end of the contractual safeguards that would previously have allowed them to influence his future.

Chema Andres transfer earned Real Madrid €11.5 million

The midfielder’s move became one of the more significant transactions involving a former Real Madrid player on the final day of the summer transfer window. 

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Chema Andres. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Chema left Stuttgart for Brighton in a deal worth €23 million, with Madrid entitled to half of the fee because they retained 50% of his rights.

As such, that arrangement delivered €11.5 million to the Spanish club. However, the financial return came at the cost of any remaining contractual leverage over the player.

Notably, Real Madrid did not activate their buy-back clause last summer, and the subsequent transfer to Brighton brought their remaining rights to an end. 

As a result, the Premier League club now holds full ownership of Chema and control decisions concerning his future.

Chema makes encouraging start in England

Chema has begun his Brighton career with promising contributions despite operating in a deep midfield role. 

Chema Andres is impressing in the Premier League. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

He has accumulated 380 minutes across five appearances, scoring once and providing an assist.

Those early performances have given Real Madrid further reason to follow his progress. 

The midfielder is continuing to develop his ability to dictate play and bring structure to his team, qualities that could help determine how far he progresses in English football.

His challenge now is to establish himself at Brighton and maintain his development in a more demanding environment. 

Head Coach Tom Pecora of the Quinnipiac Bobcats during the second half of a college basketball game against the St. John's Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena on November 3, 2025 in New York City.  (Porter Binks/Getty Images)

HAMDEN - Arguably, no program in Connecticut has been more affected by college basketball's ever-changing NIL, revenue sharing, transfer portal, and eligibility rules than Quinnipiac men's basketball.

With the season approaching, the Bobcats have lost all five starters from last season either to transfers or to the ambiguity of the new fifth-year eligibility rule.

The five starters lost accounted for the majority of Quinnipiac's scoring and rebounding last year.

"I am not fond of the changes that have been made in the college game," coach Tom Pecora said. "I started coaching in the early 80s and you were thrilled to get a scholarship, meal money and a chance to travel somewhere outside of your region or your state. I think it would be great if you paid kids after they graduated. Motivate them to graduate even if they go to several schools."

Two-time first-team All-Metro forward Amarri Monroe transferred to Syracuse while Jaden Zimmerman left for Grand Canyon, Grant Randall moved on to Dayton and Spence Wewe is now at Hofstra.

The other starter from last season, guard Asim Jones, is still at Quinnipiac practicing with the team and enrolled in classes to complete his degree. For now, however, he is not officially a member of the team. He is hoping that as the overarching legislation governing the game plays out by early November that he will be granted a fifth year of eligibility.

Quinnipiac men's basketball head coach Tom Pecora is entering his 4th season with the Bobcats this year. He led the team to the Metro regular season championship in both 2024 and 2025. This is his 10th season overall in Hamden as he was the associate head coach prior to becoming the head coach. (Rob Rasmussen/Quinnipiac Athletics )

For now, however, Pecora is left playing by the new set of rules as they stand, scrambling to rebuild his roster with transfers, freshmen and a core of returners led by 6-foot-7 sophomore forward Keith McKnight and 6-foot sophomore guard Tai Turnage.

It is so difficult to assess the talent throughout the entire 13-team Metro Conference that the league's coaches voted Quinnipiac sixth while the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook ranked the Bobcats first.

In his three seasons as the Quinnipiac head coach, Pecora has a 63-36 record. He led the Bobcats to the 2024 and 2025 regular season MAAC championship and his team was 19-13 last.

"Everything is so muddled up now, but I still love coaching," Pecora said. "I have had hard jobs. As a young man I moved furniture and I roofed houses. I did real man's work, so I am never going to complain about being a basketball coach."

Pecora loves having a player like McKnight to build around. As the team's top reserve last year, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds. He was also second on the team in steals with 42, and he led all players in the regular rotation in field goal percentage at 54.6.

Quinnipiac sophomore forward Keith McKnight dunks the ball against Yale last season as a freshman. McKnight is a unanimous preseason Metro first-team selection this year.   (Rob Rasmussen/Quinnipiac Athletics )

"He is an incredible athlete and a wonderful young man from a great family," Pecora said. "He had an opportunity to leave for real big money and chose to stay one more year to hone his game. He will be a $1 million-plus player next year somewhere after another year of development with us.

"He is as good an athlete as I have been around, a gazelle or a thoroughbred who gets up and down the floor incredibly quick and finishes at a very high level. He continues to grow as a player. I think he has made a really smart move for himself down the road. That is not always the case for some of these young players, because so many chase the money."

Jones could make a huge difference in Quinnipiac's success, too, because last season he was the Bobcats' third leading scorer at 12.5 points per game and their top playmaker with 126 assists. He also made the second-most 3-pointers on the team with 45 and shot 46.4% from beyond the arc.

Quinnipiac sophomore forward Keith McKnight averaged 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 54.6% from the field last season.du (Rob Rasmussen /Quinnipiac Athletics )

Pecora said that although the Bobcats lost a lot of talent from last season, he's excited about their eight new players.

He brought in two Division II players, New London's Tayeshawn Cunningham-Pemberton, who averaged 14 points and 4.4 rebounds with 52 steals at Assumption, and Michael Parrotta from St. Thomas Aquinas.

Parrotta's dad, Tom, re-united with Pecora on the coaching staff. He was an assistant under Pecora for eight seasons in the past at Fordham and Hofstra.

Overall, Pecora is very pleased with his team.

"I have a great staff that is doing a great job every day in practice," Pecora said. "I think the pieces are there, but I think with eight new bodies it is going to take some time for it to come together. So, we may not be as successful in our nonconference that we have been in the past, but I think once we get into conference play, we are going to be in pretty good shape."

"I think we have great depth, and I think there is a grit and toughness to them that I insist upon. We had one guy out with a hip and two guys out with broken noses, so we have been practicing hard, and I am OK with that."

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This article originally published at Quinnipiac men's basketball coach Tom Pecora faces a major roster reset. Here's why.

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan of the Washington Redskins looks on prior to the start of their game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on December 30, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jayden Daniels doesn’t scare me. Sonny Styles doesn’t scare me. Terry and Stefon don’t scare me. Only the football gods of chaos and variance scare me. There’s too many good matchups to exploit… from putting CMC in the pass game, to spamming Mike Evans against the hapless Commanders secondary, to blasting the Commanders’ shoddy offensive line… the 49ers’ biggest opponent is themselves tonight. 

Let’s get it!

Serial spitter? 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk says C.J. Gardner-Johnson spit on him in 2025 (paywall)
“Juszczyk called out Gardner-Johnson presumably because he’s among a group of players who have had enough: Gardner-Johnson was named the league’s most annoying player in the Athletic’s anonymous player poll in 2024. His ejection Sunday was the second of his career. He’s committed seven unnecessary roughness penalties and had three unsportsmanlike conduct infractions.”

From Joe Montana to Joe Williams, Peter King had a front-row seat to 49ers history (paywall)
“[Joe]Williams had off-the-field issues that Lynch viewed as disqualifying, most notably “retiring” during his final college season before later returning. Lynch thought Williams quit on his team. Shanahan viewed him as an ideal offensive fit.

“Kyle loved him,” King recalled. “And he said to John Lynch, ‘I would love to get this guy tomorrow. Would you please just think about this?’”

Lynch didn’t just give his blessing. He traded up 22 spots to ensure Shanahan got his guy in the fourth round. [Joe] Williams, of course, was a spectacular bust who never played a regular-season snap in the NFL.

Why did King, 69, recently recall this nearly decade-old memory? It had nothing to do with Williams not working out. It was about what King thought the pick said about how Shanahan and Lynch, then both rookies in their roles, would be able to work together after inheriting a 2-14 team. 

“I left that draft thinking, ‘I don’t know if the guys they picked are going to be any good,’” King said. “But I really liked the chemistry I saw…..”

…..Before Walsh announced his retirement, emotionally spent after 10 seasons at the helm, he met at midfield with Cincinnati head coach Sam Wyche, a former assistant, and collapsed into his arms.

“I was outside one of the locker rooms watching that moment on TV, and it looked like Sam Wyche was almost carrying Bill Walsh off the field,” King said. “It was like Walsh was totally devoid of energy.”

Young was also out of gas, severely dehydrated, after leading the 49ers to their fifth and last title in January 1995 by throwing a Super Bowl-record six touchdown passes in a 49-26 win over the San Diego Chargers. But his response was the opposite of Walsh.

Back at Young’s room at the Miami Airport Marriott, where a large group of friends and family members had joined him, King observed as the game MVP was stretched out with IVs in both arms and EMTs standing on each side of his king bed. Despite his condition, Young was almost overcome with joy.

“Is this great or what?” Young said. “I mean, I haven’t thrown six touchdown passes in a game in my life. Then I throw six in the Super Bowl!”

In his 2024 farewell column, King called this scene his favorite moment from his 40-year career.”

49ers safety Malik Mustapha still playing with chip on his shoulder
“Credit to Raheem and my DB coach, Jerry Gray,” Mustapha said. “They actually made a pretty interesting comment because they know how downhill and aggressive I am in the run game. But then being able to shift your mind in the pass game and being able to play with that same tenacity, but being able to read the quarterback and being able to still fly around and make plays on the ball as well.”

Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP via Getty Images | AFP via Getty Images

Medical updates on Eric and Kounde – FC Barcelona
Catalan set to be out for three to four weeks while the Frenchman will miss the match against PSG.

Hansi Flick equals his best run of wins with FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
With the victory against Betis in La Cartuja, the Barça coach records 11 consecutive victories this season.

13 different scorers a record in Europe – FC Barcelona
With goals from Rodrigo, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo in the win at Betis, the Blaugranes’ list of goalscorers grows ever bigger.

Real Sociedad 2-1 Barça Femení: Defeat in Zubieta – FC Barcelona
Despite going ahead in the opening minute, the Blaugranes drop points for the first time this season.

Raphinha, ready for the big week – Mundo Deportivo
The captain played twenty minutes against Betis and is ready for the matches against PSG and Real Madrid, prepared for whatever Flick decides.

Eric: “It makes me angry and sad that I can’t be there” – Mundo Deportivo
A heartfelt message from the Barça defender upon learning he will miss the matches against PSG and Real Madrid due to the muscle injury suffered against Betis.

PSG rules out Nuno Mendes against Barça and Digne will have to stop Lamine Yamal – Mundo Deportivo
The Portuguese full-back will be out for several weeks due to a muscle injury suffered in Strasbourg, so he will be replaced by the former Barcelona player.

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers now have the worst record in the NFL, and head coach Jim Harbaugh is hinting that some big changes might be on the way.

The LA Chargers’ 22-6 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday really feels like an early rock-bottom moment in their season. The team looked offensively lost yet again, and found themselves unable to capitalise on the opportunities the Chiefs gave them.

They’ve scored just 15 points per game through their first six, and didn’t even have a touchdown against KC. Justin Herbert is looking like a shell of himself. He has already thrown eight interceptions this year. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel may be in serious trouble, and Jim Harbaugh’s latest comments definitely contain some implications which would be bad news for him.

Jim Harbaugh states the Chargers’ offence ‘needs to be addressed’ and that he will consider everything

McDaniel simply cannot seem to figure out how to get the offence going despite the talent at his disposal. The team has converted only 28 of 82 third downs through their first six games, and that shocking percentage can only be blamed on the offensive coordinator.

Harbaugh has backed McDaniel in public before this, but his answer to a question about whether McDaniel will still call plays is interesting, to say the least.

“We’re going to look at everything,” Harbaugh said. “The job I’m doing, it starts with me. We’ll watch this and get with our offensive coaches. I see the effort, I see the work being put in in the meetings, on the practice field, and to get that to translate to the field is what’s necessary. Feel bad for our players, our team, our coaches, our fans. And (the offence) needs to be addressed.

“There’s no justification. Anything I would say would sound like an excuse. I’m opposed to that to the core and pointing fingers because I believe this is a team game. But definitely offensively, we need to evaluate and we need to look at it all, everything we’re doing and how we’re doing it.”

There is a lot for the HC and his staff to figure out. The Chargers look bereft of ideas, checked out, and utterly dispassionate every time they play at the moment. A few more results like this and the entire coaching staff, including Harbaugh, might find themselves out of a job.

Read more:

• ‘I don’t have…’: Patrick Mahomes admits he is still missing a key weapon after ACL recovery
• Raiders’ late-game struggles frustrate Kirk Cousins after narrow Bills defeat
• Andy Reid delivers Jalen Royals injury update after Chiefs rookie’s concussion scare

Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies and head coach Todd Golden of the Florida Gators shake hands before their game during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Lenovo Center on March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Call us a relic, call us what you will. Say we're old-fashioned, say we're over the hill.

Whatever.

Long ago, when NLI was something and NIL was nothing, when AI only meant Allen Iverson, college programs were ranked in the preseason largely on how many quality returnees it had on the roster.

Not so much anymore. The aforementioned NIL, along with the transfer portal and ever-changing eligibility rules have created roster havoc at most programs each year. Numerous teams still don't have complete rosters just a few weeks before the start of the season. LSU barely even has a roster.

Even Shaka Smart is getting in on the act, after eschewing the portal the past five seasons at Marquette.

Now, it's more "who did you bring in?" than "who do you have coming back?" And even that's hard to answer, since there are still dozens of players awaiting court decisions on whether they can play this season, either as former pros, fifth-year seniors or foreign imports.

We still value roster retention and think it's a big key to a team's success. Dan Hurley would agree, typically bringing back a good chunk of his roster each season, and the results speak for themselves.

We're happy to once again be Connecticut's representative among Associated Press Top 25 voters this season. Our preseason ballot leans heavily towards roster retention. We're also playing a balancing act in guessing which of those aforementioned dozens of players may be eligible to play.

Certainly, it won't all play out perfectly. There will be some teams that lost just about everybody who brought in a heap of talent under a coach who makes it all work. Look at Michigan last season. And maybe St. John's or Tennessee or Louisville this season.

But for now, we'll stick with the old-time rock ‘n' roll values of roster continuity. The AP preseason Top 25 poll will come out on Monday, but voters had to submit their ballots by noon on Oct. 12.

Here's what our ballot looks like:
 
1. Florida: Gators have nearly 55 points per game returning in four starters. An easy pick for No. 1.

2. Michigan State: We'll get a glimpse of how good Spartans are in Oct. 20 exhibition, but with Jeremy Fears, Coen Carr back, we suspect pretty good.

3. Virginia: Cavs return four starters, including All-American candidate Thijs de Ridder. See you Dec. 20 at MSG!

4. UConn: Ex-Dukie Nik Khamenia, Alex Karaban's replacement, might be biggest key to season.

5. Duke: See you in Vegas on Thanksgiving Eve … and be careful inbounding the ball in the final seconds!

6. Illinois: It only seems like UConn is 30-0 vs. Illini last few years (hmmm … how did we arrive at that number?) Anyway, see you Dec. 4 in Chicago.

7. USC: Hopefully for Eric Reibe's sake, he's a.) healthy and b.) able to play on the perimeter more than he did at UConn.

8. Gonzaga: With Braden Huff and Florida transfer Xaivian Lee, Zags should be kings of the new Pac-12.

9. TCU: Jamie Dixon's got four key returnees back, so we'll rank them thusly.

10. Arizona:   Do we see Bryce James in games this season? Like on Nov. 18 in Tucson?

11. Ohio State: With high-scoring John Mobley back and Scottie Pippen's son Justin aboard, Buckeyes could be trouble in Hartford on Nov. 13.

12. Tennessee: Rick Barnes has five incoming players who averaged 15 points or more at other schools last season.

13. Louisville: Cards nailed the portal with Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad, Kansas center Flory Bidunga coming aboard.

14. Vanderbilt: Does G Chandler Bing help make this season The One Where the Commodores get to the Second Weekend?

15. BYU: What kind of impact can well-traveled Windsor product Tyler Betsey make with Cougars?

16. Texas: Sean Miller welcomes back 15.6-per-game scorer Matas Vokietaits.

17. Houston: Kelvin Sampson's got his work cut out for him, but he's as good a coach as there is west of Storrs.

18. Michigan: With Dusty May, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, Morez Johnson and even injured frosh Brandon McCoy gone, tough to envision a Wolverine repeat. See you Nov. 6 in Boston.

19. Alabama: Can Bloomfield's London Jemison be a key sophomore contributor for Crimson Tide?

20. St. John's: Rick Pitino decided this year that it is, indeed, important to have a true point guard, so he brought in talented, 23-year-old Euro Quinn Ellis, who logged over 40 minutes in a 4-OT exhibition win over Rutgers on Sunday.

21. Nebraska: ‘Huskers have one of country's top returnees in Pryce Sandfort.

22. Purdue: UConn portal target Caden Pierce should be a perfect fit with Boilermakers. See you Oct. 27 in exhibition finale at PBA!

23. Marquette: Was Rick Pitino trolling UConn by picking ‘Quette to win Big East? Not necessarily. They've got plenty of talent back, including Big East Frosh of Year Nigel James Jr.

24. Arkansas: Let's see if West Haven's Abdou Toure is one that got away from Dan Hurley.

25. VCU: Lemme guess … UConn was afraid to schedule Phil Martelli Jr. in a non-con game this season again, right?

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This article originally published at David Borges' AP ballot: Why UConn men's basketball is No. 4 with roster continuity in mind.

Former Premier League star claims Real Madrid have no chance of beating Barcelona: ‘Team full of individuals’

Barcelona and Hansi Flick face one of the most difficult weeks of their season, with a Champions League clash against PSG and El Clasico on the horizon.

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has made a bold prediction ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.

He has insisted that Real Madrid have virtually no chance of defeating Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, given the two sides’ current form.

Deeney backs Barcelona to dominate El Clasico

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Deeney made the comments during an appearance on CBS Sports’ Golazo programme.

He questioned Madrid’s collective strength and ability to play as a team despite their recent 4-1 victory over Sevilla.

“It’s impossible for them to beat Barcelona. They are a team full of individuals against the best team,” Deeney declared, making his preference for Flick’s side unmistakably clear.

Hansi Flick’s team have the upper hand going into El Clasico. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

His comments come at a time when Barça hold a six-point lead over Madrid in La Liga and have enjoyed a perfect start ahead of their first league meeting of the season.

Both teams enter the week following convincing victories on paper. Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2, while Jose Mourinho’s Madrid overcame Sevilla 4-1.

However, Deeney believes the performances tell different stories, with Barcelona looking more convincing as a collective unit.

The former Watford striker also suggested that Mourinho’s temperament could become a factor, predicting that Madrid might receive a red card during the encounter.

He nevertheless praised Los Blancos’ summer signing Yan Diomande, who has slotted seamlessly into Vinicius Junior’s position while the Brazilian serves his suspension.

Barcelona must prove their superiority on the pitch

Deeney’s words reflect the confidence surrounding Barcelona this season, with their attacking football under Hansi Flick making them one of Europe’s most exciting sides.

Real Madrid will arrive at the Camp Nou without Vinicius Jr. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The six-point lead also gives Barcelona an important psychological advantage. A victory would extend that gap to nine points and strengthen their position in the title race.

However, the Catalan giants will know better than to underestimate Mourinho and Real Madrid, regardless of form.

Mourinho’s side possess enough individual quality to punish defensive mistakes, particularly in a fixture where form rarely guarantees the result.

Flick’s team might be playing the better football, but none of that matters once the whistle blows at the Camp Nou.

It remains to be seen how the first league Clasico of the season unfolds and whether Hansi Flick’s men can claim the bragging rights.

Bundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 6

With Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season in the books, Bulinews Editor-in-Chief Rune Gjerulff has selected his Team of the Week, which is heavily dominated by Bayern Munich players following their emphatic 6-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Goalkeeper:

Nahuel Noll, Paderborn

Although he conceded twice against Werder Bremen, the scoreline could have been even worse for Paderborn if not for Noll’s numerous saves. The 23-year-old made nine stops and played a key role in helping his team secure a point.

Defenders:

Philipp Treu, Freiburg

The German international delivered an impressive performance before being substituted just over an hour into the game. He provided an assist, won 83 percent of his duels and completed 95 percent of his passes.

Waldemar Anton, Borussia Dortmund

Rock-solid at the back, Anton won an impressive 13 duels and completed 93 percent of his passes as Borussia Dortmund played out a goalless draw against 1. FC Union Berlin.

Dayot Upamecano, FC Bayern

Strong in duels and reliable in possession, Upamecano helped Bayern maintain their defensive solidity in their thumping 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig.

Lasse Günther, Elversberg

A energetic presence on the left side, Günther scored and won nine duels in Elversberg’s entertaining 4-3 victory over Augsburg. 

Midfielders:

Aleksandar Pavlovic, FC Bayern

Pavlovic found the net and delivered a composed, dominant performance in midfield, completing 92 percent of his passes.

Alexander Prass, Hoffenheim

Handed a rare start, Prass made the most of his opportunity, scoring and providing an assist in Hoffenheim’s crucial 2-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Ibrahim Maza, Bayer Leverkusen

Maza was the standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, racking up a goal and an assist in their 2-1 win over Freiburg. 

Strikers:

Michael Olise, FC Bayern

After facing criticism for his sending-off against Viking, Olise responded with an outstanding performance, recording a goal and an assist against RB Leipzig.

Harry Kane, FC Bayern

Both creator and finisher, Kane scored once and provided two assists in Bayern’s dominant win over Leipzig.

Luis Diaz, FC Bayern

Among several strong performers, Díaz stole the show at the Allianz Arena with a stunning hat-trick and an assist.

1. Researchers put bleached corals and healthy corals together for 5 days – and were astounded at what they saw  BBC Wildlife Magazine
2. Scientists discover a way to reverse coral bleaching at record speed  Phys.org
3. To Heal These Bleached Corals, All It Took Was a Little Touch  The New York Times
4. How a laboratory accident revealed a new way to rescue dying corals  Euronews.com
5. A simple touch can bring dying corals back to life in just 7 weeks  Science Daily

The New York Giants lost to the New Orleans Saints, 34-27, on Sunday at MetLife Stadium and dropped to 3-2-1 after a late comeback fell short.

Jameis Winston started and went 14 of 26 for 152 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before giving way to J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy went 11 of 21 for 243 yards and a touchdown as New York scored 17 points in the fourth quarter but could not erase a 34-10 deficit. Malik Nabers caught 12 passes for 165 yards.

Greg Newsome II (concussion) and Andrew Thomas (concussion evaluation) both exited in the second half.

Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), Colton Hood (concussion), Tyler Nubin (neck), and Theo Johnson (neck) were among the inactives.

Here’s a look at the snap counts from New York’s Week 6 loss to the Saints.

Offensive snaps: 77Defensive snaps: 72Special teams snaps: 35

The most glaring takeaway from Sunday is that running back Cam Skattebo took just six snaps, the second-fewest on the team. That's especially notable because it wasn't just a snap decrease; it was essentially a role elimination. In his absence, Giants running backs gained just 34 yards on 14 carries (2.4 ypc).

"We didn't bench Cam Skattebo," head coach John Harbaugh insisted after the game. "One of those guys needs to step up. Somebody needs to step up and be the back. And none of those guys have done that yet."

While Harbaugh can pretend Skattebo wasn't being punished for his fumble, the decision came at a cost. The Giants had no spark on the ground and none of the energy Skatt brings.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Cam Skattebo took just six snaps in New York Giants' loss vs. Saints

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Ruiz frustrated by poor start at Manchester CityBrighton & Hove Albion head coach Arturo Ruiz admitted that he was frustrated with his side’s slow start in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Seagulls found themselves 3-0 down inside 18 minutes before goals from Olivia García and Caitlin Hayes pulled them back into the contest.

When speaking to the media after the match, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Ruiz felt that his side did not start the game with enough confidence or belief.

“That lack of confidence hurts me a lot because I feel a percent of responsibility,” Ruiz said. “I just want to speak with the girls and above everything, analyse with my staff, get the conclusions and get better to it.

“I have to say two very important things. One very important thing is the number of fans [that came] and how loud they were today. Thank you, you were absolutely amazing. Secondly, in the game, we were in a very difficult situation in the 18th minute, losing here 3-0, so keeping the game alive at 3-2 until the last minute is something that we need to value a lot. The girls did very well after that first 18 minutes.”

Despite conceding three goals, Ruiz was also full of praise for his centre-backs, particularly for how they competed against one of the world’s best in Khadija Shaw.

He said “The centre-backs play, I think that they did a great job to get her. It’s difficult to face that player, we know it and I think they did a great job. They managed very well tactically, technically and psychologically and that’s the key. I think that Bunny Shaw scored an incredible goal, but she wasn’t comfortable, that’s key when you face Manchester City and we did it.”

Lia Wälti was missing from the Brighton & Hove Albion squad due to an injury sustained on international duty. Ruiz provided an update on when he thinks she might be back.

He said “She came back injured from Switzerland, so we just need to take care of her. She is not available because of that reason, it was not a technical decision. We will find out more this week, but I don’t think it’s so [bad]. It was not the best thing that she wasn’t available, but I think that she will be available for next week.”

Brighton & Hove Albion return to action on Saturday when they play host to West Ham United.

Jeglertz left with mixed feelings after Manchester City’s victory over BrightonManchester City head coach Andrée Jeglertz was left with mixed feelings after watching his side’s 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at The Joie Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cityzens raced into a 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes thanks to a brace from Khadija Shaw and Niamh Charles’ first goal for the club, but they let Brighton & Hove Albion back into the game with two quick-fire goals.

When speaking to the media after the match, Jeglertz admitted that he was pleased with the start, but felt that there were learnings to be taken from what happened before half-time.

“It was a great start of the game,” Jeglertz said. “We mentioned that we have struggled a little bit in terms of getting front-footed, but I think we did that today, we started very well.

“I don’t think that the players became a little bit more comfortable on purpose, but as a team, we maybe did that; not the same speed on the passes, not supporting each other the same way like we did in the beginning, maybe we didn’t break the line the same way as we did in the beginning. It’s almost like we let them in by dropping our levels a couple of percent and then they scored two goals which I think is a little bit unnecessary. I don’t think we needed that, but on the other hand, the learning from that is that if you drop a couple of percent in this league, the teams are good enough to punish you.”

Jeglertz commented further on the need to keep switched on, although he was pleased with how his side came out in the second half.

He said “I was a little bit annoyed [with the two goals], but there was no yelling because the players aren’t choosing to not do everything to 100%. It’s almost like it comes a little bit automatic. It’s was more like a reminder that we need to go back to good habits, do the things that we did in the beginning, do everything to 100%, do everything to fulfil the game plan.

“I think we should probably score some [more] goals, but how we manage the game, the calmness, composure of the voice, amazing in the second half.”

Midfielder Grace Clinton started the game after a tough period out with an injury. Jeglertz shared his thoughts on the midfielder.

He said “Grace has had a tough start of the season since her injury. She then came back and has really had an effect on our game. She definitely deserved to get a start in this game. It took some time for her to find the right position, but when she’s getting time on the ball, when she’s fast on the ball, she’s definitely contributing to a lot of things for us.”

Manchester City are next in action on Sunday when they travel to neighbours Manchester United.

Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere bemoaned his side's failure to be clinical in Saturday's derby defeat at MK Dons.

Aaron Collins scored the winner as the hosts beat the Hatters 2-1 for their first League One victory of the season.

It meant another disappointing result for Wilshere's side and more than 6,000 travelling supporters as they slipped to 16th in the table.

"They didn't have to do much [to win the game]," Wilshere told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"Clinical is a word that come to mind. The chances were there. That's why we're so frustrated and I'm so frustrated. In terms of everything, we didn't have to do that much to win the game and we ended up losing.

"I understand their frustration. We have to bounce back which is annoying."

The result at Stadium MK meant Luton have now lost three of their last four league games and are seven points off the play-off places after nine games.

The Hatters return to action on Tuesday, with Barnsley's visit to Kenilworth Road (19:45 BST) followed by further home games against Leicester City and Doncaster Rovers.

"That's the good thing about this league, that there's another game and we can bounce back from it," added Wilshere.

"But we shouldn't have to because we can't lose this game. The reality is we have."

[BBC]

• All the latest Luton Town news

DeForest Buckner is ‘sick and tired’ of Colts’ struggles after giving Titans first win appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before their Week 6 matchup, the Tennessee Titans were among just three NFL teams still holding a 0-5 record. However, the Indianapolis Colts’ struggles on Sunday allowed Tennessee to secure its first victory of the season. The frustrating loss left Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner visibly frustrated with his team’s performance.

When asked about the disappointing 26-20 loss, Buckner openly admitted that he was “sick and tired” of seeing the team repeat the same mistakes and suffer similar losses year after year.

“I’m sick and tired of the same song and dance every year,” Buckner said. “We lost to the Tennessee Titans, who were 0-5, and now they’re 1-5.”

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The Colts entered halftime with a commanding 13-0 lead over Tennessee. However, the momentum shifted in the second half as Indianapolis committed costly turnovers and made critical mistakes.

Buckner also urged his teammates to take responsibility for their mistakes and learn from the performance rather than dwell on the result.

“Every single person on the team needs to be critics of themselves and figure out what we need to do better. We’ll learn from this tape. And we’ll just take ownership of what we put on tape and move forward.”

The defensive tackle finished the game with two tackles and one pass defended. Meanwhile, quarterback Daniel Jones also struggled to deliver a consistent performance against Tennessee, completing 22 of 42 passes for 269 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions and taking six sacks.

The loss marked Indianapolis’ second consecutive loss following its previous setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Week 6 loss dropped the Colts to 2-4 on the season.

Meanwhile, Tennessee improved to 1-5 after finally getting its first win of the season. For Titans head coach Robert Saleh, the comeback victory also marked his first win with the franchise.

Related: Colts’ Shane Steichen squashes Daniel Jones speculations after loss to Titans

Related: Sauce Gardner injury delivers Colts a setback during Titans game

Mohammed Shami’s continued omission from India’s plans has raised fresh questions, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif calling for greater transparency from the selectors following the announcement of the squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand.

The BCCI announced India’s squads earlier this week for the New Zealand tour, which includes two Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. However, the absence of the experienced fast bowler from the squad has drawn criticism, particularly in view of his domestic performances and past contributions to the national team.


Kaif believes the selectors owe Shami an explanation, given the pacer’s achievements and his crucial role in India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Shami finished that tournament as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.

“No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, there’s no accountability. You’ve to keep transparency. This is about Mohammed Shami – the player of the 2023 world cup. If he wasn’t there, India would not have reached the final. When Hardik Pandya got injured, Shami came in and didn’t make you feel the absence of a sixth bowler. If Shami wasn’t there, India would’ve been searching for a sixth bowling option. Rohit Sharma took India to the final with five bowlers because Shami was the backup," Kaif said on Cricbuzz.

The former India batter also pointed to Shami’s performances in domestic cricket, arguing that the pacer has continued to make a case for himself despite being away from the international setup.

“Shami took 22-23 wickets in Indian conditions. So, I feel there has to be some transparency why the decision has been taken. He’s doing everything – playing first-class cricket, Ranji Trophy, taking wickets," he added.

Shami last represented India in March 2025 during the Champions Trophy triumph. His most recent Test appearance, meanwhile, came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023.

The fast bowler has since been attempting to regain his place through domestic cricket following an extended absence from the longest format. Concerns over his match fitness have reportedly been a key factor behind the selectors' reluctance to include him in the Test squad, with questions remaining over his ability to withstand the demands of red-ball cricket.

Shami has also been bowling short spells in domestic matches, a factor cited in discussions over his omission. Kaif, however, questioned whether that should be a decisive consideration, pointing to the workload management followed for India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

“I heard that he’s (Shami) bowling short spells and so not being picked. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls four-over spells in Test cricket. In England, his workload was being managed and Shubman Gill followed it. If one bowler is being treated in a particular way, then the same can be done for others too. There’s nothing wrong in bowling short spells if you can get the job done. So, transparency remains a grey area which I hope should be addressed soon. Someone has to give the clarity," Kaif said.

The debate over Shami’s selection has gained another dimension following the latest squad announcement. The pacer was subsequently rested from Bengal’s second-round match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate return to competitive cricket.

With India preparing for the New Zealand series, Kaif’s comments have brought the focus back on the selectors’ assessment of Shami’s fitness and readiness, as well as the need for greater clarity over decisions involving one of the country's most experienced fast bowlers.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended his team's effort but not the results after Sunday night's loss to the Packers.

On a night when Dak Prescott threw two interceptions, Schottenheimer pointed the finger at turnovers.

"The effort is right, the fight is right, but mistakes are killing us," Schottenheimer said. "We've got to protect the football."

At 2-4, the Cowboys are not a good team right now, but there are no good teams in the NFC East and the Cowboys are actually the betting favorites to win the division. Schottenheimer thinks there's still a future for his team.

"We're in a hole. We've put ourselves there. There's one way out of it. I told our guys we've got to work, we've got to find solutions, we can't repeat mistakes. And they understand that," Schottenheimer said.

Although Schottenheimer defended Prescott's effort, he made clear that he wasn't happy about the interceptions.

"The ball matters more than anything in the National Football League," Schottenheimer said. "It's the ball. Second, it's the line of scrimmage. And we haven't been very good in the last two games, so that's what we're responsible and accountable for, and I stand up here and accept that."

Newcastle keen on move for La Liga starNewcastle Scouts Track David Otorbi After Breakthrough Valencia Display

Newcastle United’s interest in Valencia youngster David Otorbi feels like the sort of story that quickly gathers pace, because this is how modern recruitment works at the sharp end. A player emerges, a club senses vulnerability or opportunity, and scouts are in the stand before the wider market has properly caught up.

According to Marca, two Newcastle scouts were present at El Sardinero on Sunday to watch Otorbi closely, and they could hardly have left with a better impression. The 18-year-old came off the bench and changed the mood of the game with the kind of confidence that marks out young footballers who believe they belong.

He began by driving hard down the right flank, unsettling defenders and forcing attention his way. Then came the moment that will have stood out most on any report, his intelligent run inside to meet Javi Guerra’s pass and score the equaliser, his first goal for Valencia’s senior side. It was a contribution of timing, nerve and instinct, all the things scouts notice beyond the noise of highlights packages.

Otorbi performance catches Newcastle eye

There was more to come, too. Late in the match, Otorbi again showed his sharpness, beating his man and reaching the byline before setting up what should have been the winner for Hugo Duro, only for the chance to go begging. Even so, the impression had already been made. This was a young winger playing with conviction, bravery and a refreshing absence of fear.

Photo: IMAGO

Marca report that Newcastle’s observers were especially struck by his personality on the pitch. He became involved in a fierce duel with Racing Santander’s left-back and, despite his age, never looked overawed. That matters. Talent can draw a scout in, character can bring them back.

Valencia academy talent attracting attention

Otorbi’s rise sits within a wider Valencia academy surge that has brought names such as Aaron Mayol and Aimar Blázquez into the conversation. Their emergence has come in a period of need for the club, which often sharpens both opportunity and scrutiny. Otorbi, though, was the one who seized the day in Javier Aguirre’s first match in charge, while Mayol and Blázquez were left unused.

Valencia have already moved to protect their position. Otorbi renewed his deal in April and is under contract until June 2028, with an option for an extra three years in the club’s favour. That gives the Spanish side leverage, but it also underlines how highly he is rated.

Newcastle transfer strategy points to youth market

For Newcastle, this feels entirely logical. Elite clubs know that the competition for polished stars is fierce and expensive, so the smarter route often lies in identifying elite potential before the price detonates. Otorbi may still be at the beginning, but the signs are vivid enough to demand attention.

If Newcastle’s scouts went seeking a prospect, they found one. If they went seeking certainty, that is impossible with any teenager. What they did find was electricity, courage and the hint of something rare.

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From a Newcastle supporter’s perspective, this is the kind of report that sparks genuine curiosity. There is always excitement when the club is linked with a young talent, especially one making people sit up in a demanding environment. Otorbi sounds like the sort of player supporters love immediately, direct, fearless, willing to take on a defender and willing to keep going after the first challenge comes back at him.

The encouraging part is not simply that he scored. It is that the scouting feedback seems to have focused on his mentality as much as his ability. Newcastle need that edge. Young players can be technically gifted, but if they shrink when the game turns rough, they rarely make the jump. Otorbi appears to have that appetite for the fight.

There is, of course, reason for caution. Plenty of teenagers shine briefly and then disappear when expectations rise. Valencia also know what they have, and a long contract means any move would be difficult and potentially expensive. Newcastle cannot afford to collect prospects for the sake of it. There has to be a pathway.

Still, this feels like the right profile for the club to monitor. A young winger with pace, confidence and room to grow fits the model of smart recruitment. Nobody should be pretending a deal is close from one scouting trip, but if Otorbi keeps producing moments like this, Newcastle fans will be very happy that the club were paying attention early.

Juventus worry Conceicao will be ruled out until international break after 3-0 Lazio loss

Juventus were soundly beaten in an embarrassing 3-0 victory at home against Lazio on Sunday evening, and to make matters worse for the Bianconeri, Francisco Conceicao is now looking at up to a month on the sidelines as the club fear he has suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Juventus concern over Conceicao’s potentially dislocated shoulder

Goals from Oliver Provstgaard, Gustav Isaksen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru gave Lazio a 3-0 victory away against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night, which has sent Gennaro Gattuso’s side back to the top of the Serie A standings along with Inter, while the Bianconeri sit eight points off the lead after seven league games in 2026-27.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Oliver Provstgaard Nielsen of SS Lazio scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

This result leaves Juventus in a worse position after seven matches of the 2026-27 season than they were at the same stage last year, just before previous head coach Igor Tudor was given his marching orders.

To make matters worse, the club are concerned that Conceicao has dislocated his shoulder, according to Monday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta BC at Allianz Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The Portugal international is expected to report for examinations at JMedical on Monday. If the shoulder dislocation is confirmed, Conceicao will be looking at around a month on the sidelines, which will keep him out of action until the November international break.

Juventus are already without Kenan Yildiz, as well as midfielders Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli. Jeff Ekhator, Arkadiusz Milik and Kamil Grabara were also unavailable against Lazio.

Liverpool wonderkid admits he’s enjoying playing on both sidesRio Ngumoha contract talks progressing as Liverpool youngster thrives under Andoni Iraola

There is a freshness about Rio Ngumoha that feels perfectly suited to the demands of modern Liverpool, a young forward with pace, nerve and the kind of adaptability that turns promise into genuine trust. At 18, he is already beginning to look like a player who belongs.

That sense grew stronger again after Liverpool’s comeback win over Brentford, a match in which Ngumoha played a significant role, and it has been reinforced by his growing involvement under Andoni Iraola. The new Liverpool head coach has shown faith in him, both in the Premier League and in Europe, and young players tend to know when belief is real. Ngumoha looks like he knows.

Rio Ngumoha finding belief at Liverpool

The winger has also been absorbing lessons at international level, earning three England caps and sharing the environment with senior wide players who have already established themselves at the top of the game. He said: “Playing on the right (wing) was good for England but also watching the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka… they are top, top wingers.

“Training with them every day and just seeing what they do, that can really help me and I take some of the stuff they tell me on board and it is really helpful.”

Those are the words of a young footballer looking up, learning quickly and understanding that talent alone rarely carries anyone far enough. Watching elite players close up can sharpen ambition, and in Ngumoha’s case it appears to be broadening his game too.

Contract talks moving in the right direction

Liverpool are now in discussions over a new contract for Ngumoha, a reward for progress that has gathered speed since his move from Chelsea in 2024. For a teenager breaking through at Anfield, this is the stage where reputation starts to meet responsibility.

Ngumoha said: “To be fair (the contract) is all with my agent now. I think it is all going well. I am not too sure.

“I just let the football do the talking at the end of the day, so I enjoy playing and all of that stuff is in the back of my mind really. I just play for the club, play for Liverpool and hopefully I can carry on doing well.”

Andoni Iraola pushing tactical development

Iraola wants his wide players comfortable on either flank, and Ngumoha is embracing that challenge. He said: “(Playing on both sides) gives me a bit of unpredictability, so if teams see me playing, they might think I am on the left but I can offer something different on the right.

Photo: IMAGO

“So it is good, I think at a young age, being able to play off the right or the opposite side and be unpredictable, I think that is something that is really key and I am enjoying it. It is good.

“I can’t thank the gaffer much more really for putting me on so early in the game and like I said, whether I start or if I come on, I just have the same mentality.”

That mentality will matter. So will the fitness of others, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong set for scans after picking up injuries against Brentford. Yet for Liverpool, one of the brighter notes from the weekend was unmistakable. Rio Ngumoha is advancing, and fast.

FILE PHOTO - Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at Vitality Stadium. (is associated with: «David Raya hails Arsenal’s ‘incredible’ response to Brighton setback») Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/dpa

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has praised his side’s response to their pre-international break humbling at Brighton.

The Gunners were ripped apart by the vibrant Seagulls at the end of September and had to stew on the defeat for three weeks as players went away to their national teams.

But they made it three wins from three after the restart as Noni Madueke’s late goal earned a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

And Raya, whose side face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, hailed the reaction as “incredible”.

“We came back very, very strong, especially after that tough defeat against Brighton and having 19 days since then to play a game,” he told the club website.

“The way we responded, the way we played, the way we came back, is incredible, you know.

“So, delighted with the performances we have put in every single game. There are things to improve, of course, as always, but we just take the positives and we’re looking forward to Wednesday now.”

It was not easy against Forest as Madueke’s 80th-minute deflected strike which sealed the points was Arsenal’s only shot on target.

But the game highlighted their ability to grind out results – a hallmark of their title-winning campaign last season.

“(We showed) maturity and a lot of desire,” Raya said.

“Keep doing the right things and the ball will get into the net. We had experiences in the last two years where we drew 0-0 here, so I think we showed a lot of character to keep digging the result and in the end with a few crosses and a few of Bukayo’s (Saka’s) balls, the ball went in thanks to Noni.

“He’s a special player and it’s going to be a special goal for him to get the win at such a difficult ground and such a difficult team.

“So, I’m delighted for him.”