Category Uncategorized

Olympiacos pushed Real Madrid to the brink in a chaotic seven-goal Champions League thriller in Piraeus, but Kylian Mbappe’s four-goal performance proved decisive. Jose Luis Mendilibar praised his team’s fight, admitting Madrid “gave us a lifeline” late on, while offering a tactical breakdown of why Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are so devastating for Los Blancos.

Mbappe hits four as Real Madrid edge Olympiacos

Madrid survived a relentless Olympiacos comeback to win 4-3 in one of the Champions League’s most dramatic group-stage matches of the season. Their star striker Mbappe was the difference-maker, scoring all four goals as Los Blancos twice surrendered two-goal leads before hanging on in the final minutes in Piraeus.

The hosts struck first through Chiquinho after a slick combination with Daniel Podence and Ayoub El Kaabi. Madrid initially struggled to gain control, but Mbappe flipped the game on its head with a devastating seven-minute hat-trick, scoring in the 22nd, 24th and 29th minutes. A brilliant ball over the top from Vinícius sparked the comeback, followed by a textbook header from Arda Guler’s cross, and then a composed finish from Eduardo Camavinga’s through ball.

Olympiacos refused to fold. Mehdi Taremi and El Kaabi struck in the second half, dragging the Greek side back within touching distance and setting up a frenetic finale. But Madrid held firm for their first win in four games, with Mbappe becoming the first Real Madrid player ever to score four goals in a major European away match and extending his record for most away hat-tricks in Champions League history.

After the final whistle, Olympiacos manager Mendilibar described the match as “crazy,” emphasising the emotional swings throughout the night.

AdvertisementAFP‘Crazy’ match & ‘lifeline’ from Madrid – Mendi breaks down the thriller

Speaking to after the game, Mendilibar gave an honest and detailed assessment of a match he believed could have gone either way. His first reaction summed up the unpredictability: "Crazy, it's true, so many things happened, too many. We started very well, they turned the game around in two minutes, they were close to making it 1-4 which would have killed us. They gave us a lifeline and we finished the match pinning Madrid back and creating chances to equalize."

The Olympiacos boss insisted his players deserved credit for refusing to collapse despite being repeatedly punished by Madrid’s world-class attackers. He admitted the quality gap was visible in certain moments, saying: "Look, it seemed like we were dead and they scored goals on us very quickly with very little effort. That's when you realize you're up against the best players in the world and that there are differences with your own team."

Even with Madrid threatening to run away with the result, Mendilibar maintained belief that his team could fight back. Asked about his satisfaction with the performance, he replied: "Anything could have happened. The result is what matters; we did what we could and we never gave up. That's the most important thing for us."

Mendilibar’s tactical explanation

Mendilibar went beyond simple praise when analysing the impact of Mbappe and Vinicius, offering a tactical breakdown of why Madrid’s two stars are so devastating in transition and so efficient in front of goal.

When asked what makes the pair so dangerous, he explained: "There are two sides to it. The two up front have caused us a lot of problems, but also because they rest a lot when we have the ball and only eight of us try to defend and run. When they win the ball back, they're fresh to make runs behind the defense, and then, they convert almost every chance they get."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMadrid going strong in Champions League

The result places Real Madrid in a strong position in the Champions League, they now sit fifth in the table and three points behind leaders Arsenal. With 22 goals already this season and nine in Europe, Mbappe continues to be the defining figure of Madrid’s campaign. Xabi Alonso’s side will look to build on this momentum as they chase qualification with matches against the group’s lower-ranked opponents still to come.

For Olympiacos, the performance, despite the defeat, offers genuine encouragement. Mendilibar’s team fought back against one of Europe’s most powerful squads and created more than enough opportunities to take something from the match.

Surrey stumble despite resistance from Kalea Moore and Alexa Stonehouse

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Sep-2025

Lancashire Women stayed on course for the Metro Bank Cup semi-finals with a four-wicket win over Surrey at Beckenham.Grace Potts took 3 for 31 as Surrey were bowled out for 225, while Hannah Jones took 2 for 33 and was unlucky not to get two more. Kalea Moore was dropped twice off her bowling and she cashed in to make a career-best List A score of 67, while Alexa Stonehouse was the next highest scorer with 48.Seren Smale anchored the visitor’s reply with 67 not out, as they closed on 227 for 6, victory secured with 24 balls remaining. Stonehouse was the pick of Surrey’s bowlers with 3 for 34.Lancashire chose to bowl and quickly made inroads, reducing them to 60 for 5. Ailsa Lister dropped Bryony Smith off Potts when she was on 14 but two balls later Potts dismissed Smith with an outstanding one-handed return catch.Kira Chathli then went for 17, driving Kate Cross straight to Smale. Alice Capsey was run out by Fi Morris for 5 and Paige Scholfield was bowled by Hannah Jones for just a single.Jones then had Alice Davidson-Richards caught for 20 by Cross at mid-off, after she’d initially dropped her drive, but Phoebe Franklin and Moore responded with the biggest partnership of the innings to that point, putting on 61 before the former cut Phoebe Graham to Emma Lamb and was out for 25. Morris then had Alice Monaghan caught behind for 4.Moore cut Jones for a single to reach 50 and she was on 53 when she heaved Jones to the midwicket boundary and was dropped over the rope by Lister.In Jones’ final over Moore was put down again, this time on 67 and this time when Gaby Lewis missed a far more difficult chance at square leg. This time she couldn’t profit as Moore was lbw to Lamb in the next over, the 42nd.Stonehouse, who’d put on 55 with Moore, blasted a huge six off Cross but fell to Potts in the final over, holing out to Graham at mid-off and Potts then ended the innings one ball early when she had Danni Gregory caught, also by Graham, for 18.Lancashire’s openers put on 74 for the opening wicket before Lewis tried to pull out of a hook shot and edged Monaghan behind for 39.The visitors seemed to be coasting at 117 for 1, when two quick wickets opened a window for Surrey. Lamb tried to reach for a Stonehouse delivery and was brilliantly caught by a diving Franklin at backward point and Morris lofted Stonehouse to Scholfield for 6.Ellie Threlkeld went to an even better catch by Smith, who almost pirouetted to take a one-handed grab off Moore, but she made a useful 21 and by then Lancashire only needed 47.Smale eased past 50 by clipping Moore for four through midwicket.The target was down to three when two wickets gave the scoreline some respectability: Lister skied Stonehouse to Scholfield and although she was dropped, she hit the next delivery straight to Smith for 23. Collins ramped Franklin to Tilly Corteen-Coleman for a duck, but this merely allowed Cross to hit Franklin back over her head for the winning boundary.

Nissanka’s ton got Sri Lanka within sight of victory but the remaining batters couldn’t quite get them across the line

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Sep-20252:05

Is captaincy affecting SKY’s form?

India won the Super OverIn regular play, Pathum Nissanka’s 107 off 58 balls and Kusal Perera’s 58 off 32, cancelled out a rapid 61 from Abhishek Sharma, and a 49 not out off 34 from Tilak Varma. India hit 202 for 5. So did Sri Lanka.In the Super Over though, Sri Lanka were very clearly out of steam on all fronts. First, they didn’t send Nissanka out to bat, choosing Kusal Perera (who sliced one to deep backward point first ball), Dasun Shanaka (who struggled with Arshdeep Singh’s wide yorkers), and Kamindu Mendis (who has never been an explosive T20I batter) out instead.Between these three, they managed a total of two runs. Suryakumar Yadav would almost laughingly put the first ball of their Super Over – bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga – through cover, to claim three first ball. This meant India went through to the Asia Cup final undefeated, and were really only tested in this match, in which they rested Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube.Perhaps their aura had lost a little of its shine, but India pushing through to a victory even when Sri Lanka’s top order was batting beautifully, will be something India will take heart from ahead of the final against Pakistan.India’s innings, meanwhile, had gone smoothly. Abhishek produced another spectacular start, striking up a 59-run partnership with Suryakumar who contributed only 12 off 13 to that stand. Later, Tilak and Sanju Samson would put on 66 together.Pathum Nissanka celebrates his maiden T20I century•AFP/Getty ImagesNissanka’s 127-run partnership off 70 balls, however, was the biggest of the tournament. It got Sri Lanka within sight of victory. But the remaining batters couldn’t quite get them across the line.What happened in the Super OverSri Lanka are required to bat first in this Super Over, but Nissanka, their best batter of the tournament, is not picked to come out straight away. (We’re sure, at this stage, that he will come in if a wicket falls, though.)Perera and Shanaka are sent in instead, with Arshdeep tasked with bowling this over, in the absence of Bumrah.Perera slices the first ball, a wide yorker, to deep point, where substitute fielder Rinku Singh takes a good running catch.Kamindu Mendis, who does not have a track record of scoring quickly against high-quality opposition comes out next, even though Nissanka is just sitting there in the dugout. Predictably Kamindu struggles to get more than an edge to the next Arshdeep ball, and they scramble a single.Shanaka can’t really hit Arshdeep’s wide yorkers either, and attempts a bye off the fourth ball.Arshdeep appeals for the caught behind while wicketkeeper Sanju Samson runs Dasun Shanaka out at the striker’s end.But because Arshdeep has appealed for the catch, the umpire gives Shanaka out. (The umpire’s finger is raised only after the run out is completed, but according to the rules, the out decision effectively overturns the run out.) Shanaka awake to this loophole, immediately asks the umpire: “It’s a dead ball, right?”, just after he reviews the caught behind decision.It turns out Shanaka is correct as per the laws. Because he had been wrongly been given out caught behind, he is exonerated from the run out, even though the stumps were broken before the umpire’s finger was raised.Shanaka gets to live another ball and perhaps propel Sri Lanka to a competitive Super Over score.Shanaka top edges one to deep third very next ball, ending Sri Lanka’s Super Over.India score three first ball and win.Abhishek Sharma rocks the powerplayAlthough opening partner Shubman Gill was dismissed off the ninth ball of the innings, the tournament’s best batter still scythed his way through the powerplay. His best powerplay over came against Dushmantha Chamera. Abhishek came down the track and crashed him over long off off thifd ball, before raising the fifth ball over short fine leg’s head, then slicing the next one over short third.Abhishek Sharma brought up his third successive fifty•Getty ImagesIt only took Abhishek 22 balls to get to fifty. By the end of the powerplay, India were 71 for 1. Abhishek eventually miscued a Charith Asalanka half-tracker to deep midwicket, in the ninth over. His 61 came off 31 balls.Nissanka’s sublime inningsNissanka had scored heavily in the group stage, but had been quiet in the first two Super Four games. In this match, he exploded. He hit Hardik Pandya through point for four first ball, lifted other seamers over deep midwicket, and hooked others over backward square leg. He hit his fifty off 25 balls, and just continued to attack through the middle overs, as Perera also scored rapidly.Nissanka became Sri Lanka’s fourth T20I centurion (among men) at the end of the 17th over, when he thumped Arshdeep into the sightscreen. He got there of 52 balls. His eventual 108 off 58 is Sri Lanka’s highest individual T20I score.

Leeds United are “keeping tabs” on two first team reinforcements for the January transfer window, including a midfield target who’s been likened to Sergio Busquets.

Farke "very, very pleased" with impressive Leeds win

The Whites picked up three vital points in the Premier League on Friday night, winning 2-0 at home to West Ham after racing into an early lead. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was delighted with what he saw from his team at Elland Road, as their encouraging start to life back in the top flight continues.

“We started very aggressively, very bravely, with passion. We wanted to win this game. Very spirited, deserved to be in the lead for 2-0. But also there, you could feel a little bit that it was a bit wild sometimes against the ball and with the ball. I think we had games where we had a way better structure and way more control and way more dominance during the season.

“But it was just the reason, it was just this difficult training week for us. Yes, in the second half, I think we started way better in terms of control and our organisation against the ball. Had much control, missed a bit to score the third goal and the last 20 minutes you could then really see again what a difficult week we had.

“Of course, a nervous last four minutes to bring it over the line this time but nevertheless, the prize is three points.“It is always like you have to dig in to win the momentum back. This is what we did today and for that, I am very, very pleased.”

The Whites look like they will be in a comfortable albeit not totally secure position come January, allowing the 49ers and Farke to plan for the furture with two long-term additions to the squad in mind.

Leeds eyeing two signings including Europa League midfielder

Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Leeds are “keeping tabs” on Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho ahead of a possible move in Januay, and they will also look to bring in an exciting addition to their forward ranks by signing a new winger.

“It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League as well. So he’s got a decent European pedigree.

“I think obviously, like you’ve said, maybe people are surprised that Leeds are in the market for midfielders because I think their midfielder has been okay this season. They’ve got [Ethan] Ampadu in there, and summer signing Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff who have definitely made a big impact in that midfield.

“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract. As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on him. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”

Sissokho could be a shrewd addition for Leeds midway through the season, despite not being a household name fans will know.

Better than Rodon: Leeds star who won 100% tackles is already undroppable

This Leeds United star should be undroppable after outshining Joe Rodon against West Ham.

1

By
Dan Emery

Oct 25, 2025

The 23-year-old has an incredible 96.2% pass completion rate in the Europa League this season, showing his brilliance on the ball, and he has also averaged 2.3 tackles per game, highlighting his effectiveness out of possession, too.

Sissokho has even been compared to Busquets in the way he reads game and gets his team on the front foot, which is about as big a compliment as any midfielder can be paid, and Leeds should be looking at him as an excellent option to bring in.

O’Rourke suggests the arrival of a winger will also be “key to their chances of Premier League survival”, with Daniel James suffering a stop-start campaign so far due to injuries.

With a lead of 43 and eight wickets still in hand, the hosts have a chance to dictate how the remainder of this game goes

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Jun-2025Sri Lanka are only two wickets down but are 43 runs ahead at the SSC. Another 150-ish runs will help them dominate the match, says Kusal Mendis. He is yet to bat, and in fact three further wickets likely have to fall before he is required to.But having kept wickets for 79.3 overs, and having played plenty of his cricket at the SSC, Mendis has some idea of how the pitch is behaving. The plan, he said, is to go big in the second innings, and put as little pressure on their batting in the second dig as possible.”What we’re trying to do is to bat long enough now that we don’t have to bat in a fourth innings, and to give them a good target from here,” Kusal said. “Tomorrow we are trying to bat as long as possible and put 150-200 runs on the scoreboard.”Related

Sri Lanka surprised by uneven bounce on 'unusual' SSC pitch

Nissanka 146*, Chandimal 93 put Sri Lanka in control

Don't jump off the Nahid Rana hype train just yet

The aversion for batting last is down to the expectation that this pitch will dry substantially from here. On day two, there was some turn for the spinners, but that turn is expected to get faster and more pronounced if the pitch continues to dry out through the course of the Test.”We think it’s going to turn on day four and five, so we need to make the most of this batting opportunity,” Kusal said. “Even the grass that was quite green is dry now, so we expect it will get better for spin. If we can get to those runs quickly, that will give us options.”Driving Sri Lanka forward again is Pathum Nissanka, who is not out on 146 off 238 balls overnight. This was his fourth Test hundred, having also made 187 in the first innings of the last match.”Pathum’s been among the runs for a while,” Kusal said. “He missed his 200 in the last match, but I think he’ll get there in the next innings. In recent times he’s the only opener who has been scoring runs. He’s scoring across formats. He puts a lot of effort in.”

None of the four teams that have made the IPL 2025 playoffs – Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) – have sealed a place in the top two yet.The teams that finish No. 1 and 2 in the points table play each other in Qualifier 1 on May 29 and the winner of that match goes straight through to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 gets a second chance to make the final by playing Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator, which is a knockout match between the teams that finish Nos. 3 and 4 in the points table.Gujarat Titans (Points: 18, net run rate: 0.309)
GT are on top of the points table at the moment but defeats to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last two league games have ensured they will not finish No. 1.The winner of the game between PBKS and MI on Monday will move to No. 1 ahead of GT, who will slip to No. 3 if RCB beat LSG on Tuesday. If RCB lose to LSG, then GT will finish No. 2, behind the winner of the PBKS-MI game.Punjab Kings (Points: 17, net run rate: 0.327)
Mumbai Indians (Points: 16, net run rate: 1.292)
PBKS play MI in Jaipur on Monday – a game that will definitely decide one of the top two spots. The winner will overtake GT and go to the top of the points table; the loser will not finish in the top two.If PBKS win, they will be guaranteed a top-two finish, and can only be dethroned from No. 1 if RCB beat LSG on Tuesday by a particular margin to overtake them on net run rate.If MI win, they will go to 18 points but overtake GT at No. 1 on net run rate. In that case, RCB could overtake them on points by beating LSG.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Points: 17, net run rate: 0.255)
RCB have the advantage of playing the last game of the league phase, against LSG on Tuesday. They simply need to win to finish in the top two.If PBKS have beaten MI, then RCB will need to win by a particular margin to finish No. 1. If MI have beaten PBKS, then an RCB win by whatever margin will take them top of the table.If RCB lose to LSG, then they will finish third or fourth.

In what could be a bargain deal, Rangers and the 49ers have now reportedly set their sights on signing one of the most impressive young Scottish talents in 2026.

Update on Russell Martin's Rangers future

Following another defeat in midweek, this time at the hands of Genk in the Europa League, the pressure has increased on Russell Martin. Ibrox once again told the former Southampton boss exactly what they think and even the likes of club legend Ally McCoist could not defend the woeful start that the 39-year-old has endured in Scotland.

Meanwhile, according to Fabrizio Romano, Rangers are contemplating the end of Martin’s tenure, which has so far featured just four wins in 14 games. Sunday’s visit to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership is arguably the most important game of the manager’s Gers career as a result. Defeat there would surely spell the end.

But who could replace him? On that front, a couple of names have already been mentioned. According to recent reports, the 49ers could turn towards Steven Gerrard or Davide Ancelotti. The former manager was unable to return to the club amid contractual issues with former side Al-Ettifaq in the summer, but those have since been solved.

Ancelotti is also a name that the 49ers are familiar with and his position at Botafogo is reportedly far from secure. Whilst questions about Martin’s future continue to appear, however, the Gers are still planning ahead for potential transfer incomings in 2026.

Rangers eyeing David Watson swoop

As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now eyeing a move to sign David Watson when his current Kilmarnock contract comes to an end next summer. In what would be a bargain deal for one of Scotland’s most impressive young talents, the Gers could swoop in ahead of any other potential interested rivals.

What certainly helps their case is that Watson is reportedly keen on completing a move to Ibrox at the end of his current deal even as the chaos of Martin’s tenure continues.

Related Brand-new formation: Rangers can replace Diomande with "complete" star

Rangers can replace Mohamed Diomande by changing their formation next week.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 27, 2025

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell will be frustrated to lose one of his best players if Rangers swoop in, having handed him plenty of praise in the summer.

He told reporters: “We’ve asked him to do a different role to what he has done in the past. For me, his super strength has always been that ability to take off and arrive in the box, which I won’t take away from him.”

The future is certainly bright, but whether that future takes place at Ibrox or at Kilmarnock is the big question as Watson’s contract continues to tick down.

With a 100% record to maintain, Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Burnley as the undeniable favourites and a certain Alexander Isak lying in wait to make his debut.

Burnley vs Liverpool team news

If Burnley are anything as resolute as they were against Manchester United before the international break, then a shock may still be on the cards. Alas, there is no denying that the prospect of squaring off against the Premier League champions is a different challenge entirely to the Red Devils these days.

Whilst there’s no guarantee that Scott Parker will field the same side as that cruel late defeat against Man United, injury doubts for Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts, who may join Zeki Amdouni on the treatment table, could yet force his hand.

The Burnley boss told reporters when asked about the challenge that lies ahead in his pre-match press conference: “For us it comes down to control and courage.

“Control in how we play and react in every moment, and courage to step forward and back ourselves against the champions. We’ll need to be disciplined and composed, keep calm in certain moments. And we’ll need to be brave and believe in each other, which is something this squad has in abundance.”

As for the Premier League champions, the mood in their camp couldn’t be much better. New signing Isak is finally a Liverpool player and could be in contention to receive some minutes this weekend – although Arne Slot has urged fans to be patient as he gets up to speed.

The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez could also complete their returns from injury, whilst the only fresh concern that the Reds have regards Curtis Jones.

The midfielder’s injury may see Dominik Szoboszlai return to his usual role in the middle of the park rather than right-back, where he thrived against Arsenal. And, in turn, Frimpong or Conor Bradley could get themselves an immediate start after the international break.

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker; Ekdal; Esteve; Hartman; Cullen; Ugochukwu; Larsen; Mejbri; Antony; Foster

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley; Van Dijk; Konate; Kerkez; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah; Wirtz; Gakpo; Ekitike

Burnley vs Liverpool recent results

Of course, the last time that these two sides met came in 2024 when Liverpool eased to a 3-1 victory at Anfield. Then, it was goals from the late Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez that saw the Reds wrap up all three points. This weekend, however, the Reds will need to rely on new stars to get the job done.

Burnley vs Liverpool results

Competition

Liverpool 3-1 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-2 Liverpool

Premier League

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Premier League

Liverpool 2-0 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-3 Liverpool

Premier League

Without a defeat against the Clarets in their last five games, Liverpool last failed to beat Burnley in 2021 when their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield came to an end in shocking fashion.

Away from head-to-head records, Burnley have endured an inconsistent start to their Premier League campaign – losing at Tottenham Hotspur, defeating Sunderland and then suffering defeat against Man United.

Liverpool, by some contrast, have won all three of their games but needed three late goals to do so. That, even if only small hope, should hand Burnley some encouragement.

Burnley vs Liverpool predictions and odds

As Premier League champions and the only side with a 100% record this season, Liverpool are undoubtedly the favourites against Burnley, with the odds reflecting that. The Reds are priced at 3/10 by the bookies, whilst the odds for Burnley to pick up a shock victory sit at 8/1 and a draw is priced at 9/2.

Related Liverpool 'lead' race for 'different class' £224,000-a-week Salah successor

The Reds are serious about doing a deal.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Sep 13, 2025

Although Slot’s side have needed late goals to survive a number of scares this season, their visit to Turf Moor should see the return of their dominance and perhaps even the true arrival of Florian Wirtz.

Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Liverpool

The rot has stopped. Yes, Manchester United are finally up and running in the new Premier League season – but boy did they make hard work of it.

With the horror of the midweek trip to face Grimsby still very much fresh in the mind, the Red Devils were lively from the outset this time around for the visit of Burnley, having notably seen an early penalty decision chalked off following a coming together involving Mason Mount and Kyle Walker.

Former United loanee Martin Dubravka was in inspired form in the sticks, although not even he could keep out Casemiro’s deflected effort as the hosts eventually made their dominance pay just before the hour mark, with Clarets skipper Josh Cullen ultimately credited with the goal.

A second should well have been added before the break, although Amad could only fire wide with the goal gaping, with that profligacy unsurprisingly punished by Lyle Foster just after the restart.

That effort sparked a relentless period in which Bryan Mbeumo swiftly hit back for his first Old Trafford goal, although after seeing an equaliser ruled out for a marginal offside, the visitors – with the aid of the hapless Altay Bayindir – eventually did draw level through ex-Leeds United loanee, Jaidon Anthony.

Staring down the barrel of yet another disappointing result, Anthony then turned from hero to villain after pulling back Amad inside the area, allowing a certain Bruno Fernandes to right the wrongs of last week. And didn’t he deliver…

Bruno Fernandes' performance in numbers vs Burnley

There was certainly a familiar feeling creeping in as the game reached its dying embers, with United looking set to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, while having also been the victim of misfortune.

Indeed, Ruben Amorim could hardly contain his frustration at the sight of summer signing Matheus Cunha pulling up with injury in the first half, with the lively Mason Mount also withdrawn at half-time – presumably due to his own injury woes.

The ensuing second half was one of calamity and chaos, but it is in that backdrop that United’s main man thrives, with Fernandes stepping up when needed to secure a vital three points for his manager.

Also involved in the game’s opener following a wicked delivery into the area, the Portuguese playmaker nervelessly dispatched his penalty in added time to clinch the 3-2 victory. There was to be no Craven Cottage repeat on this occasion.

Not only then the headline-maker, Fernandes was also instrumental throughout in what was a largely positive performance in attack, having notably registered six key passes – the most of any player on the pitch.

Goals

1

Assists

0

Touches

104

Pass accuracy

83%

Key passes

6

Successful dribbles

0/0

Accurate long balls

8/12

Duels won

7/16

Possession lost

19x

For a man who was yet again the division’s chief creator last term, such a display has simply become the norm, with the 30-year-old again showcasing his importance to this turbulent outfit.

While he certainly relishes his talismanic status, the former Sporting CP star can’t do it on his own. Thankfully, it doesn’t look like he’ll have to…

Bryan Mbeumo steals the show vs Burnley

With Cunha crashing out and Mount also heading for an early bath, the constant presence in Amorim’s attacking unit was that man Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian speedster marking a fine performance by netting his first league goal of the campaign.

While makeshift left wing-back Diogo Dalot deserves much of the credit for his fine work in the build-up, Mbeumo is also worthy of praise for making space for himself inside the area with a clever piece of movement, before finishing with aplomb.

The ex-Brentford man calmly slotted home with the mark of a man who ended last term with 20 top-flight goals to his name, having swiftly shaken off his fatal missed spot-kick during Wednesday’s shootout defeat.

Right from the off this time around, the £65m man – who had sparked United’s comeback in midweek with his first goal for the club – looked like a real threat in behind, having notably been denied early on by the impressive Dubravka.

It was also his prodded pass which found Amad at the back post on the stroke of half-time, marking one of five key passes that the left-footer laid on during the match. Only Fernandes provided more.

That ability to operate as a clinical, yet creative force, like Fernandes, will be invaluable for Amorim, with Mbeumo repeatedly looking like making things happen for his side in the final third, even if that resulted in him losing the ball on 15 occasions.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noted, he was simply “quality in everything he did”, having also been handed an 8/10 match rating by the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst amid his starring role.

Having been a real outlet on the opening day against Arsenal, as well as a scorer at Grimsby, Mbeumo has settled in rather comfortably into his new surroundings – much in a similar manner to how Fernandes did all those years ago.

Still only 26 – just slightly older than Fernandes was at the time of his switch from Lisbon – the one-time Troyes winger is displaying all the signs of being the club’s next creative, attacking figurehead, with Saturday’s outing hopefully a show of things to come.

Of course, Amorim and his charges will be aware that there are bigger fish to fry ahead, yet after all the noise of the last week, the Red Devils can head into the international break on a much-needed brighter note.

"The bare facts are" – Ornstein drops huge Man Utd Amorim update on live TV

The Portuguese boss is under severe pressure after the defeat at Grimsby in midweek…

ByBen Goodwin Aug 30, 2025

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hailed David de Gea's remarkable comeback at Fiorentina. Reina admitted he did not expect the ex-Manchester United star to return with such confidence and leadership after a full year out of the sport, labelling his compatriot as 'exceptional' and the club's most decisive player last season.

• Reina acknowledges De Gea's return

  Reina has lauded De Gea's successful return to football with Fiorentina, admitting he has been surprised by the "exceptional" form shown by his compatriot. Speaking to , Reina praised the ex-United star's impact since he moved Serie A following a full season out of the game as a free agent.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  What Reina said about De Gea's comeback

  Reina, who was speaking ahead of Fiorentina's match against his former club Como, expressed his admiration for how quickly De Gea has re-established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper. He highlighted the mental fortitude required to perform at such a high level after a significant break.

  "Hats off to him, really," Reina said. "After a year of inactivity, I didn't expect him to return with such confidence, leadership, and self-belief. He was exceptional and brought the team many points. Last season, he was Fiorentina's most decisive player."

• De Gea's impressive Fiorentina stats

  After his contract with United expired in the summer of 2023, De Gea spent the entire 2023-24 campaign without a club before signing for Fiorentina in August 2024. The 34-year-old has quickly become the undisputed number one for La Viola. So far in the 2025-26 season, he has started all three of Fiorentina's Serie A matches, keeping one clean sheet. Across all competitions, he has made five appearances, conceding six goals and recording two shutouts.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What next for De Gea?

  Having silenced any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level, De Gea will look to build on his strong start in Florence. The Spaniard is contracted to the club until June 2028, providing him with long-term security. His immediate focus will be on maintaining his form and helping Fiorentina push for European qualification, having already established himself as one of the team's most important players. De Gea will now be seen in action for his club against Como this Sunday in a Serie A fixture.