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A late Rodrygo goal saved Real Madrid after a disappointing performance against city rivals Rayo Vallecano

The Brazilian, playing in the absent Vinicius Jr's position, provided a late moment of magic to snatch a home win, with his 89th-minute strike sealing an underwhelming 2-1 victory.

The home side endured a difficult opening to the game. 11th-placed Rayo Vallecano were aggressive in attack, and forced the usually sturdy duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos into a handful of giveaways. However, they couldn't make their possession count, with Thibaut Courtois called on to make a few neat saves.

And with the pressure soaked up at one end, Madrid struck at the other. Los Blancos started quickly from a drop ball, and cut open the visitors' defence with two swift passes. Karim Benzema was the beneficiary of it all, rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle.

He affected the game in other ways, too, pressing diligently and moving in and out of space to allow Madrid to settle into an attacking rhythm. By the time the second half came around, Los Blancos were thoroughly in control. But they couldn't find a crucial second, and were punished for it. Raul de Tomas ghosted past a sleeping Dani Carvajal and received a pass before firing his shot past Courtois with less than ten minutes to play.

Rodrygo played hero, though, dribbling into space and finding the bottom corner with a curled strike in the 89th minute to ensure Madrid ran out deserved winners.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Kept his side in it with a few saves. Will be annoyed not to come away with a clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Handled Rayo's pacy left side reasonably well, although he was a bit shaky in possession at times. Fell asleep for the visitors' goal, though.

Nacho (5/10):

An odd decision to start him at centre-back, and he didn't really impress.

David Alaba (7/10):

Enjoyed one particularly entertaining surge down the right, solid otherwise.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

An odd selection at left-back. He spent 90 minutes proving he doesn't belong in that position.

AdvertisementMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Back into a defensive-midfield role, where he looks far more settled, but not really as effective.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Started slowly, but impacted play much more in the second half. Classy, as usual.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Passed with his usual conviction. Freed up by not having to play as a No.6.

Attack

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Not involved much, although he did assist Benzema. He's a big part of this team long-term, but it's been a tricky few months on the pitch for the Uruguayan.

Karim Benzema (8/10):

Clearly playing through an injury, but took his goal well and caused problems with his movement.

Rodrygo (7/10):

Deployed on the left with Vinicius Jr out. Doesn't look as comfortable as he does on the other wing. Still, his late heroics ensured Madrid weren't embarrassed at home.

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Subs & Manager

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Given 30 minutes to impress with a contract extension potentially on the line.

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Didn't impact the game much.

Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A):

A good run out for a player still learning.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

He didn't get a devastating performance out of his team. But who can blame him when there's so little to play for? Modric and Kroos both enjoyed solid shifts, while Benzema got on the scoresheet. This wasn't pretty, nor was it always easy, but Ancelotti will take the win.

Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make when the Gunners host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday

Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action against Brentford on Saturday looking to put their defeat at Everton behind them.

That 1-0 loss at Goodison Park was the first Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered in the league since they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester United in September.

But Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham on Sunday ensured the Gunners maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, an advantage they would stretch to eight points should they beat Brentford this weekend.

So how are things shaping up at Arsenal ahead of the game? GOAL takes a look.

GettyArsenal team news

Gabriel Jesus has returned to Arsenal’s training ground this week to step up his recovery plan following knee surgery, but the Brazil International is still some way off being able to return to action.

Emile Smith Rowe has missed Arsenal’s last two games due to a thigh problem and is not expected to be fit to face Brentford this weekend. Reiss Nelson is fully fit and available again after his hamstring issue, but Mohamed Elneny is sidelined for the season due to a knee problem.

Thomas Partey was replaced after an hour against Everton last weekend, but that substitution was not believed to be injury related.

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Martin Odegaard: Arsenal’s captain had an off day by his high standards against Everton last weekend and the side suffered as a result.

When Odegaard plays well, Arsenal play well, so the Gunners will be looking to their skipper to inspire them to a much-improved performance to the one they produced at Goodison Park.

If Odegaard gets on the ball and finds space in the final third, it could be a long afternoon for the Brentford defence.

GettyTalking point

There is plenty of debate ahead of the game about whether Saturday is the time for Mikel Arteta to shake things up a bit.

The likes of Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli have been slightly off it in the past couple of weeks and could benefit from a rest, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard pushing hard for a place in the starting XI.

Arsenal have their huge clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night looming large so if Arteta is ever going to rotate his starting XI, Saturday seems like the moment he will do it.

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Getty ImagesWhat has Arteta said?

The Arsenal manager knew his side under-performed against Everton, but was quick to offer his players support ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash at the Emirates.

“This is the moment I love my players more,” he said. “Now we stick together. This journey is going to be difficult and challenging, and there’s going to be bigger stones in the middle that we’re going to have to overcome that. And now we’re going to prepare really well in the week to get to Saturday in the right emotional level and right spirit to be perfect.”

Former Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan has been appointed Habib Bank Limited’s coach for Pakistan’s new domestic season

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2014Former Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan has been appointed Habib Bank Limited’s coach for Pakistan’s new domestic season. Kabir had recently resigned as Afghanistan’s coach stating that the job had taken a toll on his family life. He coached Afghanistan in two stints – from 2008 to 2010, and from December 2011 to 2014. He has now signed with HBL for a year.”We have offered him a contract and he has accepted,” Abdul Raqeeb, HBL sports head, told ESPNcricinfo. “Having observed his international career with Afghanistan we are excited to get his services. He is a coach with a caliber who worked hard with developing the Afghanistan team to get them recognised in the world. It’s good to have him in our circuit and I am sure he will spur a new spirit in the team.”HBL includes some prominent international players such as Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq and Abdur Rehman.Kabir, who played for HBL for nearly a decade, played four Tests and 10 ODIs for Pakistan.

David Beckham has a lifetime contract with adidas, with Gary Neville looking to claim credit for the Manchester United legend landing that deal.

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Red Devils icon shot to fame in 1990sBecame the face of leading brandsNeville helped to get boot dealWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Red Devils and England star Beckham entered into a long-term agreement with adidas back in 2003. He had already been part of that sponsorship stable for some time prior to that, with Beckham becoming the face, body and feet of the iconic three-striped brand in the late 1990s.

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Beckham is now synonymous with adidas and proved to be the perfect PR machine for offerings such as the famous Predator boot line. But it is Neville – who was never quite as flashy on and off the pitch – that claims to have first introduced Beckham to the footwear that helped to enhance his image and make him a global superstar.

WHAT THEY SAID

Ex-United defender Neville has told the Red Devils’ social media channels: “Do you know something? You know David Beckham is with adidas because of me. I gave him his first pair of Predators in the USA in 1994. And that is a true story my friends at adidas. I don’t get the actual recognition I deserve for that!”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Beckham is still tied to adidas and they are the kit manufacturers for the Inter Miami MLS franchise that he now co-owns. They also have a long-term contract with Lionel Messi in place, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has linked up with Beckham in Florida.

Ashton Agar has been added to Australia’s squad for the fourth Test in Sydney as the selectors contemplate a twin spin attack with Nathan Lyon

Brydon Coverdale30-Dec-2014Ashton Agar has been added to Australia’s squad for the fourth Test in Sydney as the selectors contemplate a twin spin attack with Nathan Lyon. Agar has not played for Australia since the first two Tests of last year’s Ashes series in England, when he made a spectacular debut making 98 batting at No.11, but struggled to have any significant impact with the ball.The move is surprising given Agar’s first-class form – he has taken only seven wickets at 45.14 this summer in the Sheffield Shield and has 62 in his career at 44.00. However, he has impressed during the first few BBL games for the Perth Scorchers this season and Ricky Ponting said this week he considered Agar a bolter for the World Cup squad.Steve O’Keefe, who made his Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai in October, was unavailable due to a calf injury. O’Keefe has taken nine Sheffield Shield wickets at 28.44 this season, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide in his first match back from the UAE.If Agar was to play at the SCG, it would need to be in tandem with Lyon, who bowled Australia to victory in the first Test at Adelaide Oval this month. Captain Steven Smith said Agar had improved his bowling since the Ashes last year, when he played as the sole spinner and Lyon was axed.”I think he’s bowling very well at the moment,” Smith said. “He’s a good addition to the squad. We’ll see how the wicket is in Sydney when we get there and we’ll go from there.”We’ll just have to wait and see what the wicket is like. We’re not too sure what it will be like. Last year it had a bit of grass on it and previously it’s been quite a spin friendly wicket. So I think it’s more of a see how the wicket is and if he’s needed then he can play.”The addition of Agar is the only change to Australia’s squad from the side that secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a draw in Melbourne.

Resistance from the lower order of Victoria and then Queensland set up the prospect of a tantalising fourth-innings chase, after two days of a tense and low-scoring Sheffield Shield affair at the Gabba

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Mar-2016
ScorecardChris Hartley stroked four fours and a six during his unbeaten 45 off 67 balls•Getty ImagesResistance from the lower order of Victoria and then Queensland set up the prospect of a tantalising fourth-innings chase, after two days of a tense and low-scoring Sheffield Shield affair at the Gabba.Victoria collapsed to 7 for 85 in response to Queeland’s 190 before Chris Tremain, Scott Boland and Fawad Ahmed all made pesky runs to close the first-innings gap between the sides. James Hopes, Mark Steketee, Peter George and Jack Wildermuth shared the wickets, but would have been disappointed to let the visitors climb off the mat.As if to maintain their momentum, Tremain and Boland were then instrumental in in reducing Queensland to 8 for 114 on a pitch that was beginning to lose some of its earlier moisture.However, the hosts’ wicketkeeper and captain Chris Hartley formed a vital union with the leg spinner Mitch Swepson, the pair adding a brisk 57 to broaden Queensland’s lead.Swepson’s busy innings was ended by Boland shortly before stumps, but last man Peter George survived to the close and will hope to help Hartley add more runs when play resumes.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off in Catalunya on Saturday, but who would make a team made up of the two super-talented squads?

Has there been a more evenly matched Clasico in recent memory? Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have their strengths and weaknesses, and just one point separates them after 10 matches of La Liga's season. In fact, those strengths and weaknesses also match up quite well.

Madrid are stacked in the engine room, blessed with six top-class central midfielders to fit into four positions. Barca, meanwhile, have a superb defensive unit and are dangerous on the wings, with Xavi's a team comprised of some of the best young talent in Europe at crucial positions.

Given Madrid's slight edge in the early weeks of the title race, Barca will feel they need to pick up three points at home. But it may not be that easy. The Blaugrana are dealing with a number of injury problems, and are rushing some of their game-changing talents back to fitness.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have injury issues of their own, with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao unlikely to play much of, if any of the rest of the season after suffering serious knee problems at the very start of the campaign.

So with that in mind, and looking at current form, who would make a combined XI for this latest Clasico? GOAL has had a go at picking the best possible team…

Getty ImagesGK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

There might be a real contest here had Courtois not torn his ACL before the 2023-24 season started. But Madrid replaced him with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who simply isn't of the same quality as Germany's No.1.

Ter Stegen has actually struggled somewhat early in the campaign, making a few uncharacteristic mistakes. That has led to him keeping just five clean sheets and conceding half as many goals as he did over the course of the entire 2022-23 campaign. Still, Ter Stegen has shown in moments that he is still undoubtedly one of the best in the world.

AdvertisementRB: Joao Cancelo

Cancelo has offered an upgrade at a position where Barca didn't really seem to need one. Jules Kounde filled the right-back role admirably last year, but always made it clear that he felt more comfortable in the middle.

That said, Man City loanee Cancelo has offered the kind of creative spark from deep that the Blaugrana were lacking last year, causing problems with his incisive passing and dribbling ability. Add his late winner against Celta Vigo, and the Portuguese already looks like one of the signings of the summer.

Dani Carvajal, admittedly, deserves a shout here, too. The Madrid full-back looks reborn this campaign — more like a younger version of himself. Still, Cancelo has simply been more important.

Getty Images CB: Ronald Araujo

Araujo hasn't been at his best to start the season. Whether it be injuries or an odd slip up, the centre-back hasn't captured his scintillating 2022-23 form. But he has still been better than any of the other centre-backs that Barca have to offer. Dominant in the air, excellent one-on-one, and composed on the ball, Araujo is a perfect modern central defender — and will only improve.

A fit Militao would certainly push him for selection here, but with the Madrid man out for the year after sustaining a serious knee injury, there is only one option to lead this backline.

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GettyCB: Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger started the season as Madrid's third-choice centre-back. It was assumed that both David Alaba and Militao would keep him out of the side, making the former Chelsea man a squad player as Madrid looked to reclaim the Liga title.

Instead, he has become a crucial part of a makeshift defence. With Militao done for the year and Alaba sidelined with a muscle problem, Rudiger has stepped up immensely. His one-on-one chops and ball-carrying ability are near unrivalled in the Spanish top-flight, while he has also improved as a passer.

Andreas Christensen has certainly enjoyed some good moments for the Blaugrana, while Kounde has impressed in spells. But Rudiger is a top-tier, reliable presence at the back that any team would love to have.

Warren Zaire-Emery had a bittersweet France debut as he scored and then got injured inside 20 minutes against Gibraltar in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

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Zaire-Emery scores against GibraltarYoungest French scorer in more than a centuryTeenager forced off with injury early onGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old started against the European minnows on Saturday night and got on the scoresheet in fine style with a clinical finish after 17 minutes to make it 3-0, following own goals from Ethan Santos and Aymen Mouelhi.

However, his evening was cut short when Santos scythed him down as he swept the ball home. A VAR review followed and the Gibraltar defender was sent off. The Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid, meanwhile, was forced from the field with an ankle injury in the 20th minute.

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Zaire-Emery is seen as the next big thing in France. He is already a regular at PSG and now he is a French international at the tender age of 17. He is now the third youngest French scorer for the national side behind Maurice Gastiger (also 17) and Julien Verbrugghe (16) – with the duo playing back in 1914 and 1906 respectively.

Incidentally, PSG will hope the teenager's injury is not a serious one as they try to win Ligue 1 once again and mount a serious challenge in the Champions League.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

France are next in action on Tuesday when they travel to Greece for their final Euro 2024 qualifier. Zaire-Emery will hope to be fit for that clash, but if not, they host Monaco in Ligue 1 on Friday.

James Pattinson summoned a frightening spell that cut deep into New Zealand’s batting and helped bring about the end of Brendon McCullum’s storied international career

The Report by Daniel Brettig21-Feb-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJames Pattinson’s pace cut deep through New Zealand’s top order•Getty ImagesAs much as this series has packed into two Test matches, one element missing was high pace. James Pattinson changed all that on the third evening at Hagley Oval, summoning a frightening spell that cut deep into New Zealand’s batting and helped bring about the end of Brendon McCullum’s storied international career.On a day when Neil Wagner’s persistent short-ball attack had already been rewarded with a flurry of wickets after lunch, as New Zealand restricted Australia’s first-innings lead, Pattinson showed how speed can transcend conditions. His hostility and reverse swing left the hosts 14 runs in deficit with only six wickets remaining ahead of day four.Always a rhythm bowler, Pattinson had not quite found his form on day one and also bowled the fateful no-ball that cost Australia McCullum’s wicket. This time his pace and seam position were very much in sync, accounting for Martin Guptill, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls before boring in at McCullum.While he did not take the wicket, Pattinson gave McCullum plenty to think about and on 25, the batsman slogged at Josh Hazlewood and was wonderfully caught by David Warner at midwicket. He and Steven Smith shook the departing McCullum’s hand but both know that victory and the world No. 1 Test ranking is now within reach.Adam Voges and the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon had played serenely in the early part of the day, but Voges’ departure to the pull short, after the fashion of Joe Burns and Smith, heralded the loss of quick wickets. In all, Australia’s last six wickets tallied only 67.Wagner’s energy and commitment to banging the ball into the pitch was not sophisticated, but over time it worked wonders on a surface given to the occasional bout of variable pace. His celebrations grew in exuberance at each wicket, as Australia’s advantage was limited.For Voges, it was another instance of applying the sturdy, calculated approach that has brought him runs at a scarcely believable rate in recent times. Momentarily his Test batting average again cleared 100, the only man to occupy that rarified air above Sir Donald Bradman.There had been more ambitious hopes for New Zealand when play began, following up on last evening’s dual dismissals. Wagner resumed with a similar line of attack, peppering Voges and Lyon with short stuff.Partly through determination and good technique, partly due to the docile character of the pitch, the batsmen were able to stand up to this examination, as Lyon repeatedly covered the bounce and dead-batted it near his feet.Runs flowed a little more freely after those early overs, though neither batsman played with extravagance. Voges offered a neat cut shot here, a checked drive there, while Lyon worked the ball around with the earnest intent of a man who would like to bat further up the order more often.Trent Boult had one concerted lbw appeal and review against Voges, but video evidence had the ball not swinging back enough to hit the stumps. It was telling that McCullum was reduced to bowling himself with the nightwatchman at the crease, and the Hagley Oval crowd raised a cheer when he beat Lyon’s outside edge.At the other end, Williamson would tempt Lyon into following a ball angled across him, and McCullum swooped nicely for the catch. Mitchell Marsh had a 21-ball sighter before the interval, and had the potential to lift the scoring rate dramatically when play resumed.Instead it was Voges who tried to push things along, and departed when Latham timed his leap to catch a flat pull shot at midwicket. Marsh also tried to take on Wagner, and likewise arrowed a catch to the inner field on the leg side.Pattinson broke the sequence with a sliced drive to point, before Peter Nevill’s attempted upper cut settled into BJ Watling’s gloves. Josh Hazlewood offered a simple catch to McCullum at slip to hand Wagner his sixth wicket, a deserved analysis.It was immediately apparent that Pattinson was bowling with good pace and a hint of movement, and the ball was still new when he found Guptill’s outside edge. Latham and Kane Williamson endured for a while, and Australia briefly pondered a review when Jackson Bird hit the No. 3 on the back pad.Smith brought Pattinson back and he soon had Latham’s wicket when some extra bounce resulted in a glove down the leg side. Nicholls was tightened up by a disciplined line and some pronounced reverse swing, before Pattinson angled one wider and was rewarded with a waft, an edge and a catch for Smith.McCullum’s arrival was warmly received, and for a while he seemed to be building something. He eschewed the extravagance of day one, instead mixing defence with calculated attack, but Pattinson did not give him a moment’s peace as Smith allowed the spell to stretch into a seventh over.There was one raucous lbw appeal denied, and one catch turned down after replays showed the ball had gone from bat to ground to boot – shades of Marsh’s ODI dismissal in Hamilton. Eventually Pattinson was spelled, and when McCullum hoisted Hazlewood over the midwicket fence New Zealand still dreamed.Next ball, however, Warner swooped, ending a glittering career and putting the prize of top spot well and truly within Australia’s sights.

The PCB has accepted Younis Khan’s apology for his actions during the Pakistan Cup in Faisalabad and his subsequent refusal to attend a disciplinary hearing

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Apr-2016The PCB has accepted Younis Khan’s apology for showing dissent during the Pakistan Cup in Faisalabad and his subsequent abandonment of his team and refusal to attend a disciplinary hearing.On Tuesday, the PCB had barred Younis from participating in the tournament and served him a show-cause notice asking him to explain his actions. Younis responded by apologising and expressing his regret over the incident.”Younis has served Pakistan cricket for a number of years and he has developed a shining reputation in Pakistan and abroad,” PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said. “While this incident is unfortunate, I am glad to note that Younis has admitted his mistake.”ESPNcricinfo understands that Younis’ alleged misdemeanours included questioning an umpiring decision, showing dissent and threatening an umpire during a Pakistan Cup game in Faisalabad. Reacting to the charges, Younis, captain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reportedly left his team in protest and refused to attend the disciplinary hearing.He was fined 50% of his match fee for breaching level 2 of the PCB domestic code of conduct. Younis had apologised to the PCB chairman on Monday as well, but he was served a show-cause notice.Following the acceptance of his second apology, Younis may now rejoin the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa squad should the team qualify for the final of the Pakistan Cup.