General Football Thread

[JeremyVickers]

Sialkot: The Heart of Football Manufacturing for Global Sports

Sialkot, a bustling industrial city in Pakistan, has earned a global reputation for being the birthplace of over half of the world's footballs, including the prestigious official FIFA World Cup balls. This small yet impactful city is a hub for sports manufacturing, synonymous with unmatched quality and innovation.

Sialkot's footballs are crafted with precision and excellence, making them the preferred choice for top brands like Adidas and Nike. The city has become an integral part of the global sports manufacturing industry, supplying high-quality products to international markets.

Although Pakistan may not be participating in the World Cup itself, the footballs produced in Sialkot represent the country's proud presence in the international sports arena, with each ball carrying the legacy of this industrious city.

 

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Arsenal vs Chelsea 1-0: Merino's header seals Gunners' London derby win​

Mikel Merino’s first-half header seals Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in a tense Premier League clash at Emirates.

Sports Desk
March 16, 2025

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Merino’s first-half header proving the difference in a match dominated by physical battles.

Merino’s goal came in the 20th minute, flicking a precise header into the far corner past Chelsea’s struggling goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Sanchez, returning to the starting XI for Chelsea, had a few nervy moments in the first-half. While Arsenal controlled key moments, the match was more notable for its aggressive duels than attacking quality.

Chelsea, still reeling from their previous 5-0 defeat at the Emirates last season, prioritised physicality but failed to create clear chances. Pedro Neto looked dangerous throughout the game, but failed to register any real threat.

The closest Chelsea came to scoring was in the first half after Marc Cucurella's volley was miscontrolled by David Raya, who almost put in the ball into his own net. Other than this, Chelsea had their fewest touches in opponents box in this season's Premier League with only 8.

 

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Rashford, Henderson in Tuchel's first England squad for World Cup qualifiers​

England name squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson among Tuchel’s selections.

Sports Desk
March 14, 2025

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford returning to the national setup.

Rashford, 27, last played for England in March 2024 but has impressed since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United in January. Newcastle defender Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly have received their first call-ups, while Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson has also been recalled.

England begin their qualifying campaign with matches against Albania and Latvia at Wembley on 21 and 24 March.

Rashford earns recall

Rashford, who has won 60 caps for England, has yet to score for Villa but has provided four assists. Tuchel highlighted his recent performances as key to his selection.

"Marcus is on a good way. We were convinced this was the right time to push him with his nomination," Tuchel said. "His effort off the ball, his energy, and his physical involvement have been excellent."

Rashford was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad and the Nations League campaign but now has a chance to revive his international career.

Henderson returns, Burn’s long-awaited call-up

Henderson, 34, made his England debut in 2010 under Fabio Capello and last played in November 2023. His inclusion comes after a move to Ajax following a short stint in Saudi Arabia.

Burn, 32, has earned his first England call-up after consistent performances for Newcastle. The defender, who started his career with non-league Darlington, has worked his way up through the English football pyramid.

"[It's an] incredible moment for Dan," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said. "He's done it the hard way and deserves this recognition."

 

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Chelsea sign Sporting duo Geovany Quenda, Dario Essugo in £62.4m deal​

Chelsea sign Sporting’s Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo for £62.4m, with Essugo arriving in summer and Quenda in 2026.

Sports Desk
March 20, 2025

Chelsea have secured the signings of Sporting midfielders Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo for a combined £62.4 million, the Portuguese club announced.

Winger Quenda, 17, will remain at Sporting until the end of the 2025-26 season before moving to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth up to £44m. The teenager has broken into Sporting's first team this season and made his Champions League debut in September.

Essugo, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder, will join Chelsea this summer following a loan spell at Las Palmas, with his transfer fee set at £18.4m. While he has impressed in Spain, he has also received two red cards in his past four matches.

While Chelsea fans will have to wait for Quenda, Essugo could be part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

The Portuguese duo join a growing list of young signings at Chelsea. The club has already confirmed the arrivals of 17-year-olds Estevao Willian from Brazil and Kendry Paez from Ecuador this summer.

 

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Wed 26 Mar 2025
‧
UEFA Women's Champions League -
Quarter-finals

Arsenal 3 , Real Madrid 0

Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,
Arsenal last won the Women's Champions League in 2007


Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Emirates Stadium


Arsenal completed a brilliant two-goal comeback to reach the Women's Champions League semi-finals as Alessia Russo's double helped them beat Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium.

In a thrilling second-half period, the Gunners showed their ruthless streak to superbly overturn their first-leg deficit and with 3-2 on aggregate.

Russo eased the growing anxiety in the stands when she met Chloe Kelly's curling cross within a minute of the restart to give them the lead on the night.

Former Barcelona midfielder Mariona Caldentey joined in the fun three minutes later when she headed in another fine Kelly cross, before Russo doubled her tally in the 59th minute with a close-range finish.

The England international thought she had bagged her first Arsenal hat-trick, only for the video assistant referee (VAR) to rule out two goals for offside, and she also went through one-on-one with Real goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez but couldn't capitalise.

Nonetheless, it was a brilliant display from the hosts, who were full of intensity and aggression and deserved winners on the night.

Real Madrid's big chance came on the stroke of half-time, with the game finely poised at 0-0, but Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made an important save to deny Filippa Angeldahl and blocked the rebound from Linda Caicedo, who was in an offside position anyway.

Caicedo also went close in added time at the end of the game, but van Domselaar parried the Colombian forward's effort, while, under pressure from Real defenders, Caitlin Foord slotted a finish wide of an empty goal.

This result is the biggest yet under manager Renee Slegers and means Arsenal still remain in contention to win silverware this season, having already exited the Women's FA Cup and sit eight points off Women's Super League leaders Chelsea.

They will face Lyon in the semi-finals after the record eight-time Women's Champions League winners beat Bayern Munich 6-1 on aggregate.

 

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Brazil look to employ Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti for 2026 World Cup​

Brazil renew interest in Carlo Ancelotti for 2026 World Cup as pressure mounts on Dorival Jr following heavy defeat.

Sports Desk
March 27, 2025

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are set to resume talks with Carlo Ancelotti over taking charge of the national team for the 2026 World Cup. According to reports, the pressure mounts on current coach Dorival Junior following their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in qualifying.

The CBF has long pursued Ancelotti, previously attempting to appoint the Real Madrid manager in 2023. However, the Italian opted to remain with the Spanish giants, signing an extension through 2026.

Despite this, reports from The Athletic suggest Brazil have re-established contact as concerns grow over the team’s struggles.

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário confirmed that Ancelotti was a serious target in 2023 and was close to leaving Madrid.

"I helped in the process by talking to Carlo, but he was not released," Ronaldo told Charla Podcast. "If he hadn’t won anything, Real Madrid would have fired him, and Ancelotti would have come."

CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues had previously assured fans that Ancelotti would take charge after his Madrid contract ended, but that move never materialised. The federation instead appointed Fernando Diniz on an interim basis before naming Dorival Junior as full-time coach.

With Brazil now struggling in CONMEBOL qualifiers, sitting fourth in the table and eight points behind leaders Argentina, calls for change have intensified.

Ancelotti remains under contract with Madrid, but speculation over his future persists, particularly with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso emerging as a potential successor at the Bernabéu.

Brazil have four qualifiers remaining and hold a six-point cushion over seventh-placed Venezuela, the position that enters a play-off.

Whether Ancelotti will be tempted to switch to international management remains uncertain, but Brazil’s pursuit of the Italian appears far from over.

 

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Manchster United face competition for Hugo Ekitike amid striker search​

Man United are competing with top clubs for Hugo Ekitike, with Frankfurt demanding a high fee for striker’s transfer.

Sports Deskhttps://tribune.com.pk/author/3593/sports-desk
March 28, 2025

 

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Messi returns — and scores inside two minutes​

He was absent due to injury that ruled him out of Argentina's World Cup qualifiers too

AFP
March 31, 2025

Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium on March 29 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. PHOTO: AFP


Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after his injury layoff and scored just two minutes after entering as a second-half substitute in his team's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Messi had missed Argentina's World Cup qualifiers in South America during the recent international window after picking up an adductor strain in Miami's most recent Major League Soccer game, a 2-1 win at Atlanta on March 16.

Finnish winger Robert Taylor had put Miami ahead in the 23rd minute, slotting home a low pass from Benjamin Cremaschi after Jordi Alba had broken down the left flank.

Messi was brought on by coach Javier Mascherano in the 55th minute and within two minutes was on target. Messi's former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez picked him out on the right and he jinked to make space and fired a low, right-foot effort into the far corner.

Philadelphia pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when Quinn Sullivan whipped in a cross from the right and Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag brought the ball down before firing home a crisp shot.

Unbeaten Miami are top of the Eastern Conference with four wins from their opening five games of the season.

Inter face a busy spell with a trip to Los Angeles to play LAFC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday. They have a home game against Toronto the following Sunday with the return against LAFC three days later.

Mascherano said it had been a cautious move to start with Messi on the bench.

"We didn't want to risk him from the start because we thought he might be at risk playing the whole game, but we did want him to get some minutes," said the Argentine coach.

"The plan is that he can recover and travel to Los Angeles. He played today because he was fine. Maybe he wasn't ready for the full 90 minutes but it was good for him to play 45 minutes. If nothing unusual happens the plan is for him to travel," he added.

In a seven goal thriller, Atlanta United trailed 3-1 at home to New York City FC after Wolff scored twice for the visitors before an own goal from Keaton Parks brought them back into the game.

But then a header from Miguel Almiron, who returned to the club from Newcastle United during the pre-season transfer window brought Atlanta level with 15 minutes remaining.

 

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Mbappe fires Real Madrid level with Barca​

The Frenchman scored twice in the Los Blancos' 3-2 triumph over Leganes

AFP
March 31, 2025

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates after converting a penalty during the LaLiga match against Club Deportivo Leganes SAD at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 29. PHOTO: AFP


Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Leganes 3-2 on Saturday, pulling level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti's side won an entertaining game at the Santiago Bernabeu to put pressure on their bitter rivals, who host Girona in a Catalan derby on Sunday.

Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead from the penalty spot but goals from Diego Garcia and Dani Raba sent the relegation-battling minnows ahead before the break.

Jude Bellingham levelled for Madrid early in the second half before Mbappe whipped home a free-kick to claim three points for the champions.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are six clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who drew at Espanyol earlier Saturday.

"(Mbappe) is making the difference and that's what we want from him," said Madrid coach Ancelotti.

The superstar's brace took him to 33 goals for the season across all competitions in 44 games, equalling the tally Real Madrid's all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo notched in the 2009-10 season, his first year at the club.

"It's very special... to have the same number of goals as Cristiano is always good," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.

"We know what he means for Real Madrid and me, we speak, he gives me a lot of advice, he scored many goals -- but we have to win trophies here."

Ancelotti named Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes on the bench after they were in action for Brazil on Tuesday, starting Mbappe with Brahim Diaz in attack.

Madrid took the lead after they were awarded a dubious penalty, when Oscar Rodriguez tangled legs with midfielder Arda Guler.

Mbappe executed a perfect Panenka to send Los Blancos ahead, although their lead only lasted a few seconds with Diego Garcia netting from close range.

Diaz came close at the other end but then gave the ball away in the build-up to Leganes' second.

The visitors worked the ball out to Rodriguez on the left, who cut it back for Raba to finish.

Madrid came out strongly at the start of the second half and Bellingham soon struck his eighth league goal. The England international followed up to score after Diaz's shot was blocked on the line. Diaz struck the post and Ancelotti sent on Vinicius and Rodrygo as Madrid pushed.

Eventually Mbappe netted his 22nd league goal of the season with a free-kick to put Real Madrid ahead after 76 minutes.

"He practised that yesterday, it went very well and he wanted to try it today," said Ancelotti.

The French striker trails La Liga's top scorer, Barcelona hitman Robert Lewandowski, by one.

"It was a difficult game, after the international break it's always difficult, and we know that what we have to do always is win," added Mbappe.

Atletico Madrid's slim Spanish title hopes faded further with a disappointing draw at Espanyol.

Javi Puado earned the Catalan side a point with a penalty after Cesar Azpilicueta put the visitors ahead in spectacular fashion.

"Two points escaped, two important ones," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar.

"If we don't have consistency we can't fight for the title.

"We don't have it, we're losing points and I think the teams behind us are catching up."

Simeone admitted his team did not deserve the three points.

"It was a flat game in which the draw was fair," the coach told reporters.

After a slow start Azpilicueta blasted the visitors ahead from distance.

It was his first goal for three years and also his first for Atletico Madrid, but it was worth the wait as he hit a sumptuous volley into the top corner after Antoine Griezmann's cross was cleared to the edge of the box.

'Mbappe equals Ronaldo's Real Madrid goal record

Ronaldo, who joined from Manchester United, went on to become Real Madrid's all-time top scorer with 450 goals.

"It's very special... to have the same number of goals as Cristiano is always good," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.

"We know what he means for Real Madrid and me, we speak, he gives me a lot of advice, he scored many goals -- but we have to win trophies here."

Previously Ancelotti suggested Mbappe could live up to Ronaldo's legacy at Madrid, but only with a lot of hard work.

"He's doing very well, he's a lot more active and present in (the team's) play," Ancelotti told reporters.

 

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Erling Haaland suffers injury, possibly out until FIFA Club World Cup​

Manchester City's Erling Haaland sustained an ankle injury in the FA Cup quarter-final, requiring further tests.

Sports Desk
April 01, 2025

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Manchester City's Erling Haaland sustained an ankle injury during their FA Cup quarter-final victory over Bournemouth, the club confirmed on Monday.

The Norwegian striker, who scored in the 2-1 win, was substituted in the 61st minute and will undergo further tests to determine the severity of the issue.

Haaland's left ankle injury puts his availability for City's FA Cup run and leagues matches in doubt. Veteran football journalist Fabrizio Romano also reported that Haaland is likely to miss most of the season.

The club stated he underwent initial assessments in Manchester and will seek specialist consultation to clarify the extent of the injury.

"The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer's FIFA Club World Cup," City said, referencing the tournament scheduled from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.

Haaland has netted 21 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this season.

Defending champions City, currently fifth in the league, have struggled for consistency with only one win in their last four matches. They host Leicester City on Wednesday.

 

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England are guaranteed a minimum of five teams in the Champions League next season after Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

One win, in any of the three European competitions, would have secured the fifth place for England.

Two extra spots are awarded to countries based on their ranking in Uefa's coefficient table.

Liverpool and Arsenal look set to finish in the top in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Brighton and Bournemouth, who sit 10th, all separated by 12 points.

England could have as many as seven teams in the Champions League in 2025-26 if Aston Villa win the competition this year, but fail to qualify through the Premier League, and if Manchester United or Tottenham win the Europa League.

Italy are second in the coefficient rankings, with Spain and Germany behind.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo hires new security chief after threats to family​

Ronaldo makes changes to security team after threats, raising concerns about his bodyguard's aggressive tactics.

Pop Culture & Art
April 09, 2025

-Reuters.

Cristiano Ronaldo has hired a new security team after receiving alarming threats on social media that raised concerns for the safety of his family.

The football star, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has made significant changes to his security arrangements, including the dismissal of his previous personnel.

According to reports from Malaysian news outlet NST, Ronaldo, his partner Georgina Rodriguez, and their children had been living a relatively quiet life in Riyadh since Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia in 2023.

However, the situation took a turn when distressing messages targeting the family were posted online. These threats have led to heightened security measures, including the appointment of a new chief bodyguard.

Georgina Rodriguez has also adjusted her social media presence, limiting her children’s exposure, which is believed to be part of a broader security strategy.

Sources suggest that this decision, initially thought to be a personal choice, is aimed at protecting the family from potential harm linked to the threats.

Ronaldo’s new head of security, Claudio Miguel Vaz, is a security expert with experience working in troubled neighborhoods and protecting high-profile figures, including music artists and football players. Vaz’s appointment, however, has raised concerns among Ronaldo’s inner circle due to his "intimidating and aggressive" approach to security, which contrasts with the previous team’s more reserved style.
Vaz’s actions, such as using a flashlight to disrupt photographers during a recent trip by Georgina Rodriguez to Paris, have sparked criticism on social media.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo has opted to keep Vaz in charge, trusting his experience to protect his family in a high-risk environment.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Matthew Vaughn launch UR•Marv film studio with action movie series in development​

Cristiano Ronaldo teams with director Matthew Vaughn to launch UR•Marv, a new studio.

Pop Culture & Art
April 10, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo and director Matthew Vaughn have launched UR•Marv, a new independent film studio, according to Variety. The venture aims to merge innovative filmmaking technology with a respect for cinematic tradition, blending Ronaldo’s global brand with Vaughn’s flair for action storytelling.

The pair has already completed two action films, with a third in development — all part of an interconnected series they financed and produced through UR•Marv. Details about the first installment are expected to be announced soon.

“This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures in business,” Ronaldo said of the partnership.

 

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Lionel Messi brace sends Inter Miami to CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals​

Messi's brace and assist fuel Inter Miami's 3-1 comeback over LAFC, sending them to semis of CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Sports Desk
April 10, 2025

Inter Miami CF secured a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals series on Wednesday, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

The dramatic win at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, saw Lionel Messi play a pivotal role, scoring twice and providing an assist to propel the Herons into the semifinals.

LAFC took an early lead in the 9th minute, with Aaron Long scoring a right-footed finish from the centre of the box following a corner kick. However, Messi equalised for Miami in the 35th minute, converting a left-footed shot into the top right corner from the edge of the box.

In the 61st minute, Noah Allen’s strike gave Inter Miami the lead, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2.
Messi completed his brace in the 84th minute, converting a penalty to seal the comeback and send Miami into the next round.

 

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Messi scores twice in Miami’s frantic comeback over LAFC​

AFP

Photo: AFP


FORT LAUDERDALE, UNITED STATES: Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami fought back from 2-0 down on aggregate to defeat Los Angeles FC 3-1 and clinch a place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday.

The Argentine World Cup-winner yet again proved decisive in what was a frantic, chaotic and entertaining encounter, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory from the penalty spot with six minutes of normal time remaining.

While there has never been any doubt that the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner still has the technical ability to win games at the age of 37, this was a night when Messi showed he retains the passion and aggression needed for a battle.

In the final minutes of stoppage time, Messi was chasing down opponents and putting in challenges as his team just about hung on for the win.

It was a display which left his coach and former Argentina and Barcelona team-mate Javier Mascherano describing the forward as the “soul” of the team.

“He’s a guy who has already done everything in football, he’s the greatest in history and he continues to set an example of how to compete,” said Mascherano.

“Until the last day he plays on a pitch he’s going to want to win and he’s going to do the impossible to win. And it’s not just about wanting to, you also have to be able to, and he has that ability,” he said.

Trailing 1-0 from the first-leg in California, Miami quickly found themselves in big trouble when Aaron Long put LAFC ahead in the ninth minute.

After Miami keeper Oscar Ustari punched a corner out – Mark Delgado knocked the ball into the box and in the scramble Nathan Ordaz laid off to Long and the defender fired home.

With Long’s goal carrying extra weight as the away goals rule remains in place in CONCACAF’s club competition, Miami knew they had to score three times to stay alive in the tournament.

LAFC rue missed chances

Messi thought he had got one back when he took a free-kick quickly and put it in the corner while LAFC’s former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was still setting up the wall.

After some confusion, the goal was ruled out but Messi did not wait long to open his account, playing a smart one-two with his former Barca team-mate Luis Suarez and then sweeping a shot into the far corner in the 35th minute.

But Inter still needed two more goals in the second half against an LAFC team that continued to threaten on the break, particularly through winger Denis Bouanga.

Miami took a 2-1 lead on the night when Noah Allen chipped a ball into the box and neither Miami midfielder Federico Redondo or Los Angeles keeper Hugo Lloris made contact with the ball as it travelled beyond them into the goal.

Another was needed to secure passage to the semi-finals and the home crowd thought they had it when Suarez headed in a cross from Messi but the assistant referee ruled the Uruguayan forward was offside.

The lifeline came when Miami appealed for a handball by Marlon in a crowded tussle in the box and a VAR review found that the Brazilian defender had handled.

Messi tucked the 84th-minute spot kick into the corner to complete the comeback for Miami and earn them a place in the last four.

Steve Cherundolo, the former USA international now coach of LAFC said his team had paid the price for not putting the game to bed with a second goal after taking the lead.

“We created some high-quality chances throughout the match and then it gets hectic. You know there’s antics on the sidelines with the referees and benches, that’s the standard here and in this competition that’s part of it,” he said.
Mascherano accepted his team were far from perfect but was delighted with the fight they showed.

“We have a lot of things to improve but this is the way. This is the way to play football. We tried to give everything, 100%, with some mistakes but…until the end fighting, giving everything,” he said.