Open

Sinner in race for fitness with US Open title defense looms

  • Their five meetings in Grand Slams include two finals this year, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Sinner turning the tables at Wimbledon.
  • World number one Jannik Sinner said Friday he is "not 100% yet" but expects to be at full strength for the launch of his US Open title defense when the final Grand Slam of 2025 gets underway.
  • Their five meetings in Grand Slams include two finals this year, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Sinner turning the tables at Wimbledon.
World number one Jannik Sinner said Friday he is "not 100% yet" but expects to be at full strength for the launch of his US Open title defense when the final Grand Slam of 2025 gets underway.
The Italian retired because of illness while trailing Carlos Alcaraz 5-0 in the first set of the Cincinnati Open final on Monday and pulled out of the Open's new-look mixed doubles competition on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows on Friday, Sinner said he was highly motivated and on the mend two days before singles action was slated to start.
"So physically, I feel good," said Sinner, who is expected to play his first match against Czech Vit Kopriva on Monday.
"You know, I have recovered mostly, not 100% yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days. So should be all fine for the tournament.
"It was a virus, also some other players had," Sinner added. "Just sleeping and recovering. Nothing crazy."
Sinner's growing rivalry with Alcaraz is in the spotlight at the Open. Their five meetings in Grand Slams include two finals this year, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Sinner turning the tables at Wimbledon.
Sinner said the differences in their games and personalities make the rivalry more compelling, but one main trait they share is a laser-like focus on the game.
"We make choices for tennis," Sinner said. "It's now our first priority at the moment, which it has to be because it's very small, small details make the difference."
Sinner's US Open title last year came amid a doping scandal in which he first escaped a ban before eventually agreeing to a three-month suspension -- even though doping authorities accepted that his exposure to the anabolic steroid clostebol was accidental.
"Last year was a much more stressful situation," Sinner said. "It was difficult to handle everything. You know, I'm still young, so it was not easy."
Since serving his ban following his victory in the Australian Open in January, Sinner has rehired fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, who had been sacked along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi after the revelation of Sinner's positive tests.
Now the Italian is ready to move on as he tries to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004-2008.
"I feel like it's over," he said. "We are focusing on hard work again and trying to get better as an athlete.
"I'm very happy to be back here," Sinner said. "It's obviously the last Grand Slam we have for this season so the motivations are very high."
bb/pb

BEL

Jefferson-Wooden cements Tokyo sprint favourite status with Brussels win

BY LUKE PHILLIPS

  • American Chase Jackson landed 20.90m to better Valerie Adams' 11-year meet record in the women's shot put and there was a first ever Diamond League win for Jamaican Ralford Mullings in the men's discus, Lithuania's world record holder Mykolas Alekna finishing second to ensure a place at next week's Zurich finals.
  • US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden underlined her world 100m title credentials at Friday's Diamond League meet in Brussels with a dominant victory over a stacked field, but Agnes Jebet Ngetich fell short in her world record bid in the 5,000m.
  • American Chase Jackson landed 20.90m to better Valerie Adams' 11-year meet record in the women's shot put and there was a first ever Diamond League win for Jamaican Ralford Mullings in the men's discus, Lithuania's world record holder Mykolas Alekna finishing second to ensure a place at next week's Zurich finals.
US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden underlined her world 100m title credentials at Friday's Diamond League meet in Brussels with a dominant victory over a stacked field, but Agnes Jebet Ngetich fell short in her world record bid in the 5,000m.
The 24-year-old American will head to the September 13-21 world championships in Tokyo as firm favourite for a potential sprint double after she clocked 10.76 seconds for victory in the Belgian capital.
She left a loaded field trailing in her wake. World champion and Olympic silver medallist Sha'Carri Richardson took second in a distant 11.08sec, with Briton Daryll Neita in third, just ahead of Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (11.17).
"I know that I'm in great shape and that it's all about putting together the perfect race at the perfect time, when it matters the most, and that is at the world championships in Tokyo," said a confident-sounding Jefferson-Wooden.
"So now all the small meetings are done and it's time to go back home and work on the biggest one of the season.
"The plan is definitely to go out there and take gold. I feel like I put myself in a really good spot to be a contender for that and now it's time to have trust."

Solo run

Ngetich was left making a long, solo run in the 5,000m at the King Baudouin Stadium after the pacemakers dropped out and none of the field could cope with her continued high pace.
But the Kenyan flagged to finish in 14:24.99, well off teammate Beatrice Chebet's world record of 13:58.06.
"Today's race was not bad," said Ngetich. "I am happy with the win but I wanted to run faster.
"I really wanted to improve my personal best, but today I had to push alone and it was hard. The next thing now is to focus on the world championships.
"I am doubling the 5,000m and 10,000m and I'm really ambitious. I want to make at least one podium, that is the most important thing. To get a medal at the highest stage in the world."
Bahrain's Winfred Yavi, Olympic champion in the 3,000m steeplechase, set a world best of 4:40.13 in the rarely-run one mile steeplechase at the 14th Diamond League meeting of the season.
There remains just the August 27/28 finals in Zurich before the elite of track and field head to the Tokyo worlds.
Sha'Carri Richardson's partner Christian Coleman had to be content with fourth in 20.42sec in the 200m, Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic triumphing in 20.16.
American Jacory Patterson claimed the men's 400m in 44.05sec ahead of teammate Vernon Norwood and Britain's Charlie Dobson.
American Chase Jackson landed 20.90m to better Valerie Adams' 11-year meet record in the women's shot put and there was a first ever Diamond League win for Jamaican Ralford Mullings in the men's discus, Lithuania's world record holder Mykolas Alekna finishing second to ensure a place at next week's Zurich finals.
"Now I'm going to keep on training and hopefully I'll do better during the final," said Alekna.
"The hard training sessions are almost over, I still do some now and then. But I feel I'm getting faster and more explosive. So I'm almost ready for Tokyo."
In a series of non-Diamond League events, Jamaican world champion Antonio Watson won a second 400m in 44.89sec, while Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala -- whose 9.77sec in 2021 put him 10th on the all-time world list -- could only finish seventh (10.49) in a 100m won by South African Gift Leotlela in 10.13sec.
lp/pb

Global Edition

Trump says 2026 World Cup draw set for December in Washington

BY DANNY KEMP

  • The choice of location for the FIFA World Cup draw however has deeply political overtones. 
  • US President Donald Trump announced Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5 -- and got a rare chance to hold the coveted football trophy.
  • The choice of location for the FIFA World Cup draw however has deeply political overtones. 
US President Donald Trump announced Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5 -- and got a rare chance to hold the coveted football trophy.
The 48-team event is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, and Trump has made a big deal about it happening during his presidency.
The draw was reportedly due to be held in Las Vegas but Trump, accompanied by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, said it would now be held at the Kennedy Center in the US capital.
"It's the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports," added the 79-year-old US president, who was wearing a red hat saying "Trump Was Right About Everything."
Trump also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the World Cup -- saying that he "wants to be there very badly," but that he "may be coming and he may not" depending on the outcome of Ukraine peace efforts.
Infantino allowed Trump to get his hands on the trophy, which is presented to winners of football's global tournament.
"Only the FIFA president, presidents of countries, and then those who win can touch it, because it's for winners only. And since you are a winner, of course you can as well touch it," Infantino said.
"Can I keep it?" joked Trump, who won a second term in the White House in the 2024 US presidential election.
The Republican, who has decked out the Oval Office with gilded decor since returning to power in January, then added: "That's a beautiful piece of gold. That's beautiful." 

'Trump-Kennedy Center'

But there was a brief moment of nerves as Trump appeared to fumble the World Cup before placing it on his desk -- as Infantino reached out a hand to steady it.
Infantino later presented the US leader with a giant ticket -- Row 1 Seat 1 -- for the World Cup final on July 19 at the MetLife stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York.
The choice of location for the FIFA World Cup draw however has deeply political overtones. 
Trump and his administration led a takeover of the Kennedy Center earlier this year, saying that the venerable performing arts venue had become too "woke."
He added on Friday as he made the announcement that "some people refer to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we're not prepared to do that quite yet, maybe in a week or so." 
Trump visited the Kennedy Center just before the Oval Office announcement. He has said he is going to make major improvements to "beautify" it, including adding marble cladding.
The US president also hailed a major federal crime crackdown in Washington that has seen US National Guard troops deployed on the streets of the capital.
Trump said the move would make Washington safe for football fans visiting the city during next year's tournament.
dk/sst/dl

BEL

'Zero doubts' as Jefferson-Wooden scorches to Brussels 100m win

BY LUKE PHILLIPS

  • Jefferson-Wooden added: "So now all the small meetings are done and it's time to go back home and work on the biggest one of the season.
  • In-form US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden fired a broadside to rivals just three weeks from the world championships by scorching to victory over 100m at the Friday's Diamond League meet in Brussels.
  • Jefferson-Wooden added: "So now all the small meetings are done and it's time to go back home and work on the biggest one of the season.
In-form US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden fired a broadside to rivals just three weeks from the world championships by scorching to victory over 100m at the Friday's Diamond League meet in Brussels.
Earlier this month, the 24-year-old became the first woman since 2003 to win the 100-200m double at the US trials.
Her personal best of 10.65 seconds in the 100m makes her the joint fifth-fastest woman in history, and is the world-leading time this year.
In the Belgian capital, she insisted she had "zero doubts" over her current capability as she recorded 10.76sec for a dominant victory.
No other sprinter dipped under the 11sec barrier at the King Baudouin Stadium.
Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had to be happy with fourth in 11.17sec behind current world champion and Olympic silver medallist Sha'Carri Richardson of the US (11.08) and Britain's Daryll Neita (11.15).
"I was happy to come out here and compete the way I wanted it to be," said Jefferson-Wooden. "Right now I'm going back home to the States to get some good trainings in and clean up the small things.
"I know that I'm in great shape and that it's all about putting together the perfect race at the perfect time, when it matters the most, and that is at the world championships in Tokyo."
Jefferson-Wooden added: "So now all the small meetings are done and it's time to go back home and work on the biggest one of the season.
"The plan is definitely to go out there and take gold. I feel like I put myself in a really good spot to be a contender for that and now it's time to have trust.
"I'm so grateful for everyone in my circle that helped and pushed me to get here. This year I have put in a lot of work and that is what makes me confident, I know what I'm capable of.
"This is probably the first season that I have zero doubts because I know that I worked hard."
Fraser-Pryce was drawn in lane four, with Jefferson-Wooden in five and Richardson in six.
Jefferson-Wooden got out to a flying start. She never looked in danger of losing her lead.
Fraser-Pryce, at the age of 38, has struggled on the track this season to hit the highs that had made her become a pioneer of women's sprinting over the last 17 years.
Nevertheless, her third place in 10.91sec at the Jamaican trials saw her qualify for Tokyo where she will bid to add to her astonishing haul of medals.
Fraser-Pryce, the third-fastest woman of all time in the 100m with a time of 10.60, has won three Olympic gold medals and 10 world titles. She has a total of 25 Olympic and world medals to her name.
It was the Jamaican's fifth appearance in Brussels, where she set the meet record of 10.72sec back in 2013, but her performances leave more questions than answers ahead of Tokyo.
lp/dmc/pb

Sports

Fleetwood ties Henley for PGA Tour Championship lead

  • The seven-time DP World Tour winner suffered his latest PGA Tour near miss at the St. Jude Championship this month, and was tied for fourth at the BMW  Championship last week.
  • Tommy Fleetwood fired a seven-under par 63 on Friday to tie Russell Henley for the halfway lead in the Tour Championship and position himself for another run at a coveted first US PGA Tour title.
  • The seven-time DP World Tour winner suffered his latest PGA Tour near miss at the St. Jude Championship this month, and was tied for fourth at the BMW  Championship last week.
Tommy Fleetwood fired a seven-under par 63 on Friday to tie Russell Henley for the halfway lead in the Tour Championship and position himself for another run at a coveted first US PGA Tour title.
Three adrift to start the day at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia, Fleetwood nabbed four birdies in six holes on the back nine and bounced back from a bogey at 16 with back-to-back birdies for a 13-under par total of 127.
Henley, who led by two after the first round, closed with back-to-back birdies in a four-under 66 to claim his share of the lead.
The top duo were two strokes clear of Cameron Young, who charged up the leaderboard with an eight-under 62 that saw Young make six of his nine birdies on the back nine.
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and Patrick Cantlay shared fourth on 10-under and world number one Scottie Scheffler was alone in sixth on eight-under.
MacIntyre and Cantlay both shot 66 -- Cantlay rebounding after a bogey-bogey start to pick up four strokes in his last three holes thanks to birdies at 16 and 17 and an eagle at 18.
England's Fleetwood said rain-softened East Lake offered plenty of scoring chances -- but still demanded accuracy off the tee.
"I think if you start losing it a little bit off the tee and you're in the rough, it obviously becomes a lot more difficult to score," said Fleetwood, who hit 12 of 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation.
The seven-time DP World Tour winner suffered his latest PGA Tour near miss at the St. Jude Championship this month, and was tied for fourth at the BMW  Championship last week.
"I think I'm playing really good golf," he said. "Best possible scenario, put yourself in contention. Play well, put yourself in contention, and go from there.
"I love the buzz when I am in contention," added Fleetwood, who now finds himself in the hunt for a first title in a tournament that carries a $10 million first prize. "I'm just excited for the opportunity again."
Henley had rolled in 207 feet of putts as he sizzled on the greens in an opening 61. But after a hole-out birdie at the first he had three birdie putts of about five feet before rolling in his longest birdie of the day, a 14-footer, at the last.

Scheffler struggles

"I hit my driver awesome," Henley said. "I hit a lot of shots today that were really good shots that maybe didn't end up quite close enough or maybe gave myself a little bit of an awkward birdie putt.
"But still feel like I putted it well, hit my lines really well, and just hit a bunch of fairways. That's what you've got to do around here."
With low scoring the norm, Scheffler endured a frustrating day that included three bogeys.
But the American, whose five wins in 2025 include the PGA Championship and British Open, stretched his streak of sub-par rounds to 19 with his fourth birdie of the day at the par-five 18th.
In the rough off the tee, he took dead aim with his third shot from the fairway and landed it one foot from the pin.
"It's just one of those days where it seemed like I wasn't getting rewarded for what I was doing," Scheffler said. "My game definitely doesn't feel off but you look at 18, end up a foot off the fairway.
"Seventeen I have to chip out sideways, 14 I felt like I hit a god shot in there and it kicked right into the bunker ... Just wasn't as sharp as I needed to be."
bb/dmc

CHI

Detained Chileans freed two days after football brawl in Argentina

BY SONIA AVALOS

  • Independiente has won seven Copa Libertadores titles, and has twice won the Copa Sudamericana.
  • Argentina on Friday released 104 Chileans detained following a bloody brawl that erupted during a knock-out Copa Sudamericana match this week.
  • Independiente has won seven Copa Libertadores titles, and has twice won the Copa Sudamericana.
Argentina on Friday released 104 Chileans detained following a bloody brawl that erupted during a knock-out Copa Sudamericana match this week.
The fighting brought an early end to the game between Independiente and visiting Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. 
Fans stripped of their documents during the violence received temporary travel documents enabling them to return home, Chilean diplomatic sources said.
"They beat me with clubs and iron bars in the stands, they stole everything from me," Ignacio Castro, a 38-year-old psychologist from Chile with bruises on his face, told AFP outside the Chilean consulate in Buenos Aires. 
"When I went down to get help from the police, they took me to the hospital, stitched me up and then arrested me," he said.
An official for the Argentine side told AFP that 125 people were arrested after the second-leg encounter, which was abandoned after 48 minutes. Of 19 people injured, two remain in a serious condition.
"Nothing justified the barbarity or the lynching that occurred," Chilean Minister of the Interior Alvaro Elizalde told reporters outside the hospital where two Chilean men have reportedly undergone surgery, one for a head injury and the other for a cervical fracture.
One jumped from the stands after being cornered by Argentine fans, and the fact that a roof below cushioned his fall saved his life, a Chilean official said.

'20 legal cases'

A stun grenade was among the objects hurled by fans as the last-16 second-leg encounter in the regional competition at the Libertadores de America stadium was initially suspended shortly after half time and then abandoned.
Independiente has won seven Copa Libertadores titles, and has twice won the Copa Sudamericana.
The club's stadium has been closed while a court-ordered investigation takes place.
Bullet cases, rocks, torn out seats, pieces of iron and ripped-out dry wall, littered the part of the stadium where the fighting broke out.
"The prosecutor requested the closure because there are blood stains in the stands and forensic investigations are still pending," Javier Alonso, Security Minister of Buenos Aires, told local Radio10.
He said "some 20 legal cases" are likely in the wake of the incident.
"There are people who have to be held accountable because there was a security company that was supposed to be there, and wasn't," he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the violence "barbaric" and called for "example-setting sanctions".
Those could include disqualification of one or both clubs, something that last occurred in 2015. 
South American football is no stranger to fan violence, which has claimed hundreds of lives across the continent in the past 20 years.
lm-sa-tev/mel/raa/ksb/dmc/pb

Pr

Spurs boss Frank only wants committed signings after Eze snub

  • "I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club," said Frank on Friday.
  • Tottenham manager Thomas Frank said he does not want players who are not committed to the club after Eberechi Eze rejected Spurs to close in on a move to north London rivals Arsenal.
  • "I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club," said Frank on Friday.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank said he does not want players who are not committed to the club after Eberechi Eze rejected Spurs to close in on a move to north London rivals Arsenal.
For the second time during the transfer window, a major deal for the Europa League winners was scuppered in the final stages.
A move for Morgan Gibbs-White collapsed last month after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action for Tottenham speaking to the player without permission before the England international signed a new contract at the City Ground.
Eze also appeared set to bolster Frank's attacking options until the boyhood Arsenal fan had his head turned by the Gunners' move to match Spurs' offer of £60 million ($81 million) plus £7.5 million in add-ons to Crystal Palace.
"I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club," said Frank on Friday. "I think that's very clear.
"I'm also pretty sure that the fans will feel the same. If they don't want to put the fantastic shirt over their head, play for the badge, play for the club, really enjoy it, no problem - we don't them there. I think that's a key message."
After making the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said Europa League success was "not enough" as he targeted Premier League and Champions League glory.
However, Tottenham have struggled to keep up with their domestic rivals in the transfer market.
Mohammed Kudus is the only permanent arrival to have started in Frank's opening two matches in charge, while Joao Palhinha has also joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich.
Frank, though, is expecting more arrivals prior to the transfer deadline on September 1.
"It's unfortunate that you can't go into Waitrose and buy two good players then walk away five minutes later. It is a little bit more complicated than that,"he added.
"I see the club working hard, I see Daniel working extremely hard, I see (technical director) Johan (Lange), I see (CEO) Vinai (Venkatesham) and we are all on board in terms of doing what we can do to improve. I believe that something will happen."
After beating Burnley 3-0 to open their Premier League campaign, Tottenham face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday.
kca/pb

Sports

Australian sprinter Asfoora rebounds to land Nunthorpe Stakes

  • It was the Irishman's first winner at the meeting since 2017, with his greatest moment at it the Ebor Handicap way back in 2006 on a 100/1 outsider.
  • Australian star sprinter Asfoora bounced back to form with a scintillating victory in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes, the feature race on the penultimate day of the Ebor meeting on Friday.
  • It was the Irishman's first winner at the meeting since 2017, with his greatest moment at it the Ebor Handicap way back in 2006 on a 100/1 outsider.
Australian star sprinter Asfoora bounced back to form with a scintillating victory in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes, the feature race on the penultimate day of the Ebor meeting on Friday.
The seven-year-old added this to her win at Royal Ascot last year in the King Charles III Stakes, but was only an 11/1 chance here after failing to sparkle at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.
However, she was a different beast in the Nunthorpe, Oisin Murphy surging clear on her from 100/1 outsider Ain't Nobody to make up for finishing fourth in last year's race when she was favourite.
"It is very difficult to bring them over from Australia but they had her in prime form," said Murphy.
"She was electric."
Trainer Henry Dwyer poured most of the praise onto Asfoora's stable girl Chenelle Ellis, who was moved to tears.
"She has been here with Asfoora since she came over before Ascot (in June), she has looked after her and ridden her out whereas we come over from Australia for the race," he said.
Dwyer admitted he had not been full of confidence after her previous two performances.
"I had to keep a bit of faith, obviously things did not go to plan first two runs and you still got to doubt yourself if they are not winning."
Earlier Trawlerman justified his status of 5/6 odds on favourite adding the Group Two Lonsdale Cup to his win in the Ascot Gold Cup in June.
William Buick had to really work hard on Trawlerman, trained by father and son John and Thady Gosden, to keep him in front as Rab Havlin challenged him on his stablemate Sweet William.
However, Trawlerman showed he is tough as teak as he held on.     
"He is so reliable, super horse stays really well, adaptable to as to what he has to do as he showed there," said Buick, winning the race for a third time.

'Entertainment industry'

Gosden senior strode into the winners' enclosure with a beaming smile, a race he had got used to winning when his legendary stayer Stradivarius won it three times. 
"Two fabulous old stayers, they have been around the block a few times," said Gosden.
"Sweet William will go for the Doncaster Cup in September and Trawlerman to Champions Day in October.
"Stayers are very important for the integrity of the racing programme, we do not want to just end up with a bunch of sprinters.  
"They make it a lot of fun which is what we are meant to be an entertainment industry."
It may have been a lower standard than usual Gimcrack Stakes, several of the top two-year-old's race in France on Sunday, but it mattered not a jot to jockey Zak Wheatley.
The young English rider eased to victory on Lifeline, trained by Declan Carroll, for his first Group race win.   
"This is brilliant, massive really, opportunity from owners to put me on him is wonderful," said Wheatley. 
Trawlerman at seven is no young buck and the opening race also went to an old stager, this time of the two-legged variety.  
John Egan at the ripe old age of 57 won the valuable race on Asgard's Captain.
It was the Irishman's first winner at the meeting since 2017, with his greatest moment at it the Ebor Handicap way back in 2006 on a 100/1 outsider.
"It is brilliant to see my son (David, who finished fifth in the same race) and daughter (Alexandra) doing well but this is a reminder that the old man is still here," said Egan, whose biggest success came in the 2003 Irish 2000 Guineas on his 35th birthday to boot.
"This means a lot as for sure I like to show I can still do it!
"Dylan (Cunha, the trainer) said 'come on this might be your last chance' and I said, 'I'll be back next year!'" 
pi/dmc

Pr

Nuno 'worried' for job over relationship with Forest owner

  • "I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very, very close," Nuno said on Friday.
  • Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with the club's outspoken owner Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated amid speculation the Portuguese coach could soon be sacked.
  • "I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very, very close," Nuno said on Friday.
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said his relationship with the club's outspoken owner Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated amid speculation the Portuguese coach could soon be sacked.
Nuno, who was handed a new contract in June after guiding Forest into Europe for the first time in 30 years by finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, voiced his dissatisfaction with the club's transfer business ahead of the new campaign.
Since then Forest have splashed over £100 million ($134 million) on James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Douglas Luiz.
However, Nuno was surprisingly candid about his dealings with Greek shipping magnate Marinakis.
"I always had a very good relationship with the owner, last season was very, very, very close," Nuno said on Friday. "This season, not so well. No, it's not (good).
"I don't know exactly, but I'm being honest with you. I cannot say that is the same, because it's not the same. The reason behind it, I don't know.
"The reality is that is not what it used to be. What it used to be was a good, respectful relationship, but was more based on trust and sharing opinions, and now it's not so good."
The pair were involved in an on-pitch confrontation towards the end of last season after Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi played on in a match against Leicester with an abdominal injury that later required urgent surgery.
Nuno even admitted to being worried his job is on the line after odds on him being the next Premier League manager sacked were slashed.
"Where there's smoke, there's fire, so I know how things work, but I'm here to do my job," added the former Tottenham and Wolves manager.
"I understand, because I'm worried. I'm the first one to be worried. I'm the first one to be concerned."
kca/nf

Pr

Eze move a sign of Arsenal's 'ambition', says Arteta

  • "We are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies and to keep evolving and improving every single year and that comes with demands and those demands are clear," said Arteta ahead of Leeds' visit to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
  • Arsenal's move to win the race to sign Eberechi Eze is a sign of the Gunners' ambition to end a 22-year wait to win the Premier League, said manager Mikel Arteta on Friday.
  • "We are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies and to keep evolving and improving every single year and that comes with demands and those demands are clear," said Arteta ahead of Leeds' visit to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal's move to win the race to sign Eberechi Eze is a sign of the Gunners' ambition to end a 22-year wait to win the Premier League, said manager Mikel Arteta on Friday.
Eze appeared to headed to the other side of north London and a move to Tottenham from Crystal Palace until Arsenal pounced to reportedly close in on a £60 million ($81 million) deal plus £7.5 million in add-ons.
The arrival of the England international would take Arsenal's spending in the transfer window to around £260 million following the signings of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.
Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for each of the past three seasons and last won a trophy five years ago.
"We are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies and to keep evolving and improving every single year and that comes with demands and those demands are clear," said Arteta ahead of Leeds' visit to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
"We want to be in front in the league, not just chasing or reacting or being behind, but in front of it and every decision that we make in every area of the club is to achieve that."
The move for Eze came just hours after Arsenal learned that Kai Havertz faces a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
However, Arteta denied the two were related.
"We are not reacting to anything," added the Spaniard.
"We've been very prepared and understanding what we could do and we have decided this is the moment to do it."
Eze was not in the Palace squad that beat Fredrikstad in the Eagles' Conference League play-off on Thursday, but Arteta does not believe he will be registered in time to face Leeds.
The 27-year-old began his career at the Arsenal academy -- he said he cried for a week when he was let go -- and reportedly desperate to return to his boyhood club.
"The better the feeling, the stronger the feeling, I think the better," said Arteta.
"It brings a different edge, a different will and emotion to what you do. I think that always brings something extra."
Arsenal began their quest for the Premier League title by winning 1-0 away to Manchester United on the opening weekend of the campaign.
kca/pi

Pr

Man Utd outcasts could return, says Amorim

  • When the window is closed, we have to receive the players and then a new life.
  • Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday a series of outcasts from his squad could be handed a "new life" at Old Trafford if they do not secure a move before the transfer window closes.
  • When the window is closed, we have to receive the players and then a new life.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday a series of outcasts from his squad could be handed a "new life" at Old Trafford if they do not secure a move before the transfer window closes.
Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have been made to train away from the United first-team squad.
Interest in the quartet has not progressed due to United's valuations and Amorim hinted they could feature in his future plans if they remain at the club beyond the September 1 transfer deadline.
Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, while Real Betis are keen on bringing back Antony after his successful loan spell last season.
Interest in Sancho is complicated by the winger's reported £350,000-a-week ($470,000) wages.
"I know that it's not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it's clear they want to play in a different club," Amorim said on Friday.
"So, we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy, I have to try to have the training with the guys that I think are going to be the future.
"Then the other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.
"When the window is closed, it's a different history. When the window is closed, we have to receive the players and then a new life. Anything can happen."
Despite a positive performance, United's Premier League season got off to a losing start in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was at fault for the only goal, scored by Riccardo Calafiori.
Amorim left out Andre Onana after a hamstring injury meant the Cameroonian missed the majority of pre-season.
Onana is expected to come back into the side for Sunday's visit to Fulham, but Amorim refused to confirm that change.
"Onana is ready to play like last week, so we will see in the game who is going to be the goalkeeper," added the Portuguese coach.
kca/nf

Sports

Rabiot-Rowe altercation a 'bar fight', says De Zerbi

  • De Zerbi shared he had spoken with Rabiot earlier on Friday.
  • Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi on Friday described the altercation between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe as being like a bar room brawl after the pair were placed on the transfer list by their club.
  • De Zerbi shared he had spoken with Rabiot earlier on Friday.
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi on Friday described the altercation between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe as being like a bar room brawl after the pair were placed on the transfer list by their club.
The incident occurred in the changing room following last Friday's 1-0 defeat away to Rennes in Marseille's opening match of the French Ligue 1 season, a game which they lost to a stoppage-time goal after playing for an hour with an extra man.
"I ask you this: what happens if, at your workplace, two people, two employees, two workers, two lawyers, get into a fight?" said De Zerbi during a press conference ahead of Marseille's first home match of the campaign against Paris FC.
"It was a bar fight, in front of the sporting director, in front of the coach, with a teammate on the ground (Darryl Bakola, who was suffering a medical emergency)."
De Zerbi added that the ferocity of the altercation shocked Marseille staff and players alike.
"It's true that no teeth were broken during the fight, but it was a fight like I've never seen in all my years in football. For the first time in my career, I didn't know what to say or what to do," said the Italian.
"I've never seen anything like it. I come from the streets, I'm used to fights. But I've never seen anything like this. The club's bodyguards were trying to separate them. Normally they're supposed to protect us from others, not from ourselves."
Both players were subsequently placed on the transfer list, with Marseille president Pablo Longoria describing the incident as "extremely violent" in an interview with AFP.
England Under-21 international winger Rowe, 22, spent last season on loan at Marseille from Norwich and that deal was turned into a permanent transfer in the summer.
The 30-year-old Rabiot, who has 53 caps for France, joined Marseille at the beginning of last season as a free agent after leaving Juventus and enjoyed a stellar first campaign at the Velodrome as the team finished second and qualified for the Champions League.
"Pablo, Medhi (Benatia, Marseille's sporting director) and I spent Saturday and Sunday on the phone. We decided to suspend the two players from the squad while we waited to see if there would be any genuine contrition (from the players)," De Zerbi added.
"On Monday, when we communicated our decision to the players, it was a temporary measure, but the situation escalated, not because of Marseille, but because of those around them," he said, explicitly referring to the French international's mother Veronique, who is also his agent.
"Adrien is still a good guy. I think his entourage mishandled the aftermath of Rennes. If there had been any regrets, I think things would have returned to normal."
De Zerbi shared he had spoken with Rabiot earlier on Friday.
"He is disappointed. He believes it to be an excessive decision," the 46-year-old coach said. 
"However, in a team, as in any workplace, there is a hierarchy. The club comes first, before the players and the coach."
stt/cyj/nf/dmc

Pr

Fit-again Rodri still 'best in the world' for Guardiola

  • "He's still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
  • Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is fit to return against Tottenham on Saturday and remains for him "the best player in the world."
  • "He's still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Ballon d'Or winner Rodri is fit to return against Tottenham on Saturday and remains for him "the best player in the world."
The Spanish midfielder missed the majority of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September.
Rodri made his return towards the end of the campaign before a setback saw the 29-year-old miss parts of pre-season and last weekend's 4-0 win at Wolves to begin City's Premier League campaign.
"He's still so far the best player in the world until we elect a new one in a few months," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I don't have any doubts about his potential and quality.
"Just consistency at training, weeks, training, games, minutes and after everything will be fine."
Rodri's comeback is a major boost to City's chances of winning back the Premier League title after finishing a distant third last season.
There were encouraging signs for Guardiola in the convincing win at Molineux as new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki scored.
Goalkeeper James Trafford also started his first senior game for City in his second spell at the club.
But Guardiola said he is still to decide who will start in goal against Spurs with Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, now back and available.
"The new players bring a new energy, new everything.
"I've changed four or five or six times (backroom) staff and it's tough but always they bring a new energy and ideas.
"Players are the same and James brings his youth and desire to play at the club he was born and grew in.
"We're happy for the performance, but it's just the first game. (We need to) just be consistent in the way we play and improve in the way we have done and we have to do better against Spurs."
City defender Ruben Dias also signed a two-year extension to his contract on Friday, keeping the Portuguese international at the Etihad until 2029.
"I am incredibly happy. City are where I want to be -- at the top of the sport, competing for trophies," said 28-year-old Dias, who joined the club from Benfica in 2020.
"The club's ambition aligns perfectly with mine and as a footballer there is nothing better than that.
"I love Manchester -- it is my home now -- and I love the Manchester City fans. 
"When I think about the trophies we have won and the way we have played our football during my time here, I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else."
kca/pi

Pr

Newcastle can't win in Isak stand-off, says Howe

  • "That is why I have said all summer, it is a difficult situation for the club to manage.
  • Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said on Friday his club cannot win in the saga over star striker Alexander Isak's future.
  • "That is why I have said all summer, it is a difficult situation for the club to manage.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said on Friday his club cannot win in the saga over star striker Alexander Isak's future.
The Swede, who was the Premier League's second top scorer last season and netted the winner to win the League Cup in March, went public this week on his desire to leave Tyneside, amid interest from Liverpool.
Newcastle hit back with a statement of their own, denying Isak's claims that promises had been broken towards the player.
According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for Newcastle to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules.
Liverpool have reportedly had one bid of £110 million ($148 million) rejected, with the Magpies holding out for a British transfer record £150 million.
The two clubs face off in the Premier League on Monday, but 25-year-old Isak will not be involved as he continues to train apart from the rest of the Newcastle squad.
"I think it is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don't think we can come out of this winning in any situation" said Howe at his pre-match press conference.
"That is why I have said all summer, it is a difficult situation for the club to manage.
"We love Alex in the sense of what he has done for this football club since he has been here, what he has contributed, what he has given, how professional he's been and this has just been an unfortunate few months that looks like it is coming to an end.
"And it will come to an end pretty quickly and then we can focus on the football again."
The transfer window will close on September 1 and Howe left the door open for Isak to be reintegrated into his squad for the rest of the season should a move not materialise.
"Alex is a fantastic player, he's a good person, a good character and a good lad," Howe added.
"If Alex wanted to come back and play for us the players would welcome him."
One of the issues holding up a potential sale of their prized asset is Newcastle's inability to so far attract new strikers to St. James' Park.
Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen are the two names currently on their wish list after failed moves for Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro among others.
kca/pi

RSA

Breetzke, Ngidi star as South Africa crush Australia to win ODI series

  • World champions Australia have now lost the past five ODI series against South Africa, with their batsmen again failing to fire.
  • Matthew Breetzke slammed a superb 88 and speedster Lungi Ngidi claimed five wickets as South Africa crushed Australia by 84 runs to win the second one-day international and the series in Mackay on Friday.
  • World champions Australia have now lost the past five ODI series against South Africa, with their batsmen again failing to fire.
Matthew Breetzke slammed a superb 88 and speedster Lungi Ngidi claimed five wickets as South Africa crushed Australia by 84 runs to win the second one-day international and the series in Mackay on Friday.
The Proteas took out the opening game by a thumping 98 runs, making the third and final match on Sunday a dead rubber.
World champions Australia have now lost the past five ODI series against South Africa, with their batsmen again failing to fire.
After skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bat, Breetzke crunched eight fours and two sixes to continue his top form since making his debut this year.
He has posted a century and three half-centuries in his first four ODIs.
Tristan Stubbs was also impressive in making 74 before they were dismissed in the final over for 277, with Adam Zampa taking 3-63 and Cameron Green holding four catches.
Josh Inglis blitzed 87 in Australia's reply, but no one else rose to the occasion and they were dismissed for 193 in the 38th over. Ngidi ended with 5-42.
"It's a great feeling, of course, never an easy feat coming to Australia and wrapping up the series in two games," said Markram. "Really good from the boys."
South Africa rattled Australia early despite being without off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who was cited for a suspect action during the first game, and injured pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.
Travis Head lasted just nine balls before being taken at mid-wicket off Nandre Burger, while the out-of-touch Marnus Labuschagne failed again, out for one.
Skipper Mitchell Marsh lashed four boundaries in a quickfire 18 but he too fell cheaply before Green and Inglis began to rebuild.
They put on 67 but Green departed for 35, caught and bowled by spinner Senuran Muthusamy.
Alex Carey (13) and Aaron Hardie (10) didn't last long but Inglis battled on until Ngidi enticed an edge and he was caught by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, spelling the end for Australia.
"Disappointing," said Marsh. "I thought as a collective we pegged them back beautifully with the ball, but as a batting unit we just didn't get the job done tonight."
Earlier, South Africa started tentatively as Xavier Bartlett bagged both openers inside the first six overs.
The paceman had Markram caught by Head at mid-wicket without scoring.
He then tempted Rickelton (eight) to poke at a seaming ball, with wicketkeeper Inglis taking a fine diving catch.
But Breetzke relieved the pressure when Hardie came on, slamming the quick for two sixes and a four in one over to steer them to 56-2 after the 10-over powerplay.
He then built a breezy 67-run stand with Tony de Zorzi (38), and shared another 89-run partnership with Stubbs before skying Nathan Ellis to Carey in the deep.
Stubbs stuck around as wickets fell until he slogged Zampa down the ground and Green got underneath it, before a late flurry from the tail.
mp/pbt

Bundesliga

Teenager Wanner signs with Eindhoven from Bayern

  • Wanner, 19, joined Bayern's youth academy in 2018 and made his Bundesliga debut for the club just after his 16th birthday, but would only go on to make just eight competitive appearances for the Bavarians. 
  • Teenage forward Paul Wanner has signed with PSV Eindhoven until 2030 from Bayern Munich's junior side, the German club confirmed on Friday. 
  • Wanner, 19, joined Bayern's youth academy in 2018 and made his Bundesliga debut for the club just after his 16th birthday, but would only go on to make just eight competitive appearances for the Bavarians. 
Teenage forward Paul Wanner has signed with PSV Eindhoven until 2030 from Bayern Munich's junior side, the German club confirmed on Friday. 
Eindhoven paid a reported fee of 15 million euros ($17 million) plus bonuses, with Bayern inserting a buy-back clause into the deal. 
Wanner, 19, joined Bayern's youth academy in 2018 and made his Bundesliga debut for the club just after his 16th birthday, but would only go on to make just eight competitive appearances for the Bavarians. 
Sporting director Max Eberl made a veiled criticism of Wanner on Thursday, saying Bayern only "wanted to work with players who are keen to become Bayern Munich players".
Wanner's departure was approved despite Bayern losing several forwards this summer, including Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, Thomas Mueller and Mathys Tel. 
Bayern striker Harry Kane made a rare public criticism of the club on Saturday, saying the "thin" squad was "probably one of the smallest I've every played in".
dwi/nf

WC

Women's World Cup games moved out of Bengaluru months after tragedy

  • The opening match of the World Cup, between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, will now be played in Guwahati.
  • The Bengaluru stadium where 11 cricket fans died during celebrations in June will no longer host Women's World Cup matches including the opening game, the sport's governing body said on Friday.
  • The opening match of the World Cup, between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, will now be played in Guwahati.
The Bengaluru stadium where 11 cricket fans died during celebrations in June will no longer host Women's World Cup matches including the opening game, the sport's governing body said on Friday.
Mumbai will instead be one of the four Indian venues for the 50-over tournament starting on September 30, along with the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.
The International Cricket Council cited "unforeseen circumstances" for moving games away from Chinnaswamy Stadium, without saying the specific reasons.
However, local media has said that police denied permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host major matches at the stadium.
On June 4 a victory parade by hundreds of thousands of fans for IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned deadly, with fans as young as 14 crushed to death and about 50 others hurt as supporters swarmed outside the gates of the venue.
The stadium was subsequently deemed "unsafe" by a judicial commission to host large crowds.
The opening match of the World Cup, between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, will now be played in Guwahati.
Bengaluru had been scheduled to stage up to five World Cup games including the November 2 final, depending on whether Pakistan reach the title decider.
Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo as part of a compromise deal.
The final will now be played in either Mumbai or Colombo.
fk/abh/pst

Sports

Australian Rules player body urges 'united approach' after homophobic slur

  • Australian Rules is the country's most popular spectator sport but it has long been marred by controversies.
  • The union that represents Australian Rules players on Friday called for a "more effective and united approach" to tackling homophobia with the sport embroiled in yet another ugly scandal.
  • Australian Rules is the country's most popular spectator sport but it has long been marred by controversies.
The union that represents Australian Rules players on Friday called for a "more effective and united approach" to tackling homophobia with the sport embroiled in yet another ugly scandal.
Australian Rules is the country's most popular spectator sport but it has long been marred by controversies.
In the latest, Adelaide player Izak Rankine was slapped with a four-match ban on Thursday for a homophobic slur against an opponent last weekend.
He is the sixth player banned for similar incidents in the past 16 months, and the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) said a more rounded approach was needed from the AFL, the sport's governing body.
"This incident again highlights the need for a more effective and united approach," AFLPA interim chief executive Ben Smith said. 
"While there is strong alignment across the industry in rejecting homophobia, the AFL's focus on sanctioning players in the absence of a holistic strategy is not delivering the cultural change we need."
He urged more "meaningful engagement" with those impacted by homophobia and better education for players.
Smith also took aim at how the story was handled by some media which focused more on the sanction being less than expected and not the underlying causes.
The AFL cited "compelling medical grounds" for suspending Rankine for four games instead of five, reportedly due to his history of mental health and concussion issues.
Smith noted that public debate around homophobia in sport "has a significant impact on many people, including those directly involved and members of the LGBTQI+ community with lived experience".
"That impact is compounded when a highly public debate occurs which is singularly focused on the level of the sanction at the expense of meaningfully understanding of what occurred, why it occurred and what can be done to not only prevent the reoccurrence of any homophobic conduct, but to create a genuinely inclusive environment."
AFL general counsel Stephen Meade has acknowledged that more work needs to be done to tackle the problem, without spelling out what was planned.
Adelaide boss Tim Silvers told local radio on Friday that Rankine, who has apologised, was "doing it tough".
"He's embarrassed, he's remorseful, he's regretful, he hasn't actually been back to the club since it happened," he said.
mp/pst

Liga

Alonso and Real Madrid look for more fluidity on trip to Oviedo

  • Key stats 18 - As in the age of Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona star celebrating his birthday last month, but also Mastantuono who turned 18 five days before making his debut against Osasuna  24 - The number of years since Oviedo were last in La Liga 5 - Atletico Madrid had five new signings in their starting line-up against Espanyol on the opening weekend but Diego Simeone's new-look team got off to a losing start and will be looking to bounce back at home to Elche on Saturday Fixtures (times GMT) Friday Real Betis v Alaves (1930) Saturday Mallorca v Celta Vigo (1500), Atletico Madrid v Elche (1730), Levante v Barcelona (1930) Sunday Osasuna v Valencia (1500), Real Sociedad v Espanyol, Villarreal v Girona (both 1730), Real Oviedo v Real Madrid (1930) Monday Athletic Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Sevilla v Getafe (1930) bur-as/dmc
  • After winning without convincing against Osasuna in their opening match of the season in La Liga, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid head to Real Oviedo on Sunday for what will be a gala occasion for the newly-promoted side.
  • Key stats 18 - As in the age of Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona star celebrating his birthday last month, but also Mastantuono who turned 18 five days before making his debut against Osasuna  24 - The number of years since Oviedo were last in La Liga 5 - Atletico Madrid had five new signings in their starting line-up against Espanyol on the opening weekend but Diego Simeone's new-look team got off to a losing start and will be looking to bounce back at home to Elche on Saturday Fixtures (times GMT) Friday Real Betis v Alaves (1930) Saturday Mallorca v Celta Vigo (1500), Atletico Madrid v Elche (1730), Levante v Barcelona (1930) Sunday Osasuna v Valencia (1500), Real Sociedad v Espanyol, Villarreal v Girona (both 1730), Real Oviedo v Real Madrid (1930) Monday Athletic Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Sevilla v Getafe (1930) bur-as/dmc
After winning without convincing against Osasuna in their opening match of the season in La Liga, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid head to Real Oviedo on Sunday for what will be a gala occasion for the newly-promoted side.
Oviedo returned to Spain's top flight after an absence of almost quarter of a century by beating Mirandes in the second-tier play-off final in June.
The club from the northern region of Asturias, coached by Serbian former player Veljko Paunovic, were therefore left facing a quick turnaround before tackling life back in La Liga.
With a 40-year-old Santi Cazorla coming off the bench and Venezuela veteran Salomon Rondon leading the attack, Oviedo lost 2-0 away at Villarreal in their first game back in the elite.
Now they host the 15-time European champions in front of what will be a sell-out 30,000 crowd at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
Alonso took charge of Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, in which his new charges reached the semi-finals before suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
After a short close-season break, Real returned to training before edging Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday thanks to a Kylian Mbappe penalty.
"After a two-week pre-season, against a team who had longer, there were things missing but the result gives us stability going forward," said Alonso after that match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, signed before the Club World Cup, made their Liga bows for Madrid in that game while left-back Alvaro Carreras made his debut after joining from Benfica.
Teenage Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono also came on for his first appearance.
Alonso will now hope for a more fluid display as his side continue what looks like a kind opening run of fixtures building up to the derby away to Atletico in late September. 
Player to watch: Franco Mastantuono
The Argentine teenager is tipped for a huge future and made his La Liga debut on Tuesday off the bench for Madrid.
Mastantuono moved to the Bernabeu in June, signing from River Plate for just over 63 million euros ($72 million) and penning a six-year deal.
The winger or attacking midfielder, who made his senior Argentina debut in early June just before playing at the Club World Cup with River, will hope to make a big impact in La Liga this season.
"He has that Argentine grit and competitive spirit," said Real coach Alonso this week, while also hailing the youngster's ability to play the final pass.
With Rodrygo still being tipped to depart Real in the transfer window, that would leave Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz to contest a spot on the right wing.
Key stats
18 - As in the age of Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona star celebrating his birthday last month, but also Mastantuono who turned 18 five days before making his debut against Osasuna 
24 - The number of years since Oviedo were last in La Liga
5 - Atletico Madrid had five new signings in their starting line-up against Espanyol on the opening weekend but Diego Simeone's new-look team got off to a losing start and will be looking to bounce back at home to Elche on Saturday
Fixtures (times GMT)
Friday
Real Betis v Alaves (1930)
Saturday
Mallorca v Celta Vigo (1500), Atletico Madrid v Elche (1730), Levante v Barcelona (1930)
Sunday
Osasuna v Valencia (1500), Real Sociedad v Espanyol, Villarreal v Girona (both 1730), Real Oviedo v Real Madrid (1930)
Monday
Athletic Bilbao v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Sevilla v Getafe (1930)
bur-as/dmc

ESP

A rise in the mountains as Vuelta a Espana cranks up the climbing

  • No Dane has won the Vuelta, which is the junior Grand Tour.
  • Dane Jonas Vingegaard is the man to beat at cycling's final Grand Tour of the season when the Vuelta a Espana rolls out of Turin on Saturday for a 21-day run packed with mountains.
  • No Dane has won the Vuelta, which is the junior Grand Tour.
Dane Jonas Vingegaard is the man to beat at cycling's final Grand Tour of the season when the Vuelta a Espana rolls out of Turin on Saturday for a 21-day run packed with mountains.
The Spanish race starts with three days in the Piedmont region of Italy before sweeping into France. It also spends two days in Andorra as the home action gets underway, culminating in Madrid on September 14.
There are a massive ten summit finishes as the general trend away from bunch sprint stages is pushed to an extreme, with only two sprints seemingly guaranteed and a potential two more, depending how the peloton approach them.
Another Dane, the 2019 world champion and winner of the 2025 Giro d'Italia points competition, Mads Pedersen is the favourite for the sprint expected on day one.
On day two, the climbing begins. There are 10 stages with at least 3,000m of vertical gain, making for relentless pressure rather than one single make-or-break blockbuster climbing day.
No Dane has won the Vuelta, which is the junior Grand Tour. It was first raced in 1935. The Tour de France was first run in 1903 and the Giro in 1909. The Vuelta is embarking on it's 80th edition which will also be 300th Grand Tour raced in cycling history.
Two-time Tour de France winner Vingegaard is red hot favourite.

'Overall victory'

His team Visma won the Giro d'Italia with Simon Yates in May. Vingegaard came second at the Tour de France. Success in Madrid would complete a a good season.
"I'm here for the overall win, and with this team supporting me, that seems like a realistic goal," said Vingegaard, starting his third Vuelta. 
Visma Head of Racing Grischa Niermann was in bullish mood in Turin.
"Jonas is our leader and our biggest chance for the overall victory. But with Sepp Kuss, we have a former winner at the start," he said.
Visma are sending a deep and powerful team that appears the strongest on paper at least.
"We have a team that can support Jonas in every situation," Niermann said.
The race should be spared much of the traditional heat and the boredom of dual carriageways as it sticks to the cooler northern regions of Galicia, the Basque Country and Asturias. It goes no further south than Madrid.
There are plenty of rivals for the overall leader's red jersey but neither the superstar Tadej Pogacar nor the 2024 champion Primoz Roglic will line up.
In the absence of Pogacar, who will defend the world title in Rwanda in September, Team UAE have two hopes in Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso.
Colombia's Egan Bernal plays dark horse and can complete the treble of all Grand Tours after his 2019 Tour de France and 2021 Giro d'Italia win.
But American rider Kuss is the only former Vuelta champion in the pack.
dmc/pb