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Three Things We Learned From the Blue Jays' Game 1 Win Over the Dodgers

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Historically, the winner of Game 1 of the World Series has gone on to win the Fall Classic 64% of the time.

That's good news, of course, if you're a fan of the Blue Jays, who emphatically captured Game 1 of the 2025 World Series on Friday night by a final score of 11–4.

Here are three takeaways from Toronto's series-opening win.

The Blue Jays grinded out at-bats against Blake Snell that paid dividends later in the contest

The single biggest storyline entering the World Series was the Dodgers' starting rotation and its dominance throughout the postseason. Entering Game 1, Los Angeles's starters boasted a 1.40 ERA this postseason, and were coming off a dominant NLCS in which they held the Brewers to a .118 batting average as a team.

Getting to the Dodgers' bullpen was going to be paramount for the Blue Jays, not only against Los Angeles ace Blake Snell in Game 1, but throughout the series.

Snell pitched three scoreless innings to begin the game, but Toronto made him work. The Blue Jays put runners on base in each of the first three frames, driving Snell's pitch count up in the process. In the fourth, the tough early at-bats paid dividends. Trailing 2–0, Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk singled before center fielder Daulton Varsho took a Snell four-seam fastball deep to dead center to tie the game.

The game was all square, which of course was only a precursor for what was to come in the sixth.

The Dodgers' bullpen? Not as good as their starters!

This was a big storyline heading into the World Series. Could the Blue Jays get into the Dodgers bullpen and make the unit pay? As previously mentioned, the Los Angeles starting rotation entered the Fall Classic with a 1.40 postseason ERA. The bullpen, on the other hand, had a 4.88 ERA.

The sixth inning of Game 1 provided a blueprint for how Toronto could win the World Series. Grind out good early at-bats against the Dodgers starters, then attack the bullpen. The Blue Jays posted a nine-spot in the sixth, blowing the game open with the most runs scored in a single inning of a World Series game since 1968. The grand slam from Toronto utilityman Addison Barger – which effectively put the game away – was the first pinch hit grand slam in World Series history.

Three of the nine runs in the sixth were charged to Snell, the remaining six were courtesy of the Los Angeles bullpen. You can't ask for much better than that if you're a fan of the Blue Jays.

The Dodgers need more from the top of their lineup in Game 2 (and beyond)

The Dodgers need more out of the top of their lineup, starting in Game 2. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run home run in the top of the seventh, which came with Los Angeles trailing 11–2. Toronto fans are certainly happy that Ohtani's biggest hit of the night came with the game well in hand. He finished 1-for-4. Shortstop Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman were a combined 1-for-7 on Friday night, underscoring the Dodgers' struggles at the plate.

The track record of those three players is way too good to expect another pedestrian performance in Game 2. More tone-setting at the top of the lineup will be something to keep an eye on for the Los Angeles on Saturday.

SCG axe leaves Mitchell Marsh's Test career at crossroads

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It’s difficult to see a road for his return with Webster and Hardie moving up the list and Green set to return later in 2025

Andrew McGlashan02-Jan-2025It has been one of the feel-good stories in Australian cricket over the last 18 months, but not quite a year on from being named the Allan Border Medalist, and giving an acceptance speech for the ages, Mitchell Marsh’s Test career is at a crossroads.”Not necessarily blindsided,” Cummins said of Marsh’s reaction when the news was given to him that he was dropped for the final Test against India at the SCG with Beau Webster handed a debut in his place. With 73 runs in the series and limited impact with the ball, the numbers were not in his favour.Having been informed of the decision before Cummins spoke to reporters, Marsh left the nets having not batted but still signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans who had come in to watch Australia’s opening training session. A very popular team figure, Cummins made a point of mentioning Marsh’s first thoughts on Webster’s inclusion. “The first thing he said was, ‘I can’t wait to see Beau out there and give it a crack’,” Cummins said.Related

  • Mitchell Marsh out of Champions Trophy with back injury

  • 'He'll push through' – Carey confident Starc won't let back issue keep him out of SCG Test

  • Mitchell Marsh dropped, Beau Webster to debut in Sydney

  • Akash Deep and Marsh out of Sydney showdown

Sydney Tests against India have not been kind to Marsh. In the 2018-19 series he was also dropped for the equivalent fixture having made a one-match return at the MCG where he was booed in what became an often-recalled story of his career. From there he played one Test in four and a half years before his return midway through the 2023 Ashes.In the last few weeks Marsh has looked a shadow of the player who produced a string of match-changing innings since his recall against England. That day at Headingley he was dropped on 12 at slip before racing to a thrilling hundred. Marsh said he played that game as though it was his last, having undergone ankle surgery earlier in the year to give himself a chance of playing Test cricket again. But such was the impact he had he remained for 14 consecutive matches, even forcing Cameron Green to the sidelines early last summer.However, this series he has only once threatened to dominate with the bat, making 47 in the second innings Perth with Australia’s defeat inevitable. At times he has appeared caught between attack and defence.Mitchell Marsh has made just 73 runs across seven innings in the series•Getty ImagesMarsh’s bowling workload has been a regular talking point – since the Perth Test he has sent down just 16 overs – but while Cummins referenced Webster’s capabilities with the ball, for a match where the workloads of the captain and Mitchell Starc will be of particular focus, it is the lack of runs that has cost Marsh his spot.”He was in the side this summer for being a top six batter so that’s generally a guiding principle when you are picking a top order,” Cummins said. “Think when he’s at his best he gets into the side on his batting alone and his bowling’s a bonus.”At 33 it doesn’t have to be the end of Marsh’s Test career, something which Cummins stressed when he confirmed the team, but like Green missing out in England to give him his unexpected return, he will now wait for the cards to fall in his favour. Green will return later in 2025 while Webster has moved ahead of him in the pecking order and, if he can regain bowling fitness, Aaron Hardie will likely soon move up the list.It’s difficult to see a road for Marsh’s return. Australia are likely to get creative with the balance of their side in Sri Lanka in late January, and playing spin is not one of Marsh’s strengths despite his natural power down the ground. It would be difficult to see him being recalled for a World Test Championship final should Australia qualify having just been left out. Being a key part of Australia’s ODI side means he will also miss Sheffield Shield cricket in February and early March.Beau Webster is set to make his Test debut at the SCG•Getty ImagesIt is the second significant selection call Australia have made in the last two Tests following the axing of Nathan McSweeney in favour of Sam Konstas, a move that paid off in dramatic style at the MCG.In contrast to 19-year-old Konstas, Webster is a player who has done the hard yards through domestic cricket to earn a debut aged 31. In 2023-24 he scored 938 runs and took 30 wickets in the Sheffield Shield, a return only bettered by Garry Sobers. He is also one of the best slip catchers in Australia.He has reinvented himself, too, having revived his medium pace during the 2020 Covid lockdowns to a point where it has now overtaken offspin as his primary weapon with the ball.”I don’t think I’d be standing here if I was still wheeling out the offspinners,” Webster said in Melbourne last week. “It’s a part of my game I’ve been really proud to develop in the last four years. It’s taken a lot of hard work early doors from being sore at the start and trying to get my body used to bowling a few overs here and there and then bowling lots and lots of Tasmania.”Now it feels like it’s as important as my batting game and they go hand-in-hand if you’re struggling with the bat you can still contribute with the ball and vice versa.”Webster will have good memories of his most recent outing at the SCG where he helped Tasmania to victory over New South Wales with a total of 110 runs and five wickets in the match.”He’s a special player at the moment,” Tasmania captain Jordan Silk said after that match in late November. “Any time I feel like we’re in trouble, I feel like I can throw him the ball and he just seems to be able to create something.”

Bundesliga club ordered to pay full salary to ex-Aston Villa and Everton winger after sacking him over pro-Palestine social media comments

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Mainz have lost their legal battle against former player Anwar El Ghazi after a court ruled that the Dutch winger’s dismissal over pro-Palestine social media posts was invalid. The verdict upholds an earlier decision made in the summer of 2024, forcing the Bundesliga club to honour his full salary for his time with them.

  • Court rules in El Ghazi’s favour

    The Rhineland-Palatinate State Labour Court rejected Mainz’s appeal, concluding that El Ghazi’s right to freedom of expression outweighed the club’s justification for termination. Mainz had initially issued the 30-year-old a warning after his first post, but decided to terminate his contract without notice following a second post. The court found that a summary dismissal was not legally justified, maintaining that expressing a personal political opinion did not amount to grounds for immediate termination. As a result, Mainz must pay the full contractually agreed salary owed to the Dutch winger.

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    El Ghazi’s controversial termination

    El Ghazi was dismissed in late 2023 after posting a message on social media expressing support for Palestine in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel.

    “This isn’t a conflict and it’s not a war. This is genocide and mass destruction and we’re witnessing it happen live. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," the Dutch winger wrote on Instagram.

    Mainz immediately suspended him, calling the post 'unacceptable.' When El Ghazi later stood by his words in a follow-up post, the club terminated his contract. The decision came despite the player later deleting the post and apologising, saying he regretted his choice of words and that he stood for 'peace and humanity.'

  • From Ajax, Aston Villa to Qatar

    Born in Netherlands, El Ghazi began his professional career with Ajax in 2014, making an immediate impact as a young winger. After four seasons in Amsterdam, he joined Lille in 2017 for €8 million. Following an injury-hit spell in France, the Dutchman moved to Aston Villa on loan in 2018, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League. Villa made the move permanent in 2019 after his strong performances in the Championship.

    During his time in England, El Ghazi scored four goals and provided four assists in his debut Premier League season, playing a key role in helping Villa avoid relegation.

    In 2022, he joined Everton but struggled to make an impact, leading to a move back to the Netherlands with PSV. After a short stint in Eindhoven, he signed with Mainz in September 2023 on a two-year deal but made only three substitute appearances before his controversial dismissal.

    Following his contract termination, the Dutchman moved abroad to continue his career and now plays for Qatari side Al-Sailiya.

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    What’s next for Mainz and El Ghazi?

    Club chairman Stefan Hofmann acknowledged the ruling that was handed down this week, saying: "We have to accept this decision. However, we stand by our position on the substance: Based on the values and convictions that define Mainz 05, the continued employment of persons who express and behave in fundamental contradiction to these values will be excluded in the future as well."

    Meanwhile, El Ghazi is continuing his career with Al Sailiya, having signed a two-year contract in September of this year. 

MLB Announces Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award Winners

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MLB announced the winners of the first major annual award on Monday, revealing the winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award for both the American and National League.

The Rookie of the Year awards are annually voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America, with 30 voters determining who was the top rookie in MLB during the season. The reigning Rookie of the Year winners are Yankees pitcher Luis Gil and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

Here’s a look at the 2025 Rookie of the Year winners.

American League Rookie of the Year Winner

Winner: Nick Kurtz, Athletics 1B

Finalists: Roman Anthony, Red Sox OF and Jacob Wilson, Athletics SS

Nick Kurtz made his debut for the Athletics on April 23, 2025 and finished his stellar rookie campaign slashing .290/.383/.619 with 122 hits, 90 runs, 36 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS. Kurtz, nicknamed the “Big Amish” and known for his butter churning celebration, finished 10th in MLB in home runs and led all rookies in 2025 in home runs, RBIs, runs and walks.

Kurtz’s finest performance of the season came on July 25, when he went 6-6 with four home runs and eight RBIs against the Astros, becoming the first rookie ever to hit four home runs in a single game.

He is now the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. Teammate Jacob Wilson finished second in the voting with 23 second-place votes while Roman Anthony comes up in third after receiving three second-place votes and 15 third-place votes.

“It’s a great ending to the first year,” Kurtz told MLB Network. “Like Jacob said earlier, use this and keep on grinding and come back better next year.”

National League Rookie of the Year Winner

Winner: Drake Baldwin, Braves C

Finalists: Caleb Durbin, Brewers 3B and Cade Horton, Cubs pitcher

Drake Baldwin made his MLB debut at the start of the season on March 27, 2025. Over the course of 124 games during his first season, he slashed .274/.341/.469 for 111 hits, 56 runs, 19 home runs, 80s RBIs and a .810 OPS. Baldwin finished the season leading all National League rookies in RBIs, second among NL rookies in home runs and second on the Braves in WAR.

Wayne Rooney slams Liverpool's 'leaders' for letting standards slip as legendary striker claims Premier League champions could turn into Man Utd

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Wayne Rooney has slammed Liverpool's 'leaders' after the Reds fell to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White condemned the Premier League champions to a sixth league defeat of the season as their title defence lies in tatters following another subpar showing.

AFPLiverpool enduring a difficult campaign

Liverpool were already eight points off league leaders Arsenal heading into the weekend's action and they needed a victory over Sean Dyche's Forest side in order to kickstart a comeback in the title race. However, they could be 11 points behind the Gunners should Mikel Arteta's men claim all the spoils in the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

The Reds have now lost as many games as newly-promoted Leeds ahead of their meeting with Aston Villa today and the Merseyside outfit are struggling to match last season's expectations that saw them secure a first Premier League title since 2020. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota combined with player upheaval has contributed to a poor opening few months of the campaign.

And former Manchester United and Everton striker Wayne Rooney tore into the Reds on Match of the Day on Saturday night, with the ex-England hero pointing fingers at the club's 'leaders' in the dressing room as a reason behind the poor form.

AdvertisementThe leaders need to pick the players up, says Rooney

In the post-Liverpool vs Forest segment on Match of the Day, Rooney said: "Liverpool are a very good team and they're going through a very difficult moment. They've been going through a tough time all season really. Even at the beginning of the season, they won games, but they were struggling with performance. Throughout the season, it's those leaders in that dressing room that have to pick the players up."

Rooney added that unless the club can sort themselves out in the coming weeks, then they'll be the latest Big Six side to drop down the Premier League table, continuing: "We've seen it over the last few years with Manchester United and we've seen it last year with Tottenham, they can slip down the table."

United endured their worst ever Premier League finish under Ruben Amorim last season, as they finished 15th. Combined with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham, the Red Devils are going through a campaign without any European football of note.

Spurs, meanwhile, ended their lengthy wait for silverware as they beat United 1-0 in Bilbao in May, but the league form suffered as the north London side prioritised the Europa League, which meant they finish 17th on 38 points.

Getty Images SportLiverpool boss Slot laments 'another big disappointment'

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted after the loss to Forest that the result itself was "another big disappointment" with the Reds now on a run of six defeats in their last seven league outings.

"Another big disappointment," Slot started after Saturday's defeat. "We started off quite well for the first half an hour. We conceded the 1-0, and we weren’t able to play the way we did in the first half hour.

"If things go well or things go bad, it’s my responsibility. We weren’t able to create enough. I tried to adjust a few things, but it didn’t work out. We were unable to score a goal. You never know in this stadium, if you score a goal, then things can work out."

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Getty Images SportReds not up to 'battles, challenges, the fight' states Van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also claimed that the club are not up to the "battles, challenges, the fight" as the Dutchman discussed the performance with Premier League Productions.

"We concede too many easy goals," Van Dijk started. "They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we’re 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation at the moment.

"There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that’s human when you’re in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we’re in a very difficult moment. We don’t get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work.

"It’s a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going."

The Reds skipper continued "We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we’re 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It’s a very difficult situation at the moment.

"There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that’s human when you’re in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we’re in a very difficult moment. We don’t get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work.

"It’s a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going.

"I can’t decide what the supporters are doing if they leave early. I know the fans have been through thick and thin with us. They will be there with us when we come out of this because we will come out of this."

Brasil x Estados Unidos: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Copa Ouro Feminina

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MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira tem o seu desafio final na Copa Ouro Feminina contra os Estados Unidos, anfitriãs do torneio. O Brasil está invicto na competição e vai decidir o título com uma das mais consolidadas do cenário do futebol feminino. O confronto vale o primeiro título da Era Arthur Elias, após decepção na Copa do Mundo.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Para o confronto final, a Seleção chega com força máxima e com a confiança em alta após vencer bem as cinco últimas partidas. A Amarelinha chegou na grande decisão depois de vencer o México por 3 a 0, enquanto os EUA ficaram no empate com o Canadá em 2 a 2 e avançaram nos pênaltis.

Quer ganhar mais de R$200? Aposte R$50 na Lance! Betting e garanta o churrasco de domingo!

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Brasil x Estados Unidos
Copa Ouro Feminina – Final

Data e horário: domingo, 10 de março de 2024, às 22h15 (de Brasília)
Local: Snapdragon Stadium, em San Diego, nos EUA
Onde assistir: ESPN e Star+

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⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES
BRASIL (Técnico: Arthur Elias)
Luciana; Antônia, Bia Menezes, Tarciane, Rafaelle Souza; Gabi Portilho, Vitória Yaya, Duda Santos; Bia Zaneratto, Gabi Nunes e Duda Sampaio.

ESTADOS UNIDOS (Técnica: Emma Hayes)
Alyssa Naeher; Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox e Samantha Coffey; Lindsey Horan, Korbin Albert e Alex Morgan; Trinity Rodman, Jenna Nighswonger e Jaedyn Shaw.

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Copa OuroOnde assistirSeleção Brasileira

Amanda-Jade Wellington signs for Hampshire

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Australian has extensive experience playing in UK and joins after successful summer with Somerset

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2025Hampshire have recruited Australia allrounder Amanda-Jade Wellington as one of their overseas players for the 2026 season.Wellington, 28, has previous experience of playing at the Utilita Bowl with Southern Brave in the Hundred – she is the second-highest wicket-taker across five seasons of the competition – and joins after a successful campaign with Somerset in the inaugural women’s Tier 1 season earlier this year.”I’m really excited to join Hampshire for the upcoming season,” Wellington said. “I had a great time at Utilita Bowl in my two years at Southern Brave and I look forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new memories which will hopefully result in trophies come end the end of the summer.”Related

  • Osborne appointed Somerset Women head coach

  • Women's county ins and outs 2025-26

An attacking legspinner and capable batter, Wellington has played 23 times for Australia across all formats, but not since 2022. She is expected to be available throughout the summer for Hampshire.Regional director of women’s cricket, Adam Carty, said: “We’re really pleased to secure Amanda-Jade for the whole of next season. She’s a friend of the club and a vastly experienced cricketer, who boasts a fine record with bat and ball in England having featured effectively in the Hundred and in Tier 1.”We look forward to welcoming her back to Utilita Bowl in 2026.”

FIFA set to push ahead with major VAR rule change for 2026 World Cup despite initial rejection

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

FIFA are all set to push ahead with a major VAR rule change for the 2026 World Cup despite facing initial rejection from stakeholders and members. The new changes in the law will be applicable for VAR checks on corner kicks during the flagship competition. The International Football Association Board convened a meeting in October, where they reached an agreement that VAR could be expanded.

VAR to check corner-kicks

According to , FIFA will aggressively push for VAR to check corner kicks at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite facing rejection from domestic leagues to implement across all competitions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) – the body which determines the laws of the game – met in October, were an agreement was reached that VAR would check incorrectly given yellow cards, which could lead to a read, although the idea to review corner kicks was rejected. 

The rejection means that IFAB will now have to conduct extensive trials across the globe before they can implement at the World Cup in North America next summer. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCollina open to new trials

Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina, who is now serving as FIFA's head of referees, is a supporter of the change as part of a wider review of VAR protocol. to support his argument, Collina has cited an incident from the Euro 2016 final, when Portugal were wrongly awarded a free-kick in extra time for handball on the edge of the area that almost led to a goal. The IFAB will convene their next meeting in January, where further discussions will be held. 

League officials against expansion of usage of the VAR

One major concern for the leagues across the world is that using excessive VAR would lead to more time wasting. The Football Association's chief executive Mark Bullingham, who is also on IFAB's board, had earlier told : "We don't think there's any need to extend the use of VAR. There are regular discussions in IFAB about what VAR should be, and how it should move forward. I think our position is that we're in a good place now. Of course, if someone brings an item forward for Ifab to consider, then as a group we'll consider it. But as a group we don't necessarily think that VAR needs to be extended at the moment. We think there's enough interruptions to the game in the current model."

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Getty Images SportIs expanding of VAR possible?

An important aspect of the Laws of the Game that applies at all levels is that a referee cannot change a restart decision even if they realise it is incorrect after play is back underway. So, once the corner is taken and play is live, the game must continue. Thus if the new laws are implemented at the World Cup next year, every corner will have to be reviewed by the VAR – although in the majority of cases the decision will be obvious. 

Fans will be eager to see if and when FIFA gets the nod to bring in the rule changes in VAR. Before that, they must extensively trial the methods to make sure their plan is foolproof. 

Bayer Leverkusen will remember Man City victory 'for a long time' as coach Kasper Hjulmand praises players for surprise Champions League giant-killing

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Bayer Leverkusen stunned Manchester City with a memorable 2-0 Champions League win on Tuesday, punishing Pep Guardiola’s heavily rotated side with a disciplined and fearless performance. Kasper Hjulmand’s team pulled off a surprise victory at the Etihad Stadium as they outplayed the European giants, who were left to reflect on a risky selection that backfired badly.

  • Leverkusen punish Guardiola’s gamble with historic victory

    City stepped onto the pitch expecting a routine Champions League outing, but Guardiola marked his 100th game in the competition with the club by fielding a heavily rotated XI, a gamble that backfired badly. The Catalan coach made 10 changes, resting Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, and his second-string side struggled from the opening minutes.

    Leverkusen seized control instantly. Alex Grimaldo fired the visitors ahead with a superb strike, and Patrick Schick doubled the lead with a smart header in the second half. Guardiola responded by bringing on Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and eventually Haaland, but the damage had been done. Even the Norwegian striker couldn’t change the momentum, missing City’s clearest chances late on.

    As the final whistle approached, the mood inside the Etihad shifted dramatically, a stunned home crowd witnessing one of City’s most surprising defeats in the Guardiola era, paving the way for Hjulmand’s proud post-match message.

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    Hjulmand overjoyed with Leverkusen’s courage

    Hjulmand spoke with clear emotion after one of the biggest wins of his coaching career, praising his squad’s bravery and execution against one of the most dominant teams in Europe. He highlighted how the result reflected the team’s spirit and belief, elements he insists have been building with every match. 

    “This is a night we will remember for a long time,” said the Dane after the unexpected 2-0 win. “I am very proud of the team and the way we played. We showed a lot of courage. Great respect for my players. We played against one of the best teams in Europe and had to find our philosophy. I think we have done that.”

    He added: "Hopefully, this victory will give us clarity about what we want to achieve and fuel our development. We can still achieve a lot. We can still improve. I think we're seeing a team that's growing together from game to game. This potential is fantastic for me. It makes me very optimistic about this project." 

  • Guardiola takes responsibility after rotation gamble fails

    Guardiola’s post-match reaction was one of accountability, with the City manager openly admitting that his rotation the most dramatic of his Champions League career was a mistake.

    "I take full responsibility," Pep said. "Too many changes. I always had the belief it’s a long season and everyone has to be involved but maybe it was too much. It was the first time in my life I’ve done it and it was too much. I take responsibility but I saw them and I like everyone to be involved."

    "When you are a football player and don’t play for five, six, seven games it’s tough but maybe it was too much. Always I like to be too nice and involve everyone because I have the feeling after the international break there are games every three or four days and there is no human being who can sustain that. We were at home, in a good position in the Champions League and I thought ‘let’s try and let’s have weapons on the bench’. It didn’t work and we have to accept it."

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    Leverkusen boost qualification hopes after statement win

    The victory lands Leverkusen a huge advantage in their push for the knockout phase. After a shaky start to their European campaign – two draws, followed by a heavy 7-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, doubts had begun to spread about their ability to progress. Few expected City to be the opponent that restored faith.

    Hjulmand’s side, however, produced their most complete performance of the season, and with eight points from five matches, they are firmly on course for the last 16. The result also arrives at a critical moment, improving morale before they shift attention back to the Bundesliga and a key clash against Borussia Dortmund.

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