A ruthless Celtic brushed aside Chelsea in a 4-1 thrashing at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.

The Scottish champions scored twice in either half before Christopher Nkunku's consolation, with Enzo Maresca still without a win after his first two friendly games in charge of the Blues.

Matt O'Riley, who is being heavily linked with a move away from Celtic, put the Bhoys in front after 19 minutes before setting up Kyogo Furuhashi for a close-range tap-in just after the half-hour mark.

Kasper Schmeichel proved the difference for Celtic, making a string of fine saves in the first half to protect his clean sheet, though he got lucky as Raheem Sterling and Marc Guiu both struck the woodwork after the break.

Despite signs of life from Chelsea, they were masters of their own downfall for the third goal – Benoit Badiashile's loose pass out from the back went straight to Luis Palma, who pounced on the chance.

The Honduran then set fellow substitute Mikey Johnston up for a deft finish just three minutes later, though Chelsea salvaged some pride late on as Nkunku beat Vijami Sinisalo with an emphatic penalty, but it was too little, too late.

Data Debrief: Problems to solve for Maresca

While the scoreline certainly paints a picture of dominance by Celtic, the stats show that Chelsea matched their opponents out on the pitch, but lacked just one thing - a clinical edge.

The Blues created 23 chances, nine more than Celtic, and had 10 shots on target, though an inspired performance from Schmeichel certainly did not help.

As for Celtic, they round off their pre-season tour having scored four goals in both of their last two matches, having beaten Premier League champions Manchester City 4-3 earlier this week.

Kiliann Sildillia's second-half goal helped France continue their perfect start to the Olympic Games as they booked a place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

Les Bleus made it two wins from two thanks to the right-back's header, though they rode their luck against a spirited Guinea side, who had two first-half goals disallowed.

Amadou Diawara forced Guillaume Restes into a superb fingertip save just minutes into the tie before Jean-Philippe Mateta wasted a hat-trick of chances to put the hosts ahead.

A cheeky backheel dribbled wide, and a thumping header missed the target on either side of Soumaila Sylla's smothering save.

Naby Keita clinically picked out the bottom corner from an offside position just before half-time, with Abdoulaye Toure also seeing a goal ruled out moments later after meeting a free-kick.

France came to life in the second half and gave a warning sign when Loic Bade struck the post from a tight angle.

In the end, Sildillia proved the difference as he was left unmarked to meet Michael Olise's cross, and Sylla could not get to his thumping header.

France are through to the next round, and top Group A with six points, while Guinea sit bottom of the group having lost both of their matches so far.

Data Debrief: Les Bleus leave it late

For much of the first half in this game, France were sluggish and could have easily gone into half-time 2-0 down if it was not for two tight offside calls. 

In the end, Thierry Henry's side showed their quality, with Olise proving the key man. He created six chances, more than anyone else on the pitch, with one of those resulting in an assist.

It is the first time France have reached the quarter-finals at the Olympics since 1996, as they looked to end a 40-year wait for a gold medal in the event.

Andre Onana believes Manchester United made the right decision to keep Erik ten Hag as their manager despite a difficult second season in charge.

Ten Hag's future was the subject of rife speculation in the second half of the season as United slumped to their worst-ever finish in the Premier League, ending the campaign in eighth.

However, the Red Devils finished the campaign on a high by beating Manchester City 2-1 to lift the FA Cup, booking a place in the Europa League after missing out on the European places due to their league finish.

The Dutchman also lifted the EFL Cup in his first season in charge, while his Premier League win percentage of 54% (41/76) is better only by Alex Ferguson (65%).

Ten Hag penned a contract extension earlier this month, and Onana, who also played under him at Ajax, believes it was the right choice to keep him.

"I'm not the one who decides if the manager stays or not," Onana told Sky Sports. "We had a difficult season with Erik last year, but we ended really good.

"The club made the right decision.

"Me, as a player, I think I'm talking on behalf of all of us, we follow the instruction of the manager. We are with him 100%."

United are currently on a pre-season tour of the USA, with the first of their three games being played against Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Fabio Carvalho is determined to force himself into Arne Slot's Liverpool plans by "making a statement" during pre-season.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan, enduring mixed fortunes as he first went to RB Leipzig before joining Hull City.

While he struggled for game time in Germany, Carvalho cemented his place at the Championship side, making 20 appearances in the league for the Tigers.

The midfielder had made just 21 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions before that, netting three goals, and with his future under the new manager still uncertain, he is ready to play for a place in Slot's squad.

"I've had a few conversations with the manager which I'm not going to go into detail about, but he wants me to get my head down and work hard and see where that goes," Carvalho said.

"It's about making a statement. There are good chances for all the young players on this trip. It's a chance for everyone to stamp their mark.

"The time I spent at Hull was crucial. I needed game time, and I was happy when I was playing regularly. Every footballer wants to be playing week in and week out. I feel I got the best of myself when I was there and playing."

Carvalho got his first minutes under Slot in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Real Betis on Friday, playing just over an hour in Pittsburgh.

He was deployed out wide on the left, and despite admitting it is not his favoured position, he was happy settling into his new manager's style.

"We spoke about it and he [Slot] told me to try and settle on the wing, but obviously I know where I play best, and I feel that is as a No 10. I think I play better there," he added.

"I'm just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him. He's giving me good instructions and motivating me a lot in training and giving me that confidence.

"It was good to play against Betis and get a few touches, good to be back in. I feel like the manager's style is a good fit for all of us. I feel like he plays positive football, he likes creating chances and that's what we've been doing."

Fermin Lopez and Alex Baena were on target as Spain beat 10-man Dominican Republic 3-1 to seal their place in the men's quarter-finals at the Olympic Games with a match to spare.

Miguel Gutierrez also struck for La Roja, who made it two wins from two in Group C at Stade de Bordeaux, where their opponents played over half of the game with 10 players following Edison Azcona's red card.

Santi Denia's side opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, and the first goal of this contest was handed to them on a plate in the 24th minute.

Fermin ruthlessly pounced on Enrique Boesl's tame pass out of goal, with the Barcelona midfielder calmly slotting home.

The Dominican Republic levelled 13 minutes later through Angel Montes de Oca's free header, but they were reduced to 10 men just before half-time with Azcona dismissed for violent conduct after lashing out at Pau Cubarsi.

Spain capitalised on their numerical advantage through Alex Baena's deflected strike in the 55th minute before substitute Gutierrez sealed the points 15 minutes later by tapping into an empty net, with the goal eventually standing following a VAR review. 

Data Debrief: La Roja roar into quarter-finals

Spain dominated large periods of the contest with 21 shots to their opponents' five and, playing the entire second half with an extra player, their superiority eventually told.

Silver medallists in Tokyo three years ago, La Roja have progressed from the group stage of consecutive Games for the first time since a run of three straight qualifications between 1992 and 2000.

Argentina got their Group B campaign at the Olympics up and running with a 3-1 victory over Iraq, with Thiago Almada, Luciano Gondou and Ezequiel Fernandez scoring.

Javier Mascherano's side made a losing start against Morocco on Wednesday, going down by a 2-1 scoreline in a chaotic match that featured almost 20 minutes of second-half stoppage time and a two-hour delay due to crowd trouble.

They bounced back against Iraq despite Aymen Hussein cancelling out Almada's opener, with Gondou and Fernandez on target in the second half in a deserved victory.

Argentina hit the front after 14 minutes as Julian Alvarez improvised to chest a deflected cross down to Almada, who lashed into the bottom-left corner on the volley. 

But Iraq grew into the contest and got their reward five minutes into first-half stoppage time, Hussein getting across his marker to nod Ahmed Maknzi's cross into the far corner.

Argentina were in the ascendency throughout the second half, though, restoring their lead shortly after the hour mark. Iraq goalkeeper Hussein Hasan got caught under Kevin Zenon's cross as Gondou headed home at the far post.

They wrapped up the points when Fernandez scored the pick of the goals with five minutes remaining, the midfielder curling a left-footed shot into the top-left corner after clever play from Almada and Zenon.

The Albiceleste, Iraq and Morocco are now all level on three points with one game remaining, with Ukraine pointless ahead of facing the Atlas Lions later on Saturday.

 

Data Debrief: Almada pulls the strings

Almada was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and attracted plenty of admiring glances from European clubs while with Atlanta United, only to join Botofogo for an MLS-record fee earlier this month.

The Brazilian giants have every right to be pleased with their purchase.

As well as firing in the opener on Saturday, Almada managed a game-high three chances created and 30 passes in the final third. A sumptuous backheel in the build-up to Fernandez's goal provided another glimpse of his quality. 

An emotional Endrick says it is a "dream" to play for Real Madrid after being unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid agreed a deal to sign the Brazilian from Palmeiras in December 2022, but he could not formally join the club until his 18th birthday, which he celebrated on July 21.

Endrick has penned a six-year contract with Los Blancos after signing for an initial fee of €35million, though that could rise by a further €25million in add-ons.

The youngster, who will wear the number 16 shirt, was tearful at his stadium presentation, telling the fans he had realised a long dream.

"This is crazy," Endrick said. "I am so happy since I was a kid, I have always been a Madrid fan, and now I am going to play for Madrid.

"I am here, I am going to play, I am so happy. My family are as well. I don't have words to describe what I am feeling. I always wanted to be here. I wanted to play for Madrid. It was a dream. Today it is a reality."

Endrick became the youngest player to feature for Palmeiras, making his debut at the age of 16 in October 2022, and going on to make 82 appearances, scoring 21 goals.

Since making his debut for Brazil last year, he has netted three times in 10 appearances for his national side and was part of their Copa America squad.

Endrick will be part of Madrid's pre-season tour in the United States later this month when they will play three games against Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea.

Ange Postecoglou saluted "fantastic" Mikey Moore, after the teenager struck a late winner in Tottenham's J-League World Challenge clash with Vissel Kobe.

The 16-year-old was the hero with his 88th-minute strike sealing a 3-2 victory at the Japan National Stadium in what was Spurs' first match in their preseason tour of the Far East.

Academy graduate Moore became Tottenham's youngest Premier League player when, aged 16 years and 277 days, he made his senior debut against Manchester City in the penultimate game of last season.

And Postecoglou insists the England youth international, who has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances at under-17 level, is deserving of his first-team opportunities.

"Mikey has been fantastic since we brought him in," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "He's earned his spot on the roster at the moment; he did at the end of last year.

"He got a run with the first team because we could see in training that he was handling himself really well, and that's followed through into pre-season training.

"He's been good in all the games; he probably should have had three tonight, but he did take his goal well by being in the right areas.

"All we can do is keep allowing him to develop. We have to remember that, last year, he had some injuries, and he is only 16.

"I think the future with a lot of our young guys looks pretty promising, but it's our responsibility to make sure they realise their potential and continue to work hard at their game."

Spurs made it three wins from three during preseason, following their 5-1 and 2-0 victories over Hearts and Queens Park Rangers respectively.

"I thought it was a good game," Postecoglou added. "The conditions did make it difficult for both teams, and we've had a hard week of training.

"Credit to the boys. I thought we played some decent football, and they put in as much effort as they humanly could out there.

"You want to provide some sort of entertainment for the supporters who made a great turnout tonight, not just Spurs supporters, but football supporters in general. It's always nice to give back in that way and, overall, I was pleased."

Atletico Madrid have "reached an agreement" with Real Sociedad over the signing of Robin Le Normand.

The Spain defender, who was part of the side that won Euro 2024, will finalise his move to Atleti "in the coming days" for a fee believed to be in the region of €34.5million.

French-born Le Normand started his career with Brest before spending eight years with Txuri-Urdin, for whom he made 221 senior appearances across all competitions, while winning the 2019-20 Copa del Rey.

The 27-year-old is fresh from international success in Germany, where he played in six of Spain's seven matches, while he also helped La Roja win the Nations League last year.

A statement on Atletico's official website read: "Atletico and Sociedad have reached an agreement for the transfer of Le Normand. The deal will be finalised in the coming days when the player returns from his holiday.

Meanwhile, Sociedad wrote on X: "We'll always remember his dedication and gratitude to the colours that have shaped him into the player he is today. Good luck."

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's Premier League dominance in recent seasons would not have been possible without Ederson.

The Brazil goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain, amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ederson has been an integral figure for City since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, with 112 clean sheets in 250 Premier League appearances under Guardiola, while recording a save percentage of 68.17.

The 30-year-old conceded just 26 goals last season as the Citizens won an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title - and their sixth since he joined the club.

Ederson's distribution has also been crucial to City's success, notably completing 942 of his 1,097 passes last term (85.87%).

"I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us," Guardiola said. "I would love him to stay.

 

"I cannot imagine our processes succeeding these last seasons without him. He is an important figure in the locker room."

Ederson could feature for City on Saturday when they continue their pre-season tour of the United States against Paulo Fonseca's Milan at the Yankee Stadium.

 

Erik ten Hag wants more transfer activity ahead of his third season in charge of Manchester United, saying the Red Devils must work to replicate their rivals' strength in depth.

Ten Hag signed a new contract after overseeing United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, having previously been expected to depart.

Ahead of their first full season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime, United have spent an estimated £88million to acquire forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille.

But after United suffered more injuries causing a player to miss at least one match (45) than any other Premier League team last term, Ten Hag believes more is required.

"I want the squad as strong as possible," Ten Hag told reporters at a press conference ahead of Saturday's friendly versus Arsenal.

"We already made two very good buys, so when everyone is fit we have a team that can beat everyone.

"But also in squad depth, we have to catch up. We know that because when we had injuries, we were vulnerable, and we have to avoid this. 

 

"First, by picking up fewer injuries. And second, our squad has to be that good in depth.

"Of course, we have the quality, but in the depth we have to catch up even more, because this will be a season that is survival of the fittest.

"We proved we can beat the best team. Not just once, we did it twice. Our challenge is to do it consistently, that's what we have to work for."

Arne Slot says Liverpool are waiting to discover the extent of Curtis Jones' injury, after the midfielder was forced off during the Reds' 1-0 victory over Real Betis.

The Dutchman oversaw his first win since replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring the only goal in Pittsburgh.

It was the first match of the Reds' pre-season tour of the United States, though it remains to be seen how much of a part Jones will play after he limped off on the half-hour mark.

However, Slot said the decision to withdraw the midfielder was precautionary.

"I think it's too early to tell [how bad it is]," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "Maybe he could have played on, but I think maybe you could see he was not at 100%.

"In a friendly game, with so many days coming up in our tour, it was best to take him off. We hope he recovers really fast, so we can see him in the next few games.

"It's always a pity if he has to go off after 25 minutes, half an hour. And before that, you could see that he was not completely free.

"It was unfortunate because he had two really good weeks during the training sessions, so I looked forward to seeing him in the game, but unfortunately he had to go off.

Trey Nyoni replaced Jones for the remainder of the game, and Slot was pleased by the 17-year-old's impact.

"The good thing about that was that we brought someone [on] that impressed me in the 45 minutes to an hour he played afterwards.

"I think [Trey] did really well today, but it was only an hour. He was one of the reasons why we scored the goal, because he turned really quickly and [played] a spot-on pass in between the lines. And he was also involved in the biggest chance in the second half.

"We are really careful with him. So he doesn't join every session, and sometimes he goes off a bit earlier. You can see his quality, but you can also see his body still needs some time to grow to play at Premier League level. But he showed some interesting things today.

I think there were a few positive things and, of course, a few things we have to improve. But the positive thing is that we kept a clean sheet. I think we only conceded one big chance and that was somewhere around the last 10 minutes of the game.

"So, we controlled the game really well and, in between, we had a few good attacks where we created a few good chances and scored a good goal."

Jamaica’s young Reggae Boyz ended their failed Concacaf Men's Under-20 Championship campaign without a goal or a point after a 0-3 loss to Cuba in their final Group A fixture at the Estadio Leon in Mexico on Friday.

With the victory, Cuba finished third in the group on four points and booked their spot in the quarterfinal round as one of the two best third-place teams. They join group winners United States, who finished with maximum nine points following their 1-0 win over runners-up Costa Rica (four points).

The Jamaicans were again undone by poor defending and a lack of offensive intent, which basically summed up their presence in the tournament, as they showed very little quality from the start.

In fact, they had a slim opportunity to bring their campaign to life but needed to beat Cuba to make it possible. Instead, it was the Spanish-speaking Caribbean team that marched on, as Michael Camejo dazzled Jamaica’s defence with nippy footwork before firing home in the 35th minute.

Cuba doubled their lead in the 42nd courtesy of David Perez, who capitalised on a defensive error.

Romain Blake got Jamaica’s lone attempt on target in the 47th, but was denied by Yurdy Hodelin.

Karel Pérez then wrapped up victory for Cuba when he converted from the penalty spot in the 86th.

Cuba will face the Group B winner, Honduras, in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, United States, through an all-important strike from Nikolas Tsakiris, his second of the tournament, saw off 10-man Costa Rica.

After Aiden Harangi’s early effort was denied by the crossbar, Tsakiris then found the game’s solitary goal in the 37th to ensure three-time champions United States remained unbeaten heading into the knockout stage.

Costa Rica lost Alberth Barahona to a straight red card in the 50th minute.

United States, the reigning champions, will square off against the best third-place team from either Group B or C in the quarterfinal.

Elsewhere, Canada and Honduras also booked their spots in the quarterfinal after contrasting 2-1 and 5-2 victories over El Salvador and Dominican Republic in their final Group B encounters at the Sergio Leon Chavez Stadium.

Both Canada and Honduras ended on seven points each, but the latter secured top spot by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Canada await the runner-up of Group C.

Erik ten Hag has "100% belief" that Marcus Rashford will return to form for Manchester United after the forward endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

Rashford scored seven goals in 33 games last season as United finished eighth in the Premier League, having netted 17 times in 2022-23 when the Red Devils finished third.

The forward was subsequently left out of England's squad for Euro 2024, also being disciplined by his club for missing training to go to a nightclub in Belfast in January.

With former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy returning to Old Trafford in a coaching role, Ten Hag feels his presence can help Rashford get back to his best.

"The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this. With Rashford, he can only prove himself," Ten Hag said.

"He is capable, he scored so many goals already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100% belief, he can do the same as a few years ago."

 

Rashford was not the only England international to struggle for United last term, with Mason Mount enduring a disjointed first season at Old Trafford after arriving from Chelsea.

He made just 14 appearances in the Premier League, five of them starts, only scoring one goal and failing to provide an assist.

Ten Hag, however, feels it is unfair to judge him on last campaign and is certain he will fare better in 2024-25.

"You can't judge his season, because he was injured. Don't judge him. But when he is fit he will be a very good player for us and we can use him, he is versatile," Ten Hag said.

"You need certain types in the squad, team players, multifunctional players, he is one of the players who can play in several positions, he will help the team."

United continue their pre-season tour of the United States on Saturday as they face Arsenal, with matches against Real Betis and Liverpool also in the diary before they take on Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.

Pep Guardiola "would love to stay" at Manchester City beyond the expiration of his contract next year amid reports linking him with the England job.

Guardiola's contract with the Premier League champions expires in 2025, and some have tipped him to take the England job following Gareth Southgate's resignation.

In eight seasons with City to date, Guardiola has won 15 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League in 2022-23. 

Since Guardiola arrived ahead of the 2016-17 season, City have won more games (225), scored more goals (755) and earned more points (716) than any other side in the Premier League.

On Friday, he hinted his stay at the Etihad Stadium could extend beyond nine years, telling reporters: "When I'm leaving, I will say I'm leaving, but I didn't say that.

"We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay.

"Nine years today at the same club is an eternity. So I want to be sure it's the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players.

"Still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn't matter the competition, it doesn't matter the tournament and this is what I have to see.

"I am sure eight more years I won't stay! It's good to refresh, for players and managers.

"At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now."

Guardiola was speaking ahead of City facing Milan in the second match of their pre-season tour of the United States, to take place at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

City are one of two English teams – alongside Chelsea – to have qualified for next year's 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the USA.

Asked whether he would like to return stateside with City for that tournament, Guardiola said: "I would love to. Yeah, I would love to."

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