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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sparked a fresh wave of Real Madrid outrage after declaring that Los Blancos “represent power” while Barca embody “freedom”, intensifying tensions at a time when relations between the clubs have sharply deteriorated. His remarks come amid ongoing clashes between the boardrooms as both sides accuse the other of political and sporting hypocrisy.

• Laporta's latest comments incite Real Madrid outrage

  Laporta made headlines during a La Vanguardia event on Thursday when he was asked about Real Madrid’s VIP box and the political figures frequently seen alongside Los Blancos president Florentino Perez. He responded by framing Madrid as a club aligned with institutional power while presenting Barcelona as the opposite, positioning his side as defenders of democracy, openness and freedom. These remarks immediately reignited tensions that had already grown following Perez’s attacks during Real Madrid's General Assembly, particularly relating to the Negreira case.

  His comments also came at a moment when both clubs have been moving further apart, especially after Barcelona distanced themselves from the Super League project that once united their leadership with Perez. Supporters and pundits in Madrid reacted angrily to Laporta’s claim, interpreting it as an attempt to weaponise historical narratives in the present-day rivalry. The situation adds another layer of controversy to a relationship that, only a few years ago, had been unusually cooperative.

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• AFP
  

  Barcelona president claims Barca represent 'freedom' unlike Madrid

  “Real Madrid represents power and Barca, freedom. I don’t know if business deals are made in the Bernabeu’s VIP box. There is power,” Laporta said at an event. “Here it’s a different story; we’re more for democracy and freedom. We have a proper and cordial relationship with Florentino Perez.”

  “At Barca, we’re not even considering any of this. I’ve been hearing for four years that we’d become a public limited company. We guarantee that Barca will always be owned by its members. It’s an added value we have and it connects us with the community.”

  Laporta continued: “The investors who Goldman Sachs secured for the stadium liked the fact that we weren’t a public limited company. We’ve created a financial structure to avoid mortgages. We haven’t even considered it. It would hurt us a lot because it’s part of our very essence. Some people don’t see Barca in its entirety.

  “Barca isn’t a business, it’s an institution. We have different rules. We’re a modern institution, committed to sustainability, equality, and diversity. We’re a Catalan institution, open to the world. All of this leads me to believe that Barca should always belong to its members. My fellow board members and I are the only ones who can guarantee this.

  “We want peace and sustainability in football. I came across the Super League and went ahead with it because I thought there were many differences with state-owned clubs. It has dragged on, and all this uncertainty doesn’t benefit us. We reached an initial agreement with the Unify platform, but then I found out that Real Madrid were behind it. We should always give peace a chance. It’s better if we’re all on board. Conflict certainly doesn’t benefit anyone.”

• Barcelona and Real Madrid's massive political standing in Spain's history

  Laporta’s refusal to privatise Barcelona also aligns with the club’s self-identity as a member-owned institution that ties sport to community rather than private capital investment. His framing of Barça as an institution rather than a business is a continuation of its “Mes que un club” ethos, which emphasises cultural responsibility beyond sporting performance

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• AFP
  

  Barcelona and Real Madrid's relations at an all-time low

  Laporta’s remarks are likely to inflame tensions further and may prompt an official or informal response from Real Madrid, who have repeatedly rejected the narrative that they benefit from political power. The already fragile relationship between the clubs, strained by the Negreira case, the Super League split and continuous boardroom sniping, appears set for another confrontational chapter.

  As both teams continue their domestic and European campaigns, the off-field ideological battle may prove just as intense as anything on the pitch. Currently, Real Madrid sit behind Barcelona in the Liga standings after their drop in form in November.

تقدم فريق الكرة بـ الزمالك بالهدفين الثاني والثالث أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة.

ويلعب الزمالك ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اليوم ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية، على أرضية ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب.

طالع.. فيديو | عمرو ناصر يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية

وتقام منافسات بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية في نسختها الخامسة، بعد أن أقيمت 4 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها 3 مرات متتالية.

وأحرز أحمد شريف هدف الزمالك الثاني في الدقيقة 46، من تصويبة قوية خارج منطقة جزاء كهرباء الإسماعيلية سكنت المرمى مباشرة. هدف الزمالك الثاني أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة

وأضاف آدم كايد الهدف الثالث لصالح الزمالك، بعد تصويبة داخل منطقة الجزاء وتستقر في الشباك. هدف الزمالك الثاني أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة

بينما جاء هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول بعد تمريرة طولية واستلام من محمد شيكا الذي سدد الكرة من داخل منطقة الجزاء وتسكن مرمى الزمالك. هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول أمام الزمالك في كأس الرابطة

It might be a little premature, but there is a slight sense of optimism around West Ham United at the moment.

Granted, they are far from safe, but there was plenty to be encouraged by in the win over Newcastle United in the Premier League last weekend, as well as in the latest victory over Burnley.

For example, Freddie Potts – while knocked back injury – has seized his opportunity with both hands after back-to-back starts in the top-flight, showing Nuno Espírito Santo what he had been missing.

Interestingly, there is another overlooked talent in the West Ham squad who, with the proper coaching, could have a Potts-esque impact on the side.

Potts' journey to the first team

With his father and brother playing for West Ham, and him coming up through the academy, it always felt like a matter of when, not if, Potts would earn his first start for the club.

However, it would be fair to say that it’s perhaps taken a little while longer than most expected, but that is mainly down to him proving himself out on loan over the last two years.

His first move saw him join League One side Wycombe Wanderers for the 23/24 campaign, and to say he did well would be an understatement.

In all, the Barking-born ace made 43 appearances for them across all competitions, in which he scored two goals, provided three assists and was named the Player of the Season.

Then, last year, he joined Championship side Portsmouth, where he made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

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38

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1

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3

4

The 22-year-old didn’t win an individual award last season, but he clearly impressed enough to go on the Hammers’ pre-season tour in the summer, and then finally, after a few appearances off the bench, make his first competitive start for the club against the Magpies.

Overall, while it’s taken a while to happen, it’s now undeniable that Potts is one of West Ham’s most exciting players, but there is another underused gem in the squad who could be just as good with the proper coaching.

The West Gem who could be another Potts

West Ham are blessed with several genuinely exciting youngsters in the academy at the moment, like Preston Fearon and Josh Landers.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, there is another young gem in the first team squad who possesses the raw ability to have an impact similar to the one Potts has had of late: Luis Guilherme.

The 19-year-old gem joined the club from Palmeiras last summer, and while he hasn’t exactly hit the ground running since then, he remains a hugely exciting talent.

For example, one of his significant strengths is his ability to play all over the pitch. While he is primarily a winger, he has also spent time playing as a ten, up top, as a second striker, and out on the left.

This ability to play where the manager needs him is just one of the reasons why he could have a real impact on the Hammers this season, and the second is his mercurial style of play.

Described as a “complete” and “electric” attacker with “the world at his feet by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the youngster is someone who can, at his best, get the fans on their feet, and considering the atmosphere at the London Stadium this season, that sounds like something Nuno could do with.

Moreover, he is not just some one-trick pony either, with Mattinson pointing out that while “shooting from distance is one of Guilherme’s strengths”, he can also “turn past players with ease” thanks to his “elite ball manipulation.”

In more good news for the manager, the teen phenom could also perfectly fit into the counter-attacking style that worked so well at Nottingham Forest, as according to Mattinson, he is a player who “thrives on transitions.”

Ultimately, it’s true that West Ham fans have not seen him at his best, but if Nuno can get the best out of him, then he could have another player capable of impacting the side as much as Potts.

West Ham's "supreme" star is going to be their biggest talent since Kudus

The incredible talent will become more important to West Ham than Kudus ever was.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

The India spinner looks back at a fantastic 12 months, during which she won the WPL, debuted for India, and became a big favourite of selfie-hunters

Daya Sagar and Vishal Dikshit25-Sep-20243:20

Shreyanka Patil: I don’t like to lose, my fighting spirit comes from there

Shreyanka Patil will be going to the T20 World Cup after all.Two weeks ago, not long after passing a fitness test after suffering a finger injury, Patil twisted her ankle during a practice match in Bengaluru. For two days, her dream of playing in her first T20 World Cup appeared slim.While the swelling went down gradually, no decision was going to be made without looking at the scan results. Even after the results arrived and indicated no major damage, Patil was informed that there would be a “wait and watch” period before a call was taken.On Tuesday (September 24), Patil was part of the Indian contingent that flew out to the UAE for the tournament, which India are looking to win for the first time.

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Patil has had a dream run in the last 12 months. Soon after becoming the first Indian to feature in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) late last year, she made her white-ball debut for India in December. In March, she was front and centre of a victorious Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).She is just 12 T20Is old, but her reputation since the WPL ended has only grown. Her ability to bowl across different phases, particularly at the death, is a standout feature.”I was just focusing on my process,” Patil said earlier this month at a QUA brand shoot in Delhi. “I was not really thinking of what’s going to happen next. I thought I’ll just give my best whichever team I play for.”Patil, 22, broke through in WPL 2023, where RCB finished last, after two good seasons with Karnataka. This season, too, she was among the top spinners for RCB, along with Asha Sobhana, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham, taking 13 wickets that included figures of 4 for 12 in the final.Related

• Harmanpreet: 'This is our best ever team at a T20 World Cup'

• Sports psychologist to assist India at World Cup training camp

• Bhatia returns as India name tried and tested 15 for World Cup

For Patil, one of the major takeaways from the WPL 2024 experience was the crowd that turned up in Bengaluru, which hosted the first leg of the season, where deafening cheers greeted captain Smriti Mandhana and her team.”This year, when we faced that crowd in Bangalore, it was just massive,” Patil said. “When we get so much from the audience, like people watching us, we want to do more, we wanted to give our best. I mean we keep doing that, but when you see people turning out and saying ‘wow, they play so well’, that’s again a plus point for all of us.”So playing with the likes of Smriti and Pez [Ellyse Perry], there are a lot of things to learn also and not just on the field but off the field. You get to learn a lot of stuff. It was amazing. That platform has really set the standards for the domestic players and for us.”Personally, for me, everyone would say, ‘she’s got the Purple Cap’, but for me it was like a rollercoaster ride because in the first half in Bangalore I couldn’t perform at my best. I was really disappointed because I like my Bangalore. So I went back and Malo [Malolan Rangarajan, RCB’s assistant coach] helped me with my bowling and then Smriti literally backed me up no matter what. So I’m very grateful to the whole management who supported me at that time and then the second half really turned out to be a good one for me.”Only two seasons old, the WPL has not only helped budding players financially but also thrown up fresh options for the Indian team management. Patil was among them, along with players like Saika Ishaque and Tanuja Kanwar; cricketing skills aside, these players also needed to pick up how to deal with the glitz and glamour of the WPL, and of being India players.Shreyanka Patil finished WPL 2024 as the Purple Cap winner•BCCI”So after the WPL, when I came back home, there were thousands of people in front of my house asking me for selfies,” Patil recalled. “They said, ‘you really did well, you were just amazing, we love your bowling, we love your smile,’ all kinds of comments. And I couldn’t stop smiling. So it was just so amazing the crowd there and I really enjoyed.”Patil also finished the WCPL as runners-up with Guyana Amazon Warriors last year. Her quick journey to the top, she said, could be down to her competitive attitude and ability to not get bogged down by pressure on the big stage.”I think it comes very naturally to me since I was a kid,” she said. “I don’t like to lose. I get up and say, ‘I’m going to try my heart out, I’m going to give it everything, no matter what’. I would love to have that fighting spirit with me always.”For me, pressure is a good thing. So when I say ‘pressure’, it’s not like I think negative or something. I feel cool under pressure because that’s what I practiced during my practice sessions as well. I put myself into those pressure situation like last two balls left, four runs to win. How am I going to bowl? So repeating those kinds of practice sessions helped me settle those nerves.”Patil will be among four spin-bowling options for India, along with Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Asha, when their T20 World Cup campaign starts on October 4 against New Zealand in Dubai. Then they face Pakistan on October 6, also in Dubai. The other two teams in India’s group are Australia and Sri Lanka.Patil hasn’t played a competitive game since the Asia Cup opener, but is now relieved to have overcome the injury scares as she gets set to give her dreams of winning a World Cup a leg up.

At 41 years old, there was a strong chance the 2025 season could be Max Scherzer’s last. But, he doesn’t think so.

The three-time Cy Young award winner started in Game 7 of the World Series for his Blue Jays vs. the Dodgers on Saturday night. He pitched 4.1 innings, notching three strikeouts with four hits, one right and one batter walked. When Scherzer walked off the mound in the fifth inning, was that his last time pitching in MLB? He would say no.

“The only thing I can say is it's going to take some time to give a full answer to that but there is no way that was my last pitch,” Scherzer said after the game, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Scherzer was playing on a one-year contract in Toronto, meaning he’ll become a free agent this offseason. A team will have to be willing to sign the veteran ace in order for his career to continue. It could be an interesting offseason for Scherzer.

The Blue Jays failed to give Scherzer his third World Series ring on Saturday night after they lost 5-4 to the Dodgers in 11 innings. The Blue Jays ultimately lost on a heartbreaking double play in the 11th, and that came after pinch runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa was mere inches away from what would have been a walk-off game-winning run in the ninth inning. It was a tough loss for all of Toronto.

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O Palmeiras teve, pela primeira vez, uma escalação montada por Abel Ferreira com Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme atuando juntos. O trio começou como titular no empate diante do San Lorenzo, na quinta-feira (30), pela Libertadores.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

A escalação dos garotos da base juntos era algo muito desejado pela torcida alviverde. Segundo o treinador palmeirense, esse foi justamente o motivo de escalá-los, em vez de pensar no que seria melhor para o time.

— Se calhar aí, fui mais a procura daquilo que era melhor para todos verem os três em campo, do que o melhor para a equipe. Sinceramente. Não há dúvida nenhuma da qualidade, todos gostam de jogar do lado esquerdo. O próprio Endrick, quando entra de centroavante, ele passa a ocupar a zona do Veiga. Tirei o Veiga para por um centroavante e ter o Endrick mais atrás para ter chegada. Acima de tudo, estou feliz em pertencer a uma equipe jovem, que luta com objetivos de ser campeão e formam jogadores. Não é fácil – afirmou.

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Abel Ferreira também explicou os pontos positivos e negativos de escalar Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme no Palmeiras. Ainda de acordo com o técnico, embora sejam avançados tecnicamente, eles ainda estão em processo de formação.

— Foi uma decisão difícil meter os três. Eles tem muita qualidade. Nos dão umas coisas, mas em determinado momento do jogo vão precisar dessa maturidade competitiva que ainda não têm. Mas entendi que deveria fazer. Ganhamos umas coisas, perdemos outras. São jogadores que nos dão irreverência, ainda estão no processo de formação competitiva e como homens. Dois deles ainda não têm idade adulta. Foi uma decisão difícil. Mas tinham muitas pessoas que queriam os ver juntos – disse.

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Os três são os expoentes do projeto de revelações de jogadores do Verdão e se destacaram nas categorias inferiores. Abel Ferreira, inclusive, foi quem subiu Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme para o time profissional do Palmeias.

Referência na base, Endrick se despediu no Allianz Parque, contra o San Lorenzo, e está a caminho do Real Madrid. Estêvão caminha para fechar negócio com o Chelsea e Luis Guilherme desperta interesse de europeus. Todas as transferências orbitam em valores muito acima da média em relação ao mercado brasileiro, e a eles chegaram a ser chamados de “Geração do bilhão”.

Tudo sobre

Abel FerreiraEndrickLibertadoresPalmeirasStar +

Everton scouts have now reportedly been spotted watching Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott over the break, as he scored twice to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side.

The Toffees very nearly enjoyed the perfect summer. They welcomed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City and splashed out on one of their biggest-ever deals to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton. In many ways, it was a statement from The Friedkin Group ahead of Everton’s move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That statement came without one key part, however, and that was a clinical goalscorer. Those in Merseyside took a £27m gamble on Villarreal’s Thierno Barry, but he’s yet to score a goal for the club. Meanwhile, Beto hasn’t done much better – scoring just twice in 13 games in all competitions.

Minutes

386

609

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

1.3

4.1

What’s most concerning about the form of Everton’s strikers is that they’ve both had the chances to record better records than they have done. Barry is without a goal with an XG of 1.3, whilst Beto has significantly underperformed with one goal from a 4.1 XG.

It’s a clear problem that Everton must address for David Moyes in 2026 and a number of targets have already emerged as a result. According to recent reports, the Toffees have so far set their sights on Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who wants to leave the Scottish club, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Everton now exploring Ward-Prowse move with January exit expected

The midfielder desperately needs a winter move.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 12, 2025

All three options make sense. Maeda wants to leave Celtic and is reportedly available for just £15m. Zirkzee could offer Everton a repeat of their Grealish revival, whilst Toney may need a Premier League return to boost his World Cup chances.

The list doesn’t end there, however. Joining those aforementioned names, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Parrot against Portugal earlier this week.

Everton send scouts to track Troy Parrott

According to Everton News, Everton sent scouts to watch Parrott in action for Ireland against Portugal on Thursday night, as he netted a brace to hand his country a major boost towards their World Cup hopes. In the same game, Ronaldo was handed the first red card of his international career to sum up a shocking night to forget.

On a stage which featured Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and others, it was Parrot who stole the show to take his goal total to 13 in 14 games for the season. Quite simply, he has been in sensational form for AZ Alkmaar and Ireland.

Compared to Irish legend Robbie Keane by the man himself, Parrott has scored more goals than Beton and Barry combined so far this season and there’s still plenty more to come.

As Everton’s search for a striker goes on, they may hand the former Tottenham Hotspur gem the perfect chance to complete a return to English football.

Everton hatch striker plan as Moyes moves for star with 18 goals this season

Skipper’s career-best 144 not out leads young Hampshire side to dominant win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025Nick Gubbins’ career-best 144 not out led an inexperienced Hampshire to a winning start in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup against defending champions Glamorgan at The Gnoll in Neath.Four teenagers featured for the visitors – including a three-man seam attack with ages of 19, 19 and 16. The youngest of the trio – Manny Lumsden took 3 for 64 to derail the top order despite Kiran Carlson’s magnificent 135.Carlson’s first ever one-day century was unable to be supported due to a steady flow of wickets left Glamorgan bowled out inside 40 overs, 72 short of Hampshire’s 324 for 6.Other debutant Ben Mayes played fearlessly for 74 from 55 balls in the 17-year-old’s 141-run partnership with Gubbins to end the visitors’ innings explosively.After inserting Hampshire to bat, Glamorgan got off to an economical start. James Harris and unexpected new ball partner Zain Ul Hassan containing Gubbins and Ali Orr.On the surface containing Hampshire to a 42-run powerplay on a small outground could have been viewed to be Glamorgan’s advantage, the drop of Gubbins by Carlson at second slip while the opener was on just four later proved to be a difference of what came later.A solid 68-run opening contribution was brought to a much-needed end as Ali Orr started to cruise, Ned Leonard making for a comeback from being hooked for six out of the ground on his first ball.Dangerous overseas Tilak Varma could’ve been a match winner for Hampshire given his two centuries in four games already for the club, removed for a duck.A flow of four wickets for 47 at a slowing rate dragged Glamorgan back when debutant Mayes entered at 115 for 4, Gubbins still anchoring.It didn’t take long for Mayes to motor, inflicting his freedom onto Gubbins, casually reverse-sweeping Glamorgan’s 18-year-old debutant Romano Franco four times on his way to a century.Mayes’ hockey-style sweeping, both orthodox and reverse, had the runs flowing before Felix Organ took over the role with a flashy 32 from 14 unbeaten to end the innings. Hampshire adding 129 in the final 10 overs, no bowler getting off lightly, Gubbins carrying his bat.Unlike in Hampshire’s innings, the hosts came out firing. Also unlike the hosts, a dropped slip catch was shortly after redeemed with the wicket, Tribe dropped on seven, out on 14.While Hampshire’s innings was backboned by one mammoth partnership, Glamorgan kept losing wickets when times were tough. Eddie Byrom’s steady start, enjoying cutting and leg-glancing the exciting Hampshire seamers was eventually removed for 29 on his return to first team cricket which brought the highlights package-esque viewing of Lumsden to Carlson.A first over for 23 may mean a debut to forget for a 16-year-old but a wicket in there and persistence from both bowler and captain gave him another wicket and a hat-trick ball. The three-over spell of 2 for 47 was about so much more than the figures.Hampshire’s 18 overs of consecutive spin in the middle overs contained Glamorgan enough while regular wickets left Glamorgan requiring Andy Gorvin’s 42-ball 11 to stick in a partnership with his captain to give a fighting chance.Lumsden’s return brought more fireworks including the big wicket after Carlson effectively run out of partners, but not before giving the Neath crowd a special display.

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Recordista brasileiro em número de participações seguidas na Libertadores 2024, o Palmeiras recebe o Independiente Del Valle nesta noite de quarta-feira (15), no Allianz Parque, podendo chegar pelo oitavo ano seguido nas oitavas de final da maior competição do nosso continente.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Desde 2017, o Verdão se coloca entre pelo menos as 16 melhores equipes da América do Sul, e agora o time de Abel Ferreira busca chegar nas quartas de finais pelo sétimo ano seguido, ultrapassando o Boca Juniors que entre 2000 a 2005 chegou entre os oito melhores em todas as edições.

O Palmeiras é o clube brasileiro com mais participações em oitavas de finais de Libertadores, ao lado do Grêmio, com 16 participações entre os 16 melhores do continente.

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Clube brasileiro com mais jogos, mais vitórias e mais gols na história da Libertadores, o Verdão vai em busca do tetracampeonato para confirmar de vez a sua hegemonia na competição nessa última década.

➡️ Faça as suas apostas na Libertadores 2024: quem será o campeão? Vem pro Lance! Betting!

Na era Abel Ferreira, o Palmeiras já fez 22 jogos de fase de grupos de Libertadores, com 19 vitórias, um empate e duas derrotas, e nos três tropeços, o atual bicampeão brasileiro atuou com um time alternativo.

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LibertadoresPalmeirasSTARPLUS

The stage for the 2025 World Series is officially set after the Blue Jays took down the Mariners in an enthralling ALCS Game 7 at the Rogers Centre. Now, Toronto will host the Dodgers on Friday for Game 1 of the World Series, the first time the franchise has played in the Fall Classic since 1993.

The Blue Jays joined some rare company in MLB history after reaching the World Series despite losing the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series. Prior to the 2025 Jays, only three teams had ever accomplished that type of comeback––the Yankees in the 1996 World Series, the Mets in the '86 World Series, and the Royals in the '85 World Series.

Interestingly enough, Toronto and Los Angeles were the final two contenders in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes in the 2023 offseason. Now, just two years later, Ohtani will be looking to break the hearts of Blue Jays fans all over again.

There's star power on both teams. The Dodgers, of course, are loaded with talent, including four former MVPs in Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. Their rotation has been outstanding in the postseason as the team looks to defend its title, and though the bullpen is a cause for concern, it's held its own thus far into the playoff run. Los Angeles is pretty heavily favored heading into the series, but it will have to be at its best to handle a Blue Jays team that has plenty of fight.

As for Toronto, there's perhaps no hotter hitter in baseball at present than Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has already belted six home runs in the postseason while sporting a batting average over .400. He and Game 7 hero George Springer will lead the charge for the Blue Jays as they look to bring home the franchise's first World Series title since 1993.

Let's make some bold predictions for this year's World Series matchup.

Shohei Ohtani will become sixth player to win MVP and World Series MVP in same season

Ohtani hasn't had the best postseason, but he made up for much of his struggles at the plate with his performance in Game 4 of the NLCS, during which he hit three solo home runs and also dominated on the mound, striking out 10 batters.

That Game 4 was exactly what Ohtani needed before the World Series, and I'm expecting he'll be dialed in for the Dodgers as they look to repeat as champions. The two-way superstar didn't have a home run in last year's Fall Classic, but I'm predicting that will change in 2025 and Ohtani will hit at least two homers in the series. I'm also anticipating another stellar pitching outing from the 31-year-old, in which he will record eight-plus strikeouts without surrendering more than two runs.

A showing like that would put Ohtani in position to join a select group of players—Sandy Koufax, Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Willie Stargell and Mike Schmidt—to be named MVP for the regular season and World Series in the same year.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will stay scalding hot

There's perhaps been no hitter seeing the ball better than Guerrero of late, and it hasn't really mattered what caliber of pitcher he's facing. While many Blue Jays batters will likely struggle against the superb Dodgers' rotation, I'm not anticipating Guerrero will be one of them.

Guerrero owns an absurd .442/.510/.930 slash line with six home runs, 12 RBIs and 19 total hits in 11 playoff games. He's had nine extra base hits and drawn six walks, all while striking out just three times. The previous record for fewest strikeouts with six postseason home runs was three. He's collected at least one hit in all but two games, and has six games with two or more hits.

While I don't think Toronto will be able to pull off the upset in the World Series, I think Guerrero will have a tremendous series and continue to hit the ball well. I'm expecting him to have at least two games with two-plus hits, as well as two home runs.

Dodgers' bullpen will blow a game

The Dodgers' Achilles' heel this season has been the bullpen. Los Angeles doesn't have many reliable arms out of the 'pen, and although Roki Sasaki has been solid in the closer role, he's not very experienced pitching in late innings. Blake Treinen struggled all season, and things have only worsned in the postseason. He owns a 7.36 ERA in seven appearances this October, surrendering three runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Dodgers relievers had a 4.27 ERA during the regular season. That ranked 20th among the 30 MLB teams. Los Angeles will be hoping to lean on its starting rotation as much as possible, but it will be vulnerable when forced to make a call to the bullpen. I'm expecting at least one game of the series to be stolen by the Blue Jays after a disappointing outing from L.A.'s relievers.

George Springer will deliver a walk-off hit

This prediction ties into the previous one. I'm expecting the Dodgers to win the series, but I think Springer will prevent Toronto from getting swept. Springer has been a clutch postseason performer throughout his career, and he lifted the Jays into the World Series with his three-run homer in Game 7 against the Mariners.

Springer delivers in big spots, and I'm expecting he'll get another opportunity to do precisely that in a key moment of the World Series. For all the big, go-ahead hits he's provided in October throughout his illustrious career, Springer has never collected a walk-off hit in the playoffs. I'm predicting he'll do precisely that in this series.

Dodgers will win series in five games

Los Angeles is heavily favored in this series, and I think the team will live up to expectations and take care of the Blue Jays in just five games. The Dodgers needed five games to dispose of the Yankees in 2024, and now they will have the chance to deliver the same fate to the team that knocked New York out of the postseason this year.

L.A. has plenty of playoff experience, with many returning players from last year's World Series team. They know what it takes to get the job done on the biggest stage, and that experience will certainly benefit them against a Toronto side that's generally lacking in that regard. I'm expecting the Dodgers will make quick work of the Blue Jays and end this series in no more than five games.