football

It was football media day for six West Valley League teams on Saturday at Granada Hills, and as a unit, the coaches and players are convinced they have a chance to be the best league in the City Section in terms of competition.

While defending league champion Birmingham has an overall 49-game winning streak against City Section opponents, Cleveland, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, Taft and El Camino Real hope to be factors in the playoffs.

Cleveland is making strides to challenge for second place with a group of talented juniors, including two Nigerian-born players, running back Moyosoreoluwa Odebunmi and linebacker Oluwafemi Okeola.

Odebunmi, in his first varsity carry in a scrimmage against Van Nuys on Thursday, ran for a touchdown.

“When I scored, I was like, ‘Oh wow,’” he said. “But I know it’s not going to be easy.”

Birmingham has an offensive line filled with 300 pounders, and when 6-foot-5, 260-pound quarterback Kevin Hawkins plays tight end, the Patriots are truly giants up front. Coach Jim Rose said of Hawkins running the ball: “It’s like tackling a lineman. He’s a huge guy out there.”

Birmingham held a pizza eating contest this past week, and the winner was lineman Pablo Granados, who ate 10 slices in seven minutes. Hawkins was runner-up with seven.

Chatsworth offensive lineman Pablo Escobedo is known for riding his horse in his Chatsworth neighborhood. “It’s pretty cool,” he said.

Chatsworth should have one of the league’s best running backs in junior Devin Del Toro, who has been playing running back and linebacker since his freshman season. Coach Shawn Johnson said he has made “a huge jump.”

There are two players in the league who are outstanding two-sport athletes in football and baseball. That’s Taft quarterback/catcher Nathan Swinson and El Camino Real defensive back/center fielder Shane Bogacz.

Both try to find time to hit the batting cages to stay sharp during football season.

Granada Hills will continue to run the double-wing attack, focusing on running the ball, but the midseason availability of transfer quarterback Taiyo Dorio from Crescenta Valley could cause coach Bucky Brooks to try a pass or two.

Wingback Myles Cross drew laughter when he said, “I caught a pass.”

Brooks offered praise to all coaches and players in the City Section.

“I applaud all those who opted to stay in the neighborhood and play for neighborhood schools,” he said. “I want to salute everyone. I love the competitiveness.”

High school football began on Friday night in California, and no one was having more fun than the tourists/players from Sparks, Nev., the Spanish Springs High Cougars.

They flew in Friday morning on Southwest Airlines, with plans to visit the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday and Six Flags Magic Mountain on Sunday. First up was a game against Simi Valley, and it went better than expected.

Brady Hummel, a senior receiver and the son of coach Robert Hummel, caught 14 passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-21 victory. There were 11 turnovers, with Simi Valley losing four fumbles and getting intercepted twice.

Hummel was so wide open on one touchdown because of a Simi Valley secondary communication error that he could have been counting one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi and still would have been wide open. Quarterback Tyson McNeil passed for 211 yards.

From the opening kickoff, when Jackson Sundeen returned it for a 96-yard touchdown, the Pioneers were trying to come from behind.

The two teams combined for seven turnovers in the first half. Spanish Springs held a 20-14 halftime lead. Micah Hannah and James Scida each had interceptions for Simi Valley. The Pioneers lost three fumbles. Quarterback Connor Petrov had touchdown passes of 29 yards on fourth down to Quentin McGahan and 50 yards to Cole Alejo.

In the second half, Petrov was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble that turned into a touchdown. Zane Tryon had a 73-yard touchdown run.

Simi Valley was 12-2 last season and defeated the Cougars in Nevada, but two new quarterbacks and a rebuilt offensive line has the Pioneers working to improve.

“We’ll bounce back,” Hannah said.

As for playing against Hummel, Hannah gave up a touchdown against him, but also picked off one of his passes.

“He’s smooth,” Hannah said.

Los Alamitos came away with a 20-12 win over Inglewood. A two-yard touchdown run Lenny Ibarra put Los Alamitos ahead for good. Los Alamitos is headed to Hawaii next week.

In Henderson, Nev., Long Beach Millikan defeated Foothill 27-14. Tight end/defensive end Jude Nelson had two sacks and made nine catches. Quarterback Ashton Pannell threw two touchdown passes.

Manchester United will not proceed with a move for Carlos Baleba, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is considering his future and Newcastle want to complete a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa

Manchester United will not proceed with a move for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21, this summer, with Brighton’s £115m valuation deemed too high. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, 31, is considering his future at the club with a switch to Galatasaray a possibility. Should the Brazil international leave, City would move to sign Paris St-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, with the Italy star having been made available. (Guardian), external

Newcastle are ready to proceed quickly to conclude a deal to sign Brentford and DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, 28. (Sky Sports), external

Newcastle have also renewed their interest in Paris St-Germain and Portugal forward Goncalo Ramos, 24, as they seek to bring two strikers into the club this summer. (Mail), external

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are on the verge of completing a £25.8m deal to sign France winger Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich. (Talksport), external

Nottingham Forest are keen to sign full-back Rico Lewis, 20, with Manchester City open to letting the England international leave for a fee of more than £30m. (Mail), external

Wolves are closing in on signing Verona and Cameroon wing-back Jackson Tchatchoua, 23. (Athletic – subscription required), external

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Paris St-Germain and France defender Nordi Mukiele, 27, for an initial £9.5m with £2.5m in add-ons. (Northern Echo), external

Juventus and Argentina midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez, 27, is keen on a 30m euros (£26m) move to Atletico Madrid this summer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Bournemouth fight back from two down but Liverpool secure late win on emotional Anfield night.

Liverpool talisman Mo Salah and fellow forward Federico Chiesa struck late goals as the Premier League champions began the defence of their title by beating Bournemouth 4-2 in a thriller on the opening night of the season at Anfield.

On a bittersweet Friday evening charged with emotion after the July death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, newcomer Hugo Ekitike bagged a goal on his league debut to put the hosts ahead after 37 minutes, and Cody Gakpo doubled the lead in the 49th.

But Antoine Semenyo, who was the target of racist abuse in the first half that led to a pause in the game, pulled one back for the visitors in the 64th minute and completed a double 12 minutes later to rock Liverpool and shock the home fans.

However, substitute Chiesa sent the Liverpool faithful away happy with an 88th-minute strike after goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic swatted away a ball into the box by Salah, who scored himself deep into added time to wrap up the three points.

Salah chased the ball past the defence before cutting inside and firing into the bottom corner with a goal that put the Egypt international joint-fourth with Andy Cole on the all-time Premier League scorers’ list with 187.

An emotional Salah pointed to the heavens and flapped two hands to mimic Jota’s shark goal celebration.

He headed for The Kop stand after the final whistle and wiped away tears while applauding the fans who were singing Jota’s song to the tune of Bad Moon Rising.

The night started with an emotional minute’s silence for Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash. Fans fought back tears as they sang You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Ekitike, who has joined from Eintracht Frankfurt, was the most impressive of manager Arne Slot’s close-season signings in a spending spree topping 300 million pounds ($406.53m).

“Obviously, I think it was a good performance, I could do better,” said Ekitike, who held up two fingers in one hand, and made a zero with the other after his goal, a tribute to Liverpool’s Jota, who wore number 20.

“But the most important thing was winning, the mentality we showed. Obviously, we wanted to win tonight for the people who came and for Diogo,” added the 23-year-old forward.

The game was halted for several minutes after Bournemouth’s Ghana international Semenyo reported the racist abuse.

“It’s totally unacceptable,” Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said. “Kind of in shock to be honest that it happened. In this day and age, it shouldn’t be happening.

“I don’t know how Ant’s played on to be honest and come up with those goals … Something has to be done. We’ll support him in there and hopefully, he’ll be OK.”

There’s no need to scout Palisades’ football team this fall. Everyone knows the passing duo of quarterback Jack Thomas and receiver Demare Dezeurn is going to be electric.

Dezeurn, who ran a 10.32 100 meters as a sophomore last season at Bishop Alemany, made his Palisades debut in a scrimmage Thursday. Several times he was used as a decoy, opening the door for receiver Harrison Carter to show his stuff.

Palisades kept Dezeurn under wraps. “We’re not showing anything today,” Thomas said.

Palisades opens against Washington Prep on Thursday. The team still doesn’t have a campus field because of repairs being made after the Palisades fire. Santa Monica College will be the site for several home games.

Receiver Demare Dezeurn of Palisdes.

(Steve Galluzzo)

Thomas is already predicting the Dolphins will play Birmingham to decide the City Section Open Division championship. Dezeurn still needs to be cleared by the City Section to play next week.

Chaminade faced Santa Margarita in a scrimmage on Thursday, and Eagles coach David Machuca said he was very happy with the play of his team’s offensive line considering that Santa Margarita’s strength could be its defensive line.

Chaminade faces Oaks Christian in an opener next week, with Santa Margarita playing Mission Viejo.

The Sierra Canyon-Corona Centennial scrimmage matched two top 10 teams and exposed issues both teams will need to improve on.

Sierra Canyon still has a competition going at quarterback, and that’s the position likely to decide how far the Trailblazers might advance in the Division 1 playoffs. Their defensive line is one of the best in the Southland. Centennial had trouble running the ball, something that needs to improve since the Huskies have a three-game stretch against Servite, Santa Margarita and Mater Dei in nonleague games.

Birmingham’s powerful soccer program has supplied three kickers to the football program, giving coach Jim Rose options with special teams. Kicking field goals will definitely be an option.

Making adjustments for multi-sport athletes, such as letting them leave early for a club practice, is something coaches must do if they want to attract the best athletes in school.

St. Francis quarterback Shawn Sanders suffered a broken collarbone in a scrimmage on Thursday and will be sidelined for a month or longer.

Who: Mallorca vs Barcelona
What: Spanish La Liga
Where: Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Mallorca, Spain
When: Saturday at 7:30pm (17:30 GMT)

How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 4:30pm (15:30 GMT) in advance of our live text commentary stream.

Barcelona begin their defence of their La Liga title on Saturday after flying to the island of Mallorca.

The Catalan club disposed of their fierce rivals and winners of the previous year’s title, Real Madrid, on all fronts last season.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the first major match of the new La Liga season and what clues there may be as to whether Barca will give Real a glimpse of hope in the title race this time around.

How dominant were Barcelona last season?

The Catalan club is coming off one of its best seasons in years, having won the league, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. It also went deep in the Champions League, reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2019.

How big a role will Marcus Rashford play at Barcelona?

In its second year under coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan club will try to add to its success from last season by boosting its squad with Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. He will be teaming up with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in an attacking front that was one of the best in Europe last season.

It led the scoring charts both in the Spanish league – with more than 100 goals – and in the Champions League.

With Lewandowski set to miss the start of the new season, Rashford will vie with Ferran Torres for a place in Barca’s attack.

After Rashford fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford, his move to Barcelona presents a huge chance to rebuild his career.

What other changes have Barcelona made?

Leaving the team are veteran defender Inigo Martínez, who has signed with Saudi club Al-Nassr, and Ansu Fati, who went on loan to Monaco after not playing much last season.

How many La Liga titles have Barcelona won?

Last season’s title was Barcelona’s 28th trophy lift in La Liga. Real Madrid are the record winners with 36 victories to their name.

Has Mallorca ever beaten Barcelona?

Yes. The Spanish islanders have won 17 of their 75 meetings. Barca, however, have won 44 of the encounters.

Where did Mallorca finish last season?

Mallorca squeezed into the top half of La Liga last season with a 10th-placed finish.

Only one team had a worse home record among the top 12 teams last season after Mallorca recorded only seven wins in 19 league matches in front of their own crowd. Six of those games resulted in defeats.

What happened the last time Barcelona met Mallorca?

Barca narrowly beat Mallorca 1-0 at home in their last meeting in April. Dani Olmo scored the only goal in the first minute of the second half to settle the La Liga match.

The corresponding fixture resulted in a 5-1 win for Barca with Raphinha netting twice.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s prematch thoughts

“We are working hard to face this new season. Winning three titles last year is not the end – it’s a continuation. We will give everything this year.

“Lamine Yamal still has room to improve. I like what I’m seeing. He’s training very well, with and without the ball, defending and pressing.”

Head-to-head

Mallorca have not defeated Barcelona since May 2009 – a 2-1 home win in an end-of-season affair in La Liga.

Barca, meanwhile, have won 14 of their last 15 matches against Mallorca in all competitions.

Mallorca team news

Pablo Maffeo will be heavily missed in defence due to a hamstring injury.

Pablo Torre is set to start against his former side, having joined from Barcelona in the summer window. Spain Under-21 international Mateo Joseph is also in line to feature, having joined on loan from Leeds United.

Omar Mascarell has a suspension hanging over from last season after his booking in the final game of the last La Liga campaign.

Barcelona team news

The Catalan club starts the season without veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen because of surgery for lower back problems.

The goalkeeper was at odds with the club about his recovery time. He was provisionally stripped of his captaincy for refusing to sign a medical report about the injury, but he and the club eventually reached an agreement that restored his role as captain.

Veteran striker Lewandowski also isn’t expected to play early in the new campaign because of a muscle issue. Rashford’s registration after his loan from Manchester United has proved problematic, similar to the financial issues that held up Dani Olmo’s participation last season.

Mallorca predicted starting lineup

Greif; Morey, Lopez, Raillo, Lato; Sanchez, Costa, Torre, Darder; Muriqi, Joseph

Barcelona predicted starting lineup

Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; de Jong, Pedri, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Torres, Raphinha

Swedish international striker Alexander Isak has been training away from his Newcastle colleagues amid Liverpool link.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admits striker Alexander Isak has control of his future with the club as Liverpool remain interested in signing the Sweden forward.

Isak will not be involved in Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday after reportedly telling the club he wants to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old was the subject of a rejected 110-million-pound ($149m) bid this month from Premier League champions Liverpool, who begin their title defence against Bournemouth on Friday.

Howe is desperate to keep Isak, who helped the Magpies end their 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup final against Liverpool last season while also firing them to Champions League qualification.

Asked if he envisioned Isak playing for Newcastle before the end of the summer transfer window, Howe told reporters on Friday: “As I sit here now, I don’t know that. Alex will control that.”

Isak is reportedly refusing to train or play in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022.

He did not take part in Newcastle’s preseason tour, training alone at his former club Sociedad instead.

Isak has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, and it is understood he will be fined – the maximum penalty for a single offence is two weeks wages – for missing a competitive match this weekend.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hinted the Reds will submit a second offer – their initial bid was 40 million pounds ($54m) shy of Newcastle’s valuation – but Howe is confident there is a way back for the player should no deal be struck.

“Yes, I believe there is, but of course, discussions and talks would have to take place in order for that to happen,” he said.

“At the moment, I would [expect him to stay], but I’ve got no change of feeling throughout the summer.

“It’s not in my hands, but he’s contracted to us, so that’s why I say that.”

Isak’s stance has angered Newcastle fans, and Howe hopes the striker realises how important the club has been in his development.

“He’s a highly intelligent person, and he knows he wouldn’t have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle,” he said.

“This is a different moment for him and us, and we’re working through that together.”

Howe said he is also focused on strengthening Newcastle’s squad, regardless of Isak’s transfer status.

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is close to completing a move to Tyneside while Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is a target for Howe.

“Yes, we’ve been active for a few, and for whatever reason, they haven’t happened. I can’t deny that, but we’re still actively looking, and I still believe that there is someone there that can fit our requirements,” said Howe, who failed in approaches for Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION

Aliso Niguel 50, Corona 0

Anaheim 37, Garden Grove 6

Banning 43, Cathedral City 6

Beckman 26, Segerstrom 0

Bellflower 7, St. Paul 0

Bishop Amat 13, Bonita 6

Buena 38, Calabasas 6

Burbank Burroughs 18, Valencia 12

Chino 32, Los Altos 0

Corona Centennial 25, Hillcrest 18

Crean Lutheran 32, Capistrano Valley 0

Desert Hot Springs 20, Xavier Prep 0

Downey 37, Western Christian 6

Edison 72, Rialto 7

El Dorado 25, Marina 0

Estancia 20, Saddleback 7

Fullerton 13, Troy 0

Gahr 54, Long Beach Cabrillo 0

Garey 31, Workman 6

Glenn d. Alhambra, forfeit

Hacienda Heights Wilson 25, Alemany 6

Hemet 20, Great Oak 0

Indio 19, Ontario Christian 12

Kennedy 25, Katella 0

La Habra 21, La Serna 19

Lakewood St. Joseph 31, Warren 7

Linfield Christian 12, Roosevelt 0

Long Beach Wilson 6, Norwalk 6

Los Alamitos 40, Mayfair 0

Los Osos 19, Nogales 6

Montclair 24, Fontana 6

Newbury Park 26, Simi Valley 0

Orange Lutheran 34, Woodbridge 0

Patriot 21, Chaffey 6

Placentia Valencia 25, Loara 7

Portola 19, Laguna Hills 6

Rowland 31, Arroyo 0

San Clemente 31, University 0

San Gabriel 34, El Monte 0

Sierra Vista 52, West Covina 20

Sonora 32, Westminster La Quinta 0

South Hills 25, Santa Fe 6

Sunny Hills 8, Villa Park 8

Tesoro 25, Irvine 0

Thousand Oaks 18, Chaminade 2

Whittier 13, Bell Gardens 12

Windward 26, Compton Early College 0

Yorba Linda 13, Ayala 6

INTERSECTIONAL

Imperial 43, La Quinta 12

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION

Anaheim Canyon 31, El Dorado 6

Azusa 41, Los Altos 0

Buena 21, Del Sol 0

Camarillo 36, Ventura 31

Corona Del Mar 26, Trabuco Hills 13

Covina 25, Baldwin Park 15

Cypress 20, San Clemente 12

El Toro 12, Santa Ana Foothill 0

Fullerton 13, Crean Lutheran 7

JSerra 45, Corona Santiago 6

Lakewood St. Joseph 27, Long Beach Wilson 0

Montebello 40, Mountain View 0

Knight 12, West Ranch 7

Oak Park 27, Newbury Park 26

Oxnard 49, Channel Islands 0

Placentia Valencia 25, Rosemead 12

Santa Paula 20, Santa Barbara 14

Sonora 30, Fountain Valley 12

San Dimas 54, Keppel 0

Temecula Valley 25, Elsinore 0

Vasquez 12, Quartz Hill 7

Manchester United eye Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand as a midfield option, Tottenham have hope over deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, while Fulham are keen on Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Manchester United are lining up a £50m deal for Sporting and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand, 26, if they miss out on Brighton’s 21-year-old Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. (Sun), external

Tottenham are confident they have put together a deal for Eberechi Eze, 27, that will satisfy Crystal Palace, who value their England midfielder at £68m. (Teamtalk), external

Fulham are showing interest in Manchester United and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, with AC Milan also pursuing a deal for the 22-year-old. (Mail), external

Chelsea are making progress in their efforts to sign Alejandro Garnacho, 21, from Manchester United and believe £35m is a fair price for the Argentina winger. (Teamtalk), external

Arsenal are ready to consider offers for Ukraine left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28, with Porto, Fenerbahce and Real Betis interested. (CaughtOffside), external

Borussia Dortmund have joined Bayer Leverkusen in showing an interest in taking Brighton and Argentina winger Facundo Buonanotte, 20, on loan this season. (Mail), external

Inter Milan will give it another week to try to complete the signing of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, 27, from Atalanta before they move on to other targets. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Roma have offered midfielder Manu Kone to Inter Milan, who are looking at a deal for about 30m euros (£26m) for the 24-year-old France international. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Liverpool’s move for Parma defender Giovanni Leoni includes the Serie A side having a 10% sell-on clause in the deal for the 18-year-old Italian. (Sky Sports Italia – in Italian), external

“Suleiman lost his football career, and football lost Suleiman.” The family of Palestinian football icon Suleiman al-Obaid mourn his loss after he was killed in an Israeli air strike while waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Who: Liverpool vs Bournmouth
What: English Premier League
Where: Anfield, Liverpool in United Kingdom
When: Friday, August 14, at 8pm (19:00 GMT)

How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 4pm (15:00 GMT) in advance of our live text commentary stream.

The new Premier League season kicks off with champions Liverpool entertaining Bournemouth on Friday.

The 20-team English top-flight – still regarded as the best domestic league in world football – will run to Sunday, May 24.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the season opener at Anfield that will kick it off.

Who is Liverpool’s biggest rival?

Liverpool won the Premier League title by a staggering 10 points, while taking their foot off the gas at the end, in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. The previous season’s champions, Manchester City, suffered a shocking start from which their attempt to win a fifth-straight title never recovered. Arsenal finished second for a third consecutive season and were the Reds’ biggest challengers.

Both sides are expected to push Slot’s side all the way this season, while Chelsea will be in sharp focus following their FIFA Club World Cup final success against UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have both been upstarts in recent years, while Manchester United and Tottenham have fallen away. A challenge from any of those four would come as more than a mild surprise.

Who has Liverpool signed for the new season?

Liverpool have been busy in the summer transfer window with Florian Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, for $156m, heading up an impressive list that includes French forward Hugo Ekitike and Dutch wide man Jeremie Frimpong.

Slot also revealed on Thursday that highly-regarded 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni will be joining from Parma. The Reds have also been heavily linked with moves for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Caoimhin Kelleher have all departed this summer, while the club is still coming to terms with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last month.

What business has Bournemouth conducted?

The Cherries manager, Andoni Iraola, will have to find a way to cope with the loss of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez, who all moved on from the Bournemouth backline in the summer, the latter joining Liverpool.

Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been brought in from Chelsea for 25 million pounds ($33.9m), while defenders Adrien Truffert and Julio Soler have arrived from Rennes and Lanus, respectively.

Has Liverpool ever lost to Bournemouth?

Yes. Bournemouth have twice beaten Liverpool in 24 previous meetings. The Reds have been overwhelmingly the better side in encounters between the sides, returning 19 wins in that time.

How many Premier League titles have Liverpool won?

Last season’s Premier League success took Liverpool’s number of English top-flight titles to 20, level with fierce rivals Manchester United.

Has Bournemouth ever won a trophy?

No. The south-coast club’s 2015 Championship win, the second tier of English football, remains their most high-profile success.

What the Liverpool manager said

Arne Slot: “The main reason that (winning the title) is so difficult is because there are so many competitors who can win the league.

“It’s unbelievable if you are able to do it in this league. This year will be even harder than before.

“We have lost five to six players who played quite a lot of minutes last season, and brought in four, so it’s normal there is adaptation.”

The new season starts here.

2025/26 🔜 pic.twitter.com/VmoxPb8dbu

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2025

Liverpool team news

Ryan Gravenberch is suspended following his red card on the final day of last season against Crystal Palace.

Joe Gomez is struggling with an Achilles injury, while fellow defender Conor Bradley has a muscular problem. Both are expected to miss out.

Bournemouth team news

Enes Unal and Lewis Cook both remain long-term absentees due to knee problems.

Ryan Christie, Luis Sinisterra and Justin Kluivert are all nearing returns but it is believed this game will come too soon for all three.

Liverpool predicted starting lineup:

Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Bournemouth predicted starting lineup:

Petrovic; Araujo, Senesi, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Ouattara; Evanilson

Paul Doyle allegedly drove his car into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title win in May.

A British man accused of driving his vehicle into crowds celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title win faces an additional 24 criminal charges, prosecutors have revealed at his latest court hearing.

Former British marine Paul Doyle, 53, appeared tearful as he joined the hearing on Thursday at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink from prison, when details of the new counts stemming from the May 26 incident emerged.

Merseyside Police now say 134 people were injured when Doyle allegedly drove his Ford Galaxy Titanium into crowds who were leaving Liverpool’s waterfront after a victory parade.

The 31 charges in total now filed involve 29 victims, aged between six months and 77, the court heard.

Six relate to children, including two babies – one aged six months at the time and one aged seven months – who were injured when the car hit people massed on Water Street in the city centre.

Supporters of the city’s world-famous football team had thronged its streets to celebrate the club’s record-equalling 20th English top-flight title when scenes of joy turned to horror.

Doyle, a father-of-three from the Croxteth neighbourhood in the city, was initially charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He now faces multiple additional counts under that and other charges, including 19 for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, three of wounding with intent, and one of affray.

Doyle, wearing a grey T-shirt, did not enter any pleas during the 20-minute hearing, which several relatives of the victims and more than 20 members of the media attended.

Judge Andrew Menary adjourned the case until September 4, when Doyle is expected to enter pleas.

Earlier this year, a provisional trial date was fixed for November 24, with the case expected to last three to four weeks.

French forward Mathys Tel was one of two Tottenham players to miss their penalties in the UEFA Super Cup defeat by PSG.

Tottenham has slammed the “cowards” who racially abused French forward Mathys Tel in the wake of the team’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup after a penalty shootout.

The 20-year-old Tel, who is Black, was one of two Tottenham players who failed to convert their penalties as they lost the shootout 4-3 to PSG after a 2-2 draw.

“We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat,” Tottenham said in a statement.

“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.”

Tottenham said the club will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take “the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify”.

“We stand with you, Mathys,” Spurs added.

Tel, who joined the team on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich in the offseason after a loan spell last season, went on as a substitute in the 79th minute when Tottenham was 2-0 ahead.

He hit his shootout penalty wide.

At USC, Stafon Johnson was a running back. As the football coach at his alma mater, Dorsey, he has continued to preach running the football — until now. He finally has a promising quarterback, sophomore Elijah McDaniel, so look for the Dons to run and pass.

“I haven’t had a quarterback in many moons,” Johnson said.

He also has his son, Deuce, playing receiver, so Dorsey will strive to be more balanced.

The Dons have a huge opening game on Aug. 28, playing Carson in a game that could have implications for the City Section Open Division playoffs weeks away.

“I really like how we’re doing,” Johnson said. “We’re still a young team. The core is 10th and 11th graders, but they played last season.”

All-City defensive back Mahki McCluster returns to lead the defense.

Perhaps Deuce has been lobbying Dad to throw more.

Whatever the reason, look for Dorsey to have the option of passing a lot more this season.

‘Stop killing children, Stop killing civilians’ banners shown at match after criticism over tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid who was killed by Israel.

UEFA has unfurled a banner with the message “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians” on the pitch before the Super Cup football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham in Udine, Italy, in the wake of heavy fallout over its meek tribute to a Palestinian player killed by Israel.

“The message is loud and clear,” European football’s governing body said in a post on X om Wednesday.  “A banner. A call.”

Nine children refugees from Palestine, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iraq carried the banner onto the field of play before the game began.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah last week criticised a UEFA tribute to the late Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”, after European football’s governing body failed to reference the circumstances surrounding his killing.

The Palestine Football Association said al-Obeid, 41, was killed by an Israeli attack on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.

In a brief post on X, UEFA called the former national team member “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”.

Salah responded, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Speaking to Al Jazeera last week, Bassil Mikdadi, the founder of Football Palestine, said he did not expect the football body to respond to the criticism.

“UEFA have not issued a follow-up, and frankly, I’d be surprised if they do,” he said, citing the “complete silence” of football and players’ bodies since the start of the war on Gaza.

Even UEFA’s tribute to al-Obeid “was a bit of a surprise”, Mikdadi said.

“Suleiman al-Obeid is not the first Palestinian footballer to perish in this genocide – there’s been over 400 – but he’s by far the most prominent as of now.”

Salah, one of the Premier League’s biggest stars, has advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza during the nearly two-year-long war.

But some responding to Salah’s post asked why it had taken the 33-year-old Egyptian so long to weigh in on Israel’s genocidal war.

The banner move came a day after the UEFA Foundation for Children announced its latest initiative to help children affected by war in different parts of the world – a partnership with Medecins du Monde, Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials MSF), and Handicap International.

They are charities “providing vital humanitarian help for the children of Gaza,” UEFA said in a news release on Tuesday.

UEFA has supported projects regarding children affected in conflict zones in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.

‘Stop killing children, Stop killing civilians’ banners shown at match after criticism over tribute to Palestinian footballer Suleiman al-Obeid who was killed by Israel.

UEFA has unfurled a banner with the message “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians” on the pitch before the Super Cup football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham in Udine, Italy, in the wake of heavy fallout over its meek tribute to a Palestinian player killed by Israel.

“The message is loud and clear,” European football’s governing body said in a post on X om Wednesday.  “A banner. A call.”

Nine children refugees from Palestine, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iraq carried the banner onto the field of play before the game began.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah last week criticised a UEFA tribute to the late Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”, after European football’s governing body failed to reference the circumstances surrounding his killing.

The Palestine Football Association said al-Obeid, 41, was killed by an Israeli attack on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.

In a brief post on X, UEFA called the former national team member “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”.

Salah responded, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Speaking to Al Jazeera last week, Bassil Mikdadi, the founder of Football Palestine, said he did not expect the football body to respond to the criticism.

“UEFA have not issued a follow-up, and frankly, I’d be surprised if they do,” he said, citing the “complete silence” of football and players’ bodies since the start of the war on Gaza.

Even UEFA’s tribute to al-Obeid “was a bit of a surprise”, Mikdadi said.

“Suleiman al-Obeid is not the first Palestinian footballer to perish in this genocide – there’s been over 400 – but he’s by far the most prominent as of now.”

Salah, one of the Premier League’s biggest stars, has advocated for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza during the nearly two-year-long war.

But some responding to Salah’s post asked why it had taken the 33-year-old Egyptian so long to weigh in on Israel’s genocidal war.

The banner move came a day after the UEFA Foundation for Children announced its latest initiative to help children affected by war in different parts of the world – a partnership with Medecins du Monde, Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials MSF), and Handicap International.

They are charities “providing vital humanitarian help for the children of Gaza,” UEFA said in a news release on Tuesday.

UEFA has supported projects regarding children affected in conflict zones in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.

Tottenham let slip a two-goal lead as late PSG strikes sent European football’s season opener to penalties in Italy.

Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup, completing a remarkable rally after scoring two late goals to take the match to a shootout.

It secured the fifth trophy of 2025 for the French club.

Lee Kang-in scored in the 85th for PSG, and fellow substitute Goncalo Ramos grabbed an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-2 in regulation.

Nuno Mendes converted the clinching penalty in the shootout for PSG.

“I am proud. We haven’t [had] much preparation, but you could see that football is not only about the physical aspect – it is also about the mental aspect, being in the right place, having the right tactics,” PSG captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal Plus.

“They sat back a lot after going 2-0 up, and it is dangerous to invite PSG to come at you like that.”

The Super Cup is an annual early-season match between the most recent winners of the Champions League (PSG) and Europa League (Tottenham), and it was hardly going to script when the English club took a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Defenders popped up with Spurs’ goals, with Micky van de Ven showing quick reactions to prod home the opener in the 39th minute after new PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier tipped Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the crossbar.

Chevalier – playing ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who announced Tuesday he was leaving PSG – might have been unlucky with the first goal but was to blame for the second after failing to keep out a header from newly appointed Tottenham captain Cristian Romero in the 48th.

Tottenham is further along in its preparations for the new campaign than PSG, whose players have only just returned to training after being involved in the Club World Cup until mid-July, and looked much sharper at Stadio Friuli.

PSG finished strongly, though, and hit Tottenham with late goals as Lee smashed in a low shot from the edge of the area and Ramos headed home Ousmane Dembele’s right-wing cross.

In the shootout, Vitinha missed PSG’s first attempt, but the French team then converted four in a row. Van de Ven and Mathys Tel failed to score for Tottenham, whose manager, Thomas Frank, was taking charge of his first competitive match with the Premier League team.

Frank took over in the offseason following the firing of Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham to its first trophy in 17 years with a victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May.

“I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world – maybe the best in this moment in time,” Frank told TNT Sports.

“I think we had them exactly where we wanted them for 80-something minutes until the 2-1 goal. Then, of course, that shifted a little bit the momentum, but there was so much positive.

“I am so proud of the team, the players, the club, the fans. I think there is a lot to be happy with. It is a flip of a coin when you go into a penalty shootout.”

PSG completed the Champions League-Ligue 1-Coupe de France treble last season, also winning the Trophee des Champions in January. The team lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea.

HIGH SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION

Agoura 50, Simi Valley 7

Arroyo Valley 7, Vista del Lago 0

Azusa 19, Ontario 12

Beaumont 56, Rancho Mirage 0

Bonita 32, Chaffey 0

California Military Institute 7, Arlington 6

Claremont 38, Victor Valley 6

Compton 26, Nogales 0

Esperanza 42, Anaheim 7

Fountain Valley 15, Westminster La Quinta 12

Garden Grove 27, Savanna 12

Knight 53, Vasquez 0

Loara 12, Laguna Beach 7

Moreno Valley 27, Riverside Poly 24

Norte Vista 12, Fontana 0

Oak Park 19, Saugus 6

Oxnard 59, Hueneme 6

Palos Verdes 6, Santa Monica 0

Rancho Cucamonga 9, Citrus Valley 7

Ramona 36, San Gorgonio 6

Redlands East Valley 34, Corona 0

Santa Paula 26, Buena 0

Temescal Canyon 16, Elsinore 6

South Hills 31, Burbank Burroughs 6

Upland 21, Alta Loma 7

Villa Park 20, Rosary Academy 0

Vista del Lago 19, Arroyo Valley 13

MONDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION
Anaheim Canyon 40, La Habra 6
Beckman 25, Woodbridge 6
Bellflower 39, Cerritos 8
Bishop Amat 32, Los Osos 32
Bolsa Grande 19, Sadleback 14
Canyon Springs 6, Norte Vista 0
Chaminade 32, Windward 0
Claremont 47, Garey 7
Cypress 15, La Palma Kennedy 0
Esperanza 32, Rosary Academy 12
Estancia 6, Los Amigos 0
Fullerton 13, California 7
Gahr 19, Ayala 0
Glendora 32, Northview 0
Hacienda Heights Wilson 12, Don Lugo 6
Hemet 41, Lakeside 0
JSerra 32, Downey 7
Laguna Hills 8, Irvine 0
Lakewood Saint Joseph 32, Mater Dei 7
La Serna 28, La Mirada 0
Linfield Christian 46, Murrieta Mesa 12
Los Alamitos 22, Anaheim 2
Mission Viejo 12, Marina 6
Norwalk 18, Bell Gardens 6
Ontario 31, Pomona 0
Palm Desert 13, Palm Springs 9
Placentia 28, Long Beach Jordan 13
Rancho Cucamonga 19, Norco 0
Riverside King 29, Arlington 0
Riverside North 13, Vista del Lago 12
Riverside Poly 14, Valley View 12
San Dimas 13, Covina 0
San Gorgonio 32, Rialto 0
Santa Ana Foothill 12, Fountain Valley 6
Segerstrom 6, Capistrano Valley 0
Shadow Hills 33, La Quinta 0
Sierra Vista 40, Westridge 0
Sunny Hills 34, Long Beach Wilson 0
Temecula Prep 27, Temecula Valley 6
Temescal Canyon 15, Hillcrest 2

Man City hold talks with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Southampton reject West Ham’s offer for Mateus Fernandes and Galatasaray approach Brazil goalkeeper Ederson.

Manchester City have held talks with Paris St-Germain over a deal for Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. (RMC Sport – in French), external

Galatasaray have made an approach for Manchester City’s 31-year-old Brazil goalkeeper Ederson, which would clear the way for Donnarumma to move to Etihad Stadium. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Southampton have rejected West Ham’s opening offer, worth £30m plus add-ons, for 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes. (Athletic – subscription required) , external

Real Madrid are continuing to monitor the progress of Crystal Palace’s 21-year-old England midfielder Adam Wharton. (Mail – subscription required), external

Aston Villa are hoping to re-sign Marco Asensio from Paris St-Germain following the 29-year-old Spain midfielder’s successful loan spell last season. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Liverpool have no intention of selling France defender Ibrahima Konate, 26, in this transfer window, despite working on moves for two centre-backs to strengthen their squad. (Mail – subscription required) , external

Bournemouth have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for 25-year-old Morocco forward Amine Adli. (Footmercato – in French), external

Bayer Leverkusen are the latest side to express an interest in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte, with the Seagulls willing to sell the 20-year-old Argentina winger for around £39m. (Kicker – in German), external

Borussia Dortmund have walked away from a deal for Fabio Silva after Wolves increased their asking price for the 23-year-old Portugal forward. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea’s France forward Christopher Nkunku is keen on a move to Bayern Munich, with a deal for the 27-year-old still possible. (Florian Plettenberg) , external