Italy’s Filippo Ganna won a shortened individual time trial on stage 18 of the Vuelta a Espana as Britain’s Tom Pidcock retained his third place in the overall standings.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Joao Almeida, who is second in the general classification, took 10 seconds off the advantage of overall race leader Jonas Vingegaard.
The stage was reduced from 27.2km to 12.2km to ensure “greater protection” for riders because of security concerns resulting from a series of pro-Palestinian protests during the three-week race.
Police numbers were also ramped up, with hundreds of protestors waving flags along the route and whistling riders from Israel-Premier Tech.
And French news agency AFP reported that two protestors were detained for trying to jump over barriers.
Two-time world time trial champion Ganna, 29, lived up to his billing as the favourite, with the Ineos Grenadiers rider edging out Australian Jay Vine by a second in Valladolid.
“Obviously, with the news of the change in the parcours [route] last night it was a bit strange, but I tried to do the best today,” said Ganna, who was 10 seconds quicker than anyone else over the final four kilometres.
“The first part I didn’t find the correct rhythm and in the final I tried to push over without thinking of the numbers. I am really happy for today.”
While Ganna’s fast finish ensured he pipped Vine, all eyes were focused on the battle at the top of the general classification.
Almeida finished strongly to put time into Visma-Lease A Bike’s Vingegaard and the Portuguese rider now sits 40 seconds behind the Dane with two competitive stages of racing remaining.
Q36.5 Pro Cycling’s Pidcock finished 29 seconds behind Ganna but managed to extend his advantage over Australian Jai Hindley in the battle for the final podium spot by three seconds.
With a relatively flat 161.9km run from Rueda to Guijuelo scheduled for Friday, it raises the prospect of a huge day in the mountains on Saturday’s penultimate stage with a summit finish on the Bola del Mundo.
Portugal’s Joao Almeida outpaced overall leader Jonas Vingegaard to win the gruelling 13th stage of the Vuelta a Espana – as the race was again disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.
Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG took over the lead from team-mate Felix Grossschartner with less than six kilometres to go to the summit finish at the Alto de Angliru.
The Portuguese and Vingegaard, the top two in the general classification, then broke away from Jai Hindley and 2023 winner Sepp Kuss with three kilometres to the summit before the duo battled it out in for the stage win up the steep ascent.
Earning bonus seconds with his first stage win at the Vuelta, Almeida closed the gap to Visma-Lease a Bike’s Vingegaard to 46 seconds in the overall rankings.
“This is a special one, I still don’t believe it,” Almeida said.
“I just put my pace from the bottom and I just did my bit the best I could. Jonas was always on my wheel. We were both on the limit and I was waiting for his attack anytime.
“I think this is the hardest climb in the world, its crazy, I’m really sore.”
Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock remains third overall despite finishing seventh in the stage, but he is now two minutes 18 seconds off two-time Tour de France winner Vingegaard.
Australia’s Hindley, who took third in the 202.7km ride from Cabezon de la Sal to Alto de L’Angliru, sits fourth in the general classification.
Protesters waving Palestinian flags disrupted the stage before the climb to Angliru, affecting lead riders Jefferson Cepeda, Bob Jungels, and Nico Vinokurov.
The stoppage lasted a few seconds before security intervened.
“We were slowed down a bit by a demonstration during the race, but that didn’t change anything – we knew we would be caught by the best,” said Vinokurov, who held a three-minute lead over the peloton before the disruption.
Meanwhile, the Asturias government boycotted Friday’s stage while urging Israel-Premier Tech to pull out of the race.
Stage 13 finished in Asturias, with two more stages on Saturday and Sunday also passing through the principality.
Gimena Llamedo, vice-president of the principality, said “it would be best for everyone” if Israel-Premier Tech withdrew from this year’s Vuelta.
“We don’t have the capacity to prevent your participation,” Llamedo said.
“Not even the government of Spain has it. But what we can and want to do is express our disagreement.”
After stage 11, the team, owned by Israeli-Canadian businessman Sylvan Adams, said pulling out of the race would “set a dangerous precedent” in cycling.
“We must not be impassive or indifferent to what is happening in Gaza. It is a matter of conscience, of mere humanity,” said Llamedo, urging the protesters not to endanger the safety of the cyclists or disrupt the race.
The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 64,231 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The ministry also says 370 people have so far died during the war as a result of malnutrition and starvation, including three over the past 24 hours.
Joao Pedro scored his second goal in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
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Trevoh Chalobah was too soft in the backlineCredit: AFP
Summer signing Pedro gave the hosts the lead with a header in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Blues‘ afternoon was made more comfortable as Enzo Fernandez converted from the spot in the 56th minute.
Fulham did have chances as defender Trevoh Chalobah seemed like a weak spot in the backline.
Here’s how SunSport reporter Jack Rosserrated the Chelsea players…
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez will have been relieved that Josh King’s opening goal was ruled out, given he was made to look rather silly with the near post finish.
Other than that, however, the Spaniard had a very, very quiet afternoon with little to do after the first half scare.
Malo Gusto – 6
A couple of fine, flying challenges to stop Fulham on the counter while also supporting the winger in flying forwards whenever he can.
Given how good he can be, it feels like Reece James may take the right-back spot from Gusto soon but the Frenchman is putting forwards a good case at the moment.
A very difficult first half for the Blues defender.
Chalobah was lucky that VAR intervened in the build-up to Fulham’s disallowed goal after he was easily rolled by Rodrigo Muniz.
Christopher Nkunku seals transfer to AC Milan just two years after Chelsea move
He was also easily beaten by Josh King not too long after that. Picked up in the second half.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
A tough battle with former Fulham teammates Muniz and Raul Jimenez a times but led the Blues back four well.
Came close to opening the scoring but could not react to get an effort on target after a corner deflected his way off of Kenny Tete.
Marc Cucurella – 6
The Spaniard was fairly untroubled throughout, keeping the danger down his side to a minimum – especially impressive after Adama Traore was thrown on to try and get Fulham back in.
As always, a ball of energy looking to cause trouble going forwards, but little joy on that front this weekend.
Moises Caicedo – 8
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Moises Caicedo impressed in the midfieldCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Despite having trained just once this week since the West Ham game, Caicedo put in another stellar display.
Dominant against a hefty Fulham midfield, the Ecuador international held everything together for the Blues.
And even when the control slipped, Caicedo was there to save the day – making a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Timothy Castange what looked a certain goal minutes before the Blues opened the scoring.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
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Enzo Fernandez converted from the spotCredit: AFP
A bizarre afternoon for the Chelsea captain, who shushed his own fans and raged at the fitness coach at halftime.
Some sloppy play first half but stepped up and helped Chelsea gain a little more control after the break, before pulling rank and keeping his cool to convert the penalty and double the lead.
Estevao – 6
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Estevao put in another bright displayCredit: Getty
Another encouraging afternoon for the teenage winger.
Estevao showed his strength and power with a barge on Ryan Sessengnon in the first half, winning the ball before skipping away and past Calvin Bassey.
End product could do with some work still but plenty to be excited about.
Joao Pedro – 7
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Pedro opened the scoringCredit: Getty
Another week and another goal for Pedro.
The Brazilian found space well and confidently nodded home his second Premier League goal of the season to get things rolling.
Pedro even kept his mouth shut when Enzo Fernandez wanted to claim the penalty and open his account for the campaign, giving his captain a hug for support before the spot kick.
Pedro Neto – 5
A lot of hard work for little reward.
With Alejandro Garnacho watching on and Jamie Gittens already providing competition from the bench – Neto will have to show more if he is to keep his place in the side.
Liam Delap – n/a
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Liam Delap went off injuredCredit: Getty
The striker suffered a huge blow as he went off injured early in the first half.
Substitutes
Tyrique George (Delap, 13′) – 5
Thrown in much earlier than expected after Delap’s early injury and asked to lead the line – not his usual position.
It was a surprise George was even turned to given talks progressing over a move to Roma.
his was not a performance that will add any more to the transfer fee as George struggled to make an impact.
Jamie Gittens (Estevao, 67′) – 6
Offered precious little from the bench, although Chelsea were more seeing out the game rather than pushing desperately for a third goal once Gittens was sent on.
Novak Djokovic says he is “trying to solve the riddle” and find his best form after fighting back from a set down to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda in the US Open second round.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared subdued in the early stages of the match before powering through to a 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 6-1 win.
“I’m not pleased with my level of tennis, but, you know, you have days like this where you’re not playing at your best, but you just kind of find a way,” Djokovic said.
“I’m just trying to solve the riddle once I’m on the court.”
The 38-year-old said he was “a bit with frustrated with his game” as he continues his bid for a standalone record 25th major trophy.
“It’s not like I’m not finding joy on the court competing. I enjoy competing, but I don’t enjoy not playing well,” the Serb said.
“That’s why I put extra pressure on myself and my team to be better the next day, the next match,” he said.
“It’s not a motivation thing. I kind of go through stuff internally. You don’t want to know the details of what I’m going through and telling myself.”
Djokovic has already set another record in New York in reaching the third round at a major for the 75th time – one more than Roger Federer’s tally.
He will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie – who he has beaten at the French Open and Wimbledon this year – in the third round.
CHELSEA hardly needed to play like world-beaters to see off lacklustre Leverkusen.
But there was plenty for the Blues to feel positive about from their first game as world champions.
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Estevao scored his first Stamford Bridge goalCredit: Alamy
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The Brazilian tucked home after 18 minutesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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It was a game largely devoid of quality despite the Blues dominanceCredit: Reuters
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Joao Pedro then brought more Brazilian brilliance as he added a second goalCredit: Reuters
Estevao’s goal and all-round first-half performance on his debut was the undoubted highlight, before Club World Cup hero Joao Pedro made it two late on.
And although boss Enzo Maresca regularly showed frustration with his team, this was a decent showing from a group of players with less than a week of training under their belt.
Maresca gave 10 outfield substitutes a run out without losing control of a game that at times had a bit more needle than he would have liked.
The way Cole Palmer linked up with Estevao will have pleased the Chelsea head coach.
The challenge which former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah put in on Palmer will have had him wincing.
Especially after losing defender Levi Colwill to ACL surgery after a knock picked up in the very first training session since the CWC victory.
Palmer was incensed, and his team-mates backed him up in a brief outbreak of handbags.
Yet it was Chelsea who looked the fresher team.
Former Bundesliga champions Leverkusen had been working together for a full pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
But they felt like one of Ten Hag’s old Manchester United teams: flat and toothless up front, having lost playmaker Florian Wirtz and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool.
Blues goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made only a couple of routine saves and the visitors were unable to capitalise on the odd defensive error.
Otherwise it was all Chelsea.
Marc Cucurella and Estevao had shots blocked before the Brazilian started and finished the key move of the match.
After retrieving the ball near the halfway line, the right winger Cucurella, whose pass inside fell for Palmer.
The No 10s lob came back off the bar but Estevao volleyed it home.
Chelsea’s new No 9, Liam Delap, had two decent sights of goal but was denied each time by former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Delap might have done better, particularly with the first opportunity from Cucurella’s cross.
Estevao saw a shot blocked by Piero Hincapie’s head just before the break.
Palmer went off at half time, presumably as a precaution rather than because of any lasting damage from Quansah’s foul.
Estevao took his place in the No 10 position, leaving Pedro Neto to “follow that” on the right wing.
The young Brazilian had been less impressive in the second half yet had a chance to make the night even more special.
But he pulled a good chance wide before being replaced with 15 minutes to go to a loud ovation from the crowd.
Neto forced a decent save from Flekken and Chelsea were on the verge of settling for a scoreline that did not reflect their superiority.
But Joao Pedro put some extra shine on a night lit up by his fellow Brazilian Estevao with a last-gasp second.
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Joao Pedro registered 26 touches of the ball against Fluminense. Of all Chelsea forwards to have started at the Club World Cup, only Jackson has managed as many touches in a match.
Not all of the Brazilian’s touches took place inside the opposition half, however – far from it.
He was involved all over the pitch in Tuesday’s semi-final, with seven of his touches coming inside his own half.
“The good thing about Joao is that we knew already how good he was,” said Maresca after the game, also revealing he spoke to ex-Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi prior to signing him.
“Today he played deep but we know he is able to drop deep and link up the play. That’s why we decided to bring him in.”
By contrast, Delap only touched the ball twice inside his own half after starting Chelsea’s final group game against Tunis, while only four of Jackson’s touches against Palmeiras took place in the Blues’ half of the pitch.
Joao Pedro also made more of an impact in wide areas, regularly popping up on both flanks in an effort to influence Chelsea’s build-up play.
The majority of Delap and Jackson’s touches, meanwhile, were in central areas in the final third of the pitch.
“Every team has a different style to play: Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way,” Joao Pedro said before Tuesday’s game.
“I think whoever brings more good things to the team is going to play.”
On this evidence, Joao Pedro has more than an outside chance of beating both Delap and Jackson to a starting berth in Sunday’s showpiece.
Brighton have rejected two bids by Premier League clubs for forward Joao Pedro.
The clubs have not been revealed, but Chelsea and Newcastle are currently targeting the Brazil striker.
Liverpool are also known to admire the 23-year-old, though are not pursuing a move at the moment.
The bids are reportedly about £50m, as Brighton hold out for at least £60m for Pedro, who was signed from Watford for a then club record £30m in 2023.
Pedro, who has three caps, is known to be keen to move away from the south coast, while Chelsea and Newcastle are able to offer him Champions League football.
The Blues see Pedro as a replacement for versatile forward Christopher Nkunku, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge despite his current involvement in the Club World Cup.
Pedro scored 10 goals and six assists in 27 Premier League games for Brighton last season, but was excluded from the squad by manager Fabian Hurzeler for disciplinary reasons on the last day of the season.
Turkish club Trabzonspor have agreed a fee in the region of £6.8m (€8m) with Southampton for striker Paul Onuachu, 31, and negotiations over personal terms are ongoing. (Fabrizio Romano), external
The Saints have rejected a £10m (€12m) bid for winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, 23, from Italian Serie A side Atalanta, who are managed by former Southampton boss Ivan Juric. (Sky Sports), external
Southampton and Sheffield United face stiff competition from Leeds, Wolves and four German Bundesliga clubs to sign French striker Willem Geubbels, 23, from Swiss Super League side St Gallen after he netted 14 goals in 31 games last season. (L’Equipe – in French), external
Watford are set to sign Udinese defender James Abankwah, 21, and Chelsea left-back Caleb Wiley, 20, on loan again for the 2025-26 campaign after they both spent the second half of last season with the Hornets. (Sky Sports), external
Wrexham are targeting a move for former England duo Danny Ings, 32, and Aaron Cresswell, 35, from Premier League side West Ham United. (Mirror), external
Middlesbrough have shown interest in signing Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, 21, who spent last season on loan at Championship rivals Sheffield United. (Yorkshire Post), external
Blackpool are interested in signing Millwall midfielder George Honeyman, 30, and Birmingham City midfielder Brandon Khela, 20, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bradford City. (Blackpool Gazette), external
