Egypt teenager Hamza Abdelkarim will sign a new Barcelona contract next week, extending his stay with the Spanish champions until 2030.

The 18-year-old joined Barcelona on loan from Cairo club Al Ahly in February before completing a permanent move in the summer. He had already featured for Egypt at the World Cup, appearing in four of the team’s five matches.

Abdelkarim became the youngest player to represent Egypt at the tournament. He subsequently made a strong impression during Barcelona’s pre-season campaign, scoring four goals in five games.

His competitive debut for Barcelona came as a late substitute in last month’s 5-2 La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano.

The club said Abdelkarim is scheduled to sign the contract extension on Tuesday.

Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football, ending his four-year spell with the Ghana national team at the age of 32.

The Athletic Club forward confirmed his decision on Friday, September 11, 2026, saying he felt the time was right to close a chapter which began when he changed his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022.

Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams represented Spain at youth level and made his senior debut for La Roja in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2016. He did not play for Spain again, leaving him eligible to switch his international allegiance.

Williams announced in July 2022 that he would represent Ghana, the country of his parents and family heritage. He received his first Black Stars call-up in September that year for friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.

His Ghana debut came against Brazil on September 23, 2022, when he was introduced at half-time during a 3-0 defeat in Le Havre.

He was then included in Ghana's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, playing in all three group matches. His appearances included the Black Stars' memorable 3-2 victory over South Korea.

Williams scored his first goal for Ghana in November 2023, finding the net against Madagascar in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. He scored again against Chad during the same qualifying campaign.

He also represented Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving him appearances at two World Cups for the Black Stars.

At the 2026 World Cup, Williams started Ghana's goalless draw with England and played in the team's other group-stage matches. He was part of the squad that reached the knockout phase.

Williams finished his Ghana career with 28 appearances, two goals and one assist. Although his goalscoring return was modest, he remained an important member of the squad through his pace, experience and ability to play across the frontline.

Reflecting on his decision in a post on Instagram, Williams said his time with Ghana had allowed him to reconnect with his heritage away from football.

“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end.”

He added: “Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest.”

Williams thanked everyone who had supported him during his time with the Black Stars and said his connection with Ghana would remain.

“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.”

The Champions League returned with a three-night Matchday, producing a series of statement victories and high-profile disappointments. Holders PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all won by big margins, while all five Premier League clubs were victorious, led by last season’s runners-up Arsenal.

This season’s review focuses on the winner and loser from each day rather than assessing the Matchday as a whole.

Tuesday: Real Madrid make Mourinho’s return one to remember

Real Madrid were the clear winners on Tuesday after defeating Serie A champions Inter in a remarkable contest that marked Jose Mourinho’s return to the Champions League and a meeting with his former club.

It was not a flawless display from Mourinho’s side, but Real showed the resilience that was missing last season. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after Yann Bisseck’s error, before Fede Valverde doubled the advantage by taking advantage of another defensive mistake. Carlos Augusto pulled one back in the second half and Inter pressed for an equaliser, but Real deserved the points.

Inter enjoyed more possession, yet Real Madrid created nine big chances to their opponents’ four and had one more shot on target. It was not a vintage performance, but it was a significant win against one of Europe’s stronger teams.

Lille were Tuesday’s biggest losers, allowing a promising position against Real Betis to slip away. They led 2-1 at half-time, but a quickfire double put Betis 3-2 ahead less than 10 minutes into the second half. Ethan Mbappe’s red card, three minutes after Troy Parrot put Betis in front, ended Lille’s hopes. Last season’s Ligue 1 third-placed finishers will regret failing to turn control into points in a match they need to win if they are to reach the play-offs.

Wednesday: Ferran Torres delivers a debut hat-trick

Ferran Torres was the standout performer on Wednesday, scoring three times on his PSG Champions League debut. The man who scored the World Cup final winning goal put the hosts 3-0 ahead with a trademark finish from Ousmane Dembele’s delivery, then added two goals in 10 second-half minutes to complete his hat-trick before the hour.

With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dembele and Desire Doue supplying opportunities, Torres has already scored five goals in his first four appearances for PSG.

Liverpool also impressed, recovering from a goal down to beat Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the best performance of the Andoni Iraola era so far.

Napoli, however, were badly exposed by Arsenal’s 1-0 win in Naples. Arsenal, the Premier League champions and last season’s UCL finalists, could have won by more, while Napoli created only five shots, three on target and no big chances, with an xG of 0.23. Massimiliano Allegri’s side must improve before facing Bologna in Serie A.

Thursday: Como shine while Roma struggle

Como could not have imagined a better Champions League debut after beating RB Leipzig. Martin Baturina opened the scoring after 18 minutes, Anastasios Douvikas made it 2-0, and Nico Paz and Assane Diao combined for the third. Paz then created Maximo Perrone’s goal after Leipzig had scored a consolation.

It was an energetic performance from Cesc Fabregas’ side, who continued attacking until the final whistle.

Roma completed a disappointing week for Serie A clubs. Despite three wins from three in the league, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team were held 1-1 by Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Bryan Cristante’s 39th-minute goal offered little evidence of a convincing display, while Archie Brown equalised in the 48th minute by lifting the ball over Mile Svilar. Fenerbahce created the better chances thereafter, highlighting how far Italian football remains from where it should be.

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and his partner Alessia Elefante were tied up and threatened with a knife during a burglary at their Paris home, a criminal court has heard.

The incident took place in 2023, when Donnarumma was playing for Paris Saint-Germain. The couple, who are now married, were confronted by intruders who forced their way into the apartment and stole high-value possessions worth a total of £430,000.

Donnarumma told the court that one of the attackers demanded their watches, saying: “The watches, the watches.”

He said he then pointed out an Audemars Piguet watch on a dressing table.

Elefante told investigators that she was woken by the attackers, who assaulted her while demanding money and watches. She said they shouted: “The money, the watches.”

She handed over a Cartier watch, jewellery and €2,000 (£1,718) in cash, according to reports.

The attackers also demanded the code for a safe. Elefante said she did not know it and told them there was nothing inside.

“They got angry thinking that I was lying. They pulled me by the hair and one of them hit me on the thighs. I said I was pregnant but they continued,” she said.

Both Donnarumma and Elefante were bound during the robbery. The goalkeeper was threatened with a knife as the intruders took the valuables and fled.

The burglary happened three years ago but the case only reached trial in a Parisian criminal court this week.

Ilyas Kherbouch, 21, and Khyan Mamouni are accused of masterminding and ordering the robbery from their prison cells, reports state.

Cesc Fabregas described Como’s 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig as a historic night after the Italian club made an impressive debut in the Champions League on Thursday.

The result allowed Como to meet the standards expected in Europe’s elite club competition, according to their manager.

“It was a historic evening for the club and the fans, who will still be talking about it in 10 years’ time,” Fabregas told reporters.

“That’s the beauty of football, I hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did.”

Fabregas, formerly a midfielder for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, retired from playing at Como in 2023. He then joined the club’s coaching staff before taking charge as manager.

The Champions League victory came after Como collected seven points from their opening three Serie A matches of the season.

Como’s next fixture is at home to Parma on Monday.

Jackson Irvine believes Fabian Hurzeler has the ambition and ability to eventually manage Bayern Munich, but says the Brighton & Hove Albion head coach is currently in the ideal environment to develop further.

Irvine worked with Hurzeler at St Pauli, where the Australian was captain and the Hamburg club won the German second-tier title before securing promotion to the Bundesliga. Hurzeler initially served as an assistant before becoming head coach.

Speaking exclusively to Flashscore during an interview in Japan, Irvine said Hurzeler’s meticulous approach had a major impact on St Pauli’s success.

“I worked with him for a year and a half when he was the assistant, before taking over the head coach role,” said Irvine, who now plays for Cerezo Osaka.

“He did take a lot of tactical sessions, but I don't think any of us quite realised the impact that he would have on us in such a short space of time.

“His attention to detail was like nothing I've ever experienced. There was a demand every day to add something new to our game and constantly keep pushing us to suffer through what it took to take that final step as a team to go up.”

Hurzeler’s instructions extended to the smallest elements of defensive play, according to Irvine.

“It would go down to even the finest of details, such as the positioning of your legs in the box when you're defending,” he said. “It came down to a yard, or even an inch in some cases - it was that kind of level of detail.

“Everything we did was with a purpose. You're never in a position in a game that you hadn’t prepared for in training.

“Obviously, we didn't always execute it perfectly. We weren’t Barcelona! But we had the clearest picture of what we were trying to do, and everyone was on the same page.

“That led to some amazing success in the following 18 months he had in charge.”

Irvine, who is 33 and the same age as Hurzeler, believes a return to the coach’s Bavarian roots could eventually present an opportunity at Bayern Munich.

“It probably wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s got an eye on that Bayern Munich job one day,” he said. “He's a Bavarian boy, it's his hometown club, and I’d think he’d love that opportunity to go there.

“Without a doubt, I think he'll get his chance. He’ll get his big move at some point, but I think he's in a perfect place right now at Brighton.”

Irvine added that Brighton & Hove Albion’s ability to maintain their standards despite regularly changing their squad had helped Hurzeler continue to progress.

“It’s a club that has a high turnover of players, but never seems to drop its level,” he said. “It consistently performs and plays the kind of football that enables him to get the best out of that group of players. I think he's gone from strength to strength since he's been there.”

Hurzeler has also endured difficult spells, including one at the turn of this year, but Irvine said the club’s backing allowed him to recover.

“He’s had a couple of wobbles as well, but he's managed to fight his way through that, whereas a lot of Premier League managers don't survive those kinds of spells,” he said.

“He’s an extremely ambitious guy, and is always looking forward. I hope one day we get a chance to share a beer and reminisce, but I wish him the very best.”

Como manager Cesc Fabregas has told his players to quickly move on from their historic 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig and focus on Monday’s Serie A meeting with Parma.

Como marked their first appearance in the Champions League with a convincing win on Thursday, 10 September. Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, Assane Diao and substitute Maxi Perrone scored for the Italian side, with all four players having joined the club last season.

Despite the significance of the result, Fabregas said the celebrations would be brief and insisted Serie A remained Como’s primary objective.

“I am happy, but it will only last five minutes, because then we have to prepare against Parma on Monday, and we need the same energy as tonight,” Fabregas told Sky Sport Italia.

The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder acknowledged the importance of the occasion for Como and the city, but said the club’s progress in the league was what had created the opportunity to play in Europe’s leading club competition.

“Obviously, I understand it is a historic night for the city and the club, it is a gift that we deserved for the incredible work we did last season, but Serie A remains the most important target,” he said.

“It is after all what allows you to get back into the Champions League.”

Como’s squad has been energised by its involvement in the competition, but Fabregas warned his players that their standards in domestic football could not drop after such an impressive European performance.

“We are a young team, we are boosted by the Champions League energy, but I’d be really angry if we then didn’t give our all in Serie A,” he added.

Fabregas also stressed the demands of a season in which Como must compete every three days, calling for humility and consistency from his side.

“We must be humble and be able to perform every three days, it will be a very tough season, and we must maintain the right mentality,” he said.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says he would “love” to see England team-mate Harry Kane receive this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Rice, 27, was included on the 30-player shortlist for football’s most prestigious individual award for the second consecutive year.

The midfielder has established himself as one of the world’s leading players since joining Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, but he is not considered among the leading contenders to win the prize.

Instead, Rice has put his support behind Bayern Munich striker Kane.

After Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli, Rice said: “Second year in a row nominated, I'm very proud.

“You know who I want to win. I'd love to see Harry Kane win. I wish him all the best.”

Kane’s record means he would be a strong candidate for the award, having scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country across all competitions last season.

Jonathan Rowe says earning an England call-up is a “dream” after completing his move from Bologna to Atalanta.

The 23-year-old has joined Maurizio Sarri’s side on an initial loan deal, which includes a reported €40 million option to buy.

Rowe arrives at Atalanta after a 2025-26 campaign in which he made 43 appearances for Bologna. He scored eight goals and supplied four assists during the season.

Speaking at his introductory press conference on Thursday, the forward said he was aiming to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Asked whether international selection was one of his ambitions, Rowe said: “100%. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little boy.

“You have to take the right steps in your career to reach these goals. Atalanta are a club that have achieved a lot of success in European competitions in recent years and that also made it an easy decision to come here.”

Rowe has previously represented England at under-21 level and helped the team to the European Championship in 2021.

His move to Atalanta gives him the opportunity to continue his career under Sarri after one season with Bologna, where his performances produced eight goals and four assists across 43 matches.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says Anthony Gordon’s playing style was a better match for the club’s plans than Marcus Rashford’s, helping shape their decision not to sign the England forward permanently.

Rashford spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals in all competitions as the club won the LaLiga title.

Despite that contribution, Barcelona chose not to activate the £30M purchase clause for the 28-year-old. Manager Hansi Flick had been open to bringing Rashford back if an agreement could be reached with Manchester United after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Instead, Barcelona prioritised a deal for Gordon, with the £80M transfer completed before the World Cup. Deco said the club believed the Newcastle United winger offered a more suitable long-term option.

“We are extremely grateful to Rashford,” Deco said.

“He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony's. His style fits with what the coach is looking for.

“In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed.

“We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but Flick was clear in what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there.”

The comments underline the importance Barcelona placed on finding a winger who could provide greater intensity and more closely reflect Flick’s preferred style of play.

Although Rashford had impressed during his season in Catalonia, Barcelona’s recruitment strategy shifted towards Gordon as they assessed alternative targets in the transfer market.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says Julian Alvarez’s decision to publicly seek a move away from Atletico de Madrid was made without pressure from the Catalan club.

The Argentina striker shocked Atletico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he declared that he wanted to leave Madrid and join Barcelona.

Atletico maintained throughout the dispute that Alvarez would not be sold to the defending LaLiga champions. The disagreement led to a furious exchange of words between the two clubs, but the forward ultimately remained in the Spanish capital.

Deco has now rejected suggestions that Barcelona encouraged Alvarez to make an exit request as part of their efforts to sign him.

“Barca didn't pressurise Julian Alvarez to come out and publicly express his wish to leave Atletico Madrid. It was his own decision,” he said.

Barcelona remained open to the possibility of a change of heart from Atletico, despite the Spanish club telling them there was a “0% chance” of completing a deal for the Argentinian.

Arsenal were subsequently linked with a potential offer, although no formal bid was made. Alvarez was unconvinced by the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

Deco also disclosed that Barcelona proposed paying €100M for the striker over three seasons. He compared that structure with arrangements used by other clubs, which pay transfer fees in five instalments.

“We made an offer to pay €100M over three seasons. There are clubs who pay in five instalments,” Deco said.

The Barcelona sporting director also addressed his relationship with former Barcelona official Mateu Alemany, insisting there was no personal dispute between them.

“I have no problem with Mateu Alemany; I haven’t done anything to him.”

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has reached an agreement in principle on a new contract with the Spanish club, according to The Athletic.

The Turkey international’s existing deal is due to expire in 2029, but the proposed extension would keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2032.

Guler, 21, has become an increasingly important member of the Real Madrid squad. He has started three of the club’s four LaLiga matches so far this season under new boss Jose Mourinho, who is understood to be a strong admirer of the midfielder.

The agreement means Guler is set to continue his development in Madrid after making 119 appearances for the club, contributing 19 goals and 26 assists.

Atletico Madrid are preparing for another transfer battle involving one of their key players in 2027, with Manchester City reportedly interested in midfielder Alex Baena.

The club’s previous transfer window was dominated by speculation over Julian Alvarez, after the forward said he wanted to leave Atletico during the 2026 FFA World Cup. However, his attempt to secure a move was unsuccessful.

Atletico refused to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, while Arsenal decided not to submit a formal offer for the Argentina international.

Baena has now emerged as the next Atletico player whose future could attract significant attention. The 25-year-old played a starring role for Spain as they won the World Cup, increasing interest in his availability.

The midfielder joined Atletico from Villarreal and has enjoyed a strong first 12 months in Madrid. He remains under contract with the club until 2030 and is regarded by manager Diego Simeone as an important and versatile member of his squad.

Reports from Football Insider claim Baena is on Manchester City’s transfer radar, despite Atletico having spent more than £200M strengthening their midfield this summer. Enzo Maresca is said to be looking for a successor to Bernardo Silva at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Atletico are expected to reject any approach for Baena. The LaLiga club intend to take the same firm position over his future as they did when Barcelona and Arsenal showed interest in Alvarez.

Raphinha has declined to discuss his omission from the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist, insisting his attention is firmly on Barcelona after their 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday, 9 September.

The Brazil forward scored twice as Barcelona produced a commanding performance against Feyenoord, continuing a remarkable beginning to the season across all competitions.

Raphinha was asked about the Ballon d’Or shortly after the match, having been left out of the shortlist announced the previous day. However, the 29-year-old made clear that he did not want the focus to move away from Barcelona’s progress.

"I'm not talking about the Ballon d'Or. I'm talking about Barcelona, who are having a spectacular season," Raphinha said in an interview with Movistar+.

"I'm working to score goals."

Raphinha’s two goals against Feyenoord took his tally to eight in five appearances this season. He has also provided one assist during that run, underlining his importance to Barcelona’s attack.

He played as a striker in Wednesday’s match, having moved into the central role after Barcelona’s failure to sign Julian Alvarez during the summer. The change in position has coincided with an outstanding return in front of goal, with Raphinha now averaging more than a goal per game across his five outings.

His display against Feyenoord came just one day after his absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist was confirmed. Despite that decision, Raphinha avoided expressing disappointment and instead directed his comments towards Barcelona’s current campaign.

The 5-1 result gave Barcelona another emphatic Champions League performance, while Raphinha’s goals continued a run of form that has made him one of the central figures in their attack.

Rather than discuss individual recognition, he stressed his immediate objective: contributing goals for Barcelona. His response also reflected the forward’s focus on the team’s strong start, with the club described by Raphinha as enjoying a “spectacular season”.

Raphinha’s latest performance means his early-season record now stands at eight goals and one assist from five games in all competitions. The forward’s contribution against Feyenoord was particularly decisive, as his brace helped Barcelona ease to a 5-1 win.

His omission from the Ballon d’Or shortlist therefore formed the backdrop to his post-match interview, but it was not a subject he was prepared to pursue. Raphinha instead used the opportunity to underline his commitment to Barcelona and his determination to keep scoring.

Christopher Nkunku says he was surprised by AC Milan’s decision to let him leave after just one season, admitting he “didn’t understand” why the Italian club chose to part company with him.

The France forward, 28, joined AC Milan from Chelsea in the summer of 2025 but found it difficult to settle in Serie A. He scored eight goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions before returning to RB Leipzig.

Nkunku said Milan’s decision was unexpected, although he also acknowledged that the club’s footballing philosophy was not suited to his own style.

“When I went to Chelsea, things started well and then I suffered an injury at the end of the last friendly. After that, everything changed,” he said in comments reported by Calciomercato.com.

“I had my first operation, I wanted to get back on the pitch quickly and there were also many changes. I didn’t like my role at Chelsea.

“At Milan, on the other hand, I didn’t have any injuries, but the football philosophy was different from mine. So, as soon as I had the opportunity to come back here and play my football, I took it.”

Nkunku was then asked directly about AC Milan’s decision to release him.

“It’s a decision that has to be respected, but I didn’t understand why they acted that way either. I was surprised. In any case, I wish them a good season," he added.

Despite his frustration, Nkunku said he had accepted the decision and was pleased to have returned to RB Leipzig, where he had the opportunity to play in a system more suited to him.

“I’m very happy to be here and I’m convinced I made the right decision. The first week has been fantastic and the team made me feel very welcome.”

His return to RB Leipzig follows a difficult period that began at Chelsea. Nkunku said his time there started positively before an injury suffered at the end of a pre-season friendly changed the course of his spell. He underwent his first operation and tried to return quickly, while also dealing with several changes at the club.

He later moved to AC Milan, where he avoided injury but struggled to adapt to the club’s approach. His eight goals and three assists in 35 matches did not prevent Milan from allowing him to depart after one season.

Nkunku’s comments make clear that he felt the move back to RB Leipzig offered the best chance to rediscover his form and play in a way that suited him. Although he remains puzzled by AC Milan’s decision, he has wished the club well for the new season and is focused on making a positive start after returning to Germany.

Manuel Neuer is hoping to end his Bayern Munich career by winning the Champions League for a third time, with the 40-year-old goalkeeper expecting to retire at the conclusion of the season.

Neuer has already lifted European club football’s most prestigious trophy twice with Bayern. His first success came in the 2012-13 campaign, before he helped the German club win the competition again in 2019-20.

Now, as he prepares for what is expected to be his final season, Neuer wants one more opportunity to finish his Bayern career at the highest possible level.

The goalkeeper came close to securing a third Champions League medal last season. However, Bayern were eliminated in the semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, who went on to win the competition. Vincent Kompany’s side lost the tie 6-5 on aggregate.

Bayern begin their latest European campaign at home to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, 10 September, with Neuer making no attempt to hide his ambition ahead of the opening game.

The veteran goalkeeper said he had decided to continue because he believed Bayern had the ability to compete for every available honour.

"I'm going into the season with all the possible aims we can achieve. We have the potential, which is also a reason I continued," he said.

Neuer added that a third Champions League triumph would carry particular personal significance as he approaches the end of his career.

"It would mean everything to me personally to win the Champions League a third time.

"I don't want to speak too much about titles, though. We're at the start now, and we know we have difficult games ahead."

The comments underline Neuer’s determination to remain focused on the campaign rather than on the prospect of retirement. Although he is expecting to call time on his playing career at the end of the season, his immediate priority is to help Bayern make a strong start to their Champions League challenge.

His previous European successes remain central to his Bayern legacy. The 2012-13 triumph was followed seven years later by another Champions League victory in 2019-20, giving him two titles with the club so far.

Last season’s semi-final defeat means Bayern must begin again if they are to provide Neuer with another chance to lift the trophy. Their first test comes against Bodo/Glimt, as Kompany’s team starts its pursuit of the title.

For Neuer, the campaign represents both a final opportunity and a familiar challenge. He wants to compete for every honour Bayern can win, while keeping his attention on the demanding matches still to come. A third Champions League crown would give the goalkeeper the ending he is seeking before he hangs up his gloves.

Raphinha extended his remarkable start to the season by scoring in Barcelona’s opening Champions League match of 2026-27 against Feyenoord on Wednesday, 9 September.

The Brazil international has now found the net in each of Barcelona’s first five matches across all competitions this season, making him the club’s first player to achieve that feat since 2000.

His latest goal also came as Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a victory over Feyenoord, underlining the scale of Raphinha’s influence during the opening weeks of the season.

The 29-year-old had already scored six goals in his first four LaLiga appearances, helping Barcelona establish a perfect record at the top of the table. Hansi Flick’s side have won all four of their league matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two.

Raphinha’s run has been particularly striking after Barcelona were unable to sign a star striker during the summer transfer window. That failure has instead coincided with the Brazilian producing the most prolific opening of his Barcelona career, taking on an even greater scoring responsibility for the defending champions.

Barcelona are aiming to win a third successive LaLiga title and have made an emphatic start to that challenge. Their four victories have placed them at the top of the table, with their attacking output and defensive record combining to give Flick’s team an early advantage.

The Champions League goal against Feyenoord adds a new landmark to Raphinha’s opening run. While his six league goals had already made him one of the defining players of Barcelona’s early campaign, scoring in Europe ensured that his record covered every match the club have played this season.

No Barcelona player had scored in the club’s first five games in all competitions since 2000. Raphinha has now matched that rare sequence, continuing a fast start that began in LaLiga and has carried into Barcelona’s European campaign.

For Flick, the form of Raphinha provides another major attacking outlet as Barcelona pursue success domestically and in the Champions League. The club’s decision not to add a star striker has not prevented them from making a rapid start; instead, Raphinha’s goals have helped drive their early momentum.

Barcelona’s perfect league record, their 15 goals and two conceded, and their opening Champions League victory over Feyenoord have all come alongside Raphinha’s scoring streak. His goal on Wednesday therefore represented more than another contribution to a win: it secured a place in Barcelona’s modern record books.

Napoli have confirmed that Scotland international Scott McTominay’s heart procedure was a “complete success” and said the midfielder will take two weeks to recover before returning to training.

The 29-year-old travelled back to Manchester to undergo the operation on Tuesday after being diagnosed with a benign arrhythmia earlier this month.

McTominay underwent a pulsed field ablation (PFA), a procedure used to treat the heart rhythm condition. Napoli said the operation was carried out at Spire Manchester Hospital and provided an initial timeframe for the player’s return to training.

The Italian club announced the update in a short statement, saying: “On Tuesday morning, Scott McTominay underwent an ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital. The operation was a complete success.

“McTominay will rest for two weeks and then resume training.”

The statement means McTominay is expected to spend the immediate period after the procedure resting before beginning the next stage of his recovery. Napoli did not provide any further details about the benign arrhythmia or specify when he might return to competitive action.

The Scotland midfielder’s surgery followed the diagnosis made earlier this month. His decision to return home to Manchester allowed the procedure to take place at Spire Manchester Hospital, where the club confirmed it was completed successfully.

Napoli’s update focused on his medical progress and the planned pause from football. McTominay will now rest for two weeks, after which he is scheduled to resume training with the club.

The club’s announcement is the first formal update on the midfielder since news of the diagnosis and procedure emerged. It confirms that the operation itself was successful while setting out the next step in his recovery: a two-week period away from training.

McTominay, who is 29, remains a Scotland international and plays for Napoli. The club has not announced any other timetable beyond his planned return to training after the two-week rest period.

Josh Harpur has left boyhood club Bohemian to join Cesc Fabregas’ Como, ending his early development in the League of Ireland and beginning a new chapter in Italy.

The 17-year-old forward made his first-team debut for Bohemian as a 15-year-old, appearing in an FAI Cup tie against Killester-Donnycarney in July of last year.

Harpur made his League of Ireland debut earlier this season. He came on as a substitute and played the final four minutes of Bohemian’s 1-1 draw with Derry City.

His departure was confirmed by Bohemian manager Alan Reynolds, who praised the teenager’s ability, attitude and potential as he prepares to continue his career with Como.

“Josh is a really exciting young striker. He has a brilliant attitude, and I’m confident he will go on to have a really good career.

“You don’t want to put too much pressure on a 17-year-old but he has serious potential to push on. He’s a brilliant striker for his age, scores goals and holds up the ball well.

“He’s really hungry to do well and if he maintains that, and continues to progress and learn in the way he has been, he will do very well. We wish him the very best of luck.”

Harpur’s move comes after a brief but notable introduction to senior football with Bohemian. His first appearance for the club’s first team came while he was still 15, when he featured in the FAI Cup meeting with Killester-Donnycarney.

He then added a League of Ireland appearance this season, entering the match against Derry City from the bench for the closing stages. The game finished 1-1, giving Harpur his first experience of league football at senior level.

Reynolds highlighted the qualities that have helped Harpur make that progression. As well as describing him as a promising striker, the Bohemian manager pointed to his goalscoring ability and his capacity to hold the ball up despite his young age.

The manager also said Harpur’s desire to improve would be important as he takes on the next stage of his development. Reynolds expressed confidence that the youngster can continue to progress if he maintains the same approach and keeps learning.

Harpur will now link up with Como, the club managed by former Spain international Cesc Fabregas. His move takes him away from the club he supported and represented from a young age, after he had made his first senior appearances for Bohemian.

The teenager leaves with Reynolds’ best wishes and with the manager convinced that he has the potential to build a successful career.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas has played down the significance of the club’s first-ever Champions League match, insisting his players must approach Thursday’s meeting with RB Leipzig as they would any other fixture.

The Italian side will make their debut in Europe’s leading club competition at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Thursday, September 10, after securing fourth place in Serie A during the 2025-26 season.

Como had never previously competed in a European tournament. Their rapid rise has been one of the most notable stories in Italian football, with Fabregas guiding the club from Serie B to the Champions League in just over three seasons.

Despite the historic occasion for the club and the city, the 39-year-old maintained his typically composed manner when speaking before the match.

“First and foremost, I would like to send a message of support to our playerRoberta Picchi,”said Fabregas at the start of his press conference.

Picchi plays for Como’s women’s team and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The club has extended her contract for a further year as she undergoes her recovery.

“We are a family, so we send her a big hug and we are by her side.”

Fabregas then turned his attention to the challenge posed by RB Leipzig, while acknowledging the emotions surrounding Como’s first appearance in the competition.

“Tomorrow is a game like any other, we must try to win, just like we do every match. I understand the emotions of the city and the club, but we must also do well to remember it is just a football match.

“Leipzig are a great team and we must view this as an opportunity to keep growing. We want to be at the top, so we’ll see how it goes, but we have faith.”

The match represents the latest stage of Como’s rise since their promotion from Serie B. Under Fabregas, they have progressed from the second tier to a top-four Serie A finish and a place in the Champions League in a little more than three seasons.

Their qualification means the club will compete in Europe for the first time, adding further significance to Thursday’s fixture against RB Leipzig.

Fabregas, however, has urged his squad to focus on the practical demands of the match rather than become overwhelmed by the occasion. While he recognised the importance of the game to Como and its supporters, he stressed that the players must retain the same aim they have in every fixture: to try to win.

Como’s opening Champions League match will therefore combine a landmark moment in the club’s history with a difficult test against RB Leipzig at the Stadio Sinigaglia. For Fabregas, the occasion is an opportunity for his team to continue developing as they aim to establish themselves among Europe’s leading clubs.