Guillermo Ochoa says ending his career at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico was the “fantastic” conclusion he had hoped for after becoming the first goalkeeper to appear at six World Cups.

The former Mexico captain, who made his Club America debut as an 18-year-old, has now started life away from professional football after more than two decades at the highest level.

“I’m adapting comfortably to this new reality,” Ochoa told Flashscore in an exclusive interview. “I’m calm, happy with my family, travelling and keeping busy. I’m still doing a lot of things, just not on the pitch anymore.”

Ochoa began planning his retirement after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He had initially hoped to continue until Mexico hosted the 2026 tournament, believing that would provide the ideal opportunity to close his international career.

A recent tribute in Los Angeles, attended by Mexican supporters in the United States, gave him another emotional moment to appreciate.

“The Mexican and Latino community in the United States is very strong and very important to us,” he said. “They are unconditional. They are there in the good moments and the bad; they fill the stadiums and create an incredible atmosphere every time we play there.”

He shared the occasion with his parents, who he says have played an important part in his career.

Beenhakker’s early faith

Ochoa credits former Club America manager Leo Beenhakker with giving him the opportunity that set his career in motion.

An experienced goalkeeper was injured, leaving Beenhakker to choose between the teenager and another established replacement. The Dutch coach decided to trust Ochoa.

“He told me, ‘I see you doing very well. I trust you, I like you and I believe in you. I don’t care about your age,’” Ochoa recalled.

Beenhakker had previously worked with clubs including Ajax and Real Madrid and brought a different approach to training and playing during his second spell in Mexico.

“He believed in players with ability. He didn’t look at your age or your passport,” Ochoa said. “He demanded a lot of intensity, but at the same time he was very friendly and close to his players.”

Ochoa compared Club America’s status in Mexico to Real Madrid’s in Spain, saying it was a major decision to hand an 18-year-old the goalkeeping position at the country’s most successful club.

“He knew how to get the best out of players,” Ochoa added. “He understood what they needed, and he inspired you to follow him and share his vision.”

Six World Cups and the defining moments

Ochoa’s six World Cup appearances represent one of the biggest achievements of his career, alongside his longevity, consistency and discipline.

“We had players who played in five World Cups, but nobody had played in six. Now there are three of us,” he said.

He described the 2006 tournament as an education, knowing he was unlikely to play regularly as a young reserve goalkeeper. The 2010 World Cup proved more difficult: Javier Aguirre selected another goalkeeper despite having worked with Ochoa during Mexico’s Gold Cup-winning campaign.

That disappointment helped convince Ochoa to move to Europe.

“I said to myself: ‘I want to prove that I can do this. I have to go to Europe, I have to experience a different kind of football and grow as a person and as a player,’” he said.

His first World Cup appearance came in 2014, when he started against Cameroon. He then produced a memorable display in the goalless draw with Brazil before Mexico defeated Croatia.

The 2018 tournament in Russia brought another landmark moment when Mexico beat Germany 1-0. By then, Ochoa felt more mature and said Juan Carlos Osorio’s belief allowed him to play with confidence.

In Qatar, he was Tata Martino’s first-choice goalkeeper and captain. His penalty save from Robert Lewandowski in Mexico’s match against Poland proved particularly important in earning a point.

Ochoa said the save had been prepared with goalkeeper coach Gustavo, who had worked with him on a movement intended to distract the taker.

“Penalties are complicated. There’s also a mental aspect,” he said. “The moment, the pressure and everything happening around you influence it.”

The save he remembers most, however, came against Brazil in 2014.

“That marked a before and after in my career,” Ochoa said. “People knew me before that World Cup, but after that game there was a big change at the international level.”

Mexico’s next generation

Ochoa believes Javier Aguirre laid the foundations for a competitive Mexico team, even if it was not always spectacular.

“Javier is very good at that. He knows how to get the most out of what he has,” he said.

Rafa Marquez, Ochoa added, will now need to assess younger players through friendly matches while maintaining the progress made at the World Cup.

“There are some very interesting young players who need to keep progressing, growing and maturing,” he said. “I’m sure they can contribute a lot to the national team.”

Ochoa also defended Aguirre’s reputation as a manager who is often called upon when a club is in difficulty. He believes the coach’s direct style and ability to build unity make him particularly effective in those circumstances.

“He makes teams competitive. He creates groups that fight for each other and are willing to give everything for one another,” Ochoa said.

Aguirre has recently joined Valencia, and Ochoa believes he can succeed if given time. He pointed to Aguirre’s achievements with Mallorca, who reached a Copa del Rey final, and Osasuna, who qualified for the Champions League.

“Valencia is a difficult club, and everyone knows that, but if they give him the peace and time to work, I think he can do a very good job,” he said.

Europe, Ajaccio and the road home

Ochoa’s European career began with AC Ajaccio after a proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain was disrupted by the clenbuterol situation.

He had been a free agent and unable to sign for another club while the matter remained unresolved. AC Ajaccio president Alain Orsoni was the only club official to offer him immediate support.

“He told me, ‘Memo, I believe you. I believe in your word. I believe that everything will work out well. Come and train with us,’” Ochoa said.

When he was cleared a few weeks later, other clubs renewed their interest. But Ochoa had given his word to Orsoni, who later passed away, and joined AC Ajaccio.

He spent three seasons there, helping a club with one of the lowest budgets in France remain in the top division for all three campaigns. He called it one of the most beautiful stories of his career and said he still keeps in touch with people at the club.

Ochoa said the city deserves a first-division team after AC Ajaccio dropped through several divisions.

“I loved the city, the people and the team,” he said. “Hopefully Ajaccio can return there as soon as possible.”

After France, Ochoa moved to Malaga and then Granada. He remembers his time in Andalusia fondly, having enjoyed the city, the atmosphere at La Rosaleda and the friendships he made there. Two of his children were born in the region.

He is pleased to see Malaga back in LaLiga but accepts that avoiding relegation will be difficult because of the financial gap between the top flight and the second division.

“The fans deserve it. They supported the club through everything, including the difficult moments and the years in the second division,” Ochoa said. “Hopefully, they can get the results they need to stay up.”

Ochoa later joined Standard Liege, where he was voted the club’s Player of the Season in his second year. He wanted to compete for trophies and helped the Belgian club finish second, reach the Champions League play-offs and play in the Europa League.

Standard Liege beat Sevilla at home, while Ochoa also faced Ajax in the Champions League play-offs.

He eventually returned to Mexico after almost nine and a half years in Europe because Club America made an offer he had always promised himself he would consider.

“I had other options to continue in Europe, but the circumstances and the timing made me feel that it was the moment to return to Mexico,” he said. “If I was going to return, it had to be America.”

Life after playing

Ochoa’s advice to young Mexican players is to pursue their ambitions, maximise what they can control and surround themselves with people who contribute positively to their careers.

He believes some players may need to leave Mexico to discover their full potential, although he recognises that adapting to Europe is difficult and success is not guaranteed.

Ochoa now works as an ambassador on projects linked to Spanish, Italian and French football, as well as initiatives in Mexico and with FIFA. He is also involved in television, football camps and public speaking.

One project aims to digitalise amateur football in Mexico and the United States by connecting parents, children, leagues and referees. It is intended to help young players improve, access psychological support and study online, with possible scholarship opportunities.

“Not every child will become a first-division footballer or play at a World Cup,” Ochoa said. “But if you can help one kid get a job, continue their education or simply stay off the streets, that is already a success.”

He intends to remain connected to Club America and the Mexico national team, but does not expect to become a coach.

“As for becoming a coach, I don’t see that happening,” he said. “It’s not something I’m considering.”

Barcelona have received a major boost before Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, with Raphinha returning to first-team training after recovering from a thigh problem.

The Brazil forward suffered muscle swelling, or oedema, in the back of his right thigh during the international break after the friendly against Australia. The injury ruled him out of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe and their Champions League fixture with Galatasaray.

Raphinha has been Barcelona’s leading scorer this season, with 12 goals in La Liga and two in the Champions League. His return to training gives manager Flick the possibility of bringing him back into the squad for the trip to Seville.

Journalist Nil Sola reported that Raphinha had taken part in a full group session for the first time since sustaining the injury while with Brazil.

“Raphinha trains with the group for the first time since he got injured with Brazil,” Sola said.

“He also trains with Frenkie De Jong from the team, both footballers could enter the squad for the match against Betis.”

Sola later added: “The Brazilian and the Dutchman are in line to enter the squad for the trip to Seville.”

Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong are expected to be reintroduced carefully, with reports in Spain suggesting that their group work will be followed by a gradual increase in workload and intensity.

Barcelona travel to face Real Betis five points clear at the top of the table as they continue their title defence under Flick. Raphinha’s availability would strengthen their position ahead of an away match in which Barcelona are expected to be favourites.

However, Barcelona remain without Roony Bardghji and Andreas Christensen. Neither player has a confirmed return date.

Venezia have appointed Davide Nicola as their new head coach after dismissing Giovanni Stroppa earlier this week.

The promoted Serie A club are bottom of the table without a point from their opening six matches of the season. Nicola, 53, takes charge having been out of work since leaving Cremonese in March.

Stroppa’s final match was Monday’s 3-1 defeat by Atalanta, a result which left Venezia four points adrift of second-bottom Fiorentina.

Nicola’s first game in charge will come on Saturday, when Venezia host Napoli.

The Italian has built a reputation for helping clubs avoid relegation during previous spells in Serie A. He has managed Crotone, Genoa, Torino, Salernitana and Empoli, among others, in the Italian top flight.

Stroppa became the fourth coach to leave a Serie A club this season. Fiorentina dismissed Fabio Grosso, Domenico Tedesco left Bologna and Carlos Cuesta was sacked by Parma.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior will overcome his difficult start to the season and return to his best form.

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has scored once and provided three assists in nine appearances, with his performances lacking consistency.

Vinicius’ recent problems were compounded by a controversial red card against Villarreal, prompting further questions about his form. Mourinho, however, has rejected concerns over the winger’s struggles and remains convinced he has the quality to recover his attacking influence.

“He is going to emerge. It's just a question of when,” Mourinho told TNT Sports.

The Portuguese manager said he had adjusted his handling of Vinicius after the previous match, choosing to leave him out initially before introducing him when the game required his particular qualities.

“After the previous match, I decided to take a different approachto protect him a little and then bring him on when the game called for a player like Vini,” Mourinho said.

The decision appeared to have a positive effect, with the player receiving a warm response from supporters as he began to prepare to enter the match.

“I think that worked out well: the stadium, which had sometimes voiced disapproval, immediately rallied behind him the moment he started warming up,” Mourinho added.

Mourinho believes that reaction could prove significant in helping Vinicius rebuild his confidence and rediscover the enjoyment that has been central to his style of play.

“I believe that was a crucial turning point for him. It seemed like something clicked for him, reigniting that joy and reminding him of the kind of player he truly is,” he said.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will miss the LaLiga Clasico against Barcelona on 25 October after being handed a four-match suspension.

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee announced the ban on Wednesday, following the Brazilian’s dismissal for pulling a Villarreal player’s hair last week.

Vinicius Junior’s suspension covers both the red card itself and his protests after being sent off. His punishment includes Real Madrid’s visit to face league leaders Barcelona.

Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2026/27 season has fuelled speculation over possible new arrivals, with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro appearing to fit the Catalan club’s needs.

Hansi Flick’s side have won all 10 of their matches in all competitions, scoring 34 goals in eight league games and a further nine in two Champions League fixtures. Their ability to continue competing on multiple fronts could depend on how many injuries they suffer, with no team in Spain or Europe currently appearing capable of matching their form.

Porro, who first made his name with Barcelona’s Catalan rivals Girona, is reportedly keen on a return to that part of Spain. The 27-year-old would reportedly welcome the opportunity to join Rodri and Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.

Jules Kounde appears to be out of favour under Flick, while Joao Cancelo has demonstrated that he can operate effectively as a left-back despite being right-footed. That could leave an opening on the right side of Barcelona’s defence.

Porro’s age and experience would make him a potentially suitable addition, although his Tottenham contract runs until 2031. His situation at club level may also strengthen the case for a move, with Spurs near the bottom of the Premier League, without a win and with only three points from six matches.

Even if manager Roberto De Zerbi can improve Tottenham’s results, there is no guarantee the club will win silverware this season.

For Barcelona to sign Porro, Kounde would need to be sold at a minimum. Alejandro Balde may also have to leave to help generate the funds required to persuade Tottenham to negotiate.

Porro’s current market value is €45m, although it remains uncertain whether his performances over the past year justify that figure or whether Barcelona would be prepared to open talks at that price.

Since the start of the 2025/26 campaign, Porro has featured in more matches ending in a Tottenham clean sheet than any other player, with 15. His 99 attempted tackles rank second in the Spurs squad behind Joao Palhinha. Porro has won 64.65% of those challenges; players with slightly better success rates have attempted at least 40 fewer tackles.

He has also made 48 interceptions and 131 clearances, both figures second-best among Tottenham players. His competitiveness has contributed to 14 yellow cards since the beginning of 25/26, the highest total in the squad, and he would need to control that aggression if he moved to Barcelona.

Porro has contested 369 one-on-ones, the third-most at Spurs, and won 189, the second-highest figure, for a 51.22% success rate. His 193 ball recoveries are also second in the squad, behind Rodrigo Bentancur’s 198.

Barcelona’s full-backs are expected to contribute in possession as well as defend, following the examples set by Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. Porro is not yet at their level, but he regularly attacks for Tottenham. His 3.45% shot-conversion rate and 35% accuracy would need to improve.

His passing provides a stronger argument. Porro has completed 994 forward passes, including 807 into the final third, both comfortably the best totals at Spurs. His overall completion rate of 75.17% is among the lowest in the squad, although only Micky Van De Ven has attempted more than his 2,118 passes, recording 2,531.

Porro and Van De Ven are the only Tottenham players to have made 50 appearances since August 2025, underlining his availability and physical durability. He has also created 71 chances, more than any other Spurs player another reason for Barcelona’s hierarchy to take notice.

Jose Mourinho has rejected the possibility of Endrick leaving on loan in January, dealing a blow to AC Milan’s plans to strengthen their attack.

AC Milan had identified the Brazilian forward as a possible attacking addition after his limited playing time this season. However, Mourinho says Endrick remains part of his plans and will not be permitted to depart during the winter transfer window.

The Brazilian’s progress was affected by a pre-season injury which kept him out for more than a month and reduced his opportunities to feature.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, Mourinho defended his management of the forward and said he believes Endrick can succeed at the club.

“I don't think Endrick needs to go on loan and I believe he can have a lot of success here,” he concluded.

AC Milan must now consider alternative targets as they look for attacking reinforcements in January.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal’s future at Stade Rennais remains uncertain, with negotiations over a contract extension yet to make significant progress.

The 20-year-old Morocco international is under contract until 2028, but talks over improved terms are reportedly far from reaching an agreement, according to Sacha Tavolieri. That follows earlier reports suggesting a renewal was close to being completed.

Ait Boudlal started the season in central defence alongside Charlie Cresswell. However, he has struggled to reproduce the impressive form he showed last season.

His inconsistent performances have drawn criticism from Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise, while Anthony Rouault has subsequently been given more opportunities in the team.

The defender’s reduced involvement could make negotiations more difficult, although Stade Rennais remain under no immediate pressure to reach an agreement because of the length of his current contract.

Ait Boudlal also attracted strong interest from Fulham during the summer transfer window. The Premier League club reportedly made two offers for the defender.

Fulham’s second bid was worth €35 million, but Stade Rennais valued Ait Boudlal at €40 million.

Lyon host Crystal Palace at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday as both sides look to build on winning starts to the Europa League league phase.

Crystal Palace began their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Polish side Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park last month. The result extended their strong record in European competition, with the Eagles losing only one of their past 12 matches in Europe, alongside eight wins and three draws.

Lyon also opened with a victory, beating Anderlecht 2-1. The French club are now aiming to win six consecutive group stage or League Phase matches in the Europa League for the first time.

The hosts will be without Lois Openda, while Moussa Niakhate and Mohamed Ouedraogo are also in the treatment room.

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage must cope with the absence of Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chadi Riad, who are all ruled out through injury.

Lyon’s confirmed line-up is: Greif; Athekame, Mata, Kluivert, Vinicius; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Tolisso, Nakamura; Sulc.

Crystal Palace will start with: Benitez; Ahanor, Disasi, Richards; Khalaili, Timber, Wharton, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Strand Larsen.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:45 UK time at the Groupama Stadium.

Lyon’s recent form is recorded as W-W-D-W-D-L, while Crystal Palace’s sequence is W-D-W-L-W-W.

The French side have won only eight of their previous 27 meetings with English clubs, drawing 10 and losing nine. Their record against London-based teams is weaker still, with just one victory from eight encounters, three draws and four defeats.

The previous meeting between the clubs was a friendly played on 5th August 2023. Crystal Palace won that match 2-0, with Jeffrey Schlupp and Odsonne Edouard scoring the goals.

Arsenal began their home campaign in the 2026/27 Champions League with a comfortable victory over Lille, extending their unbeaten run at Emirates Stadium in the competition to eight matches.

Mikel Arteta’s side had won eight and drawn one of their previous nine home games in all competitions, while Lille arrived in London sitting second in Ligue 1 behind Monaco after an impressive start to their domestic campaign.

The French club had won two and lost four of their away matches in last season’s Europa League, and faced a difficult task in the first-ever Champions League meeting between the sides.

Arteta made four changes, bringing in Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Bruno Guimaraes and Noni Madueke for captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White and the injured Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal immediately controlled the match, with half of the early play taking place in Lille’s defensive third. Guimaraes and Mikel Merino both had efforts blocked or saved, while Lille’s only attacking threat before the interval came through blocked attempts from on-loan Dilane Bakwa and former Tottenham player Nabil Bentaleb.

Alexsandro was repeatedly tested but produced a strong defensive display. He won six of his eight one-on-one duels and three of four aerial battles, while also recovering possession three times and making three interceptions. He won 50% of his tackles and completed 90.6% of his passes.

Madueke, given an opportunity after limited playing time this season, was one of Arsenal’s most influential players in the opening half. He attempted five crosses in the first 35 minutes, more than any other player from either team, and finished the match with 10.

Viktor Gyokeres, however, struggled to make an impact. The Sweden international had only seven touches before half-time and was substituted in the 65th minute having touched the ball 13 times in total, including just once inside Lille’s penalty area.

Arsenal had 76% possession during the first 15 minutes after the interval and eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Timber finished from inside the box after being found by Madueke’s 10th cross.

That was Madueke’s final contribution, as he, Gyokeres and Merino were replaced by Kai Havertz, Odegaard and Saka.

Saka then set up Eberechi Eze to make it 2-0 within two minutes, before scoring Arsenal’s third four minutes later. In his 25-minute cameo, Saka completed more accurate passes and had more touches overall than Gyokeres managed during the previous 65 minutes.

Lille offered little in response. Gabriel Magalhaes contested 13 one-on-one duels but won only three, yet the visitors could not exploit that weakness. They had three touches in Arsenal’s box and failed to register a shot on target, the first time they had done so in the Champions League since playing Bayern Munich in October 2012.

Maxima Goffi’s late booking reflected Lille’s frustration. Although the visitors were more successful than Arsenal in both ground and aerial duels, they could not turn that physical advantage into a coherent attacking performance.

Arsenal therefore secured three points without needing to work particularly hard, a result that will be especially disappointing for Davide Ancelotti and his Lille players.

Rodri has warned Barcelona they still need to improve defensively despite their remarkable start under manager Hansi Flick.

Barcelona extended their perfect record for the campaign with a 4-1 comeback victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul. The result was their 10th consecutive win in all competitions and took their goal tally for the season to 43.

Joao Cancelo, Fermin Lopez, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi scored for Barcelona as they overcame conceding the opening goal to claim another convincing victory.

The victory keeps Barcelona at the top of both La Liga and the Champions League standings. Their form has established them as contenders for both trophies, although Rodri believes there are still areas of their performance that require attention.

Speaking after the match, Rodri said the team must manage difficult periods more effectively, particularly when opponents can attack quickly after winning possession.

“Perhaps today I was trying to tell them to attack more slowly because, ultimately, if you lose possession, they’ll break quickly,” Rodri said, according to SPORT.

He also pointed to the dangers Barcelona face in European competition, saying Galatasaray’s early opportunity should serve as a warning.

“We know that when we play in Europe there are certain things we need to watch out for. For example, their first chance went in. We need to improve in that respect, and they could have scored a second,” he said.

Rodri felt the most important lesson from the match came during a spell after Barcelona conceded, when the game became more open and unsettled.

“The message is clear: perhaps during those ten rather frantic minutes we’ve just been through, when we conceded the goal, we need to stay a little calmer. That’s the lesson we’ve learnt today,” he added.

Barcelona will now turn their attention back to La Liga when they face Real Betis this weekend. They are currently five points ahead of Atletico Madrid and six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

The match will give Flick’s side the chance to increase their advantage while maintaining their unbeaten start and extending a winning run that has already reached 10 matches. Despite their attacking output and dominant position in both competitions, Rodri’s comments underline the team’s belief that further improvement is needed.

Lisandro Martinez’s public criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy could have significant consequences for the defender’s future at Old Trafford, with Atletico Madrid emerging as a possible destination.

The Argentina international’s comments came after United’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday and are expected to be reviewed internally by the club. Attention is now turning to whether the 28-year-old will remain at United beyond the current season.

Martinez’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, but he appears unlikely to agree an extension. United had already been assessing his long-term position, and the latest controversy could speed up that process.

Some sources have suggested to Flashscore that Martinez’s outburst may have been intended, at least partly, to clarify the situation before the end of the season. His exact motives, however, remain unclear.

Atletico Madrid would be an intriguing option, having just defeated United 2-0. Diego Simeone’s side have previously shown an interest in signing Martinez when he next becomes available, while the defender is understood to be attracted by the prospect of playing in LaLiga.

Martinez was open about his dissatisfaction with United’s current position and directed his criticism at the club’s recruitment and senior decision-makers.

“A fantastic season last season, but now we are far from the top. We have to bring in more players to compete,” he said.

“Look at Atletico, they had an amazing team, they deserved to win. I expect more, from everyone. More investment? Yes, 100%. I expect more from our technical director, I have to be honest.”

His remarks have prompted discussion over whether he was right to raise the club’s shortcomings in public, or whether doing so could be viewed as an attempt to protect his own position.

Those supporting Martinez’s stance argue that United have not recruited or invested sufficiently to challenge their rivals. On that view, the defender has expressed frustrations that may also be shared by others within the club.

An alternative interpretation is that Martinez is seeking to distance himself from United’s wider problems while his own performances are facing scrutiny.

The incident adds to a difficult season at Old Trafford. Manager Michael Carrick is already under pressure, but the debate surrounding the club is increasingly extending beyond the manager’s position.

Martinez’s intervention has brought United’s recruitment, investment and leadership into sharper focus, while also creating uncertainty over his place in the club’s future and its dressing-room dynamic.

Norwegian television described the match as an “Oktoberfest in Stavanger”, but FC Bayern were left frustrated after being held to a 3-3 draw by Champions League debutants Viking Stavanger.

Michael Olise was sent off in the 74th minute after receiving a second yellow card for unsporting behaviour, with Bayern coach Vincent Kompany criticising the France international for losing his composure.

Olise had been involved in a confrontation with Viking captain Zlatko Tripic and, in frustration, threw the ball at his opponent’s head. FC Bayern had recovered from a 2-0 half-time deficit to lead 3-2, but conceded an equaliser shortly before the final whistle after being reduced to 10 men.

“This red card is so stupid. We addressed it clearly. Michael needs to keep better control of himself in those situations,” Kompany told Prime Video.

“He knows that. You could see that he felt sorry for the team. This was not a final or a semi-final today. But these moments are decisive over the course of a season.”

Kompany said he had also spoken to Olise about the incident and hoped it would prove a valuable lesson.

“I also told Michael that the No. 10 was smarter,” he added. “Hopefully this will be one of those moments where you say: we learned from it and became stronger.”

Olise will now be suspended for next Wednesday’s meeting with English champions FC Arsenal, one of several major Champions League fixtures ahead for FC Bayern.

“He is absolutely devastated, but he has to take responsibility. He has to learn from it,” said Bayern striker Harry Kane, who scored twice in the match.

“We have some big Champions League games coming up. He will be devastated to miss them, but that’s football.”

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro is keen to leave the club and return to Spain, according to reports.

The 27-year-old enjoyed an outstanding World Cup with Spain over the summer but has struggled to make a similar impact for Tottenham this season.

Porro has featured in only four of Tottenham’s eight matches so far, with the club sitting 19th in the table on three points.

Spanish outlet Sport reports that the full-back is seeking a move away from Spurs and wants to secure a return to his home country in the near future.

Porro extended his Tottenham contract during the summer, signing an agreement that runs until 2031.

However, Barcelona are understood to be interested in helping him achieve his wish of returning to Spain.

Arsenal could revive their interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez at the start of 2027, with a potential January move likely to depend on Viktor Gyokeres being sold.

Mikel Arteta remains open to making a significant offer for the former Manchester City forward, and Arsenal are prepared to make funds available for the deal.

However, Atletico Madrid are expected to demand about £120M for Alvarez. Arsenal would therefore need to raise money through at least one departure if they are to part-fund a move for the Argentina international.

According to reports from TEAMtalk, Gyokeres could be the player sacrificed to help finance the transfer. The Sweden striker joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon for £45M but endured a mixed first year in North London.

Gyokeres finished the campaign with 21 goals in all competitions. Despite that return, he remains behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order for the first-choice position, a situation that could influence Arsenal’s decision over his future.

Offers of about £64M could be enough to persuade Arsenal to sell Gyokeres, potentially allowing the club to make a renewed approach for Alvarez.

Alvarez’s future became uncertain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when he publicly stated that he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid. Barcelona were reported to be his preferred destination, but Atletico refused to sell him to their La Liga rivals amid an increasingly hostile exchange between the two clubs.

The dispute with Barcelona complicated Alvarez’s situation, while the striker was also unconvinced by the prospect of returning to the Premier League. Arsenal’s interest, however, has remained in place.

A move would require Arsenal to meet Atletico’s substantial valuation while also convincing Alvarez that a return to England is the right decision. Any progress could depend on whether Gyokeres attracts an offer close to the £64M figure being discussed.

Real Madrid have appealed Ibrahima Konate’s latest yellow card in an effort to ensure the defender is available for their El Clasico meeting with Barcelona on 25 October.

Konate has quickly become an important part of Jose Mourinho’s plans since joining the club on a free transfer from Liverpool during the summer. The France international has started seven of Real Madrid’s eight La Liga matches so far.

His disciplinary record, however, has become a concern during his first months in Spanish football. Konate has committed nine fouls in 2026/27, the highest total in the Real Madrid squad.

He has also been booked four times this season. The latest caution came during last weekend’s 1-0 league victory over Villarreal, when he was penalised for a foul on Gerard Moreno.

Real Madrid believe that booking was not sufficient to warrant a yellow card and have lodged an appeal against the decision. The club are seeking to prevent Konate from facing a possible suspension that could rule him out of the trip to Barcelona.

If the appeal fails, Mourinho may choose to leave Konate out of the side for Real Madrid’s meeting with Sevilla on 18 October. That would allow the defender to avoid the risk of missing the following weekend’s El Clasico.

Chelsea are reportedly exploring a January move for Frenkie de Jong, with the Barcelona midfielder potentially available for more than €50m if he cannot secure regular football under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona have made a perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign, winning all eight of their LaLiga matches and their only Champions League game so far. They have scored 34 goals in the Spanish top flight, at least 15 more than any other side.

However, De Jong has been unable to play this season after spending the entire campaign injured. Barcelona have continued to thrive without the 29-year-old, creating a difficult situation for the Netherlands international when he returns to full fitness.

Flick already has considerable midfield depth in Fermin Lopez, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pedri, Gavi and Marc Bernal. De Jong can operate as a pivot or in a box-to-box role, but the current strength of the team means he may have to wait for an injury or a change in form to regain his place.

Chelsea have not replaced Enzo Fernandez since his move to Man City, and De Jong’s experience and technical ability could make him a natural candidate to fill that gap. The midfielder has consistently said he and his family are happy in Catalonia, but a lack of assurances over playing time could lead him to consider a move to protect his career.

De Jong has had 11 separate absences since the start of 2024 because of ankle, hamstring and knee injuries, illness and a lack of match fitness. That record may concern Xabi Alonso and the decision-makers at Stamford Bridge.

During the same period, he has made 84 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, starting 49 of those matches and being substituted in 13.

He has attempted 1,489 passes, the fifth-highest total in the Barcelona squad, and completed 1,357 at a rate of 91.13%. Only Andreas Christensen and Rodri have a better completion percentage, although they have attempted only 188 and 149 passes respectively.

De Jong’s 60% shot accuracy is among the best in the squad, but he has scored only three goals across the past three seasons. That is a significant contrast with Fernandez, who has scored 24.

The Dutchman has also registered 272 ball recoveries, placing him in Barcelona’s top six for that statistic. His duel success rate is 59.56%, while he has won 47 of 75 aerial duels. He has won 54 and lost 53 of his 107 attempted tackles, although defensive enforcement has never been his main responsibility.

His principal strengths lie in his vision, passing execution and ability to contribute to attacks. Chelsea’s uneven start, including 13 goals conceded and the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League, could make his composure and experience particularly valuable alongside Moises Caicedo.

Even so, persuading De Jong to leave Barcelona would require more than a convincing sales pitch from Alonso. Barcelona’s continued winning run could ultimately make the midfielder less essential, but it also gives the club fewer reasons to let him go.

Borussia Dortmund have extended coach Niko Kovac’s contract by two years, keeping him at the Bundesliga club until 2029.

Kovac arrived in early 2025 with Dortmund 11th in the league. He oversaw a significant improvement in results, guiding the club to Champions League qualification on the final matchday before they finished runners-up to champions Bayern Munich last season.

“Together, we’ve set a clear course for development and laid important foundations for the future,” Kovac said.

“We want to build on that. We have a clear vision of how we play soccer, how we perform as a team, and what it takes to achieve our goals.”

Dortmund are currently second in the Bundesliga after five matchdays, level on points with leaders Freiburg but behind on goal difference.

They return to Champions League action on Wednesday, when they face Bodo/Glimt.

Getafe have signed former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal on a contract running until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old became a free agent in June after ending his long association with Real Madrid, for whom he made 451 appearances and won 27 major trophies.

Carvajal is one of only five players to have won Europe’s elite club competition six times. He began his senior career at Real Madrid and also spent one season with Bayer Leverkusen.

The right-back made 51 appearances for Spain, helping his country win the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024.

His move to Getafe could give him an opportunity to play against Real Madrid for the first time since leaving the club. Getafe are scheduled to visit Real Madrid in January.

Getafe are currently 14th in LaLiga, with eight points from their opening eight games.

Venezia have dismissed head coach Giovanni Stroppa after losing their opening six Serie A matches, leaving the club bottom of the table without a point.

The club confirmed the decision on Tuesday, bringing an end to Stroppa’s time in charge after a winless start to the season.

Stroppa, a former AC Milan midfielder and Italy international, was appointed by Venezia in June last year. He guided the club back to Italy’s top flight after a one-season absence, securing promotion with a first-place finish in Serie B.

In a statement, Venezia thanked Stroppa and his coaching staff for their work during their time with the club.

“The club would like to thank Giovanni Stroppa and his staff for their work, professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout their time with the arancioneroverde,” the club said.

Italian media reports say Paolo Zanetti and Davide Nicola are among the candidates being considered to replace Stroppa.

Venezia’s next match is at home against eighth-placed Napoli on Saturday.