Football
Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea: Blues survive major Carabao Cup scare in comeback win (HIGHLIGHTS)
Chelsea’s trip to Lincoln was meant to be a straightforward stop on their difficult run of fixtures, coming after a bruising week that included visits to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Instead, the Blues turned in what was arguably their worst first half under Enzo Maresca, looking second best against a determined League One side.
The London club finally turned things around after the break, striking twice in quick succession through Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte, who netted his first goal for Chelsea, just two minutes apart, overturning Rob Street’s shock opener and sparing them from an embarrassing defeat.
Chelsea’s troubles started well before kickoff. Marc Guiu, recently recalled from a loan spell at Sunderland only 26 days after moving north, was left in London under the mistaken belief that he was ineligible for the Carabao Cup.
Hours before the match, the club learned in an awkward call with the EFL that the rules had changed this season and the young striker could have played. That miscalculation, however, gave George his chance to shine, and he seized it with a superb finish that sparked the comeback.
Maresca fielded a full-strength side rather than a group of academy players, sending out a starting XI valued at over £360 million with another £250 million in reserve on the bench. By contrast, Lincoln’s record signing cost just £350,000.
Early on, though, the disparity in resources was nowhere to be seen as the hosts piled on pressure with relentless crosses and long throws, leaving Chelsea’s defense looking shaky and unsure.
Within two minutes, defender Lewis Montsma smacked the inside of the far post with a fierce strike that rattled the visitors. Chelsea appeared unsettled and lightweight in possession, struggling to handle the intensity of their opponents.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, one of eight changes to the lineup, has been told by Maresca he will feature in the Premier League and Champions League this season, but his first-half display hardly strengthened his case.
He collected some crosses confidently but flapped at others, at one point dropping the ball in his own six-yard box and relying on Wesley Fofana to hook it clear.
Alejandro Garnacho, making his first start since arriving from Manchester United, found no joy in a frustrating first half. The Argentine winger was repeatedly fouled and jeered by the crowd, switching flanks in search of space but to little effect, and he was substituted just before the hour mark after another quiet spell.
Chelsea managed only a single attempt on goal in the opening period, a close-range effort from Jamie Gittens that sailed over the bar.
Their fragile defending eventually caught up with them just before halftime when Enzo Fernández, one of two £100 million midfielders in the squad, received a short free-kick on the edge of the box.
His sluggish pass intended for Trevoh Chalobah was intercepted by Ivan Varfolomeev, who quickly fed Street for a composed low finish past Jorgensen.
Trailing at the break and having created a mess of their own making, the Blues emerged early for the second half clearly roused by Maresca’s team talk.
They equalized within three minutes when Gittens’ cross was only partially cleared by Montsma, allowing George to smash a first-time half-volley in off the far post from the edge of the area.
George played a part in the second goal as well. After Gittens drilled a pass into Buonanotte’s feet, the on-loan midfielder weaved through a cluster of red and white shirts, exchanged a scrappy one-two with George, and slipped past another defender before poking the ball beneath goalkeeper Zach Jeacock.
Chelsea’s 1,800 traveling supporters in the Stacey West Stand could finally exhale, though Lincoln continued to pose problems and refused to let the Premier League side settle completely.
Lincoln vs Chelsea Highlights
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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