VIDEO: Philadelphia Union defender Jakob Glesnes scores insane 40-yard own goal after ridiculous blunder from goalkeeper Andre Blake as MLS outfit are forced to battle back in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Philadelphia Union defender Jakob Glesnes scored an own goal after a bizarre error from goalkeeper Andre Blake in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Glesnes hits 40-yard own goal in San JoseBouncing back-pass bamboozles keeper BlakeUnion fight back for big Champions Cup winWHAT HAPPENED?

With the Champions Cup first leg against Costa Rica's Deportivo Saprissa scoreless heading towards the half hour mark, the Norwegian fired a 40-yard back-pass to keeper Andre Blake, only for the Jamaican international to bizarrely misjudge the flight of the ball, leaping in the air to meet the pass only for it to bounce tamely past him and into the net.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The bizarre own goal will go down against Glesnes' name in the record books but opinion was split on social media as to who to blame. While Blake copped a lot of the flak, some fans pointed out that playing such a long looping back-pass on a wet and windy night in the Costa Rican capital was running a risk.

Whoever was to blame, Jim Curtin's side bounced back impressively with a second-half Julian Carranza hat-trick silencing a raucous crowd and giving Union a valuable advantage for the second leg.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR PHILADELPHIA UNION?

Having fought their way gamely back into the tie, the Union will be hoping for no more gaffes when they host Deportivo Saprissa in the return match at Subaru Park next Wednesday evening.

The winners will fave five-time winners Pachuca in the second round.

Kane could be set for breathtaking injury return

[ad_pod ]

Harry Kane could return for Tottenham Hotspur against Borussia Dortmund, per The Sun.

Kane sustained ankle ligament damage against Manchester United in December but could now make an ahead-of-schedule return.

What’s the word?

Kane was initially ruled out until March when he sustained his injury.

However, the aforementioned report claims that Spurs’ medical staff are confident he could make an early return.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

The England international, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, could return in next week’s crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, though he is certainly set to miss this weekend’s game against Leicester City.

If Mauricio Pochettino opts against risking the striker versus the German giants, he could instead play against Burnley.

The report will be music to the ears of the Argentine, with Spurs facing games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, as well as the return leg against Dortmund, before the end of March.

Worth the risk?

Pochettino would be well advised to tread carefully surrounding Kane’s injury. Spurs cannot afford to rush the striker back and see him sustain another injury before the end of the season.

He has already played 309 senior games in his club career – 244 of those coming with Spurs – and has also won 35 caps for England. All in, at the age of 25, he has played 344 senior games since making his debut.

He has sustained two ankle injuries already but, nevertheless, was an integral part of England’s World Cup squad.

Since the beginning of last season, quite simply, he has not had a break.

But he has been so important to their season – scoring 20 goals in 31 games in all competitions – that it would not be a surprise if he started against Dortmund next week.

If Kane is fit, he will want to play, and Pochettino will surely not want to say no. However, he may have to take the decision out of the striker’s hands – for the good of Kane’s own career.

Should’ve taken the red card! Harry Maguire in Man Utd ban admission after opting against chopping down flying Fulham winger Adama Traore

Harry Maguire has admitted that he probably should have taken a red card and subsequent ban at the end of Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Red Devils suffered dramatic defeatDefender could have stopped late attackWas already on a yellow card at the timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international defender collected a caution against the Cottagers after catching Sasa Lukic with a high challenge, which could have seen him sent off on a different day, and found himself walking a disciplinary tightrope from that point.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He opted against chopping down flying Fulham winger Adama Traore deep into stoppage-time, after being caught out of position, and could only watch on helplessly as Alex Iwobi was teed up for a dramatic winner at Old Trafford.

WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

Maguire concedes that he could have taken one for the team and served a suspension knowing that United could have had another point on the board. He has said: “I was on a booking myself. In hindsight, maybe I should have just brought him down, but then you miss next week. It's easy to say now. We can say we should have been more cautious, we were far too naive, we can look back and assess it in terms of areas we can improve on, but ultimately over 90 minutes, we didn't do enough to win the game. I thought the reaction to going behind was really good. All the boys pushing, fighting, doing everything they can to get back into the game. We thoroughly deserved the equaliser. Then we went on and we pushed. We had all the pressure, all the momentum and the belief was there that we were going to go on and win the game. In the end, we’ve probably just thrown one too many bodies forward, left the middle of the pitch open and they’ve punished us with a clinical counter-attack.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Maguire hauled United level against Fulham in the 89th minute, only to see them concede again in the 97th. The Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of the top four and Champions League qualification, with an FA Cup fifth round clash at Nottingham Forest next on the agenda for them.

Messi meets America: Documentary trailer & premiere date for six-part series offering behind-the-scenes look at move to MLS & start to life at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami generated interest around the world, and the ‘Messi meets America’ documentary is about to air on Apple TV+.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Stunning switch to the United StatesAlready landed major silverwareCameras following his every moveWHAT IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA'?

The six-part series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ended up in the United States – with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham playing a leading role in that deal – and the start made by the iconic Argentine to life in Florida with his MLS employers.

Watch Messi Meets America on Apple TV+Sign up todayAdvertisementWATCH: 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' TRAILER

Messi has not disappointed since deciding to go chasing the American dream, with an immediate impact made in the Sunshine State, and have been following him every step of the way – with a trailer released to whet the appetite of those desperate for another dose of “Messi Mania”.

WHAT THEY SAID

Fans across the globe can start to get excited as the production promises: “After over twenty unforgettable and record-breaking years of excellence between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with the Argentina national football team, Leo Messi made a landmark decision that forever changed the face of soccer in North America by joining Major League Soccer and Inter Miami CF. Now, with unprecedented access to Messi and his new Inter Miami CF family, ‘Messi Meets America’ takes viewers behind-the-scenes as the greatest player to ever step on the pitch leads his new team to a Leagues Cup title and beyond. From selling out record crowds across America at breakneck speed, to his incredible last-minute game-winning goal in his very first match, to moments with Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates, the series chronicles Leo’s immersion in America, the remarkable journey and transformation of Inter Miami CF, and most significantly, the impact he is currently having on soccer in North America as ‘Messi Mania’ crisscrosses the continent.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GOALWHEN IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' RELEASED?

The first three episodes of ‘Messi meets America’ will premiere globally on October 11. Three further episodes will be aired by at a later date – with the all-time great hoping to shake off an injury in time to help Inter Miami into the 2023 MLS play-offs.

'The most beautiful football!' – Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak reveals why Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar's link up at Barcelona was so good

Jan Oblak has explained the challenges of facing the famous 'MSN' trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar when they played for Barcelona.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dubbed MSN's football "beautiful"Admitted that Barcelona have "changed a lot" without Leo MessiPreviewed Atletico Madrid's fixture with BarcaWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar starred for the Blaugrana from 2014-2015, winning the treble in the 2014-15 season and establishing themselves as one of the best attacking trios in Europe. And Oblak conceded that Barca side was the most difficult to play against.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JAN OBLAK SAID

In a press conference before Atleti's La Liga clash with Barca this Sunday, Oblak spoke candidly about his toughest Catalunyan opponents: "But I think the Barca that played the most beautiful football was the Barca from 2015 or 2016. Well it doesn’t mean they weren’t performing very well in other seasons of course, but the strongest Barca since I arrived here in La Liga was in the first three years or so when I started to play at Atletico Madrid."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Oblak has been the first choice keeper for Atleti since 2014, winning the La Liga goalkeeper of the year three times, and winning the league in 2020-21 season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

(C)Getty imagesWHAT NEXT FOR ATLETICO MADRID?

Atleti face a crucial fixture against Barca on Sunday. The Rojiblancos are currently four points behind leaders Girona, but have a game in hand. A win would keep them in the title race, and also damage the Blaugrana's hopes of defending their La Liga crown.

'We can't do much more' – Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson responds to shocking away form that will have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney worried

Phil Parkinson is not concerned about Wrexham's away form and says his side couldn't have done much more on their recent travels.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham struggling to pick up winsParkinson not worried by away resultsFace Accrington Stanley at home nextGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Paul Mullin's stoppage-time penalty rescued theWelsh side a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Forest Green Roverson Tuesday night, meaning they have won just two of their last eight League Two matches. And despite having the 10th-best away form in the division, manager Parkinson says the overall points total is more important than home and away results.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

He said, via Welsh publication The Leader: "What will determine the top-three finish hopefully will be the points total whether they are home or away. We drew at Forest Green, lost at Gillingham, were outstanding when we drew at MK Dons and we beat Sutton so we have lost one out of the last four If you look at the last four away games, we can't do much more. We have freshened the team up, we have had a plan B from the bench if we needed it. We are trying everything but for the dominance we have had, and you go back to six weeks ago when we didn't get any control in the away games, these last four away games have been different. We have controlled the games a lot better and the moments will come if we keep playing in that manner."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham had the chance to go back into the automatic promotion spots in midweek but Crewe Alexandra currently occupy third spot. The Red Dragons are just three points behind league leaders Mansfield Town and they have the best home form in the division. But if they want to finish in the top three, they cannot afford to drop so many points in the remainder of the season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT?

Next up for fourth-placed Wrexham is a home clash against 15th-positioned Accrington Stanley on Saturday at the Racecourse. The 'Owd Reds won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in November so the Welsh outfit will want to exact revenge this time out.

'Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have literally saved my business' – Wrexham owners praised for generous donation after 'absolutely devastating' break-in

A Wrexham store owner has paid tribute to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney after a generous donation helped save his business after a break in.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Sportswear store has £7,000 of stock stolenWrexham co-owners make crucial donation"I'll be forever grateful," says shop ownerWHAT HAPPENED?

Stephen Tapp's Wrexham Trainer Revival store was broken into last month with thieves getting away with £7,000 ($8.600) worth of stock. Facing closure after the theft, a crowdfunding page was set up with the aim of raising £3,500 ($4,300) to save the business. A pledge for the target amount soon appeared on the page from 'Rob and Ryan' and it didn't take long for the Tapp to work out the money was from Wrexham's co-owners Reynolds & McElhenney. The campaign eventually raised over £8,000 ($9,800).

AdvertisementWHAT THEY SAID

An emotional Tapp, took to social media to express his gratitude on Sunday, posting that the Hollywood duo "have literally saved my business and I'll be forever grateful. If you only knew what that donation has meant to my life…"

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Stories of the co-owners' largesse have not been uncommon since their arrival in Wrexham, with local causes regularly seeing surprise donations from 'Rob and Ryan' giving a huge boost in terms of finance and publicity. The duo have also lent financial and emotional support when members of Wrexham's playing staff have encountered personal issues.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham continue their pursuit of League Two's runaway leaders Stockport when they travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Man City player ratings vs Man Utd: Erling Haaland takes the headlines – but brilliant Bernardo Silva dominates derby-day

Pep Guardiola's side ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford on Sunday as two goals and an assist from their Norwegian goal machine sealed the points

Manchester City put in a dominant derby-day performance as Erling Haaland led the way with a brace and Phil Foden wrapped up a 3-0 victory over Manchester United. The star of the show, however, was Bernardo Silva.

The Portugal international was totally illusive throughout the afternoon, leading United a merry dance on his way to providing his fifth assist against the Red Devils of his career – the most of any player since 2017.

That assist came for Haaland's second as Bernardo's cross was headed in at the back post by the Norwegian striker. He had earlier opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Rasmus Hojlund was adjudged to have pulled down Rodri while defending a free-kick.

In truth, Haaland could have had three more goals if not for an impressive performance from United goalkeeper Andre Onana, but he could do nothing to stop Foden from rounding out the scoring from close range.

GOAL rates Man City's players from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (7/10):

Superb save kept McTominay from equalising late in the first half. Distributed brilliantly, as always.

Kyle Walker (6/10):

Dealt well with Rashford and wasn't shy of a physical battle.

John Stones (8/10):

Spent as much time in midfield as defence, but most important action came when tracking down Hojlund as it looked like the United striker was clean through. Calmness personified both in and out of possession.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Caught out by poor passes from team-mates at times but largely led by example.

Josko Gvardiol (7/10):

Almost had a couple of costly lapses in possession early on but recovered and got stronger as the game went on. Ensured Fernandes was basically a non-factor.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Rodri (8/10):

Barely misplaced a pass as he kept City ticking over in midfield. Won the penalty with a late run into the box.

Bernardo Silva (9/10):

United tried to man-mark him but could barely get close to the magic midfielder. Constantly on the move and offering himself for team-mates, he capped a superb showing with the cross for Haaland's second. Keeping him was the best piece of business City pulled off during the summer.

Getty ImagesAttack

Phil Foden (7/10):

Plenty of good but also some moments where he made the wrong decision or played a disappointing pass. Won't care after netting the third from close range.

Julian Alvarez (6/10):

One of his quieter games, but that was in part due to Bernardo taking over. Went close with a free-kick that Onana tipped over.

Erling Haaland (8/10):

Probably should have had five goals after twice being denied by Onana, but made sure of the points with a well-taken penalty and a buried header. Nigh on unstoppable if he gets the service.

Jack Grealish (8/10):

Enjoyed his best game since returning from injury. Played a key role in Haaland's second and caused Dalot plenty of problems. Twice saw shots pushed away by Onana.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Mateo Kovacic (N/A):

On for the final five minutes.

Jeremy Doku (N/A):

Replaced Grealish late on

Pep Guardiola (8/10):

Knew exactly what to expect and saw his team cruise through what should be one of their toughest game. Opting for Grealish over in-form Doku paid off, too.

WATCH: Dazzling from Ousmane Dembele! Winger opens PSG account after sublime first touch as Vitinha crashes in screamer off the post to give Parisians control over Monaco

Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha both scored brilliant goals for Paris Saint-Germain in an eventual 5-2 win over Monaco on Friday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dembele controlled brilliantly and finishedVitinha bent a stunning effort into the top cornerPSG comfortable against Ligue 1 rivalsWHAT HAPPENED?

PSG recorded a comfortable win over Monaco on Friday, running out 4-2 winners. Goncalo Ramos scored the opening goal, before an equaliser from Takumi Minamino. Kylian Mbappe then put PSG ahead from the penalty spot.

Ousmane Dembele then scored a brilliant third goal, controlling the ball on the run before slamming it home, and Vitinha followed that up with a stunning effort from the edge of the box. Folarin Balogun responded to make the score 4-2, before Randal Kolo Muani added a fifth in the 96th minute.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

PSG have been in fine form this season and their win over Monaco has now moved them four points clear of second-placed Nice. Monaco remain third, and are now six points back.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

PSG face Newcastle in a huge Champions League clash this week, and their massive win on Friday will be a major confidence boost. They will play Le Havre in Ligue 1 next weekend.

Martin Odegaard injury: Norway boss offers update on Arsenal star ahead of Brentford Premier League clash

Norway manager Stale Solbakken provided a positive update on Martin Odegaard's condition ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Brentford.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Solbakken provides update on OdegaardOdegaard missed last three Arsenal gameMight get fit ahead of Brentford clashWHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal skipper missed his club's last three matches against Newcastle, Sevilla and Burnley after suffering a concussion following a blow to the face with a ball during a training session. He also sat out in Norway's 2-0 win over Faroe Islands earlier this week. His international manager Solbakken has now provided an update on the midfielder's condition.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Solbakken confirmed that the 24-year-old is recovering fast as he gave hope to Arsenal fans that their captain could be back for the crucial Premier League clash against Brentford next Saturday. The former Real Madrid man has been a key player in Mikel Arteta's team this season, having scored five goals and provided one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions.

WHAT SOLBAKKEN SAID

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's meeting with Scotland, Solbakken said: "I've just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin. He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up. It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step. Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty WHAT NEXT FOR NORWAY?

Norway's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 ended on Saturday after Romania beat Israel 2-1. They will now face Scotland in their final game of the qualifiers on Sunday.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus