Weekend review: Bayern brilliant, Salah sensational
While Bayern Munich and Liverpool enjoyed their weekend, there was not so much for the likes of Manchester United and Roma to cheer about. Meanwhile, many fine goals were scored, but not against Chelsea‘s unbeatable goalkeeper.
Here are Tom Hamilton, Sam Marsden and Mark Ogden to discuss the big stuff you need to know from around Europe.
Go to: Talking points | Top goals | Troubled teams | Weekend MVP
Four talking points
Brilliant Bayern serve ominous warning
Take notice, rest of Europe. In what was a top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash in name and position only, Bayern Munich were so dominant at Bayer Leverkusen that they led 5-0 after just 39 minutes and were able to take off Alphonso Davies — who was fantastic, but coming off World Cup qualifying exertions for Canada — before half-time for a rest.
It ended 5-1 and what is really scary for Bayern’s rivals is that, in the early stages of Julian Nagelsmann’s tenure, they look an improved outfit on last season. The new manager has his side pushing higher up the field and, though that means there is more space in the back, the speed of centre-backs Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano mean they are less susceptible to counter-attacks.
On the left, Leroy Sane has prospered in the half-space and combines brilliantly with Davies, who is loving life as an inverted wing-back. Elsewhere, Thomas Muller plays just right of middle, but such is Bayern’s tactical fluidity that they shift seamlessly from a 3-4-3, to a 4-2-3-1, to a 4-4-1-1.
Allied with that unpredictability is ruthlessness in front of goal that has seen the German champions score 29 goals in eight league games this season. At Leverkusen, Robert Lewandowski added two more — the first a delightful back-heeled flick — while Serge Gnabry also claimed a brace and Muller’s inner thigh accounted for the other in what was a statement win. — Hamilton
Salah shows he is No. 1
Is Mohamed Salah the best player in the world? Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in no doubt after his star forward’s sensational performance in the 5-0 Premier League win at Watford.
“He is top. We all see it,” Klopp said. “Who is better than him?”
Even before Salah’s display at Vicarage Road, it would be difficult to argue that the Egypt international has not elevated himself into the bracket occupied by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and Salah’s incredible solo goal against Claudio Ranieri’s team — and his sublime assist for Sadio Mane — gave Klopp justification to label the 29-year-old as the best.
Liverpool have played 10 games in all competitions this season and Salah has scored in nine of them. His goal at Watford was Messi-like — a mazy dribble, sharp turn and pinpoint finish — and followed another world-class strike against Man City earlier this month. Salah can seemingly do anything with a ball at his feet and is as important to Liverpool as once were Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry to Man United and Arsenal respectively. — Ogden
A goal that 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 to be seen from every angle 💫🤩@MoSalah‘s display of individual brilliance, presented by @Sonos 🎥 pic.twitter.com/eg2hyPWBHA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2021
Real Sociedad continue to impress
A last-minute strike from youngster Julen Lobete gave La Real victory over Mallorca and take Imanol Alguacil’s side three points clear atop LaLiga on a weekend that saw Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid idle.
Real Sociedad are unbeaten in eight games since an opening weekend loss to Barcelona, but had to work hard to claim their latest win; they played the whole of the second half with 10 men after Aihen Munoz was sent off and rode their luck at times before Lobete netted the winner with more than a little help from Mallorca goalkeeper Manolo Reina.
The win coincided with a capacity crowd being allowed to return to Anoeta, which allowed the club to finally celebrate its 2019-20 Copa del Rey trophy — won earlier this year — with fans. Now supporters will dream of following up with the Spanish title. — Marsden
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Man United must improve at home to avoid more woe
Their record-breaking 29-game unbeaten Premier League run away from home — a sequence stretching back to a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in January 2020 — finally came to an end at Leicester and must be marked as a fine achievement, but the run has papered over cracks at Man United and spared Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from greater scrutiny over results at Old Trafford.
In that same period, United have lost eight of 31 league fixtures at home, amassing just 53 points from a possible 93. Back-to-back wins at the start of this season have been followed by defeat to Aston Villa and a fortunate draw against Everton. Improvement is desperately needed to avoid dropping out of the top four race.
It will not be easy: Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are the next three league visitors to Old Trafford and United collected just one point — in a 0-0 draw against City — from those fixtures last season. So unless things change, only another lengthy unbeaten away run can prevent another underachieving campaign. — Ogden
1:23
Janusz Michallik discusses the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Man United’s 4-2 defeat vs. Leicester.
Three must-see goals
Ansu Fati‘s amazing effort
Since returning from injury, Ansu has done nothing to quell the expectation placed on his shoulders after he inherited Lionel Messi’s No.10 shirt at Barcelona. The 18-year-old scored in his first game for 10 months in September and was on target again on Sunday to mark his first Barca start for 344 days.
Ronald Koeman’s side were a goal down to Valencia when Ansu took possession on the left in the 13th minute. He shimmied inside, played a give-and-go with Memphis Depay and then, without even looking up, unleashed a fierce drive into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Ansu later won a penalty, which was converted by Memphis, as Barcelona claimed a much-needed win. — Marsden
Hofmann’s hit rescues Gladbach
Borussia Monchengladbach will wonder exactly how they managed to get just one point at home against Stuttgart, but the match will be remembered for two wonderful goals.
While on-loan Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos‘ opener for Stuttgart was a superb driven effort from 30 yards out, Jonas Hofmann‘s 42nd-minute equaliser just edges it. Stuttgart managed to scramble away a cross, only for Hofmann to bring the ball down on the edge of the box, then angled a wonderful shot past Fabian Bredlow. — Hamilton
A pair of peaches from @DMavropanos and Jonas Hofmann see @borussia_en and @VfB_int share the spoils in Gladbach tonight. 🤝🔥
📺 #BMGVFB pic.twitter.com/gsImueawog
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) October 16, 2021
Kovalenko scores stunner for Spezia
After being frustrated by the heroics of Salernitana keeper Vid Belec for 75 minutes, Spezia’s Viktor Kovalenko came up with something outstanding, not just to find the net, but to secure a vital victory for his side.
The Ukrainian international, who is on loan from Atalanta, found a way through as he curled home a wonderful shot from the edge of the box. The finish matched the goal’s build-up, which featured great footwork from Suf Podgoreanu to help tee up Kovalenko. — Hamilton
Two teams that should be worried
Mourinho’s honeymoon in Rome is over
Jose Mourinho returned to Turin for the first time since taunting Juventus fans when he won there as Man United manager in 2018, but there was no ear-cupping this time as Moise Kean‘s fortuitous early header proved decisive.
Roma could have levelled, but Jordan Veretout missed from the penalty spot just before half-time after Henrikh Mkhitaryan had been fouled. There was an element of controversy, given Tammy Abraham went on to score after the foul, but the whistle had already been blown.
After three straight wins to open the campaign, Mourinho’s men have lost three of their last five in Serie A and they face Napoli and AC Milan — both unbeaten and in the top two — before the end of October. Roma are fourth, but Lazio, Atalanta and Juve are within one point. — Marsden
New manager bounce unlikely for Watford
Watford are on their seventh manager since 2017, and while some clubs get an early boost from a change of coach, the Vicarage Road side were dismal against Liverpool in Claudio Ranieri’s debut, with sloppy defending and tactical naivety contributing to a 5-0 defeat.
And things are not about to get any easier: After a trip to Everton and a match at home to Southampton, Watford face Arsenal, Man United, Leicester, Chelsea and Man City. A subsequent trip to Brentford means it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Ranieri comes away from his first eight matches with no more than a couple of points.
“I knew before coming that I had to work very, very hard and I am ready to work,” the Italian said after the Liverpool game; he knows Watford must click — fast — if they are to prevent being cut adrift at the foot of the Premier League alongside Norwich. — Hamilton
MVP of the weekend
Mendy magic saves Chelsea
0:58
Janusz Michallik doesn’t see reason to worry for Chelsea, despite relying on Edouard Mendy at Brentford.
With Malang Sarr making his Premier League debut in a Chelsea defence shorn of Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea were vulnerable at Brentford, for whom forwards Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo created opportunities aplenty. That they did not break through, however, was down to the wonderful Edouard Mendy.
After a quiet opening hour, the goalkeeper was called into action during the game’s final third, making brilliant close-range saves from Toney, Saman Ghoddos and Pontus Jansson. But the Senegal international kept his best for last and the denial of Christian Norgaard‘s overhead kick ensured Chelsea went home with three points and a clean sheet.
Mendy’s display made a mockery of his Ballon D’Or shortlist snub and Tuchel was hugely thankful, saying: “He was absolutely decisive [for us] to escape with a clean sheet. He was very strong, throughout the whole match.” — Hamilton
There has been no shortage of excitement already this NHL offseason. Following the Florida Panthers‘ second consecutive Stanley Cup championship — and seemingly never-ending celebration — the annual period of roster modification has begun.
The 2025 NHL draft included 224 prospects finding new homes, and the weekend included trades for Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle and John Gibson. On Monday, a slew of re-signings, and the trade of Mitch Marner, took several big names off the free agent big board.
Below you will find our continuously updated free agency tracker for 2025, featuring a list of every player signed, including average annual value of the contract in most cases. Analysis of the biggest deals can be found here.
Note that the newest deals are on top, denoted by date.
Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers
July 2
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native Curtis Lazar is headed back to Western Canada, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Oilers.
Veteran winger Anthony Mantha has made the rounds in recent seasons, and his next NHL home is in Pittsburgh, inking a one-year, $2.5 million pact.
July 1
After a brief stint for an American-based team, Andrew Mangiapane is back in Western Canada, inking a two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal with the Oilers.
Forward Justin Brazeau has chosen the Penguins as his next NHL destination, inking a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Devils continued adding to their forward depth, adding veteran scoring winger Evgenii Dadonov via a one-year, $1 million deal.
The July 1 goalie rush continues. The Mammoth are the latest team to make an addition in the crease, inking Stanley Cup champion Vitek Vanecek via a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Offensive defenseman John Klingberg is headed to San Jose, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $4 million pact with the Sharks.
One of the top remaining free agents available, veteran forward Mikael Granlund has landed with the Ducks on a three-year deal.
Veteran bottom-six forward Lars Eller has chosen the Senators as his next team, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
The Penguins have extended their business relationships with Philip Tomasino (one year, $1.75 million) and Connor Dewar (one year, $1.1 million).
As part of the effort to retake the title of Florida’s best hockey team, the Lightning have inked Pontus Holmberg to a two-year, $1.55 million AAV contract.
The Wild have added Nico Sturm. The former Panther has signed a two-year, $2 million AAV contract.
The Sabres have entered the chat! The club’s first big deal of the day is inking goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.5 million AAV contract.
The Kraken add to their goaltending depth, adding former Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray on a one-year, $1 million contract.
The Islanders had themselves a great draft weekend, and they continue the momentum in free agency, adding veteran forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year, $4 million AAV deal.
The Stars are on the board. Hours after announcing the official hiring of Glen Gulutzan as the club’s new head coach, the Stars have brought back forward Radek Faksa on a two-year, $3 million AAV contract.
Earlier on Tuesday the Kings lost defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the Rangers. To help fill that blue-line gap, they signed Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million AAV). They also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg for two years, $2.25 million AAV.
Defenseman Nick Perbix has thus far only known NHL life as a member of the Lightning. He’ll head to Nashville next, agreeing to a two-year, $2.75 million AAV deal with the Predators.
The Panthers have gone to the veteran defenseman well again, signing Jeff Petry to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is joining the Mammoth by way of a three-year, $3.5 million AAV contract.
The NHL career of James van Riemsdyk will continue, as he has agreed to terms with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Separately, the Wings added Jacob Bernard-Docker on a one-year, $875,000 contract.
The Bruins add to their depth, agreeing to terms with Sean Kuraly on a two-year, $1.85 million AAV pact.
Another key member of the Panthers’ championship roster is returning. Veteran forward Tomas Nosek has agreed to a one-year deal.
After completing the 2024-25 season with the Jets, veteran forward Brandon Tanev is sticking in the Central Division, but heading to Utah by way of a three-year, $2.5 million AAV deal.
Take another goalie’s name off the big board! Kaapo Kahkonen has agreed to terms with the Canadiens on a one-year deal worth $1.15 million. In a separate deal, the club also signed forward Sammy Blais.
The winner of the 2020 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA men’s hockey, defenseman Scott Perunovich has signed a one-year deal with the Mammoth.
In need of some backup goaltending depth, the Islanders agreed to terms with “Big Save” Dave Rittich on a one-year deal.
Diminutive, versatile forward Kailer Yamamoto is the latest player added by the Mammoth, by way of a one-year, $775,000 pact.
Veteran center Nick Bjugstad has made his decision: He’s joining the Blues by way of a two-year contract.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Lindgren finished the 2024-25 season with the Avalanche, and he’ll head northwest for his next NHL home, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $4.5 million AAV contract.
The Senators haven’t been able to lure any new free agents to the club yet, but their re-signing game remains strong. After re-upping with Claude Giroux, the Sens also continued their business relationship with Nick Cousins via a one-year, $825,000 pact.
Sure to be a fan favorite in Beantown, veteran forward Tanner Jeannot has agreed to terms on a five-year contract with the Bruins, with a $3.4 million AAV.
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, winger Michael Pezzetta is going from Montreal to Toronto via a two-year, $787,500 AAV contract.
Connor Brown impressed a lot of viewers with inspired play during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Now, he’ll bring that energy to the Devils, who have signed him to a four-year, $3 million AAV contract.
The defenseman market is one key player smaller, as the Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $7 million AAV contract.
One of the top goaltending options available is off the board, with Dan Vladar joining the Flyers via a two-year, $3.35 million AAV contract.
Veteran feisty forward Corey Perry is switching sides in the Oilers-Kings rivalry, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with salary and bonuses worth $3.5 million. Separately, the Kings also signed veteran forward Joel Armia to a two-year deal with a $2.5 million AAV.
One of the top available free agents has made a decision … and he’ll be re-signing. Brock Boeser is back with the Canucks by way of a seven-year, $7.3 million AAV contract.
Parker Kelly will continue his career with the Avalanche, agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with a $1.7 million AAV.
Veteran forward Colin Blackwell will be returning to the Stars, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
Christian Dvorak has moved on from the Canadiens, agreeing to a one-year, $5.4 million contract with the Flyers.
Noah Juulsen, welcome to Philly! The Flyers have inked the 28-year-old defenseman to a one-year, $900,000 deal.
Defenseman Ryan Johnson is sticking with the Sabres, agreeing to terms on a three-year deal with a $775,000 AAV.
The top-rated goaltender slated to hit free agency this offseason will not make it to market; Jake Allen is back with the Devils via a five-year contract with a $1.8 million AAV.
Veteran offensive defenseman Tony DeAngelo will be back with the Islanders for 2025-26, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
June 30
The Red Wings will be continuing their relationship with veteran forward Patrick Kane, inking a one-year, $3 million extension.
The band is getting back together. After re-upping with Sam Bennett last week, the Panthers re-signed both Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand on Monday.
Rumors of a Mitch Marner trade popped up during draft weekend, and they came to fruition Monday, as the Maple Leafs inked Marner to an eight-year, $12 million average annual value extension, then traded him to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
The Oilers will not be allowing one of their promising young players to leave via offer sheet, as they signed restricted free agent defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract.
Veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov would have been one of the most sought-after blueliners on the free agent market. Instead, he’ll be back with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future, agreeing to a seven-year, $8.5 million AAV deal.
George Springer had a career-high seven RBIs, including his ninth grand slam, and the Toronto Blue Jays celebrated Canada Day by beating the Yankees 12-5 on Tuesday and closing within one game of American League East-leading New York.
The seven RBIs are tied for the second most by any Blue Jays player in a home game, behind Edwin Encarnación (nine RBIs in 2015), according to ESPN Research.
Andrés Giménez had a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Blue Jays, who overcame a 2-0 deficit against Max Fried. After the Yankees tied the score 4-4 in the seventh, Toronto broke open the game in the bottom half against a reeling Yankees bullpen.
Springer went 3-for-4, starting the comeback with a solo homer in the fourth against Fried and boosting the lead to 9-5 with the slam off Luke Weaver after Ernie Clement‘s go-ahead single off shortstop Anthony Volpe‘s glove. Springer has 13 homers this season.
Toronto won the first two games of the four-game series and closed within one game of the Yankees for the first time since before play on April 20.
New York went 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position, dropping to 3-for-24 in the series, while the Blue Jays were 5-for-7. After going 13-14 in June, the Yankees fell to 10-14 against AL East rivals.
The Associate Press contributed to this report.
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