Match story
- CSKA Moscow created the clearer chances on xG (2.11 vs 3.43, Δ 1.32).
- Akhmat fired more attempts (14 vs 11 shots).
- CSKA Moscow was more accurate in front of goal (55% on target vs 36%).
- CSKA Moscow held more of the ball (60% possession).
CSKA Moscow defeated Akhmat 2-3 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 2 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Akhmat Arena in Groznyi. V. Bezborodov officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Akhmat vs CSKA Moscow meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Akhmat and CSKA Moscow. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 15 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Real Madrid have been very active in the summer transfer window so far, making signings like Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.The club have also wrapped up a deal to...
After shining as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup, Rodri Hernández has once again attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly changed his perspective on signing him, bringing the 30-year-old star closer to a return to Spain. Despite arriving with growing doubts, Rodri Hernández became the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. As the central figure of Spain, he established as the undisputed starter ahead of Martin Zubimendi. However, the 30-year-old star is not clear about his future, as he wants to return to Spain despite being under contract with Manchester City. As a result, he is reportedly getting closer to Real Madrid, as Florentino Pérez changed his stance. Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours. According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all. Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open. Rodri #16 of Spain is presented the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni. Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30. With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.
After being questioned over their aggresive playing style, Spain champion Pedro Porro defended Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign: "They deserved to be in the final" Argentina‘s high-octane playing style became one of the defining talking points of the 2026 World Cup, where occasional tactical directness was superseded by a fierce, hyper-aggressive edge. Following Spain‘s 1-0 extra-time triumph in the final, Spanish defender Pedro Porro came to the Albiceleste‘s defense, candidly arguing that “they deserved to be in the final“. When pressed by Mundo Deportivo regarding Argentina’s physical approach, Porro offered a balanced perspective: “Everyone thinks that Argentina is a competitive team. I believe that’s just their way of playing, and I have no reason to counter that. At the end of the day, they have been a great national team throughout the entire World Cup and demonstrated it by coming back in matches.“ Indeed, Argentina sat near the bottom of the tournament’s fair-play rankings. The Albiceleste averaged 14.1 fouls per match, seventh-most in the field, and racked up 14 yellow cards, the highest total by any team at the 2026 World Cup. By comparison, champion Spain picked up just six cautions over their entire seven-match run. Yet, Argentina’s physical edge was matched by undeniable firepower. They finished as the tournament’s third-highest scoring team with 19 goals (behind only France and England at 20) and made history in the Round of 16 by becoming the first team to erase a two-goal knockout deficit within regulation time in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt. Pedro Porro #12 of Spain kisses the World Cup Winner’s Trophy. The Spanish right-back concluded his postgame remarks by praising the opposition at MetLife Stadium. “I believe they also deserved to be in the final, and to be honest, it was a very beautiful final. Luckily, it went our way. I’d also like to congratulate them on the great work they’ve done throughout the whole World Cup,” Porro stated. Porro caps off a breakout World Cup campaign Porro’s international breakout provided a dramatic contrast to a grueling 2025–26 club campaign with Tottenham Hotspur, where the defender logged heavy minutes during a tense Premier League season. Initially arriving in North America as a rotation option, the former Manchester City player seized his opportunity and anchored himself as one of the elite right-backs of the tournament. After rotation appearances against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde, and Uruguay in the group stage, Porro took over the starting spot for manager Luis de la Fuente during the knockout phase. Scoring in the Round of 32 against Austria and adding another strike against France in the semifinal, he cemented his reputation as a dominant, two-way force along the flank for the world champions.
France face England in a crucial 2026 World Cup third-place match, and William Saliba is unavailable for the game. France face England in the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and manager Didier Deschamps will be without William Saliba for the occasion, as the defender got injured and was ruled out for this game. In his place, Deschamps is expected to turn to Maxence Lacroix, who already stepped in for Saliba during the semifinal loss to Spain and is favored over Ibrahima Konate given his familiarity on the left side of central defense. Saliba was Deschamps’ undisputed starting center back throughout the tournament alongside Dayot Upamecano, though it now appears the Arsenal defender was playing through his injury for the entire World Cup. According to a report from RMC Sport, Saliba wasn’t just injured against Spain — he had been carrying the issue through the entire tournament, managing it well enough to keep playing until his body gave out on the sport’s biggest stage. William Saliba #17 of France is attended to by medical staff after sustaining an injury vs Spain. (Getty Images) What injury did Saliba suffer? Saliba fractured a vertebra in his back during a Premier League match roughly two months before the World Cup began. Rather than pull out of the tournament, he elected to play through it, receiving daily specialized treatment from France‘s medical staff and taking painkillers throughout the competition. The injury finally caught up with him around the half-hour mark against Spain, when he had to be substituted in tears. He’s since been examined by doctors, who are still determining whether surgery will be required, meaning he’s expected to be out for an extended period. It’s a situation that echoes what Samuel Umtiti went through for France at the 2018 World Cup, when the defender played through a serious knee issue rather than have surgery, helping Les Bleus win the title in Russia at a steep cost to the rest of his career.
Despite coming off an incredible season, Casemiro decided to leave Manchester United, forcing the club to make drastic changes in midfield. As a result, the Red Devils have already secured his replacement, signing Andrey Santos for $67 million. Even though Casemiro is coming off an impressive season, he decided not to renew his contract with Manchester United, leaving as free agent. The veteran midfielder has not yet signed with any club, but the Red Devils have moved to strengthen their midfield. Despite the 2026 World Cup still being underway, the Red Devils have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for $67 million. Manchester United have announced the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects, he has been offered a contract until 2031, along with a unilateral option for an additional year. While the Red Devils did not disclose the financial details, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the deal was completed for $67 million, along with a 10% sell-on clause in favor of the Blues. During the 2025-26 season, Andrey did not become an undisputed starter for Chelsea, but he still played a significant role. Across 43 appearances, he scored three goals and provided four assists. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo ahead of him, the Brazilian was destined for a secondary role. As a result, his move to the Red Devils appears to be the ideal opportunity to establish himself in European soccer. Unlike at Chelsea, Andrey Santos will find the ideal opportunity at Manchester United to play an important role. With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave soon, the young Brazilian appears to be arriving as a regular midfield option, serving as the team’s stopper. At just 22 years old, he has the perfect opportunity to establish among the Premier League elite under head coach Michael Carrick. Dreams do come true.@04Andrey is proof of that 🔏 pic.twitter.com/2ZiSP7y9ai— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2026 Andrey Santos hails Michael Carrick as the ‘perfect’ coach Throughout his tenure at Chelsea, Andrey Santos never had a head coach who fully committed to his talent. As a result, his move to Manchester United appears to be the perfect opportunity, as head coach Michael Carrick considers him a key part of both the club’s present and future. During his official presentation, the 22-year-old midfielder decided to praise Carrick, making it clear that he is the perfect coach for his professional career. “Everything about Manchester United is special. It is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams,” reveals Andrey Santos, via Manchester United website. With only Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount in midfield, Andrey is expected to play a very important role during the 2026-27 season. Carrick has consistently shown a strong commitment to developing young talent, something that will be key to the Brazilian’s growth. Unlike other young foreign players, he has already played in the Premier League with two clubs, so he understands how to play in the league and that will be crucial to his adaptation.
⚽️ World Cup kick-off: 4pm EDT/9pm BST/6am AEST⚽️ Third-place table | Player guide | And email ScottPre-match postbag. “Writing from Ecuador, I can say people are understandably disappointed with how the World Cup has gone so far. After finishing second in qualifying, there was a feeling that this group could achieve something, but we were ignoring the unequal distribution of talent in the team: in the back, you have Pacho, who has won two Champions League titles, and Hincapie, who won the Bundesliga and the Premier League, and in the middle, you have Moises Caicedo. Up front, we still have 36-year-old Enner Valencia, who couldn’t really do it at Everton 10 years ago. There’s an exciting generation of Ecuadorian strikers, including the 16-year-old twins currently at Arsenal, but they’re not yet ready. The country was hoping Germany would field their second string of players for this match; turns out they didn’t. On another note, many attribute Ecuador’s success in qualifying to Quito’s altitude, but this overlooks the fact that most of Ecuador’s players come from abroad, so they also have to adjust to the altitude. Also, under the current coach, Ecuador started playing home games in Guayaquil, which is at sea level” – Matthew Carpenter-Arevalo“As well as some underdogs have performed this World Cup there hasn’t really been a big upset victory. Maybe today will be the day for that and if it happens, there would be no better occasion than Ecuador in front of a crowd which is likely to be majority Ecuadorean due to the huge population living in New York and surrounding region” – John in New York Continue reading...
Real Madrid have been busy lately, with Ibrahima Konate becoming their third signing of the week after Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva. The post Madrid announce Konate agreement following Cucurella and Silva signings appeared first on SoccerNews.
Full preview of Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Ecuador arrives at the 2026 World Cup in North America not as an underdog, but as a formidable defensive powerhouse. After finishing second in the grueling South American qualifiers, trailing only the reigning global champions Argentina, La Tri has proven its evolution on the international stage. This modern, physically imposing squad is built around top-tier European talent, transforming the team into a high-intensity unit. Expectations are understandably high for a nation that conceded just five goals in 18 qualifying matches. Team profile CoachSebastián BeccaceceCaptainEnner ValenciaNicknameLa TriFIFA Ranking24thConfederationCONMEBOLGroupGroup EBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (2006)World Cup Appearances5Last World Cup Appearance2022 How Ecuador play Under their current leadership, Ecuador has transitioned into a highly disciplined, aggressive unit that prioritizes defensive solidity over expansive attacking soccer.The team operates with a vertical, high-intensity style, suffocating opponents through relentless pressing and a compact defensive shape. This approach relies heavily on a defense-oriented core featuring standout players like Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. In possession, La Tri prefers quick, direct transitions rather than sustained build-up play. The midfield recovers the ball and immediately looks to spark counter-attacks, often utilizing long-range diagonal passes to the wings. However, this defensive focus comes with a significant vulnerability in the final third. The squad struggles to generate consistent scoring opportunities, relying heavily on clean sheets and narrow margins to secure results. Ultimately, their ability to combine this defensive masterclass with timely goals will determine their ceiling in the 2026 World Cup. Sebastián Beccacece: The coach behind Ecuador Sebastián Beccacece took charge of the national team in August 2024 and immediately injected a new level of intensity into the squad. Sebastián Beccacece and Moises Caicedo (Getty Images). The Argentine coach possesses an unconventional background, having never played professional soccer at a high level. Instead, he built his reputation as a meticulous assistant, notably helping guide Chile to the 2015 Copa América title.Known as a tactical obsessive who spends countless hours analyzing video and data, Beccacece favors a rigid, defense-first philosophy. While some supporters initially questioned his departure from traditional attacking wing-play, his undeniable success has quieted the skeptics. His unyielding commitment to this resilient system will make Ecuador incredibly difficult to break down on the global stage. Key player: Moisés Caicedo Moisés Caicedo serves as the undeniable engine of the Ecuadorian midfield.The 24-year-old Chelsea star has evolved into the most critical component of the national team since his international debut. Operating primarily as a box-to-box presence or a deep-lying pivot, his ability to read the game is elite. Caicedo recently ranked in the top five percent of English Premier League midfielders for interceptions, successful passes, and touches. He recorded 59 interceptions last season, tying for the most in the division. Tactically, he is indispensable for his country. He excels at identifying danger, recovering possession, and immediately launching offensive transitions with his exceptional 91 percent pass accuracy. Ecuador’s road to the 2026 World Cup Ecuador’s qualification campaign was a defensive masterclass that secured a historic second-place finish in the CONMEBOL standings. Despite starting with a three-point administrative deduction, the team won eight matches, drew eight, and lost just twice. They conceded an astonishingly low five goals across 18 fixtures, keeping 13 clean sheets to boast the best defensive record in the region. While the attack managed only 14 goa
Real Madrid are going through summer rebuild right now, with the club expected to bring in at least two defenders in Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.While Konate is a routine, like for like replac...
Set to face Ivory Coast for France's first pre-World Cup friendly, coach Didier Deschamps addressed Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba's status. Didier Deschamps has already turned his full attention to the 2026 World Cup, with France entering the tournament as one of the favorites after reaching the last two finals. With the opening pre-tournament friendly just around the corner, the head coach weighed in on the fitness and mindset of both Kylian Mbappe and William Saliba. Both players closed out the 2025-26 club season on a difficult note. Mbappe endured a trophyless year at Real Madrid and faced sustained criticism from the club’s own supporters, while Saliba, despite being a cornerstone of Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, was left to process the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat and a late injury setback that has been a source of concern for Les Bleus. Asked about Mbappe at Wednesday’s press conference, Deschamps was emphatic in his support of the captain: “Listen: Kylian is in great shape. Physically and psychologically. I talk with him, and he has also had the chance to speak with the players because he is the captain. I will tell you again: there are the clubs, okay, but the national team is different. Kylian has an experience that the others don’t. This is his third World Cup, and a World Cup is difficult. He is doing very well.“ On Saliba and the back injury that has kept him sidelined, the coach was more measured. “William is doing well. If we had needed to play on Thursday, he would have played. But he will not play. I will be required to manage the playing time, to distribute it, even if that goes against our collective chemistry. All 26 players are in good condition. This preparation match is a stepping stone, with another one coming up in four days against Northern Ireland.“ 𝗗𝗲́𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀 ! Les Bleus affronteront la Côte d’Ivoire demain à 21h10 sur TF1 🇫🇷🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/gSE6o9AD3M— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 3, 2026 France‘s first pre-tournament friendly is set for Thursday, June 5, against Ivory Coast at the Stade de La Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau in Nantes. Deschamps has spoken highly of the Ivorian side, describing them as one of the best national teams both in Africa and globally, a challenge he expects will put Les Bleus through their paces. When it comes to the lineup, France are expected to field a strong side with Mbappe set to start, while players who featured in the Champions League final are likely to be managed carefully with limited minutes. With Saliba ruled out of Thursday’s match, Deschamps is expected to pair Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate at center back, with Jules Kounde on the right and Theo Hernandez on the left. Deschamps already thinking about his World Cup starting XI With the 2026 edition marking Deschamps’ final World Cup as France’s head coach after taking charge in 2012, the opportunity to close his tenure with a third title would be the ultimate send-off for a squad reaching its peak. Drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq, widely regarded as the tournament’s most difficult group, Les Bleus are guaranteed a stern test from the very first game. With fewer than two weeks until the tournament opener against Senegal on June 16, Deschamps acknowledged that he already has a starting XI in mind, even if he is not ready to reveal it. “Of course I have it in my head. Yes. But you never know. There will be two matches between now and then, and things can happen too. They all want to be starters. We will be vigilant about the frustration that this can create. Also, due to the specific conditions in the United States and the gap between each match, we will gather other insights. You, too, might have a little idea,” he said.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
