When FC Barcelona quietly began planning life after Robert Lewandowski, few expected the club to identify a successor so decisive, so ambitious, and so symbolically powerful. Yet in a move that reflects both sporting logic and philosophical intent, Barcelona have zeroed in on Julián Álvarez as the striker destined to lead the Blaugrana attack into a new era. This is not merely a transfer rumor or a speculative shortlist inclusion—it represents a clear statement of direction from a club rebuilding its identity while navigating financial constraints, tactical evolution, and generational change. Lewandowski’s arrival in 2022 was transformative. He brought goals, leadership, and elite professionalism to a side emerging from chaos. But football never pauses, and Barcelona know that the post-Lewandowski era must be planned with the same precision that once defined the club’s golden years. Álvarez, a World Cup winner, Champions League-proven forward, and one of the most tactically versatile a...
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez defended an angry Cristiano Ronaldo after he kicked a water bottle after being substituted in the shocking 2-0 loss to Georgia.
Ronaldo was seen kicking a water bottle before taking his position on the bench, expressing his emotions following a tough outing.
Ronaldo had been penalized earlier in the game for his outbursts at the referee after colliding with centre-back Luka Lochoshvili, who was obviously pulling the Portugal striker's shirt but managed to avoid a penalty.
Martinez maintained after the game that Ronaldo should have been handed a "clear" penalty, questioning the VAR's consistency before awarding a spot kick to Mikautadze for Georgia's second.
"At times, we were unlucky," Martinez told reporters. "The VAR was inconsistent; if there was a penalty on Antonio Silva, Ronaldo could see it more clearly.
"Georgia had the game of their lives and we didn't match the intensity."
Ronaldo's tumultuous evening didn't finish there; as he exited the pitch, he nearly escaped a weird altercation with a fan.
As Ronaldo proceeded down the tunnel, a fan jumped over the fence and was pushed aside by security before making touch with the 39-year-old, who had previously been targeted by pitch invasions during Portugal's triumph over Turkey in the tournament.
Portugal has been drawn with Slovenia in the competition's last 16, with their match on Monday night being the last to be decided before the quarter-final stage begins.
Ronaldo's tumultuous evening didn't finish there; as he exited the pitch, he nearly escaped a weird altercation with a fan.
As Ronaldo proceeded down the tunnel, a fan jumped over the fence and was pushed aside by security before making touch with the 39-year-old, who had previously been targeted by pitch invasions during Portugal's triumph over Turkey in the tournament.
Portugal has been drawn with Slovenia in the competition's last 16, with their match on Monday night being the last to be decided before the quarter-final stage begins.
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