Lahore Blues soared to the top of the standings with a crushing win over Rawalpindi, who prop up the table with just one win in their seven games. The win was down to a superb bowling performance from Lahore. Agha Salman’s figures were the most impressive, with three wickets in just ten balls to clean up the tail, but the platform had been set up Atif Jabbar and Ali Shafiq, whose combined figures read 7-0-42-5.Rawalpindi’s wretched batting performance saw only two players score more than six runs. In such circumstances, Iftikhar Ahmed merited particular acclamation, scoring a plucky 33-ball 60 to take them to 118, when in his absence his side could have slumped to a record low. Even so, the target was merely batting practice for the in-form Blues, with Imam-ul-Haq, Ahmed Shehzad and Hussain Talat all amongst the runs as they put Rawalpindi out of their misery with nearly three overs to spare.In the day’s other game, Faisalabad beat Peshawar in a dramatic finish. Imran Khalid smashed the last ball for six to power his side home. Needing four to win win one ball remaining and international star Fahim Ashraf off strike, Faisalabad looked to be done for. But Khalid pounced on a length delivery in his arc, and just managed to clear the midwicket boundary to guarantee Faisalabad a spot in the semis.This was another low-scoring game, with no Peshawar batsman able to build on a solid start. Veteran opener Rafatullah Mohmmad was the top scorer with 32, and though four other batsmen reached double figures, none were able to construct an innings to ensure they could post a big total. Saeed Ajmal, in his farewell tournament, bowled a sensational spell, getting two wickets for 15 off his four overs.The target of 140 looked to be too much for Faisalabad as they struggled to keep up with the asking rate. Sohail Khan’s disciplined spell of 4-0-19-2 tied the chasing side down, and with 33 required off the last three, it appeared they would fall short. It continued to appear that way till the very last ball, when Khalid shot to prominence in fairy tale fashion.

Cricket Australia’s CEO James Sutherland said that alarm bells were ringing for Test cricket around the world, with the slide in the commercial value of the format creating headaches for the game’s future

Daniel Brettig16-Nov-2017Some days of international cricket are more equal than others. Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland has revealed how three hours of a single Twenty20 international are worth as much to India television broadcasters as five days of a Test match, a market reality that underlines the parlous state of the game’s longest form without context.Speaking to podcast, Sutherland said that “alarm bells” were ringing for Test cricket all round the world, in spite of the sold out crowds and strong television ratings expected for this summer’s Ashes series between Australia and England. The ICC recently, and at long last, approved plans for a World Test Championship to begin in 2019, but Sutherland said the slide of the five-day game’s value was creating major headaches around cricket’s future.”In many ways there’s so much doubt about Test cricket and its future I think and in some parts of the world it really is in a desperate state. That’s partly because it’s just not commercially viable,” he said, when asked how he saw Test cricket looking in 15 years’ time. “There are some really significant warning signals in some parts of the world.”As a starting point if you go to India, the country where there is supposedly the most lucrative commercial market, the current valuations on a Test match, five days of Test cricket, is exactly the same as the valuation on a three-hour Twenty20 international match. That’s a perspective on what the market in the biggest country in the cricketing world sees as the value of Test cricket, and that has a significant flow-on impact to other countries.”So the alarm bells are ringing for Test cricket and that’s one of the reasons why I think this context around Test cricket is so important with this league championship. In 15 years’ time I sincerely hope that this league will create extra relevance and drive and importance for Test cricket, ideally the championship has significant incentives for countries and players to stay involved in Test cricket, and the rewards and recognition from that will also be seen and reflected in fans coming and continuing to stay connected to the game.”Apart from the creation of the Test Championship to foster “third party” relevance and context to matches for fans not supporting either of the competing teams, Sutherland has also been an advocate for day-night Test matches to have more of their span played at a time when greater audience sizes are available both at the ground and on television.A third area in which he said the game could be enhanced is by the preparation of more bowler-friendly pitches in Tests, so that the balance between bat and ball is more even than that often seen in the ODI and T20 formats dominated largely by batsmen. “Money is basically a function of fan interest and support and there’s a lot of romantic connection to Test cricket and rightly so,” he said. “But Test cricket has to remain relevant and contemporary for the modern-day fan and I think it’s challenged by the fact there are two other forms of the game that are alternatives.”So context and relevance is particularly important. I’m not saying there’s any silver bullet solution so I’m not suggesting it’s that, but it’s another reason why we’ve been very strong in trying to introduce day-night Test cricket to time shift it into more available hours for fans to engage with cricket, and I think there are other things that need to be looked at, including pitches to ensure there is a better balance between bat and ball.”What I’m talking about there is actually giving more advantage to the bowler in Test cricket to make the game more interesting, because the one-day game and T20 game in terms of pitches and conditions heavily favour the batsmen. I think to even that up a little bit for the bowler would make for more compelling Test cricket.”Having just witnessed the women’s Ashes Test at North Sydney Oval, Sutherland said there was little prospect of more long-form women’s matches being scheduled. “World cricket — ICC and its member countries — have decided that the best format by which to promote the women’s game is the T20 format,” he said.”That’s the primary format and we continue to hold on the men’s side Test cricket as the primary format and the game that we want to preserve and make the ultimate form. We won’t see a lot more women’s Test cricket in the future but hopefully it will continue to be part of the Ashes at least.”

Nottingham Forest are now in concrete negotiations over a shock move for OGC Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is open to a return to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

Who are Nottingham Forest signing this summer?

Back in June, it was reported that Forest were targeting Dean Henderson as a priority signing this summer, with the club pushing hard to bring him in on a permanent basis, but it has proven difficult to get a deal for the Manchester United goalkeeper over the line.

Football Insider reports that Henderson's move to the City Ground is now in jeopardy, with his injury being named as the latest reason for the hold-up, although discussions are still ongoing with United over an initial £15m fee, which could rise to £20m including add-ons.

In terms of goalkeepers, the Reds only have Wayne Hennessey and Ethan Horvath on the books ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal next weekend, with time now running out to bring in a first-choice 'keeper ahead of the new season.

With negotiations over Henderson proving to be difficult, Steve Cooper could now choose to turn his attentions elsewhere, and The Nottingham Post report Forest have now made offers for New England Revolution's Djorde Petrovic and Arsenal's Matt Turner.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that it is now a "matter of time" before Turner completes his move to the City Ground, but with Cooper weighing up whether to sign two goalkeepers, there could be another new arrival.

The Nottingham Post share a report from Denmark which states Forest are in "concrete negotiations" over a move for Schmeichel, with Sky Sports detailing he is open to a return to the Premier League this summer.

Last summer, the Danish shot-stopper unexpectedly left Leicester City, joining Nice in a £1m deal. However, he could now be on his way back to England, potentially joining the Tricky Trees, in what would surely be a shock move so soon after departing the Premier League.

How good is Kasper Schmeichel?

Upon leaving Leicester last summer, the Denmark international was lauded as "fantastic" by journalist Ben Jacobs, who also praised him for the influence he had in the dressing room at the King Power Stadium.

Pundit Micah Richards was left mystified by the Foxes' decision to sell their "leader" and "rock at the back" last summer, which could well have played a big part in their relegation from the Premier League.

Although he is now 36 years old, the Nice 'keeper could still be a solid acquisition for the Reds, given the level of some of his performances since completing his move to Ligue 1.

Over the past year, the veteran goalkeeper ranks in the 91st percentile for his save percentage per 90, when compared to players in the top five leagues, indicating that he still has a lot left to give.

Given the widespread praise he has received for his influence on and off the pitch, the £65k-per-week shot-stopper may be a worthwhile signing for Forest, but Henderson should remain their priority target.

At 26 years old, the Man United ace is ten years Schmeichel's junior, and so he is much more likely to make a long-term impact at the City Ground.

New South Wales procured themselves a lead of 150, steered by Daniel Hughes’ 101-ball 57, before it was business as usual for Mitchell Starc

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2017Getty Images

After a dual offensive from fast bowler Trent Copeland and opener David Warner on day one, New South Wales batsmen procured themselves a lead of 150 in Adelaide, steered by Daniel Hughes’ 101-ball 57.That NSW added 89 runs to their overnight score of 5 for 153 with the lower-middle order batting around around Hughes; Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc struck 23 and 20 each, before Chadd Sayers struck twice to wrap up the innings and finish with an innings haul of 4 for 82 from his 27 overs.South Australia got off to a solid start in their second innings, with Johnathon Dalton and Jake Weatherald hitting 64 and 71 each. The duo stitched together an opening stand of 137, blunting NSW’s bowlers for 54 overs, before Nathan Lyon got the breakthrough, Weatherald caught by Steven Smith. Starc subsequently imposed himself on the opposition with a double-strike, nipping out Dalton and Travis Head in the following over. Head, the captain, was sent back for a golden duck. Starc struck once more, bowling Jake Lehmann. The collapse, which amounted to the loss of four wickets for eight runs, meant South Australia finished at 4 for 145 at stumps.

Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde is reportedly close to an exit, according to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

It has been a summer of frustration at Elland Road for new owners the 49ers Enterprises, with a number of players seeing clauses in their contracts activated to allow them to leave on loan following relegation from the Premier League.

There have also been permanent exits for Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts and just four arrivals, one of which being former defender Sam Byram on a free transfer. It could get worse before there are any signs of the tide turning, with Wilfried Gnonto refusing to play over the past seven days as he looks to force a move away before the deadline.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Another potential departure could well be Hjelde, who got the nod at left-back from Daniel Farke on the opening day vs Cardiff City. The teenager was brought off at half-time against Cardiff and Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup, and it seems as if his days at Elland Road could be numbered.

Di Marzio, a Sky Sports reporter, shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Serie A side U.S. Salernitana and their attempts to secure four new signings relatively quickly.

One of those was Hjelde, with the report stating that the parties are ‘very close’ to an agreement, one they want to ‘close soon’.

Who else could leave Leeds?

Hjelde has struggled so far this season with his two early replacements, and in total, the 19-year-old has made just seven senior appearances for the Whites after joining from Celtic back in 2021. However, he has been hailed by his former manager at Ross County John Hughes in the past, who said last year:

“In terms of potential he plays a way beyond his age, with a maturity that is two or three years above himself. He’s only just turned 18, he’s just a baby, but he’s 6ft2 and still has a bit of growing to do. That’ll come. He’s an athlete, quick, nobody would run him. He had a great recovery if someone did go by him, and technically he’s very good.

“He’s still got a lot to do in terms of getting where he wants to get but it’s fantastic for Leeds, a really good signing. If he fulfils his potential Leeds have got a real proper centre-half on their books. He’s got that ‘I’m a player’ about him. It’s not in an arrogant way, it’s a belief.”

Should the full-back depart, Farke would be left with just Junior Firpo as his only recognised left-back, meaning Pascal Struijk could be forced to fill in once again as the club possibly look for a replacement.

However, alongside Hjelde, Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra could also be on the move, with the latter another who was unavailable last time out against Birmingham City. A number of additions appear to be needed at this moment in time due to the sheer number of exits so far, and if Hjelde, Gnonto and Sinisterra were also to depart, it could be a frantic final few weeks of the window at Elland Road.

Fulham are still looking at signing Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne this summer, but they are now facing growing competition from some of Europe's top clubs, according to a new report.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

As we enter the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, the Cottagers seem to be more concerned about potential outgoings, rather than making more additions to their squad, having already signed Calvin Bassey, Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore.

There are no guarantees that Willian will remain at Craven Cottage beyond the deadline at the beginning of next month, with club chiefs "worried" the winger will complete a move to Saudi Arabia, despite only putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract last month.

Aleksandar Mitrovic could also end up in the Saudi Pro League, with a £46m bid recently being tabled, but Fulham are now "determined" to keep hold of him, and they believe they will be able to do so, with the Serbian making a 32-minute cameo against Everton at the weekend.

With Joao Palhinha now emerging as a transfer target for Liverpool, Marco Silva has a real battle on his hands trying to keep hold of some of his best players this summer, but he is also still keen to strengthen in other areas.

According to a report from The Express, Fulham are looking at signing Leicester defender Castagne, who is yet to feature for the Foxes in the Championship this season, perhaps indicating he may be allowed to leave.

It has previously been made clear that the Belgian wants to leave the Championship club this summer, but the Cottagers now face growing competition in the race for his signature, with Juventus also keen.

As a result of Jurrien Timber's recent injury, Arsenal are also weighing up a move for the 27-year-old, so Silva's side will have to fend off interest from some of the continent's top clubs if they are to get a deal over the line.

How good is Timothy Castagne?

The Leicester ace has been lauded as "brilliant" by members of the media, and he ranks very highly across a number of key defensive metrics, placing in the 80th percentile for tackles per 90, the 84th for aerials won and the 94th for clearances, when compared to his positional peers.

With 91 Premier League appearances to his name, the Arlon-born defender has a great deal of top-flight experience, and he also starred for Atalanta in the Serie A, showcasing his attacking threat by recording six goal contributions in the 2018-19 campaign.

However, the former Atalanta man struggled last season, en-route to the Foxes' relegation from the top flight, with his average Sofascore rating placing him just 13th in the Leicester squad, and there are doubts over whether he would be a necessary signing.

The £65k-per-week defender could cost around €15m (£13m), yet Kenny Tete has averaged more tackles, interceptions and blocks per 90 in the past year, while also offering more in an attacking sense, recording a higher amount of shot-creating actions and assists.

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a bid for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, and they have already received a response from the Spanish side, a recent report has revealed.

Who are Nottingham Forest signing this summer?

Forest got their first win of the Premier League season on the board on Friday night, defeating Sheffield United 2-1, but they remain in the market for new reinforcements, and a new midfielder appears to be one of Steve Cooper's priorities.

The Tricky Trees have now made an offer for Bologna defensive midfielder Nicolas Dominguez, and they are set to battle for the 25-year-old's signature with Galatasaray, although Brighton & Hove Albion and AC Milan are also named as potential suitors.

Another key midfield target for the Reds has been Benfica's Florentino Luis, having already had two offers turned down by the Portuguese club, the most recent of which amounting to €35m (£30m).

The report makes it clear that Forest could be back with a new bid in the near future, but in the meantime they have started to run the rule over other targets, and they have now made an attempt to sign Real Betis' Rodriguez.

That is according to a report from ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness), which states the Tricky Trees made a bid to sign the 29-year-old on Friday night, however it was immediately knocked back by the Spanish club, as it was far below their asking price.

Betis are looking to hold out for a fee of €12m (£10m), but the Reds' opening offer amounted to less than €10m (£8.5m), so it appears as though the two clubs are still some way apart.

A reason why Forest may have offered so little is because the midfielder has just entered the final year of his contract, with his agents "moving his name" through the market, as he has no interest in signing a new deal.

Betis are willing to listen to bids, given that they risk losing the Argentine for free next summer, but the Tricky Trees will need to come back with a higher offer if they are to get a deal over the line.

Who is Guido Rodriguez?

Born in Saenz Pena, Argentina, the Betis star made his breakthrough in his home country, appearing for River Plate 18 times, before going on to prove himself in the Mexican league with Club Tijuana and CF America.

Since then, the maestro has become an integral player for Betis, making 34 La Liga appearances last season, while also amassing 29 caps for Argentina, featuring once during the nation's 2022 World Cup triumph.

The Argentina international has been lauded as a "defensive monster" by football analyst Marcus Bring, and it is clear to see why, given that he ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, and the 97th percentile for clearances per 90 over the past year.

Although he is now 29-years-old and approaching the latter stages of his career, Rodriguez has proven he is worth Betis' asking price of £10m, and Forest should undoubtedly return with a new and improved offer in the coming days.

How will the likes of Ariful Haque, Abu Jayed and Jofra Archer stand up against Chris Gayle, Mashrafe Mortaza and Brendon McCullum

Mohammad Isam07-Dec-2017

Big PictureThe first knockout game in this year’s BPL brings with it two questions. Will Rangpur Riders’ star players stand up? And will Khulna Titans’ idea of banking on their young talent pay off?Led by Mahmudullah, with several other upcoming Bangladesh players in the mix, Khulna earned a third-place finish at the end of the league stage. Carlos Brathwaite, their biggest overseas purchase, has been unparalleled in hitting power and has also sniped out crucial wickets with his medium-pacers. Jofra Archer, the 22-year old fast bowler from Barbados, has been a revelation as well while Abu Jayed, Ariful Haque and Nazmul Hossain Shanto, too, have chipped in with handy performances. Khulna have been especially effective in the last five overs, whether it was Brathwaite and Ariful conjuring sixes out of thin air – they hit six in 16 deliveries against Chittagong Vikings – or Archer and Shafiul unsettling the opposition with accurate yorkers.Rangpur, meanwhile, would be expecting a big knock from Chris Gayle and/or Brendon McCullum having waited the entire tournament for one. Ravi Bopara has been a steady source of runs though and they have a proven performer in Lasith Malinga to lead the bowling attack. Sohag Gazi’s offspin can be useful as well, and their captain Mashrafe Mortaza has been excellent with both bat and all.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)Rangpur Riders: LWLWW
Khulna Titans: WLLWWIn the spotlightIn 11 innings in his first BPL, Brathwaite boasts a strike-rate of 178.57 and has 18 sixes to his name. He has also picked up five wickets, but it is his end-overs brutality that has steered Khulna to victory on several occasions. A similar show in the knockout game could propel his side closer to the title.Among all their superstars, Mashrafe has stood out with his effective bowling (13 wickets), big-hitting (152.32 strike-rate) – and albeit its being sporadic – safe fielding. He is also known for his no-nonsense leadership and likes to take responsibility when a big game goes down to the wire.Team newsRangpur are not short of firepower in the top order, but the middle doesn’t look quite as threatening. They will hope contributions from Mashrafe and Gazi can paper over that issue.Rangpur Riders (probable): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Ziaur Rahman, 3 Brendon McCullum, 4 Mohammad Mithun (wk), 5 Ravi Bopara, 6 Nahidul Islam, 7 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 8 Sohag Gazi, 9 Nazmul Islam, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Isuru UdanaJunaid Khan’s injury was a big blow but Khulna still have enough firepower in their pace attack to keep Rangpur in check.Khulna Titans (probable): 1 Michael Klinger, 2 Nazmul Hossain Shanto, 3 Afif Hossain, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6 Ariful Haque, 7 Carlos Brathwaite, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Mohammad Irfan, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Abu JayedPitch and conditionsThe Mirpur pitches have been roundly criticised since the tournament moved back to Dhaka from Chittagong, and it is likely to remain two-paced. The weather is set fair on Friday.Stats and triviaJayed may be Khulna’s highest wicket-taker with 18 this season but, among bowlers who’ve bowled six overs or more, he also has the worst economy-rate (9.05).The Gayle-McCullum opening combination for Rangpur was touted to be the highlight of the BPL. However, having failed to make an impact in five innings, they were separated. Gayle and Ziaur Rahman have opened thrice thereafter, never lasting more than 2.3 overs.

Also, the follow-on mark will come down from 200 to 150 as per the playing conditions for four-day games

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2017Each day of the upcoming inaugural four-day Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth will need to have a minimum of 98 overs per day, as per the ICC’s playing conditions. That is, eight overs more must be bowled every day than what is required in five-day cricket. Also, a lead of 150 will be enough to enforce the follow-on; in five-day cricket the mark stands at 200 runs.Timings for the first four-day Test

First session: 1.30pm-3.45pm

Tea interval: 3.45pm-4.05pm

Second session: 4.05pm-6.20pm

Dinner break: 6.20pm-7pm

Third session: 7pm-9pm

To accommodate the extra overs, the ICC’s playing conditions state that play will run for six and a half hours in all each day, instead of the usual six hours for five-day Tests. The home board shall determine the hours of play and duration of the sessions, with each session lasting a minimum of two hours and a maximum of two and a half hours. In Port Elizabeth, the normal hours of play are set to run from 1.30pm local time to 9pm, with the first and second sessions being two hours and 15 minutes each, and the final session running for two hours. An extra 30 minutes will be available to the fielding team to complete the minimum required overs each day.Beyond the half hour of overtime, any remaining overs cannot be carried over to the following day unless there has been a stoppage for “any reason other than normal intervals” – rain breaks, for example.Also, the last hour of play on the final day will officially commence only when 83 overs – it’s 75 overs in five-day Tests – have been bowled on the day. In cases where 83 overs are bowled ahead of schedule, then the calculations for the last hour will be dictated by the clock, as is the case in five-day cricket.The reduced follow-on mark is in keeping with the existing laws of the game, as already applied in domestic and other four-day first-class cricket.The Port Elizabeth Test will also be played as a day-night game, with the pink ball under lights. That means the first break – for tea – will be the shorter of the two at 20 minutes, with a 40-minute break for dinner following later.The match was handed Test status by the ICC in October, as a “trial”. Then ICC chief executive David Richardson had said that the trial of four-day Test cricket would run until the 2019 World Cup, although participation in it is not mandatory. He expected the shortened version to be especially beneficiary to the lower-ranked Test teams.”Whoever wants to play it can play it,” Richardson had said. “The real value is [for] teams like Ireland and Afghanistan, even Zimbabwe who have not been at their best. Teams visiting, for example, South Africa, might be more likely to [take a detour to] play Zimbabwe in a four-day Test than they would in a five-day Test. So I think it has a number of advantages.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Diante de um dos trabalhos mais consistentes do continente, o Flamengo tomou um choque de realidade em Quito, no Casa Blanca: derrota por 5 a 0 para o Independiente Del Valle, do técnico Miguel Àngel Ramírez. Foi um passeio da equipe equatoriana frente ao desorganizado e apático Flamengo. O atual campeão esteve muito longe de atuar no nível que a Libertadores exige.

Com o resultado, o Del Valle segue 100% e líder do Grupo A, com nove pontos após três rodadas. O Flamengo, com seis, permanece na segunda posição e segue no Equador: na próxima quarta-feira encara o Barcelona de Guayaquil.

A estratégia de Dome foi por povoar o meio de campo e, assim como na vitória sobre o Fluminense, escalou Diego entre os titulares. O camisa 10 não foi bem e tampouco a ideia funcionou. Se não saiu para marcar alto a saída de bola rival, o Flamengo também não teve intensidade para travar o volume de jogo do Del Valle. Na base do toque de bola, o time de Miguel Àngel Ramírez teve a posse de bola e ampla vantagem em chances criadas. Foram nove finalizações antes do intervalo – sendo seis no gol – contra apenas uma do Rubro-Negro.

Por maior que tenha sido domínio, o gol do Del Valle só saiu aos 40 minutos, com ótima infiltração de Moisés Caicedo na área. O jovem meia fez o corta-luz, recebeu de Gabriel Torres e finalizou no cantinho de César: 1 a 0. Altitude à parte, o Flamengo, com uma marcação desencaixada, “facilitou” para o rival.

O Flamengo voltou do intervalo sem Diego e com Bruno Henrique, recuperado após 18 dias fora. Se na primeira etapa o Del Valle demorou a marcar, o segundo gol saiu logo aos 5 minutos. A liberdade para os equatorianos, contudo, foi a mesma. Preciado arrancou pela direita e passou por três. O lateral-direito tabelou com Murillo: dominou, olhou e acertou o ângulo da entrada da área. Isso tudo livre, sempre sem ser incomodado pela marcação.

E o Flamengo sentiu. Depois do segundo gol, o time foi ainda mais apático e inoperante no jogo. O Del Valle logo se aproveitou e marcou 3 a 0 com Gabriel Torres. Outro bonito gol, em contra-ataque, com finalização no canto esquerdo de César. As substituições de Dome Torrent não mudaram em nada o cenário.

Foi aos 35 que o Del Valle encontrou mais um contra-ataque. Com cinco passes a bola saiu da defesa para a letra de Jhon Sánchez, que fez o quarto golaço do líder do Grupo A na Copa Libertadores. Mais uma vez, a marcação desacertada facilitou a vida do time de Miguel Àngel. Erros individuais e coletivos se repetiam enquanto o Flamengo, atortoado, apenas torcida pelo fim do jogo.

Para desespero dos rubro-negros, ainda houve tempo para mais um. Beder Caicedo – livre para surpresa de ninguém – recebeu na entrada da área e fez o quinto gol do Independiente Del Valle. Goleada histórica, com todos os méritos para os comandados de Miguel Àngel, apesar da atuação apática do adversário.

FICHA TÉCNICA
INDEPENDIENTE DE VALLE 5 X 0 FLAMENGO

Estádio: Casa Blanca, em Quito (EQU)
Data e horário: 17 de setembro, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Wilmar Roldan (COL)
Assistentes:Miguel Roldan (COL) e Sebastian Vela (COL)

Renda/Público: Portões fechados

Gols: Moisés Caicedo (40’/1ºT), Preciado (5’/2ºT), Gabriel Torres (12’/2ºT), Jhon Sánchez (35’/2ºT) e Beder Caicedo (46’/2ºT)

Cartão amarelo: Angelo Preciado (IDV); Willian Arão e Bruno Henrique (FLA)
Cartão vermelho: Preciado (IDV) e Bruno Henrique (FLA)

INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE (Técnico: Miguel Àngel Ramírez)

Jorge Pinos; Preciado, Schunke, Segovía e Beder Caicedo; Cristian Pellerano, Moisés Caicedo e Lorenzo Faravelli (Mera, 30’/2ºT); Fernando Guerrero (Jhon Sánchez, 25’/2ºT), Jacob Murillo (Ortiz, 24’/2ºT) e Gabriel Torres (Montaño, 30’/2ºT).

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Domènec Torrent)

César; Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Léo Pereira e Filipe Luís (Renê, 30’/2ºT); Willian Arão, Gerson (Thiago Maia, 19’/2ºT), Diego (Bruno Henrique, Intervalo), Everton Ribeiro (Michael, 20’/2ºT) e Arrascaeta (Pedro, 31’/2ºT); Gabriel Barbosa.