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'FULL OF EMOTIONS’ — LUIS DíAZ REACTS TO ACHRAF HAKIMI TACKLE INCIDENT

Bayern's Luis Díaz wishes PSG's Achraf Hakimi a "speedy recovery" after a red-card tackle injured the defender. Díaz scored twice in the 2-1 win but will miss the next UCL match vs Arsenal.

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Luis Diaz was sent off for his challenge on Achraf Hakimi - COURTESY/PHOTO

Luis Díaz wished Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan defender for Paris Saint-Germain, a "speedy recovery" on Wednesday following a tackle that hurt his opponent and resulted in the Bayern Munich winger being sent off during their Champions League encounter.

In Tuesday's 2-1 victory over PSG, Díaz scored both goals, marking Bayern's 16th straight win across all competitions. However, he was dismissed shortly before halftime for a careless tackle on Hakimi.

Hakimi needed to have his left leg replaced since it seemed to get trapped when he fell. The evening was filled with emotion. We are constantly reminded by football that anything can happen in ninety minutes, both good and bad. "I was proud of my teammates' amazing efforts, but I was sad that I could not finish the game with them," Díaz wrote on Instagram. "I hope Hakimi gets back on the field as soon as possible."

The duration of Hakimi's absence has not yet been announced by PSG. The Moroccan international has started all but two of his games this season across all competitions and was instrumental in his team's 2025 Champions League victory.

Díaz, who has scored 10 goals in his first 16 appearances for the German champions, has been equally significant for Bayern. Due to his red card, he will not play in the Champions League encounter against Arsenal on November 26.

ABSOLUTELY GUTTED’ — ATLETICO STAR LE NORMAND OUT FOR REST OF THE YEAR

Atletico Madrid's key defender Robin Le Normand is set to miss the rest of 2025 with a knee injury. The Spanish international is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks, a major blow for Diego Simeone's side.

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Le Normand's Season Ends With Knee Setback - Image via RTVE

Robin Le Normand, a vital central defender for Atletico Madrid, is expected to miss time due to a knee injury sustained against Union St. Gilloise. Le Normand will not seem to be operating again until 2026.

During Atletico's 3-1 victory at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, the Spain international was taken down halfway through the first half. After twenty-five minutes, Jose Maria Gimenez took his seat. Diego Simeone told MD he looked okay after the game, but it looks like he will be sidelined for a while.

It seems improbable that Le Normand will return in 2025.


On Wednesday afternoon, Atletico acknowledged the injury, stating that neither his ligaments nor his meniscus had been affected. Le Normand will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to Diario AS. Given that Atletico's last game is scheduled for December 20 or 21, it is likely that he will not be back before 2026.

He would be out for nine games in all, including a match against Inter on November 26, a trip to Barcelona on December 2, and an Athletic Club match at San Mames four days later. Clement Lenglet, Gimenez, and David Hancko are the primary choices to play in central defence for the remaining games against Levante (H), Getafe (A), Real Oviedo (H), PSV Eindhoven (A), Valencia (H), and Girona (A).

Simeone on the terrifying finale of the USG victory: "It was difficult."


When the ball dropped to Louis Patris alone in the six-yard box in stoppage time, with the opportunity to make it 2-2, Le Normand was not on the field. Diego Simeone was questioned over his team's "struggles" in defeating the Belgian league leaders.

We were aware that the contest would be challenging and intricate. They made a strong start against Inter in Eindhoven, leading 3-0, and Inter was unable to rally until they had a set piece. We handled that circumstance today, and as the game progressed, we got better, just like we did against Sevilla. Their counterattacks generated danger, and their defensive work made it hard for us to find space.

Julian's skill as a striker is demonstrated by the first goal, which was the result of a fantastic attacking movement and a challenging touch that he completed. We performed better and got closer to the game we intended to play in the second half. We had more control over the game, and they were dropping farther. Then came the second goal, which they scored against us after we had a chance to save a free kick. Fortunately, it ended up being 3-1, but we went into that risky phase when it could have been 2-2.

WHY JOHN MCGINN’S NEW DEAL IS KEY FOR ASTON VILLA’S FUTURE

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has signed a new contract until 2028. The fan favourite, a key part of Villa's rise from the Championship to the Champions League, has extended his stay at Villa Park.

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John McGinn has signed a new contract - Photo Credit: Getty Images

John McGinn, the captain and midfielder for Aston Villa, has signed a new deal with the team that will keep him at Villa Park until 2028.

The announcement was revealed by Aston Villa's official statement on Wednesday afternoon. The Scotland international will remain with the Premier League team after being instrumental in the club's ascent.

Then, under Steve Bruce's leadership, Championship Villa paid £2.8 million to buy McGinn from Hibernian of the Scottish Premier League in 2018. Since then, the aggressive midfielder has made more than 300 appearances for Villa.

Captain McGinn has been a constant fixture in the Villa midfield since coming from Scotland, and he is expected to stay there.

Given that McGinn was instrumental in Villa's ascent from the Championship to Champions League status last season, the club's supporters will be thrilled to see the 31-year-old prolong his stay.

Except for the current campaign, the Scotsman has made at least 30 appearances overall in all competitions in each of his campaigns wearing an Aston Villa jersey.

After winning the Supporters' Player of the 2018–19 season award during his first season at Villa, McGinn went on to score the game-winning goal in the Championship play-off final victory over Derby County, which sent his team back to the top flight, and their first Premier League goal a few months later.

Before the 2022–2023 season, former Villa manager Steven Gerrard elevated the Scotsman to captain after McGinn demonstrated his abilities as a leader and football player in the Premier League.

Villa's foray into European football, managed by Unai Emery, has seen McGinn continue to shine with strong performances and spectacular goals, such as his incredible long-range goal in last season's 3-2 Champions League victory over eventual winners PSG, which was unsurprisingly chosen as the team's goal of the season.

Prior to Villa acquiring McGinn, Hibernian turned down several approaches from SPL powerhouse Celtic in 2018. The Scotsman's former Hibs manager was proven correct after the midfielder's triumph in English football.

Following Aston Villa's victory, McGinn's former boss proved correct.


McGinn's former head coach, Alan Stubbs, told BBC Sport that he would be a "great success" at Villa after the Birmingham team bought him during the 2018 summer transfer window.

"I believe he is a great deal because he has all the qualities needed to succeed at Aston Villa.

"He has every quality needed to succeed at Aston Villa, including the ability to use his body, his backside, and his legs, which are extremely strong.

"When travelling to England and facing numerous large, physically strong players, you need that dynamic."

Stubbs' forecast about the Scotsman has come true, as McGinn has gone on to score 33 goals and record 41 assists in 301 games for Villa. The Villains' signing of the Scotsman for just under £3 million has turned out to be a remarkable commercial decision.

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