
Liverpool’s status as English league champions was not addressed in the latest reporting.
Benfica, a civil parish in Lisbon, secured a 7-0 victory over Casa Pia in Portugal’s Primeira Liga on Aug. 17, with Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis scoring a hat trick in seven minutes (47th, 49th, 54th) to reach four goals in two league matches this season. Pavlidis has also netted five goals in the Europa League, totaling nine in 19 days since July 30 .
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, 27, returned to club action after a summer with Norway’s national team, dominating in the Community Shield as Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-0 on Sunday. Ødegaard had been substituted after 66 minutes in the Champions League final on May 30 following a season marred by seven injuries in eight months, limiting him to 39 of 73 possible matches for club and country. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken said Ødegaard’s transformation stemmed from feeling valued, stating, “The most important thing was that Martin immediately felt how important he is for us,” and, “Even the very best players need to feel loved and important” . Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noted Ødegaard’s renewed determination, saying, “Since the first day he came back, he’s had something different about him. Something he wants to prove” .
In transfer news, Spain midfielder Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Aug. 17 ahead of a €75 million move from Manchester City, with FC Barcelona planning his presentation on Tuesday. Rodri, the best player of the recent World Cup, told media upon arrival, “I come to win everything that comes my way” and called joining Barcelona “a dream” .
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