Alex Grimaldo scored a free-kick in each half as Bayer Leverkusen survived two red cards to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 at home on Friday in new coach Kasper Hjulmand’s debut. Grimaldo curled in an expert free kick 10 minutes in and Patrik Schick converted a penalty to give Leverkusen a 2-0 lead at half-time. Can Uzun pulled one back for Frankfurt with 52 minutes gone to keep the visitors in the match. Leverkusen’s hopes of a first win of the season looked in doubt when captain Robert Andrich got his marching orders for a second yellow card with half an hour left — and looked worse when Equi Fernandez was also sent off in stoppage time. But Grimaldo, handed the captain’s armband when Andrich was sent off, once again curled in from outside the box with eight minutes gone to seal a famous victory. Appointed on Monday in the seat vacated by former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, sacked after just two games, Hjulmand opened his account with a win. Grimaldo, widely tipped to join the exodus exiting Leverkusen this summer, put the hosts ahead just 10 minutes in, cutting a free kick over the wall and in, hitting the post and then the back of goalie Michael Zetterer. Schick, another holdout from Bayer’s incredible unbeaten season in 2023-24, doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, cooly converting from the spot after Nathan Tella was fouled. Uzun cut the deficit when his strike was deflected past Leverkusen goalie Flekken with 52 minutes played. Germany midfielder Andrich’s second yellow for a harmless but lazy studs up challenge turned up the heat on the home side, who had not won a league match since April. Leverkusen lost another man in stoppage time when Fernandez was sent from the field but the hosts would be the next to score when Grimaldo once again showed his prowess from set pieces, threading the ball expertly home. The result extended Leverkusen’s recent record against Frankfurt, particularly at home. Leverkusen have now beaten Frankfurt in their past six games and have not lost to them at home since 2013. On Saturday, Bayern Munich host newly promoted Hamburg, while Borussia Dortmund travel to minnows Heidenheim. Source: france24

Antonio Rudiger will be sidelined for approximately three months following a new injury, according to Arancha Rodriguez. The German center-back, who has already faced a challenging 2025 due to a combination of disciplinary and injury issues, will now miss the first part of the 2025/26 season. Rudiger, who underwent surgery in April for a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, had been scheduled to return around late August. However, the latest update confirms that he will remain out as the club monitors his recovery. This absence comes after the six-match ban he received earlier in the year for violent conduct during the Copa del Rey final, which already sidelined him for the end of Real Madrid’s season and start of Los Blancos’ campaign. Since joining Real Madrid as a free agent in June 2022, Rudiger has been a key figure in defense, helping the club lift La Liga and the Champions League in the 2023–24 season. Despite losing his status as an undroppable starter, he remains valued for his experience and depth. Real Madrid will now need to adjust their defensive plans for the coming months without the services of the 32-year-old, who has also been instrumental for the Germany national team. Source: tribuna

Nicolas Pépé has been named LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month for August, an award presented by LALIGA in partnership with EA. The French-Ivorian has had a great month, becoming one of the key players in Villarreal CF’s attack, which has started the season strongly with two wins and a draw. The 30-year-old striker’s performance in these first three games has been spectacular, with two goals and one assist. In the opening game against Real Oviedo at La Cerámica, he contributed to the victory with the pass that led to the 2-0 goal. In the next game against Girona FC, he scored his first goal in a resounding 5-0 away win, and in the third game against RC Celta, he scored again to secure a valuable draw. The Villarreal CF number 19 wins this award for Best Player in LALIGA EA SPORTS for the first time after beating Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Pere Milla (RCD Espanyol) and Nico Williams (Athletic Club) in the final vote. Source: LALIGA

Rico Lewis has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City in a deal that keeps him at the Club until the summer of 2030. The new contract will further establish the Bury-born Academy graduate’s deep bond with the Club. Having joined City’s Academy as an eight-year-old, Lewis first progressed through City’s respective age groups before making his first team breakthrough in our Treble season of 2022/23. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to establish himself as an invaluable member of Pep Guardiola’s senior squad. Having initially made his mark as a right-back, more latterly Lewis has also hugely impressed in a variety of other positions, most notably as a hybrid midfield operator. Rico has chalked up 97 senior appearances to date, weighing in with five goals. Along the way he has helped City win seven senior trophies, a haul comprising of two Premier Leagues, the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and Community Shield. Commenting on his new contract, Lewis said he was immensely proud to have further committed his long-term future to City. “Manchester City mean everything to me so to have been given the opportunity to sign this new contract is such a special moment both for me personally and my family,” Lewis said. “I am still improving and developing as a player, and I know that the opportunity to carry on working with Pep, his coaching team and our amazing squad will only help me to keep getting better. “I have spent so much of my life at this club. City means everything to me, so to be able to stay longer makes me incredibly happy. “It’s an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Club every single day and to play in front of our fantastic fans who have always been so supportive of me. “I will give everything to try and help us look to achieve more success both this season and beyond and with the world class squad we have, I very am excited about what the future holds for the Club.” For his part, Director of Football Hugo Viana said he was equally thrilled to see Lewis commit his long-term future to City. “Rico embodies everything we aspire to be at Manchester City, and we are delighted he has signed his new contract,” said Viana. “He is hugely talented and already has acquired a wealth of experience. Despite only being 20, he is hungry to keep learning and improving. His attitude is first class and exactly what we look for in a young player. “Having come through our Academy, Rico carries with him all the values that underpin Manchester City and he cares deeply about the Club. “And we have no doubt at all he will play a very big part in our endeavour to help bring more success to the Club going forward.” Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Rico on his contract and wish him the best of luck for the future. Source: yahoosports

Jack Grealish has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for August, capping a superb start to life at Everton that David Moyes believes is “just the start” for the England international. The 30-year-old, who joined on loan from Manchester City this summer, has wasted no time making his mark on Merseyside. He has already produced four assists in just two league starts in wins over Brighton and Wolves, more than any other player in the division after three games. His contribution has been pivotal to Everton’s strong opening, following a cameo off the bench in their opener against Leeds. This is the first time Grealish has won the monthly accolade, and he becomes the first Everton player to claim the award since Dominic Calvert-Lewin in September 2020. For Moyes, the recognition reflects both Grealish’s talent and his determination to prove himself again. “He’s come back with the right mindset to produce, and he has produced for us,” Moyes said. “He’s made a big difference. It’s nothing down to me, it’s down to Jack Grealish. He’s looked after himself and worked incredibly hard. It’s just the start for Jack.” Saturday’s clash with Grealish’s former club, Aston Villa, offers another chance to underline his resurgence. He has already made history by becoming the first Everton player to register multiple assists in consecutive league games, and could extend that run to three. Source: yahoosports