#expected-goals-xg

#expected-goals-xg

We have officially reached the "nerd zone" of the 2025-26 European soccer season. It is said (by the nerds, of course) that it takes about 10 matches for expected goal (xG) figures to start telling you a semi-accurate, predictive story about a given team. We should probably think of that as more of a range of about eight to 15 games, but regardless, the European season has officially entered that range.

Barca fired off 18 shots throughout the first half but did not inch ahead until the first minute of stoppage time, with Putellas converting from the penalty spot following a foul from Linde Veefkind. Kim Everaerts then put through her own net just before the hour mark. Paredes completed the scoring off Mapi Leon's set-piece delivery in the 67th minute, as Barca went top of the 18-team group on goal difference, ahead of Lyon and Manchester United.

Roma climbed to the Serie A summit as goals in either half from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik sealed a 2-0 win over Udinese at Stadio Olimpico. Having seen AC Milan drop points to Parma on Saturday and Napoli fall to defeat at Bologna ahead of kick-off, the Giallorossi took full advantage to lead the division by two points. Inter have the chance to replace Gian Piero Gasperini's side at the top later on Sunday, however, when they host Lazio at San Siro.

Bola tucked a neat finish beneath Manchester United loanee Radek Vitek in the sixth minute, having latched onto a pinpoint over-the-top pass from captain Imran Louza. Vitek then made a good save to deny Edo Kayembe as Watford pressed for a second goal, but the visitors struck against the run of play when Twine looked for the near post with a curling free-kick from the left corner of the area, catching out goalkeeper Egil Selvik.

What we have to evaluate is the team's reaction after the first mistake, which wasn't good because we lost some of our balance on the field and our positive thinking. We have to learn from our mistakes in the second half. The team's biggest mistake was not reacting well after the first goal. It's a good lesson for the future. We have to learn from this defeat.

"We did not have a perfect day [against Slovakia]. No one had," Nagelsmann said. "To be frightened is not a good thing. I will try my best to win. I am not afraid. I think we will do a better job than on Thursday. "We will try to be the best competitors possible and win our home game, which is very important for us and the fans in the stands. It is such an important game for us."