Johansson asks for “fearless” Motherwell as European Glamour Tie Looms
Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson has urged his side to “excite” the Fir Park faithful as they prepare for their crucial second-leg clash against HJK Helsinki. Victory would secure a mouthwatering UEFA Conference League play-off tie with Bundesliga side Freiburg, who reached the Europa League final last season. With the tie finely poised at 1-1, Johansson is expecting another stern test from the Finnish outfit. Motherwell and HJK head into Thursday’s Conference League third qualifying round second leg level after last week’s 1-1 draw in Finland. Tawanda Maswanhise handed the Steelmen a priceless lead from the penalty spot before veteran striker Teemu Pukki produced a superb equaliser for the hosts. Reflecting on the first-leg performance, Johansson was pleased with his side’s response after the break. “In the second half we were more fearless and more aggressive,” he said. “Sometimes you have to manage the momentum of the game, and that’s what we did. Now we must be strong. “But we are at Fir Park, with all of our people there, and we want to excite them and play our way. We think that’s the best way to get the result we need. “It’s different and special when you play European games. They’re played later at night, and there’s just another feeling around the place.” Ahead of the tie, Motherwell confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old made his senior international debut for Ireland in June 2026, and Johansson expressed his delight after securing the midfielder’s signature, although Hodge will not be available in time to face Helsinki. “Absolutely buzzing to have him here,” Johansson added. “Joe is a very exciting young midfielder. He is mainly a number six in our system, but he can also play in a box-to-box role. We primarily see him operating as a six. “Joe represents what the number six position has evolved into over the last five years. He has quality on the ball, but he also has the mobility required for the modern game. We believe it’s a perfect match. “It’s super important to strengthen this area after losing some players. We are a club that needs to identify potential where it may have been overlooked.” Motherwell v HJK Helsinki (1-1) 7:30pm 13th Aug – Fir Park
Messi Returns for Inter Miami Following Father’s Death
Lionel Messi made an emotional return to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday, just days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner came on as a half-time substitute in Miami’s 3-2 defeat by Leon in the Leagues Cup, receiving a huge reception from supporters at the Chase Stadium. Messi’s father, Jorge, died in Rosario, Argentina, last week at the age of 68 following a long illness. He had been a hugely influential figure throughout his son’s career, becoming Messi’s agent when he was just 14 and remaining by his side as he developed into one of football’s greatest ever players. The 39-year-old had missed Miami’s 2-1 defeat by Monterrey on Saturday after returning to Argentina for his father’s private funeral on Sunday. Messi had also raised doubts over his playing future following his father’s death. In an emotional social media message, the Argentina captain admitted he was “really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer”, while revealing that his father had encouraged him to play at one more World Cup despite his deteriorating health. Messi subsequently returned to the United States and made himself available to Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos for their must-win meeting with Mexican side Leon. Despite Messi’s return, Miami were unable to progress and were eliminated in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023. Miami won the tournament in 2023, shortly after Messi’s arrival at the club. The Argentina forward’s return was praised by his team-mates, with midfielder Yannick Bright describing his appearance as “incredible”. “I wasn’t expecting it,” Bright said. “It shows how much he cares. When I saw he was here, all I was thinking about was to give my 150% for him. “It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot.” Leon manager Javier Gandolfi also paid tribute to Messi, saying the legendary forward is a “human being that is different to the rest”. “Today he demonstrated once more what he’s made of,” Gandolfi added. Messi’s future now remains one of the biggest talking points in world football, with the veteran forward appearing increasingly uncertain about how much longer he wants to continue his remarkable career. For now, however, Messi has shown that despite the most difficult period of his personal life, he remains willing to stand alongside his Inter Miami team-mates.
Scottish Cup Hero Departs Pittodrie for Germany
Dimitar Mitov has this morning departed Aberdeen as he completes a six-figure move to 2. Bundesliga side St Pauli. Mitov arrived at Pittodrie from St Johnstone back in 2024, making 78 appearances for the Dons, including playing a crucial role which saw Aberdeen defeat Celtic in 2025 to lift the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years, after saving two penalties in the penalty shoot-out to lift the trophy. The Dons’ number one made it clear he was looking to take on a new challenge elsewhere, as the Scottish Cup hero became second choice, with Marius Müller taking the first-choice spot over the Bulgarian international, as Stephen Robinson believes the move was best for both sides. “Dimi has made a significant contribution to Aberdeen FC and, during my time at the Club, he has carried himself with the utmost professionalism and been a real leader both on and off the pitch. “We were aware of his desire to pursue a new challenge and, when St Pauli presented an offer which met our valuation, it was a deal that made sense for both the player and the Club. “Of course, you never want to lose good players, but we respect Dimi’s ambition, and this is a good opportunity for him at this stage of his career. “He leaves Pittodrie as a Scottish Cup winner, having played a big part in a historic day for the Club, and he will always be welcome back at Aberdeen.” Since his arrival from Perth, Mitov quickly became a key player between the sticks, becoming a fan favourite at Pittodrie, having shown great character during his spell in the North-East. Mitov was one of the main reasons Aberdeen lifted the Scottish Cup, saving both Callum McGregor’s and Alistair Johnston’s penalties as Aberdeen defeated Celtic in the shoot-out. The Bulgarian leaves on a positive note after an enjoyable spell at Aberdeen, having brought a lot of success to the club. Mitov spoke to the club for one last time following his departure: “I leave Aberdeen knowing I’ve given my absolute best for the Club, both on and off the pitch. “I’ve been fortunate to share some unbelievable memories with the supporters, from that afternoon at Hampden to the European nights at Pittodrie, and those are moments I will always remember. “I’d like to thank all my teammates, the coaches I’ve worked with, and everyone behind the scenes at the Club for their support during my time here. “I wish everyone involved with Aberdeen FC all the very best for the future, and I hope the Club has a successful season ahead.”