Ron Walker

Rangers were eliminated from Europa League qualifying after drawing 1-1 with Jagiellonia Bialystok and losing 3-2 on aggregate. Lawrence Shankland's penalty cancelled out Jagiellonia's first-leg advantage, but Nik Prelec restored the Polish side's lead early in the second half. Rangers failed to seriously threaten thereafter and were booed off at Ibrox. Derek McInnes accepted the criticism and said the squad lacked the quality and confidence required for Europa League football. Rangers will drop into the Conference League play-off round against Czech club Jablonec, with the first leg at Ibrox on August 20.

Rangers drew 1-1 with Jagiellonia Bialystok at Ibrox and were eliminated from Europa League qualifying 3-2 on aggregate. Lawrence Shankland equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR-awarded handball, but Nik Prelec restored Jagiellonia’s aggregate advantage with a second-half header. Rangers failed to seriously threaten after the interval and were booed off, while manager Derek McInnes admitted the performance was not good enough and said the squad needed more quality and confidence. Rangers now enter the Conference League play-off round against Jablonec, with the first leg scheduled for August 20.

Liverpool have shown attacking promise under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak among the pre-season standouts, but consecutive collapses after taking two-goal leads against Leeds and Monaco have exposed concerns over fitness and tactical adaptation. Iraola says the squad may currently sustain his high-intensity pressing style for only around 30 minutes, while rivals have given more established players longer outings. Injuries have left Liverpool with only two fit senior centre-backs despite Ronald Araujo's arrival, and the squad remains thin in wide-forward and midfield areas. With the season opener against Newcastle approaching and the transfer window nearing its end, Liverpool's early prospects depend heavily on improved fitness, further reinforcements and avoiding additional departures.

Chelsea defeated AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta to end a run of two pre-season losses and record their strongest performance under Xabi Alonso. Joao Pedro scored twice around half-time, while Moises Caicedo added a third from a corner. Chelsea's 3-4-3 shape, improved set pieces under coach Austin McPhee, and strong displays from Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Marco Palestra were highlighted, while substitutes Nicolas Jackson and Geovany Quenda both struck the woodwork.

Barcelona are set to break their transfer record by signing Manchester City forward Kerolin for about £1.28m, which would be the highest fee received by a WSL club and surpass Olivia Smith’s previous record. Kerolin, who scored nine goals in 15 WSL matches last season, is targeted to strengthen Barcelona’s attack following several high-profile departures. Despite limited appearances due to injury, her per‑90 performance metrics underline her importance to City’s title win and the quality Barcelona aims to add.