February 2019 – Football Flame    
Latest Football News

Month: February 2019

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SERIE A

Cagliari winger Kiril Despodov returns to training ahead of Inter clash

Ahead of Friday night’s match with Inter, Cagliari have provided an update on the respective conditions of some of their players.Kiril Despodov made a return to  full training with his teammates while Fabrizio Cacciatore and Cyril Thereau trained partly with the team and also separately.Valter Birsa and Filippo Romagna followed personalised training schedules and Alberto Cerri underwent physiotherapy on the injury he is carrying.
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Solskjaer praises Romelu Lukaku for grabbing chances

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy to see Romelu Lukaku making the most of playing in his favoured central striker role with two goals in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.Lukaku has been asked to fill in on the flanks in recent weeks, with caretaker United manager Solskjaer preferring to employ Marcus Rashford through the middle.But with Rashford not fully fit and named amongst the substitutes at Selhurst Park, Lukaku was restored to his preferred position and responded with a goal in each half to complete a win that maintained Solskjaer's unbeaten run in the Premier League to 11 games since he took charge in mid-December.And the manager, himself a former United striker, was in no doubt that the positional switch had played a key role in Belgium international Luk...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Claudio Ranieri uncertain over Fulham future after defeat at Southampton

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says his future is uncertain after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Southampton pushed the London side another step closer to Premier League relegation. Goals from Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse inflicted a seventh defeat in eight top flight games on Fulham and left them 10 points adrift of safety. When asked about his future, Ranieri said: “My job? I don’t know. Ask the owner.” Despite their perilous position, Ranieri said Fulham would battle hard in each of their 10 remaining games. “I am just working hard until it is mathematically impossible, we continue to fight, he said. “We must believe and we must stay together. “The players they are trying to do their best but that is not enough. We have to do something more. All my players are very, very frustrated because...
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LALIGA

Copa del Rey: Luis Suarez scored twice as Barcelona thrash Real Madrid

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez scored twice on Wednesday as the Spainish Champions defeat Real Madrid to move within touching distance of winning a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey.Real Madrid were the better side for at least half of the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu but three goals conceded in 28 chaotic, second-half minutes sent Barca through to the final with a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate.Suarez would have had a hat-trick had Raphael Varane not beaten him on the line to Ousmane Dembele's cross, Varane's own-goal coming between the Uruguayan's smart finish and a mischeivously chipped penalty. He now has 11 goals in 13 games against Madrid."We have other players apart from Leo Messi that can score goals," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said. "Luis' numbers are incredible, historic...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Asernal boss Unai Emery focus on Tottenham clash after 5-1 win over Bournemouth

Asernal boss Unai Emery watched his side ease past Bournemouth with 5-1 win before setting his sight to beat Tottenham on Saturday to close within a point of their north London neighbours.Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored to put Arsenal on course for the win before Lys Mousset pulled one back only for Laurent Koscielny, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to strike after the interval.The win, coupled with Tottenham’s loss at Chelsea, means Arsenal head to Wembley this weekend four points adrift of their fierce rivals.They could close the gap further still by completing a league double over Spurs and Emery admits reducing the distance to just a solitary point will be a motivating factor.“It is a big motivation,” he said“We need to take the opportunity like today, these ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Watford keep tabs on Boavista defender Goncalo Cardoso

Watford are eyeing Boavista's highly-rated central defender Goncalo Cardoso.The 18-year-old, who plays as a left centre back, is fast becoming one of the most sought-after teenagers in Europe, with a number of clubs monitoring his progress closely.And Watford are among the clubs with a serious interest in the youngster.But the Hornets are facing stiff competition from Inter Milan and Lazio for the Portugal Under-19 international.The defender has already made 16 senior appearances for the Portuguese club and is establishing himself as a regular in Boavista's first XI.He seems certain to become a senior Portugal international, and Watford are ready to strike a deal for the youngster before bigger clubs make their move. 
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BUNDESLIGA

Josh Sargent signs contract extension with Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen have announced that USMNT international Josh Sargent has signed a long-term contract with them.The striker made his first start for the Bundesliga club on Friday night, has committed his long-term future to Bremen, whom he joined from St. Louis Scott Gallagher in Missouri almost a year ago to the day."I'm really honoured," said Sargent, who has scored twice in nine Bundesliga outings. "This contract extension also shows the club's faith in me. I've felt at home in Bremen since day one with Werder and I'm looking forward to the coming years."Sargent has also scored seven goals in 12 games for Bremen's reserves this season, but is now a fixed member of the first-team and is continuing to impress head coach Florian Kohfeldt."Anybody who knows Josh in the dressing room, in t...
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BUNDESLIGA

Marco Reus set for Borussia Dortmund return after injury

Borussia Dortmund skipper Marco Reus set to return for Bundesliga action against Augburg on friday.Marco Reus, who has plundered 13 goals and six assists this term, hasn’t played since the 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in early February due to a thigh injury. According to Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc, the talismanic attacker is ready to return.“Marco picked up a cold during his recovery from the muscular injury,” explained the former midfielder, who scored 131 goals in 463 games with BVB in the 1980s and ‘90s. “This delayed his return but we’re confident to see him back next weekend.”
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LALIGA

Jordi Alba set to sign a contract renewal with Barcelona

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba is reportedly set to sign a new long-term contract with his club.Alba, 29, has been in outstanding form for Barca this season, contributing 14 assists in 35 appearances.The left-back will see his current deal at Camp Nou expire in June 2020, though, and there have been suggestions that he is becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation.However, according to Sport, negotiations have 'accelerated' over the last few days, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu intervening to speed up the process.The report has claimed that Alba is expected to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish champions, who are currently preparing for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.Alba has made 281 appearances for Barca ...
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LALIGA

Copa del Rey Preview : Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Barcelona will visit Real madrid at Bernebeu on Wednesday night for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, with the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg at Camp Nou.Lucas Vasquez sent Madrid into a sixth-minute lead in the first leg earlier this month, before Malcom registered in the second period to leave the last-four tie all square.Madrid will have their captain Sergio Ramos back and available after the centre-back missed the win over Levante on Sunday night through suspension.Ramos for Nacho could well be the only outfield change from the team that started against Levante, with Vinicius Junior and Vazquez once again expected to support Karim Benzema in the final third of the field.Isco is available following a back problem, but it seems unlikely t...
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BUNDESLIGA

Stuttgart earn 1-1 draw at Bremen

Stuttgart struggled to a 1-1 draw at  Werder Bremen in Bundesliga.Stuttgart, who remain in the relegation zone having not won any of their last eight games, claimed a shock lead in just the second minute through Steven Zuber, who tucked the ball away after being played in by Mario Gomez.But Bremen extended their run of scoring to 24 consecutive Bundesliga matches as former Everton midfielder Davy Klaasen notched on the stroke of half-time. The Netherlands international's long-range strike flew past Stuttgart goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.The hosts looked the more likely side to find the winner as the second half wore on. Nuri Sahin tested Zieler with a powerful effort from inside the penalty area before Claudio Pizarro fired just wide.Zieler was on hand again 10 minutes from time to se...
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NEWS

Napoli and Inter advance in Europa League

Napoli and Inter Milan faced no issues as they both sealed their places in the last 16 of the Europa League.Salzburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Villarreal, Dinamo Zagreb, Zenit, Benfica, Kiev, Rennes, Krasnodar and Slavia Prague also all made it through on an action-packed Thursday night across Europe. After a 3-1 away win in Switzerland last week, Napoli easily advanced 5-1 on aggregate. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti made it two wins from his first two games in the Europa League with a 2-0 home victory over Zurich. Forwards Simone Verdi and Adam Ounas scored in each half at the Stadio San Paolo.  Meanwhile, Inter advanced after eliminating Austrian club Rapid Vienna 5-0 on aggregate after winning the second leg 4-0 in Rome.Former champion Sevilla advanced after knocking...
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LALIGA

Luka Modric Reportedly to renew his contract until 2021

Luka Modric is reportedly set to renew his contract with Real Madrid until 2021.The Croatian has contributed to the success of Real Madrid in recent seasons, winning four of the last five European cups. His careeer and talent were finally recognized and rewarded, after winning the Balon d'Or in 2018. The renewal will see him extend his stay at Los Blanco for another two years, ending when Luka reaches 36 years old.According to report, He will also become one of the highest paid players within the squad at the same level of Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos. With is Renewal it is expected that midfielder would retire at Real Madrid.
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Barcelona keep tabs on Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has brought the best out of a number of attacking players such as Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba with his proactive approach seemingly being preferred by them over Jose Mourinho’s reactive defensive mindset. Barcelona’s search for a new striker is widespread so it’s understandable that Marcus Rashford’s recent return to form has got them interested,  six goals and three assists in 12 matches. According to report, The Catalans are eyeing Rashford, although the club acknowledges that it would be hard to take him away from Manchester United especially with no release clause, so a large transfer fee, potentially over €100 million, would be required. Young English players are always overvalued due to the “homegrown” player squad requirements...
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SERIE A

Juventus Midfielder Khedira sideline for Champions League tie at Atletico Madrid

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira will miss Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.Juventus have revealed the 31-year-old will be sidelined indefinitely while he undergoes treatment for atrial arrhythmia. The condition causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate and can lead to issues including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness. A statement from the club said: "Sami Khedira remained in Turin for medical examinations, from which emerged the opportunity to perform an electrophysiological study and eventual treatment of an atrial arrhythmia which appeared today."
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd's Midfielder Ander Herrera set to sign a new contract at Old Trafford

Manchester United Midfielder Ander Herrera is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal at Old Trafford.Ander Herrera current contract expires in the summer but he will sign a new deal worth £100,000-a-week.Herrera opened the scoring against Chelsea on Monday as United beat Chelsea 2-0 to book their place in the last eight of the FA Cup. Pogba scored the other goal, and Herrera believes the platform he has built with Nemanja Matic has allowed the Frenchman more freedom to get forward, and helped the club's attackers."I said to the manager we are running a lot at the moment to make our forwards enjoy it," he told the club's official monthly magazine."Sometimes it's hard for us but as long as they score goals and as long as they make our fans enjoy the games we'll continue doing...
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UCL

Barcelona held to a goalless draw at Lyon

Barcelona were held to a  goalless draw at Lyon in the Champions League last-16 first leg. Lyon had the better chances in first-half, but Barca goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen produced a world-class save to tip Martin Terrier attempt onto the bar.Barcelona asserted their dominance as the match progressed, but failed to find the net ahead of the return leg in March 13, with only four of their 21 attempt finding the target.Barca now have a big 10 days ahead as they move to Sevilla on Saturday before heading to Real Madrid for a double header in the cup and league next week.
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SERIE A

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici confirm club interest in Mauro Icardi

       Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio TardiniJuventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has confirmed that the club made inquiries into signing Inter striker Mauro Icardi ahead of the summer transfer window, as rumors continue to swirl regarding the forward's future. The striker was recently stripped of Inter Milan captaincy due to the fracture in relations that his contract extension talks have caused, and this has only increased the rumors of an exit this summer.And, amid this saga, the Old Lady's sporting director has confirmed that La Vecchia Signora has spoken to the Milanese club last summer about taking Icardi off their hands. Speaking to Rai Radio1, as ...
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NEWS

Paraguay appoint former Athletic Bilbao boss Eduardo Berizzo as new coach

     Eduardo Berizzo former boss of Athletic club gives instruction during La Liga match between Club Atletico De Madrid and Athletic ClubParaguay has named former Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao coach Eduardo Berizzo as their new manager.The 49-year- old replaces Juan Carlos Osorio, who resigned last week following five months and one game in charge.The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) announced the arrival of Argentinian Berizzo on Monday.“The Paraguayan Football Association…have successfully concluded the negotiations with Eduardo Berizzo, who becomes the new coach,” read a statement on the APF website.Berizzo, who was sacked by Bilbao in December, has previous experience on the international stage having been Chile’s assistant manager from 2007 to 2010.Berizzo will...
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NEWS

Brighton beat Derby county 2-1 to progress to FA cup quarter-Final

     Ashley Cole of Derby County battles for Possession with Anthony Knockaert of BrightonBrighton & Hove Albion has progressed to the  FA Cup quarter-finals but had to survive a late scare to see off Championship side Derby County at the Amex Stadium.      Anthony Knockaert of Brighton and Hove Albion scores his team's first goal past Kelle Roos of Derby CountyBrighton took the lead through Anthony Knockaert strike just after the half-hour, before Jurgen Locadia reacted quickest to Yves Bissouma's effort coming back off the post to tap home just before the break. Chris Hughton's side failed to add to their lead and substitute Ashley Cole pulled one back for Frank Lampard's side with ten minutes remaining, but the Seagulls held on to pr...
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