April 2019 – Page 2 – Football Flame

16Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan reportedly ready to spend €30 million on Gundogan

Inter are willing to spend up to €30 million in order to clinch the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City this Summer according to a report from CalcioMercato.com.The German’s contract with the Premier League outfit is due to expire in just over a year’s time and he is understood to have zero intention of prolonging his stay.For this reason, City are looking to sell him off in order to not lose him for nothing once his deal at the club expires.The report goes on to state that Inter are confident about investing €30 million as it is a sum that they could raise through player sales, potentially through Ivan Perisic alone if Inter’s reported demands for the Croatian winger are met by the trio of Premier League sides keen on him.The next few weeks could prove dec...

16Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Dembele is better than Neymar, says Barcelona President

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu thinks the club's winger Ousmane Dembele has developed into a better player than their former star, Neymar. Neymar left Barcelona in the summer of 2017, joining Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee. After losing the Brazilian, the Blaugrana signed Dembele from Borussia Dortmund and following a challenging first season at the club, in 2018-19 the France international has established himself as a regular in the first team.Speaking to TVE, Bartomeu said he thinks Dembele has surpassed the former incumbent of the Barcelona No. 11 jersey and has backed last season's other major signing, Philippe Coutinho, to kick on too:"I explained that we have a project with Dembele and Coutinho with Neymar's money. Dembele's...

15Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Barca boss Valverde says he fears Man Utd spirit

Ernesto Valverde has admitted he fears Manchester United's "spirit" as he attempts to lead Barcelona into the Champions League semi-finals at their expense.Barca host United in the second leg of their quarter-final at the Nou Camp on Tuesday, and will take a 1-0 lead into the game following their victory in the first match at Old Trafford. However, United overcame PSG in the last 16, despite losing the first leg at home, and Valverde is wary of allowing a similar fate to befall Barcelona.He said: "What I fear the most is the spirit they have. We respect them as a team, and the history they have behind them."You can feel their spirit on the pitch and I think we will see it tomorrow. If we want to face that we have to show the way we are ourselves."United had just 34 per ...

15Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Champions League: Chiellini absent from training ahead Juventus-Ajax match

The second leg of Juventus-Ajaxis right around the corner. Tomorrow at 8:00 pm GMT, Massimiliano Allegri's side will be looking for victory as they try and move on to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. Today, at the Continassa, training is underway for the Bianconeri ahead of tomorrow's big match.Juve skipper GiorgioChiellini has not yet recovered from the injury that has already kept him sidelined in the first leg of the quarterfinals in Amsterdam, it is almost certain that the player will be unavailable to Allegri. In other news, Juan Cuadrado is also absent (outside of the Champions League squad list), while young Hans Nicolussiis training with the team.

15Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern returns to top spot in Bundesliga after easy win

Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga after Kingsley Coman's first-half brace spearheaded a comfortable 4-1 victory at Fortuna Dusseldorf. Borussia Dortmund went to the summit on Saturday after edging out Mainz but the Bavarians were able to reclaim their position, with Coman setting them on their way after a quarter of an hour.He doubled his and Bayern's tally just before half-time while Serge Gnabry gave the visitors a 3-0 lead in the 55th minute.Dodi Lukebakio, introduced off the bench midway through the second half, pulled one back for Dusseldorf in the penultimate minute but Leon Goretzka restored Bayern's three-goal cushion in time added-on.Eintracht Frankfurt missed the opportunity to consolidate fourth spot after a surprise 3-1 defeat to lowly&...

12Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Inter Milan reportedly eye move for Man Utd star

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio visited England for some Champions League action this week and Romelu Lukaku was on his watch list, according to reports. The Italian was in London to watch Tottenham’s 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first-leg win over Manchester City on Tuesday, before visiting Old Trafford to watch Manchester United lose by the same margin against Barcelona a day later. Leggo has reported that the purpose of Ausilio’s second trip to Manchester was to watch Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku in action, as well as Barça midfielder Ivan Rakitic.Bellgium's all-time top goalscorer Lukaku has been touted as a potential replacement for Mauro Icardi, who looks set to leave the San Siro club this summer after being stripped of the captaincy ear...

12Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Europa League : Arsenal beat Napoli, Chelsea win

Arsenal and Chelsea closed in on the Europa League last four on Thursday after the Gunners saw off highly-fancied Napoli 2-0 at the Emirates, while Marco Alonso's late header earned Maurizio Sarri's side a hard-fought win at Slavia Prague.Unai Emery's Arsenal hold a healthy advantage going into next week's second leg thanks to a fine early strike from Juventus-bound Aaron Ramsey and an unfortunate Kalidou Koulibaly own goal midway through the first half, and can rue missed chances that would have put the tie completely beyond the Italians' reach. "To keep a clean sheet and score a couple of goals is a lovely way to start the first leg. We're delighted with that," said Ramsey, who should have added the third when he blazed over with nine minutes left...

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton are eager to sign Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes on permanent deals

Everton coach Marco Silva says the club are eager to sign Kurt Zouma and Andre Gomes on permanent deals. But Silva warned that the decision will not be solely in the hands of himself and the Goodison Park board.Defender Zouma, who is on loan from Chelsea, and midfielder Gomes, whose parent club is Barcelona, have both impressed at Everton this season.The pair have both said they are enjoying their time at Everton and Silva was asked if permanent deals might be in the offing, perhaps even before the end of the season."There is always a chance but it is not just in our hands," he said."They are happy here, that is a good sign. That means they are performing, they are enjoying, they are helping us also."We are happy with them, that is true, and it is up to us to do what we...

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Ronaldo scores 125th Champions League goal in tie

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return from injury with a precious away goal as Juventus drew 1-1 with an excellent Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Amsterdam on Wednesday.Ronaldo subdued the 50,000 home fans in the Johan Cruyff Arena when he headed Juventus in front on the stroke of half-time to take his record goal tally in the competition to 125. Brazilian winger David Neres conjured a stunning equaliser almost immediately after half-time to give Ajax a draw that was the very least they deserved.However, it is Juventus for whom substitute Douglas Costa struck a post late on, who hold the upper hand heading into next Tuesday's return in Turin, with the winners of this tie facing Manches...

11Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Champions League: Barcelona down Manchester Utd at Old Trafford

Barcelona beat Manchester United 1-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday after a first-half own goal by Luke Shaw at Old Trafford. Luis Suarez's 12th minute back-post header was deflected past David de Gea by United left-back Shaw. The teams meet again next Tuesday at the Camp Nou. Man Utd defender Chris Smalling believes Barcelona were nullified at Old Trafford despite emerging 1-0 victors from their Champions League quarter-final, first leg.Luke Shaw's 12th-minute own goal means United have another Champions League mountain to climb on the road, after overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain on away goals in the last 16."We pressed them high and made it difficult. I...

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern resume training ahead Dusseldorf match

Despite the rain on Wednesday, there were plenty of Bayern fans in attendance at Sabener Strabe to catch a glimpse of the FCB players in action for the first time since Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund. Niko Kovac had afforded his players two days off following the result, and they were back for an open training session as they began their preparations for Sunday’s match at Fortuna Dusseldorf, where they will look to cement their position at the top of the Bundesliga table.One absentee was Franck Ribery, who had called in sick and missed the long practice match Kovac allowed his players to close out the session. Alphonso Davies was working alone on a nearby pitch after his knee injury, while Arjen Robben continued his own recovery programme away from his teammates, who fo...

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny hoping to prove fitness ahead Europa League Quarter final clash

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and captain Laurent Koscielny are in a race to prove their fitness for Arsenal's Europa League quarter final first leg clash with Napoli on Thursday. Centre back Koscielny is being assessed over a bruised foot, while Xhaka is aiming to return after an injury to his groin. The Swiss midfielder was seen training alongside his team mates at Arsenal's London Colney headquarters on Wednesday as they prepare for the game.Arsenal captain Koscielny has endured an injury hit campaign, missing the opening months with a ruptured achilles tendon, and has had to sit out the last two games with the knock to his foot. Xhaka meanwhile has also missed the previous two league games including the 1-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday - but could return for Thursday'...

10Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Harry kane could be out for the season, says Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham continued their revival of form in style as they beat Manchester City in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final.Son Heung-min scored the only goal in the second half, but if Mauricio Pochettino’s side are going to reach the last four they will have to do it without their star man Harry Kane.The striker limped off in agony after a clash with England team-mate Fabian Delph.As the City left-back cleared the ball on the touchline, he followed through with a strong challenge which saw his studs roll Kane’s ankle.It’s the second time this season that the 25-year-old has suffered the injury having only returned to the side at the end of February from damage to his ligaments.Harry Kane was spotted leaving Tottenham’s new ground on crutches, putting a dampener on a special ni...

9Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Champions League Quarter-Finals kicking off

We are down to last eight and set your alarms because the Champions League quarter-finals will kick off today.FIXTURESWednesday : Tottenham vs Manchester City, Liverpool vs PortoThursday : Ajax vs Juventus, Manchester United vs BarcelonaTOTTENHAM VS MANCHESTER CITYFirst leg: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wednesday 10 AprilSecond leg: Etihad Stadium, Thursday 18 AprilTottenham will be hoping for a lift from their new stadium as they prepare for the daunting task of facing quadruple-chasing Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday morning.Spurs won their first match at their new home, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 to move back into third in the Premier League after a disappointing run of results. As for City, they’re looking to carry their red-hot domestic form onto th...

9Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Maurizio Sarri says £100 million is "too cheap" for Real Madrid target Eden Hazard

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri insisted that £100 million is "too cheap" for star talisman Eden Hazard, who continues to attract Real Madrid's attention as he scored an iconic goal against West Ham United on Monday.Hazard, 28, scored both goals as the Blues beat the Hammers 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, the first of which saw him beat six defenders before ending with a sublime finish. Sarri told Sky Sport Geoff Shreeves that a £100 million selling price was too cheap:The Italian said: "[£100 million] is too cheap; in this market it's too cheap. We have seen in the last market window every price, I think. So I think it is really very hard to change Hazard with another player."Sarri also spoke to Radio 5 Live after the game and admitted it would be a crushing blow if the player left St...

8Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Tottenham's Serge Aurier set to miss Champions League clash against Manchester City

Tottenham right-back Serge Aurier is expected to miss Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City after failing to recover from a hamstring injury. The Ivory Coast international, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain, is thought to have made himself available after the recent death of his father, but he will not be fit in time.Aurier has started five of Spurs’ eight Champions League games this season and completed both legs of the last-16 victory over Borussia Dortmund.In his absence, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is likely to select Kieran Trippier as a right-back or wing-back. The England international has previously struggled against City’s speedy wingers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, and he was at fault in the build-up to...

8Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle defender Lejeune ruled out for the rest of the season

Newcastle united have confirmed defender Florian Lejeune rule out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.The 27-year-old was forced off on a stretcher during the second half at St. James' Park after injuring his left knee.Lejeune has been ruled out for the reminder of the current season and further updates on his recovery will be provided in due course.The frenchman has been ever-present for Newcastle in the Premier League since his return to action at the start of January, taking his 2018/19 to 13 appearances in all competition.

7Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ernesto Valverde says Barca closer to title with Atletico win

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has called on his team to “finish the job” in La Liga after they moved 11 points clear of Atletico Madrid on Saturday.The Blaugrana beat Atletico 2-0 at the Camp Nou after Diego Costa was sent off in the first half. “Three fundamental points, a really important result,”Valverde said.“We're closer but there's still a long way to go. You have to finish the job. It's true it was a fundamental game and these three points could mean a lot at the end of the season. We're happy because of the opponent we were facing, Atletico are an enormous team that have fought until the end with 10 men.”Costa was given a red card after he angrily confronted referee Gil Manzano shortly before the half-hour mark.Barca struggled to capitalise on their advantage ass...

7Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Moise Kean winner put Juventus on brinks of Serie A title

Teenager Moise Kean has left Juventus within one win of retaining its Serie A title.Kean, who was the victim of racist abuse during the week, came off the bench to score what was to prove the winner on Saturday as Juventus came from behind to beat AC Milan 2-1. It was the Italy forward’s fifth goal in as many matches for club and country and has seen him stake a claim for a place in the starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal game at Ajax on Wednesday, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo a doubt for Juventus as he recovers from injury.“We need to let him (Kean) grow,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said. “We’ll see if he plays on Wednesday, the substitutes are important and we saw that again today.”Paulo Dybala’s penalty canceled out Krzysztof Piatek’s ...

7Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich crush Borussia Dortmund to top Bundesliga

Bayern Munich took a big step towards winning a seven th straight Bundesliga title by thrashing Dortmund 5-0 in a crunch clash at the top of the table.Bayern overtook Dortmund by one point and with Robert Lewandowski in good form,Niko Kovac's men will now take some stopping in the final six matches.Robert Lewandowski bagged two goals against his old club and his opener in the earned the Pole a 200th strike in Bundesliga to join an elite club.They were made to pay as another former Dortmund player, Mats Hummels, headed home the opener from a corner.An understandably much hyped affair given the importance of the match, the 100th Bundesliga "Klassiker" was realistically over when Lewandowski made it 2-0.Centre back Dan-Axel Zagadou seemingly didn't spot a lurking Lewandowski and his pass...