August 2019 – Page 2 – Football Flame    
Latest Football News

Month: August 2019

No Comments
LALIGA

Bale Shines as Real Madrid Beat Celta Vigo

Gareth Bale marked his return to the starting line-up with an impressive assist as Real Madrid survived a red card for Luka Modric to win 3-1 at Celta Vigo in their opening LaLiga fixture of the season.The Wales star had been left out in the cold for large parts of pre-season following a collapsed move to China, but he was handed a start at Balaidos on Saturday and set up Karim Benzema for a 12th-minute opener.Looking to capitalise on champions Barcelona's shock loss to Athletic Bilbao on Friday, Madrid added a stunning second goal through Toni Kroos, but only after Brais Mendez had a strike ruled out and Modric was shown a straight red card.Zinedine Zidane started without any of his new signings, although the quality of his side's third goal - rounded off by substitute Lucas Vazquez - wil...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool show no sign of fatigue as they extend unbeaten run

Liverpool made light of their exhaustive midweek jaunt to Turkey to post a club-record 11th straight Premier League win with a 2-1 success at Southampton.Goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino kept up their impressive domestic record as they have won every game going back to the Merseyside derby on March 3rd and are unbeaten in 19 overall.This win must be as pleasing as any for Jurgen Klopp given his side did not land back in this country until 4am on Thursday morning following their penalty shootout Super Cup win over Chelsea in Istanbul on Wednesday night.Southampton caused them a host of problems, as fatigue seemed to be an issue, but Mane’s brilliant goal gave them a half-time lead and the second half was an incisive attacking display which should have yielded more than Firmino’s ef...
Read More
No Comments
BUNDESLIGA

Borussia Dortmund crush Augsburg to set title marker

Title contenders Borussia Dortmund crushed Augsburg 5-1 in their Bundesliga opener on Saturday, with two goals from Paco Alcacer, to lay down an emphatic marker after champions Bayern Munich slipped up in their first game of the season a day earlier.Augsburg stunned the hosts with Florian Niederlechner's goal after only 30 seconds but Dortmund quickly recovered to level with Spaniard Alcacer, Dortmund's top scorer last season, in the third minute.They turned up the tempo in the second half, scoring three goals in a span of eight minutes.England international Jadon Sanchofired them ahead in the 51st and the teenager then helped set up goals for Marco Reus and Alcacer. Substitute Julian Brandt volleyed in their fifth in the 82nd.Bayern, who have won the last seven consecutive league titles, ...
Read More
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Coutinho to join Bayern Munich on season-long loan

The former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich on a season-long loan.The Brazil international, who was left out of Barcelona’s squad for their La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao on Friday – which they lost 1-0 – looks set to join the German champions following a summer of speculation. His loan deal is expected to include an option for a permanent move.“We can confirm that there is an agreement in principle for the loan of Coutinho to Bayern,” said Barcelona’s club director, Guillermo Amor, before the league match. “We just have to finalise the deal.”Bayern’s sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, added: “I can confirm that [chief executive] Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and I were in Barcelonaand we have reached an agreement with the club, player...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

FIFA bans former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia over match fixing

Former Nigeria national team coach Samson Siasia has been banned by FIFA for life following a match-fixing probe.FIFA, in a statement on Friday, said that the adjudicatory chamber of their independent Ethics Committee found that Siasia was guilty of having accepted bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.The former international played 51 times as a striker for the Nigerian national team and later coached various national youth sides.According to FIFA, the formal ethics proceedings against Siasia were initiated on 11 February, 2019 and stem from an extensive investigation into matches that Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes.In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Siasia had breached art. 11 (Brib...
Read More
No Comments
BUNDESLIGA

Hertha hold Bayern Munich to a draw in season-opener

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were held to a frustrating  2-2 draw on the opening evening of the domestic season.Robert Lewandowski scored both goals for Nico Kovac's side but it wasn't enough against a spirited Hertha Berlin.The visitors were leading 2-1 before Lewandowski equalised from the penalty spot on the hour mark.
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Gareth Bale to get another chance at Real Madrid

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is ready to put his faith in Gareth Bale as he looks set to stay at the Bernabeu.The Wales forward was omitted from Zidane's squad for a pre-season friendly with RB Salzburg, having also previously missed the club's trip to Germany for the Audi Cup.That came after the collapse of Bale's proposed transfer to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning amid widespread speculation his six-year stay in Spain was about to end.Bale reportedly skipped the trip to Germany, where the Spanish giants faced Tottenham and Fenerbahce, as he was furious with his treatment at the hands of Zidane and president Florentino Perez and felt he was not in the right frame of mind to play.But Zidane now seems to have changed his mind on the Welshman.He said in a press conference ahead of Real's op...
Read More
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Report: Neymar 'Would Take 15m Euros Pay Cut' to Rejoin Barcelona

Neymar would take a pay cut of 15 million euros (£13.7m) to rejoin Barcelona from Paris St-Germain, reportedly.The Spanish giants are believed to have made several offers for the Brazil international, including one of 100m euros (£92.4m) plus Philippe Coutinho.However, those bids have been rejected with PSG holding out for more money.Neymar is currently training alone at PSG, although that is understood to be part of a scheduled programme rather than related to the transfer saga.
Read More
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Flamengo Pull Out of Deal to Sign Balotelli

Brazilian side Flamengo will not be pursuing a deal for striker Mario Balotelli, the club have announced.It was reported earlier this week that the striker was in negotiations with the Serie A side over a deal after Balotelli left Marseille at the end of last season.The Brazilian club were reported to have been reluctant to submit to the former Manchester City striker’s demands that they also sign his bother, Enock, and guarantee him at least 10 games in the reserve side.And now Flamengo have confirmed that they have pulled out of negotiations to bring the forward to South America, with Balotelli now still on the hunt for a new club with a possible return to Italy mooted.
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Emery Sends Message of Support as Ozil & Kolasinac prepare to return

Unai Emery has told Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac that the whole of Arsenal is behind them as the pair prepare to return to action.“I think the fans, and us, are with them together,” said Emery. “We are 100 per cent with them. They need to feel our passion for each moment, each match. I want to help every player on the pitch. When they can feel our supporters with them, they perform much better.”The return of Ozil and Kolasinac will be a big boost for Emery, who saw his side get their Premier League campaign off to a winning start at Newcastle last weekend.Arsenal play Burnley next on Saturday in an early kick off.
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Van Dijk, Messi, Ronaldo Lead UEFA player of the year nomination

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk have been named as the finalists for the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award.Messi scored 36 goals and assisted 13 in La Liga as Barcelona won the title but they were beaten in the Copa del Rey final and knocked out of the Champions League at the semifinal stage by Van Dijk's Liverpool.In his first full season at Anfield, Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the Champions League and finish as Premier League runners-up, ending one point behind Manchester City after losing only once all season.Ronaldo won Serie A with Juventus but only reached the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia and Champions League.The award will be presented at the Champions League group stage draw ceremony which takes place in Monaco on Aug. 29.The three were selected by a ju...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp hails big 'personality' Adrian after Cup win

Jurgen Klopp saluted the "incredible performance" of Adrian despite a lack of preparation time as the goalkeeper's shootout heroics won Liverpool the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea in Istanbul.The Spaniard denied Tammy Abraham in the shootout with a trailing leg in the 5-4 victory on penalties, with the match level at 2-2 after extra time.A few weeks ago, Adrian was training with semi-professional side UD Pilas in his country's sixth tier to keep in shape following his release by West Ham United.He was on the verge of joining Real Valladolid before Liverpool made him an offer to deputise for Alisson as Simon Mignolet joined Club Brugge.The European champions expected the 32-year-old to have an extended adjustment period following his signing on Aug. 5, but those plans were derailed on the ...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Klopp hoping for more Istanbul glory as Lampard eyes overdue Super Cup win

Jurgen Klopp hopes to recreate special memories in Istanbul when Liverpool face Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup final.Besiktas Park will witness the first all-English clash in the competition’s history tonight, when the Reds will attempt to secure more continental glory in this Turkish metropolis.Istanbul will always have a special place in the hearts of Liverpool supporters after the Champions League final in 2005, when Rafael Benitez’s side came from three goals down to secure a 3-3 draw with AC Milan before winning on penalties.“I know about the special importance of Istanbul and what a special place it is for every Liverpool supporter,” Klopp said on the eve of the game.“It was 2005 in Istanbul and no one will ever forget that, which is good.“But we are different people. Unfortunately, w...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Alex Iwobi reveals the reason why he left Arsenal for Everton

Alex Iwobi says he is looking to shake the "youngster" tag and 'make a name for himself' at Everton following his deadline day move from Arsenal.Iwobi, 23, signed a five-year deal with the Toffees after the clubs agreed an initial £28million deal, which could rise to £34m with add-ons.After starting his career with the Gunners and working his way through the youth ranks, the Nigeria international winger went on to make 149 senior appearances for the club, scoring 15 times.He was a regular member of Unai Emery's squad last season, featuring in 35 Premier League games, but said the chance to join Everton was too good to turn down after talking to manager Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands.“I spoke to the manager and Marcel and they almost lured me in,” Iwobi told evertontv .“...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Atletico Madrid face setback after striker Diego Costa sustains left thigh injury

Recent reports received on Tuesday reveal that La Liga side Atletico Madrid’s forward player Diego Costa has injured his left thigh during a friendly match against Serie A giants Juventus in Sweden.Notably, Diego Costa was replaced by Ivan Saponjic immediately after he complained of muscle pain in the 90th minute of Saturday’s encounter which Atletico won 2-1.“Diego Costa suffers a muscle injury in the adductors of the left thigh,” the club said in a statement.“Costa underwent an MRI scan at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and is pending response to treatment,” the statement added.Atletico Madrid is all set to host Getafe on Sunday in the first week of the new La Liga season. It is worth noting here that Costa will not be able to take part in that match even if he regains fitness by the...
Read More
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Ivan Perisic Joins Bayern on loan

Bayern Munich have announced the arrival of Inter winger Ivan Perisic in a deal that could cost as much as €25m (£23.1m).The Bundesliga champions have secured Perisic’s services on an initial season-long loan deal worth €5m (£4.6m).Bayern have the option to make Perisic’s switch permanent but it will cost Niko Kovac’s side a further €20m (£18.5m).Bayern have been on the market for at least one new winger all summer after losing both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.The Bavarian outfit were interested in Premier League duo Leroy Sane and Callum Hudson-Odoi but long-term injuries cut-short Bayern’s interest.Bayern have therefore been forced to sound out alternative options and have opted for former Borussia Dortmund winger Perisic.The 30-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by new Inter...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Jose Mourinho sends Marcus Rashford Manchester United message after Chelsea goals

Jose Mourinho has urged Marcus Rashford to step up and score more goals to fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku's Manchester United departure.Lukaku was United's top goal scorer for the past two seasons and after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided not to buy anyone to replace him the United manager will need his current players to step up.Mourinho has called on England international Rashford to improve on his goal tally from last season and make up the short-fall from Lukaku's depature."He needs to score more goals especially without Lukaku on the team," Mourinho said about Rashford on Sky Sports. "It will be between these two (Martial and Rashford) plus Alexis (Sanchez) and Mason (Greenwood)."I think he (Rashford) will be on the pitch all the time and I believe he has the qualities to get better...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Aubameyang Strike hands Arsenal winning start

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal made a winning start to the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory at Newcastle on Sunday.The 30-year-old, who shared the Golden Boot last season with Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, opened his account for 2019/20 in the 58th minute, bringing down Ainsley Maitland-Niles' cross before lifting the ball over Martin Dubravka.It proved to be the crucial strike as the Gunners, who handed Premier League debuts to new signings Nicolas Pepe, Dani Ceballos and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench, ensured Steve Bruce's reign as Newcastle head coach began with defeat.Arsenal now host Burnley on Saturday at 12.30pm, while Newcastle go to Norwich at 3pm, also on Saturday.
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Joao Felix sparkles as Atletico thrash Juventus

Record signing Joao Felix scored two first-half goals for Atletico Madrid as they secured a 2-1 win over Juventus in the International Champions Cup at the Friends Arena on Saturday.Although the vast majority of fans in the crowd seemed to be more interested in seeing his fellow Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, Felix opened the scoring by squeezing a first-time finish through two defenders and into the back of the net midway through the first half.Sami Khedira equalised for the Italian champions in the 29th minute but Felix, who joined Atletico from Benfica for a reported €126 million in July, netted his second four minutes later.The Spanish side open their La Liga campaign at home to Getafe next Sunday, while Juventus travel to Parma on August 24 to begin their Serie A season.Juventus forwar...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann Lead Barcelona to 4-0 Friendly Win over Napoli

Antoine Griezmann scored his first goal in Barcelona colours, and Luis Suarez netted twice, as the La Liga champions thrashed Napoli 4-0 in their final pre-season game on Saturday in Michigan.All the goals came in the second half at the Michigan Stadium as Barcelona beat the same side they had faced in Miami on Wednesday as part of their short United States tour.Suarez, who had scored the winner against Arsenal at Camp Nou six days ago, continued his good form as he struck three minutes after half time, and then in the 58th minutes.Sandwiching that was Griezmann's first goal since he joined from Atletico Madrid. Valverde had backed the Frenchman after he had looked frustrated in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Serie A side, and the 28 year old stepped up here.Ousmane Dembele struck the other ...
Read More
Like Us
Follow Us
Follow us
Follow us
Blogarama - Blog Directory