July 2020 – Page 2 – Football Flame    
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Month: July 2020

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LALIGA, UCL

Barcelona turmoil continues as Arthur refuses to play in Champions League

Arthur Melo of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona's turbulent season has taken another turn after their midfielder Arthur Melo told the club he does not wish to play for them anymore. The 23-year-old is currently in his native Brazil following the conclusion of the La Liga season, but he was expected to return for the conclusion of Barca's Champions League campaign. Quique Setien's side face Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie on August 8, with the scores level at 1-1 following the first game in Italy. If they are victorious they will then take part in a mini-tournament held in Lisbon between August 12-23, where the quarter-finals, semi-fin...
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TRANSFERS

Brighton confirm signing of Lallana after Liverpool exit

Adam Lallana of Liverpool celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on March 7, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the free transfer signing of former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana. Adam Lallana has joined Brighton and Hove Albion on a three-year contract after leaving Premier League champions Liverpool. Former England international Lallana has been a fringe man in recent seasons at Anfield and his Reds deal expired as the season ended on Monday. The 32-year-old was widely reported to have agreed a switch to Brighton, and the Seagulls confirmed the signing on Monday. Brighton head coach Graham Potter said: "There is no doubting Adam's quality, and if you look at his fo...
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TRANSFERS

Celtic launch transfer bid for Leeds-linked player

Greece's goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas reaches for the ball during the Nations League football match between Hungary and Greece on September 11, 2018, in Budapest, Hungary. Celtic have launched a second bid for goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas as they look to get their side ready for another league title assault, as per Greek newspaper Ora to Spor, via the Scotsman. The stopper has good experience at the highest level and the Bhoys could need to add a goalkeeper in the summer window, though it remains to be seen if this second bid is going to be enough. It could also be news that is of interest to Leeds with the report underlining the idea that the Whites have also been interested in Barkas as they too need a new stopper. Kiko Casilla’s future remains unclear and Illan Meslier, though h...
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SERIE A

Serie A: Cristiano Ronaldo shines again as Juventus clinch ninth straight title with win over Sampdoria

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and UC Sampdoria at Allianz Stadium on July 26, 2020 in Turin, Italy. Before the break for the coronavirus pandemic. After the lockdown. And now for nine years running. Juventus are the undisputed leaders of Italian soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the go-ahead goal and Juventus beat Sampdoria 2-0 Sunday to secure the Turin club’s record-extending ninth straight Serie A title. At the final whistle, Juventus players danced in celebration and embraced each other before the empty stands inside the Allianz Stadium. It was Juventus’ first title under coach Maurizio Sarri, who brought in a completely new system. “It was the most beautiful title, because it was th...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United, Chelsea seal Champions League spots as Leicester misses out

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester United at The King Power Stadium on July 26, 2020 in Leicester, England. Manchester United and Chelsea grabbed the final two Champions League places at the expense of Leicester City on the final day of the English Premier League season. The three teams were separated by just one point heading into Sunday and Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0 at home to book one of the spots with both goals coming in first-half injury time. That meant Leicester needed to beat Manchester United for the other place but instead lost 2-0 at home thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty in the 70th minute after opposing striker Jamie Vardy -- who still finished as the league's to...
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BUNDESLIGA

Marinos midfielder Keita Endo loaned out to Union Berlin

Endo Keita of Yokohama F.Marinos reacts during the AFC Champions League Group H match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Yokohama F.Marinos at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on February 12, 2020 in Jeonju, South Korea. Yokohama F. Marinos will loan out Japan midfielder Keita Endo to the Bundesliga's Union Berlin until the end of next June, the J. League first-division club said Saturday. The contract includes an option for a full transfer depending on Endo's performance in the German top flight. Endo was a product of Yokohama's youth academy and turned pro in 2016. He scored 13 goals in 102 matches in the top-flight J1, and helped Marinos win their fourth league title last season. "For 16 years counting my years in school, I've spent more than half my life with F. Marinos and learne...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Report: Manchester City keen on Dani Ceballos deal

Dani Ceballos of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos during this summer's transfer window. The 23-year-old has spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Arsenal, scoring twice and registering two assists in 35 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. The midfielder's existing loan deal at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire next month and as it stands, he will be back at the Bernabeu for the start of next season. Ceballos is not thought to be in the plans of Los Blancos head coach Zinedine Zidane, though, and is believed to be keen...
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LALIGA

Barcelona reject Celta’s Rafinha offer – report

Rafinha of Celta Vigo celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Deportivo Alaves at Abanca-Balaídos on June 21, 2020 in Vigo, Spain. Barcelona have rejected Celta Vigo’s offer of €10 million for Rafinha and are holding out for €16m for the 27-year-old. Rafinha has spent the season at Balaidos and did enough to tempt Celta into trying to land him permanently but the club can’t meet his asking price, according to Mundo Deportivo. Coach Oscar Garcia was keen to keep hold of Rafinha but their offer has been rejected, and the report reckons the midfielder could now head to Serie A. MD claim one unnamed Italian club have already been on the phone to discuss Rafinha’s availability but aren’t likely to meet the €16m price either. ...
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TRANSFERS

AC Milan make move for Saint-Etienne youngster Fofana

Wesley Fofana of Saint-Etienne controls the ball during the French League Cup (Coupe de la Ligue) quarter final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Saint-Etienne (ASSE) at Parc des Princes on January 8, 2020 in Paris, France. AC Milan are making moves to sign Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana. The 19-year-old defender has impressed since breaking through in France, making 24 appearances across all competitions in 2019/20. Now, le10sport.com are reporting that the Rossoneri have offered €14 million for the defender. Saint-Etienne, though, are hopeful that they can hold out for at least €20m. It’s also believed that the youngster would be open to making a move to the Stadio San Siro, though Premier League side and Champions League hopefuls Leicester City are also interested. ...
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SERIE A

Lukaku double pulls Inter second behind Juventus in Serie A

Alexis Sanchez of Inter (left) celebrates with his team-mate Romelu Lukaku after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on July 25, 2020 in Genoa, Italy. Romelu Lukaku scored in either half as Inter Milan claimed a 3-0 win against struggling Genoa to move second in Serie A behind Juventus who can win a ninth title in a row on Sunday. Antonio Conte's title ambitions took a knock with back-to-back stalemates against Roma and Fiorentina. But Inter pulled back ahead of Atalanta, and within four points of leaders Juventus, who are poised to claim a 36th 'Scudetto' when they play Sampdoria in Turin. "The problem is how you see the glass, whether half full or half empty," said Conte of second position. "There are vinta...
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Uncategorized

Serie A: Atalanta keep slim title hopes alive with draw against AC Milan; Crotone secure promotion

Hakan Calhanoglu of AC Milan competes with Alejandro Gomez of Atalanta BC during the Italian Serie A match between AC Milan v Atalanta Bergamo at the San Siro on July 24, 2020 in Milan Italy. Atalanta kept alive their slim Serie A title hopes by drawing at AC Milan 1-1 on Friday in a matchup of the two best squads of the restart. Hakan Calhanoglu gave Milan an early lead with a powerful free kick, and Duvan Zapata equalised from close range after Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked a penalty kick from Ruslan Malinovskyi. With only two games still to play, Atalanta moved within five points of Juventus, which can clinch a record-extending ninth straight title on Sunday by beating Sampdoria. Milan, which like Atalanta is unbeaten following the stoppage for the coronavirus ...
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NEWS

PSG star Kylian Mbappe in tears and on crutches after horror tackle in French Cup final sparks mass scuffle

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain reacts with Neymar Jr after his injury during the French Cup Final match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Saint Etienne (ASSE) at Stade de France on July 24, 2020 in Paris, France. Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel admitted "everyone is worried" after Kylian Mbappe hobbled off out of their French Cup final victory with an ankle injury. Mbappe received lengthy treatment after his right ankle was caught in a dreadful challenge from Saint Etienne captain Loic Perrin that resulted in a red card for the centre-back. "Everyone is worried. Everyone who saw the foul is worried. Of course I'm worried," said Tuchel after his team's 1-0 win. A tearful Mbappe was replaced by Pablo Sarabia but the greater concern for PSG will be the severity of ...
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TRANSFERS

Dejan Lovren to leave Liverpool as £11m transfer deal agreed

Dejan Lovren of Liverpool during a training session at Melwood Training Ground on July 20, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Dejan Lovren is on the brink of a Liverpool exit with the defender closing in on a move to Zenit St Petersburg. The Reds defender has fallen down to fourth choice in the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp and has made just 10 Premier League appearances this term. With Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk established as the first-choice pairing, Lovren has been limited to just 15 games all season with his most recent start coming in the 3-0 defeat at Watford at the end of February. Russian side Zenit have expressed an interest and it is understood Liverpool are happy to do business with a fee of around £11million agreed. Football Flame understands that discussions have ...
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SERIE A

Brilliant solo goal from former Man City youngster leaves Juventus stunned

Udinese players Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana and Danish defender Jens Stryger Larsen of Udinese Calcio celebrate after taking a 2-1 lead during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Friuli on July 23, 2020 in Udine, Italy. Former Manchester City youngster Seko Fofana scored the winner as Juventus fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at struggling Udinese on Thursday to miss the chance to seal the Serie A title for the ninth time in a row. Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt had put the defending champions ahead three minutes before the break in Udine. But a diving Ilija Nestorovski header seven minutes after the interval got Udinese level, with Fofana completing a comeback for the north-eastern side in injury time. Juventus remain six points ahead of second-placed A...
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LALIGA

Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery named manager of Villarreal

Unai Emery, coach of Sevilla kisses the trophy after the UEFA Europa League Final match between FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and FC Sevilla on May 27, 2015 in Warsaw, Poland. Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been named as the new manager of La Liga side Villarreal. The Spanish outfit have handed Emery a three-year deal to succeed Javier Calleja, who left the club earlier this week. Emery, 48, who led Villarreal's rivals Valencia into the Champions League earlier in his career, has been out of the game since parting company with Arsenal last November. The announcement sees Emery return to his native Spain, where he also enjoyed success with Sevilla, winning the Europa League three years in succession before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2016. A statement from Villarreal rea...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arteta: Cup win wouldn’t make up for poor season

Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on July 20, 2020 in St Albans, England. Mikel Arteta believes winning the FA Cup and finishing eighth in the Premier League would not constitute a good season for Arsenal. The Gunners are 10th heading into their final game of the season at home to relegation-threatened Watford. A win could see them finish eighth yet Arsenal are again destined to finish below north London neighbours Tottenham. They do have an FA Cup final against Chelsea to look forward to on 1 August, but even if they lift the trophy for a record 14th time, Arteta will still not be pleased with the overall achievements of the campaign. Asked if winning the cup and finishing eight was good enough, Arteta replied: "No. For me this club de...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool lift Premier League trophy for first time after 30-year wait for league title

Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool and Adam Lallana of Liverpool celebrate with The Premier League trophy following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool have lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time after waiting 30 years to win a league title. Jurgen Klopp's men have finally placed their hands on the silverware nearly a month after they were crowned champions. The Merseyside club lifted the trophy after defeating Chelsea 5-3 at Anfield. Fireworks could be heard outside the ground during the second half of the match as Reds fans eagerly awaited the trophy presentation. Supporters were unable to watch the match or enjoy the presentation inside the stadium because of measures introduc...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd chief Ed Woodward requires two transfer actions after West Ham draw

Mason Greenwood of Manchester United scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on July 22, 2020 in Manchester, England. Manchester United are nearly there. Should they avoid defeat to Leicester on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be back in the Champions League after a one-year absence.  But the draw with West Ham showed that, while much progress has been made at Old Trafford, transfer deals for Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish are absolutely essential. Manchester United were forced to settle for a point against West Ham in their Premier League showdown at Old Trafford, in a result that leaves their hopes of Champions League qualification in the balance. The Red Devils were far from their ...
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SERIE A

Serie A round-up: Juventus on verge of title after Inter draw against Fiorentina

Italian goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano of ACF Fiorentina saves from Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku of Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on July 22, 2020 in Milan, Italy. Juventus need just one more win to secure a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title after Inter Milan were held to a 0-0 draw by Fiorentina. Inter Milan twice hit the post but was held to a 0-0 draw by Fiorentina on Wednesday, meaning that rival Juventus can clinch the trophy on Thursday night. If Juventus wins at Udinese, it will move nine points clear of Atalanta with three rounds remaining - and the Bianconeri hold the tiebreaker over the Bergamo side due to a better head-to-head record. Inter is third, one point behind Atalanta, ...
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Uncategorized

Ibrahimovic scores twice as AC Milan defeat Sassuolo

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore on July 21, 2020 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic rolled back the years with two impressive goals to help AC Milan beat Sassuolo 2-1 in Serie A on Tuesday. The 38-year-old Ibrahimovic netted twice in the first half, either side of Francesco Caputo’s penalty for Sassuolo. Sassuolo had to play the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Mehdi Bourabia was sent off on the stroke of halftime following a second yellow card. It was Milan’s seventh victory in the nine games since Serie A resumed following the pandemic-enforced shutdown and moved the team up to fifth. It drew the other two matches...
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