October 2020 – Page 3 – Football Flame
Latest Football News

Month: October 2020

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SERIE A

Lukaku strikes again as Inter grind out 2-0 win at Genoa

Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 24, 2020 in Genoa, Italy.Romelu Lukaku struck again as a Inter Milan ground out a 2-0 win away to Genoa in a lacklustre Serie A match on Saturday.The Belgian scored his fifth league goal of the season, and his seventh in all competitions, as Inter ended a three-match winless run and kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 64th minute and Danilo D’Ambrosio headed the second 15 minutes later. Beaten 2-1 by AC Milan last week, Inter moved up to third with 10 points from five games.It was anything but a memorable performance from Inter who failed to manage...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern beat Frankfurt; lose Davies to injury

Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on October 24, 2020 in Munich, Germany.Robert Lewandowski scored a hat trick to help Bayern Munich continue where it left off in the Bundesliga with a 5-0 rout of Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.The Poland star didn’t score in Bayern’s 4-0 defeat of Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opening game on Wednesday and evidently felt the need to atone as he took his tally to 10 goals in five Bundesliga games.Bayern suffered an early blow with Edmonton's Alphonso Davies going off with what looked a bad ankle injury in the third minute. Lucas Hernandez came on for the 19-year-old Canadian.The Lewandowski show start...
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LALIGA

Sergio Ramos leads Real Madrid to 3-1 El Clasico win at Barcelona

Luka Modric of Real Madrid celebrates with his team after scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on October 24, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.Real Madrid have come out on top in their first El Clasico clash of the 2020/21 La Liga season with a 3-1 win at Barcelona.Skipper Sergio Ramos slotted home the vital goal from the penalty spot on 63 minutes after the Spanish international was adjudged to have been dragged down by Clement Lenglet.Barcelona were unable to create a late equaliser as Ronald Koeman’s side were left to rue second half misses from Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho as substitute Luka Modric wrapped up the win in added with a clever chip.Real Madrid were the stronger side in the opening half as the returning...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Foden earns point for Man City at West Ham after Antonio wonder goal

Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on October 24, 2020 in London, England.Manchester City had to settle for a 1-1 draw against West Ham after coming from behind thanks to an inspired substitution from Pep Guardiola.While City went into the game as favourites, it was West Ham who took the lead – and in quite spectacular fashion.Vladimir Coufal played a cross in from the right-hand side, which Michail Antonio reacted brilliantly to. The striker sent an overhead kick goalwards, beating Ederson to make it 1-0 after 18 minutes.There were hints of a handball in the buildup, but after a V...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Virgil van Dijk injury update, surgery detail and potential recovery time

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool is tackled by Jordan Pickford of Everton which led to Virgil van Dijk being substituted for an injury during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 2020 in Liverpool, England.Virgil van Dijk is extremely unlikely to play again for Liverpool this season.The Dutch defender, 28, is set to undergo surgery after suffering a severe knee injury during last week’s 2-2 draw with Everton.Van Dijk, who had not missed a minute of a Premier League match since September 2018, before being substituted in the Merseyside derby, is now set to undergo surgery to repair his damaged ACL.A number of Liverpool players have spoken about their unhappiness at the challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which led to Van Dijk’s in...
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LALIGA

Barcelona could force Man Utd hand with Real Madrid El Clasico victory

Coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v Shakhtar Donetsk at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 21, 2020 in Madrid Spain.Barcelona prepare to take on Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the new season this afternoon (3pm) but a victory for Ronald Koeman's side could intensify the pressure on Manchester United.Zinedine Zidane is under pressure and faced questions over his future heading into the showdown.But he explained that the situation is nothing new as he has fought off the sack before."If I stake the position? It is what it is, but nothing has changed compared to previous weeks," the Frenchman said."Last year I already lived this, as in my first stage. This does not change. I just do my job, I give 100 per cent and not...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arteta says Aubameyang must handle expectations at Arsenal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Hector Bellerin after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Rapid Wien and Arsenal FC at Allianz Stadion on October 22, 2020 in Vienna, Austria.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he is not surprised that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is facing questions over his form and believes the Gabon international must deal with the pressure that comes from being a "big player".Aubameyang ended a run of four matches without a goal by striking late to help Arsenal seal a 2-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna on Thursday, and Arteta said the 31-year-old must create other opportunities for himself to silence the critics."Expectations for him are that he has to score a goal every game so thi...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

David Luiz defends ‘amazing’ Bernd Leno after Arsenal error

David Luiz of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Rapid Wien and Arsenal FC at Allianz Stadion on October 22, 2020 in Vienna, Austria.David Luiz has defended team-mate Bernd Leno after his error gifted Rapid Vienna the lead in a hard-fought Europa League tie which Arsenal eventually went on to win.Mikel Arteta named a strong side at the Allianz Stadion, where 3,000 home fans watched on, with Thomas Partey making his full debut in the Group B opener.But after a mistake by Leno gifted a goal to Taxiarchis Fountas the Gunners had to rally, with Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on target as Arsenal left Austria with a 2-1 win.Following a passive first half for both sides, Fountas struck just six minutes after the interval, capitalising as Leno's attempt to play ...
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TRANSFERS

Report: Schalke drop asking price for Liverpool target Ozan Kabak

Ozan Kabak of FC Schalke 04 looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and SV Werder Bremen at Veltins-Arena on September 26, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Schalke 04 have reportedly lowered their asking price for rumoured Liverpool target Ozan Kabak.The 20-year-old is one of two central defenders thought to be on Liverpool's shortlist as possible January replacements for the injured Virgil van Dijk.Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White is Jurgen Klopp's top target in that position, but the Seagulls' £50m asking price for the former Leeds United loanee could force Liverpool to look at other options.Kabak is another player on their radar, and Sport Media Set reports that Schalke would be willing to consider a bid of €30m (£27.1m) for the centre-back.The Premier League cham...
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LALIGA

Barcelona and Real Madrid are vulnerable – this is the Crisis

Barcelona under Ronald Koeman have shown sporadic thrilling moments but still have the propensity for being underwhelming, as shown in the 1-0 defeat at Getafe last week.And under Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid are amidst a crisis hastened by their not-wholly surprising 3-2 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.In the case of Los Blancos, they've performed well for roughly 90 fractured minutes across a season where results have arrived through luck rather than design. And in the last seven days, that has caught up with them. Cadiz defeated them in Madrid for the first time in their history - and deservedly so - and combined with the Champions League loss Zidane is under pressure.The fact that there were no fans for either match has eased the tension and kept Florentino ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern’s Flick praises efficiency after Atletico win

Hans-Dieter Flick, head coach of FC Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena on October 21, 2020 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s efficiency following Wednesday’s 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in their Champions League Group ‘A’ opener.The Spaniards were no match for the quintuple winners who took control of the game from the start and never allowed their opponents a look-in as they launched their title defence with a win.“Our game was just good tonight,” Flick told reporters. “It was a tough task but we mastered it. Our efficiency was good today and I am very satisfied. It is very important to win that first game.”Bayern won the Champions League titl...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

After almost quitting football, Chelsea’s Mendy eager to fulfil potential

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.Edouard Mendy is relishing the chance to showcase his talent at Chelsea but the Senegal keeper says he almost gave up football six years ago after his departure from Cherbourg left him without a club and drawing unemployment benefit.Mendy’s fortunes only changed when Marseille signed him in 2015 following a trial and the 28-year-old featured in their ‘B’ team before having spells at Reims and Rennes.He secured a move to Chelsea last month on a five-year deal.“I had to take unemployment support (in 2014) so I could dedicate myself totally to football,” Mendy told reporters. “If someone had said to...
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NEWS

Takefusa Kubo has goal, two assists for Villarreal in Europa League

Paco Alcacer of Villarreal celebrates 4-3 with Takefusa Kubo of Villareal, Takefusa Kubo of Villareal, Francis Coquelin of Villarreal, Samu Chukwueze of Villarreal during the UEFA Champions League match between Villarreal v Sivasspor at the Estadio de la Ceramica on October 22, 2020 in Castellon Spain.Takefusa Kubo scored the opening goal and assisted on another two Thursday as Villarreal kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 5-3 win against Turkey’s Sivasspor.Making his first start for Villarreal, the 19-year-old Japan winger tapped in from close range in the 13th minute at Estadio de la Ceramica to register his first goal since arriving on loan from Real Madrid.He set up Carlos Bacca with a through ball into the box for a 2-0 lead in the 20th minute and found Juan Foyth with a c...
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NEWS

AC Milan withstand late pressure to beat Celtic 3-1 in Europa League

Rade Krunic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League Group H stage match between Celtic and AC Milan at Celtic Park on October 22, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland.AC Milan's Rade Krunic, Brahim Diaz and Jens Petter Hauge netted in a 3-1 win at Celtic in their Europa League Group H opener on Thursday but the Italians had to withstand a late barrage from the Scottish champions to secure the three points.Krunic opened the scoring when he outjumped defender Stephen Welsh to head home Samuel Castillejo's cross in the 14th minute and although Celtic had some decent passages of play, it was the visitors who created the better chances.Milan went two up when Zlatan Ibrahimovic stretched the Celtic defence with a ball down the left to Theo Hernandez, and his ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Hakim Ziyech – Chelsea move came at perfect time for me

Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.Hakim Ziyech has revealed his relief at biding his time for his big move to Chelsea rather than joining Arsenal or Barcelona two years ago.Morocco winger Ziyech had previously talked of a "dream" switch from Ajax to the Gunners or the Catalan giants, but neither move materialised.Ziyech stayed put in Amsterdam and helped Ajax reach the 2019 Champions League semi-finals before joining Chelsea in a £40million deal this summer.Now the 27-year-old is happily installed at Stamford Bridge and chasing full fitness after a knee problem, and he admitted his delight at holding out for his big Premier League switch."Two years a...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Rodriguez set to miss Southampton trip

James Rodriguez of Everton warms up prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 2020 in Liverpool, England.Rodriguez suffered an injury during a clash with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of last weekend’s Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool.Although the Colombia international completed the 2-2 encounter, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he is unlikely to feature at St Mary’s on Sunday.The Premier League leaders are also set to be without captain Seamus Coleman, who will be sidelined for three weeks with a minor injury.“Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool],” said Ancelotti.“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game agai...
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NEWS

FIFA president not interested in European Super League

President Gianni Infantino attends the FIGC press conference on September 9, 2020 in Rome, Italy.FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he is not interested in a European Super League amid reports that some elite clubs were in talks to set up a breakaway competition with the backing of world football's governing body.In an interview published by German-language newspaper Aargauer Zeitung and other regional Swiss media, Infantino said FIFA was focused on the success of the revamped Club World Cup, which will feature 24 teams and be held for the first time in China in 2022."As FIFA president, I'm interested in the Club World Cup, not the Super league," said Infantino."For me, it's not about Bayern Munich against Liverpool, but Bayern against Boca Juniors."Liverpool have 180 million fans worldw...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ben Chilwell makes claim about Chelsea FC after Sevilla draw

Ben Chilwell of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.Ben Chilwell has claimed that Chelsea FC’s goalless draw with Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night shows that the Blues are a “very strong” team defensively.The west London side managed to keep the La Liga outfit at bay at Stamford Bridge as both sides were forced to settle for a point from their Champions League group-stage opener.Timo Werner had Chelsea FC’s best chances to break the deadlock but the Blues were unable to find a way past the Sevilla defence.The clean sheet will have been a welcome one for the Blues, with Frank Lampard’s side having been pegged back and held to a 3-3 draw by Sout...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta content with decision to freeze out Mesut Ozil at Arsenal

Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta (R) embraces Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (L) on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 1, 2020.Mikel Arteta insists his “conscience is very calm” after taking the decision to axe Mesut Ozil from Arsenal’s Premier League squad.Ozil released a statement on Wednesday saying he was “deeply disappointed” not to have been included in the 25-man group and believes his loyalty to the club has not been reciprocated.The 32-year-old is the highest-paid player in Arsenal’s history but has now been omitted from both the Premier League and Europa League squads.Ozil has not played a single minute for the Gunners since March 7, having initially been a m...
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UCL

Champions League : Bayern throttles Atleti, Lukaku rescues Inter

Corentin Tolisso of Bayern Munich celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena on October 21, 2020 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman picked up where he left off last season with two goals in a 4-0 home rout of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as the holders got the defense of their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.Coman, whose header settled last season's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) just 59 days ago in Lisbon, scored Bayern's opening goal, created their second and claimed their fourth behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena."We played very well, I am very happy with my two goals," Coman told Sky ...
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