May 2021 – Football Flame        

Month: May 2021

UCL

‘I worked 15 years for this’ says Chelsea’s Havertz

Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League Trophy following their team's victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal.German forward Kai Havertz said he had "worked 15 years" for the moment when he scored the goal that won the Champions League for Chelsea against Manchester City on Saturday.Havertz's 42nd minute strike -- his first goal for the club in the Champions League -- gave Chelsea their second European crown nine years after they beat Bayern Munich to win their first."I don't know what to say, I waited a long time. I've worked 15 years for this moment, I am overwhelmed," 21-year-old Havertz told BT Sport.Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta hailed the young forward."Havert...
SERIE A

Report: Massimiliano Allegri set to replace Andrea Pirlo at Juventus

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on January 30, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy.Juventus have reportedly identified a return for Massimiliano Allegri as a potential managerial replacement for Andrea Pirlo.The Old Lady's nine-year consecutive reign as Italian champions came to an end this season after Inter Milan won their first Serie A title for 11 years.Allegri initially arrived at the Turin club in 2014 and won four league and cup doubles before a fifth domestic triumph in his final season in charge in 2019, and since then he has been out of a job.Sky Sports News reports that Allegri is set to replace Pirlo at the helm at Juve, with the current manager set to be sacked after only deliverin...
UCL

Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante return to training ahead of Champions League final

Edouard Mendy of Chelsea passes the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on May 18, 2021 in London, England.Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has received a boost ahead of Saturday's Champions League final showdown with Manchester City after Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante returned to training.The club posted photographs of the pair working with their team-mates at its Cobham training headquarters on Wednesday evening.Keeper Mendy was replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga at half-time in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa after suffering a rib injury when he collided with a post. Porto preparations! #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/27pOzzKQhv— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 26, 2021 Midfielder Kante missed that game as a precaution after limping ...
LALIGA

Euro 2020: Veteran defender Sergio Ramos left out as Spain include France-born Aymeric Laporte in 24-man squad

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid celebrates his team's first goal during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on July 02, 2020 in Madrid, Spain.Madrid: Spain coach Luis Enrique on Monday left veteran defender Sergio Ramos out of his Euro 2020 squad but called up centre-back Aymeric Laporte, who recently switched his football nationality.Ramos, the 35-year-old Real Madrid captain has struggled with injury this season and has featured just five times since the start of the year."It was a very difficult decision but he has not been able to play this season and has hardly trained since January," Luis Enrique told the press conference as he announced a 24-man squad."I called him yesterday (Sunday), it was hard, difficult. I feel bad, because he is very pr...
SERIE A

Torino’s draw at Lazio earns vital point to avoid relegation

Ciro Immobile of S.S. Lazio misses from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 18, 2021 in Rome, Italy.ROME (AP) — Torino ensured it will remain in Serie A next season after playing Lazio to a 0-0 draw that also confirmed Benevento’s relegation on Tuesday.Lazio top scorer Ciro Immobile hit the post in an 84th-minute penalty and Manuel Lazzari’s header late in injury time also hit the woodwork. The match had been rescheduled from earlier this season due to a coronavirus outbreak. ⏱️ FULL TIME!#LazioTorino 0-0#SFT pic.twitter.com/tqdehOApdF— Torino Football Club (@TorinoFC_1906) May 18, 2021 Torino now holds a four-point lead over 18th-place Benevento with one game remaining. Benevento, Crotone and Parma will play in the second div...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Harry Kane ‘hands in transfer request at Tottenham Hotspur’

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 02, 2021 in London, England.Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has reportedly asked to leave the club this summer.The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract in North London, but speculation over his future has intensified in recent months as Tottenham's trophy drought has extended.Defeat in the EFL Cup final last month means that Kane is still without a major piece of silverware in his career, while Spurs also look certain to miss out on Champions League football for a second consecutive season next term.Sky Sports News now reports that the England captain has handed in a transfer request, and would like his fut...
LALIGA

Marc-Andre ter Stegen ruled out of Euro 2020 after knee surgery

Marc Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on May 02, 2021 in Valencia, Spain.Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of Euro 2020 as he prepares to undergo surgery on a knee injury.The 29-year-old - who often plays second fiddle to Manuel Neuer in Joachim Low's Mannschaft setup - played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo, which ended Barcelona's La Liga title hopes.Barca have one more game with Eibar remaining before the campaign concludes, but Ter Stegen will play no part in that one after the Catalan giants revealed that he is to go under the knife this week, which will also rule him out of this summer's European Championship.The shot-st...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Villa draw dents Everton’s European hopes

Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park on May 13, 2021 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.Everton's hopes of finishing in the Premier League's European places suffered a blow as they played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa.In an uninspiring contest devoid of quality Tyrone Mings headed Villa's best chance wide from Douglas Luiz's cross.Subdued for long periods of the first half, Everton improved after the break, with Ben Godfrey drawing a save from home goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick.Andre Gomes wastefully lashed a left-footed effort over the bar as the visitors chased a winner but Martinez was rarely called upon, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late header his only other save of note. The mat...
UCL

Manchester City vs Chelsea Champions League Final moved from Istanbul to Porto

UEFA Champions League logo displayed on a phone screen and The Super League logo displayed on a screen are seen in this multiple exposure illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on April 20, 2021.UEFA announced on Thursday that the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea had been moved from Istanbul to Porto. The match on May 29 has been switched to allow English spectators to attend as travel between the UK and Turkey is suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, European football's governing body announced up to 6,000 supporters from each club will be able to attend. "We accept that the decision of the British Government to place Turkey on the red list for travel was taken in good faith and in the best interests of protecting its citizens from...
LALIGA

Levante 3-3 Barcelona: Barca title dreams smashed

Lionel Messi of Barcelona in action during the La Liga Santander match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on May 11, 2021 in Valencia, Spain.FC Barcelona surrendered a 2-0 lead and then a 3-2 advantage to draw 3-3 away to Levante with a result that all but puts an end to their title hopes.Ronald Koeman's side twice paid the price for failing to close out the game and although the point lifts them above Real Madrid, it leaves them a point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid, with both of their rivals still to play their midweek matches.Barca went into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to a Lionel Messi volley following a deflected cross from Jordi Alba, before Pedri doubled their lead after good work down the right from Ousmane Dembele.Koeman repl...
SERIE A

Gianluigi Buffon Says He’s Leaving Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon (ITA) celebrates with the trophy after the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Italy and France.TURIN, Italy (AP) — World Cup winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will leave Juventus at the end of the season — this time for good.Buffon, who spent most of his storied career with Juventus, surprisingly returned to the Serie A club in 2019 after one year with Paris Saint-Germain.The 43-year-old Buffon announced Tuesday that when his contract expires in June it will definitively be the end of his time with the Bianconeri.“My future is clear and defined. This very beautiful and very long experience with Juve will come end in a definitive manner this year,” Buffon said in an interview with beIN Sport. “Either I stop playing, or if I find a situation that gives me motivation ...
TRANSFERS

Bale’s agent discusses potential future with Real Madrid

Gareth Bale of Spurs celebrates scoring their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 1, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett spoke with English outlet Evening Standard about Bale’s possible future and relationship with Real Madrid past his loan spell with Tottenham.Barnett was clearly voicing his disagreement with Bale returning to Real Madrid this summer just to make appearances off the bench. He added “They want to put me on the bench with that salary? That’s fine for me as well.”Bale was not making frequent appearances for Tottenham this season either under Jose Mourinho. It wasn’t until recently that Bale started to get more starts and opportunities. ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Fulham relegated from Premier league after defeat by Burnley

Ashley Westwood of Burnley celebrates with Matej Vydra after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Burnley at Craven Cottage on May 10, 2021 in London, England.Fulham were relegated from the Premier League after a defeat by Burnley that saw the Clarets secure their top-flight status for another season.For the first time in the Premier League era all the relegation places have been confirmed with three games to go, with the Cottagers joining Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion as the clubs to drop into the Championship.The damage was done before the break as Burnley struck twice in the final 10 minutes of the first half at Craven Cottage.First the Clarets hit their hosts on the counter-attack as Matej Vydra showed neat footwork before picki...
LALIGA

Advantage Real after Barca-Atleti draw

(L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou on May 8, 2021 in Barcelona Spain.La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have fought out a goalless stalemate, handing control of the Spanish title race to Real Madrid.If Zinedine Zidane's Real can win their final four matches, starting with the clash against Sevilla on Sunday, they will be champions.At Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, Ousmane Dembele might have won it for the hosts, who moved second on 75 points from 35 games, but he headed over late on.Atletico lead with 77 points from 35 games, while Real Madrid, third, are on 74 but have played a game less.Lionel Messi fired over a free-kick in the final stages, but Barcelona's...
NEWS

Real, Barca, Juventus defend Super League in face of UEFA ‘threats’

A view of the UEFA logo during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifying Group Stage draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football on April 30, 2021, in Nyon, Switzerland.Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus on Saturday defended the aborted Super League project after the nine other clubs were given a financial penalty by UEFA for their involvement.The three clubs said they had received "unacceptable" threats from UEFA and FIFA since the project collapsed just two days after it was announced last month, when six Premier League clubs and three other teams pulled out.In a joint statement, Real, Barcelona and Juventus said the Super League had been launched "with the aim of providing solutions to the current unsustainable situation in the football industry".They argued that the...
LALIGA

LaLiga: Lionel Messi double leads Barcelona to nail-biting win over Valencia

Barcelona's French midfielder Antoine Griezmann (L) and Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrate their victory at the end of the Spanish League football match between Valencia and Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on May 2, 2021.Lionel Messi missed a penalty but still scored twice, including an exquisite free-kick, as Barcelona edged a five-goal thriller with Valencia on Sunday to stay within touching distance of the top of LaLiga.After Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both won on Saturday, there was no margin for error at Mestalla, where Barca's 3-2 win reduced the gap behind Atletico back to two points, now with four games left to play.Gabriel Paulista headed Valencia in front early in the second half before Messi missed a penalty, only to smash in from the resul...
SERIE A

Cristiano Ronaldo brace rescues dethroned Juventus against Udinese

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal with his teammates Juventus' Spanish forward Alvaro Morata (L) and Juventus' French midfielder Adrien Rabiot from France (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between Udinese and Juventus at the Dacia Arena Stadium in Udine, on May 2, 2021.A Cristiano Ronaldo brace rescued a 2-1 win for Juventus at Udinese on Sunday hours after the Turin giants surrendered their Serie A crown to Inter Milan.Atalanta's draw at Sassuolo earlier in the day meant Inter secured a first scudetto since 2010 with the Nerazzurri 13 points clear with four games remaining.Juve's win moves them up to third as they target a Champions League spot, but are equal on 69 points with second-placed Atalanta and AC Milan in fourth.Napoli are...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United clash with Liverpool postponed after fans storm stadium

Fans let off flares as they protest against the Glazer family, the owners of Manchester United, before their Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Manchester. Issue date: Sunday May 2, 2021.Anti-ownership protests by Manchester United fans have forced the postponement of the Premier League game against Liverpool after the stadium was stormed and thousands more supporters blocked access into Old Trafford as they demanded the Glazer family sell the club.The unprecedented cancellation of a game in the world's richest soccer league due to fan protests is the culmination of long-running anger against the American owners that began with a 2005 leveraged takeover that loaded debt onto the club.But the wrath of supporters has boiled over in the two weeks since the club was part o...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Aubameyang scores on first start since recovering from malaria as Arsenal cruise past Newcastle

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores Arsenal's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on May 02, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored on his first start since recovering from malaria as Arsenal prepared for their Europa League showdown against Villarreal with a confidence-boosting win away to Newcastle at St James' Park.Mohamed Elneny scored his first Premier League goal for the Gunners, before Aubameyang - on his first start since 3 April - secured the points in the second half.Arsenal trail 2-1 after the away leg of their semi-final tie with Villarreal and victory in the north east of England was their first in four games. FT: Newcastle 0-2 ArsenalReaction on the @BBCSport website.#HateWontWin— BB...
SERIE A

Eriksen helps Inter Milan close on Serie A title

Inter Milan's danish midfielder Christian Eriksen celebrates after scoring against Crotone during the Italian Serie A football match Crotone vs Inter Milan at the Ezio Scida Stadium in Crotone on May 1, 2021.Inter Milan closed in on their first Italian Serie A title since 2010 with second-half goals from Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi at Crotone.Inter will be crowned champions on Sunday if second-placed Atalanta fail to claim all three points at Sassuolo.Denmark midfielder Eriksen broke the deadlock shortly after being brought on as a substitute by boss Antonio Conte.Hakimi added another in injury time as the away win also confirmed bottom side Crotone's instant return to Serie B.Even if Atalanta earn victory against eighth-placed Sassuolo, Inter know they would need just one point fr...
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