December 2021 – Page 4 – Football Flame

Month: December 2021

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SERIE A

Inter crush Salernitana to tighten grip on Serie A lead

Alexis Sanchez of FC Internazionale vies with Luka Bogdan of US Salernitana during the Serie A match between US Salernitana and FC Internazionale at Stadio Arechi on December 17, 2021 in Salerno, Italy. Alexis Sanchez scored for a third game in a row as Serie A leaders Inter Milan thrashed bottom-of-the-table Salernitana to move four points clear.The ex-Arsenal and Manchester United forward scored his side's third to take his tally for the season to four goals.Simone Inzaghi FC Internazionale coach greets his player Alexis Sanchez during the Serie A match between US Salernitana and FC Internazionale at Stadio Arechi on December 17, 2021 in Salerno, Italy.Ivan Perisic had opened the scoring early on before Denzel Dumfries made it 2-0 before half-time. After Sanchez's goal, Lautaro Martinez...
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BUNDESLIGA

Lewandowski sets new Bundesliga record

Robert Lewandowski of Muenchen scores his team's fourth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on December 17, 2021 in Munich, Germany. Robert Lewandowski has set a new Bundesliga calendar year scoring record - 43 goals - as runaway leaders Bayern Munich entered a short winter break with a 4-0 win over over Wolfsburg.Lewandowski scored the final goal when he tapped into the roof of the net off Jamal Musiala in the 87th minute on Friday.Thomas Mueller opened the scoring in the seventh minute of his 400th top flight game before Dayot Upamecano and Leroy Sane added the others after the break, before Lewandowski reached his latest milestone.Bayern are nine points clear of Borussia Dortmund, who wrap up their first half of the season on Sat...
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LALIGA

Celta score convincing win over Espanyol

Iago Aspas of RC Celta de Vigo and Adrià Pedrosa of RCD Espanyol in action during the LaLiga Santander match between RC Celta de Vigo and RCD Espanyol at Abanca-BalaÌdos on December 17, 2021 in Vigo, Spain. Back after missing two matches, Iago Aspas scored and played a part in two more goals to lead Celta Vigo to a 3-1 win over Espanyol in the Spanish league.The veteran striker, who missed one game because of suspension and another because of injury, set up attack partner Santi Mina to open the scoring three minutes after kickoff.Aspas doubled the advantage two minutes after halftime when he curled a shot around two defenders and goalkeeper Diego Lopez before the ball went in off the post. It was Aspas' eighth goal of the season.Iago Aspas of RC Celta de Vigo in action during the LaLiga Sa...
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SERIE A

Denmark’s Christian Eriksen leaves Inter Milan “By mutual consent”

Christian Eriksen of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2021 in Naples, Italy. Christian Eriksen has terminated his contract with Inter Milan by mutual consent six months after suffering a heart incident whilst playing for Denmark at the European Championships. The 29-year-old has been fitted with a pacemaker, ruling him out of playing in Italian football, but leaving the door open in other championships. "Inter and Christian Eriksen have decided to terminate the current contract by mutual consent, as he's officially not allowed to play in Serie A with defibrillator," the Italian club said.Eriksen will now be free to consider his options with ...
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LALIGA

Granada and Getafe suffer shocking defeats in the Copa del Rey

Copa del Rey trophy is seen at Real Club Recreativo de Tenis on September 11, 2021 in Huelva, Spain. Seven La Liga teams fixtured in Copa del Rey game yesterday, and all managed to secure victories aside from Granada – they managed to lose 1-0 to Atletico Mancha Real – and Getafe – they managed to lose 5-0 to Atletico Baleares.It’s an incredible result – Atletico are in the fourth tier of Spanish football and Getafe have been in the top flight since 2017. Elsewhere, Valencia won 3-1 at Arenteiro, Real Betis won 4-2 at Talavera de la Reina, Mallorca won 6-0 at Llanera, Cadiz won 1-0 at Albacete and Osasuna won 2-1 at Deportivo La Coruna.All results can be found below:• Arenteiro 1-3 Valencia• Talavera de la Reina 2-4 Real Betis• Amorebieta 1-2 Almeria• Llanera 0-6 Mallorca• Lugo 1-2 Mirande...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool shrug off COVID-19 outbreak to beat Newcastle United

Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool in action with Joelinton of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on December 16, 2021 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool shrugged off a coronavirus outbreak to keep their Premier League title challenge on track with a 3-1 win over Newcastle that was lit up by Trent Alexander-Arnold's wonder goal.The Reds lost Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho to positive cases of Covid before kick-off as a surge of infections across Britain threatens to bring the season to a temporary halt.Liverpool were further rocked when Jonjo Shelvey opened the scoring against his old club after just seven minutes.But Newcastle remained mired in the bottom three for a reason as goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah turned the gam...
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NEWS

England and Wales get tough Nations League draws

A view of the UEFA Nations League logo during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 League Phase Draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football, on December 16, 2021, in Nyon, Switzerland. England will face Italy, who beat them in the Euro 2020 final, and Germany in the group stage of the 2022-23 Nations League, while Wales have been drawn with Belgium and the Netherlands.Gareth Southgate's side are in Group A3, which also includes Hungary, while Wales are in Group A4, which is completed by Poland.Scotland face the Republic of Ireland, Armenia and Ukraine in Group B1.Northern Ireland are in Group C2 for the tournament, which begins on 2 June.Ian Baraclough's side will play Greece, Kosovo and one of Cyprus or Estonia, who must first meet in a play-off next March to determine who go...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester v Spurs off because of Covid

A detailed view of the Premier League Logo is seen on a Nike Flight Hi-Vis Match ball.Leicester City's home Premier League game with Tottenham on Thursday has been postponed because of Covid-19.The match, scheduled to kick off at 19:30 GMT, becomes the fourth top-flight game to be cancelled in the past week.The Premier League said it took the decision because of "an increase in positive Covid-19 cases within Leicester's squad" on Thursday.Leicester's training ground has been closed to help contain the outbreak."In light of the new information, Leicester applied [on Thursday] for the fixture to be called off due to an ongoing outbreak within the squad, which has resulted in more players and staff testing positive for Covid-19 today," read a Premier League statement."This has left the club w...
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BUNDESLIGA

Haaland double in comfortable Dortmund win

Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund is fouled by Jetro Willems of SpVgg Greuther Fuerth during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany.Erling Haaland has scored once in either half to steer Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 victory over bottom club Greuther Fuerth and cut the gap to leaders Bayern Munich to six points.The Norwegian striker opened his account in the 33rd minute and later headed home in the 82nd to snare his 53rd league goal in 53 Bundesliga matches.Dutchman Donyell Malen added a third with a smart finish at the far post in the 89th for his fifth goal in six games in all competitions.Dortmund are in second place on 34 points, with one game to come before the annual winter break.Fuerth, wh...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace frustrated as Southampton hold on for a point

Will Smallbone of Southampton battles for possession with Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on December 15, 2021 in London, England.Crystal Palace had to settle for a point as they drew 2–2 with Southampton at Selhurst Park. If Palace felt their impressive win over Everton on Sunday was going to kickstart a spell of good form, the visitors stopped — or at least halted — those plans thanks to two quickfire goals late in the first half.Wilfried Zaha’s second-minute goal set the Palace fans off in buoyant mood, but James Ward-Prowse inspired the visitors’ comeback with a trademark free-kick. Armando Broja then ensured Southampton went into the break ahead, driving a long-range effort past Jack Butland and in...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal beat 10-man West Ham to replace them in top four

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2021 in London, England. Arsenal overtook opponents West Ham and moved into fourth place in the Premier League with victory in an eventful match at Emirates Stadium.Gabriel Martinelli netted the opener early in the second half before substitute Emile Smith Rowe confirmed victory for the Gunners late on.Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette also had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in the second half.West Ham's Vladimir Coufal was sent off for a second booking in conceding the penalty as he was judged to have fouled Lacazette in the box.Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal s...
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LALIGA

Man City legend Sergio Aguero announces his retirement from football due to heart problems

19 Sergio Aguero of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santader match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Barcelona.Barcelona striker and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from professional football.During a press conference at Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium on Wednesday, the Argentinian confirmed he is hanging up his boots after recently being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia."This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football," Aguero said in front of a crowd that included current Barcelona boss Xavi and Man City coach Pep Guardiola.Aguero, 33, was taken to hospital following a 1-1 draw against Alaves in October after suffering chest pains and breathing difficulties during the ma...
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SERIE A

Shevchenko Gets First Win as Genoa Advance in Coppa Italia

Andriy Shevchenko Genoa CFC coach looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Salernitana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 14, 2021 in Genoa, Italy.Genoa secured their first win under Andriy Shevchenko against Salernitana in the Coppa Italia and have booked a place in the last 16 against Milan.The Grifone had to wait until the 76th minute before Caleb Ekuban scored from a header, as Yayah Kallon found the striker with a cross from the left.It was a game of few chances at Marassi, but Stefano Colantuono’s men went home empty handed after the one goal that separated the sides on Tuesday.Caleb Ekuban of Genoa CFC vies with Pawel Jaroszynski of US Salernitana during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Salernitana at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 14, 2021 in Genoa, Italy...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Aston Villa beats Norwich to extend revival with Gerrard

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates Danny Ings and Jacob Ramsey as Norwich City players look dejected during the Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture date: Tuesday December 14, 2021.EPL— With four wins now in six games as manager, Steven Gerrard is transforming Aston Villa’s fortunes.The former Liverpool captain’s latest success was getting the better of the manager he replaced at Villa last month as Dean Smith’s new team, Norwich, was beaten 2-0 on Tuesday.Jacob Ramsey played a one-two with Ollie Watkins by the halfway line and ran at the defense before firing the ball past goalkeeper Tim Krul in the 34th minute at Carrow Road.The second came in the 87th when 18-year-old substitute Carney Chukwuemeka...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Double injury blow for Everton as Richarlison and Andros Townsend are ruled out

Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison (R) leaves the pitch after being substituted off by Everton's Spanish manager Rafael Benítez during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park in south London on December 12 , 2021.Under-pressure Everton manager Rafael Benitez’s problems continue to mount after Richarlison was ruled out for a number of weeks while Andros Townsend has been sidelined by a fractured bone in his foot.Richarlison was one of the major talking points of Sunday’s defeat at Crystal Palace as Benitez replaced him early in the second half with his side trailing 2-0, prompting open dissent from travelling fans.Benitez said post-match that the Brazil international had sustained a calf problem and a subsequent scan has revealed a ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Robert Lewandowski equals Bundesliga great Muller’s goal record in Bayern win

Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball whilst under pressure from Waldemar Anton of VfB Stuttgart during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern München at Mercedes-Benz Arena on December 14, 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany.Robert Lewandowski equalled Gerd Muller's Bundesliga record for goals scored in a single calendar year as Bayern Munich thrashed Stuttgart.Lewandowski's second goal on Tuesday was his 42nd in 2021, matching Muller's haul from 1972.Serge Gnabry scored either side of half-time to put the visitors 2-0 up, before Lewandowski struck twice in three minutes.Germany international Gnabry completed his hat-trick two minutes later.One more goal in Bayern's final game of the year - at home to Wolfsburg on Friday - will give Lewandowski the record out...
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LALIGA

La Liga strugglers Cadiz and Granada draw

Santiago Arzamendia of Cadiz celebrates a goal during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Cadiz CF and Granada CF at Nuevo Mirandilla stadium on December 13, 2021, in Cadiz, Spain. Cadiz and Granada have hardly improved their La Liga positions after a 1-1 draw.Both southern clubs are struggling, and the seventh league draw for each maintained their status.Santiago Arzamendia of Cadiz CF celebrates scoring their teams first goal with team mates during the La Liga Santander match between Cadiz CF and Granada CF at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on December 13, 2021 in Cadiz, Spain.Cadiz remained in the relegation spots and Granada were only three points above the drop zone. Santiago Arzamendia scored the opener for Cadiz in the 32nd minute but was injured and repl...
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SERIE A

Smalling & Abraham lift Mourinho’s Roma

Chris Smalling of AS Roma celebrates with teammate Tammy Abraham after scoring goal 1-0 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on December 13, 2021 in Rome, Italy. Roma returned to winning ways in Serie A after back-to-back losses with a routine 2-0 victory over struggling Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico.Setbacks against Bologna and title-chasing Inter Milan this month had left Roma 11 points adrift of the top four, with Jose Mourinho facing the first mini-crisis of his reign, having taken charge in the summer.But any nerves were quickly calmed as English duo Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham combined for the opener after seven minutes while Roger Ibanez made sure of the win before the hour mark.Chris Smalling of AS Roma fights for the ball with Rey Mana...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United release statement on Covid-19 outbreak ahead of Brentford clash amid Tottenham update

Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani celebrates with Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo (R) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on October 30, 2021. Manchester United have confirmed that they are in discussions with the Premier League regarding the feasibility of their clash with Brentford going ahead due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the club.It has been confirmed that a number of first-team players and staff have tested positive for the virus over the past few days following a series of positive PCR tests.Their clash at the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday evening is now in doubt as a result, with the club having also...
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UCL

Champions League redraw: PSG-Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid-Manchester United among highlights

A view of the teams to be drawn displayed on the screen during the UEFA Champions League 2021/22 Round of 16 Draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football, on December 13, 2021, in Nyon, Switzerland. The Champions League round-of-16 draw was redone on Monday, with Paris Saint-Germain to face Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid paired with Manchester United.UEFA confirmed that a "clerical error" occurred where United were mistakenly omitted as potential opponents for Atletico in the original draw. UEFA director Giorgio Marchetti said ahead of the redraw: "I apologise we have had to redraw to do the round-of-16 draw. There were some errors made in the original draw."Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi had appeared set for another Champions League showdown during Monday's init...
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