December 2021 – Page 5 – Football Flame

Month: December 2021

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LALIGA

LALIGA: Real Madrid win derby and only Sevilla and Betis can keep up the pace in top-four

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid competes for the ball with Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 12, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid took another step towards this season's LaLiga title with a 2-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid in the city derby on Sunday night.A first-half goal from Karim Benzema and an excellent strike from Marco Asensio gave Carlo Ancelotti's men a win against a rival, who were their equals for long parts of the game, but suffered from the loss of several first-choice defenders at key moments.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to frustrate the chances that his former club did create, producing fine saves to deny Antonie Griezmann in the first half a...
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LALIGA

Barcelona concede late goal in Osasuna draw

Ruben Garcia of CA Osasuna competes for the ball with Nicolas Gonzalez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Sadar on December 12, 2021 in Pamplona, Spain. Barcelona's patchy run of form continued as they conceded a late equaliser at Osasuna in La Liga.The result sees Xavi's side stay eighth in the table, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who play later on Sunday.Teenagers Nicolas Gonzalez and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, both 19, scored for the visitors.But the hosts twice fought back, with David Garcia and Ezequiel Avila ensuring they claimed a deserved point from the contest.Barcelona had come into the fixture looking to make amends for consecutive defeats by Real Betis and Bayern Munich.Midfielder Gonzalez, gave them a perfec...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Gallagher inspires Crystal Palace to win over Everton

Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring his 2nd and his team 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on December 12, 2021 in London, England. Everton's wretched season continued as fans booed Rafael Benitez's decision to substitute Richarlison during another defeat at Crystal Palace.Demarai Gray's poor pass let in Jordan Ayew who found Conor Gallagher to sweep home his fifth Premier League goal since joining from Chelsea on loan at the start of the season.Demarai Gray of Everton and Joel Ward and Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton at Selhurst Park on December 12, 2021 in London, England.At 1-0, manager Benitez replaced Brazil forward Richarliso...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester City bounce back to beat Newcastle United

Youri Tielemans of Leicester City (8) celebrates with James Maddison of Leicester City (10) after scoring the third goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Leicester, England. Youri Tielemans scored twice as Leicester City bounced back from their Europa League exit to earn an emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium.Making his first Premier League start since 7 November following a calf injury, Tielemans converted a 38th-minute penalty after Jamaal Lascelles was adjudged to have brought down James Maddison.A quality attacking move, initiated by Maddison's sublime pass for Harvey Barnes using the outside of his boot, resulted in a simple finish for Patson Daka as...
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SERIE A

Dybala injury record worries Juventus

Paulo Dybala of Juventus during the Serie A match between Venezia FC and Juventus at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on December 11, 2021 in Venice, Italy. Paulo Dybala’s injury record is beginning to cause consternation within Juventus circles, as this is already his fourth setback in just five months.The Argentina international limped off during yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Venezia, just 12 minutes into the Serie A game, with yet another muscular issue in his right thigh.More tests are required to figure out the extent of the damage this time, but the fact remains Dybala has been consistently struggling with muscular problems this season.It started over the summer, with a left thigh concern keeping him out from July 21 to August 10.His left thigh was injured again during the game against Sampdoria ...
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SERIE A

Milan’s Ibrahimovic nets landmark goal 300

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan makes a pass during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Dacia Arena on December 11, 2021 in Udine, Italy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored a memorable landmark goal in stoppage time to snatch a point for Serie A leaders AC Milan at Udinese while the domestic problems of Juventus deepened as they were held at relegation-threatened Venezia in Serie A.Milan appeared to be heading for defeat in Udine until Ibrahimovic netted an acrobatic goal two minutes into time added on to snatch a 1-1 draw.A cross into the area was knocked down and the 40-year-old Swedish forward flicked it up and volleyed it in with a scissor kick to register his 300th goal in Europe's top five leagues - just the third player to do since the turn of the century, after ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ronaldo penalty & De Gea saves see Man Utd edge out Norwich

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United scores their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Manchester United at Carrow Road on December 11, 2021 in Norwich, England.Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty earned Manchester United a narrow victory over Norwich to maintain Ralf Rangnick's unbeaten start as interim manager.Ronaldo sent Tim Krul the wrong way on 75 minutes after the Portuguese had been hauled down by Max Aarons on the edge of the six-yard box.The Red Devils had offered little attacking threat before then, though Alex Telles hit the bar with a deflected free-kick during the first half.They also had David de Gea to thank for two fine stops to deny Teemu Pukki and Ozan Kabak as Norwich put in a spirited display.Cristiano Ronaldo of Ma...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Late penalty earns dramatic win for Chelsea against Leeds

Jorginho of Chelsea scores their side's third goal from the penalty spot past Illan Meslier of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2021 in London, England.Jorginho's stoppage-time penalty ensured Chelsea avoided conceding further ground in the Premier League title race with a dramatic victory over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.Teenager Joe Gelhardt, brought on as an 81st-minute substitute, appeared to have earned a late point for Leeds with his first touch - the 19-year-old sliding in to send Tyler Roberts' low cross past Edouard Mendy.In a hugely entertaining encounter featuring three converted penalties, Raphinha put the visitors ahead with the game's first spot-kick after 28 minutes following Marcos Alonso's ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Salah gives Liverpool win over Villa on Gerrard’s return

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is fouled by Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa leading to a penalty being awarded during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield on December 11, 2021 in Liverpool, England.Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard made a losing return to Anfield as Liverpool continued their pursuit of Premier League leaders Manchester City with a hard-earned victory.Former Liverpool captain Gerrard was, predictably, given a rapturous reception after playing 710 games and scoring 186 goals for the club while winning the Champions League, FA Cup, Uefa Cup and League Cup.Gerrard's response to the adulation was low-key as his Villa side, who had won three of his first four games in charge since arriving from Rangers, set about making life difficult for Liverpool and ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich 2-1 Mainz: Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman secure comeback win

Kingsley Coman of Muenchen is challenged by Moussa Niakhate of Mainz during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on December 11, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Mainz at the Allianz Arena.The visitors took a shock lead courtesy of Karim Onisiwo's close-range header midway through the first half.Kingsley Coman's confident finish from Corentin Tolisso's pass restored parity, before Jamal Musiala completed the turnaround with a low strike.Moussa Niakhate went closest to a late equaliser but shot straight at Manuel Neuer.11 December 2021, Bavaria, Munich: Football: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 15 at Allianz Arena. Alphonso Davies (l-r), Kingsley Coman, Marc Roca and scorer Jam...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Sterling penalty gives Man City win over 10-man Wolves

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on December 11, 2021 in Manchester, England.Raheem Sterling converted a controversial penalty to reach 100 Premier League goals and give Manchester City victory in a one-sided contest with 10-man Wolves.Sterling kept his cool to roll his 66th-minute spot-kick past Jose Sa after a lengthy VAR check ruled Joao Moutinho had illegally blocked Bernardo Silva's cross, even though it seemed to hit the Wolves midfielder on his armpit.The decision compounded Wolves' frustrations given they were annoyed at Raul Jimenez's dismissal for two yellow-card offences within seconds of each other near the end of the opening peri...
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BUNDESLIGA

Augsburg beats Cologne for first away win in Bundesliga

Niklas Dorsch of Augsburg celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his team mates during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and FC Augsburg at RheinEnergieStadion on December 10, 2021 in Cologne, Germany.Niklas Dorsch scored late for struggling Augsburg in a 2-0 victory over Cologne to claim their first away win in the Bundesliga this season.Andre Hahn grabbed the other goal as the visitors ended Cologne's status as the only team unbeaten at home in the league. Augsburg hadn't won any of their 13 previous away games.Cologne had more of the ball in the first half, but the visitors created the better chances thanks to their speed on the break. Augsburg's Michael Gregoritsch had an early goal ruled out for offside.The home team started with more intent after the break, when Anthony...
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LALIGA

Mallorca-Celta Vigo share points in draw

Franco Russo of RCD Mallorca and Manolo Reina of RCD Mallorca react during the La Liga Santander match between RCD Mallorca and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio de Son Moix on December 10, 2021 in Mallorca, Spain.Mallorca needed its goalkeeper to salvage a scoreless draw at home with Celta Vigo in a Spanish league match affected by high winds on the Balearic Islands on Friday.Celta was without top scorer Iago Aspas due to a suspension for accumulation of yellow cards. The visitors then lost striker Santi Mina early when he had to be helped off the field after a powerfully struck ball hit him in the head.But Celta had all the clear scoring chances anyway. Thiago Galhardo, who replaced Mina, Nolito Agudo and Brais Méndez all drew saves from Mallorca's Manolo Reina.Gusting winds altered the trajec...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Claudio Ranieri rues ‘three mistakes’ that saw Watford collapse to late Brentford

Watford's Italian head coach Claudio Ranieri (C) gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Watford at Brentford Community Stadium in London on December 10, 2021.Claudio Ranieri was left counting the cost of Watford's mistakes after they crashed to a dramatic 2-1 defeat at Brentford.The Hornets were leading with only six minutes remaining through Emmanuel Dennis and looking good value for a win which would have lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone.But Pontus Jansson headed previously toothless Brentford level and in stoppage time Watford's capitulation was complete after William Ekong tripped Saman Ghoddos in the area.Watford manager Claudio Ranieri gestures on the touchline during the Premier League match at the Brentfor...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jurgen Klopp’s text message to Steven Gerrard ahead of Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on December 09, 2021 in Kirkby, England.Jurgen Klopp has revealed he has sent Steven Gerrard a text message ahead of their highly-anticipated meeting at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.Gerrard returns to the ground where he established himself as one of the best midfielders on the planet in a glorious Liverpool career that spanned from 1998 all the way to 2015, only this time he is part of the opposition.Klopp's Liverpool take on Gerrard's Aston Villa in what is just the latter's fifth game in charge of the Midlands-based outfit having been handed the reins at Villa Park after Dean Smith's dismissal last month.The Reds boss has told reporters how he has already made contact with Gerrard before the contest, cla...
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NEWS

Napoli win ousts Leicester from Europa

Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with team mates during the UEFA Europa League group C match between SSC Napoli and Leicester City at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 9, 2021 in Naples, Italy. Eljif Elmas scored twice as Napoli earned a spot in the play-offs for the Europa League last 16 with a 3-2 win over Leicester City, who fall into the Europa Conference League.Leicester travelled to Naples knowing they would guarantee a top-two finish in Group C if they avoided defeat, but first-half strikes from Adam Ounas and Elmas put the hosts ahead on Thursday.Jonny Evans and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall quickly restored parity in a chaotic opening 45 minutes, only for Elmas to net again after the break and decisively edge Napoli back in front.Lucian...
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BUNDESLIGA

Joshua Kimmich out until 2022 with lung problem after refusing Covid-19 vaccine

Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Munchen reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group Stage match between Bayern Munchen and Dinamo Kiev at Allianz Arena on September 29, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich will be out of action until the beginning of next year, after suffering with a lung problem on the back of having Covid.Kimmich surprised people in October when he revealed that he hadn't got the Covid-19 vaccine, despite the fact that he'd helped raise millions for the fight against the virus.Speaking at the time, the German revealed he might have got the vaccine in the future, saying, "I am neither a Covid denier nor an anti vaxxer. I also don't say categorically that I won't get vaccinated at all."It is very possible that I will get the vaccine in the future."...
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UCL

Lille beats Wolfsburg to advance in Champions League

Burak Yilmaz of LOSC Lille and Maxence Lacroix of VfL Wolfsburg battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League group G match between VfL Wolfsburg and Lille OSC at Volkswagen Arena on December 8, 2021 in Wolfsburg, Germany.Lille qualified for the Champions League last 16 for the first time in 15 years as the French champion beat Wolfsburg 3-1 on Wednesday to win its group.Either team would have qualified with a win in a tight Group G, and it was Lille which seized the opportunity.Veteran striker Burak Yilmaz gave Lille the lead after Jonathan Ikoné charged down the right flank on a quick break and crossed low for the Turkish striker arriving on the edge of the penalty area to finish.Wolfsburg posed little threat except with set pieces and a penalty shout just before halftime for hand...
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UCL

Last-16 bound Chelsea denied top spot by late Zenit stunner

Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner celebrates with Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz after scoring their third goal during the UEFA Champions League group H football match between Zenit St. Petersburg and Chelsea at the Gazprom Arena stadium in Saint Petersburg on December 8, 2021.A dramatic equaliser from Zenit St Petersburg four minutes into added time meant holders Chelsea failed to top their Champions League group.Substitute Magomed Ozdoev scored a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box after Chelsea had come from behind to lead 3-2 with minutes left.Timo Werner scored in both halves and also set up Romelu Lukaku after Zenit had come from 1-0 down to lead 2-1.But Ozdoev's strike meant Chelsea finish behind Juventus, who beat Malmo.Zenit St. Petersburg's Russian defender ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Antonio Conte reveals extent of Spurs coronavirus outbreak ahead of Liverpool game

Antonio Conte, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur press conference at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on December 08, 2021 in Enfield, England.Antonio Conte has confirmed eight members of Tottenham Hotspur's first-team squad and five staff members have tested positive for coronavirus.The Lilywhites are in Europa League action tomorrow evening against Rennes, requiring a win to stand any chance of progression to the next stage of the competition.Despite missing a number of players, the match will go ahead due to the UEFA rule that a club must have fewer than 13 players or no registered goalkeeper available for a game to be postponed.Should this developing situation at Spurs could spiral out of control in the coming days, it could well have implications for next S...
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