April 2022 – Football Flame

Month: April 2022

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace: Zaha nets stoppage-time winner

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace scoring last minute winning goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Southampton, United Kingdom.Wilfried Zaha was the hero for Crystal Palace as he came off the bench to net a stoppage-time winner and give his side a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary’s.The Eagles had to do it the hard way, with Eberechi Eze on the hour mark scoring his first goal of the season to cancel out Oriol Romeu’s early goal, before Zaha ensured Palace returned to south London with all three points.Patrick Vieira had left the winger on the bench after a bruising encounter at Leeds in the Eagles’ last outing, but he came on for the final 25 minutes to remind everyone just how indispensable he is to his club...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City put four past Leeds to reclaim top spot

Manchester City's Rodri (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mate Ruben Dias during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Saturday April 30, 2022.Manchester City produced the perfect response to Premier League title rivals Liverpool by outclassing Leeds United to regain top spot.City needed the win after Liverpool had overtaken them earlier in the day with victory at Newcastle - and they produced a highly impressive display in Elland Road's hothouse that also prolonged the relegation worries for Jesse Marsch's side.The reigning Premier League champions went ahead in the 13th minute when Rodri glanced home Phil Foden's free-kick and while Leeds were spirited, they barely tested visiting keeper Ederson until the game was lost.City ...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid win 35th Spanish La Liga title

Real Madrid squad posing with the La Liga trophy on April 30, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid secured a 35th La Liga title on Saturday with four games to spare after a 4-0 home win over Espanyol fuelled by two goals from Rodrygo.Needing just one point to clinch the trophy, Madrid struck twice through the Brazilian in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu before goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.Madrid moved 17 points clear of second-placed Sevilla with four matches to play. Barcelona have a game in hand but are 18 points adrift.Given they have been top since November, there was no surprise about Madrid winning a league they have dominated for months, but dips in form from Barcelona and Sevilla offered the chance for an earlier coronation than expected.With La Liga wrapped up, ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool beat spirited Newcastle to go top

Naby Keita of Liverpool scores the opening goal past Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James Park on April 30, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Liverpool kept themselves firmly in the fight for the quadruple as they overcame a spirited Newcastle to move back to the top of the Premier League - for a few hours at least.Jurgen Klopp made five changes at St James' Park, including leaving top scorer Mohamed Salah on the bench, after the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.It looked like it would backfire as in-form Newcastle started strongly, pressing Liverpool high and forcing them into a couple of early mistakes.But Liverpool grew into the game and were dominating possession when Naby Keita struck in the ...
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LALIGA

Ronald Araujo reveals how close he came to snubbing Barcelona for Man Utd or Liverpool

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo poses for a photograph during his contract renewal signing ceremony at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on April 29, 2022.Both Liverpool and Manchester United were linked with moves for Barcelona contract rebel Ronald Araujo, but in a turn of events the Uruguayan has now signed a new deal. Following his extension, Araujo opened up about how close he was to leaving.Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has opened up on how close he came to signing for either Manchester United or Liverpool, before signing a new contract.The Uruguayan was heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp after reports claimed that he felt unhappy with Barcelona's initial contract offer. The 23-year-old has been a vital part of Xavi's rebuild, and reportedly wanted his new contract...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola: Now is not the time to talk about my future

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in action during training at Manchester City Football Academy on April 1, 2022 in Manchester, England. Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in action during training at Manchester City Football Academy on April 1, 2022 in Manchester, England.Premier League leaders Manchester City will be without injured defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones for Saturday’s trip to Leeds United, with the former possibly out for the season, manager Pep Guardiola said. The Spaniard told reporters on Friday that England international Stones could miss next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Real Madrid after limping off in the 4-3 win at the Etihad. “For tomorrow he’s out and we’ll see for Wednesday,” said Guardiola.João Cancelo is back from suspension to fill in at...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Frank Lampard remains committed to Everton job despite relegation threat

Everton manager Frank Lampard applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on April 24, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Everton are facing possible relegation for the first time in 71 years but manager Frank Lampard said he remains "very committed" to the job.Everton are in the relegation zone, in 18th place and two points behind 17th-placed Burnley, who have played one more game.Lampard's team have six matches remaining this season and host Chelsea on Sunday.I am very committed," Lampard said. "I really don't want to get into the headlines or ins and outs of that, but absolutely [I am committed].The former England international was unwilling to discuss the consequences if Everton got relegated but promised to stay at the club as long as...
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BUNDESLIGA

Union Berlin miss out against Furth

29 April 2022, Berlin: Soccer: Bundesliga, 1. FC Union Berlin - SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Matchday 32, An der Alten Försterei. Branimir Hrgota of Greuther Fürth (l) tries to get the ball against Berlin's Robin Knoche.Union Berlin missed a glorious opportunity to take a step towards European football when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by relegated Greuther Furth.It was Union's 100th game in the Bundesliga but a four-match winning run came to an end in low-key fashion with a poor performance on Friday.Branimir Hrgota curled a superb and deserved opener for the visitors in the 33rd minute as the bottom club showed a determination to exit the top-flight on a high.But Furth undid their good work when Nick Viergever lost the ball in his own box to Sven Michel, and the Union substitute slammed...
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LALIGA

Sevilla’s Champions League push hit by Cadiz draw

Alex Fernandez and Fali of Cadiz interact whilst Yousseff En-Nesyri of Sevilla FC reacts following the LaLiga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Cadiz CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 29, 2022 in Seville, Spain.Sevilla’s hopes of securing a Top Four finish in La Liga this season have been hit by a 1-1 draw at home to neighbors Cadiz .Julen Lopetegui's side move up to second place in the table with a hard earned point in their Friday night Andalucian derby but they could slip down by the end of the weekend.Barcelona will move ahead of them with a win on Sunday as Atletico Madrid and Real Betis aim to increase the pressure with three points in the next 48 hours.The home side started brightly at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Youssef En-Nesyri headed home Ivan Rakitic's ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Conte speaks out on Tottenham future amid PSG links

Antonio Conte, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on April 27, 2022 in Enfield, England.Antonio Conte concedes that he is ‘happy’ other clubs appreciate his work but insists media must show respect and avoid spreading fake news.The Italian tactician has been linked with a move to PSG in the summer and according to Calciomercato.com in Italy, he can leave Spurs at the end of the season by activating a clause in his contract.Reports in France have suggested that Conte demanded a €30m-a-year salary in Paris and, among other things, the chance to work with Gianluca Petrachi.Obviously, I think it’s good that other clubs appreciate my work, but this is one thing. The truth is I don’t like when people try to invent ne...
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NEWS

Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick named Austria coach

Ralf Rangnick the interim / caretaker manager / head coach of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has been appointed coach of Austria's national team, the federation said Friday, but he will continue in a consultancy role at the club.Rangnick joined United as interim manager in November last year and will move into an advisory position after Ajax coach Erik ten Hag comes in as the new permanent manager.The 63-year-old German "will combine the job with his consultancy role at Old Trafford as planned," United said in a statement.The Austrian federation said Rangnick had been given a two-year deal that will be extended to four years if he ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Havertz must rediscover his scoring touch, says Chelsea manager Tuchel

Kai Havertz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, England.Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz needs to rediscover his scoring touch, manager Thomas Tuchel said, after the German international missed several chances in Thursday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester United.Havertz could have put Chelsea in the lead in the first half when they dominated the game but was denied by United goalkeeper David de Gea.  The 22-year-old has 12 goals in 40 matches in all competitions for Chelsea this season, last scoring in their 6-0 thrashing of Southampton on April 9.He needs to fight back into his shape. Hopefully, he shows a reaction," Tuchel told reporters.The guys are still young up front. We...
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NEWS

Frankfurt wins 2-1 at West Ham, Leipzig beats Rangers in EL

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United is challenged by Ansgar Knauff of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Europa League Semi Final Leg One match between West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt at Olympic Stadium on April 28, 2022 in London, England.Eintracht Frankfurt are a step away from reaching its first European competition final in more than 40 years after beating West Ham 2-1 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.The German team had knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals and quickly shocked West Ham when Ansgar Knauff scored 51 seconds after kickoff at the London Stadium.Both clubs are bidding to reach what would be their biggest match in decades — Frankfurt’s last final came when it won the Europa League predecessor UEFA Cup in 1980, and West Ham’s last game...
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NEWS

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists his side will have ‘no fear’ of Roma for second leg

AS Roma Head Coach Jose Mourinho embraces Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers during the UEFA Conference League Semi Final Leg One match between Leicester City and AS Roma at The King Power Stadium on April 28, 2022 in Leicester, United Kingdom.Brendan Rodgers insists Leicester will go to Rome with no fear and can reach the Europa Conference League final.Gianluca Mancini's own goal earned the Foxes a 1-1 draw in their semi-final first leg with Roma on Thursday.Lorenzo Pellegrini's opener stunned the hosts but they recovered to dominate much of the game to give them real belief ahead of next week's second leg in Italy.They now go to the Stadio Olimpico and Rodgers remains confident Leicester - in their first European semi-final - can make more history.He said: We have no fear, we can go ...
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NEWS

Pochettino says he and Mbappe will remain at PSG

Mauricio POCHETTINO head coach of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Kylian MBAPPE of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) during the French Ligue 1 Uber Eats soccer match between Paris and Saint-Etienne at Parc des Princes on February 26, 2022 in Paris, France.Mauricio Pochettino believes he will “100 per cent” still be Paris Saint-Germain head coach next season.Pochettino won the Ligue 1 title on Saturday with PSG but his future in Paris is far from secure after a disappointing round of 16 exit in the Champions League.The 50-year-old added that, at present, he also believes PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe will also remain at the club.Mbappe’s contract expires in June and he was the subject of multiple transfer offers from Real Madrid last summer.Pochettino, meanwhile, had been in the running to take charge a...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Bruno Lage reveals Ruben Neves latest as key Wolves players set to miss Brighton clash

Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers continues his rehabilitation from injury during a Wolverhampton Wanderers Training Session at The Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on April 19, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England.Bruno Lage admits Ruben Neves is likely to miss Wolves’ crunch clash with Brighton on Saturday - despite the midfielder returning to training this week.Neves hasn’t played since March 18, when he suffered a knee injury in the 3-2 defeat to Leeds United at Molineux. He returned to light training last week and rejoined the team at Compton Park a few days ago.The Portugal international wasn’t able to train on Thursday though, and Lage thinks the Brighton game will come too soon. Defender Max Kilman and influential attacker Daniel Podence also remain on the sidelines.No changes, we s...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Southampton ‘open-minded’ about adding new staff to help Hasenhuttl

Ralph Hasenhuettl, Manager of Southampton gives instructions to his players during the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on April 21, 2022 in Burnley, England.Ralph Hasenhuttl has said Saints are “open-minded about going new ways” and would consider bolstering his backroom staff ahead of the 2022-23 season.Hasenhuttl has currently worked with a settled group of helpers since summer 2019, when assistant manager Danny Rohl left the club – with current assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler coming in.Alongside the pair is Dave Watson (coach), Kelvin Davis (coach), Craig Fleming (coach), Alex Gross (strength and science) and 2019 arrival Andrew Sparkes (goalkeeping coach).Much of the talk surrounding the arrival of new owners Sport Republic is the freedom given to ...
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UCL

City top Madrid 4-3 in breathless ECL semi

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City in action with Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester City just couldn't shake off a stubborn Real Madrid in a wild 4-3 Champions League encounter, after which the hosts will wonder just how the record 13-time champions were still in their semi-final tie.Ultimately, Karim Benzema's cheeky "Panenka" penalty in the 82nd minute allowed Madrid to escape with some hope of pulling off a comeback in next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.City were 2-0 ahead after 11 minutes at the Etihad Stadium -- through goals by Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus -- and should have been further cl...
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UCL

Jurgen Klopp rules out Roberto Firmino for Villarreal semi-final

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a press conference at Anfield on April 26, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been fortunate in recent weeks on the injury front, with the Reds’ manager having had an almost entirely fit squad to choose from as he and his squad push to secure an unlikely, historic quadruple.One player whose availability has been limited, though, is striker Roberto Frimino. In his absence, Sadio Mane has proven himself adept at taking on the false nine duties that Klopp demands of his centre forward. Still, Firmino’s absence has been notable.I don’t think yes, was Klopp’s response at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Villarreal when asked if the industrious Brazilian would have a ...
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SERIE A

Kean strikes late as Juve tighten grip on top four

Players of Juventus celebrate after winning during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on April 25, 2022 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy.Moise Kean's late goal gave Juventus a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sassuolo in Serie A on Monday, allowing them to close the gap on third-placed Napoli to one point.Sassuolo had done more than enough to claim a share of the points when Kean struck two minutes from full-time.A long ball out of defence from Leonardo Bonucci ended with Kean, a 67th minute substitute for Alvaro Morata, turning Vlad Chiriches and firing the ball between goalkeeper Andrea Consigli's legs at the near post.The last-gasp win keeps Juve in fouth place, eight points adrift of leaders AC Milan but, perhaps more significantly, eight point...
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