May 2022 – Page 9 – Football Flame

Month: May 2022

No Comments
TRANSFERS

Napoli interested in Granada goalkeeper Luis Maximiano

Luis Maximiano of Granada CF warms up prior the LaLiga Santander match between Granada CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes on May 01, 2022 in Granada, Spain.Granada have endured a tough season, currently on their thrid manager of the campaign in Aitor Karanka. Yet there’s no doubt it would have been trickier if they hadn’t had Luis Maximiano in goal.The Portuguese ‘keeper signed for Granada last summer as a relative unknown in Spain, but has since impressed with Los Nazaries. In a team struggling towards the bottom of the table, Maximiano has come up big for his team time and again with excellent stops.It hasn’t gone unnoticed. Reports from Il Mattino in Italy were picked up by Estadio Deportivo, which tell of the interest of Napoli. Luciano Spalletti’s side wouldn’t b...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Watford relegated as they lose at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (R) scores their first goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Watford at Selhurst Park in south London on May 7, 2022.Watford have been relegated from the Premier League after Wilfried Zaha's first-half penalty secured a deserved victory for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.Defeat by Burnley last week had left the Hornets 12 points adrift of safety with four games remaining and Palace sent their former manager Roy Hodgson's side straight back down to the Championship with a dominant display.The Eagles controlled the contest from the outset and went ahead when Zaha confidently swept his 31st-minute spot-kick past Ben Foster after Hassane Kamara had used his arm to block Michael Olis...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Wolves score late to draw with Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers' English defender Conor Coady (R) headers the ball to score the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London on May 7, 2022.Wolves captain Conor Coady headed a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser to deny Chelsea victory on the day the sale of the club was agreed.With Todd Boehly - the man leading the consortium's purchase - watching on at Stamford Bridge, Romelu Lukaku looked to have secured victory for the Blues with two goals in three second-half minutes.But Wolves substitute Francisco Trincao pulled one back with a spectacular effort 11 minutes from time and Coady headed in to level seven minutes into added time.The Blues' future is now seemingly resolved and despite their ...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Brentford ease to win over Southampton

Brentford's Pontus Jansson and Southampton's Armando Broja (right) battle for the ball during the Premier League match at the Brentford Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 7, 2022 Two goals in 79 first-half seconds set Brentford on their way to a comfortable victory over Southampton.Both sides began the day on 40 points but Brentford's victory moved the Bees up to 12th in the Premier League, 11 points clear of the bottom three.They went in front when centre-back Pontus Jansson forced home Ivan Toney's cross from close range, before Yoane Wissa curled into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area moments later.Kristoffer Ajer sealed the win in the second half when he skipped away from two Saints players in the area before poking the ball beyond Fraser Forst...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

PSG midfielder cites desire to play for Real Madrid amid exit rumours

Leandro Paredes of PSG during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and FC Lorient at Parc des Princes stadium on April 3, 2022 in Paris, France.Following a disappointing season, Paris Saint-Germain are set for a massive overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window.The club are expected to offload multiple unwanted stars in an attempt to press the reset button and start from scratch, possibly under new leadership as the Mauricio Pochettino and Leonardo Araujo duo has clearly failed to offer the desired impact.As such, we could witness a mass exodus in the summer, with Leandro Paredes among the players linked with a move away from Parc des Princes, along with other stars such as Gini Wijnaldum and Abdou Diallo.Speaking to TyC Sports in a recent interview (h/t Fabr...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Madrid our destiny: Klopp

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp watches his players warm up ahead of the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Liverpool and Cardiff City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 6, 2022.Jurgen Klopp says playing Real Madrid in the Champions League final feels like destiny and the Liverpool boss insists Manchester City will be ready for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.Liverpool trail Manchester City by a point and can put the pressure back on the reigning champions with a positive result against top-four chasing Tottenham on Saturday.City suffered an agonising Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, with the Spanish side now Liverpool’s opponents in Paris later this month in a repeat of the 2018 final, which Real won 3-1.When we lost ...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Levante scores late to beat Sociedad in Spanish league

Gonzalo Melero of Levante UD celebrates a goal with teammates during the Santander League match between Levante UD and Real Sociedad at the Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on May 6, 2022, in Valencia, Spain.Gonzalo Melero converted a 90th-minute penalty as Levante defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 to keep alive their chances of escaping relegation from the Spanish league.Friday's victory lifted Levante from last place and left the Valencia club three points from safety ahead of the weekend matches.The loss hurt Sociedad's chances of qualifying for the Champions League as they stayed in sixth place, five points behind Atletico Madrid which occupies the fourth and final qualification spot.It was the fourth consecutive winless match for the Basque Country club.Jorge Miramon opened the scoring for the hos...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Allegri: Juventus cannot make the same mistakes in Coppa Italia final

Massimiliano Allegri manager of FC Juventus looks dejected during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC v FC Juventus on May 6, 2022 in Genova, Italy.Juventus huffed and puffed at times against a Genoa side desperate to stave off relegation, and then gave up the ghost late on at the Marassi as the hosts scored twice late on — including a penalty in time added on — to lose 2-1 on Friday night ahead of their Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan on Wednesday.A fine shot from Paulo Dybala looked enough to secure all three points as Massimiliano Allegri’s side sought to climb into third place ahead of Napoli who play tomorrow against Torino, but the home side roared on by their fervent supporters were able to snatch an equalizer late on, with more chances to score on either side of the equalize...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Van Bronckhorst: Rangers will give everything to win Europa League

Leon Balogun of Rangers celebrates with Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst following the UEFA Europa League Semi Final Leg Two match between Rangers and RB Leipzig at Ibrox Stadium on May 5, 2022 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.Giovanni van Bronckhorst says Rangers will give everything to lift the Europa League trophy after beating RB Leipzig to reach the final in Seville.On a dramatic night at Ibrox, Rangers raced to a two-goal lead through James Tavernier and Glen Kamara before Christopher Nkunku levelled the tie for RB Leipzig.With nine minutes left on the clock, John Lundstram fired home the goal that put Rangers in the final and Van Bronckhorst said it was a special moment.It’s been an amazing night and we said before the game we were going to do everything possible to make sure we’r...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Roma 1-0 Leicester (agg 2-1): Abraham sends Mourinho’s side into final

Tammy Abraham of AS Roma competes for the ball with Wesley Fofana of Leicester during the UEFA Conference League Semi Final Leg Two match between AS Roma and Leicester at Stadio Olimpico on May 5, 2022 in Rome, Italy.Tammy Abraham was the hero as Roma beat Leicester 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Europa Conference League final.The English’s striker’s 27th goal of the season proved to be the only goal on the night, and that was enough for Jose Mourinho’s side to go through after a 1-1 draw a week ago at the King Power Stadium.The Foxes fell short in their first European semi-final and there will be a lingering sense of regret they failed to seriously trouble Roma and never did themselves justice.The club have torn up the rule book after winning the Premier League and FA Cup in the last six y...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Ancelotti: ‘Something strange’ in Real’s run to final

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti waves to the crowd after the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 4, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti admitted there's been "something strange" about Real Madrid's progression to the Champions League final after overseeing yet another comeback in their 3-1 semifinal second leg win over Manchester City.Riyad Mahrez scored in the 73rd minute to put City 5-3 up in the tie, before Rodrygo grabbed two goals in two minutes and Karim Benzema converted an extra-time penalty to send Madrid to the final with Liverpool in Paris on May 28.It's the latest unlikely turnaround for Madrid, who had also trailed to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and Chelsea in the quarterfin...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Ansu Fati opens up on his recovery from injury

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RD Mallorca at Camp Nou Stadium on May 1, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Ansu Fati has opened up on his recovery from injury and his ambitions after returning to action at the weekend for Barcelona against Real Mallorca.The teenager made his first appearance since January as a second-half substitute and spoke about how hard he’s worked to return to full fitness.You gradually get better and stronger every day, he said. With total effort and hard work, you can fix everything in the end. I’ve learned so much about myself during the recovery process.Barcelona will be hoping Fati can stay injury-free and go on and achieve his potential at the club. The youngster has already signed a contract that runs until 2027 and says he n...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City defeat after stunning Real Madrid comeback

Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 4, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must accept their latest Champions League heartbreak and refocus on their bid to retain the Premier League after their stunning semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.City were moments away from setting up an all-English final against Liverpool before Real launched a remarkable comeback at the Bernabeu.A second-half goal from Riyad Mahrez the Premier League champions on the brink but two goals inside two minutes from Rodrygo in injury time saw Real force extra-time with the tie poised at 5-5 on aggregate.Karim Benzema continued his sensational run of form in this c...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

‘I hope this is my turn’ – West Ham boss David Moyes wants Europa League win

David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United speaks to the media during a West Ham United press conference at Deutsche Bank Park on May 04, 2022 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.David Moyes is hoping it is finally his turn to win a trophy at the climax of West Ham’s march through Europe – and that his father will be there to see it.The Hammers go into the away leg of their Europa League semi-final at Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 down but with high hopes of overturning that deficit and reaching the final in Seville in a fortnight.Moyes’ father David snr, 86, has been there at every step of the remarkable journey which saw West Ham top a difficult group before knocking out Sevilla and Lyon.A managerial career that began with Preston 24 years ago is now hitting the heights, and beyond, of Moyes’ successfu...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Villarreal president slams Giovani Lo Celso penalty decision in Liverpool defeat

Giovani Lo Celso of Villarreal CF is challenged by Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg Two match between Villarreal and Liverpool at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 03, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain.Villarreal club president Fernando Roig has hit out at referee Danny Makkelie for not awarding an early penalty in their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.The Yellow Submarine’s European journey came to an end on a dramatic night at the Estadio de la Ceramica as Unai Emery’s side pushed for a first ever Champions League final spot.Despite trailing 2-0 from the first leg at Anfield last month, Emery’s charges were motivated by the challenge of turning the tie around on home soil. First half goals from Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin tipped the game in t...
Read More
No Comments
UCL

Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid ‘have the quality to take risks’ against Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 30, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti has said his Real Madrid side “have the quality to take risks” has they look to overturn a one-goal deficit against Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.The Spanish side lost a thrilling first leg 4-3 in Manchester as they look to secure their first final spot since 2018 and have shown plenty of fight to come from behind in both their previous knockout games against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.And Real are flying high this week after clinching a 35th La Liga title at the weekend following their 4-0 win over Espanyol, sparking scenes of jubilation in...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Barcelona boss Xavi sends pointed message to Wolves over Adama Traore transfer

Adama Traore of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF at Camp Nou Stadium on April 18, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Adama Traore’s frustrating loan spell with Barcelona continued over the weekend as the Wolverhampton Wanderers flanker was an unused substitute in their 2-1 win over Real Mallorca.Spain international Traore has been used sparingly by head coach Xavi in recent months, playing just 63 minutes of La Liga football since February to cast doubt over his long-term future at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently from Wolves for €30million (£25m) at the end of the season.The return to form and favour of Ousmane Dembele has limited Traore’s involvement under Xavi. But, with Dembele suffering from tonsillitis over...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Jesse Lingard unhappy with Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard (L) reacts after Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah scored his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 19, 2022.Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard is 'upset' with interim manager Ralf Rangnick at being denied an Old Trafford farewell appearance against Brentford.Sources close to Lingard, who is out of contract in June, say the 29-year-old was dismayed by Rangnick's decision to send on Edinson Cavani ahead of the academy graduate in the 3-0 win. Lingard's final home game for United turned out to be in the 3-2 win over Norwich on April 16.In an Instagram post on Monday night, Lingard's brother Louie lambast...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Salernitana continue miracle escape act with Atalanta draw

Mario Pasalic of Atalanta BC scores their side's first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Salernitana at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2022 in Bergamo, Italy.Salernitana maintained their bold bid for Serie A survival on Monday with a 1-1 draw at Atalanta which pulled them closer to safety.Mario Pasalic's 88th-minute leveller denied Salernitana a fourth straight win after Ederson had poked the away side ahead just before the half hour but the draw moved them to within two points of Cagliari, who sit just outside the relegation zone.Davide Nicola's team host Cagliari this coming Sunday after playing their game in hand with bottom side Venezia on Thursday.I'm completely in love with these boys, they keep surprising me with the effort they put in, sad Nicola to DAZN.Fans pack...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd earn morale-boosting win over Brentford

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on May 2, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester United claimed a morale-boosting victory over Brentford to end a run of three Premier League matches without a win.Bruno Fernandes volleyed in from Anthony Elanga's cutback early on to ease tensions at Old Trafford amid plans for a fans' protest against the owners.Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had doubled the lead before the break but his strike was ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.But Ronaldo got his goal with a penalty he won when he was brought down by Bees defender Rico Henry.Raphael Varane ensured United claimed only a second win in seven league matches when he volleyed in fro...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory