2022 – Page 64 – Football Flame

Year: 2022

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TRANSFERS

Barcelona keen on extending stay of 31-year-old forward

Luuk de Jong of FC Barcelona, Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals, Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou stadium on April 14, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly keen on keeping hold of 31-year-old Dutch forward Luuk de Jong beyond the summer.According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Luuk de Jong could be set to stay put at Barcelona beyond the summer transfer window. The 31-year-old forward has left an indelible mark at Camp Nou, prompting the Blaugrana to consider re-signing him on loan from Sevilla in a few months.Luuk de Jong joined Barcelona on loan from Sevilla on deadline day in last summer’s transfer window in a surprising move as the Blaugrana sought a cost-...
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NEWS

Rangers reach Europa League semi final

Kemar Roofe of Rangers celebrates with teammates John Lundstram and Ryan Kent of Rangers after scoring their team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Rangers FC and Sporting Braga at Ibrox Stadium on April 14, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers added their name to the final four of the Europa League after convincingly beating Braga in the second leg at home.Kemar Roofe struck in extra time as Rangers reached the Europa League semifinals by beating nine-man Braga 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.Rangers, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, got off to a perfect start when full-back James Tavernier put them ahead in the second minute, sliding in at the back post to connect with a ball from Joe Aribo.A minute before the break, Braga’s Vitor Tor...
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NEWS

Frankfurt stun Barcelona to reach semi-finals

Eintracht Frankfurt's Serbian midfielder Filip Kostic (R) fights for the ball with Barcelona's US defender Sergino Dest during the Europa League quarter final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 14, 2022.Eintracht Frankfurt stunned Barcelona with a dramatic victory at the Nou Camp to set up a Europa League semi-final against West Ham.After the first leg had finished 1-1, the German side stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second and looked in control before two late goals for Barcelona.Filip Kostic's penalty and Rafael Borre's superb strike were followed by another for Kostic after the break.But Sergio Busquets' effort and Memphis Depay's penalty set up a tense finish.Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka was also sent of...
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NEWS

Leicester beat PSV to reach first European semi

Cody Gakpoof PSV Eindhoven and Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City Battle for the ball during the UEFA Conference League Quarter Final Leg Two match between PSV Eindhoven and Leicester City at PSV Stadion on April 14, 2022 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.Ricardo Pereira scored a late winner as Leicester City produced a superb comeback to beat PSV Eindhoven in the Europa Conference League and reach the club's first European semi-final.After a goalless first leg at King Power Stadium, Eran Zahavi pounced on a mistake by Youri Tielemans to open the scoring but James Maddison levelled with 13 minutes remaining.The Foxes midfielder slotted into the top corner from Ayoze Perez's clever cutback before Pereira fired the winner in the 88th minute to seal a memorable win.They will face the winners of Roma v...
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NEWS

West Ham stun Lyon to reach Europa League semis

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham (L) attempts a kick on goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Olympique Lyon and West Ham United at Parc Olympique on April 14, 2022 in Lyon, France.West Ham United will face Eintracht Frankfurt for a place in the Europa League final after the Hammers secured their first European semi-final in 46 years with a stunning second-leg victory in Lyon.Having held on for a 1-1 first-leg draw in London after playing the entire second half with 10 men, David Moyes' players withstood periods of intense early pressure before sweeping their Ligue 1 opposition aside.The visitors struck twice in seven minutes at the end of the first half, as Craig Dawson met Pablo Fornals' corner with a superb near-post header before a deflected Declan Rice strike ...
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UCL

Man City keep cool to set up semi with Real Madrid

Phil Foden of Manchester City controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano on April 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Manchester City produced a mature and disciplined performance to hold off the challenge of Atletico Madrid - and set up a Champions League semi-final showdown with the Spanish side's city rivals Real.Knowing a clean sheet would be enough to seal the tie, City kept their cool in the face of a hostile home crowd and intimidation from a physical Atleti side showing far more ambition than in the first leg.Ilkay Gundogan could have made life much easier for Pep Guardiola's men by slotting in from close range, instead of against the post in the first half.But in the face of much-increased...
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UCL

Liverpool into semi-finals after Benfica thriller

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool controls the ball under pressure from Jan Vertonghen of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Liverpool FC and SL Benfica at Anfield on April 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool remain on course for an historic quadruple after a thrilling draw with Benfica secured a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Villarreal.Having established a 3-1 lead in Lisbon, Liverpool extended their advantage with Ibrahima Konate's powerful 21st-minute header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.Benfica equalised through Goncalo Ramos' excellent turn and finish, before Roberto Firmino's two second-half goals - a tap-in followed by a volley - in front of the Kop looked to have put the Reds in control.But after Roman Yaremchuk broke throu...
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UCL

Holders Chelsea exit Champions League after epic

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates at the final whistle as Thiago Silva of Chelsea FC looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Chelsea's reign as European champions came to an agonising end despite beating Real Madrid on a night of high drama at the Bernabeu Stadium.In a Champions League epic, Mason Mount's wonderful finish and Antonio Rudiger's powerful header wiped out Real's 3-1 first-leg advantage and brought the quarter-final tie level in Spain's capital.Thomas Tuchel's side were outstanding throughout and Timo Werner's clever finish from an angle put them ahead for the first time on aggregate and within sight of a place in the semi-finals.But subs...
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UCL

Villarreal stun Bayern to reach semis

Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal CF celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Bayern München and Villarreal CF at Football Arena Munich on April 12, 2022 in Munich, Germany.Samuel Chukwueze scored a late winner in the tie as Villarreal stunned Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.Unai Emery masterminded a 1-0 first-leg win in Spain, but a dominant Bayern looked seemingly in control once Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute at the Allianz Arena.But, with just his side's second shot on target across both legs, Chukwueze levelled on the break in the 88th minute to give Villarreal the lead on aggregate - and earn them an historic victory against the si...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City captain Fernandinho stuns Guardiola by announcing exit

Manchester City's Fernandinho speaks to the press before the Champions League clash between Athletico Madrid and Manchester City at Manchester City Football Academy on April 12, 2022 in Manchester, England.Manchester City captain Fernandinho shocked manager Pep Guardiola by saying Tuesday he planned to leave the English champions at the end of the season.The 36-year-old former Brazil international, who has won four Premier League titles since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, revealed his intentions at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Atletico Madrid.Fernandinho, asked if he would like to extend his stay at the Etihad for another year, replied: "I don't think so."Guardiola, who was alongside the midfielder, was ta...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Antonio Conte eyes Kulusevski permanent deal

Antonio Conte, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur and Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 14, 2022 in Enfield, England.Antonio Conte is pushing Tottenham to make Dejan Kulusevski's loan move from Juventus permanent at the end of the season.Spurs signed the Sweden international in January on an initial 18-month deal worth €10 million with an option for a permanent transfer set at €30m.Kulusevski has made a huge impact at Spurs having registered three goals and six assists in 11 Premier League appearances, forming a key part of Conte's three-man attack alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min.Conte has long been an admirer of the 21-year-old, he was keen on signing the winger during his Inter Milan tenur...
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NEWS

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal says cancer treatment behind him

Head coach of Netherlands, Louis van Gaal smiles prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Netherlands and Montenegro at Philips Stadion on September 4, 2021 in Eindhoven.Netherlands football coach Louis van Gaal insisted Monday that he was fit enough to lead his nation to the World Cup finals, saying his prostate cancer treatment has been successful.Van Gaal, 70, said 10 days ago he had been receiving treatment since being diagnosed in 2020, but still plans to lead his team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in seven months’ time.I had 25 sessions of chemotherapy. Then I had to wait five or six months to see if that had worked. It has, he told the ANP press agency.The former Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United coach also underwent surgery.The no-nonsense Van Ga...
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LALIGA

Valencia draw extends Rayo winless run

Alvaro Garcia of Rayo Vallecano battles for the ball with Carlos Soler of Valencia CF during the La Liga Santander match between Rayo Vallecano and Valencia CF at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on April 11, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Rayo Vallecano's winless streak in La Liga has been extended to 12 matches with a 1-1 home draw against Valencia.The visitors opened the scoring through Carlos Soler in the 57th minute before Rayo equalised when Sergi Guardiola struck in the 83rd at Vallecas Stadium.Rayo haven't won in the league since a home game against last-placed Alaves in December.Valencia have been unbeaten in their past six matches, which includes three wins, to sit ninth.Rayo are 13th, six points above the relegation zone, although they have a game in hand at second-placed Barcelona.
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SERIE A

Arnautovic nets twice in Bologna victory

Marko Arnautovic of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring his team's and his peronal second goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC v UC Sampdoria on April 11, 2022 in Bologna, Italy.Marko Arnautovic could have had a hat-trick but for the crossbar as Bologna beat lowly Sampdoria 2-0 in Serie A.Bologna went ahead in the 61st minute when Aaron Hickey crossed for Mitchell Dijks at the back post and he knocked it down for Arnautovic to bundle over the line from point-blank range.Arnautovic almost doubled his tally in the 69th but his strike cannoned off the crossbar.Nicola Sansone soon after had an effort hit the crossbar when sent clear by an Arnautovic pass.Arnautovic grabbed a second in the 76th in a move which the Austria international started and finished.Sampdoria remained seven p...
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NEWS

Marseille win to keep Euro spot in sight

Marseille's Senegalese forward Bamba Dieng (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Marseille's Moroccan midfielder Amine Harit (L) during the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and SC Montpellier at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southern France, on April 10, 2022.Marseille have stretched their winning run to seven games in all competitions to return to second place in Ligue 1 with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier.Amine Harit set up Senegal striker Bamba Dieng for the opener in the ninth minute.Turkey winger Cengiz Under doubled the lead with a penalty in the 19th after Montpellier midfielder Jordan Ferri brought down Gerson.Montpellier goalkeeper Jonas Omlin was sent off in the 90th for fouling Luis Henrique outside the area.Marseille trail run-away ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Leverkusen held to draw in Bundesliga

10 April 2022, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum: Soccer: Bundesliga, VfL Bochum - Bayer Leverkusen, Matchday 29, Vonovia Ruhrstadion: Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby sits on the pitch and demands a penalty kick.Third-placed Bayer Leverkusen have been held to a 0-0 Bundesliga draw at Bochum after Moussa Diaby had a goal from the penalty spot ruled out because he slipped and touched the ball twice.The point secured after the bizarre incident meant Leverkusen's grip on the third Champions League place was slightly weakened with five games to go.RB Leipzig, in fourth, moved a point behind Leverkusen with an easy 3-0 home win over sixth-placed Hoffenheim.Fifth-placed Freiburg are on their tails, now just four points behind Leverkusen.Nils Petersen headed in a free-kick for a 2-1 win at mid-table Eintra...
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SERIE A

Milan, Napoli falter in Serie A title race

Stefano Pioli, Manager of AC Milan issues instructions during the Serie A match between Torino FC v AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 10, 2022 in Turin, Italy.Inter Milan have taken a big step toward defending their Serie A title without even playing.Serie A leader AC Milan were again let down by their poor finishing in a 0-0 draw at Torino while Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina on Sunday.Milan remained top of the Italian league but just two points ahead of Inter, which beat Hellas Verona 2-0 on Saturday and have played a match less than their title rivals.Napoli are also two points behind Milan.It was a second straight 0-0 draw for Milan who have only scored four goals in their last seven matches in all competitions, from more than 100 attempts.Milan's hopes of finding t...
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LALIGA

Barca strike late to snare La Liga points

(L-R) Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona, Luuk de Jong of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Levante v FC Barcelona at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on April 10, 2022 in Valencia Spain.Luuk de Jong has scored a stoppage-time winner for Barcelona as they overcame Levante 3-2 in La Liga despite conceding three penalties at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.De Jong headed home in the second minute of time added-on as Barca extended their unbeaten league run to 15 games.An incredible see-saw contest saw Levante take the lead through Jose Luis Morales' 52nd-minute penalty.Two minutes later Eric Garcia handled in the box only for Roger Marti to have his spot-kick saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Barcelona quickly hit the front through goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang i the 59th a...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

A result we have to live with – Klopp

Jurgen Klopp the head coach / manager of Liverpool and Pep Guardiola the head coach / manager of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on April 10, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says his side's 2-2 draw with Manchester City is a "result we have to live with".Leaders City remain one point clear of Liverpool at the top with seven games remaining after a pulsating game.It was like a boxing fight. Both arms down for a second and you get a massive knock and you shake a little, said Klopp. Then the next knock is coming from the other team.City boss Pep Guardiola said his side had missed "an opportunity".The meeting between the country's two outstanding sides lived up to its pre-match billing and in...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Norwich beat Burnley in tense relegation scrap

Norwich City's Pierre Lees-Melou (left) and Burnley's Wout Weghorst battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture date: Sunday April 10, 2022.Bottom club Norwich City kept alive their slim hopes of avoiding a quick-fire return to the Championship and dealt a blow to fellow strugglers Burnley with a crucial win at Carrow Road.Pierre Lees-Melou's first goal since signing from Nice for £3.5m last July and Teemu Pukki's 86th-minute finish settled a tense relegation scrap - and earned the Canaries only their fifth Premier League victory since winning promotion last season.French midfielder Lees-Melou's ninth-minute deflected shot, which went in off the post, put the hosts on their way before Pukki drilled home the second to give Norwich a glimmer of hope o...
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