February 2023 – Football Flame    
Latest Football News

Month: February 2023

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CHELSEA FC, PREMIER LEAGUE, Thiago Silva

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva suffers knee ligament damage

Thiago Silva of Chelsea receives treatment shortly before he has to go off injured to be replaced during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 26, 2023 in London, England.Chelsea have confirmed that Thiago Silva has suffered damage to his knee ligaments following the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Silva, 38, was forced off during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League loss to their London rivals in the first half and underwent a scan to assess the extent of his injury on Monday. The west London club have not yet given any indication as to how long Silva faces on the sidelines with games against Leeds and Borussia Dortmund coming up. They said in a statement: “Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s ...
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FIFA, Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi wins Best Fifa men’s player award

 Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain FC) wins The Best FIFA Men's Player trophy during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 at Concert hall Salle Pleyel, Paris, France on February 27, 2023 in Paris, France.Argentina and Paris St-Germain forward Lionel Messi has been named men’s player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The 35-year-old beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas was named women’s player of the year. Messi, who won the award for a second time, said: “It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t be here...
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CHELSEA FC, N’Golo Kante, TRANSFERS

Liverpool, PSG keen on 31-year-old Chelsea star

 N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2022 in London, England.  Liverpool and PSG have been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante at the end of the season. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are hoping to sign French international midfielder N’Golo Kante on a free transfer. And the Reds will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for the Chelsea veteran. Kante will be out of contract at the end of the season and might leave the club as a free agent. There have been rumours of a potential contract extension. But the two parties have not managed to reach an agreement yet. However, the report adds that talks between Chelsea and Kante are advanced. It has been a diff...
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BARCELONA FC, Frenkie de Jong, LALIGA

Frenkie de Jong: Barca ‘didn’t expect’ to lose to Almeria

Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona battles for possession with Chumi of UD Almeria during the LaLiga Santander match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on February 26, 2023 in Almeria, Spain.Frenkie de Jong admitted Barcelona hadn’t expected to lose to Almeria after Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat in Andalusia. A single goal from El Bilal Toure gave the struggling hosts all three points and a real boost in their bid to avoid relegation. For Barcelona, it was a missed opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of the table, and De Jong was pretty dejected after the final whistle. “We are really disappointed,” he said “We had the chance to go 10 clear. Now it’s still seven but we did not expect to lose this game. “They were really good defensively. We crossed a lot,...
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AC Milan, SERIE A, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

AC Milan welcome Zlatan Ibrahimovic back in 2-0 win over Atalanta

 Junior Messias of AC Milan (L) celebrates with teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic after scoring to give the side a 2-0 lead during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 26, 2023 in Milan, Italy.A scorching volley from Theo Hernandez led to the opening goal, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his season debut and goalkeeper Mike Maignan returned after five months out during an encouraging 2-0 win for AC Milan over Atalanta in the Italian league on Sunday. The victory moved the defending Serie A champion level on points with second-place Inter Milan, which lost 1-0 at Bologna, 18 points behind runaway leader Napoli. Hernandez opened the scoring midway through the first half at the San Siro with a long-distance effort that ricocheted off the post then hi...
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BUNDESLIGA, Kingsley Coman, sadio mane

Mane returns as Bayern beat Union to return to top

 Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Munich interacts with teammate Sadio Mane during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on February 26, 2023 in Munich, Germany.Sadio Mane returned from the leg injury that kept him out of the World Cup to help Bayern Munich reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga by beating Union Berlin. The Senegal striker replaced Kingsley Coman after the France winger had set up Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s headed opener and fired in Bayern’s second. Bayern top-scorer Jamal Musiala, who turned 20 on Sunday, swept in Thomas Muller’s pass to complete the scoring. Bayern are above Borussia Dortmund on goal difference while Union stay third. Union began the match level on points with Bayern and unbeaten in any competition since 13 N...
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Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, Marseille, PSG

PSG rout Marseille on the road in Ligue 1 summit clash

 MARSEILLE, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 26: Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrate his first goal with Kylian Mbappe #7 during the Ligue 1 match between Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain at Orange Velodrome on February 26, 2023 in Marseille, France.Kylian Mbappe has become Paris Saint-Germain’s joint-record scorer and Lionel Messi hit the 700th goal of his senior club career as the Ligue 1 leaders thrashed rivals Marseille 3-0. Mbappe and Messi exchanged assists on Sunday night as the visitors stormed into a 2-0 halftime lead, with the Argentine’s tap-in taking him to 700 goals in senior football for Barcelona and PSG. The duo saved the best for after the break, however, with Mbappe volleying Messi’s dinked pass home to join Edinson Cavani on 200 PSG goals on a memorable ni...
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Harry Kane, Oliver Skipp

Spurs beat Chelsea to increase pressure on Potter

 Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring their teams second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 26, 2023 in London, England. Tottenham boosted their hopes of top-four Premier League finish with a London derby win over Chelsea that increases the pressure on Blues boss Graham Potter. Oliver Skipp’s thumping 20-yard effort just after the interval put the hosts in command and their victory was sealed when Harry Kane turned home Eric Dier’s knock-down late on. While the majority of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were in celebratory mood in the final stages, Kane’s goal saw visiting supporters head for the exit as Chelsea’s recent woes continued. The Blues have now won just two of their previous 15 ...
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Borussia Dortmund, Hoffenheim, Julian Brandt

Dortmund top Bundesliga, throw down gauntlet to Bayern

 Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund at PreZero-Arena on February 25, 2023 in Sinsheim, Germany.Borussia Dortmund have gone top of the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win at Hoffenheim, throwing down the gauntlet for title rivals Bayern Munich and Union Berlin who clash on Sunday. Julian Brandt grabbed the winner for Dortmund in remarkable fashion on Saturday, flicking in free-kick from Marco Reus with his back, as Edin Terzic's side recorded their ninth straight win in all competitions in 2023. "It was not an easy game. We had a bit of luck and are very happy to take the three points," Brandt told Sky TV. "At the moment, lots of things are coming together. We ha...
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Danny Ings, PREMIER LEAGUE, West Ham

Ings double helps West Ham to big win over Forest

 Danny Ings of West Ham in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest at London Stadium on February 25, 2023 in London, England.Danny Ings’ first goals for West Ham proved the launching pad for a huge 4-0 win as David Moyes’ side pulled themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone. Ings, a £15m signing from Aston Villa in January, proved the difference with two identical goals in three second-half minutes as the Hammers capped a much-improved display with a potentially significant three points. The former Liverpool and Burnley striker was quiet for large periods but his clinical finishes settled the nerves around London Stadium and ensured that the hosts could kick on to an eventual thumping victory. Further goals from captain Declan R...
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ARSENAL FC, Gabriel Martinelli, PREMIER LEAGUE

Martinelli gives Arsenal narrow win at Leicester

Timothy Castagne of Leicester City signals that the ball has gone out of play as Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal runs along the touchline during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 25, 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom.Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was enough to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought win at Leicester City.The Brazilian struck in the first minute of the second half, latching on to a deft pass from Leandro Trossard to roll his shot past Danny Ward.Trossard had a fine first-half goal disallowed after Arsenal’s Ben White held Ward in the build-up.Arsenal lead Manchester City by five points before Pep Guardiola’s side face Bournemouth in Saturday’s 17:30 GMT kick-off.Leicester, who rem...
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Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins, PREMIER LEAGUE

Villa victory returns Everton to bottom three

 Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team's first goal from a penalty kick during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on February 25, 2023 in Liverpool, England.Ollie Watkins continued his excellent form in the Premier League as Aston Villa's 2-0 victory sent Everton back into the relegation zone.Striker Watkins netted for a fifth consecutive league game, thumping home a second-half penalty after former Villa midfielder Idrissa Gueye tripped John McGinn in the box. It is a costly defeat for Sean Dyche's men, who return to the bottom three after West Ham United and Leeds United both collected three points. Toffees players and supporters will have left Goodison Park wondering how they went home empty handed, having spurned t...
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Marcus Thuram, TRANSFERS

Marcus Thuram ‘offered to Barcelona on free transfer’

 Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Bayern München at Borussia-Park on February 18, 2023 in Moenchengladbach, Germany.Barcelona have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram. The Catalan giants are currently enjoying a mixed campaign, despite their dominance at the top of the La Liga standings. After an early exit from the Champions League in the group stages, Barcelona were dumped out of the Europa League in the last 32 by Manchester United on Thursday night. As a result, the Spanish outfit will miss out on important continental revenue which they allegedly budgeted for when going on a spending spree last summ...
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Javi Gracia, Leeds United, PREMIER LEAGUE

Javi Gracia ‘An easy decision to accept Leeds United challenge’

Former Watford manager Javi Gracia is seen prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on August 31, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Javi Gracia has acknowledged that it was an “easy” decision to accept the Leeds United managerial vacancy and he is relishing the “challenge” of attempting to steer the club away from the Premier League relegation zone. The 52-year-old was appointed the Whites’ new permanent manager on Tuesday, penning a “flexible contract”, just over two weeks after the dismissal of Jesse Marsch. Leeds have since confirmed that Gracia has been granted a work visa and will take charge of his first game on Saturday at home against Premier League basement club Southampton, who have confirmed the appointment of Ruben Se...
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EUROPA LEAGUE, Manchester United

Man Utd draw Real Betis, Arsenal play Sporting

 A view of the draw results as shown on the big screen following the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 round of 16 draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on February 24, 2023, in Nyon, Switzerland.Manchester United will play Real Betis in the Europa League last 16 after overcoming Barcelona, while Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon. United beat the La Liga leaders 2-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday to seal a 4-3 aggregate win in the play-off tie. Arsenal will play the second leg of their tie at home after qualifying as group winners, while Manchester United host Betis at Old Trafford first. The Europa League last-16 ties will take place on 9 and 16 March. Premier League leaders Arsenal avoided the knockout round play-offs by topping Group A with five wins from their six ga...
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EUROPA LEAGUE, Juventus, Manchester United, ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

Man United storm into Europa League last 16 as Juventus, Roma march on

Antony celebrates victory with Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United at full time during the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford on February 23, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester United edged out Barcelona to reach the Europa League last 16 on Thursday where they were joined by fellow heavyweights Juventus and Roma.After the first leg of their play-off ended 2-2 in Spain, United got the better of Barcelona at Old Trafford to progress 4-3 on aggregate with Antony securing the winner.Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty had given Barca the perfect start but La Liga leaders were again undone with the step up to the European stage as Fred levelled early in the second period.Antony then delivered his bigges...
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Ligue 1, Marseille, PSG

Marseille targets French title as leader PSG pays visit

Lionel Messi of PSG, Alexis Sanchez of Marseille (left) during the French Cup football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Velodrome stadium on February 8, 2023 in Marseille, France.Marseille has a genuine chance at winning the French title for the first time since 2010, especially if it beats league leader Paris Saint-Germain at home on Sunday. Victory at a packed and vociferous Stade Velodrome stadium against bitter rival PSG would bring second-place Marseille to within two points of the defending champion. “The title? Of course we’re thinking about it,” Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba said after the team’s victory over Toulouse on Sunday. Marseille’s tally of 52 points is its best top-flight tally after 24 games. Confidence is growing in coach ...
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NEWS, Sergio Ramos, Spain

Sergio Ramos retires from Spain duty after coach call

Sergio Ramos warms up during a Paris Saint-Germain training session on February 23, 2023 in Paris, France.Sergio Ramos retired from international duty with Spain on Thursday, saying new coach Luis de la Fuente told him he did not count on him. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championship with La Roja, last played for Spain in March 2021. Ramos, who turns 37 in March, published an open letter on social media in which he indicated the new coach forced his hand. “The time has come, the time to say goodbye to the national team, our beloved and exciting Roja,” wrote Ramos. “This morning I received a call from the current coach who told me that he does not and will not count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my car...
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Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, UCL, Vinicius Jr

Young Vinicius, veteran Benzema make perfect duo for Madrid

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates with team-mate Vinicius Junior after scoring their side's fifth goal of the game during the Champions League round of 16 match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday February 21, 2023.Youth and experience. Speed and calmness. And lots of goals. The 22-year-old Vinicius Junior and veteran Karim Benzema are proving to be ideal attacking partners for Real Madrid, teaming up to perfection to keep the European champion thriving. The duo came up big again in Madrid’s stunning recovery in the Champions League on Tuesday, scoring two goals each in the 5-2 come-from-behind win at Liverpool in the first leg of the round of 16. They both also had an assist — for each other — as Madrid rallied from two goals down to take a commanding lead into the second ...
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Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Riyad Mahrez, UCL

Mahrez scores but Man City held by Leipzig in Germany

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City at Red Bull Arena on February 22, 2023 in Leipzig, Germany.Manchester City paid the price for failing to make the most of their first-half dominance as they were held to a draw by RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The away side were in complete control in the first 45 minutes and got the breakthrough midway through the half when Ilkay Gundogan pounced on a mistake in defence and fed Riyad Mahrez to drive into the back of the net. But RB Leipzig came out in the second half with more ambition and twice went close to equalising early on through Benjamin Henrichs, who first headed just over before then sweeping wide with ju...
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