February 2023 – Page 3 – Football Flame

16Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Dortmund sink wasteful Chelsea, Benfica put one foot in quarterfinals

Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea FC at Signal Iduna Park on February 15, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. A superb length-of-the-field goal from Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi helped his side to a 1-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, putting them in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals. Adeyemi’s goal came during a period of sustained dominance from the visitors early in the second half, with the Germany forward pouncing on a clearance from a Chelsea corner. Adeyemi sensed the opportunity and ran the length of the field, rounding both Enzo Fernandez and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to give Dortmund the lead in the first leg t...

16Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

ARSENAL FC, Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City, PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City go top with win over title rivals Arsenal

Erling Haaland of Manchester City embraces Ruben Dias after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England.Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League for the first time since November as they leapfrogged leaders Arsenal with a vital victory at Emirates Stadium. The reigning champions turned on the power in the second half in the biggest game of the domestic season as Arsenal paid a heavy price for individual errors. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s poor backpass allowed Kevin de Bruyne to loft a finish over Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after 24 minutes but Arsenal deservedly drew level three minutes before half-time, Bukayo Saka scoring from the spot after City goalkeeper Ederson fouled Eddie Nketiah....

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, NEWS

‘I shouldn’t have come back’ – Mbappe’s fitness confession after PSG return

Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Bayern Muenchen (Bayern Munich, Bayern München) at Parc des Princes stadium on February 14, 2023 in Paris, France.Kylian Mbappe admitted he rushed back too soon to face Bayern Munich in PSG’s Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat on Tuesday. The 24-year-old injured his thigh in PSG’s 3-1 win at Montpellier on February 1, and it was reported he would be sidelined for three weeks. However, just 13 days later, the forward was a surprise inclusion in Christophe Galtier’s squad and was introduced from the bench at the Parc des Princes. Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside on a frustrating evening for the French champions as Kingsley Coman returned to haunt his former s...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, EUROPA LEAGUE, NEWS, Ronald Araujo

Xavi plans to use Araujo against in-form Marcus Rashford

04 Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023.Barcelona welcome an in-form Marcus Rashford to the Camp Nou on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie with Manchester United. The England international heads into the game after scoring 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 13 since the World Cup – that’s more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Xavi has been thinking about the game and has come up with a plan to deal with Rashford and his name is Ronald Araujo, according to AS. The Barcelona boss has previously used Araujo up against Vinicius Junior, to good effect, and now wants to do the same thing with R...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BAYERN MUNICH, Champions League, Kingsley Coman, PSG

Coman repeats 2020 trick as Bayern beat poor PSG

Lionel Messi of Paris Saint Germain in action with Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern Munchen at Parc des Princes on February 14, 2023 in Paris, France.Kingsley Coman repeated his 2020 Champions League final heroics as Bayern Munich beat Paris St-Germain in their last-16 first-leg tie. The Frenchman volleyed home the winner early in the second half in Paris. Coman also scored the only goal when Bayern overcame his former club PSG to win the trophy three years ago. Substitute Kylian Mbappe, back after injury, looked to have rescued a draw for the hosts, but his late effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up. Ligue 1 champions PSG have now lost their last three matches in all competitions...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

AC Milan, Brahim Diaz, Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham fall to narrow first-leg loss at Milan

Brahim Diaz of AC Milan celebrates with teammate Olivier Giroud after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Tottenham will have to produce a Champions League comeback after Brahim Diaz gave AC Milan a narrow win in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the San Siro. Diaz nodded in early on after Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster had saved a Theo Hernandez shot and then superbly got a hand on the scorer’s initial follow-up attempt. Antonio Conte’s side looked relatively comfortable for long periods of the contest against the seven-time European champions – as a youthful pairing of Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp deputised ably for the suspended P...

14Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

ARSENAL FC, Mikel Arteta, PREMIER LEAGUE

Arteta: Arsenal want points back after VAR error

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. Mikel Arteta has accused referee Lee Mason of “not understanding” his job as a VAR official and said Arsenal have “huge anger” over the mistake which influenced Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Brentford. Ivan Toney’s 74th-minute header earned Brentford a point at the Emirates Stadium despite Christian Norgaard assisting the goal from an offside position – an error referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) subsequently labelled as “human error.” PGMOL apologised to Arsenal while Mason was dropped from his VAR duties for this weekend’s Premier League games but Arteta nevertheless lamented the decision...

14Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA, Ruben Baraja, Valencia FC

Valencia appoint Baraja in bid to avoid La Liga drop

Ruben Baraja attends his presentation as the new Real Zaragoza coach at Romareda Stadium on August 21, 2020 in Zaragoza, Spain. La Liga strugglers Valencia appointed former midfielder Ruben Baraja as coach on Tuesday tasking him with saving them from relegation. Los Che sacked Gennaro Gattuso in January before appointing staff member Voro for the eighth time as an interim coach. Although Voro confirmed the plan was for him to stay in place until the end of the season, three consecutive defeats led Valencia to make a change. The east coast club are 18th, a point from safety, having suffered 11 defeats in 21 league games. “One of the most successful and illustrious players in the history of Valencia, (Baraja) knows the idiosyncrasies of the club and returns home as a coach to contribute...

14Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ansu Fati, LALIGA

Ansu Fati not listening to offers to leave Barca – report

10 Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Getafe CF at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on January 22nd, 2023.Barcelona forward Ansu Fati is reportedly not interested in hearing any offers from other clubs as speculation about his future continues. The latest update on the youngster comes from Mundo Deportivo who reckon Fati is “focused on reversing his situation and stopping all the rumors” that are flying around. Fati is determined to convince Xavi that he deserves more playing time and “wants to be a solution for the team in a very long season” for the Catalan giants. Xavi has heavily backed the forward in the last few weeks and insisted he is not for sale amid rumors of interest from Premier League clubs including Manchester United. Presi...

14Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Alexander Sorloth, LALIGA, Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad keep up Champions League push with Espanyol win

Alexander Sorloth of Real Sociedad celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad at RCDE Stadium on February 13, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Real Sociedad have maintained their drive for a Champions League qualification spot with a 3-2 win at Espanyol. La Real wrapped up the extended weekend period with a valuable three points on the road in Catalonia as they remain in third place in La Liga. Both sides created chances in a busy opening period at the RCDE Stadium with Takefusa Kubo eventually hammering the away side in front. That advantage was extended at the start of a busy second period, via Alexander Sorloth’s tap in, before Leandro Cabrera’s own goal clinched the win. The hosts did rally late on, ...

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG

PSG receive injury boost as Mbappe returns ahead of Bayern Munich clash

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe lies on the ground after getting injured during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 1, 2023.Paris Saint-Germain have received a massive injury boost ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich in the coming week. The club’s talisman Kylian Mbappe who was initially a doubt for the Round of 16 first leg game with injury, returned to training with the group on Sunday in a bid to play a role in the game. It has been a rough few days for PSG with their Ligue 1 title charge taking a hit following a disappointing 3-1 defeat away at AS Monaco on Saturday. Earlier, they were dealt another blow by Marseill...

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Pedri

Barcelona open 11 point lead in Spanish league

Pedri of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team's first goalduring the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 12, 2023 in Villarreal, Spain. Barcelona keep on winning and moving further away from Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish league. Barcelona beat Villarreal 1-0 on the road on Sunday to extend their winning streak to 11 matches in all competitions and their lead over second-place Madrid to 11 points. Madrid, who won the Club World Cup on Saturday, have played a game less than Barcelona. Pedri scored in the 18th minute for Barcelona, whose 11-game streak has included beating Real Betis on penalties in the Spanish Super Cup and an extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey against Intercity. Eighth-place Villarreal hav...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Adrien Rabiot, Juventus, SERIE A

Juventus survive late scare to beat Fiorentina

Adrien Rabiot of Juventus celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Turin, Italy. Adrien Rabiot headed Juventus to a hard-fought 1-0 win over old rivals Fiorentina on Sunday but survived a scare after the away side’s late leveller was ruled out for offside. France midfielder Rabiot met Angel Di Maria’s exquisite cross with a header which just crossed the line in the 34th minute, his fourth Serie A goal of the season which moved Juventus up to ninth. Fiorentina thought they had snatched a late point when Gaetano Castrovilli rifled home a first-time finish with a minute remaining. However his superb finish was chalked off following a pitchside VAR check when referee Mic...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Manchester City, PREMIER LEAGUE, Riyad Mahrez

City cast Villa aside to close the gap on Arsenal

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates with team mate Erling Haaland after scoring their sides third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. Manchester City hit back after a dismal week off the field with a commanding display on it as they overpowered Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday. The champions were rocked when they were charged with 115 breaches of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations on Monday. The players responded to the furore with one of their best displays of the season, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. Ollie Watkins pulled one back after the break but the visitors were no match for a fired-...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Leeds United, Marcus Rashford, PREMIER LEAGUE

Rashford goal sets Man Utd on way to win at Leeds

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores the team's first goal past Illan Meslier of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 12, 2023 in Leeds, England. Manchester United scored twice in the final 10 minutes at Elland Road to leave manager-less Leeds deep in relegation trouble. Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock when he rose to meet Luke Shaw’s curling cross to head past Illan Meslier for his 21st goal of a superb season. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho then outpaced the home defence before beating Meslier at his near post to the obvious joy of manager Erik ten Hag on the touchline. The result was harsh on Leeds, who created a number of decent opportunities but could not beat visiting goalkeeper David de Gea....

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Club World Cup, NEWS, Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid beats Al-Hilal to win 5th Club World Cup

(L-R) Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022 Final match between Real Madrid v Al Hilal at Prince Moulay Abdellah on February 11, 2023 in Rabat, Morocco.Real Madrid has won the Club World Cup for a record-extending fifth time after beating Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final in Rabat, Morocco. Vinicius Junior scored twice and helped Karim Benzema in a third goal, while Federico Valverde added two more for the European champions in Saturday’s final, which turned into a shootout. Al-Hilal never led the match but showed it was no fluke that it had upset Brazil’s Flamengo to reach the decider in Morocco’s capital. Luciano Vietto scored twice and Moussa Marega once for the Asian champions. Madr...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, Neymar, PSG

Stumbling PSG lose 3-1 to Monaco in French league

Mohamed Camara of AS Monaco clashes with Neymar Jr of PSG during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Louis II on February 11, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco.A weakened Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a second straight loss in all competitions, going down 3-1 to Monaco 3-1 in the French league, three days before facing Bayern Munich. Monaco climbed to third place after Saturday’s win in Paris, seven points behind a rattled PSG, whose lead was cut to five points after second-placed Marseille beat Clermont 2-0. Undefeated in all competitions from August to December, PSG have become fragile. They lost to Lens and Rennes in the league last month and were knocked out by Marseille in the last 16 of the French Cup on Wednesday. “We have conceded a lot of goals since the ...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Iheanacho, Leicester city, PREMIER LEAGUE, Tottenham Hotspur

Leicester come back to blow away sloppy Spurs

Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on February 11, 2023 in Leicester, England.Tottenham’s mentality was questioned as assistant boss Cristian Stellini apologised for their humbling by Leicester City. The Foxes were hugely impressive as they came from behind to win with four goals for the second time in a row. Spurs, with boss Antonio Conte back in the dugout following a gallbladder removal, had an ideal start when Rodrigo Bentancur diverted home Victor Kristiansen’s sliced clearance. But the resurgent Foxes netted twice in less than two and a half minutes to turn the game on its head. First Nampalys Mendy scored only the second goal of his e...

11Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA, Thomas Muller

Muller sets record, scores to keep Bayern top in Bundesliga

Thomas Mueller of Bayern Munich celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Bochum 1848 at Allianz Arena on February 11, 2023 in Munich, Germany.Thomas Muller set a Bayern Munich record for Bundesliga appearances and celebrated by scoring in a 3-0 win over Bochum to keep the defending champion on top on Saturday. It was Muller’s 428th league appearance for Bayern, one more than club great Gerd Muller, and the most for any outfield player at the club. Only goalkeepers Oliver Kahn (429) and Sepp Meier (473) have played more Bundesliga games for Bayern. Muller capitalized on a botched backpass from Bochum defender Saidy Janko to break the deadlock in the 41st minute with his fourth league goal of the season. He ha...

11Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

CHELSEA FC, David Moyes, Emerson Palmieri

Chelsea held by West Ham as Emerson Palmieri scores against his former club

Noni Madueke of Chelsea battles for possession with Emerson Palmieri of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England.Chelsea are still searching for a winning formula after they were held to a 1-1 draw at London rivals West Ham. The Blues, boosted by a £300million spending spree last month, took the lead through one of their seven January buys, Joao Felix. But West Ham equalised thanks to Chelsea old boy Emerson Palmieri and, once again, Graham Potter’s expensively-assembled side were unable to find a winner. It is now just one win in seven since the turn of the year for Chelsea, while Potter’s record reads five wins, six draws and five defeats from his 16 Premier League games in charge. Inj...