April 2023 – Football Flame

Month: April 2023

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Achraf Hakimi, Ligue 1

Hakimi sees red as PSG lose at home to Lorient

 Referee Jérôme Brisard (C) shows a red card for Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint Germain (H) during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Lorient at Parc des Princes on April 30, 2023 in Paris, France.Lorient stunned 10-man Paris St-Germain as the Ligue 1 leaders fell to their ninth defeat in all competitions in 2023. Enzo le Fee opened the scoring for Lorient, firing high into the net from Romain Faivre’s cutback. Achraf Hakimi was sent off for PSG after collecting two yellow cards in 15 minutes. Kylian Mbappe equalised for the home side but goals from Darlin Yongwa and Bamba Dieng sealed victory for Lorient. Yongwa finished into the bottom corner from close range as Lorient took the lead before half-time. Then in the 87th minute, Dieng made sure of the three points when ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool edge past Spurs in seven-goal thriller

 Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring to make it 4-3 during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 30, 2023 in Liverpool, England.Diogo Jota’s injury-time winner gave Liverpool a dramatic victory at Anfield after Tottenham looked on course to salvage a point despite going three goals behind inside 15 minutes. Spurs were 5-0 down after 20 minutes at Newcastle United and swiftly found themselves three goals adrift at Anfield as Liverpool delivered an opening salvo that left them chasing what looked like a lost cause. Instead, when former Everton striker Richarlison headed his first Premier League goal of the season in stoppage time, Spurs were on the brink of rescuing an unlikely draw – until Jota capitalised on Cristian Romero’s mi...
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Luciano Spalletti, SERIE A

Napoli forced to wait for Serie A title after draw

Luciano Spalletti SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Salernitana at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 30, 2023 in Naples, Italy. Napoli will have to wait for their first Serie A title in 33 years after being held to a draw by Salernitana at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. They last won the league in 1990 with a Diego Maradona-inspired side adding to their first title three years earlier. Luciano Spalletti’s side were on course for the victory they needed when Mathias Olivera headed home a 62nd-minute corner. But Boulaye Dia equalised with a left-footed drive six minutes from time. It silenced an expectant crowd who made a cacophony of noise and set off blue smoke flares inside and outside the stadium, where thousands of fans lined the streets...
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Erling Haaland, Manchester City, PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City go top as Haaland reaches 50-goal mark

 Manchester City's Erling Haland in action with Fulham's Manor Soloman and Fulham's Antonee Robinson during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester City at Craven Cottage on April 30, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.Manchester City beat Fulham to return to the top of the Premier League as Erling Haaland scored his 50th goal of the season in all competitions. Haaland converted a third-minute penalty, after Julian Alvarez had been fouled by Tim Ream, to become the first top-flight player to reach a half-century of goals in one campaign since Tom ‘Pongo’ Waring did so for Aston Villa in 1931. The Norwegian striker also moved level for most goals in a Premier League season – matching the 34 goals Andy Cole scored for Newcastle in 1993-94 and the same amount Alan Shearer r...
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Lautaro Martinez, SERIE A

Napoli on brink of Italian title after Lazio lose at Inter

 Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 30, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Napoli are one win away from ending a 33-year wait for the Serie A title on Sunday after Lazio lost 3-1 at Inter Milan. Runaway league leaders Napoli will secure their first Scudetto since 1990 if they beat Salernitana after Inter came back from a goal down at half-time at the San Siro thanks to a Lautaro Martinez brace and another strike from Robin Gosens. Inter’s three strikes, which all came in the final 13 minutes, moved Inter into Serie A’s Champions League places, ahead of AC Milan and Roma on goal difference, and also unleashed a wave of joy at the St...
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LALIGA

Benzema hat-trick for Madrid, Barca field 15-year-old

 Karim Benzema (L) of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Rodrigo Ely (R) of Almeria UD during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and UD Almeria at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 29, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Karim Benzema has scored a first-half hat trick to lead Real Madrid to a 4-2 win over Almeria in a Spanish league game that threw up an injury scare for Vinicius Junior. The comfortable win ensured Madrid remain in second place, with Barcelona maintaining their commanding 11-point lead with a 4-0 win over nine-man Real Betis. With La Liga all but out of reach with six games remaining, the success of Madrid’s season hinges on next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Osasuna and their Champions League semi-final with Manchester City. With Luka Modric already d...
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Nottingham Forest, PREMIER LEAGUE

Forest stunned as Dasilva seals Brentford comeback

 Danilo of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring their teams first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Brentford Community Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Brentford, England.Nottingham Forest were stunned as a late Brentford fightback denied them precious points in their fight for Premier League survival. Brazilian midfielder Danilo marked his 22nd birthday by putting Forest ahead just before half-time, reacting quickest to steer home Morgan Gibbs-White’s shot which deflected into his path. Brentford had plenty of the ball but created few clear chances until Ivan Toney’s 82nd-minute free-kick went in off Forest keeper Keylor Navas. With Forest hanging on and only 10 men on the pitch after Danilo went off injured, substitute Josh Dasilva score...
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Brighton & Hove Albion, PREMIER LEAGUE

Brighton thump Wolves to boost European hopes

Deniz Undav of Brighton & Hove Albion is congratulated by team-mate Kaoru Mitoma after he scores a goal to make it 6-0 during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers at American Express Community Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Brighton, England.Brighton reignited their push for a place in Europe next season by recording their biggest-ever top-flight victory at the expense of woeful Wolves. The Seagulls remain eighth in the Premier League but are now just a point behind Liverpool in seventh and two behind fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played two games more than Roberto de Zerbi’s side. Deniz Undav broke the deadlock with his first Premier League goal, before Pascal Gross made it 2-0 with an easy finish following Julio Enciso’s driving run...
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Jordan Ayew, PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace edge West Ham in seven-goal thriller

 Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace is challenged by Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on April 29, 2023 in London, England.Crystal Palace edged a seven-goal thriller against West Ham to reach the 40-point mark targeted by manager Roy Hodgson and leave the Hammers in relegation trouble. Former England boss Hodgson has led Palace to four wins in six games since returning as manager last month to almost certainly guide the Eagles, now 11 points clear of the bottom three, to safety. Kick-off in south London was delayed by 15 minutes because of an issue with the turnstiles – but there was no shortage of action once the match got under way. Although West Ham took an early lead when Tomas Soucek punished M...
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BUNDESLIGA, Karim Adeyemi

Bundesliga leaders Dortmund drop key points at Bochum

 Cristian Gamboa of VfL Bochum and Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and Borussia Dortmund at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on April 28, 2023 in Bochum, Germany.Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund have dropped important points in the title race after being held to a 1-1 draw by a brave Bochum side. With the point gained on Friday, Dortmund still top the league, now with a two-point advantage over Bayern Munich. But the Bavarians can regain their customary place at the top on Sunday if they can beat Hertha Berlin, who are bottom of the table. For Bochum, though, it was a vital point in the relegation fight for a side who are now winless in the last five games. Bochum found the net with only five minutes on the clock thanks...
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LALIGA, Real Sociedad

Sociedad close in on Champions League spot with victory

 Real Sociedad's Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo (C) celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish League football match between CA Osasuna and Real Sociedad at El Sadar stadium in Pamplona on April 28, 2023.Real Sociedad have taken another step towards locking up a Champions League berth after beating Osasuna 2-0 in the Spanish league. The win allowed fourth-placed Sociedad to open up a nine-point gap over fifth-placed Real Betis, putting more pressure on the Seville-based side to win at leaders Barcelona on Saturday. The top-four finishers in the league earn spots in Europe’s elite competition next season. The game’s opener came in the sixth minute when Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera scored an own goal. But Herrera kept Osasuna in the match by making ...
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LALIGA, Luka Modric

Modric a doubt for cup final and Man City tie

 Luka Modric of Real Madrid CF with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Girona FC and Real Madrid CF at Montilivi Stadium on April 25, 2023 in Girona, Spain.Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is an injury doubt for the Copa del Rey final and the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City. The midfielder has what Real say is an issue at “the back of his left thigh”. The Spanish club play the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on 6 May before the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against City on 9 May. “He had an injury in the game at Girona [on Tuesday] and is out of action,” said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti. Modric was substituted after 63 minutes in the 4-2 midweek defeat. Real will play league games against Almeria and Real Sociedad before ...
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Uncategorized

Leeds United’s survival hopes hit as Luis Sinisterra ruled out for the season

Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on April 25, 2023 in Leeds, England.Leeds United’s Premier League survival hopes have been dealt a blow as Luis Sinisterra has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Colombia winger Sinisterra, who has scored three goals in his last five appearances, was forced out of the midweek home draw against Leicester due to an ankle injury. Head coach Javi Gracia, whose side play at relegation rivals Bournemouth on Sunday, said: “Luis will be out for the rest of the season. I think it’s something in his ankle, a ligament. “It’s tough for us to lose key players. I prefer to not complain. I have enough players to compete better and try to work with them ...
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Alejandro Garnacho, PREMIER LEAGUE

Garnacho signs new five-year Manchester United contract

 Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United poses with Manager Erik ten Hag after signing a new contract at Carrington Training Ground on April 28, 2023 in Manchester, England.Alejandro Garnacho has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United, even as they decided not to allow the Argentinian to play in the Under-20 World Cup in his home country. United have rewarded Garnacho, who has scored four goals in 29 games in a breakthrough season, with a pay rise and an extended deal as he is set to make his comeback after seven weeks out. Argentina had failed to qualify for the World Cup but then became the hosts when the tournament was moved from Indonesia – but Garnacho is instead staying at Old Trafford to concentrate on United’s bid for a top-four finish and the FA Cup final. Uni...
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LALIGA, Valencia FC

Valencia gain crucial win in Liga survival battle

 Javi Guerra of Valencia cf celebrate after scoring the 2-1 goal with his teammate during La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Valladolid at Mestalla Stadium on April 27, 2023.Valencia youngster Javi Guerra struck a vital stoppage-time winner to help his side beat Real Valladolid 2-1 yesterday and climb out of La Liga’s relegation zone. Los Che produced a fine comeback at Mestalla to pull themselves towards safety, up to 16th, two points above the bottom three. Espanyol, 19th, sunk deeper into the mire with a 4-2 defeat by Villarreal. Canadian striker Cyle Larin struck in the sixth minute after a lapse in concentration by Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby, who gave the ball away in his own half. However the Guinea defender made amends for his mistake for Valencia on the hour ma...
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PREMIER LEAGUE, Son Heung-min

Tottenham fight back to draw against Man Utd

 Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur and Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 27, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. Son Heung-min scored a 79th-minute equaliser to complete a fine Tottenham comeback against Manchester United in Ryan Mason’s first game back as interim boss.United looked to be coasting to a fourth straight Premier League win after goals by Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford put them in a commanding position at half-time. Pedro Porro launched the fightback before Bruno Fernandes hit the bar for United when he should have scored. Son equalised from close range after good work by Harry Kane to leave home fans, who had earlier called ...
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Joelinton, PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle win keeps Everton in relegation zone

 Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on April 27, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Newcastle took a huge stride towards Champions League football next season by inflicting a demoralising defeat on struggling Everton, who remain rooted in the Premier League’s relegation zone. A comfortable win at Goodison Park keeps Eddie Howe’s men in third place, eight points clear of Aston Villa in fifth and with a game in hand, in the battle to play in Europe’s elite club competition. Callum Wilson scored twice for the visitors in each half, reacting quickest to poke home the opener before curling a magnificent 25-yard ef...
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Kevin de Bruyne, PREMIER LEAGUE

Kevin de Bruyne: Manchester City ‘at our best’ in emphatic win over Arsenal

 Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Thomas Partey of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Kevin de Bruyne said Manchester City were at their best in the 4-1 win over Arsenal on Wednesday night, a result which has tipped the Premier League title race in the defending champions’ favour. De Bruyne scored twice at the Etihad – the first a superb low finish – either side of providing the free-kick for John Stones to head home City’s second after a VAR review. Rob Holding pulled one back for Arsenal, before Erling Haaland added another record to his debut season, his 33rd goal setting a new milestone for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League campaign. It was the...
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Frank Lampard, PREMIER LEAGUE

Fifth loss for Lampard as Brentford win at Chelsea

 Chelsea's English caretaker manager Frank Lampard (R) passes a stray ball back to Brentford's Danish defender Mathias Jorgensen during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge in London on April 26, 2023.Chelsea lost their fifth successive game since the return of Frank Lampard as Brentford won at Stamford Bridge to strengthen their position in the Premier League’s top 10. The visitors did not have a shot on target in the first half but took the lead midway through when Mathias Jorgensen’s flick from a corner hit Cesar Azpilicueta on his shoulder to deflect into the back of the net. Chelsea once again struggled to create chances and a hugely disappointing first half ended with boos from some of the home supporters. The Blues did impro...
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BARCELONA FC, LALIGA

Leaders Barcelona lose at Rayo Vallecano

 Alvaro Garcia (18) of Rayo Vallecano celebrates after scoring a goal during the La Liga week 31 football match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona at Vallecas Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 26, 2023.Leaders Barcelona suffered only their third La Liga defeat of the season as Rayo Vallecano secured a memorable win. Goals by Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia put the mid-table hosts in a commanding position before Robert Lewandowski scored a late consolation. Barca remain on course to win a first La Liga title since 2018-19, 11 points clear of nearest rivals Real Madrid with eight matches left. They host fifth-placed Real Betis on Saturday (kick-off 20:00 BST). Garcia put Vallecano ahead after firing across Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Garcia doubled the lead. Lewandowski pulled one back...
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