November 2023 – Football Flame

Month: November 2023

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Palmer given new Chelsea role as Pochettino faces two issues before Brighton tie

 Chelsea's Cole Palmer gives a thumbs up to a fan during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on November 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Mauricio Pochettino has been dealt a major headache ahead of Chelsea's clash against Brighton this weekend. The Blues will welcome the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as either side looks to climb the Premier League table.Chelsea will be keen to return to winning ways following a disappointing defeat to Newcastle United. The west Londoners had gone on a decent run up until their visit to St. James' Park, picking up a win over Tottenham Hotspur and getting a hard-fought point from Manchester City.As for Roberto De Zerbi's side, they're unbeaten in four Premier League ...
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Champions League

Arsenal win Champions League group with Lens rout

 Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his side's first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2023 in London, England. Arsenal reached the Champions League knockouts as group winners by thumping Lens at Emirates Stadium.The Gunners scored five in a phenomenal first-half display as they reach the last 16 in their first appearance in the competition for seven years.Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all scored in the first half, before Jorginho added a late penalty.Arsenal progress from Group B alongside PSV Eindhoven, with Lens out."I didn't even dream like this," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "The team from the beginning showed a lot of aggression and determination t...
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Champions League

Man Utd let two-goal lead slip in classic match with Galatasaray

 Andre Onana of Manchester United interacts with Lucas Torreira of Galatasaray AS during the Group A - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Manchester United at the Ali Sami Yen Arena on November 29, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey.Manchester United's Champions League hopes suffered another setback as a horror show from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Galatasaray to earn a draw in a classic match in Istanbul.Erik ten Hag's side did so much right and twice held a two-goal lead but errors from Onana threw Galatasaray lifelines to leave United bottom of Group A with their hopes of reaching the knockout phase in the balance before their final game at home to Bayern Munich.If Copenhagen beat Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena later on Wednesday, Manchester United will be kn...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool suffer double injury blow as star player targets return vs Man United

Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 04, 2023 in Kirkby, England.Liverpool have suffered a double injury blow with goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota sidelined ahead of next month's Premier League showdown with Manchester United.Jota is set to miss the Anfield match with United but Liverpool are hopeful Allison will be fit to face Erik ten Hag's side. The goalkeeper picked up a hamstring injury during the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad.Liverpool expect him to miss five games with the United fixture the targeted return date for the Brazil international. Forward Jota also suffered a hamstring problem early in the second half. He has scored eight goals in 17 appearances this term.Liverpo...
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TRANSFERS

Report: Real Madrid keeping tabs on Jobe Bellingham

 Sunderland player Jobe Bellingham in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Birmingham City at Stadium of Light on November 11, 2023 in Sunderland, England.Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Jobe Bellingham's performances at Sunderland.The 18-year-old is the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, who completed a big-money move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window.Jude Bellingham has been in outstanding form for Los Blancos this term, scoring 14 goals and registering three assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.The England international started his career at Birmingham City before moving to Dortmund, spending three years with the German side ahead of his switch to the Spanish capital.Jobe Bellingham, me...
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TRANSFERS

Liverpool target European star that did this against Man City

 Lois Openda of Belgium during the Group F - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers match between Belgium and Azerbaijan at King Baudouin Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda starred against Manchester City in the Champions League - and Liverpool are keen on him.Openda, 23, scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season at the Etihad Stadium as his side fell to a late 3-2 loss against the reigning European champions, but he stood out.He gave the German side a shock 2-0 lead after two well-taken first-half goals but goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez saw his side beaten on the night.Amid the plaudits he received from the footballing world last night, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Liverpool are one of the ...
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Champions League

UEFA Champions League: Barcelona, Dortmund, Atletico and Lazio into last-16

 Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates the victory during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v FC Porto at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on November 28, 2023 in Barcelona Spain.Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Lazio all qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League on Tuesday.Manchester City bounced back from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig with both teams already qualified, while Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle drew 1-1 and both need a result on matchday six to go through.Atletico Madrid booked their place with a sumptuous volley from defender Mario Hermoso and two own goals firing them to a thrilling 3-1 win over Dutch champions Feyenoord.“I am very happy for the players. Today, we knew how difficult our opponent would be,” ...
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Champions League

Late Immobile double ends Celtic’s Euro ambitions

 Ciro Immobile of SS Lazio celebrates the victory after the UEFA Champions League match between SS Lazio and Celtic FC at Stadio Olimpico on November 28, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Celtic's European hopes ended in frustrating fashion after substitute Ciro Immobile's late double denied them what would have been a creditable draw with Lazio.Brendan Rodgers' side needed to win to preserve any hope of progression in the Champions League, or even the consolation of a Europa League spot. And while the Scottish Premiership side were resilient in Rome, they struggled to eke out chances.Lazio endured an exasperating evening themselves but ultimately could rely on the quality of Immobile.The Italy striker flashed a deflected Gustav Isaksen cross past Joe Hart in the 82nd minute, then capitalised...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool predicted lineup vs LASK – Europa League

 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Manchester, England.Liverpool have another chance of securing their place in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday night when LASK visit Anfield.For that to happen, Liverpool must better Toulouse's Matchday 5 result. The Reds play host to bottom-dwellers LASK, while the French side host Union Saint-Gilloise.Jurgen Klopp's men are still in a very strong position to avoid the extra two games that come with finishing second in the group and entering the knockout round playoff. They're two points ahead of Toulouse and four points from their remaining fixtures will confirm their status as group winners.Klopp will once again ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Garnacho did the two things ten Hag wanted for United vs Everton

 Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United scores the team's first goal the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 26, 2023 in Liverpool, England.Alejandro Garnacho stole the headlines with an incredible goal in the 3-0 win at Everton on Sunday but it won't just have been that moment of magic that pleased Erik ten Hag.Manchester United came away from a fervent Goodison Park with all three points and recorded their fifth win in six Premier League games over the weekend. Garnacho shocked the home support into silence with an unbelievable overhead kick inside three minutes, watching Diogo Dalot's cross float over to him before unleashing his effort into Jordan Pickford's top corner.Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial secured the victory i...
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Champions League

Newcastle face ‘defining moment’ against PSG

 Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe speaks to media during the Newcastle United Training and Press Conference for the UEFA Champions League at Parc des Princes on November 27, 2023 in Paris, France.Eddie Howe has acknowledged that Newcastle have reached a “defining moment” in their Champions League campaign and will need to “play on the edge” at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.Much has changed since Newcastle swatted a visibly stunned PSG aside 4-1 at St James’ Park in October, most notably the injury crisis which has 12 senior players in treatment rooms on Tyneside rather than preparing for combat at the Parc des Princes. Two subsequent European defeats against Borussia Dortmund have left Newcastle bottom of Group F and aware that defeat in Paris will spell elimination from ...
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LALIGA

Xavi says Porto match represents ‘turning point’ for Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez during the press conference prior to the league match against Real Madrid, in Barcelona, on 27th October 2023. Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says Tuesday's Champions League match at home to FC Porto could be a potential "turning point" for his side as they look to clinch a place in the last 16.The Catalans missed the chance to qualify from Group H with two games to spare when they suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg at the start of November.However, a victory over second-placed Porto at home will send Barcelona through to the knockout phase and lift some of the tension after a stuttering run of form over the past month."It's a very important match, it's vital. If we win we would be assured of finishing in the top two, after two years with...
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TRANSFERS

Report: Manchester United considering Thomas Muller swoop

 Thomas Muller of Germany looks on during the International Friendly match between Germany and France at Signal Iduna Park on September 12, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. Manchester United are reportedly open to the possibility of signing Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller during the January transfer window.At one stage earlier this season, Erik ten Hag was believed to be under pressure at Old Trafford, partly down to the club's lack of goals.However, United have now collected 15 points from their last six games in the Premier League, a 3-0 victory at Everton on Sunday moving the club to within two points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.As a result, Ten Hag is in a position where he can focus on the club's January business, even if the level of it is in doubt courtesy of the club'...
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LALIGA

La Liga Round Up: Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Real Betis win ahead of key European week

 Jose Luis Morales of Villarreal CF (3R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's third goal and his hat trick during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio de la Ceramica on November 26, 2023 in Villarreal, Spain. La Liga returned with a full weekend schedule after the international break with teams also switching focus to European matters in the coming days.As the Champions League and Europa League races continue at pace, Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Villarreal all secured home wins.Villarreal 3 Osasuna 1Villarreal face a crucial Europa League clash against Panathinaikos in midweek and they warmed up for it with a first La Liga win under the returning Marcelino.Marcelino is aiming to steer Yellow Submarine in a positive direction i...
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BUNDESLIGA

Leverkusen back on top on Alonso’s birthday

 Xabi Alonso (L) and Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen celebrating after the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Wohninvest Weserstadion on November 25, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. Bayer Leverkusen returned to the top of the Bundesliga following a 3-0 win at Werder Bremen, a record-equalling eighth league victory in a row for Xabi Alonso's side.The Spanish coach celebrated his 42nd birthday by leapfrogging Bayern Munich on Saturday, who had temporarily reached the summit on Friday night with a 1-0 success at lowly Cologne, England captain Harry Kane netting his 18th goal in 12 league games.Leverkusen led inside 10 minutes thanks to Olivier Deman's own goal. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo scored either side of halftime.Third-placed VfB S...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Late goal sees Arsenal beat Brentford to reach Premier League summit

 Arsenal's Kai Havertz (left) celebrates with Eddie Nketiah after scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday November 25, 2023. Kai Havertz climbed off the bench to fire Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a late winner to sink Brentford 1-0.Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool at lunchtime left the door open for the Gunners to hit the summit for the first time since May 2nd.They did not look like doing so for 89 minutes against a stubborn Brentford side, and at times were grateful the hosts did not punish some rudimentary errors from goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.But 10 minutes after coming off the bench, Havertz struck at the far post to convert Bukayo Saka’s cross and lif...
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SERIE A

Osimhen boosts Napoli as they win in Mazzarri’s debut

 Victor Osimhen of Napoli during the Serie A TIM match between Atalanta BC and SSC Napoli at Gewiss Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Bergamo, Italy.Victor Osimhen is back and so might be Napoli under new coach Walter Mazzarri.Osimhen came off the bench to mark his first appearance after more than a month injured and proved decisive in a 2-1 win at Atalanta on Saturday for the defending Serie A champions.Osimhen took advantage of a poor clearance from Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, pushing the ball toward fellow substitute Eljif Elmas, who used one touch to redirect it in for the winner in the 79th minute.Osimhen, last season's top scorer in the Italian league, hadn't played since injuring his right thigh with Nigeria last month.Mazzarri, who also coached Napoli a decade ago, wa...
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LALIGA

Barcelona needs own-goal to salvage 1-1 draw at Rayo. Griezmann leads Atletico past Mallorca 1-0

 (L-R) Oscar Valentin of Rayo Vallecano Oscar Trejo of Rayo Vallecano Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on November 25, 2023 in Madrid Spain .Barcelona needed an own-goal by Rayo Vallecano defender Florian Lejeune in the final minutes to salvage a 1-1 draw in Madrid on Saturday.Rayo midfielder Unai López put the hosts ahead in the Spanish league game with a shot from well outside the area in the 39th minute at Vallecas Stadium.Barcelona was held in check until late in the second half. Minutes after substitute Raphinha hit the post, Lejeune inadvertently turned a cross by Alejandro Balde, which was intended for Robert Lewandowski, into his own net in the 82nd.Antoine Griezmann score...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Alexander-Arnold rescues Liverpool draw at Man City

Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool FC scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Manchester, England.Trent Alexander-Arnold's late equaliser gave Liverpool a point at Manchester City in the meeting of the Premier League's top two at Etihad Stadium.In a game that did not touch the heights of previous encounters between the main domestic powers of recent times, reigning champions City led when Erling Haaland was the beneficiary of Liverpool keeper Alisson's poor clearance.It made him the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League goals - in his 48th match - and gave City an advantage they held until the closing stages.Ruben Dias thought he had added City's second, only to see his goal ruled out fo...
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BUNDESLIGA

Kane scores again as Bayern back on top of the Bundesliga with 1-0 win over Cologne

Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munchen looks on after his team's win during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Koln and FC Bayern Munchen at the RheinEnergieStadion on November 24, 2023 in Cologne, Germany. (Harry Kane scored yet again Friday to lead Bayern Munich to the top of the Bundesliga with a 1-0 win at Cologne.No other player has ever scored 18 goals in the first 12 rounds of the Bundesliga, while Kane also became the first English player to reach 18 goals in a single Bundesliga season, overtaking the 17 scored both by Jadon Sancho for Borussia Dortmund (2019-20) and Kevin Keegan for Hamburger SV (1978-79).From Bayern’s point of view, Kane’s goal put the pressure on early season leader Bayer Leverkusen, which can reclaim first place Saturday with a win at Werder Bremen.But Bayern, the 11-...
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