2023 – Page 3 – Football Flame
Latest Football News

Year: 2023

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SERIE A

Outstanding Osimhen lifts Napoli to Cagliari victory

 Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 16, 2023 in Naples, Italy.Freshly crowned African player of the year Victor Osimhen has once again underlined his value to Italian champions Napoli. Having already scored with a towering header between two defenders, Osimhen went on to provide a stunning assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 75th-minute winner as Napoli beat Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari 2-1 in Serie A. The 24-year-old Nigeria international controlled a pass with his right foot and flicked the ball onto his chest before bouncing it three times off his right thigh and onto his head. Appearing to lose control at that point, Osimhen inste...
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LALIGA

Barcelona, Atletico slip up in La Liga title race

 Joao Felix of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Hugo Guillamon of Valencia CF during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on December 16, 2023 in Valencia, Spain. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have stumbled in the Spanish league title race, while struggling Sevilla have parted company with coach Diego Alonso. Barcelona’s 1-1 draw at Valencia made it three games without a win across all competitions as Xavi Hernandez’s side struggle to find the form that took them to the title last season. Atletico fared even worse, fortunate to lose only 2-0 at top-four chasing Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona’s stalemate at Mestalla Stadium means surprise leaders Girona remain six points clear of their third-placed local rivals before Monday’s clas...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea edge past dogged Sheffield United

 Wes Foderingham of Sheffield United makes a save after Raheem Sterling of Chelsea has a shot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2023 in London, England. Chelsea returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over a dogged Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, beaten by Manchester United and Everton in their past two games, broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half when Cole Palmer slotted home after fine work by Raheem Sterling. It was 2-0 seven minutes later, Nicolas Jackson converting Palmer’s pass after Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham palmed the ball into the former Manchester City youngster’s path. Chelsea enjoyed almost 80% possession across the 90 minutes, but Conor Gallaghe...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham victory at Forest boosts top-four hopes

 Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring their team's first goal with Son Heung-min during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 15, 2023 in Nottingham, England. Ten-man Tottenham condemned Nottingham Forest to a fifth Premier League defeat in six games as they underlined their top-four ambitions at the City Ground. Richarlison’s third goal in two games set Spurs on their way with the outstanding Dejan Kulusevski sealing victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side who had Yves Bissouma sent off in the 70th minute. The result moves fifth-placed Tottenham level on points with Manchester City, although the champions have played a game less. Forest who sit 16th in the table, five points clear of the bottom three, have ...
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SERIE A

Juventus’ top spot ambitions dashed in Genoa draw

Gleison Bremer of Juventus reacts as Milan Badelj of Genoa CFC is shown a yellow card by the Referee Davide Massa for a foul on the Brazilian during the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and Juventus at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 15, 2023 in Genoa, Italy.Juventus missed their most-awaited chance to take the lead in the Serie A after drawing 1-1 against Genoa. Albert Gudmundsson's goal in the second half secured the draw for Genoa, denying Juventus the opportunity to claim the top Serie A spot.Despite Juventus closing the gap on Inter Milan to just one point, they could fall further behind if Inter win against Lazio on Sunday.Coach Massimiliano Allegri expressed disappointment, highlighting the need to capitalise on important chances during the game. He mentioned, "When you ha...
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NEWS

Leverkusen keeps perfect record, young Liverpool team loses to complete Europa League group stage

Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Molde FK at BayArena on December 14, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany.Bayer Leverkusen completed the Europa League group stage with a 5-1 rout of Norwegian club Molde on Thursday to remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.The Bundesliga leader finished as the only team with a perfect record in Europe’s second-tier tournament with six wins from six in Group H after conceding just three goals and scoring 19.Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba scored and Martin Ellingsen’s own goal made it 3-0 before halftime in Germany. Adam Hlozek added two more in the second half for Xabi Alonso’s team.Leverkusen extended its unbeaten stre...
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Champions League

UEFA Champions League: PSG, Porto into last-16 as Newcastle exit

 Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at the Signal Iduna Park on December 13, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany.Paris Saint-Germain and Porto qualified for the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday as Newcastle bowed out of Europe after losing 2-1 at home to AC Milan.PSG drew 1-1 away to Group F winners Borussia Dortmund to go through as runners-up after Milan came from behind to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park and eliminate Eddie Howe’s side.Newcastle, who needed to win and for PSG to drop points to keep their first Champions League campaign in 20 years alive, took the lead through a brilliant Joelinton strike in the first half.But Christian P...
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Champions League

Real Madrid win at Union Berlin to seal 100% record

 Joselu Mato of Real Madrid celebrates 1-1 with Nacho Fernandez of Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, Fran Garcia of Real Madrid, Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Union Berlin v Real Madrid at the Berlin Olympic Stadium on December 12, 2023 in Berlin Germany.Real Madrid came from behind to beat Union Berlin and reach the Champions League last 16 with a 100% record.The hosts went ahead through Kevin Volland after goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow saved Luka Modric's penalty.A win would have taken the Germans into the Europa League play-offs, but former Stoke and Newcastle striker Joselu scored two headers to put Real ahead.Alex Kral's low shot made it 2-2, before Dani Ceballos finished from Jude Bellingham's pass for the winning goal.Fourte...
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Champions League

Man Utd out of Europe with defeat by Bayern

 Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich walk off at half time during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern Munchen at Old Trafford on December 12, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United's season of misery plunged even further into the depths of despair as they exited the Champions League at the group stage after defeat by Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag's side, beaten 3-0 at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, needed to beat the Bundesliga champions and hope that there was no winner in the other group game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray.And even though Bayern were already comfortable winners of Group A, United were still unable to fulfil their part of the bargain on a night of bitt...
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Champions League

Much-changed Arsenal held to draw at PSV Eindhoven

 (L-R) Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal, Declan Rice of Arsenal, Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal, Andre Ramalho of PSV, Walter Benitez of PSV, Armando Obispo of PSV, Ricardo Pepi of PSV during the UEFA Champions League match between PSV v Arsenal at the Philips Stadium on December 12, 2023 in Eindhoven Netherlands.Much-changed Arsenal were held to a draw at PSV Eindhoven in their final match of the Champions League group stage.The Gunners had already won Group B and manager Mikel Arteta made eight changes from the weekend's Premier League loss at Aston Villa.It led to a disjointed performance, although Arsenal took the lead through Eddie Nketiah after 42 minutes.But PSV earned a deserved point via Yorbe Vertessen's fine equaliser.Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead three minutes...
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SERIE A

Cagliari leave it late in Serie A as Lecce draw again

 Lameck Banda of US Lecce celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and US Lecce at Stadio Carlo Castellani on December 11, 2023 in Empoli, Italy.Lecce's winless run goes on in Serie A, after the visitors drew 1-1 at Empoli to make it 10 games without a league victory.Empoli sit third from bottom - level on points with 17th-placed Udinese - while Cagliari scored twice in added time to beat visiting Sassuolo 2-1 and leapfrog out of the relegation places into 16th.Monday's stalemate was a fourth draw in a row for Lecce, who remain 13th, five points clear of the relegation places.Lecce took the lead in the 64th minute thanks to a clanger from goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.Zambian winger Lameck Banda tried his luck from long distance, and although the shot ...
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Champions League

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli absent from Arsenal training

 Arsenal could be without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for tomorrow’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven.The pair were absent from training on Monday as Mikel Arteta’s side prepared for the trip to the Netherlands.The Gunners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, and Arteta could mix-up his side against the Dutch giants.Martinelli is believed to be ill, while Saka is carrying a knock.It’s not all bad news for the Gunners though, as Emile Smith Rowe was spotted in training after his recent absence.Smith Rowe has missed the last six weeks with an ankle injury but was fit enough to participate in group training.The Gunners will be looking to bounce back after their defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Casemiro returns to Manchester United training ahead of Bayern Munich clash

 Casemiro defensive midfield of Manchester United and Brazil during the warm-up before leg match between Sevilla FC and Manchester United at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 20, 2023 in Seville, Spain.Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has returned to training ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.Casemiro has not played a competitive game since being forced off in an EFL Cup loss against Newcastle United on November 1.The Brazilian was making his return from an ankle injury he picked up in October's international break, but he was subsequently withdrawn at half time of the cup defeat due to a hamstring issue.As a result, the former Real Madrid man has missed Man United's last eight matches, including Saturday's disappointing 3-0 defeat ...
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LALIGA

La Liga: Atletico Madrid best Almeria to go past Barcelona in point table

 Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and UD Almeria at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Atletico Madrid beat Almeria 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday thanks to first-half strikes from Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa. The result meant strugglers Almeria's winless streak reached 16 games. The bottom-placed side also remain the only LaLiga side yet to win a game since the start of the season.The full points took Atletico to third in the league table, level with Barcelona on 34 points and five points behind leaders and city rivals Real Madrid.Antoine Griezmann had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR but he helped his side take the lead in the 17th minute w...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton beat Chelsea for third win in row

 Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England.Everton claimed three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since 2021 as they saw off Chelsea at Goodison Park.Abdoulaye Doucoure and substitute Lewis Dobbin both fired home first-time efforts in the second half as Sean Dyche's side moved four points clear of the relegation zone.It was a tight and tense first half with Jordan Pickford making decent saves to deny Enzo Fernandez's rasping shot and Cole Palmer's dipping drive from range.Jack Harrison's acrobatic volley which flew narrowly wide was Everton's most presentable opportunity in the opening period and Dwight McNeil forced visiting goalk...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City come from behind to beat Luton

 Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on December 10, 2023 in Luton, England. Manchester City needed a second-half comeback to beat Luton Town at Kenilworth Road and end their four-match winless run in the Premier League.Pep Guardiola's side were facing back-to-back league defeats for the first time since December 2019 when Elijah Adebayo gave Luton the lead in first-half stoppage time, rising highest at the back post to head in Andros Townsend's cross.But Bernardo Silva latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area and equalised for the visitors with a fine curling effort.Three minutes later City completed the turnaround when Jack Grealish conv...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Haaland injury absence length unknown – Guardiola

 Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, speaks with Julian Alvarez of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on December 06, 2023 in Birmingham, England.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he does not know long Erling Haaland will be out for with a foot injury.The Norway striker had started all of City's league matches this season but was left out of their squad for the Premier League game at Luton Town on Sunday (14:00 GMT)."A bone stress reaction in his foot," said Guardiola when asked about Haaland's issue."After the last game against Aston Villa, he felt it and he cannot play."Haaland leads this season's top-flight scoring chart with 14 goals, and has 19 in all competitions for City."I don't know (the length of...
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BUNDESLIGA

Eintracht thrash Bayern 5-1, Leipzig win in Dortmund

 Frankfurt's Egyptian forward #07 Omar Marmoush vies for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern Munich in Frankfurt, western Germany on December 9, 2023.Bayern Munich suffered a jolt to their title defence, losing their first league game of the season 5-1 in Frankfurt yesterday while RB Leipzig triumphed 3-2 at 10-men Borussia Dortmund.In a wet and wild contest in Frankfurt, the hosts raced into an extraordinary 3-0 first-half lead, with Omar Marmoush, Junior Dina Ebimbe, and Hugo Larsson scoring the goals as Dino Toppmoeller’s side outmuscled a timid Bayern.Joshua Kimmich dragged Bayern back into the match just before half-time but French midfielder Ebimbe had other ideas, capping a scintillating counter-attack af...
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LALIGA

Real held as Ruibal rocket earns draw for Betis

 Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Aitor Ruibal of Real Betis in action during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Real Betis and Real Madrid at Benito Villamarin stadium on December 9, 2023, in Sevilla, Spain. Leaders Real Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis yesterday as Aitor Ruibal’s brilliant strike cancelled out Jude Bellingham’s league-best 12th goal of the season.Bellingham slotted Madrid ahead at the Benito Villamarin early in the second half after combining magnificently with Brahim Diaz. But Ruibal drilled an angled shot into the top corner from outside the area to earn Betis a point and extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to 11 matches.Madrid pulled one point clear of Girona but could lose top spot on Sunday if the surprise ch...
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Ligue 1

Leader PSG beats Nantes to stretch winning streak to 8 games in Ligue 1

 23 Randal KOLO MUANI (psg) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Football Club de Nantes at Parc des Princes on December 9, 2023 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain beat Nantes 2-1 for an eighth straight win in the French league on Saturday.Meanwhile, 10-man Monaco downed Rennes 2-1 and leapfrogged Nice into second place.PSG substitute Randal Kolo Muani scored the winner by converting a rebound in the 83rd minute after goalkeeper Alban Lafont saved a header from Lucas Hernandez.Bradley Barcola gave PSG the lead by rounding Marcus Coco to slot into the far corner just before halftime. But mid-table Nantes grew bolder in the second half and Egypt striker Mostafa Mohamed equalized by heading home a corner in the 55th.“Bradley Barcola is the present and the ...
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