2023 – Page 46 – Football Flame

Year: 2023

No Comments
BARCELONA FC, Gavi, TRANSFERS, Xavi Hernandez

Gavi would be happiest staying at Barca: Xavi

 Pablo Paez 'Gavi' of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Spotify Camp Nou on April 10, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. Xavi Hernandez believes young Barcelona midfielder Gavi would be happiest staying at the club, amid speculation he could leave in the summer, the Catalan coach said Saturday.Gavi signed a contract renewal with Barcelona until 2026 in September but because of the club’s financial difficulties, they have not been able to register it with La Liga. That means Gavi remains on his previous deal, which is set to expire in June, allowing him to sign for free for any other side. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have been linked to Gavi in recent weeks, but Xavi said the 18-year-old should stay at Barcelona. “I don’t know ...
Read More
No Comments
Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins, PREMIER LEAGUE

Aston Villa thrash Newcastle to close on top four

 Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on April 15, 2023 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.Aston Villa blew the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League wide open as Ollie Watkins scored twice in a convincing 3-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday. Jacob Ramsey was also on target as sixth-placed Villa closed to within six points of Newcastle in third thanks to a seventh win in eight games. The Magpies first defeat in six games means Tottenham can move level on points should they beat Bournemouth later on Saturday, ahead of a clash between the sides next weekend. But Unai Emery’s men are the form side in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League after taking 22...
Read More
No Comments
Karim Benzema, LALIGA, Real Madrid

Depleted Real Madrid beat Cadiz before Chelsea trip

 Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio of Real Madrid speak to Referee Jesus Gil Manzano during the LaLiga Santander match between Cadiz CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on April 15, 2023 in Cadiz, Spain. Real Madrid have eased to a 2-0 La Liga win at Cadiz despite resting several first-choice players ahead of their trip to London to face Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Karim Benzema hit the woodwork twice before Nacho and Marco Asensio broke though with goals in the 72nd and 76th minutes respectively. The win left Madrid 10 points behind Spanish league leaders Barcelona, who visit Getafe on Sunday. Madrid head to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday holding a 2-0 lead after a convincing first-leg win over Frank Lampard’s team in Spain. “We coul...
Read More
No Comments
Napoli, SERIE A, Victor Osimhen

Hoffenheim hold Bayern as Dortmund stumble at Stuttgart

 Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli battle for the ball during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 15, 2023 in Naples, Italy. Napoli and AC Milan both dropped points ahead of the Serie A sides’ Champions League showdown following respective draws with Verona and Bologna. Italy’s champions-elect Napoli have had their imposing league lead cut to 14 points after a second-string XI could only manage a goalless stalemate with Verona and second-placed Lazio won at Spezia on Friday. As it stands Luciano Spalletti’s side still need 11 points from their final eight matches to seal their first league title since 1990, but all eyes are now on Tuesday’s second leg of their quarter-final clash with Milan in Naples in which they have to ov...
Read More
No Comments
Borussia Dortmund, BUNDESLIGA

Hoffenheim hold Bayern as Dortmund stumble at Stuttgart

 Andrej Kramaric of TSG Hoffenheim is challenged by Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and TSG Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on April 15, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Borussia Dortmund failed to take advantage of Bayern Munich’s 1-1 home draw against Hoffenheim yesterday, conceding a last-gasp equaliser after blowing a two-goal lead against 10-man Stuttgart. Bundesliga leaders Bayern led through a first-half goal from Benjamin Pavard, but had to settle for a point as Hoffenheim equalised in the second half through an Andrej Kramaric free-kick. Dortmund were 2-0 ahead in Stuttgart when Konstantinos Mavropanos received a second yellow card, but the hosts hauled themselves level in a dramatic finish. Gio Reyna fired Dortmund back...
Read More
No Comments
Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City, TRANSFERS

Ilkay Gundogan agent denies Barcelona agreement

 İlkay Gündoğan of Manchester City on the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester City and FC Bayern München at Etihad Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Manchester, England.The uncle and agent of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has denied that the Germany international is on the verge of a move to Barcelona this summer. Gundogan’s contract with the Premier League champions only runs until the end of the season, and an extension for the midfielder appears increasingly unlikely. Barcelona have long been linked with a move for the 32-year-old as Xavi seeks to bolster his midfield options, and a free transfer would appeal to the cash-strapped Catalans. It has recently been reported that Gundogan has decided to head to Camp Nou when his Man C...
Read More
No Comments
Uncategorized

Schalke win pushes Hertha to bottom of Bundesliga table

 Marius Bulter of Schalke scores his teams fourth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins-Arena on April 14, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Schalke have pushed Hertha Berlin to the bottom of the Bundesliga table after handing out a 5-2 beating to the capital club. The hosts made a perfect start as Tim Starke curled a beauty into the top corner in the third minute on Friday. He then acted as provider for Marius Bulter, who nodded home from close range to double Schalke’s lead in the 14th minute. Hertha pulled one back shortly before half-time with Stevan Jovetic firing a stunner into the net, but Schalke came back with a quick response early in the second half thanks to Simon Terodde. Bulter completed his brace in the 78th before Marco Richter s...
Read More
No Comments
AC Milan, NEWS, Ricardo Kaka

Kaka Hopes to Emulate Maldini in Managerial Capacity

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini (R), Filippo Inzaghi (C), and Kaka (R) celebrate their team's win over Argentina's Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup final in Yokohama, 16 December 2007. AC Milan won the match 4-2.Ricardo Kaka spent six wonderful years in the Rossoneri colours playing alongside Paolo Maldini, as the duo went on to conquer Italy and Europe in remarkable manner. In an exclusive interview with Radio Rossonera (via MilanNews, the Brazilian trequartista revealed the admiration he possesses for the legendary left-back, who many consider to be the greatest ever in that position. “I’m delighted to see Paolo who is doing very well as a manager. Not that I already knew it, but I already imagined it since he was playing . For how he is made, for his will, for his character and fo...
Read More
No Comments
Ciro Immobile, Lazio, SERIE A

Lazio consolidate second spot with win over Spezia

 Ciro Immobile of SS Lazio celebrates a opening goal a penalty with his team mates during the Serie A match between Spezia Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Alberto Picco on April 14, 2023 in La Spezia, Italy.Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, Felipe Anderson and Marcos Antonio were all on target in a 3-0 win over struggling Spezia in Serie A, extending the club’s unbeaten run to eight league games. Second-placed Lazio are 13 points adrift of runaway leaders Napoli and increased their lead over AS Roma in third to eight points. Lazio opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a coolly taken spot-kick by Immobile, who sent Bartlomiej Dragowski the wrong way after a foul on Anderson in the box by Ethan Ampadu. Maurizio Sarri’s men doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half through a low...
Read More
No Comments
Uncategorized

Man Utd’s Martinez out for season with foot injury

 Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks dejected as he gets on the stretcher during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester United and Sevilla FC at Old Trafford on April 13, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot. The 25-year-old sustained the injury in United’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla on Thursday. Erik ten Hag’s side were reduced to 10 men when Martinez was helped off in the 86th minute with United leading 2-1. Martinez’s centre-back partner Raphael Varane also sustained an injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks. “Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro and Rapha our best wishes for a speedy r...
Read More
No Comments
Alex Iwobi, EVERTON FC, PREMIER LEAGUE

Iwobi confident Everton can avoid relegation

 Alex Iwobi of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 03, 2023 in Liverpool, England.Alex Iwobi is confident that Everton can avoid relegation from the Premier League as they host Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday in what will be a big day for the Toffees’ survival hopes. Sean Dyche’s side are currently 17th in the Premier League, four points ahead of bottom of the table Southampton but the joint on points with 18th-placed Nottingham Forest also in the drop zone. The Merseyside club still have to face Newcastle United and Manchester City in their remaining games as they fight for survival in the Premier League, something Iwobi feels they can achieve. “The main thing for us now is to remain consistent. We are ...
Read More
No Comments
Gianluca Scamacca, PREMIER LEAGUE, West Ham

West Ham forward Gianluca Scammaca set for operation on knee injury

 West Ham United's Gianluca Scamacca in action during the Premier League match at the London Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 2, 2023.West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca is set for an operation on his knee injury. Scamacca, 24, has missed West Ham’s last four matches through injury and will again be absent on Sunday as his side host Arsenal. West Ham manager David Moyes said on Friday: “The only news is that Gianluca Scamacca will have an operation on his knee tomorrow (Saturday) so we will be missing him (against Arsenal).” Scamacca previously spent four games out with a knee injury in January and Februray, before returning to play a part in West Ham’s Europa Conference League last-16 tie against AEK Larnaca. The Italian then returned from international duty with a k...
Read More
No Comments
Karim Benzema, LALIGA, Real Madrid

Real Madrid announce squad for La Liga match against Cadiz

 Karim Benzema, player of Real Madrid, in action at Valdebebas training ground on April 14, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid have published their squad list for Saturday’s away match against Cadiz in La Liga.REAL MADRID SQUAD:Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Luis López. Defenders: Carvajal, E. Militão, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Lucas V. and Rüdiger. Midfielders: Modrić, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni and D. Ceballos. Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Rodrygo and Mariano. As expected, neither Toni Kroos nor Vinicius Junior have been included, so they will miss the game. The rotations should not stop there, as Madrid’s chances of conquering the 2022-2023 La Liga title have evaporated. Players like Modric, Benzema or Carvajal will likely get a chance to get some rest and prep...
Read More
No Comments
Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League, Real Madrid, UCL

Ancelotti: LaLiga, Serie A can challenge big-spending Premier League clubs in Champions League

 Head coach Frank Lampard of Chelsea FC and head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid look on after the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Real Madrid and Chelsea FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 12, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Carlo Ancelotti has said he's not annoyed by talk of Manchester City as Champions League favourites -- but insisted that Spanish and Italian teams can still compete with big-spending Premier League clubs. City beat Bayern Munich 3-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday, with Ancelotti's Madrid beating Chelsea 2-0 a day later to set up a potential semifinal showdown with City. Madrid have won five Champions Leagues in the last nine seasons -- including ...
Read More
No Comments
BAYERN MUNICH, sadio mane, Thomas Tuchel

Bayern’s Mane made mistake in Sane clash but case is closed-Tuchel

 Thomas Tuchel the head coach / manager of Bayern Munich and Sadio Mane of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester City and FC Bayern Munchen at Etihad Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Bayern Munich's Sadio Mane has fully accepted the consequences after his row with team mate Leroy Sane boiled over following their defeat to Manchester City and the case is now closed, coach Thomas Tuchel said on Friday. Senegal international Mane was fined and will miss Saturday's Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim as part of a one-match suspension after hitting Sane following Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg 3-0 loss at City. Sane suffered a cut lip in the altercation and the two, who were also seen argui...
Read More
No Comments
BUNDESLIGA, Florian Wirtz, NEWS

Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Union Saint-Gilloise: Wirtz denies underdogs another Bundesliga scalp

 Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen scores the team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise at BayArena on April 13, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany.A fine finish from Florian Wirtz rescued Bayer Leverkusen a 1-1 draw at home to Union Saint-Gilloise in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Wirtz struck in the 82nd minute just when it appeared a wasteful Leverkusen performance would make them the latest victims of Union’s sensational fairy-tale story. In the Belgian second tier just two years ago and now enjoying their first European campaign since 1964-65, Union had already eliminated another Bundesliga side in namesakes Union Berlin. Victor Boniface scored twice in the away leg of ...
Read More
No Comments
Khephren Thuram, NEWS, TRANSFERS

Real Madrid, Liverpool must pay €60 million for recently-debuted French international

 Khephren Thuram of Nice controls the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinal first leg match between FC Basel and OGC Nice at St. Jakob Stadium on April 13, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland.Real Madrid and Liverpool will reportedly need to fork out €60 million to sign French international midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer. According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Real Madrid and Liverpool are keen on signing Khephren Thuram. But OGC Nice will demand a premium to part ways with the recently-debuted French international. And the youngster will cost around €60 million in the summer transfer window. Khephren Thuram has come leaps and bounds since joining OGC Nice from AS Monaco in June 2019. The 22-year-old is the son of legendary former French footballer Li...
Read More
No Comments
EUROPA LEAGUE, Lisandro Martinez, NEWS

Martinez injury does not look great – Ten Hag

 Marcos Acuna of Sevilla and Gonzalo Montiel of Sevilla carry off Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United after an injury during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester United and Sevilla FC at Old Trafford on April 13, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez’s injury during the Europa League quarter-final with Sevilla “does not look that great”. United, who had used all five substitutes, were reduced to 10 men when defender Martinez was helped off with the home side leading 2-1. United conceded a 92nd-minute equaliser and are likely to be without Martinez for the return leg next Thursday. Ten Hag said afterwards that it was not an Achilles injury. “There was no opponent involved,” said Ten Hag. “We’ll...
Read More
No Comments
EUROPA LEAGUE, Mats Wieffer, NEWS

Wins for Feyenoord & Juventus in Europa League

 Bryan Cristante of AS Roma, Mats Wieffer of Feyenoord after the Quarterfinal First Leg - UEFA Europa League match between Feyenoord and AS Roma at the Rotterdam on April 13, 2023 in Stadion Feijenoord, Netherlands.Mats Wieffer gave Feyenoord a slender advantage over Roma in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. The midfielder met Oussama Idrissi’s left-wing cross, with his 20-yard effort going through a crowded area and bouncing twice on its way in. Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini hit the post with a first-half penalty after a harsh handball call against Wieferr. Elsewhere Juventus beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0, while Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. Defender Federico Gatti scored the winner for Juventus as he reacted quickest to poke hom...
Read More
No Comments
Europa Conference League, Gift Orban, NEWS

West Ham dig deep to secure draw away to Gent

 Gift Orban of KAA Gent shields the ball from Angelo Ogbonna of West Ham United during the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinal first leg match between KAA Gent and West Ham United at Ghelamco Arena on April 13, 2023 in Gent, Belgium.West Ham remain well placed to make back-to-back European semi-finals despite seeing their 100 per cent winning run in the Europa Conference League ended by Gent. The Hammers looked on course to make it 11 wins out of 11 in Europe this season when Danny Ings tapped home after the hosts were caught out by a quickly taken throw-in. David Moyes’ side, Europa League semi-finalists last season, had to soak up waves of pressure in an intense quarter-final first leg in Belgium and Gent equalised after a clever touch and finish by Hugo Cuypers. The hosts pi...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory