2023 – Page 48 – Football Flame
Latest Football News

Year: 2023

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BUNDESLIGA, Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt’s stunning goal keeps Bayern ahead of Dortmund

Bayern Munich's Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt (C) scoring the opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and Bayern Munich in Freiburg on April 8, 2023. A superb second-half strike from Matthijs de Ligt gave Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory at Freiburg, keeping them two points clear atop the table as title rivals Borussia Dortmund also won yesterday. Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 win over third-placed Union Berlin maintains the pressure on the perennial German champions’ bid for an 11th straight Bundesliga title. Bayern, who were eliminated by Freiburg 2-1 in the German Cup on Tuesday, had a chance for revenge but lacked fluency despite new coach Thomas Tuchel naming an attack-heavy line-up. Sadio Mane, starting for the first time under Tuchel, ...
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Karim Benzema, LALIGA

Ancelotti expects Benzema, Modric, Kroos to extend stay at Real

 Karim Benzema, player of Real Madrid, in action at Valdebebas training ground on April 07, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expects the trio of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to extend their stay at the LaLiga club with new deals after their current contracts expire at the end of this season. Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, 35, and 37-year-old Croatia midfielder Modric have helped Real win five Champions League titles, while ex-Germany international Kroos, 33, has won four. Though Modric and fellow midfielder Kroos have played slightly less this season, former France forward Benzema is Real’s top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions. Ancelotti said the club are in talks with the players about new deals. “I think (they) will stay,” Ancelotti s...
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Burnley, PREMIER LEAGUE, Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany’s Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League

 Burnley manager Vincent Kompany (left) and Burnley's Jack Cork celebrate promotion to the Premier League following the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Picture date: Friday April 7, 2023.Burnley boss Vincent Kompany said even he is surprised at the speed at which his side secured promotion to the Premier League after they won 2-1 at Middlesbrough on Friday. A 19-game unbeaten league run has taken the Clarets 19 points clear of third-placed Luton, who have just six games remaining, at the top of the Championship. Burnley still have seven games to play, making their promotion the quickest of the Championship era. “It’s Easter and there’s seven games to go and we’re already celebrating. We didn’t expect it,” Kompany told Sky Sports. “We wante...
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Napoli, SERIE A

Own goal gets runaway leaders Napoli back on track

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli, Giacomo Raspadori of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on April 7, 2023 in Lecce, Italy.Napoli have got back to winning ways as an own goal from goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone handed them a 2-1 Serie A victory away at Lecce, pushing them a remarkable 19 points clear in the title race. The leaders were thumped 4-0 at home by Milan last weekend, but they bounced back by overcoming a stubborn Lecce, who can probably count themselves unlucky not to come away with a share of the spoils on Friday. Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed Napoli in front early on, but the hosts equalised not long after halftime when Federico Di Francesco thumped home with a fine finish. But a...
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NEWS

UEFA and CAF back Morocco’s bid to host World Cup 2030

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have announced their support for Morocco’s bid with Spain and Portugal to host the World Cup 2030, the first African-European bid in the history of the tournament. On Wednesday, Alexander Cheferin, President of the UEFA, announced immediately after a renewal of confidence for his new term at the head of the Union, his support for Morocco’s accession to the bid of Spain and Portugal, adding that the union’s members will work together to ensure the win of Rabat-Madrid-Lisbon bid. For its part, CAF announced on an online panel Wednesday that all its members support the candidacy of Morocco to be the second African country to host the international competition. Rabat joined the bid officially las...
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CHELSEA FC, Frank Lampard, PREMIER LEAGUE

Frank Lampard named Chelsea manager for rest of season

  Caretaker Manager Frank Lampard of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on April 6, 2023 in Cobham, England. Frank Lampard says he will "focus on the job in hand" after being named Chelsea's caretaker manager, rather than trying to land the role full-time. Lampard has completed a surprise return to Chelsea for the rest of the season, replacing the sacked Graham Potter. The club say Lampard will take charge while they carry out an "exhaustive process" to find a permanent boss. "I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens," the 44-year-old said."I am not getting anywhere ahead of myself." Lampard, who has been out of a job since he was dismissed by Everton in January, previously managed Chelsea from Jul...
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Ajax, Davy Klaassen, Feyenoord, NEWS

Feyenoord-Ajax Cup clash suspended after crowd trouble

Davy Klaassen of Ajax (6) was hit by an object. (lr) Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, Ajax goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, Davy Klaassen of Ajax, Francisco Conceicao of Ajax, Alireza Jahanbaksh of Feyenoord during the Semifinal of the TOTO KNVB Cup match between Feyenoord and Ajax in Feyenoord Stadion de Kuip on 5 April 2023 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.The Dutch Cup semi-final between bitter rivals Feyenoord and Ajax Amsterdam has been halted for 30 minutes after Davy Klaassen was struck on the head by an object thrown from the stands. Ajax midfielder Klaassen was celebrating near the corner flag at the De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam early in the second half on Wednesday when what appeared to be a lighter caught him on the back of the head. The Netherlands international was left bleedi...
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Copa del Rey, Karim Benzema, Real Madrid

Real Madrid rout Barca to reach Copa del Rey final

 Karim Benzema centre-forward of Real Madrid and France celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Copa del Rey semi final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on April 5, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Karim Benzema scored a second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid routed Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Madrid levelled the tie through Vinicius Jr in first-half stoppage time. Benzema added two goals early in the second half – the second from the penalty spot – to put the visitors in control and completed his hat-trick to seal the win in the 80th minute. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face Osasuna in the final on 6 May. Barcelona had the better of a feisty first half at the Nou Camp, but their best chance...
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Coppa Italia, NEWS, Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku sent off for celebrating late goal at Juve

 Inter Milans forward Romelu Lukaku (C) argues with Juventus midfielder Juan Cuadrado from Colombia during the Italian Cup semi-final first leg football match between Juventus and Inter Milan on April 4 2023 at the "Allianz Stadium" in Turin.Romelu Lukaku scored a 95th-minute penalty and was then sent off in Inter Milan’s dramatic Coppa Italia draw against Juventus in Turin. Juan Cuadrado’s strike put Juventus ahead in the 83rd minute before Gleison Bremer’s handball presented Inter with an added-time spot-kick. Lukaku was sent off for his celebrations in front of the home fans. Inter captain Samir Handanovic and Cuadrado were also shown red cards after the final whistle. Following Lukaku’s penalty and the second yellow card that followed it, scuffles broke out between players from bo...
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Carlo Ancelotti, LALIGA

Madrid must not go crazy in cup Clasico – Ancelotti

 Head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) of Real Madrid shakes hands with Vinicius Junior after a substitution during the La Liga week 27 soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 02, 2023. Real Madrid will try to keep cool heads as they bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the Copa del Rey Clasico semi-final second leg, Carlo Ancelotti said Tuesday. The Spanish champions visit arch-rivals Barcelona on Wednesday as they bid to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in the derby. Eder Militao’s own goal split the teams in the first leg in March as Madrid dominated but could not break down Barcelona’s solid defence. “The idea is not to go crazy to try and score a goal,” said Madrid coach Ancelotti. “The idea is to play a complete ...
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Luke Shaw, Manchester United, PREMIER LEAGUE

Luke Shaw signs four-year deal that will keep him at Manchester United until 2027

 Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on April 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Luke Shaw has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester United to stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027. The 27-year-old England international, who became the most expensive teenager in history when he moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014, has been rewarded after making himself a key component in Erik ten Hag’s side this term. Shaw’s previous deal had been due to expire in the summer, although United had already triggered a one-year extension clause to keep him at the club until 2024. “Nine years ago, I signed for this amazing club, and I’m thrilled to be extending my stay...
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Michael Keane, PREMIER LEAGUE

Keane stunner gives Everton draw against Tottenham

 Michael Keane of Everton wins a header against Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 3, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.Michael Keane scored a stunning long-range strike in the 90th minute to salvage a Premier League draw for Everton against Tottenham in a game that saw both sides finish with 10 men. Defender Keane stepped up from the back to arrow a 25-yard drive into the top corner, the point taking Sean Dyche’s men out of the relegation zone. Harry Kane had given Tottenham the lead in the second half from the penalty spot after Keane himself had fouled Cristian Romero in the area. The game had been an uninspiring encounter up until the flashpoint on 57 minutes, when Toffees midfielder...
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AC Milan, Rafael Leao, SERIE A

AC Milan prove that they can best Napoli

 Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring goal 0-3 during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC MIlan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 2, 2023 in Naples, Italy. AC Milan’s surprising and dominant 4-0 win against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday means that the UEFA Champions League’s quarterfinals between the two Italian sides may be more competitive than originally thought. Before Sunday, Napoli were considered the the favourites to win the European clash but this defeat at home completely changes the scenario about the quarterfinals just over a week away. Despite losing their third game of the Serie A season (after Inter away and Lazio at home before the break), Napoli are still well positioned to win the title for the first time ...
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Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle beat Man Utd to climb up to third

 Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak (L) vies with Manchester United's Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez (R) during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on April 2, 2023.Newcastle United leapfrogged Manchester United into third place in the Premier League table after avenging their Carabao Cup final defeat against the Red Devils. The Magpies produced a magnificent display to leave their opponents without a win – or a goal – in their past three top-flight games. Newcastle were thwarted by David de Gea’s excellent first-half double save, the Spaniard showing quick reactions to deny Joe Willock from close after clawing away Alexander Isak’s header. Willock w...
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Nayef Aguerd, PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham win to pile pressure on Southampton

 West Ham United's Nayef Aguerd celebrates scoring his side's first goal with Kurt Zouma during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on April 2, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.West Ham gained a crucial win over Southampton in the Premier League’s congested relegation scrap to lift themselves out of the bottom three and leave their opponents at the foot of the table. Nayef Aguerd guided home an precise first-half header from Thilo Kehrer’s free-kick, although the goal was only awarded after a lengthy VAR check for offside. Until deep into the second half, when Gavin Bazunu turned away Said Benrahma’s goalbound free-kick, it was the Hammers’ only effort on target. However, for large parts, Southampton were ineffective. Lukasz Fabianski di...
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Karim Benzema, LALIGA, Real Madrid

Benzema scores first-half hat-trick in Madrid rout

 Benzema (2L) shoots the ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 2, 2023.Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick in the space of seven minutes as Real Madrid hammered Real Valladolid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are 12 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Rodrygo slotted Madrid’s opener into the bottom corner from Marco Asensio’s ball before Benzema headed in Vinicius Jr’s excellent cross. The Frenchman curled in his second Pp another Vinicius pass and then scored a close-range overhead kick – with Asensio and Lucas Vazquez also netting. IPpt was the fastest Madrid hat-trick in a La Liga game since Fernando Hierro’s three goals in six minutes in a 7-0 win over Espanyol in April 1...
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Brendan Rodgers, Leicester city, PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester sack Rodgers after Crystal Palace loss

 Brendan Rogers manager of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park on April 1, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.Leicester City have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace with the club’s board “compelled to take alternative action” to stay in the Premier League.Their fifth league defeat in six games dropped them into the relegation zone.Rodgers, appointed in February 2019, won Leicester’s first FA Cup in 2021.But chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said performances and results this season have been “below our shared expectations”.In a statement, he added: “It had been our belief that continuity and stability would be key to correcting our course, particularly given our previous achieve...
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NEWS, PREMIER LEAGUE, TRANSFERS

Arsenal ‘weighing up summer move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’

 Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during this summer’s transfer window. The Gunners are expected to be in the market for another forward in the upcoming market despite adding Gabriel Jesus to their squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Three players have hit double figures for Arsenal in all competitions this season, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both on 13 goals, while Martin Odegaard has 10. Eddie Nketiah has managed nine, while Jesus, who has only just returned from injury, has struck seven times following his arrival from Manchester City. According to Football Insider, Arsenal are currently looking at forwards that could potentially be available for cut-price fees this summer, and Calvert-Lewin has emerged as a genuine op...
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Inter Milan, SERIE A

Inter struggle ahead of Champions League quarter-finals

 Inter Milan's Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani (L) and Fiorentina's Italian midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura go for the ball during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter and Fiorentina on April 1, 2023 at the Giuseppe-Meazza (San Siro) stadium in Milan.With a Champions League quarter-final match against Benfica coming up, Inter Milan are in far-from-perfect form. The Nerazzurri were beaten 1-0 at home by Fiorentina on Saturday for their third straight loss in Serie A. Giacomo Bonaventura headed in a rebound early in the second half after Inter centre forward Romelu Lukaku inexplicably missed a wide-open close-range chance. It was Fiorentina’s eighth straight win across all competitions, and the Viola extended their unbeaten run to 10 games. Fiorentina, who face Lech Pozn...
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BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

Barcelona moves closer to La Liga crown with a win over Elche

 Robert Lewandowski centre-forward of Barcelona and Poland celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on April 1, 2023 in Elche, Spain.Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona eased past Elche to move closer to winning their 27th La Liga title after moving 15 points clear at the top of the league table. A brace from Robert Lewandowski and a goal each from Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres gave the Catalans a comfortable 4-0 win away from home. Still riding the high from their win over Real Madrid before the international break, the visitors took just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet. Lewandowski ended his run of three games without a goal with a close-range strike from Ronald Araujo’s headed pass....
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