2023 – Page 63 – Football Flame

10Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Athletic Bilbao, LALIGA, Osasuna

Athletic held by Osasuna to 0-0 in Spanish league

Athletic Bilbao's Spanish defender Oscar De Marcos (L) vies with Osasuna's Spanish forward Moi Gomez during the Spanish League football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and CA Osasuna at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on January 9, 2023.Athletic Bilbao missed a chance to move into the Champions League places in the Spanish league after a 0-0 home draw with Osasuna on Monday. Athletic was in control during most of the match at its San Mamés Stadium but couldn’t capitalize on its chances and get the win that would have moved the Basque Country team to fourth place. It dropped to seventh instead, two points from fourth-placed Real Betis. Osasuna, which was coming off two consecutive league losses going back to before the World Cup, moved to eighth place and stayed two points behind Athleti...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gareth Bale, NEWS, Real Madrid

Real Madrid pay tribute to Gareth Bale after retirement from football

Wales' forward #11 Gareth Bale applauds at the crowd after being defeated 3-0 in the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Wales and England at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 29, 2022. Real Madrid have paid tribute to Gareth Bale after he announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33. The Welshman is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever footballers, and his career will be fondly remembered for some incredible moments with Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, LAFC and his country. Always a player for the big occasion, Bale scored in two Champions League finals for Real Madrid, including a spectacular match-winning overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018, and won the competition on five separate occasio...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS

Ronaldo debut delayed to serve FA suspension

Al-Nassr's new Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C-L), his partner Georgina Rodriguez (C-R) and his children stand on the stage during his unveiling at the Mrsool Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on January 3, 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo will make his Al Nassr debut on 22 January against Ettifaq, confirmed manager Rudi Garcia. The Portugal forward was unveiled by the Saudi club last week but is suspended after knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand following Manchester United’s defeat by Everton in April. The 37-year-old missed the first game of the Football Association’s two-match ban on Friday. But he could feature in an exhibition match against Paris St-Germain. Lionel Messi’s side will take on a team made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal in Riyadh on 19 January, and ...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FRANCE, Kylian Mbappe, NEWS, Noel Le Graet, Zinedine Zidane

Mbappe slams French football president Le Graet for ‘disrespecting’ Zidane

Kylian Mbappé talks to the media during the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Brooklyn Nets on January 2, 2023 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.France forward Kylian Mbappe has come out in support of Zinedine Zidane after the country’s football federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet said he would not pick up the phone if the former midfielder called him to discuss coaching the national team. The FFF had announced head coach Didier Deschamps’s contract extension on Saturday after he led France to a second consecutive World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina on penalties in Qatar last month. Zidane had previously been a favourite to succeed Deschamps. When asked if Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a national icon, would now manage the Brazilian natio...

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, Ousmane Dembele

Barca’s win over Atletico a huge morale boost, says Xavi

Barcelona players celebrate victory after the LaLiga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona boss Xavi admitted that Sunday’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano is a huge morale boost for his side. Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game to send Barca three points clear at the top of the table in Spain. Here’s what Xavi made of it all: “I liked the first half an hour. The game was under control. The goal came from creating a numerical advantage through the middle. These are three golden points. We knew how to suffer. It’s important to have kept a clean sheet,” he said. “Without playing that well, we got the three points. It was a tough game but a big win. I...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Napoli, Sampdoria, SERIE A, Victor Osimhen

Napoli stretch lead with win over Samp

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli competes for the ball with Bram Nuytinck of UC Sampdoria ,during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on January 8, 2023 in Genoa, Italy.Despite missing an early penalty, Napoli have bounced back from their first league defeat of the season to beat 10-man Sampdoria 2-0 and extend their advantage at the top of Serie A. In an emotional match at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Matteo Politano had earlier had his penalty saved. Sampdoria were hit when Tomas Rincon was sent off shortly before halftime and Napoli went on to seal victory with another penalty, struck home by Eljif Elmas. Napoli moved seven points clear of second-placed Juventus although defending champ...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

CHELSEA FC, FA Cup, Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez

Man City thrash Chelsea to cruise through in FA Cup

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 4-0 during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Manchester, England. Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a routine victory over a desperately poor Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. This was a far cry from what has traditionally been a hugely competitive meeting between two Premier League giants as City wrapped up a tie with either Oxford United or Arsenal in the next round by the interval. City’s win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday was hard-fought but this was a stroll, Riyad Mahrez setting them on their way with a brilliant 23rd-minute free-kick before World Cup winner Julian Alvarez scored a second from the...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Almeria, David Silva, LALIGA, Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad Win At Almeria To Keep Pressure On La Liga Leaders

Real Sociedad's Spanish midfielder David Silva (2R) vies with Almeria's Guinea-Bissau defender Houboulang Mendes (L), Brazilian defender Rodrigo Ely (2L) and Spanish midfielder Cesar de la Hoz during the Spanish league football match between UD Almeria and Real Sociedad at the Municipal Stadium of the Mediterranean Games in Almeria on January 8, 2023.David Silva produced a masterclass to help third place Real Sociedad beat Almeria 2-0 on Sunday and provisionally cut the gap on league leaders Barcelona and Real Madrid to six points. The veteran Spanish playmaker, 37, capitalised on defensive confusion in the box to nip in and fire home the opener just after half-time. Former Manchester City midfielder Silva had played a brilliant pass to put Take Kubo in down the right to start th...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Joao Felix, LALIGA, TRANSFERS

Atletico Madrid set price for Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea target Joao Felix

Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid crestfallen after his substitution during the La Liga Santander match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Valencia CF at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on January 22, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Atletico Madrid are happy to let Joao Felix leave the club this summer but not cheaply, wanting a £9.5m loan fee and a commitment to buy for £70.5m, according to reports. The 23-year-old moved to Atletico from Benfica for an enormous £113m in 2019 but it has not worked out for him in the Spanish capital and after falling out with manager Diego Simeone he is being allowed to leave. There is no shortage of interest in the Portugal forward, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all linked with him on a loan deal in January. The Mirror report that Atletico have set their pric...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Didier Deschamps, NEWS

Deschamps to remain France coach until 2026

President of FFF Noel LE GRAET and Head coach Didier DESCHAMPS of France during the FFF General Assembly on January 7, 2023 in Paris, France. Didier Deschamps said on Saturday he will remain France coach until the 2026 World Cup after leading the team to the final of the last two editions. Deschamps’ contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar where defending champions France lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout after a thrilling final on December 18. It had been reported that French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet only wanted to give Deschamps a two-year extension until the 2024 European Championship but the 54-year-old coach had insisted on staying in charge until the next World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “I am going to announce something whi...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FA Cup, Layvin Kurzawa, NEWS

Fulham see off Hull to reach FA Cup fourth round

Fulhams Layvin Kurzawa celebrates scoring the opening goal with Tom Cairney during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Hull City and Fulham at MKM Stadium on January 7, 2023 in Hull, England.Goals from Layvin Kurzawa and Dan James helped Fulham progress to the FA Cup fourth round with victory over Hull.Left-back Kurzawa tapped into an empty net in the 37th minute and James raced clear to add a second into an unguarded goal with the last kick of the game.Fulham boss Marco Silva made seven changes to his XI and left Aleksandar Mitrovic out of the squad entirely.The decision proved justified, though, as the Premier League side secured their place in Sunday's draw.Relive Hull v Fulham and follow all of Saturday's action in the FA Cup third round actionHull started the match brightly ...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

EVERTON FC, Frank Lampard, NEWS

Lampard Says Future Not Under His Control After Everton Exit FA Cup

Ben Godfrey and Frank Lampard the manager / head coach of Everton at full time of the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on January 6, 2023 in Manchester, England.Everton manager Frank Lampard said his future at the club was out of his control after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United following a 3-1 defeat on Friday. Everton slipped into the relegation zone after a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday and were booed off the pitch but after a sixth defeat in seven matches, Lampard insisted he was not worried about his job. “That’s not under my control. It’s not for me to focus on that. It’s for me to focus on what I saw tonight and that was a performance that every manager wants with the attit...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Carlos Soler, French Cup, PSG

Late goals help PSG advance in French Cup

Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish midfielder Carlos Soler (2nd-R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with his teammates Brazilian defender Marquinhos (L), French defender Nordi Mukiele (3rd-R) and Spanish defender Sergio Ramos (R) during the French Cup round of 64 football match between La Berrichonne de Châteauroux and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the stade Gaston-Petit in Chateauroux, central France on January 6, 2023.Paris Saint-Germain have needed two late goals to scrape a 3-1 win at third-tier Chateauroux in the French Cup round of 64. PSG coach Christophe Galtier rested star forwards Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi yet still started with seven international players against a side sitting in a lowly 14th place in the third division. PSG have won the cup a record 14 times bu...

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FA Cup, Marcus Rashford, NEWS

Rashford shines as Man Utd beat Everton in FA Cup

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-1 during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on January 6, 2023 in Manchester, England. Marcus Rashford scored for a fifth successive game as Manchester United increased the pressure on Everton boss Frank Lampard with a deserved FA Cup victory at Old Trafford. Everton were applauded off by their travelling support for showing admirable character, after their side suffered the shock of going behind after just three minutes when Antony turned home Rashford’s far-post cross but had the character to fight back. Conor Coady rammed home a 13th-minute equaliser when David de Gea calamitously allowed Neal Maupay’s apparently harmless cross to roll though hi...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA, Ousmane Dembele, TRANSFERS

Ousmane Dembele gives definitive response to PSG interest

Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona looks on during the Copa Del Rey Round of 32 match between Intercity and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 04, 2023 in Alicante, Spain.Ousmane Dembele has warned Paris Saint-Germain that he has no interest in leaving Barcelona in the near future. PSG were among the sides chasing Dembele as his previous contract wound down towards the end of last season and the Ligue 1 leaders have been tipped to lodge a bid for the 25-year-old as he enters the final 18 months of his current deal. Asked for his feelings towards an imminent move to PSG, Dembele made it abundantly clear that his focus is solely on Barcelona. “Four months ago, I signed a new contract with FC Barcelona,” he told Eleven Sports. “I’m happy here. We will continue to work with Barça....

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Harry Kane, PREMIER LEAGUE

FA Cup game a chance to rest Kane, says Spurs assistant manager

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on January 04, 2023 in London, England.Tottenham Hotspur could rest striker Harry Kane for Saturday's FA Cup third-round match at home to third-tier Portsmouth but they are currently short of attacking options, assistant manager Cristian Stellini said. Forwards Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison and central midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur are all ruled out of the game due to injuries. "It could be an opportunity to give him (Kane) a rest but we don't have many players," Stellini told reporters on Friday. "We have to choose the players (we have) in the front line. We have three strikers at the moment and we will use them. "It's an important match in an important ...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

CHELSEA FC, Manchester City, PREMIER LEAGUE, Riyad Mahrez

Man City close gap on Arsenal with win at Chelsea

Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates with team mate Riyad Mahrez at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 5, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points with victory over injury-ravaged Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The reigning champions struggled in the first half before two of manager Pep Guardiola’s substitutes combined to break the deadlock after 63 minutes, Riyad Mahrez turning in Jack Grealish’s low cross at the far post. Chelsea enjoyed the better of the first half despite adding both former City forward Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic to a lengthening injury list, substitute Carney Chukwuemeka hitting the post from the edge...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Harry Kane, PREMIER LEAGUE, TOTTENHAM

Kane scores twice as Spurs beat Palace

Son Heung-min celebrates with Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on January 4, 2023 in London, United Kingdom.Harry Kane scored two of Tottenham’s four second-half goals after they eventually cruised to a Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Kane’s towering close-range header from Ivan Perisic’s cross was the first time Spurs had led 1-0 in a game since 15 October. They had conceded the first goal in all 10 games in between. He then drilled a low second into the bottom corner from Bryan Gil’s pass. The England captain has now scored 264 goals for Spurs, only two behind Jimmy Greaves’ club record. Kane, making his 300th Premier League appearance, had a hand in their next two goal...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Edin Dzeko, Inter Milan, Napoli, SERIE A

Napoli’s 11-match winning streak ended by Inter, Juventus win again

Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli and Edin Dzeko of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 4, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Napoli’s 11-match winning streak in Serie A ended on Wednesday when Edin Dzeko’s second-half goal secured Inter Milan a 1-0 victory.While Napoli, who came into the game unbeaten in the league this season, dominated possession in the goalless first half, Inter striker Dzeko broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when he headed in a cross from Federico DiMarco.“Being the first to beat Napoli, who were the only side in Europe’s top leagues without defeat this season, is a big confidence booster. I am very proud of my team because they helped each other out on the field, they were a plea...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ansu Fati, BARCELONA FC, Copa del Rey, NEWS

Barcelona struggle in Spanish Cup start

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the Copa Del Rey Round of 32 match between Intercity and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Rico Perez on January 04, 2023 in Alicante, Spain.Barcelona have struggled to advance in their Copa del Rey debut, needing extra time to defeat third-division club Intercity 4-3. Ansu Fati scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 104th minute after the Catalan club relinquished a lead three times in the 3-3 draw in regulation. Oriol Solde scored a hat-trick for the hosts in the city of Alicante in southeastern Spain. Barcelona, playing without some of their regular starters, scored through Ronald Araujo in the fourth minute, Ousmane Dembele in the 66th and Raphinha in the 77th. Solde scored in the 59th, 74th and 86th minu...