February 2024 – Football Flame

Month: February 2024

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NEWS

Wolves set up FA Cup quarter-final clash against Coventry after holding off Brighton

 Mario Lemina of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Igor Julio of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on February 28, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. Wolverhampton Wanderers will play Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a narrow 1-0 victory against fellow Premier League team Brighton.Mario Lemina struck early for Wolves at Molineux, giving the hosts the lead in the second minute.The goal was largely the result of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s lung-busting run down the left wing, with his resulting cross spilled by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.Villa beat Forest to tighten grip on top four as Glasner's Palace overcome BurnleyVilla beat Forest to tighten g...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola praises Erling Haaland’s talent after five-goal haul against Luton

 Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, congratulates Erling Haaland of Manchester City after he is substituted during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on February 27, 2024 in Luton, England. Pep Guardiola described Erling Haaland's goal tally as "unbelievable", after the Manchester City striker scored five against Luton in the FA Cup.The 23-year-old took his total for the season in all competitions to 27 as he combined with the excellent Kevin De Bruyne to deliver a goalscoring masterclass in the 6-2 victory at Kenilworth Road.It came less than four weeks after his return to the side following nearly two months out with a foot injury, and took his total since joining City in the summer of 2022 to 79 in 83 appeara...
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TRANSFERS

Xabi Alonso ‘not interested in move to Liverpool, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid’ this summer

 Head coach Xabi Alonso of Leverkusen looks on prior the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at BayArena on February 23, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. Xabi Alonso is “not interested” in joining Liverpool, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid this summer as he looks to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, according to Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.Liverpool are on the lookout for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp announced last month that he will be leaving at the end of the season to take a break from football.And Bayern Munich are in a similar position with a poor run of form seeing current boss Thomas Tuchel mutually agree to leave the Allianz Arena in the summer.Former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Alonso is understood to be the early frontrunner for both those jobs...
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NEWS

FA Cup: Haaland scores five as Man City thrash Luton

 Joe Johnson of Luton Town and Erling Haaland of Manchester City battle for possession during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Luton Town and Manchester City at Kenilworth Road on February 27, 2024 in Luton, England. Erling Haaland scored five in a stunning display of finishing as holders Manchester City thrashed Luton to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.It was the Norwegian's eighth hat-trick for City and he also became the first player to score five in a game twice for the club.City opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Kevin de Bruyne, who assisted the first four goals, was allowed time and space to cut the ball back for Haaland to convert.The pair combined again 15 minutes later, with Haaland running on to a through ball before powering it past Luton goalke...
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NEWS

Newcastle edge past gutsy Blackburn on penalties to reach FA Cup quarter-finals

 Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United celebrates following the team's victory in the penalty shoot out in the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United at Ewood Park on February 27, 2024 in Blackburn, England.Martin Dubravka saved twice as Newcastle beat Blackburn 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a compelling FA Cup fifth-round tie at Ewood Park on Tuesday.The Newcastle goalkeeper denied Sammie Szmodics and Dom Hyam from the spot to secure a nervy victory after the Premier League outfit were taken all the way by the side 16th in the Sky Bet Championship.Blackburn had enjoyed the upper hand for large spells of the game, but fell behind when Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock after 71 minutes.Rovers hit back and forced extra time with an equaliser...
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SERIE A

Paulo Dybala scores first hat trick for Roma in win over Torino

 Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates with Daniele De Rossi head coach of AS Roma after scoring goal 2-1 during the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on February 26, 2024 in Rome, Italy.Paulo Dybala scored his first hat trick for Roma as the home side beat Torino 3-2 in Serie A on Monday. On a day that Chris Smalling started for Roma for the first time since September, Dybala took all the plaudits.It was Dybala's first club hat trick since October 2018, when he was with Juventus. Roma stayed sixth, while Fiorentina rose to seventh after beating Lazio 2-1. Lazio dropped to eighth, and Torino remained 10th.Dybala got the opener from the penalty spot three minutes before halftime and Duvan Zapata equalized for the visitors two minutes later when he headed h...
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LALIGA

Savio quick-fire double takes Girona back second with win over 10-man Rayo

 Sergio Camello of Rayo Vallecano is challenged by Savio Moreira of Girona FC during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Rayo Vallecano at Montilivi Stadium on February 26, 2024 in Girona, Spain.Brazilian winger Savio scored a five-minute double as surprise packages Girona beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0 to return to second place in the La Liga table. Savio helped the Catalans to move above Barcelona and to within six points of leaders Real Madrid with 12 rounds of the season to play. "There is still a lot to do, but the team needed to win after three games without a win," Girona coach Michel said. "Today was difficult. The 3-0 score is not what we saw on the field, everything was more even," he added.Rayo remain 14th in the Spanish top-flight, seven points off the relegatio...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jarrod Bowen hits treble as West Ham sink Brentford to end barren run

 Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brentford FC at London Stadium on February 26, 2024 in London, England.Jarrod Bowen ended his goal drought with a hat-trick as West Ham beat struggling Brentford 4-2 to secure their first win in nine games on Monday. Bowen hadn’t scored in the Premier League since December 23, but the England forward got back on track with a stylish treble at the London Stadium. The 27-year-old struck twice in the first seven minutes before Neal Maupay got one back for Brentford in a frantic opening 13 minutes. Bowen completed the first hat-trick of his career after the interval before Emerson’s superb long-range blast made it four. Yoane Wissa reduced the deficit late on, but Dav...
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LALIGA

Modric stunner helps Real Madrid extend lead at LaLiga

 Luka Modric of Real Madrid passes the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 25, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric came off the bench to net a stunning strike from the edge of the box late in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win over Sevilla on Sunday, stretching their lead at the top of LaLiga to eight points ahead of Barcelona, followed by Girona who have a game in hand. It was a compelling encounter with Real, who dominated possession in the first half, having an early Lucas Vazquez effort ruled out by video assistant referee (VAR) for a foul in the build-up. But they were often exposed on the counter and Andriy Lunin had to save several times, using his feet as a s...
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SERIE A

Allegri makes history with over 1,000 Serie A points

 Massimiliano Allegri Head coach of Juventus reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and Frosinone Calcio at on February 25, 2024 in Turin, Italy.Max Allegri made history by becoming the first ever coach to achieve 1,000 Serie A points in his career, thanks to a last-gasp Juventus winner over Frosinone.The Bianconeri were in crisis after just two points from four rounds and it seemed to be another off day at the Allianz Juventus Stadium when Frosinone came back to lead 2-1 through Walid Cheddira and Marco Brescianini before half-time.Dusan Vlahovic completed his brace for 2-2, but Daniele Rugani pounced from the tightest of angles on a corner at the 95th minute to secure a precious victory.It took his tally to 1,002 ‘real points’ – so two for a win before the 1994-95 seas...
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LALIGA

Xavi raves about Cubarsi after Barcelona’s win over Getafe

 Xavi Hernandez, head coach of FC Barcelona gives instructions during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on February 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona boss Xavi was full of praise for teenage defender Pau Cubarsi after the 4-0 win over Getafe.Cubarsi was back in the starting XI at Montjuic and produced a superb display to help Barcelona to a clean sheet.Here’s what Xavi said about the youngster afterwards:“Cubarsí is the best ball playing defender we have. It’s spectacular to watch him, and he’s only 17,” he said.“Cubarsí surprises you everyday. In your head, you think of the correct pass he should play, but then he goes on to make an even better pass. I’m sure that he’s good enough to make history at the club.”Cubarsi’s...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Kai Havertz showers praise on “world-class” Arsenal star

 Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2024 in London, England.After the match against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz shared his thoughts on Jorginho. Mikel Arteta’s side comfortably defeated Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday evening.In the Premier League fixture on Saturday evening, Arsenal dominated Newcastle United with a resounding 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. Jorginho was among the starters for the Gunners, as manager Mikel Arteta positioned him in the center of a three-man midfield within a 4-3-3 formation.Following the match, Havertz, who contributed with a goal and an assist,...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League: Manchester United fumble at home as Fulham ride late strike

Alex Iwobi of Fulham celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on February 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.Alex Iwobi scored deep in stoppage time as Fulham shocked sub-par Manchester United 2-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday, the London side's first win at Old Trafford since 2003 and second since 1963.United, who lost for the first time in six league matches, are sixth in the table on 44 points, eight behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Fulham are 12th on 32 points."I'm over the moon right now to come back into the team and get the win here — there is no better feeling," Iwobi said. "We feel we performed really well and have been performing really well recently, it is just about getting the re...
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LALIGA

Report: Real Madrid’s Joselu set to miss three weeks with ankle injury

 Joselu Mato of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Vallecas on February 18, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid forward Joselu has reportedly been sidelined for three weeks due to an ankle injury.The Spain international underwent medical examination after being unable to take part in team training over the last few days.On Friday, Real Madrid released a statement to confirm that the Espanyol loanee had sustained an injury to his right ankle.The statement read: "After the tests carried out on our player Joselu by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with bone edema in his right ankle. Evolution pending".While Real Madrid have not disclosed a time frame for Joselu's recovery, AS are repor...
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BUNDESLIGA

Granit Xhaka pranks Xabi Alonso with injury after scoring Bayer Leverkusen screamer

  L-R Jonathan Tah, Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo of Leverkusen react after their teams first goal during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at BayArena on February 23, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany.Granit Xhaka hilariously had Xabi Alonso panicking tonight after hammering home a stunning goal in Bayer Leverkusen’s clash with Mainz. The game was just three minutes old when the Swiss international curled in a stunning left-foot effort from outside the area, the ball sailing over away keeper Robin Zentner and dipping into the top corner.The strike was enough to get his manager off his seat, but Alonso’s joy soon turned to despair when the former Arsenal man clutched his left hamstring in apparent pain. All was not as it seemed though, with a broad...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Pereira salutes Silva’s philosophy

 Fulham's Andreas Pereira during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on February 17, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. The statistical site WhoScored have a fascinating chat with Fulham playmaker Andreas Pereira this morning ahead of his return to Old Trafford on Saturday.The attacking midfielder moved from Manchester United to Craven Cottage after the Whites were promoted from the Championship in Marco Silva’s first season. The Brazilian international says Silva’s ambition persuaded him to make a move he wasn’t initially convinced about.“I think the most important thing for me especially is the way he thinks about football. We match in that way so for me that that was the most important thing.”Pereira, who has won a single international cap...
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Champions League

Napoli fight back to draw with Barcelona in dull game

 Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona scores the first goal for his team during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples, Italy.Napoli fought back to hold visitors Barcelona to a dour 1-1 draw in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday as Victor Osimhen cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s opener.Last year’s Spanish and Italian champions, both struggling this season, played out a poor match in which both sides were toothless and lacking attacking flair.Third in the LaLiga standings eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona dominated the first half against a disorganised Napoli who barely managed to get out of their own half. “It is not a good resu...
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NEWS

Milan, Benfica and Marseille reach Europa League last 16

 Yunus Musah of AC Milan competes for the ball with Benjamin Bourigeaud of Stade Rennais FC during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 playoff second leg match between Stade Rennais FC and AC Milan at Roazhon Park on February 22, 2024 in Rennes, France. Benjamin Bourigeaud scored a hat-trick for Rennes, including a pair of penalties, but goals from Luka Jovic and Rafael Leao ensured Milan were never really in danger of blowing a 3-0 lead from the first leg. Benfica also saw off French opposition as a 0-0 draw away to Toulouse was enough to send the Portuguese side through following their 2-1 victory in last week’s first leg in Lisbon. Lens, who dropped down from the Champions League into the knockout play-off round, became the third French club to go out after Freiburg fought back fro...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle United handed potential triple injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash

 Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe smiles holding a ball during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on February 21, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. After a disappointing evening in the Champions League, Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back to form this weekend when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League. The Gunners were left frustrated on Wednesday night when Porto snagged an extremely late winner at the Estádio do Dragão.Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target against the Portuguese side, a huge contrast to their 5-0 win over Burnley last time out in the league. They will be hoping to add another important three points to their tally on Saturday as they continue to compete with Liverpool and Mancheste...
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LALIGA

Kroos announces Germany international comeback

 Toni Kroos of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Vallecas on February 18, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has come out of international football retirement for Euro 2024 hosts Germany.Kroos, 34, was part of the Germany team who won the World Cup in 2014. and has won 106 caps for Die Mannschaft.He retired in July 2021 but has now reversed the decision after talks with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann."I'll be playing for Germany again from March. Why? Because I was asked by the coach and I'm up for it," Kroos said in an Instagram post."I'm sure that much more is possible with the team at the European Championship than most people think right now."During his club career, Kroos has won ...
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