February 2024 – Page 2 – Football Flame

Month: February 2024

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TRANSFERS

Xabi Alonso has ‘nothing new to say’ about Liverpool and Bayern Munich links

 Head coach, Xabi Alonso of Leverkusen during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Voith-Arena on February 17, 2024 in Heidenheim, Germany.Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has insisted there is “nothing new to say” regarding fresh speculation over his future.Alonso has been heavily linked with the Liverpool job since Jurgen Klopp announced last month he would step down at the end of the campaign, but the Premier League club now face competition from Bayern Munich.It was revealed on Wednesday that current Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel will leave his position at the conclusion of the season – increasing the scrutiny on Alonso.The former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder has enjoyed an excellent campaign in charge of Leverkusen, establishing an e...
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LALIGA

Ex-Barcelona player Dani Alves sentenced to prison for sexual assault

Brazilian footballer Dani Alves looks on at the start of his trial at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona, on February 5, 2024. Brazilian footballer Dani Alves, a former star at Barca and PSG, goes on trial in Barcelona accused of raping a woman in a local nightclub. Prosecutors are asking for a nine-year prison sentence, followed by 10 years of conditional liberty. They are also asking he pay 150,000 euros ($162,000) in compensation to the woman. Catalonia's top court on Thursday found former Brazil footballer Dani Alves guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022, sentencing him to 4½ years in prison.The court also ordered that Alves pay €150,000 ($162,990) to the victim."The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did no...
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BUNDESLIGA

Thomas Tuchel to leave Bayern Munich – but ‘will stay put until the summer’

Head coach Thomas Tuchel of FC Bayern München looks on ahead of the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and FC Bayern München at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on February 18, 2024 in Bochum, Germany.Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich have decided to part ways at the end of the 2023/24 season.It follows a dreadful run of form for Bayern as they suffered three straight defeats in crucial games. Tuchel's side have seen their hopes of defending their Bundesliga crown crumble in recent weeks after humiliating losses to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and mid-table Vfl Bochum.They are also on the cusp of an early Champions League exit following a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in last Wednesday's last-16 clash away from home. Bild report the Bayern hierarchy now think it's time for a change in the dugout just a year...
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Champions League

Galeno scores late winner as Porto stun Arsenal

 Kai Havertz of Arsenal (R) passes the ball while is blocked by Alan Varela of FC Porto (L) during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragão on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. Arsenal were stunned as Galeno scored in stoppage time to give Porto the advantage from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Brazilian winger took a few touches to set himself before curling a wonderful finish into the net, past the despairing full-stretch dive of David Raya. Sergio Conceicao’s home side should have been ahead at the break after Galeno hit a shot off the post and somehow put the rebound wide. That was a huge let-off for Arsenal, but Galeno made no mistake in the fourth added minute at the end ...
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Champions League

Arnautovic scores as Inter beat Atletico

 Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid clashes with Marko Arnautovic and Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Internazionale and Atlético Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 20, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Substitute Marko Arnautovic scored to hand Inter Milan the advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid.Lautaro Martinez's shot was parried into the path of Arnautovic by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak and the Austrian forward finished with a powerful shot from a tight angle.Arnautovic had missed several big chances earlier in the second half.He headed over the bar as well as firing over with the goal gaping.Former Stoke and West Ham forward Arnautovic replaced Marcus Thuram...
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Champions League

De Jong penalty earns PSV draw with Dortmund

 Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund, Luuk de Jong of PSV during the UEFA Champions League match between PSV v Borussia Dortmund at the Philips Stadium on February 20, 2024 in Eindhoven Netherlands.Luuk de Jong's coolly converted penalty earned PSV Eindhoven a draw against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.The Dutch striker equalised 10 minutes into the second half after Mats Hummels was adjudged to have fouled Malik Tillman in the box.Donyell Malen had put Dortmund ahead in the first half when his deflected shot flew in off the crossbar.The second leg is in Dortmund on 13 March.PSV had the better of the chances early on in what was an open first half but failed to capitalise. Tillman spurned the best of them when he dragged his shot wide from De Jo...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Brentford undone by Haaland as Man City go second

 Erling Haaland of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Brentford FC at Etihad Stadium on February 20, 2024 in Manchester, England. Erling Haaland scored a vital winner 19 minutes from time as Manchester City eventually broke Brentford's stubborn resistance to close within a point of the Premier League summit.What looked set to be a night of frustration at Etihad Stadium for Pep Guardiola's men turned on a moment of huge fortune.Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer appeared to have the situation under control when Julian Alvarez played a pass into the visitors' half as City countered.But as Haaland began the chase, Ajer slipped and could not regain his feet as the Norwegian sped past.The 23-year-old kept his cool to beat Mark Flekken...
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TRANSFERS

Man Utd and Liverpool submit bids for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe

 Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe gestures after scoring his team's fifth goal during the French Cup football match between US Revel and Paris Saint-Germain at the Pierre-Fabre stadium in Castres, southern France, on January 7, 2024.Manchester United and Liverpool have tabled rival bids to Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.The Frenchman has informed PSG that he will leave the club at the end of the season, when his contract expires.Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Mbappe, having seen two bids rejected for him by the Ligue 1 giants last summer.But the Spaniards have reduced their salary offer to Mbappe from the one they made in 2023, given they are getting the striker 12 months later than they had wanted.This has reportedly irked ...
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LALIGA

Luka Modric offered new job at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti makes his feelings clear

 Luka Modric of Real Madrid 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. Luka Modric has been offered a new job at Real Madrid as he closes in on retirement from football.Modric rejected an astronomical offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in the summer.The 38-year-old ended up signing a new contract extension with Los Blancos and has played 20 times in La Liga, where Real are currently six points clear at the top.The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is still yet to decide on his future at the Santiago Bernabeu but The Athletic say that Modric has been offered the opportunity to join the coaching staff at Real if he decides to call it quits.The proposal was presented to the Croatia i...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea beat Manchester United to Brighton head of recruitment Sam Jewell

 General view inside the stadium prior to the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Kingsmeadow on February 16, 2024 in Kingston upon Thames, England. Chelsea have seen off competition from Manchester United to appoint Brighton head of recruitment Sam Jewell.The 34-year-old has been placed on gardening leave by the Seagulls after he informed them of his desire to join Chelsea.Sam, son of former Wigan manager Paul Jewell, has been a major influence on the Seagulls’ success in recent years.He’s headed the club’s recruitment, leading their global talent-spotting, particularly in South America.He’s been credited with the signing of Moises Caicedo for £4.5m, the move for Alexis Mac Allister and the acquisition of Marc Cucurella.Two of those play...
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Ligue 1

Gennaro Gattuso sacked by Marseille after 24 matches

Head coach Gennaro Gattuso of Olympique Marseille looks dejected during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Playoff First Leg match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympique de Marseille at Volksparkstadion on February 15, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. Marseille have announced the sacking of head coach Gennaro Gattuso after just 24 matches in charge.The former AC Milan, Valencia and Napoli manager took over from Marcelino at the Orange Velodrome at the end of September but has only masterminded nine wins over the past five months.A 1-0 loss to Brest in Sunday's Ligue 1 showdown left Marseille ninth in the table, dropping down six places since Marcelino's tenure abruptly finished with Les Olympiens inside the Champions League spots.Marseille are now nine points adrift of the top four, as well a...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace appoint Glasner as new manager

 Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace, during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on February 17, 2024 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.Crystal Palace have appointed former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager.The 49-year-old Austrian replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down on Monday so Palace could "bring forward their plans to appoint a new manager at the end of the season".Palace are 15th in the Premier League after 10 defeats in the past 17 games.Glasner has signed a contract until June 2026 and will be in charge for Saturday's home game against Burnley.He was pictured watching Tottenham's defeat by Wolves on Saturday, with Spurs hosting Palace on 2 March.Hodgson's coaches Ray Lewington and Paddy McCarthy were in ...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano amid renewed Kylian Mbappe talk

 Unai Lopez of Rayo Vallecano battle for the ball with Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid CF during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Vallecas on February 18, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Madrid was frustrated in its first match since it emerged that Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season Real Madrid could see its Spanish league lead reduced after being held to a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, while last-place Almeria made history for the wrong reason by becoming the first team to go 28 straight games without a league win. Almeria drew 1-1 at Granada for its 25th consecutive winless game this season. It also hadn’t won its last three matches last season. Madrid was frustrated in its first match since it emer...
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SERIE A

Minnows Monza stun Milan with two goals in added time

 Warren Bondo of AC Monza celebrates with teammates Roberto Gagliardini, Matteo Pessina, Lorenzo Colombo and Armando Izzo after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A TIM match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on February 18, 2024 in Monza, Italy. Seven-time European champions AC Milan were shocked by minnows Monza as the hosts scored twice in a frantic finish.Milan, who had Luka Jovic sent off, fought back from 2-0 down thanks to Olivier Giroud's volley and Christian Pulisic's 88th-minute strike.But goals in added time from Warren Bondo and Lorenzo Colombo gave Monza their first Serie A win over Milan.Matteo Pessina opened the scoring with a penalty before Dany Mota made it 2-0 just before half-time.The shock defeat to the small club on the north-easter...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Early Hojlund double seals Man Utd win at Luton

 Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United in action with Gabriel Osho of Luton Town during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Manchester United at Kenilworth Road on February 18, 2024 in Luton, England.Rasmus Hojlund scored for the sixth successive Premier League game as Manchester United survived a Luton Town display of fierce determination to stay in contention for the top four with victory at Kenilworth Road.United's £72m summer signing from Atalanta has hit a red-hot streak after early struggles in front of goal and scored twice in the first seven minutes to set up a fourth successive league win for Erik ten Hag's side.The 21-year-old pounced on Amari'i Bell's error after only 37 seconds to round keeper Thomas Kaminski and score, adding a second in the seventh minute, inst...
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BUNDESLIGA

Kane goal not enough as Bayern suffer third defeat in nine days

 Harry Kane of Bayern Munich looks dejected after Kevin Stoeger of VfL Bochum (not pictured) scores his team's third goal from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and FC Bayern München at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on February 18, 2024 in Bochum, Germany.England captain Harry Kane's late goal at Bochum was not enough as Bayern Munich suffered their third defeat in nine days.Bayern took the lead through Jamal Musiala, before the first of two stoppages following fans' protests.Bochum scored twice, with goals from Takuma Asano and Keven Schlotterbeck.Kevin Stoger's penalty made it 3-1 after Dayot Upamecano had been sent off and, despite Kane's 25th league goal of the season, it was not enough.Thomas Tuchel's Bayern are now eight points behind Bundesliga leaders ...
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SERIE A

Juventus’ Serie A title hopes fading after draw

 Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and Juventus - Serie A TIM at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 17, 2024 in Verona, Italy. Juventus' chances of catching Serie A leaders Inter Milan have been fading match by match over the last month.The Turin club's winless streak in the league extended to four matches on Saturday when they twice had to come back from a goal down to draw at relegation-threatened Hellas Verona 2-2.Second-placed Juventus trail Inter - who have a game in hand even after thrashing last-placed Salernitana 4-0 on Friday - by nine points.Juventus briefly took the league lead from Inter last month when the Nerazzurri travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup but then quickly dropped out of contention with...
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Uncategorized

Salah scores as Liverpool beat Brentford but Klopp wary of injuries

 Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Liverpool FC at Gtech Community Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Brentford, England. Mohamed Salah scored on his return from injury as Liverpool beat Brentford to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.Darwin Nunez put Liverpool ahead with a superb chip before Alexis Mac Allister poked in a second at the Gtech Community Stadium.Salah, back from a hamstring problem sustained on Egypt duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, got on the scoresheet with a crisp finish.Ivan Toney pulled a goal back for Brentford, but Cody Gakpo added the gloss for Liverpool with a late strike.The victory temporarily sent Liverpool five points clear at the summit, b...
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LALIGA

Barcelona grab win with late Lewandowski penalty

 Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Carl Starfelt of RC Celta Vigo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Celta Vigo and FC Barcelona at Estadio Balaidos on February 17, 2024 in Vigo, Spain. Barcelona returned to winning ways by nicking a 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo as Robert Lewandowski kept his cool to convert a retaken 97th-minute penalty.The Poland striker put the visitors, who drew 3-3 at Granada last weekend, ahead with a powerful angled drive.Iago Aspas levelled for Celta, who are fourth bottom of La Liga, shortly after the restart with a deflected strike.But Lewandowski clinched victory from the spot, leaving third-placed Barca seven points behind Real Madrid.Leaders Real, who travel to city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, are five points clear o...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jurgen Klopp gives his blessing for Xabi Alonso to be next Liverpool manager

 Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 13, 2024 in Kirkby, England.Jurgen Klopp believes Xabi Alonso is the “standout”“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” he said. “[Even] if there would not be the rumours around, if you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone ‘Oh my God’.“The ‘dinosaurs’ if you want, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, maybe me, we will not do it for the next 20 years, [but] the next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is the standout in that department.“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it was absolutely exceptional. member of the next generation of managers, as speculation mounts that the Bayer Leverkusen boss c...
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