February 2024 – Page 3 – Football Flame

Month: February 2024

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NEWS

Jurgen Klinsmann sacked as South Korea manager after Asian Cup disappointment

 South Korea Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann enter the pitch during the AFC Asian Cup semi final match between Jordan and South Korea at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on February 06, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. South Korea has decided to let go of their manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, following a disappointing performance at the Asian Cup. The team, which had performed well in the 2022 World Cup, fell short against Jordan in the semi-finals. A clash between squad members, including Spurs captain Son Heung-min and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in, added to the difficulties. "We've reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary," said Hwangbo Kwan from the Korea Football Association. ...
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TRANSFERS

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen ‘on PSG’s shortlist to replace Kylian Mbappe’

 Nigeria's forward Victor Osimhen (L) greets President of FIFA Gianni Infantino at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 final football match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at Olympic Stadium Ebimpe, on February 11, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.PSG have reportedly identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe when he leaves the club this summer.Mbappe informed the Ligue 1 champions earlier this week that he will not be extending his contract beyond the end of the season, leaving Real Madrid as the favourites to land the 25-year-old.Attention has already turned to who could fill the void left behind by Mbappe, and Osimhen is a leading contender on PSG's shortlist, according to The Athletic.A deal for Osimhen is unlikely to be cheap, th...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Kompany says Burnley ‘cannot feel sorry for ourselves’

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield on February 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. The Clarets continue their bid for top-flight survival at home to title-contenders Arsenal this weekend, with the odds stacked against Kompany's men.Burnley are seven points adrift of safety, with 14 games left, and the northwest club have won just five points at their Turf Moor ground so far this season.They have, however, drawn their last two home league games, against Luton and Fulham, with Kompany telling a pre-match press conference on Thursday an unlucky Burnley side had to concentrate on the task ahead of them."Plenty of good games to look back on, plenty of good performances but in the end we cannot feel sor...
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Champions League

Kane toils as below-par Bayern stunned by Lazio

 Harry Kane of Bayern Munchen looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SS Lazio and FC Bayern München at Stadio Olimpico on February 14, 2024 in Rome, Italy.Ciro Immobile's penalty gave Lazio a shock win over Bayern Munich in their Champions League last-16 first leg.Immobile scored from the spot midway through the second half after Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a foul on Gustav Isaksen.Bayern, despite a star-studded attack featuring Harry Kane, were unable to respond in an underwhelming display.It was a second defeat in five days for Bayern, increasing the pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel.On Saturday, they lost 3-0 at title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and are five points adrift in the Bundesliga title race.Chances were few in a game low on ...
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Champions League

Mbappe and Barcola hand PSG 2-0 win over Real Sociedad

 Kylian Mbappe of PSG celebrates his goal with Vitinha during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Sociedad (San Sebastian) at Parc des Princes stadium on February 14, 2024 in Paris, France.Kylian Mbappe showcased his scoring skill, securing a crucial 2-0 victory for Paris Saint-Germain over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 tie in a thrilling Champions League encounter. The Parc des Princes witnessed Mbappe's magic just before the hour mark, breaking the deadlock and setting the stage for a comfortable lead.Despite a lackluster first-half performance from PSG, Kylian Mbappe's clinical finish and Bradley Barcola's well-taken goal in the 70th minute provided the French champions with a solid advantag...
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Champions League

Champions League | Brahim Díaz scores in Real Madrid’s win over Leipzig

Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid is challenged by David Raum of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid CF at Red Bull Arena on February 13, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.After scoring Real Madrid's winner with a mazy solo run, Brahim Díaz jogged to the sideline and spread his arms wide open to celebrate.He was imitating the trademark goal celebration of Jude Bellingham, the injured teammate he replaced in the starting lineup.“Oh my god Brahim!!!,” Bellingham wrote on X, moments after the goal.Díaz stepped up in Bellingham's absence on Tuesday, leading Madrid to a 1-0 win at Leipzig in the round of 16 in the Champions League.“I really like Jude, from the moment he arrived we've been getting along,” Díaz said.“I'm helping him w...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool team training ahead of Brentford trip

 Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 13, 2024 in Kirkby, England.Mohamed Salah has returned to Liverpool team training ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Brentford, while three others players are also back in contention.The 31-year-old picked up a hamstring problem while on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations last month, with the injury forcing him to leave the tournament early.His participation at the Africa Cup of Nations, coupled with the injury, has seen him miss four Premier League matches, both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final and two FA Cup ties.But he could be back in the squad at the weekend having been spotted taking part in team training on Tuesday afternoon at the club’s AXA Training Centre.Liv...
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Ligue 1

Mbappe set to return for PSG against Real Sociedad

 Kylian Mbappe and Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain react during a training session prior the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match against Real Sociedad at Campus PSG on February 13, 2024 in Paris, France. Kylian Mbappe is set to return for Paris St-Germain for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at home to Real Sociedad on Wednesday.The 25-year-old France striker was an unused substitute for PSG's 3-1 league win against Lille on Saturday.PSG boss Luis Enrique chose to rest Mbappe for the game after he picked up an ankle injury in a French Cup win over Brest."Kylian Mbappe is available, just like the other players," said Luis Enrique."When a team has a player like Kylian Mbappe, of course we know that the more he plays the better, because we...
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LALIGA

Atleti’s Morata to miss 3 weeks, Inter UCL clash

 Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid injury during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 11, 2024 in Sevilla Spain.Atlético Madrid striker Álvaro Morata sustained a bone contusion and sprained the internal lateral ligament of his right knee during their 1-0 defeat by Sevilla, the LaLiga club said on Monday.Sources have told football flame that Morata, the joint-top scorer in the Champions League this season with five goals from six matches, is set to miss around three weeks but is determined to return in time for second leg of the Champions round-of-16 tie against Inter Milan on March 13 for a potential comeback. He will miss the first leg against Inter on Feb. 20.Morata had limped off the pitch in tears during the 4...
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LALIGA

Barcelona have worst defensive record in 2024 in top five European leagues

 coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Granada at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Barcelona Spain.Barcelona's latest poor result in La Liga has left them with the worst defensive record in Europe during 2024 across the top five leagues.With the Catalan giants remaining inconsistent this campaign and failing to last the pace with rivals Real Madrid and surprise package Girona, Xavi has already revealed that he will leave his role as manager at the end of the season.That decision was initially taken on the back of a 4-2 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey and 5-3 reverse at home to Villarreal in the league three days later.Blaugrana have since responded with a three-match undefeated streak, thei...
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SERIE A

AC Milan’s 1-0 Serie A win piles pressure on Juventus

 Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Napoli at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy on February 11, 2024.AC Milan piled the pressure on second-placed Juventus with their first Serie A victory over Napoli at San Siro in almost a decade.Theo Hernandez's first-half strike was enough to give Milan a 1-0 win over the defending champions on Sunday (Monday AEDT) and move to within a point of Juventus.The Bianconeri, who lost 1-0 at league leaders Inter Milan last weekend, host relegation-threatened Udinese on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).Inter won 4-2 at Roma on Saturday to open up a seven-point lead at the top of Serie A.Napoli remained seventh and slipped seven points below fourth-placed Atalanta.Milan hadn't beaten Napoli in the...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal smash six past woeful West Ham

 Bukayo Saka of Arsenal is fouled by Alphonse Areola of West Ham United in the box which leads to a penalty during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2024 in London, England.Mikel Arteta’s side had lost twice against their London rivals this season but were 4-0 ahead by halftime with goals by William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Leandro Trossard.The punishment continued in the second half with Saka making it 5-0 before former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who assisted two goals in the opening period, thumped his team’s sixth on a day of abject humiliation for the hosts.It was a sublime display by Arsenal who wiped off a goal difference deficit to champions Manchester City who they joined on 52 points, although they ...
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NEWS

Haller gives Ivory Coast victory in Afcon final

 Ivory Coast's forward #22 Sebastien Haller (CL) poses with First Lady of Ivory Coast Dominique Ouattara (CR) after winning at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 final football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 11, 2024.Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast again as the Elephants came from behind to beat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil.The striker, who had also netted the semi-final winner just 13 months on from his return from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra's cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Leverkusen beat Bayern to grab five-point ladder lead

 10 February 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Leverkusen: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen - Bayern Munich, matchday 21 at the BayArena, Munich's Noussair Mazraoui (l) and Leverkusen's Alex Grimaldo in action.Alex Grimaldo scored as Bayer Leverkusen beat Bayern Munich 3-0 to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.It's carnival season in the Rhineland, and Leverkusen fans, many of them in costume, had plenty to celebrate as Xabi Alonso's team proved their title credentials on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).It was Leverkusen's 31st game this season without a loss in all competitions.After a kick-off delayed by fan protests, it was a Bayern player who scored the first goal - but he wasn't playing for Bayern.Right back Josip Stanisic, sent out on loan to Leverkusen at the start o...
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LALIGA

Jude Bellingham scores as Real Madrid punish Girona to take control of LaLiga

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Girona FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 10, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Jude Bellingham struck twice as leaders Real Madrid took control of La Liga with a punishing 4-0 win over second-placed Girona on Saturday, opening up a five-point cushion. Vinicius Junior drove home the opener and then set up Bellingham for the second as Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated the Catalan minnows, leaving the surprise title contenders reeling.Bellingham tapped in the third after the break from close range but limped off with an ankle problem early in the second half.Rodrygo kept the goals flowing with a fine individual effort as the record 3...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Haaland double sinks Everton to send Man City top

 Erling Haaland of Manchester City tussles with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. Erling Haaland scored his first goals since November to help Manchester City see off a determined Everton side and move top of the Premier League.The Norwegian has had to wait to find the net since his return from the foot injury that sidelined him for most of December and January, but he made up for lost time here.His first goal was a brilliant first-time finish that gave his side a crucial breakthrough in the second half, and he made sure of the three points when he ran clear to slot past Jordan Pickford late on.Until then, Everton's organisation and resilience had frus...
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NEWS

China cancels Argentina games amid Messi backlash

 Lionel Messi of Inter Miami looks on prior to the preseason friendly match between Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami at National Stadium on February 07, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.Chinese officials have cancelled two Argentina friendlies that were due to take place in the Asian country after Lionel Messi did not play for Inter Miami in a match in Hong Kong.The world champions were set to face Nigeria in Hangzhou and the Ivory Coast in Beijing in March.Fans in China were angered when the Argentina captain did not play for his club against a Hong Kong XI on Sunday.Messi, 36, said he could not play because of a groin injury.However, his non-appearance drew widespread criticism in China when he then featured off the bench three days later against Vissel Kobe in Japan."Beijing does not plan, for the ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bundesliga: Donyell Malen double fires Borussia Dortmund past Freiburg

 Dortmund's German forward #14 Niclas Fuellkrug (R) celebrates scoring the 3-0 goal with his team-mates Dortmund's Dutch forward #21 Donyell Malen and Dortmund's German midfielder #19 Julian Brandt during the German first division Bundesliga football match between BVB Borussia Dortmund and SC Freiburg in Dortmund, western Germany on February 9, 2024. Donyell Malen scored a first-half brace as Borussia Dortmund eased to a 3-0 home victory over Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Friday. Striker Niclas Fuellkrug, celebrating his 31st birthday, laid on both goals for the Netherlands winger, before grabbing one of his own in the dying stages. The win sends Dortmund four points clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig, with the Saxons playing at Augsburg on Saturday. Malen, who was linked with...
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SERIE A

Empoli grab late double to defeat Salernitana

 Shon Weissman of US Salernitana celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and Empoli FC - Serie A TIM at Stadio Arechi on February 9, 2024 in Salerno, Italy.Empoli have continued their excellent form under new coach Davide Nicola by beating his old team Salernitana 3-1 in Serie A.The away win by the club that started the day second to last against the only team below them extended Empoli's unbeaten run to four games since Nicola took over on January 15.Empoli rose four places to 15th. They are eight points clear of Salernitana.Visitors Empoli were fortunate to take the lead midway through the first half.Nicolo Cambiaghi's cross from the left took a deflection off the head of defender Alessandro Zanoli and looped over his stranded goalkeeper.S...
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LALIGA

Cardoso shines as Real Betis defeat Cadiz in La Liga

 Ivan Alejo of Cadiz CF and Johnny Cardoso of Real Betis in action during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Cadiz CF and Real Betis at Nuevo Mirandilla stadium on February 9, 2024, in Cadiz, Spain. US midfielder Johnny Cardoso turned in a man-of-the-match performance to help Real Betis beat Cadiz 2-0 and move into sixth place in the Spanish league.Cadiz have gone 20 league games without a win since September 1 and are third from bottom in the league. Betis leapfrogged Real Sociedad and Valencia on the ladder.Betis were missing their top goalscorer Isco, who is out for several weeks with a thigh injury. But his absence was barely noticed as the visitors took the lead after five minutes.Cardoso won the ball on the right flank and his cut back was ...
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