March 2024 – Page 12 – Football Flame    

Month: March 2024

LALIGA

Almeria avoid defeat but Sevilla dodge victory in stoppage time

Youssef En-Nesyri of Sevilla FC protests during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and Atletico de Madrid at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on February 11, 2024, in Sevilla, Spain. Almeria continued without a win in their opening 28 games in La Liga, having looked good until the final 10 minutes against their Andalusian neighbours in Sevilla, but did demonstrate that they have quality once again.In the first half both sides had chances, with Youssef En-Nesyri nearly latching onto an Isaac Romero pass, while Luis Maximiano made an excellent one-on-one save from the latter. Almeria were arguably the better of the two sides though, and created several clear openings, the best of which was converted by Adrian Embarba following a Jonathan Vie...
LALIGA

Barcelona forward to miss clash against Napoli, Xavi confirms

 Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #08 Pedri celebrates with Barcelona's French defender #23 Jules Kounde and Barcelona's Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie de Jong after scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on January 27, 2024.Barcelona's Spanish coach Xavi gives a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match against SSC Napoli at the training center in Barcelona on March 11, 2024.Ahead of the game between Barcelona and Napoli, both teams have things to figure out. In Barça’s case, Xavi’s greatest dilemma will be to field his strongest possible eleven to take on Napoli. However, the fortune of Barcelona has hardly been kind...
TRANSFERS

Report: Manchester United plotting double Everton swoop for Jarrad Branthwaite, Amadou Onana

 Abdoulaye Doucoure (16) of Everton celebrates his goal with Amadou Onana (L) Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Manchester United are reportedly considering a double swoop for Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.The Red Devils are expected to make significant changes to their squad this summer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently acquired a minority stake, giving him control of the club's football operations.Man United are likely to bring in a new central defender, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans out of contract at the end of the season.Elsewhere on the pitch, the Red Devils are also expected to bolster their midfield options, amid uncertai...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City suffer major injury blow ahead of Newcastle United & Arsenal games

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (R) passes a stray ball to Manchester City's Dutch defender #06 Nathan Ake for a throw in during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on March 10, 2024.Manchester City have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the FA Cup game against Newcastle United and upcoming Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal.No1 goalkeeper Ederson is facing a three to four week spell out with a thigh injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Premier League rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. It is a major blow to title-chasing City.On Sunday, Nathan Ake’s under-hit pass back to Ederson was intercepted by Darwin Nunez inside the box. But with the City keeper already ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United make Erik ten Hag decision and start talks with Premier League boss

 Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on March 09, 2024 in Manchester, England. According to reports, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi will likely take Erik ten Hag’s position as the new Manchester Utd manager, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opted to fire ten Hag.In his first season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag led the Red Devils to an FA Cup final, League Cup glory, and a top-four Premier League finish in 2022–2023.But things haven’t gone as planned this season; Man United finished last in their Champions League group and found it difficult to stay up with the top four teams in the Premier League.Furthermore, Ratcliffe “has decided to fir...
LALIGA

Xavi reveals which Napoli player he’d like to see at Barcelona

 Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli during the serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 03, 2024 in Naples, Italy.Barcelona coach Xavi admits Napoli have ‘improved’ under Francesco Calzona and would like to see Stanislav Lobotka play for the Catalans.Napoli and Barcelona meet in Spain tomorrow in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Xavi addressed the media at a pre-match press conference on Monday, revealing what he expects from his side and from the Partenopei.“I expect a proud Napoli that build up from the back press high with no speculation. They have high individual quality,” said the ex-Spain star as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.“Napoli’s three attacking players are of high level. It’s a big game against a big club, ...
SERIE A

Lecce sack manager D’Aversa over headbutting incident

 Coach Roberto D'Aversa of US Lecce and player Thomas Henry of Hellas Verona argue during the Serie A TIM match between US Lecce and Hellas Verona FC - Serie A TIM at Stadio Via del Mare on March 10, 2024 in Lecce, Italy.Serie A club Lecce have fired manager Roberto D'Aversa after he headbutted an opposing player at the end of his side's loss to Hellas Verona.D'Aversa headbutted Verona striker Thomas Henry in the aftermath of Lecce's 1-0 home defeat on Sunday, and the club released a statement later that day condemning the incident.They have now dismissed the 48-year-old."After the events that took place at the end of the Lecce - Verona match, U.S.Lecce announces that it has relieved coach Roberto D'Aversa of his duties," the club said in a statement.D'Aversa was shown the red card al...
BUNDESLIGA

Bayer Leverkusen defeat Wolfsburg to edge closer to first Bundesliga title

 Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates with team mates during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg at BayArena on March 10, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. Nathan Tella and Florian Wirtz scored as Bayer Leverkusen beat 10-man Wolfsburg 2-0 on Sunday to edge their team closer to a maiden Bundesliga title. Bayern Munich's 8-1 win over Mainz on Saturday, including Harry Kane's fourth hat-trick of the season, had cut the gap to seven points. Now, with nine games remaining, Leverkusen, who are still unbeaten in all competitions this season, sit 10 points ahead. "It wasn't easy, but it was highly deserved," said Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka. "I'm sure the fans would have wished for more goals, but three points are three points."Leverkusen were ha...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City hold out for Liverpool draw to leave Arsenal top of Premier League

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC celebrates with Darwin Nunez after scoring their first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on March 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Alexis Mac Allister's penalty cancelled out John Stones' opener to leave Liverpool behind the Gunners on goal difference and City one point back in third with 10 games to go.The final Premier League clash between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola did not disappoint as Liverpool roared back in a breathless second half despite being depleted by injury.Klopp's men could have regrets if they do not go on to break City's run of three consecutive titles as they missed a plethora of chances to secure a crucial win.City have still not won at Anfield in fron...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Danny Ings haunts Burnley as West Ham United fight back for point

 Danny Ings of West Ham United scores a goal which was later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley FC at the London Stadium on March 10, 2024 in London, England. Danny Ings was West Ham United's hero as the Hammers fought back from two goals down to deny Burnley a priceless win in a 2-2 Premier League draw at the London Stadium.On the back of a gruelling sojourn to Germany in the Europa League, David Moyes's men cut timid figures in the first half, and the visitors were deservedly two up at half time thanks to David Datro Fofana's rocket and Dinos Mavropanos's own goal.Lucas Paqueta got West Ham back into the game almost immediately after the restart, though, and moments after having one effort disallowed, Ings opened his top-fl...
Ligue 1

Enrique defends decision to bench Mbappe as PSG drop points again

 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN coach Luis Enrique defended his stuttering team after they were held 2-2 by Reims in Ligue 1 on Sunday, a third straight domestic draw which still allowed the reigning champions to go 10 points clear at the top of the table.Kylian Mbappe was rested at kick-off after scoring both goals in PSG’s 2-1 midweek win at Real Sociedad which saw them qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals 4-1 on aggregate.Without him, PSG fell behind to a Marshall Munetsi goal following an error by Achraf Hakimi.They hit back and found themselves ahead thanks to a Yunis Abdelhamid own goal and a Goncalo Ramos strike, but Oumar Diakite’s goal for Reims ensured a share of the spoils.It was at times a disjointed and error-strewn display from a PSG side showing six changes from their m...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Son inspires Spurs to thrash ten-man Aston Villa in top-four chase

 Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on March 10, 2024 in Birmingham, England.Tottenham Hotspur inflicted a chastening 4-0 home defeat on 10-man Aston Villa as Ange Postecoglou’s men emphatically won this key battle in the race for Champions League qualification.Sunday’s crunch clash between fourth and fifth was described in the build-up by Villa skipper John McGinn as “the most important game in the club’s recent history”.Unai Emery’s men had the chance to move eight points clear of Spurs in the final guaranteed Champions League spot, but instead the hosts’ captain saw red in an embarrassing second-half collapse.Tottenham moved within two points of Villa wit...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United star set for huge pay rise

 Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on March 9, 2024 in Manchester, England. Two first half penalties were enough to earn Manchester United a much needed win over struggling Everton on Saturday afternoon.The Red Devils welcomed the Toffees to Old Trafford off the back of successive Premier League defeats against Fulham and Manchester City, but midfielder Bruno Fernandes settled the nerves from the spot early on.United were then awarded a second penalty before half-time, which was duly dispatched by forward Marcus Rashford.The win keeps United sixth in the top flight table, keeping alive their slim hopes of finishing in the top four this season.In the meantime, it appears tha...
LALIGA

Real Madrid midfielder wanted by former club in the summer – report

 Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid during a training session at Valdebebas training ground on March 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Dani Ceballos renewed his contract with Real Madrid last summer after being reassured of regular minutes at the club. After all, he spent a significant spell in the limelight last season when Luka Modric was ruled out with injury.The new season, however, has not gone well for the Spanish midfielder. Regular injuries have seen him miss a significant part of the action, while the increased competition in the position has made his role insignificant under Carlo Ancelotti.Enroute Seville?As relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Ceballos is once again linked with a move to Real Betis, as he has several times before. This time, however, there is a good chance th...
LALIGA

Girona ease back into second as Atletico Madrid misery continues

 Girona's Spanish forward #24 Cristian Portugues (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Spanish league football match between Girona FC and CA Osasuna at the Montilivi stadium in Girona on March 9, 2024.Girona returned to winning ways by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday to move back into second place in La Liga, as Atletico Madrid ceded further ground on the top three with a shock defeat at Cadiz. A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Cristian Portu and a late Savinho strike allowed Girona to leapfrog Barcelona back into second spot. "Getting the three points at home is the most important thing to be at the top," said defender Yan Couto. "Thanks to the fans for their support."Girona dominated the early exchanges against their 10th-placed opponents and were rewarded...
SERIE A

Inter Milan continue Scudetto march at battling Bologna

 Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the opening goal with teammate Hakan Calhanoglu of FC during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and FC Internazionale - Serie A TIM at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on March 09, 2024 in Bologna, Italy.Inter Milan took another step towards a 20th Serie A title on Saturday with a 1-0 win at in-form Bologna which extended their massive league lead to 18 points. Yann Bisseck headed home the only goal of a tight contest in the 37th minute at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara as Inter geared up for Wednesday's Champions League decider with Atletico Madrid in positive fashion. Germany defender Bisseck's second goal of the season extended Inter's all-competitions winning streak since the turn of the year to 13 matches and emp...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes slammed by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney after win over Everton

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on March 9, 2024 in Manchester, England. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been criticised by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney – despite scoring the goals in the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.Fernandes gave Erik ten Hag's side the lead with a penalty after 12 minutes and Rashford made it 2-0 later in the half – also with a spot-kick.With the second penalty, the Portuguese gave the ball to Rashford and although the end result was the same, Rooney was critical of the gesture.Speaking on TNT Sports, Manchester United's all-time top scorer said: "I think any club should have o...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta praises ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star after beating Brentford

 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates victory after the final whistle in the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday March 9, 2024.Mikel Arteta branded Arsenal matchwinner Kai Havertz an ‘exceptional player’ following his decisive contribution in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford.The Gunners looked to be on course for another routine win when Declan Rice headed Arsenal into an early lead but Brentford stunned the Emirates Stadium with a bizarre equaliser, courtesy of an Aaron Ramsdale howler, in first half injury time.With Liverpool hosting Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, Arsenal could not afford to drop points in the race for the title and finally got themselves back in front in the closing stages thanks to Havertz’s bullet header.The sum...
BUNDESLIGA

Kane sets hat-trick record as Bayern win 8-1

 Harry Kane of FC Bayern München and Joshua Guilavogui of 1. FSV Mainz 05 battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on March 9, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Harry Kane became the first man to score four hat-tricks in his debut Bundesliga season as Bayern Munich reduced Bayer Leverkusen's advantage to seven points.With Leverkusen hosting Wolfsburg on Sunday, Bayern looked to maintain the pressure on the runaway leaders and they responded with an emphatic win against relegation-threatened Mainz.England captain Kane, 30, took his tally to 30 goals in 25 Bundesliga games, as well as providing a wonderful assist for Jamal Musiala.Bayern are aiming for a record-extending 12th successive title but their tight grip on the B...
NEWS

Brereton Diaz must learn Spanish, says Chile coach

 Ben Brereton Diaz of Sheffield United during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Aston Villa at Bramall Lane on February 03, 2024 in Sheffield, England.Ben Brereton Diaz has been told by Chile's new coach it is "essential" he learns Spanish after being dropped for friendlies against Albania and France.The 24-year-old striker, who is on loan at Sheffield United from Villarreal, was left out of Ricardo Gareca's first squad for the matches later this month.Brereton Diaz was born in Stoke-on-Trent to a Chilean mother and English father and has won 27 caps for La Roja."I would like him to learn Spanish, I think it is important," Gareca said.Gareca added that he wished to look "at other options" to Brereton Diaz for the two friendlies in Europe on 22 and 26 March."He was ...
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