September 2024 – Page 13

Alonso ‘bitter’ as Leverkusen unbeaten run ends

1Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Alonso ‘bitter’ as Leverkusen unbeaten run ends

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said he had a "bitter" feeling after the German champions saw their impressive unbeaten run in the Bundesliga end with a 3-2 defeat by RB Leipzig on Saturday. Under Alonso, Leverkusen have made crucial late goals a speciality. It briefly seemed like that might happen again when the referee went to review a possible penalty in the 86th minute after Leipzig's Castello Lukeba and Leverkusen's Patrik Schick made contact. The referee decided against the spot kick and Leverkusen lost to a German opponent for the first time since May 2023 after 35 Bundesliga games unbeaten, including their entire title-winning 2023-24 season. "It's hard, it's bitter," Alonso told German broadcaster Sky. "I don't think we deserved to lose today." The defeat left Leverkusen on...

Romelu Lukaku scores on debut as Napoli strike late to beat Parma

Romelu Lukaku scored on his Napoli debut to help Antonio Conte's side come from behind to beat newly promoted Parma. Lukaku completed his £38million move to Napoli from Chelsea on Thursday, having been placed in the Blues' 'bomb squad' available for sale. The Belgian completed the permanent switch to Napoli having spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A at Inter Milan and Roma. Lukaku was reunited with former Inter Milan boss Conte at Napoli and the forward made an instant impact for the Italian coach on Saturday. The 31-year-old started the match on the bench against promoted Parma, but saw the visitors take a shock lead. Feisty Parma, who beat Milan last week, looked to be on their way to a second surprise win of the season thanks to a 19th-minute penalty from Ange-Yoan Bonny...

Raphinha hat-trick as Barcelona rout Valladolid 7-0

Brazil winger Raphinha scored a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Real Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday to make it four wins from four in La Liga under new coach Hansi Flick. While bitter rivals Real Madrid have stumbled early following the much-trumpeted arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona are off to a flying start despite their continued financial difficulties. They are also missing Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Ronald Araujo but have a maximum 12 points heading into the international break, leaving them seven clear of Madrid who face Real Betis today. “We’re growing as a team. I think it’s a very good start to the season,” said Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen. “I’m proud of how things are going... hopefully we can continue like that in the next weeks.” Barcelona’s best start to a La Lig...