Year: 2024

19Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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19Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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18Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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18Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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17Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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17Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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16Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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16Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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15Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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15Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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15Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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14Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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13Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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13Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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12Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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12Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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12Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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12Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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12Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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11Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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