Author: Silver Emmanuel

21Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayer Leverkusen concede Bundesliga title race with four matches remaining

Bayer Leverkusen's Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso reacts from the sidelines during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Bielefeld, western Germany on April 1, 2025. (Photo by UWE KRAFT / AFP) / DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND QUASI-VIDEO. (Photo by UWE KRAFT/AFP via Getty Images) Though Bayer Leverkusen’s chances of successfully defending their Bundesliga title had been in serious doubt for quite some time, last night’s 1-1 draw against St. Pauli effectively sealed the deal. The lone point gained at the Millerntor – combined with Bayern Munich’s win this weekend – leaves Leverkusen eight points behind Bayern with four matches remaining. Head coach Xabi Alonso and striker P...

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21Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Italy’s Serie A matches postponed after death of Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 09: Pope Francis celebrates Vespers on the Solemnity of the Ascension and proclaims the ordinary Jubilee of 2025 with the public reading and delivery of the Bull of Indiction, on May 09, 2024 in Vatican City, Vatican. Italy’s top-flight soccer league Serie A has postponed all of Monday's fixtures following the death of Pope Francis. Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a lifelong soccer fan has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday. He was 88, and had survived a serious bout of double pneumonia. "Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today's league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed," the league said in a statement."Th...

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21Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arne Slot: It’s ridiculous to question Trent Alexander-Arnold’s commitment to Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26:Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield on February 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The Reds are now tantalisingly close to reasserting their dominance over English football thanks to Alexander-Arnold's winner against Leicester on Sunday. Essentially, with Arsenal beating Ipswich Town earlier in the day, this was an exercise in marking time for Liverpool. The Premier League trophy will be returning to Anfield for the first time since 2020. The only question is ‘when’ not ‘if’. For Leicester City, however, the waiting is over. Only a year after achieving promotion back to the top-flight and less than a decade after breaking the stranglehold Manchester, Chelsea an...

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21Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter struggle again at Bologna as Napoli close in

BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 20: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy.  Inter Milan have a history of recent struggles at Bologna and Sunday proved no different. Riccardo Orsolini's stoppage-time bicycle kick lifted Bologna to a 1-0 victory over the Serie A leaders and left the Nerazzurri level with second-placed Napoli with five rounds remaining. The defeat brought back memories of a goalkeeping blunder by Ionut Radu that gifted Bologna a victory three years ago, setting up the title for rivals AC Milan. Inter also lost at Bologna the following season in a rain storm. Inter won at Bologna last season but spent so much energy they ...

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21Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal injury update: Saka, Calafiori, Jorginho latest return dates

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embraces Thomas Partey of Arsenal after the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Arsenal FC at Portman Road on April 20, 2025 in Ipswich, England. Arsenal would have been fearing the worst when seeing Bukayo Saka requiring treatment on a possible ankle injury during the win over Ipswich. The winger was given his first Premier League start since returning was injury, and was instrumental in his side going two goals to the good before being sithed down during the 4-0 win. Saka carried on before being withdrawn early in the second half, but the initial prognosis is positive. Elsewhere, there is good news on Riccardo Calafiori ahead of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final,...

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21Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea injury news and return dates as fresh blow confirmed after Fulham win

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, talks to Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. Chelsea secured a huge win on Sunday as they continue their battle for a Champions League spot, but it came at a cost. The Blues fought back from behind at Craven Cottage to win 2-1, with Tyrique George levelling the score-line and Pedro Neto slamming in a brilliant winner in stoppage time. After the game, Blues boss Enzo Maresca described the win as his side’s ‘toughest’ of the season so far. He said: “Today was an important win because first of all it's a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there [in the Champions League qualification places]. It was probably the most diffic...

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21Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Ernesto Valverde: “It was close until the end”

Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti are present during the La Liga 2024/25 match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 20. Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde offered a measured and realistic assessment of his team’s 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night, praising Real Madrid’s quality while pointing to fixture congestion and missed offensive clarity as key factors in the narrow defeat. Valverde’s side, fresh off a Thursday fixture, arrived in Madrid with a conservative game plan: stay compact, keep the game within reach, and strike when possible. For much of the evening, they executed that vision, especially in the first half. “It was clear that we had to play our game, knowi...

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20Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Martinelli faces crucial run-in as Arsenal weigh up Williams bid

Gabriel Martinelli left winger of Arsenal and Brazil during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025 in London, England. After a difficult season, Wednesday night and a trip to the Bernabeu turned out to be a moment for Gabriel Martinelli to savour. The winger believes it was the biggest night of his career and it is hard to argue with that after he scored the winning goal. It was a classic Martinelli goal too, something we have not seen enough of this season, as he used his pace to streak clear from the halfway line before calming slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois. Even after 90 minutes in the Bernabeu, Martinelli still had fuel in the tank and his reward was a goal that will go d...

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20Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Kane nets 60th Bundesliga goal as Bayern near title

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich clashes with Benedikt Gimber of 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and FC Bayern München at Voith-Arena on April 19, 2025 in Heidenheim, Germany. Harry Kane scored has his 60th Bundesliga goal in his 60th game to help Bayern Munich defeat Heidenheim 4-0 and close in on regaining the title . The former Tottenham striker scored the opening goal with a low shot from just outside the penalty area in the 13th minute and nears what would be the first major team trophy of a career filled with individual scoring accolades. The England captain is the fastest player to 60 goals in Bundesliga history, beating Erling Haaland's mark of 65 games with Borussia Dortmund. Bayern moved nine points cle...

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20Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

McTominay heads Napoli level with Serie A leaders Inter

MONZA, ITALY - APRIL 19: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates with team mate Romelu Lukaku after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Serie A match between AC Monza and SSC Napoli at U-Power Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Monza, Italy. Scotland midfielder McTominay nodded home his 10th goal in all competitions this season from Giacomo Raspadori's cross in the 72nd minute to save Napoli's blushes after a drab display in northern Italy. McTominay's third goal in a week boosted Napoli's bid for a second league title in three seasons and piled pressure on reigning champions Inter who are at high-flying Bologna on Easter Sunday. Beyond that goal, Antonio Conte's team created little against the division's worst team in Monza, who are 12 points from safety with five matches remain...

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20Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Raphinha leads Barcelona’s 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal which was taken from the penalty spot during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 19, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Hansi Flick ran onto the field on the final whistle and lifted Raphinha off his feet in a bear hug. The Brazil forward deserved being singled out for extra praise from Barcelona's coach. He had just led a thrilling 4-3 fightback over Celta Vigo by scoring two late goals including a clutch penalty for an injury-time winner. Barcelona remained on pace for the Spanish league title as they opened up a seven-point gap over Real Madrid on Saturday before the defending champions host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. "It was amazi...

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19Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Richards sent off as Crystal Palace hold Bournemouth

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Chris Richards of Crystal Palace is sent off after receiving hid second yellow during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on April 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images) Bournemouth missed the chance to close the gap on the Premier League's top seven as they were held to a draw by 10-man Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The home side had to play over half the match with a numerical disadvantage after Chris Richards' dismissal in first-half stoppage time, but Andoni Iraola's side failed to break down their opponents in a second half low on goalmouth drama. The first half had ended in controversy after Palace defender Richards, who was alrea...

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19Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City strike twice late on to beat Everton

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester City FC at Goodison Park on April 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Manchester City remain on track to qualify for next season's Champions League after winning at Everton with two late goals. An uninspiring contest looked to be heading for a drab draw before being brought to life with six minutes remaining when young full-back Nico O'Reilly stole in from close range to convert Matheus Nunes' cutback. Substitute Mateo Kovacic added a second in injury time on the stretch as Pep Guardiola's men climbed to fourth in the table, four points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea,...

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19Apr By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti rules out Madrid rift, won’t talk future

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025 in London, England. Carlo Ancelotti has denied there's any rift behind the scenes at Real Madrid, saying he will discuss his future with the club at the end of the season. Ancelotti's position has been heavily questioned after Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, to crash out of the Champions League quarterfinals 5-1 on aggregate. The Italian has won two LaLiga and Champions League doubles since returning to Madrid 2021, but the team -- which is still battling for the league title and plays the Copa del Rey final next week -- has suffered several high-profile defe...

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19Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arteta seeks quick reset after Madrid heroics ahead of Ipswich trip

Arsenal trainer Mikel Arteta speaks during the press conference after the match PSV - Arsenal at the Philips Stadium for the UEFA Champions League - Round of 16 - 1st leg season 2024-2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Arsenal's superb performances against Real Madrid prove they can compete against the best but manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that they had little time to celebrate as they look to delay Liverpool's coronation as Premier League champions. Arsenal beat Real Madrid in both quarterfinal legs to advance 5-1 on aggregate but the achievement of reaching a first Champions League semifinal since 2009 could lose its sheen if they suffer defeat at Ipswich Town on Sunday. With a 13-point lead and six...

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19Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Man United reportedly target Serie A star with Premier League rival keen

GEWISS STADIUM, BERGAMO, ITALY - 2025/03/16: Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva of Atalanta BC looks on as he leaves the pitch after being sent off during the Serie A football match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale. FC Internazionale won 2-0 over Atalanta BC. Ederson Emerges as United’s Midfield Priority The tides at Old Trafford may be shifting once more. Fresh off an emotionally charged Europa League escape against Lyon, Manchester United have reportedly accelerated plans for their summer rebuild. According to Fichajes, the Red Devils are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ederson from Atalanta — a move that, if completed, could send significant ripples across the Premier League. The 25-year-old Brazilian has been described as ‘excellent’ this season, a sentiment that ...

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19Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Inter could be without Thuram against Barcelona

Marcus Thuram plays during the match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale in the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, on April 2, 2025. With less than two weeks to go before their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semifinal first-leg match against FC Barcelona, Inter Milan has been dealt what could prove a significant blow. The Italian giants have confirmed a key player will be sidelined for their next match and could be out for the crucial encounter in Catalonia. Marcus Thuram has a problem in his left thigh and will miss the next match against Bologna in Serie A on Sunday. The club has been tight-lipped about how long they expect the Frenchman to be out. All that is known is that his availability is listed as day-to-day, and that it will dep...

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19Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Espanyol win eases La Liga relegation fears

CORNELLA, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Marash Kumbulla of RCD Espanyol in action during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between RCD Espanyol and Getafe CF at RCDE Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Cornella, Barcelona, Spain. Espanyol have beaten Getafe 1-0 in La Liga to record a third straight victory and ease relegation fears. On-loan centre half Marash Kumbulla got the only goal near halftime. Any hopes of a Getafe comeback were scorched on the hour mark when Nigerian defender Christantus Uche was sent off for a bad tackle. The result came after recent wins away at Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo, and was the third clean sheet in a row for Manolo González's men. It lifted the Barcelona club three places into 12th spot. Getafe are a point and a place above them.

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18Apr By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Hansi Flick talks about possible rotations ahead of Barcelona vs Celta Vigo

Dortmund, Germany - April 15: head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) After having secured their passage to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona are set to return to action in La Liga, where they will try to maintain their lead over Real Madrid. The Catalans will be facing Celta Vigo in this home fixture. While the Blaugranes are the favourites to come out as the winners in this game, they have been playing a lot of games in a short period of time, and the players might be feeling some fatigue. As Mundo Depor...

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18Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid set ideal timeframe for appointment

Xabi Alonso of Bayer 04 Leverkusen controls the ball during the Champions League round of 16 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 11, 2025. Real Madrid are ready to accelerate their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, a report has revealed, with the recently dethroned Champions League holders hoping to appoint a new boss before this summer's Club World Cup. It emerged in the aftermath of Madrid's Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal that current boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave the club later this month, with the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona potentially his final game in charge. Alonso has long been viewed as Madrid's dream replacement for Ancelotti and The Times report that the 15-time Cham...

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