Author: Silver Emmanuel

7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Arsenal leading race for Barcelona forward target

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the DFB Cup Quarter Final match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on February 26, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Barcelona appear as if they will postpone their hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s successor until next summer, but it may mean putting together a new list of targets for next summer. The Polish striker turns 37 in August, but with Barcelona lacking space in their salary limit for a major signing, which means relying on his legs for another season. That is not to say that Barcelona have not been linked with various number nines in recent months. The received knowledge is that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak would be their preferred target, while RB Leipzig forw...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Unai Emery: Premier League remains priority for Aston Villa

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery arriving at the stadium during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Aston Villa FC at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images) Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says the Premier League remains his side’s priority this season.Villa put one foot into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 first-leg win against Club Brugge on Tuesday and they meet Championship side Preston in the last eight of the FA Cup at the end of the month. Their league form has been highly inconsistent, yet they remain on the coattails of the clubs chasing a top-five finish, which looks certain to bring Champions League qualification. And Emery insists ...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Ajax confirms: Pasveer out of action for several weeks

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 06: Remko Pasveer of Ajax (on the ground) gets treated for an injury during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AFC Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt at Johan Cruyff Arena on March 06, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images) Ajax will have to do without Remko Pasveer, the club announced this week, as the veteran goalkeeper suffered a muscle strain during European midweek action. Pasveer (41) was injured in the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday and afterwards coach Francesco Farioli confirmed things were not looking good. Talking on Ajax’s official channels, Pasveer himself described his pain, “When I played the ball in, I unfortunately immediately ...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

SERIE A

Athletic Club coach Valverde enthusiastic about Roma atmosphere

Ernesto Valverde head coach of Athletic Club gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Athletic Club at Stadio Olimpico on March 6, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde was impressed with Roma, both on and off the field, in the Europa League tie. ‘I hope we can have half the atmosphere they had tonight.’ The supporters had been told to come to the Stadio Olimpico with simple yellow and red flags, so the thousands followed those directives and made it a beautiful sight before kick-off. It helped the Giallorossi complete their comeback from the Inaki Williams header, turning it around through Angelino and the last-gasp Eldor Shomurodov winner. At that point, Athletic Club were down to 10 men for the second Yeray Alv...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Preview: Bayern vs. VfL Bochum – prediction, team news, lineups

Salzburg, Austria - January 6: head coach Vincent Kompany of Bayern Muenchen and Eric Dier of Bayern Muenchen talk together during the Friendly match between RB Salzburg and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on January 6, 2025 in Salzburg, Germany. Bayern Munich's quest to reclaim their Bundesliga crown continues on Saturday when they host strugglers VfL Bochum at Allianz Arena. Bayern have 61 points and are eight ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen following their 3-1 victory against Stuttgart on February 28, whereas Bochum lost 1-0 against Hoffenheim on March 1 and are third last in 16th place with 17 points. Match preview The Bavarians played out a relatively even first half against Stuttgart – both sides created two big chances – but they prevented their opponents from regist...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Deco offers fresh update on Ansu Fati’s Barcelona future

Ansu Fati trains during the match between FC Barcelona and Atalanta BC, corresponding to week 8 of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on January 29, 2025. Barcelona sporting director Deco has denied the club are already looking for a way to offload Ansu Fati this summer. Fati is struggling for game time at Barcelona this season, leading to speculation he will be shown the exit door at the end of the campaign. Deco was asked about the situation ahead of kick-off against Benfica and said a decision has not yet been made on Ansu’s future. “No, first of all, Ansu is part of the team. He has had many injuries, he has had bad luck, in important moments when he was developing, but he has been unlucky with injuries,” he told the me...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Europa league: Man Utd force draw with Sociedad but Spurs fall to Az

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 6: (L-R) Pablo Marin of Real Sociedad, Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad v Manchester United at the Estadio Reale Arena on March 6, 2025 in San Sebastian Spain. Manchester United took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee but were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie but Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat at AZ Alkmaar. Rangers won 3-1 at Fenerbahce with Vaclav Cerny scoring twice, and Olympique Lyonnais secured a 3-1 victory at Romanian side Steaua Bucharest thanks to two late goals from Malick Fofana. Manchester United had the only real chance of the first half against Sociedad when Bruno Fernandes had a goalbound shot blocked and Zirkzee’s follow-up effor...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Neymar back in Brazil squad after dazzling for Santos

SANTOS, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 05: Neymar of Santos reacts during a Campeonato Paulista 2025 match between Santos and Botafogo at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on February 05, 2025 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) Brazil have recalled Santos forward Neymar for their latest World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after more than a year out. The 33-year-old sustained a knee injury in Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to get back to his best and secure a spot in the squad. But after a disappointing spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos in January, and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven matches to catch the eye of Brazil coach...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

SERIE A

Lautaro Martinez Open to Finishing His Career at Inter

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale looks on during the serie Serie A Enilive match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez powered Inter to a two-nothing win away against Feyenoord, hitting the net together in the same game for the first time in months. The Argentine became the top Champions League scorer in the history of the club solo. He talked about it and more to Prime Video and Sky after the match (via SOSFanta). “I’m proud of this achievement. I couldn’t have imagined it when I came here. I sweated and worked a lot for it. Who knows me is aware of what I went through during my time here. It all comes from sacrifice. I must forge ahead because it doesn’t end here, and I want...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Champions League

Raphinha returns to haunt Benfica again with long-range stunner

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 5: Raphinha Dias of Barcelona celebrates his goal with his teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first Leg match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on March 5, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. Raphinha has scored another goal against Benfica in a challenging first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Brazilian winger intercepted a poor pass given by Antonio Silva in order to unleash an unstoppable shot towards the Portuguese's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. While the Ukrainian did not have a chance to save the strike, the ball hit the bottom right corner to hand Barcelona a crucial away win at Estadio da Luz. Raphinha's winner comes after the Catalans were reduced to 10 men after Pau Cubarsi was sent ...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

Champions League

Liverpool stuns Paris St. Germain late in first leg of Champions League clash

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 5: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool scores his goal to make it 0-1 during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint Germain v Liverpool at the Parc des Princes on March 5, 2025 in Paris France. Liverpool substitute Harvey Elliott scored a last-gasp winner 47 seconds after coming on to help his side earn a fortunate 1-0 win against Paris St. Germain, which outplayed the Premier League leader during the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday. Elliott slotted home in the 87th minute against the run of play after a pass from fellow substitute Darwin Nunez for a victory in Paris that Liverpool hardly deserved after goalkeeper Alisson kept it in the game with a string of magnificent saves. Liverpool's goal was its first shot on target and sec...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

Ligue 1

Lyon coach Fonseca hit with nine month ban

Benoit MILLOT, Referee of France shows red card tp Paulo FONSECA, Head Coach of Lyon during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Lyon and Brest at Groupama Stadium on March 2, 2025 in Lyon, France. Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca has been suspended for nine months by the French Professional Football League, following a confrontation with referee Benoit Millot during his team's recent 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Brest. Fonseca, hit by the lengthy suspension on his 52nd birthday, has been barred from the dugout until November next year after squaring up to French referee Benoit Millot in Sunday's 2-1 Ligue 1 home win against Brest. After being sent off by Millot, Fonseca angrily confronted the match official, screaming in his face. The Portuguese has also been banned by the French Professional Foo...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Champions League

Inter’s strike force seize control of Champions League last-16 tie

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 5: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates 0-1 with Kristjan Asllani of Internazionale , Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale , Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League match between Feyenoord v Internazionale at the Stadium Feijenoord on March 5, 2025 in Rotterdam Netherlands (Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images) Inter Milan's powerful strike duo of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez combined to give the Italians a handy 2-0 advantage over Dutch side Feyenoord after an absorbing Champions League last-16 first leg Wednesday. Quality finishes either side of half-time from the French and Argentinian strikers proved the difference between the two teams, who meet again in Milan for Tuesday's second leg, with the w...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Palmer set for Europe return as Chelsea face Copenhagen

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Chelsea's Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) Cole Palmer could make his first appearance for Chelsea in Europe since August when they face Copenhagen in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday. The England forward played in the qualifying round but was left out of the group stage to manage his workload.Palmer, 22, scored 14 goals in the first half of the season but has not scored in Chelsea's last seven games in all competitions. Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed he could feature in Denmark on Thursday, and is not concerned by his recent goal drought."If he is in ...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti concerned about one key aspect of his Real Madrid team

VALDEBEBAS, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, attends his press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League, football match against Atletico de Madrid, at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on March 03, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid secured a key advantage in their Champions League matchup against Atletico Madrid by registering a hard-fought 2-1 win in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the margin of Real Madrid’s victory could have been much higher had it not been for some indecision from the attackers in front of goal. The performances of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius, in particular, were concerning as both struggled to make any impact on last night’s game. Although coach Carlo Ancelotti, in the post-match presser, defended the duo citing Atle...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte ruled out of first leg against Real Sociedad

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on February 07, 2025 in Manchester, England. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte will miss the first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 tie away to Real Sociedad after sitting out training on Wednesday morning. Both players have been left out of the 18-man travelling party after picking up minor injuries in Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shoot-out exit at home to Fulham, adding to United’s lengthy list of absentees. Ruben Amorim is already without several players for Thursday’s match against La Real, with Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez among those on the si...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

Champions League

Arsenal path to Champions League final as Madrid showdown looms

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta applauds his side's travelling supporters at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Arsenal FC at City Ground on February 26, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images) Arsenal can have one eye on the Champions League quarter-finals after a sensational display against PSV on Tuesday night. The Gunners beat the Dutch side 7-1 in Eindhoven on a remarkable night, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side in complete control of the last-16 tie ahead of next week’s second leg in north London. A place in the quarter-finals is effectively guaranteed but it will be a significant step up for Arsenal. The Gunners will take on either Real Madrid or Atletico Ma...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona prepare for goalkeeping transition with three options on the table – Report

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) After not having brought any new players into Hansi Flick’s team in the last winter transfer window, FC Barcelona are likely to bring some reinforcements next summer. In this window, the Blaugranes are expected to bring in another forward to add more depth to their already set attacking line, while other areas, like the flanks, might also be strengthened. However, another position that the Catalans understand they need to strengthen in the long run is that of the goalkeeper. Their starting goalkeeper, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, is c...

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4Mar By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

Champions League

Aston Villa’s late double secures advantage over Club Brugge

BRUGGE, BELGIUM - MARCH 4: Marco Asensio of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Club Brugge KV and Aston Villa FC at Jan Breydelstadion on March 4, 2025 in Brugge, Belgium (Photo by Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images) Aston Villa hit two goals in the final 10 minutes to put one foot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-1 win against Club Brugge in the last-16 first leg. Villa are enjoying a dream debut season in Europe’s premier club competition and only a second-leg collapse on home soil next Wednesday will deny them a last-eight meeting with either Liverpool or Paris St Germain. The tone for a glorious night in Belgium was set after just 135 seconds whe...

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4Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Juventus must not let the current bubble burst soon

Lloyd Kelly participates in the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Juventus and Verona in Turin, Italy, on March 3, 2025. (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Juventus now has just one trophy left to play for this season, and that is the Scudetto.At the start of the campaign, the Bianconeri had aspirations of winning multiple titles, not including the Club World Cup, with many fans and pundits believing that this could be their year to shine under the management of Thiago Motta. The squad appeared to have the potential to challenge for several honours, and expectations were high as the season began.However, things have not gone as planned. Juventus have since dropped out of some key competitions, and very few now believe it can win a trophy this season. The team has f...

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