Author: Silver Emmanuel

29Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Kylian Mbappé Advised on How to Overcome Slow Real Madrid Start

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Kylian Mbappé’s first El Clásico didn’t go as he had hoped, as Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat to FC Barcelona last Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. While he certainly caught attention, it wasn’t for the right reasons. The match remained scoreless until the 31st minute when Mbappé thought he had given Madrid the lead, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Offside became a frustrating theme for the former Paris Saint-Germain star, who was flagged eight times during the match—more than any player in LaLiga over the past decade, according to StatMuse on X. To make matters worse, Real Madrid watched as Barce...

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29Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

£12 million regular starter believes Southampton can again make a come-back

Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. Kyle Walker-Peters is one of the most experienced players for Southampton, and the 27-year-old is among the best defenders who have played for the Saints in recent seasons. Since arriving at the St. Mary's Stadium from Tottenham Hotspurs in a £12 million transfer move, the England international has gone strength to strength while establishing himself as an integral part of the Southampton defence. When the Saints were relegated last year, Walker-Peters was one of the few first-team players who decided to help Southampton to return to the English top flight. With 11 clean-sheets and 6 goal contributions in the previou...

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29Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Who will be the next Manchester United manager after Ten Hag?

Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, reacts as he looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. Manchester United sacked manager Erik ten Hag after the club failed to show any progress in the Dutchman's third season, leaving the hot seat vacant for a new coach to try their luck at one of the toughest jobs in the Premier League. Since Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, the 20-times English champions have not won the league title despite some big names such as Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho taking the reins. The following are some of the candidates among the favourites to replace Ten Hag. Ruben Amorim The coach of Portuguese side Sporting appeared as the frontrunner to replace ...

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29Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Manchester City’s Rodri wins Men’s Ballon D’Or award as Real Madrid boycott ceremony

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri receives the Ballon d'Or award during the 2024 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, 2024. Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was awarded the men's Ballon d'Or on Monday after winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title and Euro 2024, but Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony. The decision to award the prize for the world's best player to the deep-lying midfielder came as a surprise, with Real Madrid's Liga and Champions League double winner Vinicius Junior widely seen as the pre-ceremony favorite. Hours before the festivities in Paris, the Spanish club announced its delegation would not attend the ceremony at Chatelet Theatre because of what it perceived as a snub of Vinicius. R...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid will win two awards at Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Vinicius snub

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Not more than 24 hours ago, Vinicius Junior appeared to be the undisputed favourite to seal the Ballon d’Or trophy. But drama unfolded in the hours heading up to the gala, as various news outlets started to report that Rodri had pipped Vinicius for the prestigious title. The likes of Fabrizio Romano and ESPN soon joined the bandwagon, confirming that Real Madrid are aware of the winner and are thus not attending the Ballon d’Or event. With the countdown already underway, Real Madrid are still absent from the event, in protest of Rodri’s triump...

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28Oct By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Manchester City, PSG plot raid on Barcelona for €30 million-rated star

Inaki Pena of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly keen on signing 25-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena. According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to sign 25-year-old goalkeeper Inaki Pena from La Liga outfit Barcelona, and they would have to pay €30 million for him. There is no doubt that both clubs have the financial muscle to get the deal done, and it will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the Spanish goalkeeper. Inalki Pena is not a key player for Barcelona, and he won’t be a regular sta...

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28Oct By Silver Emmanuel6 Comments

Ligue 1

PSG crush Marseille to go clear atop French league

Adrien RABIOT of Marseille and Fabian RUIZ of FC Paris Saint-Germain during the Ligue 1 MCDonald's match between Marseille and Paris at Orange Velodrome on October 27, 2024 in Marseille, France. Paris Saint-Germain have moved three points clear at the top of the French league with a resounding 3-0 win at Marseille, who badly failed their first big test this season after a red card and an own-goal in the first half. A win on Sunday would have moved Marseille level on points with the defending champions, but instead third-place Marseille dropped six points behind unbeaten PSG and stayed three points behind Monaco in second spot. The humiliating manner of the defeat will doubtless test the patience of Marseille's hugely demanding fans. Some of them started leaving Stade Velodrome before the ...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Konrad Laimer says Bayern Munich wanted to make statement in win over VfL Bochum

Konrad Laimer of Bayern Muenchen and Min-jae Kim of Bayern Muenchen discusses during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and FC Bayern München at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on October 27, 2024 in Bochum, Germany. Bayern Munich midfielder / right-back Konrad Laimer took over for Raphaël Guerreiro at the right-back position and felt good to be back as part of the starting XI. Laimer was part of a backline that included Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies that ultimately kept a clean sheet in front of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Needless to say, Laimer was glad to see his squad respond after a midweek thrashing at the hands of FC Barcelona. “We wanted to make a statement again. It was a very focused and confident performance. In the end, we deserved to win by such a large margin...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Girona problems pile up as injury list reaches double figures

Alejandro Frances of Girona FC during the UEFA Champions League match, date 3 between Girona FC and SK Slovan Bratislava played at Montilivi Stadium on October 22, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Girona’s start to the season has been challenging, to say the least. Saturday’s defeat at Las Palmas was a second loss in a row for the Catalans, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the La Liga standings – what’s more, they are also in the midst of a seriously worrying injury crisis. Daley Blind returned against Las Palmas after four weeks out, but fellow defender Alejandro Frances sustained an injury during the first half in Gran Canaria – as per Diario AS, he joins Oriol Romeu, Yaser Asprilla, Christian Portu, Abel Ruiz, Ivan Martín, Viktor Tsygankov, Jhon Solís, Bryan Gil and Pau Lopez on t...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Yildiz double earns Juve amazing 4-4 draw with Inter

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus celebrates with his teammate Andrea Cambiaso after scoring goal 4-4 during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Teenager Kenan Yildiz has emerged from the substitutes' bench to help Juventus salvage a 4-4 draw at Inter Milan in a highly entertaining Derby d'Italia. Yildiz was brought on in the 61st minute on Sunday with Juve trailing 4-2 and Inter seemingly headed for an important victory before the 19-year-old's late double. "I want to thank the team, the coach and my family: it was not easy, but I am very happy," Yildiz said. "You always have to stay together and play as a team; in soccer everything can change quickly." Inter remained second ? four points behind Serie A leaders N...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola issues Man City reality check despite Liverpool vs Arsenal title race bonus

Manchester City's Manager Josep Guardiola during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. Pep Guardiola will settle down on Sunday afternoon to watch Liverpool take on Arsenal knowing his Manchester City side are top of the Premier League. City beat Southampton on Saturday to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Premier League ahead of the leaders travelling to third-placed Arsenal on Sunday. Elsewhere on Saturday, Aston Villa and Brighton moved up places in the top five but were both held and Guardiola says the results so far this season prove that nothing can be taken for granted - especially after seeing City given two tough contests against the bottom two sides in the last week. "I will watch...

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27Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Leipzig surge to top spot with comeback win

Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on October 26, 2024. RB Leipzig came from behind to beat Freiburg 3-1 at home on Saturday to leapfrog Bayern Munich and go top of the Bundesliga, while Borussia Dortmund’s away woes continued with another defeat. Freiburg, impressive this season under new coach Julian Schuster, scored first when Japan winger Ritsu Doan was in the perfect place to head in a Vincenzo Grifo cross. Leipzig, who looked heavy-legged after a 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, were a goal down at half-time but equalised shortly after. Germany defender Benjamin Henrichs, who was at fault for Freiburg’s opener, cut a dangerous cross goalwards...

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27Oct By Silver Emmanuel7 Comments

Ligue 1

Lille leave it late to beat Ligue 1 rivals Lens

Joanthan David #9 of Lilleis eject by Kevin Danso #4 of Lens during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Racing Club de Lens and Lille OSC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on October 26, 2024 in Lens, France. In-form Jonathan David's penalty in stoppage time has broken the deadlock for Lille to beat bitter rivals Lens 2-0 in the Ligue 1 Derby of the North on Saturday. David scored eight minutes into added time with a well-taken shot into the top corner amid whistles and boos from the home fans. It was his 11th goal in 16 appearances in all competitions. Mohamed Bayo added the second on the break three minutes later to give Lille more lustre to a scrappy win. Lens, who looked solid throughout but cracked at the very end, slumped to their first league loss. Tempers frayed at the end as players an...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Serie A leader Napoli scores late to beat struggling Lecce and Atalanta routs Verona

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Serie A leader Napoli needed a late score from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo to secure a 1-0 victory over struggling Lecce at home on Saturday. Di Lorenzo, who had an earlier goal waved off by the VAR, bundled in from close range following a rebound of a header by Scott McTominay. Antonio Conte’s Napoli moved five points ahead of defending champion Inter Milan, which hosts rival Juventus on Sunday. Lecce remained one point above last-placed Venezia. Di Lorenzo's goal came a minute after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came on. It was Napoli's fourth straight win. The 2023 champion hasn't lost since dropping its season opener in Augu...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Iwobi rues Fulham’s failure to hold on

Fulham's Alex Iwobi scores their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday October 26, 2024. Alex Iwobi was phlegmatic after Fulham failed to hold onto the lead he established for them at Everton on Saturday evening – as the Whites were denied three points on his return to Goodison Park by Beto’s late, late leveller. The Nigerian international struck a superb second half opener from just outside the box after a brilliant individual dribble from Emile Smith Rowe. His low-key celebration in front of the travelling fans was a testament to how special he considered his years on the blue half of Merseyside. Iwobi told Sky Sports after the final whistle: “It would have been a nice feeling to get three points against my old...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Five talking points as Barca beat Real Madrid in El Clasico

Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, interacts with Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. ( Hansi Flick has Barcelona dreaming Hansi Flick simply can’t put a foot wrong as Barcelona boss. The German was at it again on Saturday night, overseeing an incredible 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu to round off a magical week. The German once again named a young side, starting six players under the age of 22 years for the first time in 108 years of Clasico history. The kids did alright too. Pau Cubarsi continues to astound, Marc Casado put in another unreal performance and Lamine Yamal made more history with his goal. Flick also made a key change at half-t...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich predicted XI vs VfL Bochum: Kingsley Coman given a rare start?

Kingsley Coman left winger of Bayern Munich and France during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Aston Villa FC and FC Bayern München at Villa Park on October 2, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Kingsley Coman, who featured as a substitute in Bayern Munich’s 4-1 defeat against Barcelona, could start against winless Bochum on Sunday afternoon. Vincent Kompany’s side, level with RB Leipzig, top the Bundesliga after seven games, but the Belgian could make several changes for today’s game given the high workload. Bayern Munich will play five games in the space of two weeks with Bundesliga games against Bochum, Union Berlin and St. Pauli, a DFB Pokal tie against Mainz, and a Champions League game against Benfica. As such, Kompany is expected to make at least two chan...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Fabregas disappointed after Como’s narrow defeat to Torino

Head coach Cesc Fabregas of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 25, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Como manager Cesc Fabregas expressed his frustration following his team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Torino in Serie A. Despite the defeat, Fabregas remained optimistic about his team’s performance and future prospects. Addressing Braunoder’s error that led to the goal, Fabregas emphasized the importance of team unity: “We are a family more than ever. He’s a golden boy who gave us so much for promotion. Football is like this, now it’s important to show that we are a growing family. This is the message to learn: football is not fair, we deserved much more.” Fabregas praised his team’s overall performance, stating, “Only Juventus ha...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona announce squad for Real Madrid clash in La Liga

Robert Lewandowski does not celebrate his goal during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to week 3 of the League Stage of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on October 23, 2024. Following their crushing victory over Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona have another blockbuster tie awaiting them as they are set to face Real Madrid in their upcoming La Liga game at Santiago Bernabéu. The Blaugranes were able to exact some revenge over the Bavarians, who had beaten Barcelona several times over the last few years. Now, they will be looking to do the same by dealing a defeat to the Merengues, who are coming into this game having won the last four El Clasicos. For this purpose, Hansi Flick will have quite a strong squad av...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Roberto Mancini departs Saudi Arabia job richer but with team no better off

Roberto Mancini coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the FIFA World Cup Asian 3rd Qualifier Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at King Abdullah Sports City on October 15, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Just before full time in Saudi Arabia’s 0-0 draw with Bahrain in a vital 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month, fans in Jeddah started to hold up phones with Roberto Mancini’s face on the screen with “out” written below. There was lengthier communication after the match as the Italian exchanged gestures with supporters behind the dugout and, as he exited the pitch at the King Abdullah Sports City, it was pretty clear that Mancini would not be coming back. The 59 year-old was seemingly an upgrade on his predecessor, Hervé Renard. There was the same European sophistication a...

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