Blog – Page 39 – Football Flame

Motta reveal the positives from Juve win vs Monza

23Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Motta reveal the positives from Juve win vs Monza

MONZA, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Thiago Motta of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Monza and Juventus at U-Power Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) Juventus defeated Monza last night, bringing an end to their lengthy winless run in Serie A that had stretched to at least two months. The Bianconeri have gained a reputation as draw specialists in Europe this season, a consistency that has allowed them to remain unbeaten in the league but has frustrated fans hoping for a more decisive title challenge. While not the most effective way to contend for the Scudetto, Juventus has now won back-to-back matches, including a long-awaited league victory, which offers renewed optimism. It has been a challenging period for the team, and t...

Mbappe disclose Madrid turning point after hitting ‘rock bottom’

23Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe disclose Madrid turning point after hitting ‘rock bottom’

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 22: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates 1-0 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Sevilla at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 22, 2024 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) Kylian Mbappe has admitted he used the pain of missing a penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club to inspire his recent upturn in form. The Frenchman endured a torrid start to life with Real Madrid, falling well short of expectations despite what his goal tally may suggest, and found himself under immense pressure earlier this month when he missed from the spot in Bilbao, a week after doing the same against Liverpool. Since then, however, Mbappe has shown real signs of improvement. He scored against Girona and impressed with an...

Bayer’s Alonso clinches 50 Bundesliga wins

23Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayer’s Alonso clinches 50 Bundesliga wins

Xabi Alonso recorded his 50th win in 75 Bundesliga games with Bayer Leverkusen when they beat Freiburg on Matchday 15, making 2024 the most successful year in the club's history. That 50th victory was brought up in impressive style as Leverkusen ran out 5-1 winners against Freiburg. Alonso has been a revelation since taking charge of Die Werkself, winning the league undefeated in his first full season in the dugout, whilst also leading his side to DFB Cup and Supercup wins, as well as a UEFA Europa League final. So far in this campaign, Alonso has shown that last season was not just a case of beginner’s luck, winning nine, drawing five and losing just one of the opening 15 games. His side currently sit in second place, four points behind Bayern Munich and on their way to another title ch...

EPL Clubs joins race to sign Barca taget

22Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

EPL Clubs joins race to sign Barca taget

MUNICH, GERMANY - DECEMBER 20: Leroy Sane of FC Bayern München reacts during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on December 20, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images) Leroy Sane’s Future Sparks Interest Across Europe Barcelona’s hunt for a standout winger has brought Leroy Sane’s name into the spotlight. According to Miguelsanz in Sport.ES, the Bayern Munich forward is being considered as part of Barça’s plans, should the Blaugrana manage to navigate their ongoing salary cap challenges. While Sane is eager to remain in Bavaria, the uncertainty surrounding his future has put clubs across Europe, including some of the Premier League’s biggest names, on alert. Barcelona’s Search for a Wing Wizard Barcelona...

Consistency is our responsibility : Pedro Neto

22Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Consistency is our responsibility : Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 8, 2024 in London, England. Pedro Neto believes it is important for the Chelsea squad to take personal responsibility for maintaining high standards in matches and in training. The Portuguese winger is at head coach Enzo Maresca’s disposal again for this afternoon’s Premier League fixture away at Everton, having served his one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in that competition. Having missed last week’s home win over Brentford, as the suspended Marc Cucurella will do so for today’s match, Neto revealed his excitement to be back, as he hates being unable to contribute. Furthermore, he accepts he only has himself to blame for his...

Arsenal move closer to top as Gabriel converts chances

22Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal move closer to top as Gabriel converts chances

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) This was almost the perfect way for Mikel Arteta to celebrate five years as Arsenal manager. Another two goals for Gabriel Jesus — his first in the Premier League since January — followed up his match-winning performance against the same opponents a few days ago as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and substitute Declan Rice’s first Premier League goal of the season rounded off another victory over Crystal Palace. Only the sight of Bukayo Saka limping off during the first half with a suspected hamstring injury could dampen the en...

Juventus winger faces two weeks sideline with thigh Injury

19Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Juventus winger faces two weeks sideline with thigh Injury

Timothy Weah of Juventus reacts during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Juventus forward Timothy Weah could be on the sidelines until 2025 after suffering a thigh injury in Tuesday’s match against Cagliari. According to the club’s official statement, the United States international underwent further checks on Wednesday to understand the gravity of the problem. “Following the muscular problem suffered on Tuesday night in the Coppa Italia match against Cagliari, Timothy Weah underwent clinical and instrumental examinations this morning at J|Medical, which revealed a low-grade injury of the femoral biceps of the right thigh,” the report read. Weah came on as a late substitute in a 4-0 demoli...

Mbappe on target as Madrid lift Intercontinental Cup

19Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Mbappe on target as Madrid lift Intercontinental Cup

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid holds the FIFA Intercontinental Cup trophy following the FIFA Intercontinental Cup match between Real Madrid and CF Pachuca at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Real Madrid won the Intercontinental Cup by beating Mexico's Pachuca 3-0 in the final on Wednesday. The attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr were on target for the Los Blancos in Qatar. French national captain Mbappe was declared doubtful for the summit clash after missing Real Madrid's La Liga game against Vallacano a few days ago due to a thigh injury. Carlo Ancelotti had said that he would not risk Mbappe at the Lusail Stadium unless he was fully match-fit. The Champions League winners open...

18Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Maresca believes in Mudryk innocence

COBHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 training and press conference at Chelsea Training Ground on December 18, 2024 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes Mykhailo Mudryk did not knowingly take a banned supplement. The Blues said Tuesday they were notified by the Football Association of an "adverse finding" in a urine sample provided by the 23-year-old Ukrainian winger. Mudryk said in an Instagram post the results of his 'A' sample had come as a "complete shock" and insisted he had not intentionally taken a banned substance. "We trust Misha," said Maresca on Wednesday."When this kind of thing happens you need to support you...

18Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Juventus keeping tab on Hancko

David Hancko of Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord v Heracles Almelo at the Stadium Feijenoord on December 14, 2024 in Rotterdam Netherlands. Juventus are making waves in their chase of David Hancko and have broken through with the player, who’s keen on joining. They have sort of blocked him for June. They’ll try to convince Feyenoord to let him go in January already, Alfredo Pedullà relays. The Bianconeri plot to shell out €25M plus bonuses for the Slovak. They consider him perfect for Thiago Motta’s style given his skillset, experience, and ability to feature as a left-back in a pinch. He has already spent time in Italy, even though he was a fringe player at Fiorentina. Juventus believe to have done enough to sign Hancko next summer but will attempt to acc...

Barca face significant delays in Camp Nou return

18Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barca face significant delays in Camp Nou return

A general view of Camp Nou Stadium as the restoration work continues in Barcelona, Spain. Not more than a few months ago, Barcelona fans were extremely hopeful about the return to Spotify Camp Nou, which was set to re-open around March. The prospect of returning to Camp Nou, after all, promised better revenues, higher seating capacity and an overall better experience for the team. Barcelona face significant hurdles However, in a major blow for Barcelona, it appears the club are facing significant challenges in their bid to re-open Camp Nou in the first quarter of 2025, reports Diario AS. Despite last week’s detailed briefing on the phased return to their iconic stadium, the club have now admitted to having no clear timeline for when they can finally move back. March 2025 has been highli...

Rashford ready for new challenge amid Man Utd exit rumours

18Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Rashford ready for new challenge amid Man Utd exit rumours

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is ready for a new challenge as he continues to be linked with a move away from the Premier League club. On Sunday, United beat Manchester City 2-1, but Rashford, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was left out of the trip to the Etihad, with new manager Ruben Amorim saying his decision was about holding his players to high standards. This led to media reports that United were looking to sell the England forward, who has been at United since the age of seven, and the 27-year-old spoke on the subject while visiting his old school to hand out Christmas presents. “For me,...

Vinicius wins FIFA Best Men’s Player 2024

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Vinicius wins FIFA Best Men’s Player 2024

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 17: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, seen with The Best FIFA Men's Player Award, leaves the venue with Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid, following the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 at Aspire Academy on December 17, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Christopher Pike - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior won the FIFA Best Men’s Player 2024 award at a ceremony in Doha. This comes after a stellar season with Real Madrid, where he helped Los Blancos win the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup. He scored a career-high 24 goals, including a crucial one in the Champions League final and a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Super Cup. The award is voted on by national team coaches and captains, journalists, an...

Bellingham promises title ahead of Intercontinental Cup final

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bellingham promises title ahead of Intercontinental Cup final

Jude Bellingham central midfield of Real Madrid and England during the Real Madrid training prior to FIFA Intercontinental Cup final match between Real Madrid and C.F. Pachuca at Stadium Lusail Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. Ahead of the Intercontinental Cup, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham spoke to the press about the game in Doha, explaining that “I can’t promise results, but I can promise titles. That we will give our best. Pachuca is a solid opponent and it will be a challenge. It will be a privilege to represent all the Madridistas in Qatar. It doesn’t matter if it’s La Liga, Champions League or another competition, the good thing is that the fans can enjoy their Real Madrid.” Bellingham on the occasion “It’s a pleasure to play another final and we face it as a...

17Dec

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Galatasaray target Roma star Dybala

Paulo Dybala of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A Enilive match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on December 07, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Galatasaray have set sights on Paulo Dybala in addition to Lorenzo Pellegrini, who are both going through an uncertain time at Roma. Carlos Novel, one of the agents of the Argentine, traveled to Turkey to talk with the board. He watched the match against Trabzonspor from the presidential box, Corriere dello Sport informed. According to the local press, La Joya is seriously considering joining the Cimbom. On the other hand, he’s closing in on an automatic renewal thanks to his recent run of starts. His wages will balloon to €8M annually, add-ons included, once that happens. T...

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan cruise past Lazio

Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammates Federico Dimarco (L) and Lautaro Martinez (R) after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on December 16, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Inter Milan cruised to an easy 6-0 win over Lazio in Week 16 of the Italian Serie A on Monday. Hakan Calhanoglu broke the deadlock with a penalty kick in the 41st minute and Federico Dimarco made a close-range finish to double the lead for Inter Milan in the 45th minute. Nicolo Barella struck a stunning long-range effort in the 51st minute to make it 3-0 for Inter Milan at Stadio Olimpico. Just two minutes later, Denzel Dumfries added to the tally with a powerful header, extending the lead to 4-0. Carlos Augusto sealed the domin...

Jakub Kiwior pushes for Arsenal transfer exit

17Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Jakub Kiwior pushes for Arsenal transfer exit

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 in London, England. Arsenal are in the clutches of a defensive injury crisis - so the last thing they need is exits. But that could come to fruition in the January transfer window with one Gunners star expressing his desire to leave the club. Reports in Italy claim that Polish defender Jakub Kiwior wants to leave North London sooner rather than later. It is suggested that he has grown disgruntled with the amount of opportunities that he is receiving at the Emirates Stadium. And Kiwior has even taken evasive action in an effort to seal a move away from Arsenal. As per Il Mattino via Tuttomercatoweb, the defender has instructed his representat...

Lookman crowned 2024 CAF Player of the Year

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lookman crowned 2024 CAF Player of the Year

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between Atalanta BC and Sporting CP. Atalanta BC won 2-1 over Sporting CP. Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year. The 27-year-old Atalanta forward becomes the seventh Nigerian player to win this prestigious award, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen. Lookman’s incredible year included 22 goals, notably a hat trick in the Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s first-ever continental title. He also played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final. His impressive form has continued into the current season, with eight league goals propelling Atalanta to the top of Serie A. This award is a well-deserved recognition of Lookman’s outs...

Lamine Yamal out 3 to 4 weeks with ankle injury

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lamine Yamal out 3 to 4 weeks with ankle injury

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal will miss the next three to four weeks, including a crucial match against Atletico Madrid, because of ligament damage inside his right ankle, the Spanish La Liga club announced Monday. Lamine Yamal holds the Golden Boy trophy before the match between FC Barcelona and CD Leganes, corresponding to week 17 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Yamal sustained the grade 1 injury to his anterior tibiofibular ligament in the first half of a 1-0 loss to Leganes on Sunday in Barcelona. He remained in the game until being replaced in the 75th minute.The 17-year-old registered six goals and 12 assists through 20 appearances this season. B...

Dortmund’s title hopes dented after draw vs Hoffenheim

16Dec

By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Dortmund’s title hopes dented after draw vs Hoffenheim

(LR) Jacob Bruun Larsen of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Yan Couto of Borussia Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Jacob Bruun Larsen has scored late on his return to former club Borussia Dortmund to earn Hoffenheim a 1-1 draw in the German Bundesliga. Gio Reyna's first goal of the season looked to be enough for Dortmund's seventh league win, but Hoffenheim substitute Bruun Larsen scored in the first minute of added time on Sunday when Dortmund's defence switched off for Haris Tabakovic's cross. The 26-year-old Bruun Larsen – who played for Dortmund between 2015-20 with a five-month stint in Stuttgart – fired the ball inside the left post. He didn't celebrat...