Blog – Page 5 – Football Flame

Bologna, Lazio miss chance to move back into UCL places

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Bologna, Lazio miss chance to move back into UCL places

UDINE, ITALY - APRIL 28: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna is put under pressure by Oumar Solet of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese and Bologna at Stadio Friuli on April 28, 2025 in Udine, Italy. Coppa Italia finalists Bologna have missed the chance to move back up into the Champions League places after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in their Serie A match at Udinese. The home side - looking to end a run of five straight league defeats - hit the crossbar early on through Keinan Davis with Bologna seeing a 25-yard strike from Riccardo Orsolini also rattle the woodwork in the second half. Bologna - who last week completed a 5-1 aggregate win over Empoli to reach a first Coppa Italia final since 1974, where they will play AC Milan - sit in fifth place, now a point behind ...

Ancelotti reportedly set for Real Madrid exit

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti reportedly set for Real Madrid exit

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid during the La Liga match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Coliseum on April 23, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to take over the Brazilian national team, according to several Spanish media outlets reports on Monday. The veteran Italian has one more year on his contract with the Spanish giants, but after quarter-final Champions League elimination by Arsenal and Copa del Rey defeat by rivals Barcelona, is poised to depart the Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti has not hidden that a potential exit was on the cards and said his future was "a topic for the next weeks" after defeat by Barca on Saturday. Spanish media report Ancelotti would take over ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, leaving Madr...

Andoni Iraola vows to help Athletic Bilbao beat Man Utd in Europa League clash

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Andoni Iraola vows to help Athletic Bilbao beat Man Utd in Europa League clash

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has vowed to help his former club Athletic Bilbao beat Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals. The Red Devils face the La Liga side on Thursday at the San Mames Stadium in the first leg, hoping to continue their push for this season’s title. United have endured a horrific campaign domestically but could save their season if they manage to get their hands on the Europa League trophy. Iraola, though, who has a long association with Athletic Bilbao, will hold talks with Ernesto Valverde about how to eliminate Ruben Amor...

Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae breaks silence on his injury and mistakes

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae breaks silence on his injury and mistakes

Min-jae Kim of Bayern Munich // during the 1. Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich at MHP Arena Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany on February 28, 2025. Kim Min-jae has had a tough season at Bayern Munich, to say the least. He has constantly been plagued by an injury to his Achilles which he continues to play through, made noticeably more blunders defensively than the rest of Bayern's defenders and seems to be the latest on the club's to-sell list. Talking to Tz's Phillip Kessler, Kim Min-jae opened up on his difficult second season at the club. "The Achilles tendon problem is still there. But I'm gritting my teeth, closing my eyes and getting through it. Mistakes, injuries, or too many games – those are perhaps just excuses. I still have to stay focused. That's my job...

Yamal stardust could give Barca edge on Inter Milan

29Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Yamal stardust could give Barca edge on Inter Milan

Lamine Yamal plays during the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca, corresponding to week 33 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on April 22, 2025. Barcelona last reached the Champions League final a decade ago, with Lionel Messi as their torch-bearer. Now the Catalan giants rely on another generational talent in Lamine Yamal as their 'X-factor' when they host Inter Milan on Wednesday in a semi-final first leg clash. At the peak of his powers Messi scored two brilliant goals in the 2015 semi first leg against Bayern Munich on the way to the treble, and while Yamal, 17, is still honing his finishing, he holds the key to the team's potential success this season. The teenager, left-footed but operating on the right flank with freedom to roam, as ...

Real Madrid reportedly consider shock sale of forward to generate funds

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid reportedly consider shock sale of forward to generate funds

Madrid, Spain - April 1: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 1, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) Real Madrid showed barely any spine against Barcelona in the first half of the Copa del Rey final earlier this week. The second half, however, saw them more inspired in the attack and creating chances with ease.The one obvious difference in personnel between the two periods was the introduction of Kylian Mbappe in place of Rodrygo Goes. The Frenchman brought incisiveness and life to Real Madrid attack, something the team struggled for with Rodrygo on the field. A complicated situation As relayed in a re...

Kolo Muani Ends Long Scoring Slump in Monza Match

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Kolo Muani Ends Long Scoring Slump in Monza Match

Turin, Italy - April 27: Randal Kolo Muani of Juventus Fc controls the ball during the Serie A match between Juventus and Monza at Allianz Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) Randal Kolo Muani led the Juventus frontline on his own versus Monza, taking advantage of Dusan Vlahovic’s small thigh injury, and returned to the stat sheet after nearly 80 days. The two center-forwards had started together versus Parma due to Teun Koopmeiners’ absence and Kenan Yildiz’s lack of fitness, but the experiment didn’t go well. The Serb bowed out at half-time.The striker botched a finish in front of the goalie early on but quickly redeemed himself on a counter. He commented to DAZN after the tilt (via Alfredo Pedullà).“I’ve ...

PSG hope to have Dembele firing for Arsenal Champions League showdown

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

PSG hope to have Dembele firing for Arsenal Champions League showdown

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 25: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain controls the ball during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and OGC Nice at on April 25, 2025 in Paris, France. Paris Saint-Germain's chances of beating Arsenal and reaching the Champions League final may depend to a large extent on Ousmane Dembele rediscovering the form in front of goal that made him Europe's most lethal finisher in the first three months of this year. Dembele scored 25 goals in 20 games in all competitions for PSG between mid-December and mid-March, his statistics those of a player completely transformed as he was turned by coach Luis Enrique from a winger into a central striker. That included a crucial goal against Liverpool at Anfield on the way to PSG winning their Champions League last...

Paredes suffers ‘serious muscle injury’ in Wolfsburg loss

28Apr

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Paredes suffers ‘serious muscle injury’ in Wolfsburg loss

MAINZ, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Kevin Paredes of VfL Wolfsburg receives medical treatment following an injury during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and VfL Wolfsburg at MEWA Arena on April 19, 2025 in Mainz, Germany. Kevin Paredes may see his season end with a total of just two appearances. The Wolfsburg winger suffered a "serious muscle injury" on Saturday, which came in just his second game of a campaign that was mostly wiped out by a foot injury. Paredes was forced off in the 62nd minute of Wolfsburg's 1-0 loss to Freiburg. After the game, his manager Ralph Hasenhüttl admitted the 21-year-old's injury did not look good. "It's probably a serious muscle injury, based on what he reported," Hasenhüttl said. "It's not surprising. The boy was injured for almost a year, had a go...

Napoli’s Leonardo Spinazzola hails Scott McTominay: “We are lucky to have him”

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli’s Leonardo Spinazzola hails Scott McTominay: “We are lucky to have him”

NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 27: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates with Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Torino at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 27, 2025 in Naples, Italy. Serie A giants Napoli picked up a 2-0 win over Torino and the result could prove massive in the context of the title race. Inter had lost to Roma earlier in the day and Napoli’s win puts them at the top of the Serie A table, with four games remaining in the season. The Partenopei rode on Scott McTominay’s first half brace to grab all three points and the midfielder was the man of the match. Leonardo Spinazzola, who had also featured in the game, spoke to DAZN about the tie and he had special praise for McTominay and his presence ...

Real Madrid make fresh contact with Jurgen Klopp

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid make fresh contact with Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp smiles during the DFB-Pokal - Semifinals match between VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig at MHP Arena on April 2, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. The brass at La Liga giants Real Madrid are refusing to let up in their pursuit of the services of ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp. That’s according to Marca, as cited by Estadio Deportivo, who have on Sunday provided an insight into the situation. The subject of the bench in Madrid has of course returned to the forefront of the headlines across not only Spain, but all of Europe over the last 24 hours. This comes after the final nail was driven into the coffin of current Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti. After overseeing a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti is expected to be imminently relieved of his dut...

Valdes: Flick’s style ‘should have been implemented a long time ago’ at Barca

28Apr

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Valdes: Flick’s style ‘should have been implemented a long time ago’ at Barca

Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona celebrates the victory after winning the Copa del Rey Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain. Barcelona legend Victor Valdes has been talking about Hansi Flick’s side after taking up his new job as coach of Real Avila. The former goalkeeper admitted he loved watching the Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid and says Flick’s style of play should have been implemented a long time ago. “I really enjoy watching Barça because the coach has been able to see where football has evolved and has been able to give the 4-3-3 a different touch with a different dynamic,” he told reporters. “I really enjoy it because I truly believe in the football they’re playing and because it’s the kind of...

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool ‘truly deserved’ to win Premier League

28Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool ‘truly deserved’ to win Premier League

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title in the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hailed his side as the 'truly deserved' champions of England after they secured the Premier League title with four games to spare. A 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield saw the Reds crowned English champions for the 20th time, equalling Manchester United's record. 'It's special and it's something that we don't take for granted. It's amazing,' Van Dijk told Sky Sports as he and his team-mates celebrated on the pitch. "A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got th...

Hojlund scores late equaliser to rescue Man Utd a point at Bournemouth

27Apr

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Hojlund scores late equaliser to rescue Man Utd a point at Bournemouth

Bournemouth's Illya Zabarnyi (left) and Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Sunday April 27, 2025. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) Rasmus Hojlund scored a 96th-minute equaliser to earn Manchester United a point against 10-man Bournemouth after a controversial red card for Evanilson. Another late show gives United a lift ahead of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao next week and is a blow to Bournemouth’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season. Tyler Adams avoided an early red card for a full-blooded challenge on Alejandro Garnacho and Bournemouth then went ahead on 23 minutes after some sloppy play from United. Luke Shaw, making his fi...

Fiorentina 2-1 Empoli: Mandragora magic fires up Viola

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Fiorentina 2-1 Empoli: Mandragora magic fires up Viola

Yacine Adli of ACF Fiorentina and Saba Goglichidze of Empoli FC ,battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A football match between ACF Fiorentina and Empoli FC, on April 27, 2025 at the Artemio-Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy. Yacine Adli and a spectacular Rolando Mandragora bicycle kick allowed Fiorentina to win the Tuscan Derby and push Empoli further towards relegation. The Viola were preparing for the Conference League semi-final against Real Betis, but Moise Kean was again ruled out due to a personal matter after missing the midweek win at Cagliari, with Andrea Colpani still injured and Dodo recovering from surgery for appendicitis. Empoli went out of the Coppa Italia on Thursday, losing the semi-final 5-1 on aggregate to Bologna. Liberato Cacace was suspended, with Christi...

Venezia 0-2 Milan: Pulisic and Gimenez secure victory on the Laguna

27Apr

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Venezia 0-2 Milan: Pulisic and Gimenez secure victory on the Laguna

VENICE, ITALY - APRIL 27: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is challenged by Ridgeciano Haps of Venezia during the Serie A match between Venezia and Milan at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on April 27, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images) Milan secured victory away to relegation-threatened Venezia thanks to an early Christian Pulisic goal and late Santiago Gimenez lob, but the hosts had strong penalty appeals rejected. The Rossoneri were languishing in ninth place in Serie A, but revitalised by Wednesday’s 3-0 Coppa Italia semi-final victory over Inter. Emerson Royal was still out of action, so stuck with the same starting XI until Luka Jovic pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Tammy Abraham. The Lagunari lost only one of the last eight games, dra...

Newcastle injury update: Joelinton, Hall and Lascelles potential return dates

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle injury update: Joelinton, Hall and Lascelles potential return dates

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Newcastle United's Joelinton arrives at the ground before the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Crystal Palace FC at St James' Park on April 16, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images) Newcastle United got back to winning ways on Saturday. After losing to Aston Villa last weekend, Newcastle United responded in what ultimately proved to be emphatic fashion. Despite labouring in the opening exchanges, Newcastle beat Ipswich 3-0 to move back into third in the Premier League. The Premier League table is congested towards the top five, so it was imperative that Eddie Howe’s side claimed three points. The returning Newcastle United manager also saw Fabian Schar start after a recent inj...

Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly eyeing Ritsu Doan from Freiburg

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly eyeing Ritsu Doan from Freiburg

Freiburg, Germany - March 8: Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg controls the Ball during the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and RB Leipzig at Europa-Park Stadium on March 8, 2025 in Freiburg, Germany. According to L’Équipe, Eintracht Frankfurt are interested in signing Japanese forward Ritsu Doan (26) from fellow Bundesliga outfit Freiburg in the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old’s contract with the Breisgau Brazilians is set to expire in 2027. The details surrounding a potential transfer remain disclosed for the meantime whilst the two German clubs agree a deal, but Frankfurt are eager to bolster their attacking options with Doan when the summer window opens. The Japanese international has impressed this season with 9 goals and 7 assists in 31 appearances. Planning for life wit...

Bologna star Jhon Lucumi’s agent on Atletico Madrid links: “He could make a mark”

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Bologna star Jhon Lucumi’s agent on Atletico Madrid links: “He could make a mark”

Jhon Lucumi of Bologna FC during the Serie A Enilive match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 07, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. The agent of Serie A and Bologna star Jhon Lucumi has stated that he is well capable of making a mark for a club like Atletico Madrid, who have been linked with the defender. The centre-back has impressed for the Rossoblu this season and this comes right after he impressed under Thiago Motta last season as well. His agent Simone Rondanini has now spoken to Tuttomercatoweb about his client’s future at Bologna and was asked specifically about interest from Atletico Madrid. He told the outlet: “He wouldn’t be the first Colombian to play there and they did very well. I’m sure that, given his level, he could make his mark in a team of t...

Barcelona sink Real Madrid in extra time to win Copa del Rey title

27Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona sink Real Madrid in extra time to win Copa del Rey title

FC Barcelona celebrating the victory with the trophy during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Sevilla Spain. Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday. Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja, but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level. However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the ...