Blog – Page 50 – Football Flame

Lille’s Jonathan David becomes top Canadian goal scorer in Champions League history

24Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Lille’s Jonathan David becomes top Canadian goal scorer in Champions League history

Jonathan David of Lille celebrates the victory following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 football match between Atletico de Madrid and Lille OSC (LOSC) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on October 23, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. After scoring the winner against Real Madrid, Jonathan David came through with a pair of goals to help Lille beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday. With the goals against Atletico, David became all-time top Canadian scorer in Champions League history with six goals, one more than Tomasz Radzinski, according to UEFA. David, a native of Ottawa, came off the bench to replace Mohamed Bayo in the 65th, then converted a 74th-minute penalty kick for Lille's go-ahead goal at the Metropolitano stadium. His second goal, to seal the 3...

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

24Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Raphinha’s star on rise after hat trick vs. Bayern

Raphinha of FC Barcelona competes during the UEFA Champions League day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain on October 23, 2024. In the most star-studded game on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, one star wasted little time shining brighter than the rest – Raphinha. Barcelona's 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday was chiefly a showcase for the Brazilian's skillset as he scored a hattrick, skillfully finding the back of the net on each occasion. He set the tone in the first minute, receiving a slick pass from Fermin Lopez deep in the opposition half before darting towards goal without a defender in sight. The finish, which came from close range after running around goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, was the e...

Mikel Arteta sends warning to Liverpool ahead of Premier League clash

23Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta sends warning to Liverpool ahead of Premier League clash

Mikel Arteta has insisted the Arsenal will be at their best when they face off against Liverpool on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash. The Gunners head into the game on Sunday off the back of two rather disappointing performances both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Arteta's side were well below par on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium, losing 2-0 to Bournemouth after going down to ten men - William Saliba received a straight red in the first half. They were similarly poor against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium, but managed to scrape a win thanks to an own goal from Dmytro Riznyk. Following two sub-par outings, manager Arteta has admitted that he was expecting a slight dip in form following a strenuous inte...

23Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

UCL takeaway: Pulisic delivers

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between AC Milan and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Tuesday's UEFA Champions League action served as a spotlight for some of the sport's current stars and most in-form talents, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Christian Pulisic and Viktor Gyokeres kicking off Matchday 3 in fine form. Vinicius was the standout for Real Madrid as his hat trick led their come-from-behind victory over Borussia Dortmund at home, while AC Milan's first Champions League win of the season came on the back of crucial personnel decisions by manager Paulo Fonseca. Sporting Lisbon, meanwhile, kept their unbeaten run alive as Gyokeres stakes his claim...

Ancelotti: “Vinícius will win the Ballon d’Or”

23Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti: “Vinícius will win the Ballon d’Or”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media following Tuesday night’s memorable win over Borussia Dortmund, praising the hero of the hour, Vinícius Júnior, by saying, “I can say that it is rare to see a player who makes a second half as he does. MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Vinicius Junior and Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid CF celebrate after scoring his team's fourth goal with 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. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images) Apart from the goals, with an energy and intensity, with an extraordinary character. He will win the Ballon d’Or, not for tonight, but for last season. These are three goals that will...

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala says “Things can always change quickly in the world of football”

22Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala says “Things can always change quickly in the world of football”

Jamal Musiala attacking midfield of Bayern Munich and Germany 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. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal FC, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid...there are some true heavyweight clubs just waiting to pounce on Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala should he opt to leave Bayern Munich. However, recent reports indicate that Musiala is not talking to any clubs aside of the Bavarians at the moment. That should give Bayern Munich, the upperhand in retaining the Germany international. Musiala recently touched on the topic with Welt Am Sonntag (as captured by Goal). “I’m very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals. Playing...

Mentality not enough to beat Real, says Dortmund coach

22Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

Mentality not enough to beat Real, says Dortmund coach

Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin speaks during a press conference on October 16, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Borussia Dortmund will need more than just a strong mindset when they visit champions Real Madrid in the Champions League today, coach Nuri Sahin said as last year’s two finalists meet again in the competition’s new league phase. Real won their 15th European Cup in June at Wembley with Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. scoring late to claim a 2-0 victory over a Dortmund team who had threatened an upset win after dominating the first hour. “Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition,” Sahin told a press conference on Monday. “We need everything tomorrow. We need a lot of quality, a lot of sel...

‘Be surprised’ – Liverpool handed major fitness concern for Arsenal clash amid Champions League doubt

22Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League

‘Be surprised’ – Liverpool handed major fitness concern for Arsenal clash amid Champions League doubt

Diogo Jota of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 18, 2024 in Kirkby, England. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is a major doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal after being forced off during last weekend’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield. The Portugal international was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo early in the first half and received treatment before carrying on. However, he was still feeling the effects of the knock and was withdrawn after 30 minutes and replaced by Darwin Nunez. The Reds travel to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night and manager Arne Slot has said it is highly unlikely the forward will be involved in Germany, an admission that puts his involvment against the Gunners a few days later in doubt. Slot said: ...

Harry Kane ready for ‘special’ Robert Lewandowski clash

21Oct

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane ready for ‘special’ Robert Lewandowski clash

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's third goal and completing his hattrick during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on October 19, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Harry Kane is ready for a Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League showdown with Barcelona. The Bavarians land in Catalonia on October 23, to face off with former boss Hansi Flick, in high-stakes European battle. The Bundesliga giants are looking to bounce back in their Champions League campaign, after an opening 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb, followed by a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa. Kane has geared up for his trip to Catalonia in ruthless style with a hat trick in the 4-0 weekend Bundesliga win over VfB Stuttgart. That continues the England captain’s strong start to the 202...

Lautaro Martinez nets stunner in Inter Milan’s 1-0 win over Roma

21Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Lautaro Martinez nets stunner in Inter Milan’s 1-0 win over Roma

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan after scoring goal 0-1 during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on October 20, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory at Roma on Sunday, courtesy of a brilliant second-half goal from Lautaro Martinez in a tightly contested Serie A match. Martinez made the breakthrough on the hour mark, controlling the ball on the edge of the area before firing it high into the net. Inter are now second in the table with 17 points, two behind leaders Napoli, while Roma are 10th with 10 points. There were numerous chances for both sides to break the deadlock in the first half, but Roma keeper Mile Svilar and his Inter counterpart Yann Sommer made several impressive saves...

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

21Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the reception given to Gavi gave him goosebumps as the midfielder returned from an 11-month injury layoff during Sunday's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga. Gavi has not played since tearing his ACL while playing for Spain last November but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium. The 20-year-old replaced Pedri, taking the captain's armband in the process, and he was given a an incredible ovation on his return to action from the Barça supporters. "I am happy for this result...

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Three talking points

21Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Three talking points

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on October 20, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool edged out Chelsea to return to the Premier League’s summit. Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill had tripped Curtis Jones inside the area. The visitors drew level early in the second half through Nicolas Jackson firing beyond Caoimhin Kelleher after VAR overturned the initial offside decision. But Curtis Jones restored the Reds’ advantage just three minutes later when he met Salah’s cross to the far post and guided it past Robert Sanchez. Arne Slot’s side consolidated their one-point cushion as league leaders following Manchester City’s late win over W...

Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham keeping tabs on 20-year-old Serie A midfield whizkid

20Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham keeping tabs on 20-year-old Serie A midfield whizkid

The coach of Italy Luciano Spalletti and the Italian footballer Niccolo Pisilli during the UEFA Nations League match between Italy and Belgium at the Olympic stadium. Rome (Italy), 10 October 2024. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly tracking the progress of 20-year-old Italian midfield whizkid Niccolo Pisilli at Serie A club AS Roma. According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Niccolo Pisilli has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, especially in the Premier League. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old AS Roma midfield whizkid at the Serie A club. Niccolo Pisilli is the latest highly-rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Rome, the young mi...

Harry Kane ends drought with hat-trick as Bayern crush Stuttgart

20Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane ends drought with hat-trick as Bayern crush Stuttgart

Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen scores the goal 1:0 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on October 19, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl described striker Harry Kane as a “killer” after his 23-minute hat-trick carried the side to a 4-0 home win over Stuttgart yesterday. The victory came after a three-game winless run in all competitions. Earlier on Saturday, RB Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Mainz sent them provisional top, before Bayern took over the Bundesliga summit on goal difference. The match was still scoreless after 57 minutes before Kane stepped up and drilled home a long-range effort. Kane had not scored in four games for club and country, his longest droug...

Milan coach hails ‘fantastic’ Pulisic for role in win

20Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Milan coach hails ‘fantastic’ Pulisic for role in win

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Souza Da Silva Brenner of Udinese bduring the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 19, 2024 in Milan, Italy. AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca praised Christian Pulisic's all-round performance as his side beat Udinese 1-0 on Saturday despite being down to 10 men for more than an hour. United States star Pulisic registered his 11th goal contribution in 13 games for club and country this season with his assist for Samuel Chukwueze to open the scoring for Milan in the 13th minute at the San Siro. But Fonseca also praised Pulisic for his defensive work as Milan held on for the victory, despite midfielder Tijjani Reijnders being shown a straight red card in the 29th minute. "Christian's game was fantastic," Fonseca told D...

Mbappe strikes in Real Madrid win over Celta Vigo as rape investigation reports swirl

20Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe strikes in Real Madrid win over Celta Vigo as rape investigation reports swirl

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Vinicius Junior during the LaLiga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Balaidos on October 19, 2024 in Vigo, Spain. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s goals earned Real Madrid an entertaining 2-1 win at Celta Vigo yesterday to pull them level with La Liga leaders Barcelona. France striker Mbappe started and sent the Spanish champions ahead amid reports he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Sweden. The 25-year-old was criticised in his homeland for not appearing in his country’s recent Nations League matches before the Swedish media reports emerged following his trip during the international break, which Mbappe labelled “fake news”. Williot Swedberg level...

19Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag: We have to meet the standards

Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on October 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must shrug off any absentees in the 15:00 BST kick-off with Brentford. There was mixed news on the fitness front in training, with Kobbie Mainoo joining Harry Maguire on the sidelines, but recent recruit Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte are among those available. The Bees are certain to be awkward opponents but, during his pre-match interview with club media, the boss was full of expectation that the selected XI will deliver the three points required at Old Trafford. “It’s always about the players who are available,” Ten Hag told MUTV’s Mark Sullivan. “Because it’s what you have to work with and those ar...

Serhou Guirassy’s late goal earns Dortmund victory before Real Madrid test in UCL

19Oct

By Silver Emmanuel7 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Serhou Guirassy’s late goal earns Dortmund victory before Real Madrid test in UCL

Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Signal Iduna Park on October 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Serhou Guirassy scored late as Borussia Dortmund beat promoted St. Pauli 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Friday, easing some pressure on the club before facing Real Madrid. Substitute Jamie Gittens invigorated Dortmund's attack, beating a defender and crossing for Guirassy to head the winner in the 83rd minute, just five minutes after Eric Smith had equalized with a thunderous strike for the visitors. Dortmund had dominated from the start but failed to turn possession into chances. St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj twice denied Guirassy when it seemed the Guinea sta...

Pep Guardiola: England manager’s nationality does not matter

19Oct

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Pep Guardiola: England manager’s nationality does not matter

Pep Guardiola attends the "Che Tempo Che Fa" TV show at Nove Studios on October 13, 2024 in Milan, Italy. The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England manager has led to mixed reactions from media and fans but Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the country's supporters to back the German unconditionally regardless of his nationality. Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is the first German to manage England and only the third foreigner to take charge after the late Sven-Goran Eriksson of Sweden and Italian Fabio Capello. "We don't decide where we're born. Mum and Dad decide that and nine months later we're here. I didn't decide to be Catalan, you don't decide to be English," Guardiola told reporters ahead of City's clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. "The f...

Bayern forward Jamal Musiala remains out for Stuttgart game with lingering injury

18Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern forward Jamal Musiala remains out for Stuttgart game with lingering injury

Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the Champions League Round 1 match between Bayern Munich v Dinamo Zagreb, at the Allianz Arena, in Munich, Germany, on September 17, 2024. Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala remains injured and will miss the team´s Bundesliga game against Stuttgart on Saturday. "He won´t be in the squad," Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Friday of Musiala, who has been out with a hip injury. The 21-year-old Musiala hasn´t played since Bayern´s 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in the Champions League on Oct. 2. Bayern announced two days later that the attacker would be "out for the time being." Kompany said he wasn´t sure if French defender Dayot Upamecano will be fit for Stuttgart. Eric Dier or Leon Goretzka could fill in in central defense alongside Kim ...