Blog – Page 57 – Football Flame

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Guirassy scores twice in Dortmund’s 4-2 comeback win over Bochum
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BUNDESLIGA

Guirassy scores twice in Dortmund’s 4-2 comeback win over Bochum

Serhou Guirassy scored twice and won a penalty as Borussia Dortmund overturned a two-goal deficit to beat local rivals Bochum 4-2 in the Bundesliga on Friday ahead of facing Celtic in the UEFA Champions League next week. 27 September 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund - VfL Bochum, Matchday 5, Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Bochum's Anthony Losilla in action. Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Bernd Thissen/picture alliance via Getty Image...
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Milan talisman delivers promising statement after Lecce rout
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SERIE A

Milan talisman delivers promising statement after Lecce rout

Theo Hernandez ran the show at Stadio San Siro on Friday evening as Milan trounced out-of-sorts Lecce 3-0 to close the gap on Serie A leaders Torino. The French left-back delivered a match-winning performance, tallying a goal and an assist in Rossoneri’s clear-cut triumph. MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 27: Theo Hernández of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Lecce at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) It took Milan 39 minutes to break the deadlock, with Hernandez whipping the ball into the box from the resulting free-kick to serve Alvaro Morata on the near post. The Spaniard still had much to do, yet he directed his towering header beyond Wladimiro Falco...
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Barcola scores twice as PSG extend unbeaten league run
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Ligue 1

Barcola scores twice as PSG extend unbeaten league run

Bradley Barcola scored a goal in each half and Lee Kang-in added a third as Paris Saint-Germain beat Rennes 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run in the French league.Barcola took a pass from Ousmane Dembélé after half an hour and steered a right-foot shot inside the far post. PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint Germain (R) dribbles Leo Ostigard of Rennes (L) during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Stade Rennais FC 1901 at Parc des Princes on September 27, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Lee got his third goal of the season to double the home side's advantage 12 minutes into the second half and Barcola added his second with a simple tap in after 68 minutes. Arnaud Kalimuendo scored a consol...
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Raphinha explains why he’s thriving under Flick at Barca
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LALIGA

Raphinha explains why he’s thriving under Flick at Barca

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 10: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes on April 10, 2024 in Paris, France.(Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images) Raphinha has been talking about life at Barcelona under Hansi Flick and his fine form so far this season for the Catalan giants. The Brazilian has been key to Barcelona’s early-season form and was named La Liga’s Player of the Month for August.After picking up the award, Raphinha has been asked about his performances and why he’s thriving this season under Flick.“ During last season, Xavi had me defending several times and the truth is that I really like being closer to the goal,” he told...
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Official: Four Real Madrid stars called up to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers
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NEWS

Official: Four Real Madrid stars called up to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

Just a couple of weeks after the first international break of the 2024/25 season window came to an end, the second one is just around the corner. ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - SEPTEMBER 10: Vinicius Junior of Brazil reacts during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Paraguay and Brazil at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on September 10, 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images) And national teams are already announcing the squad list for the upcoming matches, with a plethora of Real Madrid stars expected to fly away to play international football. Kicking things off, Brazil manager Dorival Junior announced the squad list of players for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in October.And, as many as four Real Madrid players hav...
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Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea injury boost ahead of Brighton as star returns
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea injury boost ahead of Brighton as star returns

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed a major injury boost ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Brighton.The Blues will welcome Romeo Lavia back into the fold after missing the last five weeks with a hamstring injury he picked up in training. BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shouts instructions to his team from the technical area during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea FC at Vitality Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images) The 20-year-old - who joined Chelsea from Southampton in an initial £53million transfer- made just one substitute appearance last season after suffering from a number of injury issues. However, Lavia was one of the...
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Napoli thrash Palermo to reach Coppa Italia last 16
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SERIE A

Napoli thrash Palermo to reach Coppa Italia last 16

Napoli winger Cyril Ngonge scored twice in an electrifying performance to help send his side through to the last 16 of the Coppa Italia with a crushing 5-0 win over Serie B club Palermo. Ngone struck in the seventh minute with a left-foot drive that bounced in front of Salvatore Sirigu and squirmed under his body into the net, leaving the keeper shaking his head in disbelief. Sirigu was at fault again five minutes later when Ngonge lashed another left-footer from a difficult angle, the ball flying across the face of the goal before nestling in the side netting to make it 2-0. Sitting second in Serie A and with Palermo 12th in the division below them, Napoli were too big, too strong and too quick for their visitors and Juan Jesus nodded home a corner to make it 3-0 just before the break. Pa...
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Injury Update: Manuel Neuer fit to play for Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
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BUNDESLIGA

Injury Update: Manuel Neuer fit to play for Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen

This weekend may be Vincent Kompany’s toughest test yet as manager of Bayern Munich. The first-year Bayern head coach has his side off to a perfect start thus far, having won all six matches across all competitions, but now the Bavarians are set to play host to reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena. Following up on a truly remarkable Meisterschale-winnin 2023/24 season, Xabi Alonso’s side have only slipped up once thus far this season, which came in Bundesliga match week two by virtue of a dramatic 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig. This weekend’s clash really needs no introduction, but the result will already have pundits and fans alike talking about title ramifications. In what is a much-welcomed injury boost for Bayern, it has been reported by Abendzeitung’s Kilian ...
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Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Nils Schmadtke set to join Bayern Munich
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BUNDESLIGA

Borussia Mönchengladbach sporting director Nils Schmadtke set to join Bayern Munich

Following on from recent reports that Bayern Munich is set to release chief scout Markus Pilawa, it seems that, according to Florian Plettenberg the club has found their replacement in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Nils Schmadtke: Nils Schmadtke is on the verge to become the new overall chief scout of FC Bayern to replace Markus Pilawa. Schmadtke is expected to sign a two-year contract. Max Eberl was determined to bring Schmadtke to Bayern. Nils is the son of Jörg Schmadtke, who has been working as a sporting executive in German football for over 20 years and even had a brief stint at Liverpool FC until earlier this year. @iMiaSanMia captures Philipp Kessler confirming this report, while offering some context: Nils Schmadtke is expected to replace Markus Pilawa as Bayern chief scout. Pilawa w...
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Madrid return to scene of last defeat for Atletico derby clash
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LALIGA

Madrid return to scene of last defeat for Atletico derby clash

Spanish and European champions Real Madrid were unstoppable last season, unless they were facing city rivals Atletico Madrid. The only two defeats Los Blancos suffered were inflicted by Diego Simeone’s side, who host Real Madrid on Sunday in a spicy La Liga derby clash. Atletico were the last team to beat Madrid in the top flight, just over a year ago, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men unbeaten in 39 games since. The Rojiblancos also turfed Madrid out of the Copa del Rey in January 2024 in the last 16, which is the only loss Madrid have fallen to in the calendar year. Madrid are without star summer signing Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a thigh injury in the midweek win over Alaves, but still have a galaxy of attacking stars to call on. Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, often the target of abus...
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Lazio Hero Against Dynamo Kyiv Praises Team’s Bounce-Back Ability
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SERIE A

Lazio Hero Against Dynamo Kyiv Praises Team’s Bounce-Back Ability

Lazio enjoyed a dream start to their first UEFA Europa League campaign since 2022/23, strolling to a 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg. Boulaye Dia stole the show at the Volksparkstadion with a first-half brace to inspire the Biancocelesti to a much-needed victory. Dia joined Lazio on loan from Salernitana in mid-August. However, a lack of match fitness after a troubled 2023/24 saw him make his first Serie A start for Marco Baroni’s side on matchday three. He scored immediately to help his side register a 2-2 draw against Milan. The 27-year-old forward got on the scoresheet again against Hellas Verona in the following round before drawing a blank against Fiorentina last weekend. Lazio lost that game 2-1 despite leading at halftime, and Dia believes Wednesday’s triumph was a perfect...
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Spurs expected team vs Qarabag – Mikey Moore decision amid Postecoglou changes
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NEWS

Spurs expected team vs Qarabag – Mikey Moore decision amid Postecoglou changes

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou must decide how many changes he makes to his team to face Qarabag in the Europa League Ange Postecoglou has to balance his changes for Tottenham's Europa League clash against Qarabag on Thursday evening. The Spurs boss made eight changes to his starting XI for the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry and the disjointed performance almost cost the north London side their place in the fourth round. With that in mind, Postecoglou will be wary of making as many alterations for the visit of the Azerbaijani side to N17 even though it is only the first of eight matches at this stage in the large new league format. Postecoglou could hand minutes to Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr and he might also decide to hand 17-year-old Mikey Moore hi...
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Liverpool thrash West Ham United 5-1 in Carabao Cup
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NEWS

Liverpool thrash West Ham United 5-1 in Carabao Cup

Liverpool’s journey in the Carabao Cup continues as they secured a resounding 5-1 victory over West Ham United, advancing to the fourth round with a display that underscored their offensive prowess. The match at Anfield started with an unexpected twist as Liverpool fell behind due to a Jarell Quansah own goal, giving the visitors an early lead. However, the Reds quickly shook off this setback, showcasing the resilience and strategic acumen that characterises their play under pressure. Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s attacking dynamo, turned the game around with two crucial goals, demonstrating once again why he is considered among the elite forwards in the game. Mohamed Salah, ever the difference-maker, further tilted the game in Liverpool’s favour with a decisive strike. The turning point, howev...
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Ten Hag – Man Utd didn’t give 100 percent in Twente draw
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag – Man Utd didn’t give 100 percent in Twente draw

Erik ten Hag questioned his players' mentality after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League by saying that the Dutch side "fought for every yard and we didn't." United led through Christian Eriksen's first-half goal, but were pegged back in the second half when Sam Lammers took advantage of Eriksen's mistake to score the equaliser. Eriksen said afterwards that FC Twente "wanted it more" and when the assessment was put to Ten Hag, the United manager agreed. "Yes, you saw it was the game of their life," said Ten Hag. "They fought for every yard and we didn't and 99 percent is not enough, you have to give 100 percent. "You have to kill the game, you have to finish it off. You have to go for the second goal and then you kill the game. "We are very ambitious and when y...
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Hansi Flick discuss goalkeepers, Ansu Fati, Robert Lewandowski and Getafe after Barcelona win
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LALIGA

Hansi Flick discuss goalkeepers, Ansu Fati, Robert Lewandowski and Getafe after Barcelona win

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick was a happy man after seeing his team beat Getafe 1-0 on Wednesday to maintain their perfect start to the Liga season. BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 25: Robert Lewandowski salutes Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 25, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) The Catalans had to work hard against a typically tough Getafe side, with Robert Lewandowski the match-winner for the hosts.Here are the best bits from Flick’s post-match presser:Flick on potentially signing a goalkeeperI’m only talking about the players I have, and Inaki is our goalkeeper. I’m happy today. We have three more points. Inaki is 25 years old an...
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Jose Mourinho hits back after being fined amid latest controversy
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NEWS

Jose Mourinho hits back after being fined amid latest controversy

Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at critics after he missed a press conference for Fenerbahce at the weekend. Mourinho was inked in to speak to the media after Fenerbahce's Turkish Super Lig showdown at home to Galatasaray on Saturday. The charismatic Portuguese, who also managed Manchester United during his Premier League days, didn't attend the press conference after Fenerbahce's 3-1 defeat at the hands of their fiercest rivals, and was subsequently fined. A few days later and Mourinho was on media duty, once again, as he looked ahead to Fenerbahce's match against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League this week. DUZCE, TURKIYE- JUNE 24: Fenerbahçe team went to its first training session with new coach Jose Mourinho, and the training took plac...
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Vincent Kompany vs. Xabi Alonso: Battle of the coaches as Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Vincent Kompany vs. Xabi Alonso: Battle of the coaches as Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen

New Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany will face his biggest challenge yet as his side host reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: head coach Xabi Alonso of Bayer 04 Leverkusen gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Quarter-Final second leg match between West Ham United FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Olympic Stadium on April 18, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) In the opposite dugout will be Xabi Alonso, the former Bayern player who has already made the transition from world-class player to title-winning manager, and someone Kompany is trying to emulate.It has been a fantastic start to life at the Bayern helm for Kompany. In fact, the Belg...
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Raheem Sterling is expected to make first Arsenal start for tonight
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Raheem Sterling is expected to make first Arsenal start for tonight

Raheem Sterling is expected to make his first Arsenal start since his shock arrival from Chelsea against Bolton in the Carabao Cup tonight. The experienced attacker joined the Gunners on loan on transfer deadline day but is yet to start a match for his new club. Sterling, though, is in line to play at the Emirates Stadium this evening in a clash that will see Mikel Arteta make a host of changes following the weekend's exhausting visit to Manchester City which saw the Gunners play the entire second half with 10 men after Leandro Trossard was sent off towards the end of the opening 45 minutes. The 29-year-old has made two substitute appearances since arriving from Stamford Bridge, one in the Premier League win over Tottenham and another in last week's European draw against Atalanta. But Ster...
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Real Madrid confirm Kylian Mbappe injury blow ahead of Atletico derby
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LALIGA

Real Madrid confirm Kylian Mbappe injury blow ahead of Atletico derby

Kylian Mbappe is expected to ruled out for three weeks after suffering a thigh injury during Real Madrid's LaLiga victory over Alaves on Tuesday night. Mbappe, who scored in a fifth straight match to put his side 2-0 up five minutes before half-time at the Bernabeu, was replaced by Arda Guler in the 79th minute after seemingly feeling some discomfort. A Real statement on Wednesday read: 'After the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by the Real Madrid medical team, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the (left thigh).' No further information was disclosed as to the expected timescale of Mbappe's recovery. Mbappe, who signed a five-year deal with the Madrid club in July after his contract at Paris St Germain expired, has made an impressive start to life in Spain. The 25-...
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Milan’s San Siro loses 2027 Champions League final
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Milan’s San Siro loses 2027 Champions League final

UEFA has said that it has revoked the decision for Milan's San Siro stadium to host the 2027 Champions League final and reopened the bidding process for the right to stage the event due to uncertainty about the iconic ground's future. The ground could be set to undergo a major renovation after it hosts the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. There is uncertainty because Serie A giants Inter and AC Milan have not yet decided whether to continue to use the facility owned by the city council, amid bureaucratic problems regarding a renovation, or build new stadiums of their own.
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