LALIGA

30Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe scoreless again as Real held to another draw

Kylian Mbappe remains scoreless in the Spanish league for Real Madrid as the defending champions settled for a 1-1 draw at Las Palmas. Mbappé, Madrid's biggest signing in years, has only scored for the powerhouse in the team's UEFA Super Cup victory against Atalanta earlier this month. It was Vinicius Junior who scored for Madrid, who beat Valladolid 3-0 in the previous round but opened their title defence with a 1-1 draw at Mallorca. Vinicius found the net on Thursday for his first league goal this season by converting a 69th-minute penalty kick after a handball inside the area. The hosts had taken the lead five minutes into the match after Alberto Moleiro got past a couple of defenders before finding the net from inside the area. Barcelona on Tuesday became the only team with three ...

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30Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Official: Barça sell Alarcon to Porto

Barcelona have reached agreement with FC Porto for the sale of 20-year-old striker Angel Alarcon for an undisclosed fee, the club announced on Thursday. Barça confirmed in their statement they will keep 50% of the player’s rights, which means they’ll receive half of the profits from a future sale. Alarcón became a hot prospect two years ago when Xavi Hernández first took charge of the first team and looked to have a real chance to make the senior side before a number of injuries, including a serious knee issue, slowed down the striker’s progress. Then the emergence of players such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Víctor both in the first team and at Barça Atlètic last season blocked Alarcón’s path to real playing time for the Catalans, and he now moves to Portugal in search of consistent minute...

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29Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona prodigy is already thinking about ‘recovery’ after horrific injury

Despite the win over Rayo Vallecano, the last 24 hours have not been good for a Barcelona fan. Their worst fears were confirmed when 17-year-old La Masia prodigy Marc Bernal was confirmed to have torn the ACL on his left knee. The entire Barcelona contingent was hoping against hope that the prognosis would be different from what was initially feared but unfortunately, that was not the case. Messages of gratitude poured from the footballing fraternity for Bernal. Just 17 years of age, Bernal looked like the next big thing coming out of La Masia. He was incredible in Barcelona’s three games so far and even against Rayo, he had a brilliant second half that would have made Sergio Busquets proud. It’s such a shame that the talented youngster’s campaign had to be cut short prematurely b...

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28Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti is not worried about Kylian Mbappe’s slow start

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is not worried about Kylian Mbappe's start at the club after the France striker failed to score in his opening two league games. Mbappe, 25, joined the LaLiga and Champions League winners as a free agent from Paris St Germain in June, bringing an end to a transfer saga that had rumbled on for years. Despite making a promising start by scoring on his debut to help Real earn a 2-0 win over Europa League champions Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final two weeks ago, Mbappe has yet to find the net in two LaLiga games with Real and struggled in a draw at Mallorca and in a dour home win against Real Valladolid. "His last goal was on August 14th. It has only been two weeks since, that is no reason to worry. Neither we are not worried as a club, nor him,...

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28Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick shares his honest verdict on Dani Olmo’s debut for Barcelona

Barcelona’s first 45 minutes against Rayo lacked spark and imagination. On a difficult ground that hasn’t favored the club in recent seasons, Hansi Flick’s team looked out of ideas after conceding an early goal. Things changed at half-time when the German coach took off Ferran Torres to bring on Dani Olmo. Coming on for his debut, the 26-year-old midfield star changed the complexion of the game and looked sharp with every touch on the pitch. Eventually, it was Olmo who netted the match-winner after Lamine Yamal’s cut-back found him in space inside the box. The ex-RB Leipzig man cut inside on his left foot and produced a Lionel Messi-esque finish on debut. Hansi Flick was understandably happy with the 26-year-old’s debut performance against Rayo. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the G...

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28Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona fear Marc Bernal suffered ACL injury vs. Vallecano – source

Barcelona suspect midfielder Marc Bernal suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano and could miss the majority of the season, a source told Football Flame. Bernal, 17, was forced off in the final minutes of the match in Vallecas as Barça came from behind to make it three wins from three to start the new campaign in LaLiga. However, the injury to Bernal tainted the victory, with coach Hansi Flick saying the youngster will undergo tests on Wednesday but confirming that he fears the worst. "It's a sad victory because Marc Bernal is injured and it looks not so good," Flick said in a news conference after the game. "We have to wait and see how heavy it is. We win, it's OK, but when you see the dressing room nobody is happy."It's not go...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

RB Leipzig believe they can keep Xavi Simons long-term

A matter of months ago, there were questions surrounding Xavi Simons’ future amid interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. In a battle for the Dutchman’s signature, there was a belief that Der Rekordmeister would prevail, leaving Die Roten Bullen behind. However, Simons, like a number of different players this summer, elected to reject a move to Bavaria. This was undoubtedly frustrating for the record champions, but with Simons’ return to Leipzig being just another loan deal, there is a sense that securing his signature on a permanent deal in 2025 will be possible. Nevertheless, there is a belief within the Leipzig camp that they will be able to not just compete with Bayern but beat them to Simons’ signature next summer. Speaking about a permanent move for Simons, Die Roten Bullen’...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Andriy Lunin transfer decision

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Andriy Lunin is set to stay at Real Madrid this season despite his contract running out next year. The Ukrainian goalkeeper stepped into the void left by the injured Thibaut Courtois last year, taking the gloves from previous back-up option Kepa Arrizabalaga and making some vital saves on the club's way to a La Liga and Champions League double. Andriy Lunin goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Ukraine during the warm-up before the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Estadi de Son Moix on August 18, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Lunin made no secret of his desire to play regular first-team football over the summer but recently made a decision on his future, reportedly being ready t...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick opens up on €30m player’s departure from Barcelona

Today, FC Barcelona announced the departure of two of their players on loan, Vitor Roque and Clement Lenglet. The Brazilian youngster has left the Catalan side to join the La Liga club Real Betis, while Lenglet is also going to stay in Spain as he has joined Atletico Madrid on a year-long loan. SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - AUGUST 26: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, attends his press conference ahead the Spanish League, La Liga EA Sports, football match against Rayo Vallecano at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on August 26, 2024 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) Real Betis have the option to buy Vitor Roque at the end of this loan, but among these two players, it is clearly Roque who has a better chance of returning and mak...

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26Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Diego Simeone confident over Julian Alvarez impact at Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is ready to bring his summer signings together in the coming weeks. Simeone has opted to bolster his squad this summer with new signings in his attack and Los Rojiblancos secured a first La Liga win of the season at home to Girona. Simeone will be looking to use that as a platform to build on in the coming weeks and he reserved special praise for fellow Argentinian Julian Alvarez. Alvarez made his first start for his new team against Girona, and despite not scoring, he impressed as part of a rotated line up for Simeone. “Julian worked a lot for the team, took up positions so we could recover the ball and counter attack”, as per reports from Diario AS. “He played a role in the second goal, and of course he wants to score like Sorloth, he’ll get there....

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26Aug By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

LALIGA

Kylian Mbappe wants more after Real Madrid home debut

Kylian Mbappe is ready for more following his Real Madrid home debut. The France captain has secured an unbeaten start to life as a Los Blancos player following his summer move to the Spanish capital. Mbappe is yet to score as a Real Madrid star as Los Blancos secured their first league win of the campaign against Real Valladolid. In front of the home fans for the first time, Mbappe showed flashes of his talent, but he is yet to find the net in the famous white shirt. Carlo Ancelotti has backed his new No.9 to change that in the coming weeks and Mbappe’s record suggests it will not take long to do so.. However, the occasion was not missed by Mbappe, as he prepares to start a new chapter in Madrid, in the coming months. “Thank you for this moment, for the team, and for me. It’s a grea...

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25Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lewandowski secures Barca win over Athletic

Robert Lewandowski shrugged off a string of missed opportunities to earn Barcelona a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga. The 36-year-old striker twice hit the woodwork, among other wasted chances, but kept his cool to slot home a 75th-minute winner for the Catalan giants. Teenage starlet Lamine Yamal put Barcelona ahead with a deflected effort but Oihan Sancet pulled Athletic level from the penalty spot before half-time. Lewandowski’s strike earned Barcelona their second win from two league matches under new coach Hansi Flick. “Especially in the first half he could have scored one or two goals... but in the end this is a goal getter, a striker, who scores goals,” Flick told reporters. “The second goal was the winner, three points, perfect.” The former Germany and Bayern...

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25Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Vitor Roque lands in Sevilla to complete Real Betis move

Barcelona striker Vitor Roque was all smiles after landing in Seville to complete a loan move to Real Betis. A deal has finally been agreed between the two sides, with reports claiming it’s a two-year loan that will include a buyback clause set at €27.5m. Fabrizio Romano reports the deal is done, however, and we can expect an official announcement within the next day or so. Vitor Roque will be hoping he can make an impact at Real Betis after a tough time at Barcelona since his move at the start of the year. Rivaldo has already tipped the youngster to succeed at Betis this season and prove Barcelona they were wrong to let him go. Vitor Roque’s move won’t do too much to help Barca register Dani Olmo. The Brazilian isn’t registered yet by Barcelona for the current season as the club had ...

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24Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham injured, expected to miss several weeks

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham sustained a muscle injury during training, the Spanish club said on Friday, and will miss key games for club and country. The 21-year-old England international, who was a key player last season when Real won the Champions League and La Liga titles, will be sidelined for several weeks, according to club sources. “Following tests carried out today (Saturday) on our player Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg. Pending evolution,” Real said in a statement. He will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash against Real Valladolid and England’s Nations League matches next month against Ireland and Finland. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, who usually talks to the media one day be...

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24Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona can save big with double Lenglet operation

As has been the case for the last few years, FC Barcelona once again have to look for a new club for Clement Lenglet in this summer transfer window. The Frenchman has returned to the Catalan club after spending the last season on loan at Aston Villa, but it is highly unlikely that he will remain in Flick’s team for this season. A breakthrough in this operation for Barcelona was reported yesterday as Fabrizio Romano claimed that the French defender is going to join Atletico Madrid on loan, while also extending his contract with the Blaugrana club by one year.While this move has not officially been announced yet, Mundo Deportivo has provided an outline of how this will impact the Catalan club’s finances and fair play margin. Without this contract extension, Lenglet would have been rece...

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24Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Flick backs Kounde to ‘take care’ of Nico Williams

Hansi Flick is backing Jules Kounde to “take care” of Nico Williams when Barcelona come up against Athletic Club on Saturday in La Liga. Barca spent the summer trying to sign Nico but appear to have given up on their efforts to land the Spain star. The Catalans will now have to find a way to stop the forward on Saturday night, with Flick confident Kounde can do the business at Montjuic. “On this side we have an experienced player, so I can say that Jules will take care of him,” he told reporters. “To speak about him is not my job because he’s not our player. The focus is more how we play him because he’s a good player, so I think Jules will make a good job.” Athletic Club started the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Getafe. Williams came off the bench in that game but is expected to ...

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23Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Kylian Mbappe set for home debut as Carlo Ancelotti seeks to get Madrid on track

Kylian Mbappe will make his home debut for Real Madrid against Real Valladolid on Sunday. Kylian Mbappe's La Liga debut for Real Madrid did not go as planned, as Los Blancos drew at Mallorca last weekend, with coach Carlo Ancelotti believing the Spanish champions lacked "balance." The French superstar striker will make his first home appearance for Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday against promoted side Real Valladolid, owned by former Madrid forward and Brazil great Ronaldo. Mbappe is on course to enjoy a similarly sizable legacy in soccer, but is hoping to make a far greater impact at Madrid than Ronaldo was able to during the club's "galactico" era. Ronaldo won just one La Liga title and failed to lift the Champions League trophy during five seasons in the Spanish capital...

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22Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Andreas Christensen ‘could follow Ilkay Gundogan out of Barcelona’

Former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen could leave Barcelona before the summer transfer window ends, according to reports. The Catalan giants are already on the verge of losing Ilkay Gundogan, with the midfielder set for a sensational return to Manchester City. He landed in Manchester on Wednesday night and met Pep Guardiola for dinner ahead of his proposed free transfer back to the club he left last summer. Now, Christensen could follow him out the exit door as the centre back is open to leaving Barcelona this month, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. Christensen was only on the bench for Barcelona's opening LaLiga match at Valencia last weekend, and is unlikely to have a prominent role under Hansi Flick if he stays at the club. With this in mind, he could be tempted by a move aw...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Gundogan’s exit still not enough for Barca to register Olmo

Ilkay Gundogan is leaving Barcelona after just one year to sign for Manchester City but his departure is reportedly still not enough to register Dani Olmo. It’s been widely reported that one of the key reasons for Gundogan’s exit is for Barcelona to free up some space on the wage bill for their new signing. However, COPE are reporting that Gundogan’s departure is not enough and another exit is needed by the Catalan giants. A new Nike kit deal might also be enought but there’s no word on that, even though Joan Laporta claimed he’d have news shortly just about a month ago.Barcelona are finalising Vitor Roque’s exit to Real Betis at the moment, but the Brazilian isn’t registered for the new season yet either. Mikayil Faye is another player expected to move on, while Clement Lengle...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Atletico held, Valladolid make La Liga winning return

Villarreal and Atletico Madrid have combined for four goals in an action-packed first half but neither side could find a winner in the second as they settled for a 2-2 draw in their La Liga opener. A new-look Atletico team were without Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata and went behind on the road after 18 minutes when Arnaut Danjuma scored a solo goal from a tight angle. Marcos Llorente levelled for Atletico two minutes later with a fierce strike only for hosts Villarreal to get back in front nine minutes before halftime thanks to a goalkeeping mistake by keeper Jan Oblak. Oblak flapped at a cross and the ball hit the unsuspecting Koke and bounced into the net for an own goal. Alexander Sorloth, who joined from Villlareal this month, equalised in first-half ...

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