LALIGA – Page 19 – Football Flame

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Robert Lewandowski is making a shocking display of loyalty to Barcelona

Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 21, 2024 in Naples, Italy.Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is a magnet for criticism whenever he makes a bad touch or gets into a brief goal-scoring slump, but there’s a case to be made that he’s been the Blaugrana’s most important player since arriving.Without him winning the Pichichi in his first season in Barcelona, there is no way the club hoists the LaLiga title over rivals Real Madrid at the end of the campaign, especially since so many of their wins were 1-0 results courtesy of a late Lewandowski goal.Lewandowski joined Barcelona after pushing his way out of Bayer...
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Jules Koundé suffers ankle injury on France duty

 Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on February 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.According to Saber Desfarges, Jules Koundé (25) suffered an ankle injury during France’s 2-0 defeat to Germany at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday. Koundé was withdrawn on the hour mark by Didier Deschamps with Les Bleus 2-0 down. It had looked like a tactical substitution. Jonathan Clauss replaced the Barcelona defender and the Olympique de Marseille man represents a more attacking option. With France chasing the game, his introduction therefore seemed logical. However, Desfarges revealed post-match that Koundé was suffering from an injury to his right ankle. The journalist added that ...
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Barca president: We won’t sell Yamal or make big-name signings

 Joan Laporta president of Barcelona salutes the players after the game Final Supercopa de España Femenina match between Barcelona and Levante at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on January 20, 2024 in Leganes, Spain.Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, told Mundo Deportivo on Saturday that the club rejected all offers to sell their young stars, even when offered as much as 200 million euros (about $217.3 million).The La Liga powerhouse has been dealing with deep financial problems for years. In order to meet the financial sustainability regulations of the Spanish top league and UEFA, the club will have to make a dent in their huge debts of one billion euros (about $1.09 billion) this summer.Many clubs facing a similar situation would sell their star players, as under football's financi...
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Real Madrid ‘want Toni Kroos to sign a new contract’

 Toni Kroos of Real Madrid looks on during the Super Copa de Espana semi-final match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico Madrid at Al-Awwal Park on January 10, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid are reportedly hoping to keep Toni Kroos at the club for another season.Kroos, 34, has made 455 appearances for the Spanish giants since joining from Bayern Munich in 2014.Over his 10 seasons at the Bernabeu, the midfielder has won 20 trophies, including four Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and five Club World Cups.Despite his age and the rise of Real's young midfielders such as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Kroos has still made 38 appearances this season, although his contract expires at the end of the campaign.And, according to Fabrizio Romano...
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We have room’… Barcelona president confident about retaining €70m-rated midfield star

Joan Laporta during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta is pictured at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on September 2, 2023. Barcelona signed Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix and Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season.The goal of FC Barcelona remains today to forge a formidable team for the future. La Blaugrana know their future lies in the faith they put in their youth, and that remains their joy. However, the Catalans still need to understand the continuity of many stars.Beyond those who are untouchables from a sporting perspective in the long...
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Barcelona now working towards retaining their wondrous talents

 Xavi Hernandez head coach of FC Barcelona giving instructions to Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The waves of La Masia continue to help FC Barcelona prosper even in their most dire moments. This ongoing campaign is no different, as the aid of younglings arrived when it was needed most desperately. Ultimately, the Catalans have remained stronger than they believed themselves to be capable of being.This ‘Baby’ Barcelona under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez is a unique kind of storm. The likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and Marc Guiu, have established themselves as proper candidates to take on the torch that will one day be passed on ...
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Real Madrid suffer two season-defining injury setbacks

 Thibaut Courtois player of Real Madrid is training at Valdebebas training ground on March 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid’s injury list went from bad to worse this week when news broke that both David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois apparently suffered major injury setbacks. Thankfully, it now seems Alaba will be fit sooner or later. Courtois, though, is likely out for the rest of the season.Alaba tore his ACL in his left knee in Real Madrid’s 4-1 La Liga win versus Villarreal last December. It was always a longshot that he would return to the side this season, but now it seems very possible. According to Miguel Ángel Díaz of COPE Radio in Madrid, Alaba’s recovery from his ACL injury has not gone well. The Real Madrid left back reportedly flew to Austria this week to receive sp...
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Luis Enrique talks possible Barca return, PSG clash in UCL

 PSG coach Luis Enrique speaks to the media during the post-match press conference following the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Montpellier HSC (MHSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson on March 17, 2024 in Montpellier, France.Luis Enrique has jumped back on his Twitch channel to talk about life and had some interesting comments on a possible return to Barcelona.The PSG coach has been linked with the job, following news that Xavi will depart this summer, but says it would be difficult to manage his former club again.“I have always said that I would like to but reality says that it is very difficult for our paths to cross,” he said.“Now they will need a coach but my rule is to fulfill my contracts and with the people who trust me. It won’t be me. I will never do it.”Y...
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Cancelo given the all clear after health checks

 Joao Cancelo right-back of Barcelona and Portugal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo has been given the all clear to continue playing football after undergoing heart checks.Cancelo missed the win over Atletico last time out as a precaution as Barca wanted him to undergo medical checks on a potential issue after a relative was diagnosed with a heart problem.Barcelona have confirmed those tests have now taken place and, thankfully, Cancelo has been given the green light to continue playing.Cancelo and the staff at Barcelona are obviously thrilled with the news, with the defender now set to link up with the Po...
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Loanee Joselu speaks out on Real Madrid future beyond the summer

Joselu Mato of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 10, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid loanee Joselu has on Wednesday spoken out regarding his hopes of staying put in Spain’s capital beyond the summer.Joselu, of course, linked up with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real last year, as part of a season-long loan from Espanyol.And, safe to say, the move has since proven a fruitful one for all parties involved.Joselu currently stands as Los Blancos’ 3rd top scorer across all competitions, behind only rampant pair Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr.This comes with the Spanish international having racked up a head-turning 14 goals, to go along with three assists.Making such production all the more impressi...
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Thibaut Courtois forced to undergo second knee surgery in seven months due to meniscus tear

 Thibaut Courtois player of Real Madrid is training at Valdebebas training ground on March 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Thibaut Courtois player of Real Madrid is training at Valdebebas training ground on March 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.It’s been a nightmare day for Thibaut Courtois. During Tuesday’s training session with Real Madrid, he suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee – the opposite one to which he tore his ACL – which is expected to keep him out for almost two months, which effectively means that his season is over without a game being played.Courtois suffered that ACL injury in August, just days before the start of the La Liga season. He underwent successful surgery soon after it occurred, and he had been in the final stages of his recovery before this latest blow.As reporte...
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Sevilla preparing new contract for breakthrough star with new €40m release clause

 Isaac Romero of Sevilla FC celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Sevilla FC at Montilivi Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Isaac Romero has been a revelation for Sevilla in 2024. The 23-year-old had been on the fringes for the first half of the season, but since mid-January, he had turned himself into a regular starter under head coach Quique Sanchez Flores, who has put his faith in Romero unlike those before him.However, despite his impressive form, Romero’s future at Sevilla is not secure. According to Estadio Deportivo, Los Nervionenses consider him to be available for transfer this summer, as they aim to improve their precarious financial situation.Firstly, Sevilla would like to renew Romero’s contract, ...
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“I want to score the decisive goal against PSG, in the second leg. A goal that gives us the win.”

 Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has today provided an insight into his personal hopes for the club’s upcoming showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.Xavi’s Barca, of course, were made aware of their fate on the continent late last week.After sending Italian champions Napoli packing in the competition’s Last-16, the Blaugrana were handed a Champions League quarter-final tie with the aforementioned PSG.The draw is considered a largely balanced one, with neutrals from across the continent in disagreement when it comes to just who should be considered favour...
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João Félix starts off Barcelona’s comprehensive win at Atlético Madrid

 Joao Felix of FC Barcelona celebrates 0-1 with Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 17, 2024 in Madrid Spain.It had to be him. Barcelona inflicted Atlético Madrid’s first league defeat at the Metropolitano in over a year and João Félix was the man who hurt them because, well, because of course he was.The most expensive signing in Atlético’s history, the forward who still belongs to them but is desperate never to go back and who would not be welcomed back either; the man who went to Barcelona on loan and scored the only goal when these two teams last met, leaping on to the advertising boards at Montjuïc and blowing his former fans a kiss in December; the man who was whistled ...
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‘I think he will stay’ – Pique does not believe Xavi will leave Barcelona

 Head Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on January 27, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.In a recent interview with The Times, Gerard Pique has made a few eyebrow-raising comments, particularly heating up the Barcelona vs Real Madrid discussion.More importantly, Pique has openly stated that Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season was not correct and that he expects the Spaniard to stay at Barcelona beyond the summer.“I don’t think Xavi’s decision is 100% correct. Let’s see, I think he will stay,” Pique said. “I don’t talk to Xavi every day, but we talked a few times, I want the best for him because it will be the best for the club.”As for the Barcelona vs Re...
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Vinicius Jr scores twice as Real beat Osasuna

 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid CF at Estadio El Sadar on March 16, 2024 in Pamplona, Spain. Vinicius Junior scored twice as Real Madrid moved 10 points clear at the top of La Liga with victory over Osasuna.The Brazilian put Real ahead after just four minutes but Ante Budimir levelled for Osasuna shortly after.Dani Carvajal made it 2-1 to Real, finishing into the top left corner, and Brahim Diaz met Federico Valverde's through ball to score a third.Vinicius got his second before Iker Munoz fired through the legs of Andriy Lunin for Osasuna's second.Real are on course for their second La Liga title under Ancelotti, who recorded his 200th win in all competitions with the club.They are still in the Champi...
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Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at loggerheads over Joao Felix future

Joao Felix of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have made no progress regarding the future of Joao Felix this summer, as another summer of uncertainty approaches for the Portuguese. With Atletico Madrid desperate to move him on last summer, Felix held out for a loan move to Barcelona, and it looks as if his parent club will try to move him on once again.Felix, 24, has failed to impress at Barcelona save for the odd game, and has lost his starting spot under Xavi Hernandez, who has preferred to either go with Ferran Torres, Raphinha or a fourth midfielder in recent months. As per Sport, the Blaugrana are onl...
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Diego Simeone – Antoine Griezmann is a doubt for Barcelona clash

 Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Atlético Madrid and FC Internazionale at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on March 13, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has revealed that Antoine Griezmann is a doubt for Sunday's La Liga clash with Barcelona at Wanda Metropolitano.The France international was absent for four matches with an ankle injury before making his return against Inter Milan in the Champions League last week.Griezmann played 105 minutes of the last-16 second leg, which Atletico won 2-1 to set up a penalty shootout, with the capital outfit triumphing to advance to the quarter-finals.The 32-year-old has not featured in any of Atletico's last four La Lig...
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Real Madrid 24-year-old star to replace Jude Bellingham against Osasuna

 Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 10, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. If Jude Bellingham’s red card against Valencia was silly in itself, imposing a two-game ban on the Real Madrid protege took it a step too far. After all, he was only protesting against what was a fair goal disallowed.The English international sat out Los Blancos’ clash against Celta Vigo last weekend and is set to miss today’s game against Osasuna as well. While it is a big blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, the squad does have some very strong backups in the position.Option DiazAs revealed by AS, Brahim Diaz will start as the attacking midfielder for Real Madrid at Estadio El Sadar tonight. After all, he re...
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Gerard Piqué hails Xavi’s Barcelona for performance vs Napoli

 Former football player Gerard Pique looks on during the 8th round match between America and Cruz Azul as part of Torneo Clausura 2024 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has today moved to reveal his appreciation for the display put forth by his ex-employers on the continent on Tuesday night.Barca, of course, are fresh off booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.After battling their way to a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg of the club’s Last-16 showdown with Italian champions Napoli, the Blaugrana welcomed Francesco Calzona’s troops to Catalunya’s capital, with their season all but on the line.And, when all was said and done, Xavi’s men rose to the challenge, thanking goals on the p...
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