LALIGA

4Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Atletico under no legal pressure to play Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the Spanish League, La Liga Santander, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Civitas Metropolitano stadium on August 21, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Atletico Madrid are in a very sticky situation with Antoine Griezmann, as we all know. Diego Simeone effectively admitted in his press conference this week that he was avoiding playing the striker for more than 45 minutes so that the club don’t have to pay his compulsory purchase fee to Barcelona. It’s not fair on the player, and Atletico want to negotiate a lower fee to avoid the slightly ridiculous situation. The player is putting up with it, and as Mundo Deportivo explain here, he has no legal recourse anyway. FIFA rules say that they must include him in train...

4Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barca win, Madrid stay perfect in La Liga

(L-R) Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona, Fernando of Sevilla during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 3, 2022 in Sevilla Spain.Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde have shown why Barcelona mortgaged part of their future for them by producing goals in a commanding 3-0 win at Sevilla in La Liga. Lewandowski made it five goals in four appearances since moving from Bayern Munich, ex-Leeds winger Raphinha scored his first for Barcelona, and Kounde provided two assists against his former club to secure a third straight league win on Saturday. Barcelona climbed into second place, two points behind Real Madrid who ended Real Betis’s perfect start after beating Seville’s other club 2-1 in the Spanish capital. Barce...

3Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid tackle Betis ahead of Champions League opener

Real Madrid players are training at Valdebebas training ground on September 02, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid put their perfect start to the season on the line this weekend against Real Betis, the only other La Liga team with a 100% record, before kicking off their Champions League defence. Carlo Ancelotti’s side top the table on goal difference above Copa del Rey holders Betis, who like Madrid have won their first three matches of the campaign. Madrid will play at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time this season on Saturday as renovation work continues on their iconic ground. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was nominated for the UEFA player of the year prize won last week by team-mate Karim Benzema, expects Betis to give them a difficult afternoon. “Betis play really well. Last s...

2Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Marco Asensio to leave Real Madrid in 2023

Marco Asensio of Real Madrid is traning with teammate Éder Militao at Valdebebas training ground on September 02, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Marco Asensio will leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season. The Spanish international was heavily linked with a potential move away from Madrid during the summer transfer window but no firm transfer bid emerged for him. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Asensio has sat down for crucial talks with Carlo Ancelotti over his immediate future with Los Blancos in the coming months. Ancelotti previously admitted he was open to letting Asensio move on from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu last month but the pair have agreed to stick together for the campaign. Asensio is determined t...

1Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Xavi makes his final choice over Barcelona’s new right-back

Xavi Hernandez, Manager of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid CF at Camp Nou on August 28, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.With Barcelona still jostling for the signing of a new right-back on the transfer deadline day, manager Xavi Hernandez has decided who he wants the club to bring in, reports Javi Miguel of AS. The Blaugrana have been on the lookout for a new right-back all summer after parting ways with Dani Alves. With Xavi making it clear that he does not trust Sergino Dest, the requirement for a new player in the position is accentuated further. Cesar Azpilicueta was the Catalans’ top target, but he signed a new contract with Chelsea. The next best option considered by Xavi was Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, whose signing was ruled ...

29Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lewandowski scores twice for Barca, Real back on top

Roque Mesa of Real Valladolid clears the ball away from Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid CF at Camp Nou on August 28, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Veteran star strikers Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema both hit doubles on Sunday in contrasting victories for Barcelona and La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Lewandowski scored twice for the second game in a row as Jules Kounde made his debut as Barcelona cruised past Valladolid 4-0. In the late game on Sunday, Real Madrid struggled for 88 minutes at Espanyol. With the scores tied and time running out, Benzema put Real ahead before sealing a 3-1 victory after 10 eventful added minutes. Real saved their perfect start to the season and climbed back to the top of the table ...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona still have €57 million remaining to spend on summer signings

Head coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona gives instruction to Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona during the friendly match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camp Nou on August 24, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.With only a few more days left before the transfer window comes to an end, Barcelona are still not done with their business for the summer. The Catalan heavyweights are currently focusing on getting players off the books as they hope to sell three more players in the coming days. At the same time, though, there are likely to be a few incomings before the window slams shut. Barca are hoping to sign two new full-backs, one on the right and one on the left side each, while a new striker could also be on the agenda if both Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave. Bernardo Silva al...

27Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Betis maintain winning La Liga record

Moi Gomez of CA Osasuna passes while under pressure by Borja Iglesias of Real Betis during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Betis and CA Osasuna at Estadio Benito Villamarin on August 26, 2022 in Seville, Spain.Real Betis have maintained their perfect Spanish league record with a 1-0 win over Osasuna despite playing a man down in the second half on Friday. Borja Iglesias' fourth goal of the season gave Manuel Pellegrini's Betis their third straight win to start the league. Osasuna were also looking for their third consecutive triumph in what was their first away match in the league. They had beaten Sevilla and Cadiz at home. Betis defeated Elche and Mallorca. Villarreal and defending champions Real Madrid are the only other teams with two victories entering the weekend. Vil...

26Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Marco Asensio is looking to leave Real Madrid

Marco Asensio of Real Madrid in action during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Cadiz CF and Real Madrid at Nuevo Mirandilla stadium on May 15, 2022, in Cadiz, Spain. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed winger Marco Asensio is looking to leave the club this summer.Asensio was Real’s third-top scorer last season but has plummeted down the pecking order under Ancelotti this year, with the boss making it clear there will be limited minutes for the 26-year-old if he chooses to stay. Talk of a departure had been minimal up to this point but Ancelotti has now confirmed Asensio is looking elsewhere. “I think he is looking at something to see if he can leave,” the boss told Movistar. “If he does not leave, he will continue to be a Madrid player...

22Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lewandowski off the mark as Barcelona crush Real Sociedad

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their side's third goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on August 21, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1-4 with a ruthless second half performance. The match got off to a flying start when Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal for the Catalan giants just 43 seconds into the game. Barca broke down the left via Alex Balde who squared it to the Polish striker and he ruthlessly put it into the bottom corner. It took La Real just minutes to respond though, Frenkie de Jong was robbed in possession and David Silva found Alexander Isak running in behind. His chipped effort was helped as it took a deflection off Eric Garcia looping into the net to equa...

21Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bayern Munich tear apart Bochum 7-0 in German league

Marcel Sabitzer (C) of München in action during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and FC Bayern München at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on August 21, 2022 in Bochum, Germany.Relentless Bayern Munich hammered Bochum 7-0 in a Sunday German Bundesliga match, staying atop the league standings. German winger Leroy Sane netted the first goal of the match in the fourth minute at Bochum’s Vonovia Ruhrstadion. Visitors’ Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt then scored a header after a corner kick in the 25th minute. It was de Ligt’s first Bundesliga goal. Bayern Munich’s French winger Kingsley Coman finished after a rebound by Bochum goalkeeper, while Senegalese star Sadio Mane scored on a counterattack, making it 4-0 before halftime. Mane added another goal, but this time it was from a penalty kick i...

21Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jules Kounde ‘worried’ by Barcelona’s registration problems

(L-R) Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona, Diogo De Oliveira of Pumas Unam during the Club Friendly match between FC Barcelona v Pumas at the Spotify Camp Nou on August 7, 2022 in Barcelona Spain. Jules Kounde is concerned by Barcelona’s player registration problems as the defender continues to be ineligible to play for the club in La Liga. The Frenchman arrived from Sevilla for a reported £42m fee but has not been able to feature in the league as Barcelona need to comply with La Liga financial rules. The club were able to register four other new players before their season opener against Rayo Vallecano last weekend after freeing up funds. However, Diario SPORT reports that Kounde is beginning to become worried by the situation. The 23-year-old is frustrated by the ordeal and would like to return...

21Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Luka Modric’s stunning strike helps Real Madrid crush Celta Vigo

Luka Modric of Real Madrid CF wins the header after Goncalo Paciencia of RC Celta de Vigo during the LaLiga Santander match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Balaidos on August 20, 2022 in Vigo, Spain. A stunning strike by Luka Modric helped Real Madrid on their way to a 4-1 victory away to Celta Vigo as the reigning Spanish champions made it two wins from two in La Liga. Modric curled home from outside the box just before half-time to put Carlo Ancelotti’s side back in front after Karim Benzema’s early penalty had been cancelled out by Iago Aspas, who converted a spot-kick at the other end. Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde added further goals in the second half while Eden Hazard had a late penalty saved as Madrid built on their La Liga season-opening 2-1 win at A...

20Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sevilla remain winless in Spanish league

Francisco Roman Alarcon Suarez "Isco" of Sevilla FC competes for the ball with Kike Perez of Real Valladolid CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on August 19, 2022 in Seville, Spain. Isco Alarcon’s debut was not enough to lift Sevilla to a first victory in the Spanish league. Sevilla remained winless after a 1-1 draw at home against Valladolid on Friday. The visitors took the lead with a goal by Anuar Mohamed in the 80th before Sevilla equalized through Karim Rekik in the 86th. Isco, who arrived after his contract with Real Madrid was not renewed at the end of last season, came off the bench in the 68th minute, but could not do much to help the hosts. Sevilla, which finished fourth in the league last season after s...

19Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Casemiro wants to leave Real Madrid

Casemiro of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between UD Almeria and Real Madrid CF at Juegos Mediterraneos on August 14, 2022 in Almeria, Spain.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that as long as Manchester United and Real Madrid can come to a deal, Casemiro will be headed for the Premier League. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s tie with Celta Vigo, Ancelotti was asked about the rumours linking the Brazilian with a move. Diario AS covered his words. “I spoke about it with him. He wants to try a new challenge, the club understands it. Casemiro for what he has done and the person he is, you have to respect that wish.” “There are negotiations, it is not official, he continues to be out player but his desire is to leave. If he does, we have the resources to re...

16Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Morata nets double on return to LaLiga

Djene of Getafe CF battles for the ball with Alvaro Morata of Atletico de Madrid during the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and Atletico de Madrid at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on August 15, 2022 in Getafe, Spain.Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata has made a triumphant return to La Liga, scoring twice to help the visitors win 3-0 at Getafe in their opening match of the season. Substitute Antoine Griezmann scored the third goal late on and Atletico had enough chances to make the result even more comprehensive in scorching heat on Monday. Their inspired Portugal forward Joao Felix roamed all over the field and collected three assists. He slipped a precise pass through for Morata, who drilled a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand cor...

14Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti confirms he will quit soccer after Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti saludates to the fans during the celebration of Real Madrid as winners of the 14th UEFA Champions League against Liverpool FC at Santiago Bernabeu on may 29, 2022, in Madrid, Spain. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Saturday that he will quit soccer management when he eventually leaves Real Madrid, ending one of the most glorious careers of the sport’s modern era. Ancelotti had said in May that he would “probably” quit once he left Madrid, but he removed all doubt in an interview with Italian daily Il Messaggero. “This time at Real will end my career, after Los Blancos I will quit,” the 63-year-old said. “Real are the very top of football. It makes sense to call it quits after my experience here.” Ancelotti became the first-ever coach to win all five of Europe’s top leagues when...

11Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Nico Gonzalez explains why he’s leaving Barcelona

Nico Gonzalez of FC Barcelona looks on during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Pumas UNAM at Spotify Camp Nou on August 07, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. Nico Gonzalez will complete a loan move to Valencia on Thursday and has taken to social media to explain why he’s moving from Barcelona. The 20-year-old has made it clear that he’s not saying goodbye to Barcelona and is only moving to play regularly and continue his development. “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. At 20, I need and want to play a lot of minutes to grow as a footballer, and therefore I decided that the right thing for me was to do it at another club this season,” he wrote. “To the Culés, team and fans, I wish you all the luck in the world and may you celebrate many titles. See you again in a year. Força...

11Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid beats Eintracht Frankfurt for UEFA Super Cup

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid lifts the trophy following the Real Madrid CF v Eintracht Frankfurt - UEFA Super Cup Final 2022 at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. David Alaba and Karim Benzema scored in each half for Real Madrid to win the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday. Alaba prodded the opener home from close range in the 37th minute when Casemiro cushioned Benzema’s header back after a corner. The French star then sealed Madrid’s record-equaling fifth Super Cup title in the 65th thanks to an assist from the lively Vinícius Júnior. It was Benzema’s 324th goal for Madrid, overtaking club legend Raúl. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more after scoring 450 goals for the club between 2009-18. Benzema, who also joined Madrid i...

8Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

De Jong ‘wants to stay’ at Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona celebrate 0-2 during the UEFA Europa League match between Napoli v FC Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Maradona on February 24, 2022 in Naples Italy. Frenkie de Jong "wants to stay" at Barcelona despite interest from Manchester United, says the club's president Joan Laporta.The Premier League side agreed a £63.5m deal for the Netherlands midfielder, 25, last month, but the move is yet to be finalised. De Jong came on at half-time and scored in Barcelona's 6-0 friendly win over Pumas UNAM on Sunday. "He is a Barca player of great quality and we want him to stay," said Laporta. "He has offers but we want him to stay and he wants to stay too." De Jong has been linked with a move to Chelsea, but is also a key target for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, w...