LALIGA – Page 36 – Football Flame

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Carlo Ancelotti reveals formation for Champions League final

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Levante UD played at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Few are enjoying football quite as much as Carlo Ancelotti this season. The Italian manager has secured his first La Liga title and guided Real Madrid to the Champions League final.On Thursday evening he enjoyed his side thumping Levante 6-0 in an excellent display. It was a performance which was worthy of a team celebrating the title, but there are no illusions that the focus is back on the Champions League at Valdebebas.After the match, Ancelotti was asked how Real Madrid will set up for the final against Liverpool. His response was covered by Diario AS. “4-3-3. Sometimes it could end up as a 4-4-2. I don’t think ther...
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Vinicius takes Real Madrid closer to title

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team's sixth goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Levante UD at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Karim Benzema scored his 323rd goal on Thursday to draw level with Raul Gonzalez as Real Madrid's second-highest scorer, as Los Blancos thrashed Levante thanks to a hat-trick from Vinicius Junior.Benzema netted in the first half of the team's 6-0 rout of last-place Levante in the Spanish league, with Madrid having secured the title a few rounds ago.The result sealed Levante's relegation after five consecutive years in the first division.Vinicius Junior, Benzema's trusted attacking partner all season, scored a hat-trick for Madrid as they continue to prepare for the Champions Lea...
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Atletico earns Champions League spot for 10th straight year

Matheus Cunha of Club Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring goal during the La Liga Santader match between Elche CF and Club Atletico de Madrid.Atletico Madrid have secured a Champions League spot for the 10th straight season after defeating Elche 2-0 in the Spain's La Liga.The victory moved Diego Simeone's team into third place, one point ahead of Sevilla, who earlier on Wednesday missed their own chance to guarantee a berth in Europe's top club competition next season after a scoreless home draw against relegation-threatened Mallorca.Matheus Cunha and Rodrigo De Paul scored a goal in each half to leave Atletico six points in front of fifth-placed Real Betis with two rounds to go. Betis, who won 3-0 at Valencia on Tuesday, can't surpass Atletico for the final qualification spot beca...
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Auba: I hope with all my heart that Dembele stays

Barcelona's Gabonese midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) celebrates with teammate Barcelona's French forward Ousmane Dembele after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on May 10, 2022.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was full of praise for Ousmane Dembele after the two attackers played a starring role in Tuesday’s win over Celta.Dembele picked up two assists in the match, teeing up Memphis Depay for the opening goal and also putting one on a plate for Aubameyang.The Gabon international ended up with two goals, to take his tally since joining Barca to 13 in all competitions, and he spoke about Dembele after the win.He’s my little brother. We have spent a long time together since the first day,” h...
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Understrength Real beaten in Madrid derby

Yannick Carrasco of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the La Liga Santander match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on May 8, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Atletico Madrid took advantage of Carlo Ancelotti's decision to rotate as they edged out fierce rivals Real Madrid 1-0 to tighten their grip on fourth place in La Liga.Four days on from their stunning comeback win over Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals, Madrid made seven changes for their trip to the Wanda Metropolitano.That told as Madrid, who were crowned Spanish champions last week with four games to spare, fell behind to a 40th-minute Yannick Carrasco penalty that was awarded after a VAR check.Despite the introduction of Luka Modric and Vini...
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Villarreal concede stoppage time equaliser to draw with Sevilla

Sevilla's Argentine defender Marcos Acuna (L) vies with Villarreal's Nigerian midfielder Samuel Chukwueze during the Spanish League football between Villarreal CF and Sevilla FC at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on May 8, 2022.Villarreal conceded late against Sevilla to give up what would have been a huge three points.The Yellow Submarine went into their tough-looking home tie with Sevilla knowing they had a unique opportunity in the race for Europa League football.Both Real Betis and Real Sociedad lost this weekend, while eighth place Athletic Club, who were only a point behind, could only draw.Unai Emery’s men looked desperate to take advantage of the opportunity from minute one, dominating Sevilla with a high-energy performance.Samuel Chukwueze terrorised full-back Marcos Acuna and wa...
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Xavi tells Barca what they are missing after Real Betis win

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Real Betis Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 7, 2022 in Sevilla Spain.Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has happy to see his side beat Real Betis 2-1 in La Liga on Saturday but admitted there’s still work to be done.Goals from Ansu Fati and Jordi Alba secured all three points for Barcelona, but Xavi wasn’t completely happy with his team’s performance.I think that the only thing we are missing is we were able to control the game in parts for the match, but we have given the ball away at times, he said.Betis made us struggle, they are great in transition but we struggled at times when we gave away the ball. I’m pleased we were at least competitive.Xavi went on to highlight his team’s per...
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Levante scores late to beat Sociedad in Spanish league

Gonzalo Melero of Levante UD celebrates a goal with teammates during the Santander League match between Levante UD and Real Sociedad at the Ciutat de Valencia Stadium on May 6, 2022, in Valencia, Spain.Gonzalo Melero converted a 90th-minute penalty as Levante defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 to keep alive their chances of escaping relegation from the Spanish league.Friday's victory lifted Levante from last place and left the Valencia club three points from safety ahead of the weekend matches.The loss hurt Sociedad's chances of qualifying for the Champions League as they stayed in sixth place, five points behind Atletico Madrid which occupies the fourth and final qualification spot.It was the fourth consecutive winless match for the Basque Country club.Jorge Miramon opened the scoring for the hos...
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Ansu Fati opens up on his recovery from injury

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RD Mallorca at Camp Nou Stadium on May 1, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Ansu Fati has opened up on his recovery from injury and his ambitions after returning to action at the weekend for Barcelona against Real Mallorca.The teenager made his first appearance since January as a second-half substitute and spoke about how hard he’s worked to return to full fitness.You gradually get better and stronger every day, he said. With total effort and hard work, you can fix everything in the end. I’ve learned so much about myself during the recovery process.Barcelona will be hoping Fati can stay injury-free and go on and achieve his potential at the club. The youngster has already signed a contract that runs until 2027 and says he n...
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Barcelona boss Xavi sends pointed message to Wolves over Adama Traore transfer

Adama Traore of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF at Camp Nou Stadium on April 18, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Adama Traore’s frustrating loan spell with Barcelona continued over the weekend as the Wolverhampton Wanderers flanker was an unused substitute in their 2-1 win over Real Mallorca.Spain international Traore has been used sparingly by head coach Xavi in recent months, playing just 63 minutes of La Liga football since February to cast doubt over his long-term future at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently from Wolves for €30million (£25m) at the end of the season.The return to form and favour of Ousmane Dembele has limited Traore’s involvement under Xavi. But, with Dembele suffering from tonsillitis over...
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Xavi praises Memphis: We need players with that attitude

Pablo Maffeo of Real Mallorca, Memphis Depay of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Real Mallorca at the Camp Nou on May 1, 2022 in Barcelona Spain.Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez praised Memphis Depay after seeing his team beat Real Mallorca 2-1 on Sunday in La Liga.Memphis was back in the starting XI at the Camp Nou and scored the opening goal for the hosts before Sergio Busquets doubled the Catalans’ lead.Xavi was asked about Memphis after the game and praised the Dutchman although he did not want to talk about his future at the club.I’m not talking about the future, I’m talking about the present and the matches to come, he said.Memphis is playing today because he had a fantastic week of training, another would have given up and he didn’t, we need playe...
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Real Madrid win 35th Spanish La Liga title

Real Madrid squad posing with the La Liga trophy on April 30, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid secured a 35th La Liga title on Saturday with four games to spare after a 4-0 home win over Espanyol fuelled by two goals from Rodrygo.Needing just one point to clinch the trophy, Madrid struck twice through the Brazilian in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu before goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.Madrid moved 17 points clear of second-placed Sevilla with four matches to play. Barcelona have a game in hand but are 18 points adrift.Given they have been top since November, there was no surprise about Madrid winning a league they have dominated for months, but dips in form from Barcelona and Sevilla offered the chance for an earlier coronation than expected.With La Liga wrapped up, ...
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Ronald Araujo reveals how close he came to snubbing Barcelona for Man Utd or Liverpool

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo poses for a photograph during his contract renewal signing ceremony at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on April 29, 2022.Both Liverpool and Manchester United were linked with moves for Barcelona contract rebel Ronald Araujo, but in a turn of events the Uruguayan has now signed a new deal. Following his extension, Araujo opened up about how close he was to leaving.Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has opened up on how close he came to signing for either Manchester United or Liverpool, before signing a new contract.The Uruguayan was heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp after reports claimed that he felt unhappy with Barcelona's initial contract offer. The 23-year-old has been a vital part of Xavi's rebuild, and reportedly wanted his new contract...
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Sevilla’s Champions League push hit by Cadiz draw

Alex Fernandez and Fali of Cadiz interact whilst Yousseff En-Nesyri of Sevilla FC reacts following the LaLiga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Cadiz CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 29, 2022 in Seville, Spain.Sevilla’s hopes of securing a Top Four finish in La Liga this season have been hit by a 1-1 draw at home to neighbors Cadiz .Julen Lopetegui's side move up to second place in the table with a hard earned point in their Friday night Andalucian derby but they could slip down by the end of the weekend.Barcelona will move ahead of them with a win on Sunday as Atletico Madrid and Real Betis aim to increase the pressure with three points in the next 48 hours.The home side started brightly at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Youssef En-Nesyri headed home Ivan Rakitic's ...
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Barcelona confirm Sergino Dest out with a hamstring injury

Sergino Dest during the match between FC Barcelona and Raypo Vallecano, corresponding to the week 21 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou Stadium, in Barcelona, on 24th April 2022.Barcelona confirmed on Monday that right-back Sergino Dest is out of action after picking up a hamstring problem.The USMNT star started Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano but was replaced at half-time and now faces more time out of the team.Here’s Barcelona’s update:Tests carried out on the first team player Sergiño Dest have confirmed that the player has injured the semitendinosus muscle in his right hamstring. The player is unavailable for selection and his recovery will dictate his return.The Catalans have once again offered no indication of how serious the injury but it’s being reported he could m...
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Xavi: Barcelona are in ‘tough situation’ after Rayo defeat

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou on April 24, 2022 in Barcelona Spain.Xavi Hernandez shared his thoughts on his Barcelona team after seeing his side beaten at the Camp Nou for the third game in a row on Sunday.A single goal from Alvaro Garcia handed Rayo all three points in La Liga and saw Andoni Iraola’s side complete a league double over the Catalans.Xavi felt his side deserved more from the match and knows that there is still work to do for his side to secure a top-four finish.I think we deserved a lot more, we weren’t ourselves in the first half, didn’t show personality. We showed a bit more in the second half, we tried, changed formation, we tried to go out wide, in the middle, and the ball ju...
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Aubameyang sends Barca 2nd in La Liga

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on April 21, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fired Barcelona back into second place in Spain's La Liga after a narrow victory at Real Sociedad.The former Arsenal striker's 11th goal for the club secured a 1-0 win at the Reale Seguros Stadium which leaves them 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.Ousmane Dembele had already hit the post when Aubameyang headed Barca into an 11th-minute lead, and Frenkie De Jong and the Gabon international both went close to a second before the break.Sociedad, with Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan on the bench, fought for a way back into the game in a tight s...
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Alaba’s injury “not serious”, probable for Manchester City

David Alaba of Real Madrid warms up prior to the LaLiga Santander match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid CF at Estadio El Sadar on April 20, 2022 in Pamplona, Spain.Real Madrid fans pushed the panic button as soon as David Alaba had to leave Wednesday’s away match against Osasuna with what appeared to be a groin injury. Alaba was seen explaining to his teammates that he had suffered a muscle injury and coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to take the defender out of the game.However, Ancelotti himself said during the post-match press conference that he’s “optimistic” about Alaba’s physical problems and that the player “was taken out of the game as a precaution.”As of now, Alaba should be considered ‘probable’ for the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals against Manchester City a...
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Madrid close in on La Liga crown with win

(L-R) Aridane Hernandez of CA Osasuna , Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Osasuna v Real Madrid at the Estadio El Sadar on April 20, 2022 in Pamplona Spain.Not even an off day for Karim Benzema was enough to keep Real Madrid from moving closer to clinching the Spanish league title for the 35th time.Benzema missed two penalty kicks in the second half but Madrid went on to earn a 3-1 win at Osasuna on Wednesday night to open a 17-point lead over second-place Atletico Madrid.Atletico can no longer catch their city rivals as both teams have five games left to play, but Barcelona are 18 points back and have seven games remaining, meaning they still have a mathematical chance to catch Madrid.It was another small step toward reaching our objective, Madrid mid...
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Real Betis and Valencia lose ahead of Copa del Rey final

Arnaut Danjuma of Villarreal CF is challenged by Ruben Iranzo of Valencia CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 19, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain.Real Betis missed a chance to move closer to the Champions League places after a 1-0 loss at home to Elche in the Spanish league on Tuesday.The loss came in Betis' last match before the Copa del Rey final against Valencia on Saturday in Seville. Valencia also lost, falling 2-0 at Villarreal.An 82nd-minute goal by Tete Morente ended Betis´ hopes of joining the group in the qualification zone for the Champions League. A win would have left Manuel Pellegrini´s team tied on points with second-place Barcelona, third-place Sevilla and fourth-place Atletico Madrid.Instead, Betis stayed ...
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