LALIGA

15May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Cadiz secure La Liga survival boost with Real Madrid draw

(L-R) Mariano Diaz of Real Madrid, Ruben Alcaraz of Cadiz CF during the La Liga Santander match between Cadiz FC v Real Madrid at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza on May 15, 2022 in Cadiz Spain.Struggling Cadiz have put themselves on the brink of La Liga safety this season following a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid.Los Blancos were unable to break down a stubborn resistance in Andalucia as Carlo Ancelotti’s much changed side gear up for the Champions League final.However, despite making a string of changes at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla, Real Madrid eased into a early lead via Mariano Diaz’s instinctive finish.That setback sparked the hosts into life before the break and Ruben Sobrino fired home a spectacular leveller.With the momentum changing for Cadiz after the restart, they were offered a per...

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15May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Atletico confirm Suarez to leave at end of season

Luis Suarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the La Liga Santader match between Elche CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on May 11, 2022 in Elche, Spain.Luis Suarez will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the club announced on Sunday.The 35-year-old has spent two years in the Spanish capital and Atletico confirmed his exit before their LaLiga home clash against Sevilla."At the end of the game, the Wanda Metropolitano will pay tribute to Luis Suarez and Hector Herrera, who are saying goodbye to the Red & White family today," the club posted on social media.Suarez moved to Atletico from LaLiga rivals Barcelona on a free transfer in 2020 and played a key role in helping Diego Simeone's team side claim their first league title since 2014.The ...

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14May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Espanyol held by Valencia to 1-1 day after firing coach

Yunus Musah and Raul De Tomas during the match between RCD Espanyol and Valencia CF, corresponding to the week 36 of the Liga Santander, played at the RCDE Stadium, in Barcelona, on 14th May 2022.Espanyol was held by Valencia to 1-1 at home on Saturday, a day after the club fired its coach and sports director with two games remaining in the Spanish league.The result was somewhat meaningless to both sides, who are destined to finish near the middle of the table and out of both the relegation battle and the berths for European competition.Espanyol striker Raúl de Tomás equalized in first-half injury time after the opener from Maxi Gómez. De Tomás took his league tally to 17 goals.Espanyol fired coach Vicente Moreno and sports director Francisco “Rufete” Pérez on Friday with its fans angry ab...

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14May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Xavi addresses Adama Traore future amid exit talk

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona, Adama Traore of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Barcelona v Napoli at the Camp Nou on February 17, 2022 in Barcelona Spain.Barcelona boss Xavi has said that the club have not yet made a decision on Adama Traore's future.The 26-year-old returned to Camp Nou on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January, and he has made 16 appearances for the Catalan outfit during his second spell, providing four assists in the process.Barcelona have the option to re-sign Traore on a permanent basis this summer, but a recent report claimed that the Spain international was losing his battle to convince the club to bring him back on a long-term basis.The Catalan outfit will allegedly have to pay £29m to sign him, which is a significant figure ...

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14May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid expected to renew Vinicius Junior contract

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF in action during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Levante UD at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid are expected to reward Vinicius Junior with a new and improved long-term contract after holding talks with his representatives.The 21-year-old has been in electrifying form for most of the campaign, firing home 17 La Liga goals to help Carlo Ancelotti's men canter to the title ahead of Barcelona and Sevilla, and his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2024.Vinicius has also shone on the European stage for Ancelotti, playing in all 12 of Real Madrid's Champions League games this season, and he'll likely line up on the left flank against Liverpool in the competition's final - to be played on 28 ...

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13May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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13May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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11May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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11May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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9May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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8May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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8May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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7May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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5May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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3May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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2May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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30Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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30Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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30Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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25Apr By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

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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