LALIGA

4Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ousmane Dembele back in Barca Training

Barcelona returned to training on Monday after Saturday’s 2-2 La Liga draw with Valencia, as they prepare for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid.Ousmane Dembele was back for the first time since spraining his ankle against Leganes and did “fieldwork,” amid reports he’s still suffering from tonsillitis.Meanwhile, Lionel Messi did not take part in the session, and it’s still unclear how serious the knock he took against Valencia is.As it stands it looks as though both men are big doubts for Wednesday’s game at the Camp Nou, but we’ll keep you posted with any updates as soon as they land.

1Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid draw Barcelona in Copa del Rey semi-final

Real Madrid will face defending champions Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.The draw made on Friday means there will be back-to-back Clasicos, with the second leg due to take place in the last week of February, before Madrid host Barca in La Liga on 2 March.The first leg will be played at the Camp Nou next week before a return at the Santiago Bernabeu. The provisional dates are February 6 and 27. Real Betis will go up against Valencia in the other semi-final.Barcelona are 10 points clear of Madrid in La Liga and will be favourites to progress but their opponents have found form in recent weeks, winning six of their last seven matches.Barcelona director Guillermo Amor said: “Real Madrid are playing well and they will be the Madrid team we always expect a group of winner...

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sassuolo loanee Boateng vow to earn permanent move to Barcelona

Loan star Kevin-Prince Boateng want to impress Barcelona enough to earn a permanent deal.The 31yrs old Ghana star has made a shock loan loan switch from Sassuolo to Barca on Monday, with the Catalans having option to make the move permanent for £7.1m.But at a conference at the Nou Camp on tuesday, Boateng, who sees himself as a forward these days, believes he can help aid Barca treble bid.He said:“It's an incredible feeling to be here.“Yesterday I was sad because I was happy in Sassuolo, but this was a great opportunity and I couldn't say no.“I wanted to come to Barcelona, as soon as i heard of their interest I spoke to my agent. It's a dream and a great honour.“This is a test and I know I haven't arrived as a starter, but I want to play well and stay for many years, that's my goal.“At alm...

14Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Messi hits 400th La Liga goal as Barcelona grab a 3-0 win over Eibar

Lionel Messi scored his 400th La Liga goal as leaders Barcelona claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Eibar at the Nou Camp to maintain their five-point advantage at the top of the table. Luis Suarez got the other two goals. Messi's perfect strike came in just his 435th appearance in the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo (311) is the only other player to have scored more than 300 goals in La Liga.Dani Ceballos 88th mins strike gave Real Madrid a 2-1 win at Real Betis. Real are now joint third with Sevilla, who lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao to Inaki Williams' brace.In Italy, promising young Argentinian Lautaro Martinez and Ivan Perisic stole the show as Inter Milan hammered Benevento 6-2 at the San Siro to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.Martinez scored two seco...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Griezmann saves Atletico Madrid to 1-0 win over Levante

Antoine Griezmann saves Atletico Madrid again to pressurize Barcelona at the top of La Liga on Sunday by thrashing Levante 1-0. Griezmann has now scored all of Atletico's last six goals. A 1-0 victory for Diego Simeone's side cuts the gap from five points to two behind Barcelona, who will restore their advantage with a win over Eibar later on Sunday.Levante, who have not won in the league since December 3, stay 11th.Atletico had 19 shots and, unusually for them, dominated possession but they continue to rely on Griezmann's excellent scoring run for points."We all pull the cart in difficult moments," Griezmann said. "I cannot do anything without my team-mates."After a nervy start, Levante began to frustrate their opponents, whose poor decision-making in the final third had Simeone flai...

8Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos ruled out for three weeks with muscle injury

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will be sidelined for about three weeks because of a muscle injury.The club says tests on Monday showed Kroos sustained a tear of the adductor muscle in his left leg on Sunday in the home loss to Real Sociedad.The German player had to be replaced late in the game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.Kroos was added to an injury list that already includes Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz.Madrid dropped to fifth place in the Spanish league with the 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.

7Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Brahim Diaz: It was impossible not to join the club of my dream Real madrid

Spainish Midfielder Brahim Diaz says it was impossible not to leave Manchester City and sign for the club of his dreams Real Madrid.Diaz joins Madrid on a six-a-half year deal for around £15.5milliona from Manchester City, the deal being announced after a 2-0 defeat by Real Sociedad on Sunday left them fifth in La Liga.And as we unveiled at the Bernabue the 19-year-old could scarcely be happier.Diaz said:"This is the happiest day of my life, I couldn't have a better gift for Three Kings Day."I had three options after deciding to leave Manchester City. One, play at Real Madrid, two, play at Real Madrid and three, play at Real Madrid. It was impossible to go anywhere else. "I understand the responsibility of playing with this shirt. I will give everything from the first day."

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Alaves move to fourth place in La liga after thrashing Valencia 2-1

Alaves maintain their excellent home form by recovering to beat Valencia 2-1 on Saturday, climbing into fourth place in La Liga and boosting their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.Valencia captain Dani Parejo gave the visitors the lead with a swerving free kick in the 14th minute but Alaves, who are the only side in Spain's top flight alongside Atletico Madrid to still be unbeaten at home this season, soon hit back.Striker Borja Baston pulled the 2001 UEFA Cup runners-up level in the 21st with a scrappy, deflected shot from inside the area, while midfielder Tomas Pina put Alaves ahead in first-half stoppage time after a period of heavy pressure.The win took Alaves to 31 points from 18 games, one ahead of European champions Real Madrid who host Real So...

5Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ernesto Valverde is yet to decide his future as Barca manager till the end of the season

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde says his future as the Blaugrana manager will not be decided until the end of the season.Valverde won the double last year, La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and his side are currently three points clear at the top of the table after 17 games and have reached the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will play Lyon.But the coach sparked speculation about his future last week by saying in an interview with Barca's official TV channel that he did not know where he would be next season.Speaking at a news conference ahead of Barcelona's trip to Getafe on Sunday, Valverde sought to clarify his future.He said:"I have a contract with the club which was two years plus an option and at the end of the season we have to decide whether I continue or not."We will po...

28Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Eric Abidal disclose Barcelona plans for January transfer window

Barcelona technical secretary Eric Abidal spoke about the club’s plans for the January transfer window during Jeison Murillo’s unveiling on Thursday.The Spanish champions are being linked with several players, most notably Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but Abidal played down talk of further signings.“We are always monitoring the market,” he said. ”In theory, there is nothing planned in terms of arrivals.“As for exits, there are certainly some players who will want more.”Everything will be put on the table and decisions will be taken.” &nbs...

23Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona's Jordi Alba set to sign new mega long-term contract

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba plans to sign a new four-year contract at the Camp Nou, to remain with the club until 2023. The defender has been in Barca starting line-up since his switch from Valencia back in 2012 and has managed to win four La Liga titles and the Champions League. The 29-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in European football and he has once again been at the top of his game for Barca this term, contributing a goal and four assists in 17 La Liga appearances. According to report, the Spanish champions are now set to reward Alba after over 200 games of service with a new mega long-term contract worth €9 million per year, after negotiations with the defender were accelerated. Alba told media after Barcelona’s 2-0 home win agains...

22Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Antoine Griezmann penalty help Atletico Madrid grab a 1-0 win over Espanyol

Antoine Griezmann scored a second-half penalty to help Atletico Madrid grab a 1-0 win at home over Espanyol, lifting Diego Simeone's team level on points with Barcelona atop the Spanish league on Saturday.Griezmann fired in the spot kick in the 56th minute after Jorge Resurreccion was fouled by Esteban Granero in the area.Atletico is in second place on goal difference.Espanyol started well as Borja Iglesias drew two saves from goalkeeper Jan Oblak before Leo Baptistao hit the post in the 28th.But Atletico then tightened up its defense and got the goal it needed from Griezmann.Espanyol fell into 12th place after a sixth consecutive loss.

15Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real madrid winger Gareth Bale set to miss Rayo Vallecano clash

Bale suffers an ankle injury he picked up during Madrid’s 3-0 defeat by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.Having missed training on Thursday and Friday, coach Santiago Solari intimated that Bale would miss the match against their Madrid neighbours.Solari said:“We will see how ankle improves from yesterday to today and from today to tomorrow. “We will speak to the medical team and with him (Bale).”

7Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Denis Suarez complains of lack of playing time in Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez has disclosed that he is not happy with his lack of playing time at the club, as speculation of a move away persists.The 24-year-old started for the first time this season on Wednesday, scoring twice as Barcelona beat Cultural Leonesa 4-1 in the Copa del Rey.Suarez has previously said he is determined to fight for his place at the club, but he has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Napoli with some reports claiming a transfer could go through in January.“The coach said that the Leonesa game was a test for those who do not play regularly, so we will see on Saturday if I have passed,” Suarez said after the game.“I work to play, if I do not play we’ll see. I’m not happy, because I’m not playing and it’s what I want, to play.”

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona officially promote Carles Alena to first team squad

Carles Alena is now officially a member of the Barcelona first-team squad and will wear the No. 21 for the rest of the season.Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that he’s been officially registered with La Liga, after Rafinha was ruled out for six months, which means his days with Barcelona B are over.Alena started the season wearing the No. 26 but will now wear the 21 which used to belong to Andre Gomes.

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona announce squad for Leonesa second leg

Barcelona will welcome Cultural Leonesa for the second leg of their Copa del Rey Round of 32 matchup, with Barça carrying a 1-0 lead from the first game.Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 19 players for the game, with one of them cut from the final matchday squad:Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 13. Jasper CillessenDefenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 15. Clément Lenglet, 24. Thomas Vermaelen, 27. Juan Miranda, 36. ChumiMidfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 6. Denis Suarez, 7. Philippe Coutinho, 21. Carles Alena, 22. Arturo Vidal, 28. Riqui Puig, 34. Alex Collado, 35. Oriol Busquets, 38. Guillem JaimeForwards: 11. Ousmane Dembele, 14. Malcom, 19. MunirSince this is a Cup game against a Third Division side, Valverde allows himself to rest his main players, so Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi...

3Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa set to undergo foot surgery

Atletico Madrid have comfirmed Diego Costa will undergo surgery on a foot injury but have not put a timescale on his likely absence.The striker will return to Brazil to undertake his operation following an injury sustained last month, that has been troubling him in recent weeks.The 30-year-old has netted just four La Liga goals in the calendar year but recently ended a nine-month scoring drought in the league when he netted against Barcelona.Costa has previously undergone surgery on his left foot when he suffered an injury to his fifth metatarsal.Summer signing Nikola Kalinic or youngster Borja Garces are now likely to be afforded more game time for Los Rojiblancos.

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid power on to earn 2-0 win over Valencia

Real Madrid displayed good performance on Saturda to earn a 2-0 win at home to Valencia which allowed them to climb to fifth in the La Liga standings and reduce their recent troubles.The European champions, who were humbled 3-0 by tiny Eibar last week, took a fortuitous lead when Valencia midfielder Daniel Wass nodded a Dani Carvajal cross into his own net in the eighth minute after former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista had failed to clear the danger.The visitors, knocked out of the Champions League in mid-week, let Madrid off the hook on three occasions in the second half when Santi Mina and Paulista failed to hit the target with glorious chances from inside the area.Valencia’s Michy Batshuayi was then denied by his fellow Belgian and former Chelsea team mate Thibaut Courtois in the Re...

29Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ernesto Valverde credits Messi and Dembele pairing after Barcelona victory over PSV

Ernesto Valverde praised Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele after the two players were massive in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over PSV in the Champions League on wednesday.Valverde said:“I’m not entirely sure how Messi scored that goal.“But he and Dembele combined really well down the right. Between them you could count on them producing a shot on goal from almost any situation.“We had problems in the first 20 minutes.“There are certain moments in which you have to know how to suffer. They were encouraged and it was a difficult match, but we secured first in the group. We’re happy.”

27Nov

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari insist his side must bounce back against Roma

Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari said his side must get back up against Roma following a shocking 3-0 loss against Eibar on Saturday.The new Madrid Coach saw the heavy defeat in the spain and they now face a tough Champions League assignment in the Italian capital.Solari stated in his pre-match Press conference:“We need to do what this squad has always done in this tournament, prove that we’re up to it.“It’s easy, but at the same time difficult. It was a heavy and hard defeat on Saturday, but it belongs in the past now.“We’ve analysed the game and are looking forward, we’re in Italy, in Rome, and in another tournament so we’re focused on this match.“Every game is a baptism of fire here, but whenever Real Madrid fall we always get back up. That’s why this is the most successful club in...