LALIGA

4Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Zidane handed first defeat since Madrid return

Real Madrid suffered their first defeat following Zinedine Zidane's return as coach as they were beaten 2-1 away to Valencia on Wednesday night.Zidane brought Luka Modric, Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez and Keylor Navas back into his side, but despite seeing a lot of the ball Madrid were second best to a rival that is now unbeaten in 17 games.Goncalo Guedes put Valencia ahead in the first half and could have had a second but for a good save from Navas.Madrid looked for a way through after the break, but failed to break down a well-drilled home side, who doubled their lead thanks to Ezequiel Garay's powerful header from a corner seven minutes from the end.Karim Benzema put come makeup on the score with a header in the 93rd minute, but there was no time left for Madrid and Valencia are looking soli...

3Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata set to miss Barcelona clash

Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata is almost certain to miss Saturday's top-of-the-table clash at La Liga leaders Barcelona due to a sprained ankle. Morata, who is on loan from Chelsea, suffered the injury in Tuesday's 2-0 win at home to Girona.Morata's injury creates a further selection headache for head coach Diego Simeone, who could also be without Diego Costa after he missed the win over Girona with a muscle injury, while France winger Thomas Lemar is not expected back from injury for another two weeks.

3Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Valverde admits Barcelona's ‘Messidependence’

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde refused to excuse his side’s dependence on Lionel Messi after the Argentina international came off the bench to spark a dramatic late comeback against Villarreal.Trailing 4-2 in the 90th minute, Messi fired home a free-kick before Luis Suarez equalised with the last kick of the game.Valverde had chosen to rest Messi ahead of Saturday’s visit of second-placed Atletico Madrid, which is followed by a Champions League quarter-final against Man Utd.“Of course there is ‘Messidependence’,” Valverde told a press conference.“It would exist in any team in the world, but when he is not there we also have to play and try to win“Leo is fundamental for us and marks the style, it is well known that he is the best in the world for something.”Barca will take an eight-po...

1Apr

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Benzema strikes late to save Madrid blushes

Karim Benzema stopped Real Madrid's underwhelming La Liga season going from bad to worse on Sunday after firing a last-minute winner to hand the European champions a barely-deserved 3-2 winner over bottom club Huesca. Real were humbled by Ajax in the Champions League and dumped out of the Copa Del Rey by deadly rivals Barcelona, third-placed Real showed little signs of improvement in Zinedine Zidane's second game in charge but Benzema, subject to rumours he may leave Madrid in the summer for Manchester United, struck with a fine curling finish to snatch the three points at a sparsely populated Santiago Bernabeu. "We are happy with him and I am going to count on him, now there are nine games left and then we will see what happens. He is a Real Madrid player and I don't think this...

30Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lionel Messi brace sends Barcelona 13 points clear

Lionel Messi continued his remarkable run of form with a second-half double as Barcelona continued their march towards the La Liga title on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Espanyol. The visitors gave their city rivals a tough game at the Camp Nou, but Messi's chipped free-kick with 19 minutes to play and a late second sent the reigning champions 13 points clear at the top ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid's game at Alaves later on Saturday.Messi has now netted eight times in his last four games for Barca, and leads the way in the La Liga scoring charts with 31 goals, 13 ahead of teammate Luis Suarez. Ernesto Valverde's men struggled to break down Espanyol early on, with Messi, Suarez and Ivan Rakitic all wasting half-chances in the first period. Barcelona saw a penalty appeal wave...

30Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Odion Ighalo disclose why he rejected Barcelona loan move

Odion Ighalo says he was offered the chance to join Barcelona in the January transfer window but turned it down because he “deserves better”.The Nigeria international moved to Changchun Yatai from Watford in 2017 and then signed for Shanghai Shenhua in February.However, he could have been playing at the Camp Nou for the rest of the season but didn’t fancy playing back-up to Luis Suarez.“My agent spoke to me about a loan interest from Barcelona. The club wanted a striker with La Liga experience and someone who understands Spanish football,” he said.”It was meant to be a six-month loan and strictly as a back-up striker. It was nice to hear that Barcelona were interested and any footballer would be more than happy to take it. ”But with due respect I had just finished as the second t...

25Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Zidane shut down possible exit of Marco Asensio from Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed that he is not willing to let the club sell Marco Asensio amid reports of a possible switch to Liverpool, among others.Asensio rose to prominence at Real during the Frenchman's celebrated first reign, but struggled to impose himself under first Julen Lopetegui and then Santiago Solari, leading to rumors of a potential exit this summer. Liverpool have long been credited with interest, with one report last year claiming Jurgen Klopp was "obsessed" with Asensio.The Spaniard is fresh from playing the full 90 minutes for his national side against Norway in their 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win, but in the 36 games he has played across competitions this season for Los Blancos, he has gone the full distance just 11 times.Ho...

18Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona's Suarez ruled out for two weeks with sprained ankle injury

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has suffered a sprained ankle and will be out for between 10 and 15 days while he recovers.The club confirmed on Monday via their official website. He was taken off in the closing stages of Sunday's 4-1 win over Real Betis.The former Liverpool man has been the team's top option at striker since his arrival in 2014. He has provided a steady stream of goals ever since and once again ranks among the Catalans' top scorers this season with 21 in all competitions.Even at the age of 32, Suarez remains an athletic marvel, and his vision and instincts in the opponent's half are top notch. He has a great understanding with Lionel Messi and functions well in Barcelona's possession-based system.His absence leaves the Catalans with a major hole to fill in the attacking thi...

18Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

La liga: Messi bags an impressive hat-trick, Villareal earn vital win

Barcleona beat Real Betis 4-1 behind an utterly stunning hat-trick from Messi to restore its 10-point lead atop the La Liga table.Messi was fabulous the entire match, completing 51 of 57 passes, including eight of nine inside the penalty area, and created three chances outside of his three goals. He opened the scoring in the 18th minute, depositing a classic free-kick into the top-left corner. Just before halftime, Luis Suarez did wonderful one-on-two work down the middle and fed a charging Messi through the back line for the finish in front of net.In the 63rd minute, Suarez contributed to the scoreline with a stunning one-on-four breakaway that left three defenders on the ground in his wake before he slotted past Pau Lopez. To finish things off, Messi grabbed his hat-trick in the 85th min...

17Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sports director Monchi returns to Sevilla

Former Roma Sports Director “Monchi” Rodriguez has returned to spain as Sevilla Sporting director.Monchi had left Sevilla two years ago to join Roma, but he left the Italian club last week after poor results.Monchi is credited with playing a large role in transforming Sevilla into a championship club thanks to his scouting system that allowed him to sign affordable talents that then became lucrative stars. Among his top discoveries are Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Jose Antonio Reyes and Ivan Rakitic.During his 17 years in charge of the club’s signings and transfers, Sevilla won a record five Europa League titles, plus two Copa del Rey titles, one European Super Cup and a Spanish Super Cup.He will start his second stint with Sevilla on April 1, the club says on Sunday.Current sp...

15Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Sociedad and Levante share spoil

Borja Mayoral’s late equaliser secured Levante a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in LaLiga.The 21-year-old, on loan from Real Madrid, struck 11 minutes from time to cancel out Adnan Januzaj’s first-half opener.Former Manchester United winger Januzaj struck in the 27th minute with a close-range finish from Theo Hernandez’s cross.Januzaj almost added a second for La Real five minutes later but his free-kick was just too high.Mikel Oyarzabal and Sandro Ramirez missed presentable chances to add to the lead, while Mayoral was denied an equaliser by a point-blank save from Geronimo Rulli just after the hour mark.But Mayoral crashed in the leveller when he met Jose Campana’s low corner 10 yards out and drilled the ball first time inside the near post.The hosts pushed for a...

15Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele ruled out for four weeks with hamstring injury

FC Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that French winger Ousmane Dembele will be out of action for three to four weeks after suffering a hamstring tear in Wednesday's Champions League home win over Olympique Lyon."He has torn the femoral biceps muscle in his left hamstring. This means he will be out of action for an expected three or four weeks," informed the Barcelona website.Dembele started Wednesday's 5-1 win as a substitute after suffering a problem in the same muscle towards the end of Barca's game against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.Despite the obvious risk, Barca coach Ernesto Valverde saw the need to use him as a second half substitute after Lyon had brought the score to 2-1 on the night on and had Barca on the back foot, just a goal from being eliminated.Dembele's pace was vital in h...

14Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Messi praises Ronaldo magical night against Atletico Madrid

Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted two more in the 5-1 win over Lyon at Camp Nou on Wednesday night, just 24hrs after Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Juventus to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit and grab a 3-2 aggregate win.“What Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus did was impressive,” Messi told Marca.“I thought Atletico Madrid would be tougher. Ronaldo had a magical night with three goals.”Messi was coy about revealing his favoured opponents for the quarter-finals after a spree of upsets already, with Ajax vanquishing Real madrid and Manchester United knocking out Paris Saint-Germain.“All of the opponent are complicated, Messi added.“Ajax, for example, showed that they are an amazing team of youngsters and they don't fear anyone.“It'll be difficult no matter who we face. We have to p...

12Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid confirm Zinedine Zidane return after Santiago Solari dismissal

Real Madrid have confirmed Zinedine Zidane sensational return to club as manager after Santiago Solari's sacking was finally confirmed on Monday. Zidane has been given a contract until June 2022, just nine months after he resigned at the end of last season, having led Madrid to an historic third consecutive Champions League triumph. Solari's dismissal was expected after three consecutive home defeats to Barcelona, twice, and Ajax deemed Madrid's season all-but over before the middle of March. But Zidane coming back, with only 11 games left in La Liga and almost nothing to play for, is a surprise, particularly after he left on the incredible high of yet another European triumph. "Real Madrid's board has decided to terminate Santiago Solari's contract as coach of the first ...

10Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona stun Rayo Vallecano with 3-1 comeback win

Barcelona had to come from behind yet again on Saturday after going 1-0 down to Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou thanks to Raul de Tomas’s strike.Gerard Pique headed Barcelona back on level terms, before second-half goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez secured the win.The win means Barca remain seven point clear at the top of Laliga ahead Atletico Madrid, now with just 11 games left to play.

4Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says Lionel Messi is fine after Clasico Injury

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde has minimized fears Lionel Messi injury picked up during Saturday’s Clasico win over Real Madrid.Messi got an arm in the face from Sergio Ramos, which left him bleeding according to Gerard Pique, and also appeared to have tweaked his groin in the second half.Valverde was asked about his skipper after the game but said all is well.“Messi is fine,” said the Barca boss. “He has had a great game and made a great effort.”He is an extraterrestrial in a way, because every time he takes the ball something extraordinary happens.”Rayo Vallecano are the next visitors to the Camp Nou and the game looks a good chance for Valverd to rest players ahead of the second leg of their Champions League clash against Lyon.

2Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona set to extend lead over Real Madrid in Laliga clash

Spanish giant Barcelona will visit Real Madrid today for the second El Clasico of the week.The Catalan giants claimed a sensational 3-0 win at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night to book their place in the Copa del Rey final. Attention now turns back to Laliga though as Messi and co set to extend their lead over Real Madrid to 12 points at the top.Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is also set to make his history with his 42nd El Clasico appearance, matching the record of Xavi, Francisco Gento and Manuel Sanchis Hontiyuelo.

28Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Copa del Rey: Luis Suarez scored twice as Barcelona thrash Real Madrid

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez scored twice on Wednesday as the Spainish Champions defeat Real Madrid to move within touching distance of winning a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey.Real Madrid were the better side for at least half of the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu but three goals conceded in 28 chaotic, second-half minutes sent Barca through to the final with a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate.Suarez would have had a hat-trick had Raphael Varane not beaten him on the line to Ousmane Dembele's cross, Varane's own-goal coming between the Uruguayan's smart finish and a mischeivously chipped penalty. He now has 11 goals in 13 games against Madrid."We have other players apart from Leo Messi that can score goals," Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said. "Luis' numbers are incredible, historic...

25Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jordi Alba set to sign a contract renewal with Barcelona

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba is reportedly set to sign a new long-term contract with his club.Alba, 29, has been in outstanding form for Barca this season, contributing 14 assists in 35 appearances.The left-back will see his current deal at Camp Nou expire in June 2020, though, and there have been suggestions that he is becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation.However, according to Sport, negotiations have 'accelerated' over the last few days, with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu intervening to speed up the process.The report has claimed that Alba is expected to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish champions, who are currently preparing for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.Alba has made 281 appearances for Barca ...

25Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Copa del Rey Preview : Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Barcelona will visit Real madrid at Bernebeu on Wednesday night for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, with the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg at Camp Nou.Lucas Vasquez sent Madrid into a sixth-minute lead in the first leg earlier this month, before Malcom registered in the second period to leave the last-four tie all square.Madrid will have their captain Sergio Ramos back and available after the centre-back missed the win over Levante on Sunday night through suspension.Ramos for Nacho could well be the only outfield change from the team that started against Levante, with Vinicius Junior and Vazquez once again expected to support Karim Benzema in the final third of the field.Isco is available following a back problem, but it seems unlikely t...