LALIGA

1Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Pep Guardiola reveals the reason behind his departure from Barcelona

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) FC Barcelona has had the privilege of being able to count on several extraordinary managers throughout the club’s history. This included the likes of Johan Cruyff and now includes German head coach Hansi Flick as well. However, for almost every Barcelona fan and even for neutrals, the most successful coach at the club is a rather obvious name.Pep Guardiola, the current head coach of a dominant Manchester City side over in the Premier League, was formerly the head coach of FC Barcelona. However, while that may have been ...

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30Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Karim Benzema: “Vinicius Jr deserved the Ballon d’Or”

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema said former partner-in-crime Vinicius Jr deserved the Ballon d’Or after Rodri took home the trophy on Tuesday night. “Viní deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. I have spoken to him, he is sad. It is normal,” said Benzema, in an interview with El Chiringuito. Benzema also gave his opinion on Rodri winning the much-coveted award. He said: “I have nothing against Rodri, he’s a good player, but I’m on my sofa watching TV and Rodri doesn’t do anything that makes you say ‘pfff’. Vini has done it more than once.” The e...

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29Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Kylian Mbappé Advised on How to Overcome Slow Real Madrid Start

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Kylian Mbappé’s first El Clásico didn’t go as he had hoped, as Real Madrid suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat to FC Barcelona last Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. While he certainly caught attention, it wasn’t for the right reasons. The match remained scoreless until the 31st minute when Mbappé thought he had given Madrid the lead, but VAR ruled the goal offside. Offside became a frustrating theme for the former Paris Saint-Germain star, who was flagged eight times during the match—more than any player in LaLiga over the past decade, according to StatMuse on X. To make matters worse, Real Madrid watched as Barce...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid will win two awards at Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Vinicius snub

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Not more than 24 hours ago, Vinicius Junior appeared to be the undisputed favourite to seal the Ballon d’Or trophy. But drama unfolded in the hours heading up to the gala, as various news outlets started to report that Rodri had pipped Vinicius for the prestigious title. The likes of Fabrizio Romano and ESPN soon joined the bandwagon, confirming that Real Madrid are aware of the winner and are thus not attending the Ballon d’Or event. With the countdown already underway, Real Madrid are still absent from the event, in protest of Rodri’s triump...

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28Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Girona problems pile up as injury list reaches double figures

Alejandro Frances of Girona FC during the UEFA Champions League match, date 3 between Girona FC and SK Slovan Bratislava played at Montilivi Stadium on October 22, 2024 in Girona, Spain. Girona’s start to the season has been challenging, to say the least. Saturday’s defeat at Las Palmas was a second loss in a row for the Catalans, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the La Liga standings – what’s more, they are also in the midst of a seriously worrying injury crisis. Daley Blind returned against Las Palmas after four weeks out, but fellow defender Alejandro Frances sustained an injury during the first half in Gran Canaria – as per Diario AS, he joins Oriol Romeu, Yaser Asprilla, Christian Portu, Abel Ruiz, Ivan Martín, Viktor Tsygankov, Jhon Solís, Bryan Gil and Pau Lopez on t...

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27Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Five talking points as Barca beat Real Madrid in El Clasico

Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, interacts with Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. ( Hansi Flick has Barcelona dreaming Hansi Flick simply can’t put a foot wrong as Barcelona boss. The German was at it again on Saturday night, overseeing an incredible 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu to round off a magical week. The German once again named a young side, starting six players under the age of 22 years for the first time in 108 years of Clasico history. The kids did alright too. Pau Cubarsi continues to astound, Marc Casado put in another unreal performance and Lamine Yamal made more history with his goal. Flick also made a key change at half-t...

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26Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona announce squad for Real Madrid clash in La Liga

Robert Lewandowski does not celebrate his goal during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to week 3 of the League Stage of the UEFA Champions League, played at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on October 23, 2024. Following their crushing victory over Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona have another blockbuster tie awaiting them as they are set to face Real Madrid in their upcoming La Liga game at Santiago Bernabéu. The Blaugranes were able to exact some revenge over the Bavarians, who had beaten Barcelona several times over the last few years. Now, they will be looking to do the same by dealing a defeat to the Merengues, who are coming into this game having won the last four El Clasicos. For this purpose, Hansi Flick will have quite a strong squad av...

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23Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ancelotti: “Vinícius will win the Ballon d’Or”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media following Tuesday night’s memorable win over Borussia Dortmund, praising the hero of the hour, Vinícius Júnior, by saying, “I can say that it is rare to see a player who makes a second half as he does. MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 22: Vinicius Junior and Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid CF celebrate after scoring his team's fourth goal with during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images) Apart from the goals, with an energy and intensity, with an extraordinary character. He will win the Ballon d’Or, not for tonight, but for last season. These are three goals that will...

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21Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona star Gavi returns after 11-month absence

Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said the reception given to Gavi gave him goosebumps as the midfielder returned from an 11-month injury layoff during Sunday's 5-1 win over Sevilla in LaLiga. Gavi has not played since tearing his ACL while playing for Spain last November but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Sevilla at the Olympic Stadium. The 20-year-old replaced Pedri, taking the captain's armband in the process, and he was given a an incredible ovation on his return to action from the Barça supporters. "I am happy for this result...

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20Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe strikes in Real Madrid win over Celta Vigo as rape investigation reports swirl

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Vinicius Junior during the LaLiga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Balaidos on October 19, 2024 in Vigo, Spain. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s goals earned Real Madrid an entertaining 2-1 win at Celta Vigo yesterday to pull them level with La Liga leaders Barcelona. France striker Mbappe started and sent the Spanish champions ahead amid reports he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Sweden. The 25-year-old was criticised in his homeland for not appearing in his country’s recent Nations League matches before the Swedish media reports emerged following his trip during the international break, which Mbappe labelled “fake news”. Williot Swedberg level...

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18Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid fans dismiss ‘fake’ Mbappe rape

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF waves the audience during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Swedish prosecutors on Tuesday confirmed an investigation had been launched - without naming Mbappe - following an alleged rape at a plush Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10. Media in Sweden had reported the French superstar was the target of the probe following his two-day visit to the capital last week, which Mbappe and his lawyer have denied. For Juan Castro, a 72-year-old Real Madrid supporter, the press reports are merely "fake news" that "make no sense". "He's a pretty intelligent person who has lots of ability, he isn't going to make a mistake as stupid as this," the pensioner told AFP outside the club's Berna...

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17Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Vitor Roque eager to make loan move to Real Betis permanent

Vitor Roque has admitted he’s eager to stay at Real Betis after joining the club in the summer following a nightmare time at Barcelona. The Brazilian has moved on loan, with the option of a second year, and Betis also have a purchase option. Vitor Roque has scored once in six appearances for his new club so far but is hoping he can continue past the end of the current campaign. “The truth is that it does not depend on me. I want to play here for Betis. I would like that very much. I have spoken with my parents about it. Life is good here and I would love to play here more,” he said via Mundo Deportivo. “I am very happy here. My family, who have gone through difficult times, also smile with me. I did not smile for six or seven months and I had difficult times there, but that is over now. I ...

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15Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months

It’s been a tough start to life back at Barcelona for Ansu Fati. Despite showing promise during pre-season, a foot injury saw him lose prominence in the eyes of head coach Hansi Flick. However, things could begin to start looking up for the 21-year-old winger. Fati has yet to start for Barcelona since recovery from injury, and he has been reduced to only three cameo appearances (vs Monaco, Young Boys and Alaves). However, with Ferran Torres out for the next 4-6 weeks, his time could be now. Sport say that it will be between Fati and Pau Victor to start on the left wing against Sevilla this weekend. In fact, both could start if Lamine Yamal is unable to feature after suffering discomfort whilst playing for Spain on Saturday. Flick should be able to call upon Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez thi...

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15Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Mbappe ‘investigated for rape’ in Sweden: report

Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape by Swedish police, according to a newspaper report in Sweden following a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which Mbappe denounced as 'fake news'. After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported that an alleged rape had been reported to police but did not say who was accused, Expressen newspaper said 25-year-old Mbappe was the suspect. "According to information obtained by Expressen, police are investigating the star who is reasonably suspected of rape and sexual assault," the newspaper wrote. Swedish law enforcement differentiate the level of suspicion as either reasonable or probable, with reasonable being the lower degree of suspicion. Mbappe's entourage, when contacted by AFP, said it had no knowledge of a legal complaint made against ...

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14Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sergiño Dest: Ex-Barça coach Xavi was dishonest

Sergiño Dest has said former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was not honest with him after leaving the club for PSV Eindhoven on a permanent deal earlier this year. The 23-year-old joined Barça from Ajax in 2020 when Ronald Koeman was still the manager but found first-team opportunities hard to come by after Xavi was appointed in 2021. The United States full-back said Xavi didn't give him enough opportunities to prove himself, restricted his playing style and went back on promises he had made to him. "I wouldn't say regrets, because how it ended didn't depend on me, but I don't feel I had the necessary chances with Xavi," Dest told Diario Sport of his four years as a Barça player. "I felt like I had to play with limits; that I could not be myself. I want to join the attack, which is my bigg...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona loses court case to get bonus from Zenit

FC Barcelona has lost a court case that would have resulted in a payment from Zenit St. Petersburg of almost half a million euro. Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed an appeal against a FIFA ruling last year in a dispute over the transfer of Malcom to the Russian club. Zenit bought him in 2019 and agreed to pay 490,000 euros every time it qualified for the UEFA Champions League in a season where Malcom played at least half the domestic league games. Zenit won the Russian league title in the 2021-22 season, which would’ve normally qualified them for the Champions League. However, UEFA banned them and all Russian teams from playing in UEFA competitions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. FIFA ruled that Zenit did not have to pay the bonus since they were never granted Champions League ...

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11Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lewandowski praises Ronaldo for maintaining top form at 39

Polish star striker Robert Lewandowski has praised Cristiano Ronaldo for maintaining the passion and desire for football at 39 years old and being an inspiration to many. "I fully acknowledge what Cristiano Ronaldo has accomplished throughout his career and how he's made history with his records. That will be etched in football forever," Lewandowski told beIN SPORTS. "At almost 40, he still has an incredible hunger to win," he added. On Oct. 12, Lewandowski with Poland will play Ronaldo's Portugal at Warsaw in the Nations League. According to the Polish striker, if Ronaldo no longer showed anger or passion on the pitch, he would have said goodbye to top-level football. "He clearly still has the desire, and he looks physically in very good shape, which shows that the path he chose was succe...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Marc Casado shares how Hansi Flick is now helping him to improve

Many players have had a remarkable run under Hansi Flick at FC Barcelona but no one has impressed more than Marc Casado. The ex-Barca Athletic captain’s unexpected breakthrough has come as a surprise to one and all. Marc Casado of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Casado has emerged as the first-choice under Hansi Flick in midfield alongside Pedri. After the injury to Marc Bernal, Barcelona were scrambling for options to play in defensive midfield and the 21-year-old put his hand up and has made that position his own. His good form early in the season has earned him a call-up to ...

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9Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Lamine Yamal tips €15m Barcelona teammate to win Pichichi

FC Barcelona have had an excellent start to life under Hansi Flick. The German coach has revitalized the team and made them play a brand of football that is exciting. After a couple of seasons of pragmatism under Xavi, this feels like a breath of fresh air. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between FC Barcelona and BSC Young Boys at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Flick has managed to recapture the best of Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker. He now has 12 goals from 11 games across all competitions, which puts him ahead of Manchester City star Erling Haaland on the European level. Lewandowski has been ...

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8Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Torres sends out message after being ruled out through injury

Ferran Torres has posted a motivational message after being ruled out of action with an injury picked up in Sunday’s La Liga win over Alaves. The Barcelona forward only lasted a few minutes before having to go off with a hamstring problem that is set to keep him sidelined for several weeks. There’s no doubt it’s a blow for Ferran but he’s in positive mood as he focuses on his recovery. He wrote on Instagram: “Wins, joy and motivation are all I need to work and come back stronger. From today, more than ever, #FerrantheShark mode modo ” Ferran had featured in all but one of Barca’s La Liga games under Hansi Flick so far this season, making five starts and three appearances off the bench. He’s bagged one goal and two assists but hasn’t managed to shine as brightly as fellow attackers Lamine ...

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