NEWS

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG

PSG receive injury boost as Mbappe returns ahead of Bayern Munich clash

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe lies on the ground after getting injured during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 1, 2023.Paris Saint-Germain have received a massive injury boost ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich in the coming week. The club’s talisman Kylian Mbappe who was initially a doubt for the Round of 16 first leg game with injury, returned to training with the group on Sunday in a bid to play a role in the game. It has been a rough few days for PSG with their Ligue 1 title charge taking a hit following a disappointing 3-1 defeat away at AS Monaco on Saturday. Earlier, they were dealt another blow by Marseill...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Club World Cup, NEWS, Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid beats Al-Hilal to win 5th Club World Cup

(L-R) Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022 Final match between Real Madrid v Al Hilal at Prince Moulay Abdellah on February 11, 2023 in Rabat, Morocco.Real Madrid has won the Club World Cup for a record-extending fifth time after beating Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final in Rabat, Morocco. Vinicius Junior scored twice and helped Karim Benzema in a third goal, while Federico Valverde added two more for the European champions in Saturday’s final, which turned into a shootout. Al-Hilal never led the match but showed it was no fluke that it had upset Brazil’s Flamengo to reach the decider in Morocco’s capital. Luciano Vietto scored twice and Moussa Marega once for the Asian champions. Madr...

11Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Club World Cup, NEWS, Real Madrid

Madrid faces Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal for club world title

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid looks during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 29, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid have proven they can find the net even if they must take the field without talisman Karim Benzema in Saturday’s Club World Cup final against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, reigning European and Spanish champions, are aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and build confidence after a shaky start to 2023. Madrid captain Benzema missed the semi-final with a thigh injury but is set to train with the squad on Friday before the final. Los Blancos are already the record four-time winners and are firm favourites to beat Al-Hilal after their 4-1 semi-final victory...

11Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, NEWS

Messi, Mbappe and Benzema nominated for 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Player

Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the French Ligue 1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Toulouse FC at Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, on February 4, 2023.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema have been named as the finalists for The FIFA Best Men’s Football Player Award in 2022, soccer’s world governing body FIFA announced on Friday. Messi captained Argentina to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year, beating France in a dramatic final. Messi won the tournament’s Golden Ball, while his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappe secured the Golden Boot with eight goals. Mbappe’s compatriot Benzema won last year’s Ballon d’Or for winning UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid but missed the World Cup due to inju...

10Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FIFA, Lionel Scaloni, NEWS

World Cup winner Scaloni leads FIFA ‘Best’ coach award shortlist

Lionel Scaloni takes an honorary kick-off prior to the La Liga Santander match between RCD Mallorca and Real Valladolid CF at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on January 07, 2023 in Mallorca, Spain.Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola were named as FIFA’s finalists for the 2022 ‘Best’ coach of the year award on Thursday. Scaloni harnessed Lionel Messi’s powers as a battling Argentina impressed at the Qatar World Cup, while Ancelotti’s Real Madrid also showed depth of character in a series of comebacks to eventually win the Champions League. Lyon’s Champions League winner Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Pia Sundhage and Sarina Wiegman, who led England to Euro 2022 glory, were the final three in the women’s category. Former ...

8Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi and PSG face potentially season-defining week

Lionel Messi of PSG celebrates his goal with teammates during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Toulouse FC (TFC, Tefece) at Parc des Princes stadium on February 4, 2023 in Paris, France. A French Cup trip to bitter rivals Marseille on Wednesday is the start of seven days that could define this season for Paris Saint-Germain, with a Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich approaching. The Bundesliga giants visit the French capital for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday, but there will be no easy build-up to that game for PSG. Marseille await them in the bear pit of the Velodrome for a French Cup last-16 tie as the Parisians aim to reclaim a trophy they missed out on last season after winning it six times in the previous seven...

5Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Lionel Messi hits winner as PSG come from behind to beat toulouse

Lionel Messi of PSG, Junya Ito of Reims (left) during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade de Reims at Parc des Princes stadium on January 29, 2023 in Paris, France.Lionel Messi scored a superb second-half winner as a Paris Saint-Germain side missing the injured Kylian Mbappe and Neymar came from behind to beat Toulouse 2-1 on Saturday and consolidate their lead at the top of Ligue 1. Dutch midfielder Branco van den Boomen gave mid-table Toulouse the lead at the Parc des Princes from a 20th-minute free-kick, only for Achraf Hakimi to curl in the equaliser with half-time approaching. Messi then put PSG in front just before the hour mark with a glorious first-time strike on his left foot low into the corner of the net from just outside the area. It was Mess...

2Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Anthony Martial, EFL, Manchester United, NEWS

Man Utd to play Newcastle in EFL Cup final

Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Carabao Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on February 1, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United eased through their EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest to book a 1999 Wembley rematch with Newcastle. Second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Fred ensured victory on the night for Erik ten Hag’s side, even though a place in the final was virtually secure anyway thanks to their 3-0 first-leg triumph at the City Ground. Martial marked his return from a four-match injury absence by driving home his sixth goal of the season, after a pass intended for Marcus Rashford deflected back to the French striker 17 minutes from ti...

31Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FA Cup, Michail Antonio, NEWS

Antonio scores as West Ham ease past Derby to earn Man Utd clash in FA Cup

David Moyes the manager / head coach of West Ham United and Michail Antonio of West Ham United during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round game between Derby County and West Ham United at Pride Park on January 30, 2023 in Derby, England.David Moyes cannot wait to take on his former club Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round after goals from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio sealed West Ham’s 2-0 victory at third tier Derby on Monday. Bowen put West Ham ahead early in the first half and Antonio doubled the lead soon after the interval in the fourth round tie. Moyes’ side will head to Old Trafford in late February as they continue their bid to reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 2006. It will be Moyes’ latest return to United, who sacked the Scot in 2014 only 10 months after he ...

27Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

EVERTON FC, Marcelo Bielsa, NEWS

Bielsa arrives in London for further Everton talks

Former Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa shouts instructions to his team from the technical area during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on January 22, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom.Marcelo Bielsa has arrived in London for further talks with Everton’s hierarchy as they search for a successor to Frank Lampard. The 67-year-old former Leeds United manager is a favoured choice of Everton owner Farhad Moshiri. Sean Dyche, who has been out of work since being dismissed by Burnley in April, is the other main contender to take over at Goodison Park. The Toffees hope to have someone in place by the weekend. Bielsa is believed to have reservations about the composition of Everton’s squad and its ability to play his trademark high-tempo styl...

27Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Copa del Rey, NEWS, Vinicius Junior

Vinicius scores, Real Madrid beat Atletico in extra time in Copa del Rey

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Pablo Barrios Atletico de Madrid during Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 26, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Vinicius scored late in extra time to seal a 3-1 come-from-behind win over Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Vinicius Junior’s day started with him being the target of an apparent hate crime. It ended with the Brazil forward scoring a goal to help Real Madrid secure a spot in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. Vinicius scored late in extra time to seal a 3-1 come-from-behind win over Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The buildup to the game between the two fierce rivals was marred after a dummy of Vinicius was hanged ...

21Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Juventus, NEWS

Juventus handed 15-point deduction in league standings for capital gains violations

The official Serie A match ball Puma Orbita is seen on a plinth prior to the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio. Juventus FC won 1-0 over Udinese Calcio. Italian football powerhouse Juventus on Friday were given a 15-point reduction in the standings in the Italian top-tier Serie A for capital gains violations. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the sanction against the Turin club and banned 11 former senior executives, including the former chair Andrea Agnelli, former vice-president Pavel Nedved and former sporting director Fabio Paratici. Juventus were reportedly being investigated for “false accounting” and “market manipulation.” The Federal Court of Appeal of the FIGC “partially accepted” the appeal of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and ga...

16Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Christophe Galtier, Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG

Messi, Neymar and Mbappe can’t prevent another PSG loss

Lionel Messi of PSG, Arnaud Kalimuendo of Rennes during the Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Roazhon Park stadium on January 15, 2023 in Rennes, France.Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said he will use video analysis to better understand the Ligue 1 leaders’ problems following a second straight away defeat in the French league on Sunday. PSG started with Lionel Messi and Neymar in attack before bringing on Kylian Mbappe – the first time the trio have played together since the Qatar World Cup – early in the second half but still managed only one shot on target in the whole game under driving rain.A 65th-minute goal by Rennes defender Hamari Traoré condemned PSG to a second defeat in three matches and cut the French champions’ lead over second-...

15Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG

PSG to explore alternatives as Parc des Princes not for sale

An exterior view of Parc des Princes Stadium, home of Paris Saint-Germain football team at Parc des Princes on October 25th 2022 in Paris, France.French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) said they will explore “alternative options” for their home stadium after Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said the Parc des Princes was not for sale. The stadium, owned by the Paris city council, has been PSG’s home since they entered France’s top division in 1974. French media reported that Ligue 1 side PSG put forward an offer to buy the Parc des Princes in November last year. In an interview with Marca at the time, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said the club did not feel welcome at the stadium. “The Parc des Princes is not for sale. And it will not be sold. This is a firm and definitive position,” Hidalgo...

13Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Benjamin Mendy, NEWS

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of sexual offenses

Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy arrives for the continuation of his trial at Chester Crown Court on November 30, 2022 in Chester, England. Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy was found not guilty Friday of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. Jurors at Chester Crown Court in northwest England could not reach verdicts on two other allegations against Mendy – one of attempted rape and another of rape – and were discharged. Prosecutors said they will seek a retrial on the counts the jury could not reach verdicts at the end of a months-long trial. Mendy, 28, covered his face with both hands and was gently rocking back and forth as the jury foreman delivered the verdicts in a hushed courtroom, Britain’s Press Association reported. The not-guilty verdicts related to ...

12Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lucas Moura, NEWS, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham choose not to extend Moura’s contract

Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at Orange Velodrome on October 31, 2022 in Marseille, France.Tottenham have decided not to extend Brazilian forward Lucas Moura's contract.Moura signed a five-year deal when he joined Spurs from Paris St-Germain for £23m in 2018 and now looks set to leave north London this summer.The 30-year-old has suffered with injury this season and has struggled for game time since regaining fitness.His playing time has been limited by the form of Dejan Kulusveski and summer signing Richarlison.Moura has played 213 times and scored 38 goals during his time at Tottenham.He is best remembered for his dramatic hat-trick in the Champions League in 2019 against Ajax as the London club reached the final.Tottenham take on north London rivals Arsenal, who are top of the...

12Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi lifts PSG after return from World Cup

Hugo Ekitike #44 of Paris Saint-Germain is congratulated after scoring his side's first goal by teammates Neymar #10 of Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain and Sergio Ramos #4 of Paris Saint-Germain during the Paris Saint-Germain V Angers, French Ligue 1 regular season match at Parc des Princes on January 11th 2022 in Paris, France.Lionel Messi scored in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Wednesday on his first appearance since leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup in Qatar. Messi had been rested for PSG’s first three matches following the long break in the season caused by the World Cup but he returned to training in Paris a week ago and was back in the starting line-up for this game against Ligue 1’s bottom side. The win, which came t...

11Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Coppa Italia, Inter Milan, Lautaro Martinez, NEWS, Parma

Inter Milan into Italian Cup quarterfinals

Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale celebrates with team mates after scoring to give the side a 2-1 lead during the Coppa Italia Round of Sixteen tie at at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 10, 2023 in Milan, Italy.Inter Milan qualified for the quarterfinal stage of the Italian Cup after a 2-1 win Tuesday against Parma. In the last 16 match, Parma midfielder Stanko Juric scored outside the area to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute at Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. Inter waited for 50 minutes to level the match as Argentine star Lautaro Martinez scored the equalizer in the area that beat Italian veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The match went to extra time. In the 110th minute, Italian defender Francesco Acerbi scored a header to lob Buffon and it was the winning goal...

11Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi set for first PSG tie since World Cup victory

Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Semi-Final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar.Lionel Messi is expected to make his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain since his World Cup triumph in a Ligue 1 clash at home against Angers today, as the Qatar-owned club look to tie the Argentine down to a new contract. The 35-year-old took part in training with his teammates yesterday, a little over three weeks after inspiring Argentina to victory over France on penalties in an epic World Cup final in Qatar. He was granted a two-week holiday back in his home country following the tournament, before returning to Paris and being given a guard of honour at PSG’s training ground last Wednesday. The s...

11Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Carabao Cup, Marcus Rashford, NEWS

Rashford double puts Man Utd past Charlton into semis

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is challenged by Eoghan O'Connell and Ryan Inniss of Charlton Athletic during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford on January 10, 2023 in Manchester, England. Marcus Rashford scored two late goals to take his tally for the season to 15 and put Manchester United into the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the expense of League One Charlton at Old Trafford.Antony’s superb first-half opener gave United the advantage but Dean Holden’s visitors claimed plenty of credit for the way they continued to battle until second-half substitute Rashford found the net for a sixth successive game with goals in the 90th and 94th minutes.Charlton’s 9,000-strong travelling support, their largest ever for a midweek ...