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CHELSEA FC, NEWS, Romelu Lukaku, UCL

Romelu Lukaku “will be given the opportunity to stay at Chelsea”

 Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between US Salernitana and FC Internazionale at Stadio Arechi on April 7, 2023 in Salerno, Italy. Romelu Lukaku will reportedly be offered the opportunity to remain at Chelsea during the summer transfer window. Despite scoring 15 goals from 44 appearances during his first year back at Stamford Bridge, it was widely perceived that his £97.5m return to the club had been a failure. As a result, the Belgium international was allowed to immediately reunite with Inter, where he struggled to make an impact during the first half of 2022-23. Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta even hinted that Lukaku would definitely return to Chelsea on the back of his poor form, but the 29-year-old has since improved in recent weeks. Backing up h...
Jamie Vardy, Leicester city, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

Vardy salvages late draw for Leicester at Leeds

 Jamie Vardy of Leicester celebrates scoring the goal to make it 1-1 during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on April 25, 2023 in Leeds, England.Substitute Jamie Vardy scored a late equaliser to salvage a Premier League point for Leicester City at Leeds United, keeping both sides firmly in trouble. Vardy slotted home a cool finish in the 80th minute from James Maddison’s pass and the former England striker then thought he had won it when converting from close range, but it was ruled out for offside. Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra opened the scoring in the first half with a header at the back post from Jack Harrison’s pin-point cross, but the hosts could not hold on. The draw leaves Leicester firmly in trouble, only out of the bottom thr...
PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL, Wolverhampton

Wolves close to safety after win over Palace

 Diego Costa of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates his team's first goal with team mates Matheus Cunha, Ruben Neves, Nelson Semedo and Hwang Hee-Chan during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on April 25, 2023 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.Julen Lopetegui insists his Wolves side still need “more points” to stay up despite taking a huge step towards securing their Premier League status for next season with victory over Crystal Palace at Molineux. In a match low on clear-cut chances, Wolves went in front after three minutes when Ruben Neves’ corner bounced off the knee of Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen and in off the crossbar. A scrappy and tetchy affair was eventually settled by Neves’ stoppage-time penalty as Wolves, who wer...
Aston Villa, PREMIER LEAGUE, Tyrone Mings, UCL

Aston Villa beat Fulham to move up to fifth spot

 Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa scores his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham FC at Villa Park on April 25, 2023 in Birmingham, England.Aston Villa beat Fulham at Villa Park to move up to fifth in the Premier League and boost their chances of playing in a European competition for the first time since 2010. Tyrone Mings scored the crucial goal, his first in the league since November 2021, with a glancing header following John McGinn’s excellent inswinging corner. Fulham saw Andreas Pereira fire an acrobatic volley into the side-netting after only 30 seconds, but struggled to create further clear-cut chances. Unai Emery’s Villa are now unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches and this victory takes them above Tottenham and five points behind third...
Girona, LALIGA, Real Madrid, UCL

Castellanos scores four as Girona beat Real Madrid

 Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid reacts as Valentin Castellanos of Girona FC celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Girona FC and Real Madrid CF at Montilivi Stadium on April 25, 2023 in Girona, Spain.Girona striker Valentin Castellanos scored four times as they recorded a resounding victory over reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid. Castellanos, on loan from New York City, headed the opener and then ran onto a long ball before slotting past Real’s Andriy Lunin to make it 2-0. Vincius Jr gave Real hope with a header from Marco Asensio’s cross. But Castellanos, 24, tucked in a cross from Yan Couto and headed a fourth – before Lucas Vazquez’s consolation. Real are 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, having played a game more. They play Man...
Evan Ferguson, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

Irish striker signs long-term deal with Premier League club

 Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion warms up prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on April 15, 2023 in London, England. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has signed a new long-term contract until 2028. The 18-year-old, who joined the Seagulls from joined Irish club Bohemians in January 2021, has scored nine times in all competitions this season, including four in the Premier League. Ferguson also got a first senior goal for the Republic of Ireland in March’s friendly against Latvia. “It’s very important news, he can improve a lot with us,” Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi “In Brighton, there are the right conditions for the young players and he’s still 18. We have to not forget that. “He’s playing very well. Wi...
BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, UCL

Barcelona secure $1.6 billion for Camp Nou redevelopment

 General view of the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium prior to the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Spotify Camp Nou on April 10, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona said on Monday they had secured 1.45 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in funding for a redevelopment plan and would start the renovation of the Camp Nou stadium on June 1. The club said in a statement that the money had come from deals with 20 investors who would receive repayment over periods of between five and 24 years. Barcelona said they would start paying back the loans when the work was completed. In addition to the football stadium the plan, called ‘Espai Barca’, includes spending on other club facilities. It includes 420m euros earmarked for the Palau Blaugrana, home of the club’s basketball a...
Jose Mourinho, SERIE A, UCL

Mourinho laments Roma’s injuries after loss at Atalanta

 Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at Gewiss Stadium on April 24, 2023 in Bergamo, Italy.AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho bemoaned his fifth-placed side’s injury problems after two more players suffered problems in Monday’s costly 3-1 Serie A loss away to Atalanta. Defender Diego Llorente limped off in pain, while forward Paulo Dybala had trouble with his ankle after a heavy tackle. “We ended the match with nine men and still hit the upright, which would have been 3-2. It is very, very difficult for me to be critical of this squad. They play within their limits,” Mourinho told DAZN. The latest injuries add to the manager’s concerns as Rick Karsdorp, Chris Smalling and Georginio Wijnaldum are all sidelined at a time when...
Giacomo Raspadori, SERIE A, UCL

Juventus 0-1 Napoli: Raspadori fires Partenopei to dramatic win in Turin

 Giacomo Raspadori and Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli celebrate the goal scored by Giacomo Raspadori during the Serie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at on April 23, 2023 in Turin, Italy.Giacomo Raspadori’s 93rd-minute volley gave Napoli a dramatic 1-0 win against Juventus on Sunday, securing a rare Serie A double over the Bianconeri. A remarkable conclusion to the match in Turin was entirely at odds with everything that had gone before, a dull first 70 minutes suggesting the two clubs were taking a collective breath at the end of a manic week. Juve are back into the top four following their successful initial appeal of an earlier points deduction, while Napoli’s full focus is on the Scudetto after crashing out of the Champions League. If a point then perhaps suited both sides, ...
Frenkie de Jong, LALIGA, UCL

De Jong shines on Barcelona return

 Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona in action during the Spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou stadium on April 23, 2023, in Barcelona, Spain.Frenkie de Jong was highly praised after making his return from injury in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. After missing the last four matches, De Jong made his return and he played 79 minutes of the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid, who were still without Memphis Depay. The only goal of the game was netted by Ferran Torres. Marca rated De Jong 8/10 on his return and said, “With him, Barça is another team in possession; Xavi’s team will immediately play up a gear. He was one of the best players against Atlético (again) and his return is a blessing ...
Michael Antonio, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

West Ham hammer Bournemouth to move clear of danger

 Michail Antonio of West Ham United scores the team's first goal past Neto of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on April 23, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. West Ham took a big step towards Premier League safety by thrashing fellow strugglers Bournemouth. An unmarked Michael Antonio rose highest and headed home from Aaron Cresswell’s corner for the opener at Vitality Stadium. Lucas Paqueta scored another header, getting on the end of a deep cross from Vladimir Coufal, as West Ham scored twice in the opening 12 minutes. Hammers captain Declan Rice smashed past Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto for number three just before half-time, with the home side failing to clear the ball from Cresswell’s corner once more. ...
Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

Newcastle humiliate Spurs to close on top-four spot

 Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates his sides 5th goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 23, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Newcastle United humiliated Tottenham Hotspur with five goals in 21 stunning first-half minutes as they ran out easy winners in what was billed as a showdown for a top-four spot. Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak each scored twice and Joelinton added another as Newcastle scythed through a porous visiting defence that was already under the spotlight from last week’s defeat against Bournemouth. Harry Kane pulled one back in the second half at St James’ Park but Callum Wilson added a sixth shortly after coming off the bench to complete the rout. The embarrassing defeat...
Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku, UCL

Lukaku’s ban overturned in statement against racism

 Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale in action during the FC Internazionale training session at the club's training ground Suning Training Center on April 22, 2023 in Como, Italy. Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku will play in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Juventus after his one-match ban was overturned by the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as a measure to fight racism.Inter expressed their disappointment on Friday when Italy’s Sports Court of Appeal upheld the ban for Lukaku, imposed after he was sent off in the first leg after a ‘hush’ gesture to fans who targeted him with racial abuse.FIGC President Gabriele Gravina overturned the suspension after evaluating the report of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. The report indicated “unequivocally ...
Ivan Ilic, SERIE A, UCL

Juventus the winners as Lazio lose to Torino in Serie A

 Felipe Anderson of SS Lazio fights for the ball with Ivan Ilic of Torino FC during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 22, 2023 in Rome, Italy.Lazio have failed to consolidate second spot in Serie A after they were beaten by mid-table Torino 1-0 to end a run of four straight wins. Ivan Ilic netted the only goal two minutes before halftime to help Torino to their first win in five matches. The result left Lazio two points above third-placed Juventus, who could cap a memorable week with a win over runaway leaders Napoli on Sunday (Monday AEST). In a morale-boosting few days, Juventus on Thursday had their 15-point penalty suspended and also reached the Europa League semi-finals. The return of the points – removed over transfer dealings – lifted ...
BUNDESLIGA, Thomas Tuchel, UCL

Tuchel ‘at a loss’ after Bayern humbled by Mainz

 Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of FC Bayern Munich, gives the team instructions during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern München at MEWA Arena on April 22, 2023 in Mainz, Germany. Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said he was “at a loss” and had “no explanation” for his side’s second-half capitulation in a 3-1 defeat at Mainz on Saturday. With Bayern in control and leading 1-0 at half-time after Sadio Mane’s first goal since October, the visitors conceded three goals in 14 minutes. The loss gave Borussia Dortmund a chance to go first with a win when they host Eintracht Frankfurt later on Saturday. A “perplexed” Tuchel said his side “was missing the energy to fight back from setbacks”. “We look like a team that’s played 80 games so far this season. “We look ...
Javi Gracia, Leeds United, UCL

Leeds’ survival hopes dealt blow by Fulham

 Jack Harrison and Javi Gracia, Manager of Leeds United, look dejected following the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on April 22, 2023 in London, England.Leeds United’s hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League were dealt another blow as Fulham condemned Javi Gracia’s side to a third successive defeat at Craven Cottage. Second-half goals from Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira proved enough to earn victory for the hosts, who reinforced their bid to seal a top-half finish and climbed one place to ninth. But the loss means Leeds remain just two points above the relegation places, in 16th, before Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City directly below them play later on Saturday. A quality first-time finish by Wilson, after Illan Me...
BARCELONA FC, LALIGA, UCL

Official: Barcelona squad list to face Atletico Madrid

 Xavi Hernandez during the training session held at the Ciutat Esportiva Tito Vilanova, prior to the Cup semifinal match against Real Madrid, in Barcelona, on 04th April 2023.Barcelona will be aiming to end their three-match winless streak when they lock horns with La Liga’s most in-form team in Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday. Barça have been held to back-to-back goalless draws in their last two matches by Girona and Getafe, before which they were beaten 4-0 by Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. So, it is imperative for Xavi Hernandez & co. to produce a strong reaction this weekend. Ahead of the match, the Barcelona manager has released the squad list that will be at his disposal to face Atletico Madrid. And the big news is that midfield duo Frenkie de Jon...
Bart Verbruggen, BAYERN MUNICH, UCL

Bayern Munich join the race for Verbruggen

 Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen of RSC Anderlecht makes a save during the UEFA Europa Conference League Quarter Finals 2nd leg match between AZ and RSC Anderlecht at AFAS Stadion on April 20, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands.According to Het Nieuwsblad, Bayern Munich has set their sights on signing Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht. The 20-year-old is having an excellent campaign with Anderlecht and he was recently in the Netherlands squad for the first time. Verbruggen still has two years left in his contract at Anderlecht but a summer transfer is becoming more and more likely with Liverpool and Manchester United previously linked. Now, Het Nieuwsblad is reporting that Bayern Munich wants the Dutchman. Voor Anderlecht lijkt het zo langzamerhand onmogelijk te worden om Bart Verbruggen nog lang ...
Bukayo Saka, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

Title-chasing Arsenal salvage point against Saints

 Bukayo Saka of Arsenal shoots during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2023 in London, England.Premier League leaders Arsenal scored two late goals as they fought back to draw a thriller at home to struggling Southampton. It was a third draw in a row for the Gunners and their pursuit of the title is no longer in their own hands. Manchester City are now five points behind but with two games in hand – and host the Gunners at Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. Saints led after just 28 seconds, when Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on an Aaron Ramsdale error to score. Arsenal have now conceded the two fastest goals at home in the Premier League this season, the other being Philip Billing’s strike after 9.11 seconds for Bournemouth. Theo...
Granit Xhaka, Mikel Arteta, PREMIER LEAGUE, UCL

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains why Xhaka misses clash with Southampton

 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Granit Xhaka during a training session at London Colney on December 29, 2022 in St Albans, England.Mikel Arteta has revealed the reason why Granit Xhaka was absent from Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Southampton on Friday evening. The Swiss international was omitted from the Gunners’ matchday squad against the bottom-of-the-table due to illness. He was replaced by Portuguese Fabio Vieira alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield. It was one of two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with West Ham last week. Oleksandr Zinchenko returned to the starting XI at left-back with Kieran Tierney dropping down to the bench. Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Arteta said: “Very different qualities, this morning unfortunately Granit [Xhaka]...
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