World champions France recovered from another deficit, for the second time in four days, to be crowned the 2021 UEFA Nations League champions with a 2-1 win over Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain. Just like their comeback win over Belgium, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe saw them storm ahead in a frenetic second-half packed with chances for both sides. Continue reading
Tag: Karim Benzema
Belgium 2-3 France: Benzema, Mbappe key as Les Bleus earn second-half comeback win
In a week where he addressed the Real Madrid rumours and mother Fayza provided an update on her son’s future, Kylian Mbappe produced his best display since May to help propel France into the UEFA Nations League Final, where they play Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain on Sunday.
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Euro 2020: Karim Benzema to make France return after six-year absence
Six years after his last call-up with politics, allegations of racism and an ongoing court case bubbling beneath the surface, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been named in Didier Deschamps’ 26-man France squad for the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament – which begins in less than a month’s time. He’s expected to lead the line after an excellent season at club level.
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La Liga Previews: Celta Vigo face mid-table Getafe, Real Madrid host bullish Granada
Read on for two La Liga previews ahead of Wednesday’s games, as Celta Vigo face a trip to mid-table Getafe before defending champions Real Madrid look to keep pace with leaders Atletico when they host a bullish Granada side in their penultimate match of an unprecedented 2020. Continue reading
Real Madrid 2-0 B. Monchengladbach: 5 Hits and Flops as both book knockout places
Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach were 90 minutes away from ending Real Madrid’s record of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages – 25 years and counting – after Karim Benzema’s first-half brace sunk Marco Rose’s men on MD6, confirming they progress as Group B winners. Which players excelled while others wilted under the pressure here? Continue reading
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points as Citizens sting Real, into quarter-finals
Raphael Varane’s catastrophic defensive errors will dominate headlines, but Manchester City were rewarded for their intense pressing from the front against La Liga champions Real Madrid. What were five talking points here, as Pep Guardiola’s men booked their place in next week’s Champions League quarter-finals?
Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia: 5 Hits and Flops as Benzema, sub Asensio turn on the style
Real Madrid were made to work hard, but ultimately came through unscathed with an important 3-0 home victory over Valencia on Thursday evening. Who excelled, while others wilted under pressure at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium? Continue reading
Rewind: Ranking Cristiano Ronaldo’s top 5 teammates during his career
Spoiler alert: no Juventus players feature in this list, but it’s one where Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammates – both at Real Madrid and one from Manchester – make their name and deservedly so, having helped him become the world’s best. Continue reading
Real Betis 2-1 Real Madrid: 5 Hits and Flops as Betis stun Los Blancos in nail-biting finish
Real Betis worked tirelessly, defended well and were clinical during a memorable 2-1 win over La Liga giants Real Madrid, as goals from Sidnei and substitute Cristian Tello stunned Zinedine Zidane’s men at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. Continue reading
Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City: 5 Hits and Flops as Citizens snatch memorable late win
Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin de Bruyne cancelled out Isco’s opener, as Manchester City delivered a second-half fightback to beat Real Madrid and return home with a slender but important advantage ahead of the UCL last-16 second leg at the Ethiad on March 17. Continue reading
Barcelona, Real or Atletico: Which La Liga team has the best chance of UCL success this season?
Their fate has been decided. All three have qualified with no issues. But after Monday’s last-16 draw, which of the La Liga powerhouses has the strongest case to go all the way this season? Continue reading
Real Madrid 2-2 PSG: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis
Despite Real Madrid’s two-goal cushion with ten minutes to play, PSG recovered the deficit to confirm their fate as Group A winners and salvage a well-earned point, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and substitute Pablo Sarabia during a memorable Group A clash. Continue reading
