Goals from David Alaba and Karim Benzema in either half helped Champions League winners Real Madrid claim their first piece of silverware before their La Liga curtain-raiser on Sunday, beating Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in Helsinki to clinch this year’s UEFA Super Cup – now tied with Milan and rivals Barcelona for the most in competition history. Continue reading
Tag: La Liga
Man Utd’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong drags on, with other options linked
Manchester United have informed Barcelona they want to conclude a deal to sign Dutch international Frenkie de Jong by Friday, per reports today. Paul Pogba’s Juventus return on a free is among their summer departures, with Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Leicester’s wantaway star Youri Tielemans linked as possible alternatives should they fail to sign the 25-year-old. Continue reading
Why Aston Villa are boosting their European ambitions with £26m Diego Carlos deal
After watching a potentially promising campaign fizzle out rather unceremoniously from mid-March onwards, it makes sense Steven Gerrard is bolstering his squad over the summer as they look to bridge a fairly feasible gap between themselves and the division’s top seven sides.
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Report: Tottenham, Sociedad among clubs monitoring Rennes manager Bruno Genesio
Bruno Genesio is attracting interest across Europe – three Premier League sides, two in La Liga and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal too. Although his current Rennes deal expires in June 2023, could speculation around his future speed up an exit or extension, having just been appointed their head coach last year? With managerial movement aplenty expected this summer, we’ll see. Continue reading
Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid: Benzema’s quick-fire brace sees Los Blancos prevail
Karim Benzema’s 14th and 15th goals of the La Liga season, bullish but devastating, ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s men returned to winning ways – leaving San Mames with a hard-fought three points vs. Athletic Bilbao, who created more chances but crucially lacked incisive execution against the league leaders. Heading into 2022, Real are eight points clear of Sevilla in second. Continue reading
Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief
Less than six months into his Catalan adventure, Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer wept during the announcement as he explained what we’ve known for a few weeks now: having to retire prematurely with a heart condition. But as we reflect on his greatest moments and angrily wonder what could’ve been, I’m relieved he’s okay at a time where nothing is certain. Continue reading
Juventus, Roma targeting Gladbach’s out-of-contract midfielder Denis Zakaria
Out of contract next summer, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria will likely see a whole host of offers from various European clubs hoping they can agree a pre-contract agreement with the Swiss international come January. Roma are regarded the frontrunners for his signature, though Juventus, Barcelona and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are also linked.
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Meticulous planning, irreparable damage and cruel irony: Lionel Messi at PSG
Lionel Messi’s 21-year association with Barcelona, where he became the greatest player of his generation, ended yesterday. The Argentine joins a stacked PSG side whose pursuit of an elusive Champions League triumph has become clearer in recent months with their summer business. But while the seeds had been sown for a decade, even they wouldn’t have expected this…
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City career complete, Sergio Aguero’s Catalan adventure begins
After a forgettable end to his illustrious Manchester City tenure at the weekend in their Champions League Final loss, Sergio Aguero returns to La Liga where he’ll partner Lionel Messi at Barca – a decade after departing the country’s new champions Atletico Madrid for England. Continue reading
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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Eden Hazard sidelined for 4-6 weeks with yet another muscular injury
Eden Hazard’s persistent injury and fitness problems at Real Madrid have seriously hampered his progression since joining from Chelsea for €115m (£101.5m) in July 2019 and another fresh blow is expected to keep him out of their two-legged Champions League last-16 tie vs. Atalanta. Continue reading
Sevilla signing Alejandro Gomez has no regrets, ready for new challenges
After it was confirmed earlier this week that Atalanta captain Alejandro Gomez was joining La Liga side Sevilla – rather than another Serie A rival – in a cut-price deal worth up to £7m, comments aplenty have emerged about the move. Teammates, former boss Gian Piero Gasperini and Papu had their say as he prepares for another of Europe’s top five leagues.
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