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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Tag: La Liga
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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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
Saturday previews: Barcelona travel to Cadiz, Juventus host Torino in derby clash
Ahead of their eagerly-anticipated UCL clash on MD6 next, La Liga giants Barcelona and Serie A champions Juventus face potentially stiff opposition during their brief return to domestic action on Saturday. Barca travel to sixth-placed Cadiz, after Juventus entertain determined strugglers Torino in the Derby della Mole as they look to close the gap on their title rivals. Continue reading
Saturday Previews: Fulham-Palace, Genoa-Inter and Atletico-Betis across Europe
Read on for match previews from Europe’s top leagues taking place across Saturday, as Fulham host fellow London rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League, while Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side return to domestic action with tricky tests of their own after contrasting Champions League results on MD1 in midweek. Continue reading
Champions League last-16 preview: Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Who crashes out?
After clinching the La Liga trophy last month, Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side have a tougher challenge to come next. With a 2-1 aggregate deficit to overturn in the blue half of Manchester, Los Blancos have a difficult task ahead on Friday. Continue reading
Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol: 5 Hits and Flops as Suarez’s strike relegates city rivals
Far from perfect, Barcelona’s title hopes remain intact after Luis Suarez’s 15th La Liga goal of the season – now their third highest goalscorer in club history – settled a drab affair against city rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou. Who impressed while others struggled? Continue reading
Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona: 5 Hits and Flops as Aspas further dents Barca’s title hopes
Iago Aspas’ late free-kick strike meant Barcelona were forced to share the spoils against Celta Vigo in a pulsating 2-2 draw with significant ramifications atop La Liga – cancelling out a well-taken Luis Suarez brace at the Municipal de Balaidos. Continue reading
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
