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Category: Football News

Europe Take Note, Barcelona is Back

Posted on by Chirag

The Europa League saw a very interesting knockout stage in play this week as German giants and Eerling Haaland’s club, Borussia Dortmund lost out to the Scottish Rangers on an aggregate score of 6-4.

Spanish sides like Sevilla and Real Betiz also made it to the Round of 16 beating their respective opponents by a goal.

However the headlines only saw one team’s name. FC Barcelona, and more importantly, Xavi’s FC Barcelona. La Blaugrana dominated Napoli in the Diego Maradona Stadium in Italy. The sheer pace and aggressive attacks by Barcelona were just too much for Napoli to handle.

As Napoli exited the tournament, Insigne also exited Europe as he heads over to the MLS in America to play for Toronto next season. 

Getting an early goal at just 8 minutes, Barcelona legend Jordi Alba started the proceedings for the visitors. The dominance continued with Frankie de Jong getting the second goal just 5 minutes later. With the likes of Traore and Pedri playing massive roles in getting the ball forward, Barcelona looked unbeatable. Alas, in a rare mistake and challenge by Ter Stegen, Insigne received a penalty kick which he completely capitalized on and brought back hope to the Italian fans. 

That hope however didn’t last long as Barcelona kept attempting and had a huge 8 shots on goal by just the 20th minute of the game. The fast paced game saw a massive goal by another player draped in Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique. 

With Barcelona up 3-1 in the match and 4-2 on aggregate by half time, all they had to do was keep up the pace. Pierre Emerick had a hard time in the first half as missed opportunity after opportunity, but in the second half, he finally opened his European goal scoring tally for Barcelona as he drilled one in the Napoli net. 

Napoli did manage to get another goal back, however it was too late and Barcelona were just too good. Now Barcelona await the draw to see which one of the seeded teams they will face out of Leverkusen, Monaco, West Ham, Moskva, Frankfurt, Zvezda, Galatasaray or Lyon.

Conte and Spurs at a New Low After Continuous Defeats

Posted on by Chirag

The London side, Tottenham Hotspurs have been in terrible form since the past month. Losing the last 4 out of 5 games in the Premier League. They have now fallen behind in the race for next year’s European qualification and now sit in 8th place.

The coach and manager Antonio Conte has acknowledged the poor form as of late and is willing to make changes but has also come to terms with the realisation that they might not make it to the big leagues next season. 

“In the last five games we’ve lost four. This is reality. Not the performance. We lost four of the last five, nobody deserves this situation, this is the reality,” Conte told reporters after the game.

“I came in to try to improve the situation but maybe in this moment, I don’t know. I’m not so good to improve it. It is very frustrating. Working hard, working a lot and trying to get out the best of players. Too honest to close my eyes.

“On Saturday we play another game, it’s the moment to see the situation and make an assessment, really frustrated, not used to seeing these situations. I’m trying to do everything but the situation is not changing.

“In the last five games, we are playing like we are in relegation this is the reality, maybe there is something wrong, I want to take responsibility, if I have that, I’m open for every decision, I want to help Tottenham from first day I arrive. Also to take my salary. It is not right at this moment.”

Atletico Hold Off Manchester United at 1-1 in First Leg

Posted on by Chirag

Last night the Champions League saw its second set of Round of 16 teams play their first leg as Atletico Madrid were greeted by Manchester United at home.

The red devils dawned on the dark blue and black away jerseys and looked to beat a very game Atletico Madrid. However, a rare diving header from a striker put the visitors behind when Joao Felix scored in the 7th minute and scored an early goal to get the lead.

The Spaniards played very well by holding off United’s lacklustre attack throughout the match. Ralph Rangnik continues to struggle with a star studded line up performing inconsistently. 

Though the score by the end was 1-1, Atletico edged out United in terms of style of play, goals, pass accuracy and overall shots on goal.

The equaliser came very late at minute 80 when Anthony Elnaga made a quick break for it alongside Fernandes. Bruno Fernandes gave the assist for the equaliser proving his worth for the Red Devils once again.

The red devils did manage to get a hold of the possession by the latter half of the second period but just couldn’t convert any opportunity to score a winner.

The overall style of play by United has worsened over the past few months, however one thing that has improved is how aggressively and quickly United have been getting the ball back from their opponents. A similar technique to that of the struggling Barcelona side. 

Atletico who have also had a bad month and have dropped a few positions in the La Liga standings, will look to be more aggressive at the Old Trafford. The match will be even more special as United have recently lost a few games at home as well.

Aguero Talks About Watching Football Post Retirement

Posted on by Chirag

Sergio Aguero, former Manchester City striker, recently retired at the Camp Nou after being transferred and only playing a couple of warm up friendlies for La Blaugrana.

The reason behind his retirement was his absurd heart condition that resulted in him being substituted off early in one of his first La Liga matches back in Spain. The Argentinian followed up with doctors and finally it was determined that if he continued to play the issue could become a serious one. 

Now that he’s retired, we wonder how much football he actually watch.

“Today I want to play, but I’m scared. I trained all my life to the maximum and in big competitions. I don’t watch football or the news, I don’t care what’s going on.

“I concentrate on what I like the most, like friends. Returning to play comes into my head from time to time but I know it’s something I can’t do. They told me I was lucky because I could easily have had a heart attack. Now it is time to relax. I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“We’re still talking about what role I’ll have. [Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia] has always been nice to me and asked me to come.

“We’re going to chat a little more to see if I’ll go to the World Cup draw. I’ll be there with the guys, I get along very well with them. I’ll be there with them and helping them with tense situations.”

Rangnick Condemns Leeds After Coins Thrown on Him

Posted on by Chirag

Ralph Rangnick, the Manchester United Manager had a hard time on Sunday against Leeds United as the home fans threw coins at him and his players.

The atmosphere was amazing but this incident left a sour taste in the mouths of the visitors who beat Leeds 4 goals to 2.

“As far as I know, there is some investigation going on from Leeds United,” said United’s interim manager

“I don’t think that anything happened in the end. Anthony Elanga looked well and he was happy about scoring his goal.

“Obviously things like that should not happen and I think even more so this game. The atmosphere was great.

“At times we had to cool down things on the pitch a little bit but this is what I did when I walked onto the pitch (during a late melee). I didn’t want anything to happen – no yellow or red cards. In moments like this, I think it’s important to try and cool things down.”

While the Deputy Chief Constable released a statement saying, “High profile football matches, such as yesterday’s fixture can clearly attract some of the greatest concentrations of people and there were a few incidents both before and during the game.

“We had a large group of 70 people who turned up in Leeds without tickets and they were swiftly identified and issued section 35 dispersal notices before the game and were not allowed to enter the grounds. We also made a handful of arrests for a number of offences including public order, throwing of missiles and breach of banning order.

“Anyone with any information about any incidents or footage from the day, is asked to contact the police via 101 or online.”

Barcelona Beat Valencia to Solidify 4th Place

Posted on by Chirag

FCBarcelona were meant to meet Valencia in their La Liga tie this week. With the match set up to be played in Valencia, La Blaugrana travelled away sitting at 6th place in the Liga with 2 less matches played then their rivals Atletico and Real Madrid.

The Barcelona side made a few minor changes to their squad with Pique out facing a red card 1 game suspension from last time. The blue and red started off great with their now usual aggressive and quick attacking which eventually got them the first goal. 

Aubameyang started his La Liga goal counter as he struck the ball into the net in the 23rd minute. He then followed it up with a 38th minute goal which would put Barcelona up 3-0.

The second goal was scored by Frankie de Jong as he slid in to touch the ball and get Barcelona the clear lead. However before the first half ended, controversy ensued as a Valencia goal was disallowed due to the ball being out of play earlier. Valencia would then come back with an opening goal for themselves before heading for a break.

Barcelona maintained their first half style in the second half as they managed to get back on the scoreboard and completely destroy Valencia’s chances of coming back into this game. 

Gavi would strike the ball from one side of the box only to be slightly deflected into the net by Aubameyang’s back, getting him the hattrick on a technicality. 

Busquets had the following to say about Pierre Emerick, “He’s working really well, he came here needing minutes but he is getting them now,” Busquets explained to Movistar+ after the final whistle.

“I hope he helps us like this because he is a great player and having him in the squad on a free transfer is a gift.”

Can Harry Kane be Manchester City’s New Striker?

Posted on by Chirag

Harry Kane the Tottenham Hotspur Striker and English captain has been the hot topic in terms of transfer talks this week.

With Guardiola rumoured to be eyeing a new striker for his devastatingly amazing City side, Harry Kane has been topping the rumour list.

“Now you can say: ‘Harry Kane didn’t come and everything is going well’, but at the time I didn’t know it,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“When we lost to Spurs and Leicester in the Community Shield, I didn’t know what would happen in the next few weeks.

“The club gave me these players, and I’m always delighted – and then it’s, ‘What can we do together?’

“So, this is the point: maybe if we had a proper striker, we would play with a striker. But with the players we have, we have to adapt.”

As City try to get things in order to buy striker teh calibre of Kane, they have also been looking at the likes of Eerling Haaland whose father was a former City legend. But with tough competition there, they have also been looking at Julian Alvarez the young Argentinian.

“Julian scored three goals in his last game for River and Man City made an incredible deal because he is a player who moves really well,” Guardiola enthused.

“The club is working, watching managers, keepers, full-backs, central defenders, attacking midfielders, strikers – it never stops.

“If you believe now we have a settled team and then five players say they want to leave, we have to be ready.”

Messi or Ronaldo? Sachin tendulkar Makes His Pick

Posted on by Chirag

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the cornerstone of the modern era of football and statistically and arguably have shown the world that they are in fact two of the best players in the world of football ever. 

With the two competing against each other since they started out for their respective clubs, the two have overshadowed any and every talent that has come before or even after them and are continuing to show their value in clutch moments for their new clubs. 

Sachin Tendulkar, perhaps one of the greatest cricket players in the world and 2011 world cup winner has been an avid supporter of sports like tennis, golf and football over the years. He has been spotted at various PGTA events and Grand slams while also co-owning the ISL (Indian Super league) team Kerala Blasters for a period of time. 

In an interview when asked to choose between Messi or Ronaldo, Sachin said, “”Messi is more of my type.”

Meanwhile Messi, who’s team just beat Real Madrid 1-0 and stand a chance to make it to the UEFA Champions League Quarter Finals had this to say to the club’s magazine, “”It’s complicated to win the Champions League. Complicated, because it’s a competition that brings together the best teams, and where the smallest detail and the slightest mistake can eliminate you.

“I believe we have a team that can try to win it. We are excited about this idea and we really hope to get there, but we have to take things slowly. 

“I repeat, it is difficult to win the Champions League. It’s not always the best team that wins it and you really have to focus on all the details, thinking about being the strongest team possible. In the end, it is the strongest teams that achieve their goals. And we are on this path, seeking to become even stronger than what we are,” he commented.

Barcelona Draw Against Napoli to Keep Europa League Hopes Alive

Posted on by Chirag

FCBarcelona managed to keep their Europa League hopes alive after being ousted from teh UEFA Champions League earlier this season. 

The Blaugrana faced the Italian giants Napoli at the Camp Nou as the visitors took the lead with a goal in the first half.

The second half was a game played 90% in the Napoli side as Barcleona kept attacking but failed to find a way to crack the tightly knit defence. 

Eventually, when the referee checked for a handball late in the game, Barcelona received a penalty and a shot to equalise everything and fight for the win. Ferran Torres took the penalty and made no mistake as he scored his first European goal for Barcelona.

Debuting for Barcelona in European competition, Torres, Aubemayeng and Traore played very well and made it a point to be involved with the ball as often as possible. 

Now Barcelona will visit Napoli at the San Paolo Stadium as they look to beat the Italians and advance to the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Wth the away goals concept gone, there is no clear advantage any team has right now. The second leg will take place on Thursday night in Italy. 

Diego Jota injured Against Inter Milan As Liverpool Take The Advantage

Posted on by Chirag

The Reds travelled all the way to Italy last night to face the giants known as Inter Milan. 

The Champions League saw its Round of 16 extend as Liverpool faced Inter Milan and Bayern Munich faced fellow Germans Salzburg. 

RB Salzburg managed to get a goal in and keep Bayern Munich limited to a goal as they drawed the match. Over in Italy, Inter Milan just couldn’t manage to get in a goal as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool played keep away with the possession.

With Roberto Firmini and Mohhamad Salah getting in on the goal action within just 8 minutes of each other.

Meanwhile Liverpool forward Diogo Jota got himself in trouble as he was injured late in the game. “I am happy with everything apart from Diogo [Jota] going off,” said Klopp.

“The ankle was swollen at the break so we had to change,” added Klopp.

Pressed further on the injury, the German said: “Twisted ankle, it was swollen. So that’s not a good sign but we have to see.

“We will check it as early as possible tomorrow [Thursday] but we need further assessment.”

“Luis [Diaz] is so natural when he comes on so that is all very helpful,” said Klopp.

“Roberto Firmino needed time to get in the game because he got the balls in the most difficult areas.

“After he scored the goal you could see the confidence back and all of a sudden the ball was our friend again.

“After the game I couldn’t care less but in the game we didn’t finish situations often enough. Very often, their situations were offside. This really kills me. You can see it is offside but they let it run and then forget to raise the flag.”