Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi could make an earlier return than expected against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday but Barcelona have hardly missed him. Four wins out of four, including a stroll past Inter Milan and a hammering of Real Madrid so severe it cost …
Read More »Teenager gives new Real boss first Liga win, Barca shine in late show
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Santiago Solari tasted victory in his first La Liga match in charge of Real Madrid but he had 18-year-old Vinicius Junior to thank for their 2-0 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday. Solari threw Vinicius on with the score goalless and tension building at the …
Read More »Solari gaining favour ahead of first major test in charge of Real Madrid
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Santiago Solari came through the dress rehearsal with flying colours but now for the real thing. Real Madrid’s stroll past Melilla from Spain’s third tier in the Copa del Rey was a particularly kind opening assignment, the type of which Julen Loptegegui must have longed …
Read More »Suarez hits hat-trick as Barcelona blow away Madrid
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Barcelona ran riot in the Clasico on Sunday as Luis Suarez scored the hat-trick that will surely spell the end of Julen Lopetegui’s time as Real Madrid coach. Barcelona were 5-1 winners, dominant at Camp Nou for all-but a 15-minute period after half-time when the …
Read More »Hazard can be world’s best if he stays at Chelsea – Sarri
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Eden Hazard can still become the best footballer in the world even if he stays at Chelsea, Blues manager Maurizio Sarri said Friday. Hazard has made no secret either of his desire to win the Ballon d’Or, the annual prize for the best player …
Read More »Careless Sundowns defending helps Barcelona triumph
Soweto, South Africa | AFP | Careless defending gifted European giants Barcelona two goals as they defeated South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 Wednesday in a friendly game to honour the late Nelson Mandela. Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Andre Gomes scored for the Spanish league and cup winners before …
Read More »Marseille out to deny Griezmann, Atletico in Europa League final
Lyon, France | AFP | Antoine Griezmann is hoping to get his hands on a first major trophy with Atletico Madrid as the Spanish club prepare to take on Marseille in Wednesday’s Europa League final. Griezmann has only won the Spanish Super Cup since joining Diego Simeone’s side four years ago, …
Read More »Messi strike helps 10-man Barca earn draw as Ronaldo goes off injured
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi weaved his magic to keep 10-man Barcelona’s unbeaten season alive as a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou on Sunday left Real Madrid sweating over an injury to Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was forced off at half-time after appearing to hurt his ankle and …
Read More »No guard of honour for Barca as they did not do one for us – Zidane
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Zinedine Zidane says Barcelona do not deserve a guard of honour before the Clasico on Sunday because they refused to give Real Madrid one for winning the Club World Cup. Barca host Real as La Liga and Copa del Rey champions but Zidane’s side will …
Read More »‘Sad’ Wenger defends Ozil after Atletico defeat
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Arsene Wenger was left devastated by Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday but made a staunch defence of midfielder Mesut Ozil. Ozil’s performance was heavily criticised by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, who said the German had cried “crocodile tears” after the …
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