Thursday, March 28TRUSTED FEARLESS INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS PORTAL

Tag: La Liga

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Why racist chants are making it difficult for Vinicius Jr to carry on at his dream club

Tears streamed down Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr’s face in a pre-match press conference on Monday when he was asked about the racist incidents he faced in Spain for the last couple of years. A strong-willed player who always sounded defiant while facing the hatred, finally looked like he had had enough. Sometimes, people tend to forget this was just a 23-year-old who had come to Spain from his native Brazil to play football. The racist hatred he receives is totally uncalled for.“It’s something very sad what I have been going through here. It’s tough. I’ve been fighting against this for a long time. It’s exhausting because you feel like you are alone. I’ve made so many official complaints but no one is ever punished. “More and more I’m losing my desire to play. But I’ll kee...
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Kylian Mbappe and PSG: After end of uneasy stint, French footballing superstar ready to fulfill his destiny of becoming a Real Madrid galactico

A loveless marriage would soon end. Kylian Mbappe would, potentially, unite with his true love, Real Madrid; Paris Saint- Germain would seek its true path to footballing glory. The Mbappe-PSG wedlock, despite the ingredients for a long and successful bond, even a symbolic bond of romance – the boy from the banlieue of Bondy, the city’s grimy alley, at the heart of PSG renaissance – was always forced and inorganic. That it did not end bitterly — even if it threatened to, at times — is a mini-wonder in itself. For Mbappe, it was always Real Madrid – the love of his life. The group that fired up his imagination were always the galacticos. In his comic-strip autobiography Je M’Appelle Kylian, Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo visit him in a dream, and Zidane hands him out a sparkling-wh...
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Barcelona vs Getafe: Xavi’s side secures 4-0 victory and moves to second place | – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Xavi's revitalized Barcelona displayed a dominant performance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday, propelling them to the second spot in La Liga. The recalled duo of Joao Felix and Raphinha made significant contributions, with Barcelona now holding 57 points from 26 games.Defending champions Barcelona leapfrogged Girona to claim the second position, trailing leaders Real Madrid, who sit at the summit with 62 points. Real Madrid is set to extend their unbeaten La Liga run to 20 matches as they face Sevilla in a game in hand on Sunday.In an impressive display, Brazilian forward Raphinha initiated the scoring in the 20th minute. His well-timed run and precise shot found the bottom corner, breaking the deadlock. Joao Felix, who missed the midweek Champions ...
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Jude Bellingham accused of calling Mason Greenwood a ‘rapist’

Real Madrid mid-fielder Jude Bellingham has been accused of calling fellow Englishman Mason Greenwood a “rapist” during their La Liga match on Thursday. During Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe Bellingham was seen on camera mouthing what appeared to be the word rapist. The incident was picked up by fans watching on TV, with some suggesting what Bellingham actually said was “rubbish” and La Liga confirmed that a lip reader would be asked to examine the footage. “Getafe yesterday transferred the complaint to the La Liga match director and La Liga, as it always does on these occasions, has requested an expert report on lip reading to investigate the matter and act on the basis of what can be proven beyond doubt [by the lip reader],” La Liga said in a statement. Greenwood joined Getafe o...
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After 5-3 loss against Villarreal, Xavi announces he will leave Barcelona at end of season

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will step down from the role at the end of the season following a 5-3 loss against Villarreal at Camp Nou and described the job “cruel and unpleasant.”“I’d like to announce that as of June 30 I will not continue as Barca coach,” he told reporters in the press conference after meeting with club president Joan Laporta for over half an hour. “It is a situation of common sense and I have decided that on June 30th I will not continue as Barca coach. “I think the club needs a change of dynamic and I told the president Joan Laporta. As a fan, thinking about the club and the players, I think they will be freed up and will be calmer. “I think the best thing to do is to leave on June 30th. Having said that, I will give my all for the four month...
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In Girona’s rise, a Manchester City and Pep Guardiola connection

Before heading to the Nou Camp for a charity match in 2022, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City squad stopped at the old city of Girona. The team would take selfies in the backdrop of the old city’s spectacular, landmarks, like the 2000-years-old Cathedral, the hanging houses by the Onyar river, and the Jewish quarter, one of the chief sets for Game of Thrones. They would dine in some of the restaurants considered the best in the world by a British magazine. They would also train at the 14000-capacity stadium of Girona FC, its scaffolding and makeshift stands producing an old world charm.But Manchester City, the Guardiola family and Girona have deeper connections with the historic city and its football club, Girona FC, which existed in the fifth division when Pep left Barcelona to pla...
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Girona stun Barcelona with historic 4-2 victory, jump to top in La Liga – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Girona, the underdog Spanish side, etched its name in history with a stunning 4-2 victory over football giants Barcelona on Sunday. This monumental win not only marked Girona's first-ever triumph over Barcelona in the top flight but also propelled them to the top spot in La Liga. The riveting clash saw Girona rise two points above second-placed Real Madrid, who had settled for a 1-1 draw against Real Betis the previous day.The heroics began with Artem Dovbyk putting Girona in the lead, only for Robert Lewandowski to swiftly equalize for Barcelona. Undeterred, Girona reclaimed the lead through a blistering strike from Miguel Gutierrez. Valery Fernandez extended the advantage, and despite Ilkay Gundogan's goal injecting tension into the final moments, veteran striker Cristhian ...
Sports

Lamine Yamal becomes Spain’s youngest-ever player and goalscorer | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Lamine Yamal, a mere 16 years of age, etched his name in the annals of Spanish football history as he made his debut for the national team during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Friday. Not only did he become Spain's youngest-ever player, but he also marked his entry with a stunning goal.The right winger's moment of glory arrived in the 74th minute, as he displayed remarkable composure to find the back of the net after a precision cut-back from Nico Williams. The goal extended Spain's lead to a commanding 7-1, leaving spectators and pundits in awe.Yamal's exceptional debut surpassed the record previously held by his Barcelona teammate, Gavi, who also shared the pitch with him during the same match. Gavi had made his national team debut at 17 years and 62 days, but ...
Sports

Vinicius Jr sidelined for several weeks with thigh injury

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks after the LaLiga club said he had suffered a thigh muscle injury during last Friday’s match at Celta Vigo. Sources close to the player told Reuters that he is expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks and will miss Brazil’s first two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Bolivia and Peru in September.Most Read 1 World Athletics Championships 2023 Highlights: Neeraj Chopra wins gold; Relay runners finish 5th; Parul Chaudhary scripts national record 2 Gadar 2 box office collection day 17: Sunny Deol film beats Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, becomes the fastest film to cross Rs 450 crore mark See More “Following tests carried o...
Sports

Jude Bellingham scores 4th goal in 3 games to give Real Madrid 1-0 win at Celta Vigo

Jude Bellingham did it again, scoring a fourth goal in three games to lead Real Madrid to a 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Friday and make it three victories in as many games in the Spanish league. Madrid’s top signing of the offseason scored once in the team’s 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in their opener and twice in the 3-1 win at Almeria last weekend. The England midfielder joined Madrid on a 130-million-euro ($142 million) move from Borussia Dortmund this summer, and is proving to be worth the price. At Vigo, Bellingham slipped into the area and was in position to head home the winner in the 81st minute and snatch a victory against a Celta side that had squandered its scoring chances. Bellingham was set up by Joselu Mato, who replaced Vinícius Júnior in the 16th minute, after the Brazil fo...
Sports

Barcelona snatch late win over Cadiz in new home, Atletico Madrid draw at Real Betis | Football News – Times of India

BARCELONA : Pedri and Ferran Torres's late strikes earned La Liga champions Barcelona a 2-0 win over Cadiz in their first competitive home game away from Camp Nou on Sunday.Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 at Real Betis in a dour clash. Playing at the Olympic Stadium on the city's Montjuic hill while their stadium is rebuilt and upgraded over the next year-and-a-half, Barcelona were nearly thwarted by visitors Cadiz. After Getafe held them to a frustrating goalless draw on the opening weekend, Cadiz almost managed the same feat until Ilkay Gundogan cleverly released Pedri to score. Substitute Torres drove through the middle and tucked home in stoppage time to put gloss on what was another unconvincing performance. "I'm happy, quite satisfied with the team's work and their positional play too, ...
Sports

Watch: Joao Felix jeered on the bench, Morata and Depay lead Atletico to 3-1 win over Granada

With João Félix on the bench and jeered by fans, Atletico Madrid began its Spanish league campaign with a 3-1 win over Granada on Monday. La que le ha caído a João Félix de su propia afición ha sido histórica. Para eso le ha convocado el Cholo, quería que la gente se le tirase encima para empujarle a salir YA. Por cierto, tiene que venir regalado. No le quiere nadie… Sería absurdo pagar.pic.twitter.com/XGAdusCHgi — Pol Alonso 🎙⚽ (@Polyccio8) August 14, 2023 Image of Joao Felix sitting seperate from his teammates at Athletico Madrid, you got to feel for him. What actually happened for him to have a bad relationship with everyone? Poor guy 💙 pic.twitter.com/LWzMshub9s — Dean (@DeanCFC_) August 14, 2023 Félix’s attacking teammates Álvaro Morata and Memphis Depay scored a goal each, and M...
Sports

Real Madrid’s Militao to undergo knee surgery after ACL tear

Eder Militao became the second Real Madrid player to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury this week, after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and the LaLiga club said on Sunday that the defender would require surgery. Militao was injured when he hyperextended his knee early in the second half of Real’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in their LaLiga opener. The 25-year-old defender was in tears as he was helped off the pitch. “After the tests carried out on our player Eder Militao, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days,” the club said. Militao could be sidelined for several months, just like Courtois who also required surgery after tearing the ACL in his left knee during...
Sports

Can oil-money buy football dreams? As European football season beckons, the cash-rich shadow of Saudi Pro League looms large

It was Napoleon who had said, “whoever possesses Constantinople ought to rule the world.” By the end of June 10 – in pure footballing terms – it was Manchester City. Europe has, for long, been the heartbeat of club football. And City, the champions of England, were finally the champions of Europe. It was the last piece of silverware missing in their trophy cabinet and now, they had it. Making them unequivocally, the best football club in the world. Maybe even of all times. But just as the days rolled by and we moved closer to the beginning of another football year around the sun, Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut wasn’t the big topic of conversation in football circles. The departure of club captain Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez wasn’t an issue. The arrivals of the likes of Josko Gvardiol an...
Sports

UEFA clears Barcelona for Champions League, warns investigation into referee payments can be reopened

UEFA confirmed Barcelona’s place in the next Champions League on Thursday though said an investigation into more than $7 million paid to a refereeing official could be reopened if more evidence emerges. Barcelona’s place in the Champions League group stage worth tens of millions of euros (dollars) – earned by winning the Spanish league last season – could have been at risk from the so-called “Caso Negreira” case. Court documents show Barcelona paid 7.3 million euros ($7.7 million) from 2001-18 to the company of José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spanish soccer’s refereeing committee. Prosecutors in Spain formally accused Barcelona of corruption in sports, fraudulent management and falsification of business documents. However, no clear allegations of any specific ...
Sports

Gundogan ready to be a mentor for Barca’s young midfielders

Barcelona’s new midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said it was an easy decision to join the Spanish giants mainly because of the role he expects to take as a mentor for the team’s young squad. The German international, 32, was presented at Barcelona’s training facilities on Monday, following the signing of a two-year contract on a free transfer after his departure from Manchester City. He captained the English club to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season, ending a successful seven-year stint in England where he won 12 major trophies in total. When asked about Barcelona’s youth and talent in midfield especially, Gundogan said he had a lot to offer the team with his experience. “They are incredible, Gavi, Pedri, Luuk De Jong… I come with more experience because my lif...
Sports

Rafa Benitez agrees deal to become new Celta manager

Rafa Benitez has reached agreement with Celta Vigo to become manager on a three-year deal, the Spanish club said on Friday. The 63-year-old, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, the UEFA Cup with Valencia (2004) and the Europa League with Chelsea (2013), returns to coaching over a year after being sacked by Everton in January 2022. He will take charge of LaLiga side Celta on their 100 year anniversary, succeeding Carlos Carvalhal, who took was sacked earlier this month after a difficult season in which they had to fight until the last game to avoid relegation. First agreement with Rafa Benítez to be the coach of the #RCCelta #100AnosdeAfouetezaeCorazón 💙 pic.twitter.com/SMaef28mVC — RC Celta English (@RCCeltaEN) June 23, 2023 Benitez’s last experience in Spain was in th...
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Barcelona to begin LaLiga title defence at Getafe

Barcelona will begin their Spanish league title defence away to Getafe on Aug. 13 while Real Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao the same weekend, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said on Thursday. With the renovation of Barcelona’s Camp Nou already under way, the Catalan giants will host the first Clasico of the season against bitter rivals Real Madrid on matchday 11 (Oct. 29) at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium. Both teams will meet again at Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 32, on the weekend of April 21, 2024. LaLiga’s final weekend could be a high-tension climax to the season, with Barcelona visiting Europa League champions Sevilla, Real Madrid hosting Real Betis and Champions League side Real Sociedad hosting Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Your club's debut, derby, last game of the season… ⚽ 🗓 Make sure...
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Toni Kroos ‘not done yet’ after extending Real Madrid contract to 2024

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is “ not done yet ” after agreeing to a one-year contract extension with the Spanish club on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Kroos will begin his 10th season with the team after both sides agreed to extend his deal through the 2023-24 campaign. The German player, who retired from international duty in 2021, has made 417 appearances for Madrid. 🤍🎱 @ToniKroos 🤍🎱#Kroos2024 pic.twitter.com/JcJcFWcf06 — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 21, 2023 Kroos joined Madrid in 2014 after being a key member of Germany’s World Cup-winning team and has helped the club win an array of trophies, including four Champions League and three Spanish league titles. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,argumen...
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Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid to sign Bellingham from Dortmund for 103 million euros | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that English teenager Jude Bellingham will be making a move to Real Madrid for a transfer fee exceeding 100 million euros ($107 million). The announcement was made in Berlin on Wednesday, with Dortmund stating that a "mutual agreement" had been reached between the two clubs for the 19-year-old's transfer in the upcoming summer.According to Dortmund, they will receive a fixed fee of 103 million euros, along with a variable amount that could potentially reach up to 30 percent of the fixed transfer fee, depending on team and player bonuses.Bellingham, widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in the world of football, joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 for a fee of 25 million euros. Since then, he has made 1...