La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid open transfer negotiations to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in £1m deal… but Liverpool set to play hardball

      by

      REAL MADRID officially began negotiations with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.On Monday, the England defender confirmed he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season and is set to sign a five-year deal with Real.Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave LiverpoolCredit: RexHe is expected to join Real MadridCredit: PAThe Spaniards are keen for TAA to play at next month’s Club World Cup, although they could be forced to pay a fee of more than £1million.Liverpool will shell out for his £180,000-a-week wages as his deal does not expire until June 30.Real’s first game in the US is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.They could register their new man between June 1 and 10 or between June 27 and July 3 for the knockout stage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough Real have been hoping to secure TAA for around £1m, Liverpool could play hardball and ask for a further £500,000.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has three games left as a Liverpool player — with his Anfield farewell coming against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.He could also make appearances for the club against Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to Brighton.But he might not get the warmest reception from Liverpool fans during his farewell tour.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMany supporters have been left angry with the defender’s decision to leave the club.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that the anger towards his exit is “justified”.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn his Telegraph column, Carragher wrote: “Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles.”Anything which undermines that is a threat.”You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.”By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup.”That is bound to stir emotions.”Some of the negative reactions have seen Alexander-Arnold get “banned” from Curry’s and Popworld.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter Milan 4 Barcelona 3 (aet, 7-6 agg): Frattesi extra time goal seals one of the greatest Champions League ties ever

      by

      FORGET the final, give Inter Milan the Champions League – nothing will top this.Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain will want to face Simone Inzaghi’s monsters, anyway.Raphinha looked to have won the tie for Barcelona with his 87th minute strikeCredit: GettyBut Inter’s Francesco Acerbi scored his first ever Champions League goal to force extra timeCredit: GettyDavide Frattesi scored an extra-time winner for the Italian sideCredit: GettyHe climbed on to the fences to cheer with the fansCredit: GettyThey triumphed over Barcelona in the greatest of semi-finals and in the most dramatic of fashion.These two served up an instant classic a week ago, and went all out to top it at the San Siro.Inter were cruising after another flying start, floored after Barcelona came back from the dead again.Somehow they had more left and, for all of Barcelona’s comebacks across this unforgettable tie, it was the Nerazzurri who produced one when it counted, sealed by Davide Frattesi in extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Inter sub showed a composure few could believe amid the mania of this match – finishing off a move which was made by Marcus Thuram’s brilliance.Thuram refused to give up down the right, beat two Barca defenders and laid off for Mehdi Taremi, who teed up Frattesi to, finally, kill off this most stubborn opponent.Barcelona had come from behind three times in this tie.Raphinha thought he had won it in the 87th minute, putting them ahead for the first time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut no one counted on a 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi getting his first Champions League goal, in the 93rd minute, to give everyone what we wanted – more.Barca’s would-be match winner collapsed to his knees and this proved one comeback too far for Hansi Flick’s men.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Their wait for a Champions League final goes on past a decade now, Inter have reached their second in three years.The exuberant home fans earlier welcomed their team bus with a frenzy of fireworks and flares.Inzaghi’s men had surprised everyone with their attacking intent and effectiveness in an enthralling first leg.An expectant San Siro wanted more of the same and were not disappointed.It was the same plan as a week ago – trying to punish the visitors’ nauseatingly high line – and it bore more fruit.Inter looked primed to race into another early lead, and did just that.Denzel Dumfries, who scored a brace last week, was sent one-on-one by Federico Dimarco but despite his devastating work six days ago, the Dutchman selflessly squared for his skipper.Thuram consoles a devastated Yamal at the endCredit: GettyLautaro Martinez, passed fit to start after being a major doubt, capitalised on the empty net and raced away to celebrate with a surging sea of black and blue – none of them knowing what they were about to be put through.Inter, famed for defending a tight lead, would not sit back. Dumfries still barrelled forwards and the two strikers proved a nuisance.Barca looked in desperate need of some experience. They had lost Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi, 18, was struggling.Hakan Calhanoglu flashed an effort wide but would soon get a much better one thanks to the teenager.Henrikh Mkhitaryan slipped one of many dangerous balls through for Martinez to race after, Cubarsi was caught out and restricted to a late lunge.Referee Szymon Marciniak waved the shouts away and the San Siro erupted, a din of whistles as their captain writhed on the deck.Eventually, Marciniak was sent to the monitor and corrected the decision, allowing Calhanoglu to step up and – for the second time in this tie – put his side two clear of Barca.Inter had dumped Barca in an almighty hole, again. The young visitors looked lost in the pit of this famous old stadium.For a while even the older players looked as bamboozled as the kids.But Barcelona players, young and old, have a muscle memory for comebacks, not just that famous “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain eight years ago.It was brilliance which got them going in the first leg, this was more traditional – but nonetheless incredibly impressive.Eric Garcia, the former Manchester City man, thumped home to convert Gerard Martin’s cross less than 10 minutes after the restart.Inter’s breaks had been limited, Barcelona looked themselves again with Pedri composed and conducting things.It was Martin again who made the second, lifting an exquisite ball over the Inter defence from deep, placed perfectly for Olmo to run on to and head Barca level, from two down – again.The hosts looked like Barcelona’s latest recovery act had finally knocked it out of them. Inter were struggling and Inzaghi rattled through five changes in a bid to revive them.But they looked to have failed.Pedri spotted Raphinha in space on the left, picking out the ex-Leeds winger.His first shot was fired at Yann Sommer, but the Swiss sent it straight back and Raphinha did not waste his second helping.The home fans were silent and some had even left, they had given up. But their players had not. Dumfries – again – kept going and crossed for Acerbi, who converted first time to take this tie beyond the realms of ridiculous and crush Barca.There is talk of tearing San Siro down. Those celebrations almost did the job anyway.Read More on The SunInter, unfancied, had matched Barca blow for blow and taken them to the end.Flick’s tikes refused to fold even after Frattesi’s winner, Yamal twice stopped by Sommer, but this was finally too much to come back from.Yann Sommer proved to be the difference maker with a stunning tieCredit: AFPSommer was awarded the Man of the Match award for his exploitsCredit: Getty More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Best decision I ever made’ – Antony aims subtle dig at Man Utd as he reveals he snubbed huge transfers to join Betis

      by

      ANTONY claims leaving Manchester United to join Real Betis was the best decision he ever made.The £85.5million Brazil forward, 25, had a nightmare couple of years at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.Antony has excelled since joining Real Betis in JanuaryCredit: RexManchester United are willing to sell him in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyRed Devils chiefs decided to let him leave on loan during the January window — and he made the surprise choice to join Manuel Pellegrini at Betis in Seville.However, the move has worked out perfectly for all parties, and the Spanish side are desperate to take him for another season.Antony and his agent are planning to hold talks with United about his long-term future this month.But he said: “The best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m happy — and when I’m happy, things go well.“It’s very early. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m very happy here.”Antony felt playing regularly in a fun environment was more important than looking for a big move.He added: “Although I know how talented I am, I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s important to score goals and provide assists but being happy is even more important.”Antony’s form at Betis has alerted Atletico Madrid, who could yet make a move this summer — when United will be looking to sell.Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Reports have claimed that the LaLiga side could have to pay between £34million to £43m for the winger. Meanwhile, Man United could face a battle in order to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes.The Portuguese star is wanted in Saudi Arabia and has been offered a staggering £65m per season on a three-year deal by Al-Hilal.Fernandes has not yet responded and the club do not want to sell their star man.It comes with Man Utd believed to be wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Read More on The SunUnited also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs Inter

      by

      AN injured Barcelona star failed to keep their identity hidden as they took a commercial flight to the Inter Milan clash with fans.The first leg of the tie ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but Barca boss Hansi Flick was left without a host of stars through injury for the second leg at the San Siro.Jules Kounde was spotted by fans on a commercial flight to Milan ahead of Barcelona vs InterKounde suffered a hamstring injury in the first legCredit: RexHowever, one of these names made sure they would not miss the chance to support their team-mates, Jules Kounde.The Frenchman suffered a distal hamstring injury in the first leg of the clash against Inter, just days after he scored an extra-time winner in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.And ahead of his sides do-or-die semi-final match in Italy, Kounde caught a commercial flight from Barcelona to Milan alongside supporters to make sure he was present to watch on. Kounde attempted to keep his identity hidden by wearing a hood and sunglasses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his outfit failed as he was recognised by travelling Blaugrana supporters.He was greeted by cheers as he retrieved his bag from the overhead storage, to which he eventually responded with a wide smile and tapping his hand to his chest.In the absence of the 26-year-old, Flick selected former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia to play there.Before his injury, Kounde had missed just one game for Barca this season – when Flick left him out for the win over Mallorca before the Copa del Rey final.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe joined the club in 2022 in a €50m (£41.85m) deal from Sevilla.Despite predominantly playing at CB for his old club, he has mostly played right-back at Barcelona.Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clashHe has scored seven goals and added 18 assists in 141 games. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Florian Wirtz ‘tells Xabi Alonso he won’t move to Real Madrid or Man City as he picks next club’

      by

      FLORIAN WIRTZ has reportedly picked his next club and it is not good news for two European giants.The German wizkid is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, having starred at Bayer Leverkusen.Florian Wirtz has reportedly chosen his next clubCredit: APHe has had interest from the likes of Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has been tipped with moves to the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.Reports in Germany claim that he has his heart set on a move elsewhere.Bild have reported that the attacking midfielder has told Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso his desired destination.Wirtz is said to “only want a move” to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Wirtz’s family have reached a “fundamental agreement” with Bayern during “numerous talks”.It is not clear when a transfer to the Allianz Arena will take place as his contract runs until 2027.Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has previously insisted that Wirtz will not be sold on the cheap.During an interview with Radio Marca in April, he stated that a deal would cost “at least €150million” (£127m).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe interest from Real Madrid and Man City was apparently not reciprocated as they were not a “serious option” for the midfielder.The conversation with Alonso would have been a blow as he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossIt had been thought that the former Liverpool star would have wanted to bring the German with him to Spain.Wirtz has continued to impress in Germany this season.He has scored ten and assisted ten goals in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign.The midfielder also impressed with six goals in nine Champions League outings.He was a crucial cog in the club’s efforts as they won the Bundesliga title last season without losing a single game. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transfer

      by

      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been “banned” from two major venues in Liverpool.It comes after he announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.Trent Alexander Arnold announced he is leaving LiverpoolCredit: X @TrentAAPopworld in Liverpool announced he had been ‘barred’ from enteringCredit: GoogleCurrys jumped on the bandwagon to announce he was banned from all Liverpool storesCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is ending a 20-year association with the Reds after breaking through the academy and helping the club win a host of major honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.The 26-year-old called it “easily the hardest decision of my life”, with widespread reports suggesting he will be joining Real Madrid to link up with pal Jude Bellingham.However, in their own announcement, Liverpool FC issued a blunt statement about his exit and clearly indicated that the defender leaving was his own decision rather than one backed by the club.And the controversial decision prompted some disgruntled venues in the city to take extreme measures… with cheeky posts on social media declaring he was banned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first of these was entertainment venue, Popworld Liverpool, who simply posted on social media: “Barred @TrentAA.”The official Currys X account then weighed in by sharing a video of a staff member walking up to the window, where a poster with a photo of Alexander-Arnold was visible with the caption: “Banned. Please do not enter.”The electrical goods retailer added the caption: “Banned from all Currys stores in Liverpool.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Companies of culture.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “I rate this.”A third added: “Hahahaha! I’m here for the pettiness!”Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolAnother said: “Love this.”Reports have indicated Alexander-Arnold told the club and manager Arne Slot he would be leaving in March.Alexander-Arnold’s emotional statement saw him say: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Read More on The SunShould his expected transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid happen, he will be only the seventh Englishman to star for the Bernabeu outfit.This includes ex-Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who like Alexander-Arnold, quit Anfield for Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      World’s most unlucky footballer is relegated from LaLiga for the FOURTH year in a row

      by

      A FOOTBALLER has been dubbed the “world’s most unlucky player” after a horror run of relegations.Darwin Machis set an unwanted LaLiga record as Real Valladolid’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed.Darwin Machis has been relegated four times in a rowCredit: GettyMachis has gone down with Granada, Cadiz and Valladolid twiceCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old winger has now suffered relegation an unfortunate four seasons in a row.Machis’ disastrous spell began when he was part of the Granada side that went down by one point in 2022.The Venezuelan did not hang around in the Segunda Division and earned a transfer back to the top-flight with Valladolid.But the Pucela, who are owned by Brazil icon Ronaldo, also went down by a single point in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a worrying theme developing, another LaLiga side in Cadiz picked him up on loan.And you guessed it, they were relegated in 18th place with Machis’ four goals not enough to save them.Meanwhile, his parent club Valldolid immediately bounced back to LaLiga by winning promotion.And they chose to ignore the “curse” and keep Machis in their squad for this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Valldolid have had a woeful campaign and are going straight back to the Segunda Division.They have conceded a whopping 83 goals and have picked up a poor 16 points from 34 games.’This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLigaMachis has featured 17 times, with zero goals and one assist to his name.Fans could not believe how unlucky the 52-time capped international is, with one saying: “He is cursed.”Another joked: “He should just go to United and finish them completely.”More commented: “Where is he headed this summer then?”Two of Machis’ relegations came via a single pointCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Freak moment ball ‘magically’ spins away from goal as Real Madrid survive scare in win over Celta Vigo

      by

      REAL MADRID were the beneficiaries of some serious good fortune after an extraordinary incident in their game against Celta Vigo.Los Blancos defeated Celta 3-2 in a tight affair at the Bernabeu on Sunday to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Courtois watches on in horror as the ball squirms beyond him, but then spins back into his pathMbappe was on the scoresheet as Madrid kept themselves in title contentionCredit: GettyReal trail Barca by four points in the La Liga title race with three games to play. Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe’s double had Carlo Ancelotti’s side 3-0 up and cruising inside 48 minutes, but Javi Rodriguez and Williot Svandberg struck for Celta to set up a grandstand finale. In the 79th minute, it was the visitors pushing hard for an equaliser that would have completed a superb comeback, as they look to bag a Europa League spot.Iago Aspas, the former Liverpool forward, slid an incisive ball through for Pablo Duran to chase, with the Spaniard clean through on goal. READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWSHe bore down on Real ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois, with Madrid’s makeshift centre-half Aurelien Tchouameni in tow. Duran’s effort seemed to squeeze through the Belgian shot-stopper, heading over the line.But the spin on the ball meant that it changed direction and nestled into Courtois’ grateful clasp.The Madrid goalkeeper looked mightily relieved to jump onto the loose ball, and Madrid survived an incredibly close shave. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans on social media called the incident “black magic”, while another said that “the entire Bernabeu was blowing at once” in an attempt to keep the ball out of the home net. Earlier in the game, Guler curled home a stunner in the 33rd minute to open the scoring, before Mbappe doubled the advantage just six minutes later. ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewThe Frenchman rifled an effort from outside the box into the far corner, beyond the desperate reach of visiting ‘keeper Vicente Guaita.Mbappe raced onto Federico Valverde’s defence-splitting pass to make it three with the second half just three minutes old, confidently finishing into the corner with his left foot to score his 24th league goal of his debut season. Rodriguez benefited from a penalty box melee with 21 minutes to play, as he scrambled in Vigo’s first. Svandberg latched onto a sensational reverse pass from Aspas to ghost in behind the Madrid backline and slot beyond Courtois to haul the away side right back into contention. However, they would leave the capital frustrated, with Duran’s extraordinary chance one to rue. More