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      Real Madrid 5 Al Hilal 3: Vinicius Jr and Valverde fire Los Blancos to Club World Cup despite Fulham flop’s best efforts

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      REAL MADRID have won the Club World Cup after beating Al-Hilal 5-3 in an entertaining final.The Champions League holders claimed the title thanks to braces from Fede Valverde and Vinicius Jr and one from Karim Benzema.
      Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in the 13th minuteCredit: Getty
      Fede Valverde doubled Real Madrid’s advantageCredit: Getty
      Karim Benzema added a third for the Spanish championsCredit: Getty
      The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has now won the Club World Cup five timesCredit: Reuters
      They are the 10th successive European club to lift the trophy as Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal failed to keep the Spaniards at bay.
      Vinicius opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capping a fine move by sliding the ball past keeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf.
      Valverde doubled the LaLiga giants’ advantage five minutes later when the Uruguayan expertly fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
      Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal did pull a goal back midway through the first half through Moussa Marega as he finished off a lovely through ball from Mohammed Kanno.
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      But Benzema restored Real Madrid’s two-goal cushion nine minutes into the second period, latching onto a Vinicius pass and dispatching prolifically.
      And it was 4-1 before the hour mark as Valverde helped himself to his second of the night, lashing a Dani Carvajal delivery beyond the helpless Al-Mayouf.
      Al-Hilal found a second consolation goal in the 63rd minute through former Fulham man Luciano Vietto.
      But the 14-time European champions were soon three goals to the good once more as Dani Ceballos found Vinicus who made no mistake from close range.
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      Vietto bagged his second of the game to make it 5-3, before Madrid saw it out to claim the title.
      Al Hilal could have made a real game of it, but Moussa Marega missed an open goal to make it 5-4.
      The Club World Cup is Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s first silverware of the season as they sit eight points adrift of Barcelona in LaLiga.
      They previously won the Club World Cup four times between 2014 and 2018.
      And Los Blancos will be hoping this triumph can catapult them to success in the Champions League as they prepare to take on Liverpool in the last-16 later this month.
      Real have won the Club World Cup five times in the last nine yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard reveals what Cristiano Ronaldo was REALLY like in dressing room during Real Madrid spell

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo was one of three players who helped him settle at Real Madrid. The Arsenal captain was the hottest property in European football when he joined Los Blancos for £3million in January 2015.
      Martin Odegaard replacing Cristiano Ronaldo for his Real Madrid debutCredit: Getty
      Martin Odegaard became Real Madrid’s youngest debutant at 16 years and 157 days old.Credit: AFP
      Odegaard couldn’t speak Spanish when he arrived in Madrid at just 16 years old but luckily there were a few players he could communicate with in English.
      Former Premier League stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as well as World Cup winner Toni Kroos spoke the language.
      Speaking to The Players’ Tribune the Arsenal captain, 24, said: “All I’m thinking is about how these guys will treat me when I walk into their dressing room. This little kid who didn’t speak any Spanish.” 
      The Norwegian added: “But they were all very kind and the ones who spoke English, Kroos, Modric and Ronaldo, they took extra care of me in the beginning.”
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      He concluded: “They gave me advice and helped me a lot. But, honestly, I don’t think any of them were particularly worried about a 16-year-old from Norway taking their place in the team.”
      Odegaard would go on to become the youngest Real Madrid debutant in history back in May 2015 at just 16 years and 157 days old when he replaced Ronaldo during a 7-3 win over Getafe.
      The now Arsenal captain’s time in the Spanish capital wasn’t a success and he only made 11 appearances in total during six and a half years on Los Blancos’ books.
      He had loan spells at Dutch side SC Heerenveen and Spanish outfit Real Sociedad before going on his third loan spell to Arsenal in January 2021.
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      The move to North London was made permanent the following summer for £30million. More

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      Zidane ‘open to THIRD Real Madrid spell with Ancelotti linked to Brazil job – but only if club make key signing’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE would be open to a third spell in charge of Real Madrid with Carlo Ancelotti linked to the Brazil job.Los Blancos are struggling this season and sit eight points behind fierce rivals Barcelona in La Liga and also lost the Spanish Super Cup to the Catalan Giants.
      Carlo Ancelotti overseeing a Real Madrid training session at the Club World Cup in MoroccoCredit: Getty
      Zinedine Zidane on the touchline during his time as Real Madrid managerCredit: AFP
      Spanish publication Sport have reported that because of this club president Florentino Perez could be prepared to take drastic action and sack Ancelotti.
      The Italian is currently in his second spell in charge of the Spanish giants and lead them to a Champions League and La Liga double last season.
      It was also reported today that Ancelotti has agreed to take the vacant Brazil job, although those claims have been disputed.
      The report adds that if Perez were to take decisive action against Ancelotti, Madrid legend Zidane would be open to managing the club for a third time if a key signing was made.
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      Sport reported that Zidane would want the signing of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki guaranteed as the French legend has been captivated by his performances.
      The 19-year-old winger is the new rising star in France, and is on the radar of PSG.
      Zidane is a legend in Madrid having enjoyed a very successful playing career for the club.
      The Frenchman guided the Spaniards to three consecutive Champions League titles during his first spell in charge a feat no other manager has achieved.
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      He has also took Madrid to the Spanish title on two occasions.
      He was coach at the Bernabeu from 2016 to 2018, and then again from 2019 to 2021.
      Zidane has been out of work since he resigned as Madrid manager in May 2021 having overseen a trophyless season which saw them miss out on the La Liga title by two points to city rivals Atletico Madrid. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona president rules out Ansu Fati exit as interest confirmed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Ansu Fati.The two clubs have been monitoring Fati ahead of a potential summer move as they look to strengthen their forward lines.
      Ansu Fati in action for Barcelona against Girona in La Liga.Credit: Rex
      But Barcelona president Joan Laporta has poured cold water on any chances of the forward leaving in the summer.
      Laporta said: “We are not thinking of selling Ansu Fati as of now, he’s loved here, then I cannot predict the future.”
      He added: “His agent told us there are clubs keen on signing Ansu Fati yes.”
      “It is clear that he wants to succeed here at Barca.”
      The summer arrivals of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski along with Fati’s recovery from a long term injury have seen him given limited chances to impress.
      The La Masia product has made 20 appearances in LaLiga this season scoring three goals as Xavi’s men lead Real Madrid by seven points.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool were the Premier League clubs tracking Fati’s situation for this summer.
      The Spaniard, who inherited the No10 shirt when Lionel Messi departed for PSG, is a versatile forward who can play in a number of positions across the front line.
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      Despite the Catalan giants pulling multiple financial levers they are still in deep financial trouble.
      Fati has a £898million release clause in his contract but a big offer from any potential suitors could tempt Barcelona to cash in to ease their financial woes. More

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      Kylian Mbappe wants Real Madrid transfer move again and can leave PSG for FREE in 2024 when deal runs out

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE wants to leave PSG and could join Real Madrid for free as soon as next year, according to reports. The French superstar appeared set to head to the Bernabeu last summer as Real Madrid looked to get their claws into one of the world’s best players.
      Kylian Mbappe is PSG’s top goal scorer so far this season with 20 in all competitionsCredit: Getty
      But the club were left stunned when Mbappe signed a new contract with PSG in the summer of 2022.
      Now it appears a path to Real Madrid remains open despite the bitter fallout from that transfer row.
      The Athletic report that the 24-year-old remains on their radar as the club plan for life after Ballon D’Or Karim Benzema.
      Mbappe can leave PSG for free in 2024 if he does not activate the optional extra year clause in his contract.
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      He is not expected to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.
      Madrid are believed to be keeping a close eye on how that situation plays out but have other options on the table.
      Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is also reported to be among the options that Madrid could look to attract.
      But with reported exit clauses of £176m in 2024 and £154m in 2025, the striker promises to be among priciest of Madrid’s alternatives.
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      Reports emerged last year that Mbappe was keen on getting out of PSG and his relationship with the club was “completely broken”.
      But tensions appeared to have cooled since then with the PSG hierarchy now focused on trying to get Messi to renew his deal. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘agrees to become next BRAZIL manager’ and Real Madrid stars have ‘already been told’

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI will reportedly become Brazil’s next manager in conflicting reports.The Real Madrid boss, 63, has already allegedly informed some of the squad at the LaLiga giants he is departing, says journalist Bruno Vicari.
      Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to take charge of BrazilCredit: Getty
      And he is set to take charge of the South American side at the end of the season.
      According to ESPN , neither Brazil or Ancelotti will officially announce the news “as the coach still has a contract with the Spanish club until June 2024”. 
      And they state that he has also not actually penned his deal.
      However, they claim that he will sign a three-year contract in the summer which will take him until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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      But personal terms are still being finalised between the two parties.
      The Brazilian players at Madrid under Ancelotti have already reportedly been informed of the impending move.

      And even though the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao are sad that he will be departing the Bernabeu, they “believe it is a good name to lead the five-time world champions”.
      Despite the bombshell report, The Athletic say Ancelotti has “not heard anything” from the Brazil FA amid continued links to national team.
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      Ancelotti’s entourage and coaching staff have denied the story and the Brazilian FA could even release a statement to deny the claim.
      The Italian’s only previous experience on the international stage as a coach came when he was assistant manager of Italy in the early 1990s.
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      Since then he has gone on to take charge of some of the biggest clubs in Europe after starting out at Reggiana and Parma.
      He has had spells at Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton, in addition to Milan, Chelsea and Madrid.
      Brazil sacked manager Tite after they were eliminated from the World Cup on penalties by Croatia in the quarter final.
      Ancelotti was asked following the tournament about whether he would like to replace Tite but stated at the time that he had no plans to.
      The Brazil FA could be forced to deny claims Carlo Ancelotti will be their new managerCredit: Getty More

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      Jordi Alba offers to take huge pay cut to help stricken Barcelona out with his contract having one-year left

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      BARCELONA star Jordi Alba has offered to take a PAY CUT in order to stay at the Nou Camp.The 33-year-old Spanish international left-back arrived at the Catalans in 2012 from Valencia.
      Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (13755567bv) 18 Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023. FC Barcelona Vs Sevilla FC – La Liga, Spain – 05 Feb 2023Credit: Rex
      Jordi Alba has offered to take a pay cut to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Since then he has played over 300 matches in the top-flight and won countless honours.
      He has five LaLiga titles, a Champions League, Club World Cup, five Copa del Reys and four Spanish super Cups on his CV.
      After previously spending time in Barcelona’s academy before heading to Cornella, this is Alba’s 18th season at Barcelona.
      However, he has found himself left on the bench for spells this term under boss and former team-mate Xavi.
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      The 2012 European Championship winner has now entered the final 18 months of his contract and speculation has been mounting that he looks set to depart the club this summer.
      However, not only has he declared that he intends to see out the full length of his deal – he has even told Marca that he would be willing to take a pay cut to remain there.
      Alba said: “I think I’m at a good level. It is true that I am not playing everything, but when I go out I try to do my best. And when I’m not playing I try to help all my teammates by supporting them from the bench.
      “It’s a new facet for me because normally I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes.
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      This year not so much, but I also have my minutes and I’m happy with this role.
      “It is important to help my colleagues, to be with them, to advise them, and this is also positive and motivates me.”
      When asked whether he would lower his salary, he replied: “Yes. It’s a club decision and I’ve always helped when asked.
      “My intention is to help the club and that both parties are happy.”
      Alba added: “I feel good, I feel capable and I have the support of the coach and team-mates.
      “When I go down the street people let me know. I feel good and the day I feel that I am not capable of defending a club like Barcelona, ​​I will be the first to leave.” More

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      Arsenal join Man Utd in Ansu Fati transfer race with Liverpool and Bayern Munich ‘informed’ of his Barcelona situation

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      ARSENAL have joined the race to sign Barcelona star Ansu Fati, according to reports. The Premier League leaders are working on ways to bolster their attack come the summer.
      Ansu Fati has seen most of his minutes this season come from the benchCredit: Rex
      Fati has six goal contributions in his limited minutes this season
      According to Fabrizio Romano, this has seen them set their sights on Fati.
      The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in world football.
      However, a lack of minutes – other than those gained off the bench – have seen the Spaniard question whether he wants to stay at the club in the summer.
      The report suggests Barcelona want to keep him beyond the summer, but the second half of this season is pivotal in the decision.
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      The Gunners have joined Manchester United and Liverpool to try and sign him and are said to be “well informed” on the situation.
      Meanwhile, German giants Bayern Munich are interested but are not actively working on a deal.
      Barcelona’s aforementioned reluctance to sell up could see them refer any would-be buyers to Fati’s colossal €1billion (£898million) release clause.
      Fortunately for the interested parties, Barcelona need to considerably lower their wage bill under the orders of La Liga chief Javier Tebas.
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      Despite the pulling of a number of economic levers to facilitate transfers and contracts last summer, the club remain under huge financial pressure.
      This means they could allow the likes of Fati or Frenkie de Jong to leave in the summer to help shave off £177m from their wage bill. More