La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona plot sensational transfer for Marco Asensio with Real Madrid star having one year left on Bernabeu contract

      by

      BARCELONA are reportedly hoping to snatch Marco Asensio from bitter rivals Real Madrid with the Spain star’s contract expiring next summer.The Catalan giants are looking to continue their rebuild under manager Xavi following a summer spending spree.
      Barca could move for Marco Asensio in January or next summerCredit: Getty
      Barca snapped up the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Franck Kessie.
      And according to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi and Co would like to sign soon-to-be out of contract Real ace Asensio as their next marquee signing.
      Asensio, 26, will be out of contract at the Bernabeu next summer and could leave for free.
      The report adds that if Asensio’s contract situation is the same come the winter transfer window, Barca may decide to act then.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Barca may be able to get Asensio for a lesser fee in January, or wait until the summer to get him for free.
      In a boost to Xavi’s side, Asensio’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has a good relationship with club president Joan Laporta.
      Barca have enjoyed a strong start to their LaLiga campaign.
      They’re still unbeaten after six games played and only trail Spanish champions Real by two points.
      Most read in Football
      Barca ran out 3-0 winners in their last league outing against Elche.
      Lewandowski bagged a brace and Memphis Depay got the other in the convincing victory. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jules Kounde blames Thomas Tuchel for failed Chelsea transfer as he reveals how Xavi was able to lure him to Barcelona

      by

      JULES Kounde has claimed that he snubbed Chelsea over a move to Barcelona because Xavi is a better communicator than Thomas Tuchel.The French international looked on course to make the switch to Stamford Bridge from Sevilla earlier this summer, only for the La Liga giants to swoop in and secure his services in a £55m deal ahead of the new season.
      Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea earlier this month following their slow start to the seasonCredit: EPA
      Kounde revealed that he also spoke with ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel, but he was sold by the ‘new wave’ at the Nou Camp.
      He told L’Equipe: “First, I come to a huge club, which has known good times and which, lately, has had less.’
      ‘I come to a project that I would not call reconstruction, because we already have a competitive team, but rather, being upturned.
      ‘I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and to put Barça back where it has always been, among the best clubs. 
      read more football stories
      ‘Then there was the conversation with the coach.
      “We talked about football, mainly. I felt a real confidence from him, that he had a real knowledge of myself, my game and my qualities.’ 
      ‘I spoke with Tuchel and I also felt that he wanted me to come but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech’.
      Despite being ineligable for the first two games after the club were unable to register him, Kounde has enjoyed a strong start to his Barca career since coming into the team.
      Most read in Football
      He has started three of the last four La Liga matches to help Xavi’s men remain unbeaten and stay two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while he’s been ever-present in the Champions League.
      But Kounde was mocked by Chelsea defender Thiago Silva following Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
      Silva shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that read ‘he almost joined us’, clearly taking a swipe at Kounde after his side were beaten for the first time this season.
      Chelsea hardly fared much better 24 hours later after Graham Potter’s opening game in charge was a 1-1 draw against Salzburg, leaving them winless in Europe.
      Kounde holding the Barcelona shirt after completing his move from Sevilla back in JulyCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 2: Los Blancos win manic derby against 10-man rivals which is marred by vile racist chants

      by

      REAL’S return to the top of LaLiga was marred by large-scale racist chanting from Atletico fans at Vinicius Junior.Rodrygo and Federico Valverde earned victory before Atleti sub Mario Hermoso replied late on, only to see red in stoppage time.
      Racism victim Vinicius Junior joins the celebrations after Rodrygo hit Real’s opener in the 2-1 victory at fiercest rivals AtleticoCredit: Rex
      Rodrygo fired a stylish breakthrough goal for Real at the Wanda MetropolitanoCredit: Getty
      Not a single security guard intervention in those disgusting chants. Atletico have not banned their Ultras the way Florentino banned Real Madrid’s. Let’s see what action the club takes. You can’t just chalk this up as a ‘few bad apples’ and let them go on. Ban them forever.— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) September 18, 2022

      Real joy, though, was overshadowed by “monkey” shouts from swarms of Atletico supporters before the match.
      And claims hit social media of stewards doing nothing to stop the behaviour outside Atleti’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
      Such anger over the chants lit the fuse for another fierce derby.
      And Carlo Ancelotti’s men responded best, making it nine wins in nine games this season, their sixth in LaLiga.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet Atletico menaced twice early on in this heated clash.
      Felipe headed Rodrigo de Paul’s free-kick over and Yannick Carrasco had a shot deflected wide.
      But Real netted brilliantly on 18 minutes from their first chance.  
      In-form Brazil forward Rodrygo sublimely finished off Aurelien Tchouameni’s fine pass.  
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Valverde doubled the lead after Vinicius Jr’s shot came back off a post.
      But Atletico improved after the break, helped by Hermoso coming on in the 72nd minute.
      The Spain defender cut the deficit off his shoulder 11 minutes later after Thibaut Courtois flapped at a corner
      But he was booked for dissent and soon harshly sent off for a second yellow card after shoving Dani Ceballos.
      The pre-match racism, however, left a bitter taste.
      And social media was blitzed by calls for Atletico to be punished.
      One observer posted “I feel sick” and another stressed the number of offenders as he tweeted: “It’s f***ing thousands. I’m at a loss for words”.
      Mario Hermoso argues with ref Munuera Montero after his late red cardCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Rodrygo dances with Vinicius Jr after putting Real Madrid 1-0 up against Atletico following vile racist abuse

      by

      REAL MADRID stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr danced defiantly after the latter was racially abused this week.Rodrygo opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the derby at Atletico Madrid with a fine goal in the 2-1 win.

      Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr defiantly danced with each other after the first goalCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian immediately ran to the corner flag where he was joined by his compatriot Vinicius Jr, who performed his trademark dance with the goalscorer.
      The pair sent a message to Spanish agent Pedro Bravo following his racist abuse of Vinicius this week.
      Bravo accused the winger of disrespecting opponents and likened his antics to that of a monkey.
      That was followed up by Atletico fans calling Vinicius a monkey ahead of kick-off at the Wanda Metropolitano.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Vinicius has also spoken out on the issue and has insisted that he will continue to dance and celebrate as it makes him happy.
      In a heartfelt video, he said: “They say that happiness bothers.
      “The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers much more.
      “But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that.
      Most read in Football
      “You can’t even imagine it. I was a victim of a xenophobic and racist comment. But none of that started yesterday.”
      Vinicius is well known for his dance moves and even performed on stage with Brazilian pop star Ludmilla in the summer.
      He has been ever present for Real on the pitch this season too with five goals and three assists in seven appearances in all competitions. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Antoine Griezmann plays more than half hour of Madrid derby as fans all say same thing

      by

      ANTOINE GRIEZMANN started his first game of the season for Atletico Madrid and lasted more than 29 minutes.The forward, 31, has become something of a hour half hero for Diego Simeone’s side this season.
      Antoine Griezmann started his first game of the season against Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Prior to the derby Griezmann had not played longer than 29 minutes in any Atletico game this season.
      That’s because the Spanish giants are hoping to avoid paying Barcelona £34million as part of the deal that took the Frenchman to the Wanda Metropolitano.
      Griezmann is in the second season of his two-year loan spell at Atletico but the move will be made permanent if he features in half of their games this season.
      But the obligation is only reached if he plays a full 45 minutes of football in half the games.

      However, given the importance of the derby Simeone decided to start the World Cup winner in attack alongside Joao Felix.
      But it did not have the desired effect as Real Madrid took a 2-0 half-time lead through Rodrygo and Fede Valverde.
      Griezmann has featured in every Atletico game this season and has three goals from his previous seven substitute appearances in all competitions, including a late Champions League winner against Porto.
      Football fans found it amusing that Griezmann was allowed to play more than his usual alloted 30 minutes, perhaps expecting Siemone may have hooked him before the half hour mark.
      Most read in Football
      One supporter wrote: “Hold on, it’s been 30 minutes and Griezmann is still on the pitch 😂
      Another added: “Griezmann has OFFICIALLY played more than 30 mins write it down folks.”
      And a third said: “I thought Griezmann was going to off at minute 30 😅.”
      Barcelona fans were also happy to see Griezmann last the entire half as they are keen to offload him for £34m. More

    • 288 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 2 LIVE REACTION: Rodrygo & Velverde goals seal derby win as Los Blancos go TOP of La Liga

      by

      REAL MADRID beat their fierce rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their La Liga derby tonight in Spain’s capital. Goals from Rodrygo and Federico Valverde put Real in control before Hermoso, who was sent off in stoppage time for Atletico, pulled one back late on.

      Start time: 8pm BST
      TV/Live stream: ITV 4
      Atletico XI: Oblak, Llorente, Felipe, Reinildo, Carrasco, Witsel, Kondogbia, Koke, De Paul, Joao Felix, Griezmann
      Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Tchouameni, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Mendy

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Thanks and buenas noches!
      There’s usually fireworks when Atletico square off against Real Madrid and tonight was no different.
      Atletico struggled to get back into the game once Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead towards the end of the first half, but Diego Simeone can be proud of the character that his team showed late on.
      The sparks really started flying once Hermoso was introduced in the 72nd minute.
      He wasted little time in putting his stamp on the contest and it was his goal that gave Atletico hope.
      However, Hermoso’s red card towards the end of normal time effectively put an end to the contest.
      Real Madrid were in control of the contest for long periods and limited Atletico to half-chances and shots from distance.
      They were in cruise control for most of the second half and were perhaps unfortunate to concede a freak goal that took some of the shine off the result.
      Atletico will travel to Sevilla after the international break as they look to climb the table.
      Real Madrid will host Osasuna as they look to maintain their perfect record this season.
      Thanks again for joining us for another exciting Madrid derby. Adios!

      Atletico’s uncharacteristic defending
      Diego Simeone’s Atletico teams are famed for their defensive abilities but Madrid’s forward line exposed them time and time again this evening.
      The sheer pace of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr on the break was just too much for an Atletico team that is still trying to find its feet this season.

      Madrid extend perfect run
      Real Madrid’s victory takes them back to the top spot in La Liga, two points above Barcelona.
      They made it harder for themselves than they perhaps should have done in the end, but they will be happy with their work in what is never an easy game.
      Full-time: Atletico 1 – 2 Real Madrid
      Hermoso’s red card was the final nail in Atletico’s coffin and they were unable to fashion one more chance for themselves in the remaining minutes.
      Stay with us for the post-match reaction to another incident-filled Madrid derby!
      RED CARD! Atletico 1 – 2 Real Madrid – (Hermoso)
      90. Hermoso picks up a second yellow just two minutes after his first.
      He tussles with Dani Ceballos in the penalty area while a corner kick comes in.
      Ceballos makes the most of the contact and goes down, prompting the referee to show Hermoso a second yelklow.
      If Atletico are to snatch a late point, they’ll have to do it with ten men.

      Atletico 1 – 2 Real Madrid – Yellow card (Hermoso) (Carvajal)
      88. It’s getting feisty now!
      Hermoso takes exception to a foul on Reinildo by Carvajal on the half way line.
      The two Spaniards square off and both pick up a yellow card for their troubles.
      Atletico 1 – 2 Real Madrid
      87. That goal has understandably changed the atmosphere in the stadium.
      The crowd can sense that they might just nick a point here and Simeone is riling them up.
      Can they create one more chance?
      GOAL! Atletico 1 – 2 Real Madrid (Hermoso)
      83. Hermoso didn’t know much about it, but he’s just hauled his team back into the game!
      Griezmann sends a corner into the crowded penalty area and Courtois flaps at it.
      The ball travels on to Hermoso and deflects into the goal via his shoulder.
      Game on!

      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      80. Toni Kroos has put the ball out of play because Carvajal is laying prone on the pitch.
      Carvajal is claiming an elbow from Kondogbia, but there wasn’t much there in all honesty.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      79. Atletico are huffing and puffing but still can’t find a way past Courtois.
      Correa the latest player to send a weak shot towards goal that Courtois easily smothers.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      75. Real Madrid make their first change of the night as Antonio Rudiger comes on for Ferland Mendy who had been booked.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      76. It’s another double change for the home team as Hermoso and Correa replace Carrasco and Koke.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      72. Atletico are playing in a 4-4-2 formation since that double substitution, but they still haven’t been able to create an opportunity of note in this second half.
      Simeone is making more changes to his team now.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      68. Kondogbia has just been surprised at having the ball nicked off him by a tenacious Rodrygo despite the warnings of 68,000 screaming MAN-ON at him.
      Google translate tells me that HOMBRE-EN is the direct Spanish translation.
      Every day’s a school day.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      64. The cameras have shown Joao Felix trudging his way down the tunnel following his substitution.
      Perhaps he’s picked up an injury, but it’s not a great look when your team are two goals down at home to your rivals.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid – Yellow card (Koke)
      63. Koke has his name taken for a cynical foul on Rodrygo.
      Wouldn’t have been out of place in the NFL, that one.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      62. Simeone makes a double change as Rodrigo de Paul and Joao Felix are replaced by Matheus Cunha and Alvaro Morata.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      61. Atletico play a short corner and Griezmann plays a dangerous cross into the box but his teammates can’t get on the end of it.
      Time for a change of personnel for Atletico.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      58. The half-time break hasn’t done much to wake Atletico up from their slumber.
      Real Madrid have won every header and been quicker to every second ball so far.
      Simeone is turning to his substitutes as a way of getting his team back into the contest.

      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      56. Griezmann dinks the ball towards the back post, but again the Real Madrid defenders clear the ball without being put under too much pressure.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      55. de Paul has earned another free-kick in a dangerous position, just outside the Real Madrid penalty area.
      Can Atletico make better use of this one?
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      54. Griezmann’s cross fails to beat the first man and Real Madrid comfortable clear.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      53. Atletico have a free-kick near the corner flag after good work by Llorente and de Paul on the right wing…
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      50. Real Madrid don’t seem to be missing Casemiro too much.
      They’ve got a ready-made replacement in the shape of Aurelien Tchouameni.
      The 22-year-old Frenchman has dovetailed expertly with the more experienced Modric and Kroos tonight.
      Atletico 0 – 2 Real Madrid
      48. Rodrygo has been a thorn in Atletico’s side all night and he is almost away again after dancing past Llorente near the halfway line, but de Paul comes across to mop up.
      Load more entries… More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona set to go back to the future with retro 1970s badge for 2023-24 season

      by

      BARCELONA will go full retro as they prepare to change their badge for the 2023/24 season. The Spanish giants have seen 10 badges throughout their history, with the current one being kept in place since 2002.
      Barcelona’s current badgeCredit: Roddy Scott – The Sun Glasgow
      Barcelona could introduce this retro badge onto their 2023/24 away kitCredit: Footy Headlines
      How the modern badge looked on a previous kitCredit: Getty
      However, it seems the club want to spice things up a little bit by throwing in something new, but old.
      Barcelona have spent years trying experimental and modern kits, but now the club is going back to its roots with a plan to please football purists.
      Along with kit manufacturer Nike, the club are planning a retro theme with their away kit in the 2023/24 season.
      The kit will feature a club crest from the 1970s, with Footy Headlines predicting the logo will be the one from the 1974/75 season.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The Blaugrana used three different badges in the 1970s.
      The first which they used for 14 years prior to the 74′ change had C.F.B. written on, before the next kit switched this to F.C.B. and went for a more sleek design by rounding it off and cutting the extra frills.
      However, the white background behind the letters didn’t last as the crest was updated again.
      This time the update saw the return of the yellow background but kept the lettering the same.
      Most read in Football
      Of the three it bears the most similarities to its successor – the modern crest – with the main difference being the boldness and sharpness of the colouration in the badge.
      The current badge looks like it is here to stay for a while longer, but fans could be pleasantly refreshed with this flash from the past. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Jorginho being tracked by Barcelona over contract situation and could make January transfer move

      by

      BARCELONA are keeping an eye on Jorginho’s contract situation at Chelsea and they could make a move for him in the new year.The Italian is in the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge and Barcelona are interested in bringing him to the club on a free transfer.
      Jorginho is wanted by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barca see him as a possible replacement for long-serving Sergio Busquets.
      Nou Camp legend Busquets, 34, is also out of contract at the end of the season and the Spanish giants accept he will need replacing soon.
      If Jorginho does not agree an extension soon he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in January.
      It remains unclear whether the 30-year-old is part of Graham Potter’s plans at Chelsea.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However he did play the full 90 minutes in his first game in charge of the Blues versus Salzburg in the Champions League.
      Jorginho has been a Chelsea player since 2018 when he signed from Napoli.
      He has since gone onto play 196 times for the West Londoners scoring 27 goals.
      At the club he has won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He also played an important role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win.
      Jorginho already has connections to the Barcelona squad as Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso both joined the club in the summer.
      Xavi continues to look to revamp their squad despite financial problems.
      And more central midfielders could be needed especially if Manchester United and Chelsea go back in for Frenkie de Jong. More