La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd boost as Ousmane Dembele is set to miss both Europa League clashes after Barcelona star suffers injury

      by

      BARCELONA winger Ousmane Dembele could miss both legs of the club’s upcoming Europa League play-off against Manchester United due to a thigh injury.The Frenchman, 25, was forced off during Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Girona on Saturday.
      Ousmane Dembele has sustained a thigh injuryCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman was forced off during Barcelona’s match against GironaCredit: Getty
      He was seen clutching his leg midway through the first half, raising concerns for Xavi and his coaching staff.
      And a post-match statement from the club confirmed that he had sustained an injury to his quadricep.
      The statement read: “Tests carried out this evening on Ousmane Dembele have shown that he has a rectus femoris injury in his left thigh.
      “He is out and his recovery will determine his availability.”
      Read More on Football
      According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, he will be sidelined for five-to-six weeks as a result.
      Consequently, the winger will miss both of Barcelona’s upcoming Europa League games against Man Utd.
      The La Liga giants are due to face the Red Devils twice next month in a play-off which will determine who progresses to the round-of-16.
      Dembele could also miss up to six La Liga games due to the injury.
      Most read in Europa League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Barcelona currently sit at the top of the league table, six points clear of rivals Real Madrid.
      But, the absence of Dembele could hinder the club’s title charge.
      The Frenchman has re-established himself as a crucial first team player for Barcelona this season, with eight goals and seven assists in 28 games so far. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Simeone hints he could QUIT Atletico Madrid after 12 years with club 16 points off Barcelona in LaLiga

      by

      DIEGO SIMEONE has hinted he could QUIT Atletico Madrid after 12 years at the helm.The Argentine made the stunning revelation after crashing out of the Copa del Rey to Real Madrid this week.
      Diego Simeone has hinted it could be his final season at Atletico MadridCredit: EPA
      And with Barcelona 16 points ahead in the title race, Atleti fans could be witnessing the final days of their beloved boss.
      Simeone, 52, has been in charge of the capital club since December 2011 after spending five years there as a player.
      During his time in charge, Atletico have won two titles, two Europa Leagues and two Copa del Reys, while also reaching two Champions League finals.
      However, this season has been a struggle for Simeone in all competitions.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Atletico were first knocked out of the Champions League group stage after finishing bottom of the pile.
      And a shoddy run in LaLiga sees them sit in joint-fourth, 10 points off Real and 16 behind leaders Barcelona.
      Atletico don’t even have the Copa del Rey to play for after Real beat them 3-1 in Thursday’s quarter final.
      And it means Simeone’s future is under the spotlight just a week after signing Barcelona’s Memphis Depay.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Sacked Spain boss Luis Enrique is reportedly being lined up as Simeone’s successor by Atletico chiefs.
      Meanwhile, ex-Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel is targeting a top LaLiga job as he learns Spanish,
      But Simeone himself has now fanned the flames by admitting his future rests on how Atletico – who have nothing left to play for – “finish the season.”
      He declared: “My contract depends a lot on how we finish the club. Every season finale we get together to see how we continue.
      “This year will not be the exception. It is more complex than what you suggest. You will find out when the season ends what will happen.” More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star Herrera pokes fun at himself on Instagram after team-mate’s brutal snub in Athletic Bilbao celebration

      by

      NICO WILLIAMS jokingly claimed he was “going blind” after he hilariously snubbed Athletic Bilbao team-mate Ander Herrera in a goal celebration.The shocking cold shoulder came after they travelled to Valencia last night in the Copa del Rey quarter-final.
      Ander Herrera was ready and waiting with a hug for Nico WilliamsCredit: Rex
      The goalscorer raced straight past his Athletic Bilbao team-mateCredit: Rex
      Iker Muniain gave the visitors the lead before an Oscar de Marcos own goal levelled the scores.
      However, just seconds before the half time break, 20-year-old attacker Williams fired Bilbao back into the lead.
      The Spanish international raced off in celebration after his strike towards pal Herrera.
      Former Manchester United midfielder Herrera, 33, raised his arms high and wide to hug the scorer.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But he was left red-faced as Williams raced straight past him and left him standing.
      Mikel Vesga converted a penalty later on to seal a 3-1 victory and a place in the semis.
      And Herrera seemed to see the funny side as he posted a snap of Williams snubbing him on Instagram afterwards.
      He captioned it: “When you expect Nico Williams to celebrate the goal with you, but you are completely ignored. We are in the semifinals! Zorionak, guys!”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      The likes instantly started mounting, and soon Williams himself dipped into his response to offer his tongue-in-cheek response.
      He wrote: “HAHAHAHA I think I’m going blind.”
      Herrara spent five seasons at Old Trafford, racking up 189 appearances, following his move from Bilbao in 2014.
      But he left the club in 2019 when his contract expired for Paris Saint-Germain before returning to Bilbao on a season-long loan last summer. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Disgraceful scenes as fans hang Vinicius Jr effigy from bridge ahead of Copa del Rey Madrid derby

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID supporters hung a disgusting effigy of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr from a bridge ahead of tonight’s derby.Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti’s sides collide at the Bernabeu with a spot in the Copa del Rey semis at stake.
      Atletico Madrid fans hung an effigy of Vinicius Jr from a bridge ahead of tonight’s derbyCredit: Getty
      And there is little love lost between fans of the Spanish capital heavyweights, with Atleti looking to avenge September’s 2-1 defeat in LaLiga.
      However, some supporters engaged in disgraceful behaviour yesterday by hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr off a bridge in the city.
      An accompanying banner read: “Madrid hates Real Madrid.”
      And LaLiga chiefs are demanding swift action be taken against those responsible, with Vinicius Jr also racially abused by some Atletico fans during September’s game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
      READ MORE ON REAL MADRID
      A statement read: “LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr. 
      “LaLiga, as in the past, will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.”
      Atletico condemned the “despicable” behaviour, saying: “Acts like this are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and embarrass society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is resounding and unmitigated.
      “The rivalry between both clubs is at the highest level, but so is our respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or his colours, can stain the coexistence between different clubs. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid it.
      Most read in Football
      “We do not know the instigator or instigators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities are able to clarify what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behaviour.”
      Meanwhile, a Real Madrid statement added: “Real Madrid would like to thank you for the support and expressions of affection received after the regrettable and repugnant act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius.
      “We would like to express our strongest condemnation of these acts, which are an attack on fundamental rights and the dignity of people, and which have nothing to do with the values that football and sport represent.
      “Attacks such as those suffered by our player, or those suffered by any sportsperson, have no place in a society such as ours.
      “Real Madrid trusts that those who have participated in such a despicable act will be held accountable.”
      Vinicius Jr himself previously called for racist fans to be banned for life, saying in October: “If you hurt other people, you must pay.
      “It’s hard to say that [racism in football] will end with so many people still doing it. But I like to believe that there are more good people than bad.
      “All the racist people must pay in some way, if they like to watch soccer, so those Atletico Madrid fans [who abused me in September’s game] should never be allowed to step foot in a stadium again.
      “That will make them suffer the consequences and reflect about their actions.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gerard Pique goes Instagram official with stunning girlfriend Clara Chia 12 years his junior after bitter Shakira split

      by

      GERARD PIQUE has gone Instagram official with his new girlfriend Clara Chia amid a bitter split with ex-Shakira. The Barcelona legend posted a picture next to Clara – who is 12 years his junior – with the pair smiling for the camera.
      Gerard Pique with new girlfriend Clara ChiaCredit: Instagram
      It comes after Pique, 35, and Shakira, 45, split last year when the Spaniard was believed to have left her for 23-year-old Clara.
      The pair have been engaged in a sour falling-out since they parted ways after a 12-year romance.
      Shakira even released a diss track on her former partner, who she shares two kids with, Sasha, seven, and Milan, ten.
      The singer’s explosive song left little doubt that she is referring to her former partner and his younger lover.
      READ MORE IN football
      In the new track, she takes a swipe at Clara’s age with the lyrics: “I’m worth two 22s. You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo, you traded a Rolex for a Casio.”
      And Pique responded to the song by turning up to work in an £8,000 Renault Twingo.
      It was also reported that Shakira recruited a team of professionals to snoop on her ex before their split last year.
      She is said to have hired a private investigator to trail Pique to confirm her suspicions.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The super sleuth spotted the footballer frequenting the nightclub where his now girlfriend worked, Marca reports.
      It is thought the singer was getting her ducks in a row before the inevitable bitter court showdown over custody of their children and their £12million mansion.
      Rumours have also swirled that Shakira first smelt a rat after taking a look in her fridge at their five-storey Barcelona property.
      The recording artist is said to have returned home from a period of travelling to find a jar of her strawberry jam had been eaten.
      It’s been claimed that Pique follows a strict diet and would not have tucked into the jam – and neither would her children.
      The star is then said to have come to the conclusion that someone else – more specifically another woman – had been in her home, and her fridge.
      Clara is a PR student who is employed by Pique’s events production company, Kosmos.
      Pique is thought to have met her through the organisation.
      Shakira announced her shocking break-up with the World Cup winner last June.
      Read More on The Sun
      Her publicist’s statement read: “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
      Gerard Pique and Shakira pictured in 2015Credit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale takes swipe at Real Madrid when asked by Jon Rahm if he misses former club

      by

      GARETH BALE took a swipe at Real Madrid when asked by John Rahm if he misses his former club.Recently-retired Bale, 33, spent nine years at the Bernabeu following a then-world record £85million move from Tottenham in 2013.
      Gareth Bale has taken a fresh swipe at former side Real MadridCredit: AP
      Bale aimed his dig while playing golf with Jon RahmCredit: Instagram @pgatour
      Bale scored 106 goals in 258 games, winning three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.
      But despite his stunning performances, the forward endured a rocky relationship with the club and their supporters.
      After his passion for the Spanish giants was questioned by fans, Bale infamously posed with a sign saying: “Wales, golf, Madrid – in that order.”
      In 2021 Bale was abused by a group of supporters who gathered at Real’s training ground.
      READ MORE ON GARETH BALE
      And after departing the Bernabeu for a move to LAFC last summer, Bale admitted he was enjoying feeling loved again by a new fanbase.
      But the Wales legend has now aimed another dig at Real while playing golf with iconic putter Jon Rahm.
      The Spaniard asked Bale whether he missed playing for the European heavyweights.
      And Bale responded: “I miss them a little… but not too much.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      After their game of golf, Rahm also revealed he couldn’t believe how good Bale was at the sport.
      Rahm declared: “I told Gareth you just can’t be so good at football and golf at the same time, it just doesn’t seem fair.
      “You can’t be dedicated to one thing and still have this much talent for golf, it’s not fair in the slightest.
      “He loves golf. He really wants to play a little bit more and hopefully in the future I’ll see him more times in the Pro-Am.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona have attempt to register Gavi as first-team player REJECTED by LaLiga and are now banned from adding to squad

      by

      BARCELONA’S attempt to register wonderkid Gavi as a first-team player has been REJECTED by LaLiga – and the Spanish giants are banned from adding to their squad.Gavi, 18, is currently listed as an academy player despite being a full Spain international.
      Barca have been blocked from registering Gavi as a first-team playerCredit: Rex
      The midfielder signed a new contract in September and Barca thought it followed LaLiga’s criteria for a first-team player.
      And so they were confident their request to register Gavi would go through when they sent over the documentation.
      But according to The Athletic, Barca’s attempt to register the La Masia wonderkid was turned down.
      Barca are now unable to register any new contracts on their wage bill due to LaLiga’s salary caps.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
      Barca have a negative balance, which is largely due to their Champions League exit in the group stages.
      And so LaLiga did not validate Gavi’s extension.
      Barca will have to significantly reduce their wage bill in summer, or find new sponsorships to register contracts.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      They will also not be able to call upon last summer’s tricks and pull any more economic levers.
      It allowed Barca to register players but this avenue has been stopped after LaLiga changed its rules to reduce their impact on the salary limit calculation.
      Barca have been saving the No6 in their squad for Gavi since last summer.
      They wanted to hand Gavi the iconic shirt worn by current manager Xavi.
      But he will have to stick with the No30 as he cannot wear a squad number below 25 due to technically still being an academy player.
      Defender Ronald Araujo is in the same situation as Gavi.
      He agreed to a contract extension until 2026 but is still not registered with LaLiga as a first-team player. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda misses training with Real Valladolid as he’s set to make decision on future TODAY

      by

      REAL VALLADOLID wonderkid Ivan Fresneda reportedly missed training today as he decides whether to sign for Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund.We reported earlier how the Gunners and Dortmund had agreed a £13.1million deal for the right-back.
      Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda missed training with Real Valladolid todayCredit: Getty
      The Spaniard, 18, has shone at Real Valladolid in LaLiga this season and has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Newcastle.
      But now the star appears to have a straight choice between joining Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders or the Bundesliga giants.
      Spanish outlet Marca claims that Fresneda was “absent with discomfort” from the club’s training session earlier.
      Arsenal have allowed full-back Cedric Soares, 31, to depart the Emirates and join Fulham on loan for the rest of the season.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      That has freed up space in the squad for the potential arrival of the Spanish U19 international.
      It has been widely-reported that Dortmund believe they are ahead of the Gunners in the chase for the teen’s signature.
      They are currently in a battle for a top four spot in the Bundesliga, sitting sixth but just seven points off leaders Bayern Munich.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal are top of the Premier League, five points ahead of defending champions Man City.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But whichever outfit he eventually opts for, it is also expected that Fresneda will spend the remainder of the campaign with Valladolid on loan.
      He has already made 12 appearances this term, but he has been unable to stop Valladolid’s shocking recent form.
      The club have lost five games in a row in LaLiga and are without a win since the beginning of November.
      As a result of their poor run, they have slipped into the relegation zone. More