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      Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois in race against time to be fit to face Liverpool after suffering groin injury

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      REAL MADRID goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faces a race against time to be fit for their Champions League tie with Liverpool. Courtois picked up an adductor injury during the warm-up before Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Mallorca on Sunday.
      Thibaut Courtois was injured during the warm-up before Real Madrid’s loss to MallorcaCredit: Getty
      Courtois now faces a race to be fit for the Champions League clash with LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
      The Real Madrid No1 underwent medical tests on Monday morning.
      And, while Madrid were relieved to discover the Belgian’s injury is not serious, he remains a doubt for Los Blancos’ latest Champions League showdown with Liverpool.
      Courtois, 30, will miss Madrid’s Club World Cup Campaign which gets underway on Wednesday against Egyptian side Al Ahly.
      But he has 15 days to recover for the last-16 first-leg clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds at Anfield on February 21.
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      The return leg between last season’s two finalists will take place in the Spanish capital on March 15.
      Real Madrid will have their fingers crossed as they already have major fitness doubt over Karim Benzema and Eder Militao.
      It is the second injury of the season for Courtois who was voted the best keeper in the world last year.
      Back-up Andriy Lunin stepped in for the shock loss to Mallorca, which allowed Barcelona to open up an eight-point lead at the top of LaLiga.
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      Boss Carlo Ancelotti said: “It’s a defeat that hurts a lot.
      “But it was the game we expected and we prepared for it, a difficult game with a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppages.
      “We didn’t play badly, especially in the second half. Conceding early affected us a lot, and we missed a penalty.” More

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      Barcelona star Jules Kounde issues statement apologising for ‘exaggerated’ celebration against Sevilla

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      JULES KOUNDE apologised for his “exaggerated” celebration against Sevilla.The Barcelona star, 24, played at right-back in Sunday’s 3-0 win over his former team.
      Jules Kounde, right, joined in the wild celebrations against SevillaCredit: Getty
      The defender spent three years at Sevilla before joining BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      And the ace could not resist his jubilant reaction when Jordi Alba opened the scoring just before the hour mark at the Nou Camp.
      Kounde – who left Sevilla for Barcelona in a £46million transfer last summer after his Chelsea move collapsed – let out all the emotions after his new side eventually broke down a steely Sevilla defence.
      But he took to Twitter with a short statement to say sorry to his former employers and their fans, after making 133 appearances across his three seasons at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
      Frenchman Kounde wrote: “I was always grateful for the opportunity to wear the red and white jersey and for the love I received during my time there.
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      “That is why I wanted to apologise for the goal celebration which, in a moment of euphoria, was exaggerated on my part.
      “I wish you the best, always.”
      Gavi and Raphinha added goals to secure a 3-0 win, which extended Barcelona’s lead at the top of LaLiga to eight points following Real Madrid’s shock defeat at Mallorca.
      It also ensured an incredible 15th clean sheet in 20 league games so far this season.
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      Xavi’s men have conceded just seven times – three of which came in the defeat at Real Madrid.
      The only player to score against Barcelona in their last six matches, ironically, is Kounde.
      He accidentally bundled into his own net at the back post in last Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Real Betis.
      The French ace has been part of the phenomenal defensive unit at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Kounde also congratulated Gavi on making it 2-0Credit: Getty More

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      Barcelona ‘confirm LaLiga title’ as they achieve feat Real Madrid ‘can never overcome’ with win over Sevilla

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      BARCELONA have “confirmed the LaLiga title.”That’s by opening up a massive eight-point gap over rivals Real Madrid as they go in search of their first crown since 2019.
      Barcelona have opened up an eight-point gap over Real Madrid in LaLigaCredit: Getty
      Xavi Hernandez’s men made light work of Sevilla on Sunday, cruising to a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.
      And, after Real lost 1-0 at Mallorca earlier in the day, Barca extended their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to eight points.
      Social media stats giant MisterChip say Barcelona have NEVER thrown away a title race after going eight points clear.
      And to make matters worse for Real, they have never clawed back that same gap for a late leapfrog.
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      In fact, Los Blancos themselves have history of throwing away an eight-point lead when they lost the LaLiga title race to Valencia.
      In 2016, Real were 12 points behind Barcelona before hiring Zinedine Zidane.
      And although the Catalans went on to win the title, Real closed to gap down to just one point.
      Despite that, Barcelona fans have been celebrating their barnstorming lead loudly on social media, with many convinced this season’s title race is a done deal.
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      One said: “Madrid doesn’t play anything while Barcelona’s game is spectacular.”
      Another declared: “Wrap up a lot these days. In Madrid they are at minus eight.”
      One laughed: “Everything was more than ready for Xavi’s Barcelona to win some big titles.”
      But another warned: “It is Real Madrid and they can come back even when 99 per cent probability says no.” More

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      Real Madrid ‘accept Jude Bellingham will join Premier League with Man City and Liverpool battling over transfer’

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly accepted that transfer target Jude Bellingham’s next move will be to the Premier League.Bellingham, 19, is one of the most in-demand teenagers in world football after his exploits at the World Cup and for Borussia Dortmund.
      Jude Bellingham has a host of clubs chasing his signatureCredit: Getty
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the ex-Birmingham City midfield ace.
      We reported last week how Newcastle had now joined the transfer chase, while Real Madrid also hold a heavy interest in signing the teenage sensation.
      Los Blancos have been trying to work on a deal for some time with their chief scout Juni Calafat already “taking care of relations” with Bellingham’s father, Mark, who manages his son’s career.
      However, The Athletic have stated that with Liverpool and City both “pushing hard”, Real Madrid “are becoming resigned to the fact that the financial muscle of the Premier League is almost unbeatable”.
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      The LaLiga giants and Champions League holders will still put up a big fight to secure Bellingham.
      However, they accept that any financial package they offer will be below those available from England.

      Dortmund are also desperate to try and keep hold of the youngster.
      The know Premier league clubs are “in pole position” to snap-up their talisman but they still hope to convince him to sign an extension to his current deal which ends in 2025.
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      Bellingham is continuing his World Cup form back at club Dortmund following the winter break.
      He has scored ten goals across all competitions this season.
      And he has also captained the side on numerous occasions throughout the campaign. More

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      Watch Atletico Madrid star celebrate on BENCH as he’s subbed off after disallowed goal – only for VAR to overturn it

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      ANGEL CORREA will never have a more bewildering goal celebration.The winger was mobbed on the bench by Atletico Madrid after being taken off – as VAR eventually awarded him a goal that had been ruled out.

      Atletico winger Angel Correa is overjoyed as he gets off the bench to share his goal joy with fellow home playersCredit: BeIN sports
      Atletico players rushed into celebrate sub Angel Correa after his strike was eventually adjudged a goal by VARCredit: Rex
      Correa brilliantly thumped home a rebound opener on the hour in Saturday’s 1-1 home LaLiga draw with Getafe.
      But it was erased for offside and the Argentinian was promptly replaced by Yannick Carrasco.
      Correa put on a jacket as he settled back on the bench, while referee Antonio Mateu waited for a replay amid confusion and a lengthy delay on the pitch.
      Mateu at last overturned his no-goal verdict – sending Atletico players racing off the pitch to bury the seated Correa in a sea of hugs.
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      The 27-year-old finally scrambled up to take the cheers of the crowd and rejoice in a more conventional way on the touchline.
      And fans on social media were as stunned as Diego Simeone’s men by the bemusing incident.
      One said: “It’s the wildest thing I’ve seen since a pen was awarded to Sevilla in a play that originally ended in a Real Madrid goal two seasons ago.”
      That was a slightly-incorrect reference to ex-Barcelona hero Ivan Rakitic notching a spot-kick in May 2021 to help ruin Real Madrid’s title dream that season.
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      Real striker Karim Benzema was set to win a penalty after being pulled down by Yassine Bounou.
      But replays rolled play back to the other end to spot a handball from Eder Militao in his own box as Sevilla went on to earn a 2-2 draw.
      It also sparked bemusement as some observers made points like: “I thought substitution was not allowed during VAR review.”
      But one fan responded: “He got subbed THEN the VAR guys let the ref know ‘hey we may need to check this out’.
      “Correa was already in his jacket getting warm by the time they decided to review it. While it was live it didn’t look like they were going to review it.”
      Correa had earlier missed a sitter as fourth-placed Atletico struggled to break second-bottom Getafe down.
      And the visitors snatched a shock point on 83 minutes when Saul Niguez handled, enabling Enes Unal  to level from the spot.
      Atletico chief Simeone said: “We went ahead after a huge effort, against a team that defended well and shut off the avenues to goal.
      “We tried in every way, we played the game we wanted to play, we couldn’t get the second goal which allows you to be more calm and then something happened that can happen in a game, an isolated move, a penalty where there wasn’t any danger.”
      Correa, right, was eventually ruled onside when he crashed the opening goal, only for lowly Getafe to rescue a surprise pointCredit: BeIN sports
      Argentina ace Correa was well settled on the bench when his goal was givenCredit: BeIN sports
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      Arsenal legend Mesut Ozil gives hilariously cheeky reply when asked what it was like to play with Cristiano Ronaldo

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      ARSENAL legend Mesut Ozil gave a hilariously response when asked what it is like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. A fan approached the German and questioned him on featuring with the 38-year-old striker during his time at Real Madrid.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil starred together at Real MadridCredit: AFP
      The supporter asked: “What was it like playing with Ronaldo?”
      Ozil cheekily replied: “Ask him, he played with me.”
      Fans found it hilarious, one commented: “He even gave a sly smile at the end.”
      Another reminisced: “The Ozil-Ronaldo connection was unreal. What a team that was.”
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      The playmaker featured alongside Ronaldo in three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      The duo were on the pitch at the same time on 149 occasions and Ozil assisted CR7 for a remarkable 31 goals.
      Their link-up play helped fire Real Madrid to a LaLiga title as well as one Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies.
      Only Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have assisted Ronaldo more often, 47 and 32 times respectively.
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      After his success at Real Madrid, Ozil moved to Arsenal and set up 78 goals in 254 appearances.
      The World Cup winner then made the switch to Fenerbahce before joining Istanbul Basaksehir.
      The 34-year-old has played just seven times this season and there have been rumours that he could soon retire. More

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      Eden Hazard suffers ANOTHER injury to knee as £150m flop set to miss time – his 18th setback since joining Real Madrid

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      REAL MADRID flop Eden Hazard’s injury hell has continued with a knock to his left knee.This marks Hazard’s 18th setback since joining Real from Chelsea for a club record £150million fee in 2019.
      Real Madrid ace Eden Hazard will be sidelined with another knee knockCredit: Getty
      Eden Hazard has suffered his 18th setback at Real MadridCredit: Rex
      The reigning LaLiga champions announced that the winger will be “under observation” before confirming the amount of time he will spend on the sidelines.
      Real issued the following statement: “After the tests carried out today on Eden Hazard by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with patellar tendinosis in his left knee and is under observation.”
      Hazard was considered as one of the best players in the world following 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for Chelsea.
      The 32-year-old was also crucial in Belgium’s stunning 2018 World Cup campaign that saw them finish third.
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      However, the forward has failed to live up to expectations in the last four years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      In fact, the Belgian has only managed seven goals and 11 assists in just 73 appearances.
      Hazard’ stint with Los Blancos has been marred by a raft of injuries.
      During his first season, the attacker suffered a hamstring injury, bruised ankle, hairline crack, fibula fissure and an unidentified knock.
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      The ex-Lille star then sustained two unidentified knocks, four different muscle injuries and a bout of Covid-19 in the 2020-2021 campaign.
      Last season, the 2015 Premier League Player of the Year dealt with a hamstring injury, muscular problems, abdominal influenza and fissure of the fibula.
      Hazard’s injury hell continued this term with an ankle injury in January and another knee knock he sustained just now.
      The forward has only managed one goal and one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.
      His contract runs out in 2024 and he is reportedly considering his future following links with Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr. More

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      Man Utd flop Adnan Januzaj follows Isco out of Sevilla and joins Istanbul Basaksehir in shock loan transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Adnan Januzaj has followed Isco out of the door at Sevilla and joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.Januzaj joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer after his contract at Real Sociedad came to an end.
      Adnan Januzaj has joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loanCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      Januzaj is under contract at Sevilla for another three yearsCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      The former Man Utd wonderkid penned a four-year deal.
      However, a move to the six-time Europa League winners hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
      Sevilla sit 13th in LaLiga and just two points above the relegation zone.
      And Januzaj has made just six appearances this term, failing to score or assist.
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      As a result, the 27-year-old has joined Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.
      Januzaj is the latest high profile star to leave Sevilla, following ex-Real Madrid ace Isco.
      Isco had his Sevilla contract ripped up just months after joining in the summer from Real Madrid.
      The five-time Champions League winner is without a club following the collapse of a free transfer to Union Berlin.
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      Everton are said to be keen on Isco.
      Januzaj was linked with a return to the Premier League in the summer.
      West Ham were said to be keen on Januzaj, with the Hammers under the management of David Moyes.

      Januzaj played under Moyes at Man Utd and Sunderland.
      His first game in Turkey could come on Saturday against Alanyaspor. More