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      Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal involved in furious spat with Barcelona boss Xavi during heated Copa del Rey El Clasico

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      REAL MADRID star Dani Carvajal was involved in a heated spat with Barcelona manager Xavi during a feisty Clasico.The fierce rivals met in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, with the Catalan giants winning 1-0.
      Dani Carvajal and Xavi got involved in an argument during the gameCredit: @teledeporte
      Barcelona boss Xavi was booked following the spatCredit: Reuters
      Carvajal saw his side lose 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finalCredit: Getty
      The hosts grew increasingly annoyed that they could not break down their opponents’ stubborn defence and it led to a war of words between the Real Madrid right-back and Barcelona’s boss.
      Carvajal challenged Alejandro Balde for a header just in front of the dugout where Xavi was getting more and more animated.
      The defender reportedly shouted at him sarcastically: “You’re very smart.”
      Xavi responded: “An idiot, you’re an idiot.”
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      And he even gestured that Carvajal was talking too much.
      It led to Xavi receiving a yellow card as the fourth official spotted the altercation, but the player escaped unpunished.

      After the final whistle, the pair appeared to put their differences to one side as the duo shook hands and exchanged some more friendly-looking words.
      Xavi’s battles against Carvajal go back many years from when the manager used to play for Barcelona.
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      He made 42 appearances in El Clasico games from 2002 to 2015.
      Meanwhile, Carvajal is one of Real Madrid’s longest serving members of the squad and has been at the club for nearly ten years.
      It was not the only incident in a fiery clash, as Vinicius Junior and Frenkie De Jong were involved in a battle that has been likened to WWE.
      Barca take their 1-0 advantage back to the Nou Camp for the second leg that takes place on April 5 as both look to make the final to face either Osasuna or Athletic Bilbao.
      Before then, the two Spanish giants meet in LaLiga on March 19, where Xavi and Carvajal could reignite their feud.
      They still shook hands at the end of the gameCredit: @teledeporte More

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      Watch Vinicius Jr try to ‘perform a suplex’ on De Jong as feisty El Clasico turns into WWE leaving fans in hysterics

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      VINICIUS JR “performed a suplex” on Frenkie de Jong as the two stars got into it during Barcelona’s 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first leg win at Real Madrid.Carlo Ancelotti’s side hosted Barca at Santiago Bernabeu, and as per usual there was no love lost between the two sides.

      The rival pair wrestled each otherCredit: Reuters
      Frenkie de Jong appeared to inadvertently grab Vini’s crotch region
      The first major flashpoint occurred mid-way through the first-half, when Vini Jr and De Jong got into a tangle.
      As the pair jostled for the ball, De Jong’s hand appeared to inadvertently grab at Vini’s crotch region.
      The Brazilian subsequently threw his Dutch counterpart to the ground, with some fans likening it to a WWE move.
      It was the Real Madrid star that was penalised, despite replays suggesting that both were at it.
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      One Barca fan argued: “De Jong is literally the one who carries the ball, Vinicius is going to steal it, legal struggle until Vinicius’s German Suplex.”
      Another Twitter user disagreed with this assessment, however, tweeting: “They both get into it, but somehow Vini is the one who gets booked.”
      A second whined: “Vinicius got a yellow for a De Jong foul. Disgusting.”
      And another added: “Vini in WWE.”
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      Vini ‘performed’ a suplex’ on his opponentCredit: EPA
      A further user asked: “Did you see how Vinicius grabbed Frenkie’s neck and slammed him down like it’s a UFC match?”
      With both teams jostling for an advantage – it was Madrid who thought they’d landed first through Karim Benzema.
      But the Frenchman’s sublime finish was subsequently ruled out for offside.
      And the deadlock was then broken by Barcelona, when Eder Militao inadvertently turned into his own net.
      Franck Kessie then looked certain to have put Barca 2-0 up in the second-half… only for his OWN PLAYER Ansu Fati to block the ball from going in.
      Tempers continued to flare late on, with Barca boss Xavi booked in stoppage time for protesting to the fourth official.
      He needn’t have worried, however, as his side managed to hold firm during a late Madrid onslaught to take a 1-0 lead into the second leg at home.
      The duo both looked sheepishly at the refereeCredit: AP
      Franck Kessie fumed at team-mate Ansu FatiCredit: Reuters
      Fati’s block prevented a certain goalCredit: BT Sport Football More

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      Barcelona slapped with summer transfer ban with LaLiga refusing to let them register players over FFP breaches

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      BARCELONA have been placed under a transfer ban this summer because of their inability to rein in costs.La Liga chief executive Javier Tebas revealed that Barca’s “questionable behaviour” had put the Catalan giants on Spanish football’s naughty step.
      Barcelona boss Xavi doesn’t look like he will be signing any players this summerCredit: AFP
      LaLiga president Javier Tebas claims Barcelona will not be able to sign players in the summerCredit: Getty
      Barca have spent wildly in recent years and tried to balance the book by effectively mortgaging future TV and other incomes by selling off a stake in the club.
      Now the Nou Camp side is embroiled in another row after it emerged they had allegedly been paying off a senior member of Spanish football’s refereeing hierarchy over multiple seasons.
      And speaking at the FT Business of Football summit in London, Tebas confirmed: “As of today, Barcelona doesn’t have any room in its budget to spend in the upcoming transfer window.
      “Barcelona has been involved in questionable behaviour which has had an impact on LaLiga – and we are acting accordingly.”
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      Tebas added: “We have ruled that they can no longer sign more players.
      “They sold off €700m in TV rights and tried to find different ways to solve the situation.

      “But they won’t be able to do that next season.
      “We have strict economic controls. At the end of each window, we tell all the clubs in La Liga what they can spend.
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      “In the case of Barcelona, they have to drop from spending on wages and transfers from €650m to €450m – so it’s a budget of minus €200m.
      “They have to reduce their investment in players and we have encouraged them to sell players because for every amount they raise in sales they can spend 40 per cent of that.”
      As for the refereeing corruption scandal, Tebas added: “It doesn’t matter that it’s Barcelona – it’s about the reputation of LaLiga as a competition.
      “This is a very serious issue. The statute of limitations has run out but we are acting on the criminality side of things.
      “Barcelona has a lot to explain about these payments.” More

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      Newcastle braced for bids for Bruno Guimaraes as Real Madrid put midfielder as one of their top transfer targets

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      NEWCASTLE are reportedly braced to receive bids for Bruno Guimaraes.That’s after Real Madrid made the midfielder one of their top targets this summer.
      Real Madrid could finally move for Bruno Guimaraes this summer, with other teams interestedCredit: Getty
      Mundo Deportivo claims a host of elite sides are chasing Guimaraes following his stunning 12 months at St James’ Park.
      The Brazil star signed in a £40million move from Lyon in January 2022.
      And he’s gone on to become one of the Premier League’s best midfielders with eight goals in 34 appearances.
      Newcastle are desperate to tie Guimaraes down to a new long-term deal.
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      But it’s reckoned Real Madrid could finally come prowling after showing initial interest last summer.
      Guimaraes was seen as a replacement for Casemiro after his move to Manchester United.
      And with Toni Kroos’ future now uncertain, Real could finally launch a big-money bid.
      But they aren’t the only team interested in a swoop.
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      Juventus have been tipped for a bid after Paul Pogba’s injury nightmare since joining in the summer.
      And there are also links with Chelsea, who have already spent over £600m on new signings under Todd Boehly.
      Meanwhile, Guimaraes tweeted an emotional message to Newcastle fans after Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Man United.
      He said: “That’s football. Not always giving our best is enough. Let’s keep walking our path in pursuit of Newcastle’s success.
      “With delivery, dedication and love for the project and fans were represent.
      “Healing our wounds and moving forward in search of the top. For NUFC. For the fans.
      “I’m proud but not happy. Because I’ll never accept the defeat. I have no words for your support. Thank you so much.” More

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      Man City facing fight to keep hold of Bernardo Silva with his future ‘not clear’ as Barcelona circle for attacker

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      BERNARDO SILVA could be on his way to Barcelona with his Manchester City future up in the air, according to reports. The Portuguese star has been tracked by Barcelona for some time and was wanted in a £70million transfer last summer.
      Bernardo Silva could be on his way to BarcelonaCredit: AP
      However, this move failed, and fast forward eight months the La Liga leaders are once again set to try and land the 28-year-old.
      According to The Telegraph, Silva’s future at the club is “uncertain.”
      And Spanish outlet Sport have reported Silva’s intention is to leave the Premier League.
      Silva has once again enjoyed a strong season at the Etihad, scoring three goals and adding five assists in 23 Premier League games.
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      But with the Cityzens falling behind in the title race to Arsenal, Pep Guardiola has reshuffled his tactical layout.
      This has seen Silva deployed like an auxiliary left-back, filling in and helping City in buildup from their defensive third.
      Despite the change in position, Silva has continued to excel, ranking well in a number of metrics.
      These include ranking ninth in the division for progressive carries, 13th in goal-creating actions and 17th for tackles in the middle third.
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      Silva would likely fit Xavi’s system at Barcelona well, explaining their long-term interest.
      However, they will need to pay up the reported £71m asking price (€80m).
      Should the Blaugrana fail in their attempts to land Silva, Sport’s report suggests Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested.
      Meanwhile, City could replace Silva with Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic. More

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      I won it all with Barcelona and starred in the Premier League but now I’m carving out a shock career in new sport

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      A FORMER Barcelona star who played with Lionel Messi is now pursuing a different sporting journey.The ex-striker even graced the Premier League for four years in a career that took him around the globe.
      Bojan Krkic won the Champions League twice with BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      He won LaLiga four times between 2008-2011 and the Champions League twice in 2009 and 2011.
      After that he joined Ajax on loan for a season where he won Eredivisie before a permanent move to Stoke followed.
      Most recently the 32-year-old played for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he was released in December.
      Since then the man in question, Bojan Krkic, has continued to pursue his other sporting love – gravel cycling.
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      He revealed it was love at first sight when it came to the sport and he loves to get out on the trail whenever he can.
      Bojan is also part of a new cycling brand called Guava which was founded in Barcelona, with former team-mate Andres Iniesta also a part of the project according to AS.
      Speaking about the new venture, Bojan said: “I think that when I enter this project it will be to stay and that I continue to be linked to cycling.It is a good way to combine sport and social activity.
      “I could participate soon to be in some races. I’m going to prepare for it.
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      I have always liked the bike, even as a means of transportation, but for about five years I have loved gravel. Whenever I can, I go out to do my routes.
      “Regarding soccer, it also serves as training, because as it has no physical impact it allows you to travel many kilometers without damaging the body.” More

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      ‘They are sick to the teeth of him’ – Chelsea handed HUGE transfer boost in signing Joao Felix on permanent deal

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      THERE is no way back for Joao Felix at Atletico Madrid, reports claim.And the news comes as a boost to Chelsea’s hopes of signing the 23-year-old on a permanent deal.
      Joao Felix joined Chelsea on loan in JanuaryCredit: Rex
      Felix joined the Blues on loan in January from the LaLiga giants.
      The forward has impressed in his short time at the club, scoring in the 1-1 draw at West Ham last month.
      Felix himself recently hinted that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge when his loan deal expires at the end of the campaign.
      And his chances of joining Chelsea have been boosted following reports that Felix’s Atletico team-mates are “sick to the teeth of him”.
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      It’s claimed Felix, who signed for Atletico from Benfica in 2019 for £111million, only remains in contact with two players at the club.
      Journalist Miguel Martin Talavera told AS TV, via Football Espana: “What is clear is that Joao Felix is going one way and Atletico Madrid are going the other.”
      Talavera added: “Right now, Joao Felix is still in contact with two players at Atletico Madrid. After four years, Reinildo, who arrived just over a year ago, and Sergio Reguilon, are the ones who he is closest with. With the rest, there is nothing, no friendship.”
      Talavera continued: “The reason is, they are sick to the teeth of him. They think he only looks out for himself, for his objectives.
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      “The things he did harmed the team and harmed the group.”
      After being sent off on his Chelsea debut, Felix scored on his return at West Ham.
      Fans were then left making the same joke after realising Felix’s strike at London Stadium was the Blues’ only goal in February.
      Chelsea have just two wins in 15 Premier League games, leaving boss Graham Potter fighting to save his job. More

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      Real Madrid make Jude Bellingham and Josko Gvardiol top two transfer targets as Spaniards plan raid for young stars

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly made Jude Bellingham and Josko Gvardiol their top summer transfer targets.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 is one of two top transfer targets for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Croatian star Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig is the otherCredit: Getty
      Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been linked with the ex-Birmingham City midfield ace.
      We reported last month how Newcastle had now joined the transfer chase, while Real Madrid have also held 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.
      But there was a growing feeling that they “are becoming resigned to the fact that the financial muscle of the Premier League is almost unbeatable”.
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      However, after famously missing out on Kylian Mbappe last summer, the England international has been made one Madrid’s “main targets” for the next transfer window.
      That is according to Spanish publication Sport, who also claim that fellow World Cup star Gvardiol is the other.
      Chelsea have targeted the Croatian defender for several months and tried to sign him in January.
      But after Gvardiol scored for RB Leipzig against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 last week his manager Marco Rose issued a hands off warning.
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      The ace is under contract until 2027 – but that does not appear to be deterring Madrid.
      Los Blancos are allegedly preparing for the departure of midfield veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric at the end of the season along with defender Nacho Fernandez.
      And they look set to go all-out to bring in the young duo to bolster their ranks and replace them. More