La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Simeone ‘to leave Atletico Madrid at end of season’ with club well behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in title race

      by

      DIEGO SIMEONE has told Atletico Madrid that he will leave the club at the end of the season, according to reports.The Argentine has brought unprecedented success during his 11-year stay at the club, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League finals.
      Diego Simeone is reportedly set to leave Atletico Madrid in the summerCredit: Alamy
      However, the club have had a horror first half of the season domestically and continentally.
      Following a 1-0 defeat at home to Barcelona, Atleti sit fifth in the table, outside the Champions League places.
      And they suffered an embarrassing Champions League campaign, finished bottom of a group containing Porto, Bayer Leverkusen and Club Brugge.
      Journalist Paco Garcia Caridad told El Chiringuito: “Simeone will not continue at Atleti in the coming season.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “He has told [President] Gil Marin that he will leave in January.”
      Simeone’s season so far has also been marred by a row with star talent Joao Felix.
      The Portugal star is reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea on loan after falling out with the Argentine.
      Paco Garcia Caridad also suggested that Joao Felix was ready to agree a one-year contract extension with Atletico precisely because Simeone is set to depart.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Simeone led Atletico to the 2014 title with a famous draw at the Nou Camp in a final day clash in which either team could have won the league.
      And he repeated the feat in the lockdown season in 2020-21 as the club won their 11th title on the final day.
      However, he was not able to bring the coveted Champions League trophy to the club for the first time as he was thwarted twice by rivals Real Madrid.
      In 2014, a last minute Sergio Ramos header took the game to extra time where Real won 4-1.
      And in 2016 Atleti were beaten on penalties by the same opposition after a 1-1 draw.
      Simeone did get one over the club’s great rivals in one cup final though, famously beating Real at the Bernabeu to win the 2013 Copa del Rey. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

      by

      CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
      Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
      However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
      Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
      Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
      With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
      But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
      The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
      Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘verbally agree £10m Joao Felix loan transfer as they beat Man Utd and Arsenal to Atletico Madrid outcast’

      by

      CHELSEA have “verbally agreed” to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season, according to reports.The Blues are ready to pay the £10million loan fee that Atletico Madrid are demanding for the forward.
      Joao Felix is eager to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
      Graham Potter’s side are also happy to cover the Portuguese star’s entire salary for the remainder of the season.
      Felix, 23, went into the January transfer window desperate to leave Atletico, having fallen out with boss Diego Simeone.
      According to The Athletic, Chelsea have won the race for his signature.
      They claim that Felix has snubbed interest from Manchester United and Arsenal after being “attracted by Chelsea’s project”.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The Daily Record add that he has already told pals he is moving to England.
      It’s claimed that Chelsea want to include an option to buy in the loan deal.
      But Atletico may have been waiting to see if they received a better offer.
      The Red Devils were reportedly told to stump up £70.5m at the end of the season for Felix, in addition to an initial £9.5m loan fee.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Arsenal, meanwhile, have been exploring options up top after the injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus.
      Felix is set to follow former Molde striker David Datro Fofana in joining Chelsea this month.
      And it’s claimed that the Blues could look to add another attacking player before the end of the window.
      Both Chelsea and the Gunners have been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk.
      But neither have so far been willing to stump up the £85m offer that the Ukrainian side have been demanding.
      The Blues have scored just 12 goals in 11 Prem matches since Potter took the helm.
      They have struggled to create quality chances, with their xG, shots on target and shots attempted numbers all among the worst in the Premier League over Potter’s 11 matches to date.
      Chelsea have already spent around £300m on transfers since Todd Boehly bought the club last year.
      In addition to Fofana and Felix, they also recruited Benoit Badiashile from Monaco earlier this month for £35m.
      After yesterday’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, Potter vowed that his team need to “stick together”.
      He said: “You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct.
      “We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all.”
      “You understand the supporters’ frustration, we respect that.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There are always other opinions and negativity and criticism because the results haven’t been positive.
      “That’s part of the job and part of the challenge.” More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘WWE would be proud’ – Watch Torres and Savic WRESTLE on pitch as pair sent off in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Atletico

      by

      FERRAN TORRES and Stefan Savic were both sent off for WRESTLING during Barcelona’s clash with Atletico Madrid.The match turned feisty late on as home side Atletico hunted an equaliser.

      Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres wrestle each otherCredit: Getty
      The duo tussled in stoppage time of Atletico’s clash with BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Barca had been ahead since the first half, when Ousmane Dembele swept them into a 22nd minute lead.
      Atleti had been upset with the goal, surrounding the referee after feeling that Gavi had got away with a foul in the build-up.
      Their claims were weak, however, and the effort was allowed to stand.
      Atletico remained frustrated as the game wore on, with Savic and Barca ace Torres eventually letting their tempers get the best of them.
      Read More Football Stories
      After Savic dispossessed Torres on the halfway line, the duo fell to the ground together.
      As play continued down the field, Torres appeared to have a yank at his opponent’s tightly cropped hair.
      The Montenegrin took exception to this, momentarily appearing to get Torres into a head lock.
      Savic then shoved Torres off as they both got back to their feet, but the damage had been done.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      Tempers flared towards the end of the matchCredit: Getty
      Both were shown red cards for their actions, and had to miss the final exchanges.
      Savic appeared to argue his case with the fourth official, almost going head to head with him as Atletico staff tried to calm him down.
      Tweeting out a video of the incident, ITV Football wrote: “The WWE would be proud of this…”
      And a fan responded: “That gets 6 stars in the Tokyo Dome.”
      Another Twitter user joked: “I like how the referee left them to enjoy their fight!”
      A third added: “Without the Jersey, you might call it a different sport. Wrestling I think.”
      The home side felt that they should have had a penalty moments earlier, when Alvaro Morata threw himself to the turf in the box.
      But nothing was given, and Barca held on for a crucial win.
      The three points saw Xavi’s side move three clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, and 14 above fifth-placed Atletico.
      Both players received their marching ordersCredit: EPA
      Alvaro Morata felt he should have had a spot kickCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘want Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde transfer but face competition from Newcastle for Spain World Cup star’

      by

      ARSENAL are interested in signing Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde, according to reports.At 19, the full-back is already a regular in Xavi’s side.
      Alejandro Balde is in high demandCredit: Getty
      He has entered the final 18 months of his Barca contract, and the Catalan side are experiencing complications in trying to agree an extension.
      Xavi and Co want to offer Balde an extension that would keep him at the club until 2027.
      But due to their precarious financial situation and LaLiga’s salary cap rules, they would not be able to register him as a first-team player if he were to pen a new deal.
      According to Spanish paper Sport, the situation is “frustrating” Balde.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      They understand that the youngster is eager to secure his future.
      And the situation has alerted Arsenal to his potential availability.
      Should he be up for grabs, the Gunners would face competition from moneybags Newcastle.
      Despite his contractual situation, Balde is unlikely to come cheap.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Barcelona are extremely reluctant to sell, and it could take an enormous bid to change their minds.
      Balde has made 25 first-team appearances for Barca, including 18 this term.
      He has also burst onto the scene for his country, earning a place in Luis Enrique’s 26-man Spain squad for the World Cup.
      Despite having been uncapped going into the tournament, Balde featured in all four of La Roja’s games in Qatar, as they were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16.
      Balde, 19, played for Spain at the World CupCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer blow as Barcelona president reveals Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold ALL YEAR despite Old Trafford links

      by

      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta insists Frenkie de Jong won’t be sold at ANY point this year.And that comes as bad news for Manchester United who had been hoping to finally seal a move for the midfielder this month or at the end of the season.
      Manchester United are long-term admirers of Frenkie de JongCredit: Rex
      United were heavily linked with the Dutchman last year and spent most of the summer trying to sign him.
      Barcelona were said to be open to letting De Jong leave in an attempt to cut down their wage bill.
      But he ended up staying in Spain and has worked his way back into Xavi’s plans after finding himself on the bench in the early weeks.
      De Jong, 25, recently revealed his desire to move to Old Trafford, according to a surprise report from Fichajes.
      read more on football
      That could have led to the Red Devils reigniting their interest in the ex-Ajax man and opening up the possibility of a reunion with Erik ten Hag.
      But Laporta has insisted that Barcelona’s stance hasn’t changed and he’s not on the market.
      Whether that be this month or in the summer, he clearly stated at any point this year.
      Laporta said: “Frenkie de Jong is not for sale.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “He wasn’t for sale in the summer and he won’t leave this year.
      “De Jong is a very appealing footballer, we know that, but I insist he’s not for sale.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Trippier reveals Atletico boss Simeone gave him just one word of advice to cope with Lionel Messi during time in LaLiga

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID manager Diego Simeone gave Kieran Trippier just one word of advice to help him deal with Lionel Messi.The defender joined the LaLiga side from Tottenham in 2019, which meant he would be coming up against the Argentine star.
      Kieran Trippier spent three years at Atletico Madrid before joining NewcastleCredit: AFP
      He was told to ‘pray’ when playing against Lionel Messi by manager Diego SimeoneCredit: Getty
      He spent three years in Spain before returning to England but revealed how his manager struggled to come up with a plan to stop Messi.
      The 32-year-old has revealed that Simeone would tell him to “pray” ahead of facing the former Barcelona star.
      Trippier told GOAL: “You can’t to be fair. It’s funny because obviously, Simeone was the manager [and] they are both Argentinian.
      “Even he would say before the meetings, just basically ‘pray.’ You just can’t do anything.
      READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE
      “You can’t organise or set up to stop him because he’s that unique.”
      Trippier enjoyed a successful spell with Atletico Madrid as he was part of the side that won the LaLiga title in 2021.
      The defender believes that he benefitted from the experience of playing abroad and thinks others should follow in his footsteps.
      He added: “Hopefully, many more English players do it because I learned so much experience playing out there with Simeone.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      “I learned a lot about myself as well.
      “Go out and enjoy the game, go and enjoy the life out in Spain, the food, the weather. It was an incredible couple of years.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid field unique team that shatters 121-year record for LaLiga clash vs Villarreal… and then lose 2-1

      by

      REAL MADRID broke 121-years of tradition by fielding a starting XI without a single Spanish player for the first time ever.Real named the shock side to take on Villarreal in a key LaLiga clash.
      Courtois (Belgium); Militao (Brazil), Rudiger (Germany), Alaba (Austria), Mendy (France); Kroos (Germany), Tchouameni (France), Modric (Croatia); Valverde (Uruguay), Vinicius (Brazil), Benzema (France)
      Real Madrid fielded a starting-line-up without a single SpaniardCredit: Getty
      Carlo Ancelotti became the first manager to leave all of his Spanish players on the bench, despite having the likes of Nacho, Marco Asensio, Jesus Vallejo, Lucas Vazquez and Dani Ceballos to call upon.
      Incredibly, over that time they’ve played 4,436 matches with at least one Spaniard appearing from that start in every game.
      Ancelotti opted for his usual 4-3-3 formation with Belgian Thibaut Courtois between the sticks.
      Brazilian Eder Milito was chosen at right-back with Frenchman Ferland Mendy on the other side.
      Read More on Football
      Austrian David Alaba and German Antonio Rudiger teamed up at centre-back.
      German Toni Kroos, Frenchman Aurelien Tchouameni and Croatian Luka Modric linked up in midfield.
      And Uruguayan Federico Valverde, Brazilian Vinicius Junior as well as French captain Karim Benzema spearheaded the attack.
      The historic squad didn’t get the job done as they lost 2-1 to Villarreal at the Madrigal and dropped to second place in the LaLiga table.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
      Quique Setien’s team opened the scoring on 47 minutes with Yeremy Pino.
      Benzema equalised for the visitors in the hour-mark from the penalty spot.
      But Villarreal earned a spot-kick of their own that Gerard Moreno converted just three minutes later.
      Ancelotti ultimately brought Asensio and Vazquez on from the bench but the Sapin duo couldn’t help Real come back. More