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

    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

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

    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.
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    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.
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    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

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

    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    Barcelona 3 Elche 0: Robert Lewandowski scores twice and Memphis Depay nets as Xavi’s side go top of La Liga

    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI brushed aside his midweek blank against former side Bayern Munich by netting twice against Elche.The £42.5million summer signing helped Xavi’s side go top of La Liga ahead of tomorrow’s Madrid derby.
    Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring from close rangeCredit: Getty
    The striker has scored 11 goals in eight games for BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Lewandowski swept home his second after the breakCredit: Reuters
    Lewandowski, 34, now has EIGHT goals in just six league appearances for his new side, and 11 in eight games in all competitions.
    Elche were reduced to 10 men less than 15 minutes into the game, defender Gonzalo Verdu being shown a straight red for hauling down Lewandowski with the striker through on goal.
    After fluffing his lines in midweek against his old team, Lewandowski couldn’t miss after 33 minutes when Alejandro Balde squared it for him when he was stood three yards out from goal.
    Memphis Depay added another four minutes before the break, with Balde again the provider.
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    The Dutchman showed impressive strength to hold off a defender as the ball was played into his feet, and fancy footwork to roll it onto his left foot before slamming into the roof of the net.
    The home side thought they had scored again two minutes later, but Gavi’s effort was ruled out for offside.
    Barca though were always going to score again, and barely looked like they broke sweat on their way to a fifth league win of the season.
    Sure enough the third came minutes after the restart.
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    And, as all the best strikers are, Lewandowski was in the right place at the right time for the third.
    A scramble in the box saw the ball fall to him eight yards out, and he made no mistake to sweep home for his second of the match.
    That’s now five wins out of six for Xavi’s side, and the perfect way to put Tuesday’s disappointing result in Munich in the rear-view mirror.
    Barca end the day top of the league, a point ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
    Although Carlo Ancelotti’s side can return to the summit if they win tomorrow’s derby against Atletico.
    Memphis Depay netted in between Lewandowski’s strikesCredit: EPA More

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    Real Madrid and Atletico ultras take part in brutal 10 vs 10 park fight ahead of derby

    REAL MADRID and Atletico Madrid ultras geared up for this weekend’s derby by having a FIGHT in a park.A violent scrap between the bitter rivals was organised ahead of tomorrow’s game.
    Real Madrid and Atletico ultras organised a fight ahead of tomorrow’s derbyCredit: MARCA
    Pictures showed the two sets of fans engaged in a violent brawlCredit: MARCA
    Pictures of the 20-person 10 vs 10 brawl were posted on social media and credited to Marca.
    The Real Madrid ultras were dressed in white, while their Atletico counterparts wore red.
    The two sets of supporters were snapped brutally trading kicks and punches in an unknown location.
    But social media users were quick to hit out at the ultras for their foolishness.
    Read More Football News
    One wrote: “This is actually just ridiculous.”
    Another said: “Stupidity at the highest, highest level.”
    And a third simply commented: “Idiots.”
    It’s not the first time so-called fans have used football to organise a mass brawl.
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    Back in 2017 footage went viral of Russian hooligans fighting in a field following a Moscow derby between CSKA and Spartak.
    Real Madrid make the short trip across town for tomorrow’s game looking to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.
    Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won all five of their LaLiga games so far this season.
    Atletico meanwhile have drawn one and lost one out of their five games so far. More

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    Real Madrid promise legal action over racist remarks after Vinicius Jr told to stop ‘playing the monkey’ by agents chief

    REAL MADRID chiefs have vowed to take legal action if any of their players are subject to racist remarks.This comes after Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr was told to “respect rivals and stop playing the monkey” by Spanish agent Pedro Bravo after he celebrated scoring against Mallorca.
    Vinicius Jr was heavily criticised for his celebration after scoring against MallorcaCredit: EPA
    The winger has vowed to continue his celebrations despite Bravo’s commentsCredit: EPA
    Bravo’s comments led to numerous accusations of racism which are currently being dealt with by Real Madrid.
    An official club statement read: “Real Madrid C.F. condemns all types of racist and xenophobic language and behaviour in football, sport and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player Vinicius Junior in the last few hours.
    “Real Madrid would like to express its affection and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who regards football as an attitude towards life through joy, respect and sportsmanship.
    “Football is the most global sport there is and should be a model of values and coexistence.
    Read More on Real Madrid
    “The club has directed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks towards our players.”
    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.
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    “But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that.
    “You can’t even imagine it. I was a victim of a xenophobic and racist comment. But none of that started yesterday.”
    The Brazilian superstar then pointed out that he was not the first player to dance in celebration after scoring, listing a number of other players who have done the same but have not been called out for it.
    He added: “Weeks ago they began to criminalise my dances. Dances that are not mine.
    “They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… they belong to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers, and black Americans.
    “Those are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I’m not going to stop.”
    Bravo has since apologised, claiming that the comment was not intended to be viewed as racist.
    The Spaniard tweeted: “I want to clarify that the expression “playing the monkey” that I have misused to qualify Vinicius’ goal celebration dance was done metaphorically (“doing stupid things”).
    Read More on The Sun
    “Since my intention was not to offend anyone, I sincerely apologise. I am sorry!”
    Real Madrid are set to take on rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday before the international break kicks off next week. More

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    Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, how to watch

    THE MADRID derby is here this weekend as one of La Liga’s most eagerly awaited fixtures takes place.Real Madrid will be making the short trip to face their fierce rivals Atletico at the Metropolitano Stadium, and there’s a way you can watch it all for FREE.
    Karim Benzema is pushing for a return
    In Real’s way are Diego Simeone’s Atletico
    And Real star man Karim Benzema could return in the big derby.
    Real have been without Benzema for their last two matches, after the French striker suffered a thigh injury in the 3-0 win at Celtic.
    But reports in Spain claim that the talisman is pushing to feature on Sunday.
    AS have reported that Benzema’s availability will be assessed at the very last second.
    Read more on Real Madrid
    When is Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid?
    Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid will take place on Sunday, September 18.
    The match will kick off at 8pm UK time.
    Atletico Metropolitano Stadium plays host.
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    What live stream and TV channel is Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid on?
    Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on ITV4 on TV and live streamed on the ITV Hub.
    In addition, it will also be be shown on subscription channel Premier Sports 2.
    Can I watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid for FREE?
    Yes you can. Those in the UK can watch for FREE on ITV4 and stream on the ITV Hub.
    ITV’s coverage gets underway from 7.30pm.
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    Fans convinced this is moment Gavi ‘gets girl’s phone number’ after she hands Barcelona ace note during shirt signing

    FOOTBALL fans are convinced Barcelona star Gavi was handed a girl’s phone number during his shirt signing.The 18-year-old signed a new deal with the Catalan giants earlier this week to keep him stay at the club until 2026.
    The woman gave Gavi a note after he signed a Barcelona flag for herCredit: Twitter
    Gavi took the note and put it on his lapCredit: Twitter
    He then posed for a photo with the girl before she moved onCredit: Twitter
    Following the announcement, he hosted a shirt signing for the fans after pledging his future to the Spanish outfit.
    But one female fan was spotted handing him a piece of paper before posing for a photo with the teenager.
    And social media is convinced she was handing Gavi her number during the brief encounter.
    One person said: “Gavi, renewal and phone number to take 😂😂.”
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    Another added: “Now that he has renewed and is going to collect his money, now the girl leaves her number.”
    Gavi had attracted interest from a host of clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

    And the clock was ticking on Barca agreeing a new deal as his existing contract expired in the summer.
    But now an extension has been confirmed, with a startling release clause of €1billion (£868million) included in the terms.
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    Gavi has already played 53 times for Barcelona, scoring two goals.
    And on the international stage he has amassed ten caps for Spain.
    Alongside Pedri, Gavi is seen as the future of his club and country’s midfield.
    Under LaLiga rules it is mandatory for every player to have a release clause in their contract.
    And big release clauses are nothing new in Spanish football.
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    In fact, Barcelona youngsters Ansu Fati and Pedri both have £868m buy-out clauses in their current deals.
    New summer signing Jules Kounde – a target of Chelsea – also has the same bumper clause in his contract. More