La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Antonio Rudiger slapped with SIX-GAME ban after Real Madrid star hurled objects at ref – but Bellingham’s red rescinded

      by

      ANTONIO RUDIGER has been hit with a six-match ban for launching an object at the referee – but Jude Bellingham has had his red card rescinded. Real Madrid imploded and had three players sent off in Saturday night’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to El Clasico rivals Barcelona.Antonio Rudiger launched an ice pack at the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVA fuming Rudiger had to be held back from confronting the refCredit: X @PremSportsTVJude Bellingham has seen his red overturnedCredit: RexReal Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before the gameCredit: GettyThere were shocking scenes at the of the match after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia as Real Madrid staged a last attack.Tempers flared as the bench behind boss Carlo Ancelotti lost their cool and wildly protested.Rudiger, who had been subbed off, was the most incensed and he launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.The ex-Chelsea centre-back then had to be restrained from confronting the official. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Vazquez and several coaches charged onto the pitch and gestured angrily towards the official.Rudiger and Vazquez were sent off at the time, with Bellingham also seeing red after the final whistle.The official’s report said the English midfielder “approached the referee aggressively” and needed “to be restrained by team-mates”.Rudiger has been slapped with a six-game ban as punishment and Vazquez will be suspended for two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Bellingham has been let off after Real Madrid’s appeal was successful.They reportedly had video evidence that proved he was not “aggressive” to the ref.Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’Real Madrid were unhappy with the appointment of De Burgos Bengoetxea before the game, taking to their club TV channel to broadcast mistakes made by him and express that he was too inexperienced for a final.It led to the ref breaking down in tears in a pre-match press conference, saying: “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.”Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.” More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘set to go all out for William Saliba transfer as Florentino Perez chooses Arsenal star over Huijsen’

      by

      ARSENAL star William Saliba is Real Madrid’s top target to bolster their defence this summer.Saliba, 24, is considered by many as the best defender in the world following some stunning performances at the Gunners’ backline in the Premier League and Champions League.Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Arsenal star William SalibaReal prefer Saliba ahead of Bournemouth star Dean HuijsenAnd according to Marca, the centre-back is seen as the man to lead Real’s defence for years to come – especially after his impressive displays across both quarter-final encounters against them in Europe.So much so that the reigning Spanish and European champions’ president Florentino Perez is set to take it upon himself to make sure a deal is completed with the North Londoners.Saliba and Arsenal are fully aware of Los Blancos’ interest ahead of the summer transfer window.However, Real are currently moving in a “lukewarm and discreet” fashion due to their last-ditch effort to win LaLiga and the Premier League giants’ focus on winning their first ever Champions League.Read More on ArsenalHowever, the summer will be a completely different matter as Madrid are expected to go all out for the France international.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen has also been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu.But Saliba has been an absolute priority ahead of Huijsen for Real chief scout Juni Calafat and Perez.Manchester City ace Manuel Akanji has also been targeted but that was mainly down to manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is heading out of the Bernabeu.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNevertheless, a move to Real could also see Saliba playing with Premier League foes Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool and Sandro Tonalli of Newcastle as the midfield pair is also being monitored.The pair are being targeted due to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi’s preference of moving to Arsenal.Antonio Rudiger sent off for throwing ICE PACK at referee in Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid bench restrain fuming aceAnd that could be under Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who poses as the favourite to succeed Ancelotti in the dugout.The Italian tactician is highly likely to leave club football for the first time in his celebrated 30-year career, which has seen him becoming the only manager to win all five top leagues, and move to Brazil. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Antonio Rudiger undergoes surgery and set for long lay-off – as Real Madrid ace faces 12-GAME ban for hurling ice at ref

      by

      REAL MADRID star Antonio Rudiger may miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his knee.Rudiger, 32, has been a mainstay for Real since his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 from Chelsea.Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger could be out for two months after knee surgeryCredit: Instagram / toniruedigerRudiger could miss the rest of the season for RealRudiger is facing a lengthy ban for his antics in the Copa del Rey finalThe German threw an ice pack at the refereeHowever, the centre-back had been dealing with “severe” knee pain the last seven months and underwent surgery.Real stated earlier today: “Rudiger has been successfully operated on today for a partial rupture in the external meniscus of his left leg.”The operation went well but the reigning Spanish and European champions may be without the Germany international for the rest of LaLiga’s schedule.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Rudiger will be sidelined for “almost two months”.Read More on FootballThe ex-Chelsea star, though, was in high spirits after surgery as he posted a picture of himself on social media from his hospital bed with a big smile while giving the camera the thumbs up.The defender also suggested he will be back for the summer’s Club World Cup.Rudiger posted on Instagram: “After I have played more than seven month [sic] with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery. “Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success. Thanks to the medical team and especially @guidospiran. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. “I will do everything I can to make it happen. See you soon and take care of yourselves.”Antonio Rudiger instantly wins over Arsenal fans as former Chelsea defender pays Gunners stars huge complimentNevertheless, Rudiger still faces a lengthy lay-off regardless of how well his rehabilitation goes.That is because of his antics during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final that saw Real losing 3-2 to rivals Barcelona.A raging Rudiger launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea with just 20 seconds of extra-time remaining after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia in Madrid’s last attack.When the official came over to the bench to dish out red cards the German had to be held back from confronting him by Ferland Mendy and a member of staff.Rudiger’s public apologyThe ex-Roma star and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom were substituted earlier in the match, were sent off after the latter angrily sprinted on to the pitch.Some reports suggested Rudiger told the ref, “You’re a miscarriage’ and called him a “son of a wh***”.The centre-half issued a public apology after those shocking scenes, which also saw Jude Bellingham getting sent off after the final whistle for “approaching the referee aggressively” and needing “to be restrained by team-mates”.Nevertheless, the former Stuttgart star still faces a mammoth 12-match ban for his behaviour in the Spanish Cup final, which was criticised by Germany sporting director Rudi Voller.Rudiger posted on Sunday: “There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that.Read More on The Sun”We played a very good game from the 2nd half on – After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake.”Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.” More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti agrees next job as Real Madrid set to ‘part ways nicely’ with former Chelsea boss

      by

      CARLO ANCELOTTI has already lined up a new job as he prepares to exit Real Madrid.The former Chelsea boss, 65, looks all set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season. Carlo Ancelotti has already made plans for his next job after Real MadridCredit: RexThe Italian is reportedly set to join up with Brazil for the World CupCredit: GettyAncelotti is said to have already told senior figures in the dressing room of his decision to depart. The 65-year-old won the Champions League last season but saw his side crash out to Arsenal earlier this month. And now he is preparing to go into international management for the first time.Ancelotti has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Brazil to become head coach for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the deal will be “valid from June, NOT after the Club World Cup”.It leads the way for Madrid and Ancelotti to “part ways nicely” after four years. Brazil is the most successful nation ever to play in the World Cup.But they have been knocked out in the quarter-final stage in four of the last five tournaments.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd they haven’t won the trophy since 2002. Ancelotti currently has a contract at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Real chief Florentino Perez will likely have to appoint an interim boss for this summer’s revamped Club World Cup in the USA.Director of Football Santi Solari is said to be best placed for the role.But other reports suggest Madrid could approach number one target Xabi Alonso before the tournament begins. Ancelotti has enjoyed two spells in the Spanish capital, originally taking charge in 2013.Over the course of his illustrious career, he’s won five Champions League trophies.At the Bernabeu, he has lifted three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Reys, along with Big Ears three times.La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier this month AC Milan had contacted the Italian over a return to the San Siro.Read More on The SunAncelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.While AS Roma were also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti ‘to leave Real Madrid for Brazil and won’t even stay in charge for Club World Cup’

      by

      CARLO ANCELOTTI will leave Real Madrid BEFORE the Club World Cup starts, according to reports.And he is said to have already told senior figures in the dressing room of his decision to leave.Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid and take charge of BrazilCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti is under immense pressure after seeing Real Madrid crash out of the Champions League and lose the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona.The Athletic report that the legendary boss will take charge of the Brazilian national team.It is understood he will sign an initial one-year deal to the end of the 2026 World Cup and start his role in June.However, that timeline would mean Ancelotti will leave Los Blancos BEFORE the Club World Cup starts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 65-year-old has a contract at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026.But poor results this season have led to intense pressure on his position.The decision means Real chiefs Florentino Perez and Co may need to appoint an interim manager to take charge of the newly-formatted summer tournament being held in the USA.Director of Football, Santi Solari is said to be best placed for the role, unless they immediately appoint number one target Xabi Alonso.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThere is also speculation that Los Blancos could make a left-field move for Jurgen Klopp.Meanwhile, Ancelotti will not have the support of his son, Davide, when he joins up with the Brazil national team.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal That is because the report adds that Davide is set to move into his own career of becoming a head coach.He will only reunite with his father as his assistant if he does not receive a suitable offer.Speaking about the rumours linking him to Brazil after the heated Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona, Ancelotti said: “I might stay, I might leave. “This is an issue to deal with in a few weeks from now. Not today.”Ancelotti joined Real for the second time in 2021, and has won LaLiga twice, the Champions League twice, the Uefa Super Cup twice and the Copa del Rey.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 2 (AET): Kounde bags extra-time winner as Barca survive VAR controversy to claim Copa del Rey

      by

      JULES KOUNDE outshone fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe as Barcelona sealed a historic Copa del Rey win over rivals Real Madrid. The match was played following an extraordinary refereeing row, with Madrid forced to deny they would boycott the fixture. Jules Kounde scored a brilliant winner to secure the Copa del Rey for BarcelonaCredit: APLamine Yamal and Co led early in the first half through PedriCredit: ReutersBut Kylian Mbappe turned the game on its head with a brilliant freekickCredit: APDespite the Frenchman’s heroics, it was his fellow countryman Kounde who stole the showCredit: APThe full-back’s late strike came with the game seemingly destined for penaltiesCredit: APLos Blancos trailed early in the contest following a strike from Pedri at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja. But after the break, Madrid stormed back thanks to some inspiration from Mbappe.The French talisman turned the game on its head with his first-ever career free-kick goal. The 22-year-old took aim from just outside the area after being chopped down by Frenkie De Jong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMbappe unleashed a powerful, low, right-footed free-kick which flew in off the post.And just minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed in to put Madrid on the cusp of their 21st Copa del Rey title.Carlo Ancelotti’s men made it to within five minutes of the whistle before they were pegged back by Ferran Torres.The ex-Man City star was sent clear and rounded keeper Thibault Courtois to level things up.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBarca thought they had won it late in stoppage time as Raphinha went down under a challenge from Asencio.Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially gave the spot-kick, only to book the Brazilian for simulation after a VAR review.Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clashDespite the time ticking past midnight in Spain, the game headed into an energy-sapping extra time.And as time ticked towards penalties, it was Arsenal-target Kounde who proved to be the Barca hero. He intercepted a rare loose pass from Luka Modric on the edge of the box, thundering a low strike past Courtois and sparking jubilant scenes in the Barca end.The goal sealed the Catalan giants’ 32nd success in the competition and their first since 2021.Saturday’s final had been dogged by reports before kick-off that Madrid would boycott the spectacle. Referee Bengoetxea broke down in tears during an extraordinary press conference on Thursday.The Spanish official tearfully responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.Real Madrid later responded to the rumours, writing in a statement: “Our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final. Read More on The Sun”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance which will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. “We also express our respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those already in the Andalusian capital.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

      by

      REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham hailed as new Zidane by Premier League cult hero with star ‘easily’ comparable to Real Madrid legend

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been compared to Zinedine Zidane and told he could end his career as a Real Madrid great.The England superstar will try to guide Madrid to Copa del Rey glory today when they face Barcelona in the final in Seville.Jude Bellingham’s fiery side has been praisedCredit: GettyHe has been tipped to become a Real Madrid great like Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyFrederic Kanoute believes Bellingham can hit Zidane’s levelsCredit: JAMES RUDLANDBellingham, 21, did the LaLiga and Champions League double in his first season at the Bernabeu.And Frederic Kanoute – who spent seven seasons in LaLiga with Sevilla – reckons there are similarities with the West Midlander and France’s World Cup winner.Not just in terms of their incredible talents but the fact Bellingham also plays on the edge and seems to be one second away from a rough tackle or moment of dissent.Kanoute, a former striker for West Ham and Tottenham, told SunSport: “It would be very easy for me to compare him to Zinedine Zidane.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He’s a fan himself. He took his number five and plays for the same club. And he has a little bit of an edge as well.“Right now, it’s not a full comparison. Zidane has proven everything in football and is one of the greatest in history. But I think it’s a good benchmark for him to have. “I played against Zidane. The ease that he had to go past his opponents effortlessly, and with class and elegance.“At the same time, this strength of character that he had, and a winning mentality, it was the full package.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBellingham, who moved to Spain from Borussia Dortmund for £88.5million in the summer of 2023, has scored three goals in five El Clasicos.Yet he does have to curb his temperament and was sent off in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna in February – and then served a two-game ban for swearing at the referee.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal Kanoute has no issues with that, however, and he said: “In any sport, you need to have a little bit of that edge.“Obviously you need to channel it and he’s still very young. I think he’ll learn how to channel it, not to cross that line.“But I think you can see all the top players, they have something as they are always competitive.“It’s definitely something that can be turned into a positive.“Jude has raised the standard in LaLiga. It only happens a few times that English players go and play in LaLiga.“His adaptation is quite impressive, especially in Real Madrid, where the pressure is huge.“What strikes me with him is the extreme level of confidence he has, and he has had a very positive impact on the team.“One of his most positive assets of his game is his mental strength. He’s a leader. A natural leader.Read More on The Sun“He has all the ingredients to become one of the greats in England and at international level.”++ Kanoute was speaking as La Liga and Bloomsbury Football opened the Harris Academy in St John’s Wood, London. This partnership supports youth football in the UK and ensures players from all backgrounds in London have access to the game. More