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      in Soccer

      Watch Simeone try to take on entire crowd of fuming Real Sociedad fans as they throw objects at Atletico Madrid bus

      by

      DIEGO SIMEONE was caught furiously shouting at Real Sociedad fans last night as they threw objects at the Atletico Madrid team bus.The outburst happened prior to Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 defeat away to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.
      Supporters lined the streets ahead of the Copa del Rey clashCredit: EPA
      Simeone gestured to the crowd in anger after the bus was hit with different objects
      Fans of the White and Blues lined the streets surrounding the Reale Arena, creating a hostile atmosphere.
      As the current LaLiga title holders approached the ground they were greeted by a large group of aggressive fans who proceeded to launch various objects at the team bus.
      This prompted a furious reaction from Atletico manager Simeone, who began gesturing to the supporters from the front of the bus.
      The incident sparked a lot of reaction on Twitter with one person saying: “Diego Simeone was ready to fight the Real Sociedad fans.”
      Another added: “Simeone furious as Atletico Madrid bus attacked by Real Sociedad fans.
      “Atletico Madrid were given a hostile reception ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash, as the team bus was pelted with stones by Real Sociedad fans on their way to the Basque side’s stadium.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Reporter Roy Nemer also got involved with the conversation, saying: “Diego Simeone riled up and looks like he wants to take on the Real Sociedad fans on his own as he tries to confront them alone.”
      Atletico Madrid are currently in a poor spell of form.
      They were knocked out of the Spanish Supercup by Athletic Bilbao last week before exiting the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
      Simeone’s side currently sit fourth in the LaLiga table – level on points with Real Sociedad.
      The fans created a hostile atmosphere
      The Atletico Madrid manager did not hold back More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona confirm Man Utd target Ousmane Dembele is up for sale on bargain transfer after being dropped from squad

      by

      OUSMANE DEMBELE is expected to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window having been dropped from the squad. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and has recently been in talks to sign an extension.
      Ousmane Dembele is expected to leave Barcelona in the January transfer windowCredit: Rex
      But cash-strapped Barca have been unable to match Dembele’s demands leaving club and player in an intense stalemate.
      And now Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has announced the forward will NOT pen a new deal and could be sold this month.
      Alemany said: “It’s clear that Dembele does not want to continue with Barcelona. He doesn’t want to be part of our project.
      “We told Dembele he has to leave immediately. We expect Ousmane to be sold before January 31.”
      With less than six months left on his contract, already the winger is allowed to negotiate a free transfer away from the club next season.
      The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been linked with Dembele as a result.
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      But his manager – Barca legend Xavi – insisted either a new contract is signed or the player will be sold before the winter window shuts.
      He said: “The message is clear. Ousmane Dembele has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.
      “It is not contemplated that he stays in the stands. I have been very clear with Ousmane.”
      SunSport understands the 24-year-old has been offered to a number of Premier League sides on loan, who would have to pay a £3m fee and his wages.
      Dembele has only played 11 games in total this season having picked up knee and hamstrings injuries.
      A large part of his time on the sidelines has been spent negotiating a contract extension with Barca, who are believed to have debts of £1.2BILLION.
      Dembele did return in November but this week has found himself omitted from Barca’s squad that drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano.
      And shortly after, club chief Alemany confirmed Dembele will not renew his deal with plans to sell him this month, instead of losing him for nothing in the summer.
      We want players that are committed to the club and we have told him he has to leave the club as soon as possible.Barcelona director Mateu Alemany on Ousmane Dembele
      He said: “With Ousmane and his agents we started conversations around the month of July.
      “In all this time, almost seven months, we have talked, Barca has made different offers, we have tried to find a way for the player to continue with us and those offers have been systematically rejected by his agents.
      “We understand Dembele’s decision is to not continue at Barca and we’ve communicated our decision [to leave him out].
      “We want players that are committed to the club and we have told him he has to leave the club as soon as possible.”
      Dembele joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a deal costing £135.5million.
      But injuries and disciplinary problems have seen the promising forward fail to hit the heights expected of him at the Nou Camp.
      And with his deal running down, and Barca needing a quick sale, his price tag could be slashed dramatically in order to guarantee some funds are recouped.
      Ousmane Dembele has not signed a new Barcelona contractCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Hector Bellerin gives his verdict on replacement Tomiyasu as he reveals he’s watched every Arsenal game since leaving

      by

      HECTOR BELLERIN has given his replacement Takehiro Tomiyasu the stamp of approval after helping fire Arsenal back into the top-four race.Bellerin, 26, joined his boyhood club Real Betis on a season-long loan on deadline day last summer.
      Bellerin has made 13 LaLiga appearances this termCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Hard worker Tomiyasu is a fan favourite at the Emirates alreadyCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      It was not a decision he took lightly, one that was heightened by the impacts of lockdown and quarantine that saw him crave his native Spain after over a decade in London.
      And although Bellerin is still unsure what the future holds for him with his current Arsenal contract ending this summer, he is happy to see Gunners and right-back Tomiyasu do well.
      Speaking on Ian Wright’s Spotify podcast ‘Wrighty’s House’, Bellerin said: “Arsenal are doing amazing and that makes me so happy. The player they got in my position – Tomiyasu – he is doing great. No hard feelings.
      “It is beautiful to see because I still watch every game and I want the guys to do well. It’s how football goes. You need to see when it is your time and when it is not.
      “I always said to the club if I leave this place I don’t want to leave you guys without anyone in my position or in a position when you guys can’t be in the best terms.
      “I want the best for all of us. I have been at Arsenal for 10 years and I love this place. It worked out for everyone and that’s what truly shows me it was the right thing to do.
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      “It makes me happy to see the boys doing well.”
      Bellerin joined Arsenal as a 15-year-old from Barcelona’s youth team before going on to become a first team regular under former manager Arsene Wenger.
      In recent years however, injury and a drop in form saw the Spanish-born right back fall down the pecking order with Unai Emery and then current boss Arteta.
      Bellerin admitted Arteta was very ‘understanding’ when it came to making the difficult decision to leave.
      On the conversation he had with his boss and former team-mate, the Spaniard said: “I spoke to Mikel way before my loan. We had a good friendship before as teammates and then as a coach and a player.
      Bellerin says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was ‘understanding’ when the full-back wanted to leaveCredit: PA
      “I said: ‘Look I feel at this time I need something else and I don’t want to go anywhere to win a lot of money or anything. I just want to be close to my family and my country and live a better experience’.
      “As a player it is not only about football. It is about many other things. After a decade in London, I felt like I needed another challenge. It wasn’t about money.
      “It was going to a place where I could feel and see myself being happy.
      “I was lucky that Mikel is someone who is very understanding. He knew it wasn’t to do with football or the club. As people we go through cycles in our life.
      “It is not because I don’t want to play there anymore, it’s just because this is not helping any of us. When I know it’s not my place where I need to be, nothing works for each other.
      “Mikel really understood that. He knows everything I have gone through at Arsenal. My injuries. Every episode.
      “I was lucky I could be open with him and we had a talk and he understood fully. He said I want to help you as a coach but also as a friend.
      Bellerin is having a good season at Betis
      “I was very happy Arsenal gave me that opportunity to find what I was looking for. I had it clear in my head what I needed and I am happy it is fulfilling itself.
      “I am finally back enjoying football that I felt a few years ago. All this stuff is feeding me mentally to another level, and it shows because on the pitch everything is coming together.
      “I don’t want any outside noise, but it is not easy at times.”
      ***Follow @WrightysHouse on Twitter***
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      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti taunts Luka Modric for ‘missing a pass’ after MOTM performance in Real Madrid’s Super Cup triumph

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI taunted star Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric for missing a pass in the 2-0 Super Cup final win over Athletic Club.The Croatian icon proved he still has it at the age of 36, scoring Real’s opener in the first half.
      Modric scored the opening goal of the finalCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      The 36-year-old won the Man of the Match awardCredit: AFP
      Ancelotti joked with the midfielder saying he ‘missed a pass’Credit: AP
      Rodrygo carried the ball into the opposition penalty area before setting up Modric.
      And the midfielder effortlessly swept the ball into the top-right corner, leaving Unai Simon with no chance.
      After Modric collected the Man of the Match trophy, boss Ancelotti joked: “You missed a pass, you missed a pass there.”
      Ancelotti then hugged the No10 to congratulate him on his standout performance.
      Karim Benzema doubled Real’s lead in the second half, but a moment of madness from Eder Militao put the win at risk.
      The defender was sent off in the 87th minute and conceded a penalty.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}FOOTBALL OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      But Thibaut Courtois stepped up and saved the spot-kick with his trailing leg to spare Real a nervy ending to the Super Cup battle in Saudi.
      Modric’s contract at Real is up at the end of the season and he is desperate to stay in the Spanish capital.
      He said: “There is nothing, nothing better for me than being a Real Madrid player.
      “I’m not thinking about the renewal now. The club knows what I desire. We will surely reach the agreement soon.” More

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      in Soccer

      Watch ex-Chelsea star Courtois’ ridiculous 88th-minute penalty save with his foot as Real Madrid win Spanish Super Cup

      by

      THIBAUT COURTOIS incredibly saved a late penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 Spanish Super Cup final win over Athletic Club with his foot.Goals by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema put Real in the driving seat, but with Eder Militao seeing red and conceding a penalty – what looked like a comfortable win was at risk of collapsing.

      Courtois saved Garcia’s spot-kick with his trailing left footCredit: AP
      The Belgian saved Real from an uncomfortable end to the gameCredit: REUTERS
      Courtois’ team-mates celebrated with him at full-timeCredit: REUTERS
      Real may win LaLiga this termCredit: REUTERS
      The former Chelsea ace Courtois dived the wrong way for Raul Garcia’s spot-kick, but his trailing leg booted the ball away to safety.
      But before Real could celebrate Courtois’ heroics, there was more defending to do.
      Nico Williams, younger brother of team-mate Inaki, was picked out on the left-hand side.
      The 19-year-old clipped a cross into Real’s penalty area which a confident Courtois claimed comfortably.
      Fans have hailed the ‘underrated’ Courtois, even Real’s president Florentino Perez singled the Belgian out.
      Perez said: “Courtois is the BEST goalkeeper in the world.”
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      One Real fan added: “Courtois is so underrated it’s criminal at this point #HalaMadrid.”
      Another added: “His name is Thibaut Courtois, but they can call him the best goalkeeper in the world so far in the 2021/22 season. IMMENSE.”
      The Super Cup might not be the only silverware Courtois picks up this season.
      Real are sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga, leading Sevilla by five points.
      Title holders Atletico Madrid are 16 points behind in fourth and Barcelona are out of sight in sixth. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘make Barcelona hardman Ronald Araujo aware of transfer interest amid contract stand-off’

      by

      RONALD ARAUJO is reportedly aware of Manchester United and Chelsea’s transfer interest with his deal at Barcelona creeping nearer to the final year.The 22-year-old has improved massively this season and keeping him in Catalonia is seen as essential.
      Araujo played against Real Madrid with two screws in his fractured handCredit: REUTERS
      But according to Marca, with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2023, Barca are yet to meet his expectations, drawing attention from a host of top clubs.
      Premier League giants Man Utd and Chelsea are two clubs believed to be tracking Araujo’s contract situation.
      Araujo is also aware of the lengths both clubs are willing to go to secure his signature.
      LaLiga leaders Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on the Uruguayan, who recently played against them with two screws in his fractured hand.
      Hardman Araujo played all 120 minutes of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, but was unable to help fire Barca into the final.
      Super sub Federico Valverde scored the winner in the 98th minute to set up a match with Athletic Club, which they won 2-0 on Sunday.
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      After the defeat, Araujo posted on Instagram: “Proud of my team. This continues – the positive results will come.”
      Fans flooded the comments section to thank the defender, with one comparing him to legendary Barca captain Carles Puyol.
      One said: “You are a Puyol! Thank you Araujo.”
      Another said: “You are the player I want in my team who kills himself for his colours.
      “Thank you for being our centre-back and please renew you are the pillar of this defence and of the future.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd battle Juventus for pole position in Ousmane Dembele transfer as Chelsea join race for Barcelona contract rebel

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are battling Juventus for pole position in the Ousmane Dembele transfer race, according to reports.But Chelsea also look set to try their luck in landing the Barcelona contract rebel.
      Ousmane Dembele is a transfer target for Manchester United, Juventus and ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Dembele’s current deal at the Nou Camp expires at the end of the season and he does not look likely to put pen to paper on an extension.
      And that would open the door for interested clubs to land him for free this summer.
      According to Sport in Spain, the Red Devils and the Old Lady have been in ‘especially intense’ contact with Dembele’s representatives since the middle of 2021.
      And the report even adds a suggestion that Dembele may have already signed a pre-contract agreement with one of those two clubs.
      United almost landed Dembele two summers ago.
      But with Anthony Martial set to leave Old Trafford, Dembele could come in as a direct replacement for his compatriot.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      However, Juventus may be able to lure the World Cup winner to Turin.
      They have lost winger Federico Chiesa for the rest of this season through his cruel ACL injury.
      And the favourable tax rates for professional footballers in Italy could also help Juventus’ attempt.
      The report also adds Chelsea have been in touch with Dembele this January over a potential offer.
      However, Bayern Munich will not be making any offers because Dembele’s wage demands are too high.
      And Paris Saint-Germain also have no interest in the winger because they do not trust his physical conditioning and want to pursue other targets.
      Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for £99million.
      He has 31 goals in 129 appearances – including one in 11 this season – but has been plagued by injuries throughout his time in LaLiga.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba’s dad reveals he ‘cancelled flight to Manchester’ to seal Man City transfer before debut

      by

      THE father of Ilaix Moriba has revealed he cancelled his son’s flight to Manchester City so the teen could remain at Barcelona.Moriba, 18, burst into Ronald Koeman’s team last season and was tipped for a bright future with the Catalans.
      Ilaix Moriba, 18, was set to agree a deal with Man City two years ago before staying at BarcelonaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      However, he chose to leave the Camp Nou last summer and joined RB Leipzig for around £16million after a row over his contract.
      But, Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at City two years ago when doubts emerged over a Barca deal back in 2019.
      The Spain youth international, who is playing for Guinea at AFCON, had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.
      However, Moriba’s dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.
      He told Sport: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.
      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.
      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.
      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”
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      Barcelona indeed proved their determination to keep Moriba, making him the best-paid player in the history of their academy while handing him an £90million release clause.
      Manchester United were thought to be eager to sign him as Paul Pogba’s long-term replacement.
      While Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs with N’Golo Kante not getting any younger.
      However, he chose to continue his development in the Bundesliga, and has made six appearances for Leipzig this term.
      Workers remove picture of Lionel Messi from mural outside of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium More