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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘cursed’ Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in El Clasico after leaving Real Madrid for Juventus

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      EL CLASICO is a favourite fixture of Lionel Messi’s to showcase his iconic abilities – but it hasn’t been quite the same since Cristiano Ronaldo left.A record of 26 goals and 14 assists against Real Madrid, in 44 encounters, means the Barcelona talisman has eight more derby goals than his rival.
      Lionel Messi has not scored in a Clasico since Cristiano Ronaldo departed Real MadridCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A brace in the stunning 6-2 victory of 2009, a hat-trick in the seven-goal LaLiga thriller five years later, and that last-ditch winner in 2017 are just some of his famous Bernabeu moments.
      But Messi, 33, goes into Saturday’s clash in the capital goalless in his last six Clasico matches.
      The dry spell has coincided with Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid for Juventus in the summer of 2018 – something Marca have dubbed a ‘curse’.
      Both stars scored in the Portuguese winger’s final Clasico, a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou weeks before his departure.
      Yet Messi has failed to add to his tally since, missing a 5-1 victory with an arm injury in the first derby without Ronaldo.
      In fact, the striker has not scored in a Clasico without Ronaldo on the pitch since February 2013.
      Real are unbeaten in the last three LaLiga meetings, although Barcelona came out on top in their 2019 Copa del Rey semi-final.
      A victory for the Catalans and Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano would take them top of LaLiga, before leaders Atletico Madrid play on Sunday.
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      Madrid sit three points back in the title race but have the worst goal-difference of the leading trio.
      And they will have an in-form Messi to contend as he looks to end his barren run.
      With 29 for the season, he comes into the match on a run of 16 goals in his last 12 league games.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Real Madrid to offer Vinicius Jr in swap transfer for Kylian Mbappe as PSG star’s future ‘hangs in the balance’

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      REAL MADRID could offer Vinicius Jr in part-exchange for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.Mbappe’s future ‘hangs in the balance’ in the French capital it’s said.
      Kylian Mbappe is a man in demandCredit: Getty
      Vinicius Jr had a huge game for Real Madrid against Liverpool this weekCredit: EPA
      And should PSG show even a slight inclination to sell, Madrid are favourites to land his signature.
      According to The Telegraph, there is a ’50-50 chance’ of Mbappe staying at PSG.
      But with his contract set to expire in 15 months, and with both parties having made little progress in a year of negotiations, Mbappe could leave this summer.
      Despite being about to enter his deal’s final year, Mbappe would still cost more than £87million.
      But because of the effect of Covid-19 on the market, PSG may be willing to accept a fee structured over a number of years.
      They remain desperate to keep their star man, however, and could even allow him to enter next season without having agreed an extension in the hope he will finally sign.
      Another way that Real Madrid could stump up a high enough bid, however, would be to offer a player in part-exchange.
      And according to El Chiringuito, PSG sporting director Leonardo could be interested in his compatriot Vinicius Jr.
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      Neymar and Mbappe’s contracts both expire in June 2022Credit: Getty

      The Brazilian was in sensational form against Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this week.
      But he would be expendable, should Mbappe be available.
      Ideally, PSG want to tie Mbappe, 22, down to a five-year extension.
      Alternatively, however, the two parties could agree upon a one or two year extension – with a slight pay rise – in order to at least improve PSG’s bargaining position.
      As well as Real Madrid, Liverpool are also admirers of his.
      Should Mbappe not be available, Real Madrid will go all in for Erling Haaland, having met with father Alf-Inge and agent Mino Raiola last week.
      Following PSG’s 3-2 victory over Bayern earlier this week, Leonardo said: “I think we’ll have some news that will make us all happy soon.”
      But it is believed he was referring to a new contract for Neymar, whose current deal also expires in June 2022, rather than Mbappe.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Zidane hits back at Liverpool boss Klopp over training ground jibe and insists Real Madrid are ‘proud’ of backup stadium

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE hit back at Jurgen Klopp’s training ground jibe by insisting Real Madrid are ‘proud’ of their home.Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the 6,000-seat Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
      Zinedine Zidane hit back at Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Real Madrid’s stadiumCredit: EPA
      The LaLiga giants have been playing games at their training ground in Valdebebas since the coronavirus outbreak as they refurbish the Bernabeu.
      Despite the fact no fans have been allowed into any stadiums in recent months, regardless of capacity, German boss Klopp said the ‘strange’ environment made it tougher for his team.
      Klopp told reporters during his post-match press conference: “This was strange tonight because it was really difficult with the stadium but Anfield is at least a proper stadium and it will be good for us.
      “It must be a really tricky task for Real Madrid at Anfield.”
      But Zidane was unmoved by Klopp’s comments and focussed on his team’s brilliant performance.
      The Real manager said: “I don’t have an opinion about what Jurgen says, we are proud to play in this stadium.
      “Liverpool is the opponent and we know they are going to leave all they have on the pitch, I have no question about that.
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      Real Madrid have been playing at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadiumCredit: Getty
      “We just need to be ready and it is going to be a very good second leg match. We will need to do the same thing in the second leg.”
      The Frenchman added: “We are happy with the result but we have won nothing.
      “We are happy with the performance and what the players have done is huge after a lot of difficulties in our season.”

      Mo Salah scored for Liverpool while Vinicius Junior scored either side of a Marco Asensio strike to give Real a 3-1 win in the first leg of the quarter-final.
      The teams meet in the second leg at Anfield on Wednesday night.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Liverpool boss Klopp says he is looking forward to getting back to a ‘proper stadium’ at Anfield More

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      Antoine Griezmann becomes dad for third time… and all three of Barcelona star’s kids have same birthday at 133k-1 odds

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      ANTOINE  Griezmann is celebrating a unique hat-trick – as his new baby arrived with the same birthday as his first two children at odds of 133,000-1.The Barcelona striker welcomed second daughter Alba on Thursday – joining Mia, five, and son Amaro, two.
      Barcelona ace Antoine Griezmann and his Spanish wife Erika Choperena are overjoyed at the birth of their third child and second daughter, AlbaCredit: Instagram @eri_chope

      Griezmann and Erika wed n 2017 Erika at a secret ceremony in Toledo, Spain
      Alba is Griezmann’s first Nou baby – as the French World Cup winner only completed his £107million move to Barca from Atletico Madrid in July 2019.
      The 30-year-old announced the birth of his latest child on social media: “Alba Griezmann April 8, 2021 at 10:24 a.m” – followed by a heart emoticon.
      Barcelona tweeted their congratulations, while Griezmann’s Spanish wife Erika Choperena posted birthday wishes to the couple’s other two kids.

      The qualified child psychologist put on Instagram: “Today it has been 2 and 5 years since you arrived.
      “You revolutionized our world to make us grow, learn and be better. Mom and Dad can’t be more proud of what you have made us build.
      “We want you infinite, crazy and free!” 
      Griezmann understandably missed Barca’s Thursday training, ahead of El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium on Saturday.
      And although it might mean less to him than normal, due to the joys of (off) spring, he is again under pressure for his starting place.
      Griezmann’s front-work has been under the spotlight – even though he has proved again that he could hardly be called cot-shy….
      And boss Ronald Koeman is considering playing just two in attack.
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      Unfortunately for Griezmann, in-form Ousmane Dembele is a useful bet to keep his spot aside Lionel Messi.
      The possible reduction from three up front comes because Holland star Frenkie de Jong might be moved back from defence into a three-man central midfield.
      Barca are second in LaLiga, a point behind Griezmann’s old club Atletico but two above Real.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Man City monitoring loan star Yangel Herrera amid transfer interest from Premier League rivals in Granada midfielder

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      MANCHESTER CITY will be keeping a keen eye on Granada’s clash with their neighbours on Thursday, to watch Yangel Herrera.The LaLiga side face Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals with the Venezuelan set to line up in midfield.
      Manchester City may decide to bring back loanee Yangel Herrera next seasonCredit: ZUMAPRESS.com
      Herrera, 23, is coming to the end of a two-year loan spell at Granada and could attempt a breakthrough into the City team upon his return.
      According to Goal, Pep Guardiola’s side are considering giving him a run with Fernandinho set to vacate the position in the summer.
      The Brazilian is out of contract and reportedly set to follow Sergio Aguero out the Etihad exit door.
      Venezuela international Herrera captained his country’s Under-20s side on their surprise run to the 2017 World Cup final, which they lost to England.
      In 74 appearances for Granada, he has built on loan spells away at New York City FC and Huesca having signed for City in 2017.
      Spanish legend David Villa rated his potential as ‘world class’ while they played together in the States.

      And he has been a key figure in his team’s rise from LaLiga newboys to Europa quarter-finalists.
      A number of Spanish clubs are described as interested in a summer move, along with Southampton and West Ham.
      Herrera is under contract at City until 2024 and is yet to make his debut for the team.
      Prospective bidders will join the Premier League leaders in watching the player face Manchester United.
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      Granada boss Diego Martinez praised his star ahead of the game.
      He said: “[Herrera] is a very important player for us and this type of game can bring out the best in us.
      “Sometimes you need such a demanding environment to get the best out of you, collectively and individually.
      “And that is our aspiration, to play a perfect match. That has us excited and I hope that success is on our side.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Lucas Vazquez refuses to commit future to Real Madrid after Liverpool win amid Man Utd and Chelsea transfer interest

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      LUCAS VAZQUEZ refused to commit his future to Real Madrid after the win over Liverpool.And that has sparked further discussions surrounding a summer free transfer when his current contract expires with Manchester United and Chelsea linked.
      Lucas Vazquez left a cryptic message for reporters after being asked about his futureCredit: Getty

      The Spaniard, 29, played at right-back once again on Tuesday night as Los Blancos earned a crucial 3-1 first-leg win over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
      He was at the thick of the controversy, especially after a few tangles with Sadio Mane.
      But speaking to the media afterwards, he left a cryptic message about where his future lies.
      Asked about renewing his contract, Vazquez said: “Now what I focus on is the present.
      “I am enjoying this year with minutes, I feel comfortable playing and that is what makes me happy.
      “I was always from Madrid and I will always be from Madrid.”
      Many believe the final comments suggest the wideman could be hinting at a move away by saying his roots will always be in the Spanish capital even if he is no longer playing there.
      Vazquez joined the Real Madrid academy in 2007 aged 16 and progressed through the ‘C’ and ‘B’ teams before breaking into the senior side, via a spell at Espanyol.
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      His first-team debut came in September 2015 and he has now racked up 26 goals in 239 games.
      After struggling for game time last season, the three-time Champions League winner is back in the fold as a first-team regular this term – either on the right wing or at right-back.
      Vazquez also boasts two LaLiga titles and three Club World Cup winner’s medals to his name.
      Reports in Spain state he has rejected ‘several’ contract extensions from Los Blancos – the latest of which was a three-year deal but included a ten per cent pay cut due to the pandemic.
      Those refusals mean Premier League giants United and Chelsea are among the front-runners to bring the nine-cap international in on a free transfer.
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      However, both clubs face competition from AC Milan, Leeds and Tottenham.
      A reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton could also be on the cards with suggestions the Toffees are monitoring his situation.
      Across Europe, Valencia, Sevilla and Napoli may all be possible destinations.
      But it is Bayern Munich who are in pole position.
      Reports in March stated advanced talks have taken place between the player’s representatives and the Bundesliga champions.
      Vazquez relished his battle with Sadio Mane in Madrid on Tuesday nightCredit: EPA
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      Luis Suarez suffers training ground injury with huge fears over Atletico Madrid striker for LaLiga title run-in

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      ATLETICO MADRID are sweating over the severity of Luis Suarez’s leg injury after he picked up the problem during training.The 34-year-old has starred in his first season at the Wanda Metropolitano, with the striker chipping in with 19 goals and two assists in 26 LaLiga matches.
      Atletico Madrid ace Luis Suarez could be facing a spell on the sidelines after injuring his leg during trainingCredit: Reuters
      But Diego Simeone is now left fearing he may be set for an extended spell on the sidelines which could potentially cost his side winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
      The 1-0 defeat against Sevilla on Sunday saw Barcelona close the gap on Atletico to just one point at the the top of the table with nine games left.
      In a further blow for Los Colchoneros, they have confirmed that Suarez has picked up an injury, with the player having to withdraw from Wednesday’s training session.
      A club statement read: “The Uruguayan underwent tests on Wednesday that confirmed the injury.
      “He’s pending response to treatment. Luis Suarez has suffered a muscle injury to the left leg.
      “The striker underwent medical tests on Wednesday after feeling pain in training that confirmed the injury.”
      Suarez is already unavailable for the upcoming clash against Real Betis due to suspension, but he could now be out of action for even longer.
      According to Football Espana, the former Liverpool ace’s injury could see him miss up to three weeks.
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      Luis Suarez is one of the highest-paid players in Europe after joining Atletico from Barcelona
      This would see him be ruled out for the games against Eibar and Huesca, and a doubt for the home match against Athletic Bilbao.
      Atletico fans were left gutted by news of his injury, as one tweeted: “Am beginning to suspect that someone is behind all of this… it’s just problems after problems.”
      Another commented: “They might as well of just said ‘our season depends on the response to this treatment’.”
      A third added: “Is it impossible for things to get worse? Indeed.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Barcelona could launch Harry Kane transfer bid if Dortmund refuse to lower top target Erling Haaland’s £154m price tag

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      BARCELONA could turn to Harry Kane in their hunt for a new striker if Erling Haaland does not sign, according to reports in Spain.Borussia Dortmund star Haaland has caught the eye of several clubs as his representatives hold talks with prospective bidders.
      Harry Kane is reportedly on Barcelona’s radarCredit: Getty
      The LaLiga club are said to be targeting Erling HaalandCredit: Getty
      Agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge Haaland have flown in for talks with both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      But Haaland’s club will seek a fee topping £150million if they are to sell him this summer, with the 20-year-old’s £68m release clause activating next year.
      That could turn Barcelona to a Plan B, according to Spanish outlet Sport, who name Kane and Lautaro Martinez as such options.
      SunSport revealed last week that Tottenham will refuse to sell their star striker to a Premier League rival.
      A move abroad is considered slightly more palatable, although the fee of £175m would have to be negotiated down.
      These latest reports suggest that Barcelona will have to be inventive with player-plus-cash deals if they are to sign a star name this summer.

      Targets such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia will all soon be available as free agents.
      In contrast, Inter Milan star Martinez, like Kane, could command a nine-figure fee.
      Previously thought to be a major target for the LaLiga giants, the Argentine is set to sign a new contract that would bolster his existing £98 buyout fee.
      Martinez, 23, is the lowest-scoring of the three stars on Barcelona’s radar, although Inter are looking good to lift the Serie A title.
      His 16-goal tally sits behind Kane (29) and Haaland (33).
      Spurs host Manchester United on Sunday as Jose Mourinho looks to secure a top-four finish.
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      The manager stated recently that speculation over the 27-year-old’s future is of no interest to him.
      Mourinho, 58, said: “He is such a professional, committed with the team, performing well.
      “I’ve nothing to speak with him about. He has three years of his contract remaining.
      “Unless he wants to speak with me about it… and until now he never approached me in relation to anything.”
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