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    Eden Hazard admits going missing in big games for Real Madrid AND Chelsea in brutally honest chat amid horror season

    EDEN HAZARD has sensationally admitted to going missing in big games for Real Madrid AND Chelsea.The Belgian, 30, has suffered another horror season in Spain, scoring just four goals in 21 appearances.
    Eden Hazard has admitted to going missing in big games for Real Madrid and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Hazard, who netted just once in 22 games last term, has looked a shadow of his former self since swapping Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu in 2019.
    He has suffered from numerous injuries over the past two years.
    And Hazard’s performances have also left little to be desired, with the playmaker making no impact as Real were knocked out of the Champions League by former side Chelsea earlier this month.
    Hazard has now held his hands up to having numerous off-days for Los Blancos.
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    And he also claims he went missing in big games during his seven years at Chelsea too.
    Speaking to former club Lille’s official website, Hazard said: “At Lille, Chelsea, with the national team and now at Real Madrid, there have been great games in which I didn’t respond, I can’t hide it.
    “It is clear today it is often the great players who make the difference in the big matches, and this occurs more and more.
    “Football isn’t the same as it was 10 years ago, today matches are tighter.
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    “To win a big game you have to be collectively moving the ball in attack, or have an individual capable of unlocking the situation with a dribble or a shot.”
    Hazard’s most infamous incident in a Real shirt came after the defeat to Chelsea, when he was filmed laughing with ex-teammate Kurt Zouma.
    The scene sparked a huge backlash in Spain, with pundits and fans alike calling for Hazard’s exit this summer.

    However, Real boss Zinedine Zidane is adamant Hazard can finally come good next term.
    He said: “Hazard has said sorry, it wasn’t his intention to hurt anyone. That’s the most important thing. Eden is a Real player and he’ll compete for Real.
    “He knows what he has to do on the pitch and he’ll do it. So far we haven’t been able to see the Hazard people want to see.
    “I think he will get through this. It’s a complicated moment but he has a contract and wants to succeed here. I hope that soon he’ll show what he is as a player.”
    Eden Hazard slammed for reaction to Chelsea defeat as Real Madrid star jokes around with former team-mates More

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    Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez eat lunch in Madrid with Wags as Barcelona believe star will snub Man City transfer to stay

    LIONEL MESSI enjoyed a reunion with Luis Suarez as the Barcelona star travelled to Madrid to meet up with his close friend.The Argentine forward took advantage of a two-day break given by boss Ronald Koeman to visit the Atletico Madrid striker in the Spanish capital.
    Barcelona star Lionel Messi travelled to Madrid to meet up with close friend Luis SuarezCredit: Antonela Roccuzzo / Instagram
    Messi and Suarez joined by their wives enjoyed a day in Madrid’s ‘Golden Mile’
    The pair were joined by their partners as they dined out at Italian restaurant Numa Pompilio in Madrid’s ‘Golden Mile’.
    Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo took to Instagram to share a photo of the happy couple alongside Suarez and his spouse Sofia Balbi.
    Captioning the picture, she simply stated: “Adding moments together.”
    Suarez enjoyed six seasons in Catalonia with Messi, where they won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey four times, as well as the Champions League in 2015.
    Their remarkable partnership saw then score 475 goals between them, while also providing 241 assists.
    Messi was left fuming with Barca in allowing Suarez to join rivals Atletico, and his anger is justified with Diego Simeone’s side poised to win the Spanish top-flight.
    But Sport have stated that the 33-year-old still felt the need to travel to Madrid to wish Suarez well ahead of Atletico’s vital clash at Valladolid on Saturday.
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    Messi is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when his contract expires at the Nou Camp.
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    Messi is set to become a free agent with his contract at the Nou Camp to expire at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex

    After failing to secure his services last year, SunSport have exclusively revealed that Manchester City can sign him – but only if they pay him £500,000-a-week after tax.
    Despite uncertainty surrounding his future, Mundo Deportivo have claimed that the Blaugrana expect Messi to pen a new deal.
    They state that the Barca board would be left shocked if he departed in the summer as they are fully confident he will extend his stay.
    Barca are ready to offer the six-time Ballon d’Or winner a two-year contract while also promising to strengthen the team in the upcoming transfer window.
    Luis Suarez shows his talent as he joins Atletico Madrid in training More

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    Sex toy salesman set to win £12,500 accumulator from 50p stake if Atletico Madrid win LaLiga on bet placed last summer

    SEX TOY salesman Carl Edwards is on the brink of winning more than £12,500 from a 50p accumulator… if Atletico Madrid clinch the LaLiga title at the weekend.Edwards, 59, recently discovered a betting slip from last summer, in which he had attempted to predict a number of league champions.
    Carl Edwards could win big at the weekend
    He correctly called Manchester City winning the Premier League, Norwich triumphing in the Championship, and Hull and Cheltenham bagging League One and League Two respectively.
    The final leg of his accumulator is Atletico winning LaLiga, and Diego Simeone’s side appear on track to do just that.
    If Atleti beat Real Valladolid at the weekend they will be crowned champions ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
    But if they fail to win, Simeone, Carl and Co will require Villarreal to do them a favour against their rivals, who currently sit two points behind going into the final day.
    Birmingham native Carl, who owns adult store Direct Pleasure, said: “I’m a nervous wreck at the moment.
    “I almost had a heart attack when Barcelona let a goal in during the last minute the other day.
    “I’ve never won a bet like this in my life and to think I could make £12,500 from 50p is amazing.
    “Especially after the year I’ve had after lockdown, I do all the markets in the Midlands and they have been closed so we have not been able to work for nearly a year.
    Atleti are on the brink of the titleCredit: Getty
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    “However the sex toy side of the business has exploded during lockdown because everyone has been stuck inside.
    “Perhaps I should not have told everyone about the bet because I will have a line round the block of people wanting to borrow a few quid.
    “I think the whole of Handsworth is supporting Atletico Madrid and I am delighted the final game will be happening when the pubs are back open.
    “It will be the party of the year in my local The Calthorpe Arms if I win.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Football fan cashes out at perfect moment as £5 bet turns into £200,000 winning bet on 10-fold acca More

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    Karim Benzema to land sensational France recall for Euro 2020 after Deschamps exile – FIVE YEARS after last call-up

    KARIM BENZEMA will play for France at the Euros, according to reports.Only a week ago Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps killed any hope the Real Madrid striker had of ending his FIVE-YEAR exile and said: “I’m not Santa Claus.”
    Karim Benzema could play for France this summer after allCredit: AFP or licensors
    But in a shock turn of events, the 33-year-old will be back in the side, according to high-profile football journalist Julien Laurens.
    He tweeted: “It’s now confirmed by different sources: Karim Benzema WILL be in France’s squad for the Euros this summer.
    “More than five years after his last cap, Deschamps will call him back. Wow!!!!!”
    The former Lyon man hasn’t played for the reigning world champions since 2015 following his alleged role in a plot to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena – a claim he denies.
    Benzema is alleged to have been involved in a plan to blackmail the winger over an X-rated video on his mobile phone.
    The striker is claimed to have acted as a middle-man, convincing Valbuena to deal with the blackmailers himself – with the now-Olympiacos man, 36, instead going to police.
    Benzema’s lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, maintained the striker’s innocence in 2015, saying: “He played no part, I repeat no part, in any blackmail or attempted blackmail.”
    The forward will reportedly go on trial in October, and many – including Arsenal legend and fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger – had called for him to be recalled to the national team for Euro 2020.
    It’s now confirmed by different sources: Karim Benzema WILL be in France’s squad for the Euros this summer. More than five years after his last cap, Deschamps will call him back. Wow!!!!!— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) May 18, 2021

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    But Deschamps was quick to quash such suggestions in an interview with Kicker.
    Asked if he had any plans to include Benzema in his squad, the 52-year-old said: “I am not Santa Claus, I am not here to announce surprises.
    “I am refining it little by little, I have players who, like [Corentin] Tolisso at Bayern, are still recovering, and I still do not have all the information about their status.
    “I will release my list of players on May 18, but there will also be games after that. I will have players who will participate in the two finals of the European Cups.
    “We have to hope that everything goes well, because unfortunately we cannot avoid the unexpected.
    “The only list that matters is the one we send to Uefa on June 1 at midnight.”
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    Earlier this month, Rio Ferdinand revealed Sir Alex Ferguson was so desperate to sign Benzema he had to be pulled away from him.
    The legendary Manchester United boss approached the Real Madrid striker when he was still at Lyon and officials from the Ligue 1 side were forced to intervene.
    Should Benzema be included, he is likely to be a popular pick for players of The Sun’s Dream Team Euros fantasy football game.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Who are the favourites for Tottenham’s Harry Kane transfer More

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    Ex-Man Utd forward Memphis Depay ‘close’ to sealing Barcelona transfer on free before Euros after going house-hunting

    LYON star Memphis Depay is reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona after going house-hunting in Catalonia.The 27-year-old is poised to link up with the Blaugrana on a free transfer in the summer having refused to sign a new deal to remain in France.
    Lyon forward Memphis Depay has been heavily linked with a summer switch to BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Following his flop spell at Manchester United, the Dutch forward has starred in Ligue 1 where he has become a key player for Lyon.
    This season he has chipped in with 22 goals and ten assists in 39 games in all competitions – helping his side qualify for the Champions League.
    And according to Mundo Deportivo, he has set his eyes on a switch to Spain to link up with former Holland boss Ronald Koeman.
    They state that he was looking for houses in Barcelona with his family two weeks ago when visiting the city.
    He is claimed to have been searching in the Pedralbes area of having been advised by his countryman and Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
    French news outlet L’Equipe have reported that his impending move to join the LaLiga giants is ‘close’ to being finalised.
    They have revealed that Depay’s representatives hope to announce the deal before the delayed Euro 2020 tournament which starts on June 11.
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    But Marca have declared that Depay will only link up with Barcelona should Koeman still be in charge of the club.
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    20 – Memphis Depay becomes the first Lyon player to score 20 goals and deliver 10 assists in a single Ligue 1 season since Opta analysed the competition (2006/07). Brilliant. #NOOL pic.twitter.com/pAamSPOJoA— OptaJean (@OptaJean) May 16, 2021

    Koeman – who managed Depay between 2018-2020 for Holland – is under pressure at the Nou Camp.
    Despite guiding his side to Copa del Rey glory, Barca’s inconsistent form has seen them fall short in their quest to win LaLiga.
    They have failed to win any of their last three league matches, which has seen them drop to third in the table and seven points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
    Barca also crashed out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.
    It was their earliest exit in the European Cup since 2007 where they were knocked out by Liverpool. More

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    Luis Suarez keeps Atletico title fate in their hands in last minute, Real Madrid beat Athletic, Barcelona LOSE to Celta

    LUIS SUAREZ has netted in the last minute to keep Atletico Madrid’s title fate in their own hands.Ante Budimir gave Osasuna the lead at the Wanda Metropolitano before Renan Lodi equalised and Suarez netted the crucial goal.
    Meanwhile Nacho secured a victory at Athletic Bilbao to keep Real Madrid in the hunt
    And Lionel Messi’s goal for Barcelona was in vain as Celta have gone 2-1 up at the Camp Nou.

    Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid
    Atletico Madrid 2-1 Osasuna
    Barcelona 1-2 Celta Vigo

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    Stay up to date with every kick from Spain in our live blog, below…
    UNTIL NEXT TIME
    Wow, that got tense even for me as a neutral.
    It looked as if Real Madrid were going to go into the final match-day with the advantage but Luis Suarez was on hand to save the day for his new club yet again.
    The Uruguyan’s former club Barcelona had a shocker against Celta Vigo meaning they have dropped out of the title race and Sevilla lost to Villarreal so their fate was the same.
    There’s only a couple points in it for all aspects of the table; The title, the Europa League spots and the relegation battle.
    It’s all to play for next weekend.
    Thanks for tuning in people, but we are not done yet so make sure to meet me here next Sunday too!

    KEY FINAL FIXTURES
    Atletico Madrid will fancy their chances of securing the La Liga once and for all because they travel to play against a Real Valladolid side who just received a 4-1 hammering against Real Sociedad.
    This could possibly be the end of Valladolid’s reign in Spain’s top tier.
    As for Real Madrid, their final day fixture is a little trickier because Zidane’s men face Unai Emery’s Villarreal who are flying high at the moment.
    The two other teams fighting for safety are Elche who have a tough trip to Athletic Bilbao and SD Huesca who will be hosting Valencia.

    SUAREZ SPEAKS
    This isn’t the man of the moment Luiz Suarez first rodeo when it comes to battling it out for the league which is why he gave tips on what how to achieve it in his post-match intrview.
    If you are going to win the title you have to suffer and today we did that. But obviously we’re very happy with the sacrifices we have put in this season because that makes sure the club can secure the objectives they want to achieve.Luis SuarezLaLigaTV
    TABLA DE LIGA ACTUALIZADA
    This is what the results mean for the current league standings.
    Luis Suarez’ winner against Osasuna means that as long as Atletico Madrid better or get the same result as their rivals from down the road, the title will be heading to Wanda Metropolitano.
    Real Sociedad, Real Betis and Villareal all gained three points meaning that the spots for Europe will go down to the wire.
    Looking at the bottom three, Elche’s three points have kept them fighting and despite Real Valladolid suffering a defeat, they still have the opportunity to stay in the division.
    As for Eibar, the loss to Valencia was the final nail in the coffin because their 6-year-run in La Liga has come to an end.

    SUAREZ THE SAVIOUR
    No player has gained more points for their team than Luis Suarez (19) which means that the Uruguayan has equalled Youssef En Nesyri’s all-time record.

    RESULTS AROUND LA LIGA
    All that drama and there is still one more game to go.
    Incredible.

    SENSATIONAL SUAREZ
    The Atletico Madrid Twitter admin enjoyed that one.
    YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS pic.twitter.com/RSk0v9GkEp— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 16, 2021

    PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
    THAT’S IT!
    THE REFEREE’S AROUND THE COUNTRY BRING MATCHDAY 37 TO A CLOSE!
    WHAT DRAMA!
    ATLETICO 2-1 OSASUNA
    90+4. WHAT A SAVE OBLAK!
    Avila saw his name up in lights as the midfielder went for a long range effort.
    But Jan Oblak in between the Atletico sticks managed to not only keep it out, the keeper was also able to pounce on it too.
    That should be it for Madrid.
    TIDY HIM UP
    Lionel Messi has the look of a defeated man.

    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    IT’S THREE GOALS FOR ELCHE!
    AND THAT SHOULD BE THREE POINTS!
    BARCA 1-2 CELTA VIGO
    88. A cross came in from Augusto Solari which somehow managed to smash the post.
    And then Santi Mina was first to react to a loose ball putting Barcelona on the back-foot and out of the title race.
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    AND LUIS SUAREZ’ FORMER TEAM HAVE CONCEDED!
    HOW IRONIC IS THIS!

    ATLETICO 2-1 OSASUNA
    87. Diego Simeone mentioned the Luis Suarez zone (12-yard-box) and he was right.
    The forward took his shot superbly and that could be crucial in the home side lifting the title next weekend.
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    YOU CANNOT WRITE THIS SCRIPTTTTTTTTTTT!
    LUIS SUAREZ HAS FIRED ATLETICO MADRID IN THE LEAD!
    AND FIRED THEM BACK INTO TOP SPOT!
    WOW!
    ATLETICO 1-1 OSASUNA
    82. Lodi has smashed Atletico back into the title race but that’s not enough because only a win can reclaim top spot for the home side.
    It’s all to play for!
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    HOLD YOUR HORSES PEOPLE!
    ATLETICO MADRID HAVE EQUALISEDDDDDD!
    THE TITLE IS BACK ON!
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    BACCA GET’S HIS HAT-TRICK AGAINST SEVILLA!
    THAT IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE FOR VILLARREAL!
    MADRID IS WHITE
    Real Madrid are ahead in their match and ahead in the league.
    Are Atletico Madrid going to bottle it yet again?

    ATLETICO 0-1 OSASUNA
    77. Ante Budimir has dealt Atletico Madrid a huge blow in their chances to clinch the title.
    It was a fantastic header which Oblak looked like he had saved but when you see the replays, it clearly went over the line.
    What this now means is that Atletico Madrid are now a point behind Real Madrid at the top of the table.
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY HUGE TWIST IN THE TITLE RACE!
    AS ATLETICO MADRID HAVE GONE BEHINDDDDDDD!
    DEPORTIVO 4-2 GRANADA
    72. Luis Rioja almost but confirms Deportivo’s safety with their fourth of the game.
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    DEPORTIVO ALAVES BAG THEIR FOURTH!
    IT REALLY IS HOTTING UP IN LA LIGA!
    ALL OVER THE TABLE TOO!
    ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-1 REAL MADRID
    68. This goal is huge because it draws the away side level with Atletico Madrid at the top of the leaderboards.
    However, if it was to stay like this at the end of next weekend, Real Madrid would win the title on the head-to-head rule.
    La Liga is really hotting up at the moment.
    GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
    A HUGE, CRITICAL, MASSIVE STRIKE FROM NACHO IN THE TITLE RACE!
    BECAUSE REAL MADRID HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD AGAINST BILBAO!
    Load more entries… More

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    Watch Luis Suarez score dramatic late winner to keep Atleti ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga title race as Barca crash out

    LUIS SUAREZ completed a mega comeback win for Atletico Madrid to keep his side on course for the LaLiga title.Osasuna had threatened to derail Los Rojiblancos in a frantic race to the Spanish crown, until two goals in the last ten minutes on Sunday.
    LUIS SUAREZ MAKES IT 2-1! 🔴⚪What a dramatic turnaround for Atleti and they control their own title destiny again! 😱 pic.twitter.com/n1DTMMumDt— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) May 16, 2021

    Renan Lodi smashed home an equaliser before Suarez slotted home with trademark accuracy to spark wild scenes of celebration inside and outside the Wanda Metropolitano.
    A 75th-minute header from Osasuna forward Ante Budimir had crept over the line to seemingly provide Real Madrid and Barcelona the perfect opportunity to make a late grab for the title.
    The penultimate round of fixtures was played simultaneously on Sunday evening, emphasising the rollercoaster race that Atleti have led since November.
    In Bilbao, Nacho’s strike handed Real a key victory away at Athletic Club to keep the pressure on their neighours.
    But Barcelona crashed out after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Celta Vigo.
    Having drawn their two previous games, the Catalans went ahead through a Lionel Messi header, his 30th league goal of the season.
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    Luis Suarez bagged a huge three points for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
    Los Rojiblancos hold a two-point lead going into the final weekendCredit: AP
    But Santi Mina soon had the visitors level at the Camp Nou and Clement Lenglet was later sent off for Barcelona.
    Mina was in the right place at the right time to slash home a rebound in the 89th minute after Augusto Solari’s looping cross hit the frame of the goal.
    Barcelona travel to relegated Eibar in a week’s time, making this perhaps Messi’s final outing at the Camp Nou in a Blaugrana shirt.
    The results mean next Sunday’s final round of matches will be a straight shootout between the two Madrid giants.
    Lionel Messi’s Barcelona are out of the title race after a defeatCredit: Reuters
    Nacho Fernandez (right) kept Real Madrid’s hopes alive in BilbaoCredit: EPA

    Atletico travel to Valladolid knowing a draw may not be enough, as Real closing the two-point gap will lead to a head-to-head tiebreaker in Los Blancos’ favour.
    Zinedine Zidane’s side host Villarreal at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano with both games kicking off at 5pm on Sunday, May 23.
    Neither of the title hopefuls’ opponents should lay down their arms however, with 19th-placed Valladolid needing a win if they want to avoid relegation and Europa League finalists Villarreal sat seventh and in the fight to qualify for next season’s competition.
    Real Madrid have scored! 🚨Nacho didn’t know anything about it, but what a monumental goal that could prove to be 👀Benzema was in an offside position, but must have been deemed not to be interfering as the goal stood after a VAR review 🤷 pic.twitter.com/v1NsY9zhfe— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) May 16, 2021

    Diego Simeone is running down the tunnel, punching the air again! 🔴⚪The LaLiga title race between the Madrid rivals will go to the final day of the season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qWRz9dlibk— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) May 16, 2021

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    Atletico Madrid ace Carrasco drives to training in neighbour’s classic Fiat Panda 4×4 after Storm Filomena batters Spain More