La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Isco caught on camera blasting boss Zinedine Zidane’s sub timings as Real Madrid frustrations continue

      by

      ISCO has reportedly been caught on camera blasting Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane for the timing of his substitutions.
      The Spanish playmaker, 28, was an unused sub for the 3-1 Clasico win on Saturday.

      Isco reportedly fumed to his team-mates about Zinedine Zidane’s substitutions

      And, according to Spanish news outlet Deportes Cuatro, Isco is furious with Zidane for not giving him a proper run in the side this season.
      The report suggests Isco – seen wearing a face mask – said to Real Madrid team-mates Marcelo and Luka Modric: “If he (Zidane) has to bring me off, he substitutes me in minute 50 or 60 of the game, sometimes at half-time.
      “If he has to put me on, he puts me on in the 80th minute.”
      The conversation, which Luka Jovic did not get involved in as he sat on his phone, was picked up by Movistar’s TV cameras.

      Saturday’s victory over Barcelona at the Nou Camp was the second game in a row Isco was not involved following the midweek humbling against Shakhtar Donetsk.
      Before that he was taken off at half-time against Cadiz.
      In four appearances this season, Isco has started twice and not played more than 57 minutes.
      However, the only time he was subbed on after the 80th minute was in the 2-0 win over Levante when he played the final minute.

      Zidane left the playmaker out for the second game running at the weekendCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Now fans have noticed the star, who has regularly been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, has appeared to be out of shape in recent training pictures.
      They fear the Spaniard seems a long way from the fit athlete he was a few years ago, when he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
      One suggested he was eating McDonald’s three times a day while another compared him to a bus.

      he’s eating mcdo for breakfast lunch and dinner
      — Sara (@magiscooo) October 25, 2020

      Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid fans worried over Isco weight after being spotted in training looking out-of-shape after Hazard troubles

      by

      REAL MADRID fans have been left worried and bemused after pictures emerged of Isco in training looking out of shape.
      The star was left out of the weekend’s 3-1 El Clasico win after limited action this season.

      Fans were left unimpressed with Isco’s appearance in trainingCredit: Rex Features

      Isco cut a trimmer and more athletic figure back in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor

      And the images, which have stunned some Real Madrid fans, perhaps go some way to explaining why.
      Supporters were left questioning his physical state, with the 28-year-old looking podgy and scruffy in training pics.
      The Spaniard appeared a long way from the fit athlete he was a few years ago, when he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
      Isco has been limited to only 148 minutes of on-field action this season and fans are concerned they may not see much more of him in the near future.

      His manager, Zinedine Zidane, when asked about the midfielder after Madrid lost to Cadiz last week, mostly sidestepped the question.
      He said: “We are all in the same boat and criticism makes us stronger. We know we are Madrid and there is criticism after a game like the one the other day.
      “We can only get back to work. The good thing is that there is a game every three days. We deserved the criticism the other day, and me before anyone – not just the players, they fight.
      “We want to change the dynamics. I have no doubts about anything.

      “The other day was a bad day, we want to change things, Isco more than anyone, I have no doubts.”

      Isco not looking fit man.. I still believe in him but he gotta turn it around. I have a feeling he’s going to be needed heavily later on in the season.
      — Taxi Driver (@meanstreeter) October 25, 2020

      he’s eating mcdo for breakfast lunch and dinner
      — Sara (@magiscooo) October 25, 2020

      Isco was substituted at half time during that game and did not appear in the victory against Barcelona or in the shock defeat against Shakhtar in the Champions League.
      Social media users were quick to jump on Isco’s new look.
      One posted that they suspected Isco was eating McDonald’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

      Another said they still believed in him but he ‘gotta turn it around.’
      The Real Madrid man’s transformation is similar to Eden Hazard’s infamous weight gain.
      Following his move from Chelsea, some fans blasted him piling on a couple of pounds during the summer.

      Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes ‘body language is not good’ at Man Utd as Real Madrid and Barcelona show transfer interest in midfielder

      by

      MANCHESTER Unted should be concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ body language according to Steve McClaren – as Real Madrid and Barcelona keep tabs on the midfielder.
      The playmaker has lifted United since he joined in January but the club’s former assistant manager is worried that his recent displays leave much to be desired.

      Bruno Fernandes has been linked away from Manchester after his incredible form during his first year at UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Steve McClaren was Sir Alex Ferguson’s No2 between 1999-2001Credit: Reuters

      McClaren believes he is out of sorts following rumours earlier this month linking him with a shock move to either of Spain’s biggest clubs.
      And he is concerned about Fernandes’ body language, amid reports of behind-the-scenes unease with his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      During the Red Devils goalless draw against Chelsea, he told Talksport: “I’ve been watching Bruno Fernandes and he’s disappointed.
      “He’s disappointed because he’s been taken out of the middle and he’s out on the right-hand side.

      “I saw it last week against Newcastle, when he went out wide, and I’m seeing it again now.
      “His body language is not good, he’s not getting involved.
      “He needs to be in the game and on that right-hand side he’s not moving from there, he’s got to move from there, he’s got to get his head up and get back into the game and affect the game.
      “At the moment he’s just standing out on the right and he’s making it very easy for Ben Chilwell.”

      Here’s who Manchester United have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down

      Fernandes has been one of United’s most successful signings in recent yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Fernandes was ultimately unable to make an impact during the sterile 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford.
      Edinson Cavani almost scored with his first touch while Marcus Rashford was denied twice by Edouard Mendy.
      It continued an indifferent start to the season for the 26-year-old, who was sacrificed at half-time in the 6-1 loss against Tottenham after Martial was sent off.
      His previously peerless penalty record has also not been up to its usual high standards this season.
      Concerns of his demeanour coincides with rumours suggesting the El Clasico pair of Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring Fernandes, despite the fact he’s only been at Old Trafford for a year.

      The Portuguese creative has impressed onlookers with his passing, ability to read the game and chance creation.
      He is not the only talented United midfielder Solskjaer has to worry about defecting to Spain.
      Paul Pogba has recently said it would be a ‘dream’ to play for Madrid.

      Bruno Fernandes is honoured to be made captain of Man Utd for Champions League match More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos demands new two-year deal but club only willing to give defender 12 months

      by

      REAL MADRID and Sergio Ramos are set for a contract showdown with the Spanish giants only willing to give their skipper a 12-month extension.
      The 34-year-old club legend – who is in the last year of his stay at the Bernabeu – is seeking a two-year extension.

      Sergio Ramos has been at Real Madrid since 2005 after joining from SevillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spanish media have claimed Ramos is desperate to sign a new two-year deal

      According to AS, the Spanish centre-back – who has been at the club since joining from Sevilla in 2005 – wants a contract until 2023.
      But Los Blancos have a policy of only handing out one-year deals for players in their thirties.
      The two parties are set to enter negotiations in November, with Real aware Ramos is free to speak to other clubs in January.
      However it has been stated that it is expected Ramos will put pen to paper on a new deal, with the player to be given a small pay rise.

      A source said: “There is no hurry, there is total confidence in Florentino (Perez).
      “And they even glimpse the possibility that the captain will settle for signing year after year.
      Real know how vital Ramos is to their team, with the club losing seven out of their last eight Champions League matches without him in the side.

      Ramos didn’t feature in last week’s 3-2 loss against Shakhtar Donetsk, where the Ukrainian side went into the break 3-0 up.

      But he started in El Clasico on Saturday, with Real emerging 3-1 victors against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
      The 2010 World Cup winner scored a penalty during the clash, bringing him one goal away from 100 strikes for Madrid in all competitions.

      Reguilon lined up for Real Madrid transfer return thanks to buy-back clause just 12 months after signing for Tottenham More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronald Koeman rages at technology, saying ‘VAR only acts against Barcelona’ after El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid

      by

      TECHNOLOGY ‘only acts against Barcelona’, according to a furious Ronald Koeman.
      The Dutchman saw his Barca side slump to a 3-1 home defeat to Real Madrid in his first El Clasico at the helm on Saturday afternoon.

      Ronald Koeman furiously watched on as his Barcelona slumped to El Clasico defeatCredit: EPA

      Sergio Ramos flopped to the turf – and converted the resulting penaltyCredit: Reuters

      Midfielder Fede Valverde had slotted Zinedine Zidane’s side into the lead, before teenager Ansu Fati prodded home an equaliser.
      Lionel Messi could have made it 2-1 to the home side shortly after, when he breezed past Sergio Ramos before being denied by Thibaut Courtois.
      But it was to be Ramos who had the last laugh, being awarded a penalty following a tug on his shirt by defender Clement Lenglet.
      Despite the shirt pull Koeman, 57, was furious with the decision.

      He told Barca TV after the game: “Every decision goes against us.
      “In five games there have been none in our favour. There was the Messi penalty against Sevilla that was not given and the red card against Getafe.
      “Today’s penalty is just something that happens in the area.
      “I don’t think it’s a penalty. VAR in Spain only acts against Barcelona.”

      [embedded content]

      Ramos compounded Koeman’s bitter mood, by dusting himself down and converting the spot kick himself.
      And Luka Modric consigned Barcelona to defeat with a composed late finish.
      Koeman wasn’t the only Barcelona employee left raging by the referee, however, with director Xavi Vilajoana taking to social media.
      He fumed ‘This is a f****** scandal. Munuera f*** off.’ before later apologising.

      I don’t know if it was a penalty. They had chances and we had chances but they were maybe a bit sharper in their finishing
      Sergino Dest

      Young full-back Sergino Dest, however, was more measured in his assessment after the game.
      The American international said: “I don’t know if it was a penalty. They had chances and we had chances but they were maybe a bit sharper in their finishing.”
      Real Madrid remain top of the table with 13 points from the opening six games.
      Barcelona, however, have slumped to 12th, with Koeman having won just two of his opening five league games in charge.

      A profile look at new Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE SCORE: Modric makes game safe as Los Blancos secure crucial El Clasico win

      by

      REAL MADRID are heading for a crucial victory in a pulsating El Clasico.
      TV/Live stream: LaLiga TV/Premier Player
      Barcelona XI: Neto, Dest, Pique, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Jordi Alba, Coutinho, Lenglet, De Jong, Ansu Fati, Messi.
      Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Varane, Casemiro, Valverde, Vini Jr, Mendy, Kroos, Asensio, Benzema.
      Follow ALL the action from Spain with our blog below…

      Alex Terrell4 minutes ago

      3 GOALS 3 POINTS

      Alex Terrell7 minutes ago

      In the first El Clasico of the season, a early goal, a penalty, and a stoppage time winner was enough for Real Madrid to run away with the 3 points.
      FT BARCA 1-3 MADRID

      Alex Terrell10 minutes ago

      PEEEEEEEEP!
      FULL TIME WHISTLE BLOWS!

      Alex Terrell12 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-3 MADRID
      90+3. 2 minutes of stoppage time to go.

      Alex Terrell14 minutes ago

      After all that hard work, it was poor play from the keeper Neto.
      He should of just came and collected a stray ball but instead, his clearance fell straight to Luka Modric who with complete composure, put the ball in the back of the net.
      Game set and match.
      BARCA 1-3 MADRID

      Alex Terrell16 minutes ago

      ITS A THIRD
      Madrid in dreamland.

      Alex Terrell17 minutes ago

      GOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!
      SESNSATIONAL FROM MODRIC!
      THAT SHOULD BE THE POINTS IN THE BAG

      Alex Terrell18 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      88. Brilliant touch from Griezmann who then plays it into the path of Dembele to cross.
      He tries to chip Courtois from a ridiculous angle and it goes incredibly wide.

      Alex Terrell20 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      86. ANOTHER SAVE!
      Neto is keeping Barca in this as Lucas crosses it to Ramos who peeled at the back post to volley which the keeper saved with his feet.
      Fantastic.

      Alex Terrell22 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      85. DOUBLE SAVE FROM NETO
      Kroos with two powerful shots which both stay out.

      Alex Terrell23 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      84. Real Madrid prepared to soak up pressure and hit Barca on the counter.

      Alex Terrell24 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      80. Koeman throwing the kitchen sink at Madrid with a double sub
      Griezmann for Fati.
      Trincao for Busquets.

      Alex Terrell27 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      78. In swinger from Coutinho gets cleared forcing Barca to start from the back again.

      Alex Terrell28 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      79. Straight into the wall.
      Corner Barca.

      Alex Terrell29 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      77. Silly foul to give away.
      Vinicius challenged Busquets from behind right on the edge of the 18 yard box.
      Messi steps up…

      Alex Terrell31 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      75. Courtois almost made a mess of that as he spilled the ball from what looked to be an easy catch for the Belgian.

      Alex Terrell32 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      75. 15 minutes plus stoppage time to go.
      Freekick Barcelona.

      Alex Terrell33 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      73. Barca turning up the heat pushing everyone up the field to get this second.
      They have to be careful that they don’t get caught out by the pace of the Madrid attackers.

      Alex Terrell35 minutes ago

      RAMOS TO THE RESCUE

      Alex Terrell36 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      69. DID THAT HIT AN ARM?
      A little scrabble in the box from a Barcelona corner forced Ramos to try and clear it but he smashed the ball at his team mate Varane which seemed to hit an arm.
      However, the referee didn’t think so.

      Alex Terrell38 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      68. Oh no, Valverde has to come off with an injury.
      This will be a big miss for them.
      Modric comes on, not a bad replacement.

      Alex Terrell40 minutes ago

      BARCA 1-2 MADRID
      65. Barca trying to put that behind them as Messi strides forward and passes to Coutinho
      The Brazilian tries a little mazy run and shot but it is easily blocked by Ramos.

      Alex Terrell44 minutes ago

      In all honesty the tug on the shirt was not enough for Ramos to go down but you simply cannot pull a players shirt
      Barca disgusted with the decision but rules are rules.
      Nicely slotted to Neto’s right by the captain.
      BARCA 1 – 2 MADRID

      Alex Terrell45 minutes ago

      GOAAAAAAAALLLLL
      THE CAPTAIN RAMOS STAMPS HIS MARK ON THE GAME
      COOL PENALTY

      Alex Terrell46 minutes ago

      IT’S A PENALTYYYYY

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 3: Messi and Co embarrassed as Valverde, Ramos and Modric ease pressure on under-fire Zidane

      by

      LIONEL MESSI and co were embarrassed by Real Madrid as Sergio Ramos won and scored a controversial penalty during Los Blancos’ second consecutive El Clasico win.
      The result overshadowed Ansu Fati’s afternoon who became the youngest Clasico scorer in the 21st century with his equaliser on eight minutes.

      Sergio Ramos’ penalty handed Real Madrid a win in El ClasicoCredit: Reuters

      Los Blancos’ legendary captain won and scored the spot kickCredit: AFP or licensors

      Ansu Fati became the youngest Clasico scorer in the 21st centuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Luka Modric’s late strike wrapped up the points for Los Blancos as Barca chased the game but Ramos’ pen came at just the right time for the visitors.
      Ramos fell to the ground and screamed for a penalty as a free-kick was looped in on the hour mark.
      And after checking the pitch-side monitor, the ref noticed the clear shirt pull by Clement Lenglet and pointed to the spot.

      Although it was nowhere near enough to send him tumbling, the Los Blancos legend did well to make the most of it.
      And Real’s captain wasted no time in getting up and calmly slotting the resulting penalty home himself.
      At 17 years and 359 days old, Fati broke Vinicius Jr’s record when he levelled the scores after Federico Valverde put Real ahead on five minutes.
      And Lionel Messi – who was booked late on – had a quiet afternoon as he continued his 902 day El Clasico goal drought.

      Real move top of LaLiga with the win while Barcelona stay tenth.

      Zinedine Zidane and Ronald Koeman exchanged warm handshakes before the gameCredit: AFP or licensors

      A lightning first ten saw Federico Valverde put Real ahead after five minutes before 17-year-old Ansu Fati struck the equaliser just three minutes later.
      Karim Benzema charged through the Barca midfield unchallenged, slid a perfectly weighted through ball behind Gerard Pique and Valverde took it in his stride before lashing it past Neto into the top left corner.
      But within a blink of an eye, Barca were level.
      Messi dinked an exquisite ball to Jordi Alba along the left touchline, he raced down the channel and fizzed the ball across the box for Fati to stab home from barely six yards.
      The game settled down somewhat with Messi getting on he ball in deep positions and trying to make things happen.
      And Real midfielder Casemiro was booked after one mazy run having slid in on the Argentine.
      The referee decided to ignore the fact he didn’t actually touch the striker and brandished the yellow anyway.
      Messi had a shout for a penalty just before the half hour mark after another risky slide challenge from Casemiro but the Brazilian just got a toe on it and it was waved away as Messi crashed to the ground. Again.

      He tapped in Jordi Alba’s cross after just eight minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Federico Valverde gave Real the lead after just five minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lenglet was shown yellow for a full-blooded challenge on Valverde soon after.
      And Real had the upper hand for the remainder of the first-half with Marco Asensio involved in some particularly skillful passages of play.
      Nacho was booked for a challenge on Philippe Coutinho as the ex-Liverpool man cut in from the flank with just eight minutes of the first 45 left.
      And unable to shake a knock, he was replaced by Lucas Vazquez just five minutes later.
      After the early flurry of activity, both teams defended well and were limited to half chances with neither keeper tested before the break as the teams went in at 1-1.
      Compared to previous Clasicos, this was a much tamer affair – cue reminders that no fans MUST be affecting the players on the pitch.
      The second-half started in much the same fashion with Fati carving out the first chance five minutes in – dragging a right-footed effort wide of the post.
      But just three minute later, Coutinho missed a huge chance – heading into the side netting from just eight yards after after Fati’s pinpoint cross put it on a plate for him at the far post.
      Toni Kroos and Ramos had huge chances to wrap up the points at 2-1 but a tremendous treble save from Neto kept his team in it.
      But Modric made sure of the win as Barca were stretched late on – twisting and turning to sit Neto down before lashing home from 15 yeards with the outside of his right foot.

      Casemiro was booked for this first half swipe at MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Argentine had a quiet afternoon and it is now 902 days since he last scored in a ClasicoCredit: AFP or licensors

      Anthony Joshua takes part in star-studded Zoom call with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and PSG star Mbappe More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘make contact’ with ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as they line-up replacement for under-fire Zidane

      by

      REAL MADRID have reportedly made contact with Mauricio Pochettino as they line up a potential replacement for Zinedine Zidane.
      Spanish outlet El Transistor claim that Los Blancos have reached out to the former Tottenham boss following the continued turmoil at the club.

      Real Madrid have contacted Mauricio Pochettino to replace Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Reuters

      The Frenchman has been linked with a Los Blancos exit

      The report adds that Madrid are adamant that Zidane’s accomplishments at the Santiago Bernabeu will stop him from getting the sack.
      Yet it is said many fear the Frenchman could voluntarily walk as he did back in 2018 should Madrid’s on-field struggles continue.
      Madrid chief Zidane is already under intense pressure just six games into the new season ahead of the huge clash against Barcelona.
      Los Blancos slumped to a 3-2 defeat in their Champions League opener against a Shakhtar Donetsk side missing TEN players on Wednesday.

      That performance came four days after they suffered a first domestic loss of the season as they fell 1-0 to LaLiga new boys Cadiz last weekend.
      Both defeats came on home turf.
      SunSport previously reported that Madrid were considering both Pochettino and club legend Raul as their next manager should Zidane leave.
      Poch has been without a team since he was axed by Spurs last November.

      The Argentine has also been linked with taking over Manchester United if they decide to get rid of boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Yet the 48-year-old stated last year how he wants to be in charge of Los Blancos at one point in his career.
      And Pochettino claimed again last month that it was ‘his dream’ to manage Real.

      Zidane is worried by Real Madrid’s drop in confidence after Shakhtar defeat More