La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares122 Views

      in Soccer

      Furious fans hurl bottle at Jude Bellingham after Champions League controversy.. but Real Madrid star responds perfectly

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM silenced yobs who hurled a bottle at him after Real Madrid sealed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.Real defeated rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday in the second leg of their Last-16 encounter with Bellingham, 21, scoring from the spot before Antonio Rudiger secured qualification.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham had objects hurled at him after beating Atletico MadridCredit: RexBellingham silenced yobs by heading away a plastic bottle that was thrown at himLos Blancos made it through despite a nervy encounter that saw the star midfielder’s England team-mate Conor Gallagher tying the aggregate on 2-2 just a few seconds after kick-off.Atletico couldn’t add to their 1-0 lead and thus the crunch derby went to pens where Bellingham kept his cool to help the reigning European champions advance to the next round.The ex-Birmingham star then led celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium.That didn’t sit well with some home fans who started hurling objects at Bellingham and his team-mates.Read More on FootballBut a viral clip caught the Real star maintaining his composure with a brilliant reaction that showed his true class.The ex-Borussia Dortmund star saw a plastic bottle flying towards him and went on to head it away like he usually does on set pieces – a lot of which lead to a goal.Bellingham’s hilarious reaction and incredible resilience went viral with amazed fans storming social media.One fan tweeted: “What a video!”Most read in Champions LeagueAnother commented: “Absolute GOAT.”A third wrote: “Man redirected that bottle like it was a last-minute corner kick.”Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card This fan said: “Craziest reaction by Bellingham.”And that one stated: “Legend!” More

    • 200 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Historic robbery’ – Fans furious as Julian Alvarez’s penalty controversially ruled out after Real Madrid protests

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left furious after Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout goal ruled out following a VAR intervention.Conor Gallagher’s early goal for Atletico Madrid after 27 seconds had forced extra-time and penalties with holders Real Madrid during the second leg of the Madrid derby Champions League last 16 clash.Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout kick against Real Madrid controversially ruled outCredit: RexVAR ruled out the kick on grounds of a double touch before it went inCredit: ReutersBoth sides were unable to find a decisive winner, with Vinicius Jr blazing a spot-kick over the bar in the second half, so a shootout was needed to separate the teams at the end of more than 210 minutes of action.With the away side kicking first, the first three penalties were all scored.Ex-Manchester City star Alvarez then stepped up for his sides second penalty at the Wanda Metropolitano.Catastrophe struck as the Argentine slipped during his run-up, but his effort still managed to find its way into the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, VAR seemed to spot something wrong with the kick.And upon a review, Alvarez saw his goal ruled out for an extraordinary double touch.Atletico scored their next penalty through Angel Correa, but were sent crashing out of the competition by their neighbours once again when Marcos Llorente saw his kick saved by Thibaut Courtois.Fans were left fuming about the inexplicable intervention by VAR, accusing it of favouring the 15-time European Champions.Most read in FootballCheltenham 2025 – all you needOne fan on social media said: “Football will never see anything like this again. A historic robbery has taken place at the Metropolitano with the whole world watching. Payments have come in clutch.”A second said: “Cancelling a penalty because there might have been a double touch is abhorrent. At the very least, Álvarez should be given a chance to retake it. Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid boss”But if there isn’t even clear-cut evidence of a double touch, why nullify it? There’s no other way to put it: it’s anti-football.”A third added: “The Julian Alvarez penalty kick is all the evidence we needed towards proving that Real Madrid has some pact with the devil in the Champions League.”Atleti boss Diego Simeone was incandescent as ever when discussing the intervention, asking reporters to raise their hand if they saw the apparent double touch.He then shouted: “Did anyone here see Julián touch the ball twice? Raise your hand! Come on, come on! Raise your hand! Nobody’s raising theirs, ready! Next question…”However, slowed-down replays from of the incident showed there was indeed a slight double-touch.Football lawmakers, IFAB, clearly write in the laws of the game that the double touch of a penalty kick is forbidden.Law 14.2 states: “The kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player; an indirect free kick (or direct free kick for a handball offence) is awarded.”Law 10, which clarifies the rules around shootouts, also adds: “If the kicker is penalised for an offence committed after the referee has signalled for the kick to be taken, that kick is recorded as missed and the kicker is cautioned.”Real Madrid’s progression into the quarter-finals sees them play Arsenal, who were eliminated at this stage by Bayern Munich last season.The first leg will commence at the Emirates on April 8, with the second leg commencing the following week on April 16.These two clubs have remarkably only met once before in the Champions League in 2005/06.Arsenal emerged as 1-0 victors over a two-legged semi-final thanks to Thierry Henry goal early in the second half at the Bernabeu.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat season was the last time the Gunners made it to the final of the competition.The winner of the tie will play one of Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa for a spot in the final at the Allianz Arena. More

    • 175 Shares131 Views

      in Soccer

      Brutal moment Antoine Griezmann ‘ends Jude Bellingham’s career’ with five seconds of pure genius

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID star Antoine Griezmann went viral after two stunning dribbles on Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham in the Champions League.The Madrid rivals faced off on Wednesday in the second leg of their Last-16 encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium with Griezmann and Bellingham starting for each side.Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann went viral after dribbling Real Madrid superstar Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyGriezmann put together five seconds of absolute genius against BellinghamBellingham was floored twice by Griezmann in the Champions LeagueAnd the France international left fans in awe with five seconds of absolute genius against the star midfielder.First, the playmaker unloaded the ball immediately before the ex-Birmingham star came for him with a sliding challenge down the attacking third.Griezmann got the ball back on the right flank and the England international returned for more.And that was when the Atletico star appeared to have nutmegged Bellingham.Read More on FootballGriezmann left fans absolutely stunned as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Griezmann just ended Bellingham’s career.”Another commented: “Griezmann just bodied Bellingham.”A third asked: “Griezmann what did you just do to Bellingham?”Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThis fan said: “Griezmann pocketing Bellingham.”And that one stated: “What has Griezman just done to Bellingham?”Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Bellingham, though, had the last laugh despite Atletico tying the aggregate with a 1-0 victory thanks to Conor Gallagher’s opener in the first few seconds after a 2-1 loss last week at Santiago Bernabeu.Real won 4-2 on penalties with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star scoring from the spot, while Griezmann came off in the dying minutes of the second half as he was replaced by Alexander Sorloth. More

    • 225 Shares131 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 0 (agg 1-1, pens 2-4): Ancelotti’s men WIN after major penalty shootout controversy

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM and the Kings of Europe will take on Arsenal in the quarter-finals after Real Madrid’s dramatic derby win.Conor Gallagher scored a shocking 27-second opener to level things up, but Atletico Madrid could not find a winner against their old rivals.Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a shootout win over Atletico MadridCredit: EPAAntonio Rudiger scored the decisive spot-kick for Los BlancosCredit: AFPJulian Alvarez’s shootout spotkick proved to be a controversial oneCredit: ReutersVAR ruled out the Argentine’s penalty after he was deemed him to have kicked the ball twiceCredit: TNT SportsEverything looked to be going against Real, especially when Vinicius Junior missed a woeful normal-time penalty.But they turned it around in the shootout – as they always do against Atletico – but not without some controversy.Julian Alvarez slipped as he tucked home a penalty – but it was dramatically referred to VAR.The shootout continued before the effort was disallowed as the ex-Manchester City forward was ruled to have touched the ball twice.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEHowever, many fans appeared to remain in the dark over the intervention of the assistant referee.Jan Oblak went onto save from Real wideman Lucas Vazquez, but the keeper’s team-mate Marcos Llorente then struck the bar.That enabled Antonio Rudiger to squirm home Real’s winning kick under the grasp of Oblak – with Atleti supporters now realising the full impact of VAR.The fire and fury from Atletico’s fans, who saluted them in defeat, had been imposingat the start.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsConor Gallagher broke the deadlock in the second legCredit: GETTYThe former Chelsea midfielder found the back of the net a mere 28 seconds into the matchCredit: APVincius Jr had the chance to restore Real’s aggregate lead but blazed his penalty high and wideCredit: GETTYBut it was simply ear-splitting inside 30 seconds, when Gallagher struck.It was Atleti’s tenacity which made the goal. After Antoine Griezmann won the ball in the Real half, it was shifted right where Rodrigo De Paul crossed.Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salaryGuiliano Simeone, the boss’ son, could not quite connect but the deflection fell for Gallagher to prod in on just his second start in 11 games.Real steadied themselves but were not at all dangerous. Atleti had all the energy, all the passion.So much so you worried it was too much.But they kept up their intensity after the break, continuing to rattle Real and cause trouble.The 15-time champions had a look of a side who had nothing going for them, evidenced with Vinicius’ horrendous spot kick.The first time Kylian Mbappe – absent until now – had been given space he punished the hosts, winning a penalty from Lenglet’s clumsy attempt at a challenge.But his Brazilian teammate, the man so angered at not winning the Ballon d’Or, sent his shot so high over the bar it could have landed in the Bernabeu.It was a devastating blow, but they were still level in the tie. Atleti tried for a winner in normal time, Simeone and Griezmann both having a go from range. Sub Angel Correa blazed over the bar in the 90th minute when he could have squared.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs has been the case in the previous six cup ties between these rivals, extra time was needed – though both were playing for penalties by the end of it.Bellingham had been off the boil for the most part but converted his spot kick, along with Mbappe and Fede Valverde and Rudiger to send the holders through. More

    • 238 Shares89 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos ready to come out of retirement to play for his brother’s team

      by

      TONI KROOS is set to return to football for a special match just eight months after his retirement.Toni, 35, rolled credits on a glittering 17-year career that saw him win almost everything with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany.Toni Kroos is set to return to football just eight months after his retirementCredit: GettyToni will be playing for his brother Felix’s team Two Stripes United in the ICON LeagueCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s last game took place at Euro 2024 in his homeland when his national team was eliminated by eventual European champions Spain in a controversial quarter-final.According to Marca, however, the German legend is set to lace up his boots for just one more match.But it won’t be for a top-tier competition or an elite club, like everyone is used to seeing him.Instead, Toni will play for his brother Felix’s team named Two Stripes United in the ICON League.Read More on FootballThe competition is mostly consisted of streamers, content creators and footballers – similar to the Kings League in Spain.The six-time Champions League winner agreed to cross over to the non-pro competition, but he had one demand.And that was to play side by side with Felix, 34, with whom he started his professional career.The Kroos brothers cut their teeth together at Hansa Rostock but their paths were separated in 2006 when Bayern came knocking for Toni.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsFelix stayed in Germany where he played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig until his retirement in 2021.Toni’s addition to Two Stripes United works as a major boost for the younger brother.Toni Kroos shows his skills at Real Madrid training Felix’s team only managed six points out of 13 matches last season.Toni will be the most successful and experienced player in the league after 465 appearances with Real, 205 games with Bayern and 114 caps with Germany. More

    • 238 Shares178 Views

      in Motorsport

      Name of brand new F1 track revealed as venue set to be replaced after hosting races for 35 years

      by

      PLANS for a brand new Formula One track with a quirky name in Spain have been unveiled.The hybrid street circuit in Madrid, which will take over the Spanish Grand Prix next year, has been given a face-lift. The 2026 Spanish GP has been given a new name at a new trackCredit: autosportRace promoters have announced the track will be named “Madring”.The Spanish Grand Prix has been held in Montmelo, Barcelona, for the last 35 years, but will move to Madrid next year.The name of the urban circuit and the brand image were announced on Monday, merging the city’s name with “ring”.”Ring” is a term often associated with racing circuits in the F1 world, such as in Hungaroring, Nurburgring and Hockenheimring.READ MORE IN F1A statement read: “Formula 1 circuits are typically referred to by the city or region where they are located – Monza, Imola, Interlagos, Spa, Silverstone, Miami, Las Vegas.“However, their full official names are rarely used. For this reason, Madring aims to establish a concise and memorable identity that directly references its host city, is instantly recognisable worldwide, and requires no translation.”Madring will have 5,474 km layout, with 20 corners and an estimated qualifying lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds.The aim is for a hybrid 3.4-mile circuit featuring street and non-street sections, subject to FIA approval. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Jarama circuit, north of the Spanish capital, already held F1 races decades ago.The track was originally referred to as the Ifema Madrid Circuit, in reference to the exhibition centre on the same site.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconIt is also very close to the airport and passes right next to Real Madrid’s training facilities.The circuit, however, has been met with some criticism from local residents.Locals are arguing that noise levels will exceed the maximum levels required in the area where the race will take place.New F1 racing regulations and a brand new team will also be introduced in the 2026 season.F1 is due to have two races in Spain next year.The permanent circuit outside Barcelona has one year to run on its contract after this season and is therefore expected to appear on the 2026 F1 calendar.It has held the Spanish GP every year since it opened in 1991.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new circuit has a 10-year deal to host F1, ensuring the Madring will remain on the calendar until at least 2035. The promoter is reported to have paid almost £427m for the race. More

    • 225 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Furious Ter Stegen issues statement after claims he is divorcing wife Daniela after she ‘cheated on Barcelona star’

      by

      MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN has slammed a bombshell report which claimed he was cheated on by his wife with her personal trainer.The Barcelona goalkeeper has been married to wife Daniela Jehle for eight years, having met in 2012 before tying the knot in 2017 and having two children together.Marc-Andre ter Stegen slammed a report he has separated from his wife after allegedly finding out she cheated on himCredit: AFPTer Stegen and wife Daniela, who met in 2012 and have two children togetherCredit: InstagramThe pair announced their separation last week but Ter Stegen today denied reports of alleged cheatingCredit: InstagramHowever, the pair announced they had split up in a social media post last week.A bombshell report on Catalunya Radio from Spanish journalist Juliana Canet claimed the separation came after Ter Stegen found out his wife was cheating on him with her personal trainer.The report alleges Ter Stegen and Daniela have been living apart for two months.The German goalkeeper has reportedly been staying in the five-star Hyatt Hotel in Barcelona while she remained living in their family home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCanet explained the 32-year-old had used the excuse of renovations being carried out on the mansion the couple had bought last summer as the reason for him staying in the hotel.El Nacional added Daniela had been working with two personal trainers at Edan Studios in Barcelona, owned by Robert Lewandowski’s wife Anna.But following the bombshell news report, Ter Stegen slammed Catalunya Radio & 3Cat Group for “distributing false news and violating personal rights”.In a statement to social media, he said: “Dear all.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”I am shocked and disappointed of the poor management and lack of Leadership and Control at Catalunya Radio & 3Cat Group – distributing false news and violating personal rights.”Journalists Juliana Canet, Roger Carandell and Marta Montaner are liars that have distributed false news, offending my wife Daniela and her reputation publicly in a very bad manner.Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game “There has not been any infidelity of Daniela. No third person involved. Fact.”As communicated, Dani and I have decided to go different ways in good circumstances where we maintain trustful communication.”It is completely unacceptable that the leading government-owned media is spreading this, where Daniela being falsely accused and personally been attacked.”The damage is irreparable. Thank you. Marc.”Ter Stegen and Daniela’s statement on social media declared their joint-focus was on what was best for their children; five-year-old Ben and one-year-old Tom.The statement said: “After careful consideration, Dani and I have decided to go our separate ways.”This decision was not an easy one, as you can imagine, but we both believe it is the best step for us.”Our joint focus is on doing what is best for our children, ensuring they continue to have a loving and stable environment.”We remain committed to working together as parents and treating each other with respect and appreciation as we always have.”During this personal time, we kindly ask for your understanding and for respecting our privacy – especially that of our children.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTer Stegen has been sidelined from football since September after suffering a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee.He recently shared photos showing he is back in training and could be close to a return.Ter Stegen has been sidelined through a knee injury since SeptemberCredit: Rex More

    • 88 Shares115 Views

      in Soccer

      Why has Barcelona vs Osasuna been postponed?

      by

      BARCELONA were due to face Osasuna in a LaLiga clash at 8pm on Saturday evening.But the match was postponed after it was announced a member of Barca’s medical team had tragically passed away.Barcelona confirmed that first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed awayCredit: X/BARCELONAWhy has Barcelona vs Osasuna been postponed?Barcelona vs Osasuna was postponed after it was announced on Saturday evening that first team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.The LaLiga leaders confirmed the tragic passing with an official statement minutes before the match was due to kick off, it read: “FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening.”For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.”The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”Barcelona confirmed the match had been postponed in the stadiumCredit: ReutersOsasuna also released a statement sending their condolences to Carles Minarro Garcia’s family.The statement read: “Club Atlético Osasuna wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Carles Miñarro Garcia and would like to send a warm hug to all the staff of FC Barcelona, ​​as well as to its fans, at this difficult time.”May he rest in peace. Goian bego.”Laporta on Garcia’s deathBarcelona president Joan Laporta made a heartfelt speech following the death of Carlos Minarro Garcia.He said: “I would like to announce on behalf of FC Barcelona the death of the first team doctor Carles Minarro, a man much loved by everyone who passed away this afternoon at the team’s training camp.”As you can imagine, the players, the staff, the coach… were all very sad and there was a huge sadness. We all loved him very much.”He came to all the away games to look after all the players and he never said no to anyone. He was a great doctor and a great professional.”In these moments of so much pain we have considered that the best thing was to ask for the postponement of the match, so we have considered it and we have communicated it to the president of LaLiga to explain the situation and what happened.”He has understood it and has initiated all the procedures for the suspension. We have had the maximum understanding on the part of Osasuna, its president and its management team.”They have behaved in an extraordinary way. The refereeing team has also understood it perfectly. It is very painful news for FC Barcelona.”We are in shock because everything happened so suddenly. We have contacted his family, his mother and his wife. We offer them our condolences at this very painful time, especially for them.”We wanted them to know immediately because it is news of great significance and even more so when it involved the suspension of the match.”Carles leaves behind two children, Gerard and Anna, as well as his wife, who was very affected, as is logical and normal.”We have to be by her side. We have asked for the understanding of the members and Barça fans who were planning to watch the match and I saw great understanding when we announced it over the loudspeakers.”There was applause and a small tribute.”The players were very affected and out of respect for Carles Minarro, his family, the entire staff, coach and fellow board members, we thought that the best thing was to postpone the match.”The understanding of all those who had responsibility in this decision because I think we have done the best and we have made the decision that we had to. Thank you very much.”When will Barcelona vs Osasuna be played?At the time of writing, there has been no confirmed date for the fixture to be played.Most read in FootballLaLiga have confirmed that the new date and time of the match will be set in the coming days by its competition committee.Barcelona players pay tributeBarcelona players took to social media after the game was suspended to pay tribute to the doctor…Pablo Gavi wrote: “Always in our hearts, we will miss you very much.”Pedri posted: “I still can’t believe it. A big hug to Carles’ family and friends.”Gerard Martin said: “Rest in peace Carles, always with us.”Hector Fort shared: “Rest in peace doctor, thank you for everything you have done for us. My deepest condolences to family and friends.”Alejandro Balde commented: “RIP Carles my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.”Ronald Araujo added: “It’s unbelievable, rest in peace, Doc. Much strength to the family and friends. “May God strengthen their hearts in this difficult time.” More