La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone have to be separated by players and staff in heated Madrid derby

      by

      VINICIUS JR and Diego Simeone had to be separated following a heated Madrid derby.Atletico and Real locked horns at the Wandametroplitano Stadium on Thursday night in the last-16 of the Copa Del Rey.
      Vinicus Jr and Diego Simeone exchanged words during the Madrid derbyCredit: Getty
      The pair had to be separated from one anotherCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Vinicius Jr trudged off the pitch shortly after the incidentCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Simeone’s troops dumped the 20-time tournament winners out of the competition thanks to two extra-time strikes.
      And tensions boiled over at the final whistle, with scores of players and staff separating Vinicius Jr and Simeone.
      The incident seemed to stem from an exchange the pair had during the match, in which Vinicius gestured “seven” to the Atletico chief with his hands.
      Simeone responded with the same gesture but also appeared to shout something back at the Brazilian.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Argentine was, understandably, quizzed about the incident in the aftermath of the pulsating derby but played down their angry viral exchanges.
      He said: “With Vinicius? There’s nothing to comment on. These are things that happen on the pitch.”
      Atletico ran out 4-2 winners thanks to goals from Samuel Lino, Alvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme.
      Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the defeat: “We played a complete, even, hard-fought game against a strong opponent.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Diego Simeone downplayed his heated interactions with Vinicus JrCredit: GETTY
      “We left with a good feeling, but we’re not happy.
      “We tried in every way. It was a good game from us and also from Atleti.”
      He added: “Sometimes when you have the game under control, you don’t need to force the play.
      “We have young people with extraordinary quality, who try. [But] there are times in games when forcing the play isn’t necessary.
      “We lost because we took risks in an unnecessary play. The loss has punished us.”
      Atletico’s reward for their derby victory is a home tie with Sevilla next Wednesday. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Kalvin Phillips ‘very favourable’ towards Barcelona loan but Premier League club leads transfer race for Man City ace

      by

      KALVIN PHILLIPS is “very favourable” towards a Barcelona loan but West Ham stands in the La Liga giant’s way for the midfielder.The Manchester City outcast has hinted that Barca are the frontrunners of the many clubs interested in signing him.
      Kalvin Phillips is ‘very favourable’ of a loan to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Phillips is looking for a way out of the Etihad Stadium after a lack of game time since his move from Leeds United in 2022.
      While Barca battle for the 28-year-old’s signature the Blaugrana’s financial woe – which has been long known – could stand in the way of the transfer.
      Phillips is said to be aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed his decision on what club to move to as he “sees Barcelona option very favourably”, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
      The move can only be finalised if the Catalonian giants can secure the player on a free loan having only to pay for the transfer fees.
      READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
      However, Moyes’ Hammers are ready to splurge the cash in January which could turn Phillips’ head away from La Liga.
      West Ham’s hefty offer for the defensive midfielder can expect to convince Man City to send the Englishman to East London.
      Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in rivalling Xavi’s side.
      The only way for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou is for the club to complete the sale of 49 per cent of Barcelona Studios for £171million – £42million of which would be redirected to sign a new player.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A move to the Spanish side would guarantee Phillips Champions League football and also a run for the La Liga title.
      Fans will now wait for the Man City forgotten man as he is likely to hold out on his decision on a move until the last few days of the January transfer window.
      The England international will need to leave Pep Guardiola’s side if he wants to rake up his game time in the second half of the term.
      Phillips will be fighting alongside the rest of the Three Lions squad for a spot on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Xavi brutally confirms date he will leave Barcelona if Spanish giants fail to meet his expectations this season

      by

      BARCELONA boss Xavi hinted he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season if he doesn’t win a trophy.The Barca legend led his beloved club to the LaLiga title in his first full campaign in charge despite persistent financial issues.
      Barcelona boss Xavi revealed he will leave if he doesn’t win a trophy this seasonCredit: EPA
      Xavi hinted he could depart from Barcelona in JuneCredit: AFP
      However, the Catalan giants suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Super Cup Final on Sunday.
      And Barca have dropped to fourth place in LaLiga with eight points separating them and shock leaders Girona.
      Xavi is still determined to win either the league or Copa del Rey and still holds out hope for the Champions League.
      However, if the 43-year-old finishes the season empty handed he suggested he could leave in June – one year before his deal runs out.
      Read More on Football
      Xavi said: “This year, the objective is to win important titles, the Copa del Rey, LaLiga or the Champions League.
      “If the goals are not achieved, I will be the first to say that I did not achieve them and I will leave.”
      Xavi admitted he was “embarrassed” and “destroyed” following the Super Cup thrashing to Real.
      The former Barca captain did not hold back when he spoke about the performance after the whistle.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Xavi said: “I’m embarrassed. This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid.
      “As a Barça fan, I am destroyed. I’m sorry for the fanbase.
      “We lacked everything. We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise. Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win.
      “We can’t start a final like this. We were horrible in the first ten minutes. We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It’s a shame.” More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s agent ‘offers manager to former club’s hated rivals’ after Roma sacking

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO’S agent Jorge Mendes has put his name on the table to be Xavi’s replacement at Barcelona.The former Real Madrid manager was brutally sacked by Roma on Tuesday.
      Jose Mourinho left Roma’s training ground once and for all on MondayCredit: EPA
      Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez pose with his named shirtCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Mourinho, 60, was dismissed after leading the club to back-to-back European finals.
      The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ was relieved from his duties with the club sitting ninth in Serie A.
      It was the sixth sacking of his career, following fall-outs with clubs including Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
      But now his agent is eyeing up a shock move for the veteran boss to take over at Madrid’s fierce rivals Barcelona.

      The Catalans sit fourth in La Liga and were thrashed 4-1 by bitter rivals Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
      While Barca have confirmed their commitment to manager Xavi, the situation could become unsustainable.
      CEO Joan Laporta might consider bringing someone else in if Barca continue to slide down the table or lose to Napoli in the Champions League.
      Mourinho spent three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, and won the Copa del Rey, the La Liga title and Super Cup.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Spanish news outlet El Nacional reported that Mourinho’s complicated past with Barcelona would prevent the club from considering his agent’s proposal.
      One big controversy being his 2011 physical altercation with Tito Vilanova, who was then Barca boss Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
      Following Lionel Messi’s winner, a brawl broke out as Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye at the Camp Nou.
      Potential candidates to replace Xavi include his fellow ex-Barca teammates Thiago Motta and Rafa Marquez.
      Mourinho was part of many bitter El Clasico show downsCredit: AFP or licensors
      He had several on-field disputes with players such as Lionel MessiCredit: AFP More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Reason why Toni Kroos was only Real Madrid player not to wear special shirt after Spanish Super Cup win vs Barcelona

      by

      TONI KROOS did not join his team-mates in wearing a shirt with Arabic inscription as Real Madrid celebrated their Spanish Super Cup win over Barcelona.The two sides, in addition to Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, jetted out to Saudi Arabia for the four-team tournament last week.
      Toni Kroos did not wear the number 13 shirt written on it in Arabic… because we did not allow him and his national team to support 🏳️‍🌈 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/jfM0m9hpkJ— محمد الكعبي (@Qatari) January 15, 2024

      Toni Kroos had been in action against BarcelonaCredit: AP
      Real Madrid booked their place in the final with a 5-3 victory over Atletico, despite a comedy gaffe by Kepa Arrizabalaga leading to an Antonio Rudiger own goal,
      Barca, meanwhile, overcome Osasuna 2-0 to set up an El Clasico final.
      The showpiece final was played at the 25,000-seater KSU Stadium in Riyadh.
      After their 4-1 win, Real Madrid players wore commemorative shirts with an Arabic inscription on the back.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Kroos didn’t, however, having been outspoken about the Saudi Pro League.
      When 21-year-old starlet Gabri Veiga snubbed Napoli to move to Saudi Arabia from Celta Vigo last summer, Kroos called it “embarrassing”.
      He then told Sports Illustrated that players were just moving to the Kingdom for money.
      Kroos, 34, said: “It’s been said that they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money. In the end, it’s a decision for the money and against football.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “That’s when it starts to become difficult for the football we all know and love.
      “Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career.
      “But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes.”
      Kroos’ comments did not go unnoticed, with the German booed by the crowd during Sunday’s final.
      It did not appear to affect him, as he played 81 minutes of his side’s dominant 4-1 win.
      Responding to the jeers after the semi-finals, he appeared to sarcastically tweet: “That was fun today! Amazing crowd.”
      He then wrote on Sunday: “We just won a trophy!”
      After the game, Xavi claimed that he felt “destroyed” by his side’s defeat.
      The 43-year-old said: “I’m embarrassed. This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid.
      “As a Barça fan, I am destroyed. I’m sorry for the fanbase. This is not the type of match we should play.
      “We have to improve so much. We’ve played one of the worst matches of the season.
      “We lacked everything. We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win. We can’t start a final like this. We were horrible in the first 10 minutes.
      “We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It’s a shame.”
      Xavi was left disgusted by his team’s performanceCredit: AFP More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chilling details of World Cup winner Angel Correa’s robbery hell emerge after armed thugs locked up young family in raid

      by

      CHILLING details of World Cup winner Angel Correa’s robbery reveal that armed thugs locked his family up during the raid.The four masked men also made their terrified victims hand over their mobiles so they couldn’t call police during the ordeal on Saturday night.
      World cup winner Angel Correa’s house was robbed on Saturday, January 13Credit: Getty
      Angel Correa of Argentina celebrates with his family after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022Credit: Getty
      The burglars reportedly locked Correa’s partner and three young daughters in a roomCredit: Instagram
      Civil Guard investigators are looking into the break-in at Atletico Madrid striker’s home in Boadilla del Monte, a 35-minute west of Madrid city centre, and have yet to make any arrests.
      Yesterday the news broke about the horrifying incident which occurred around 9pm on Saturday, January 13.
      Further details of the crime emerged overnight.
      El Confidencial, which claimed to have accessed details of the police investigation, said the four intruders got into the three-storey property through a ground-floor window.
      read more on football
      The La Liga player’s long-time partner Sabrina Di Marzo, 28, and their three daughters Lola, seven, Luz, two, and Lia, who will be one next month, were taken by surprise as they were relaxing at home.
      After taking their mobile phones off them, they reportedly shut Correa’s long-term partner and children in a downstairs room.T
      The footballer was then ordered to take the criminals to an upstairs safe at gunpoint which the armed robbers emptied before fleeing the property and making their getaway in a car waiting for them outside driven by a fifth suspect.
      The criminal gang took six designer watches from the safe worth thousands of pounds as well as jewellery and a “considerable” amount of cash, reported respected Spanish news website El Confidencial.
      Most read in Football
      The Argentina International’s forward is said to have raised the alarm after releasing his loved ones and making sure they were safe.
      Fortunately no-one was physically injured.
      Neither Correa or his partner, who also comes from the port city of Rosario in Argentina, have yet made any official comment on their social media.
      The footballer was a last-minute inclusion in the World Cup winning Argentina team in Qatar last year after Nico Gonzalez suffered an injury.
      Correa, said to be considering a huge £52 million contract over three years to play in Saudi Arabia, becomes the latest in a long list of LaLiga stars to fall victim to break-ins.
      In October former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao was targeted.
      Several men broke into his property in an upmarket suburb of Madrid while he was enjoying dinner with his family at a nearby restaurant.
      The 37-year-old father-of-four, regarded as one of the greatest Colombian footballers of all time, had scored a last-gasp penalty earlier in the day to secure his current side Rayo Vallecano a valuable point at home against LaLiga rivals Mallorca.
      The intruders are said to have taken designer bags, watches and some jewellery before being surprised by an employee and fleeing.
      In June 2019 former Chelsea frontman Alvaro Morata’s wife Alice Campello was confronted by armed intruders while she was alone at their home north of Madrid with a nanny and twins Alessandro and Leonardo, then aged just one.
      They took valuables and family momentos.
      The Italian beauty admitted afterwards she would be “afraid for a long time to come.”
      She said in a social media message: “I think this is one of those things that are not easily forgotten, one of those things that makes you realize how much love and life is worth.
      “Knowing that you have your children at home and thinking they can touch them or do something to them is really an inexplicable emotion.
      “Fortunately we are all well and know it could have been much worse.
      “They have stolen so many memories but it’s over now.
      “Now I will try not to think about it and think about our family and try to forget.”
      Correa, whose Atletico contract runs until 2026, came off the bench to play half-an-hour at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Wednesday as they lost to rivals Real Madrid in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
      The 14-times European Cup winners beat Barcelona 4-1 last night to be crowned champions.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The Argentina international is said to be “open” to a move away this month after becoming frustrated at not being used by Atletico Madrid as often as he would like.
      The Saudi Pro League club said to have offered him a lucrative contract has not been named. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Embarrassed’ Xavi admits he is ‘destroyed’ as Barcelona are hammered by Real Madrid in Spanish Super Cup

      by

      XAVI has admitted that he was “embarrassed” following Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Real Madrid.Real won the contest 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Vinicius Junior and a goal from Rodrygo.
      Xavi was ’embarrassed’ by Barcelona’s defeat to Real MadridCredit: AFP
      Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup 4-1Credit: Getty
      Robert Lewandowski netted for Barcelona, but the goal only proved to be a small consolation.
      Xavi did not hold back when he spoke about the performance in which he admitted to feeling “destroyed” by the result.
      He said: “I’m embarrassed. This is not the type of match we should play, especially in a final, and against Madrid.
      “As a Barça fan, I am destroyed. I’m sorry for the fanbase.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “This is not the type of match we should play.
      “We have to improve so much. We’ve played one of the worst matches of the season.
      “We lacked everything. We have to accept criticism. We were not up to par. I want to apologise.
      “Congrats to Real Madrid, a deserved win.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “We can’t start a final like this. We were horrible in the first 10 minutes.
      “We had a lot of expectations and motivation for the match. It’s a shame.”
      Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted the was “happy” with the result as he outlined how his team won the final.
      He said: “We made good use of the high line, with Vini inspired on the counter [attack]. It was a tough game.
      “The result is too much for how Barcelona played. At 3-1 it was level. At 4-1 they have lowered their arms a little.
      “We used the counter-attack too much when we made it 2-0, but we’re happy.
      “It was a special night, but there are a lot of special nights at Madrid.
      “That’s the strength of this club.”
      Recently, the retired midfielder felt the need to tell his players that they are not the Barcelona of 2010, which was one of the best sides ever made.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Xavi has come under pressure as manager of Barcelona with reports claiming that he is “fighting” to save his job.
      Jude Bellingham rubbed salt into Barcelona’s wounds as he got a  Grand Theft Auto-style banner from the crowd to parade it around the pitch.
      Jude Bellingham got a GTA style banner from the crown at full timeCredit: Twitter / Totalcristiano More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘there’s something seriously wrong with this guy’ as Rudiger squeezes second player’s nipple in two games

      by

      FANS have joked that there is “something wrong” with Antonio Rudiger after he was spotted squeezing Luka Modric’s nipple.It is the second time in two games that the Real Madrid star has done this, as he was seen touching Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata.
      Antonio Rudiger squeezed Luka Modric’s nippleCredit: https://twitter.com/centregoals
      Modric pushed Rudiger’s hand awayCredit: https://twitter.com/centregoals
      The two former Premier League stars were celebrating after the Spanish Super Cup win at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      Rudiger, 30, then squeezed Modric’s nipple before lifting the trophy.
      Modric could be seen removing the German international’s hand from his chest as he kept a smile on his face.
      Fans spotted the moment as they flocked to social media.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      One fan posted: “There’s seriously something wrong with this guy.”
      A second commented: “The man needs to be stopped.”
      A third wrote: “Rudiger… why are you always like this?
      A fourth said: “Rudiger needs to be stopped.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A fifth added: “Antonio Rudiger letting his intrusive thoughts take over again.”
      Another joked: “He needs to stop doing this rubbish.”
      Vinicius Junior stole the show in the match as he bagged himself a hat-trick.
      Robert Lewandowski netted for Barcelona but the result was made sure of as Rodrygo scored Real’s fourth.
      Rudiger did the same thing to Alvaro Morata in his last gameCredit: Twitter More