La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Iconic football stadium looks unrecognisable with four-storey underground greenhouse below pitch

      by

      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu has a four-storey underground greenhouse below the pitch.The iconic stadium’s latest renovation work saw the capacity increased to 85,000.The Santiago Bernabeu looks unrecognisable with its underground greenhouseCredit: Real MadridReal Madrid’s iconic stadium has installed a retractable pitchCredit: Real MadridThe incredible new stadium has a capacity of 85,000Credit: AFPThe pitch is now stored and maintained underground when not in useCredit: Real MadridAs part of the project, an extra tier was built alongside a 360 degree big screen and new look exterior.Although fans did compare the renovated ground to an AIR FRYER when the roof was closed for the recent Champions League clash with Manchester City.Another hidden detail was also added by the Spanish giants, with the full extent now revealed.New images show how Real Madrid’s retractable pitch is maintained when not in use.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe playing surface is stored within an underground greenhouse that provides ventilation, air conditioning and LED lighting.Control and irrigation systems also help aid the growth of the grass and maintain the condition of the pitch.Los Blancos unveiled their greenhouse earlier this year after fans were baffled by the missing pitch in pictures of the new ground.Instead, the turf was underground inside the greenhouse as staff worked to prepare it for matchday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid’s stadium was expanded last year as part of renovation work which began in 2020.Whilst work is still continuing on the exterior, the club were able to return to their home since 1947 after just one season away.Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadiumThe 2020/21 campaign was instead spent at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.Both the club’s reserve and women’s teams continue to play their home matches at the 6,000-capacity venue.The new stadium has been compared to an air fryer with the roof closedCredit: TNT SportsReal Madrid unveiled their retractable pitch earlier this yearCredit: Real MadridThe playing surface is now looked after in the four-storey underground greenhouseCredit: Real Madrid More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Iconic football stadium set to reopen at just 60 per cent capacity after being left a half-demolished wreck

      by

      BARCELONA are hoping to return to the Camp Nou later this year at a reduced capacity.The stadium is currently being renovated and expanded to a 105,000 capacity.Barcelona plan to return to the Camp Nou later this year with a reduced capacityCredit: EPAThe stadium was left half demolished after renovation work began last summerCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderHowever, Barca are now planning to reopen their home at 60 per cent of the capacity.That is despite the venue being left half demolished during the renovation work.Seats and the pitch were removed as construction got underway in June 2023.The club had hoped to return in time for their 125th anniversary on November 29.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Mundo Deportivo now report the hope is for the Camp Nou to reopen on December 15.Barcelona have made a request to LaLiga for their first match back to be on that date.The reduced capacity means 63,000 seats of the new 105,000 capacity will be available.Permission has also been granted to extend the working hours of the renovations, the report adds.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Barca have installed 14 new hospitality boxes which are available for 8,000 Euros each.The final completion of the renovations is scheduled for June 2026.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansBarcelona have been playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys during the construction.The 55,926-capacity venue is the former home of their city rivals Espanyol.During their temporary stay, Barca were beaten in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals by Athletic Bilbao in January.Paris Saint-Germain then dumped Xavi’s side out of the Champions League this week.The club legend is set to step down as manager at the end of the season.His team are currently second in LaLiga, eight points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid in the table.The Camp Nou’s capacity has been expanded to 105,000Credit: EPABarca hope to return on December 15 with 63,000 supporters in attendanceCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRender More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

      by

      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans joke it’s ‘like flexing a tenner to Elon Musk’ as they spot what Man City did before Real Madrid loss

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY were mercilessly mocked for “flexing” their Champions League trophy… against record winners Real Madrid.City hosted Real on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at the Etihad following last week’s dramatic 3-3 draw in Madrid.Manchester City ‘flexed’ their sole Champions League trophy before facing Real MadridCredit: EPAFans were left cringed by Man City’s botched mind games against the most successful Champions League clubCredit: GettyReal Madrid eliminated City and will challenge for their 15th Champions League titleCredit: PALast year’s winners proudly displayed their first-ever Champions League trophy in the stadium before kick-off for all to see.The only catch is their rivals have FOURTEEN of them in their cabinet at home.And the stunt had fans watching on cringing.One fan tweeted: “Like me flexing a tenner to Elon Musk.”Read More on FootballAnother added: “Wow i’m sure Real Madrid are very impressed, they’ve never seen a CL trophy before.”A third posted: “They’ve won it 14 times. This was pathetic.”One said: “Small club mentality, got 14 ffs..”While another quipped: “They can flex when they win 13 more.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhy Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      It’s safe to say the sight City’s trophy did not psych Madrid out – despite losing to Pep Guardiola’s side in the semis last season.Carlo Ancelotti’s men put on a stellar defensive performance to earn a 1-1 draw, with Kevin De Bruyne cancelling out Rodrygo’s early opener.Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubGuardiola withdrew De Bruyne and star striker Erling Haaland during a goalless extra-time period.And City suffered penalty heartbreak as they lost 4-3, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing from the spot. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emerges

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS was put on full blast on social media after getting all of his Champions League predictions wrong.A video has reemerged of ex-Manchester City ace Richards, 35, guessing the winner of each quarter-final pair during a recent appearance on CBS Sports Golazo.Micah Richards got all of his Champions League predictions wrongCredit: X @cbssportsgolazoNot one of Richards’ picks made it to the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GettyThe pundit revealed his picks to presenter Kate Abdo and fellow Premier League heroes Jamie Carragher as well as Thierry Henry but not one of them ended up being right.The former England international predicted his former club City would offload Real Madrid, Arsenal would eliminate Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid would prevail over Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona would best Paris Saint-Germain.Richards said: “Arsenal-Bayern: The Arsenal.”Okay, Real Madrid-Manchester City: Just Man City.Read More on Football”We’ll go over this way [with] a little pirouette there Jamie. Atletico-Dortmund: Atletico.”PSG-Barca: Sorry Kylian [Mbappe], I’m going with Barca.”However, both Premier League giants were ultimately eliminated by Bayern and Real, while Dortmund and PSG overcame Atletico and Barcelona respectively.Fans stormed social media and held nothing back on their assessment of Richards’ predictions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne fan tweeted: “Not a single one right.”Another commented: “An absolute stinker. He should consider other career paths.”Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubA third said: “Wanna make a fortune? Listen to Micah and bet on the opposite of what he says.”This fan wrote: “All wrong.”And that one stated: “Bro hit a quadruple of misses.”Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham reveals Carlo Ancelotti’s cheeky 10-word answer after seeing Real Madrid boss yawn before Man City game

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM has revealed Carlo Ancelotti’s cheeky 10-word response after being pulled up for yawning before last night’s game.The Real Madrid boss was in Manchester as his side took on City in the Champions League quarter-finals.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid defeat Manchester City last nightCredit: GettyThe midfielder caught his boss Carlo Ancelotti yawning before the gameCredit: RexThe Spanish giants went on to triumph on penalties, no doubt inspired by their veteran boss.Ancelotti, 64, has become renowned for being as cool as a cucumber during his legendary career.And last night he no doubt instilled confidence in his players once again with his laid back attitude.Appearing on TNT Sports following his side’s penalty shoot-out victory, Bellingham lifted the lid on a pre-match encounter with his manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 20-year-old said: “One of our biggest strengths is that we’re so off the cuff.”As a man he just fills you with calmness and confidence.”Before the game, I caught him yawning and I said to him ‘boss are you tired?'”He went ‘yeah you need to go and excite me out there’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”That’s the sort of confidence and calmness he brings.”Bellingham also spoke of his joy at being able to return to home soil and win.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024He added: “It is incredible. Moments like this are magic and it just comes down to mentality.”When you get those details right and you get those little moments, like the penalties, when the lads keep their cool, it is magic. This was beautiful.”My brother is here today and it is the first time he has been able to see me playing for Madrid. I feel really proud about that.”After his team’s triumph, Ancelotti praised their character.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      He said: “There was only one way to get out of here alive. We did well to score early on and then we showed the commitment to defend the lead.”We defended well, we had to dig in and fight hard. We could have played better but the team were defensively superb.”We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey.”This is a very special competition for us and we always deliver something that people are not expecting us to produce.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone was writing us off but we’re still here.”Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, after Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Enzo Maresca, 44, could leave Leicester even if they get promoted as ‘Euro giants line up Foxes boss’

      by

      LEICESTER boss Enzo Maresca is rated a top Sevilla target.And even if the Foxes return to the Premier League in his first season, he could be lured back to the Spanish club where he made his name.Leicester hope to make an immediate Prem return in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge but he is reportedly on the radar of old club SevillaCredit: RexFormer Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is under pressure at Sevilla as they sit a disappointing 13th in LaLiga.And Relevo claim the club’s ex-midfielder Maresca, 44, would be one of three main contenders lined up to replace him.Real Madrid legend Raul, who has been coaching Bernabeu junior teams, is also said to be in the running.The third man on Sevilla’s reported wish-list is Jagoba Arrasate – currently manager at their top-flight rivals Osasuna.READ MORE TOP STORIESMaresca’s strong coaching reputation in England is mainly based on two spells working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.He also spent 13 months inbetween as Parma chief in Serie A.And in June 2023 he departed the Etihad once more for a second stab at being the main man in the dugout.That was when the Foxes pounced for the former West Brom and Juventus player following relegation from the Prem.Most read in ChampionshipAnd he helped Leicester romp 17 points clear in the Championship with flowing, attacking football. But a remarkable slump, including three straight losses, sent Maresca’s men out of the two automatic promotion spots.Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table And only a recent revival has taken them back up to second spot.However, Leicester face a probe for allegedly breaching Prem financial rules before their demotion.And even if they go up, that investigation might be another factor for Maresca to ponder. More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘You know how sad I am’ – Luis Enrique says he’s ‘upset’ with CBS pundits live on TV and tells panel ‘you know why’

      by

      LUIS ENRIQUE hilariously called out “idol” Micah Richards after the pundit didn’t back Paris Saint-Germain to beat Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.PSG capitalised on Barcelona’s calamitous second-leg performance, despite going 1-0 down on the night, and went on to win 6-4 on aggregate. Luis Enrique hilariously challenged those in the CBS studioCredit: CBSWith his jesting attitude particularly directed toward Micah RichardsCredit: CBSRonald Araujo’s 29th-minute red card changed the course of the tie, as ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembele came back to haunt them.After completing a sensational turnaround in the away leg on Tuesday, the gleeful Spaniard made sure to call out those who doubted his team.During his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Enrique firmly joked: “I’m really upset with all of you!”Former Manchester City defender Richards asked “Why?”, before host Kate Abdo queried: “What did we do?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PSG manager replied: “You know why.”Richards then realised and exclaimed: “Because of the brackets! He knows! He watches the show!”Richards, alongside fellow pundit Thierry Henry, had predicted that Barcelona would advance from the quarter-final tie.But Carragher went with PSG – although Enrique admitted he hadn’t remembered that part correctly.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREnrique said: “I watched on YouTube, all of you predicted that Barcelona were going through to the next phase.”Nobody believed in our possibilities. How sad I am, how sad I am.”PSG boss’s Luis Enrique’s daughter ‘moves on from ex-Premier League star Ferran Torres as she dates his team-mate’The former Barcelona boss then had the studio in stitches when he added: “I can understand Henry, because he was a supporter for Arsenal.”But Micah, you were my idol. I thought you were going to be confident in the team. Oh my god.”Richards begged for forgiveness before exclaiming: “I went against you, I’m sorry.”Earlier this season, the PSG boss had revealed his love for Richards and said he was his favourite pundit after a 3-0 win over AC Milan in the group stage.Kylian Mbappe struck twice to push PSG throughCredit: AFPRichards can be forgiven for doubting the Parisian’s chances of advancing after they lost 3-2 at home last week.But PSG soon found their groove, going on to with 4-1 in Spain, after Araujo’s straight red card ruined things for Barca.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Xabi and his assistant were given red cards and forced to leave the dugout in the second half.PSG’s famous win books them a semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund, who dramatically beat Atletico Madrid  More