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Showing posts with the label Spain

UCL: Exciting first leg leaves things all to play for

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Bayern Munich 2 - 2 Real Madrid It was an intriguing and exciting first leg in Germany After soaking up immense Manchester City pressure in their quarter-final second leg, but eventually progressing to the semi-finals , Real Madrid were on the back foot again from the very beginning in Bavaria as Bayern created a succession of chances in the opening exchanges. Real Madrid's visiting goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who saved two penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out against City denied Leroy Sané in the first minute with a smart save using his left leg. Sané was constantly involved in Bayern's attacks and his clever back-heel, after a dart into the middle from the right wing, found Harry Kane in the area . However, the striker's curling shot was too close to the goalkeeper. This Bayern duo teamed up again a minute after their previous attempt. This time, Harry Kane played a well-measured pass from just inside the Real Madrid half to find Sané on the left side of the goal. H

Women's Champions League: Barca end Chelsea dreams

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Chelsea 0 - 2 Barcelona Barcelona won 2-1 on aggregate  Chelsea's hopes of making it to the Women's Champions League final in manager Emma Hayes' final season at the club were crushed with a defeat by Barcelona at a sold-out Stamford Bridge.  Despite leading 1-0 from the semi-final first leg, Chelsea was unable to hold onto their advantage as holders Barca turned the tide in their favour. Referee Iuliana Demetrescu made two crucial decisions that went against the Blues.  Firstly, she issued a second booking to Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan within four minutes, leaving the hosts with only 10 players on the field just before the hour mark.  A history of women's football (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Secondly, she awarded a penalty to Barcelona for a contentious foul on Aitana Bonmati, which Fridolina Rolfo converted. Bonmati had earlier cancelled out Chelsea's aggregate lead with a deflected strike off Buchanan, and her dramatic fall in the box under conta

Spain: Real Madrid move closer to La Liga title

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Real Sociedad 0 - 1 Real Madrid Arda Guler scored on his first La Liga start, helping Real Madrid move closer to securing the title with a win against Real Sociedad.  An important day for Real Madrid. More reaction coming up on https://t.co/Mu4Cn3wz9B https://t.co/aHAGzCmT3P — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) April 27, 2024 Real Madrid's 19-year-old Turkish midfielder scored Madrid's first goal in the match, midway through the first half, by turning in a cross. Carlo Ancelotti made several changes after last weekend's victory in El Clasico, giving opportunities to other players. Real Sociedad started strongly but couldn't convert their dominance into goals, as they failed to breach Madrid's defense. Takefusa Kubo's attempt to equalize for Real Sociedad was denied by the offside flag, immediately after Guler's goal. The second half was less eventful, with both teams struggling to create chances. However, Real Madrid did enough to secure a vict

UCL: Manchester City lose on penalties

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Manchester City 1 - 1 Real Madrid Real Madrid won 4-3 on penalties Real Madrid beat Manchester City in a dramatic quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, ending their hold on the Champions League after a penalty shootout. Some incredible celebrations in the #RealMadrid end last night. #MCFC https://t.co/sibOvrXJB0 https://t.co/ZuTAUAqK7V — Jay Dee (@JDESFNews) April 18, 2024 The holders came back from an early goal scored by Rodrygo to put pressure on Real Madrid's defence. They eventually managed to equalize 14 minutes before the end of normal time when Kevin de Bruyne took advantage of Antonio Rudiger's clearance. It was the least City deserved for their almost total domination, but a lack of the finishing touch cost them as Real, despite being exhausted and mounting a desperate rearguard action, held out for spot-kicks. UCL and UEL news and stories UCL: Madrid and City play out a classic  A Dramatic Penalty Shootout It all started well for City. Real Madrid players and f

UCL: PSG knock out Barcelona

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  Barcelona 1 - 4 PSG (Aggregate: 4-6) Kylian Mbappe scored twice as his Paris St-Germain side thrashed Barcelona to turn around a first-leg deficit and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below . Footage from the TNT Sports YouTube account. The French side had trailed 3-2 after the first leg but they reached the last four for the first time since 2021 after what can only be considered a chaotic encounter in Spain. PSG will face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final after they beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in what was another thrilling encounter. Where did it go wrong for Barca? It was actually the Catalan side who struck first when Lamine Yamal drove down the pitch, beating Nuno Mendes and clipping over for former Leeds United star Raphinha to score. The Barcelona fans and players assumed it was all going according to plan. Things were to go very wrong in the second-half. Things started to unravel when Rona

UCL: Madrid and City play out a classic

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Real Madrid 3 - 3 Manchester City There was a quite incredible night of football in Real Madrid. Let's explore what happened.  This video below is from the official Real Madrid YouTube account. The current Champions League holders Manchester City took took the lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva intelligently placed a 25 yard free-kick round the wall and past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. This lead was quickly overturned. Deflected strikes from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo helped 14-time European champions Real overturn the deficit at the Bernabeu. A lot of fans and pundits were saying that City were lacking quality in the final third. This was until Phil Foden, who had been on the periphery of the game, found some space outside the area to turn and fire into the top corner to pull last year's Treble winners level. 2-2 quickly became 2-3 which then became 3-3 Only a few moments later, Josko Gvardiol cut in and found the far corner with a superb right-foot shot to scor

Spain: Athletic Bilbao win Copa del Rey

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Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Mallorca Athletic Bilbao won 4-2 on penalties Athletic Bilbao has finally ended their run of six successive Copa del Rey final defeats by earning a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mallorca, after a 40-year wait for silverware.  The team clinched their 24th Copa del Rey title, their first since 1984. Alex Berenguer sealed the win in the shootout, with Athletic coming out on top with a 4-2 victory in Seville. This victory sparked jubilant scenes at the sold-out La Cartuja stadium, bringing a much-needed end to Athletic's recent painful run in the competition. The team had previously ost two finals in as many weeks in 2021. Mallorca, who are currently 15th in La Liga, took the lead in the 21st minute as Dani Rodriguez fired in a goal after Athletic failed to clear from a corner. More news and stories from across Spain Athletic, who are also pushing for a top-four La Liga finish under former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, were denied an equalizer

Transfer Rumours: Manchester United linked with Dani Olmo

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 Another day. Another Manchester United transfer rumour. The Red Devils have entered the race for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, who has a £52m release clause this summer. Manchester United and Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs maintaining a watching brief on Dani Olmo this summer. The Spanish international is excelling for Red Bull Leipzig, and he has a clause that becomes active this summer when he can leave for £52million. Olmo recently starred for Spain against Brazil, where he was utilised in the number ten position where he scored a superb individual goal. He dribbled through Brazil's defence before finishing with a curling left-foot shot to give Spain a 2-0 lead in a 3-3 draw at the home of Real Madrid.  United are assessing targets across Europe for attacking and creative options, and Olmo may be of interest depending on their budget and departures in the summer. The Red Devils are also in the market for a forward, centre-back and full-back this summer plus a ce

Transfer News: French captain agrees Real Madrid move

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A potential transfer saga is potentially about to be concluded Kylian Mbappe has made the decision to join Real Madrid this summer, after informing PSG of his intention to leave when his contract expires in June. While Mbappe hasn't yet put pen to paper with Real Madrid, the agreement is likely to be formalised once it's certain that the two clubs won't face each other in the current season's Champions League.  This move comes as Mbappe stands as PSG 's top goal scorer, boasting a record 244 goals for the club. Keen to resolve his future before March, Mbappe held discussions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on 13th February, revealing his decision to join Real Madrid. Following reports of his departure last Thursday, Mbappe was omitted from the starting lineup in Saturday's match against Nantes. Despite this, he still made an impact coming off the bench, scoring a penalty as PSG secured a 14-point lead at the summit of Ligue 1. The impending deal sees M

Spain: Real Madrid held by Vallecano

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Rayo Vallecano 1 - 1 Real Madrid Real Madrid dropped points against local rivals Rayo Vallecano to slow down their title push.  The match kicked off with Real Madrid looking sharp, taking an early lead as Joselu expertly converted Fede Valverde's pass. However, Rayo Vallecano clawed their way back into the game, equalising through Raul de Tomas' penalty after VAR spotted Eduardo Camavinga's handball. More Real Madrid news and stories can be found here La Liga news and stories Real struggled to create many opportunities thereafter, ultimately settling for a solitary point. This draw allowed the 35-time La Liga champions to widen their lead over second-placed Girona to six points. Following this result, Athletic Bilbao brought high-flying Girona back down to earth with a 3-2 victory on Monday. This has further boosted Real Madrid's chances.  Real Madrid now sit eight points clear of their long-standing rivals Barcelona, who clinched a late victory against Celta Vigo

Champions League: Results and reaction as the competition returns

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Let's explore the key results and stories as the Champions League returned this week Lazio 1 - 0 Bayern Munich Ciro Immobile scored a penalty to give Lazio a surprising victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. The penalty was scored from the spot midway through the second half after Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a foul on Gustav Isaksen. Bayern featured the likes of Harry Kane but they were unable to respond in an underwhelming display. This was another low point in a bad few days for Bayern after their poor result and performance against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Highlights below from TNT Sports:  Immobile Sinks 10-Man Bayern 😳 | Lazio 1-0 Bayern Munich | Champions League Round Of 16 Highlights - YouTube Paris Saint Germain 2 - 0 Real Sociedad  Kylian Mbappe put in a great performance for PSG as his side took control of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad. Mbappe, who has reportedly requested a move to

Spain: Girona look the real deal

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Barcelona 2-4 Girona Barcelona finished the weekend in fourth place in the La Liga table and are now seven points off the top thanks to a painful 4-2 loss. Throughout this match, Girona dominated and made a statement about their title credentials as they convincingly won this Catalan derby.  Highlights Check out the highlights from the match in the video below.  FC BARCELONA 2 vs 4 GIRONA | LALIGA 2023/24 MD16 (youtube.com) The opening 45 minutes were just as wild and entertaining as any neutral could hope for, with both teams playing really well with the ball and taking big risks in possession that left them extremely vulnerable at the back. The home side started as the better side and could have taken the lead within the first 10 minutes. However, one bad pass in midfield allowed Girona to counter-attack and Viktor Tsigankov gave Artem Dovbyk an easy tap-in to put the visitors in front.  The 2023 La Liga winners answered quickly after a great corner taken by Raphinha found Rober

UCL: Jesus inspires Arsenal

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Sevilla 1-2 Arsenal Gabriel Jesus played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure a much-needed victory in the Champions League against Sevilla.  After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Lens in their previous European match, the Gunners faced a challenging test against the seven-time Europa League champions. The match began with Gabriel Martinelli making his Champions League debut and scoring a goal for Arsenal. He skillfully capitalised on a brilliant pass from Gabriel Jesus, skillfully maneuvering past the goalkeeper just before halftime. In the early stages of the second half, Jesus extended Arsenal's lead with a magnificent shot that found the top corner of the net. Despite the vocal support from the home crowd, Sevilla managed to get back into the game with a goal from Nemanja Gudelj via a set-piece. More Sevilla news can be by clicking here. This prompted Arsenal to endure significant pressure as Sevilla sought an equalizer. David Raya made a crucial save by tipping Mariano'

ECQ: Spain and Scotland qualify for Euro 2024

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 Norway 0 - 1 Spain  Spain and Scotland have qualified from Group A and will take part in Euro 2024. With a win in Norway on Sunday, Spain secured a spot at Euro 2024, as well as helping Scotland qualify from Group A. In the second half, Barcelona midfielder Gavi scored to help the 2008 and 2012 European champions advance to the championships with two games left of qualifying.  Erling Haaland's Norway last appeared at a major tournament in Euro 2000, can now only potentially qualify through play-offs.  On the night, Spain barely allowed Manchester City striker Haaland a sniff all night long on what turned into a frustrating night for the Norwegians.  Gavi eventually fired Spain into the lead just after half-time. The midfielder pounced in Norway's area when Mikel Oyarzabal's shot was deflected into his path and gave him a straightforward goal.  Quick reaction from Norway and Spain Ronnie from Oslo is unhappy with the fact that Norway haven't finished in the top of t

Women's World Cup: Spain are the champions

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 Spain 1 - 0 England The wait for England to win its first Women's World Cup title continues after Spain won the final in Sydney. In a game full of flair and creativity, the Spanish team outplayed the Lionesses, looking to become the first England senior team to win a World Cup since 1966. After a final corner kick was dealt with by Spain in the 14th minute of nerve-wracking stoppage time, England players fell to their knees in tears at the final whistle. In the first half, Spain's Olga Carmona scored the winning goal after England's Lucy Bronze lost possession in midfield. Women's World Cup 2023 news and stories After losing two consecutive World Cup finals, Sarina Wiegman introduced Lauren James and Chloe Kelly at half-time, but Spain maintained control. Earps, who won the Golden Glove award as best goalkeeper at the tournament, made several stunning saves, none better than from the penalty spot to deny Jenni Hermoso in the second half. She moved early to her left

Women's World Cup: Spain and Switzerland start with a win

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 The Women's World Cup has started! There has been some great action on display already, let's explore some of the interesting stories that are already developing. Before the tournament started, we published this preview:  Women's World Cup: Preview (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Spain 3 - 0 Costa Rica Spain dominated Costa Rica in their Women's World Cup opener in Wellington. They took the lead through Valeria del Campo's own goal, followed by Aitana Bonmati's second goal two minutes later. After Jennifer Hermoso headed against the crossbar, Esther Gonzalez added a third after Daniela Solera saved a penalty. Spain scored three goals despite several fine saves from Solera and Olga Carmona.Their dominance was evident in the match stats, as they attempted 46 shots at goal, including 12 on target, while Costa Rica, ranked 36th in the world, only attempted one shot. You can find more Spanish football news here Additionally, Spain had 80% possession and 22 corner

How England won the European Under-21 Championships

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England U21 1 - 0 Spain U21 England won the European Under-21 Championship for the first time in nearly 40 years. James Trafford's dramatic last-minute penalty save ensured the Young Lions beat Spain. The young goalkeeper, who is set to join Burnley from Manchester City in a deal that could be worth up to £19m, kept out Abel Ruiz's low spot-kick in the 99th minute. The 20-year-old then produced another brilliant stop on the follow-up before being mobbed by his team-mates. More England news from every level can be found here. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below.  England U21 1-0 Spain U21 | Heroic James Trafford Makes Young Lions European Champions! | Highlights - YouTube England just about had enough to overcome Spain The winning goal came with virtually the last kick of the first half when a Cole Palmer free-kick deflected off team-mate Curtis Jones and wrong-footed goalkeeper Arnau Tenas to find the bottom corner. Spain had a Ruiz goal ruled out f

UEL: Sevilla win Europa League

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 Sevilla 1 - 1 Roma (Sevilla won 4-1 on penalties) Sevilla claimed a record-extending seventh Europa League title as they beat Roma on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for the Spanish side following a 1-1 draw. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from BT Sport.  Sevilla v Roma (1-1) (Sevilla win 4-1 on penalties) | Mourinho Heartbreak | Europa League Highlights - YouTube   The Spanish side have now won all seven of the finals they have played in the competition since 2006. This most recent success sees them qualify for next season's Champions League despite finishing outside the top four in La Liga. There will be a feeling that it could have been so different for Roma and their manager Jose Mourinho, who had won all five of the previous European finals he had been involved in and guided the club to inaugural Europa Conference League success last term. 🗣️ Mendilibar: "I thank the playe

Latest football headlines from across Europe: 24/05/2023

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 Let's explore some of the biggest talking points from across Europe over the last 24 hours. It has been another busy day. Netherlands: Ruud van Nistelrooy leaves PSV  with immediate effect PSV Eindhoven head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left before the final game of the season because of "a lack of support within the club", a club statement said. Van Nistelrooy won the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup after taking over the role in March 2022. PSV said talks about his future were set for Sunday, but the 46-year-old subsequently resigned. They are 10 points behind leaders Feyenoord and three points ahead of third-placed Ajax. They just need to avoid defeat to AZ Alkmaar at the weekend to secure a spot in the Champions League qualification stage. Footage from his last press conference -  Ruud van Nistelrooij en Luuk de Jong reageren op grote teleurstelling - YouTube Spain: Barcelona agrees to cancel Alba's contract. It has been announced that Jordi Alba will leave Ba

UEL: Roma to face Sevilla in final

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 Let's explore all the key moments from a dramatic night in the Europa League Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0 - 1 Roma (Roma won 1-0 on aggregate) Jose Mourinho's Roma reached the Europa League final after holding Bayer Leverkusen to a goalless draw in the second leg of the semi-final. Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen side could not find the breakthrough as Jose Mourinho delivered a tactical masterclass.  You can hear what Mourinho had to say in the video below. Footage:  JOSÉ MOURINHO | POST MATCH INTERVIEW | BAYER-ROMA - YouTube Is he still the Special One? Click here to read the latest Mourinho news stories. Can the iconic manager win yet another European trophy? His side can look forward to a second European final in as many years having not reached one for 31 years before last season. Who would they be facing though? They would have to wait another 30 minutes before finding out. UECL: Roma win Europa Conference League (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Sevilla 2 - 1 Juventus (Sevill