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Real Madrid go Top of La Liga

Real Madrid went to the top of La Liga thanks to a hard-fought victory at Real Sociedad.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are level on points with Barca, who drew 0-0 with Sevilla on Friday, but go top because of their superior head-to-head record.

Sergio Ramos’ penalty after the lively Vinicius Jr was fouled gave the visitors the lead.

Karim Benzema doubled their advantage before Mikel Merino’s strike set up a tense finale.

There was controversy when substitute Adnan Januzaj thought he had made it 1-1 with a strike from outside the area but it was ruled out for a Merino offside. Merino did not get a touch but the officials deemed he was blocking goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ view, so interfering with play.

Their sense of grievance grew when moments later Benzema controlled a Federico Valverde cross with his shoulder before firing home. The goal stood after a video assistant referee review for handball.

Madrid looked comfortable at that stage but Merino rifled a shot in via the underside of the crossbar, after a cross from substitute Roberto Lopez, to keep the closing minutes interesting.

The visitors’ biggest problem from the game came when Ramos was injured soon after his goal and needed an ice pack on his leg in the stands.

Madrid – who have only won one La Liga title since 2012 – are now eight victories away from winning the league.

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Pulisic steals the show as chelsea defeat aston villa

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds back Jack Grealish of Aston Villa as both teams clash during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Chelsea FC at Villa Park on June 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Pool via Getty Images)

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has backed “hungry” Christian Pulisic to play a big part in the Blues’ bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League after the forward scored in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa.

The visitors controlled the first half but fell behind when Kepa failed to hold Anwar El Ghazi’s shot and Kortney Hause was on hand to bundle in.

Lampard sent Pulisic on in the 55th minute and five minutes later the United States international equalised when he lashed Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross into the roof of the net.

Olivier Giroud then sealed victory two minutes later when he drove in from 15 yards with the help of a slight deflection.

Pulisic was playing his first game since New Year’s Day after recovering from injury and Lampard is confident he will be an important player for him in the run-in.

“He will start games for us, of course, and I think he’s going to be a big player for us, not just in this run-in but going forward,” he said.

“He was hungry. I know that and I felt for him, as I felt for the players with long-term injuries.

“The ability he’s got to arrive in the box, it’s a big thing, I’ve spoken about it with him all season.”

The win means fourth-placed Chelsea restored their five-point advantage over Manchester United and Wolves, who are fifth and sixth respectively.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety after taking one point from their first two games back following the resumption of the Premier League.

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“WE DIDN’T HAVE THE RHYTHM”: KLOPP DISAPPOINTED WITH LIVERPOOL ATTACK IN MERSEYSIDE DERBY DRAW.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was left disappointed with the lack of chances his team created after Sunday’s goalless draw at Everton in the Merseyside derby.

On their return after the three-month stoppage due to COVID-19, Liverpool found themselves frustrated by Carlo Ancelotti’s well-drilled Everton side.

Klopp was pleased with the way his team approached the match, in terms of their fitness and defensive solidity but was left frustrated by his forward players.

We didn’t have enough chances. Most of the time we were dominant but they had the biggest chance,” said Klopp, whose side survived a late scare when Tom Davies hit the post in the 80th minute.

“I liked a lot of things about our game but we didn’t have those moments in attack, we didn’t have the rhythm.

“Everton defended really well and we were not smart enough to use the space. That is normal when you start to play again. It was a real fight. Both teams showed they understand it is a derby. Intense, physical, all players were all in.

“The point is one we deserve. When I think of all the derbies here, they looked pretty similar. Everton were well organised so we had to run a lot but we looked fit and ready.”

The Premier League leaders need five points from their remaining eight matches to secure their first league title in 30 years.

Ancelotti said his team had stuck to their gameplan well.

“It was not an open game because we did not want an open game. The performance was good against a strong team. We showed good personality and character. A draw is fair,” said the Italian.

“We performed really well. We were focused, we sacrificed. We had opportunities to score at the end. Liverpool played a good game, they had more possession but defensively we were really good.”

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MIKE DEAN’S BEARD STEALS THE SHOW AT MERSEYSIDE DERBY DRAW

Liverpool travelled to Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday evening as they restarted their Premier League campaign, knowing they are just two wins from a first league title in 30 years.

The reds were forced to a barren draw and had their league title glory extended by a possible three matches.

However, there was a major highlight outside the normal as the cameras panned across the abundance of stars preparing for the derby, it was Mike Dean who caught the eye.

The referee has a reputation for stealing the limelight, and it’s fair to say he’s done it again.

Dean had a well grown beard that completely changed his look from the bald headed and well shaved Mike we used to know.

Perhaps, many things have changed about match officials too during the lockdown.

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ARTETA DEFENDS HIS HIGH TEMPERED TEAM IN LOSS TO BRIGHTON

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta leapt to his players’ defence after Brighton striker Neal Maupay accused them of arrogance following a bad-tempered clash at the Amex Stadium.

The French striker emerged as the Seagulls’ match-winner, scoring a stoppage time winner to ease their relegation fears after Lewis Dunk equalised Nicolas Pepe’s sumptuous opener.

But the clash – and Maupay in particular – was submerged in controversy after Gunners keeper Bernd Leno was taken off on a stretcher with a serious knee ligament injury following a contentious mid-air collision with the Brighton striker.

Leno was clearly furious with Maupay – who revealed he apologised to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta at half-time – as he was carried off, angrily gesturing towards the Brighton star.

During the game Matteo Guendouzi was caught throwing an arm at Maupay which could leave the Arsenal midfielder facing retrospective action from the FA before the pair angrily clashed again during a mass confrontation between both sets of players after the final whistle.

The ugly scenes could leave both clubs in breach of the Premier League’s Covid-19 safety protocols that prohibit mass gatherings, like the one at full-time.

Maupay said: ‘I think the Arsenal players need to learn humility sometimes

They have been talking a lot in the first half and in the second half when they were 1-0 up – they got what they deserved.

‘I don’t think it (Leno’s reaction) was justified. At half time I went to apologise to Mikel Arteta I never meant to injure their keeper.

‘I just jumped to get the ball and when he landed he tweaked his knee. I apologise to the team and him as well. I never meant to hurt him.’

But in response to Maupay’s comments, Gunners boss Arteta said: ‘He can say whether he wants but I know my players and one aspect they don’t lack is humility.’

Nevertheless, Leno is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines amid fears he will miss the rest of the season, if not longer, with knee ligament damage.

But Arteta admonished Maupay of any fault, saying: ‘I believe no player has the intention to hurt anybody and I believe exactly the same in this case.

‘It was unfortunate. Yes, Bernd’s injury doesn’t look good, we have to assess it but things can happen on a football pitch. He was in a lot of pain.’

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ALAN SHEARER HAILS TYNE SIDE AFTER VICTORY OVER SHEFFIELD UNITED.

Newcastle United picked up a 3-0 win over Sheffield United at home today.

Goals from Matt Ritchie, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton secured a vital win for Steve Bruce’s side. Newcastle have now managed to complete a league double over the Blades this season.

The win leaves Newcastle 12th in the table, 11 points clear of the drop zone. It is safe to assume that the Magpies will stay in the Premier League next season.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United will be bitterly disappointed with their performance. They were excellent before the lockdown but their form has dipped since the resumption. They were held to a draw against Villa in their opening game post-lockdown and now a defeat leaves them seventh in the table.
Newcastle Legend, Alan Shearer took to his twitter handle yo show love to his boyhood club. He said…

“Well done lads, a great win”.

Newcastle are in the middle of a takeover and if they can finish this season strongly, it could give the potential new owners immense confidence while they prepare for the next year.

Also, it could give Steve Bruce a chance to hold on to his job. The Magpies have been linked with the likes of Pochettino and Benitez recently.

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EDISON CAVANI TO LEAVE PSG BEFORE UCL LAST EIGHT

Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time record scorer Edinson Cavani will leave the club ahead of the return of the Champions League, media reports claimed on Saturday.

Earlier this month it was announced Uruguay striker Cavani, 33, who has 200 goals to his name since joining PSG in 2013, will depart the Parc de Princes at the end of the campaign with his current contract up.

rench broadcaster RMC Sport and Spanish newspaper Marca also claimed Belgium left-back Thomas Meunier will also quit the side on June 30.

The Parisians are through to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition, which is set to be played to a finish in August.

They must also still play the finals this summer of the French Cup, against Saint-Etienne, and the League Cup, against Lyon.

The Ligue 1 term was declared over in April due to the coronavirus pandemic with the capital city outfit named champions for a third year running.

Cavani’s place in the side came under threat following the arrival of Mauro Icardi on loan from Inter Milan at the start of the season.

PSG recently made Icardi’s move permanent but the financial position of the Qatar-owned club has been seriously weakened by the decision to end the domestic term early.

Captain Thiago Silva’s contract will also not be renewed while defender Layvin Kurzawa and forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are set to sign short-term deals so to feature over the next months.

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RICHARLISON GETS HOT RESPONSE OVER TOLL ON LIVERPOOL STAR

Everton ace Richarlison has been warned that he made Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk “mad” after his recent comments regarding his Merseyside rival. The Toffees forward claimed Van Dijk is not the best defender in the world and considers him to be inferior to Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as well as Paris Saint-Germain duo Thiago Silva and Marquinhos.

The two stars are set to collide on Sunday in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park and the Brazil international is confident ahead of this crucial encounter as he is one of the few players who have successfully dribbled past the 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up.

Richarlison recently said: “People talk a lot about him, yes he is a great defender but I’ve already dribbled past him.

“He was chosen as one of the top three in the world as he had an excellent season. But yes, for me there are better defenders.

Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos are better defenders “

Former Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique caught wind of Richarlison’s controversial statement and took to Instagram to issue a response.

Enrique advised the Brazilian to “speak after the game” and warned him he may have angered Van Dijk ahead of the Merseyside derby.

The Spaniard posted: “Richarlison an advice for next time. Speak after the game mate now you got vvd mad. Let’s see what happens. Come on reds!!”

Van Dijk is considered as one of the best defenders in the world as he was instrumental in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph last year.

The Netherlands international was also among the Reds’ standout performers this season, which has led them to the top of the Premier League table with a whopping 22 points separating them from second-placed Manchester City.

The Merseysiders have been dominating the competition this term with 27 wins and only one loss in 29 Premier League matches.

Liverpool were hoping to seal the title at Goodison Park but City’s victory over Arsenal means they need another two wins to finally bring back the trophy to Anfield after 30 years.

Therefore, if Klopp’s men beat Everton in the weekend then a victory over Crystal Palace a few days later will guarantee them the title.

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HAALAND’S DOUBLE HELP DORTMUND SECURE HUGE AWAY WIN AGAINST LEIPZIG.

Borrusia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland gave an unpleasant visit to Leipzig as the Norwegian netted twice to help the yellows claim the second spot on the log. Bundesliga’s most prolific scorers went head-to-head in the game as Timo Werner’s RB Leipzig went almost unnoticed.

Werner, who is playing his final two matches for Leipzig before joining Chelsea, drew blank but the Norwegian prodigy Haaland scored in either half to help Dortmund to a 2-0 away victory which secures second place in the standings behind Bayern.

The 19-year-old Haaland, who has also been linked with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, has scored 13 goals in 14 games since joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg last December.

Werner stays on 26 for the season in the Bundesliga, second only to Lewandowski.

Consolation for Leipzig, which is through to the last eight of the Champions League, was the 2-0 defeat for Bayer Leverkusen at Hertha Berlin.

It has left Leverkusen three points adrift of Leipzig in the battle for automatic qualifying spots for next season’s Champions League with just one round remaining and a vastly inferior goal difference.

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BRIGHTON STUN ARSENAL IN GUNNERS SECOND DEFEAT SINCE PROJECT RESTART AS WATFORD FORCE A DRAW WITH LEICESTER

Aubameyang’s Arsenal suffered a second chastening defeat in four days as Neal Maupay scored deep into injury time to give Brighton a 2-1 victory over the Gunners.
Nicolas Pepe put Mikel Arteta’s faltering side ahead on the 68th minute at the Amex Stadium with a stunning strike, but home defender Lewis Dunk capitalized on suspect Arsenal defending to level seven minutes later.

It looked set to end all square until Aaron Connolly cleverly helped the ball on to Maupay, who finished neatly.

It sparked an ugly incident as Maupay, who been in an aerial challenge with Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in a first half clash which saw the German stretchered off in agony, was involved in an altercation with Matteo Guendouzi in a melee of players at the final whistle.

Maupay said after the match that he had not intended to hurt Leno, but had little sympathy for the rest of his teammates, claiming they “got what they deserved” for not showing more humility after the opening goal by Pepe.
Arsenal, which still had hopes of European qualification, lost 3-0 to Manchester City last Wednesday after having defender David Luiz sent off, and the latest defeat has left the north London giants in ninth place.

Earlier, relegation battlers Watford scored a last-gasp equalizer to deny third-placed Leicester City victory in a 1-1 draw at the Vicarage Road.

England full-back Ben Chilwell looked to have given the visitor victory with a stunning left-footed strike on 89 minutes, but Craig Dawson salvaged a precious point for the Hornets with an acrobatic overhead kick goal just a minute later.