Tag: LA LIGA

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Gareth Bale thanks Real Madrid and confirms departure

Gareth Bale has confirmed his expected departure from Real Madrid in a letter to team-mates, staff and fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bale, who was the world’s most expensive player when he joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2013, is out of contract at the end of this month.

The Wales forward has played a key role in winning 16 major honours while in Spain, including a remarkable five Champions League triumphs.

Bale has scored three Champions League final goals, including a memorable overhead kick against Liverpool in 2018. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (four) has netted more.

But the 32-year-old was an unused substitute for Madrid’s most recent triumph on Saturday – again versus Liverpool – and featured in only seven minutes during an epic European campaign.

Restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions after returning from a loan spell at Spurs, Bale’s exit had long been anticipated.

In a post on Twitter on Wednesday, he wrote: “I write this message to say thank you to all my team-mates, past and present, my managers, the backroom staff and to the fans that supported me.

“I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid. To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League.

“I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more.

“To be a part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.

“I also want to thank president Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club.

“Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football. It has been an honour.”

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Lewandowski and Bayern still Poles apart as Barca eye swoop

Robert Lewandowski has been the Bundesliga’s top scorer for five seasons in a row — but German rearguards may soon be set for some respite. 

Barcelona are reportedly ready to make a move for the Bayern Munich star this summer, with contract negotiations in Bavaria reaching an impasse. 

Ahead of Poland’s clash with Wales this evening, we consider whether Bayern’s No9 will be heading to the Camp Nou in the coming months.

There is no doubt that the loss of Lewandowski would be a devastating blow for German champions Bayern. 

The 33-year-old striker has been a figurehead for Die Roten since his switch from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 — breaking records galore during his time at the Allianz Arena. 

He hit the ground running upon arrival, netting the fastest ever five-goal haul in Bundesliga history during a nine-minute demolition of Wolfsburg in 2015. 

And Lewandowski has not stopped scoring since, winning eight consecutive league titles, three DFB-Pokals and a Champions League. 

The talisman has also become the second most prolific marksman in Bundesliga history with 312 goals, behind only Gerd Muller (365). Yet, uncertainty looms over whether he will surpass the legendary German’s total.

With just a year remaining on Lewandowski’s current deal, speculation of an exit has dominated proceedings in Bavaria this term. 

Running down a contract is certainly in the striker’s playbook — that is how he sealed a free transfer to Bayern eight years ago. 

Murmurs of a move away from Munich emerged after Die Roten’s hierarchy reportedly refused to match Lewandowski’s demands. 

The German champions typically only give players over the age of 30 a one-year contract — but the Pole is believed to want a two-year deal. 

He is also already FCB’s highest earner and officials are said to feel that a salary increase would impact the club’s wage structure.

Reports last month suggested that Lewandowski’s next destination is most likely to be Barcelona after he demanded an exit this summer rather than waiting to become a free agent in 2023.

Manager Xavi has made it clear to the Blaugrana board that he would like to sign a striker in the upcoming window as his side bid to dethrone rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga. 

Barca have already missed out on one forward from Germany after Erling Haaland secured a move to England with Manchester City. 

And despite the Catalan outfit’s well-documented monetary issues, it is believed that they will still be able to pay high salaries.

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LA LIGA: PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG SENDS BARCELONA INTO SECOND IN LALIGA TABLE

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired Barcelona back into second place in LaLiga after a narrow victory at Real Sociedad.

The former Arsenal striker’s 11th goal for the club secured a 1-0 win at the Reale Seguros Stadium which leaves them 15 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

Ousmane Dembele had already hit the post when Aubameyang headed Barca into an 11th-minute lead, and Frenkie De Jong and the Gabon international both went close to a second before the break.

Sociedad fought for a way back into the game in a tight second half, but were unable to find a way past keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen as the Catalan side bounced back from their shock home defeat by Cadiz.

Sevilla sit third after Jesus Corona struck twice in an eventful 3-2 win at lowly Levante.

Corona headed the visitors into a 14th-minute lead, but they were soon pegged back by Jose Luis Morales’ penalty after Diego Carlos had handled, only for Corona to double his tally with 27 minutes gone.

Morales passed up the opportunity to level for a second time when he missed a 71st-minute spot-kick, and Levante were made to pay when Jules Kounde headed the visitors further ahead nine minutes from time, although substitute Roberto Soldado made it interesting when he scored with three minutes remaining.

Ten-man Athletic Bilbao survived a tense conclusion to see out a 3-2 victory at Cadiz.

Bilbao looked to have the game won by half-time as they raced into a 3-0 lead after Raul Garcia had set them on their way within three minutes of kick-off.

Iker Muniain doubled their tally with 22 minutes gone, converting the rebound after keeper Jeremias Ledesma had saved his penalty, and Mikel Vesga made it three 12 minutes before the break.

Substitute Lucas Perez pulled a goal back for the home side 11 minutes after the restart within seconds of his introduction, and Vega’s 71st-minute dismissal for a second bookable offence provided a further boost.

Ruben Sobrino further reduced the deficit with three minutes left on the clock and fellow substitute Fali was denied an equaliser deep into stoppage time by the upright as Cadiz launched a late blitz.

Sergi Guardiola edged Rayo Vallecano seven points clear of the relegation zone as a 1-0 win at Espanyol ended their wait for a league victory at the 14th attempt.

Guardiola broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time to give the visitors the lead, and Rayo, who last tasted LaLiga success in December, might have won more comfortably had Alvaro Garcia’s shot not come back off the post on the hour.

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BARCELONA SUFFER ANOTHER SURPRISE HOME DEFEAT WITH LOSS TO RELEGATION THREATENED CADIZ

Barcelona suffered another surprise home defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by LaLiga strugglers Cadiz at the Nou Camp.

Lucas Perez scored what proved the only goal with a 48th-minute finish, following up after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen had twice parried Ruben Sobrino efforts, to condemn Barca to defeat once again, four days on from their Europa League exit at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt.

The result – a first league loss for Xavi’s men since December, ending a seven-game winning streak – marked another step towards Real Madrid securing the title. Second-placed Barca, who have played 31 games, are 15 points behind leaders Real, who have played 32.

Cadiz, meanwhile, moved out of the relegation zone, rising to 16th, two points above it.

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De Jong’s header seals seventh straight LaLiga win

Barcelona sealed a seventh straight LaLiga win as Luuk de Jong’s stoppage-time header earned a dramatic 3-2 victory over a Levante side who were awarded three penalties.

Jose Luis Morales’ penalty seven minutes after the interval handed the hosts the lead, and they could have been 2-0 up moments later, yet Roger Marti’s spot-kick was kept out by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona took advantage of that reprieve, moving 2-1 ahead within seven minutes of the miss thanks to goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Pedri.

Levante thought they had claimed a point when Gonzalo Melero slammed home from the spot with seven minutes remaining, but substitute De Jong popped up in added time to claim yet another maximum-points haul for the Blaugrana.

Daniel Cardenas kept out Ferran Torres’ powerful header at the start of the second period, before Morales slotted home from the spot after Dani Alves blocked Son’s run in the penalty area.

Levante squandered the opportunity to double their advantage from 12 yards in the 56th minute, Ter Stegen keeping out Marti’s spot-kick after the striker’s header hit Eric Garcia’s hand.

The home side were punished just three minutes later when an unmarked Aubameyang headed home Ousmane Dembele’s cross from eight yards.

Pedri, who had only been on the pitch for seven minutes, put Barca ahead in the 63rd minute with a whipped strike from 15 yards after being teed up by fellow substitute Gavi.

Levante looked like they would secure a point when Melero powered home from the spot in the 83rd minute after Clement Lenglet tripped Dani Gomez in the area, just two minutes after coming off the bench.

There was still time for one late twist, though, as De Jong met Jordi Alba’s left-wing cross with a superb header that flew past a helpless Cardenas in the second minute of stoppage time.

Barca face Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday following last week’s 1-1 draw. They then host Cadiz in LaLiga on the following Monday – a day after Levante visit Granada.

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Xavi refuses to give up on LaLiga title after Barca edge Sevilla

Xavi promised Barcelona will “keep fighting” until it is mathematically impossible to win the LaLiga title after moving into second place on Sunday.

A hard-fought 1-0 win against Sevilla at Camp Nou came thanks to a well-taken Pedri goal, and it saw Barca leapfrog their opponents and Atletico Madrid in the table.

They remain 12 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, but Barca ended Sevilla’s 15-game unbeaten run in the league, and are now undefeated in 14 LaLiga games themselves.

Speaking after the victory, Xavi was upbeat despite the big gap between his team and Madrid, who Barcelona thrashed 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in their last game away from home.

“I am very positive, I believe in work, effort, sacrifice and collective work,” Xavi told reporters. “We are very good. We are supportive, we all work, we run. With this base, the results should come.

“This is the best moment of the season. We have dominated a great opponent, with the best defence in LaLiga. [Sevilla] are a super team, and [Julen] Lopetegui is a magnificent coach.”

Barca have now kept a clean sheet in three consecutive league games at Camp Nou for the first time since a run of four between February and June in 2020.

Xavi said his team did not think about “sending a message”, but he was pleased with the efforts of the fans and insisted the players will try to chase down Madrid.

“We didn’t send a message to anyone,” he added. “We sent it to ourselves. We won and enjoyed ourselves.

“The atmosphere was extraordinary. And in LaLiga, as long as the numbers don’t say otherwise, we’ll keep fighting.”

The Blaugrana head coach also had words of praise for the match-winner, suggesting that teenager Pedri “has no comparison”.

“He is a super player,” said an enthused Xavi. “He has scored an extraordinary goal. He makes a difference. It is a spectacle to watch him play, and he is only 19 years old.

“It does not surprise me. He has no comparison. I encourage him to shoot, but he is a passer and he has in mind the last pass, the decisive one. But he doesn’t realise that he has to try [to shoot]. Today he scored a great goal.”

Pedri was pleased with that strike and is enjoying playing in an emerging Barca side under Xavi. The teenager has scored two goals in his last seven LaLiga games, as many as in his previous 34 appearance in the competition. This was also his first goal from outside the box for the Catalan giants.

“[The goal was] similar to the one in Turkey [against Galatasaray in the Europa League],” Pedri told reporters after the game.

“We press better [under Xavi], more calm, and we have a lot of firepower with the [January] signings.

“We know that it is difficult [to catch Madrid], but we are Barca, and we have to fight to be first.”

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Pedri strike sends Barca second in LaLiga

Barcelona moved up to second in LaLiga as Pedri’s strike secured a 1-0 win against Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday.

The goal from Pedri was a well-taken effort with just under 20 minutes to go and proved enough to seal the points for Xavi’s side.

Sevilla defended well for large parts but offered little going the other way as Julen Lopetegui saw his team slip to fourth place.

The result also means Real Madrid end the weekend with a 12-point lead at the top of the table after their win at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Barca started the stronger of the two sides, with Ferran Torres and Frenkie de Jong going close in the opening minutes, but the first save of merit did not arrive until first-half stoppage time when Yassine Bounou palmed away an effort from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after a neat ball from Ousmane Dembele.

Sevilla showed more intent in the second half and had their first shot on target when Erik Lamela was unable to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The hosts did not have a shot in the second period until just after the hour, with Torres forcing Bounou to tip over from a Dembele pull-back, while Gerard Pique struck the crossbar with a header from a corner soon after.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Dembele set up Pedri on the edge of the box, with the teenager delightfully working the ball onto his right foot before drilling a shot past the despairing dive of Bounou.


What does it mean? Barca show credentials again

It is not typically a wild assertion to suggest Barcelona are among the two best teams in Spain, but if you had proposed they would be in this position just a couple of months ago, you may have been looked at with quizzical eyebrows.

If the 4-0 Clasico thrashing of Madrid last time out was a statement of intent, this merely supported the theory that fast-improving Barca are more than a promising side, they have substance to them.

Up against the best defence in LaLiga, the Blaugrana did not create a high number of big chances (many of their 19 shots were speculative), but they wore their opponents down and when Pedri’s goal came, it had been on the way.

As easy as it is to get carried away by young players at Barca, Pedri keeps convincing that he will be a star of the future, and in truth, is already a star of the present.

His goal was top quality, but his overall performance was equally impressive, making a team-high two interceptions and four tackles as well as winning two fouls himself.

It will be a gutting feeling for Sevilla, with this putting an end to a 15-game unbeaten run in the league.

While they defended as well as they often do, Lopetegui’s men offered little in attack, having just one shot in the first half and rarely testing Ter Stegen even after falling behind.

Barcelona travel to Germany to play Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday before returning to LaLiga action at Levante next Sunday. Sevilla host Granada in league action on Friday.

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BARCELONA HUMILIATE REAL MADRID WITH 4-0 ROUT AT THE BERNABEU

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - March 20, 2022 FC Barcelona's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates REUTERS/Susana Vera

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as a rejuvenated Barcelona gave a football masterclass to inflict a humiliating 4-0 defeat on rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, thrashing Carlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga leaders on their own ground.

A sold-out Santiago Bernabeu stadium watched silently as a much-improved Barca under the command of new coach Xavi Hernandez dominated El Clasico from the start.

With Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres exposing Real’s defensive frailty on the flanks, Barca opened the scoring in the 29th minute with an Aubameyang header from a Dembele cross.

Barca kept up the tempo against a disorganised and lifeless Real Madrid and extended their lead when defender Ronald Araujo, headed in from a Dembele corner.

Ancelotti tried to change the dynamic, making two substitutions during the break but Barca scored in the first minute of the second half with an angled shot from Torres after a backheel by Aubameyang.

Five minutes later, former Manchester City forward Torres returned the favour, teeing up ex-Arsenal striker Aubameyang for his second goal.

Barca had several opportunities to extend their lead, but Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois avoided any further humiliation.

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ANTHONY MARTIAL LEAVES MANCHESTER UNITED FOR SEVILLA ON LOAN

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has joined La Liga side Sevilla on loan until the end of the season, both clubs announced on Tuesday.

Martial, 26, will join Sevilla’s title charge in Spain, with the club in second place and trailing Real Madrid by four points.

The France international told United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick that he wanted to leave this month after finding opportunities limited at Old Trafford. Rangnick then accused Martial of refusing to travel to a game against Aston Villa earlier this month, a claim Martial refuted.

He made his first appearance under Rangnick as a substitute against West Ham last weekend and contributed to Marcus Rashford’s winning goal, after being jeered by some United fans when he came on.

“He’s a great player, one of the best strikers in the Premier League, but we have other players in his position. It’s his wish that he wants to leave,” Rangnick said on Saturday.

Martial was one of the brightest prospects in Europe when United signed him for a then world record fee for a teenager in 2015.

After a promising first season under Louis van Gaal, the Frenchman struggled to impress Jose Mourinho during his two-year spell at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment rekindled Martial’s career in Manchester and he enjoyed his best goalscoring season in 2019/20, netting 23 times. But a long-term knee injury saw him miss the second half of last season and he fell down the pecking order after the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Jadon Sancho.

He has scored only one goal in 11 appearances this term but could be an astute signing for Sevilla if he can recover his goalscoring form under Julen Lopetegui in Spain.

Sevilla have been hit by a number of injuries to key players, including their top scorer last season, Youssef En-Nesyri. They will also be among the favourites to win the Europa League, particularly as the final will be played at their own Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in May.

Martial will hope the switch can also revive his hopes of playing for France at the World Cup in Qatar later this year. A knee injury scuppered his chances of being included in the French squad at the European Championship last summer while his lack of form meant he was also left out of the last squad in November.

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Umtiti out for three months after foot surgery

Samuel Umtiti is expected to be out of action for around three months after undergoing surgery on a fractured metatarsal, Barcelona have announced. 

France international Umtiti had a procedure on his right foot on Tuesday and will be consigned to the sidelines until April at the earliest. 

A club statement read: “Samuel Umtiti has undergone successful surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. 

“Tuesday’s operation was performed by Dr Antoni Dalmau under supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services. He is expected to be out of action for around three months. 

“The French centre-back suffered the fracture in training on Monday.”

Umtiti this month signed a new contract that tied him to Camp Nou until 2026, despite having been heavily linked with an exit.  

The World Cup-winning defender’s three-year extension included a temporary pay decrease that allowed new signing Ferran Torres to be registered. 

Umtiti has long been a peripheral figure at Barcelona, featuring in just 17 games in all competitions since the start of last season.