Real Madrid has exited this season’s Copa del Rey competition after suffering a 4-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. Samuel Lino opened the scoring for Diego Simeone’s team, followed by Jan Oblak’s own goal, leveling the score at 1-1. Alvaro Morata then secured the lead for the hosts with an opportunistic finish, but Madrid responded once again with Joselu’s header. The match extended into extra time, where Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme both found the net, sealing the victory for Atletico. Following the end of their impressive 21-game unbeaten run, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti commented, “No…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Former financial advisor of Manchester City, Stefan Borson, has acknowledged that the club could face relegation from the Premier League if found guilty of the 115 charges against them. The accusations pertain to the club’s financial dealings between 2009 and 2018, with additional claims that Manchester City did not cooperate with the ensuing investigations. City has vehemently denied these allegations, and a hearing date has been set, as confirmed by the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters. Speaking on talkSPORT, Borson emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: “The scale is on a completely different level [to Everton and Forest].…
Manchester United remains open to potential opportunities and has not ruled out a permanent deal if the right long-term target emerges at an acceptable price. However, the club is inclining towards exploring the loan market if any moves are to be made during this transfer window, as reported by SkySports. As part of a strategic maneuver, United has allowed certain players to depart, with notable transfers including Jadon Sancho, who has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan. Additionally, players with ties to United’s Academy, such as Facundo Pellestri, Hannibal Mejbri, and Alvaro Fernandez, are expected to leave the club. While some…
Xavi’s current role as the manager of Barcelona is hindering the potential return of one of the club’s former stars. Sergino Dest has acknowledged that his future at Barcelona may only materialize if head coach Xavi were no longer at the helm of the club. While Dest was a regular starter under the previous Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman, he faced challenges with injuries after Xavi assumed the managerial position. Additionally, his loan spell at AC Milan during the previous season did not yield the desired success. In the 2023/24 season, Dest opted for another loan and played a significant role…
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has asserted that Conor Gallagher is a hindrance to the Blues, citing a lack of technical ability in the England midfielder. Gallas expressed his views on Gallagher’s playing style, comparing him unfavorably to Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in terms of quality. “While Conor Gallagher is an excellent runner and contributes to high pressing, his technical skills do not match up to the level of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. When he has possession, there is a delay in executing passes, taking an extra touch, and sometimes, he could benefit from attempting one-touch plays,” Gallas…
Liverpool is on edge as they await news on the potential severity of Mohamed Salah’s apparent hamstring injury suffered at AFCON. Salah had to pull out just before halftime during Egypt’s match against Ghana at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium and couldn’t continue after receiving treatment. Egypt coach Rui Vitoria expressed uncertainty about the injury, saying, “I hope it’s not a big problem, but now, I don’t know because it’s too early to see something. I think it’s not dangerous, but let’s see if Salah recovers.” Salah, who has been in outstanding form for Liverpool in the 2023/24 season, is…
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah continues to be a prime target for the Saudi Pro League, and sources indicate that he will be presented with another opportunity to make a move to the Middle East this summer, as reported by 90min. In the previous summer transfer window, Saudi club Al Ittihad expressed serious interest in Salah. However, Liverpool stood firm and opted not to part ways with their star player, whose contract extends until 2025. As Salah approaches the final year of his current contract, it is anticipated that Saudi officials will make a renewed approach this summer if he hasn’t…
Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen, expressed his satisfaction at being the standout player in the exciting match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, securing a 1-0 victory for the Super Eagles. Designated as the Man of the Match, Osimhen shared his joy during a post-match press conference, highlighting the importance of overcoming the formidable host nation. Following a lackluster 1-1 draw in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria showed resilience and determination, securing a crucial win against the tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire. The turning point occurred in the 55th minute when Osimhen, clad in green…
A Barcelona side nearly at full strength encountered a tough challenge in their Copa del Rey victory over third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca on Thursday night, overcoming a goal deficit. Under increasing scrutiny following the comprehensive Supercopa de Espana defeat to Real Madrid last weekend, Xavi chose to exclude Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan from the starting lineup, instead providing opportunities to Marc Guiu and Fermin Lopez. While the remainder of the team was arguably as formidable as possible, Unionistas took the lead around the half-hour mark through Alvaro Gomez. The winger scored high past Inak Pena, who continued to stand…
AS Roma defender Chris Smalling has responded to former manager Jose Mourinho’s claims, refuting suggestions that he is unwilling to play through injuries. This comes in the wake of Mourinho’s recent dismissal from the Giallorossi. Following his sacking earlier this week, Mourinho had insinuated that Smalling “holds something back” and implied that certain individuals outside the realm of high-performance athletes possess a higher pain threshold. However, with Mourinho out of the picture, Smalling took to Instagram to set the record straight, emphasizing his commitment to Roma, the club that played a pivotal role in rejuvenating his career after a challenging…
Despite tentative interest from Manchester United, Ronald Araujo has no immediate plans to depart Barcelona in the upcoming months, according to information obtained by 90min. The 24-year-old has garnered recognition as one of Europe’s top center-backs, drawing attention from scouts representing various elite clubs. While reports from Germany linked Bayern Munich to Araujo during the winter transfer window, Manchester United has also surfaced as a potential suitor. Sources confirm to 90min that, for several reasons, a transfer for Araujo is currently unlikely. A significant factor is Araujo’s current contentment at Barcelona. He expresses a desire to remain with the team…
Jorge Mendes, the agent of Jose Mourinho, has proposed the Portuguese manager as a potential replacement for Xavi at Barcelona. The iconic manager was dismissed by Roma on Tuesday, January 16, following his tenure that included consecutive European finals. Despite the impressive European campaign, Mourinho was let go as Roma slumped to ninth place in Serie A. This marks the sixth time in Mourinho’s career that he has been relieved of his managerial duties, having previously parted ways with teams such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. Mourinho’s agent is reportedly exploring the possibility of a surprising move…
In a groundbreaking moment for African football history, the Super Eagles of Nigeria achieved their first-ever victory on Ivory Coast’s home turf during the 2023 AFCON. The pressure was palpable for Nigeria, positioned in third place in Group A, requiring a win to secure advancement. Coach Jose Peseiro’s squad, having drawn 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match, faced a significant challenge against Ivory Coast, the host nation that had previously triumphed over Guinea-Bissau. The urgency heightened when Equatorial Guinea secured a 4-2 victory over Guinea-Bissau, claiming the top spot in Group A with four points. With the imperative…
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has emphatically stated that he will part ways with the club “the day the players cease to follow him,” following a challenging first half of the 2023/24 season. Despite clinching their first La Liga title in four years in Xavi’s inaugural full season in charge, Barcelona has struggled to keep up with Real Madrid and unexpected league leaders Girona this season, currently residing in fourth place and trailing by eight points from the top spot. The recent low point came with a 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final in Saudi…
Manchester United has reportedly targeted Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as one of the first transfer priorities in the upcoming Sir Jim Ratcliffe era. As part of the potential deal for the 22-year-old star, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being considered for a return to Selhurst Park in a swap arrangement. With Wan-Bissaka entering the final 12 months of his United contract, this summer represents the last opportunity for the club to recoup a portion of the £50 million paid for his signature in 2019. Utilizing Wan-Bissaka as part of a deal for Olise, a standout winger in the Premier League, is…
Ivory Coast and Nigeria are poised for a pivotal clash in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage. In their opening game in Abidjan, the host nation, Ivory Coast, showcased their prowess with a commanding 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau. Seko Fofana’s early goal and Jean-Philippe Krasso’s second-half effort secured the win, dispelling any pre-AFCON nerves. On the flip side, Nigeria faced a setback in their Group A opener, settling for a frustrating 1-1 draw against giant-killers Equatorial Guinea. Dealing with injuries to key players like Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi before the tournament, the Super Eagles needed a quick-fire equalizer…
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has asserted that his teammate Kevin De Bruyne belongs to the same echelon as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. During an interview at The Best FIFA Football Awards, Walker expressed his opinion that De Bruyne is currently among the best players globally. The English star particularly praised the Belgian’s pivotal role in Manchester City’s recent 3-2 victory over Newcastle United, where De Bruyne contributed with a goal and an assist in the closing stages of the match. Walker stated, “I think there are only certain players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, that you can…
Former Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef has asserted that Jose Mourinho still harbors a significant coaching ambition in his career. Mourinho parted ways with Roma on Tuesday amid a series of disappointing results. Despite guiding the Serie A club to the Europa League final last season and winning the Europa Conference League the previous campaign, Roma currently sits in ninth place in the league, having secured just one victory in their last five matches. As Mourinho explores his next coaching opportunity, Lebouef reveals that the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has a keen desire to coach the national team of…
Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, expressed his confusion on Wednesday over reports suggesting that striker Umar Sadiq was poised to resume playing for his club Real Sociedad shortly after withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. Addressing reporters in Abidjan, Peseiro shared his bewilderment regarding the apparent quick recovery of the 26-year-old from a knee injury, which he believed would have ruled Sadiq out of any involvement in the AFCON. “I am confused also,” Peseiro remarked. “I received a report from the medical team that he is injured, and he cannot recover in 15 days at least. The…
Nigeria has the opportunity to further enhance its standing as the nation with the highest number of medals won, while Senegal is poised to join the exclusive ranks of nations successfully defending their title. In a noteworthy development, André Ayew from Ghana has officially become part of the elite group of players with eight different tournament participations, joining the esteemed company of Ahmed Hassan and Rigobert Song. As the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds, several records are on the verge of being broken: Player Records André Ayew (Ghana): Ayew has the chance to surpass three other…