FOOTBALL
La Liga: Barcelona thrust last-minute dagger into Real Madrid’s title hopes
Barcelona snatched a 2-1 Clasico win over Real Madrid with Franck Kessie’s late goal Sunday to move 12 points clear at the top of La Liga.
It was the second match between the rivals in less than three weeks.
Barcelona won 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on March 3 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The return leg at Camp Nou is on April 5.
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by Barcelona’s corruption charge in the “Caso Negreira” refereeing scandal.
Madrid joined Spanish prosecutors’ complaint against Barcelona last week and their president Florentino Perez snubbed the game for the first time in over 20 years, amid rising tensions between the two Spanish giants.
That fed the match’s intensity, both on and off the pitch, in Xavi’s sixth Clasico as Barcelona coach but only his first at Camp Nou.
Xavi asked fans to make the stadium a pressure cooker and they responded.
The match was sold out, as fans whistled constantly while Madrid had possession and conjured up one of the best atmospheres of the season.
The victory dents Madrid’s ambitions of retaining the title and leaves the Catalans close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019.
The win sees the Catalan side open a 12 point lead at the top of the league table.
The home side had to dig deep and come from behind after a Vini Jr. cross struck Ronald Araujo on the head and drifted past Ter Stegen to put the visitors ahead.
This was only the ninth time all season the German stopper had to pick the ball from the back of his net with Barcelona boasting the best defensive record in the top European leagues.
Just as it seemed that the visitors would head into the dressing rooms with their noses in front, Sergi Roberto pounced to steer the ball home after hesitation from the Madrid rearguard.
The second half developed a pattern not dissimilar to the first with Barça pressing and Madrid looking dangerous on the counter with Vini Jr. a constant thorn in the side for Ronald Araujo.
As the clock ticked down, and with Madrid needing to win, Ancelotti threw on Asensio and Rodrygo to bolster the attack.
The move seemed like a stroke of genius as Asensio, with his first touch poked the ball home only for VAR to overrule the strike with the Madrid player millimeters offside.
In the dying minutes of a bright and entertaining Clasico, the Catalan side broke on the left flank with Lewandowski and Balde combining well as the left back put the ball on a plate for substitute Kessie who made no mistake.
The Ivorian struck to win the game and probably the title for the Camp Nou side.
Barca Manager, Xavi Hernandez said, “Real Madrid posed problems for us later on with the changes and looked dangerous when Asensio and Rodrygo were on the ball.”
“I genuinely believe that we were superior to Real Madrid throughout the game.”
FC Goa
FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
FC Goa
Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
FC Goa
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan: ISL 2024 Showdown
The Indian Super League brings FC Goa and Mohun Bagan together for an exciting clash on December 20, 2024. The match will take place at the iconic Fatorda Stadium in Goa, known for its vibrant football atmosphere. FC Goa is famous for their attacking gameplay and will aim to dominate using their home advantage in this key match.
Led by their captain, FC Goa’s sharp midfield and striking prowess make them formidable opponents on the pitch. Mohun Bagan, with their rich history and tactical brilliance, has a squad that blends young talent and experienced players seamlessly. The Mariners’ defensive strategies and strong coaching have made them one of the most consistent teams in the league.
Fans can expect a thrilling midfield contest and exciting individual battles between strikers and defenders during this crucial game. FC Goa’s dynamic striker will test Mohun Bagan’s resilient defenders, creating a showdown worth watching for football enthusiasts. The match could influence the standings significantly as both teams aim for the top positions in the league table.
The atmosphere at Fatorda Stadium promises to be electrifying, with fans cheering passionately for their favorite teams throughout the game. Don’t miss this epic battle in the Indian Super League as two top teams clash for glory and league dominance.
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