FOOTBALL

What we learnt from the Las Vegas El Clasico

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2022

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Barcelona won their second straight game in the United States tour thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Blaugrana achieved the victory thanks to a fantastic goal by Raphinha.

It was high-level football for a friendly played in very hot weather.

Overall, Barça were the better team, using possession more efficiently and moving the ball very fast from side to side.

The Raphinha factor

Raphinha was involved in everything good Barca did.

Despite going one-on-one against Antonio Rudiger, one of the best defenders in the world, the Brazilian was a constant danger.

He also scored the lone goal of the match after Éder Militao made a bad pass and gifted the Brazilian the ball in a great position.

Raphinha fired a rocket into the top corner to fire Barca ahead.

After his move from Leeds United, it’s now becoming clear why Raphinha held out for Barcelona’s interest instead of joining Chelsea.

The Brazillian has already collected his second goal for Barcelona.

He did get some help from a bad cross from Eder Militao but that finish was something that can’t be taught.

His movement is also top-class and he is always looking to do something when he gets the ball, which augurs well for Barcelona’s chances this season.

The Benzema factor

Benzema missed the match due to starting preseason late so that he could get an extended holiday.

However, without a recognized forward, Real Madrid struggled in attack.

Over-reliance on Benzema could hurt Real Madrid badly.

Vinicius Junior links well with the Frenchman as the two clearly understand what the other wants to do.

However, without Benzema, Vinicius can struggle to make an impact.

Luka Jovic is now gone to Fiorentina which is why Ancelotti has been testing Hazard as a false nine.

Lack of an adequate replacement for Benzema is probably the biggest weakness for Los Blancos.

It’s something that will need to be addressed as Benzema can’t feature in every game.

Marco Asensio came in for Hazard but had the same issues going up against Barcelona’s defense as he’s more comfortable on the wing.

Hazard looks finished

Eden Hazard is still hoping to find a properly defined role in this Real Madrid squad.

He featured as a false nine as he tries to regains fitness after undergoing surgery to remove a plate in his leg, related to a fracture.

Sadly, Hazard hasn’t been able to make his mark since moving to Real Madrid from Chelsea.

He has only made 66 appearances for Real Madrid so far, scored six goals and assisted 10 more.

Based on yesterday’s display, it looks like a tough road ahead for the Belgian.

Dest Dembele combo

Sergino Dest had a bright showing in the second half when he entered for Ronald Araujo.

While Raphinha was off the pitch, Dest and Dembele combined brilliantly.

They had a telepathic understanding of their overlaps so Dest could power forward and create chances in attack.

The sheer quality of Frenkie de Jong

The most noteworthy aspect of the half from a Barca perspective was Frenkie De Jong once again playing center-back.

He produced a sterling display which underlined his versatility and reminded fans why Barca spent big money on him.

If Frenkie managed to be productive out of position, he can surely find a way to integrate himself into this squad, even if his position has been taken over by Gavi.

Barca created many chances

Even when Barcelona didn’t score, they tested Thibaut Courtois heavily in Vegas.

When Ousmane Dembele came into the match in the second half, he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Courtois ended up with six saves as Barcelona’s press and attack were relentless.

Barcelona overpowered the midfield of Camavinga and Tchouameni in the first half and Real Madrid didn’t get a shot on target during the match.

There was improvement when Toni Kroos and Luka Modric entered but Barcelona were on a different level.

Even Franck Kessie missed a one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois in the 70th minute.

This bodes well for Xavi who wants Barcelona to play an attacking game with lots of possession.

The football fans over the world must be thrilled with this display of attacking football from the famed Spanish club.

Real Madrid squad

Courtois; Vázquez (Odriozola 70’), Militão (Vallejo 62’), Alaba (Nacho 46’), Rüdiger (Mendy 46’); Valverde (Modric 46’), Tchouameni (Casemiro 46’), Camavinga (Kroos 46’); Rodrygo (Ceballos 70’), Hazard (Asensio 46’), Vinicius (Mariano 70’)

Barcelona squad

Ter Stegen (Peña 62’); Araujo (Dest 62’), Christensen (De Jong 46’), Eric (Piqué 62’), Alba (Balde 46’); Gavi (Kessie 46’), Busquets (Nico 62’), Pedri (Roberto 62’); Raphinha (Memphis 62’), Lewandowski (Aubameyang 46’), Fati (Dembélé 46’)

Goal: Raphinha (27’)

FOOTBALL

WATCH: Georgina Rodriguez makes huge claim on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement in Football

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Georgina Rodriguez made a huge claim on the future of her husband and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Football. In a brief interaction with a host recently, Rodriguez was asked about the time left for Cristiano to make an impact at the highest level. Georgina looked honest in her approach to the question of the host and claimed something the fans would not love to hear.

Georgina claimed that the Portugal star has maybe one year more from him at the highest level. She felt that Ronaldo might play two more years before retiring and not more than that. She was however not sure if he would play for just one or two years and added that the Al Nassr star could also play more than that.

Watch the video of Georgina Rodriguez here –

🚨🎙️| Georgina Rodriguez on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Paris Fashion Week yesterday:

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”

(via @ArobaseGiovanny)pic.twitter.com/4dxw2j5DuC

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) March 3, 2024

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know,” said Rodriguez in the little chat she had with the host. The video has gone viral on X and the fans have started sharing it on different platforms. Some of the fans feel that Georgina might be right, while others feel that she could be wrong, given the fitness and longevity of the star player.

Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo

On the 5th of February, Ronaldo celebrated his 39th birthday. He is currently one of the oldest players in the world. In the past, players at this age would have retired way back. But the fitness and consistency of Ronaldo make him play the sport as long as he wishes. In his career so far, Ronaldo has won many major leagues for Portugal and league teams like Real Madrid, Al Nassr, and Manchester United.

With United, Portugal won some major leagues like the FA Cup and the Champions League. With Real Madrid, the 39-year-old won the leagues like the UCL, Copa Del Rey and La Liga. He won it three consecutive times for Real Madrid. For Portugal, Cristiano had a huge contribution to Portugal. He has the most number of appearances and goals for an international team and won the Euro 2016 with Portugal.

FOOTBALL

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham slapped with Red Card as he argued with referee

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Jude Bellingham shown Red Card (Image Credit: Twitter)

England and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham was slapped with a Red Card during the La Liga game against Valencia. In the game, the home team, Valencia was leading by 2-0 after 30 minutes before Madrid scored in the injury time of the first half. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Madrid while Hugo Duro (27′) and Roman Yaremchuk (30′) scored a goal each.

In the 76th minute, Junior scored an equalizer to keep the team in the game. However, in the injury time of the second half, Bellingham was given a red card as he argued with the referee against calling it a full-time before he could score. In reply, the match official decided to slap the England international with a Red Card. The team coach Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t happy with the verdict as the Three Lions player was making a pass at the time.

Jude Bellingham verbally abusing officials and other footballers at the slightest provocation needs to be talked about more. It’s embarrassing he gets applauded by Real Madrid Fans.

Mason Greenwood should’ve allowed La Liga to deal with this simp. pic.twitter.com/ixYSw6YxaC

— Herman Facundo© (@hermanfacundo_7) March 3, 2024

“I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball.

“What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti, adding that Bellingham had used a common English swearword when telling the referee it was a goal.

We are annoyed with Jude Bellingham’s Red Card: Carlo Ancelotti

“We were annoyed with Bellingham’s red card. He didn’t say any insults. He said in English ‘it’s a f—ing goal,’ but he was just saying what we were all thinking … [The referee] allowed play to continue. I think he made a mistake.”

“[Bellingham] was clear in what he said,” Ancelotti added. “He was quite vehement [in his reaction] but that’s normal, after what happened. It wasn’t an insult, not at all.”

FOOTBALL

PL 2023-24: MCFC vs MUFC Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI, Fantasy League Today’s Captain, Vice-Captain, and more for Manchester derby

Published

9 months ago

March 2, 2024

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Super Sunday is set to witness the Manchester Derby in the Premier League 2023-24. The match between Manchester City (MCFC) and Manchester United (MUFC) is set to take place in Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City. The two teams have had a contrasting journey in the league till now. The fortunes of City changed ever since Pep Guardiola took over the club as the manager.

While the home side are placed in the second position in the points table currently, United are in the sixth place in the points table. In their previous encounter, City hammered Luton Town by 6-2 in the FA Cup. United have shown massive improvements in the last few weeks after not having a good start to their campaign. United were involved in a thrilling game where they beat Nottingham Forrest by 1-0 in their last game.

Both teams feature some of the best players in the world. The likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and others would be taking part in the match. Manchester City will start the match as the favourites, given their record in the ongoing league so far and the match taking place in their home. United with their improved record can challenge the home side.

MCFC vs MUFC – Match Details

Match – Manchester City (MCFC) vs Manchester United (MUFC), Premier League 2023-24

Venue – Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Date and Time – 3^rd March 2024, 21:00 IST

Live Coverage – Star Sports Network and Disney plus Hot Star

MCFC vs MUFC – Head-to-Head

Both the teams from Manchester have a rich history in the sport. they have been up against each other in 191 instances. In as many games, Manchester United have been historically the better side with 78 wins to their name. City have managed to win 60 wins, as 53 games ended in a draw. In the last five games between the two sides in the Premier League, City have won four of the five games.