Madrid, Spain | AFP | Portugal’s favourite son Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to collect a record-equalling fifth Ballon d’Or on Thursday, but the Real Madrid star is not the only Portuguese footballer to be crowned the best in the world. The lesser known Ricardinho and Madjer have dominated their respective disciplines …
Read More »Zidane struggling to shore up Madrid defence
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admitted injuries will force him into patching up a makeshift defence for Saturday’s visit of Sevilla after Raphael Varane joined an increasing list of absentees. The French international limped off holding his left leg as Madrid edged out Borussia Dortmund …
Read More »Ronaldo breaks new ground as Madrid edge out Dormund
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to ever score in all six Champions League group games in one season as Real Madrid edged out a dispirited Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on Wednesday. Lucas Vazquez grabbed the winner nine minutes from time for the European champions, who …
Read More »English eyes on Griezmann for crunch Chelsea clash
Madrid, Spain | AFP | As a red-hot Antoine Griezmann hopes to keep Atletico Madrid’s faint Champions League hopes alive at Stamford Bridge, the stage is also set for the Frenchman to showcase his talents to a host of Premier League suitors. Atletico need to beat Chelsea in London on …
Read More »Spain rediscover style for new World Cup challenge
Madrid, Spain | AFP | They may not be a top seed for Friday’s World Cup draw in Moscow, but the fresh blood added by coach Julen Lopetegui has put Spain back among the favourites for glory next July. Early exits at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 appeared …
Read More »Messi to end career at Barca after extending deal to 2021
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi hopes to end his career at Barcelona after ending months of speculation on Saturday by signing a contract extension to 2021, sealing an agreement reached in July, the club announced. Barca had said in the summer that Messi, 30, had committed his future …
Read More »Ronaldo nets winner for Real, Atletico hit five
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Cristiano Ronaldo’s first La Liga goal for over a month ensured Real Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to seven points by squeezing past struggling Malaga 3-2 on Saturday. Ronaldo’s relief was clear to see when he fired home the rebound after seeing his …
Read More »Messi signs new contract
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Lionel Messi ended months of speculation when finally putting pen to paper on Saturday to extend his contract with Barcelona until 2021, the club announced, making official an agreement reached in July. The Spanish giants had announced in the summer that Messi, 30, had committed his …
Read More »Messi on bench but Barcelona advance to last 16
Turin, Italy | AFP | Lionel Messi started on the bench but Barcelona advanced to the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday and clinched top spot in Group D after drawing 0-0 with Juventus in Turin. Last season’s finalists Juventus remain second in the group following the stalemate, a point …
Read More »Griezmann gives Atletico power of positive thinking
Madrid, Spain | AFP | Diego Simeone refused to be downhearted by Atletico Madrid’s slim chances of making the Champions League last 16 after Antoine Griezmann returned to form with a stunning overhead kick and assist for Kevin Gameiro to beat Roma 2-0 on Wednesday. Twice finalists in the past …
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