Jose Bolu

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Benzema sends message to Kylian Mbappe after Champions League triumph

La Liga, Ligue 1

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema says he ‘respects’ Kylian Mbappe’s decision to remain at Paris Saint-Germain and insists their relationship will still be intact. The 23-year-old, who led Ligue 1’s scoring charts with 28 goals, was courted by the Spanish champions and there had been an expectation that he would sign for Real on a free transfer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But instead he made the shocking decision to renew with the Parisians, signing a new, mega-money deal until 2025 – with even French president Emmanuel Macron believed to have been enlisted to persuade Mbappe to stay at the club. Real were furious with Mbappe’s decision and Benzema did not seem pleased either, uploading two cryptic images; the first was a picture of his hand p...

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Kroos stops Eden Hazard from pouring champagne into son’s mouth

Premier League

Toni Kroos had to intervene during Real Madrid’s Champions League celebrations after Eden Hazard appeared to attempt to pour champagne into his son’s mouth. Madrid’s players were celebrating their latest triumph as Vinicius Junior’s second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Stade de France. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); During their rowdy dressing room celebrations, several players at the club were spraying champagne at each other while they danced and sang. But Hazard took it a step too far as he wanted to pour his bottle of champagne into the mouth of Kroos’ son. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Kroos, however, was standing beside the former Chelsea winger and held out his hand to stop the bottle...

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Carlo Ancelotti explains why Liverpool were easier to beat than Chelsea

UEFA, La Liga, Premier League

Carlo Ancelotti says Liverpool were the easiest team to prepare a gameplan for during the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League. The Real Madrid head coach etched his name further into the folklore of Europe’s premier club competition after masterminding the Spanish club’s success that culminated in last night’s 1-0 victory in Paris. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Despite owing their win to man of the match, Thibaut Courtois, who pulled off a number of outstanding saves, Real ultimately deserved their victory and saved their most accomplished display of the competition for the final. Real’s run to Stade de France had previously been characterised by a couple of miraculous acts of escapology against clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea...

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Why Benzema’s Champions League final goal against Liverpool was disallowed

UEFA, Premier League

A former Premier League referee has explained why Karim Benzema’s goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool was disallowed. Benzema thought he had given La Liga champions Real Madrid the lead shortly before the break but the offside flag was raised, much to the relief of Liverpool. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The in-form forward controlled a high ball into the box and then took a couple of touches before trying to round Alisson Becker. Benzema eventually lost control of the ball but Ibrahima Konate and Alisson made a mess of the clearance. Three players then challenged for the ball and it came back to Benzema who hit the ball beyond Alisson. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Though, Real Madrid’...

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Courtois aims dig at Liverpool & Chelsea fans after UCL final display

Premier League

Thibaut Courtois aimed a dig at English football supporters after he delivered a man of the match performance in Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool. The Belgium international joined the Spanish club four years ago from Chelsea and initially took time to settle at the Bernabeu after dislodging Keylor Navas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Since the return of manager Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, the 30-year-old has steadily rebuilt his reputation and is now back amongst the world's best goalkeepers. The Reds dominated large spells in Paris, but found Courtois in unbeatable form with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane left dumbfounded by the goalkeeper’s agility and reflexes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})...

May292022 by JBNo Comments

Jurgen Klopp makes promise to Liverpool fans after Real Madrid defeat

Premier League

Jurgen Klopp has vowed to take Liverpool back to the Champions League final next campaign after his team lost to Real Madrid in Paris. The Reds were aiming to avenge their 2018 final defeat on Saturday but left Paris disappointed as Real Madrid clinched their 14th European crown. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Liverpool created a number of great opportunities and went close through Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, but were severallly denied by the inspired Thibaut Courtois. Vinicius Junior’s second-half goal separated the sides and saw Real Madrid add the Champions League trophy to the La Liga title they already won. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Liverpool have now lost two of their three Champions Le...

May282022 by JBNo Comments

Gerrard makes Champions League final prediction after watching Liverpool train

Premier League

Steven Gerrard has made his scoreline prediction for the Champions League final today after watching Liverpool and Real Madrid train. Liverpool and Spanish champions Real Madrid will battle to be crowned champions of Europe at the Stade de France on Saturday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A win for Liverpool in the French capital would see Jurgen Klopp’s side secure their third trophy of the campaign after their FA Cup and EFL Cup wins. The Reds had eyes on an unprecedented quadruple for much of the season but fell short in the Premier League, with Man city clinching the title in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Real Madrid, meanwhile, are aiming to win a record-ex...

May282022 by JBNo Comments

Erik ten Hag places four Man Utd players on transfer list

Premier League

Erik ten Hag will put four Manchester United players on the transfer list with the Premier League club open to offers for other members of the current team. A number of departures are expected at United this summer after a dismal 2021-22 season – their fifth on the bounce without silverware. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are all expected to leave at the end of their contracts this summer with Matic and Edinson Cavani already confirming their exits from Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, the Red devils will have around £120m to spend this summer, a budget that can be topped up though player sales. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The report claims that Anthony Martial...

May282022 by JBNo Comments

Chelsea to make Kante available for reduced price with Man Utd considering move

Premier League

Chelsea are set to make N’Golo Kante available for transfer for a reduced price in the summer due to his current contract situation, according to reports. The France international's current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer of 2023, with new terms yet to be agreed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Though Kante is seen as one of the world’s best in his position, the Frenchman has struggled with injuries over recent seasons. Meanwhile, Manchester United are searching for a new signing in the central midfield area this summer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to The Athletic, new United manager Erik ten Hag is pushing for a move for his former player at Ajax, Frenkie de Jong, who is now at Barc...

May282022 by JBNo Comments

Courtois fires warning to Liverpool ahead of Champions League final

UEFA, La Liga, Premier League

Thibaut Courtois has sent a warning to Liverpool ahead of the Champions League final by saying: ‘When Real Madrid play a final, they win it.’ La Liga champions Real Madrid will bid to win a record-extending 14th Champions League title when they meet Premier League team Liverpool on Saturday. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Since the European Cup became the Champions League in 1992, Real Madrid have won in all seven finals they have ever played and defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the 2018 final. Courtois is aiming to win his first Champions League in Paris today, having finished on the losing side in the 2014 final when Atletico Madrid were beaten by Madrid. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Speaking at the pre-final pres...