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☆ ‘La Gabarra’: Athletic Bilbao’s one-of-a-kind trophy celebration befits one of the world’s most unique football clubs
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Spanish soccer club Athletic Bilbao finally put an end to decades of heartbreak at the weekend and now the team and its fans are about to enjoy a unique celebration on water. Though it is now a longstanding tradition, it is one which has only occurred twice before in the club’s history. But Athletic is undoubtedly one of the most unique football clubs in the world. “Athletic touches the sky,” wrote Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS after the victory. A taboo word no longer, La Gabarra will on Thursday once again sail down the Nervión as the city celebrates its new generation of local heroes.

Persons: ‘, –, Cecilio Gerrikabeitia, Iker Muniain, Marcelo del Pozo, Gerrikabeitia, “, Williams, Nico, Iñaki Williams, Nico Wiliams, Fran Santiago, Iñaki, ”, Athletic ’, Alfonso Herrán Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Athletic Bilbao, Lions, Bilbao, Copa del Rey, Mallorca, Athletic, La Liga, City, Guggenheim Museum, del, ‘ Athletic, Athletic Club, University of, Liga, Barcelona, Basque Country, Pamplona, Copa, Diario AS, “, AS Locations: Basque, Bilbao, New York, New Jersey, Spain, France, Spanish, Pamplona, Seville

☆ Barcelona manager Xavi announces he will leave Spanish giant at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Ben Morse | Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Barcelona manager Xavi announced on Saturday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Speaking after the team’s 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, Xavi said that he will depart on June 30 following the conclusion of the La Liga season. “I think the situation needs to change course, and as a ‘culer’, I cannot allow the current situation,” the 44-year-old told reporters, referencing the colloquial name for Barcelona fans. After Saturday’s loss, Barcelona sits in third place in the La Liga table and is 10 points behind league-leaders Real Madrid. Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge in 2022-23 and recently signed a two-year contract extension to remain as manager.

Persons: Xavi, …, ” Xavi, Al Organizations: CNN —, Villarreal, La Liga, Barcelona, Liga, Real Madrid, Spanish, Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Napoli, Leagues, Al, Sadd SC Locations: CNN — Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalan, Sadd

☆ Barcelona crashes out of the Copa del Rey in extra time, La Liga leader Girona also knocked out
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona suffered its second disappointing cup defeat in as many weeks on Wednesday, falling to a 4-2 quarterfinal away loss against Athletic Bilbao in extra time. The 16-year-old set a Copa del Rey record in the process, becoming the youngest player this century to score in the competition. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty ImagesAn upset for the La Liga leadersThis season’s surprise package in Spanish football has been Girona, which is mounting the unlikeliest of title challenges in only the club’s fourth season of La Liga football. However, the Blanquivermells will not get the chance to do the league and cup double after losing 3-2 to Mallorca on Wednesday. Mallorca, which sits 14 places and over 30 points behind Girona in La Liga, raced into a 3-0 lead at home inside the first half to stun the league leaders.

Persons: Iñaki, Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, “, Xavi, Ander Gillenea, Gorka Guruzeta volleyed, Yuri Berchiche’s, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Oihan Sancet, Nico, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Antonio Raíllo, Cristhian Stuani, Rafa Babot, Sávio Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Bilbao, Africa, of Nations, Mozambique, Spanish, archrival Real Madrid, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Napoli, ”, Athletic, ” Barcelona, Getty, Barça, Copa, Rey, La Liga football, Mallorca, Wednesday, Girona Locations: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Spain, La, ” Barcelona, AFP, Girona

☆ Budimir seals Croatia qualification for Euro 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Borna Sosa's cross from the left was perfect for the forward to get ahead of his marker and score from six yards out. Turkey topped the pool with 17 points from their eight games, one more than Croatia. Wales had to settle for a place in the playoffs, while Armenia's dream had been extinguished before their final game. It is a sixth successive qualification for the continental finals for Croatia, and their seventh overall, having finished second and third at the last two World Cups, but never gone beyond the quarter-finals at the Euros. Croatia had to be patient but when Budimir headed them in front just before the break, it eased the tension and was just reward for their ambition.

Persons: Ante Budimir, Marcelo Del Pozo, Ante Budimir’s, Budimir's, Luka Modric, manfully, Kamo, Dominik Livakovic, Budimir, Modric, Mario Pasalic’s, Nair Tiknizyan, Andre Calisir, Ognjen Cancarevic, Nick Said, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, Copa, Copa del Rey, Real Madrid, Osasuna, Estadio, La, Armenia, Croatia, Wales, Thomson Locations: Copa del, Seville, Spain, Croatia, Germany, Zagreb, Armenia, Turkey

☆ Simeone extends Atletico contract until 2027
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Nov 9 (Reuters) - Argentine coach Diego Simeone has extended his contract with Atletico Madrid until 2027, the LaLiga club said on Thursday. The 53-year-old has led Atletico in a club record 642 games. Simeone has guided Atletico to eight trophies since his arrival in 2011, two league titles, one Copa del Rey, two Europa Leagues, two European Super Cups and one Spanish Super Cup, making him the club's most successful coach. He also had two spells as a midfielder with the Madrid side, making 167 appearances and scoring 30 goals. Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios and Javier Leira, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Diego Simeone, Simeone, Janina Nuno Rios, Javier Leira, Ed Osmond Organizations: Atletico Madrid, Atletico, Copa, Copa del Rey, Europa Leagues, Thomson Locations: Argentine, Copa del, Madrid

☆ Arsenal cruise to 2-0 win against Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Arsenal returned to winning ways with a routine 2-0 defeat of Sevilla to take a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday. Europa League champions Sevilla were desperately disappointing and managed only one shot on target, with the last kick of the game, as their last-16 hopes receded. Lens and PSV have five points while winless Sevilla are bottom with two points. Arsenal got their wish as the technology that caused Arteta's angst at Newcastle was redundant and Sevilla offered virtually nothing to cause alarm. "We knew we had to get three points and we did it," Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said.

Persons: Leandro Trossard, Trossard, Mikel Arteta's, hobbling, Declan Rice, Sevilla, Diego Alonso, Jose Luis Mendilibar, Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli's, Marko Dmitrovic, David Raya, Mariano Diaz, Martyn Herman, Clare Fallon Organizations: Arsenal, Sevilla, Champions League, League Cup, Premier League, Europa League, Lens, PSV Eindhoven, PSV, SEVILLA, Newcastle United, La Liga, Uruguay, Copa del Rey, Trossard, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, London

☆ Doncic fever hits Madrid as Mavericks forward returns to face Real
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMADRID, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Dallas Mavericks' Slovenia forward Luka Doncic will get a rapturous home welcome when he faces his former team Real Madrid for the first time in an exhibition game on Tuesday. "Most likely I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for Real Madrid. "If one day I come back to play in Europe, it will be for Real Madrid." Five years on from his move to the NBA, Doncic has left an indelible mark on Spain and Real Madrid, where he made 216 appearances and won seven trophies. The third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Doncic signed for the Mavericks, where he continues to display his immense talent.

Persons: Luka Doncic, Jerome Miron, Doncic, I'm, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: Dallas Mavericks, American Airlines Center, Rights, Luka, Real Madrid, Real, Spanish, NBA, Wizink, Intercontinental, Copa del Rey, Mavericks, Star, Wizink Center, Thomson Locations: Dallas , TX, USA, Rights MADRID, Slovenia, Spanish, Europe, Spain, Real Madrid

☆ Factbox: Brazil and Al-Hilal forward Neymar
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

* Made 33 appearances and scored 10 goals in his first league season. * Scored 42 goals in 60 appearances in all competitions in 2010 as Santos won the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil. * Scored six goals in the 2011 Copa Libertadores as Santos won the competition for the first time since 1963. * The following season, Neymar became the fastest in the club's history to reach 50 league goals (58 games), but PSG finished second in Ligue 1. * Neymar scored 118 goals in 173 appearances in all competitions for PSG, winning 13 domestic trophies.

Persons: Neymar, Saudi Arabia's Al, Neymar da Silva Santos Jr, SANTOS, Santos, FIFA Puskas, Dunga, Pele's, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris Organizations: Saudi Arabia's, Paris St Germain, Portuguesa Santista, Santos, Real Madrid, Campeonato Paulista, Copa, Brasil, Libertadores, FIFA, Flamengo, South, Barcelona, Supercopa, Atletico Madrid, Barca, Champions League, Juventus, Brazilian, La Liga, Copa del Rey, PSG, UEFA, Manchester United, Rennes, Bayern Munich, Ligue, PSG's, Brazil, Confederations, Colombia, Croatia, Thomson Locations: Hilal, Spain, Barcelona, BARCELONA, Nou, BRAZIL, United States, Brazil, Germany, Belgium

☆ Former Barcelona defender Alba to sign for Inter Miami, says club president
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 18 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's president Jorge Mas said on Tuesday. Alba, who has won more than 90 caps for Spain, will be part of a strong ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami, with Messi and Sergio Busquets having already joined the club. Miami are also looking to sign another former Barca player, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who plays for Gremio in Brazil. Mas said that talks had taken place but "he is a Gremio player and I respect that". The MLS team's president also confirmed the arrival of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez from Libertad, and said they had made formal contact with Argentine side Racing Club to enquire about Tomas Aviles.

Persons: Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Alba, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerardo Martino, Mas, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez, Tomas Aviles, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Barcelona, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Tata, TyC Sports, Barca, Uruguayan, Gremio, MLS, Libertad, Argentine, Racing Club, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Miami, Brazil, Paraguayan, Mexico

☆ Barcelona sign Gundogan on free transfer after Man City exit
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after his departure from treble winners Manchester City with the German midfielder signing a two-year contract, the LaLiga club said on Monday. "For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said in a statement. "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. Gundogan leaves City having made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and grabbing 40 assists in all competitions. "Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Persons: Gundogan, Pep Guardiola's, Txiki Begiristain, Ilkay, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Manchester City, City, Premier League, FA, League, Borussia Dortmund, Barca, Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, England, Manchester, City, Bengaluru

☆ Inter Miami to sign Barca midfielder Busquets as free agent
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Barcelona's former Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is joining Inter Miami as a free agent, the Major League Soccer club announced on Friday. Miami made the news official by posting a video on social media showing quotes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric and Messi praising Busquets. loadingThe former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played over 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. Busquets was also linked with moves to the Saudi Arabian league as Al Hilal and Al Nassar made bids for his services. Miami are reportedly looking to sign a third former Barca player as they are keen on left-back Jordi Alba, who is also leaving the Spanish club after the end of the season.

Persons: Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric, Messi, Busquets, Al Nassar, Jordi Alba, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Barca, Copa del Rey, League, Saudi, Al, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Nou, Miami, Barcelona, Al Hilal, Mexico City

☆ Barcelona to begin LaLiga title defence at Getafe
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, June 22 (Reuters) - Barcelona will begin their Spanish league title defence away to Getafe on Aug. 13 while Real Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao the same weekend, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said on Thursday. Both teams will meet again at Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 32, on the weekend of April 21, 2024. LaLiga's final weekend could be a high-tension climax to the season, with Barcelona visiting Europa League champions Sevilla, Real Madrid hosting Real Betis and Champions League side Real Sociedad hosting Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. The Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia will take place between Jan. 10-14 with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Osasuna and Atletico the four participants. The 2023-24 LaLiga season will kick off on Friday, Aug. 11 and will end on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Persons: Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Getafe, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Spanish FA, Clasico, Santiago Bernabeu, Europa League, Sevilla, Real Betis, Champions League, Real Sociedad, Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, Spanish, Osasuna, Atletico, Copa, Rey, La, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Barcelona, Catalan, Saudi Arabia, Real, La Cartuja, Seville

☆ Monchi leaves Sevilla to become Aston Villa's President of Football Operations
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 16 (Reuters) - Monchi has left his role as Sevilla sporting director to be President of Football Operations at Aston Villa where he will be reunited with coach Unai Emery, the two clubs said on Friday. Under Monchi's direction, Sevilla won a record seven Europa League titles, the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) twice and the European Super Cup. "I am very excited to join Aston Villa... I am also delighted and can't wait to work with Unai Emery again, one of the best managers in football," Monchi said in a statement. He left Sevilla in 2017 to become AS Roma's sporting director before returning to the Spanish side in 2019.

Persons: Monchi, Unai Emery, Emery, Angelica Medina, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Sevilla, Football Operations, Aston Villa, Europa League, Copa del, Sevilla FC, AS Roma's, Villa, Premier League, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Mexico City

☆ Inter won't just defend, says Man City's Guardiola
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

ISTANBUL, June 9 (Reuters) - Manchester City must overcome more than just a formidable Inter Milan defence as they seek to win the Champions League for the first time on Saturday, according to manager Pep Guardiola. Inter are a team used not only to defend. There is a belief that Italian teams only know how to defend, but Inter can do many other things," a relaxed Guardiola told reporters on Friday. "Inter have the ability to keep the ball and finish, they know how to attack from the centre and from the flanks. "Tomorrow he'll be ready to help us win the Champions League."

Persons: Pep Guardiola, Guardiola's, Erling Haaland, Guardiola, Copa del, Francesco, Acerbi, Matteo, Darmian, Alessandro, Bastoni, Andre, Onana, Martinez, Joaquin, Correa, Kevin De Bruyne, Haaland, Erling Haaland's, Martyn Herman, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Inter Milan, League, Ataturk Olympic, Copa, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea, Real Madrid, City, Manchester United's Premier League, Thomson Locations: ISTANBUL, Manchester, Lautaro

☆ Real Madrid dethroned as ‘Kings of Europe’ as the club looks to usher in new generation of stars
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Even before the full-time whistle blew in Manchester City’s 4-0 mauling in the Champions League semifinal Wednesday, Real Madrid players looked to have accepted their fate. To see a club like Real Madrid get put to the sword is always a surprise, but it’s even more shocking when you consider it was this team – in this competition. Luka Modrić has been one of the best players in the world during his time at Real Madrid. In truth, the chastening defeat against Manchester City has only amplified what madridistas already knew. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti looked on as his side lost 4-0 on Wednesday.

☆ Mourinho dismisses PSG talk ahead of Europa League semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - Europa League - AS Roma Press Conference - Rome, Italy - May 10, 2023 AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho during the press conference. Despite talk of potentially take over the Ligue 1 club from Christophe Galtier in the 2023-24 season, Mourinho reaffirmed his loyalty to Roma, where he is currently under contract until 2024. "If they called, they didn’t find me," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday before the pre-match news conference. During the news conference, Mourinho expressed admiration for the former Spain international, showering him with praise. Despite Roma reaching the semi-finals of a prominent European competition for the third consecutive season, Mourinho dismisses the notion that it puts pressure on the team.

☆ Busquets to leave Barcelona at end of season
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Getafe - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - January 22, 2023 FC Barcelona's Sergio Busquets holds the Spanish Super Cup trophy aloft before the match... Read moreMay 10 (Reuters) - Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets will leave the club at the end of this season after spending 18 years with the Catalan outfit, the team said on Wednesday. Busquets, 34, began his youth career at Barcelona in 2005 before making his first-team debut in 2008. He helped Barcelona win eight LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. He could add another league title to his achievements this season, with Barcelona leading the points table by 13 points with five games remaining. A report on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito de Jugones said that Busquets has accepted an offer by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal along with Lionel Messi.

☆ Champions League semifinal: Can Real Madrid stop Manchester City, the 'best team in Europe?'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid and Manchester City face each other in a highly-anticipated Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, pitting the defending champion against a team on a sensational run of form. Erling Haaland has broken record after record since arriving at the club last year and has scored 12 Champions League goals this season – four more than anyone else in the competition. It will be a difficult game against City because City is, at the moment, the best team in Europe,” former Madrid manager Fabio Capello told CNN Sport on Monday. Ancelotti admitted on Monday that City is a “more complete team” compared to last year, particularly with Haaland on the pitch. “We’re not setting out just to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable,” Ancelotti told reporters.

☆ Where to watch Real Madrid vs. Man City live stream for free online from anywhere
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Brendan Griffiths | Senior Commerce Director | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Looking for the latest information on where to watch a Real Madrid vs. Man City live stream for free tonight? How to watch Real Madrid vs. Man City online from anywhereA VPN is the best way to get around geo-restrictions and is a viable option for today's game. Where to watch Real Madrid vs. Man City in CanadaSoccer fans in Canada will need to stump up some extra cash to enjoy a Champions League live stream of Real Madrid vs. Man City tonight, as DAZN Canada holds the local viewing rights. Real Madrid vs. Man City free live streamThere are several free options available today. How to watch Real Madrid vs. Man City with a VPNSign up for a VPN if you don't have one.

☆ Real Boss Ancelotti hopes to get mental edge over Man City at Bernabeu
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We need to play a complete game tomorrow and be aware that the decisive match will be the second leg. So our aim is to travel to Manchester with a small advantage," Ancelotti told a press conference on Monday. "As for an advantage I mean it’s not only about the result, it’s attitude, the mental part of the game too. "If you play well, give trouble to your rival, put them in an uncomfortable position, it’s a mental advantage. "Manchester City didn't change their style to accommodate Haaland, they have more options vertically with him using long balls and a more direct approach," he said.

☆ Rodrygo double fires Real Madrid to Spanish Cup final win over Osasuna
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEVILLA, Spain, May 6 (Reuters) - Rodrygo struck twice and Vinicius Jr dazzled as Real Madrid beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday to win their 20th Copa del Rey title and first since 2014. Brazilian Rodrygo scored the opener after two minutes but Carlo Ancelotti's side were pegged back when Lucas Torro equalised 13 minutes after the break. Real have lost two of the last three games and are virtually out of contention in LaLiga, sitting 14 points behind leaders Barcelona. "I'm very happy because I have just won the only title I didn't have with Real Madrid at only 22 years old. "We were talking this week about how long it has been since Real Madrid have not won this competition and I, personally, was missing it too.

☆ Real Madrid's Modric a doubt for Copa del Rey final
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/4] Soccer Football - Copa del Rey - Semi Final - Second Leg - FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - April 5, 2023 Real Madrid's Luka Modric during the match REUTERS/Albert GeaApril 28 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Luka Modric has suffered a thigh injury, and the veteran midfielder could be a doubt for their Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on May 6, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday. Modric, 37, played a little over an hour in Real's 4-2 defeat by Girona over the weekend before he was substituted. Real will be looking to win the Copa del Rey for the 20th time. "It's pending evolution and we don't know if he will be fit for the Copa match. They currently sit second in LaLiga, 11 points behind leaders Barcelona after 31 games and two points ahead of Atletico Madrid.

☆ Real Madrid eases past Celta de Vigo 2-0 to put pressure on Barcelona
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid eased past Celta de Vigo 2-0 on Saturday in what was a relatively calm and assured performance for Los Blancos to cut Barcelona’s lead atop La Liga to eight points ahead of Atlético Madrid’s visit to the Camp Nou on Sunday. Vinícius Jr. proved a dangerous threat to Celta throughout the match, including getting his 17th assist of the season across all competitions. Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesThe 1-0 marked Asensio’s 11th goal of the season in all competitions and Vinícius’ 17th assist across all competitions. In the 48th minute, Asensio took a great corner into the area, where an on-rushing Militão powered a header into the bottom left corner for his fifth league goal of the season past a helpless Villar. Militão puts his powerful header into the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-0.

☆ A corruption scandal, accusations of favoritism and Franco’s regime: Real Madrid and Barcelona in war of words over Spain’s fascist past
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

More than eight weeks after the scandal emerged, FCB President Joan Laporta went out to bat for the Catalan club on Monday. General view of Estadio Santiago Bernabeu prior to the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF on April 09, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. But Laporta finished by saying that Real Madrid is “a club considered the team of the regime,” a reference to the club’s reported historic ties with Franco during his fascist dictatorship. “We are talking about a club [Real] that has historically close ties to political, financial and sporting power,” Laporta said. In total, Real won 14 league titles to Barcelona’s eight under Franco, while the Blaugrana won nine Copas del Generalísimo to Real Madrid’s six.

☆ Real Madrid crash to Villarreal defeat as title chances fall further away
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 8 (Reuters) - Samu Chukwueze scored twice to inflict a further blow on Real Madrid's title hopes as they were beaten 3-2 by Villarreal at home in LaLiga on Saturday despite twice taking the lead. Real host Chelsea on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Vinicius Jr restored Real's lead two minutes into the second half with a simple finish in front of the Villarreal goal for his ninth league strike of the season. "It's a crazy goal," Chukwueze said. Villarreal, who climbed to fifth place in the battle for a Champions League spot, host relegation-threatened Valladolid next Saturday.

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