Aurelien Tchouameni’s deflected strike was enough to secure Real Madrid a 1-0 win at Mallorca and keep them out on front at the top of LaLiga.
France midfielder Tchouameni broke the deadlock early in the second half as Real extended their unbeaten league run to 25 matches and after arch-rivals Barcelona’s win later on Saturday night, the gap remains eight points.
The two sides meet in El Clasico next Sunday and Barca also remain in top form as they made it six straight wins in all competitions after Joao Felix’s first-half overhead kick secured all three points in Cadiz.
0-1 48 |
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden)
Barcelona were indebted to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for their win as the German goalkeeper made two crucial sav…
Stoke City have signed Wales midfielder Joe Allen on a five-year deal from Liverpool for a fee that could rise to £13million.
Allen joined Liverpool from Swansea City in 2012 and had also been linked with a return to his former club, but Stoke boss Mark Hughes has got his man.
The 26-year-old starred in Wales run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, winning a place in UEFA s official team of the tournament.
Allen s capture concluded a busy Monday at the bet365 Stadium, following the signing of highly rated Egyptian youngster Ramadan Sobhi.
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Gianni Infantino s press conference in Doha ahead of the Qatar World Cup was scheduled to last 45 minutes.
Yet, 55 minutes had passed before FIFA president Infantino said: Now I will move on to the World Cup.
The best part of the proceeding hour had involved a long and winding monologue from the Swiss, who targeted the hypocrisy of the western media and insisted he must take criticism, not the players and coaches, for the controversy surrounding the upcoming tournament.
Infantino also defended the Qatari state, insisting that engagement must be prioritised over possible provocation over matters such as human rights and migrant worker pay and conditions.
With questions fielded after Infantino s monologue, the press conference lasted over 90 minutes. Here …
Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric said he is sad that Julian Nagelsmann is leaving the club, hailing the German sensation as one of the best coaches in the world.
Nagelsmann will leave Hoffenheim at the end of the season, swapping Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena for Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig, with Alfred Schreuder to replace the 31-year-old.
Linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal in the past, Nagelsmann – the Bundesliga s youngest ever head coach – has worked wonders since taking over from Huub Stevens as a 28-year-old in February 2016.
Fast-tracked from Hoffenheim s successful youth team, Nagelsmann steered the side clear of relegation before securing successive top-four Bundesliga finishes as the German club directly qualified for the Champions Leag…
Goncalo Ramos helped himself to a double as Paris St Germain went 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after a 4-1 win over Lyon without needing to call upon Kylian Mbappe.
The France international was left sitting on the bench as Ramos struck twice after Nemanja Matic’s own goal and Lucas Beraldo’s strike, with Ernest Nuamah replying at the Parc des Princes in a dress rehearsal for next month’s Coupe de France final.
Victory strengthened the champions’ grip on the title, with Monaco, who had Eliesse Ben Seghir and Wilfried Singo sent off in stoppage time, having earlier gone second after winning 2-0 at Brest to leapfrog them.
It s over at the Parc!
THIS IS PARIS
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English)
The home side, who have n…
Crewe Alexandra youngster Nick Powell scored a wonder goal at Wembley to help his side win promotion to League One.
His effort after 15 minutes was followed by an 80th minute strike from Byron Moore in front of 24,000 fans at Wembley stadium, although Cheltenham may well be wondering how they failed to score in a contest which at times they dominated.
Cheltenham had never before been beaten in the play-offs having won promotion from League Two in both 2002 and 2006, while Crewe are unbeaten in their last 18 games.
Powell opened the scoring with a wonderful goal that will only strengthen rumours of a move to the Premier League for the England under 18s star.
Having received the ball on the edge of the area, he flicked it up with his instep, swivelled and …
Tottenham Hotspur have finally reached an agreement that will bring Ajax Amsterdam captain Jan Vertonghen to White Hart Lane, .
As always, the move is subject to Vertonghen passing a medical, which is scheduled for sometime this week.
We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Jan Vertonghen, subject to a medical, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club revealed in an official statement.
Since arriving in north London, new Spurs boss André Villas-Boas has brought Gylfi Sigurdsson and now Jan Vertonghen to White Hart Lane.
Spurs interest in the Belgium international originated with Harry Redknapp at the helm, but , the managerial switch did not make him second-guess his decision to join the north …
Atletico join chase for Dybala
Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have taken a keen interest in Palermo striker Paulo Dybala, .
Los Colchoneros aim to further reinforce the front line in the summer and they have made the Argentine forward their primary target.
AS has suggested that Dybala s agents are set to hold a meeting with Atletico Madrid officials as the La Liga side aim to lure the highly rated footballer to Vicente Calderon in the summer.
The 21-year-old has become one of Europe s most sought-after players and while Palermo are ready to sell, they are holding out for €40 million.
Serie A giants Juventus are believed to be leading the chase at the moment, but Atletico seem keen to hijack their bid for the Argentine.
Dybala has bee…
Manchester United are set to complete the £24million signing of Arsenal’s captain and striker Robin Van Persie.
The signing of the Dutch international would be a major coup for the Red Devils, who will be looking to out-do neighbours Manchester City this season.
Goals
Last season Robin Van Persie was the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 30 goals.
His goals accounted for nearly 40 per cent of the Gunners goals last term, and he played a crucial part in Arsene Wenger’s side finishing 3rd.
Injuries
As many Arsenal fans have pointed out in recent weeks and months the last campaign was the only one in his entire Gunners career were Van Persie avoided major injuries. He obviously benefited from a long injury-free run in the team.
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Verdict: Serbia
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Wales will have a huge point to prove against Serbia as Chris Coleman’s men head into the Saturday’s clash eager to make amends for two disappointing defeats to the Serbian Eagles in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying. Serbia managed successive 6-1 and 3-0 wins over the Welsh back in 2012 and 2013, but plenty has changed since for both sides.
Wales
Having failed to win in their last two World Cup qualifiers, Wales will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they play host to Group D leaders Serbia at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday night. Chris Coleman is aware his team is facing an uphill battle against a strong, competitive side, but will be highly motivated to demonstrate that his side have come…