Tag: La Liga

MADRID: Ousmane Dembele scored the winner to take Barcelona three points clear at the top of LaLiga after defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in a tense game on Sunday.

Xavi Hernandez’s side went out to make a statement victory at Metropolitano following reigning champions Real Madrid’s shock 2-1 defeat against Villareal on Saturday.

The visitors started on high as Dembele earned the lead the in the 22nd minute with a side-foot finish off Gavi’s assist.

Atletico built up the pressure from then onwards but could not find an equalizer till the last as Antoine Griezmann’s effort was cleared off the line by Ronald Araujo in the added time.

The match ended with an ill-tempered affair between Ferran Torres and Stefan Savic with both getting red cards for the scuffle.

Barcelona solidified its position at the top with 41 points, three points ahead of second-placed Madrid after last night’s win.

Earlier David Silva produced a stellar to aid third-place Real Sociedad thump Almeria 2-0, while Real Betis climbed to fourth following a thrilling 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Meanwhile, beleaguered Sevilla claimed their first league win since October 15, lifting them out of the relegation zone with a late 2-1 victory over Getafe at home.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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VILLAREAL: Real Madrid missed a chance to go back to the top of the La Liga table after a shocking 1-2 defeat against Villareal on Saturday. 

The defending champions suffered their second loss of the season after an assist and goal from Villareal striker Gerard Moreno at El Madrigal, keeping table toppers Barcelona ahead in the title race.

The hosts opened the scoring through Yeremy Pino just after the break but a dubious handball call allowed Real Madrid to level in the 60th minute with Karim Benzema hitting the penalty,

But, the lead was restored quickly after David Alba handled Juan Foyth in the penalty area and Moreno fired home from the spot to secure points for Villareal, who climbs up to fifth after winning their third consecutive league game.

Madrid remain second, tie on 38 points with Barcelona who visit fourth-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Despite an unwanted result, Benzema became the joint sixth all-time goal scorer’s in the top Spanish League as he levelled Real legend Alfredo di Stefano’s 227 La Liga goals.

In another Saturday fixture, Mallorca sealed a thrilling 1-0 win over Valladolid, thanks to Abdon Prats’s late decider in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Girona held Espanyol, who denies Barcelona victory last week in the Catalan derby, to a 2-2 draw after a tense game at RCDE stadium.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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ELCHE: Veteran striker Iago Aspas’ fifth-minute goal was enough to power Celta Vigo to run through the winless Elche and ended their eight-match losing streak in the ongoing LaLiga 2022/23.

The rock-bottom Elche continued to struggle in the ongoing season of the Spanish league as they remain the only team without a win after 16 league matches.

Elche’s defeat came following an unwanted start to the year 2023 as the side relegated from the Copa del Rey courtesy of a 1-0 loss at the hands of third-division club Ceuta.

Newly-appointed coach Pablo Machín also failed to turn the fortune in the bottom-ranked Elche’s favour as he sustained his third defeat after taking the charge. His first match was a 2-0 loss at Atlético Madrid before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo, which got the match-winner in just the fifth minute off Aspas, ended their eight-match losing streak, while their last triumph was in October against Real Betis. It also had been eliminated in the Copa del Rey midweek.

The triumph over Elche lifted Celta Vigo to 16th spot, three points clear of the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Cadiz also enjoyed a similar outcome in their match at Valencia as the side ended a three-match losing streak with a 1-0 triumph over the hosts and moved out of the relegation zone.

Cadiz, however, found their match-winner in the ninth minute when Ruben Alcaraz struck from just outside the box off Ruben Sobrino’s astounding assist having carried the ball all the way through before firing a perfect pass.

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BARCELONA: Marcos Alonso went from hero to zero as Espanyol held toppers Barcelona to a 1-1 draw on Saturday yet the Catalan giants still claimed the top spot on goal difference.

Referee Antonio Matue Lahoz, however, took the centre stage he handed out fifteen yellow cards and two red cards in the game at Camp Nou.

After Alonso gave Barcelona an early lead Lahoz sprang into action and before the break, he booked four players besides awarding Espanyol a penalty in the second half, which Joselu converted to equalize for his side.

Jordi Alba was laid off in the final half after getting two yellow cards inside four minutes for his protests to Mateu Lahoz and two minutes later Esoanyol’s Vinicius Souza was also brandished a red card by the Spanish referee.

In minute 81, he awarded Souza’s team-mate, Leandro Cabrera, a red card after adjudging that the defender had deliberately hit a boot on Robert Lewandowski’s head but a VAR review forced him to change the decision.

While Xavi’s men were clearly unhappy with the chaotic referring decisions, Lahoz, however, used his card once more, booking Barca’s manager and Raphinha, for protesting his decisions.

Meanwhile, in another Saturday fixture, Real Sociedad sank visitors Osasuna 2-0, thanks to Brais Mendez and Alexander Sorioth’s goals in each half.

Villareal, however, edged past Valencia 2-1 with help of a late decider by Juan Foyth in the last fixture of the day.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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MADRID: Karim Benzema shrugged off his World Cup misery with two late goals that powered Real Madrid to thump Valladolid 2-0 on Friday to take over the top spot in LaLiga standings.

Ballon d’Or winner Benzema was initially named in the French squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar but an untimely thigh injury amid training forced the striker to withdraw hours before the commencement of the opening game.

Benzema then decided to hang his boots from international football, following the conclusion of the mega event in which France endured a frustrating defeat in the final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

In his first La Liga fixture after the World Cup however, the French striker scored his first goal in the competition since October 19 when Real Madrid defeated Elche.

However, it took him 83 minutes to score his first goal of the game, which came from a penalty that was granted after Javi Sanchez was fouled for handball.

Benzema then soon made it double when he scored from a pass by French compatriot Eduardo Camavinga to add further to the misery of 10-men Valladolid, courtesy of a red card for Sergio Leon.

Following the victory, Real Madrid claimed the top spot in the league’s standings one point clear of second-placed Barcelona, who, however, can reclaim the top position on Saturday when they take on city rivals Espanyol.

Meanwhile, the other two La Liga fixtures between Sevilla and Celta Vigo and Almeria versus Cadiz ended in a one-all draw.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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MADRID: Alvaro Morata and Jao Felix struck in Atletico Madrid’s dominant 2-0 victory over Elche in their side’s first LaLiga fixture after the World Cup.

With a dominant victory in their first match on return, Atletico moved up to the third spot behind leader Barcelona and second-placed Real Madrid.

The home side started the match with an aggressive approach as it looked to push the ball up the pitch quickly and into wide areas.

Despite pushing the rock-bottom Elche desperately in the first half, Diego Simeone’s side remained unable to fire the opener.

Elche endured a major setback on the stroke of half-time when Gonzalo Verdu received a red card for pulling Morata down just outside the box.

Madrid’s domination in terms of men, however, did not last for long as in the 50th minute Mario Hermoso was given a second yellow card in the space of two minutes.

Simeone’s side, however, did not bother being a man down as just six minutes later they had their breakthrough when Antoine Griezmann intelligently clipped it back across the goal for Felix to head home.

Morata then made it 2-0 for Atletico in the 74th minute as his effort took a fortunate deflection and looped up and into the back of the net.

Following the victory, the Madrid-based side moved just eight points behind the leader Barcelona.

Meanwhile, in another LaLiga fixture, Samuel Saiz’s 75th-minute penalty propelled Girona to hang on for a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano, while Real Betis and Athletic Club’s match ended in a goalless draw.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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MADRID: Real Madrid suffered their first loss of the season on Monday night as Rayo Vallecano stunned the reigning champions 3-2 in LaLiga.

Following the upset defeat, the La Liga champions failed to reclaim the top spot from Barcelona in the standings after two successive games without a win.

The first half witnessed an intense exchange of goals between the two sides before Oscar Trejo netted a second-half penalty to give Rayo Vallecano an astonishing win at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid.

The hosts took the lead five minutes into the game when midfielder Santiago Comesana volleyed the ball from inside the box, but Real immediately bounced back and surged ahead with two goals in four minutes.

Luka Modric hit the first one in the 37th minute from the penalty spot for Madrid after Marco Asensio was fouled inside the area, and then Eder Militao put the visitors in front with a lovely header.

Rayo forward Alvaro Garcia, however, managed to claw in the equalizer just before half-time.

Rayo were then awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after a handball by the defender Dani Carvajal on the edge of the area. Thibaut Courtois blocked Trejo’s first effort, but the kick had to be retaken because the goalkeeper left his line too early. The Spaniard did not fail in his second attempt and took his side home.

“I wasn’t surprised because we all know how they play, they were better and more precise than us today and it’s a well deserved win for them,” said Real manager Ancelotti after the match.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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MADRID: Joao Felix came off the bench to save a point for Atletico Madrid against 10-man Espanyol in a 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

The home side had a chance to cut their deficit to six points on Real Madrid, which will take on Rayo Vallecano today, but eventually finished in third with 10 points behind table-topper Barcelona.

The game had begun with some jeers from the crowd following Atletico’s exit from the Champions League, and the mood did not ameliorate as the side struggled to take down the visitors.

Leandro Cabrera’s send-off in the first half appeared to be a perfect set-up for the hosts, yet they fell behind despite having an extra man after Sergio Darder volleyed past Jan Oblak in the 62nd minute.

Joao Felix arrived to score the equalizer with a little over 10 minutes remaining, but a draw still proved to be a disappointing outcome for Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone in the circumstances.

Meanwhile, in the second fixture on Sunday, Samuel Lino denied Real Sociedad a home win as Valencia finished in a 1-1 draw at Anoeta Stadium.

Mallorca, on the other hand, sealed a sensational 2-0 win over Villareal thanks to the superb strikes by Vedat Muriqi and Amath.

Whereas, at Estadio Benito Villamarín, visitors Sevilla held off Real Betis with a late equalizer by Nemanja Gudelj after the home side was down to nine-man.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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BARCELONA: Barcelona legend Gerard Pique bid an emotional farewell in front of the biggest crowd of the season at Camp Nou on Sunday following a dominant 2-0 win by Catalans over Almeria which took them two points clear of Real Madrid at the top LaLiga  

Pique received a standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the 84th minute and broke into tears as he fervently hugged his teammates, coach Xavi and the entire Barca bench.

After the final whistle, he was lifted into the air by his companions and performed a lap of honour, blowing kisses to the crowd and waving as they chanted his name.

The 35-year-old defender broke into tears midway through his farewell speech after the game, saying:  “I was born here and I will die here.”

“Sometimes you have to leave behind the things you love. The relationship between Barcelona and me has been so loving and so passionate, I thought that maybe we needed a little bit of space. I’m sure that I’ll be back here again in the future” he said.

The retiring player was paid several tributes on his farewell night in the home game as he was named captain of the team and entered the pitch with his two sons.

Pique called time on his stellar career after appearing in 616 games across 15 seasons and won 30 trophies for the Catalan giants

Barcelona were awarded an early penalty and the fans started to chant his name to take it but the Spaniard offered it to Robert Lewandowski, who missed the opportunity and hit the post.

Meanwhile, in another matchday 13 fixture on Saturday, Osasuna held off home team Celta Vigo 2-1 with a brilliant first-half brace from Ezequiel Lavezzi.

At Estadio Jose Zorrilla, home team Valladolid edged past bottom-placed Elche 2-1 thanks to the brilliant strikes by Javi Sanchez and Roque Mesa.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and is simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Gerard Pique announced his retirement on Thursday after a decorated career, saying “the moment has come to end this journey”.

“Saturday’s match (against Almeria) will be my last at the Camp Nou,” the 35-year-old posted on Twitter.

The veteran defender bows out with four Champions League titles and the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided the moment has come to end this journey,” he said in a video clip of the star watching images of himself as a small boy wearing the Barcelona shirt, or chasing after autographs.

“There’s no other team after Barca,” he added.

“I’m going to become a super fan, I’ll be supporting the team and pass on my love for Barca to my son.”

“And sooner or later, I’ll be back,” he concluded.

Arriving at the Camp Nou aged 10 Pique left his home city for Manchester United’s academy in 2004, winning a first Champions League trophy under then manager Alex Ferguson in 2008.

He then returned to Catalonia, helping Barca to eight La Liga crowns, seven Copas del Rey and three Champions League titles in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Pique takes his leave with Barca knocked out of the Champions League for the second season running.

A sporting icon in Spain he had celebrity status too as partner to Colombian singer Shakira.

They met during the filming of the video of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka.

Shakira sang the official song before the 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in South Africa, with Pique’s Spain defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium.

The couple, who announced their separation in June, have two children.

Pique has mixed playing with a burgeoning business career, founding the sports events company Kosmos which was behind the revamp of tennis’ Davis Cup.

Kosmos and Pique courted controversy at payment they received for helping arrange the Spanish Super Cup’s move to Saudi Arabia.

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