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RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-10-2021
Bayern Munich defender, Jerome Boateng's ex-girlfriend, Kasia Lenhardt, found dead a week after they announced their split
![[Image: 6023c63f2e34f.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/6023c63f2e34f.jpg)
Kasia Lenhardt, the ex-girlfriend of Bayern Munich defender, Jerome Boateng, has been found dead just a week after the pair split up.
The 25-year-old Polish model was found dead in her Berlin apartment on Tuesday by police who say the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A Berlin police spokesman said: 'Yesterday at around 8.30 p.m. there was a police operation in Charlottenburg on suspicion of suicide. A lifeless person was found in the home. There are no indications of third-party involvement.
![[Image: 6023c73974cc0.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/6023c73974cc0.jpg)
Her death was confirmed by fellow model Sara Kulka who wrote a tribute post on Instagram, cryptically saying: 'I hope the truth comes out now, I know how much you wished it would'
Sharing a photo of both of them, Sara wrote: 'Rest in peace. You wonderful person, I miss you and would have loved to say goodbye.
'I hope you find your peace now and I hope the truth comes out now, I know how much you wished it would.
'I will never forget you, I don't know anyone who could laugh like you. I send a lot of strength to the family.'
![[Image: 6023c67d75ddd.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/6023c67d75ddd.jpg)
Born in Poland, Kasia became famous after appearing on TV show 'Germany's Next Top Model' in 2012. She was also known for dating 32-year-old German footballer Boateng for 15 months until they went their separate ways on February 2 amid bitter accusations of blackmail and infidelity.
German news outlet Bild exclusively revealed that Kasia had been involved in a car accident in the footballer's Mini on January 5, resulting in the vehicle being a write-off.
After crashing into a street lamp, Kasia was taken to hospital where she was found to have 0.6 per thousand alcohol in her blood.
Shortly after the crash, Boateng publicly ended his relationship with Kasia on Instagram.
He wrote: "As is known from the media, I ended the relationship with Kasia Lenhardt.
"We will go our separate ways from now on. That is regrettable, but for my family and for me it is the only right one.
"I had to take this step and draw a line. I apologise to everyone I've hurt especially with my ex-girlfriend Rebecca and our children.
"I am disappointed in myself too. A man has to take responsibility and act in the interests of his family and I'm doing it now.
"I wish Kasia all the best. Jerome Boateng."
![[Image: 6023c69c509e5.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/6023c69c509e5.jpg)
Yet Kasia responded by saying she had ended the relationship because of the World Cup winner's "lies and constant infidelity".
She also branded Boateng 'the devil' and vowed to 'speak up' and 'fight back' once she had recovered from the break-up.
'I will definitely speak up, but I have to collect myself. Please give me time. I will fight back! Because I've never been so deceived, used, and lied to. Give me a moment,' she wrote.
![[Image: icon_share.png]](https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/images/icon_share.png){kind=icon}
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Pep Guardiola reaches 200 wins as Manchester City manager with FA Cup victory over Swansea City
![[Image: 60245a9929781.jpeg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/60245a9929781.jpeg)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has claimed his 200th win as coach of the club after his team beat Swansea City in their FA Cup tie on Wednesday, February 10.
Goals from Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were enough for the club to cruise into the quarter-finals with a win in south Wales.
After four and a half seasons in charge, Guardiola has now achieved the milestone of an impressive 200 wins in one club.
The superb 3-1 FA Cup fifth round at Swansea marked city's 15th consecutive win across all competitions.
The win was immediately hailed as a new English club record, surpassing the number of 14 wins chalked by Preston (from 1892) and Arsenal (ending in 1987).
Speaking post-match with BT Sport, as cited by BBC Sport, Guardiola praised Swansea City but he was pleased with his side’s performance:
“I had a feeling that they would create chances, they were dangerous up front. They were so aggressive but we controlled the game and we created a lot of chances but could not convert.”
“[15 straight wins] is a message for ourselves. We came to win that was the most important thing. We cannot deny how pleased and how proud we are to break this record from a long time ago. Records are there to be broken. It is not easy in the modern era to do 15 games in a row. We are happy for our club.”
On 200 wins as City boss, he said: “It is a lot of games and hopefully it is the beginning of more to come.”
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Sevilla 2-0 Barcelona: Kounde and Blaugrana old boy Rakitic secure Copa advantage
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fsevilla-barcelona-jules-kounde-ivan-rakitic-copa-del-rey-7-1mozwd07ce26c1rph1qhoo6nld.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
10 February 2021,
Barcelona have it all to do in their Copa del Rey semi-final after Jules Kounde and former Blaugrana midfielder Ivan Rakitic secured Sevilla a 2-0 win in Wednesday's first leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The Copa remains Barca's most realistic chance of silverware this term, and Ronald Koeman's first trophy at the helm, but they will have to do it the hard way after slipping to their first defeat in 90 minutes since December 8, a run of 16 matches across all competitions.
Kounde got the first goal with 25 minute played, the 22-year-old centre-back charging forward to great effect a few moments after going close from just outside the box.
Barca dominated most of the second half with Sevilla seemingly happy to play on the counter, but the visitors could not breach Yassine Bounou's goal and Rakitic finished them off on the break as Julen Lopetegui's side made it seven wins on the bounce
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Tuchel promises Kepa a 'new start' at Chelsea
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fthomas-tuchel-promises-new-start-kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-premier-league-fa-cup-7-ko28y39p8k3k1419n6suh4on8.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
11 February 2021,
Thomas Tuchel has told Kepa Arrizabalaga to not put too much pressure on himself as he bids to take advantage of a "new start" under the German.
Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea from LaLiga outfit Athletic Bilbao for a reported £71.6million (€80m) two years ago
However, the 26-year-old's unreliable form in the past year saw his place come under threat and he has now been usurped as Chelsea's number one goalkeeper by Edouard Mendy, who was signed from Rennes in September.
Kepa has started both of Chelsea's FA Cup games this season and Tuchel confirmed he will once again be between the sticks for the Blues' fifth-round clash at Barnsley on Thursday.
Tuchel, who has overseen three wins in four Premier League games since replacing Frank Lampard in January, has challenged Kepa to forget his struggles so far in England and wants him to start afresh under his tutelage.
"We had a view on his situation and some difficulties on the sporting side," Tuchel said.
"Maybe, also, the circumstances of his transfer are a little bit on his shoulders. The good thing for him is that this is a new start for him because I don't have a history with him.
"It is a special position. If you do make mistakes, everybody sees it and talks about it so you need a lot of mental strength and quality. I see this in all of the three goalkeepers. I absolutely believe [Kepa can turn it around].
"This is an opportunity [against Barnsley] and hopefully he does not want to overachieve. I want him to play a normal match. He does not have to show me or anybody else that he is ready to be Spain's number one."
Chelsea are aiming to claim their first FA Cup win against Barnsley, having lost to the Yorkshire outfit in their two previous meetings in the competition in 1989 and 2008.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Tuchel tight-lipped on Chelsea links with Haaland, Upamecano
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Ftuchel-tight-lipped-on-chelsea-link-with-haaland-upamecano-7-33rqn2f034j716o3u99ko0upx.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
11 February 2021,
Thomas Tuchel insists Chelsea will conduct business behind closed doors after refusing to comment on the club's reported interest in Erling Haaland and Dayot Upamecano.
The German head coach was hired to replace Frank Lampard less than a week before the January transfer window closed and the Blues did not make any mid-season signings.
The 47-year-old will need to wait until the off-season before adding his own recruits and Borussia Dortmund's prolific striker Haaland and highly rated RB Leipzig defender Upamecano are two of the players the Blues are rumoured to be monitoring.
When asked about the reports, Tuchel said he is focused on developing his own centre-backs and forwards before discussing any new players arriving at Stamford Bridge.
"I can understand your interest in the question and the interest of every fan and supporter to talk about these subjects," said Tuchel.
"I am always a fan and am interested in what's going on. But now it is February and there is a long way to go.
"As you get to know me, you will know I will not talk about other players publicly when they are under contract. This is the type of respect we show to them but also to our own players.
"We think about our central defenders and strikers first and push them to the limits. Everything else will be decided behind closed doors. I'm sorry."
After signing an 18-month contract with the west London club, Tuchel has led the Blues to three wins and a draw from his four Premier League games in charge.
Chelsea travel to face Championship club Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round at Oakwell on Thursday, before returning to league action against Newcastle United on Monday.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Take final decision on future with Real Madrid – Rivaldo advises Sergio Ramos
on
February 10, 2021
![[Image: Sergio-Ramos-scaled.jpg]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sergio-Ramos-scaled.jpg)
Barcelona legend, Rivaldo, has advised Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, to use the two months that he would be out of action to take a final decision on his future with Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Rivaldo wants Ramos ‘to ponder all the factors’ concerning his future at Santiago Bernabeu amid interest from Manchester United.
Ramos is out of contract with Real Madrid at the end of this season, and negotiations over a new deal have stalled.
The Spain international is already free to talk to clubs outside Spain this month, and it is believed that his agent and brother, Rene Ramos, is eyeing a move to the English Premier League.
But Rivaldo believes the 34-year-old may already be targeting his next club.
“Sergio Ramos will be out of action for at least two months due to knee surgery, and that’ll give him extra time to reflect about his decision of renewing his contract with Real Madrid or leaving at the end of the season,” Rivaldo told Betfair.
“He is in one of the biggest clubs in the world and has a lot of affection from the fans, but he must ponder all the factors.
“Despite being happy at Madrid, perhaps he is preparing a new adventure somewhere else looking for a new challenge. Anyway, these days away from the pitch will help him with his final decision
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-11-2021
Quote:Fraudster Wipes £175,000 From Riyad Mahrez’s Bank Card
Fraudster blew £175,000 on Man City winger Riyad Mahrez’s bank card – and star took 5 WEEKS to notice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z71Yu0SQEVc
A CROOKED forklift driver blew more than £175,000 on a bank card belonging to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez.
Sharif Mohamed, 32, spent £20,000 of the winger’s money partying and on designer clothes in Ibiza.
Mahrez failed to realise for more than a month that a fraudster had blown the money.
The £200,000-a-week star took nearly five weeks to block the card Mohamed had got hold of to enjoy a taste of the high life
In that time, Mohamed burned through £20,000 partying in Ibiza.
He guzzled champagne at trendy beach bars and blew thousands buying designer clothes from boutiques on the holiday island.
In the UK, his spree also included a splurge in a casino — as well as more modest outings to Nando’s, KFC and Greggs.
But the spending — equivalent to less than one week’s pay for the Algeria international — went unnoticed for more than a month.
Commenting on the case, former Met Det Chief Insp Mick Neville said: “The most amazing thing is that someone can blow £175,000 on a bank card without the loser even realising.”
The fraud, totalling £175,830, took place in 2017 while Mahrez, 29, was playing for Leicester City.
A caller posing as the Etihad Stadium favourite phoned Barclays bank to order a new card in his name. Mohamed said that he was working on behalf of crooked bank staff who allowed him to use the card — but he produced no evidence to back up his claim.
He travelled from his home in East London to Leicester to withdraw cash from ATMs to avoid raising suspicion.
Prosecutor Alex Matthews said he admitted going on a trip to Ibiza where, apart from blowing thousands on champagne in bars, he visited designer boutiques.
In one, he paid £1,400 for a pair of Armani jeans. Ms Matthews added: “He spent £900 in one and £600 in the other — and that’s just one night in Ibiza.”
His spending on the trip included the flights, accommodation in the smart Shangri—La hotel and meals at the upmarket Edward John Lucas restaurant.
Mohamed denied suggestions he had made a second trip to Ibiza or that he had used the card during another break in the Spanish region of Murcia.
It was nearly five weeks before the card was stopped. Spending in the UK included a trip to Aspers Casino in the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in London.
His barrister, Daniel Higgins, appealed for Mohamed, from East Ham, to be given a suspended sentence, saying he had made little from the fraud.
He said: “In terms of personal benefit he can’t exactly qualify. At least he had a very nice holiday and other benefits.
“One of the difficulties is that this was during a period of his life when he was drinking and taking drugs and his ability to recall in detail is rather limited.”
But after listening agog to the spending, Judge Laurie West-Knights, QC, was unconvinced.
He said: “I need to resolve whether he has come clean. If he is deceiving me at this stage, there is only one place he can go.”
Mohamed admitted one charge of fraud at Snaresbrook crown court. He was bailed ahead of sentencing on February 25. He previously received a suspended sentence for a hotel booking scam and was jailed for 45 months in 2009 for robbery.
But he now claims to be married and living “a modest life”.
Mr Neville was left puzzled by the case, saying: “Why on earth would an elite footballer be spending at fast food joints and Britain’s favourite steak bake supplier?
“Banks are normally very quick off the mark to spot unusual spending but if the sums were low then it probably wouldn’t flag up.”
Source
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/14013094/crook-blew-175000-manchester-riyad-mahrezs-card/
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-12-2021
Cristiano Ronaldo reaches half a billion followers on social media as the Juventus star cements his place as one of sports most marketable brands in the world
![[Image: 6026773ece46a.png]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/6026773ece46a.png)
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached half a billion followers across social media platforms, becoming the first person to reach that mark on social media and cementing his place as one of sports most marketable brands in the world.
On Instagram, where he has 261 million followers, he is the most-followed person in the world. On Facebook, his page has almost 125 million likes and about 147 million followers while on Twitter, there are 91 million people following him.
On YouTube, his channel has been dormant for four years, but he has more than 1.7million subscribers.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-13-2021
‘I’ll call Messi’ – Guardiola challenges Bayern Munich to a sextuple match with Barcelona after winning Club World Cup
on
February 13, 2021
![[Image: Guardiola.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Guardiola.jpg.webp)
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has challenged manager Hansi Flick and his Bayern Munich team to a ‘battle of the sextuples.’
The challenge came after Bayern Munich matched Guardiola’s Barcelona team’s achievement with a sixth straight trophy.
Bayern beat Tigres to win the Club World Cup on Thursday, adding to five other titles they won in a single year.
Bayern won the Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Super Cup and DFL-Supercup titles over the last year.
This means that the Bundesliga giants became only the second side ever to win the sextuple, matching Guardiola’s legendary 2009 Barcelona team.
Reacting to the development, Guardiola who now manages Manchester City, congratulated Bayern Munich and the manager for equaling his record.
“But I would like to say to Hansi that you are the second team to win the six titles in a row!” He said in a video he post on Twitter.
“Before you, there was another team, Barcelona… so maybe I can call Messi and company and we can play for the seventh title? Tell me when and where and we will be there!”
Guardiola became Barcelona manager in 2008 and guided the team to the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League in his first season.
In 2011 he led Barcelona to another La Liga and Champions League double and was awarded the Catalan Parliament’s Gold Medal and FIFA World Coach of the Year.
He left the Catalan giants in 2012 after four years with 14 honours, which is a club record.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-13-2021
Carlo Ancelotti’s home broken into by masked gang who stole safe before being scared off by his daughter
![[Image: 602787c246f3d.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/602787c246f3d.jpg)
Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti's Merseyside home was reportedly broken into by a masked gang who stole a safe before being scared off by his daughter, Katia.
Police were called to the house in Blundellsands at 6.35pm after two men broke in and made off with a safe.
It is understood the 61-year-old Italian manager was not in the house at the time but his daughter disturbed the men while sunning from the scene.
The burglars, who were later described as wearing black waterproof clothing and black balaclavas, reportedly ran away from the house after being discovered by Katia, 36.
Police have since said a safe was stolen during the burglary.
Merseyside Police confirmed they had been called to a Crosby home just after 6.30pm on Friday to reports a safe had been stolen.
They said two men had entered the home in the raid, saying: “The offenders were described as wearing black waterproof clothing, possibly with white writing on, and black balaclavas.
“The occupants of the house were unharmed. “Officers attended and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
“The property will be forensically examined and CCTV opportunities are being explored.”
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Leicester equaliser a clear offside, says bemused Liverpool boss Klopp
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fleicester-city-equaliser-clear-offside-and-not-even-foul-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-boss-7-17cnqrk3zvzm81hjc5h5s1grjk.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
13 February 2021,
The goal that started Leicester City's late turnaround against Liverpool was "a clear offside" and they should not have even been awarded the free-kick, according to Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool ahead in the 67th minute and Leicester felt they had been harshly denied a penalty when a VAR review deemed that Thiago Alcantara's foul on Harvey Barnes occurred outside the box.
However, James Maddison's free-kick found the far corner in the 78th minute, with VAR overturning an offside decision against Daniel Amartey – who did not get a touch on the delivery – after Roberto Firmino's foot was adjudged to have put the Leicester defender in a legal position.
Jamie Vardy was gifted a goal when debutant Ozan Kabak and Alisson failed to deal with a ball over the top, and the Foxes had a third goal in the space of eight minutes when Barnes was released by Wilfred Ndidi and slotted in a cool finish.
Liverpool consequently fell six points behind Leicester, who moved up to second in the Premier League, and 10 adrift of leaders Manchester City.
"We conceded a goal, which is a really tough one to take. I know we discuss VAR a lot, but I think we all agree it was a turning point in the game," said Klopp.
"I have seen it a couple of times and the moment when they stop the situation, where you look who is offside and who isn't, he didn't even touch the ball yet, so it means it's still an individual decision someone makes. That's really hard because for me it looks like a clear offside in that moment, because he has to touch the ball. That's the moment it's yes or no.
"The second goal is a misunderstanding, we said they need to get used to each other and they were fine for 75 minutes.
"It was a really good game. They were one position ahead of us – maybe now more – but on the pitch that was not obvious, we were the clear dominant side.
"We played football we wanted to play, we avoided their counter-attacks, we scored a really nice goal, had more chances. We have to work harder to get more chances and maybe score more goals, but the game was really good and then we concede two goals.
"The third one we lose the ball too easy and one pass and they are done. That's something I don't like. We were much too open at that moment and that is not OK."
Alisson made two errors in Liverpool's 4-1 loss to City last weekend and Klopp was unsure whether that was a factor in his mix-up with Kabak, though he said he did not hear the goalkeeper make his presence known to his centre-back as he rushed out of the box.
Klopp said: "We tried everything. We were confident, Ali was confident. He played a super game, made super saves. Then at that moment - maybe because of last week, who knows - he came out, I didn't hear him shouting and to be honest I'm not sure if he said something or not. Ozan doesn't know if he's coming or not and that leads to the second goal."
The Liverpool boss was disappointed with the way his team collapsed after the equaliser and questioned the foul that preceded Leicester's equaliser.
"The turning point was the first goal. That's not okay, but that's the point we take as criticism for ourselves that it changed too much with one goal," he said.
"Even when the goal was really tricky – I don't think it was even a foul because Barnes jumps in the situation. We didn't react well to that and I take that.
"They were lucky, for me. They know it probably. They finished the game and deserved the three points, but we have to take our observations.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Juventus are treated differently - Pirlo unhappy with 'dubious' Napoli penalty
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fjuventus-treated-differently-says-andrea-pirlo-following-serie-a-defeat-to-napoli-7-h8habmp87sfw1shoywzhvlby1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
13 February 2021,
Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo questioned the "dubious" penalty awarded to Napoli and claimed his side are treated differently to other Serie A clubs.
Lorenzo Insigne scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Giorgio Chiellini caught Amir Rrahmani in the face with a flailing arm.
That was one of only two shots on target Napoli managed in Saturday's 1-0 win at Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, compared to six for Juve - five of those in the second half.
And Pirlo, who saw Juve lose for the second time in five league matches to drop more points in the Scudetto race, felt his side were hard done by.
"They barely had a shot on goal and we lost through a dubious decision," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We played a good game but did not get the result we deserved.
"We played the ball around but not quickly enough, allowing Napoli to get back. We created more chances in the second half but did not find the goal."
Asked to elaborate on why he considered the 31st-minute penalty to be dubious, Pirlo said: "If you give a penalty for that then any contact in the box is punishable.
"If that had been given for us there would have been a lot of controversy and complaints, though I don't know if we would have been given a penalty in a situation like this."
Juventus have had five penalties in Serie A this season, putting them level with Roma and Sassuolo and behind only Milan, who have had an incredible 14.
Alex Meret, a late addition to Napoli's starting line-up after David Ospina sustained an injury in the warm-up, made six saves to frustrate Juve in front of goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo had four on-target shots kept out, while Alvaro Morata had a goal disallowed for an infringement by Chiellini - making his 400th Serie A outing - in the build-up.
But rather than blame his attackers for firing a blank, Pirlo instead credited Meret for standing firm between the sticks.
"My players played the game they had to," he said. "It is normal that playing so many games close together means a loss of sharpness.
"But both those who started and came on from the bench had an excellent game. The only thing lacking in the end was a goal.
"There's no guarantee the team that scores the most goals then wins the Scudetto.
"We create plenty of chances and the Napoli goalkeeper was man of the match, so I can't complain about my strikers today."
Napoli's victory was their first in four matches and eases the pressure on boss Gennaro Gattuso, who was reportedly set to be sacked had his side lost again on Saturday.
However, Gattuso - a former team-mate of Pirlo's for club and country - insisted he never doubted the backing of his players and staff.
"We showed great heart and determination," he said. "Juve deserved something more, but my team was under pressure and fought hard to keep the clean sheet.
"I never had doubts on this squad, otherwise I would've packed up my things and gone home.
"You can't get anywhere without the faith of the players. I always felt they were ready to do what I asked and that’s what matters."
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Spezia 2-0 Milan: Maggiore and Bastoni stun Serie A leaders
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fspezia-milan-serie-a-match-report-giulio-maggiore-simone-bastoni-7-1ju8pxz6zl11n1h8842jx9j96x.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
13 February 2021,
Spezia registered their first ever win over Serie A leaders Milan as Giulio Maggiore and Simone Bastoni sealed a famous 2-0 triumph at Stadio Alberto Picco on Saturday.
Milan fell behind 11 minutes into the second half when captain Maggiore opened his league account for the season from close range before Bastoni added a sumptuous second after 67 minutes.
Stefano Pioli's side failed to register a single attempt on target in a league game for the first time since August 2019 as they slipped to their first Serie A away defeat in 14 months
The result means Inter – who Milan face next weekend – can leapfrog their rivals at the league summit if they overcome Lazio on Sunday.
Milan started sluggishly and would have fallen behind after 13 minutes had Gianluigi Donnarumma not superbly pawed over Riccardo Saponara's powerful close-range strike.
Theo Hernandez and Alessio Romagnoli both headed wide before the half-hour mark as Milan belatedly woke from their slumber, although Pioli's side were unable to test Spezia goalkeeper Ivan Provedel before the interval.
Spezia deservedly went ahead in the 56th minute when Maggiore slotted into an empty net after Romagnoli's last-ditch tackle on Matteo Ricci had diverted the ball into his path
A shellshocked Milan fell further behind 11 minutes later when Bastoni whipped home a glorious stike from 18 yards after Nahuel Estevez had rolled a free-kick back into his stride.
Milan poured forward late on, but Spezia held on to record what is comfortably the most impressive win in their debut Serie A campaign.
What does it mean? Woeful Milan deservedly punished
Spezia have acquitted themselves superbly in their first ever season in Serie A, but few expected them to pull off a result as emphatic as this.
Milan were dismal and can have no complaints with the result. The hosts had a whopping 17 shots to their seven, while the fact not a single one of those was on target should be cause for concern for Pioli.
Bastoni sums up Spezia spirit
Bastoni capped a fine display with a truly wonderful second goal for Spezia. The left-back was in the thick of the action elsewhere, making two key passes and gaining possession a joint team-high nine times.
Leao the worst of a bad bunch
Not a single Milan player can hold their head high after this display, but Rafael Leao should be particularly displeased with his contribution. The Portuguese did not have a single shot, lost possession on 11 occasions and completed just 43.8 per cent of his passes.
Key Opta facts:
- Milan lost their first Serie A game against a newly-promoted side since April 2018 (1-0 against Benevento).
- The Rossoneri failed to score in an away league match for the first time since December 2019 (5-0 against Atalanta, 419 days ago).
- Spezia have picked up more Serie A points against sides currently in the top half of the table (13) than those they have earned against teams in the bottom half (11).
- Only Atalanta (15) have more different goalscorers than Spezia (13) in Serie A this season.
- Prior to this game, the last match where two players scored their first Serie A goal against Milan was in December 2017 (Antonio Caracciolo and Daniel Bessa with Verona).
What's next?
Milan face Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 tie on Thursday before that mouth-watering derby with Inter next Sunday. Spezia, meanwhile, will have a spring in their step when they travel to Fiorentina in the league on Friday.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Mourinho blames fatigue and 'modern penalties' for Tottenham defeat
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13 February 2021,
Jose Mourinho was not surprised to see his "very tired team" lose at Manchester City, although he felt Tottenham were in the match before conceding a "modern penalty".
Spurs have won once in six matches in all competitions after suffering a 3-0 defeat at City in the Premier League just three days on from an extra-time FA Cup exit against Everton.
Tottenham have conceded eight goals this week, having shipped five at Goodison Park, the worst two-game total of Mourinho's coaching career.
Despite having just seven shots to City's 15 and only three on target - all of them in the second half - the Spurs head coach was pleased with his side's effort and frustrated with the circumstances surrounding the 23rd-minute opening goal.
Tottenham had had the best effort to that point, as Harry Kane's free-kick hit the crossbar, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg fouled Ilkay Gundogan for a penalty that Rodri dispatched
The result never appeared in doubt thereafter and Gundogan added a brace, swelling his 2021 total to nine - the most of any player in Europe's 'top five' leagues.
"It's a fresh team against a very tired team, but a team that started the game very, very well, with the game completely controlled," Mourinho told Sky Sports.
"We hit the post - 1-0, that could give us that fuel that you need when you are especially tired like the boys were.
"And then one more of these 'modern penalties' - I call them 'modern penalties' - to put us in a difficult situation.
"I'm very, very happy with the players' attitude. I had guys on the pitch that played two hours a couple of days ago; they gave everything.
"Of course, we have guys in difficulty. Lucas [Moura] was the one that I took off at half-time, but I had other guys on the pitch in such a difficult situation.
"But brave attitude, great dignity. Of course, losing 3-0, a team that is not united, a team that is not together would give up and would probably be punished in a way that the team didn't deserve at all.
"But I saw guys like Harry, like Pierre, Ben [Davies], just to tell three names - I could give you five, six or seven - giving everything.
"I have nothing to say against my players, not even a couple of defensive mistakes that are always present. I cannot complain of the attitude of the boys."
Asked to expand on his suggestion of "modern penalties", Mourinho replied: "A 'modern penalty' is the penalty where even if you touch with the nail inside the box, it can be a penalty.
"Of course, it depends on the opponent, it depends on the team. But for some, you touch with the nail, it's a penalty.
"Then you go to the VAR and the VAR cannot deny that there was a touch, sometimes with a toe, sometimes with a nail, sometimes with a nose.
"You cannot deny that there was contact. That's what I call 'modern penalties'."
Only Leicester City (10) have won more spot-kicks than City's seven this season (level with Manchester United and Chelsea), although the league leaders have only converted four of them.
Rodri was tasked with this latest penalty after misses for Gundogan, Raheem Sterling and the injured Kevin De Bruyne this term.
De Bruyne (twice) and Gundogan have also found the net from 12 yards in the Premier League in 2020-21, although it has been a long-term issue for City.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, beaten on this occasion, has saved three City penalties since moving to England in 2012, his most against any one club in this time.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Nice: Kean sends Pochettino's side top
![[Image: image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.c...=3840&q=75]](https://www.livescore.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.livescore.com%2Fnewsapi%2F04%2Fsoccer%2Fimage%2Fparis-saint-germain-nice-match-report-ligue-1-moise-kean-mauricio-pochettino-7-1md8ez234jm7u13264jukju62h.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
13 February 2021,
Paris Saint-Germain moved to the Ligue 1 summit as Moise Kean's late goal sealed a 2-1 win over Nice at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Mauricio Pochettino was without the services of Neymar, who is out for a month after suffering an adductor injury in the Coupe de France win over Caen in midweek, but the champions had just enough to seal a sixth consecutive top-flight home win.
Rony Lopes cancelled out Draxler's 22nd-minute opener early in the second half, but Kean – who scored the winner against Caen – secured maximum points 14 minutes from time.
The result meant PSG – who visit Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday – leapfrogged Lille at the top of Ligue 1 courtesy of a superior goal difference, although Christophe Galtier's side can reclaim top spot with a point against Brest on Sunday.
The hosts deservedly went ahead midway through the first half when Draxler prodded home his third goal of the season from eight yards after Mauro Icardi's close-range effort had cannoned back off the post.
Kylian Mbappe should have doubled PSG's advantage shortly before the interval, the France international failing to make contact with Icardi's cross from six yards, while Amine Gouiri thundered over a presentable opportunity at the other end.
Nice pulled level five minutes after the break when Marquinhos' attempted clearance went as far as Lopes, who drove into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful drive that gave Keylor Navas no chance.
Mbappe fizzed a strike just wide soon after following a swift counter-attacking move, while Gouiri crashed against the crossbar from close range as Nice threatened to pull ahead.
Kean stretched PSG's unbeaten run at home to Nice to 10 games in the 76th minute, though, heading in from four yards after Icardi had steered Mbappe's cross into his path.
What does it mean? PSG edge past tough opponents
PSG are yet to fully convince under the guidance of Pochettino, but an eighth win in nine games across all competitions suggests they are certainly moving in the right direction.
They did not have it all their own way against a spirited Nice side - who had 13 shots on goal - but a 10th Ligue 1 goal of the season from the impressive Kean was enough to deny Adrian Ursea's men consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since October.
Draxler shows his worth
He has struggled for starts this season - this was just his sixth in the league - but Draxler delivered a display that suggested he might be an important player for Pochettino. The German took his goal well in the first half and made a game-high four key passes in an all-action performance.
Mixed bag for Marquinhos
Marquinhos' sloppy pass to Lopes almost cost his side dear. The Brazil international is PSG's most reliable defender but that error was his fifth leading to a goal in Ligue 1, including in his last two games against Nice. On the plus side, he did complete more clearances and interceptions (both three) than any other PSG player.
What's next?
After Tuesday's clash with Barca, PSG host Monaco in Ligue 1 on Sunday. Nice, meanwhile, travel to Marseille in the league on Wednesday.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-14-2021
Messi equals Barcelona's LaLiga appearances record set by Xavi
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13 February 2021,
Lionel Messi equalled Barcelona's all-time LaLiga appearances record set by Xavi by starting Saturday's clash with Deportivo Alaves.
It was thought Ronald Koeman might opt to leave Messi out given the importance of Tuesday's Champions League round-of-16 first-leg game against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, given the depleted nature of the Barca squad at the moment, Koeman made the decision to include his captain from the start.
It was Messi's 505th LaLiga appearance for Barca, tying the haul managed by club great Xavi, and the Argentinian could surpass his former team-mate next week at home to Cadiz.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-15-2021
Anthony Martial racially abused on social media after Manchester United's 1-1 draw against West Brom
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Manchester United's Anthony Martial was racially abused on social media for the second time this season after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday , February 14.
Martial played 66 minutes before being replaced by Mason Greenwood as United came back to level against West Brom after going behind inside the first two minutes.
After the game, Martial was subjected to abuse on his Instagram account, with a number of users posting racist messages and using the N-word to comment on his photos.
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The abuse comes barely weeks after Martial and his teammate Axel Tuanzebe were abused after the team's loss to Sheffield United on January 27.
Last weekend, United joined Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton to issue a joint statement condemning racist abuse as more players were targeted on social media.
In response, Instagram announced it will impose stricter penalties including the removal of accounts to prevent abusive messages on its platform.
Earlier on Sunday, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville ordered social media companies to delete and deactivate accounts found to be directing this type of abuse at footballers.
Neville told Sky Sports: 'Social media has become a vehicle for a lot of abuse, but there's been a lot of abuse in football stadiums over the last 15 to 20 years as well. It's not just social media.
'It's a positive when used correctly as football stadiums are in full flow. Every arena can be negative. Football stadiums can be negative, social media can be negative.
'There's an accountability on social media, people think when they're behind phones they are protected. They need to remove that protection and be made accountable for what they say in the same way if they had said that to somebody in the street.'
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-15-2021
Quote:[b]Nigerian Striker, Josh Maja Scores Twice On His Premier League Debut For Fulham
Josh Maja said he saw a dream become reality as he marked his full debut with a brace to help Fulham boost their Premier League survival hopes with a deserved win at Everton.[/b]
The visitors were by far the better side in the first half but were left frustrated as they missed several opportunities to score, with Bobby Decordova-Reid hitting the post and Harrison Reed driving over.
But their dominance was rewarded early in the second half when Nigerian striker Maja - a deadline day signing on loan from Bordeaux - slid in to turn home Ola Aina's cross from close range.
Maja, 22, then capped a superb debut with a second, tapping in after Reed's shot had hit the woodwork.
The former Sunderland striker said: "This is a night I have been dreaming about for a long time. I had a feeling it was coming and pleased it became a reality.
"We took our chances when it came and put in another good performance again, we want to continue like this."
Everton were poor throughout and although Seamus Coleman clipped the outside of the post in the first half, they rarely looked like scoring.
Joshua King did have the ball in the back of the net late on but it was ruled out for offside.
There is still plenty of work to do for Fulham to escape the drop, with this victory cutting the deficit to safety to seven points, but it will significantly boost their hopes they they can fight their way out of trouble.
Defeat for Everton, meanwhile, means they remain seventh on 37 points.
Fulham striker Josh Maja is just the second Nigerian player to score a brace on his first Premier League start, following Efan Ekoku for Norwich City back in May 1993 (v Middlesbrough).
Also, Ola Aina assisted Maja's first goal. The previous Premier League goal scored and assisted by players representing Nigeria was on 17 April 2010, when Yakubu scored for Everton from a Victor Anichebe pass in a 3-2 win over Blackburn.
Maja and Aina are both born in London, but play for Nigeria.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55967798
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-15-2021
We don't have a Messi or a Ronaldo' - Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City players for their team spirit after extending lead at top of EPL table
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Manchester city manager, Pep Guardiola says his squad doesn't possess a player like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo who can be a solo matchwinner but his team's resolve and togetherness has ensured they have a commanding lead at the top of the EPL table.
Manchester city beat Tottenham over the weekend while Manchester United drew and Liverpool lost, further cementing their status as Premier League title front-runners.
Guardiola has now come out to speak out on the impressive resolve of his side to achieve success despite not having superstars like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar or Mbappe.
"We don't have players who can win the game by himself - we don't have a Messi, a Cristiano, [Kylian] Mbappe or Neymar," Guardiola said. "We have to do it as a team.
"I'll be honest, I would love to have a player who scores every single game four goals and runs like these players run, I would love it.
"[But] I wouldn't change any player that we have right now today, in this season. All of them. That's why many times I praised our captain Fernandinho, like how he helps on and off the pitch to stick together in the bad moments.
"The big teams, the big players show it in the bad moments, in the good moments everyone is easy to play, and we had the bad moments this season."
City are now seven points clear of Manchester United and Leicester City with a game in hand meaning Guardiola could win a third Premier League crown in four years.
The club has now won 16 straight games, extending their record for the most wins in a row for an English top-flight side in all competitions.
Guardiola's men are also unbeaten in their last 23 matches in all competitions conceding just six goals during this period.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 02-16-2021
Australian Open 2021 : Serena Williams sets up semi-final showdown with Naomi Osaka after beating Simona Halep
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Tennis legend, Serena Williams has made it through to the Australian Open semi-finals clash, setting up a blockbuster clash against Naomi Osaka after beating Simona Halep.
The quarter-final clash which took place on Tuesday morning at Rod Laver Arena, was a revenge match for Serena, who lost Wimbledon's final clash to Halep at the All England Club in 2019.
The 23-time grand slam champion put in a dominant performance against the Romanian, winning 6-3 6-3, to make it through to the Australian Open semi-finals clash.
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It will be the 40th grand slam semifinal of Williams' career as the 39-year-old looks to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 career grand slam victories.
"I definitely think this is the best match I've played this tournament for sure," Williams said afterwards.
"Obviously I had to, going up against the No.2 in the world. I knew I had to do better and that's what I did. I've been watching her and I'm sure she's been watching me.
"I feel like this is such a good opportunity for me just to keep doing my best. It's the first Grand Slam of the year for me. I had an incredibly long, arduous off-season. And so, I'm honestly happy with every win I get."
The American will now face Japanesse three-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka in the semifinal after the 23-year-old defeated Hsieh Su-wei in just 66 minutes 6-2 6-2 in their quarterfinals.
The match between Williams and Osaka will be the pair's first meeting since the final of the 2018 US Open. It will take place on Thursday, February 18.