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SportsFT: Crystal Palace 2-3 Chelsea by Footyzone(op):
BIG BIG WIN FOR CHELSEA!!!

Palace fall the wrong side of a selhurst park thriller.


FULL TIME: Crystal Palace 2-3 Chelsea
Chelsea were hanging on at the end there. But they’ve squeaked it! Palace gave them a hell of a game, but it wasn’t quite enough. Chelsea move up to third, two points clear of Leicester City on 60 points. Leicester can reclaim third if they win at Arsenal later tonight. Palace stay in 14th.

SportsRe: Ramos Scored His 120th Career Goal! Check Out Other Top Scoring Defenders by Footyzone(op): 10:45am On Jul 06, 2020
StubbornGENIUS:
This means Ramos still de learn work for where Koeman dey nah.
He's Still in the game.
SportsRe: Ramos Scored His 120th Career Goal! Check Out Other Top Scoring Defenders by Footyzone(op): 10:43am On Jul 06, 2020
vanida6:
Our Ramos come number 6 that's nice cool
Captain fantastic. wink
SportsRe: Ramos Scored His 120th Career Goal! Check Out Other Top Scoring Defenders by Footyzone(op): 10:42am On Jul 06, 2020
Arturitoroman:
wrong list
Lol.. Funny enough.

Consider making your own list.
SportsRamos Scored His 120th Career Goal! Check Out Other Top Scoring Defenders by Footyzone(op): 9:07am On Jul 06, 2020
A goal-scoring defender is a precious commodity and something every team would love to have.

While keeping goals out of their own net is the main objective, chipping in with a few at the other end is certainly a welcome boost.

There have been some great centre-back-cum-goal-machines down the years and one of the very best is Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who netted the 116th goal of his remarkable career to fire his side to a 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Here are the TOP scoring defenders of all times:

10. Franz Beckenbauer – (109) goals
The West Germany captain revolutionised the sweeper role, and the fact that he was the furthest player from the opposition’s goal speaks volumes of his goalscoring prowess.

He was known for his creativity and passing as well as his elite defending skills.

Over 19 years, he scored 109 times.

He was most prolific for Bayern Munich where he netted 64 goals in 439 appearances.

9. Roberto Carlos (113)
The scorer of, arguably, one of the greatest free-kicks of all time, Carlos has been lauded as one of the best attacking full-backs to have played the game.

The Brazilian was part of the ‘Galacticos’ squad that grew to fame in the early 2000’s and became known for his ability to get forward from the flanks into goalscoring positions.

He was also deadly at set pieces for club and country with most of his strikes coming from dead-balls.

It’s hard to think of many footballers in history who have had a more lethal left foot.

8: Paul Breitner – (113)

Just like Beckenbauer, Breitner contributed significantly to Bayern and West Germany’s unprecedented success in the 1970’s.

He is just one of four players to have scored in two World Cup finals, and he also contributed another three in the 1974 World Cup.

Although he moved to midfield in the latter stages of his career, he was predominantly a defender and got most of his goals from deep.

Breitner scored most of his goals for Bayern and ten of his goals were for his country.

Paul Breitner was instrumental for west Germany and Bayern Munich

7: Steve Bruce (113)
The Englishman loved to get on the scoresheet, in particular for Manchester United, but also contributed a fair few with Gillingham, Norwich, Birmingham and Sheffield United.

His most famous goals came against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1992/93 season when he scored twice to give the Sir Alex Ferguson’s side their first title in 26 years.

His best season came in 1990/91 for the Red Devils, when he scored 19 goals in all competitions.
Steve Bruce loved a goal from defence throughout his career.

6: Sergio Ramos – 120 goals
No defender in world football currently scores more than the Real Madrid captain, and what’s more impressive is he does it at crucial moments too.

Ramos scored vital goals for his side in both Champions League finals against bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.

He has added to his tally since becoming the main penalty taker for his side following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sergio Ramos has scored some huge goals for Real Madrid

5: Graham Alexander (130)

The Scotsman was a right-back for many clubs over the years including Burnley, Scunthorpe, Luton and Preston North End.

He was on spot-kick duties and many of his goals came came from penalties, but he also had the impressive ability to pop up from goals in open play as a right-back.

Suprisingly, he never got on the scoresheet for Scotland.

Graham Alexander was superb from the penalty spot

4: Laurent Blanc (153)
Remarkably, the former France boss still holds the goal scoring record at the club he began playing football with: Montpelier.

Blanc started his career as an attacking midfielder before dropping back to play as a sweeper, netting 80 goals in eight years with the club – with many coming from set pieces.

The former Paris Saint-Germain manager also scored 16 goals for France, with his most famous being the Golden Goal winner against Paraguay in his nation’s last-16 tie of the 1998 World Cup.
Laurent Blanc was a sweeper and talented goalscorer.

3: Fernando Hierro (163)
Hierro cemented his place as one of Spain and Real Madrid’s all-time greats with his goalscoring ability.

He captained both sides and took penalties and free-kicks contributing to his high tally.

But he also demonstrated an incredible aerial presence at corners and many have said that Real Madrid have never found a true replacement for their former captain.

He also scored in the Premier League for Bolton Wanderers.
Fernando Hierro was a goal machine and scored a Premier League goal for Bolton.

2: Daniel Passarella (175)

Arguably South America’s best ever defender, the Argentine had an astounding goalscoring ability.

Many used to say short players shouldn’t be good at defending, but at 5ft 8in, Passarella well and truly silenced those who held the view.

If attacking players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi did not exist, he would have a shout at being the best Argentinian to wear the famous blue and white shirt.

He captained his nation to World Cup glory in 1978 and was part of their winning squad in 1986 too.
Daniel Passarella guided Argentina to World Cup glory.

1: Ronald Koeman (253)
The Dutchman holds the title of the most prolific defender of all time, although he did play in midfield too.

Making his name as a sweeper, the former Barcelona player boasts a record that many strikers would dream of.

He once scored 26 goals in a single season for PSV and was also instrumental for Barcelona in his time with the Catalan giants, netting 19 goals twice in two different seasons for the Blaugrana.

It will come as no surprise that Koeman took free-kicks and penalties – and his most important strike was his extra-time free-kick against Sampdoria that handed Barcelona their first ever European Cup in 1992 at Wembley.

Ronald Koeman scored a stunning 253 career goals.

SportsMikel Arteta Explains Why He Barked Orders At Dani Ceballos During Arsenal Win by Footyzone(op): 11:52am On Jul 05, 2020
Arsenal recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday afternoon with Mikel Arteta’s tactics paying off to secure a vital three points as Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette scored.

Mikel Arteta has explained why he was constantly shouting at Dani Ceballos during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves.

Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette both found the back of the net as Arsenal climbed to seventh in the Premier League table.

Dani Ceballos has played a key part in Arsenal’s upturn in form since the defeat to Brighton last month and was again handed a start at Molineux.

With no fans in attendance though, Arteta could be heard barking ‘Dani!’ at the midfielder from the touchline throughout the match.

Asked at his post-match press conference what he was trying to communicate to Ceballos, Arteta said: “Just to try to make him aware all the time of the situations happening on the pitch and to try to help him to make the best possible decisions.”

But the Spanish boss was delighted with the Real Madrid loanee’s showing alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield.

“I think [they] dictated the game really well for the first 45 minutes," he said.

“And then when the game plan changed a little and we suffered, they read the situation really well.

“They gave the team exactly what they needed. Above all, we have to manage the game, at times they did this with great maturity.”

Arsenal are now on a run of four straight wins in all competitions having also secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Incredibly, victory against Wolves was Arsenal’s first away league win against a side starting above them in the league table since September 2015.

And Arteta hailed the win as one of the best wins of his managerial career.

“That is probably one of the best because of the difficult schedule that we had compared to them in terms of the recovery," he added.

“And for how well they have been doing for the whole season and because of COVID-19.

“To come here and win the way we have done today is not an easy thing to do, it's another step forward in our process so I am really happy today.”

Next up for the north London side is the visit of Leicester on Tuesday night.
SportsVardy Joins PL 100-goal Club & Becomes 1st Leicester Player To Achieve That Feat by Footyzone(op): 6:21pm On Jul 04, 2020
The Foxes frontman, who once helped to spearhead a stunning Premier League title triumph, has reached a century of efforts in the top flight.

Jamie Vardy has become the latest member of the Premier League 100-goal club and the first Leicester player to achieve that feat.

Only three other players in the Foxes’ history have recorded a century of top-flight goals for the club.

The last of those, Arthur Lochhead, hit that mark back in 1933-34.

SportsPremier League Announce Player And Manager Of The Month Nominees by Footyzone(op): 8:04am On Jul 04, 2020
The Premier League have revealed the nominations for June’s awards in both the Player and Manager of the Month categories.

Although the league didn’t return until mid-June, they have still managed to fit two rounds of games in and complete outstanding fixtures.

However, due to the shortened calendar for the month, the matches which took place in the first half of March prior to football’s hiatus have also been included in determining the contenders.

The Player of the Month nominees are as follows:

Conor Coady (Wolves)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Danny Ings (Southampton)
Raúl Jímenez (Wolves)
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United)


And the Manager of the Month nominees look like this:

Steve Bruce (Newcastle United)
Nuno Espírito Santo (Wolves)
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United)


The winners are set to be announced next week after the public votes are put to a panel of experts, including captains of all 20 clubs.
SportsHow Much Man Utd Are Really Willing To Pay For Sancho As Agreement Edges Closer by Footyzone(op): 7:51am On Jul 04, 2020
Manchester United are hoping to sign Jason Sancho this summer.

Dortmund are under no pressure to sell their prized winger and are demanding £115million, even though the coronavirus pandemic is expected to reduce transfer fees elsewhere.

United senior officials have made it public knowledge that they are not willing to spend over £50m, which is less than half of Sancho's price tag.

Talks have apparently reached an impasse and it looked like the transfer plan was to be shelved until next summer.

However, Goal claim the Red Devils would be willing to pay £85m to bring the England international back to the Premier League, three years after he left Manchester City.

Ed Woodward has developed a reputation for dragging transfer out until the last minute in the hope of securing a bargain.

Dortmund will have to cash in on Sancho this summer if they are to receive the optimum fee as the 20-year-old only has two years left on his contract.

Once a player enters the final 12 months of his deal, i.e. at the end of next season, the star usually goes for a reduced amount.

If United can tempt Dortmund into lowering their valuation just slightly then their prices may not be too far away.

The Red Devils' stance of only paying £50m may have been a ploy to bring Dortmund's valuation down.

United legend Gary Neville warned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he will have to change his stance to have any chance of landing the attacker.

“I think you’ll have to pay a little bit more than that Ole," the former defender said.

“I think that’s the problem, some clubs will believe other clubs will get desperate and sell players on the cheap.

“But I’m not sure you can bully clubs like Borussia Dortmund.”

Solskjaer is also in the market for other signings as he looks to complete his squad overhaul ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

A new centre-backs partner for Harry Maguire is sought after, as is another midfielder and a new striker.
SportsLampard Reveals Why Chelsea Signings Werner And Ziyech Haven't Arrived Yet by Footyzone(op): 2:38pm On Jul 03, 2020
Frank Lampard has revealed why Chelsea signings Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are yet to join up with their new team-mates at Cobham.

Chelsea acted fast - and crucially, ahead of their rivals - to get deals for Werner and Ziyech over the line before the end of the disrupted 2019-20 campaign.

Werner bypassed the opportunity to help RB Leipzig try and win the Champions League in August, instead agreeing a move to Chelsea before the European Cup could restart.

Ziyech was always due to join up with his new team-mates this month after agreeing his move from Ajax in February. The Eredivisie was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and Ajax's defeat to Getafe in the Europa League meant he had no reason to agree a short-term extension to his Ajax deal.

That meant the new recruits officially became Blues players on Wednesday, but Werner will not meet his new colleagues until later in July while Ziyech is waiting on an update to quarantine rules.

"We are waiting on quarantine news to make sure they can travel, move around and work as we'll need them to," said Lampard.

The Chelsea boss also confirmed Werner is now having an end-of-season break.
SportsChelsea Unveil New Home Shirt by Footyzone(op): 3:29pm On Jul 01, 2020
The Premier League club will have the ’3′ logo on their latest jerseys.
THE FIRST OFFICIAL images of Chelsea’s new home strip have been released today.

The Premier League club, whose gear is manufactured by Nike, say the blue herringbone-knit pattern on the kit is inspired by “the traditional craft of London tailoring”.

It is the first time Chelsea will have telecommunications company ’3′ as their main sponsor.

Ireland supporters will know the logo well, as it was on the senior men’s and women’s team shirts for 10 years, until the mobile provider ended the deal last December.

SportsFA Cup Semi-final Draw by Footyzone(op): 1:22am On Jun 29, 2020
FA Cup football returned this weekend at the quarter-final stage, with Manchester United seeing off Norwich City to become the first side to book their spot in the semi-finals.

Arsenal followed suit on Sunday by defeating Sheffield United 2-1, and Chelsea booked their place in the last four by beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium.


Like the Premier League, the FA Cup campaign was postponed due to the coronavirus schedule but the plan to conclude the competition has been laid out.


FIXTURES

Manchester United vs Chelsea
It was always going to be a big draw and Manchester United will tackle Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal vs Man City
In the other clash, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will face another reunion with Manchester City.


Semi-final dates
The semi-finals of the FA Cup will be played on July 17 and 18 at Wembley Stadium.

Full details on kick-off times and TV coverage will follow at a later date.

SportsPaul Pogba's Incredible Rabona Skill In Picture. by Footyzone(op): 10:39pm On Jun 27, 2020
Man United fans have been reacting in their droves to Paul Pogba's excellent cameo vs Norwich City. However this jaw-dropping rabona skill is definitely the skill of the day.
What. A. Player!

SportsWerner Becomes RBLeipzig's All-time Top Scorer In Final Game Before Chelsea Move by Footyzone(op): 9:01pm On Jun 27, 2020
Timo Werner scored twice against Augsburg on Saturday to become RB Leipzig's all-time leading scorer in his final match with the club.

The Germany international opened the scoring in the first half on Saturday, which put him on 94 goals for Leipzig – a new club record.

Daniel Frahn, who spent five seasons with Leipzig as they climbed from the regional German leagues to the 2. Bundesliga, had previously held the mark, set prior to his move to Heidenheim.

SportsSteven Gerrard Sends Heartfelt Message To Liverpool Captain Jordan Henderson by Footyzone(op): 3:58pm On Jun 27, 2020
Henderson was selected as Liverpool captain when his former teammate left the club in 2015 and has since led the club to the only trophy that eluded Gerrard during his career.

Steven Gerrard has sent a heartfelt message to Jordan Henderson detailing how proud he is of his successor as Liverpool captain.

The Reds legend handed the armband to Henderson when he departed the club in 2015.

It was an unenviable task for Henderson to fill the boots of one of Liverpool's greatest-ever players.

Since then Henderson has grown into the role as Liverpool's leader though, spearheading their dominance and helping the club end their agonising 30-year wait for a domestic league title.

The Premier League was the only trophy Gerrard failed to win during his time at Liverpool, but he has wasted no time in congratulating his former teammate.

Gerrard posted a picture on his Instagram account of him putting the captain's armband on Henderson.

He wrote: "Couldn't have passed it to a better person. Proud of you mate @jhenderson."

It was deemed a bold move by former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to give Henderson the captaincy, considering the midfielder had not always been a certain starter and often faced criticism.

Henderson has previously credited Gerrard for helping him through a difficult period in his early days at Liverpool, hailing him an "inspiration".

But Gerrard was full of his own praise for the midfielder when speaking to The Athletic earlier this month.

"It was always going to be a journey of ups and downs, bumps and bruises, highs and lows, like the majority of careers are," Gerrard said. "I know Jordan more than most and I know what he’s put in.
"I know how hard he has fought, how hard he has worked, the shifts that he has put in and how much he helps other people.

“I know more than most what it will mean to him and what it will mean to his family when he lifts that trophy. I am so proud of him and the selfless way in which he’s put himself in this position.

“I never had any doubts. A lot of fans and a lot of people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes to get himself in this position. He deserves every bit of success that he gets. I’m so happy for him, the team and also myself as a fan.”

SportsRe: BREAKING!! 2023 Women’s World Cup Hosts Named by Footyzone(op): 10:40am On Jun 26, 2020
seankafor:
Na naija for host this thing oo but based on unseriosness and corruption..

Dem ditch us for Australia embarassed
Lol... cheesy
SportsBREAKING!! 2023 Women’s World Cup Hosts Named by Footyzone(op): 8:33am On Jun 26, 2020
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ promises to be an historic event on multiple levels.

The announcement on Thursday that Australia and New Zealand will play host means that this edition of the Women's World Cup will be the first in the Southern Hemisphere, and the first to feature in the Oceania Football Confederation. It will also be the first edition to feature 32 teams, up from 16 teams as recently as 2011.


We take a look at some of the reactions from Down Under to the overnight news from Zurich.

“The opportunity to play in a home FIFA Women’s World Cup is something every footballer dreams of and I am looking forward to seeing those dreams come true. Playing for the Matildas in Australia will be the highlight of my career and an opportunity to inspire girls, both in Australia and New Zealand, and all over the world to play football.” - Australia captain Sam Kerr

“I just broke down when I heard. This will be in a chance in a lifetime to connect with fans. We barely play any home games - because we are so far away from everywhere else - so this is so epic.” - New Zealand captain Ali Riley

"The host of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be.... Australia & New Zealand!!"

“Might just have to stick around a few more years for this one! This is going to be amazing! Congrats to the AUS and NZ!” - USA midfielder, reigning The Best FIFA Women’s player and one-time Sydney FC guest player Megan Rapinoe

“I think this birthday will be a hard one to forget.” - Australia forward Kyah Simon who celebrated her 29th birthday on Thursday.

"All of this anticipation was filling the room. The second (it was announced), I completely blacked out for a second. Honestly, it was just total joy.” - New Zealand forward Hannah Wilkinson

"I'm so excited. I'm now starting to think about what it will be like to be a player at a home World Cup, it is just surreal. It's giving me goosebumps." - Australia defender Steph Catley

— Chris Chang (@ChrisChang) June 25, 2020
“I woke up at 4 o’clock on the dot and turned on my phone and it was just amazing news, and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I think it’s important historically to acknowledge those that came before, because without them, we wouldn’t be here today.” - New Zealand’s first women’s national team captain Barbara Cox

“Women’s sport has been growing at an exponential rate. This (decision) is as much about sport as it is about gender equality and broader society. Australia and New Zealand have been leaders in that regard for a number of years. Gender equality was a key part of this bid. (The decision can be used) to utilise this as a tool to what things should look like – genuine, substantive commitment to equality in football.” - Former Australia captain and SBS TV football analyst Craig Foster

Our pledge to the FIFA family is that no stone will be left unturned to produce the best World Cup and grow the women’s game globally and in the Asia-Pacific region.” - Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou
SportsRe: Interesting Fact About Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City Tottenham And Leicester by Footyzone(op): 1:41am On Jun 26, 2020
SportsWatch Christian Pulisic Jaw Dropping Goal Against Manchester City.� by Footyzone(op): 1:20am On Jun 26, 2020
What video @ https://instagram.com/footyzone____

�� Christian Pulisic (21) v. Man City ⤵️ ✅ 90 min ⚽️ 1 goal � 1 cleared off the line � 4/5 dribbles won � 3 shots on goal ⚔️ 5 duels won Earned the win 1st for @ChelseaFC and the title for his former #BVB boss Jürgen Klopp!
SportsInteresting Fact About Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City Tottenham And Leicester by Footyzone(op): 11:26pm On Jun 25, 2020
2014: Chelsea beat Liverpool to help Man City win the title

2015: Chelsea draw with Tottenham to help Leicester win the title

2020: Chelsea beat Man City to help Liverpool win the title
SportsThe Wait Is Over!!! Liverpool Are Champions After 30 Years by Footyzone(op): 10:29pm On Jun 25, 2020
Liverpool have won the Premier League title and ended a 30-year wait after Manchester City failed to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in a 2-1 defeat

SportsBruno Fernandes Sends Message To Anthony Martial After Man United Hat Trick by Footyzone(op): 12:32pm On Jun 25, 2020
Anthony Martial ended a seven-year wait for a Manchester United player to score a league hat-trick in the win against Sheffield United.

Fernandes congratulated his teammate on Twitter after the game writing: "+3. Congratulations on your first hat-trick @AnthonyMartial wearing the Man Utd jersey."

Anthony Martial thanked Bruno fernandez for his congratulatory message following his hat-trick in the win against Sheffield United.

United extended their unbeaten streak to 13 matches in all competitions in blistering heat at Old Trafford to move within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fernandes and Paul Pogba bossed the midfield but it was Martial who stole the show, becoming the first United player to score a league hat-trick since Robin van Persie in 2013.

After two clever finishes in the first half, the Frenchman bagged his third in sublime fashion, latching on to a Marcus Rashford pass before impudently chipping the ball over Simon Moore.

The trio of strikes was the first hat-trick of his professional career and took his overall tally for the season to 19.

Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata also sent congratulatory messages to the striker, but it was Fernandes who got a response on Twitter as Martial simply wrote: "Thanks my bro @B_Fernandes8."

Speaking to MUTV after the game, Martial said plenty of work has been going on behind-the-scenes with Pogba and Fernandes to help form a better understanding.

"They’re top players,” Martial said of the midfield duo. “In training we practiced the link-up a lot, today was a very good game, we created a lot of chances.”
SportsArsenal Have Been Nicknamed 'banter FC' By Rival Supporters On Social Media. by Footyzone(op): 2:18pm On Jun 24, 2020
Latest Arsenal news includes fan reaction to confirmation that David Luiz and Cedric Soares have signed one and four-year deals respectively at the Emirates Stadium.

This is in relation to the Gunners suffering back-to-back defeats since the Premier League season restarted as well as confirming new contracts for David Luiz and Cedric Soares.

“I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future," Technical director Edu said. "They have been part of the long-term technical plan Mikel and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad.

David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone.

"Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position.

However, the news has not gone down well with all Arsenal supporters, with many feeling that the priority should have been securing deals for Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

And the fact that Luiz has earned a new deal despite all his mistakes this season coupled with a four-year deal for Cedric who hasn't played a single minute for the club, has made the north London outfit quite the laughing stock.

These decisions have led to some rival fans giving Arsenal a new nickname on social media - 'Banter FC' - which has been adopted by some Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea supporters who are enjoying a laugh at the Gunners' expense.

https://footyzone247./2020/06/24/mikel-artetas-arsenal-side-given-new-nickname-after-david-luiz-and-cedric-contract-decisions/

Here's what has been said on Twitter...

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Ivan Rakitic Goal Sends Barcelona Back To The Top Of La Liga Above Real Madrid by Footyzone: 1:32pm On Jun 24, 2020
ogbiwa:
Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to move back to the top of La Liga.

The substitute latched onto Lionel Messi's pass before slotting home with 19 minutes to go.

It was a 15th La Liga assist of the season for Messi, who remains on 699 career goals despite going close himself on two separate occasions in the closing stages.

Real Madrid can go back to the top if they beat Mallorca on Wednesday.

Barcelona were far from their best but did enough to grind out this victory. With Real Madrid having a better head-to-head record, Barca need their rivals to slip up even if they win every remaining game.

Mid-table Athletic had beaten the Catalans twice this season - on the opening day of La Liga and in the Copa del Rey quarter-final - but failed to test goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen once.

Messi, who turns 33 on Wednesday, was hoping his 700th career goal would come - and he was close when he cut in and curled wide, before again missing the target from Ansu Fati's pass.

But he still helped Barca win the game when he fed Rakitic, who scored his first goal of the season. Messi's 15 assists in La Liga this season have helped Barca pick up 15 points.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53157885
Important win. But real Madrid gonna win the title.
SportsRe: Stunning Footage Of Old Trafford Will Get Man Utd Fans Pumped For Sheff Utd Game by Footyzone(op): 1:28pm On Jun 24, 2020
Mikocake:
Where are the images?

United The Best Club in the World
Click the link to watch the video.
SportsRe: Stunning Footage Of Old Trafford Will Get Man Utd Fans Pumped For Sheff Utd Game by Footyzone(op): 11:15am On Jun 24, 2020
Please grow the Footyzone community by following us on Instagram @footyzone____�
SportsStunning Footage Of Old Trafford Will Get Man Utd Fans Pumped For Sheff Utd Game by Footyzone(op): 11:05am On Jun 24, 2020
Manchester United have dressed up Old Trafford with stunning banners and a mosaic ahead of Wednesday's clash with Sheffield United, while executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has also sent a message to Red Devils fans.

United were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham in their first game back after the restart on Friday, but will be looking to pick up all three points against Sheffield United - who currently sit just two points behind them coming into the midweek game.


Ahead of the game, United took to their official Twitter account to post a beautiful and striking video of Old Trafford, with banners and a mosaic in place. United note on their official website that more than 40,000 fans from over 190 countries have sent in digital images of themselves to help create a 'giant mosaic' of fan faces.

The Red Devils will also have banners baring powerful messages. ‘United for the Heroes’ will be displayed as they look to show support for the frontline workers who have risked their lives during the global pandemic. There are also messages of 'United Against Racism' and acknowledgements to the fans who, of course, cannot attend.

One of the banners in the Stretford End will read 'Football is nothing without fans' - a famous quote from Sir Matt Busby. Equally, another banner will have the words 'We can't wait to welcome you home to Old Trafford.'

Executive vice-chairman Woodward has also shared his thoughts on the unique situation in United's official match programme (as quoted by United's official website). Woodward was keen to send out a message to all fans that the club 'can't wait' for the stadium to be filled with supporters when it is safe to do so.

"Emotions are mixed as we welcome Sheffield United to Old Trafford," Woodward wrote. "While everyone at Manchester United is excited to be getting back to playing football, we regret that our fans cannot be in the stadium, and recognise these are difficult times for many people around the world.

“As a club, we say ‘thank you’ tonight through the ‘United for the Heroes’ banner displayed in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, as well as the NHS logo on the players’ shirts. You will also see powerful anti-racism messages, on the players’ shirts and in the stands, and we are proud to be uniting with our players and the rest of the Premier League behind this crucial cause.

“Diversity, inclusion and the fight against racism are at the core of our values as a club whose support spans racial and cultural boundaries. This has been a long-standing commitment from the club as part of our All Red All Equal campaign and our support for groups such as Kick It Out.

“We hope the mosaic will provide inspiration to the team as a reminder of the hundreds of millions cheering them on from home. As a banner in the Stretford End tonight declares, quoting Sir Matt Busby, 'football is nothing without fans', and we can’t wait for you to return to Old Trafford as soon as it is safe to do so."

Woodward went on to state once again that the 'realities' of the coronavirus pandemic should not be ignored, but explained that the club can come through with 'strength intact'.

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