Football

Dusan Vlahovic's resurgence at Juventus has been a welcome sight for the Bianconeri faithful. After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Serbian striker has rediscovered his scoring touch, becoming one of Europe's most prolific forwards in 2024.Vlahovic's struggles in Turin began after his €80 million move from Fiorentina in January 2022. The pressure of the price tag weighed heavily on him, and he failed to replicate the form that had made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.However, the 24-year-old has turned things around this season. With 15 Serie A goals in 2024, he is second only to Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. Vlahovic has also shown leadership qualities, dragging Juventus to victory against Frosinone with a brace.Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes Vlahovic's desire to prove himself and the trust he has begun to feel in Turin have contributed to his turnaround. "He has more self-esteem and is convinced about his role inside Juventus," Prandelli said.Vlahovic's exceptional ball-striking ability makes him a threat from both free-kicks and distance. His left foot is a jackhammer, capable of producing powerful shots and dipping curves. He is also a competent finisher with his right foot.Despite his aerial presence, Vlahovic does not participate in the build-up as often as some other strikers. However, his skill and touch allow him to roll his defenders under contact, making him a good bouncing board for passes to release runners from deep.Vlahovic's future at Juventus remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in 2026, this summer could prove pivotal. A 25-goal season will attract interest from top clubs, and Juventus will need to decide whether to cash in or risk losing his potentially elite peak years.For now, though, the focus is on closing the gap to Inter and keeping the others behind. If Juventus and Vlahovic can manage that, it's unlikely anybody in Turin will ever question the €80 million price tag again.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged victorious in their ISL-10 clash against Jamshedpur FC, securing a comfortable 3-0 win at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday. This triumph propelled them to the second spot in the league standings, surpassing Mumbai City FC.The match commenced with an early goal from Australian Dimitri Petratos in the seventh minute, assisted by Manvir Singh. Manvir's exceptional performance continued throughout the game, providing another assist in the 68th minute that led to Jason Cummings' goal.Substitute Armando Sadiku sealed the victory for Mohun Bagan in the 81st minute, capitalizing on a back-center pass from Manvir. The win marked a significant improvement for Mohun Bagan, who had previously failed to defeat Odisha FC in their last outing.With this victory, Mohun Bagan now boasts 33 points from 16 matches, edging out Mumbai City FC (32 points from 16 matches) for the third spot. Odisha FC remains at the top of the standings with 35 points but has played one match more than its challengers.The match showcased the determination of Mohun Bagan to secure a home victory, while Jamshedpur FC struggled to find their footing. Manvir Singh's impressive performance, coupled with the contributions of Petratos, Cummings, and Sadiku, proved decisive in securing the win for Mohun Bagan.

Ilkay Gundogan, a veteran midfielder who witnessed Phil Foden's rise at Manchester City, now finds himself mentoring a similar talent at Barcelona: Lamine Yamal. Gundogan, who joined Barcelona in 2023, has observed striking similarities between Foden and Yamal, both of whom debuted as teenagers.Like Guardiola at City, Xavi at Barcelona has shown faith in young players, giving Yamal ample playing time despite his tender age. However, Yamal's path has been more challenging, as he has assumed greater responsibility at a younger age than Foden.Gundogan attributes this difference to the size and competitiveness of Barcelona's squad, which has forced Yamal to prove himself more quickly. Despite the pressure, Yamal's attitude and character have impressed Gundogan, who believes the competition will ultimately benefit him.Barcelona's youth movement is evident in their roster, with over a dozen players born after 2004. Gundogan sees a bright future for the club, despite their current inconsistencies. He believes that the team is still in the early stages of a new project and that consistency will come with time.While Barcelona trails Real Madrid in the league, Gundogan remains optimistic about their Champions League prospects. He is focused on making Xavi's farewell as a manager a memorable one and is confident that the team can achieve success under his guidance.

Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters Set for Crucial ISL Clash at Sree Kanteerava StadiumOver a year after their infamous protest and forfeit at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Kerala Blasters return to face Bengaluru FC in a highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) encounter. While the stakes may be lower this time around, the match holds significant importance for both teams.Bengaluru FC, currently ninth in the standings with 18 points from 17 matches, is desperately chasing a playoff spot. A victory against Blasters would keep their hopes alive, as they aim to finish among the top six. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, are fifth with 29 points from 16 games and are eyeing a direct semifinal berth, which is reserved for the top two teams.Both teams enter the match on the back of morale-boosting victories. Bengaluru FC overcame Hyderabad FC 2-1 at home, while Kerala Blasters snapped a three-match losing streak with a thrilling 4-2 win over FC Goa.Bengaluru FC will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Suresh Wangjam, who was suspended against Hyderabad FC, and defender Aleksandar Jovanovic, who has recovered from an injury. Kerala Blasters will rely on the goalscoring prowess of Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, who has netted 10 goals this season, including six in the last six matches.The match promises to be a tactical battle between two experienced coaches. Bengaluru FC's Simon Grayson will look to exploit the Blasters' defensive vulnerabilities, while Ivan Vukomanovic will aim to maintain his team's attacking momentum and secure a crucial three points.With both teams desperate for a positive result, the atmosphere at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium is expected to be electric. The match will be a test of character and resilience for both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters, as they strive to achieve their respective goals in the ISL.

Kylian Mbappé's impending departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marks a significant turning point for the French club. After a star-studded era featuring Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, and David Beckham, Mbappé's exit as a free agent to Real Madrid will leave a void in the team.Mbappé's decision to leave PSG has been the subject of intense speculation, with French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly intervening to persuade him to stay. However, it appears that Mbappé's mind is set on a new challenge in Spain.PSG manager Luis Enrique has hinted at a possible rebuild, stating that the team will be "better from all perspectives" next season. The club has already made several signings, including Badley Barcola, Lee Kang-in, and Manuel Ugarte, and is reportedly targeting Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford.Mbappé's departure is a blow to PSG's ambitions, but the club has been preparing for this eventuality. The signing of Mbappé on loan in 2017 with a mandatory purchase option was a shrewd move, and the club has since invested heavily in young talent.Mbappé's mother and entourage have reportedly been spotted house hunting in Madrid, further fueling speculation about his move to Real Madrid. PSG initially signed Mbappé on loan, with a mandatory purchase option of 180 million Euros in 2017. Two years ago, a phone call from Macron helped persuade Mbappé to remain in France amid interest from Madrid. He signed a new two-year deal, but then didn't take up the option to extend for an extra year.Mbappé's departure will undoubtedly leave a void in PSG's attack, but the club is confident that it can rebuild and remain competitive. The signings of Barcola, Kang-in, and Ugarte, along with the potential additions of Leao and Rashford, suggest that PSG is determined to maintain its status as a European powerhouse.

Xabi Alonso, the current coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has dismissed the speculation surrounding his future as a distraction for the Bundesliga leaders, following Bayern Munich's announcement that coach Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season. Alonso's impressive performance with Leverkusen, leading them to an eight-point lead over Bayern in the Bundesliga, has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in European soccer, with potential vacancies at Bayern and Liverpool, both clubs where he played during his illustrious career.When asked about the speculation and Bayern's history of acquiring players and coaches from rival teams, Alonso remained unfazed, stating, "It's not a problem. It's a super opponent that we have, but there is no distraction." This response reflects Alonso's focus on the task at hand, as he aims to maintain Leverkusen's title challenge and continue their impressive unbeaten run of 32 games in all competitions.The news of Tuchel's departure from Bayern has further fueled the speculation surrounding Alonso's future, as both Liverpool and Bayern are in search of new coaches. Alonso's success with Leverkusen, coupled with his history with both clubs, makes him a strong candidate for either position. However, Alonso has remained tight-lipped about his plans, emphasizing his commitment to Leverkusen and his desire to achieve success with the club.Leverkusen's title challenge continues on Friday with a home match against Mainz, while Bayern faces Leipzig on Saturday. Alonso's team remains unbeaten in 32 games across all competitions and is a contender in the German Cup semi-finals and the Europa League. Alonso's ability to maintain this impressive form and guide Leverkusen to silverware will undoubtedly influence his future prospects and the decisions of potential suitors.

Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid midfielder, has announced his return to the German national team after a three-year absence. The 34-year-old, who last played for Germany at the 2018 World Cup, made the announcement on Instagram, stating that he was motivated by a request from coach Julian Nagelsmann and his belief in the team's potential at the upcoming European Championship.Kroos's decision to return to the national team is a significant boost for Germany, who are looking to bounce back from their disappointing performance at the 2018 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The midfielder's experience and quality will be invaluable to Nagelsmann's side, who will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament, which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14.Kroos has been one of the most consistent and successful midfielders in world football over the past decade. He has won numerous trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. He has also been a key player for Germany, helping them win the 2014 World Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup.The midfielder's return to the national team has been welcomed by Nagelsmann, who said that Kroos is "a world-class player who will bring a lot of quality and experience to the team." Kroos is expected to make his return to the Germany squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and the Netherlands in March.

In a thrilling encounter at the Gold City Sports Complex, India's senior women's football team secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Estonia, marking a historic moment as it was their first triumph over a UEFA team. The match was part of the Turkish Women's Cup football tournament, where India showcased their determination and resilience.Manisha Kalyan, a key player for India, demonstrated her prowess by scoring a brace, contributing two crucial goals to the team's success. Her first goal came in the 17th minute, giving India an early lead. However, Estonia's Lisette Tammik equalized in the 32nd minute, keeping the match evenly poised.The second half witnessed India taking control of the midfield, with Soumya Guguloth, Anju Tamang, and Pyari Xaxa combining effectively to create scoring opportunities. Indumathi Kathiresan capitalized on this momentum, scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 62nd minute, putting India back in the lead. Xaxa further extended the advantage with a well-executed goal in the 79th minute.Kalyan sealed the victory for India in the 81st minute, converting a cross from Sandhiya Ranganathan. However, Estonia showed great resilience, scoring two late goals through Vlada Kubassova and Mari Liis Lillemae in the 88th and 90th minutes respectively, making the final moments of the match tense.Despite the late scare, India held on to secure a memorable victory, marking a significant milestone in their footballing journey. The team's performance showcased their growing strength and potential, as they prepare for their next challenge against Hong Kong on Saturday.

Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal-scoring machine, continues to defy expectations and silence critics with his remarkable resilience and unwavering determination. Despite facing a challenging season marred by injuries and personal setbacks, Haaland has proven his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to Manchester City's success.After missing 10 games due to a foot injury, Haaland made his triumphant return to action against Burnley late last month. While he faced some initial struggles to regain his peak form, he quickly bounced back with a series of impressive performances, showcasing his resilience and unwavering focus.In the recent Premier League match against Brentford, Haaland delivered a crucial 71st-minute goal, securing a vital victory for Manchester City. This goal brought the team within one point of league leaders Liverpool, highlighting Haaland's significance in City's title aspirations.Haaland's resilience extends beyond his physical recovery from injury. Amidst personal grief following the passing of his grandmother, he displayed remarkable mental fortitude and continued to perform at the highest level. His ability to compartmentalize his emotions and maintain his focus on the pitch is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.Manager Pep Guardiola has been vocal in his support of Haaland, acknowledging the challenges he has faced and praising his resilience. Guardiola emphasized that Haaland's recent struggles were due to a combination of factors, including his injury, lack of match fitness, and the emotional toll of his grandmother's passing.Despite missing five Premier League games, Haaland remains the league's top scorer with an impressive tally of 17 goals. His ability to find the back of the net consistently, even after a lengthy absence, is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Haaland's impact on Manchester City has been transformative. Since joining the club in 2022, he has scored a remarkable 53 goals in just 55 Premier League appearances, maintaining an incredible goal-per-game ratio. His prolificacy in front of goal has been instrumental in City's success, helping them secure back-to-back Premier League titles.Haaland's combination of physical prowess, technical ability, and unwavering determination makes him one of the most formidable strikers in the world. His ability to create scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing and his insatiable desire to contribute to the team's success set him apart from his peers.As Manchester City continues their quest for a fourth consecutive Premier League title and their first successful defense of the Champions League, Haaland remains their talisman and biggest hope. His resilience, determination, and unwavering focus will be crucial in helping the team achieve their ambitious goals.