Football

Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the La Liga season was put to the test on Thursday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Las Palmas. The Spanish champions found themselves trailing early on after Alberto Moleiro's fifth-minute goal, but Vinicius Junior's second-half penalty rescued a point for Carlo Ancelotti's side.Madrid's struggles continued in the first half, as they failed to create clear-cut chances and were punished by Las Palmas' early strike. Moleiro's goal came from a well-worked move, with the midfielder finding space in the box and firing a low shot past Thibaut Courtois.The visitors improved after the break and were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when Alex Suarez was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Vinicius Junior stepped up and converted the spot-kick to level the scores.Despite their dominance in possession, Madrid were unable to find a winning goal and were forced to settle for a draw. The result leaves them fourth in the standings, four points behind archrivals Barcelona.In the day's other match, Girona put Osasuna to the sword in a crushing 4-0 victory. Osasuna were completely outplayed and could only muster a single shot, which was not on target. Bryan Gil opened the scoring for Girona in the 34th minute, before Viktor Tsygankov and Abel Ruiz hit goals in a quick-fire three-minute period around 53 minutes to put the game out of reach. Uruguay's Cristhian Stuani wrapped up the dominant win with a fourth goal at the death.

Atletico Madrid's struggles continued as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home by newly promoted Espanyol in La Liga on Wednesday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Diego Simeone's team failed to find the net, leaving them with just one point from their opening three matches.Atletico's attacking woes were evident from the outset. Despite having 25 attempts on goal, they lacked the clinical edge to convert their dominance into goals. Rodrigo Riquelme twice thought he had broken the deadlock in the second half, but both goals were ruled out for offside.Simeone expressed his frustration after the match, saying, "We played very well but lacked efficiency in front of the goal. We got off to a strong start in the first half, but then there was a bit of a letdown. We tried until the end but the ball didn't go in because of our lack of efficiency."Espanyol, on the other hand, defended resolutely and made the most of their limited opportunities. They had only one attempt on goal, but it was enough to earn them a valuable point on their return to the top flight.The result leaves Atletico in a disappointing position after three matches. They have now failed to win in their last two games, and their hopes of challenging for the title are already under threat. Espanyol, meanwhile, will be delighted with their start to the season and will be confident of maintaining their La Liga status.In other La Liga action, Athletic Bilbao earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Valencia. Alaves also claimed their first three points with a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad, while Valladolid and Leganes played out a goalless draw.

English-born winger Michael Olise has been rewarded for his impressive performances for France at the Olympics by being called up to the full French national team for the start of their UEFA Nations League campaign next month. The 22-year-old, who was born and brought up in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, was arguably the standout player in Thierry Henry's France team that won the Olympic silver medal at the Paris Games earlier this month.Olise has also recently joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace for a reported 60 million euros ($66.6m), off the back of scoring 10 goals in 19 games in the Premier League last season."Michael did great things with Thierry Henry's Olympic team and he has moved up into a new category with his transfer to Bayern Munich," coach Didier Deschamps told reporters. "It is quite logical that he should now come with us. He still has progress to make but potentially he has a lot of quality."France host Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris next Friday, September 6, before taking on Belgium three days later in Lyon.Olise is not the only member of the Olympic squad to make the step up, with 23-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone also getting the call from Deschamps.There is also a return to the squad for Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana, 23, whose only cap so far came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar over a year ago.Kylian Mbappe will feature for France for the first time since making his debut for new club Real Madrid.Players who went to Euro 2024 in Germany -- where France reached the semi-final -- but have been left out this time, include Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, Bayern winger Kingsley Coman, and midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The latter was a regular at the Euros but his absence from the squad is related to the fact he currently has no club after leaving Juventus when his contract expired.Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, now playing for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, retired from international duty after the European Championship.Les Bleus, who won the Nations League in 2021, will also play Israel in League A Group 2, with remaining matches taking place in October and November.

Federico Chiesa, the Italian international winger, has completed a move from Juventus to Liverpool in a deal worth a reported 12.5 million pounds ($16.5 million). The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Reds, with an initial fee of 10 million pounds and a further 2.5 million pounds contingent on the team's performance.Chiesa's arrival at Anfield is a significant boost for Liverpool's attacking options. The Italian has been one of the most promising young players in Europe since his breakout performance at Euro 2020, where he played a key role in Italy's triumph. However, his career has been hampered by injuries, including a cruciate ligament rupture in January 2022.Despite his injury setbacks, Chiesa remains a highly talented player with exceptional technical ability and an eye for goal. He is expected to add depth and creativity to Liverpool's frontline, which already boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo.Chiesa's move to Liverpool comes as he enters the final year of his contract with Juventus. He was not selected for new Juventus coach Thiago Motta's first two matches in charge, indicating that he was no longer a key part of the Italian giants' plans.Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be delighted to have secured the services of Chiesa, who brings a wealth of experience and quality to the team. The Italian's arrival is a clear indication of Liverpool's ambition to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons.

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez has been handed a five-match ban and a hefty fine by South American football governing body CONMEBOL for his involvement in a mass brawl during the Copa America semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia. The incident, which occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Nunez and several other players engage in a physical altercation with fans in the stands.Nunez's punishment is the most severe among the 11 players sanctioned by CONMEBOL. Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received a four-match suspension, while defenders Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, and Jose Maria Gimenez were each banned for three matches. The other players involved were fined varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $16,000.The Uruguayan Football Federation was also fined $20,000 for its role in the incident. CONMEBOL's statement did not specify when the suspensions would begin, but they are expected to cover games organized by the confederation, excluding domestic competitions.Uruguay is scheduled to play a friendly against Guatemala on Sunday before facing Paraguay and Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers on September 6 and 10, respectively. It remains unclear if Nunez and the other suspended players will be available for these matches.Uruguay central defender Gimenez claimed that the players intervened in the melee to protect their family members and loved ones who were watching the game in the affected section of the stadium. However, CONMEBOL's investigation concluded that the players' actions were unacceptable and warranted punishment.The suspensions and fines are open to appeal, but it is unclear if any of the affected parties will pursue this option. The incident has cast a shadow over the Copa America tournament and raised concerns about the safety of fans at football matches.

Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, a promising defender, tragically passed away on August 27, 2024, at a hospital in Brazil, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match at Sao Paulo's Morumbi Stadium. He was just 27 years old.Izquierdo's untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the football world. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began his professional career in 2018 with local club Cerro. After a brief stint at Peñarol, he moved to Montevideo Wanderers, where his athleticism and sharp tackles caught the attention of Mexico's San Luís. However, he soon returned to Montevideo Wanderers.In 2022, Izquierdo joined Nacional, one of Uruguay's most prestigious clubs. He played one match before being transferred to Liverpool, where he played a pivotal role in the club's first league title in over a century. This season, he returned to Nacional and was vying for a starting position with veteran defender Sebastián Coates.On August 22, tragedy struck during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo. Izquierdo collapsed late in the game, and despite immediate medical attention, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo confirmed his death at 9:38 p.m. local time, citing "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia."Izquierdo's death has left a profound impact on the football community. Nacional expressed their "deep pain and impact in our hearts," while the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, mourned the "early departure of Juan Izquierdo." Other federations, including Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, also extended their condolences.Izquierdo's passing has also raised concerns about the health and safety of footballers. Almost two decades ago, Sao Caetano defender Serginho died hours after collapsing at Morumbi Stadium during a Brazilian league match. His death prompted Brazilian football executives to implement new health protocols, including the mandatory presence of defibrillators in every stadium.Juan Izquierdo's legacy will live on as a talented footballer and a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player health and safety. His untimely demise has left a void in the football world, and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reignited his free-kick prowess with a stunning goal for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old's free-kick against Al-Feiha marked his 899th career goal, bringing him tantalizingly close to the historic 900-mark.Ronaldo's free-kick goal was a testament to his enduring brilliance. After a period of inconsistency from dead-ball situations, the Portuguese maestro showcased his trademark precision and placement. Instead of his usual powerful approach, Ronaldo opted for a more measured technique, beating the goalkeeper with sheer accuracy.The goal was Ronaldo's 64th career free-kick goal, putting him just one behind his arch-rival Lionel Messi in club football. When it comes to international free-kicks, both Messi and Ronaldo have scored 11 goals each.Ronaldo's free-kick goal was also significant in the context of his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. With 899 goals to his name, Ronaldo is just one goal away from becoming the first player in history to reach the coveted landmark.In a recent interview, Ronaldo expressed his determination to reach the 1,000-goal milestone. "It's going to be pretty tough, but it's about seeing how I am mentally, my motivation," he said. "If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them? We'll see, they are small stages. Until I get to 1,000, first I have to get to 900. I think I'll get there."Ronaldo's free-kick goal against Al-Feiha was a timely reminder of his enduring quality. As he approaches the twilight of his career, the Portuguese forward continues to defy expectations and set new records.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane has been crowned the European Golden Shoe winner for the 2023-24 season, receiving the prestigious award at a ceremony in Munich on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Kane's remarkable tally of 36 goals in the Bundesliga propelled him to the top of the scoring charts across all European leagues.Despite being the Premier League's top scorer on three occasions, Kane had never previously won the Golden Shoe. The award recognizes the highest goalscorer in any European football league, and Kane's achievement marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career."It's a fantastic feeling," Kane said after receiving the award. "The award is for everyone. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here today."Kane's success in Munich has been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. After a trophyless debut season with Bayern, the first time the club had failed to win silverware since 2012, Kane has bounced back with a vengeance."I feel good and am looking forward to the new season," Kane added. "I feel a new energy."Kane's goal tally of 36 in 32 Bayern appearances is just five shy of the single-season record held by former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored 41 goals in the 2020-21 season. However, Kane remains humble about his chances of breaking the record."Once we get to April and we're a little bit closer, maybe it's something we can talk about, but for now it's just taking it game by game, trying to help the team by scoring goals," Kane said.This season's Champions League final will be held in Munich, and Kane is eager to lead Bayern to glory on home soil. "We have to be there," he said.Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised Kane's character and contributions to the team since his arrival in Munich. "Harry has been an exceptional player for us," Dreesen said. "His goalscoring ability is unmatched, and he has also been a great leader in the dressing room."Kane's Golden Shoe award is the latest in a long list of personal accolades, but he remains focused on team success. "I want to continue on as I started last season, but it is important to win titles," Kane said. "We want to achieve success as a team."

Calicut FC, a football club founded by Technocrat V.K. Mathews, has ambitious plans to establish itself as a top-tier team in Indian football. To achieve this goal, the club has appointed Australian coach Ian Gillan, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.Gillan's vision aligns with Mathews' long-term development plans for football in Kozhikode. He believes that Super League Kerala is a progressive concept that can foster the growth of local talent. By playing alongside experienced foreign players, young Indian footballers can gain invaluable experience and improve their skills.Gillan emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in the state. He believes that the development of local talent is crucial for the overall growth of Indian football leagues. By providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities, Super League Kerala can contribute to the creation of a robust football ecosystem in the country.The club's aspirations extend beyond the Super League Kerala. Gillan and Mathews share the ambition of seeing Calicut FC compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League in the future. The club's long-term vision and its commitment to developing local talent have attracted Gillan to the project.Gillan's appointment is a significant step in Calicut FC's journey towards becoming a major force in Indian football. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the club towards its goals. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Calicut FC is poised to make a significant impact on the football landscape in India.