Month: January 2023

Table-toppers Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action after the winter break with a difficult trip to third-placed RB Leipzig. 

Nearest challengers Freiburg face a tough test of their own, visiting a Wolfsburg outfit in hot pursuit of the European places.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to start 2023 with a home victory against struggling Augsburg. 

Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Berlin are also both on their own patch, taking on Schalke and Hoffenheim, respectively.

Game of the week: RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich (Friday, 7.30pm)

Leipzig bounced back from a disappointing start to the season, picking up 23 points in 10 games under Marco Rose before the Bundesliga paused for the World Cup.

They have only dropped two points from seven home fixtures this term — but Bayern boast the division’s strongest record on the road, picking up a league-high 17 points from eight outings.

Die Roten’s record against tonight’s opponents is strong, winning their last four clashes and not suffering defeat to the Red Bulls since March 2018.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men ended 2022 in fine form, winning 10 games on the bounce — including six successive league victories — to establish a four-point lead over second-placed Freiburg.

Borussia Dortmund vs Augsburg (Sunday, 2.30pm)

Dortmund go into this fixture having lost their last two games and will desperately wish to re-start their campaign with a comfortable win.

Augsburg appear to be appealing opponents based on form, having failed to win any of their last eight outings (three draws, five defeats), a run which stretches back to October 2.

The Bavarians have taken fewer shots (102) than any other side in the competition, while also facing the most from open play (179). 

BVB, meanwhile, have recorded the second-most efforts in the division (160) but have the worst conversion rate from big chances (32%).

Wolfsburg vs Freiburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Freiburg find themselves leading the pack chasing perennial champions Bayern and know they cannot afford to slip up if they are to put pressure on the league leaders. 

With 30 points from their 15 games so far, the Breisgau Brazilians are enjoying their best-ever Bundesliga season at this stage and will be keen to maintain their momentum. 

Encouragingly for Christian Streich’s side, they have lost just one of their last eight meetings with Saturday’s opponents Wolfsburg (four wins, three draws). 

However, the hosts have won each of their last four Bundesliga outings, conceding just once in that run.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Schalke (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Top-four chasing Frankfurt welcome bottom-of-the-table Schalke, with the visitors looking set for more misery on Saturday. 

The hosts have not lost any of their last 10 games on their own patch against Die Knappen (six wins, four draws) and have recorded more home wins in this fixture than against any other top-tier club (27). 

Thomas Reis’ side have already lost 10 league matches this term after just 15 contests — their joint-worst record at this stage of the season. 

Schalke are yet to record a victory in any of their last 35 Bundesliga clashes on the road (10 draws, 25 defeats) — the joint-longest run in the competition’s history.

Union Berlin vs Hoffenheim (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Union have faded somewhat after topping the table earlier this term — but remain well in contention for a top-four spot if they can arrest their slide. 

Die Eisernen’s next opponents Hoffenheim are five Bundesliga matches without a win (one draw, four defeats). 

However, Union have shipped 11 goals in their last three outings — two more than in their first 12 league games combined (nine). 

Urs Fischer’s outfit will hope to lean on their strong home form, enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run on their own patch in the league (nine wins, four draws).

The weekend’s other games

Bochum vs Hertha Berlin (Saturday, 2.30pm) 

Stuttgart vs Mainz (Saturday, 2.30pm) 

FC Cologne vs Werder Bremen (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayer Leverkusen (Sunday, 4.30pm)

Follow each game with our unbeatable live scores service. Simply tap the Scores tab on the web or download the LiveScore app from the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android.

Real Madrid need a victory at Athletic Bilbao to keep the pressure on leaders Barcelona as they look to get their LaLiga title challenge back on track.

The Blaugrana won their first trophy under head coach Xavi in last Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana triumph over their old foes and return to league action by hosting Getafe. 

Elsewhere, third-placed Real Sociedad are snapping at Los Blancos’ heels and visit Rayo Vallecano next, while Atletico Madrid welcome Real Valladolid to the capital. 

Second-bottom Sevilla, meanwhile, prepare for a potentially season-defining clash as they host fellow relegation candidates Cadiz.

Game of the week: Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid (Sunday, 8pm)

Real need a positive result in Bilbao and history is on their side in this fixture. 

Los Blancos have not lost any of their last 14 LaLiga clashes with Athletic (10 wins, four draws) and have won each of the previous five top-flight encounters. 

However, the Basque outfit knocked Carlo Ancelotti’s men out of last season’s Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage and are unbeaten in their last four home fixtures without conceding a goal.

Ancelotti will hope Karim Benzema can breach Ernesto Valverde’s defence on Sunday — the French Ballon d’Or winner has scored more goals against Athletic than any other opponent in the competition (16).

Barcelona vs Getafe (Sunday, 5.30pm)

League leaders Barcelona will hope to maintain their unbeaten home record against Getafe in LaLiga (13 wins, four draws) — they only boast a better record against Elche of the teams currently in the Spanish top flight (24 home games unbeaten). 

The Blaugrana have yet to lose a league match at the Camp Nou this term (six wins, two draws) and have scored in all but one of their 16 LaLiga games so far. 

Getafe, meanwhile, have lost three on the bounce and sit only a point from the drop zone.

The Azulones’ head coach — Quique Sanchez Flores — has not triumphed in any of his last seven LaLiga meetings with Barca (two draws, five defeats).

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Sociedad (Saturday, 1pm)

Sociedad are just three points behind second-placed Los Blancos heading into Matchday 18.

Encouragingly for La Real, they have not lost in any of their last seven meetings with Rayo Vallecano (three wins, four draws). 

Imanol Alguacil’s men also come into the game in exceptional form, winning eight on the bounce including a 1-0 victory over Mallorca in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey tie.

Rayo boss Andoni Iraola has faced Sociedad four times as a manager without winning (one draw, three defeats) — he only has a worse record against Real Betis and Sporting Gijon.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Valladolid (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Atleti are in dire need of consistency and a visit from Valladolid could prove the perfect springboard for a positive run. 

The Rojiblancos are enjoying their longest-ever unbeaten run against Saturday’s opponents (11 wins, one draw) and have won each of their previous six home meetings, keeping clean sheets in the last four. 

Valladolid, meanwhile, have lost their last four outings, failing to score each time. 

Victory for the hosts would be a boost for a side that are enduring their worst campaign under Diego Simeone at this stage of the season with 28 points from 17 games.

Sevilla vs Cadiz (Saturday, 8pm)

Sevilla are 19th going into Matchday 18 — one point and one place behind Cadiz. 

The importance of securing victory can hardly be overstated and Jorge Sampaoli’s side will look to lean on their strong record against their Andalucian neighbours — they have not lost any of their last 10 league meetings (five wins, five draws). 

The hosts will hope Youssef En-Nesyri can maintain his positive scoring streak against Los Piratas, having netted four times (including a hat-trick) in his two games against them at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. 

Additionally, Cadiz head coach Sergio Gonzalez has never claimed victory over Sevilla as a manager in nine attempts (four draws, five defeats) — he only has a worse record against Real Madrid (two draws, nine defeats).

The weekend’s other games

Mallorca vs Celta Vigo (Friday, 8pm)

Espanyol vs Real Betis (Saturday, 3.15pm)

Villarreal vs Girona (Sunday, 1pm)

Elche vs Osasuna (Sunday, 3.15pm)

Valencia vs Almeria (Monday, 8pm)

Follow each game with our unbeatable live scores service. Simply tap the Scores tab on the web or download the LiveScore app from the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android.

Newcastle United have reportedly pushed Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the top of their extended transfer wish-list.

Calvert-Lewin, 25, is in his seventh season with Everton, which has been highlighted by a pair of terrific seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21 where he combined for 29 of his 46 total Premier League goals.

He missed three months this past campaign due to a fractured toe, and spent the first two months of the current season on the sideline nursing a knee injury, resulting in only one league goal since May.

Despite his lack of production in recent months, Calvert-Lewin already has 11 senior international caps for England under his belt, and could be viewed as a depreciating asset due to Everton’s struggle in the relegation zone.

TOP STORY – NEWCASTLE IDENTIFY CALVERT-LEWIN AS TOP FORWARD TARGET

According to The Sun, Newcastle want to secure Calvert-Lewin this month as he is “right at the top” of their list of targets.

The report states he is valued at £35million, and Everton are bracing themselves for bids as they sit 19th after just three wins from 19 matches.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph adds Newcastle are in discussions to send striker Chris Wood on loan to Nottingham Forest, as well as listing a number of players the club have expressed interest in.

They include Calvert-Lewin’s team-mate Anthony Gordon, Chelsea trio Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay.

ROUND-UP

– The Athletic are reporting Brighton and Hove Albion have rejected a £55m bid from Chelsea for 21-year-old midfielder Moises Caicedo.

– According to AS, Barcelona would like to sign 26-year-old Wolves forward Goncalo Guedes on a loan with a mandatory buy clause, but Italian journalist Matteo Moretto is reporting Guedes is in Portugal ahead of completing a loan move to Benfica.

– Everton are in talks with Rennes about a loan with an option to buy 20-year-old winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, although the Ghana international is expected to cost in the range of £40m (€45m), per GiveMeSport.

– Bild are reporting highly rated 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko – who had interest from Chelsea and Barcelona as he entered the final six months of his contract – is in the final stages of signing a three-year extension with the German club.

– Leicester City have offered £10m for 24-year-old Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar, who was a standout for Australia at the World Cup, per GianlucaDimarzio.com.

Tottenham are “going in the right direction” despite their dramatic Premier League collapse to Manchester City, but Antonio Conte acknowledges they are “not ready” yet.

Spurs took a two-goal lead into the interval of their Thursday encounter with the champions, only to wildly capitulate in a poor second half showing on the way to a 4-2 loss.

It means they have posted just one win from five league games since Christmas, to see the club slip out of the top four and away from the fringes of the title race.

Defeat to City highlights Tottenham’s shortcomings for Conte, but the Italian is adamant they are also showcasing growth despite difficult results.

“In this moment, we are not ready to fight for important achievements,” he said. “There are other teams more ready than us.

“We are working hard and going in the right direction. In one or two years, we will win this type of games. If I have to compare this game with last season, we played much better today.

“The performance was good. We played with personality, we created problems for City. Today, we were really brave, but compared to last season, we are conceding too many goals.

“You have to try to justify the goals that we are conceding. This is a period we are not so lucky in. [But] you don’t buy experience. We have to build [it] year by year.”

Ahead of his side’s game with Chelsea, Conte acknowledged he was taking stock of his career following the deaths of several close friends and colleagues in recent months.

The passing of Gian Piero Ventrone, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Gianluca Vialli has affected the Italian, but speaking after the full-time whistle, he insisted he remains focused on the task at hand with Spurs.

“I think that we have to try to understand that we are talking about two different situations,” he added. “This situation is my personal situation.

“[There] will be time to make the right decision for me, for the future, for my family, but this situation doesn’t affect the work and doesn’t affect the team. I’m really focused.”

Carlo Ancelotti ordered his Real Madrid players to “wake up” before his team came from two goals down to beat Villarreal 3-2 in the Copa del Rey.

Madrid were beaten 3-1 by rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s Supercopa de Espana final and they looked to be on their way out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday when they went into half-time 2-0 down.

Etienne Capoue and Samuel Chukwueze gave Villarreal in control, yet Vinicius Junior halved the deficit and Madrid were level when Eder Militao prodded home after Filip Jorgensen could only parry Karim Benzema’s header into the centre-back’s path.

Having started just three LaLiga games this season, Dani Ceballos seized upon his opportunity to complete a stunning turnaround to send Madrid into the quarter-finals.

After such a poor first-half display, Ancelotti revealed his furious reaction to his players at half-time provoked the much-improved second-half performance.

“I was really angry at half-time,” Ancelotti told reporters. ” I decided to take a risk and press high up.

“We weren’t being forceful enough in our duels and I told them to wake up, there was still time to come back. They definitely woke up. It wasn’t a good first half and we can’t be playing like that.

“In the second period, it was an incredible reaction, as it always is. This club never gives up but we can’t wait until near the end of the game to react.

“The team showed great personality to turn things around. The second half is fantastic for our confidence. We didn’t give up.”

Ceballos was Madrid’s unlikely hero as he popped up to fire in from Marco Asensio’s perfectly weighted pass.

Ancelotti felt that combination was one of the keys to victory, saying: “Ceballos and Asensio have changed the dynamics of the match because they put in more quality and energy, they were decisive in turning the result around.”

An incident in the second half saw Vinicius clash with Pepe Reina, Villarreal’s substitute goalkeeper, while Ancelotti was also involved in a confrontation with Los Blancos winger Rodrygo.

Rodrygo appeared to dismiss Ancelotti’s offer of a handshake after the Brazil international made way for Asensio in the 56th minute, but the Madrid head coach had no concerns over the episode.

“He [Rodrygo] had a slight muscle strain and I decided not to risk him,” Ancelotti explained. “He didn’t acknowledge me because I think he forgot, I don’t think it’s a big deal.

“[The Reina and Vinicius altercation] was nothing. He was a bit wound up with Vinicius, that’s all. I have a good relationship with him. What I saw, was that Vinicius got kicked a lot, like he does every game.”

Bournemouth have completed the signing of highly-rated winger Dango Ouattara from Lorient on a five-and-a-half-year contract.

Ouattara, 20, has impressed in Ligue 1 with Lorient, scoring six goals and providing as many assists in 18 appearances this season.

The Burkina Faso international had been linked with the likes of Everton and Leicester City, but the Cherries beat their Premier League rivals to his signature in a deal reported to be worth around £20million (€22.9m).

Bournemouth will be hoping Ouattara can help them pull away from the Premier League relegation zone after an alarming run of form, with eight defeats in their last nine league games leaving them just a point and a place above the bottom three.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake said: “We are pleased to secure the services of Dango, a promising and sought-after player with a great deal of potential.

“We have been monitoring him for a period of time and he fits the profile of the young, ambitious, hungry and hard-working player this club is looking to recruit.”

Xavi believes Barcelona have “no secondary players” among their squad, hailing their team effort after brushing aside Ceuta in the Copa del Rey.

A Robert Lewandowski brace, plus goals for Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Franck Kessie saw the Blaugrana sweep past their third-tier hosts on Thursday with a 5-0 victory.

Coupled with their rich form this term in LaLiga, where they have a three-point cushion over rivals Real Madrid, Barca look primed to challenge for silverware.

Former player Xavi, who has steered the club back to steadier waters since his return to Camp Nou, feels he has the team to pull off that pursuit successfully after their latest win.

“The team wants to win, the team is hungry,” he said. “It is not easy to come to grounds like these [and win].

“We have been very professional, and we have shown that we have a great squad. For me, there are no secondary players.

“Here, we have players who have had important games for us, and who are going to have them. Marcos [Alonso], Jordi Alba and [Hector] Bellerin have been extraordinary.”

Despite facing third-tier opposition, Xavi resisted the urge to rest several players days after victory in the Supercopa de Espana, and shortly before a return to LaLiga action against Getafe.

That included veteran forward Lewandowski, whose inclusion among an otherwise youthful team may have raised some eyebrows among fans.

Xavi was clear in his answer however, adding: “We did not want him to be unemployed for two weeks.

“He has shown us the professional that he is. For us, he is perfect, because he has also scored the goals.”

One player not in Xavi’s plans however is Memphis Depay, whose move to Atletico Madrid grew nearer on Thursday after the Dutchman trained with the Rojiblancos.

The coach suggested finding a replacement is more preferable than imperative, adding: “Memphis asked to leave.

“I don’t know if it is official but he is going to Atletico. It wouldn’t be a tragedy [if we didn’t replace him] but it is better if we strengthen ourselves.”

Federico Chiesa has vowed to make an impact for Juventus after a “horrible year” that saw him sidelined with a long-term injury.

The Italy international scored the winner in a 2-1 Coppa Italia victory against Monza on Thursday, his first goal in 378 days after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament 12 months ago.

Juventus have endured a turbulent spell in Chiesa’s absence, ceding their Serie A crown to Milan and finding themselves adrift of runaway leaders Napoli this time around, as well as exiting the Champions League in the group stage.

Like the Bianconeri, Chiesa has a point to prove on his return and is pushing to aid his colleagues after being helpless amid their struggles in the past year.

“It has been a horrible year for me. I am now focusing on training and getting back into shape,” he told Sport Mediaset.

“Let’s say I need to get really into shape, getting used to playing every three days. I was not used to it, but I am trying to give my all to help my teammates, seeing as I was unable to help them for a year.”

Chiesa’s goal gave Juve a much-needed victory following a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Napoli last time out but, while it was a positive result, he admitted better performances are required.

“I think against Napoli we played very badly, we weren’t aggressive enough, and I have to congratulate Monza as well for their performance tonight,” he added.

“However, we defended well, were aggressive when they reached the edge of the area and know we can always score goals at the other end, but we definitely need to play better.

“As I said, we need to raise the bar. Atalanta will be a fundamental game for us to get back to the track we were on before Napoli.”

Improvements are not just limited to the field, however, with significant changes in the club’s hierarchy after president Andrea Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved and other directors stepped down from their roles on Wednesday.

Chiesa feels the club is united in pursuit of their goals, as they bid for a successful second half of the season.

“Along with the new owners we will try to take Juve back to where the club deserves to be. We do our job on the field, the club does its off it.”

Pep Guardiola took a swipe at Manchester City’s home support and said he “doesn’t recognise” his side on current form, despite battling to a 4-2 win over Tottenham.

City were booed off the pitch when two goals behind in Thursday’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, facing a third straight loss for the first time since April 2018.

Ederson played Rodri into trouble and that allowed Dejan Kulusevski to fire Spurs ahead, before Emerson Royal profited from more sloppy play at the back to head in a second.

But City’s response was just as emphatic the other side of half-time as Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland had them on level terms by the 53rd minute.

Star man Mahrez assisted that Haaland goal – ending the striker’s three-game scoreless run – before scoring two of his own to seal a superb second-half comeback.

It marks the second time City have recovered from two goals down and won a league game this season, having also done so against Crystal Palace in August.

While the win moved City within five points of leaders Arsenal, albeit having played a game more, a tetchy Guardiola was not happy with what he witnessed against Tottenham.

“We have to prepare better. I cannot deny how happy we are but we are far away from the team that we were,” he told Sky Sports. 

“Not in terms of play – we played good – but there are many other things, like competitiveness.

“We gave them the first goal. The second goal is ridiculous. There’s nothing from the stomach, from the guts. We were lucky, but if we don’t change we will drop more points.”

Asked what was missing from his side, Guardiola said: “Passion, fire and desire to want to win from the first minute. Our fans were silent for 45 minutes.

“They booed because we were losing but in the second half we played good, we had more chances.”

City have won the Premier League in four of the past five seasons, whereas surprise leaders Arsenal are chasing a first title in 20 years.

Guardiola’s side still have to face Arsenal home and away, but the Catalan coach insists his side will not catch the Gunners unless something changes.

“Maybe it’s the same with our team [as the fans]. Maybe we are so comfortable with winning four Premier Leagues in five years,” Guardiola said.

“We have an opponent in Arsenal who have the fire. Two decades without winning the Premier League. Everything is so comfortable [at City] but opponents don’t wait.

“I don’t recognise my team. They [previously] had the passion and desire to run. We are far away from the team we had in previous seasons.

“Do you think this comeback will happen every time? It won’t. Today we were lucky. If we want to win something or compete, then by complaining, complaining, complaining there is no chance we will win anything.

“It’s my duty, it’s my job [to get the fans back onside]. I want my fans back, I want my fans that are here – not my away fans, they are the best – but my fans here.

“They need to support every corner and every action, because Tottenham are one of the toughest opponents I’ve ever faced.” 

Guardiola was at least more upbeat when asked about the display of Mahrez, who now has 11 direct goal involvements against Spurs, making them his favourite opponent.

“What a player,” Guardiola said. “Before the World Cup he was on holiday. Now he has realised, ‘oh’.”

City return to action on Sunday with a home match against Wolves, with that match kicking off ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester United.

Juventus claimed their spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Monza thanks to Federico Chiesa’s sublime strike.

Chiesa, a second-half substitute in Thursday’s clash at the Allianz Stadium, curled in off the post with 12 minutes remaining.

Moise Kean had given Juve an early lead but his effort was cancelled out by Mattia Valoti.

Kean saw what he thought would be a winner disallowed for offside, but Chiesa struck just after to settle the tie.

Nicolo Fagioli spurned a glorious chance for Juve in the opening moments but that miss mattered little as Kean headed Weston McKennie’s cross into the far corner in the eighth minute.

Against the run of play, Valoti struck his third goal in as many Coppa Italia rounds to restore parity – Mattia Perin only able to push the forward’s header into the roof of the net.

Juve’s youngsters responded well, Samuel Iling-Junior firing wide and Matias Soule forcing a diving save from Alessio Cragno, but the hosts could not retake the lead before the break.

Kean came close to a second four minutes after the restart, bounding forward into the area, though Cragno was again on hand for Monza.

Juve had the ball in the back of the net after Danilo’s shot deflected off Pablo Mari and against the crossbar, with Kean heading the rebound home, only for the offside flag to cut his celebrations short. 

The pressure finally told in the 78th minute, with Chiesa finding room down the left-hand side of the box and curling an effort in off the right-hand post.

What does it mean? Juve have hope

Juve’s Serie A hopes look all but over after they were thrashed by Napoli last week, but their chances of cup success are very much alive.

A second-string side seldom looked in control, having fair less possession (38.6 per cent), though they did manage two more shots than Monza (11 to nine), and Chiesa delivered the quality when it mattered.

Chiesa back on the goal trail

Last year was a tough time for Italy international Chiesa, who spent the majority of it sidelined after he sustained a knee injury that kept him out of action for a prolonged period.

His wait for a goal has been even longer too, but with his victorious strike, he finally netted in a competitive game for the first time since January last year.

If Juve are to claim some silverware this season, Chiesa is likely to be crucial.

Monza left to rue missed opportunities

Though they tied matters up in the first half after initially conceding, the visitors left it too late for a second wind after the interval in the end.

That will frustrate them, particularly given their dominance of possession, but they mustered only three attempts on target.

What’s next?

Both sides return to Serie A action on Sunday, with Juventus facing Atalanta and Monza preparing to meet Sassuolo.