LaLiga’s decision to stage at least one match in the United States has been met with resistance.
Resistance from the Spanish FA, U.S. Soccer, CONCACAF and — you know it’s a BAD idea when this guy says as much — FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Yes, even FIFA is opposed to this outlandish bit of money-grubbing at the expense of sport, which says it all really.
A 1-1 draw between Atletico Madrid (second in LaLiga) and Sevilla (third) saw Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table reduced to two points, but with the Blaugrana set to play Getafe later today, both contestants will rue the inability to take three points from the match.
The winter-break period separating the first half and the second half of the season in Europe’s top five leagues is a great time for clubs to reflect on a club's season (although winter break doesn’t exist in England). Even before Christmas, but Europe’s top clubs are preparing for their second half of the season push. Here are some New Year's resolutions for Europe’s top clubs in the big five leagues.
The Champions League Round of 16 draw results are in, and although we have to wait until mid-February to get started, some things are too tasty to be left on the back-burner for that long. Here’s a look at all eight matchups, and an incredibly scientific ranking of which ties get us all hot and bothered.
Spectacular. The round of 16 draw
Atlético Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann has never shied away from telling us his interests. We know that the 27-year-old loves Drake, the NBA, Fornite, Uruguay and hates being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or.
Thierry Henry finally got his first win as Monaco manager over the weekend, edging Caen in Ligue 1.
Back in the Champions League on Wednesday, it was more of the same for the Arsenal legend turned coach.
Atlético Madrid scored less than two minutes into the match and it was 2-0 in the 24th minute through a lovely finish from Antoine Griezmann. But what will give Henry and his side nightmares was the run by Ángel Correa to set up the second goal, one that dumped center back Jemerson to the floor with frightening ease.
Atletico Madrid was close to one of its trademark wins against Barcelona — Diego Costa scored on a set piece and the defense shut the door on the other end.
Then Ousmane Dembélé stepped up with a great equalizer in the 90th minute to cap an intense top-of-the-table 1-1 draw at the Wanda.
Barcelona came into the match with a one-point lead over Sevilla and Atletico atop the LaLiga table (Real Madrid far back in sixth after losing 3-0 earlier in the day).
France’s international break was a little disappointing from a competitive standpoint. The World Cup champions lost to the Netherlands and missed out on a chance to be in the UEFA Nations league finals next summer.
But it wasn’t totally a lost cause because of these boots Antoine Griezmann laced up to play against Uruguay in a friendly on Tuesday.
Diego Godín is one of the world’s greatest defenders, a terrifying monster who gobbles up attackers like the Cookie Monster eats cookies. He’s not a flashy player with step-overs for days like Cristiano Ronaldo, unnecessary flair like Neymar or blazing speed like Kylian Mbappé, but make no mistake Godín is one of the world’s best players, and a perfect example of what he means to Atlético Madrid was on display on Saturday with this Godin goal vs Bilbao.
A fascinating tactical battle between Lucien Favre’s Bundesliga-leading Dortmund and Diego Simeone’s Atletico (currently averaging 0.55 goals conceded per game in LaLiga) was bossed by the home side at the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday, BVB putting four past Europe’s misers while limiting the visitors to only two shots on frame.
Achraf Hakimi registered a hat-trick of assists while the moves were finished by Axel Witsel, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Guerreiro (x2). Marco Reus wasn’t on the scoresheet, but his deployment in the false nine role murdered Atletico’s shape.