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Seeking an immediate response this weekend, Barcelona will welcome Villarreal to the Nou Camp on Saturday evening.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, crashing out of the Copa del Rey earlier in the week following an action-packed 4-2 defeat away at Athletic Bilbao, it has been suggested that Xavi finds some mounting pressure on his shoulders. While the Spanish icons might have made real history last season as they claimed a first domestic crown since 2019, the defending champions have struggled to find much stability this time around. Opening Saturday’s showdown sat eight points adrift of top spot, Xavi’s squad will take plenty of positives from their continued success on home soil. Last seen at the Nou Camp claiming a routine 2-…

Scotland s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 were left in tatters after a controversial 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Goals from Kenny Miller and Darren Fletcher either side of a Jaroslav Plasil equaliser had given Scotland the lead with less than 10 minutes to go, but the referee controversially gifted the Czechs a penalty with two minutes left.

Michal Kadlec dispatched the penalty precisely, but there was more controversy still to come, as Christophe Berra went down under a challenge in the area, only to be booked for diving by the Dutch referee.

Scotland took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time thanks to Miller.

Darren Fletcher took control of a loose ball before shrugging off a challenge and playing Miller in, …

Lamine Yamal described his historic Euro 2024 bow as a dream after Spain hammered Croatia 3-0 in their Group B opener on Saturday.

Starting at the age of 16 years and 338 days, Yamal became the youngest player to ever feature at the European Championships, and he rewarded Luis de la Fuente s faith with a terrific performance.

The Barcelona winger saw his inviting cross prodded home by Dani Carvajal for La Roja s third goal, after Alvaro Morata and Fabian Ruiz had put them in control.

Only fellow youngster Pedri matched his total of three chances created, while he led all players for crosses (three) and saw his three successful dribbles equalled only by Dani Olmo.

Speaking after the game, Yamal said of Spain s fine display: We trust ourselves a lot. We wen…

Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis has described online racist abuse aimed at Chelsea s Lauren James as disgusting , calling for action to be taken against the perpetrators.

Speaking at the launch of the first ever Panini Barclays Women s Super League sticker collection at the National Football Museum, Brown-Finnis was joined by current Lionesses forward Chloe Kelly, who pledged to support her international team-mate after she was abused on social media.

James was subjected to racist comments online after appearing to stamp on Lia Walti s foot during Chelsea s 4-1 Women s Super League defeat against Arsenal last week.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes subsequently said James was not in a good place and claimed racial profiling by people working in football was p…

Despite a tight race for the title heading into 2021, there was no stopping Bayern Munich as the German giants stormed their way to a ninth straight Bundesliga crown.

Led by one attacking star who has only continued to break a string of domestic records this season, Hans-Dieter Flick s side were not the only squad who played a part in this year s Bundesliga story.

In a campaign that saw one of German s most iconic clubs lose their Bundesliga status for the first time in over three decades and a string of managerial switches, we have taken a look at the five big stories from the 2020/21 season.

Robert Lewandowski A Bundesliga icon

With Bayern Munich eventually romping their way to a 13-point buffer at the end of the season, there is no doubt that Robert Lewandow…

Grand slam champion Angelique Kerber hopes both her and Germany s football team can win through to their respective finals.

Australian Open winner Kerber won through to the Wimbledon semi-finals thanks to a thrilling 7-5 7-6 (7-2) victory over Simona Halep on Tuesday.

Germany are also preparing for the Euro 2016 semis, a showdown with host nation France on Thursday, the same day Kerber meets Venus Williams in the final four at SW19.

And Kerber said she is juggling her Wimbledon bid with her support for Bastian Schweinsteiger and Co. at the European Championship.

I am looking forward to both actually, Kerber told reporters.

I think I will start, then I hope that the German football team will make the final then, as well.

I really enjoy …

Erling Haaland is reportedly being lined up as a target for Real Madrid in 2022, while Manchester United are eyeing Mauricio Pochettino.

Haaland, 20, is widely regarded as one of the best forwards in Europe as he continues to star for Borussia Dortmund.

Madrid have plans for the Norway international.

TOP STORY – REAL MADRID EYE HAALAND IN 2022

Real Madrid are convinced Dortmund star Haaland is their man in 2022, according to AS.

Haaland has scored 10 goals in 10 games in all competitions for Dortmund this season.

The former Salzburg talent, Mino Raiola his agent  and Dortmund reportedly have an agreement that a transfer away from BVB will be facilitated in 2022, though there is not thought to be a specific fee in mind yet.…

Reigning champions and Euro 2012 favourites Spain begin their campaign with a tough encounter against Italy on Sunday.

The star-studded Spanish side are aiming for a third straight major title after winning the European and world crowns.

Injuries have hit the squad with Carles Puyol and David Villa to miss the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

While Vicente del Bosque has a big task in replacing the important pair, there is no secret as to how Spain will go about their business.

Spain s midfielders dominate with a possession-based game, a style the likes of Barcelona stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets need no introduction to.

Add Manchester City playmaker David Silva and Chelsea attacker Juan Mata and Spain are deserved favourites to …

Wojciech Szczesny will listen to Barcelona s offer to tempt him out of retirement as it would be disrespectful not to.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that Szczesny is close to joining Barcelona to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The former Poland international, who only announced his retirement last month after leaving Juventus, is set to undergo a medical this week.

While Szczesny fell short of confirming an agreement is in place with Barca, he indicated he would be open to a swift return to the sport.

Speaking to Spanish outlet SPORT, the goalkeeper said: I have a lot of respect for Barca s history; it is one of the best clubs in the world.

I understand the difficult situation that s arisen after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen s injur…

Cristiano Ronaldo can stamp his mark on Euro 2008 in much the same way that Michel Platini and Zinedane Zidane bestrode the European championships of 1984 and 2000 and Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup.

So believes veteran teammate Nuno Gomes who waxed lyrical about Manchester United s sensational winger at Portugal s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday s opening Group A clash with Turkey in Geneva.

When asked if Ronaldo could match the feats of Platini, ZZ and Maradona the Benfica forward, speaking in English, replied: I hope so and I think so.

I believe he has the quality to be the man of the tournament, I wish he could be that man but he doesn t have to prove himself.

The things he s done have already made him the biggest player of the…