News

On Monday, Columbian pop star Shakira settled with Spanish prosecutors to avoid trial in Barcelona and a possible prison sentence.

In 2012 and 2014, Shakira was charged in Barcelona for her failure to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax. Part of the deal saw her accept the charge and a fine of 50% of the amount she owed – over 7.3 million euros.

In the initial hearing of the trial, she also accepted an additional fine of 438,000 euros to avoid a three-year prison sentence.

Judge Jose Manuel del Amo Sanchez asked Shakira if she acknowledged the facts and agreed with the new penalties, to which she responded affirmatively.

Shakira arrived at the court just before 10 a.m., accompanied by her legal team, dressed in a pink suit with a pink handbag and sunglasses.

Previously, the singer had vowed to contest what she deemed as false accusations. Additionally, she faces another tax fraud investigation with Spanish authorities.

Shakira has reached an agreement with Spanish prosecutors in the tax fraud case that alleged that she failed to pay €14.5 million, or around $15.8 million, in income taxes between 2012 and 2014. The trial was scheduled to begin in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday but concluded with the musician receiving a three-year suspended sentence and a fine of €7 million.

“Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others. That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel,...

Berlin, Aug 27 (Ians) Bayer Leverkusen snatched its second straight win in Germany’s top-flight after easing 3-0 past uninspired Borussia Monchengladbach thanks to the brace from new arrival Victor Boniface.

The “Werkself” took the reins from the starting whistle and didn’t need long to create the first clear-cut opportunity as Boniface’s shot from a promising position got blocked in the ninth minute, reports Xinhua.

Boniface posed a lot of threat and broke the deadlock in the 18th minute after nodding home Alejandro Grimaldo’s lay-up from very close range.

The hosts couldn’t keep Leverkusen at bay as Xabi Alonso’s men doubled their advantage before halftime through Jonathan Tah, who volleyed home following Jonas Hofmann’s good build-up work.

The “Foals” came out with their guns blazing after the restart but neither Marvin Friedrich nor Tomas Cvancara reduced the arrears.

Leverkusen punished Monchengladbach’s wastefulness and made...

Berlin (Germany), Aug 20 (Ians) Bayer Leverkusen staged a powerful performance and smoothed the win with two first-half goals, upsetting Leipzig 3-2 in the first round of the Bundesliga.

Both sides traded attacks from the starting whistle on Saturday night as Benjamin Henrichs’ unleashed a hammer to test Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in the early stages before the Werkself opened the scoring through Jeremie Frimpong who benefitted on Victor Boniface’s cutback pass in the 24th minute.

Leverkusen gained momentum and doubled its advantage 11 minutes later when Jonas Hofmann’s pinpoint corner kick allowed Jonathan Tah to nod home the 2-0 lead from a central position.

Leipzig eventually halved the deficit out of the blue in the 39th minute after Dani Olmo headed home David Raum’s corner at the near post to stun Leverkusen before the break, reports Xinhua.

Leverkusen assumed control again after the restart as Hofmann passed into the path of Florian Wirtz,...

Berlin, April 24 (Ians) Leipzig slipped out of the Bundesliga’s top four as goals from Adam Hlozek and Nadiem Amiri secured Bayer Leverkusen a 2-0 victory in the 29th round.

The Red Bulls assumed control from the start and staged a lively opening period as Kevin Kampl and Josko Gvardiol came close in quick succession, reports Xinhua news agency.

Leipzig dominated possession and attempted some long-range efforts, while Leverkusen defended deep and looked for counterattack opportunities.

The Werkself posed more danger in front of Leipzig’s area as Piero Hincapie’s header rattled the woodwork at the half-hour mark.

Leverkusen eventually scored the opener with 40 minutes gone when Moussa Diaby’s cutback pass allowed Hlozek to finish the job following a fast break.

Leipzig increased the pressure after the restart, but Christopher Nkunku pulled wide from a promising position in the 62nd minute, and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky palmed away Timo Werner...

Berlin, Jan 30 (Ians) Borussia Dortmund secured its third consecutive win after taking a 2-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final match of the 18th round, also ending Bayer Leverkusen’s five-game winning run.

The Werkself assumed control from the kick-off and came close in the early stages, as Nadiem Amiri rattled the side net in the sixth minute before Moussa Diaby forced Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into action ten minutes later, reports Xinhua news agency.

Dortmund needed some time but opened the scoring with 33 minutes gone as Julian Brandt’s cutback pass found Karim Adeyemi, who marked his first-ever Bundesliga goal from the central position of the box.

The ‘Bvb’ defended well with their narrow lead behind and kept the offensively minded hosts at bay for the remainder of the first half.

Leverkusen took the reins again but couldn’t restore parity after the restart, as Kobel was...

Berlin, Jan 30 (Ians) Borussia Dortmund secured its third consecutive win after taking a 2-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final match of the 18th round, also ending Bayer Leverkusen’s five-game winning run.

The Werkself assumed control from the kick-off and came close in the early stages, as Nadiem Amiri rattled the side net in the sixth minute before Moussa Diaby forced Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into action ten minutes later, reports Xinhua news agency.

Dortmund needed some time but opened the scoring with 33 minutes gone as Julian Brandt’s cutback pass found Karim Adeyemi, who marked his first-ever Bundesliga goal from the central position of the box.

The ‘Bvb’ defended well with their narrow lead behind and kept the offensively minded hosts at bay for the remainder of the first half.

Leverkusen took the reins again but couldn’t restore parity after the restart, as Kobel was...

Madrid, Oct 25 (Ians) Fc Barcelona have a vital UEFA Champions League game at home against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Barca are in third place in Group C, three points behind Inter Milan, but if Inter win their home match against Viktoria Plzen in a game that kicks off two hours before Barca’s game at the Camp Nou, Barca can’t finish second, having lost 1-0 in Milan before drawing 3-3 at home against Inter a fortnight ago.

That means that, for the moment, they have to prepare for Wednesday’s match as if there is everything to play for, but when the game begins, all that could be at stake is a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

“There is a minimum amount of hope,” commented Barca midfielder Pedri in Spanish sports paper Marca.

Barcelona go into the match after 3-0 and 4-0 home wins against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao,...

Paris, Oct 13 (Ians) Mehdi Taremi’s second-half brace paved the way for Porto’s 3-0 away victory over Bayer Leverkusen in UEFA Champions League Group B.

Bayern Munich, Club Brugge and Napoli secured last-16 spots on a night of high drama in Europe on Wednesday night that brought the fastest-ever Champions League hat-trick courtesy of Mohamed Salah. They joined Manchester City and Real Madrid who have also made it to the last 16.

Salah was at his devastating best as former champions Liverpool continued to prosper as they thrashed Rangers 7-1 in a Group A encounter. In other matches on Wednesday night, Napoli overcame Ajaz 4-2 in another Group A match; French club Marseille defeated Sporting Lisbon 2-0, Tottenham Hotspur overcame Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 and Bayern Munich defeated Viktoria 4-2.

Porto made a fairy-tale start on the road and stunned Leverkusen with the opener in the sixth minute as Galeno finished...

Berlin, Oct 9 (Ians) Bayern Munich wasted a two-goal lead after Anthony Modeste’s last-gasp equaliser snatched a two-all draw on home soil in the ninth round of Bundesliga on Saturday.

Both sides staged a rough first half with many fouls which disrupted the flow of the game hence goalscoring opportunities were at a premium.

The spectators had to wait until the half-hour mark to witness the first chances of the game as Raphael Guerreiro’s dangerous shot forced Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into action.

Bayern however opened the scoring out of the blue moments later, as Jamal Musiala had all time and space to tee up for Leon Goretzka, who beat custodian Alexander Meyer with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner, reports Xinhua. Dortmund had the chance to make it 1-1 in the 36th minute but Donyell Malen couldn’t beat Neuer in a one-on-one.

Berlin (Germany), Oct 6 (Ians) The man Bayer Leverkusen will present this on Thursday afternoon as their new coach has won most of football’s titles as a player.

World Cup winner in 2010, European champion in 2008 and 2012, Champions League winner in 2005 and 2014, taking national titles in Germany and Spain aside from several other silverware and awards; there is no doubt Xabi Alonso was one of football’s greatest.

His acquired reputation as a genius midfield strategist might have helped the 40-year-old Spaniard draw the attention of Leverkusen’s officials and end up with a contract until 2024.

The decision to sack Gerardo Seoane and replace the 43-year-old Swiss with a coaching newcomer might at first glance appear risky.

With Seoane having failed to continuously improve the Bayer team’s mental robustness, it is Alonso’s most pressing challenge to create a change in the players’ mindset.

The Swiss, like many of his predecessors at Leverkusen,...

Berlin (Germany), Oct 6 (Ians) The man Bayer Leverkusen will present this on Thursday afternoon as their new coach has won most of football’s titles as a player.

World Cup winner in 2010, European champion in 2008 and 2012, Champions League winner in 2005 and 2014, taking national titles in Germany and Spain aside from several other silverware and awards; there is no doubt Xabi Alonso was one of football’s greatest.

His acquired reputation as a genius midfield strategist might have helped the 40-year-old Spaniard draw the attention of Leverkusen’s officials and end up with a contract until 2024.

The decision to sack Gerardo Seoane and replace the 43-year-old Swiss with a coaching newcomer might at first glance appear risky.

With Seoane having failed to continuously improve the Bayer team’s mental robustness, it is Alonso’s most pressing challenge to create a change in the players’ mindset.

The Swiss, like many of his predecessors at Leverkusen,...

Cannes — Summer 2018 will mark the return of the world’s most popular sporting event the World Cup, and along with it, HBO’s latest entry into its quadrennial cup-themed “Destino” series. After “Destino Sudáfrica” in 2010, and “Destino Brasil” in 2014, in their first collaboration and HBO España this week launched the third edition of the series, “Destino Rusia 2018.”

Each episode contains short, detailed profiles of HBO Latin Americaa team or individual who is likely to make an impact on the upcoming tournament. Past installments have followed some of the world’s best and most popular players such as Brazil’s Neymar, Italy’s Pirlo and Spain’s Xabi Alonso.

This year’s first episode featured spots on the Spanish national team with interviews from Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata, Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcántara, Real Madrid’s Isco and Atlético de Madrid’s Koke, as well as a stand-alone feature on Colombia and Villarreal striker Carlos Bacca.

[[tmz:video id="0_zky42nfr"]] More freakish displays of athleticism from Odell Beckham Jr.  The NY Giants superstar visited Fc Bayern Munich practice in Germany Friday morning ... and put his impressive soccer skills on display with stars Xabi Alonso and David Alaba. Obj played soccer as a kid ... and was so good, he claims he could've gone pro if he didn't give up the game to pursue other sports.  He chose wisely ... but it makes you wonder, "What If ...???"  Read...

Jon Buckle/Empics Sport

The Allianz Arena is a nest filled to bursting with talent as Bayern Munich continue to rule the Bundesliga with an iron fist. They may have been somewhat overshadowed by Barcelona last season, but you can never count out the German champions.

A huge reason behind their success is possessing an immense squad. If one player goes down, an impeccable replacement is usually fit and raring to step in. Bayern can rotate their entire team and still crush opponents at the highest level, while Pep Guardiola has proven his willingness to deploy mind-boggling team selections – to varying effect.

His bold move to attack, attack, attack against Barca in last season’s Champion’s League Semi-final proved costly, but that didn’t shake the Spanish maestro who lined up against Bayer Leverkusen with Zero centre backs in the starting XI. They went with a bizarre 3-3-...

EA Sports

With EA Sports’ latest instalment of the FIFA franchise just around the corner, there are many questions to be answered. Will there finally be changes made to career mode? Will price ranges be scrapped? Who will be the most overpowered team to use online?

In terms of in-game stats, there are a selection of attributes players are inevitably drawn to when a new FIFA comes out. Players can make a name for themselves by simply having ridiculous strength, pace or long shots – just ask Adebayo Akinfenwa, Mathis Bolly or Geovanni for the more old school Ultimate Team players.

Aside from the above, one stat that always crops up in discussion is free kick accuracy. Though some of the world’s greatest dead-ball specialists are obvious to a majority of football fans, there is nothing more joyous than discovering an unbelievable free kick taker whilst using a team you...

Antonio Calanni/AP/Press Association Images

There aren’t many players like Arturo Vidal.

Essentially, he covers the space from one 18-yard box to the other and whether it’s passing, tackling or shooting he can do everything. Vidal does it all. He can be detonated at any point during the 90 minutes and the effect is outrageous. Like a midfield powered-up Pac-Man he glides through midfield spaces, challenges for every loose ball and starts frequent fast-paced counter attacks. If you thought Bayern Munich had bought themselves a £26 million Bastian Schweinsteiger like-for-like replacement then you thought wrong…

Schweinsteiger was a man of leisure; he masterfully conducted Bayern’s midfield from the half way line, something he has done effortlessly throughout his career. Vidal doesn’t possess the same carefully aged skill-set but rather acts as a midfield hype man bouncing around the centre circle like a wound up racing duck toy.

Paulo Duarte/AP/Press Association Images

You could say that it’s about time Arda Turan got his big break but that would be unfair on Atletico Madrid. The Turkish international made 127 appearances for the Rojiblancos and his trophy cabinet isn’t exactly bare. More importantly, during his four years in the Spanish capital he received a priceless education from Diego Simeone that made his application to the Barcelona-school-of-midfield-brilliance stand out above the rest.

Turan has developed from a fine playmaker into a world beater and one now deserving of playing at football’s highest level. His dribbling, pressing, energy and vision has been so finely tuned by Simeone that he will seamlessly slot into Luis Enrique’s like-minded midfield.

The 28-year-old’s versatility across the midfield offers Enrique a number of options. Barcelona’s 4-3-3 currently plays to the strengths of their deadly front three strikers, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Adam Davy/Pa Archive

When it comes to transfer business, Liverpool have had a mixed time of things throughout their history. There have been times when they’ve captured a top quality player at a fantastic price, but equally there have been occasions when they’ve spent horribly over the odds on a player simply nowhere near the level required.

The likes of Sami Hyypia, Xabi Alonso and Didi Hamann all proved to be fantastic bargain buys, and went on to become club legends, Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres more than justified their hefty price tags while Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing were complete failures, with all due respect.

There are also those players who the Reds have missed out on down the years. There are numerous stars who have been agonisingly close to completing a move to Anfield, only for things not to materialise. They have then gone on...

Andres Kudacki/AP

There have some unbelievable players to grace the Beautiful Game throughout history. Whether it be Pele, Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo Di Stefano in the 1950s, Diego Maradona in the 1980s or, in the last 20 years, the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, we have been treated to witnessing some true footballing genius.

Fast forward to the present day, and football is as big as ever. We are in a position where we can track the progress of any player throughout Europe, with the likes of the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A all available to watch anywhere in the world week in, week out. This perhaps give us a more valid opinion on who the greatest players on the planet are these days, in comparison to 30 or 40 years ago.

Selecting a top 10 is not easy, but what is obvious is that it has to...

Peter Byrne/Pa Archive

If there is one thing that cannot be denied it’s that Liverpool have spent a huge amount of money on players over the years, particularly in the last decade or so.

In that time, we have seen the likes of Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Jordan Henderson and Luis Suarez make big-money moves to Merseyside and justify the price tag. On the flip side, there are those who cost Liverpool a small fortune and simply never came close to repaying the huge faith shown in them.

This list looks at the worst offenders in Reds history- there are a fair few to choose from, sadly- outlining just how little they achieved in relation to the crazy sums of money they had left their previous clubs for.

Here are the 10 Most Expensive Transfer Flops In Liverpool History……..

The post 10 Most Expensive Transfer Flops In Liverpool History appeared first on WhatCulture!

Dusan Vranic/AP/Press Association Images

There have been so many incoming transfers passing through Melwood in the last 15 years that Liverpool supporters must have been straining their brains trying to keep up with the latest personnel. With a revolving door system of managers in the last few years, there has been not an iota of stability within the club, and ultimately, there have been numerous transfers as a result. Of course, Rafael Benitez had much to answer for as well, what with his penchant for dipping his beak into the transfer market every twenty minutes.

As a result, this means that while the Kop has been privy to some world-class players, such as Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, there have been an awful lot of sub-standard players within the pile. Whether they were once shining lights whose sparks have since fizzled, or simply youth players who never realised their potential,...

We are slowly edging towards the 26th September release date for FIFA 15, as excitement levels increase by the day at the thought of getting our hands on the annual phenomenon. One of the most eagerly-anticipated aspects of the game is the player ratings. Which new signings will take the game by storm? Which players have improved or dipped since the previous year’s game?

For Liverpool fans, the release of FIFA 2015 will surely represent the best Reds side we have seen on the game for many years. Sure, the class of 2009, including Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres in their prime was a great side, but it still probably wasn’t quite on a par with the current crop. Certainly not in terms of attacking brilliance anyway.

Their second-place finish in last season’s Premier League was a phenomenal achievement, and there were a number of outstanding performers in Brendan Rodgers’ team.

Peter Byrne/Pa Archive/Press Association Images

Liverpool can be a glorious place to ply one’s trade as a footballer. Drenched in sweat, and with the hamstrings starting to tighten, it is the renditions of solitude from the ever-loyal crowd that can see any player through to the final whistle. Whether the Reds are romping home by a comfortable margin, playing out a drab and uninspiring goal-less draw, or being humiliatingly plucked off by the opposition at will, the crowd never stop their vocal duty to their club.

With Liverpool starved of success in recent years, perhaps it is the fortress of Anfield that attracts so many of Europe’s brightest young talents, and allows them to flourish in the Premier League. However, for every world-class talent who owes their formative years to the Reds (step forward Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez), there are always...

Peter Byrne/Pa Wire/Press Association Images

It’s all change at Anfield as the summer transfer window opens, Brendan Rodgers sticks his head out of it and has a good whiff of the potential that’s out there. Which is to say, Liverpool are already in the thick of buying and selling members of its squad, having snapped up Southampton captain Adam Lallana for a cool £25 million yesterday, with rumours that the young trio of Suso, Samed Yesil and Luis Alberto are to be permanently shed from the roster over the coming weeks. And the ongoing saga of Luis Suarez which looks set to end his dramatic and thrilling time at Anfield.

Players leave a team for any number of reasons, but in the age of super star agents, bidding wars and tabloid hearsay thrown into the mix, the decision increasing lies not with managers, boardroom members or coaches,...

Spain's players still are the reigning World and European soccer champions, but, according to the web, they're chumps. Photos Hollywood's Biggest Soccer Fans Shortly after Spain's surprise 2-0 defeat by Chile in its second match of the 2014 World Cup — a loss that means Spain is out of the tournament no matter what its result against Australia on Monday — fans took to the Internet to gloat. Photos World Cup 2014: The 32 Biggest Global Stars The team of superstars, which includes Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas, were depicted as video game losers, tourists heading

read more...

Matthias Schrader/AP/Press Association Images

With the World Cup underway, the world’s best talents are on show to impress potential suitors. Real Madrid, having just been crowned Champions of Europe, are looking to add quality not quantity in this summer’s transfer window. Every world-class player imaginable is being linked with Ancelotti’s Madrid but there are seven who are on the cusp of becoming an iconic galactico.

Galacticos are expensive, world-class footballers. Purchasing such players was a policy introduced during Florentino Perez’s first presidency which states that they have to buy at least one per season. Wales’ own Gareth Bale is the most recent example from 2013, along with Isco and Illaramendi.

With Illaramendi under-performing, Xabi Alonso beginning to age and Khedira rumoured to leave, Madrid will be looking for a midfielder who can bring movement and excitement into the middle of the park.

Not only this,...

copyright Andrew Orchard

Manchester United are set to battle Premier League rivals Chelsea for the services of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, according to the Daily Star.

Veteran Alonso, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season and United manager David Moyes is keen to add some steel to his midfield.

The Red Devils are interested in the former Liverpool man, but Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out his sale in January, believing he has an important role to play for Los Blancos this season.

Speaking to Mediaset, Ancelotti said of Alonso:

“Xabi is a vital player for Madrid now that he’s recovered from injury. There are only two players like him in Europe. One is Pirlo and the other is Xabi.”

Alonso has also attracted interest from the continent, with reports claiming Juventus are interested, with Andrea Pirlo heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Media Image Ltd

The summer transfer window was one of great disappointment for many United fans. July began with them favourites to land Barcelona’s much-coveted Thiago Alcantara, whose subsequent move to Bayern Munich’s midfield oligopoly was merely an indication of what was to follow.

After a lengthy silence, Cesc Fábregas emerged from his summer holiday to rubbish claims that he had been in talks with the Manchester club, and proceeded to declare his love affair with the Catalan giants very much ongoing.

Rumours of Luka Modrić angling for a way out of Madrid were quickly quashed following Xabi Alonso’s broken foot, and, mysterious lawyers aside, a move for Bilbao’s Ander Herrera never came close to materialising.

Through all of the miscommunication, rumours and confusion one thing was clear – Moyes was determined to add a creative spark to aid the oft overworked Michael Carrick in the deeper parts of the pitch,...

Media Image Ltd

Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey scored as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with a win over closest rivals Liverpool.

Who impressed us in the WhatCulture office? Here are our player ratings.

Arsenal

Wojciech Szczesny: Had little to do, but came off his line smartly several times. 7/10

Bacary Sagna: Booked on 250th appearance for bringing down Suarez when Liverpool broke, but part of a solid back four that is keeping clean sheets. Had a hand in Cazorla’s opener. 7/10

Per Mertesacker: Nobody managed to exploit the giant German’s lack of pace. Partnership with Koscielny is so impressive. 7/10

Laurent Koscielny: Went in tight on Suarez and the best defender on the night. Blocked crosses. 7/10

Kieran Gibbs: Had a deflected shot go behind. Picked up an injury in second half. Subbed. 6/10

Aaron Ramsey: Now in double figures for goals this season.

Date: Wednesday, October 2 Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Kick-Off: 19:45

Can Real Madrid seize control of Group B of the Champions League with victory over Fc Copenhagen?

Team News

Real Madrid will be without record-signing Gareth Bale for the visit of Fc Copenhagen to the Santiago Bernabeu for Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter.

The Wales international has aggravated an injury to his thigh and will miss out.

Xabi Alonso will join Bale on the sidelines, with the Spain international still recovering from a broken nose.

Defender Raphael Varane is back in contention however having returned from surgery on his knee.

Copenhagen have concerns over the fitness of Olof Mellberg after the veteran defender was forced out of last weekend’s game against Bronby with concussion.

However, goalkeeper Johan Willand (arm) and Nicolai Jorgensen (groin) both returned to action in that game and should be fit.

(Eurosport)

Key Stats

This game marks...

First of all, I want to point out that I am no football guru – just another avid obsessor over the beautiful game. However, I feel that I need to address 4 particular (and often ridiculous) misconceptions about football that all too often we read in the papers, on the comments sections of reputable football sites or that we hear in the pub.

Let the countdown commence…

4. Formations Depend On The Players Available

This is something that has cropped up in many a misguided tactical discussion since Guardiola’s now-legendary Barcelona side beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League 2009, and intensified in some quarters since Manchester City appointed Txiki Begiristain as director of football. The basic idea is that if a team plays 4-3-3 ‘like Barcelona’ (they only kind of do themselves) then the quality of attacking football would improve. Of course, these tacticians would also posit the limitations of...

I really hate the transfer window now I’m that little bit older and that little bit wiser. When I left primary school and really started to take football seriously I absolutely loved the transfer window, all the excitement and the possibility of fresh faces. As I entered secondary school, Rafa was just taking over at Anfield and a brilliant period of Liverpool history was about to follow. That summer is when I really caught the bug. Reading my paper like a proper grown up. Scanning the back pages for Liverpool’s latest transfer activity. That year, it was Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia who really caught the eye and excited me the most. I didn’t know anything about them, they just sounded like good players who could help Liverpool.

Despite the excitement, there was perhaps one piece of business that really should have warned me about the dangers...

Both have different managers, both have spent vast sums of money on players, but how will the signings that these two illustrious clubs change the way their sides line up come the opening day of the season?

Barcelona have so far just purchased the one player. This player however is most certainly a household name, this being the Brazilian wonderkid Neymar, whom they bought from Santos. It is thought that Neymar will play in his favoured left forward role in the Barcelona 433 system, playing this role for Barcelona means tucking in from the touchline and making incisive runs between full back and centre back to latch on to through balls from Messi, Iniesta and Xavi. Whilst this signing is certainly an excellent acquisition for Barcelona it is thought that this will not alter the way the team play, due to the fact that Neymar is essentially replacing David Villa, who has recently joined Athletico Madrid.

According to Marca, Real Madrid will complete the signing of Malaga youngster Isco in a deal believed to be worth €24 million.

The Spanish playmaker had been linked with a move to Manchester City all summer but the player has snubbed a move to the Premier League and former manager Manuel Pellegrini to join the Bernabeu giants.

Real Madrid will pay Malaga €24 million plus €3 million depending on the 21-year-old’s performances as well as Madrid’s trophy wins and Isco’s International appearances.

Isco’s release clause of €35-million was reduced in order for the two La Liga teams to secure a deal over the transfer. Malaga were reportedly interested in dropping the fee for the speedy Spaniard as long as Madrid added either Jose Callejon, Jese or Morata to the deal, but the 2012/13 La Liga runners-up were reluctant to let any of the players leave the club and a financial...

According to The Daily Telegraph, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has targeted Real Madrid midfielder, Xabi Alonso for a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho, who holds his first press conference as returning Chelsea boss today, is eyeing his former creative midfielder as the man who could be the key to unlocking more goals out of his forwards.

The 31-year-old former Liverpool midfielder was part of Jose’s 2011/12 La Liga winning Real Madrid side and now Mourinho has left the Spanish giants, he intends to bring the Spaniard with him. Alonso has just one-year left on his current deal and has reportedly not responded to a contract extension at the Bernabeu.

Alonso joined Madrid from Liverpool for a fee of £30 million back in August 2009 and whilst the fee to leave Madrid will likely be lower, it is unclear just how much Chelsea are prepared to offer for the player.

Alonso was...

Football is one of the most glorious forms of entertainment, and the drama that accompanies the sport has made it a hugely profitable international commodity.

The UEFA European Under-21 Championship will provide the football lover with a chance to witness some of the best young players in the world. With the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal & Tottenham Hotspur all in the market for bright, young talent, many of these youngsters are auditioning for big money moves.

This piece will focus on the prodigies of the beautiful game, the players that make you sit up, wipe the pizza crumbs of your t-shirt, and take notice. Unashamedly, I have focused on players who have the skill to excite, the ability to exhilarate, thus, perhaps it should come as no surprise that showboaters and speed merchants are heavily represented here.

Ian Holloway once suggested he was the unluckiest man...

On 71 minutes, with his team 2-1 down to West Ham, Wayne Rooney was removed from the action for 39-year-old Ryan Giggs. The English striker had flitted in and out of the game, playing some nice passes and linking up the play without every offering a threat on goal. Once again Alex Ferguson decided Rooney was not the man to save Manchester United, and Rooney’s season looks set to peter out.

Rumours of a transfer persist, with a move to Paris St Germain once again occupying space in the tabloids this week. According to The Guardian, former Psg director Michel Moulin said: “I announce to you from trusted sources: Rooney to Psg is done. He will be there next season.” Psg coach Carlo Ancelloti told reporters that it would be impossible to sign Rooney because United would not sell, however recent weeks have shown that the ex-Everton forward is no...

Venue: Türk Telekom Arena Date: Tuesday, 9th April K/o: 7:45 GMT Team News

If Galatasaray faced a mountain to climb in overturning a 3-0 deficit in the second leg of tonight’s Champions League quarter final, their mission has been made all the more difficult by the suspension to leading goalscorer Burak Yilmaz.

The Turk will miss out tonight having picked up a yellow card in the first leg, while centre-back Dany Nounkeu is similarly unavailable.

Left-back Albert Riera and vice-captain and attacking midfielder Selcuk Inan do however return to the fold having been rested for the 3-1 victory over Mersin Iy at the weekend.

Real Madrid will have to make do without suspended duo Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso, who will be replaced by Raphael Varane and Luka Modric respectively.

Iker Casillas has returned from injury but the goalkeeper looks set to miss out to Diego Lopez, who...

Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Date: Wednesday, 3rd April K/o: 19:45 Team News

Real Madrid are set to had recalls to Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Galatasaray after the trio were rested at the weekend.

Raphael Varane and Fabio Coentrao are also pushing for a return to Jose Mourinho’s starting XI, but goalkeeper Iker Casillas will again miss out in spite of having recovered from a hand injury.

Diego Lopez will continue to deputise in goal.

Galatasaray will be hoping Burak Yilmaz can continue his mean run of form tonight and the joint highest scorer in this season’s competition is set to partner former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba up front.

Johan Elmander has travelled to the Spanish capital as the former Bolton Wanderers striker steps up his recovery from a foot injury.

Former Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder...

Right now there’s a lot of talk about Xabi Alonso and the possibility of him returning to Anfield. The word on the street is that he’s not interested in signing a contract extension with Real Madrid. An exit seems likely and given that Liverpool fans love him to pieces and his proficient Spanish style would seemingly fit in very well with Rodgers’ philosophies, perhaps a move back to Liverpool would be very wise for all involved. But although my instant, passionate reaction is one of hope that this isn’t just paper talk and he’ll be a Red once more next season… when I slow down a little and really think about it, some doubts begin to rise. I thought I’d explore them here.

Let’s start with the positives. He’s a quality player. More than that, for those who care, who’s also Premiership proven.

Liverpool want to hand Steven Gerrard a new two-year deal and reunite him with former midfield team-mate Xabi Alonso, according to the Mirror.

The England captain only has one more season remaining on his current £130,000-per-week contract, and turns 33 in May, but Brendan Rodgers believes he can emulate Ryan Giggs by playing at the top level for a few more years.

And the Northern Irishman also wants to reunite him in midfield with Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso, who left Anfield for the Spanish giants back in 2009.

Many believe the Reds failed to replace the Spaniard, who is valued at £8.5 million, and pinpoint the club’s recent decline over the last four years to his departure. Liverpool are understood to have been looking into the possibility of resigning him ever since they learned contract talks between the 31-year old and Real Madrid had stalled.

They are believed to have made...

Tonight sees round two of what is arguably the most glamorous tie in world football. European heavyweights, Manchester United and Real Madrid lock horns once more in what is a showdown of epic proportions. With the tie perfectly poised at 1-1 from the first leg, Real Madrid head to Old Trafford knowing they have to score to stand any chance of gaining a place in the Champions League Quarter Final. That being said, Manchester United will have to bring their A game if they are to quash Madrid’s all too potent attacking force and qualify for the next round. All in all we are in for an absolute treat.

The first leg at the Bernabeu yielded an entertaining game to say the least; both sides were tremendous going forward and even better with their defending. In a game in which everybody, myself included, looked towards the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo,...

Jose Mourinho has described tonight’s encounter as the match ‘the world will stop to watch’ and with the tie delicately poised at 1-1 from the first leg, few will argue with the Madrid Boss. The Special One has an enviable wealth of talent at his disposal in his squad and, as is to be expected, all the pre-game talk has been about how Manchester United can Stop Cristiano Ronaldo and how they will have to in order to progress to the quarter finals.

There is no doubt that Ronaldo will have a say in how the match pans out, its hard to remember a game in which he hasn’t, but I think there is more to Real Madrid than the Portugal Captain and in fact the key to keeping Real Madrid quiet is to keep Xabi Alonso quiet. The former Liverpool favourite has been in sensational form again...

Date: Saturday, 2nd March Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Team News

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is expected to rest the majority of his star-studded side for this La Liga clash with Barcelona as he prepares for next Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 away encounter with Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Fabio Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil are all unlikely to start, while Kaka could make only his eleventh appearance in the league this season.

Barcelona are expected to rest Xavi and Cesc Fabregas, who have hamstring complaints, though Lionel Messi should start having recovered from a fever that kept him out of training on Wednesday.

Stand-in manager Jordi Roura otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Match Preview

The doom mongers were out in full force this week as Barcelona suffered their second defeat in six days against arch-rivals Real...

Around this time in the season, it seems to have become tradition for football fans to begin pondering another disappointing campaign at Anfield. This week is the perfect time for that, as Brendan Rodgers looks over the tapes of a 2-0 humbling at home to West Brom, who swiftly leapfrogged Liverpool into 8th place. It was a game where Liverpool didn’t exactly play badly, but a missed penalty from Steven Gerrard was as much a symbol of frustration on the night as the two late goals conceded.

For whatever reason, Liverpool seem destined for a mid-table finish, despite fan aspirations at the start of the season.

It’s a frustration heightened by the club’s recent spending, which could rival anybody in the top flight. That has been funded partly by outgoing deals, and in most cases those top players who have left, have gone on to bigger and...

Update: The line-ups have been officially announced;

Real Madrid

41 Diego Lopez

02 Varane

04 Ramos

05 Coentrao

17 Arbeloa

06 Khedira

07 Ronaldo

10 Ozil

14 Alonso

22 Di Maria

09 Benzema

Substitutes

13 Adan

03 Pepe

11 Carvalho

08 Kaka

15 Essien

19 Modric

20 Higuain

Manchester United

01 De Gea

02 Rafael

03 Evra

04 Jones

05 Ferdinand

06 Evans

16 Carrick

26 Kagawa

10 Rooney

19 Welbeck

20 Van Persie

Substitutes

13 Lindegaard

12 Smalling

07 Valencia

08 Anderson

11 Giggs

23 Cleverley

14 Hernandez

The Champions elect of England take on the Champions of Spain tonight as Real Madrid host Manchester United in the first round of the knockout stages in this season’s Champions League. The first leg at the Bernabeu kicks-off at 7.45pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports 2 in the UK.

Here’s the team news ahead of tonight’s game;

Manchester United’s veteran midfielder Paul Scholes misses tonight’s game with a knee injury. The 38-year-old former two time Champions League winner with the Red Devils has not played since the Fa Cup third...

The world is waiting. Manchester United will face Real Madrid on Wednesday night at the Bernabeu, and some of the best players in the world will be on show, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie seen as the key men for each team.

Manchester United are currently sitting top of the English Premier League, 12 points clear of close rivals and current champions Manchester City, whilst the Spanish giants are sitting third, 16 points adrift of Barcelona. League form and statistics are crucial in analysing games, but when it’s a European clash like this anything can happen.

With players such as Wayne Rooney, Karim Benzema, Antonio Valencia, Xabi Alonso, Michael Carrick, Angel Di Maria, Nemanji Vidic, and Sergio Ramos all set to be included in some way, the game is going to deliver something special.

The last time these two teams met in a competitive fixture was back in 2003 where...

As the clock counts down to arguably the biggest game of the football year so far, especially for Manchester United fans, speculation is mounting over who we will see taking to the pitch for United’s Champions League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid. The size of the game isn’t up for debate – this is probably the biggest Champions League game of the season, aside from the final, and for neutral fans it is a shame the two didn’t meet at that slightly grander stage.

And that team news speculation has already started, with Spanish newspaper Marca claiming (via MailOnline) that they have the team that Mourinho will send out at the Bernabeu to take on Manchester United on Wednesday night.

It’s hardly a surprise to see that Cristiano Ronaldo would lead the attacking line in this line-up, as the Portuguese former United player is in...

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he doesn’t know what the future holds for his Real Madrid career.

The Spanish giants have failed to offer the 31-year-old a contract extension on his contract that expires in 18 months time. According to The Daily Mail, he has told reporters in Spain: “There is always a chance I could go back to the Premier League”.

Some Liverpool fans might have hoped Alonso, who spent five years at Anfield before returning to his homeland in 2009, could return to former club Liverpool, but with the age, price and wage of the midfielder, that could be unlikely to happen. Although the player himself has admitted he’d love to return to Liverpool, and would probably favour a move to Anfield, Chelsea seem much more likely suitors.

Why? They’d pay the fee and the wage no problem. They could also offer Champions League football...