Madrid can win at Camp Nou – Alonso

Barcelona have yet to lose at home in La Liga this season, but Xabi Alonso is confident former club Real Madrid can earn the bragging rights in Saturday s eagerly awaited Clasico showdown.

Luis Enrique s Barca are top of La Liga, 10 points clear of third-placed Madrid, and have dropped just two points at Camp Nou from 15 home league matches this term.

Barca also battered Madrid 4-0 in November s reverse contest and many fancy the hosts to come out on top again on home turf.

However, Alonso who spent five years at the Santiago Bernabeu insists form goes out the window in El Clasico and pointed to Madrid s success at Camp Nou under Jose Mourinho in the 2011-2012  season en route to winning the title with 100 points.

[Madrid] have won a few times in Camp …

Real Madrid sign Illarramendi; Jeremy Helan to Wednesday

Real Madrid C.F. have completed the signing of Spain Under-21 midfielder Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad on a six-year deal after agreeing to meet his release clause of €32,190,000, according to the club s official website, .

Illarramendi, 23, will join fellow new signings Daniel Carvajal, Casemiro and Isco at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu next season.

The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to be the long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso, who continues to be linked with a summer move to Chelsea F.C.

Illarramendi was an important figure at Sociedad last season, propelling the San Sebastián-based club into the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2003/04 season.

It hasn t been an easy decision, said the Spain yo…

Being outspent by the competition? Should Bayern Munich be concerned?

Recently, Robert Lewandowski made waves by openly criticizing Bayern Munich s transfer policy.

It was not the first time the Polish striker has voiced his frustration with the Bavarian titans. At the end of last season, he failed to retain his top scorer s title, and through his ever-outspoken agent, complained about not receiving enough support from his teammates as he was pipped to the prize by former colleague Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

Given that Bayern Munich has a whole bunch of ex-players who act as unofficial ambassadors , or those who are more than happy to share their opinions about the club whether they are even asked or not, one can be certainly assured that the Pole s opinions did not go down well in Bavaria. He predictably was slammed for those comments, a…

Terry offered one-year contract extension

John Terry has been offered a one-year contract extension at Chelsea, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The club captain had looked set to leave Stamford Bridge after 18 years in the first team, announcing in January that his contract would not be renewed.

However, he spoke more recently of his desire to stay and it was revealed at Friday s media conference that the 35-year-old had met with chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia to discuss fresh terms.

The club has finalised its offer and said Terry was considering his options, with a new manager arriving for next season in the shape of Antonio Conte.

Terry has established himself as one of the London outfit s all-time greats, playing an integral role in domestic and European success.

Prediction: Watford vs Manchester United

Prediction: Romelu Lukaku first goalscorer

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Watford get back to Premier League action on Saturday evening as they welcome Jose Mourinho s Manchester United to Vicarage Road.

The Hornets have been in fine form at the start of the 2018/19 campaign but now face one of their toughest tests in the form of the Red Devils.

Watford

It probably would be fair to assume that not many predicted Watford s stunning start to the new season. Javi Gracia has done a fine job and currently has the Hornets flying high in third position in the table. The team have managed to rack up four consecutive victories which includes wins over Brighton Hove Albion, Burnley, Crystal Palace and even an impressive comeback victory against Tottenham Hotspur at W…

Shanghai Shenhua secure Jose Antonio Reyes signature

Jose Antonio Reyes has a distinguished career behind him.

The 34-year-old started his professional career at Sevilla, whereas he also represented Arsenal, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Benfica before returning to his boyhood club in 2012.

After his second stint with the Rojiblancos, Reyes joined Espanyol on a yearlong deal and is currently without a club.

Seeing that the summer transfer window for Europe’s top leagues got closed more than a week ago, Jose Antonio Reyes has decided to try his luck in China. The Chinese football authorities have adopted a new set of financial rules which slowed down the advancing pace of the Chinese football.

Jose Antonio Reyes, however, moves east as a free agent and involves significantly lower costs for the side th…

Lucas Tousart signs new Lyon deal

Lyon have today confirmed that Lucas Tousart has signed a new deal that will keep him at the French club until at least 2023. The 21 year old, who joined Lyon back in 2015, has been linked with a move away for quite some time now, but it appears as if he s committed to spending at least another year or two there. Of course, the deal indicates it ll be five years, but we all know that could change at any given time.

This is certainly a big win for Lyon, though, who have done well to rebuild their reputation as one of the best clubs in the country over the course of the last few years. While they ve still got a long way to go before they re back competing with Paris Saint-Germain on a consistent basis, the right steps are being taken to ensure they can get back to that point some…

Pogba to miss Manchester derby after Arsenal red card

Paul Pogba will be suspended for the Manchester derby after being sent off in Manchester United s Premier League match at Arsenal on Saturday.

United led 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium when Pogba who earlier set up Jesse Lingard brilliantly for his side s third goal lost control of the ball.

Stretching to recover possession, Pogba arrived late to a challenge with Hector Bellerin, the France international coming down hard on the right-back s leg with the studs of his boot.

Referee Andre Marriner took his time to come to a decision but was left with little choice but to show the red card, Pogba being dismissed for the first time in a Premier League match.

74 Red card. Pogba is sent off for a foul on Bellerin.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd)

Neymar backs Tite for Brazil despite World Cup failure

Brazil superstar Neymar has come out in support of Selecao coach Tite and urged him to stay despite their disappointing World Cup.

Tite s side were one of the pre-tournament favourites in Russia, but Belgium eliminated them in the quarter-finals, securing a 2-1 win before eventually taking home the bronze medal.

Brazil just appeared to be hitting their stride when Roberto Martinez s men sent them packing in Kazan, with Neymar – who was roundly criticised for his behaviour on the pitch during the World Cup – seemingly close to his best in the last-16 defeat of Mexico.

Although their campaign ultimately unravelled, Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar had only positive words for the work of Tite, who helped restore a semblance of pride in the national team following…

Sampdoria pounce for Praet

Sampdoria have announced the signing of midfielder Dennis Praet from Anderlecht.

The 22-year-old has completed a switch to Serie A after a reported fee of €10million was agreed between the clubs.

U.C. Sampdoria announces it has acquired outright from R.S.C. Anderlecht the sporting rights of the player Dennis Praet, a club statement confirmed.

Praet is understood to have signed a five-year contract.

The creative midfielder, who has one senior cap for Belgium, has claimed three Belgian Pro League titles since making his Anderlecht debut in 2011.

He could make his debut in Sunday s Serie A clash with Atalanta at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

 Colpo blucerchiato: è un nuovo giocatore della ➡

— U.C. Sampdoria (@sampdoria)