Latest news with #Galacticos
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSG embarrasses Real Madrid in one-sided Club World Cup semifinal, confirms its supremacy
Real Madrid was no match for Paris Saint-Germain, the undisputed best team in the world. PSG will meet Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of soccer, the most popular sports team in the world, with wealth and aura in epic proportions. It is Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., and two dozen others who comprise the most valuable squad in the sport. And yet, on a boiling Wednesday afternoon here at MetLife Stadium, it melted like cheap butter under the searing pressure of Paris Saint-Germain. This, the second Club World Cup semifinal, was supposed to be a clash of giants. It quickly turned into a bludgeoning. Advertisement Real Madrid was sleepy and sloppy. PSG was ruthless, and smashed the so-called kings of Europe, 4-0. The Parisians could've scored twice in the first five minutes. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied them, but only delayed the inevitable. Fabian Ruiz scored in the sixth minute. Ousmane Dembélé pounced on a mistake in the ninth. Ruiz scored again in the 24th, and some of the 80,000 Real Madrid fans in attendance got out of their seats and sulked toward the concourse. They had filled MetLife Stadium to the brim. They were buoyed by the return of Mbappé, who started his first game of this Club World Cup at the tip of a star-studded attack — and against his former club. Advertisement But Los Blancos were outrun and overrun by the reigning champions of Europe, by the team that recently stole their crown. They were pinned back into their own defensive half, pulled side to side, and punished for their lack of focus and intensity — punished by the undisputed best team in the world. Ruiz tore them to shreds, sneaking toward and into the penalty area. He nearly curled a fourth-minute shot past Courtois, before Real Madrid had even woken from its siesta. Twenty-five seconds later, Hakimi crossed to Dembélé, and only a sprawling Courtois kept PSG at bay. But not for long. A minute after that, Désiré Doué danced down the right. His cross was cut out; but then Raúl Asencio spaced out. Dembélé nicked the ball off Asencio, evaded Courtois, and Ruiz scored easily. The left side of Madrid's defense couldn't come to grips with the fluid four-man combinations of Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Doué and Dembélé. Asencio and Fran Garcia were overwhelmed, and looked out of their depth. They told of an unbalanced squad, headlined by Galacticos but filled in with relatively average role players. Advertisement That unbalanced squad ran into a thoroughly brilliant one, an optimized machine. PSG's possession was equal parts commanding and dynamic. Its pressing, as always, was aggressive, coordinated and relentless. It was led by Dembélé, who returned from his injury and jumped Antonio Rüdiger, the aging center back who was once so crucial to Real's dominance. Here, in the ninth minute, Rüdiger was culpable. He accidentally and clumsily tapped a ball with his plant foot. And Dembélé said goodnight. All three first-half goals came from the PSG right — or the Madrid left. The third was the prettiest — but also the most damning. It was essentially five passes — Hakimi to Doué, Doué to Hakimi, Hakimi to Dembélé, Dembélé to Hakimi, Hakimi to Ruiz — that took the Parisians from back to front, then into the box. They met hardly any resistance. It looked like a counterattack; but no, it was just Real Madrid's openness. Advertisement PSG's dominance wasn't confined to one side of the field, though. Nuno Mendes, the do-everything left back, was everywhere. He was bombing down the wing, bamboozling Real Madrid by inverting into the half-space, and even chasing down Vinicius Jr. when the Real Madrid star looked to be in on goal in the first half. Like against Inter Miami in the Round of 16, PSG was so far and away the better team that it downshifted in the second half. Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia exited. Those who stayed in the game seemed to be saving their legs for Sunday's final against Chelsea. But like against Inter Milan in the Champions League final, even when they downshifted, they were better. Goncalo Ramos scored a fourth goal off the bench late on. Real Madrid shoulders slumped. Advertisement By the 90th minute, it was no contest. Despite a cooling break, merciful referees opted to not add any stoppage time. Szymon Marciniak, the head ref, blew his whistle. And Real Madrid, which brought more eyeballs to this Club World Cup than anybody else, slumped out of the competition, one step short of the final. Here's how the match went down in real time:
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's tragic deaths show sport is nothing more than a joyful distraction from what truly matters
AT THIS time of year, with the transfer market abuzz, there is a tendency to view elite footballers as commodities. Their price-tags, fees, resale values and contract lengths are discussed by us all with the casual air of stockbrokers observing the gilt markets. 9 Liverpool star Jota has tragically died aged 28 Credit: REUTERS 9 He and his brother Andre Silva have sadly lost their lives in a car accident Credit: FC Porto And then on a sunny morning in early July, chilling news arrived from Spain which made all of that talk sound so trivial, so brutal, so cold. Jota was a freshly crowned champion of England with Liverpool and a mainstay of the Portugal team who had just won the Nations League again and are rated as dark horses for next summer's World Cup. But above all Jota was a human being, as fragile as the rest of us. READ MORE ON DIOGO JOTA A husband, a father, a son and a brother to Andre Silva — the 25-year-old fellow professional footballer who perished with him yesterday Jota was at the peak of his powers and in the prime of his life — married for just 11 days, he had The poignance was agonising; the grief of those left behind unimaginable. When the news of Jota's death broke, it was a warm, sun-drenched summer's morning in Most read in Football 9 Jota played 49 times for Portugal Credit: Getty 9 Diogo Jota died just days after his wedding to Rute Cardoso Credit: 9 The All England Club was opening up its gates for day four on Wimbledon's lawns, the cricketers of England and India were preparing for the second day of the Second Test at Edgbaston and transfer speculation was fizzing around online. Then, suddenly, the world of sport froze. For while sport is the most important of unimportant things, we all know at heart that it is nothing more than a joyful distraction from that which truly matters. At Anfield, Liverpool is a club which has sadly experienced tragedy too often before and which honours those lost with a fierce, protective pride. At Anfield, Jota will never be forgotten. Few football clubs cherish their heroes quite as warmly and Jota the Slotter, the clinical finisher with that extraordinary burst of pace, was Sometimes, while watching the Reds, you could forget that Jota was on the pitch. Then, with a sudden acceleration and a thrust of the boot, he had won them the match. He so often proved the matchwinner when arriving from the bench, in the Anfield supersub traditions of David Fairclough and Divock Origi. But as a deep-lying centre-forward or from the left wing, 9 Jota scored the first goal of the Slot era in a 2-0 opening-day victory at Ipswich and the last time he netted was the winner in the Merseyside derby in April. A little over a month ago, he cavorted on the Anfield pitch when Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy. Jota, capped 49 times by his country, was not the star of his club or international teams. Those were Mo Salah and Yet football's Galacticos do not win trophies without the versatility and selfless work-rate of players like Jota. Still, his record of 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds was extraordinary for a player who was not a regular starter. In five seasons, he won every major domestic honour and played in a Champions League final, against Real Madrid in 2022, which Liverpool were unfortunate to lose 1-0. After spells with Pacos de Ferreira and At Molineux, his loss was also deeply felt by a club where he was 'adored and cherished'. Yet this year had represented his peak, as a footballer and as a man. In the space of a month Jota won major honours with Liverpool and 'I'm the lucky one,' Jota had posted on social media. How heartbreaking those words read now. How fragile we are. 9 Floral tributes have been laid for Jota at Anfield Credit: Reuters 9 Jota shared pictures of his wedding just hours before he passed Credit: Instagram 9 Jota will go down in history at Liverpool after helping Liverpool win a historic 20th league title last season Credit: Reuters
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Trent Alexander-Arnold takes part in Real Madrid training for the first time since completing move from Liverpool - as Los Blancos gear up for Club World Cup
Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken part in Real Madrid training for the first time since completing his move from Liverpool last month. Alexander-Arnold, who was snapped up by Los Blancos for £10million from Liverpool, was finally presented as a Galactico on Thursday afternoon, following months of uncertainty regarding his future. Prior to a presentation, the 26-year-old embarked on a tour of Real Madrid's facilities, where he was even shown some of the club's recent Champions League trophies. And now, he has finally been spotted with the ball at his feet after taking part in Madrid's preparations for their upcoming Club World Cup games. At Madrid's training base in Florida, Alexander-Arnold was involved in a rondo along with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. The full-back appeared focused and concentrated as he listened to the instructions from the Madrid coaches before continuing in their drills. On Thursday, Alexander-Arnold was invited by Florentino Perez to speak for the first time as a Madrid player, with his model girlfriend Estelle Behnke and family watching in the crowd. Many were left stunned as the former Liverpool vice-captain gave his entire address in Spanish, revealing that it is 'a dream come true' to join the 15-time European champions. 'Thank you Florentino Perez and the club for this opportunity,' the full-back uttered in fluent Spanish. 'This doesn't happen every day,' the full-back said. 'It's a dream come true. I'm very happy and proud to be here. I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. 'I do realise I'm signing for Real Madrid and the demands are high but I am going to give my all for the team and Real Madrid fans. 'I want to show those fans how I play. I want to win many titles. I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the best players in the world at Madrid.' Alexander-Arnold has taken the squad number 12 and will be known simply as 'Trent'. The Madrid stars stepped up their preparations for their upcoming Club World Cup matches Podcast All episodes The full-back signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos after being pried away from Liverpool a month early in order to play at the Club World Cup. Madrid start their campaign on Wednesday evening against Saudi giants Al-Hilal. They will then face Pachuca and RB Salzburg before, potentially, progressing to the knockout rounds. His decision to leave Merseyside after two decades was announced at the beginning of May, a week after Arne Slot's side secured their 20th League title against Tottenham Hotspur.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals 'Agent Jude' Bellingham's role in the full-back's 'dream' move to Real Madrid from Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has played down the magnitude of friend, and now team-mate, Jude Bellingham 's role in his mega move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold, who was snapped up by Los Blancos for £10million from Liverpool, was finally presented as a Galactico on Thursday, following months of uncertainty regarding his future. The full-back is known for having an extremely tight bond with Bellingham, with the dynamic duo becoming inseparable while on international duty with England. Many have referred to the midfielder as 'Agent Jude' as it became clear Alexander-Arnold was set for the Spanish capital, but the former Liverpool vice-captain has swatted away the notion that Bellingham played a big part in the transfer. 'We spoke, it wasn't exactly what people think it was,' Alexander-Arnold claimed. 'We spoke a lot about Liverpool and Madrid, they're the conversations you have as players and friends, you want to know what it's like. 'At the national team, he was the only player who knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid so a lot were asking questions. 'A lot of people think he played a big part in me coming here but it was a big opportunity for me and it felt like the right time.' Alexander-Arnold will be playing under new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who adorned the red shirt of Liverpool, just like the defender, back when he was in the academy. And 'Trent', who has decided to plaster his first name on the back of his shirt instead of his last, spoke fondly of the man who he deems a hero of his childhood. 'I told him he was a big idol of mine growing up so to be able to work with him is a dream come true for me,' Alexander-Arnold continued. 'Someone who impacted my game a lot growing up, seeing him pass a ball influenced me to go and train harder at that and have a great hunger to be able to do that and set standards. 'Of course, we haven't formally met, but I'm sure over the next few days and weeks we'll be able to speak properly, what he expects from me. 'It might take some time but he has shown how amazing he is as a manager and a player. His knowledge is there in abundance and I'll be a sponge around him trying to learn.' Alexander-Arnold is embarking on a six-year deal with Los Blancos after being pried away from Liverpool a month early in order to play at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday. His decision to leave Merseyside after two decades was announced at the beginning of May, a week after Arne Slot's side secured their 20th League title against Tottenham Hotspur. When asked about his decision to leave his local area and begin a new venture in the Spanish capital, Alexander-Arnold - who has remained fairly tight-lipped the last 12 months - described how hard it was to leave the Reds. 'It was never a question of where - it was a question of whether to go,' he continued. 'But I've probably known for a long time that if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be to go to Real Madrid. That would be the only club for me. 'It wasn't an easy decision because I'd been there so long but eventually you have to make a decision and in my mind, I've made the right one. 'I loved every single minute of it and achieved everything I wanted to. I'll forever be in debt to the club. 'But I thought it was the right moment, been there 20 years, achieving everything I wanted to, being the age I am, I feel I'm mature and experienced to be successful somewhere else. 'We had an amazing conversation in the last couple of days with the owners, thanking me in the service I gave to the club, wishing me good luck, and saying I'd always be welcome back. Sent off in the perfect way.'
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals the real reasons he has changed the name on his shirt following move to Real Madrid from Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed the reason he has opted to put only his first name on the back of his shirt at Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold, who was snapped up by Los Blancos for £10million from Liverpool, was finally presented as a Galactico on Thursday afternoon, following months of uncertainty regarding his future. Prior to a presentation, the 26-year-old embarked on a tour of Real Madrid's facilities, where he was even shown some of the club's recent Champions League trophies - including two which were snatched from his grasp when he played for Liverpool. The full-back then took photographs in front of the silverware, in which he can be seen holding up his new colours proudly for the first time. Liverpool's former vice-captain has taken the squad number 12 and will be known simply as 'Trent'. Many people within the footballing world have wondered why Alexander-Arnold would rid of his name from the back of his shirt, and now the England international has explained why. 'Quite an easy explanation,' he said while addressing the media. 'I've always found when I travel to Europe, the whole name situation confuses a lot of people, with there being three names double-barreled and Alexander-Arnold. The England midfielder had his full name on the back of his shirt during his time at Liverpool 'People call me Arnold, people call me Alexander, people call me Alex, people call me Trent, there's a lot that goes on. 'So I thought let's make it easy. Trent on the back, be known as Trent, that's my name, so that's what people will call me.' Following his initial photographs, Alexander-Arnold was invited by President Florentino Perez to speak for the first time as a Madrid player, with his model girlfriend Estelle Behnke and family watching in the crowd. Given he has spent his whole career on Merseyside, many would have expected Alexander-Arnold to start his speech in English, before attempting some broken Spanish toward the end. However, many have been left stunned as the former Liverpool vice-captain gave his entire address in Spanish, revealing that it is 'a dream come true' to join the 15-time European champions. 'Thank you Florentino Perez and the club for this opportunity,' the full-back uttered in fluent Spanish. 'This doesn't happen every day,' the full-back said. 'It's a dream come true. I'm very happy and proud to be here. I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I'm signing for Real Madrid and the demands are high but I am going to give my all for the team and Real Madrid fans. 'I want to show those fans how I play. I want to win many titles. I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the best players in the world at Madrid.' The full-back shocked fans by addressing family and the world media in fluent Spanish Alexander-Arnold is embarking on a six-year deal with Los Blancos after being pried away from Liverpool a month early in order to play at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday. His decision to leave Merseyside after two decades was announced at the beginning of May, a week after Arne Slot's side secured their 20th League title against Tottenham Hotspur. When asked about his decision to leave his local area and begin a new venture in the Spanish capital, Alexander-Arnold - who has remained fairly tight-lipped the last 12 months - described how hard it was to leave the Reds. 'It was never a question of where - it was a question of whether to go,' he continued. 'But I've probably known for a long time that if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be to go to Real Madrid. That would be the only club for me. 'It wasn't an easy decision because I'd been there so long but eventually you have to make a decision and in my mind, I've made the right one. 'I loved every single minute of it and achieved everything I wanted to. I'll forever be in debt to the club. 'But I thought it was the right moment, been there 20 years, achieving everything I wanted to, being the age I am, I feel I'm mature and experienced to be successful somewhere else. 'We had an amazing conversation in the last couple of days with the owners, thanking me in the service I gave to the club, wishing me good luck, and saying I'd always be welcome back. Sent off in the perfect way.' Alexander-Arnold featured for Liverpool on over 350 occasions in his nine years with the senior side, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and providing a mammoth 96 assists for the club. But now is the time for 'Trent' to begin a new chapter in his career, starting with the upcoming Club World Cup, which Slot's side are not a part of. The tournament, which both Manchester City and Chelsea will also compete in, begins on Sunday.
