Latest news with #AxelWitsel
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Atletico Madrid stalwart closes in on La Liga return
Former Atletico Madrid star Axel Witsel could be heading back to La Liga ahead of the incoming 2025/26 season. The Belgian international opted to sign a one-year contract extension in Madrid last summer as part of a pattern of short term deals in the Spanish capital. Witsel played a key role in Diego Simeone's team in 2022/23 and 2023/24 with 68 La Liga appearances from 78 games. However, his role was significantly reduced in 2024/25 with Jose Maria Gimenez, Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand ahead of him in the centre back pecking order. A host of new arrivals this summer, including a permanent deal with Barcelona to retain Lenglet, spelled the end of his time at the club after the FIFA Club World Cup. Witsel set for La Liga comeback Witsel left as a free agent at the expiration of his contract with Marc Pubill and David Hancko also coming in as part of Simeone's rebuild. Despite being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Witsel has remained committed to staying and playing his football in Europe. as he aims for a spot in Belgium's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad next summer. A rumoured offered from Serie A side Udinese has been rejected and transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri has tipped him for a two-year contract at Girona. The added bonus of an extra year being put on the table, with Udinese preferring one – with the option for staying on in 2026/27 – has proven crucial and Witsel could now be in place in Catalonia before the start of the new campaign. Girona kick off their La Liga season at home to Rayo Vallecano on August 15 with Belgium having two World Cup qualifiers in September. Preseason for Girona featured a Copa Catalunya win over Espanyol, alongside victories over Olot, Alaves and Wolves, either side of losses against Marseille and Napoli.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Udinese await Witsel decision
Udinese are waiting patiently as reports from Italy claim that the Friulian side are anticipating a decision on their attempt to sign free agent Axel Witsel later this evening. According to what has been reported by SkySport, Udinese have been engaged in several talks with the experienced Belgian over the past few weeks after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired. MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 08: Axel Witsel of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the warm-up prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 08, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia) The reports claim that Udinese reached an agreement with the player over salary expectations but are now just awaiting his final decision. Experienced Witsel still has a lot to offer Udinese Witsel, 36, spent the last three years at Atletico, where head coach Diego Simeone converted the former Zenit man from a midfielder into a more defensive role. Since joining Los Colchoneros from Dortmund in 2022, the Belgian played 116 times for Simeone's side in all competitions. With 132 appearances for the Belgium National Team, Witsel offers a range of skill and experience that could prove vital to reinforcing Udinese's squad.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The 3️⃣ key players for Atleti against Seattle Sounders
Pablo Barrios has scored the first 'brace' of his professional career in a key match in the FIFA Club World Cup. Register on DAZN to watch all FIFA Club World Cup matches for FREE Atlético de Madrid defeated Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Lumen Field in a match corresponding to the second day of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup, achieving a vital victory to stay alive in the competition. On OneFootball, we tell you who the three protagonists of the game were... Pablo Barrios, absolute star There is no doubt that the 'Atleti' youth player is always a threat when he steps into the opponent's area, but for the first time in his professional career, he has been able to score two goals in a single match. Both goals were of high quality, with brilliant finishes: a shot from the edge of the box that hit the crossbar before going in and then scored with a subtle touch to the far post. A player to dominate matches. What about Sørloth? The Norwegian forward is not having a good time in the United States. After missing a golden opportunity against PSG, he squandered a couple of very clear chances against Seattle Sounders. Although Diego Simeone's team managed to defeat Seattle Sounders, they missed several chances, and the ones Sørloth had were unbelievable misses. Axel Witsel made his mark The Belgian player had been on the pitch for just a minute and a half (having come on for José María Giménez) when he scored a goal in what was his first action of the match. The experienced Belgian footballer capitalized on a rebound after a shot from Marcos Llorente to score the temporary 2-0. A key goal because Seattle Sounders had come out with a lot of momentum in the second half. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 JUAN MABROMATA - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barrios scores twice, Atlético Madrid beats Seattle Sounders 3-1 in Club World Cup
SEATTLE (AP) — Pablo Barrios scored twice and Atlético Madrid beat the Seattle Sounders 3-1 on Thursday in the Club World Cup. Giuliano Simeone found Barrios at the top of the penalty box in transition to open the scoring in the 11th minute. Advertisement Madrid pushed to lead to 2-0 in the opening minutes of the second half as substitute Axel Witsel scored off an assist by Robin Le Normand in the 47th. Albert Rusnak got Seattle on the scoreboard in the 50th, but Barrios got hi second of the game in the 55th to restore Madrid's two-goal lead. Key Moment Atlético Madrid was initially awarded a penalty kick around the 35th minute, but it was overturned after video review determined that the foul occurred outside the box. Takeaways The Sounders need Paris Saint-Germain to lose against Botafogo later Thursday to have a chance to advance out of Group B. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
Washington Post
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Barrios scores twice, Atlético Madrid beats Seattle Sounders 3-1 in Club World Cup
SEATTLE — Pablo Barrios scored twice and Atlético Madrid beat the Seattle Sounders 3-1 on Thursday in the Club World Cup. Giuliano Simeone found Barrios at the top of the penalty box in transition to open the scoring in the 11th minute. Madrid pushed to lead to 2-0 in the opening minutes of the second half as substitute Axel Witsel scored off an assist by Robin Le Normand in the 47th.
