Latest news with #LaRoja
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Spain fans serenade Barcelona star during training
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was afforded a rousing reception on the part of a group of fans of the Spanish national team on Saturday. This comes after the 17-year-old linked up with Luis de la Fuente's squad earlier in the day. Advertisement Spain are currently in the midst of preparations for a return to action next week, when La Roja will lock horns with France in a highly-anticipated Nations League semi-final clash. The aforementioned Lamine, fresh off a remarkable individual campaign on the books of Barcelona, was afforded an expected call-up for the fixture, set to take his place on the right flank at the MHP Arena on Thursday. And as alluded to above, this evening, the young winger was serenaded by those who will be pulling for him against France. During an open Spanish training session, the fans in attendance came together to belt out collective chants of: Advertisement 'Lamine Yamal, I love you more every day!' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The 3️⃣ standout players from Spain's win over Belgium
The team led by Montse Tomé defeated the 'Red Devils' 5-1 with outstanding individual performances. The women's 'La Roja' did not slip up against Belgium: they won with a sensational thrashing at The King Power At Den Dreef Stadium and took a giant step towards the Final Four of the UEFA Women's Nations League. Montse Tomé's team will seek their ticket this Tuesday, June 3, against England in Cornellá. Here are the three protagonists of a key victory... Esther González, synonymous with goals A player who was once left out of the squad, but on her return to the national team has shown she has an innate ability to score. She may not be the most technical or the fastest, but she has a very evident killer instinct. She nearly got a hat-trick with a shot that hit the post. Athenea del Castillo, the 'X' factor She came off the bench but quickly joined the party. She assisted Esther on the second goal and then scored her own brace in less than a minute. A decisive player, she is aiming to earn a spot in the starting eleven ahead of the Euro in Switzerland. Alba Redondo and the finishing touch She didn't stay behind and also scored her goal. She needed just over four minutes on the pitch to take advantage of a mid-height cross from Salma Paralluelo and seal the "manita" for the Spanish team. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 JOHN THYS - AFP or licensors
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Andres Iniesta reveals the secret to Luis Enrique's success as he bids to end PSG's Champions League hoodoo - and opens up on THAT goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Ten years after being named the Champions League final's Player of the Match, Andres Iniesta returned to Germany with a message for his manager in that 3-1 win over Juventus, as he takes his new side into Saturday's showpiece. Time has had little effect on the legendary Spanish midfielder, who spent the best part of a decade at the top of the game. While dazzling for the Blaugrana and La Roja, it also failed to impress itself upon him. In Munich on Thursday, it was as if none has passed since those glory days, such was the clamour from fans as he arrived with the Champions League trophy, having overseen its journey from UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland with official sponsors FedEx. The procession which the former Spain star led was made up of stars from the local community, including International Football Club of Bern, DFI Football Academy and UEFA Foundation for Children's, SCORING GIRLS*. Fans could hardly control themselves as Iniesta arrived with Europe's most treasured piece of football silverware. Those involved in FedEx's Delivering For Success film were all given exclusive access to Iniesta with learning experiences covering education, equipment provision, coaching and career management. Now 41, and only seven months removed from officially hanging up his boots, the former midfielder still appears more than able to dictate a match. Four years after winning the European Cup for a third time in 2011, the maestro claimed his fourth and final crown under the tutelage of Enrique in a Barca team famed for their era-defining front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. By 2015, his international triumphs were behind him, indeed his equally as iconic midfield partner Xavi had lost his place in the side to Ivan Rakitic. But Iniesta continued to reign supreme and was crucial in sinking the Italians. Speaking at the UEFA Champions Festival at the Olympiapark Munich, Iniesta shed light on the 'special trainer' who is going in search of his second title on Saturday. 'He's a very good coach,' said the World Cup winner. 'He's a very good person and he has a very special way of communicating with the players, communicating his ideas. 'I'm really happy for him that he can be on this stage. I have a good relationship with him and I wish him all the best.' Enrique's PSG head into the final as favourites, having dispatched a hat-trick of Premier League sides on route to their second Champions League final. The monied club are satiate the 14-year obsession of their Qatari owners by clinching European football's top prize. But Iniesta is under no illusions that the task will be a difficult one up against 2021 finalist Inter Milan, adding: 'I would be happy if [Enrique] won but those are two very good teams so we will just have to see. The Spanish coach is looking to repeat the feat with PSG, who have never won the Champions League Hidden behind Iniesta's rye smile and calm demeanour at the Walk of Champions parade in the Bavarian capital remained a burning love for the club where he made his name. To illustrate, when asked to name a starting XI of the best players he has played alongside for club and country, he responded with almost the exact side that dismantled Manchester United in the 2011 final at Wembley - save for himself, ever the modest. When pushed for his favourite current midfielders, he replied with a trio of Blaugrana stars. 'Always Barca,' said the man who made more than 670 appearances for the club, winning nine top-flight titles and six Spanish Cups among other prizes. If not for the otherworldly talents of his former colleague Lionel Messi, he would surely have multiple Ballon d'Or in his trophy cabinet as well. Iniesta spent a total of 22 years at the Nou Camp before his departure in 2018. In that time most goals and assists must blur into one but for the footballing great there is one Champions League strike he values above all others. At the very start of Guardiola era in Catalunya, his side faced a streetwise and determined Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition. After a goalless draw in Spain the initiative was with the Blues, finallist a year prior. And it showed. Sadly, that match is only remembered - on these shores at least - for the outrageous denial of several penalties for the home side by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo. What is often forgotten is the two incredible strikes that produced the 1-1 draw that sent Barca to the final, where they would meet United: a ludicrous volley from Michael Essien and an arrowed last-gasp effort from Iniesta. It was Barcelona's first shot on target in the match. The match is best remembered on these shores for the controversial deniel of several penalties for the home side 'The goal against Chelsea in the semi-final was nice,' he said while desperately trying - and failing - to return a mischievous grin to a blank expression. '[The emotions] were amazing. The people were going crazy it was very nice for us.'
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Isco makes Spain squad return for Nations League final four
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called up Isco yesterday for the Nations League final four, six years after the midfielder's last appearance for La Roja. The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb season with Real Betis, helping them reach the Conference League final where they face Chelsea on Wednesday. Euro 2024 winners Spain face France in the semi-final in Stuttgart on June 5 before a potential final against Germany or Portugal. 'It was the opportune moment for Isco to come and give something to us,' De la Fuente told reporters. 'He will be adding a lot -- if not, he would not have been in the list.' Out of favour for several seasons at Real Madrid, former Malaga playmaker Isco moved to Sevilla and then Betis in 2022 and 2023 respectively. At the Benito Villamarin stadium he has rebuilt his career and become a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's attractive attacking set-up. 'I'm happy to return after so many years, it's a nice objective to be able to play again with my national team,' Isco told Real Betis's inhouse media. 'I'm proud to get back there, that means that things have been g o i n g well.'
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Sport
- Al Bawaba
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal Earns Ultimate Praise from Zinedine Zidane
FC Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by storm this season, establishing himself as one of the planet's most exciting talents despite being just 17 years old. The La Masia graduate played a pivotal role in Barça securing a domestic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Zidane Left in Awe by Yamal's Talent Lamine Yamal's dazzling performances for Barcelona have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him praise from all corners of the football community. Joining the chorus of admirers is none other than former Real Madrid superstar and legendary manager, Zinedine Zidane. The iconic Frenchman expressed his profound amazement at Yamal's abilities, specifically highlighting the youngster's extraordinary performance in the UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan. "His second half against Inter Milan… I've never seen anything like it in my life," Zidane told Footmercato. "To see someone in such control on the pitch is pretty fantastic. We all enjoy watching him play." Impressive Stats and International Duty Await Yamal's talent is backed by impressive statistics. Across 55 appearances in all competitions this season, he has notched up a remarkable tally of 18 goals and 25 assists, directly contributing to Barcelona's significant success. Following his stellar club season, Yamal is set to represent Spain in the upcoming UEFA Nations League finals in June. The young phenomenon will be aiming to lead La Roja to another title, having already helped them secure victory in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany last summer.
