“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly
The deal is worth approximately €50 million Euros (£46.3 million pounds) deal. The Catalan outfit will also pay the sum of £8.4 million pounds in add-ons, but MUST let off some players in order to comply with La Liga’s financial regulations. Barcelona are able to fund the move for Torres despite its current financial situation, due to a bank loan obtained recently.
The 21 year-old is back in his native Spain, just 18 months after leaving Valencia to join Manchester City in the summer of 2020. Torres struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in manager Pep Guardiola’s line-up, as he often had to battle it out with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez.
Torres has penned a five-and-a-half year deal with Barcelona, which will run until the summer of 2027. He has a release clause of One billion euros (about £842 million pounds).
Torres has not featured for the Cityzens since injuring his foot while playing for Spain during the FIFA international window last October.
During his time in England, Torres made a total of 43 appearances and scored 16 goals for City. He started City’s opening six games of the season but was dropped to the bench for the goalless draw against Southampton in September and has not featured ever since suffering a foot injury on international duty with Spain the following month.
That’s the end of our coverage for Matchday 19, see you on Tuesday as the next round of games commences. Stay Safe!!!
As it stands, Manchester United remain seventh on the log – seven points behind the Champions League places. Newcastle United on the other hand, remain second from bottom but are only two points off safety.
It must be said that Manchester United were lucky to eke out a point against Newcastle United. They surely have their goalkeeper David de Gea to thank, as his vital saves kept the Red Devils in the match.
The points are shared on Tyneside 🏁#MUFC | #NEWMUN
STATS: Newcastle United have conceded 80 goals in the Premier League in 2021 – the most any side has conceded in the competition across a calendar year. The last top-flight team to concede more over the course of a year were West Bromwich Albion in 1985 (87 goals).
71′ MIN: Second half substitute Edinson Cavani brings the visitors level. Newcastle’s defence is breached again for the umpteenth time this season.
A stunning strike from Frenchman Saint Maximin gives the hosts a deserved lead going into the break. The Red Devils however have been anything but poor thus far. Striker Callum Wilson was subbed just before half-time for Jacob Murphy. That’s a huge blow for Newcastle United in their bid to beat the drop this season.
HALF-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United
7′ MIN: The hosts are in front, courtesy of Allan Saint Maximin.
WE LEAD AT ST. JAMES' PARK!
Saint-Maximin comes in off the left and, off balance, fires the ball into the top corner!
GOOOAAALLLL!!! Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United (A. Saint Maximin)
KICK-OFF AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-0 Manchester United
As for Manchester United, coach Ralf Rangnick has included the returning Raphael Varane to partner club captain Harry Maguire in the heart of defence. The usual suspects in Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are also listed for tonight’s clash.
📋 The team news you've all been waiting for…#MUFC | #NEWMUN
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has named a strong line-up which boasts the attacking trio of Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton. Hopefully, the Toon Army can inflict damage on the Red Devils.
Good evening and welcome to Apex Football’s coverage of Newcastle United vs Manchester United, which is set to take place at St. James’ Park. Fans are still basking in the festive and holiday mood but that may not be the case for the Magpies and their supporters, as they would be seeking the perfect holiday present – by getting something out of this final Monday Night Football fixture for the 2021 calendar year.
Bad news for Newcastle United as Frenchman Allan Saint Maximin has pulled up injured. He joins Callum Wilson on the sidelines.
STATS: Newcastle United have conceded 80 goals in the Premier League in 2021 – the most any side has conceded in the competition across a calendar year. The last top-flight team to concede more over the course of a year were West Bromwich Albion in 1985 (87 goals).
71′ MIN: Second half substitute Edinson Cavani brings the visitors level. Newcastle’s defence is breached again for the umpteenth time this season.
A stunning strike from Frenchman Saint Maximin gives the hosts a deserved lead going into the break. The Red Devils however have been anything but poor thus far. Striker Callum Wilson was subbed just before half-time for Jacob Murphy. That’s a huge blow for Newcastle United in their bid to beat the drop this season.
HALF-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United
WE LEAD AT ST. JAMES' PARK!
Saint-Maximin comes in off the left and, off balance, fires the ball into the top corner!
7′ MIN: The hosts are in front, courtesy of Allan Saint Maximin.
GOOOAAALLLL!!! Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United (A. Saint Maximin)
KICK-OFF AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-0 Manchester United
As for Manchester United, coach Ralf Rangnick has included the returning Raphael Varane to partner club captain Harry Maguire in the heart of defence. The usual suspects in Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are also listed for tonight’s clash.
📋 The team news you've all been waiting for…#MUFC | #NEWMUN
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has named a strong line-up which boasts the attacking trio of Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton. Hopefully, the Toon Army can inflict damage on the Red Devils.
Good evening and welcome to Apex Football’s coverage of Newcastle United vs Manchester United, which is set to take place at St. James’ Park. Fans are still basking in the festive and holiday mood but that may not be the case for the Magpies and their supporters, as they would be seeking the perfect holiday present – by getting something out of this final Monday Night Football fixture for the 2021 calendar year.
The year 2021 was quite an eventful year in the world of football. We at Apex Football took a look back to see all the major headlines that rocked the world of football and we ranked the TOP 10!
10. Aguero retires from football due to heart problems
Sergio Aguero’s move to La Liga was hit with a snag after he had difficulty breathing in Barca’s game against Alaves. Medical exams showed that Aguero suffered an arrhythmia and although those around him have tried to play down scenarios regarding a potential retirement, the Argentine has decided to call it a day with his football career.
He had made 5 appearances for the Catalans and scored 1 goal against Real Madrid.
9. Inter Milan wins the Serie A for the first time in 11 years
It took a lot for Inter Milan to end Juventus’ 9-year reign in Italy but Antonio Conte’s side did not relent in their pursuit of the title. They clinched their 19th “Scudetto” on the 2nd of May 2021. Romelu Lukaku was named the player of the year for his contribution towards Inter lifting the trophy.
8.Lionel Messi wins a record 7th Ballon D’or trophy
Leaving Barcelona was not the only major headline for Lionel Messi this year, he also won a record 7th Ballon D’or! Messi scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions for club and country and led Argentina to a long-awaited Copa America win in the summer.
He also scored two goals as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in the Copa Del Rey final in April.
7. Argentina wins the Copa America after 28 years!
Prior to the Copa America tournament in Brazil, Argentina had not lifted the trophy for 28 years! There was so much talk about how Lionel Messi had never won an international trophy. Angel Di Maria’s goal was enough to change the course of history when Argentina met the host Brazil in the final.
6. Chelsea wins the Champions League
The 2020/21 season was already looking gloomy for the folks at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea board were forced to sack club legend, Frank Lampard, after a series of losses that saw the team drop to 10th position on the Premier League table.
Thomas Tuchel was appointed as the new coach for the Blues and he led them all the way to the Champions League final! It looked impossible against a city side under the management of Pep Guardiola, but Chelsea defeated the Citizens thanks to a lone goal by Kai Harvertz.
5. European Super League debacle
This was a major event that rocked world football in 2021. The idea behind forming the Super League was to create a sure-shot big-money competition that would have 15 permanent teams and five additional qualifiers based on their performances in the previous domestic season. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Liverpool were reportedly the four key forces behind the idea of the European Super League. The other teams involved were AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City.
The idea was met with a lot of criticism which had social media rocking with different debates. Chelsea fans held a protest outside Stamford Bridge preventing the team from going in for their game against Brighton. Similar sentiments were echoed across the fanbase of the so-called ‘top six’.
4. Italy beats England in Wembley to lift Euro 2020 trophy
One of the most dramatic UEFA Euro finals happened this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe during 2020, the tournament was postponed to the summer of 2021, while retaining the name UEFA Euro 2020 and host venues.
The final took place at Wembley Stadium between Gli Azzuri of Italy and the Three Lions of England on the 11th of July 2021. The event was marred with massive hooliganism but that did not deter the Italians from snatching victory from England.
The Italians successfully turned the English chant from ‘It’s coming HOME’ to ‘It’s going ROME’. We are sure many English fans want to forget that day in a hurry.
3. Ronaldo returns to Manchester United
Another fairy tale story in 2021 was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United. The Portuguese forward signed a 2-year contract on transfer deadline day.
He stated that Manchester United has always had a special place in his heart and he could not wait to get the ground running at Old Trafford. Ronaldo scored a brace against Newcastle United in his triumphant return to the Premier League.
2. Messi leaves Barcelona after 21 years
Football fans around the globe were stunned by an unexpected headline on the 5th of August 2021. Barcelona announced on their website that Lionel Messi would leave the club after 21 years. The club cited that Messi was ready to take a 50% pay cut but regulation by La Liga did not permit his inclusion to the team. He had won 35 trophies for the club and 6 Ballon D’or which cemented his legendary status.
Messi confirmed his exit in an emotional press conference that had fans and lovers of the Argentine forward in tears. The story shook social media to its core with fans debating the next possible club for the Argentine legend.
PSG signed Messi on a 2-year contract and he reunited with his former teammate Neymar in Paris.
1. Eriksen’s near-death experience at UEFA EURO 2020
Christian Eriksen collapsed whilst representing his country at the UEFA EURO 2020 game against Finland. The whole world watch as Eriksen fought for his life on Live television.
His teammates rallied around him whilst the doctors tried to resuscitate him. It was a touching story that had the football world on standstill! The Danish midfielder could not continue the tournament but he has since been out of harm’s way and looking forward to playing football with a heart-starting device.
Honourable Mentions
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea (A record £90 million deal)
The takeover of Newcastle by Saudi Arabia
Do you think we missed a top headline? Please share in the comment section below.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has named a strong line-up that will do battle against the Villans, as they chase the three points which will reduce the deficit between Chelsea and Manchester City to six points.
Earlier, table toppers and defending champions Manchester City put Leicester City to the sword 6-3 at the Etihad, though the Foxes appeared briefly to turn the tide around with the scores at 4-3 at one point. Arsenal also got in on the action with loads of goals as they hit a hapless Norwich City 5-0 at Carrow Road, while Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspurs beat visiting Crystal Palace 3-0. London side West Ham United continued their inconsistent form of late, as they fell 2-3 at home to Southampton – a result which will put some daylight between the Saints and the relegation zone.
Good evening and welcome to Apex Football’s festive coverage of Matchday 19 action between Aston Villa and Chelsea. The Boxing Day has truly lived up to the billing, as we have already seen exciting matches which kicked off a few hours ago.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has named a strong line-up that will do battle against the Villans, as they chase the three points which will reduce the deficit between Chelsea and Manchester City to six points.
Earlier, table toppers and defending champions Manchester City put Leicester City to the sword 6-3 at the Etihad, though the Foxes appeared briefly to turn the tide around with the scores at 4-3 at one point. Arsenal also got in on the action with loads of goals as they hit a hapless Norwich City 5-0 at Carrow Road, while Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspurs beat visiting Crystal Palace 3-0. London side West Ham United continued their inconsistent form of late, as they fell 2-3 at home to Southampton – a result which will put some daylight between the Saints and the relegation zone.
Good evening and welcome to Apex Football’s festive coverage of Matchday 19 action between Aston Villa and Chelsea. The Boxing Day has truly lived up to the billing, as we have already seen exciting matches which kicked off a few hours ago.
HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD: Manchester City 4-0 Leicester City
GOAL: Man City 4-0 Leicester
A fourth for City, and their second penalty of the afternoon. Mahrez took the first, but Sterling steps up this time and picks out the same spot. Foxes falling apart.
GOAL: Man City 3-0 Leicester
Game over at the Etihad. Gundogan puts the finishing touches to a flowing move that puts City in complete control against Leicester – who had been showing signs of life.
GOAL Man City 3-0 Leicester (21 mins)
Ilkay Gundogan taps in the loose ball after Schemichel parries Joao Cancelo's low cross#MCILEI
Nightmare start for Leicester as they fall two goals down inside 14 minutes. Mahrez makes no mistake from the penalty spot to double Manchester City’s lead.
PENALTY: Man City awarded spot-kick
VAR check at the Etihad Stadium, with a penalty awarded for a tug inside the box from Tielemans at a corner. Looked a bit harsh, but he did take a risk by grabbing at his man.
GOAL: West Ham 0-1 Southampton
No messing around at the London Stadium either, with Elyounoussi putting the Saints in front.
GOAL: Norwich 0-1 Arsenal
There has also been an opener at Carrow Road, with Saka firing the visitors in front. Perfect start for the Gunners.
GOAL: Man City 1-0 Leicester
It has not taken long for the leaders to make a breakthrough, with De Bruyne firing them in front against Leicester.
While the world prepares to celebrate Christmas – which is the birth of the baby Jesus, clubs on the domestic scene in England are also in the mood to do battle, as the Premier League enters Matchday 19 on Sunday being Boxing Day.
The festive period is very unique in the English football calendar, and it is one which most football lovers look forward to – as they are still very much in the Christmas spirit and festivities. It is a period whereby the Premier League fixtures are spread around the holiday season – with games beginning from Boxing Day up until the New Year.
Thus far, after eighteen rounds of intense action, drama and excitement, the Premier League edges into its halfway mark – with table toppers and current defending champions Manchester City seemingly looking poised to retain the title they won in the 2020/2021 season. The Cityzens maintained their grip at the summit, following a 4-0 away spanking of Newcastle United at St. James’ Park last weekend.
Full Time: Newcastle 0-4 Man City
Manchester City will be top of the Premier League table at Christmas. 🎄
They've 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 failed to go on and win the league when they've been top of the tree at Christmas. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Siruu14QAD
Fans of the Premier League can look forward to a festive weekend of entertaining football, after being starved of premium action last time out – no thanks to the Coronavirus. A total of six out of ten matches had to be postponed, following rising cases of the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus in the camps of most of the teams coupled with injuries most clubs had to deal and contend with. Though, the four fixtures which did go ahead turned out to be good value for money.
This weekend has also seen some of the matches suffer the same fate of postponement, just like the last time. The fixtures involving Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Watford at the Molineux, Liverpool vs Leeds United at Anfield and Burnley vs Everton at Turf Moor (which was the latest to be postponed on Friday) have all been pushed back – with a new date set to be announced later. The suspension of some of the games further adds to the pile of fixture backlog which the organizers will have a hard time sorting out.
Following postponement requests from @LUFC and @WatfordFC as a result of COVID-19, the Premier League Board met this morning and regrettably agreed to call off the two affected clubs’ Boxing Day fixtures
Away from postponements, Matchday 19 will see stuttering Chelsea visit Villa Park to take on hosts Aston Villa. The Blues have been inconsistent in recent weeks and have relinquished their lead at the top of the standings. But Thomas Tuchel and his lads can take solace in the fact that they haven’t conceded in their last two games (0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out in the league and a 2-0 success away at Brentford in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup).
Furthermore, the Blues will have most of their players returning from injuries and illness, which will put them in a good stead to attack Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa. The Villans themselves have been impressive ever since the former Liverpool captain assumed the role and would be looking to pile more misery on Chelsea.
In other matchups, Brighton and Hove Albion will take on Brentford at the Amex Stadium, Tottenham Hotspurs will square up against Crystal Palace – in what is a London Derby, West Ham United will go up against Southampton at the London Stadium, basement boys Norwich City will welcome a formidable and an in-form Arsenal side at Carrow Road. Old Trafford outfit Manchester United will look to continue their unbeaten run since former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, as they travel away to St. James’ Park to play Newcastle United on Monday, December 27th.
The Match of the Week no doubt is the tie between table toppers and reigning champions Manchester City who will face visiting Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Cityzens can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League standings to six points (pending when Liverpool play) with a win against Leicester City. City currently hold a three-point lead at the top of the table, and with Liverpool unable to take to the pitch against Leeds United due to the postponement of their fixture because of Covid-19, City can take full advantage – provided they overcome the Foxes on Sunday.
📻 Matchday Live ⏱ 1:30pm GMT 📆 Boxing Day 🦊 Elliott, Walsh & Taggart
Leicester City on the other hand, will be reeling from their quarter-final ouster to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup during the course of the week. The Foxes let a two-goal lead slip – as a 3-1 halftime lead suddenly changed to 3-3 at the end of regulation time, before being eliminated via penalties. Coach Brendan Rodgers have endured a topsy-turvy campaign so far. They have not hit the heights they were in the last two seasons and they dropped from the UEFA Europa League group stages into the UEFA Conference League Playoffs. It might be a daunting task to face Manchester City at this point in time, but they will be hoping for the same luck and good form which saw them beat the Cityzens at their home patch last season.
The final whistle has blown across England, but we’re not done yet…
Spurs and Chelsea are through, having won 2-1 and 2-0 respectively, but Liverpool and Leicester will need to survive penalties to join them in the semi-final round of the Carabao Cup.
3-3 oh my word!
Liverpool have come from 2-0 and 3-1 down, levelling the score at 3-3.
Minamino with the goal in stoppage time and Anfield is going crazy as penalties seemingly loom…
The three games in England are back for the start of the second half.
PSG IS LOSING
A tough start for PSG, who find themselves 1-0 at the half against Lorient. Thomas Monconduit has fired the hosts ahead as Ligue 1’s leaders will need to battle back away from home.
Madrid Leading Atletic Bilbao 0-2 Madrid
Meanwhile, Benzema brace has given Real Madrid a fantastic start.
Half-time in the Carabao
What a start, at least in two of the games.
Leicester are up 3-1 against Liverpool thanks to a Vardy brace and a Maddison stunner, with Oxlade-Chamberlain the goalscorer for the hosts.
Spurs are also leading, as they sit up 2-1 against West Ham after a pair of quickfire goals in that one.
Finally, there’s Chelsea and Brentford, who remain deadlocked at 0-0 after 45 minutes.
KICKOFF IN SPAIN
Atletico Bilbao vs Real Madrid game is underway!
Goaaaal!!! – Liverpool 1-3 Leicester
A 30-yard screamer from Maddison! What a goal from the Leicester man!
Brilliant goal from Bowen after Dier gives ball away trying to play out. West Ham fully deserve that, they had three good efforts in the few minutes between Spurs going ahead and Bowen’s equaliser.
Goooooaaal – Tottenham 1-0 West Ham
Bergwijn scores but he owes a lot to Hojbjerg. Drives forward into the box, plays a one-two with Bergwijn. Hojbjerg then squares it back to Bergwijn, who squeezes a shot into the net.
Clinical finish from Vardy low past Kelleher from Maddison’s pass. Came after Tsimikas couldn’t find Oxlade-Chamberlain on the break and Leicester sprung quickly.
The Spurs team also see a heavy rotation with players like Doherty and Bergwijn coming into the fold. Moyes field senior players like Bowen, Masuaku and Rice.
Tuchel makes eight changes to the team that filed out against wolves. Academy players, Simons, Vale and Soonsup-Bell make their first-team appearance for the Blues while Webster and Hall are on the bench.
Welcome to another Live Blog by Apex football. We would be covering a number of exciting games today so be sure to tighten your seatbelt for the long ride!
Our coverage begins with the remaining Quarter final fixtures of the Carabao Cup in England. Brentford would play host to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, Liverpool will slug it out with Leicester at Anfield, while Spurs have the Hammers to worry about in London.
In the French Ligue 1, Messi would have to contend with Lorient himself as PSG would be without Neymar (injured) and Mbappe (suspended). In Spain, Madrid would faceoff with Atletico Bilbao in an away encounter that would solidify their grip at the top into the NEW YEAR!
Apex Football News 