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Evaton’s Celta Academy has been given a huge boost with the support of LaLiga club RC Celta and Pereira Ocean Products, who have joined forces to help develop the Sebokeng Football Academy. Photo: Supplied
CELTA VIGO

Is foreign investment the missing link in South Africa’s football success?

Former football players and coaches have welcomed the launch of Spanish La Liga’s Celta Vigo academy in South Africa

  • Sonri Naidoo
4 min read
BARCELONA

Keeping it surreal: The game in Spain is mainly insane

Just when you thought the Spanish off season couldn’t get any weirder, Lewandowski and his costly colleagues might be left in lavish limbo

  • Carlos Amato
4 min read
(Graphic: John McCann/McCann)
BLACKLIVESMATTER

Pundits cling to football’s racial tropes

A study of European 2019 season commentary suggests prejudice is alive and kicking, but Black Lives Matter and Covid-19 may be changing this

  • Luke Feltham
3 min read
Preventative measures: Paris Saint-Germain (right) and Dortmund line up in an empty Parc des Princes stadium in Paris stadium. (Getty Images/UEFA/AFP)
2020 OLYMPICS

Covid-19 red cards major events

Sporting events, from football and tennis to rugby and cycling, on this year’s calendar are in doubt

  • Luke Feltham
6 min read
Wales’ Gareth Bale celebrates. (Reuters/Rebecca Naden)
GARETH BALE

Bale’s latest act of rebellion poses new problem for Zidane

Again, Bale has stirred the nest. Again, Zidane’s patience will be tested.

  • Thomas Allnutt
4 min read
A brace from Lionel Messi in the first half and a second half strike from Philippe Coutinho saw the Catalan giants blow the Red Devils away on Tuesday night(Marcelodel Pozo/Reuters)
COPA DEL REY

Fantastic Messi hat-trick blows away Betis

The little magician had the Real Betis fans applauding him after he struck a magnificent treble against them on Sunday.

  • Thomas Allnutt
4 min read
Associate professor Dr Mzikazi Nduna works with her students. She argues that to reduce new HIV infections in young women, we need to do more than keeping them at school
AFP

Six new signings to watch in La Liga this season

Here are some of the new signings to keep an eye on in Spain this season

  • Staff Reporter
3 min read
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was crucified by the public according to the author
ATLETICO MADRID

Balance of power shifts in La Liga

Julen Lopetegui has big boots to fill, Messi hopes big signings will pay off and Atlético snaps at top two’s heels

  • Staff Reporter
4 min read
Zidane coming back, with only 11 games left in La Liga and almost nothing to play for, is a surprise, particularly after he left on the incredible high of yet another European triumph. (Reuters)
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Zidane announces shock Real exit

Zidane made the announcement at the capital club’s Valdebebas training ground on Tuesday evening

  • Luke Feltham
2 min read
Winner: Atlético Madrid players celebrate as they raise the Europa League trophy after the final against Marseille at Lyon. The club went from being in a near constant state of disarray to being a well-oiled machine.
ANDY SCOTT

Atlético a nuisance to their rivals

Diego Simeone has taken the club to new heights and the relentless coach is ready for La Liga

  • Andy Scott
4 min read
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.
AFP

Messi hat-trick seals Barca’s 25th title in style

​Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was delighted that his side "finally" wrapped up a 25th La Liga title with four matches to spare

  • Staff Reporter
4 min read
Lose-lose: Less people are tuning in to watch their teams take home Premier League trophies on TV.
AMAZON

TV deals burn Premier League

The price paid per game by broadcasters has dropped by a cool million euros

  • Kieran Canning
4 min read
Fired up ahead of the referendum in Scotland earlier this month
BARCELONA FC

Cries of ‘freedom’ as record-breaking Barca march on

Barca continues a record-breaking start to La Liga — beating Sevilla 2-1 on Saturday in an atmosphere marked by the political upheaval in Catalonia.

  • Kieran Canning
4 min read
Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto in action infront of an empty stadium as the game is played behind closed doors.
BARCELONA FC

Barca win behind closed doors amid Catalonia clashes

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Las Palmas 3-0 in a match played behind closed doors.

  • Agence France Presse
4 min read
Associate professor Dr Mzikazi Nduna works with her students. She argues that to reduce new HIV infections in young women, we need to do more than keeping them at school
BARCELONA FC

Battle for control of Barca overshadows Juventus reunion

The battle for control of the club between fans, players and president rages on.

  • Agence France Presse
3 min read
BARCELONA FC

Real riding high after Clasico triumph over Barcelona

Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Barca suggests coach Carlo Ancelotti has successfully integrated Kroos and Rodriguez into a fearsome attacking side.

  • Iain Rogers
3 min read
BARCA

Messi upstages player of the year Ronaldo

Lionel Messi’s hat-trick away from home gave Barcelona the victory over Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico.

  • Reuters
3 min read
JOSE MOURINHO

Real Madrid close in on La Liga title with rout of Sevilla

Karim Benzema has struck a brace in a 3-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday as Real Madrid edged closer to their first Spanish league title in four years.

  • Staff Reporter
2 min read
Catalans trim gap to one point
ALEXIS SANCHEZ

Catalans trim gap to one point

Barcelona have beaten Getafe in the Spanish La Liga to go within one point of League leaders Real Madrid, who face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

  • Paul Logothetis
3 min read
LA LIGA

Real Madrid continue La Liga title pursuit

Real Madrid face Osasuna as they plot their route to La Liga success following commanding wins after two disappointing consecutive draws.

  • Tim Hanlon
4 min read