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That’s all for today. Enjoy the rest of your Monday evening, and I look forward to joining you for the next broadcasts.

Possession: 29% : 71%.

Shots on target: 9:4. Shots off target: 3:11. Corners: 3:7. Offsides: 4:2. Fouls: 10:6.

The Catalan derby between Girona and Barcelona has ended. For the full 90 minutes we watched an entertaining spectacle that produced a thrilling climax. After sustained pressure and a missed penalty, the visitors took the lead in the 59th minute, when, rather with his shoulder, Pau Cubarsí swept the ball into the top corner. Barcelona, however, eased off, and it cost them. Shortly after, Thomas Lemar responded, slotting into an empty net after his side carved open the defence. Girona continued to create more chances after the equaliser, and one of them was converted just minutes before the end. Fran Beltrán struck with a powerful low shot to the near post, sending the home crowd into raptures. The red-and-blues then pushed and tried to at least equalise, but the opponent’s defence held firm. Girona thus record a sensational three points from the derby with a 2–1 victory.

90+10

End of the match.

90+10

From the ensuing scuffle, home defender Vitor Reis is also shown a yellow card.

90+9

This was not nice at all! Lamine Yamal was still charging into the final action of this derby. Joel Roca stopped him at all costs with a sharp, senseless sliding tackle. The referee is completely justified in showing him a red card.

90+8

Barcelona had one more corner. Joan García was in the box as well, but it didn’t lead to a shot.

90+7

After an odd clearance, Fermín López tried his luck with a shot. His technical chip hit a committed block.

90+6

Barcelona will still have a corner. Winger Lamine Yamal has played a big part in that.

90+5

For a brief moment the score was level! A neat curled ball sent into the box by Fermín López. It found striker Robert Lewandowski, whose header came off the post and into the net. The assistant referee, however, signals a clear offside.

90+4

Fermín López sent an overhit cross from his boot. He didn’t find any of his teammates.

90+3

Claudio Echeverri could have sealed it. He was well marked, but still fired off target.

90+2

Substitution for Girona FC:
Iván Martín off, Alejandro Francés on.

90+1

The substitute Ronald Araújo finished the corner with a diving header. He missed the net by a few metres.

90

The referee signals 7 minutes of stoppage time.

89

Barcelona are by no means giving up yet; they immediately switch to a ground-based passing combination.

88

The whole situation was still being checked by the VAR. He didn’t find any foul at that point.

87

87. Fran BELTRÁN – 2-1

87

Girona have just scored!

Huge euphoria among the home fans, the derby has been turned around! The substitutes brought on by coach Míchel have had a hand in this moment. Koundé didn’t come out of the duel in front of the box ideally, so the ball fell to Roca. He immediately laid it off to FRAN BELTRÁN, who swung and rifled a powerful low shot to the left post, which Joan García could only watch helplessly – 2-1! Assist: Joel Roca.

86

Balde, on his flank, got stuck into defensive work and won a throw-in.

85

After a dubious moment, Lamine Yamal sent in a cross. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t find anyone.

84

Jules Koundé definitely had to pull the handbrake. He’s rightly shown a yellow card.

83

In midfield, Fran Beltrán won a foul. He bought himself some extra time.

82

As usual with his left foot, Lamine Yamal curled his shot. Goalkeeper Gazzaniga was clearly rattled, but didn’t have to make a save.

81

He made an unnecessary feint before Jules Koundé’s cross. Lacino thereby halts a promising transition.

80

Substitution for FC Barcelona:
Dani Olmo comes off, Marc Bernal comes on.

79

Lamine Yamal couldn’t finish his individual run. He didn’t win a corner either, because he committed an attacking foul.

78

After coming onto the pitch, Joel Roca is quite active. A low cross is collected by the alert García.

77

Roony Bardghji sent a less dangerous shot from the opposite end of the pitch. He only fired into the area where Paulo Gazzaniga was positioned.

76

That cross was completely off for Girona. The long ball flies into the goalmouth.

75

There’s already a national team call-up in the mail! After an excellent through ball, Joel Roca was sent in for an attacking touch. He got into the box and fired sharply at the far post, but alert Joan García cleared it with his lightning-quick foot.

74

Substitution for Girona FC:
Vladyslav Vanat comes off, Claudio Echeverri comes on.

73

Substitutions for FC Barcelona:
Ferrán Torres off, Robert Lewandowski on,
Eric García off, Ronald Araújo on.

72

That was some precise goalkeeping! A simple transition into the box was finished by Iván Martín with a technical attempt to the far post. His shot was brilliantly kept out by Joan García, who still had to get back to deal with the rebound. Vladyslav Vanat was then practically into an empty net, but criminally failed to convert. The next attempt is stopped by the referee for offside and a foul.

71

Alejandro Balde won’t be framing this one. His touch on the left flank didn’t come off.

70

On the other end, Paulo Gazzaniga wasn’t idle. He confidently plucks an overhit pass from the wing.

69

That could’ve been a match-changing substitution. Joel Roca arrived at the far post from the cross, but he only found the well-positioned García.

68

Substitutions for Girona FC:
Bryan Gil off, Joel Roca on,
Thomas Lemar off, Fran Beltrán on.

67

Paulo Gazzaniga had work to do at his post. He had to deal with a header his teammates sent his way.

66

Barcelona appealed for a handball by Aran Martínez. The referee disagrees — play on.

65

From the middle of the pitch, Fermín López tried to fire. His powerful right-footed shot struck a well-positioned block.

64

The visitors are definitely not happy with how this is going. They switch to a ground-passing game.

63

Substitutions for FC Barcelona:
off goes Gerard Martín, on comes Alejandro Balde,
off goes Raphinha, on comes Roony Bardghji.

62

62. Thomas LEMAR – 1-1

62

Girona have just scored!
A lightning-fast response from the hosts! A relatively lengthy and patient build-up reached a successful conclusion. Vladyslav Vanat did the important work, not rushing and smartly delivering the ball from the left in front of the empty net. THOMAS LEMAR had the simple finish and didn’t pass up the opportunity – 1–1! Assist: Vladyslav Vanat.

60

Girona will want to respond immediately, they’ll try a long ball straight away.

59

59′ Pau CUBARSÍ – 0-1

59

Barcelona just scored!

Relief for the visitors, the derby’s deadlock is broken! After a defended cross, Jules Koundé had acres of space on the right. He used the time to play a precise dink that found Pau Cubarsí. The Spanish defender was tightly marked, but in the end — more with his shoulder than with a full-headed swing — he steered the header precisely into the top corner. Paulo Gazzaniga couldn’t reach the long-range attempt – 0-1! Assist: Jules Koundé.

59

Hugo Rincón produced a crucial defensive intervention, heading Raphinha’s return pass to safety.

58

Thomas Lemar produced a fantastic touch with the tip of his boot. He then used his pace to get away from his markers, but his cross came to nothing.

57

Eric García can’t be happy with that through ball. He only finds players in white shirts.

56

Dani Olmo was pushed up to deliver the cross. With his left foot he aimed at the six-yard box, where Blind cleared it.

55

As he went down, Bryan Gil failed with a weak shot. On top of that, he was flagged offside.

54

Hugo Rincón had a promising run into the attack, but in the end he chose to play it back into the middle.

53

Already under heavy pressure, Gerard Martín delivers a cross. His effort is stopped by a solid block.

52

Olmo again took charge of the attack. He switched the silly round thing out to the right wing.

51

From the centre of the pitch, Dani Olmo tried his luck. Leaning back, he sent it several metres over.

50

Joan García had to deal with an overhit pass. In the end he opted for a long clearance.

49

The overhit corner proved fairly dangerous. Axel Witsel managed to clear it in time.

48

Fermín López tried a low, across-the-goal shot. He won’t be pleased — it was blocked.

47

The visiting favorites start the second half more actively. Their combinations, however, lead nowhere.

46

The second half is underway.

The second half will kick off at approximately 22:04.

Half-time statistics:

Possession – 33%–67%

Shots on target – 2–2

Shots off target – 1–7

Corners – 1–1

The opening act of the Catalan derby between Girona and Barcelona is coming to an end. The first 45 minutes offered an entertaining spectacle, with the favorites the more active side. The visitors were livelier early on, capped by an unsuccessful solo run from Yamal. That woke the hosts up, for whom Vanat had the biggest chance, but García produced a reflex save. Late in the first half Barcelona hit the post twice — first with a disguised strike from Raphinha and then from Yamal’s penalty in stoppage time. The teams head into the break level at 0-0.

45+3

The first half is over.

45+3

45+3. Yamal misses the penalty.

45+3

A cruel blow for Barcelona! Lamine Yamal took the big moment on her shoulders. With her left foot she aimed it precisely into the right-hand corner, even though Paulo Gazzaniga remained rooted in the middle.

45+2

That’s an unlucky moment for Girona just before halftime! Dani Olmo cleverly slipped the ball around Blind, who clumsily stepped on it. The referee immediately points to the spot.

45+1

The Red-and-Blues now want to see this half out calmly. They’re underlining that mainly with their ground dominance around the halfway line.

45

The referee is adding 1 minute of stoppage time.

44

The biggest chance of this derby! Surprisingly, Raphinha fired with his left foot between an opponent’s legs. Gazzaniga couldn’t stop the precise low strike, but the well-placed post comes to his rescue.

43

Viktor Cygankov tried it from an interesting shooting position. He also fired it over the wall, but it sailed high over the bar.

42

And it’s Reis himself who bursts into a counterattack. He is illegally stopped by Eric García, who is shown a yellow card.

41

Ferrán Torres went for an obvious flick-on. Vitor Reis managed to read it in time.

40

Gazzaniga makes an easy save. The long ball is slightly more successful.

39

Viktor Cygankov played the cross into the box far too early. His teammates therefore couldn’t get to the ball in time.

38

Lamine Yamal should have tried to shoot. Instead he opted for a pass, which the alert Martínez intercepted.

37

Thomas Lemar showed a good reading of the game, but his teammates were unsuccessful in the ensuing move.

36

Joan García produced a timely reaction to an overhit pass. That steadies the contest for a moment.

35

This didn’t exactly go Vanat’s way. He took a neat pass into his stride, but slipped at the crucial moment.

34

Another feint from Raphinha and another wayward shot. The ball sails well wide of the goal.

33

Shortly after controlling it with his chest, Fermín López fired sharply. He won’t be too pleased, because it ends up only in the crowd.

32

Yamal’s shot flew between the penalty spot and the six-yard box. But the alert Paulo Gazzaniga came off his line in time.

31

Captain Arnau Martínez blatantly handled the ball in a duel with Yamal. Barca have an interesting set-piece ahead of them.

30

Koundé hesitated with the ball at his feet for a long time; luckily for him, Yamal stepped in and won it back.

29

Girona could have taken the lead, too! Bryan Gil was involved again, picking out the onrushing Vladyslav Vanat. He wasn’t in a very comfortable position to shoot, but even so Joan García had to react lightning-fast with his hand.

28

Paulo Gazzaniga could let out a loud sigh of relief as a fierce shot from the centre of the pitch flew over his crossbar.

27

Lamine Yamal got tangled up in his stepovers just outside the box. He comically tumbled to the pitch.

26

Raphinha did make a good run down the wing, but he didn’t get the perfect pass.

25

The most active of the men in white is Bryan Gil. The move cannot continue because of offside.

24

Ferrán Torres received the pass on the edge of an offside position. He went for a killer shot to the far post, missing by a few centimetres.

23

An intriguing combination from the Ukrainian duo. Cygankův’s cheeky run ended with a through ball to Vanat, but he fired weakly straight at the well-positioned Joan García.

22

The home side has dropped deep into a defensive block. They’re waiting to see what the favorite will gradually create.

21

Yamal overdid it in the challenge against captain Martínez. The referee doesn’t call it a foul.

20

Lemar’s cross from the corner flag came to nothing. Eric García quickly cleared it to safety.

19

Hugo Rincón tried to capitalise on Cyganko’s backheel with a shot. He did manage to get a strike away, but only into a well‑positioned block.

18

Barcelona could already have gone ahead! Lamine Yamal received a fantastic through ball into the run. She had only Gazzaniga in front of her from the side, but couldn’t beat him with a cheeky little chip.

17

This time the Brazilian managed to let fly with a dangerous shot. After a nutmeg, Raphinha struck with his weaker right foot, but he missed the goal.

16

Raphinha had a clear opportunity to shoot. A poor touch prevented him from getting the shot away.

15

Fermín López had no chance on the long ball, but he certainly didn’t give up on the sprint.

14

Bryan Gil was in an offside position. Even so, he didn’t execute the attacking move as expected.

13

Frenkie de Jong couldn’t deal with it at the edge of the box. He can only add a loss of possession to his stats.

12

Once again Vanat was the most active of all, his first touch promptly seized by the alert García.

11

That wasn’t malicious from Vladyslav Vanat at all. He cleverly nudged the ball around Cubarsí and tried to top it off with a pass to the right, but it was blocked just in time.

10

Arnau Martínez produced a fine defensive intervention. Thanks to him, the hosts are settling into a more patient build-up.

9

Lamine Yamal won’t be framing that cross. It only found a defender who cleared it.

8

Perhaps surprisingly, Olmo dropped back into the backline. He cleanly used his body to turn the onrushing Gil away from the ball.

7

Joan García had to be alert to a cross from the left. He calmly tucked the ball into the waiting net.

6

So here’s the first interesting shot. Raphinha played the key part, laying it off to Yamal. The young winger struck a technical left-footed effort a few metres wide of the far post.

5

Perhaps for the first time Girona could think about some combination play. Bryan Gil’s penetrating run earned them a throw-in.

4

Gerard Martín had acres of space on the left wing. He dealt with it by playing a low pass into the box, which Raphinha didn’t smartly play on.

3

This is exactly how we know Barcelona. They patiently keep the ball at their feet, but everything is happening around the halfway line.

2

Lamine Yamal took the initial combination more seriously on the right. Faced with a weaker option, he played it back.

1

The visiting team in red-and-blue kits took the kick-off to start the match. The home side, meanwhile, are lining up in white.

1

The match has just kicked off.

All the players are just coming out onto the pitch. Any moment now, it will all kick off.

Starting line-ups:

Girona FC: Gazzaniga – Rincón, V. Reis, Blind, A. Martínez (C) – Cygankov, Lemar, Witsel, I. Martín, B. Gil – Vanat.

Substitutes: R. Blanco, Krapyvcov – F. Beltrán, Echeverri, Francés, Kourouma, David López, J. Roca, A. Ruiz, Stuani.

Coach: Míchel.

FC Barcelona: J. García – Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, G. Martín – Fermín López, de Jong (C), Olmo – Yamal, Torres, Raphinha.

Substitutes: Kochen, Szczęsny – Araújo, Balde, Bardghji, Bernal, Cancelo, Casadó, Lewandowski, Marques.

Coach: Hansi Flick.

Referees: Grado – Fernández, Gómez.

Beautiful Monday evening from Girona!

The catch-up fixture from matchday 24 of LaLiga will offer a small Catalan derby. At the Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, from 21:00, two teams with different standings and ambitions this season will meet.

Home side Girona FC are not having an ideal campaign. Before the weekend they sit 15th and have only a one-point cushion above the relegation places. The key problem was especially the start of the season, when they managed just one win from the opening twelve matches. Míchel’s men have also struggled at their own stadium, being the third-worst home team in the league. In recent weeks, however, their form has improved, picking up points in five of their last six league games. Most recently they fought out a valuable 1-1 draw at Sevilla, where they had been leading until stoppage time of the second half. Now they face a much tougher test.

Visitors FC Barcelona are the reigning champions and currently occupy second place in the league table, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid. The Catalan giants also wrapped up their Champions League campaign, securing progression to the round of 16 from fifth place. Hansi Flick’s team responded to the league defeat to Sociedad with a run of six consecutive competitive wins, but that was interrupted by a heavy 0-4 cup loss at Atlético Madrid. In the league, though, Barcelona last convincingly beat Mallorca 3-0, and they will want to build on that performance in the little Catalan derby.

Will Barcelona lift their spirits after the drubbing in Madrid?

Welcome to our live coverage. Kick-off is at 21:00.

Match statistics:

Possession: 65% : 35%.
Shots on target: 3:8. Shots off target: 8:5. Corners: 7:3. Offsides: 1:0. Fouls: 16:10.

Momentum in the match.

Real Betis will be returning from Mallorca to Andalusia with three points! They set out toward a 2–1 victory in the first half. After the opponents’ initial pressure they struck in the 18th minute. Antony’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Román, but after a poor clearance from Maffeo Abde Ezalzúlí poked the ball into the net. The home side then also had to take another blow before the interval, supplied by Cédric Bakambu. After the break the Pirates’ efforts were fruitless for a long time. It wasn’t until the 66th minute that Vedat Muriqi, showed he doesn’t need much to score — the league’s top scorer headed with his back to goal but still steered the ball into the top corner. That was all the home side could manage.

90+5

Full-time.

90+4

Toni Lato crossed from the left to the head of Vedat Muriqi. Ricardo Rodríguez went into him and the Pirates’ striker didn’t finish accurately.

90+3

Morlanes tried to lay the ball back to Pablo Torre. But he played it straight into the gap between him and Luvumba.

90+2

Home side set-piece from the left. Pablo Torre sent his cross to the far post. Betis’ defence intervened.

90+1

The referee will add another four minutes!

90

The final minute of regulation time is already underway.

89

Substitution for Real Betis:
Cédric Bakambu comes off, Nelson Deossa comes on.

88

Chance for the hosts! On Pablo Maffeo’s cross the unmarked Jan Virgili rose to meet it. He headed it just wide of the left post!

86

Zito Luvumbo went down in front of the visitors’ goal after a challenge with Marc Bartra. It apparently wasn’t a foul.

85

Antony delivered a cross from the right into the box. Cédric Bakambu let the ball run past him, apparently thinking Abde Ezalzúlí was closing him down. But he was positioned too far away.

84

The home defence dealt with Fornals’ corner.

83

Abde Ezzalzouli raced in from the left and faced Román, but couldn’t get the shot past him! Mallorca’s goalkeeper still keeps his teammates’ hopes alive.

82

Substitution for RCD Mallorca:
Johan Mojica goes off, Toni Lato comes on.

80

80′ The hosts were first saved by goalkeeper Román, then by centre-back López.

80

The visitors could have pulled away! But first Leo Román denied Antony. Pablo Fornals’ follow-up was then headed off the line by centre-back David López!

79

Possession – 63% : 37%

78

Substitutions for RCD Mallorca:
Sergi Darder off, Pablo Torre on,
Samú Costa off, Antonio Sánchez on.

76

Fifteen minutes left in the match. The home side could still be fighting for at least a point.

74

David López’s header from a set-piece failed to find the visitors’ net.

72

A corner followed. The visitors clear Sergi Darder’s cross.

72

A quickly taken throw-in to Vedat Muriqi. He was already heading for goal, but Marc Roca cleanly stopped him.

71

We’re moving into the final twenty minutes. Zito Luvumbo was caught offside.

68

Substitutions for Real Betis:
Álvaro Fidalgo goes off, Sergi Altimira comes on,
Aitor Ruibal goes off, Ángel Ortiz comes on.

66

66. Vedat MURIQI – 1–2

66

Mallorca has just scored!
They’ve pulled one back! Johan Mojica fed the ball on the left to Sergi Darder. He crossed, and the striker VEDAT MURIQI then showed his quality. Although he wasn’t in an ideal position to finish, with his back to goal he headed the ball into the far top corner — 1–2.

65

Just another cross that ended with Aitor Ruibal. Muriqi was in the box, but the ball wasn’t aimed at him.

63

The island side still can’t come up with anything meaningful against Betis’ defence.

61

Abde Ezzalzouli forced Pablo Maffeo into a foul with a nutmeg. The home player received a yellow card.

59

Vedat Muriqi went down in the box onto the turf a bit too eagerly. The referee books him with a yellow card for diving.

57

Sergi Darder’s shot from outside the box missed the visitors’ goal.

55

The visiting goalkeeper Álvaro Valles has already resorted to time-wasting. For taking too long with his distribution he was shown a yellow card.

53

Pablo Maffeo’s cross was aimed at Jan Virgili, whose strengths aren’t exactly in aerial duels.

52

Shots on target – 2–4

51

Betis players are moving the ball into the attacking half, where they’ll probably hold onto it for a while.

50

Manu Morlanes held an opponent and was shown a yellow card for it.

47

The hosts have made two substitutions. We’ll see whether the new players can revive their play.

46

Substitutions for RCD Mallorca:
off goes Mateo Joseph, on comes Zito Luvumbo,
off goes Omar Mascarell, on comes Manu Morlanes.

46

Substitution for Real Betis:
Diego Llorente comes off, Marc Bartra comes on.

46

The second half has started.

At half-time Betis had the game much more under control. They could have gone ahead right at the start, when Marc Roca almost lobbed goalkeeper Román from the halfway line and hit the post. Mallorca then had more of the play, but they didn’t create any clear chances. In the 18th minute, however, the Andalusians launched a quick counter. Antony’s shot was still palmed away by Román, but after Maffea’s poor clearance Abde Ezalzúlí made no mistake. And in stoppage time Cédric Bakambu then increased the score.

45+3

The first half is over.

45+2

45+2. Cédric BAKAMBU – 0-2

45+2

Real Betis has just scored!

The visitors score right before halftime! Antony played a perfectly weighted through-ball to Cédric Bakambu, who from the right side of the box found the far post. Román could only turn and helplessly throw up his hands — 0-2.

45+1

Ricardo Rodríguez got free well on the left wing and played the ball into the box to Pablo Fornals. He squandered a good chance. The ball then reached Antony, who from a less favourable position could only shoot into the arms of Leo Román.

45+1

Two minutes of stoppage time will be added to the first half.

44

Aitor Ruibal held Sergi Darder by the shirt and was shown a yellow card.

43

Pablo Maffeo and Mateo Joseph tried to create something on the right. They won a corner for the Pirates.

41

From the right, Pablo Maffeo crossed, and Betis’ defence dealt with it.

40

Johan Mojica led the home side’s counterattack. But he held up the play, and after the pass to Jan Virgili it turned into more of a patient build-up.

39

The game’s opened up now and it’s swinging from side to side.

37

Fornals was just taking the restart, but the hosts defended.

36

Pablo Fornals’ cross brushed off Mascarella and the visitors will take a corner.

34

Diego Llorente won the running duel with Mateo Joseph and played the ball back to goalkeeper Valles.

32

Johan Mojica remained lying on the pitch and the game was stopped. The medics ultimately didn’t need to come on. The home defender then shook hands with Antony in a friendly gesture.

31

Half an hour gone. Betis weathered the opponent’s early pressure and then took the wind out of their sails with a goal.

29

Home corner. Vedat Muriqi got a head on it, but from a great opportunity he only aimed it into the centre of the goal!

27

The visitors have dangerous counterattacks. Antony carried another one down the right. He waited for Abde Ezalzúlí’s run, whose shot was blocked by Valjent. The ball then deflected off him onto the hand of a Betis winger.

27

From the left, Johan Mojica delivered a cross. Fidalgo cleared the ball.

25

The home side’s Mateo Joseph tried to do something on the right wing. Then he apparently hurt his foot and, to be honest, I don’t know whether he meant to shoot or cross.

24

Possession – 59% : 41%

23

The visitors halted Mallorca’s pressure with a goal.

21

Samú Costa and Diego Llorente went in very hard in their duel. Only the home player Costa was shown a yellow card.

18

18′ Abde Ezzalzouli – 0–1

18

Real Betis has just scored!
And the visitors are suddenly in the lead! Antony drove the move down the right wing. He took the ball onto his left foot on the edge of the box and fired toward the far post. Leo Román got a hand to it, but Pablo Maffeo’s unfortunate clearance only set up Abde Ezzalzouli, who finished beyond the Pirates’ goalkeeper with an unstoppable shot.

16

Diego Llorente is shown a yellow card for handball.

16

Betis have shown little going forward so far, apart from Roc’s lob that hit the post.

14

14′ Virgili’s solo run was finally stopped by goalkeeper Valles.

14

Mallorca have been more active so far! Jan Virgili broke away from the visiting defenders and got right in front of Álvaro Valles, who denied him with a lightning-quick rush off his line.

13

David López rose to Sergi Darder’s corner. His header looped over the bar.

12

And another corner after Ricardo Rodríguez’s defensive header…

12

The home side have held firm. Play will also be restarted from the corner flag at the other end…

11

Álvaro Fidalgo managed to move the ball to the right to Pablo Fornals. His shot was deflected and the visitors will take a corner.

9

David López tried to launch a home attack with a long ball. It landed on the head of Aitor Ruibal, who was defending.

8

Vedat Muriqi was penalised for an attacking foul, having jumped at a crossed ball in front of the goal.

6

Jan Virgili shaped up for a right-footed shot. He only found the onrushing Diego Llorente.

4

The hosts tried to respond with Sergi Darder. His shot from outside the box was blocked by Betis’ defense.

3

3′ Marc Roca almost scored with a lob from nearly halfway. He hit the post.

3

Almost a brilliant goal! Home goalkeeper Leo Román rushed off his line to clear the ball to safety. He played it up to Marc Roca at the halfway line, who tried to chip it over Román. And he did it almost perfectly. The Pirates’ goalkeeper would have had no chance, but the left post came to his rescue!

1

The match has just kicked off.

Another minute of silence for the late grandfather of the home striker Abdón Prats, and also for one of the players from Mallorca’s youth academy.

Vedat Muriqi received the LaLiga Player of the Month award for January before the start of the match.

Starting lineups:

RCD Mallorca: L. Román – Maffeo, David López, Valjent (C), Mojica – Mascarell, S. Costa – Joseph, Darder, Virgili – Muriqi.

Substitutes: Bergström, Cuéllar – Raíllo, Lato, Morey, Torre, Antonio Sánchez, Llabrés, Morlanes, Kalumba, Luvumbo, Prats.

Coach: Jagoba Arrasate

Real Betis: Valles – Ruibal (C), Natan, D. Llorente, R. Rodríguez – M. Roca, Fidalgo – Antony, Fornals, Ezalzúlí – Bakambu.

Substitutes: Adrián, Pau López – V. Gómez, Bartra, Firpo, Ortiz, R. Riquelme, S. Altimira, Deossa, Pablo García, Marina.

Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Referee: Díaz – Santaursula, Campo.

RCD Mallorca (16th place, 6–6–11, goals 28–37, 24 points)

The Pirates are fighting to avoid relegation. They are only two points clear of 18th-placed Rayo. Mallorca have struggled away from home, winning only once, drawing twice and losing as many as nine times. It’s better at home. The last two matches at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix ended in wins – 3-2 over Bilbao and 4-1 over Sevilla. The island side last lost 0-3 at Barcelona. Mallorca rely heavily on striker Vedat Muriqi, who has already scored 15 goals in LaLiga.

Mallorca’s last 5 matches:

R. Vallecano – Mallorca 2-1

Mallorca – Bilbao 3-2

Atlético – Mallorca 3-0

Mallorca – Sevilla 4-1

Barcelona – Mallorca 3-0

Real Betis (5th place, 10-8-5, goals 37-28, 38 points)

Betis have been doing quite well recently. In their last five La Liga games they have won three, drawn one and lost only one. The blot in that period is the 1-2 defeat at Alavés and the home debacle 0-5 against Atlético in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. However, in the most recent league meeting the Andalusian side were on the receiving end when Los Colchoneros won 1-0 in Madrid. The green-and-whites sit fifth in the table. They’ve fallen seven points behind fourth-placed Villarreal. Their current position would be enough for the Europa League, which Manuel Pellegrini’s men are contesting again this season.

Last 5 Betis matches:

Alavés – Betis 2-1

Betis – Feyenoord 2-1 (EL)

Betis – Valencia 2-1

Betis – Atlético 0-5 (Copa del Rey)

Atlético – Betis 0-1

Welcome, all lovers of good football! On Sunday evening the 24th round of Spain’s LaLiga sees Mallorca take on Betis. The home side, sitting 16th, are dangerously close to the relegation zone. The fifth-placed Andalusian outfit, by contrast, are up in the European qualification spots.

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 9:00 PM.

That’s all for today. Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I look forward to seeing you at our next broadcasts.

Possession: 68% – 32%.
Shots on target: 10-3. Shots off target: 6-6. Corners: 6-2. Offsides: 0-0. Fouls: 6-10.

The 22nd-round Bundesliga match between Leipzig and Wolfsburg has ended. Over the full 90 minutes we saw an entertaining spectacle, but the decisive moments only began after the break. After excellent work by Grabara in the first half, the visitors went ahead in the 52nd minute. Mohamed Amúra struck a superb shot to the far post. However, the excellent VfL goalkeeper then made a poor clearance, which Yan Diomande punished. That wasn’t all, because a few minutes later Mattias Svanberg punished a mistake at the other end. Red Bull then launched heavy pressure, which only brought them an equaliser from the boot of Brajan Gruda. Both teams therefore settle for a fair 2-2 draw.

90+8

Full-time.

90+7

That was inexcusable from Rômula Cardosa. He volleyed the overhit cross well over by several metres.

90+6

Yan Diomande fought doggedly for the ball. In the end he managed to get it.

90+5

Substitution for VfL Wolfsburg:
Adam Daghim comes off, Jonas Adjetey comes on.

90+4

Castello Lukeba didn’t mean that cross too badly. It only found Vavro, who cleared it.

90+3

The pressure is really ramping up. Wolfsburg are defending tooth and nail; we’ll see if it will be enough.

90+2

A dangerous run by Johana Bakayoka wasn’t brought to a successful finish. A throw-in follows.

90+1

Both sides still have plenty of time to turn the match in their favour. Wolfsburg had a go but were unsuccessful.

90

The referee signals 7 minutes of stoppage time.

89

89. Brajan GRUDA – 2–2

89

Leipzig have just scored!

A deserved equaliser for the home side! The heavy pressure into the box has been duly rewarded. Bakayoka’s cross was cleared, but BRAJAN GRUDA collected it on his boot. He had plenty of time to control it and set up that round bit of nonsense. He did it brilliantly, as his technical left-footed strike flew into the far top corner – 2-2!

88

Johan Bakayoko served an interesting cross into the box. In the end it was safely cleared.

87

Maximilian Arnold could have rushed out to deal with the counterattack. But he slipped at the crucial moment.

86

Christoph Baumgartner was far too forceful in his attempt to play the ball. There is no doubt it was a foul.

85

Maarten Vandevoordt was heavily pressed on his distribution. In the end he handled it with composure.

84

Substitutions for VfL Wolfsburg:
Lovro Majer goes off, Dženan Pejčinović comes on,
Mohamed Amúra goes off, Konstantinos Koulierakis comes on.

83

Amúr ultimately had to be treated — that time will certainly be added on.

82

Substitutions for RB Leipzig:
Nicolas Seiwald goes off, Castello Lukeba comes on,
Antonio Nusa goes off, Johan Bakayoko comes on.

81

Mohamed Amúra took a nasty blow from the ball. He went down on the pitch, but he should be fine.

80

Adam Daghim’s intention was read, so he was forced to foul.

79

Leipzig will now find it extremely difficult. What’s more, Diomande’s cross missed the run.

78

78. Mattias SVANBERG – 1–2

78

Wolfsburg has just scored!
The equalizer didn’t faze the visitors much — sensationally they’re back in front! This time Leipzig gave the ball away cheaply in midfield. Jeanuel Belocian was able to exploit that down the left. He cleverly slipped MATTias Svanberg into the box, who, all alone in front of Vandevoordt, didn’t hesitate and placed his shot out of his reach — 1–2! Assist: Jeanuel Belocian.

77

For inappropriate comments, substitute goalkeeper Marius Müller is shown a yellow card on the bench.

76

For the visitors the main aim will be to hold on to at least a draw. They’ll certainly still be pushing for a win, as a low, ground passing combination confirms.

75

He came out in time to meet Kamil Grabara’s overhit pass. This time he’ll wait a moment before playing out.

74

VfL were probing dangerously on the edge of the box. There, however, Christian Eriksen carelessly gave the ball away.

73

Rômulo Cardoso’s header looked quite promising. In the end, though, it flies just a bit wide of the far post.

72

Red Bull’s combinations keep coming. It’s clear the home team want three points.

71

What an incredibly cruel moment for Grabarová. She’s been brilliant all game, but she shouldn’t have made a mistake like that. The visitors are going to have even more problems.

70

70. Yan DIOMANDE – 1-1

70

Leipzig have just scored!

Grabara’s excellent performance overshadowed by a huge howler! The away goalkeeper opted to punt it, but he completely miscued. It hit the alert Gruda, who immediately reacted and steered the ball into the middle. He then picked out Yan Diomande on the right; Diomande’s effort was badly affected by a slip, but he can breathe a sigh of relief. He successfully beat Grabara to the open near post – 1-1! Assist: Brajan Gruda.

69

Leipzig have no problem breaking into the penalty area, but they’re unsuccessful here.

68

Mattias Svanberg made an interesting run into open space, but he didn’t receive the ideal pass.

67

Another confident save from Grabara. He dealt with another shot from the middle of the park — that one came from Seiwald.

66

Mohamed Amúra tried his luck with a fierce volley. His rocket flies a few metres over.

65

A long cross didn’t pose any serious danger. Max Finkgräfe cleared it confidently.

64

Wolfsburg are running down the clock after winning a direct free kick in the attacking half.

63

Xaver Schlager went in too hard on the slide. He’ll also be shown a yellow card.

63

Substitutions for RB Leipzig:
Benjamin Henrichs off, Ridle Baku on,
Conrad Harder off, Rômulo Cardoso on.

62

Substitute Mattias Svanberg tried to create danger straight away. His diagonal cross into the pocket didn’t come off.

61

After one of the challenges Moritz Jenz signals a head problem. He appears to be fine.

60

Substitution for VfL Wolfsburg:
Kento Shiogai off, Mattias Svanberg on.

59

Maximilian Arnold whipped a cross to the near post—not a bad one, but he couldn’t find any of his teammates.

58

Yan Diomande won’t be framing that cross. It bounced and only found Grabara, who was well positioned.

57

Nicolas Seiwald ran with the ball out to the wing. In the end he had to pass it back into the middle.

56

Another interesting shot from the visitors. Lovro Majer curled a shot towards the far post, but it misses by a few metres.

55

Willi Orbán was heavily pressed in the build-up. He dealt with it expertly alongside his teammates.

54

Conrad Harder had a hard time controlling the ball up front. He couldn’t find anyone in support.

53

The home side will definitely have to step up and press even harder. They’re testing it right after the restart.

52

52′ Mohamed AMÚRA – 0-1

52

Wolfsburg have just scored!
That’s a massive shock at the Red Bull Arena! Out of nowhere the visitors open the scoring. Most credit goes to Adam Daghim, who drove down the right flank into the penalty box. From there he picked out Mohamed Amoura, who showed killer instinct. An immediate one‑touch shot ended up beyond Vandevoordt’s reach in the top corner – 0-1! Assist: Adam Daghim.

51

From the edge of the penalty area, Brajan Gruda swung in a cross. He can be pleased — he won a corner.

50

Red Bull definitely need to improve their finishing, but now they’re taking a throw-in right by the dugouts.

49

Leipzig’s struggles in front of goal continue! Yan Diomande produced an incredible block to stop an overhit cross. He turned and then fired with his left, but the alert Grabara made a reflex save.

48

The first yellow card of this match. Sael Kumbedi is rightly booked for pulling the handbrake.

47

For the first time after the break, the visitors tried to threaten. Belocian’s daring run was stopped.

46

The second half has kicked off.

The second half will start at approximately 18:35.

Half-time statistics:

Possession – 64% : 36%

Shots on target – 6–0

Shots off target – 3–2

Corner kicks – 5–1

The first half of an intriguing match between Leipzig and Wolfsburg is drawing to a close. The opening 45 minutes saw clear dominance from the home side, who created the biggest chances. The first came after just ten minutes when Diamonde’s powerful effort to the far post didn’t come off. Shortly after there could have been a brilliant goal, but Harder’s overhead kick was superbly kept out by the assured Grabara. The man in the mask intervened once more before the interval, notably saving Gruda’s one-on-one. VfL had virtually nothing, so the teams head into the break level at 0–0.

45+3

The first half is over.

45+2

Conrad Harder didn’t handle the counter-attack perfectly. He chipped a pass to a teammate into the attack.

45+1

Antonio Nusa sent a disguised shot from the edge of the box. It wasn’t very powerful, so no problem for Grabar.

45

The referee signals 2 minutes of stoppage time.

44

Arnold’s cross was sharply whipped on target. But Majer helped himself there with an attacking foul.

43

Adam Daghim made a brave run into the penalty area. In the end he at least won a corner.

42

An overhit cross caused problems for the visitors’ defence. Sael Kumbedi eventually produced a brave intervention.

41

The Slovak defender chose to commit an illegal challenge on the halfway line. Vavro must quickly drop back into the defensive line.

40

Key man for Wolfsburg back in action! Brajan Gruda received a fantastic through ball behind the defensive line. He shrugged off opponents, leaving only Kamil Grabara in front of him. Grabara went down smartly onto his knees, and the ball struck him.

39

Benjamin Henrichs managed to get the ball into the box with a sliding effort. His teammates’ run, however, was unsuccessful.

38

Harder and Kumbedi squared off in a tough battle. Harder came out on top.

37

Yan Diomande should have crossed it aerially, because the low cut-back was cleared in a flash.

36

In the end Mohamed Amúra tried it from distance. Leaning back, he sent it well over the frame.

35

Moritz Jenz played a big role in the transition into the attacking half. The visitors can benefit greatly from that.

34

Christoph Baumgartner didn’t have many passing options. So he safely plays it back into his own half.

33

Wolfsburg are still largely defending; after winning back possession Denis Vavro confirms it with a long clearance.

32

Willi Orbán appeared all the way up front during the attacking move. His interesting headed attempt, however, missed the goal by several metres.

31

Xaver Schlager was heavily fouled in the centre of the pitch. He at least won a direct free kick.

30

A surprising substitution for the home side. Gulácsi is injured, so Vandevoordt comes on for him just before the half-hour mark. Meanwhile, Leipzig continue to work the ball around.

29

Substitution for RB Leipzig:
Péter Gulácsi leaves the pitch, Maarten Vandevoordt comes on.

28

Willi Orbán plays throw-ins with confidence. Behind him it was already getting pretty dangerous.

27

Kamil Grabara smartly gathers Gruda’s shot from the centre of the pitch. It’s one of the more routine saves.

26

Adam Daghim chested the ball down with his back to goal. But he didn’t turn as intended.

25

Sael Kumbedi can chalk up a success on the right flank. He capped off some assured defensive work with a throw-in.

24

Rather surprisingly, Nusa swung a cross in from his boot. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t find any of his teammates.

23

From almost the halfway line, Willi Orbán played a long ball. The visitors opted for a long clearance.

22

Grabara had to deal with a tricky situation. Under pressure he received a short back pass, which he dealt with by a long clearance.

21

RB are thinking offensively again, but Seiwald misplaces his pass out to the wing.

20

Another clear chance for Leipzig! It could have been an absolute stunner, because the bouncing ball couldn’t be cleared by the defence. Conrad Harder then smashed a superb bicycle kick from very close range. He aimed under the crossbar, but goalkeeper Kamil Grabara scrambled up in time.

19

Diomande was far too late to challenge the cross. He directed it straight onto the waiting block.

18

In the closing seconds the game calmed down considerably. Lovro Majer attempted an unsuccessful long ball.

17

Kento Šiogai rushed into the challenge late. He was lucky to clear the ball for a throw-in.

16

Perhaps for the first time in the match, Wolfsburg have dominance on the ground. That lasts roughly until halftime.

15

He closed down his opponent Sael Kumbedi in time. He even won a throw-in.

14

Antonio Nusa did good work in midfield. It’s thanks to him that Red Bull can keep the combination going.

13

The visitors have been nowhere near good enough going forward so far. Adam Daghim failed to get through on that run, but the referee has called a foul.

12

Maximilian Arnold was convinced he had been fouled. The referee didn’t see it that way, so a discussion followed.

11

The ensuing corner posed no real threat. VfL will calmly play out from the six-yard box.

10

We record the first key save from Kamil Grabara! It was Yan Diomande who sparked the break down the right flank, and the defense even let him fire a powerful shot. The away goalkeeper, however, got his hands up in time and tipped it wide.

9

Yan Diomande has already gotten tangled up in his step-overs on the right flank. He’d rather play it back to his own defence.

8

Christian Eriksen unleashed a thunderous strike from long range. The experienced goalkeeper Gulácsi was rattled, but the ball sailed a few inches over the crossbar.

7

There were plenty of inaccuracies in the six-yard box. The final back-heel was already heading for the empty net, but Vavro cleared it to safety.

6

Kamil Grabara sends out a mishit long ball from his own goal. Seiwald immediately neutralizes it with a header.

5

A brilliant pocket pass found the completely unmarked Conrad Harder. Running at full speed it was tough, and he sent his effort well over by several metres.

4

Gruda curled an interesting cross in from the corner flag. His left-footed delivery struck the head of Vavra as he tried to clear.

3

The hosts take possession and go on the offensive. Antonio Nusa won a corner.

2

On the very first long ball Christoph Baumgartner took an unpleasant blow to the face. He immediately needs treatment, but should be able to continue.

1

The opening kick-off of this match was taken by the visiting side in green kits. The home side, on the other hand, are in white.

1

The match has just kicked off.

All the participants in this contest are now stepping out onto the pitch. In just a moment, it will all kick off.

Starting lineups:

RB Leipzig: Gulácsi – Henrichs, Orbán, Seiwald, Finkgräfe – Gruda, Schlager (C), Baumgartner – Diomande, Harder, Nusa.

Substitutes: Vandevoordt – Bakayoko, Baku, Banzuzi, Bitshiabu, Gomis, Lukeba, Maksimović, Cardoso.

Coach: Ole Werner.

VfL Wolfsburg: Grabara – Kumbedi, Vavro, Jenz, Belocian – Eriksen, Arnold (C) – Daghim, Majer, Amúra – Šiogai.

Substitutes: M. Müller – Adjetey, Bürger, Gerhardt, Hensel, Koulierakis, Pejčinović, Svanberg, Souza.

Coach: Daniel Bauer.

Referee: Jöllenbeck – Weickenmeier, Günsch.

A lovely Sunday evening from Leipzig!

The complete program of the 22nd round of the Bundesliga will be rounded off by a clash that, at first glance, has a clear favorite. From 5:30 p.m. at the Red Bull Arena, teams with completely different concerns will meet. While the hosts are fighting to hold on to Champions League places, the visitors are battling for survival in the German top flight.

RB Leipzig enters the weekend in fourth place with 39 points. While this position currently means Champions League football, there is certainly no room for complacency. Fifth-placed Stuttgart and Leverkusen are still within reach, so any slip-up could mean a drop. After an initial shock in the opening round of the season, Leipzig hit fantastic form. By the beginning of November they had recorded seven wins and one draw and looked almost unstoppable. Since then performances have been inconsistent and stability in results has vanished. Most recently, coach Ole Werner’s charges dealt with Cologne in the league, where after a balanced contest they narrowly won 2-1. However, during the week they were knocked out of the cup, as Red Bull were no match for Bayern in the quarter-finals. Now all attention returns to the league.

VfL Wolfsburg have completely different worries. They are currently in 15th place and with 19 points are level on points with Werder Bremen, who would already have to go into the relegation play-off. So the situation is extremely serious. The green‑whites have been unable to put together a longer run of results this season that would give them peace of mind. This also applies to the past weeks; Wolfsburg have lost three in a row. Although they did not put in a bad performance against Dortmund last time, they could not avoid a 1-2 defeat. They now face another tough test, this time travelling to the ground of fourth-placed Leipzig.

Will Red Bull live up to favorite status and keep VfL fearing the drop?

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 17:30.

Possession: 49% – 51%.

Shots on target: 4-2. Shots off target: 6-6. Corners: 4-5. Offsides: 0-0. Fouls: 9-9.

Thank you for your attention and enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

That’s full-time! The hosts managed to take all three points today. The only goal of the match was scored in the 80th minute from the penalty spot by Alexis Claude-Maurice. We saw big chances at both ends, but at the decisive moment either the goalkeeper or the defence intervened.

Those are important three points for Augsburg, which moved them up to 11th place. Heidenheim still remain four points behind penultimate St. Pauli.

90+5

Full time.

90+5

Now it looks good for the hosts.

90+4

Yellow card for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 (Budu Zivzivadze).

90+3

Well, Budu Zivzivadze failed to control the heavy ball and Wolf will take a throw-in in his own half.

90+2

The visitors are still trying to level the score. Now they’re linking up around the opponent’s penalty area.

90+1

Augsburg is keeping the ball in the attacking half.

90

The referee signals 4 minutes of stoppage time.

90

Substitution for FC Augsburg:
Mert Kömür comes off, Fabian Rieder comes on.

89

Arijon Ibrahimović stole the ball from an opponent and drove forward! He put too much power into his shot and blasted it over the bar.

88

The Blues are pushing forward. Sirlord Conteh switched the play to the left.

87

Substitutions for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846:
Hennes Behrens off, Mathias Honsak on,
Jan Schöppner off, Adrian Beck on.

86

Now, shortly after winning the ball, Heidenheim lose it again.

85

However, the final seconds are mostly being played in the visitors’ half, which suits Augsburg.

84

Marius Wolf drove into the box on the right but found no one at the near post. Then Mert Kömür fired, but his rocket finished just wide of the left post.

83

The home side are calming things down.

82

Now the visitors opened up their defence and one of the home players got right in front of the goalkeeper! But Diant Ramaj pulled off a terrific save to deny that sitter and is still keeping his team in the game.

81

Substitution for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846:
Julian Niehues goes off, Budu Zivzivadze comes on.

80

80. Alexis CLAUDE-MAURICE – 1-0

80

Augsburg have just scored!
ALEXIS CLAUDE-MAURICE aimed for the left post and rattled the net! Diant Ramaj did read the side, but couldn’t parry the driven shot away. – 1-0

80

Good eye from the referee. Benedikt Gimber held Keven Schlotterbeck, preventing him from being sent flying.

79

Yellow card for team 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 (Benedikt Gimber).

79

79′ Penalty save.

79

A penalty has been awarded to FC Augsburg!

78

Deflected shot, corner — the hosts are packing into Ramaj’s box.

77

Arijon Ibrahimović picked up the loose ball and fired it first-time. But he only hit an opponent and the play shifts to the other flank.

76

Marius Wolf got past one opponent, but the second time one of the defenders dispossessed him. At the other end the visitors are combining.

75

Alexis Claude-Maurice was confident, so he decided to shoot from outside the box. His shot, however, went well wide.

74

Substitutions for FC Augsburg:
Robin Fellhauer goes off, Dimitris Giannoulis comes on,
Kristijan Jakić goes off, Elvis Rexhbeçaj comes on.

73

One of the visitors chested a long ball down. Jan Schöppner then aimed for the far post, but his effort was blocked.

72

That cross flew through the box untouched. Heidenheim, however, will be able to combine.

71

Now Jan Schöppner again looked for one of his teammates on the left. Han-Noah Massengo clears.

70

Eren Dinkçi searched for one of his teammates with a low cross from the left. Keven Schlotterbeck clears it at the near post for a corner.

69

69′ A dangerous attempt flew just wide of the post.

69

A blocked shot outside the box bounced back to Eren Dinkçi! He aimed for the top-left corner of the goal, but missed his target.

68

But Sirlord Conteh has just fouled in the opponent’s penalty area while trying to win the ball.

67

Kristijan Jakić plays the ball back from the left. The home side couldn’t do anything with it and the ball is switched back to the other side.

66

Finn Dahmen now calmly plays it out from the back.

65

The visitors’ counterattack doesn’t end in a goal! Eren Dinkçi drove down the left into the penalty area and laid the ball off to Jan Schöppner. He took the ball in stride and aimed for the left-hand post. But Finn Dahmen was there.

64

Substitution for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846:
Christian Conteh comes off, Sirlord Conteh comes on,
Stefan Schimmer comes off, Marvin Pieringer comes on.

63

63′ A superb strike was preceded by a foul.

63

Han-Noah Massengo did curl the ball into the top-left corner of the net, but it all came after the whistle.

62

The home team started to try harder, and after winning the ball again they can once more combine in the attacking half.

61

Played short. The hosts will try again.

60

Han-Noah Massengo intercepted the opponent’s pass. He then passed the ball to Alexis Claude-Maurice, who tried to pick someone out in the box. It ends in a corner.

59

Substitutions for FC Augsburg:
Michael Gregoritsch goes off, Rodrigo Ribeiro comes on,
Anton Kade goes off, Marius Wolf comes on.

58

Han-Noah Massengo received a ball that was too long; his opponent tracked it and got to the byline.

57

Augsburg are already combining in the opponent’s half. For now, though, they’re still looking for a better position.

56

And shortly after, a similar situation. This time, though, the ball ends up with Dahmen.

55

Nice combination by the visitors. Eren Dinkçi then played the ball too far and his teammate couldn’t reach it on the pitch.

54

Augsburg have the ball back now, but their combinations often end in a turnover.

53

Hennes Behrens slid the ball to Conteh. He crossed in from the left, but his delivery ends just beyond Dahmen’s goal, and Dahmen will take the goal kick.

52

Mert Kömür may have got a touch on the ball, but he took his opponent with him. The referee has blown for a foul against the home side.

50

A cut-back into the box and there’s Christian Conteh! He first fired at the left post. The ball then ricocheted back to him, but he couldn’t find the net.

49

A lofted ball all the way into the box. Diant Ramaj was the closest to it there.

48

Heidenheim is switching the play from one side to the other. Now Conteh couldn’t get into the box.

47

The game so far is concentrated in midfield and neither side is creating any significant chances.

46

The second half is underway.

We’re at the end of the first half.
The opening half was fairly even. The home side have been a touch more dangerous, but the visitors aren’t playing badly at all. Heidenheim have often used the pace of Conteh on the left, but so far his crosses into the box haven’t found anyone. The first half ended level, leaving the match open to all sorts of possible scenarios.

45

First half is over.

44

The visitors are still trying to come up with something before half-time. Conteh didn’t mean to shoot from distance, but it was spot on.

43

Heidenheim are combining in the opponent’s half. Massengo managed to clear Conteh’s cross.

42

Conteh is pushed from behind, but no foul is awarded. Augsburg will have the ball.

40

The hosts’ long ball is nothing but a gift for goalkeeper Ramaj.

39

Heidenheim combine well. Conteh then crossed from the left, but the ball goes out on the other side for a throw-in.

38

Michael Gregoritsch just tried to beat the keeper Ramaj from distance after he came off his line! In the end, though, the ball ends up wide of the goal.

37

Now a nice through ball to Alexis Claude-Maurice. But he went down in a clean challenge.

36

A wayward pass sends the ball out of play. Augsburg will build the attack.

35

Heidenheim are now calming the game with a pass to their goalkeeper.

34

This time Christian Conteh took the ball onto his left. His cross, however, was diverted by Banks, and Finn Dahmen came out to claim the ball.

33

The ball found Conteh. He cleverly slid it to Stefan Schimmer, who, however, lost his battle with gravity and then fouled Banks while on the ground.

32

Hennes Behrens tried to thread the ball along the touchline, but sent it out. The home side are now pushing forward down the left flank.

31

Augsburg with an imprecise combination and the ball ends up in the six-yard box. Diant Ramaj will take the goal kick.

30

A long throw-in into the visitors’ penalty area, only for it to be cleared all the way to goalkeeper Dahmen.

29

In the final seconds, play has been concentrated more in midfield.

28

After a momentary lapse, though, they lose possession and the home side can combine.

27

The Blues can switch play to the right.

26

Alexis Claude-Maurice was already in the box. Then he took it upon himself and curled the ball toward the far post. In the end, though, his shot only hit the advertising boards.

25

Diant Ramaj came off his line to claim a cross from the right, but he wasn’t entirely sure! One of the opponents then tried to pounce on the rebound, but the visitors’ goalkeeper threw himself at the shot and Heidenheim escaped unscathed.

24

Michael Gregoritsch brilliantly switched play to the left. In the box, though, one of his teammates failed to convert. The home side will, however, have possession.

23

A low cross to the near post. Noahkai Banks only clears the ball out for a throw-in.

22

Michael Gregoritsch flicked the cross down on the edge of the box, but the ball only went to the goalkeeper. Heidenheim are back on the ball.

21

Finn Dahmen went to the far post to meet the cross.

20

The Blues have now shifted play from the right to the left. There, Christian Conteh tried to cross it in, but he’ll have to settle for just a corner.

19

Christian Conteh again controlled the ball brilliantly and got into the box. There Noahkai Banks dispossessed him with a sliding tackle.

18

Kristijan Jakić collected the ball just outside the box and didn’t mess around! He unleashed a fierce shot at the right-hand post, but Diant Ramaj was well positioned and dealt with the effort.

17

A nice long ball to the edge of the box. After a header aimed at goal, Cédric Zesiger scrambled for the ball, but Diant Ramaj came off his line in time.

16

Han-Noah Massengo brilliantly shook off his marker, then worked the ball to the byline, from where he delivered a cross into the box. At the back post a Heidenheim defender could only turn it out for a corner.

15

And Augsburg lose possession again. The Blues can start their combination from scratch.

14

Julian Niehues headed just over Dahmen’s goal at the near post.

14

Arijon Ibrahimović brilliantly beat two players on the byline. The visitors then got a shot away, but the ball was blocked for a corner.

13

Heidenheim’s players will get to take the first corner of the match; today they’re wearing their blue kit.

12

The referee didn’t rule the challenge in midfield as a foul, and the home side had the ball for a moment before they lost it.

11

The visitors are beginning to look more composed and can move the play from one side to the other.

10

Now Eren Dinkçi almost got a shot away in the box! But one of the defenders nicked the ball away from him at the last moment.

10

A cross into the visitors’ box from the left, but then a smart chest knock-down into the goalkeeper’s gloves. Heidenheim push forward.

9

Busch’s long-range shot sails high over Dahmen’s goal.

8

Two attempts by the visitors! First, one of them couldn’t get his shot through the wall of bodies in the box. Then an effort from outside the area, but the ball only ended up with Keven Schlotterbeck.

7

Heidenheim, with a smart combination, worked their way into the opponent’s half. They then managed to whip a cross to Busch, but the very first defender immediately cleared it to safety.

6

Mert Kömür handled the ball in midfield, and that didn’t escape the assistant. The visitors are circulating the ball.

5

Augsburg’s long ball reached only the visitors. Hennes Behrens was then fouled.

4

Nice ball to Conte. He won the sprint duel, but loses the ball as he looked for someone on the edge of the box.

3

Mert Kömür controlled a difficult ball and brilliantly shrugged off his opponent. But then he was double-marked and lost possession.

2

The visitors successfully repelled the opposition’s first attack.

1

The match has just kicked off.

Starting lineups:

FC Augsburg: Dahmen – N. Banks, K. Schlotterbeck, Zesiger – Kade, Jakić, Massengo, Fellhauer – Kömür, Claude-Maurice – Gregoritsch.

Substitutes: Labrović – Chaves, Gharbi, Giannoulis, Keitel, Rexhbeçaj, Ribeiro, Rieder, Wolf.

Coach: Baum

1. FC Heidenheim 1846: Ramaj – Busch, Mainka, Gimber – C. Conteh, Niehues, Schöppner, Behrens – Dinkçi, Ibrahimović – Schimmer.

Substitutes: Feller – Beck, S. Conteh, Honsak, Kerber, Pieringer, Siersleben, Stergiou, Zivzivadze.

Coach: Schmidt

Referee: Zwayer – Kempter, Dietz.

Good afternoon to all football fans. On the schedule for the 22nd round of the Bundesliga is a match in which FC Augsburg will host 1.FC Heidenheim 1846. The match kicks off at 15:30. Enjoy the game.

FC Augsburg

Augsburg go into the next round under pressure. After the last defeat they sit just above the relegation zone and their points tally after 21 matches is one of the weakest in recent years. Away form isn’t ideal, but at home it’s a completely different picture. At their own stadium they have a good unbeaten run and the home crowd is now their biggest weapon. Moreover, under the current coach they have yet to lose in the league in front of their own fans, which gives the team a certain boost in confidence.

1.FC Heidenheim 1846

Heidenheim, on the other hand, are going through a very difficult period. They have been waiting for a win for several rounds, have slipped to the bottom of the table and are several points adrift of safety. Their biggest problem is the attack. They rank among the weakest in the competition and the defence also fails to convince, as a clean sheet has long been an unattainable goal for the team. The statistics also do not work in their favour in Sunday matches, where they have long been struggling.

Head-to-head

In the last five meetings Augsburg have won three times, Heidenheim twice.

That’s all from this match, thank you for your attention.

Possession: 54% – 46%.

Shots on target: 1 – 4. Shots off target: 6 – 5. Corners: 2 – 3. Offsides: 5 – 1. Fouls: 8 – 20.

The final whistle from Matea Busquets Ferrer put the full stop on the opening match of today’s Spanish LaLiga programme. Oviedo, after the break, failed to build on a well-played first half. The lead created by Šájra’s breakaway in the 58th minute was wiped out by a superb strike from Jauregizar, after which Bilbao turned the game around from a penalty by Sancet. Real could offer no further resistance and so remain bottom of the table.

90+6

Full-time.

90+6

A long ball from halfway for the hosts was ruled out for offside. The last seconds of stoppage time are ticking away on the clock. The result looks to be decided.

90+5

Thiago Fernández has just shown great courage. Instead of crossing, he steered the ball onto his foot for a shot. But it was a woeful effort and left Simón untroubled.

90+4

Robert Navarro simply gave the ball away instead of driving it as far as possible into Real’s half. After coming onto the pitch, the striker didn’t show much.

90+3

Athletic expertly keeps the centre of play well away from Unai Simón. It’s taking the home side far too long to get close to the penalty area.

90+2

Álex Forés failed to take a quality first touch when receiving a simple pass from the right wing. His rushed shot on the turn then flew out for a corner.

90+1

Six minutes of stoppage time.

90

Substitution for Athletic Bilbao:
Oihan Sancet goes off, Unai Gómez comes on.

89

Thiago Fernández worked the cross to the far post. Álex Forés was making a run there, but Aymeric Laporte still managed to clear the incoming ball for a corner, which came to nothing.

88

Iljás Šájrá revved his engines again on the halfway line. This time he was stopped by a cleanly executed slide tackle from Aymeric Laporte.

87

Alejandru Regovi failed to time his sliding tackle on Šájr, who was trying to get away from him at the halfway line. That’s another yellow card.

87

Real paid for Federico Viñas being slow to come back from an offside position. The last-placed team’s chances of equalizing are rapidly diminishing.

86

With S. López’s cross the visitors also dealt with it to coach Valverde’s satisfaction. At the near post Aitor Paredes was alert.

85

David Carmo eased the transition with a long cross, but Iljás Šájrá couldn’t reach the ball due to a deflection off the jumping Viňas.

84

The Basques are holding a high defensive line. The home side have no answer and are tediously exchanging passes around the centre circle.

82

Gorka Guruzeta tried in vain to turn Ares’s long throw into a more promising finishing position.

81

Substitution for Real Oviedo:
Santiago Colombatto off, Álex Forés on.

80

Oviedo’s promising move was needlessly played out. Federico Viñas was caught offside long before Cazorla’s cross-shot, which went wide of Simón’s goal.

78

Exactly the same thing happened to Alejandro Rego in his duel with Cazorla. Oviedo can build up an attack from their own half.

77

Gorka Guruzeta was once again spotted breaching the rules. This time it was a forceful play-on after Javi López had been fouled.

76

Iñaki Williams flicked Simón’s long ball on into offside, where Gorka Guruzeta was caught.

75

Thiago Fernández charged into the penalty area, but the referee had already blown for a foul on Vesga before his wayward shot.

74

The closing minutes are very stop-start. Oviedo can expect a generous amount of stoppage time.

73

Buoyed by the goal, Sancet looked for Berchiche in the penalty area. Berchiche couldn’t get past Bailly and ultimately committed a foul.

71

71′ Oihan SANCET – 1–2

71

Bilbao has just scored!

The penalty was converted by OIHAN SANCET. Aarón Escandell leapt to his right post and left the middle of the goal exposed, where the Bilbao midfielder fearlessly placed his spot-kick.

70

The home side’s protests aimed at the referee didn’t pay off. Alongside the offender Carma, Thiago Fernández is also shown a yellow card.

69

Penalty for Athletic! Iñaki Williams’ header clearly struck Carma’s raised arm and the referee didn’t hesitate for a second before blowing the whistle.

68

Gorka Guruzeta earned an unnecessary yellow card after childishly grabbing Escandell.

67

Iñaki Williams forced Ares out to the byline, from where he couldn’t put in a proper cross. The ball is safely with Aarón Escandell.

66

Substitution for Athletic Bilbao:
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta off, Mikel Vesga on.

66

Substitution for Athletic Bilbao:
Andoni Gorosabel off, Jesús Areso on.

66

Santi Cazorla didn’t get off to a great start. With a catastrophic set-piece delivery, he almost sparked a Bilbao counter-attack.

65

Substitution for Real Oviedo:
Alberto Reina comes off, Nicolás Fonseca comes on.

65

Substitution for Real Oviedo:
Kwasi Sibo off, Santi Cazorla on.

63

Thiago Fernández curled his cross from the left all the way beyond the far post of Simón’s goal. Oviedo aren’t clicking after the break.

62

Possession: 48% – 52%.

61

Substitution for Athletic Bilbao:
Mikel Jauregizar goes off, Alejandro Rego comes on.

60

What bad luck, because Mikel Jauregizar picked up a muscle injury while attempting a shot on goal. He’s very likely to be substituted.

58

58. Mikel JAUREGIZAR – 1-1

58

Bilbao have just scored!
It’s level! The Basques successfully pressed the home side’s build-up. MIKEL JAUREGIZAR cut in from the left, steered the ball onto the centre and with a beautiful 21-metre strike rattled it off the post into the net past the sprawling Escandell.

57

Substitution for Real Oviedo:
Haissem Hassan off, Thiago Fernández on.

56

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta delivered the ball into the penalty area. Sancet lunged in quickly to finish, but Escandell’s goal was too small for him.

55

Šájra’s fall provoked unnecessary emotions, since Federico Viñas had already put the ball out of play. Unai Simón restarts play.

54

Santiago Colombatto, in a clash between two yellow-carded players, collided heavily with Ruiz de Galarreta. That resulted in a clearance by Aarón Escandell.

53

Oviedo has been under intense pressure since the start of the half. Their slender lead is beginning to crumble.

52

Iñaki Williams and Andoni Gorosabel, in quick succession, delivered virtually identical crosses from the right wing into the feet of Real’s defenders.

51

Iñaki Williams delivered a promising cross from the right. It was worse with Sancet’s header, which whistled wide of the home goal.

50

Mikel Jauregizar, with the ball at his feet, outmuscled Siba, but Escandell easily collected his shot from the left side of the box.

49

Iñaki Williams unsuccessfully tried to extend Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta’s pass. The scuffed contact sees the ball fall to the home side.

47

Bilbao’s early pressure faltered on several wayward crosses. Not only did Real’s defenders deal with them, but goalkeeper Aarón Escandell did as well.

46

Substitution for Athletic Bilbao:
Nico Serrano goes off, Robert Navarro comes on.

46

The second half has started.

By the halfway point of the match, Oviedo are on course for a second straight victory that could lift them off the bottom of LaLiga. The decisive goal was scored by Iljás Šájrá, who on a break made us forget his missed chance from the 23rd minute, when Paredes had blundered badly.

45+1

The first half is over.

45+1

1 minute of added time.

45

Real dealt with the corner kick with absolute ease. Only seconds now separate them from victory in the first half.

44

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta quietly tested the keeper from distance after the cross was headed away. The tricky, deflected shot ultimately flew just wide of Escandell’s goal!

43

Nico Serrano was brought down on the pitch by Javi López. Late in the first half, the Basques will try a set-piece from the right side of the pitch.

42

In similar fashion at the other end of the pitch, Unai Simón guided the overhit pass to Šájur out for a goal kick.

41

Eric Bailly is playing a flawless game so far. The former Manchester United defender has just cut off Iñaki Williams’ run and was fouled by him near the byline.

40

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta was deemed to have handled the ball by referee Ferrer, so Bilbao again lose possession while still in their own half.

39

Santiago Colombatto picked up a yellow card for a resolute sliding tackle at the halfway line, which Nico Serrano bore the brunt of.

38

Federico Viñas helped out the double‑teamed Hassan. Real shifted the play to the left and, via López, produced a wildly off‑target long‑range shot.

37

Two more turnovers by Bilbao on the halfway line. Santiago Colombatto quickly played the ball back with an inaccurate through pass.

36

Oviedo again draws applause from the stands for the way it prevented the Basques from transitioning through the congested midfield.

35

Eric Bailly stepped out expertly and then in the centre circle effortlessly ran past all the opponents who had rushed out to press him.

34

Until now quiet Iñaki Williams was fouled in the area between the dugouts. Moments later, Nacho Vidal denied him the chance to control a long ball.

33

The Basques have an hour to put things right. They’re losing away to LaLiga’s bottom side and, on top of that, can’t rely on Nic Williams, who, after Wednesday’s cup semi-final, has once again been added to the injury list.

32

Possession: 51% – 49%.

30

30′ Iljás ŠÁJRÁ – 1-0

30

Oviedo has just scored!

“Los Azules” are deservedly in the lead! Escandella’s twice-extended goal kick sent ILJÁSE ŠÁJRU through on a break. The Moroccan striker avoided Gorosabel’s sliding challenge and from 15 metres thumped the ball off the bar into the helpless Unai Simón’s net.

29

After a long time Valverde’s team enjoyed some combination play in the opponent’s half. But Kwasi Sibo blocked Berchiche’s cross from the left.

28

Another cross from Hassan landed in the pocket between two attackers making runs to head it. From the visitors’ point of view, Aitor Paredes successfully dealt with the situation.

27

Santiago Colombatto couldn’t make anything of the set-piece. Bilbao’s defence was ready for his long ball.

26

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta was booked for a naive pull on Albert Reina. Athletic will remain under pressure.

23

23′ Šájr’s chance didn’t find the top corner.

23

Aitor Paredes made a massive mistake in the build-up. Federico Viñas pounced on it and fed Šájr, who just narrowly missed the top-left corner from his angle.

22

Hassan couldn’t redeem himself with his attempt at a cross from the right. Oviedo must go back to the halfway line.

21

Haissem Hassan’s set-piece cross to Simón was also ruled out. The visitors from the Basque Country are on the attack.

20

Nacho Vidal followed up Laporte’s foul with a surprising short ground restart, but Hassan’s shot after an unplanned one-two with Jauregizar just missed Simón’s goal.

19

Aside from Guruzeta’s promotional greeting, not much has happened in the opening of the match. The home side’s long ball from halfway didn’t come off. Viñas couldn’t control the ball.

18

Eric Bailly had Gorosabel’s cross covered. Earlier, even Iñaki Williams couldn’t manage the delivery into the box, despite slickly shrugging off Vidal.

17

The through ball in behind was out of Reina’s reach, so Simón comfortably collected it.

16

Yuri Berchiche didn’t let Vidal shine on the flank. After the throw-in, play is back to end-to-end action.

15

Oviedo is dictating the tempo for the first time with a sustained passing combination on the halfway line. A little further up, the space is already very crowded.

14

A slightly rushed cross off the foot of Javi López at the other end of the pitch was claimed by experienced goalkeeper Unai Simón.

13

An ineffectual long-range shot from Gorka Guruzeta had no chance of success. Aarón Escandell recorded a warm-up save.

12

Oviedo’s defense is holding so far. Not a single one of the visitors’ many crosses has found its intended target yet.

11

In similar areas Federico Viñas went down, but this time the referee’s whistle stayed silent.

10

Alberto Reina committed a foul on Mikel Jauregizar. Bilbao restarts from the centre circle.

9

Aymeric Laporte covered the long ball to Federico Viñas and played a short back pass to Simón.

8

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta overhit the long ball, sending it beyond the penalty area. What’s more, home centre-back Bailly was down again.

6

Eric Bailly went down from a challenge with Guruzeta and, clutching his side after a painful knock, forced referee Busquets Ferrer to halt play briefly.

5

Iljás Šájrá had no one in front of Unai Simón’s goal. He at least won a corner for his side, but it came to nothing without the slightest hint of a chance.

4

The visitors’ second corner had already been cleared, but Aitor Paredes sent the ball wide of the left post.

3

The Basques started with pressure and immediately won a corner, from which Serrano’s shot was blocked by Santiago Colombatto.

2

The hosts have taken the kick-off; they’re playing in blue-and-white kits. Bilbao are in red-and-white.

1

The match has just kicked off.

Starting line-ups:

Real Oviedo: Escandell – N. Vidal, Bailly, Carmo, J. López – Hassan, Sibo, Colombatto (C), Šájrá – Reina, Viñas.

Substitutes: Moldovan – Agudín, Ahijado, Alhassane, Borbas, Calvo, Cazorla, Dendoncker, Thiago Fernández, Fonseca, Forés, Ilić.

Coach: Jorge Almada

Athletic Bilbao: Simón – Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche – Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar – I. Williams (C), Sancet, N. Serrano – Guruzeta.

Substitutes: Padilla – Areso, Boiro, U. Gómez, Izeta, Lekue, Monreal, R. Navarro, Rego, S. Sánchez, Vesga.

Coach: Ernesto Valverde

Referees: Ferrer – López, González.

1st meeting

9 Nov 2025

Bilbao 1–0 Oviedo

Goal: 25′ N. Williams.

Real Oviedo

The newly promoted LaLiga side ended a months‑long wait for a third win of the season on the last day of January against Girona, and slightly ramped up the drama at the bottom of the table by cutting the gap to 17th‑placed Valencia to seven points while sitting in the relegation spot in 20th. Another survival battle was due last week against Rayo Vallecano, but that match was postponed, so Guillermo Almada’s side will go into today’s clash with Bilbao after a two‑week break. In the team with the weakest attack in the league, Federico Vinas (3+0) and Iljás Šájrá (2+1) are the top contributors.

Athletic Bilbao

The Basques have struggled to balance their efforts between LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In a congested schedule they dropped a ton of points in the top Spanish division and, sitting 11th in the table, they are almost as far from the European places as they are from the relegation zone. Last week Athletic lifted spirits with a 4-2 win over Levante, whereas Wednesday’s Copa del Rey derby at home against Real Sociedad was deservedly lost 0-1. The team’s top scorer is Robert Navarro with five goals.

I wish all football fans an enjoyable time following the live text coverage of the match in the 24th round of the Spanish LaLiga. From 2:00 PM we can look forward to the clash between Real Oviedo and Athletic Bilbao!

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 2:00 PM.

Possession: 47% – 53%.

Shots on target: 1-2. Shots off target: 7-2. Corners: 3-2. Offsides: 0-3. Fouls: 11-10.

Thank you for your attention and enjoy the rest of the evening.

We’re at the end.
In the second half the visitors refreshed their lineup and managed to score the first goal of the match. It was netted in the 64th minute by Largie Ramazani. The home side then tried to equalize but failed to create any meaningful chance. The final nail in the coffin was driven in the 84th minute by Umar Sadiq, who shrugged off a defender, ran through on goal and slotted the ball into the top corner, out of the keeper’s reach. In stoppage time Kervin Arriaga was shown two yellow cards within ten seconds.

90+8

Full-time.

90+7

A long ball down the left to Sadiq. He was brought down, but the referee plays on.

90+6

The visitors are managing to clear every delivery aimed into the box.

90+5

That was quick. Kervin Arriaga was shown a yellow card, applauded the referee, and the referee responded with a second yellow, which meant a red.

90+4

Second yellow followed by a red card for Levante UD (Kervin Arriaga).

90+4

Yellow card for Levante UD (Kervin Arriaga).

90+4

But that foul by Espí shouldn’t have happened; it won’t help the home team at all.

90+3

Baptiste Santamaría eventually forced a throw-in with a clearance. But his team gives the ball back shortly afterwards.

90+2

Yellow card for Valencia CF (Jesús Vázquez).

90+1

A foul, and the hosts will still play a free kick into the box.

90

The referee is adding 8 minutes of stoppage time.

89

Substitutions for Valencia CF:
off goes Eray Cömert, on comes Baptiste Santamaría,
off goes Largie Ramazani, on comes Jesús Vázquez.

88

Now the referee has pointed to the centre—goal confirmed.

87

The referee may still be reviewing the incident with VAR.

85

Yellow card for Levante UD (Matias Moreno).

85

One of the away players is still being treated.

84

84. Umar SADIQ – 0-2

84

Valencia have just scored!

And it’s two! From a long, bouncing ball UMAR SADIQ managed to shrug off the home defender. He then went through on goal and beat the goalkeeper with a shot into the top corner. — 0-2

83

It looked like Manu Sánchez was going to get a shot away, but in the end the ball was taken off his foot. We’re off to the other end.

82

A long ball to the right, but the ball goes out. Levante will get to play.

81

Levante have been in the opponent’s penalty area for a long time now. However, the long throw-in was only flicked on into the goalkeeper’s gloves.

80

Red card to the home bench, and we can carry on.

79

Kareem Tunde skilfully worked his way past two defenders. Then he was pulled back and fell to the ground. The referee let play continue and the home side regained possession after a moment.

78

Substitutions for Levante UD:
Nacho Perez off, Paco Cortes on,
Pablo Martínez off, Unai Vencedor on.

77

Adrián de la Fuente only strikes the wall. Then another cross into the box, but Stole Dimitrievski deals with it.

76

However, Stole Dimitrievski has already set up the wall.

75

The doctors are now escorting the injured home team’s captain off the pitch.

74

Pablo Martínez will have to be treated and the referee has now allowed the doctors onto the pitch.

73

The whistle’s gone. Guido Rodríguez fouled his opponent a few metres outside the penalty area and Levante will take the free kick. I’m just surprised the lad wasn’t booked for that sliding tackle.

72

Another cross into the visitors’ penalty area found Stole Dimitrievski.

71

One of the visitors anticipated the through pass. Valencia then held on to the ball for a little while longer.

70

A heavy one-two and the ball goes out of play. But Valencia didn’t enjoy possession for long.

69

Substitutions for Levante UD:
Iván Romero off, Carlos Espí on,
Carlos Álvarez off, Jon Ander Olasagasti on,
Iker Losada off, Karl Etta Eyong on.

67

Luis Rioja carried the ball into the penalty area on the right. He then tried to pick out Ramazani in the danger area, but only succeeded in placing the ball into the goalkeeper’s gloves.

66

The error, however, soon gives Valencia a passing move that pushes forward.

65

We’ll see whether the home side can respond any better.

64

64′ Largie RAMAZANI – 0-1

64

Valencia have just scored!
That was something! Sadiq in the box back-heeled the ball to Rioja, who immediately switched play to the left to LARGIE RAMAZANI. He, with one touch, flicked the ball up in front of him and smashed the round thing into the top-left corner with his left foot! – 0–1

63

The hosts are now building an attack down the right. But it’s too congested there.

62

Largie Ramazani tried to send Sadiq through on the break, but his pass was brilliantly read by one of the defenders.

60

The visitors can string passes together. They aren’t rushing into anything and are focusing more on the accuracy of their passing.

59

Substitution for Valencia CF:
Hugo Duro off, Umar Sadiq on.

58

Substitution for Valencia CF:
Off goes Pepelu, on comes Guido Rodríguez,
Off goes Filip Ugrinić, on comes Javier Guerra.

57

Álavrez’s cross ends right at Dimitrievski.

56

Hugo Duro eventually muscled past his opponent and got to a header. His position, however, was fairly awkward to finish more precisely.

55

The hosts have looked more active in the second half so far. But now Tunde’s shot didn’t come off and Dimitrievski will restart play.

54

Manu Sánchez’s cross from the left found only the gloves of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

52

Long ball to Rioja. The home side will take the throw-in in their own half.

51

Kareema Tunde’s powerful shot goes well wide of the right-hand post.

50

Iván Romero fouled while trying to win the ball back.

49

Now the ball dropped dangerously to the back post, but it was hard for the home side to finish from there. They merely calmed the game down and played the ball back into their own half.

48

Pablo Martínez made space in the box, but his final delivery didn’t get through and the ball went out for a corner.

47

Adrián de la Fuente got on the end of the ball, but his header went just wide of the right-hand post.

46

Right in the opening seconds of the second half, a foul was committed and the home side will take a free kick into the penalty area.

46

The second half has started.

The first half is behind us.

In the first half we hardly saw any decent move or chance. The only one fell to Iván Romero, who headed the ball toward the left post, but even if he had scored, his joy would have been spoiled by the raised flag.

So we can only hope that our goalscoring account will finally open in the second half.

45

The first half is over.

44

The home team didn’t want to risk losing possession and played it back.

43

The game has broken up in the final minutes and neither team is getting a shot away.

42

Handball. The referee spotted it and gives the ball back to the visiting team.

41

Filip Ugrinić was clearly offside and Levante will have the ball again.

40

Another shove from behind in midfield. Hugo Duro is already on his feet and his teammates are exchanging passes.

39

Adrián de la Fuente manages to clear the crossed ball. After a moment a foul occurs that costs the visitors possession.

37

Luis Rioja was first to the ball, but only managed to whip it into the side netting. He needn’t be upset, though, because moments later Hugo Duro won a free-kick from a good position.

36

The home team are pressing the opposition’s buildup, but the visitors have already made it into Levante’s half.

35

Manu Sánchez picked up a ball shifted over from the right. His cross, however, ended up straight in the gloves of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

34

A misplaced long ball forward ends up only with the visitors’ goalkeeper. The away side are passing the ball around and whistles can be heard from the stands.

33

The home team will have a corner after a blocked cross from the left.

32

Nice knockdown, but then an inaccurate pass into the run that went straight to goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

31

Valencia is, however, back on the ball straight away and is combining on the right.

30

Lucas Beltrán shrugged off his marker. The second touch was worse though, because he didn’t time the pass quite right.

29

Pablo Martínez was second to the ball and his sliding tackle only caught the opponent’s leg.

28

Kareem Tunde was needlessly fouled near the touchline, and José Gayà, I think, can count himself lucky he wasn’t shown a yellow card.

27

Largie Ramazani received a difficult ball but dealt with it brilliantly. He then shifted it to the left, from where a cross was sent into the penalty area, but it posed no danger.

26

An error on the edge of Levante’s box. The hosts briefly got hold of the ball.

25

The game is now centred in midfield, the visitors are combining.

24

Dangerous ball to the near post. But the ball flew to the other side, where José Gayà committed a foul.

23

Another attempt to whip in a cross, but it struck the hand of one of the home side’s players, so Valencia will have a free kick from a spot just by the corner flag.

22

Another corner for Valencia.

21

Stole Dimitrievski may have come off his line unnecessarily just now, and when he saw he wouldn’t reach the ball he was retreating. Iván Romero was first to the ball and tried to chip it over him, but his effort was way off target.

20

Lucas Beltrán fired from distance after the home side lost possession. Kervin Arriaga blocked his shot, deflecting it out for a corner.

19

Interesting sign. But Manu Sánchez then took a poor first touch and the ball ran out for a goal kick. Stole Dimitrievski will take the goal kick.

18

Yellow card to Valencia CF (Filip Ugrinić).

17

Dangerous cross! Iván Romero may have been offside, but his header still gave the visiting goalkeeper a real scare.

16

On the other side the whistle is already being blown, Adrián de la Fuente has just been fouled.

15

Lucas Beltrán couldn’t get into the box, thanks to a superb challenge from Adrián de la Fuente.

13

A crossed ball into the visitors’ box. Valencia’s defence dealt with it and cleared it.

12

It didn’t get through on the right. The home side are then forced to calm things down by playing back to their goalkeeper.

11

A misplaced ten-metre pass costs the visitors possession.

10

Shortly afterwards it’s once again the visitors who can combine. But after a long ball forward, Matias Moreno forced his opponent out for a throw-in.

9

Lucas Beltrán got past a defender on the right, but took too heavy a touch and loses the ball.

8

The referee has just blown for a foul against the home side; the visitors will be able to keep the ball at their feet.

7

An off-target shot that goalkeeper Mathew Ryan merely watched.

6

Valencia combined through the middle to reach the attacking half. But now the visitors were forced back with the ball into their own half.

5

Levante’s defense handled the long ball. After a moment the ball returned to the visitors.

4

But they’ve lost possession and the ball goes out for a throw-in. Levante are keeping the ball close to their own goal.

3

The visitors were brought to a halt there, but shortly after another of their attacks came down the right.

2

Levante will restart from their own half after the foul.

1

The match has just started.

Starting lineups:

Levante UD: Ryan – Perez, de la Fuente, M. Moreno, M. Sánchez – Arriaga, P. Martínez (C) – Tunde, C. Álvarez, Losada – Iván Romero.

Substitutes: Cuñat, Primo – Abed, Cortes, Elgezabal, Espí, Etta Eyong, Morales, Olasagasti, Rey, Pampín, Vencedor.

Coach: Castro

Valencia CF: Dimitrievski – U. Núñez, Cömert, Tárrega, Gayà (C) – Ramazani, Pepelu, Ugrinić, Rioja – Duro, L. Beltrán.

Substitutes: Abril, Rivero – Fontanet, Guerra, Mayol, Almeida, Otorbi, Raba, G. Rodríguez, Sadiq, Santamaría, J. Vázquez.

Coach: Corberan

Referees: Ortiz Arias – Garrido Romero, Santiago Sacristán.

Good evening to all football fans. On the card is the 24th round of LaLiga and, as part of it, Levante UD will host Valencia CF. Kick-off is at 18:30. Enjoy the match.

Levante UD

The home side go into the crucial phase of the season with a bit of momentum. In recent weeks they have been picking up points regularly and still harbour hopes of survival, although the gap to safety remains significant. A major asset is their own stadium, where they’re currently unbeaten. The truth, however, is that they have taken almost all of their points at home this season, which only underlines how dependent they are on that environment.

Valencia CF

The visitors arrive under pressure. After two setbacks they have made their situation more complicated, and another defeat would start an unpleasant run that would edge them closer to relegation worries. A big problem is their away form, as they only pick up points sporadically on the road. The table is merciless: their cushion above the relegation zone is minimal, and any further slip-up could have serious consequences.

Head-to-head

Valencia have won three of the last five meetings. The other two matches ended in draws.

A surprise unfolded at the Estadio de Vallecas, where struggling Vallecano beat Atlético Madrid 3–0. Los Franjirrojos did not enter the match as favourites, but were the slightly better side in the first half and went deservedly ahead after goals from Fran Pérez and Óscar Valentín. After the break Diego Simeone’s men enjoyed a large territorial advantage, but they could not get back into range. In the entire 45 minutes they did not create a single clear chance and they themselves conceded a third after a strike by Nobel Mendy.

Statistics

Possession: 41% : 59%

Shots on target: 9 : 4

Shots off target: 4 : 5

Corners: 4 : 8

Offsides: 3 : 0

Fouls: 10 : 13

xG: 1.56 : 1.10

90+5

Full time.

90+4

A few tentative attacks from Los Colchoneros have come to nothing; the hosts are keeping play well away from their goal. The referee is already looking at his watch.

90+2

After all, one more moment occurred that will go into the stats. Álvaro García was shown a yellow card for a challenge on the halfway line.

90+2

Play continues in midfield, with both sides swapping possession. All signs point to Vallecano’s players keeping a clean sheet in league action for the first time since mid-December.

90

The referee is adding 4 minutes.

89

The home fans are enjoying the closing stages of the match, greeting every pass from their favourites with a loud shout — something Simeone’s team probably doesn’t much care for.

88

The match is being played out at a calm tempo; in the closing moments the ball has been kept well away from either goal.

86

So far, Los Franjirrojos aren’t giving them anything at all. In recent rounds they’ve had some minor defensive problems and in the last three matches they’ve conceded eight goals.

85

The visitors will try to get at least a consolation goal in the closing minutes, as they would also like to build momentum ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie.

83

Substitution for Rayo Vallecano:
Gerard Gumbau goes off, Unai López comes on.

82

Even this set‑piece, however, was no threat to Batalla’s goal; the visitors, nonetheless, continue to hover around the edge of the penalty area.

81

In the end, though, they gave away a soft foul — it was the scorer of the third goal who gifted Atlético a free kick from deep.

80

With a full complement the home side have dropped back around the ball and are comfortably repelling all of the visitors’ attacking efforts.

78

Thiago Almada drove into the box from the right, but even his effort to the far post didn’t get his team on the scoresheet. He hit the first man.

76

76′ Nobel MENDY – 3–0

76

Rayo Vallecano have just scored!
For the third time today, Vallecano fans can sing their club’s goal chant. It’s 3-0 as NOBEL MENDY increases the lead from a corner, having run to the back post onto García’s cross from the left, where he leapt over a defender and finished ruthlessly into the near side of the net. It seems definitively done — Los Franjirrojos will deservedly walk away with three points today.

74

Substitution for Rayo Vallecano:
Iljás Achúmáš goes off, Randy Nteka comes on.

73

Even now Diego Simeone’s men fail to threaten, the cross from the left found the first defender in white.

71

It’s a very poor performance from the visitors, who seem to have used up all their ammunition in the cup against Barcelona. They put four past them then; today, after seventy minutes of play, they don’t even have four shots on target.

70

Another yellow card for Los Colchoneros — the home side launched a quick counter and Marcos Llorente stopped it with a foul in the attacking half.

69

Augusto Batalla is claiming every cross from the visitors today; one such delivery from González’s boot ended straight into his gloves.

68

The visitors aren’t clicking today, as the last moment showed. A fairly simple build-up ended up somewhere in the stands.

67

Vargas’s tame cross was comfortably cleared by Vallecano’s defence.

66

Batalla’s long clearance went out for a throw-in, Atlético will take the throw in the attacking half.

65

So far the second half has lacked any clear chances; Los Colchoneros are closing in, but despite the home side’s superbly organized defence they just can’t fashion an opportunity.

64

Substitutions for Rayo Vallecano:
Jorge De Frutos leaves the field, Jozhua Vertrouwd comes on,
Fran Pérez leaves the field, Álvaro García comes on,
Isi Palazón leaves the field, Pedro Díaz comes on.

Substitutions for Atlético Madrid:
Johnny Cardoso leaves the field, Marcos Llorente comes on,
Clément Lenglet leaves the field, Ademola Lookman comes on.

63

Álvarez’s cross from the corner flag looked dangerous at first, but the ball ultimately flew across the entire width of the penalty area.

62

Nicolás González was active again, driving into the penalty area from the left and sliding a shot toward the near post. Augusto Batalla again managed to clear the ball for a corner.

59

Augusto Batalla had to be alert after a fierce shot from González from the left-hand angle; the Vallecano goalkeeper covered his near post and managed to parry the ball.

58

From the right, Iljás Achúmáš drove into the visitors’ box, felt contact between two defenders and went to ground. There’s absolutely no penalty to be awarded here.

57

Substitutions for Atlético Madrid:
Matteo Ruggeri goes off, Obed Vargas comes on,
Rodrigo Mendoza goes off, Robin Le Normand comes on,
Álex Baena goes off, Julián Álvarez comes on.

55

Atlético are preparing their first changes; three substitutes are ready on the touchline.

54

Nahuel Molina sent a driven cross into the six-yard box, but none of his teammates were there.

52

The second card of the match goes to Mendoza; the home side broke into a quick counter and an Atlético midfielder illegally stopped them while still in their own half.

52

Álex Baena took the corner and delivered a cross to the near post, but didn’t find any of his teammates there.

51

Nicolás González was charging down the right flank when Nobel Mendy stopped him with an excellent sliding tackle; the visitors will take the corner.

50

Los Colchoneros have failed to handle the start of the second half; the game is being played almost entirely in their defensive half, where the hosts are controlling possession.

48

Florian Lejeune once again took the free kick and, with a shot to the centre of the goal, tested Oblak.

47

More activity from the Vallecano side — Pérez’s run resulted in a foul, and it’s a direct free kick about ten metres from the box.

47

The hosts started the second half with a high press, using it to win the ball in the attacking half.

46

The second half is underway.

Statistics

Possession: 43% : 57%

Shots on target: 7:1

Shots off target: 4:3

Corners: 3:3

Offsides: 1:0

Fouls: 4:7

xG: 1.37 : 0.42

The home side have been better so far in the match and deservedly lead 2-0. They’ve hardly given their opponents any chances, haven’t let them get a shot at goal, and have converted two big opportunities themselves. Both came after crosses from the right: the first was finished by Fran Pérez, the second was capitalized on by Los Franjirrojos captain Óscar Valentín.

45+4

The first half is over.

45+3

Vallecano still had to defend one more corner and the ensuing flurry of crosses, and Los Colchoneros never managed to get a header.

45+2

The home side weren’t done, and even after the second goal they pushed forward; Jan Oblak was kept busy by another cross from the right.

45

The referee is adding 2 minutes.

45

45′ Óscar VALENTÍN – 2-0

45

Rayo Vallecano have just scored!
A similar situation to the first goal and Los Franjirrojos now lead by two goals. Iljás Achúmáš received a pass out to the right, from where his cross found the unmarked Isi on the penalty spot. Jan Oblak still managed to make a perfect save to the low shot aimed at the near post, but he was beaten by ÓSCAR VALENTÍN’s close-range follow-up.

44

Now Los Colchoneros have settled in the attacking half, but they miscommunicated during a passing move just outside the penalty area.

43

So far nothing; the hosts came forward with another move down the right, which Fran Pérez dealt with by sending an inaccurate cross into Oblak’s gloves.

42

Los Franjirrojos were the better side in the final minutes, and you could say their lead is deserved. We’ll see how the visitors respond.

40

40′ Fran PÉREZ – 1–0

40

Rayo Vallecano have just scored!

Álex Baena, who was being treated, had to go to the touchline and the hosts have turned that brief one-man advantage into the first goal of the match. Andrei Rațiu, so far one of their best players today, burst into the box from the right, toyed with a defender and then delivered another low cross to the edge of the six-yard box, from where FRAN PÉREZ finished into the left side of the net.

39

Play has been stopped, Álex Baena is dealing with a minor medical issue and is on the pitch receiving treatment from the medical staff.

37

Another cross from the right, Alexander Sørloth tried to get on the end of it, but Óscar Valentín managed to make contact just in front of him.

36

After a very long time the ball reached the opposing penalty area, but Atlético’s players again could only muster a few wayward crosses.

34

34′ Vallecano were close to their first goal.

34

The home side, Los Franjirrojos, have looked the better in the closing moments, and the result of their pressure was a perfect run from Achúmáš, who almost tucked the ball into the net with a cheeky solo. After Isi’s pass he burst into the penalty area between several opponents, then with a feint he also got past the onrushing Oblak, only to be stopped at the very end by a sliding challenge from Nahuel Molina.

32

After a short corner, Andrei Rațiu fired from outside the box, but his low effort only struck Giménez.

31

Jan Oblak went to ground after Espoin’s shot from the left side of the penalty area; his teammates then helped him clear the ball for a corner.

30

Isi Palazón delivered two set pieces in quick succession, but in neither case did any of his teammates manage to get a shot away.

29

Johnny Cardoso picked up his first yellow card after stopping the onrushing Achúmáš on the right flank.

28

Another cross, another failed attempt. Thiago Almada’s cross from the right flew straight into the home goalkeeper’s gloves.

27

Vallecano’s players also dealt well with the next cross, and even launched a quick counter. That, however, didn’t last long.

27

Los Colchoneros are starting to tighten the screws; they’ve been positioned around the penalty area for some time and will take a corner shortly.

26

Another Almada cross ended up at the feet of the home side; this time Nobel Mendy cleared it well away to safety.

25

In the end it’s nothing serious and play quickly resumes; Atlético Madrid have the ball under control.

24

Play has been stopped; in one of the other duels Iljás Achúmáš picked up a minor injury.

23

Almada’s cross from the right was cleared by the returning Iljás Achúmáš, but Los Colchoneros remain settled just outside the penalty area.

22

And Álex Baena himself, too, after a corner played short, fired from outside the penalty area. He missed the far top-right corner of the net by about a metre.

21

Álex Baena had plenty of room to launch the move through the middle; just outside the box he played it to the left, from where Matteo Ruggeri swung in a cross that fell to the home players’ feet. They cleared the ball for a corner.

20

A low cross from the other flank as well, but Andrei Rațiu only found one of Diego Simeone’s men at the near post.

18

Through a gradual combination the visitors worked their way into the box, and from the right Álex Baena sent in a low cross. Alexander Sørloth and Thiago Almada, however, couldn’t reach the ball.

16

Another foul by the visitors, they’re starting to take their aggression a bit too far in these closing moments.

15

Florian Lejeune tried it directly. His long-range effort, however, flew well over the crossbar and knocked one of the spectators over.

14

Another foul by Los Colchoneros, Isi Palazón won a free-kick, this time from further out.

14

Isi Palazón took the free kick, but he struck the wall. That was followed by another shot, which Jan Oblak comfortably saved.

12

Iljás Achúmáš svým průnikem na pravé straně vybojoval přímý kop ze zajímavé pozice, kousek za pravým rohem vápna.

11

11. Mendy almost put one into his own net.

11

Vallecano survived the visitors’ first big chance, Matteo Ruggeri closed down the back post after a cross from the right and even laid the ball into the six-yard box; only the home players were there to meet it, but it was Nobel Mendy who steered the ball onto the crossbar.

11

The match has so far gotten off to a cautious start from both sides; in recent minutes they’ve been fighting for control of the midfield.

8

Alexander Sørloth ran into the penalty area to meet Ruggeri’s cross from the left, but a moment earlier he had knocked an opponent over. Attacking foul — the home side restart on the edge of the box.

7

A heavy ball for Ruggeri, who couldn’t control it on the left flank. He did keep the ball in play, but only knocked it down to the home team’s boots.

6

José Giménez used his hands in a duel near his own penalty area, but no foul is called and Los Colchoneros take the throw-in.

5

The visitors’ first quick attack offered nothing of interest; they worked it down the right wing and Augusto Batalla will take a goal kick.

4

It’s not been a good start from Atlético so far; this time Jan Oblak came under pressure while playing out from the back, and he was ultimately rescued by an attacking foul from Los Franjirrojos.

3

This doesn’t happen very often, Alexander Sørloth was involved in a challenge with an opponent and, after a shoulder‑to‑shoulder collision, went down. The home side will continue their combination play.

2

Ratiu’s good low cross must have given Diego Simeone and his side a real fright; the ball slid across the six-yard box for a long time before Nahuel Molina cleared it at the last moment.

1

Los Colchoneros kicked off the match, wearing dark blue today. The home side lined up in their traditional white kit.

1

The match has just kicked off.

Starting lineups:

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla – Rațiu, Lejeune, N. Mendy, Espino – Valentín (C), Gumbau – Achúmáš, Palazón, F. Pérez – De Frutos.

Substitutes: J. Gil – Alemão, Balliu, Camello, P. Díaz, Á. García, U. López, Felipe, Mumin, Nteka, Trejo, Vertrouwd.

Coach: Iñigo Perez

Atlético Madrid: Oblak (C) – N. Molina, Giménez, Lenglet, Ruggeri – Baena, Mendoza, J. Cardoso, N. González – Almada, Sørloth.

Substitutes: Esquivel, Musso – Julián Álvarez, Griezmann, Hancko, Koke, Le Normand, M. Llorente, Lookman, Pubill, Simeone, O. Vargas.

Coach: Diego Simeone

Referees: de Burgos Bengoetxea – De Francisco Grijalba, Pérez de Mendiola.

Good Sunday evening to all football fans, today it’s matchday 24 of the Spanish LaLiga and I welcome you to the game Rayo Vallecano – Atlético Madrid. The kick-off at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas is scheduled for 16:15.

Rayo Vallecano

Los Franjirrojos have slipped to 18th, inside the relegation zone, due to their recent performances. Their poor results are down to serious indiscipline: in the last five matches they have received five red cards, lost three LaLiga games in a row and were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey. At least in the last round their performance held up under closer scrutiny—Rayo lost 1–2 at Real Madrid after conceding in stoppage time.

Expected absences:

P. Chavarria, P. Ciss, L. Felipe, D. Méndez

Most productive players:

Jorge de Frutos 7+1

Álvaro García 3+3

Isi Palazón 3+0

Atlético Madrid

Los Colchoneros are at the other end of the table; from third place they sit more than ten points behind the leading duo. They haven’t had much luck in the league lately, losing 0–1 at home to Betis and a week before that recording a goalless draw away at Levante. So they went two league games in a row without scoring, but they put that right during the week, winning 4–0 at home in a cup tie against Barcelona.

Expected absences:

P. Barrios

Most productive players:

Julián Álvarez 7+3

Alexander Sorloth 7+0

Antoine Griezmann 6+0

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 16:15.

That’s all from this match, thank you for your attention.

Possession: 57% : 43%.

Shots on target: 4:3. Shots off target: 5:5. Corners: 2:5. Offsides: 1:2. Fouls: 10:10.

Today’s match proved the long-term statistics right — Stuttgart dominant at their stadium while Cologne struggle for points away. The Billy Goats, after Demirović’s 15th-minute goal, matched their opponents both in play and on the scoreboard. Ache’s goal to make it 1–1, however, really fired up the home players, and Stuttgart finished brightly with two late goals from Demirović and Undava.

90+5

Full-time.

90+5

Kamiński’s protests over Ache’s foul on Chabot result in the first yellow card for the team from Cologne.

90+2

90+2. Deniz UNDAV – 3-1

90+2

Stuttgart has just scored! Sebastian Sebulonsen inadvertently deflected Karazor’s pass to Stiller. From point-blank range he found Denis Undav, and Stuttgart’s striker, also without any preparation, rifled it past Marvin Schwäbe into the opposite corner.

90+1

Five minutes of stoppage time.

90

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt fouled Karazor, who was just bringing the ball out from his own goal.

89

Substitution for 1. FC Cologne:
Tom Krauß off, Fynn Schenten on.

89

Substitution for 1. FC Cologne:
Eric Martel goes off, Florian Kainz comes on.

88

Ermedin Demirović isn’t getting up from the pitch after his collision with Sebulonsen. The Swabians are now managing to break up the game. More substitutions are also on the cards.

86

The visitors don’t have much time to react now. What’s more, because of Eric Martel’s foul they’re pinned back in their own half.

84

84. Ermedin DEMIROVIĆ – 2-1

84

Stuttgart has just scored!
Cologne’s hopes of turning the game around didn’t last long. Ramon Hendriks, after a teammate’s slick back-heel, delivered a superb cross from the left. ERMEDIN DEMIROVIĆ found space between the spreading centre-backs and coolly added his second goal of the match.

84

Substitution for 1. FC Cologne:
Marius Bülter off, Denis Huseinbašić on.

84

Substitution for VfB Stuttgart:
Chema Andrés goes off, Angelo Stiller comes on.

83

Substitution for VfB Stuttgart:
Jamie Leweling goes off, Tiago Tomás comes on.

83

The Swabians respond to losing their lead with increased activity. Jan Thielmann, however, dealt with the wayward cross.

81

Ermedin Demirović couldn’t avoid a clean sliding challenge on the left wing. Cologne didn’t keep possession for long either; just past the halfway line Ache was dispossessed by Chabot.

79

79′ Ragnar Ache – 1–1

79

Cologne has just scored!

The home side’s attempt at a constructive build-up backfired. The Billy Goats, thanks to Waldschmidt, managed to win the ball and then got it into the net when RAGNAR ACHE cheekily dinked it past the onrushing Nübel.

78

Said El Mala could have taken advantage of a mistake in the home defence. The shot from 18 metres, however, went in an exceptionally poor direction and Nübel didn’t have to intervene at all.

77

Substitution for VfB Stuttgart:
Maximilian Mittelstädt off, Ramon Hendriks on.

77

Substitution for VfB Stuttgart:
Lorenz Assignon comes off, Josha Vagnoman comes on.

76

Bilál el-Chanús once again didn’t act within the rules when pressuring the visitors’ buildup. He picks up his third yellow card of the season for that.

76

With fifteen minutes to go we’re still waiting for some spark in the game. Apart from Ache’s token header, nothing has happened since the restart.

75

Attacker Bilál el-Chanús, in a fierce sliding tackle, brought Thielmann down. The result is only a throw-in for Cologne.

74

Sebastian Sebulonsen easily intercepted a misdirected pass and then laid a short back-pass to Schwäbe.

73

Ermedin Demirović was harried from every angle for so long that referee Hartmann decided to free the Bosnian by awarding a foul.

72

Deniz Undav, with his back to goal, failed to control a pass from the fresh Bilal el-Chanús. The Swabians are being driven back into their own half.

71

The corner, played into the six-yard box, produced nothing that could be called an attempt on Marvin Schwäbe’s goal. Instead, several players dropped to the ground.

70

Substitution for VfB Stuttgart:
Chris Führich goes off, Bilál el-Chanús comes on.

69

From the left, Maximilian Mittelstädt shoved a pass into a dangerous area. The ball was deflected to Undava, who couldn’t place his volley into the net. There was probably a slight touch.

68

Substitution for 1. FC Cologne:
Joël Schmied goes off, Gian-Luca Waldschmidt comes on.

68

Substitution for 1. FC Cologne:
Cenk Özkacar off, Said El Mala on.

67

Tom Krauß failed to beat Andrés after one of the home defenders awkwardly deflected the ball to him. There was nothing of interest from the awarded corner either.

66

Jakub Kamiński once again fed it into the danger area, but Ache’s backward-leaning header was hardly a problem for goalkeeper Nübel.

65

Kristoffer Lund once again highlighted VfB’s aerial threat. Namely, the burly centre-back Chabot occupied the space in the six-yard box.

64

Chema Andrés clumsily tripped the onrushing Jan Thielmann. The visitors have a free kick from the right wing.

63

It’s not exactly a thing of beauty in football terms. Maximilian Mittelstädt cut out a promising Kolín move by stepping in to intercept a slow pass to Sebastian Sebulonsen.

62

The Stuttgart end has now really fired up the atmosphere at the 60,000-seat stadium. Despite the inclement weather, it’s once again packed to the rafters.

61

Joël Schmied went tumbling after a painful challenge from behind by Demirović. The referee, after a brief hesitation, booked the Bosnian forward with a yellow card.

60

Possession: 59% – 41%.

59

Sebulonsen had plenty of space on the right. From the cross came a bit of a scramble; the ball deflected off a defender to Bülter, who in a split second fired just wide of the right-hand post.

58

Chris Führich burst past a defender on the left wing, but his final pass into the box found no one free to shoot.

57

Not much of interest has happened since the start of the second half. Any minute now we’ll likely see the first substitutes come on — they’re already warming up en masse.

56

Assignon stretched the play to the right. Jamie Leweling then played an interesting ball into the second wave, but Andrés’s first-time shot didn’t come off at all.

55

Short passes didn’t get Švábové very far. Maximilian Mittelstädt then tracked back well and cleanly dispossessed Ache.

54

A hopeless cross from Maximilian Mittelstädt leaves Schwäbe utterly untroubled.

53

Jeff Chabot was shown his second yellow card of the season after a foul on Ache. It had no effect on the match itself; Kolín wasted the available set-piece.

52

The home side’s successful press was undone by a misplaced pass from Chris Führich. He’s been out of form for quite some time.

50

Cenk Özkacar didn’t let Leweling get away down the touchline and was himself fouled after a cleanly executed sliding tackle. Schwäbe is taking the free kick.

49

Stuttgart ceded the initiative to the visitors, who patiently tried to work the ball into the penalty area and eventually whipped in an uncatchable cross to Ache and Sebulonsen.

48

Both sides had offside flags raised in quick succession as their attacking moves were just getting started. There’s certainly no frenetic start to the second half.

47

Jan Thielmann failed to persuade the referees to award a free kick for an alleged handball that stopped his cross.

46

The second half has kicked off.

The first half finishes with Stuttgart in a favorable position. The decisive goal came in the 15th minute from Ermedin Demirović, who finished an excellent flick-on from Leweling. The hosts could have scored earlier, but Undav failed to chip Schwäbe. As the half went on, Cologne grew into the game, but apart from one shot straight at the goalkeeper they had no serious chances.

45

The first half is over.

45+1

From Undav’s deflected cross came another throw-in, and again another cross from Undav, which Marvin Schwäbe comfortably collected.

45+1

One minute of added time.

45

Set pieces just aren’t working for the Goats. Lorenz Assignon rose to head that delivered cross with aplomb.

44

And now the hosts’ defence managed to snuff out the final ball into the danger area at the last moment. It was played by Jakub Kamiński, who will once again take the corner.

43

Martel reached the ball at the byline. Chabot’s final pass went out for a corner, which posed no threat to Nübel’s goal.

42

Kamiński’s cross ended the same way as the previous one – with a solid defensive intervention from VfB.

41

Kristoffer Lund brilliantly shielded the ball from the fouling Leweling. Play continues with a set-piece from the left-hand side of the pitch.

40

Ermedin Demirović, in an attempt to get a touch on the ball in a scramble in the box, accidentally kicked Martel. The scorer of the decisive goal offers a sportsmanlike apology and acknowledges the awarded restart for Kolín.

39

On the other hand, even Deniz Undav’s attempt wasn’t on target. The away goalkeeper didn’t need to make a save in this case.

38

Jan Thielmann let fly from the edge of the penalty area without any preparation. Alexander Nübel didn’t have much to do, as the strike flew straight down the middle of the goal.

37

The corner cunningly curled into the six-yard box, but the ball didn’t fly towards goal from that congested area. Schwäbe jumped up to claim Undav’s follow-up lob.

36

Kolín cleared the incoming cross with a header for a corner. Marvin Schwäbe will have to stay on his toes.

35

Possession: 64% – 36%.

34

Kamiňský’s corner also came to nothing. The visitors had to hurry back to deal with the counter, and Jan Thielmann pulled off an excellent sliding tackle.

33

Lund delivered a cross on his second attempt, but with a woefully low number of attackers in front of Nübel it had no chance.

32

Özkacar’s effort to prolong Lund’s throw-in to Ache didn’t come off as intended. There were plenty of home players in the box.

31

Marius Bülter failed to get his driven cross from the left past the first defender. Lund again has to settle for a throw-in.

30

A poorly executed set piece by Kristoffer Lund dropped into the hands of the well-positioned Alexander Nübel.

29

Chris Führich gave the ball away cheaply twice in a row and, on top of that, picked up a yellow card for stopping Kamiński’s counter-attack.

27

Undav played an overly heavy pass into Leweling’s path. The other players in white quickly regained possession, but Leweling couldn’t shake free on the left wing with his dribbling.

26

Tightly marked on the right wing, Jan Thielmann knocked the ball over the goal line. Play restarts with a goal kick from Alexander Nübel.

25

Stuttgart didn’t want to sit deep needlessly and pushed Köln’s build-up play out to Schwäbe.

24

Lund boldly drove to the left edge of the box, but the deflected cross didn’t connect with striker Ache’s run.

23

Maximilian Mittelstädt cleverly returned Führich’s pass back under his feet, into the area where he expected Demirović. The Bosnian wasn’t ready for his shot this time and sent it wide of Schwäbe’s goal.

22

Tom Krauß fouled Undav as he tried to make up for his technical mistake. Stuttgart are on the attack again.

21

Undava’s naive through ball came to nothing. The Kolín players, having intercepted the ball, immediately passed it back to Nübel, which only served to increase the pressure they are under.

20

Another inaccuracy in the attempt to speed up the transition. A misdirected pass to Leweling was kicked out of play.

19

Stuttgart have once again encircled the opponents around their penalty area. The way inside, however, is blocked.

17

Jakub Kamiński and Kristoffer Lund didn’t handle the counter into the exposed defence ideally. The former practically stopped in the box and the element of surprise was suddenly gone.

15

15. Ermedin DEMIROVIĆ – 1-0

15

Stuttgart just scored!
The Swabians take the lead. Celebrated as the hero of the moment is ERMEDIN DEMIROVIĆ, who, after Führich’s long ball from deep, perfectly capitalized on Leweling’s headed flick-on in front of the open goal. A very well-worked move!

14

Both teams are complicating each other’s transition through the middle of the pitch. For quite a while now the game has been played well away from either goal.

12

Finn Jeltsch took no chances when chasing down an overhit pass to Bülter, and by booting it out he gifted Lund another throw-in.

11

One of the visiting full-backs halted Undav’s attempt to set Leweling away in time. A foul on Kamiński followed.

10

Martel’s foul gives Stuttgart room for a calm build-up. Even goalkeeper Nübel is getting involved.

9

Ache again in action. This time he knocked a high ball down to the relatively unmarked Kamiński, whose diagonal left‑footed shot went a metre wide of Nübel’s goal.

8

Ragnar Ache flicked on a long throw onto the roof of Nübel’s goal. It’ll be a goal kick.

7

The visitors ventured forward for the first time and, after Bülter’s cross, immediately appealed for a penalty on Ache. The referee saw no foul in Mittelstädt’s slight shove.

6

The hosts’ heavy pressure was momentarily undone by a poor pass from Leweling. Lorenz Assignon restarts with a throw-in.

5

After Chabot’s diagonal long ball, the visitors still weren’t completely safe. The siege of Schwäbe’s goal continues.

4

From the corner kick the hosts didn’t do much, yet they remain camped in front of the penalty area.

3

Cologne let Undava run in behind them, but VfB’s top scorer, in an attempt at a chip, struck Schwäbe on the outstretched hand.

2

The visitors, who are wearing black kits, took the kick-off. Stuttgart are playing in white.

1

The match has just kicked off.

Starting line-ups:

VfB Stuttgart: Nübel – Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt – Karazor (C), Andrés – Leweling, Undav, Führich – Demirović.

Substitutes: Bredlow – Al-Dakhil, Búanání, el-Chanús, Hendriks, Stenzel, Stiller, Tomás, Vagnoman.

Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

1. FC Cologne: Schwäbe (C) – Sebulonsen, Schmied, Özkacar, Lund – Thielmann, Martel, Krauß, Kamiński – Ache, Bülter.

Substitutes: Zieler – Chávez, S. El Mala, Huseinbašić, Kainz, Schenten, van den Berg, Waldschmidt, Fürst.

Coach: Lukas Kwasniok

Referee: Hartmann – Achmüller, Schultes.

1st meeting

28 September 2025

Kolín – Stuttgart 1–2

Goals: 4′ J. Kamiński – 28′ E. Demirović (pen), 81′ J. Vagnoman.

Stuttgart are battling with Hoffenheim, Leipzig and, to some extent, Leverkusen for places that lead to next season’s Champions League. A week ago the Swabians made things harder for themselves, because following an unexpected 1–2 defeat away to second-bottom St. Pauli they dropped to fifth place. They will want to make amends for that today, and their strong home record could play into their hands. So far they have played ten league matches here and lost only one – 0–5 to Bayern Munich. The team’s main star is Denis Undav, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.

Cologne may look to be settling comfortably in mid-table at first glance, but in reality they have only a four-point cushion over 16th place, which means a spot in the unpredictable relegation playoff. The “Die Geißböcke” haven’t won two matches in a row since August, largely due to poor performances on the road — Lukas Kwasniok’s side last took the full points away on October 3. In the previous round, Cologne also failed at home, losing 1-2 to Leipzig. The team’s leading contributor is the talented youngster Said El Mala, with seven goals and two assists.

I wish all football fans an enjoyable time following the live text coverage of the 22nd round match of the German Bundesliga. From 6:30 PM we can look forward to the clash between Stuttgart and Cologne!

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 18:30.

Possession: 44% – 56%.

Shots on target: 2-2. Shots off target: 3-6. Corners: 3-4. Offsides: 1-2. Fouls: 21-17.

Getafe managed to dominate today’s tough match and are deservedly leading 2-1. Forward Satriano made it 2-0 in the 54th minute, meeting Iglesias’ cross and from a great chance managing to beat the away goalkeeper. The reducer came 20 minutes later when substitute Mikautadze got to a rebound and, on the second attempt, managed to get the ball past Soria.

90+8

End of the match.

90+7

Tani Oluwaseyi headed just wide of the left post from Gueye’s cross.

90+6

Adrián Liso managed to head away Pépe’s cross.

90+6

Nyom cleared Comesaña’s cross for a corner.

90+4

The whistle’s blown again. Pape Gueye stays down on the ground.

90+3

Offside by Ayoze Pérez stops play.

90+2

Substitution for Getafe CF:
Martin Satriano comes off, Allan Nyom comes on.

90+1

The referee is adding 7 minutes of stoppage time.

90

Pépé’s overhit ball sailed over the goal line. David Soria will take the goal kick.

89

Nicolas Pépé clears the cross from the corner at the near post.

86

Tani Oluwaseyi has stepped on the calf of one of Getafe’s players and is the next player to be punished in the match.

85

Substitution for Getafe CF:
Kiko Femenía off, Sebastian Boselli on.

83

The referee stops play after a foul by Pépe, who shoulder‑charged Muñoz.

83

Pedraz’s cross found Pépe’s head, but he only directed the shot into the body of a blocking defender.

81

Play can resume after extended treatment of the home team’s goalkeeper, who suffered a cut to the face following a clash with Mikautadze.

81

Substitutions for Getafe CF:
Djené Dakonam off, Javi Muñoz on,
Luis Vázquez off, Adrián Liso on.

78

Substitution for Villarreal CF:
Santiago Mouriño off, Alex Freeman on.

76

76′ Georges MIKAUTADZE – 2-1

76

Villarreal právě vstřelil branku!

GEORGES MIKAUTADZE reached the loose ball in the six-yard box, his first shot struck the right post and with the follow-up he managed to get the ball into the net. Unassisted.

74

Arambarri’s cross didn’t find its target in the six-yard box.

72

A poor first touch denied Mikautadze a promising chance for visiting Villarreal. Soria will play it out from the back.

69

The referee awards a foul against home player Arambarri, who pulled Gueye’s shirt.

67

Femení’s cross into the six-yard box was punched clear by Reis.

65

Substitutions for Villarreal CF:
Tajon Buchanan comes off, Georges Mikautadze comes on,
Dani Parejo comes off, Santi Comesaña comes on.

64

Santiago Mouriño headed Mill’s cross to safety.

64

Pedraza blocked Satriano’s pass, conceding a corner.

62

Alfonso Pedraza reached the rebound, but his volley flew well wide of the right-hand post.

61

Gueye’s penetrating pass was blocked by Getafe’s defence. Parejo will take the corner.

61

A cross aimed at Ayoze Pérez is cleared by Domingos Duarte. Villarreal retain possession.

59

Pedraza’s ball found Gueye’s head, but he glanced his shot just wide of the right post.

56

Iglesias’ inaccurate long kick falls to the feet of Junior Reis.

54

54′ Martin Satriano – 2-0

54

Getafe just scored!
Juan Iglesias found the unmarked Martín Satriano in the six-yard box with a cross, and he heads past goalkeeper Reise. Assist: Juan Iglesias.

52

Iglesias’ low cross into the six-yard box is cleared by Renato Veiga.

51

Another stoppage in play comes due to an illegal challenge by Pepe, who struck Iglesias in the face with his hand.

49

This time it’s going to be a yellow card, which Santiago Mouriño spots.

48

Mauro Arambarri stayed down on the pitch after a challenge with Mouriño, who caught him awkwardly.

47

Pareja’s cross into the six-yard box was punched out by Soria.

46

Right in the opening minute of the second half, a corner kick follows after Pedraza’s cross is blocked.

46

Substitution for Villarreal CF:
Hugo López comes off, Ayoze Pérez comes on.

46

The second half has started.

The second half will kick off at approximately 5:20 PM.

At halftime, hosts Getafe lead 1–0. The only goal came from the penalty spot, scored by Mauro Arambarri after an illegal challenge by Renato Veiga.

45+4

The first half is over.

45+3

A long ball over the defense ends at Reise’s feet.

45+1

The referee signals 3 minutes of stoppage time.

44

Junior Reis catches Iglesias’ cross in his arms.

43

Luis Milla earned another foul in a challenge against Pedraza.

41

41. Mauro Arambarri – 1-0

41

Getafe have just scored!

MAURO ARAMBARRI sends the goalkeeper the wrong way and slots the penalty under the bar.

40

Yellow card for Villarreal CF (Renato Veiga).

40

Penalty for Getafe. Video replay showed a tug on Renato Veiga’s shirt.

39

The referee goes to the VAR monitor to review a potential foul in Villarreal’s six-yard box.

37

Arambarri’s cross found Luis Vázquez in the six-yard box, and his follow-up shot was blocked by Veiga.

35

Romero is booked for a nasty sliding tackle on Hugo López’s ankle.

33

Renato Veiga clears Milly’s cross.

31

Tani Oluwaseyi broke free on the left, but the assistant referee raises his flag and the visitors’ attack is stopped for offside.

29

Hugo López’s overhit cross is cleared by Kiko Femenía.

28

Satriano played it straight to Arambarri’s heels and Navarro clears the ball to safety.

26

Djené struck Pareja in the face and the referee signals another foul.

24

Reis’s long kick lands in the hosts’ defensive area, and the home side are back on the ball.

22

The referee awards another foul against visiting Pépé, who was guilty of an illegal challenge on Femenía.

20

The referee stops Arambarri’s chance to shoot because of a hand by one of Getafe’s players.

17

Pau Navarro clears a dangerous long ball from Luisa Milly.

15

Luis Milla got a shot away on the right that just narrowly missed the left post.

15

Mill’s right-footed cross finds only the head of visiting Pedraza.

15

Hugo López couldn’t dispossess Arambarri and then fouled him. An interesting free-kick for Getafe.

14

Mill’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by a Villarreal defender.

12

Nicolas Pépé switched play with a long cross to the onrushing Navarra, who couldn’t reach the ball on the pitch. Soria will play it out from the back.

9

Juan Iglesias let the ball run too far from his foot and was subsequently stopped by Mouriño.

8

Satrian’s pass didn’t reach his teammate thanks to a good defensive intervention by Pedraza.

5

Junior Reis managed to punch Djené’s cross to safety.

4

Gueye’s driven cross from the six-yard box is cleared by Iglesias. The visiting team remain in possession.

3

Duarte, ready in the six-yard box, cleared Buchanan’s long throw-in.

2

Zaid Romero managed to block Buchanan’s through pass.

1

The home side took the kick-off and are the first to begin a patient build-up.

1

The match has just kicked off.

Both teams are taking to the pitch. The match will kick off in just a moment.

Starting line-ups:

Getafe CF: Soria – Femenía, Duarte, Abqár, Z. Romero, J. Iglesias – L. Milla, Dakonam (C), Arambarri – Satriano, L. Vázquez.

Substitutes: Letáček – Sancris, Birmančević, Boselli, J. Muñoz, Juanmi, Liso, Montes, Nyom, Rico, A. Riquelme.

Coach: Jose Bordalas

Villarreal CF: J. Reis – Mouriño, P. Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza – Pépé, Parejo, P. Gueye, Buchanan – H. López, Oluwaseyi.

Substitutes: Tenas – Cardona, Comesaña, Diatta, Freeman, R. Marín, Mikautadze, Moleiro, A. Pérez.

Coach: Marcelino

Referees: Miguel Espinosa – Gerard Acerete, Jorge Vázquez.

In the 24th round of the Spanish top flight, Getafe will host Villarreal at the Estadio Coliseum.
The hosts sit 11th with a 7-5-11 record and 26 points, eight points off the European places.
The team under Marcelino is currently in fourth place, with a 14-3-5 record and 45 points, level on points with third-placed Atlético Madrid.
They already met earlier this season at Villarreal’s ground, where the home side secured a 2–0 win thanks to goals from Buchanan and Mikautadze.

Welcome to our live online coverage. The match kicks off at 16:15.