It’s hard to leave the World Cup in Qatar behind, with all the hubbub it brought to the Argentine National Team. But football continued after the consecration of Diego Maradona in the Aztec and will also do so after the coronation of Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium. Some of the 26 world champions were in action this weekend and others will be later. How did it go?
Acuña, the first to step on the grass
“We only have Acuña, who is going to have to play because the numerical issue forces us. If not, he wouldn’t be there either”had declared Jorge Sampaoli, who did without Gonzalo Montiel and Alejandro Gómez, but did use the left back to visit Balaídos, in the 1-1 draw against Celta de Vigo.
As always, he moved to the left in a defense with a line of three/five with him free to loosen up and go on the attack. They started down on the scoreboard, but the Egg was key to the final equality. In a play that seemed lost against the winger, he got rid of two brands and surprised with a tremendous right hand from distance that Marchesín was able to shoot for a corner with just enough. It was a bittersweet return.
Acuña, important in Sevilla in his post-Selection return
Foyth, the first to convert
The Yellow Submarine received Valencia, for the 15th date of La Liga. In the preview, both Juan Foyth and Gerónimo Rulli were honored by 23,000 fans present at La Cerámica. But in the 90’s there was the greatest happiness: at 43′ ST, the full-back won in the area and sealed the 2-1 victory for Quique Setién’s men, who dream of Champions League places.
With the 1-1 still unbroken, Dani Parejo executed a corner kick from the left and Foyth, with a lot of intuition, ran to the far post to arrive alone, jump and win the dispute against the goalkeeper. Thus, with the agonizing celebration 2′ from the end, the former Pincha not only gave Villarreal victory but also became the first world champion to score again.
Villarreal – 31-12-2022
Villarreal paid homage to its world champions: Foyth and Rulli
Juan Foyth – 31-12-2022
Foyth’s goal to give Villarreal victory
Julián, applauded at the Etihad
Although his own teammates had already filled him with praise and applause, this Saturday the Etihad Stadium in Manchester vibrated and was moved by the arrival of the Spider. On his return after the World Cup in Qatar, Julián Álvarez received an ovation when the team entered the field of play. With the medal hanging on his chest, the 22-year-old striker raised his arms and received the affection of the Citizens.
However, for Pep Guardiola the return to competition was not entirely gratifying. With Haaland’s goal, City drew 1-1 against Everton and gave Arsenal, the Premier leader, the chance to move away. Julián entered at 42′ ST and had few interventions: he touched seven balls and made four passes, but he could never be in front of the goal to even finish off.
International – 31-12-2022
The reception of the Etihad Stadium for Julián Álvarez
Enzo and Otamendi were received with a 0-3
Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Otamendi were Scaloneta’s highlights at the World Cup. However, the midfielder and the Argentine defender received a slap in the face on their return to the Primeira Liga. Roger Schmidt did not save anything and Benfica showed up at the Municipal Stadium of Braga with the best, but Sporting was lethal and ended up taking a tremendous 3-0 victory
At the beginning, it seemed that the Glorious One passed him over: he controlled the ball and, with patience, began to approach the rival goal. But Sporting remained firm in withdrawing, closing the internal roads and was lethal in the face of the Odisseas goal. While Otamendi was the best of a weak defensive line, Enzo handled the ball, albeit well out of the danger zones.
Enzo did not have his best night in Braga. (EFE)
Showers of applause in Spain, between Betis and Aleti
At the Benito Villamarín, Betis drew 0-0 with Bilbao. And, in advance, Guido Rodríguez and Germán Pezzella received recognition from their fans. Wearing training clothes (since Pellegrini decided not to use them) and with the medal on their chests, the Argentine soccer players took to the field of play amid a wave of applause.
On the other hand, in the Wanda Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid paid tribute to Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and Ángel Correa. With the recognition of the fans, and also of their teammates, the three went out onto the field with the medal in their hair. The first two were in civilian clothes, since Cholo Simeone decided to do without them in the 2-0 against Elche. The only one who was available was the former San Lorenzo, although he stayed on the substitute bench.
German Pezzella – 31-12-2022
Betis ovationed Guido Rodriguez and Pezzella post World Cup
Atletico Madrid – 31-12-2022
at. Madrid received the champions
The next returns
-Domingo 1/1: Tottenham’s Romero’s holiday receives Aston Villa from Dibu Martinezfrom 11.
-Mars 3/1: The Brighton of Alexis Mac Allister visit to Everton, starting at 16.45. In addition, Manchester United of Lisandro Martinez is measured with Bournemouth, at 17.
-Wednesday 4/1: In Italy, the Rome of Paulo Dybala faces Bologna (12.30), Juventus de Leandro Paredes y angel di maria visit Cremonese (2:30 p.m.) and Inter de Lautaro Martinez is measured against Napoli (16.45). And, in Spain, Sevilla plays with Linares (15), with the possible return of Papu Gómez y Gonzalo Montiel. In addition, it could also be the return of Rodrigo DePaul y Nahuel Molinaduring Aleti’s visit to Real Oviedo, for the Copa del Rey (16).
-Thursday 5/1: Betis already competed again, but guido rodriguez y German Pezzella They could do it again against Ibiza Islas Pitiusas, starting at 12, for the Copa del Rey.
-Friday 6/1: PSG, already with Lionel Messi in their ranks, they face Chateauroux, at 5:00 p.m., for the French Cup.
-Saturday 7/1: The return of Nicholas Tagliaficoafter the World Cup consecration and his marriage, could take place in the cup duel against Metz, from 11.30.
