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A double from Rodrygo rescued a forgettable performance from Los Blancos to seal a narrow win.

Rodrygo scored Madrid's equaliser and eventual winner, a brace that redeemed yet another flat showing from Los Blancos, giving his side a 2-1 win against Sevilla.

Neither side has much to play for at this point. Madrid are confined to second place, while Sevilla's focus is trained on the Europa League final midweek — a mindset clear in the home side's much-changed lineup.

Still, Sevilla didn't make things easy for Los Blancos. They took the lead early, with Rafa Mir latching onto a loose ball and guiding his shot into the roof of the net. The home side could've had a second, and hit the woodwork with Thibaut Courtois beaten.

Still, Madrid enjoyed extended spells of possession and eventually capitalised. In the 28th minute, Erik Lamela clipped Aurelien Tchouameni's heels outside the box. Rodrygo lashed home the ensuing free-kick.

The Brazilian was at it again in the 70th minute, winding through the Sevilla defence before coolly side-footing his finish past a frozen goalkeeper. Rodrygo has found his scoring touch of late, with three in his last two fixtures — a welcome return with Benzema out.

And although his fine vein of form will have little impact on Madrid's season, it has served as a much-needed boost for a side stumbling across the finish line.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

  Couldn't do much about Sevilla's goal. Not called into action otherwise.

  Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

  A solid shift, although Marcos Acuna got the better of him at times.

  Eder Miliato (5/10):

  Perhaps could have gotten rid of the ball in the build-up to Sevilla's opener. Needs a break.

  David Alaba (7/10):

  Made a couple of excellent recovery tackles and distributed well. In terrific form.

  Ferland Mendy (6/10):

  Working his way back into the side after a few months out. An agreeable performance with his Madrid future in jeopardy.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  Won the free-kick that led to Madrid's equaliser. Made a rash tackle or two. Some encouraging moments, but he's still learning.

  Luka Modric (6/10):

  Finally looking tired. Didn't exert his usual influence on the game. Short of his lofty standards.

  Toni Kroos (6/10):

  Completed the most passes in the match, although he wasn't very expansive in his distribution.

• Getty
  

  Attack

  Federico Valverde (5/10):

  Cut inside too often when Madrid sorely lacked width. Deservedly subbed after 54 mins.

  Rodrygo (9/10):

  Deployed in a central role, despite not liking the position. Scored two excellent goals. Do Madrid need to sign a striker this summer?

  Dani Ceballos (6/10):

  Looked very uncomfortable at a modified left-wing position. Much better in central midfield, where he had some nice moments. Clattered by Acuna.

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• Subs & Manager

  Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

  Brought on to play left-midfield. Put in a good shift. Then moved to left-back, when he was even better.

  Alvaro Rodriguez (6/10):

  Perhaps unlucky not to start. Madrid had a far more obvious target when he was on.

  Nacho (N/A):

  No time to make an impact

  Antonio Rudiger (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

  Working with limited resources with Benzema and Vinicius out, but decided to play five central midfielders and a winger up front — a configuration that didn't exactly spell success. Was saved by the ever-improving Rodrygo to snatch three points on the road.

It’s fair to say Diego Llorente hasn’t enjoyed the happiest of starts to life at Leeds United.The Spain international has been out of action for the majority of this Premier League season with injury, with his only appearance for Marcelo Bielsa’s side coming against Chelsea back in early December.But having recently returned to training, an opportunity may be on the horizon, especially after his performance for the club’s U23s side on Monday night.Llorente got a crucial 45 minutes under his belt against Stoke City, and put some icing on the cake by seeing his first-half header prove to be the winner.In their post-match ratings, Leeds Live gave the 6 foot 1 gem a nine out of ten, saying: “Hardly put a foot wrong on his return from injury,ÂLlorenteÂwas everything a centre-back should be. Composed in possession, he attempted plenty of passes into the channels as well as reading opposition play excellently.”The Spaniard made a number of interceptions and never looked troubled by Stoke’s pressure. He capped his 45-minute display with a well-taken header, nodding in from Kalvin Phillips’ floated delivery.”Before the U23s’ clash, The Athletic journalist Phil Hay took to Twitter to declare that especially with Robin Koch missing for the Whites, Llorente has “got to be in the reckoning”.

And after seeing him score the winner and help the U23s keep a clean sheet, Bielsa will surely be tempted to throw Llorente into his starting line-up in the Premier League very soon.

Next week’s clash against Newcastle presents the perfect opportunity for him to do just that. It may be a long time coming but Llorente may finally get his chance to prove why Leeds spent big money to bring him to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Leeds should give this future Klich successor a chance…

Barry Fry has told The Transfer Tavern that he was left confused by Jose Mourinho’s treatment of both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale during his time at Tottenham Hotspur amid their returns to the team.

Both players played against Sheffield United on Sunday night, with interim coach Ryan Mason selecting them both in his starting XI.

His faith was rewarded as Bale scored a hat-trick and Alli helped bamboozle the Blades players with his clever dribbling and hard running.

Spurs ultimately won the game 4-0 to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive – they are now five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fry believes that Mourinho, who was sacked prior to the games against Southampton in the Premier League and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, got it wrong with both Alli and Bale.

And he has questioned whether or not the Portuguese actually wanted to sign the Wales international, such was his lack of desire to play him.

Indeed, under Mourinho, Bale made six starts, while Alli made two.

Speaking exclusively to TT, Fry said: “He’s obviously fallen out with so many players, and also, talking to a lot of Tottenham fans like I do, there’s a lot of players that the Tottenham fans rate very highly that didn’t get a look-in under Mourinho.

“Alli to name but one, and even Bale.

“They got Bale in, the question for me is did Daniel Levy fetch Bale back or did Mourinho really want Bale? If Mourinho really wanted Bale, why didn’t he start in more games?”

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Christian Purslow’s European Super League comments on social media.

The Villa chief executive had plenty to say about the proposal on Monday, which has rocked the world of football in recent days.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were among 12 clubs who agreed to join a new ESL.

However, following plenty of backlash from supporters all across the country, those six clubs have now all withdrawn from the proposed competition.

Talking to the media prior to the Premier League clubs pulling out of the tournament, Purslow had plenty to say.

As reported by Express & Star, Purslow described the ESL as ‘grotesque concept’.

“These proposals (European Super League) do away with sporting merit. It would enable a small number of clubs to be in this competition come what may &, for millions in football, that goes against everything the sport means & stands for.

“The idea is that the uncertainty that comes with sport, that makes it so compelling, that we all love, is actually damaging to the business models of these huge clubs. So the scheme is designed to take away that uncertainty.

“To give predictability to their businesses so that, if they’re badly managed or have a poor year, they’re still in the premier tournament. Does that sound like sport or football to you? To me it sounds a grotesque concept.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Purslow’s comments on Twitter on Monday lunchtime, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction from a number of Villa supporters.

These fans were full of praise for Purslow, with one labelling his thoughts as ‘brilliant’.

“My CEO what a guy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“The words of someone who respects the integrity of the game, the clubs and most importantly the fans. Proud to be a villan but today we all should be one club.”

Credit: @LionsMinnesota

“Couldn’t ask for a better CEO, this is what you call a football club”

Credit: @BevanRachael

“Brilliant so proud of my club @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @helz83

“Purslow speaking facts”

Credit: @BenKavanagh_7

“Love Purslow”

Credit: @villa_sol21

In other news: Plenty of fans full of praise as brilliant gesture from Aston Villa ace emerges, find out more here. 

According to TEAMtalk, Glasgow Rangers are now favourites to complete the signing of Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga.

Gers eye Assombalonga

The Gers had previously been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who is out of contract at the Riverside Stadium at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).

It is now being reported that the 55-time Scottish champions are the favourites to sign the DR Congo international. TEAMtalk added that the forward is willing to take a substantial pay cut to move to Ibrox.

Bargain

Assombalonga has had a generally good career to date. Throughout his time in the game, he has managed 131 goals, and he would arguably have had plenty more had a serious injury not stopped his development. After Middlesbrough spent £15m on him in 2017 (BBC), he has perhaps not lived up to expectations, but 47 goals in 161 games is far from an abysmal record.

At 28, he still has a good few years left ahead of him and, if he could retrieve his best form, he could be a fantastic signing for the Gers. His wages would be a problem – he is believed to be earning £38,000 per week in the northeast of England (salarysport.com) – but his agreement to take a pay cut would surely solve that problem.

As Ross Wilson plans ahead for the coming seasons, it remains to be seen whether he can capture Assombalonga, but the striker has shown enough to suggest that he could be a good coup for the Gers if they lure him to Ibrox.

In other news, James Tavernier discusses the possibility of a British Super League.

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that the Toffees won’t be looking to replace Jordan Pickford this summer.

The England goalkeeper remains Everton’s first-choice, but has been on the bench a couple of times in the Premier League this season following strong competition from on-loan Roma shot-stopper Robin Olsen, who’s turned out 10 times in all competitions.

Pickford was sidelined with a muscle problem but returned to training ahead of the draw against Brighton, suggesting he could be ready to take his place between the sticks for the visit of Tottenham on Friday.

However, reports believe that Ancelotti is keen on bringing in Napoli’s Alex Meret, which would see the pair reunite following the Italian’s previous spell at the Stadio San Paolo, although only should Everton cash-in on 27-year-old Pickford.

But Bent told Football FanCast that Pickford is the best man for the job at Goodison Park despite his occasional mistake:

“He’s a young boy. He’s done wonders for the team, he’s England number one.

“He’s made mistakes, but all keepers make mistakes. But he always bounces back because he’s strong, he’s mentally strong.

“I don’t think changing him will change anything. Maybe getting in a number two to help him improve on and off the pitch, but he’s still growing. I think he’ll still do really well next season.”

But does Bent think that Pickford still has Ancelotti’s trust despite his errors?

“I think so, I don’t know so, but I think so,” he added. “Being in football and around football I think he’s a big part of the side. I don’t think we’ve got a goalkeeper in there that can replace him.

“I don’t think there’s anyone better than him. You’d kick yourself if someone came in and made mistakes. His place is secure.”

Crystal Palace face a tough assignment this weekend in the form of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

The Eagles come into the game fresh off the back of a 1-1 draw with Everton last Monday, a game in which Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to net a late equaliser.

Could Roy Hodgson be tempted to switch up his side for the visit of the  west Londoners to Selhurst Park this evening?

We are expecting just two alterations from Palace this weekend, both for tactical reasons.

Vicente Guaita will continue in goal but their will be a slight switch in the defence in front of him.

Cheikhou Kouyate could be moved back into midfield against the Blues, which leaves an absence at centre-back. Experienced campaigner Scott Dann could be recalled to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of defence, whilst the likes of Patrick van Aanholt and Joel Ward will once again be named on either side.

With Kouyate moved back into the centre of the park, this could see Jairo Riedewald, who has started the Eagles’ last three Premier League matches, dropped to the bench. The Dutchman was ineffective against Everton, having the fewest touches of anyone in Hodgson’s starting XI on Merseyside.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-crystal-palace-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Latest Crystal Palace news, transfer rumours and more… “]

James McCarthy’s return has certainly given Hodgson something to think about in regards to the midfield but he is also likely to make do with a place amongst the substitutes. Elsewhere, Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze will be selected on the flanks.

Following his goal at Goodison Park, there may have been calls for Batshuayi to start this game, but he is ineligible against his parent club.

Christian Benteke will likely lead the line but his partner Jordan Ayew, who has scored just once in the league this season, might be replaced by £13.5m-rated on-loan Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AND in more news, find out why a former Chelsea boss could be providing a big clue as to who could be the next manager in the Crystal Palace dugout…

Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry has revealed that David Moyes nixed a move for West Ham United to sign Ivan Toney in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The Hammers failed to sign a new striker in the January transfer window and have subsequently been left with just Michail Antonio as their out-and-out forward following the exit of Sebastien Haller to Ajax.

Toney has been in electric form since he moved from Posh to Brentford in a £10m deal and has been front and centre of their push to win promotion to the Premier League.

Brentford are currently fourth in the Championship table and Toney has scored 28 goals and laid on nine assists in 36 games.

Moyes returned to the Hammers midway through last season and was in charge in the summer, when Toney moved to the Bees.

Fry has revealed he held talks with Moyes and the Hammers about a deal for the 25-year-old, but the ex-Everton boss was cautious about signing him due to the jump from League One to the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I spoke to David Moyes and his team about him.

“They half fancied him. They thought it was a bit of a gamble from League One to the Premier League.”

Moyes also felt that Fry’s demands were too high, as he moved for £10m to Brentford, though he is now valued at over £16m by Transfermarkt.

He added: “And anyway, after all that, he thought I was asking too much as well!”

Kevin Phillips has exclusively told Football FanCast that Southampton striker Danny Ings should decide against joining Tottenham this summer if the opportunity arises.

Having entered the final 18 months of his contract, Ings has been linked with a move away from Southampton, with Jose Mourinho’s team one of the sides reportedly pushing hard to sign the former Liverpool frontman at the end of the season.

Spurs currently have on-loan Benfica man Carlos Vinicius as Harry Kane’s back-up, but the Brazilian striker has started just one Premier League game since his arrival, with Mourinho opting for the likes of Heung-Min Son and Lucas Moura in Kane’s injured absence last month.

Signing for Tottenham would give Ings an opportunity to play European football once again, but Phillips has advised the Saints number nine to consider somewhere that guarantees more regular first-team football.

He told Football FanCast: “Whenever I get asked that question, I always put myself in Danny’s shoes. Why would I want to go to Tottenham to sit on the bench and play cup games, it’s as simple as that. At his stage of his career, why would you not want to play football week in, week out?

“Tottenham probably would take him because as long as he’s happy to sit on the bench they know they’ve got a quality striker sitting there waiting. But from the player’s point of view, I don’t see why you would want to go and compete with Harry Kane, because you know you’re not playing because he’s the world’s best centre-forward in my eyes.”

Whilst signing for Tottenham would be a progressive move for Ings’ career, and possibly enhance his England chances, anyone playing in the same squad as Kane is most likely going to get limited opportunities as shown by the likes of Fernando Llorente, Vincent Janssen and Vinicius, so Ings might want to consider his options if Spurs do come calling.

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to a big update at Selhurst Park which could suggest big changes are on the way in the imminent future.

According to the Evening Standard, and tweeted out by @cpfc_xtra, US-based investor Robert Franco has injected funds into the £20million redevelopment of Palace’s academy and has been listed as a person with “significant interest” in the club alongside chairman Steve Parish and American owners Joshua Harris and David Blitzer. One fan called this update ‘pretty big news’.

Looking to youth is something that the club need to start doing, as they had the second oldest squad on average in the league last season, (101 Great Goals). Palace do have a strong history when it comes to developing young players, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Moses and Nathaniel Clyne all previously coming through their academy.

If this report is true, then the club could be set to have a very exciting future and it is understandable to see why this news is receiving a lot of reaction.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the update:

“Another yank? Oh great! Coz we’ve done so well since the others have got involved haven’t we…”

Credit: @85Gilds

“Should never underestimate the importance of a good academy. We are a selling club and always will be and this is important for survival, regardless of what division we are in.”

Credit: @audreysprayer

“We have had our longest stretch in this top flight under various incarnations of this key owner (SP) and US investors. I’d say we have done quite well. Yes, I’d like to be polishing my passport but it’s Palace.”

Credit: @martinbrowni

“This seems like pretty big news”

Credit: @erictwigs

“20m injection into the academy? Huge if true”

Credit: @jaseiles

“Hello Mr Franco please buy the Sainsbury’s land”

Credit: @liamb0117

In other news, Palace fans reacted to this Zaha update!