Tag: Valencia

Valencia vs. Barcelona: How to watch, TV channel, live stream

The La Liga campaign gets underway with a marquee clash at Mestalla

Valencia will host Barcelona on Saturday as the La Liga season gets underway with a marquee clash at Mestalla.

Led by new head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona is looking to improve on a trophy-less campaign in 2023-24 that included a second-place finish in the league.

It’s been a mostly quiet offseason for Flick’s side, whose one big signing, Spain star Dani Olmo, won’t be registered in time for this game.

Meanwhile, Ronald Araújo, Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are all out through injury.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Valencia vs. Barcelona on ESPN+” link=”https://go.web.plus.espn.com/Y9KaQm”]

Valencia finished ninth in La Liga last season, and added Dani Gomez, Rafa Mir and Stole Dimitrievski in the summer transfer window.

Barcelona has won two of its last six games against Valencia at Mestalla, with their most recent meeting ending in a 1-1 draw.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.

Valencia vs. Barcelona (La Liga)

  • When: Saturday, August 17
  • Where: Mestalla Stadium (Valencia, Spain)
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: ABC, ESPN+ (WATCH LIVE), ESPN Deportes

[lawrence-related id=78929,29589,71155]

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Pro Soccer Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen gifts Valencia goal with huge error

The Germany international is going to want this one back

Marc-André ter Stegen is going to want this one back.

The Barcelona goalkeeper gifted Valencia an equalizer in the first half of Monday’s La Liga match with a huge mistake in possession.

With Barça leading 1-0, Valencia played a through ball that went far beyond Hugo Duro. Ter Stegen came off his line with plenty of time to clear the ball, but instead the Germany international went for the elaborate.

It didn’t work well.

Ter Stegen tried to chip the ball over Duro, but only succeeded in playing the ball straight into the attacker’s chest. From there, Duro gladly accepted the gift and passed the ball into an empty net to make it 1-1.

Following last week’s controversial defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico, Barcelona’s title hopes are all but gone, but the Blaugrana are still locked in a battle with Girona for second place.

Ter Stegen’s error didn’t help matters, but Barcelona would emerge from the match victorious anyway.

Valencia went into halftime 2-1 up, but a red card for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili just before the break turned the game on its head.

Robert Lewandowski ruthlessly took advantage in the second half, with the Barcelona striker netting a hat trick to secure a 4-2 win for his side.

Watch Ter Stegen’s howler vs. Valencia

[lawrence-related id=29589,64090,63358]

Evans leads for Jaguar again as Formula E testing resumes

Mitch Evans was fastest again as Formula E testing resumed in Valencia on Thursday. After topping an abbreviated first day of running, the Jaguar TCS Racing man’s best time of 1m24.791 narrowly beat Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa by 0.023s. Da …

Mitch Evans was fastest again as Formula E testing resumed in Valencia on Thursday. After topping an abbreviated first day of running, the Jaguar TCS Racing man’s best time of 1m24.791 narrowly beat Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa by 0.023s.

Da Costa — who was also second on Tuesday — only ran in the final hour, with his car being driven by ADAC Prototype Cup LMP3 race winner Gabriela Jilkova for the first part of the day. Similarly, Evans’ best time came late in the day, usurping long-time table-topper Eduardo Mortara, who wound up third for Mahindra, setting his best time after briefly stopping with power issues.

Mahindra had to contend with running a condensed program during the day, with some of its infrastructure damaged in the fire at WAE’s adjacent garage on Tuesday.

“As a result of the fire, Mahindra Racing sustained damage to its trackside infrastructure. The damage includes but is not limited to the team’s IT infrastructure, engineering stations and to both race cars,” the team explained in a statement.

Mortara was subsequently the team’s sole runner on Thursday, with 2020-21 series champion Nyck de Vries sidelined.

Robin Frijns was fourth fastest for Envision racing, with Pascal Wehrlein fifth, once again ensuring that Porsche was the only team with two drivers in the top five.

Maximilian Gunther, the fastest driver in three of the last four pre-seasons, was sixth for Maserati MSG Racing ahead of Nissan’s Oliver Rowland, Norman Nato of Andretti Global, Maserati rookie Jehan Daruvala, and Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy rounding out the top 10 with Jean Eric Vergne (DS Penske) and reigning champion Jake Dennis — who didn’t run on Tuesday with his Andretti Global car being driven by Zane Maloney.

Making his on-track debut for McLaren after being deputized by Taylor Barnard on Tuesday, Sam Bird was 18th one spot behind Sebastien Buemi, 0.46s off his teammate Jake Dennis who was 14th, splitting Abt Cupra duo Mico Mueller and Lucas di Grassi.

Sacha Fenestraz (Nissan), Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara (both ERT) completed the runners.

Testing at Valencia continues on Friday.

(US)AC Milan’s American collection grows with Musah signing

Musah joins Christian Pulisic at the San Siro

Yunus Musah has joined his international teammate Christian Pulisic at AC Milan, completing a reported €20 million transfer from Valencia.

Musah has signed a five-year contract at the Serie A club and will wear the No. 80 — reportedly a tribute to Brazil legend Ronaldinho, who wore the same number during his time with the Rossoneri.

The midfielder makes the move after spending four years at Valencia, where he became a regular starter for the club over the past two seasons.

The 20-year-old was widely expected to leave the La Liga side after the 2022-23 season, with interest from clubs around Europe, including the Premier League.

But Milan has won the race for Musah’s signature and the New York-born midfielder will reunite with Pulisic, who joined from from Chelsea in a €22 million transfer last month.

The move also establishes a rivalry between American teammates at two of Italy’s giants, with Tim Weah and Weston McKennie joining forces at Juventus this season.

Musah lived in Italy for several years during his childhood before moving to London at age nine. He came up through the Arsenal academy before transferring to Valencia in 2019.

At international level, the versatile midfielder was eligible for several teams, including the USA, Italy, Ghana and England, but he picked the U.S. in 2021. He’s gone on to earn 27 caps for the USMNT, starting all four of its World Cup games in Qatar last year.

[lawrence-related id=23937,23641,22511]

Yunus Musah reportedly near €20 million transfer to AC Milan

U.S. Milan National Team?

Members of the U.S. men’s national team appear to be trying to cluster at European clubs.

The latest potential USMNT fan rooting interest centers on AC Milan, who per reports from The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano are on the verge of bringing Yunus Musah to the San Siro in a €20 million transfer.

Should Musah complete the move from Valencia, he would join U.S. teammate Christian Pulisic, who is already fitting in nicely with the Rossoneri.

Per the reports, Milan and Valencia have already verbally agreed to terms over the 20-year-old’s transfer. Musah has been a hot commodity after Valencia narrowly avoided relegation, with Milan said to have made three offers for the versatile midfielder.

Musah has also been linked to interest from Fulham and West Ham, but the chances of a return to London (where Musah came up through the Arsenal academy) appear to be remote at this point.

Tonali’s departure makes room for Musah

Milan’s pursuit of a big midfield transfer has been ongoing since Newcastle’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali went from interest to inevitable. That’s not necessarily the role Musah has played for Valencia (where he spent much of last season on the right flank), nor is it the No. 8 role he often slots into with the USMNT.

However, while Milan manager Stefano Pioli has not publicly discussed his plans for the USMNT midfielder, it stands to reason that he’s going to be a major part of the club’s plans in multiple formations. Similarly to Pulisic, Musah’s ability to play in multiple positions should make him a frequent starter for a coach that wants to have several tactical options going forward.

[lawrence-related id=23937,23641,20272]

Musah offers Vinicius support after racist abuse from Valencia fans

The USMNT midfielder condemned the actions of several of his Valencia side’s fans

U.S. national team and Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah has offered his support to Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. after the Brazilian was racially abused by Valencia fans during Sunday’s La Liga match.

Fans at the Mestalla Stadium targeted Vinícius during the game, which was suspended for several minutes after the Madrid winger pointed out Valencia supporters who were abusing him.

It was hardly the first time Vinícius has been racially abused this season, which has featured a number of ugly incidents involving the 22-year-old winger.

After the game the Brazil international highlighed the fact that he’s been targeted repeatedly, and that the Spanish authorities have thus far failed to do anything to stop it.

“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” he said on Twitter. “The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.

“I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.”

Musah responds

On Tuesday, the USMNT midfielder issued a message of support for Vinícius on Instagram.

“The incidents that occurred on Sunday, a day which should have been marked by the performance of the team and amazing fans, have been marked by the racist remarks made by the few people, who ultimately ruin it for all. Valencia CF strongly forbids racism,” Musah said.

“My support to @vinijr and all the people who have been and are going through this in their lives. IF YOUR RACIST TO HIM YOU ARE RACIST TO ME!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CslWktxIe4D/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D

[lawrence-related id=14424,13268,12141]

 

Yunus Musah reveals the World Cup advice he got from Edinson Cavani

Ahead of his fourth World Cup, the Valencia veteran had some advice for his young teammate

Yunus Musah is about to take part in his first World Cup. His teammate at Valencia, Edinson Cavani, is about to play in his fourth.

So naturally, Musah had some questions.

As the U.S. national team continues preparing for Monday’s World Cup opener against Wales, Musah said he had spoken to his Uruguayan counterpart about what to expect from the tournament.

“I spoke to [Cavani] because I wanted to know what [the World Cup] is like,” Musah said at a press conference. “He told me that sometimes people say that there is an easy group or a difficult one, but every team wants to do something good. The competition comes every four years and they all go at full strength, so there is no easy group,” the USMNT midfielder said.

Cavani ironically took part in what many considered to be one of the easiest groups in recent memory in 2018, as Uruguay was drawn with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt in Group A. Uruguay won all three games, but host Russia surprised by winning two games and eventually reaching the quarterfinal.

Uruguay also reached the last eight in 2018, where it fell to eventual champion France. Cavani has reached the knockout stage in all three of his previous World Cups, with Uruguay making it all the way to the semifinal in 2010.

Musah will be hoping to help the USMNT get out of Group B, where it will face Wales, England and Iran.

[lawrence-related id=9797,9774,9762]

It looks like Johnny Cardoso is getting a USMNT call to replace Yunus Musah

Cardoso has been capped three times by the USMNT, most recently in December 2021

It appears that Johnny Cardoso of Brazilian side Internacional will get a U.S. men’s national team call-up to replace the injured Yunus Musah for the team’s upcoming friendlies.

Musah was part of a 26-player roster for the USMNT’s final two World Cup tune-ups against Japan and Saudi Arabia, set for September 23 and 27.

But the Valencia midfielder has picked up a knock, as revealed by his head coach Gennaro Gattuso at a press conference on Friday.

“He has a little discomfort. It is not a big thing. He has not trained today,” the coach said. “I have to talk to the doctor after the press conference because he has a small injury. I don’t know if he will be able to play in the game [vs. Celta Vigo on Saturday], but he has not trained today.

“Musah will not be going [to USMNT camp] either if his small problem is confirmed.”

The Athletic said that a Valencia spokesperson confirmed Musah would not be joining up with the USMNT for the team’s friendlies.

Musah’s replacement appears to be Cardoso, according to a report from Brazil as well as MLSsoccer.com

When speaking to the media after naming his roster this week, U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter praised the 20-year-old, saying he nearly made the cut originally.

“At center mid Johnny Cardoso is playing every week in Brazil, and we like what he’s doing, his team’s doing really well,” Berhalter said.

Cardoso has made three appearances for the USMNT, all of which have come in friendlies. The most recent cap for Cardoso was a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2021.

[lawrence-related id=7345,6715,7224]

Let’s just pretend this Yunus Musah scorcher actually counted

It didn’t count on the scoreboard, but we all saw it happen

Yunus Musah scored an absolute rocket of a goal against Atlético Madrid, which was then cruelly taken away for a foul in the build-up after a VAR review.

The U.S. international thought he gave Valencia the lead midway through the first half, unleashing an absolute scorcher from long range that flew past Jan Oblak and kissed the near post on its way in.

But after the celebrations died down, the referee was called over to the monitor and spotted an infraction by Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby on João Félix.

No goal.

It would have been Musah’s first of the season and third career La Liga goal. After the 19-year-old scored one league goal in each of the past two seasons with Valencia, he appears poised to find the back of the net much more in 2022-23.

Watch Musah’s disallowed stunner

[lawrence-related id=6604,6498,6490]

Yunus Musah hopes to face old friends in USMNT vs. England World Cup clash

Musah hopes to see Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in Qatar

Yunus Musah is looking forward to an Arsenal reunion at the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters via conference call Thursday, the Valencia midfielder—who spent seven years in the Arsenal academy system—said that the U.S. men’s national team drawing England has special meaning to him.

“I enjoyed my time in London so much. Playing for Arsenal, playing for England, it was so fun. I have great friends from there that I’m still in contact with,” said Musah. “I call it my home as well, because that’s where my family lives….that place is very special to me.”

Given that Musah was in the England youth national team system from the Under-15 level all the way up to the Under-18s, it’s no shock that he hopes to come across some old teammates when the USMNT faces England in Group B.

“Being able to have the opportunity to hopefully play against (England) in November will be very special,” said Musah. “Playing against Bukayo Sako for example, and Emile Smith Rowe, I played with them in the academy a few times. To be playing at a World Cup, (what) a special moment that would be.”

Saka has, like Musah with the USMNT, carved out a regular role with England despite his young age, and both players have a distinct chance of starting at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 25. Smith Rowe, meanwhile, was left out of England’s Nations League squad in June, but has three caps, most recently playing for the Three Lions in a 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast in March.

[lawrence-related id=5226,2820]