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..::Football II::..
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Sir Alex Ferguson: Jones has more in his locker than Terry
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise upon Phil Jones, saying that he "has more in his locker" than Chelsea captain John Terry.
The young defender has had a season hampered by a back injury, but after returning as a substitute against Liverpool earlier this month, he has started the Red Devils' last three games.
The fledgling center back, who turns 21 next month, has made five appearances for the national team after impressing following his 16.5 million pound move to Manchester from Blackburn in the summer of 2011.
Sir Alex is clearly convinced of his talent as he was keen to praise his player, claiming he has more talent than John Terry did at his age, though he acknowledged the England and Chelsea captain's wealth of experience as well.
"Jones has got more in his locker than John [Terry]. Terry has got the experience and has become a fantastic central figure at Chelsea," he told reporters. "But as a young player, John [Terry] would be the first to admit he didn't have the pace of Phil Jones."
The veteran manager did not stop there, however, as he was eager to emphasize his versatility, among other virtues, following his role in midfield against Tottenham.
"Phil is a versatile boy, he can play anywhere," he continued. "He's quick, two-footed, reads games well and is competitive. He’s doing very well."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise upon Phil Jones, saying that he "has more in his locker" than Chelsea captain John Terry.
The young defender has had a season hampered by a back injury, but after returning as a substitute against Liverpool earlier this month, he has started the Red Devils' last three games.
The fledgling center back, who turns 21 next month, has made five appearances for the national team after impressing following his 16.5 million pound move to Manchester from Blackburn in the summer of 2011.
Sir Alex is clearly convinced of his talent as he was keen to praise his player, claiming he has more talent than John Terry did at his age, though he acknowledged the England and Chelsea captain's wealth of experience as well.
"Jones has got more in his locker than John [Terry]. Terry has got the experience and has become a fantastic central figure at Chelsea," he told reporters. "But as a young player, John [Terry] would be the first to admit he didn't have the pace of Phil Jones."
The veteran manager did not stop there, however, as he was eager to emphasize his versatility, among other virtues, following his role in midfield against Tottenham.
"Phil is a versatile boy, he can play anywhere," he continued. "He's quick, two-footed, reads games well and is competitive. He’s doing very well."
Conte: Referee should hand back licence
Juventus coach Antonio Conte launched a tirade at referee Marco Guida in the aftermath of his team's controversial 1-1 draw against Genoa on Saturday evening.
Ex-Bianconeri hitman Marco Borriello cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella's opener to ensure the spoils were shared in Turin, but what defined the match proved to be two calls for penalties being turned down.
"The referee should take some responsibility. Even a blind man would have seen that [handball by Andreas Granqvist in the box]," a visibly furious Conte fired at reporters after the match. "In these cases, you've got to hand back your refereeing licence. I cannot tolerate what happened. Even the goal-line referee said it was a penalty. I think in these cases, saying ‘shame on you’ is the very least one can do.
"I can accept it if they claim not to have seen the incident, but hearing a referee say they didn't feel like giving the penalty is not normal. This is not football.
"For a long time, we've been well-mannered and valued fair play, but now I have seen too many incidents go against us. Parma once said that everyone was entitled to complain except Juventus. Now the incidents are there for all to see.
"Now I'd rather not hear the media breaking our balls over pro-Juve and anti-Juve errors, because errors are everywhere for and against everyone."
Despite the unlikely setback, the Old Lady are still on course to retain their Scudetto, after second-placed Lazio capitulated in a shock home defeat by Chievo.
Juventus coach Antonio Conte launched a tirade at referee Marco Guida in the aftermath of his team's controversial 1-1 draw against Genoa on Saturday evening.
Ex-Bianconeri hitman Marco Borriello cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella's opener to ensure the spoils were shared in Turin, but what defined the match proved to be two calls for penalties being turned down.
"The referee should take some responsibility. Even a blind man would have seen that [handball by Andreas Granqvist in the box]," a visibly furious Conte fired at reporters after the match. "In these cases, you've got to hand back your refereeing licence. I cannot tolerate what happened. Even the goal-line referee said it was a penalty. I think in these cases, saying ‘shame on you’ is the very least one can do.
"I can accept it if they claim not to have seen the incident, but hearing a referee say they didn't feel like giving the penalty is not normal. This is not football.
"For a long time, we've been well-mannered and valued fair play, but now I have seen too many incidents go against us. Parma once said that everyone was entitled to complain except Juventus. Now the incidents are there for all to see.
"Now I'd rather not hear the media breaking our balls over pro-Juve and anti-Juve errors, because errors are everywhere for and against everyone."
Despite the unlikely setback, the Old Lady are still on course to retain their Scudetto, after second-placed Lazio capitulated in a shock home defeat by Chievo.
Canada 0-4 Denmark: Young Canucks overwhelmed
A young Canada side was taught a tough lesson as it fell 4-0 to a sharper, more experienced Denmark team on Saturday afternoon in Tucson, Arizona.
The Canadians were put to the sword early, with Denmark's Andreas Cornelius finding himself completely unmarked in front of goal in the eighth minute. The Danish striker made no mistake, taking full advantage of the ample time and space and placing a header neatly into the lower corner past a sprawling Lars Hirschfeld.
Three minutes later, Denmark against pounced on a lacklustre Canadian defence, as Kaspar Lorentzen was allowed to virtually walk straight through the middle and easily slot home.
The shaken Canucks seemed to settle things down after the two quick strikes, keeping the opposition further from Hirschfeld's goal for increasing periods of time. Denmark was all too happy to take the foot off the gas for a while though, and the Europeans still maintained the lion's share of possession despite not being able to break through during the middle period of the opening half.
Eventually Denmark would notch a third marker, with Cornelius scoring his second of the match off a corner in the 35th minute. Once again, the young Canadian defence was caught flat-footed on the play, with no one in red reacting to the ball bouncing around the goalmouth.
Despite a slower second half in which both teams emptied their benches, Denmark tallied a fourth and final goal through Cornelius, who completed his hat-trick with a well-taken strike in the 66th minute.
The rest of the match saw neither side look too interested in making forward thrusts, as the result was no longer in doubt.
Denmark will look to capitalize on the momentum when it faces Mexico in nearby Glendale next week, while Canada next faces the United States in Houston on Tuesday.
A young Canada side was taught a tough lesson as it fell 4-0 to a sharper, more experienced Denmark team on Saturday afternoon in Tucson, Arizona.
The Canadians were put to the sword early, with Denmark's Andreas Cornelius finding himself completely unmarked in front of goal in the eighth minute. The Danish striker made no mistake, taking full advantage of the ample time and space and placing a header neatly into the lower corner past a sprawling Lars Hirschfeld.
Three minutes later, Denmark against pounced on a lacklustre Canadian defence, as Kaspar Lorentzen was allowed to virtually walk straight through the middle and easily slot home.
The shaken Canucks seemed to settle things down after the two quick strikes, keeping the opposition further from Hirschfeld's goal for increasing periods of time. Denmark was all too happy to take the foot off the gas for a while though, and the Europeans still maintained the lion's share of possession despite not being able to break through during the middle period of the opening half.
Eventually Denmark would notch a third marker, with Cornelius scoring his second of the match off a corner in the 35th minute. Once again, the young Canadian defence was caught flat-footed on the play, with no one in red reacting to the ball bouncing around the goalmouth.
Despite a slower second half in which both teams emptied their benches, Denmark tallied a fourth and final goal through Cornelius, who completed his hat-trick with a well-taken strike in the 66th minute.
The rest of the match saw neither side look too interested in making forward thrusts, as the result was no longer in doubt.
Denmark will look to capitalize on the momentum when it faces Mexico in nearby Glendale next week, while Canada next faces the United States in Houston on Tuesday.
Manchester United to reward Carrick with new contract at end of the season
Manchester United is poised to reward Michael Carrick for his impressive recent form by handing him a new contract at the end of the season.
The England midfielder's current deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer of 2014, which Sir Alex Ferguson's side are ready to extend by a further year once this campaign is over.
Given the fact he is now 31, United will then continue to review Carrick's situation on an annual basis with his deal becoming a rolling agreement which is renewed a year at a time, similar to the situations of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs over recent years.
Carrick's current deal is worth around 80,000 pounds a week, a pay package that is unlikely to change when the contract is extended in the summer.
The player's former clubs Tottenham and West Ham United were both monitoring his situation until it became clear he remains a key part of the plans at Old Trafford.
Ferguson recently hailed Carrick's continued contributions at United, saying the current season has been his best in a red shirt.
"I think he's been magnificent," said the manager last week. "He's doing absolutely brilliantly. It is his best-ever season at the club and he's commanding that position."
Since joining United from Spurs in a deal rising to 18.6 million pounds in 2006, Carrick has gone on to make almost 300 appearances for the club, playing in over 40 matches in each of his six full seasons to date as he continues to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
He has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, a Club World Cup and the League Cup during his time with the club to date.
Manchester United is poised to reward Michael Carrick for his impressive recent form by handing him a new contract at the end of the season.
The England midfielder's current deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer of 2014, which Sir Alex Ferguson's side are ready to extend by a further year once this campaign is over.
Given the fact he is now 31, United will then continue to review Carrick's situation on an annual basis with his deal becoming a rolling agreement which is renewed a year at a time, similar to the situations of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs over recent years.
Carrick's current deal is worth around 80,000 pounds a week, a pay package that is unlikely to change when the contract is extended in the summer.
The player's former clubs Tottenham and West Ham United were both monitoring his situation until it became clear he remains a key part of the plans at Old Trafford.
Ferguson recently hailed Carrick's continued contributions at United, saying the current season has been his best in a red shirt.
"I think he's been magnificent," said the manager last week. "He's doing absolutely brilliantly. It is his best-ever season at the club and he's commanding that position."
Since joining United from Spurs in a deal rising to 18.6 million pounds in 2006, Carrick has gone on to make almost 300 appearances for the club, playing in over 40 matches in each of his six full seasons to date as he continues to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
He has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, a Club World Cup and the League Cup during his time with the club to date.
Guti: Ramos and Casillas did not issue Mourinho ultimatum
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has remarked on his disbelief that Sergio Ramos or Iker Casillas had led a player revolt to petition that coach Jose Mourinho be forced out of the club.
Spanish media outlets claimed the Spanish pair had demanded that president Florentino Perez choose between the players or the controversial Portugeuse coach, who has endured several run-ins with senior players this season.
Ramos, Casillas and Perez have since denied such allegations publicly, and Guti believes such disrespect would not be allowed to exist within the squad.
"It's not possible a captain [Ramos or Casillas] would tell Florentino what he must do regarding a coach," the 36-year-old maintained to Cadena Cope. "The future of the boss should be decided by the club, and not the players. I have never said anything like that to any president, it would not be respectful. The president has been clever enough to come out and make a stand.
"It's normal to have some kind of problem with someone in a group of 25 players, but the group has to come first, above rivalries. If they can't put up with Mourinho, there will be time to sort it out later on, with the Champions League coming up in a few weeks time."
Although his statements suggest the opposite, Guti had allegedly made comments towards former manager Manuel Pellegrini in the dressing room, prior to his departure for Besiktas.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has remarked on his disbelief that Sergio Ramos or Iker Casillas had led a player revolt to petition that coach Jose Mourinho be forced out of the club.
Spanish media outlets claimed the Spanish pair had demanded that president Florentino Perez choose between the players or the controversial Portugeuse coach, who has endured several run-ins with senior players this season.
Ramos, Casillas and Perez have since denied such allegations publicly, and Guti believes such disrespect would not be allowed to exist within the squad.
"It's not possible a captain [Ramos or Casillas] would tell Florentino what he must do regarding a coach," the 36-year-old maintained to Cadena Cope. "The future of the boss should be decided by the club, and not the players. I have never said anything like that to any president, it would not be respectful. The president has been clever enough to come out and make a stand.
"It's normal to have some kind of problem with someone in a group of 25 players, but the group has to come first, above rivalries. If they can't put up with Mourinho, there will be time to sort it out later on, with the Champions League coming up in a few weeks time."
Although his statements suggest the opposite, Guti had allegedly made comments towards former manager Manuel Pellegrini in the dressing room, prior to his departure for Besiktas.
Vilanova: Coaching Real Madrid is one of the three things I would never do in football
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has bared all in Ser del Barca, the annual dedicated to the club's heritage, and admitted he would never take charge of arch-rival Real Madrid.
The literary work includes footnotes by several illustrious figures tied to the Camp Nou outfit's history, and Vilanova ensured he endeared himself to fans with his recent declarations.
"Coaching Real Madrid is one of the three things I would never do in football," the 44-year-old, who is presently undergoing cancer treatment in New York, is understood to have said.
"The other two would be throwing a game and promoting doping."
Future Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola also gave his testimony in the book, saluting Barca's fans for their dedication in supporting the club.
"The club is not only about the players, or the president," the Spaniard acknowledged. "More than anything, it is the people who come to watch our games, the old men sitting in bars playing dominoes and talking about Barca.
"Being asked why I love Barca is like being asked why I love my parents."
Guardiola enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in charge from 2008 to 2012, sweeping up 14 domestic and international club honors.
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has bared all in Ser del Barca, the annual dedicated to the club's heritage, and admitted he would never take charge of arch-rival Real Madrid.
The literary work includes footnotes by several illustrious figures tied to the Camp Nou outfit's history, and Vilanova ensured he endeared himself to fans with his recent declarations.
"Coaching Real Madrid is one of the three things I would never do in football," the 44-year-old, who is presently undergoing cancer treatment in New York, is understood to have said.
"The other two would be throwing a game and promoting doping."
Future Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola also gave his testimony in the book, saluting Barca's fans for their dedication in supporting the club.
"The club is not only about the players, or the president," the Spaniard acknowledged. "More than anything, it is the people who come to watch our games, the old men sitting in bars playing dominoes and talking about Barca.
"Being asked why I love Barca is like being asked why I love my parents."
Guardiola enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in charge from 2008 to 2012, sweeping up 14 domestic and international club honors.
Atalanta 0-1 AC Milan: El Shaarawy goal closes gap on top three to six points
AC Milan stepped up its hunt for European competition in 2013-14 with a 1-0 victory away to Atalanta, reducing the deficit between the Rossoneri and third-placed Lazio to just six points with 16 games remaining of the Serie A season.
Stephan El Shaarawy was the hero for the visitors, as he notched the only goal of the game 29 minutes in, while Atalanta slumped to a defeat that leaves the club nervously looking at the relegation zone down below.
Needing three points to keep up its quest for a place in the Champions League for the coming campaign, Milan found it difficult to break down the hosts in the early going. Atalanta, in fact, was the first team to threaten on goal, with German Denis forcing a save from Christian Abbiati as he fired in an effort from out wide that was comfortably claimed by the keeper.
With Milan imposing itself in the middle while wasteful in its approach play, the onus once more fell on top scorer and 20-year-old El Shaarawy to lead his side's attack. The young forward did brilliantly to twist his way to the byline, and an improvised chip with the outside of the boot momentarily had Andrea Consigli scrambling before flying just wide of the post.
The Rossoneri finally took the lead just before the half-hour mark, with El Shaarawy doing the honors. M'Baye Niang opened up the Atalanta backline with a wonderful through ball, and El Shaarawy reacted instantly to square up to Consigli and rifle into the bottom corner for his 15th Serie A strike of the season.
The goal left only Edinson Cavani ahead of El Shaarawy as the season's most prolific marksman, and Milan took advantage to establish a strong control of the match as Atalanta floundered in its attempts to level.
A header from Cristian Raimondi steered straight at Christian Abbiati was the closest the home team came to equalizing in the first half, as Milan looked comfortable spraying the ball across the pitch while the opening period came to a close.
Atalanta remained resolute, but Giampaolo Pazzini came close to a spectacular strike for Milan when his scissor-kick flew wide of the goal less than 10 minutes into the half. La Dea's plight became even worse when Davide Brivio was sent off for a second bookable offense following a brutal challenge on Pazzini.
With Denis withdrawn to make way for defender Carlos Matheu, Milan once more lowered the tempo and looked supremely comfortable in the absence of forward threat from their opponents.
There remained the occasional charge on goal - Mathieu Flamini let loose with a stinging shot that was deflected just over - but the Rossoneri otherwise looked content to play out the remaining minutes and goad Atalanta into pushing forward, subsequently punishing them on the break.
The Rossoneri have now won six of their last eight Serie A outings, and a Champions League place that once looked out of their reach now becomes a real possibility for the Italian giants.
AC Milan stepped up its hunt for European competition in 2013-14 with a 1-0 victory away to Atalanta, reducing the deficit between the Rossoneri and third-placed Lazio to just six points with 16 games remaining of the Serie A season.
Stephan El Shaarawy was the hero for the visitors, as he notched the only goal of the game 29 minutes in, while Atalanta slumped to a defeat that leaves the club nervously looking at the relegation zone down below.
Needing three points to keep up its quest for a place in the Champions League for the coming campaign, Milan found it difficult to break down the hosts in the early going. Atalanta, in fact, was the first team to threaten on goal, with German Denis forcing a save from Christian Abbiati as he fired in an effort from out wide that was comfortably claimed by the keeper.
With Milan imposing itself in the middle while wasteful in its approach play, the onus once more fell on top scorer and 20-year-old El Shaarawy to lead his side's attack. The young forward did brilliantly to twist his way to the byline, and an improvised chip with the outside of the boot momentarily had Andrea Consigli scrambling before flying just wide of the post.
The Rossoneri finally took the lead just before the half-hour mark, with El Shaarawy doing the honors. M'Baye Niang opened up the Atalanta backline with a wonderful through ball, and El Shaarawy reacted instantly to square up to Consigli and rifle into the bottom corner for his 15th Serie A strike of the season.
The goal left only Edinson Cavani ahead of El Shaarawy as the season's most prolific marksman, and Milan took advantage to establish a strong control of the match as Atalanta floundered in its attempts to level.
A header from Cristian Raimondi steered straight at Christian Abbiati was the closest the home team came to equalizing in the first half, as Milan looked comfortable spraying the ball across the pitch while the opening period came to a close.
Atalanta remained resolute, but Giampaolo Pazzini came close to a spectacular strike for Milan when his scissor-kick flew wide of the goal less than 10 minutes into the half. La Dea's plight became even worse when Davide Brivio was sent off for a second bookable offense following a brutal challenge on Pazzini.
With Denis withdrawn to make way for defender Carlos Matheu, Milan once more lowered the tempo and looked supremely comfortable in the absence of forward threat from their opponents.
There remained the occasional charge on goal - Mathieu Flamini let loose with a stinging shot that was deflected just over - but the Rossoneri otherwise looked content to play out the remaining minutes and goad Atalanta into pushing forward, subsequently punishing them on the break.
The Rossoneri have now won six of their last eight Serie A outings, and a Champions League place that once looked out of their reach now becomes a real possibility for the Italian giants.
Leeds 2-1 Tottenham: Varney and McCormack shock Spurs
Leeds United has progressed to the FA Cup fifth round after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tottenham at Elland Road on Sunday.Neil Warnock’s side took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Luke Varney after poor defending from Spurs and the club doubled that lead in the second half.
Ross McCormack got the goal in spectacular fashion in the 51st minutes, and although Spurs pulled one back through Clint Dempsey seven minutes later, the home side held on to a famous win.
Leeds boss Warnock made just the three changes from the side that beat Bristol City last weekend, with cup goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown replacing Paddy Penny, Ross Barkley dropping out for Paul Green and Luke Varney taking the place of Leeds’ most notable absentee; Luciano Becchio, who looks to be nearing the Elland Road exit door.
Tottenham rescued an unlikely point late on against Manchester United last time out and Andre Villas-Boas decided to change a considerable number of starters. Hugo Lloris, Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker, Moussa Dembele and Jermain Defoe were replaced by Jan Vertonghen, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Tom Huddlestone and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Leeds started well as it pressed and hassled Spurs in the midfield, but it was Tottenham which should have opened the scoring in the first few minutes as Gylfi Sigurdsson headed Jan Vertonghen’s cross straight into the arms of Jamie Ashdown.
If Spurs did not already regret that miss, they did a few minutes later as Kyle Naughton and Steven Caulker both failed to clear Michael Brown’s hit-and-hope pass, allowing Luke Varney to march towards goal and place the ball in the bottom far corner of the net.
Spurs were struggling to create chances throughout the first half but Gareth Bale should have done better when he got in behind Aidan White and shot at Ashdown, with the opportunity to chip the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper presenting itself on a plate.
Goal-scorer Varney soon had another chance as he linked up well with El-Hadji Diouf down the left and then cut inside to shoot, but his effort sailed well over as Leeds took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Things started familiarly in the second half as Spurs looked the more likely to score the next goal, but Leeds soon caught them on the counterattack as Diouf and McCormack linked up well, with the Scot latching on to a ball over the defense before cutting inside Caulker and placing a marvelous shot into the top far corner of the goal.Leeds’ two-goal lead lasted no more than seven minutes as the quiet Bale burst to life down the left, keeping the ball from Green and Sam Bryam before crossing. Dempsey glanced the ball into the far side of the goal with an excellent header to cut the lead in hald.
A few minutes later, the home side really should have re-opened the two-goal lead as Diouf and McCormack combined again and a slip from Vertonghen saw the Scot break free again, but when one-on-one with Friedel, the goalkeeper palmed the shot round the far post.
A fantastic long-ball from Benoit Assou-Ekotto played substitute Jordan Obika through in the dying minutes, but the youngster, under pressure from Lees and Peltier, put his shot well over from a great position and Leeds held on for the win.
Leeds United has progressed to the FA Cup fifth round after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tottenham at Elland Road on Sunday.Neil Warnock’s side took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Luke Varney after poor defending from Spurs and the club doubled that lead in the second half.
Ross McCormack got the goal in spectacular fashion in the 51st minutes, and although Spurs pulled one back through Clint Dempsey seven minutes later, the home side held on to a famous win.
Leeds boss Warnock made just the three changes from the side that beat Bristol City last weekend, with cup goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown replacing Paddy Penny, Ross Barkley dropping out for Paul Green and Luke Varney taking the place of Leeds’ most notable absentee; Luciano Becchio, who looks to be nearing the Elland Road exit door.
Tottenham rescued an unlikely point late on against Manchester United last time out and Andre Villas-Boas decided to change a considerable number of starters. Hugo Lloris, Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker, Moussa Dembele and Jermain Defoe were replaced by Jan Vertonghen, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Tom Huddlestone and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Leeds started well as it pressed and hassled Spurs in the midfield, but it was Tottenham which should have opened the scoring in the first few minutes as Gylfi Sigurdsson headed Jan Vertonghen’s cross straight into the arms of Jamie Ashdown.
If Spurs did not already regret that miss, they did a few minutes later as Kyle Naughton and Steven Caulker both failed to clear Michael Brown’s hit-and-hope pass, allowing Luke Varney to march towards goal and place the ball in the bottom far corner of the net.
Spurs were struggling to create chances throughout the first half but Gareth Bale should have done better when he got in behind Aidan White and shot at Ashdown, with the opportunity to chip the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper presenting itself on a plate.
Goal-scorer Varney soon had another chance as he linked up well with El-Hadji Diouf down the left and then cut inside to shoot, but his effort sailed well over as Leeds took a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Things started familiarly in the second half as Spurs looked the more likely to score the next goal, but Leeds soon caught them on the counterattack as Diouf and McCormack linked up well, with the Scot latching on to a ball over the defense before cutting inside Caulker and placing a marvelous shot into the top far corner of the goal.Leeds’ two-goal lead lasted no more than seven minutes as the quiet Bale burst to life down the left, keeping the ball from Green and Sam Bryam before crossing. Dempsey glanced the ball into the far side of the goal with an excellent header to cut the lead in hald.
A few minutes later, the home side really should have re-opened the two-goal lead as Diouf and McCormack combined again and a slip from Vertonghen saw the Scot break free again, but when one-on-one with Friedel, the goalkeeper palmed the shot round the far post.
A fantastic long-ball from Benoit Assou-Ekotto played substitute Jordan Obika through in the dying minutes, but the youngster, under pressure from Lees and Peltier, put his shot well over from a great position and Leeds held on for the win.
Brentford 2-2 Chelsea: Torres saves Chelsea with late equalizer to force replay
Chelsea twice fought back from a goal down, with Fernando Torres' late goal forcing a 2-2 draw against League One side Brentford that takes their fourth-round FA Cup tie to a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Brentford's Marcelo Trotta opened the scoring only to have his effort cancelled out by Oscar just after halftime. Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull committed a foul in the area that led to Harry Forrester's go-ahead penalty, but Torres rescued the Blues with an 83rd-minute curling strike to keep the defending FA Cup champion alive. Chelsea may feel that it deserved to win outright, with Juan Mata's stoppage time cross appearing to be handled by a defender in the area, but no penalty was granted.
The hosts settled into the game well, forcing their more-heralded counterparts on the back foot, and they went close to going ahead when a defensive mix-up between John Terry and Turnbull resorted in an indirect free kick inside the box that Forrester blazed just over the bar.
The Bees forward came close for the hosts again just before the half-hour mark, as he wriggled past three players on the left flank before cutting inside and unleashing a fierce drive over Turnbull's bar.
The breakthrough eventually came three minutes before halftime. It was Forrester again who stung the hands of Turnbull with a shot from range after dispossessing Frank Lampard, but the Chelsea keeper could only parry as far as Trotta, who made no mistake in drilling home the finish.
Benitez brought on Juan Mata for Marko Marin after the break as Chelsea hoped to find a way back into the tie, and it did not take the Blues long, as Oscar plucked a looping ball out of the air just outside the box before stepping past one defender and prodding a clever finish past Simon Moore.
Just when Chelsea looked to have a grip on the game, Turnbull brought down Tom Adeyemi as the Brentford substitute raced through on goal, and Forrester stepped and confidently tucked the penalty into the bottom left corner in the 73rd minute.
Brentford defended stoically to hold on to the lead but could do nothing about Torres' wonderfully shaped effort into the top corner in the 83rd minute after fine link-up play with Demba Ba, forcing another match between the two sides to determine which moves on to the fifth round of the tournament.
Chelsea twice fought back from a goal down, with Fernando Torres' late goal forcing a 2-2 draw against League One side Brentford that takes their fourth-round FA Cup tie to a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Brentford's Marcelo Trotta opened the scoring only to have his effort cancelled out by Oscar just after halftime. Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull committed a foul in the area that led to Harry Forrester's go-ahead penalty, but Torres rescued the Blues with an 83rd-minute curling strike to keep the defending FA Cup champion alive. Chelsea may feel that it deserved to win outright, with Juan Mata's stoppage time cross appearing to be handled by a defender in the area, but no penalty was granted.
The hosts settled into the game well, forcing their more-heralded counterparts on the back foot, and they went close to going ahead when a defensive mix-up between John Terry and Turnbull resorted in an indirect free kick inside the box that Forrester blazed just over the bar.
The Bees forward came close for the hosts again just before the half-hour mark, as he wriggled past three players on the left flank before cutting inside and unleashing a fierce drive over Turnbull's bar.
The breakthrough eventually came three minutes before halftime. It was Forrester again who stung the hands of Turnbull with a shot from range after dispossessing Frank Lampard, but the Chelsea keeper could only parry as far as Trotta, who made no mistake in drilling home the finish.
Benitez brought on Juan Mata for Marko Marin after the break as Chelsea hoped to find a way back into the tie, and it did not take the Blues long, as Oscar plucked a looping ball out of the air just outside the box before stepping past one defender and prodding a clever finish past Simon Moore.
Just when Chelsea looked to have a grip on the game, Turnbull brought down Tom Adeyemi as the Brentford substitute raced through on goal, and Forrester stepped and confidently tucked the penalty into the bottom left corner in the 73rd minute.
Brentford defended stoically to hold on to the lead but could do nothing about Torres' wonderfully shaped effort into the top corner in the 83rd minute after fine link-up play with Demba Ba, forcing another match between the two sides to determine which moves on to the fifth round of the tournament.
Real Madrid 4-0 Getafe: Ronaldo hat trick leads second-half surge
An impressive performance after the break from Real Madrid saw Los Blancos romp to a 4-0 derby victory over Getafe in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all four goals being scored in the second half including three by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scintillating form with a well-taken hat trick in a 10-minute span that takes his tally in the league this season to 21. Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for the home side that extended its unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho appeared to have one eye on the Copa del Rey semifinal against Barcelona this coming Wednesday as he rested some key players for this game, and it was only after Sami Khedira was introduced at halftime that his side clicked.
Following a scoreless first half in which Ronaldo looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch, and twice came close to scoring only to be thwarted by Getafe's goalkeeper Miguel Moya. Mourinho decided to change things up. Khedira came on for Raul Albiol, which resulted in Michael Essien dropping to right back and Sergio Ramos moving inside to center back.
The switch in personnel seemed to do the trick for the hosts, as they took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ramos. The Spain international bundled home a corner after Moya failed to claim the cross, with the Getafe goalkeeper undoing some brilliant work moments before when he made a fabulous double save on Khedira and Angel Di Maria.
Madrid then went 2-0 up thanks to a blistering counterattack that was clinically finished by Ronaldo. The FIFA Ballon d'Or runner-up hammered a shot low under Moya and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net having sprinted 70 yards to support Mesut Ozil and receive the ball on the edge of the Getafe box.
Within three minutes of that goal Ronaldo then added Madrid's third. The Portuguese attacker's 20th league goal of the season came in the form of a close-range header after Di Maria had dinked an inviting cross to the back post that pulled Moya out of position.
In the 72nd minute Ronaldo completed his hat trick from the penalty spot to make it 4-0, after Luka Modric had been fouled in the area by Alberto Lopo.
Madrid is now unbeaten in 22 matches at home in the league, but still trails Barcelona this season by 12 points, with the Blaugrana having a game in hand. The two rivals meet in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals in three days.
An impressive performance after the break from Real Madrid saw Los Blancos romp to a 4-0 derby victory over Getafe in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all four goals being scored in the second half including three by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his scintillating form with a well-taken hat trick in a 10-minute span that takes his tally in the league this season to 21. Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for the home side that extended its unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho appeared to have one eye on the Copa del Rey semifinal against Barcelona this coming Wednesday as he rested some key players for this game, and it was only after Sami Khedira was introduced at halftime that his side clicked.
Following a scoreless first half in which Ronaldo looked like the most dangerous player on the pitch, and twice came close to scoring only to be thwarted by Getafe's goalkeeper Miguel Moya. Mourinho decided to change things up. Khedira came on for Raul Albiol, which resulted in Michael Essien dropping to right back and Sergio Ramos moving inside to center back.
The switch in personnel seemed to do the trick for the hosts, as they took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ramos. The Spain international bundled home a corner after Moya failed to claim the cross, with the Getafe goalkeeper undoing some brilliant work moments before when he made a fabulous double save on Khedira and Angel Di Maria.
Madrid then went 2-0 up thanks to a blistering counterattack that was clinically finished by Ronaldo. The FIFA Ballon d'Or runner-up hammered a shot low under Moya and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net having sprinted 70 yards to support Mesut Ozil and receive the ball on the edge of the Getafe box.
Within three minutes of that goal Ronaldo then added Madrid's third. The Portuguese attacker's 20th league goal of the season came in the form of a close-range header after Di Maria had dinked an inviting cross to the back post that pulled Moya out of position.
In the 72nd minute Ronaldo completed his hat trick from the penalty spot to make it 4-0, after Luka Modric had been fouled in the area by Alberto Lopo.
Madrid is now unbeaten in 22 matches at home in the league, but still trails Barcelona this season by 12 points, with the Blaugrana having a game in hand. The two rivals meet in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals in three days.
Barcelona 5-1 Osasuna: Messi nets four in routine win
Lionel Messi was in completely unstoppable form, scoring four times as Barcelona demolished Osasuna 5-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Catalan giant showed no signs of residual damage from its first Liga defeat of the season at the hands of Real Sociedad last weekend, completely dominating the visiting side, which played the majority of the match with 10 men.
Messi got the ball rolling with his first 11 minutes in, and despite Raoul Loe briefly restoring parity, Alejandro Arribas' red card for handball just before the half hour mark signaled the end of Osasuna's challenge and allowed the Argentine to strike again from the penalty spot.
Shortly before halftime, Pedro added the Blaugrana's third despite suspicions of offside, but luck was never on the visitor's side, and a quickfire double from Messi minutes after the restart completed the miserable outing.
Barca reopens the 11 point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid, though that advantage could be reduced to eight points should the capital outfit triumph at Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.
David Villa, Carles Puyol and Thiago Alcantara were all handed starts by Jordi Roura, who elected to rotate his squad, with the likes of Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba on the bench.
Barca was gifted the lead after only 11 minutes, when a dreadful clearance from Andres Fernandez was punished by Messi, who danced around the Osasuna keeper before slotting home, after excellent work by Xavi to pounce on the loose ball.
Osasuna was back in the game with 24 minutes on the clock. Barca failed to properly clear, and Marc Bertran’s cross ricocheted to the edge of the area, where Loe was waiting to drill precisely into the bottom left corner.
But Osasuna’s joy barely lasted three minutes, because Arribas’ handball inside the box earned him an early bath with his second yellow card and gave Messi the perfect opportunity to restore the host’s lead from the spot with a cool penalty that sent Fernandez the wrong way.
The Argentine could have completed his hat trick seven minutes before halftime, but after doing so well to steal ahead of Bertran at the near post, he could only direct his finish onto the woodwork.
Barca would get its third in controversial circumstances two minutes later. Xavi’s pass found Dani Alves at least a yard offside, but no flag was forthcoming, giving the Brazilian fullback the time he needed to pick out Pedro to score.It was 4-1 shortly after the restart, as Villa did well to slip a clever pass between a defender to pick out Messi, who rounded Fernandez for the second time to slot home.
Before Osasuna had even caught its breath, Barca had a fifth. Adriano this time set events in motion with a devilish low cross into the area, where Messi ghosted ahead of his man to score for the fourth time.The Catalans were on fire, and had further chances to extend the lead. Substitute Alexis Sanchez dragged a swivel shot just wide, before Villa blasted over the bar and was thwarted by Fernandez at the death.
Despite no more goals forthcoming, Barcelona finished the match in complete control, and wasted little time in putting last week's shock result at the Anoeta Stadium behind it.
Lionel Messi was in completely unstoppable form, scoring four times as Barcelona demolished Osasuna 5-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Catalan giant showed no signs of residual damage from its first Liga defeat of the season at the hands of Real Sociedad last weekend, completely dominating the visiting side, which played the majority of the match with 10 men.
Messi got the ball rolling with his first 11 minutes in, and despite Raoul Loe briefly restoring parity, Alejandro Arribas' red card for handball just before the half hour mark signaled the end of Osasuna's challenge and allowed the Argentine to strike again from the penalty spot.
Shortly before halftime, Pedro added the Blaugrana's third despite suspicions of offside, but luck was never on the visitor's side, and a quickfire double from Messi minutes after the restart completed the miserable outing.
Barca reopens the 11 point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid, though that advantage could be reduced to eight points should the capital outfit triumph at Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.
David Villa, Carles Puyol and Thiago Alcantara were all handed starts by Jordi Roura, who elected to rotate his squad, with the likes of Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba on the bench.
Barca was gifted the lead after only 11 minutes, when a dreadful clearance from Andres Fernandez was punished by Messi, who danced around the Osasuna keeper before slotting home, after excellent work by Xavi to pounce on the loose ball.
Osasuna was back in the game with 24 minutes on the clock. Barca failed to properly clear, and Marc Bertran’s cross ricocheted to the edge of the area, where Loe was waiting to drill precisely into the bottom left corner.
But Osasuna’s joy barely lasted three minutes, because Arribas’ handball inside the box earned him an early bath with his second yellow card and gave Messi the perfect opportunity to restore the host’s lead from the spot with a cool penalty that sent Fernandez the wrong way.
The Argentine could have completed his hat trick seven minutes before halftime, but after doing so well to steal ahead of Bertran at the near post, he could only direct his finish onto the woodwork.
Barca would get its third in controversial circumstances two minutes later. Xavi’s pass found Dani Alves at least a yard offside, but no flag was forthcoming, giving the Brazilian fullback the time he needed to pick out Pedro to score.It was 4-1 shortly after the restart, as Villa did well to slip a clever pass between a defender to pick out Messi, who rounded Fernandez for the second time to slot home.
Before Osasuna had even caught its breath, Barca had a fifth. Adriano this time set events in motion with a devilish low cross into the area, where Messi ghosted ahead of his man to score for the fourth time.The Catalans were on fire, and had further chances to extend the lead. Substitute Alexis Sanchez dragged a swivel shot just wide, before Villa blasted over the bar and was thwarted by Fernandez at the death.
Despite no more goals forthcoming, Barcelona finished the match in complete control, and wasted little time in putting last week's shock result at the Anoeta Stadium behind it.
Stuttgart 0-2 Bayern Munich: Mandzukic and Muller restore 11-point advantage
Bayern Munich secured a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Stuttgart to restore an 11-point gap between itself and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen at the summit of the Bundesliga.
Mario Mandzukic capitalized on a poor Christian Molinaro back pass to round Sven Ulreich and open the scoring on the hour mark, before Thomas Muller doubled Bayern's advantage in the 70th minute, with Martin Harnik given his marching orders 10 minutes from time for the home side.
Bayern dominated possession early on, but took until the 10th minute to muster its first clear-cut opportunity after Dante rose highest to head Toni Kroos' corner over the Stuttgart bar.
Jupp Heynckes' men continued to press for the opener and again Kroos looked to turn provider from a free kick. His cross was behind Javi Martinez, who struggled to turn his header into the path of Ulreich, before David Alaba smashed his set piece from 30 yards out helplessly over the bar for the Bundesliga pace-setter.
The home team was struggling to contain Bayern, but mustered the best chance of the opening exchanges. Shinji Okazaki was played into the right and drove for goal on the half volley, only to flash his effort just wide of the far post on the half hour mark.
Stuttgart began to settle as the half drew on and came close to drawing first blood. Ibrahima Traore was picked out on the left during a swift counterattack and found Harnik unmarked at the far post. He headed back across goal, but Neuer gathered after almost putting the ball into his own net.
Bayern dominated possession still and after Stuttgart failed to clear from a Kroos corner, the ball eventually found its way to Mandzukic. The Croatian controlled well and went for goal with a half volley on the turn, firing over from 15 yards out with 10 minutes of the first half remaining.
Jupp Heynckes' side continued to control proceedings after the interval and was rewarded five minutes into the second half. Christian Molinaro played a weak back pass to Ulreich, which was capitalized on by Mandzukic. The Croatia international rounded the Schwaben No.1 and slotted into an empty net to give Bayern the lead.
The 26-year-old came close to adding a second just after the hour mark after being picked out by a Kroos free kick from the right. He headed downwards towards goal, but Ulreich dove well to turn his effort around the post.
Mandzukic turned provider with 20 minutes remaining after breaking down the right. He waited for the run of Muller in the 18-yard box before he picked out the Germany international, who beat Serdar Tasci to poke the ball past Ulreich from close range to double Bayern's advantage.
Stuttgart's evening went from bad to worse with 10 minutes to go after Harnik was given his marching orders by referee Florian Meyer for a second booking following a late tackle on Franck Ribery.
Bayern pressed for a third to round off a miserable encounter for the home side, but was made to settle for the 2-0 win as the club secured its 15th win of the season.
Bayern Munich secured a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Stuttgart to restore an 11-point gap between itself and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen at the summit of the Bundesliga.
Mario Mandzukic capitalized on a poor Christian Molinaro back pass to round Sven Ulreich and open the scoring on the hour mark, before Thomas Muller doubled Bayern's advantage in the 70th minute, with Martin Harnik given his marching orders 10 minutes from time for the home side.
Bayern dominated possession early on, but took until the 10th minute to muster its first clear-cut opportunity after Dante rose highest to head Toni Kroos' corner over the Stuttgart bar.
Jupp Heynckes' men continued to press for the opener and again Kroos looked to turn provider from a free kick. His cross was behind Javi Martinez, who struggled to turn his header into the path of Ulreich, before David Alaba smashed his set piece from 30 yards out helplessly over the bar for the Bundesliga pace-setter.
The home team was struggling to contain Bayern, but mustered the best chance of the opening exchanges. Shinji Okazaki was played into the right and drove for goal on the half volley, only to flash his effort just wide of the far post on the half hour mark.
Stuttgart began to settle as the half drew on and came close to drawing first blood. Ibrahima Traore was picked out on the left during a swift counterattack and found Harnik unmarked at the far post. He headed back across goal, but Neuer gathered after almost putting the ball into his own net.
Bayern dominated possession still and after Stuttgart failed to clear from a Kroos corner, the ball eventually found its way to Mandzukic. The Croatian controlled well and went for goal with a half volley on the turn, firing over from 15 yards out with 10 minutes of the first half remaining.
Jupp Heynckes' side continued to control proceedings after the interval and was rewarded five minutes into the second half. Christian Molinaro played a weak back pass to Ulreich, which was capitalized on by Mandzukic. The Croatia international rounded the Schwaben No.1 and slotted into an empty net to give Bayern the lead.
The 26-year-old came close to adding a second just after the hour mark after being picked out by a Kroos free kick from the right. He headed downwards towards goal, but Ulreich dove well to turn his effort around the post.
Mandzukic turned provider with 20 minutes remaining after breaking down the right. He waited for the run of Muller in the 18-yard box before he picked out the Germany international, who beat Serdar Tasci to poke the ball past Ulreich from close range to double Bayern's advantage.
Stuttgart's evening went from bad to worse with 10 minutes to go after Harnik was given his marching orders by referee Florian Meyer for a second booking following a late tackle on Franck Ribery.
Bayern pressed for a third to round off a miserable encounter for the home side, but was made to settle for the 2-0 win as the club secured its 15th win of the season.
Oldham 3-2 Liverpool: Jones costs Reds in shock cup exit
Oldham completed a memorable FA Cup weekend as it dumped Liverpool out in the fourth round at Boundary Park on Sunday.
Matt Smith had given the League One side an unexpected lead after two minutes only for Liverpool’s captain for the day Luis Suarez to equalize 15 minutes later.
But Smith scored again on the stroke of halftime, before Reece Wabara extended his side’s lead two minutes after the break.
Joe Allen pulled a goal back for the Reds on 80 minutes, but the Premier League side was ultimately powerless to stop Oldham from progressing to the fifth round for the first time in 19 years.
Paul Dickov made two changes from the Latics’ defeat at Notts County five days ago, replacing Chris Taylor with Robbie Simpson and Chris Sutherland with Lee Croft. Oldham was also missing midfielder Dean Furman through Africa Cup of Nations duty, with lifelong Liverpool supporter James Wesolowski replacing him as captain.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers named an attacking 4-2-4 lineup with Suarez standing in for Steven Gerrard as skipper, while Fabio Borini made his first start since fracturing his foot and Brad Jones replaced the injured Pepe Reina.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Oldham had played Liverpool four times in the FA Cup and lost on each occasion, but an apparent gulf in class didn’t show as Smith gave the home side a shock lead in only the second minute, meeting Youssuf M’Changama’s cross to unleash a fine header.
But Liverpool hit back on 17 minutes with its first chance of the game as Suarez eased his way into the Oldham penalty area and slotted the ball comfortably past Dean Bouzanis.
The simplicity with which 'Pool scored didn’t bode well for the home side and Suarez seemed to have grabbed a second after 23 minutes but his header was ruled offside.
Sterling was then denied by Bouzanis from inside the box, but there seemed to be a distinct lack of urgency about the Reds – and they duly paid the price before halftime.
Simpson had been a constant thorn in Liverpool's side but it was goalscorer Smith who once again made the difference. First, the forward had another header denied by a fingertip save from Jones before he doubled his tally on the stroke of halftime, pouncing on a loose ball after Jones went from hero to villain by spilling a straightforward cross.
Liverpool got things underway after the break and crafted an opportunity straight away, but Borini sent his shot high over the bar.
Oldham wasted no time in capitalizing as Wabara met a looping cross from substitute Carl Winchester to grab the game’s fourth goal, sending an unstoppable header into the far corner.
Gerrard and Stewart Downing were introduced by Rodgers on 55 minutes in an attempt to salvage the situation, but Liverpool offered little incisiveness as the home team defended for its life.
But Premier League club persisted and pulled a goal back through a deflected strike from Allen on 80 minutes.
A frantic finish ensued, with Gerrard hitting the crossbar from long distance, but the League One minnow held on to secure a famous cup victory and end Liverpool’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy for the first time since 2006.
Oldham completed a memorable FA Cup weekend as it dumped Liverpool out in the fourth round at Boundary Park on Sunday.
Matt Smith had given the League One side an unexpected lead after two minutes only for Liverpool’s captain for the day Luis Suarez to equalize 15 minutes later.
But Smith scored again on the stroke of halftime, before Reece Wabara extended his side’s lead two minutes after the break.
Joe Allen pulled a goal back for the Reds on 80 minutes, but the Premier League side was ultimately powerless to stop Oldham from progressing to the fifth round for the first time in 19 years.
Paul Dickov made two changes from the Latics’ defeat at Notts County five days ago, replacing Chris Taylor with Robbie Simpson and Chris Sutherland with Lee Croft. Oldham was also missing midfielder Dean Furman through Africa Cup of Nations duty, with lifelong Liverpool supporter James Wesolowski replacing him as captain.
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers named an attacking 4-2-4 lineup with Suarez standing in for Steven Gerrard as skipper, while Fabio Borini made his first start since fracturing his foot and Brad Jones replaced the injured Pepe Reina.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Oldham had played Liverpool four times in the FA Cup and lost on each occasion, but an apparent gulf in class didn’t show as Smith gave the home side a shock lead in only the second minute, meeting Youssuf M’Changama’s cross to unleash a fine header.
But Liverpool hit back on 17 minutes with its first chance of the game as Suarez eased his way into the Oldham penalty area and slotted the ball comfortably past Dean Bouzanis.
The simplicity with which 'Pool scored didn’t bode well for the home side and Suarez seemed to have grabbed a second after 23 minutes but his header was ruled offside.
Sterling was then denied by Bouzanis from inside the box, but there seemed to be a distinct lack of urgency about the Reds – and they duly paid the price before halftime.
Simpson had been a constant thorn in Liverpool's side but it was goalscorer Smith who once again made the difference. First, the forward had another header denied by a fingertip save from Jones before he doubled his tally on the stroke of halftime, pouncing on a loose ball after Jones went from hero to villain by spilling a straightforward cross.
Liverpool got things underway after the break and crafted an opportunity straight away, but Borini sent his shot high over the bar.
Oldham wasted no time in capitalizing as Wabara met a looping cross from substitute Carl Winchester to grab the game’s fourth goal, sending an unstoppable header into the far corner.
Gerrard and Stewart Downing were introduced by Rodgers on 55 minutes in an attempt to salvage the situation, but Liverpool offered little incisiveness as the home team defended for its life.
But Premier League club persisted and pulled a goal back through a deflected strike from Allen on 80 minutes.
A frantic finish ensued, with Gerrard hitting the crossbar from long distance, but the League One minnow held on to secure a famous cup victory and end Liverpool’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy for the first time since 2006.
Inter 2-2 Torino: Cambiasso rescues point but Nerazzurri fail to close gap on Juventus
Inter missed out on a chance to close the gap at the top of Serie A as it had to come from behind to draw 2-2 with Torino at San Siro.
Christian Chivu put Andrea Stramaccioni's men ahead after just five minutes with a sweetly-struck free kick but Riccardo Meggiorini levelled in the 23rd minute. With the hosts temporarily down to 10 men as Gaby Mudingayi received treatment, Meggiorini took full advantage by netting his second of the night to give the Granata a shock lead.
Esteban Cambiasso, changed the momentum of the game and grabbed an equalizer for his side, but it was not enough to take it closer to league leader Juventus.
Inter set about banishing the disappointment following its Coppa Italia defeat by Roma in midweek by taking an early lead.
In the fifth minute Matteo Brighi went through the back of Antonio Cassano 20 yards from goal and the referee was in no doubt over his guilt. It was Chivu who stepped up to take the free kick and he bent an exquisite effort over the wall and past the diving Jean Gillet.
Torino remained positive and after a fantastic spell of possession in Inter territory, got its reward midway through the half.
Fredy Guarin was too nonchalant on the ball after receiving a pass from Samir Handanovic and Meggiorini pounced. Barreto then fed the loose ball straight back to his teammate who rifled the ball into the far corner.
It was not until the stroke of halftime that Stramaccioni's side threatened again. Yuto Nagatomo's cross was deflected into the side netting before a brilliant Danilo D'Ambrosio interception stopped Palacio from testing Gillet from the resulting corner.
Inter had already lost Chivu to injury in the first half, and with Mudingayi off the field receiving treatment, its night got even worse.
Alvaro Pereira, who had previously replaced the Romanian, was passed by the lively Alessio Cerci and his drilled cross was guided home by Meggiorini eight minutes after the restart.
Cambiasso was subsequently introduced and he galvanized the hosts, linking up particularly well with Antonio Cassano.
After seeing an effort loop over the bar on the hour mark, Cambiasso drew his side level seven minutes later. Javier Zanetti did superbly to charge in behind the defense on the right and his cut-back was swept in by his compatriot at the back post.
The Nerazzurri continued to press but they were leaving themselves exposed at the back. Rolando Bianchi was agonizingly close to putting the visitors back in the lead, but his attempt came back off the post.
Palacio and Meggiorini were both thwarted from finding the winning goal for their sides and a point means that Inter remains in fourth place, nine points adrift of Juventus at the summit.
Inter missed out on a chance to close the gap at the top of Serie A as it had to come from behind to draw 2-2 with Torino at San Siro.
Christian Chivu put Andrea Stramaccioni's men ahead after just five minutes with a sweetly-struck free kick but Riccardo Meggiorini levelled in the 23rd minute. With the hosts temporarily down to 10 men as Gaby Mudingayi received treatment, Meggiorini took full advantage by netting his second of the night to give the Granata a shock lead.
Esteban Cambiasso, changed the momentum of the game and grabbed an equalizer for his side, but it was not enough to take it closer to league leader Juventus.
Inter set about banishing the disappointment following its Coppa Italia defeat by Roma in midweek by taking an early lead.
In the fifth minute Matteo Brighi went through the back of Antonio Cassano 20 yards from goal and the referee was in no doubt over his guilt. It was Chivu who stepped up to take the free kick and he bent an exquisite effort over the wall and past the diving Jean Gillet.
Torino remained positive and after a fantastic spell of possession in Inter territory, got its reward midway through the half.
Fredy Guarin was too nonchalant on the ball after receiving a pass from Samir Handanovic and Meggiorini pounced. Barreto then fed the loose ball straight back to his teammate who rifled the ball into the far corner.
It was not until the stroke of halftime that Stramaccioni's side threatened again. Yuto Nagatomo's cross was deflected into the side netting before a brilliant Danilo D'Ambrosio interception stopped Palacio from testing Gillet from the resulting corner.
Inter had already lost Chivu to injury in the first half, and with Mudingayi off the field receiving treatment, its night got even worse.
Alvaro Pereira, who had previously replaced the Romanian, was passed by the lively Alessio Cerci and his drilled cross was guided home by Meggiorini eight minutes after the restart.
Cambiasso was subsequently introduced and he galvanized the hosts, linking up particularly well with Antonio Cassano.
After seeing an effort loop over the bar on the hour mark, Cambiasso drew his side level seven minutes later. Javier Zanetti did superbly to charge in behind the defense on the right and his cut-back was swept in by his compatriot at the back post.
The Nerazzurri continued to press but they were leaving themselves exposed at the back. Rolando Bianchi was agonizingly close to putting the visitors back in the lead, but his attempt came back off the post.
Palacio and Meggiorini were both thwarted from finding the winning goal for their sides and a point means that Inter remains in fourth place, nine points adrift of Juventus at the summit.
Chelsea boss Benitez insists Hazard ban is sufficient
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has insisted Eden Hazard's three-match ban for kicking out at a ball boy is sufficient punishment.
The midfielder was sent off during the second leg of the Blues' Capital One Cup semifinal exit at the hands of Swansea for his over-zealous attempts to take the ball from 17-year-old Charlie Morgan.
But, after the FA charged the Belgian with violent conduct earlier this week, his 52-year-old manager has reiterated that an automatic three-game ban is enough.
Speaking after Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round, Benitez said: "At the moment, we will accept that three games is enough. So we will see what happens. "For a player that was in a cup competition, with this intensity and in the way that things are going on, I think that a three-game ban is enough.
"I have a lot of images but I think that, for a professional, and for the club, we have already lost the player at the end of the game, we will lose the player at least for three games. I think it's enough."
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has insisted Eden Hazard's three-match ban for kicking out at a ball boy is sufficient punishment.
The midfielder was sent off during the second leg of the Blues' Capital One Cup semifinal exit at the hands of Swansea for his over-zealous attempts to take the ball from 17-year-old Charlie Morgan.
But, after the FA charged the Belgian with violent conduct earlier this week, his 52-year-old manager has reiterated that an automatic three-game ban is enough.
Speaking after Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round, Benitez said: "At the moment, we will accept that three games is enough. So we will see what happens. "For a player that was in a cup competition, with this intensity and in the way that things are going on, I think that a three-game ban is enough.
"I have a lot of images but I think that, for a professional, and for the club, we have already lost the player at the end of the game, we will lose the player at least for three games. I think it's enough."
Galatasaray confirms Drogba negotiations
Galatasaray assistant coach Hasan Sas has confirmed the club is in negotiations to sign Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua.
The Cote d'Ivoire striker has been linked with a host of Europe's biggest sides in recent months, with Juventus a long-term admirer of the player.
But after completing the signing of Wesley Sneijder from Inter last week, the Istanbul club has now turned its attention to recruiting another big name, as the January recruitment drive continues.
"Drogba is a world-class player. I know that our board is in negotiations. There should be some clarifications in one or two days, but what we know is that there are some positive unfoldings," Sas said following his side's 2-1 win over Besiktas.Drogba only moved to China last summer after calling time on his eight-year stay with Chelsea, but rumors have persisted that the player could make a swift return to Europe on either a temporary or permanent basis, with his current club's league season concluding two months ago.
In November, FIFA refused to allow the 34-year-old to make an immediate loan move away from Shenhua, though he could now leave the club on a permanent basis.
Galatasaray assistant coach Hasan Sas has confirmed the club is in negotiations to sign Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua.
The Cote d'Ivoire striker has been linked with a host of Europe's biggest sides in recent months, with Juventus a long-term admirer of the player.
But after completing the signing of Wesley Sneijder from Inter last week, the Istanbul club has now turned its attention to recruiting another big name, as the January recruitment drive continues.
"Drogba is a world-class player. I know that our board is in negotiations. There should be some clarifications in one or two days, but what we know is that there are some positive unfoldings," Sas said following his side's 2-1 win over Besiktas.Drogba only moved to China last summer after calling time on his eight-year stay with Chelsea, but rumors have persisted that the player could make a swift return to Europe on either a temporary or permanent basis, with his current club's league season concluding two months ago.
In November, FIFA refused to allow the 34-year-old to make an immediate loan move away from Shenhua, though he could now leave the club on a permanent basis.
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