..::Football II::..

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Manchester United in a 'great position' to seal title, says Rooney

The Red Devils striker stressed the importance of performing professionally after they overcame Reading in a 1-0 win, though he did admit they were well-placed to win the league.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted that the Red Devils are in a "great position" to win the Premier League after his goal secured a 1-0 win over Reading.

The win puts Rooney's team 15 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table following their close rival's surprise 2-0 defeat against Everton earlier that day.

With nine games remaining, the England international admitted that they are well-positioned but insisted that they must focus on doing a professional job.

"We knew the three points was the most important thing today, especially with City dropping three points," he told ESPN. "It was a tough game, but we held on and that was the most important thing.

"We knew that the most important thing was our result. We had to make sure we were right and we got the three points regardless of what happened. It was great that City lost but we had to make that up with the three points.

"We are professionals. We know we're in a great position with nine games to go, 15 points clear. But we're professional footballers, we have to go out week-in week-out and do our jobs. Whether we're top, or second in the league you just have to keep going and try to win the games."

Rooney was also quick to give credit to managerless Reading as, despite his early opener, the Royals continued to battle and kept the game close until the end.

"We expected that [from Reading]," he added. "They're a good team, but fighting to stay in the Premier League, so those matches are always tough. Full credit to them, they gave us a good game."

 

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Ibrahimovic deal impossible, says Marotta

The Juventus director admitted that his side have spoken to Paris Saint-Germain about the Swede, but says they cannot afford the star Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be leaving Paris Saint-Germain to rejoin the club.

The Swede has been linked with a Bianconeri return of late, and although fellow director Pavel Nedved spoke to PSG counterpart Leonardo about the player, the 57-year-old says his side cannot afford their old star.

"Nedved and Leonardo certainly discussed Ibrahimovic," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Without doubt he is a champion, but Italian clubs cannot afford to sign someone of his wages. We appreciate him a great deal, but it is not possible.

"He is a great player, but not the type to match our age and financial parameters though."

Ibrahimovic had featured for the Bianconeri from 2004 to 2006, before turning out for Serie A rival Inter and AC Milan and joining PSG last summer.

 

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Bologna 0-2 Juventus: Vucinic and Marchisio extend Bianconeri's Serie A lead

An excellent second-half display was the key for Juventus as it took another giant leap towards the championship, dispatching Bologna 2-0 on Saturday evening to go 12 points clear at the top of Serie A.

The defending champion struggled early on break down a dogged rival, but once Mirko Vucinic gave his side the lead it was all too easy, and victory was assured when Claudio Marchisio doubled the Old Lady's advantage.

Looking for a win that would further cement their status as runaway favorites for the 2012-13 Serie A title, Juve started brightly and immediately began pushing forward in search of an opener. It was Bologna, however, who played patiently and on the break, that had the game's first clear chance.

Gianluigi Buffon came steaming out of goal and performed a well-timed tackle on Alberto Gilardino outside of his area, but the veteran goalkeeper had left the net unguarded. The rebound fell to Alessandro Diamanti, and it took a vital intervention from Giorgio Chiellini to deflect the midfielder's shot over the bar and prevent a goal.

Sebastian Giovinco was quiet in the opening minutes, but when the forward sprung to life he almost turned the game in Juve's favor. Taking the ball from Federico Peluso, he performed an impeccable nutmeg to break free of his marker and go through against Gianluca Curci, but the shot lacked venom and was saved comfortably.

Seconds later, an intelligent lay-off from Mirko Vucinic opened the net up for Arturo Vidal, but from the edge of the box the Chilean blazed well over.

The Old Lady continued to probe, dominating possession, but chances were few and far between against a Bologna side who defended deep in their own half and effectively. Simone Padoin was the architect of one of the league leader's few clear opportunities, wriggling free down the right flank and firing in a low cross. Vucinic was waiting, but could connect and Mikael Antonsson came to the rescue for the hosts, intercepting and clearing well. Juve shaded the first 45 minutes, but went into the dressing rooms with the game still poised at 0-0.

The visitors came out after the break resolved to take the advantage, and Giovinco went close to obliging in the first minutes after the restart. A slick build-up stretched the Rossoblu back line and left the striker with space, and his looping effort flew agonizingly close to Curci's left post as it went wide. Bologna, however, was still very much in the game; Gilardino thought he had opened the scoring after heading in an impeccable Diamanti free kick, only to see his celebrations cut short by the linesman's raised flag.

The match was opening up, and Curci had to react well to stop Giovinco's left-footed effort after the forward twisted away from the attentions of Nicolo Cherubin. With just over an hour played, Juventus finally made the breakthrough it desperately desired.

Vucinic had enjoyed few chances on goal, but did brilliantly to turn Naldo with his back to goal and clean through with Curci, powered an unstoppable shot to put his side in the ascendancy.

Juve was boosted by that goal, and never looked like relinquishing their hold on the game. Victory was assured 17 minutes from the end. Bologna's defense was ripped open by a brilliant sequence of passes, and Claudio Marchisio was the beneficiary as he stayed onside and stroked the ball passed Curci to put his team 2-0 up, and end the game as a contest.

The win puts the Bianconeri well out in front at the summit of Serie A, as they enjoy a 12-point lead over their rivals. Second-placed Napoli can cut the deficit to nine once more with victory on Sunday over Atalanta at the San Paolo.

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Rio Ferdinand will accept England recall

The 71-year-old said his player will definitely join up with the Three Lions after receiving a call-up from Roy Hodgson, while praising the defender for his display against Reading Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will be in the England squad for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Scot had admitted that he was surprised about the center back's international recall after being left out of the squad for Euro 2012 and hinted the 34-year-old may not be fit enough for release.

However, the Red Devils boss has now confirmed that his defender will definitely join up with the Three Lions squad for the games against San Marino and Montenegro after an impressive display in the 1-0 victory over Reading.

When asked if Ferdinand would be in the England squad, he told ESPN: "Yes."

"We've always known Rio has the ability to break forward into midfield with his ability on the ball," he continued. "Obviously he doesn't do it that often these days, but nonetheless he did it today and got us a goal."

Wayne Rooney's deflected strike after 20 minutes was enough to give a below-par United side the win against the managerless Royals, and sees it extend its lead over Manchester City to 15 points.

The 71-year-old insisted the league leaders did not underestimate their opponents but admitted their own performance was not one of their best this term.

"They're down at the bottom of the league, so we expected [them to come out fighting]," he continued.

"Some of their football was very good. But they didn't really make any chances and all their danger came from where we expected - set pieces. We did defend quite well.

"We don't [play bad] that often. Most of the time we have played well this season. It has been a great season for us. The performance today didn't really reflect that we're 15 points ahead."

Sir Alex made eight changes from the Red Devils' last outing and indicated that his aim was to keep his players fresh with the international break in mind.

"That was the idea," he added. "We've got players who will be playing internationals. Chicharito has got to go across to Central America where he as two games.

"Antonio Valencia has two games also. It's the travel as much as anything. We have six England players going away with them, so it was a good opportunity to rest some."

 

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Real Madrid 5-2 Mallorca: Modric rocket highlight of Blancos' comeback victory

Real Madrid came back in the second half to record a 5-2 victory over Mallorca in their Liga encounter at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

An unorthodox lineup featuring Pepe as a defensive midfielder did not have the intended effect for the home side, who struggled with the high ball as Malaga ended the first half in front through Emilio Nsue and Alejandro Alfaro, either side of a Gonzalo Higuain effort.

But Jose Mourinho's tactical and personnel readjustment at half time paid off almost immediately, as three goals in five minutes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Higuain sent the hosts into a two-goal lead before the hour mark, an advantage that they would never relinquish.

Karim Benzema added a fifth at the death, as Madrid keep its hold on second spot in the table, moving four points clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid, which visits Osasuna on Sunday.

With Pepe pushed further forward, Raphael Varane returned to displace Raul Albiol in the centre of defence, while Jose Callejon made way for 20-year-old Alvaro Morata out wide.Mallorca would make the brighter start to the match though, due in no small part to the enterprise of Giovanni dos Santos. The former Barca winger was at his best to beat his man and hang a cross towards the far post, where Nsue was waiting to head home the opener.

But Madrid was soon back down the other end of the pitch, and Higuain would force Dudu Aouate into an unconventional save with his chest from an odd angle.
Higuain would make no mistake on the quarter hour mark though, smashing into an open goal after Pepe had done enough to harness a Modric through pass and roll the ball into his path, despite suspicions of offside.

But six minutes later, Mallorca was back in front, when Dos Santos’ corner was flicked on by Pedro Bigas, and nodded in at the far post by the unmarked Alfaro.
The scoreline did not always reflect the tone of the match, as Mallorca spent large periods without the ball, but its stout defending managed to frustrate the home side.
However, Ronaldo nearly broke the resilience just before the half hour mark when his attempt from Morata’s layoff clipped the woodwork on its way out.

But Mallorca’s danger lay chiefly in its aerial threat, and it nearly gave Madrid another painful demonstration when dos Santos’ corner was nodded inches wide minutes before the interval.

Mourinho moved quickly to rectify the situation at the break, introducing Benzema and Mesut Ozil for Arbeloa and Morata, while shifting Ramos to right back and dropping Pepe into his natural central defensive position.And the effect of his halftime readjustment was seen within moments, when Ozil’s corner was guided into the corner by the head of Ronaldo six minutes after the restart.

Barely a minute later, Modric sent the hosts into the lead for the first time with a sensational swerving first-time strike from 25 yards out that left Aouate with absolutely no chance.

The onslaught was not done, as almost straight from kickoff, Ozil meandered to the byline and cut back for Higuain to turn home Madrid’s fourth goal.By the time the dust had settled, the only question remaining in the game was how many goals Madrid would score with Mallorca completely floored by the ruthless turnaround.Higuain, Ozil and Ronaldo all spurned chances in the second half, but the fifth goal would eventually arrive at the death when the Argentine squared to Benzema, who made no mistake from barely a yard out.

And that served as the last kick of the game, as a day of experimentation for Mourinho ended successfully, and left him with plenty to ponder for his side's upcoming European clashes with Galatasary.

 

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Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Bayern Munich: Wollscheid own goal maintains relentless run of visitors

Bayern Munich bounced back from its midweek defeat to Arsenal by beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at the BayArena.

Mario Gomez had given the visitors the lead just before the break, but the hosts regrouped in the second half and grabbed a deserved equalzer through Simon Rolfes, only for Philipp Wollscheid to score an own goal three minutes from time.

When the match started, neither side managed to take command. Andre Schurrle had a brief opening ofter a poor Dante pass, but failed to make the most of it, while Bayern peppered the Leverkusen box with crosses, none of which duly threatened the hosts' defense.

Eventually, though, Jupp Heynckes' side began to exert more and more pressure. Bastian Schweinsteiger drove wide from just outside the box when he should have done better, while Gomez skewed an effort over the bar after some great work from Alaba down the left.

Luiz Gustavo had a header cleared off the line by Gonzalo Castro after meeting a corner at the near post, while Robben fired an effort over in customary fashion after picking up a loose Dani Carvajal pass as Bayern pressed for an opener, ultimately in vain.

At the other end, Leverkusen had offered very little. Stefan Kiessling had muted appeals for a penalty turned down after a challenge from Jerome Boateng, while Sebastian Boenisch had a good drive saved by Manuel Neuer from distance.

Eventually, though, a moment of brilliance broke the deadlock. Gomez took a Shaqiri pass in his stride, superbly chipped the ball over Carvajal, and sent a great shot past Leno, and Bayern had its lead just before the break.

In an attempt to get back into the game after the restart, Leverkusen brought on Sidney Sam, and the 25-year-old almost had an impact, shooting over after Bayern failed to clear a corner.

Meanwhile, Bayern was looking more incisive on the break. Shaqiri should have double the lead after being set up by some wonderful Robben skill, while Gomez failed to get the ball out of his feet under pressure from Boenisch.

Heynckes elected to try and preserve the lead, bringing Daniel Van Buyten on for Robben, but the ploy soon backfired. Boenisch met a corner at the near post and headed it onto Rolfes, who capitalized on some slack defending at the far post and tapped home.

Bayern charged up the other end of the pitch as it looked for a winner, but Pizarro and Alaba both saw shots charged down before the Peruvian dragged wide.

The winner arrived in miraculous fashion soon after, with Schweinsteiger floating in a free kick which struck Wollscheid and bounced into the net.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.03.17 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.03.17 Fixtures

Sunderland Vs Norwich City

Tottenham Vs Fulham

Chelsea Vs West Ham United

Wigan Vs Newcastle United

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La Liga 2013.03.17 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.03.17 Fixtures


Malaga Vs Espanyol

Sevilla Vs Real Zaragoza

Osasuna Vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona Vs Rayo Vallecano

Granada Vs Levante​

 

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Serie A 2013.03.17 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.03.17 Fixtures


Siena Vs Cagliari

AC Milan Vs Palermo

Fiorentina Vs Genoa

Napoli Vs Atalanta

Pescara Vs Chievo

Roma Vs Parma

Sampdoria Vs Inter

Torino Vs Lazio​

 

[මුගටියා]

 

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Saint-Etienne 2-2 Paris Saint-Germain: Hosts fight back from two down to slow PSG's title charge

On a weekend in which the formbook was ripped up in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain failed to significantly build its lead at the summit of the standings as it threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against in-form Saint-Etienne, which remains unbeaten in 2013.

Javier Pastore opened the scoring for the visitors early in the match, and when Zlatan Ibrahimovic added a second from the penalty spot, the game seemed out of Sainte’s reach. However, an Alex own goal just before the break helped reinvigorate the home side, which levelled with less 20 minutes left through a fine Francois Clerc strike.

PSG started this match with the aura of a champion as it played at a fantastic tempo and caught its opponents twice in the early moments.

A neat pass from Ibrahimovic released Pastore after only nine minutes, and the Argentine profited from some lamentable defending from Moustapha Bayal Sall to clip the ball over Stephane Ruffier and into the net.

Although the initial response from Saint-Etienne was strong, it was caught on the break by a long ball forward to Ezequiel Lavezzi, who went down in the box under a challenge from the home goalkeeper. Referee Anthony Gautier awarded the penalty, which was converted nonchalantly by Ibrahimovic.

Despite this strong start, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could not build on it, and before the break the lead was halved when a wicked cross from the impressive Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was turned into his own net by Alex under pressure from Brandao.

There was no relent in the intensity of a fascinating match after the interval, but it was the home side which was completely dictating matters. Aubameyang drew a terrific save from Salvatore Sirigu at his near post before the hosts moved deservedly level through the unlikeliest of sources.

A spate of pinball in the PSG box ended favorably for the hosts as the ball broke out to Clerc on the corner of the box, and the right back bent a glorious shot into the very top corner of Sirigu’s goal.

Moments before the equalizing goal, Ibrahimovic had a rare chance to put the game beyond the Loire side, but he powered a first-time shot wide after latching onto a searching Christophe Jallet pass forward.

It was, however, Saint-Etienne which looked the likelier side to claim the points come full-time, despite a David Beckham free kick that flirted with the home goal in the last minute.

A draw does little to damage PSG’s title hopes as none of the top six in Ligue 1 won this weekend, yet it failed to open up a seven-point advantage at the summit.

Saint-Etienne, meanwhile, has consolidated fourth and sent a real message to the other Champions League hopefuls that it is very much a force with the mental toughness to challenge until the last weekend in May, when the league reaches its conclusion.

 

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Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano: Messi and Villa combine for straightforward win

Barcelona's indomitable Liga form continued with a 3-1 win against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Lionel Messi struck twice to extend his incredible scoring streak to 18 consecutive league games, but it was his understanding with David Villa that was the highlight of the match, with both players dispelling rumors of a rift to combine for all three of Barca's goals.

Villa got the ball rolling 25 minutes in by confidently slotting home a feed from Messi, who himself slid in the second five minutes before halftime after latching onto the Spain striker's through ball.

The Argentine would clip home a brilliant third shortly after the hour mark, though Barca was not able to hold onto their clean sheet when Raul Tamudo poked home a consolation for Rayo with 20 minutes to go.

Nevertheless, with only 10 games to go in the Liga season, the win sees the Catalan giant re-open its 13 point lead at the top of the table over second placed Real Madrid.

Jose Pinto deputized for the suspended Victor Valdes in goal, while Javier Mascherano started in defense in place of injured captain Carles Puyol.

Perhaps inevitably, it was Messi at the end of the first chance of the game, when the Argentine crashed a free kick agonizingly off the crossbar with six minutes gone.Rayo though did not seem fazed by the caliber of its opponent, and began the match brightly, matching the passing output of the Catalans with some impressive possession of their own.

But the visitors could not find a cutting edge to match their control of the ball, which would end up costing them when a sweeping counterattack saw Messi drive half the length of the pitch before slipping in Villa for an emphatic finish.The goal seemed to spark Barca further into life, and as the first half wore on, Rayo’s influence faded as the tiki-taka football of the home side got into full flow, despite Adriano trudging off for Dani Alves due to injury.

And five minutes before the break, the Messi-Villa axis would carve them apart again, as the latter took his time to find the overlapping run of the former, who slotted a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

The home side did not let up in the second half, and nine minutes after the restart, Alexis Sanchez came close to adding a third when he fired narrowly wide after a slick move involving Alves and Messi.But the third goal was always coming, and it arrived via the same two players that had tormented Rayo all game long. Villa did well to harness a long ball and spread to Messi, who bulldozed past Anaitz Arbilla and clipped delicately over Ruben Martinez.

Rayo would finally have something to cheer with 20 minutes to go, when substitute Tamudo ghosted into the six-yard-area to turn home a low cross from Piti.But the visitors were soon indebted to Martinez in goal for tipping over a stinging drive from Messi, who was certain that he had sealed his hat trick.

Still, Rayo had two late chances to make it interesting, but Tamudo drilled wide in a carbon copy move from his goal, while Piti's long-rang drive was saved by Pinto as Barca avoided an awkward end to the game.

 

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David Villa & Messi combine 1kak

 

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Wigan 2-1: Newcastle: Kone poaches late winner for survival specialists

A late Arouna Kone strike earned Wigan three precious points in its quest for Premier League survival as it beat Newcastle 2-1 at the DW Stadium.

Jean Beausejour gave the Latics the lead in the 17th minute when he fired home from close range, but the home side should have been down to 10-men when Callum McManaman put in a horrendous challenge on Massadio Haidara but he escaped punishment.

In the second half, Newcastle pressed and finally got a leveler when Davide Santon powered the ball into the net from a tight angle. The game looked to be heading for a draw but the Ivorian popped up in the right place to turn the ball in.

Roberto Martinez kept the same team that beat Everton in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup last week as keeper Joel Robles started ahead of Ali Al-Habsi between the sticks.

Newcastle made three changes to the side that beat Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday. Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and Sylvain Marveaux all returned to the lineup, while Yohan Cabaye missed out through injury.

Wigan began the game strongly and took the lead in the through Beausejour. McManaman picked up the ball and raced past Haidara and lifted a wonderful cross to the back post, where the Chilean was waiting. He made no mistake firing through the legs of Rob Elliot to find net.

McManaman was lucky to stay on the pitch moments later when he went in hard on Haidara. Replays showed he made no contact with the ball and he went in studs raised against the fullback. However, he received no card from referee Mark Halsey.

Martinez’s side almost doubled its lead when Shaun Maloney was denied by a good save from Elliot. The Scot turned his man on the edge of the area and fired a dipping shot towards the bottom corner but the keeper was there to make the stop.

Newcastle could have grabbed an equalizer late in the half as the ball fell kindly to Papiss Cisse in the penalty area but he could only direct the ball over the bar as he and James Perch got in each other’s way as he pulled the trigger.

When the half time whistle blew an altercation on sideline erupted between McManaman and Newcaste assistant John Carver. As a result, Carver was sent to the stands along with Wigan coach Graham Barrett.

After the break, McManaman nearly got his side’s second goal but his goalbound shot was well blocked by defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and the Magpies scrambled away the loose ball.

Newcastle was struggling create many openings but Cisse should have done a lot better when he was put behind the Wigan defense by Gouffran. The striker blazed his shot over the bar when he had players open in the middle of the penalty area.

Cisse was to make up for this error as he played delightful ball to Santon to score Pardew’s side’s equalizer. The Italian raced onto the pass and drilled a low shot past Joel into the bottom corner with great composure.

The Magpies made a late press to win the game and but it was Wigan which scored the winner in a goalmouth in the penalty area and Kone was there to turn the ball into the net from inside the six yard box to seal the win for the Latics.

 

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Chelsea 2-0 West Ham: Lampard hits 200 milestone to help Blues leapfrog Spurs

Frank Lampard's 200th goal for Chelsea set the Blues on their way to a comfortable 2-0 home win over West Ham to boost their Champions League hopes.

Lampard is now two goals behind Bobby Tambling’s all-time club record after reaching the landmark against his former side with a 19th-minute header to put the Blues in front.

Eden Hazard capped a brilliant individual performance with Chelsea’s second on 49 minutes as the Londoners took advantage of Tottenham’s defeat to Fulham to move up to third in the Premier League table, leading Spurs by a point while having a game in hand.

The result leaves Chelsea in position for a strong finish to a turbulent season as it targets a top-four place, while it is also in the last eight of the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Against a timid West Ham side, the Blues played with flair and energy, with the visitors particularly unable to handle the vision and trickery of Hazard and Juan Mata as the attacking duo floated in to pockets of space.

The hosts should have taken the lead after just six minutes when Lampard played Demba Ba through on goal, but the striker woefully miskicked his shot off target as he looked to place the ball in the corner.

Lampard, however, had no such problem a little while later as he netted his 12th league goal of the campaign and his milestone 200th. The midfielder drifted in between the West Ham defenders and was perfectly placed to head Hazard’s clipped pass into the net from eight yards.

The only frustration for Chelsea at the break was its failure to double its advantage, with Ba guilty of missing the best opportunity when he shot straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen after again being played in 1-on-1 with the Hammers goalkeeper.

With less than five minutes after the restart, the second goal arrived, and in emphatic style. Hazard played a delightful one-two with Mata, danced across the West Ham penalty area and, after fooling three defenders by faking a shot, slammed the ball in to the bottom corner with his left foot.

 

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Tottenham 0-1 Fulham: Berbatov returns to haunt stuttering Spurs


A second-half goal from former Spurs man Dimitar Berbatov ensured that Tottenham's poor form continued as it fell to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham to extend its run of defeats to three games.

After a first half with chances few and far between, Berbatov finally opened the scoring just after the interval following a swift counterattack from the away side.
Spurs failed to truly respond to their former striker's goal, with the best opportunities by some distance falling to substitute Jermain Defoe, who could not capitalize on either as Mark Schwarzer produced a couple of excellent saves to deny the Englishman.

As expected, Andre Villas-Boas made several changes from the side that almost capitulated against Inter on Thursday with Hugo Lloris, Caulker, Michael Dawson, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gareth Bale coming in for Brad Friedel, Kyle Walker, William Gallas, Jake Livermore and Defoe.

Martin Jol, meanwhile, named an unchanged eleven from the side that earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Sunderland two weeks ago.Tottenham began the game very much in the ascendancy, with Sascha Riether having to clear an early Bale header off the line after just six minutes, following a dangerous Gylfi Sigurdsson corner.

That was the best chance in what swiftly became a fairly turgid first half as, with both sides struggling to assert themselves on the game, perhaps the most significant incident came from an injury picked up by the talismanic Bale as the Welshman hobbled off gingerly following an ankle complaint just before the interval.

The winger returned after the break but it was Fulham whicj finally sprung the game into life with a goal, courtesy of a swift counterattack finished coolly by Berbatov. Ashkan Dejagah set Riether away down the right, with Spurs short at the back having been caught pushing for the opener, before the right back set the Bulgarian up with a smart cross who duly tucked the finish home to open the scoring.The visitors were inches away from extending their lead just five minutes later as, after a flick-on from a Giorgios Karagounis corner, Brede Hangeland headed just wide of the far post with Spurs struggling to find a response to Fulham's opener.

With twenty minutes remaining, substitute Defoe finally tested Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal, though the Australian proved more than equal to his stinging effort from the edge of the box, palming away adeptly.

Schwarzer was to thwart Defoe once more in the last chance of the game, producing an absolutely magnificent save to deny the Spurs frontman after Bale put the ball on a plate for Defoe in the six-yard box and, in doing so, retaining his clean sheet and securing a win for the away side.

 

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Napoli 3-2 Atalanta: Pandev winner settles thrilling encounter

Napoli kept its slim title ambitions alive as Edinson Cavani's brace, coupled with Goran Pandev's late winner, secured all three points for the Partenopei in a pulstaing 3-2 win over Atalanta.

Cavani netted a first-half penalty to open the scoring before Paolo Cannavaro's own goal on the half hour mark draw the visitors level.

The Uruguay international added his second on the hour mark, while German Denis capitalized on some lackadaisical Napoli defending to draw level, before Pandev tapped home a late winner for the hosts.

Napoli started the brighter of the two sides and made its early dominance count following Luigi Giorgi's foul on Juan Zuniga in the 18-yard box, as Cavani stepped up to fire his penalty past Andrea Consigli and into the bottom corner.Atalanta looked to force their way back into the encounter minutes after the opener, but Denis' header was easily dealt with by Morgan De Sanctis.

Cavani could've added a second on the 15-minute mark having been picked out by Pandev, only for the striker to guide his header wide before Pandev blasted over from close range for the hosts.

Napoli dominated and should have doubled the advantage on the 20-minute mark after Marek Hamsik played across to Cavani. The Uruguayan pushed into the Atalanta box, but could only direct his effort wide of the post.Zuniga then picked out Hamsik, who headed over, before Cavani blasted a free kick over the bar from 25 yards out as Walter Mazzari's side looked to make its early pressure count.

Atalanta began to grow back into the encounter and was rewarded for its efforts on the half-hour mark as Cannavaro inadvertently put the ball past De Sanctis and into his own net.The visitors could've added a second moments later after Carlos Carmona's free struck the woodwork before Hamsik forced a close range save Consigli at the other end.

Napoli began the second half the strong of the two teams again could've taken the initiative once again as Blerim Dzemaili saw his effort cleared off the line by Denis before Cavani headed wide moments later.The Uruguayan did well to forge out a goal scoring opportunity on the hour mark, but was denied around the 6-yard box by some excellent last ditch Atalanta defending as the hosts struggled to create any clear cut chances.

Napoli finally got its second goal in the 65thminute following some neat play in the box from Cavani, who turned Guglielmo Stendardo and shepherded onto his right foot before he placed the ball into the bottom left corner.

Pandev came close to adding a third moments later, but his 20-yard drive was easily held by Consigli, while the Atalanta goalkeeper expertly palmed a Cavani effort away as the Partenopei pressed to secure all three points.As the hosts pushed for a third, La Dea drew level following some poor goalkeeping from De Sanctis. Denis rounded the Napoli No. 1 before he guided his effort past Cannavaro and into the far corner from a tight angle.

The hosts had the final say with 10 minutes remaining, though, as Pablo Armero picked out an unmarked Pandev in the 6-yard box to tap home as Napoli held on for all three points to keep its Scudetto hopes alive and slice Juventus' lead atop Serie A to nine points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan 2-0 Palermo: Balotelli double sees Rossoneri recover from Barcelona defeat

AC Milan never really had to step out of second gear as it cruised to a 2-0 win over Palermo at the San Siro.

Mario Balotelli got the hosts off to the perfect start as he converted from the penalty spot after just eight minutes. Signs of a Rosanero fightback in the second half were quelled as Balotelli netted his second and secured all three points in the process.

Palermo was without a win in its previous 14 Serie A fixtures and any hopes of picking up some much-needed points took a severe blow with eight minutes on the clock.

Salvatore Aronica was adjudged to have been too physical with Balotelli inside the area and when the striker dropped to the floor, the referee pointed to the spot. The former Manchester City man took the responsibility on and guided a cool spot-kick into the bottom corner.

With little resistance being offered the Rossoneri were able to coast from then on and it was not until the 24th minute that they threatened again.

A quick break culminated with Kevin-Prince Boateng switching the play to Sulley Muntari and the Ghanaian then picked out Stephan El Shaarawy unmarked in the area. The youngster turned and cut in onto his right foot only to see his shot blocked on its way to goal.

Palermo was not giving the Milan defenders much to worry about, but they felt that Cristian Zapata should have been dismissed just after the half hour mark. A deliberate handball stopped Josip Ilicic from breaking through on goal but the referee only showed the Colombian a yellow card.

The hosts were in control of possession but their lack of a cutting edge almost cost them dearly as Christian Abbiati had to stretch to keep out Michel Morganella's low drive.

Milan remained at a rather tepid tempo in the second half and 10 minutes after the restart Abiatti had to make a great save to keep Paulo Dybala's cross-goal effort out of the goal.

The Rosanero were vastly improved in the second half as their high pressing forced errors from Massimiliano Allegri's men, so it came against the run of play when Milan doubled its lead after 66 minutes.

M'Baye Niang, who had replaced El Shaarawy, raced to the byeline and drilled a low cross in from the left which Aronica diverted back to his own keeper. Having to adjust quickly, Sorrentino could only parry the ball straight into the path of Balotelli who thumped it in from inside the six-yard box.

With a two-goal advantage and Palermo's hopes of stealing a result dashed, Milan ambled to the end of the game in total comfort.

The Rossoneri remain in third position following Napoli's win over Atalanta while Palermo continues to prop up the rest of the table in 20th position.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sunderland 1-1 Norwich: 10-man Canaries cling on after Bunn & Bassong controversy

Sunderland will be tentatively looking over its shoulder in the relegation battle after two big decisions threatened to decide a 1-1 Premier League draw with 10-man Norwich City at the Stadium of Light.

The Canaries took the lead through a Wesley Hoolahan header from a corner in the 26th minute but had their goalkeeper Mark Bunn controversially sent off only three minutes later for a deliberate handball.

Minutes later, Sebastian Bassong was harshly penalized for a handball and Craig Gardner converted the penalty for the home side, despite Norwich’s protests. The Canaries held on for the draw, though, and forced Sunderland to remain lumped with Southampton and Aston Villa just above the drop zone.

Norwich started the game in 14thplace, two places above the hosts, and was the brighter team early on. Sunderland had the first real chance of the game, though, after five minutes, Danny Graham nodded down for Steven Fletcher, but Bunn rushed out to smother Sunderland’s top scorer.

After 26 minutes and a succession of early corners, Norwich took the lead through the recalled Wes Hoolahan. A Robert Snodgrass in-swinging corner found an unmarked Kei Kamara six yards out. The Sporting Kansas City loanee's header was flicked in on the line by the Irishman for his fourth league goal of the season.Only three minutes later, the game swung. With Stephane Sessegnon lively in midfield for the Black Cats, a poor Michael Turner header back to goalkeeper Bunn was pressured by Danny Graham, forcing the Canaries goalkeeper into a handball outside of his area.

Referee Chris Foy adjudged this to be denying a goalscoring opportunity and sent Bunn off. The resulting free kick was hit straight at the Norwich wall but the decision turned the game in Sunderland’s favor.

Norwich substitute goalkeeper Lee Camp made his Premier League debut as he replaced Bunn, and Camp’s hope of a clean sheet was gone five minutes before half time. Bassong was adjudged to have handled inside the Norwich area in the 38th minute, the ball striking his arm after deflecting off this chest.Gardner stepped up to convert the penalty and level the match. The hosts finished the half stronger, Sebastian Larsson forcing Camp into a good save, before Graham dragged the follow up wide.

The second half saw Sunderland in the ascendancy, with Norwich dropping deep but defending well. Turner and Bassong dealt with a succession of Sunderland crosses, and Gardner forced Camp to tip over from his close-range shot.The big decision of the second half came after Danny Rose seemed to handle inside the Sunderland box but in a position similar to Bassong in the first half, only a free kick was given.

The visitors posed a threat on the break. Substitute Grant Holt should have scored after a long ball from Snodgrass, as Titus Bramble – on for the injured Carlos Cuellar – lost Holt, but the Norwich talisman mis-controlled and was denied by Simon Mignolet.

Martin O’Neill brought on James McClean and Connor Wickham in search of a winner, and Sessegnon should have claimed all three points for the Black Cats with three minutes to go. But the Beninese international dragged his shot wide from eight yards out, as the Norwich defense held firm to see out the draw.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zubizarreta: Tito will be back soon

The Barcelona sporting director has confirmed that the 44-year-old is set to return from New York after undergoing treatment for cancer Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has confirmed that coach Tito Vilanova will soon return from New York City, where he has been receiving cancer treatment.

The 44-year-old has suffered a recurrence of the illness in December, and has been absent from the bench for the majority of 2013, leaving his assistant Jordi Roura in charge.

"Tito is about to return, and this is very good news," the former Blaugrana goalkeeper told Canal +.

"It seems that he has finished the things that he had to do in New York. He will decide when he is ready."

Roura joined Zubizarreta in expressing the hope that Vilanova will be back at the helm as soon as possible.

"I said I hope this is my last game... because that will mean that Tito is back," the 45-year-old told reporters.

"I don't want to evaluate this bracket of time [during which Vilanova has been absent]. The team we have created is a joint effort - I won't take any plaudits for what's happened while I've been in charge.

"Evaluations of the team should be left till the end of the season," he added.