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Dortumund Goal(s)
Lewandowski 8',50',55',67(PEN)'
&
Real Madrid Goal(s)
C.Ronaldo 43'
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Dortumund Goal(s)
Lewandowski 8',50',55',67(PEN)'
&
Real Madrid Goal(s)
C.Ronaldo 43'
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bayern munich walatama transfer weyidha dan nae
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid: Four for Lewandowski as Mourinho's men are dismantled
A sensational exhibition of goalscoring from Robert Lewandowski drove Borussia Dortmund to a dominant win in the first leg of its Champions League semifinal, as it destroyed Real Madrid 4-1 at home to put one foot into the tournament's final.
The Poland star was on target for all four of his side's goals as it overcame the Blancos, whose only consolation was an away goal courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo that gives them the faintest of hopes for the return.
Looking to follow the example of compatriot Bayern Munich after the Bavarians destroyed Barcelona the previous evening, Dortmund came out in a bullish fashion and almost took the lead in the first few minutes.
Marco Reus picked up the ball on the halfway line and embarked on a brilliant run, weaving past several Madrid markers before squaring up to Diego Lopez in goal. The keeper did well to parry the shot, and Lewandowski found himself on the wrong side of the rebound and could not convert.
If the Poland international was irritated with himself at letting the chance slip away, he made instant amends. A fluid move from the home side ended at the feet of Mario Gotze, and the young forward looped a cross into the area. Lewandowski reacted before anyone in a white shirt, muscling his way between the Merengue defense and diving in to steer home and put his team in the ascendancy after just eight minutes.
The goal was no less than BVB deserved for an all-action start to the clash, as it harried its rivals across the park and gave them barely a second to breathe. As the half progressed, Madrid started to gain a foothold and enjoy more possession, although clear chances were at a premium.
It was from dead balls that the visitors looked most dangerous. Several deep crosses required strong defensive action from the Germans, while Ronaldo went closest to troubling the scorers with a long-range free kick that was parried away by Roman Weidenfeller.
Just as the Spanish side looked certain to enter the break one down, two big incidents changed the course of the half. A clumsy challenge from Rafael Varane on Reus as the forward escaped into the box provoked desperate calls for a penalty, shouts that fell on deaf ears as the referee refused to oblige. Almost without pause, Madrid took its chance to strike.
A direct counter looked to be straightforward for Mats Hummels, but an attempted backpass from the defender was well short and seized upon by Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine could have gone alone behind the backline, but instead chose to square perfectly for Ronaldo, who stroked into the empty net to level the game minutes before halftime.
Dortmund could have panicked after seeing its lead evaporate, but instead opted to start the second period in exactly the same fashion as the first. With just four minutes played after the break, Reus picked up a header on the edge of the box and threaded through to Lewandowski.
Madrid's defense screamed offside, but it was inattention from Varane that led to the striker being left all alone, and he made no mistake in punishing the error as he slammed past Lopez for his and BVB's second.
The Bundesliga's top scorer was in no mood to slow down. With Madrid still reeling from that early blow, Marcel Schmelzer picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and hit with venom towards goal. The shot took a deflection and fell perfectly for Lewandowski, who executed a marvelous turn and shot into the roof of the net to seal his hat trick, put his team two up, and in control of the tie.
The consolation for Madrid is that it could have been even worse. Ilkay Gundogan left his marker standing with a silky turn and shaped towards goal, launching a stinging effort from the left. The ball looked destined to end in the top corner if not for the intervention of Lopez, who pulled off a stunning fingertip save to avoid a fourth and further humiliation for Jose Mourinho's charges. The goalkeeper was let down, however, by some boneheaded play from those in front of him.
Madrid was resigning itself to chasing a two-goal deficit in the Bernabeu, albeit with an away strike, when an idiotic shove from Xabi Alonso on Reus led to a penalty. Who else was going to step up: Lewandowski prepared calmly and blasted past Lopez for his fourth, to cap an exceptional display for both the striker and Dortmund, who held on to record an impressive win over the Spaniards.
The Merengues were left bruised after a convincing defeat, but will still hope to turn round the fixture thanks to Ronaldo's away goal. The second leg will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu, on April 30.
A sensational exhibition of goalscoring from Robert Lewandowski drove Borussia Dortmund to a dominant win in the first leg of its Champions League semifinal, as it destroyed Real Madrid 4-1 at home to put one foot into the tournament's final.
The Poland star was on target for all four of his side's goals as it overcame the Blancos, whose only consolation was an away goal courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo that gives them the faintest of hopes for the return.
Looking to follow the example of compatriot Bayern Munich after the Bavarians destroyed Barcelona the previous evening, Dortmund came out in a bullish fashion and almost took the lead in the first few minutes.
Marco Reus picked up the ball on the halfway line and embarked on a brilliant run, weaving past several Madrid markers before squaring up to Diego Lopez in goal. The keeper did well to parry the shot, and Lewandowski found himself on the wrong side of the rebound and could not convert.
If the Poland international was irritated with himself at letting the chance slip away, he made instant amends. A fluid move from the home side ended at the feet of Mario Gotze, and the young forward looped a cross into the area. Lewandowski reacted before anyone in a white shirt, muscling his way between the Merengue defense and diving in to steer home and put his team in the ascendancy after just eight minutes.
The goal was no less than BVB deserved for an all-action start to the clash, as it harried its rivals across the park and gave them barely a second to breathe. As the half progressed, Madrid started to gain a foothold and enjoy more possession, although clear chances were at a premium.
It was from dead balls that the visitors looked most dangerous. Several deep crosses required strong defensive action from the Germans, while Ronaldo went closest to troubling the scorers with a long-range free kick that was parried away by Roman Weidenfeller.
Just as the Spanish side looked certain to enter the break one down, two big incidents changed the course of the half. A clumsy challenge from Rafael Varane on Reus as the forward escaped into the box provoked desperate calls for a penalty, shouts that fell on deaf ears as the referee refused to oblige. Almost without pause, Madrid took its chance to strike.
A direct counter looked to be straightforward for Mats Hummels, but an attempted backpass from the defender was well short and seized upon by Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine could have gone alone behind the backline, but instead chose to square perfectly for Ronaldo, who stroked into the empty net to level the game minutes before halftime.
Dortmund could have panicked after seeing its lead evaporate, but instead opted to start the second period in exactly the same fashion as the first. With just four minutes played after the break, Reus picked up a header on the edge of the box and threaded through to Lewandowski.
Madrid's defense screamed offside, but it was inattention from Varane that led to the striker being left all alone, and he made no mistake in punishing the error as he slammed past Lopez for his and BVB's second.
The Bundesliga's top scorer was in no mood to slow down. With Madrid still reeling from that early blow, Marcel Schmelzer picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and hit with venom towards goal. The shot took a deflection and fell perfectly for Lewandowski, who executed a marvelous turn and shot into the roof of the net to seal his hat trick, put his team two up, and in control of the tie.
The consolation for Madrid is that it could have been even worse. Ilkay Gundogan left his marker standing with a silky turn and shaped towards goal, launching a stinging effort from the left. The ball looked destined to end in the top corner if not for the intervention of Lopez, who pulled off a stunning fingertip save to avoid a fourth and further humiliation for Jose Mourinho's charges. The goalkeeper was let down, however, by some boneheaded play from those in front of him.
Madrid was resigning itself to chasing a two-goal deficit in the Bernabeu, albeit with an away strike, when an idiotic shove from Xabi Alonso on Reus led to a penalty. Who else was going to step up: Lewandowski prepared calmly and blasted past Lopez for his fourth, to cap an exceptional display for both the striker and Dortmund, who held on to record an impressive win over the Spaniards.
The Merengues were left bruised after a convincing defeat, but will still hope to turn round the fixture thanks to Ronaldo's away goal. The second leg will be played in the Santiago Bernabeu, on April 30.
Kolo Toure announces intention to leave Manchester City
After four years at the Etihad Stadium the Ivory Coast international will depart at the end of the season, but admits he is hopeful of remaining in the Premier League
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has announced he will be leaving the club in the summer, but adds he is hopeful of remaining in England.
Toure arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2009, completing a reported 16 million poundmove from Arsenal before becoming an important part of the City team.
However, under Roberto Mancini he has generally be used in a squad rotation and will seek a new club in the summer as City has failed to offer him a new contract.The 32-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I have been here for nearly four years, and two fantastic years when I have been playing a lot and I hear my songs with Yaya and I will miss those things.
"For me my family is here, my kids are at school and they like the area - but in two months nothing has come from the club and I am thinking about my future definitely.
"My first choice is this country, as I like English football - that is why I began playing football."After Cote d'Ivoire I came here, I don't know any other culture and it is important for me to stay here, I have been here for 10 years."
Toure also spoke about recently-crowned Premier League champion Manchester United, admitting that Sir Alex Ferguson's men have deserved their success this season.
He added: "They have been more consistent, more concentrated and I think we lost a bit of motivation and determination and that cost us the title."I think City need to start from the first game to the end of the season and try and be focused, like we were last season - every game, as the Premier League is so hard, you can beat Chelsea and then lose against Wigan and those games are key."
After four years at the Etihad Stadium the Ivory Coast international will depart at the end of the season, but admits he is hopeful of remaining in the Premier League
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has announced he will be leaving the club in the summer, but adds he is hopeful of remaining in England.
Toure arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2009, completing a reported 16 million poundmove from Arsenal before becoming an important part of the City team.
However, under Roberto Mancini he has generally be used in a squad rotation and will seek a new club in the summer as City has failed to offer him a new contract.The 32-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I have been here for nearly four years, and two fantastic years when I have been playing a lot and I hear my songs with Yaya and I will miss those things.
"For me my family is here, my kids are at school and they like the area - but in two months nothing has come from the club and I am thinking about my future definitely.
"My first choice is this country, as I like English football - that is why I began playing football."After Cote d'Ivoire I came here, I don't know any other culture and it is important for me to stay here, I have been here for 10 years."
Toure also spoke about recently-crowned Premier League champion Manchester United, admitting that Sir Alex Ferguson's men have deserved their success this season.
He added: "They have been more consistent, more concentrated and I think we lost a bit of motivation and determination and that cost us the title."I think City need to start from the first game to the end of the season and try and be focused, like we were last season - every game, as the Premier League is so hard, you can beat Chelsea and then lose against Wigan and those games are key."
Klopp: Dortmund is like Robin Hood
The BVB boss struggled for superlatives when describing his team's performance against the Blancos - eventually settling for the folk hero who robbed the rich and gave to the poor Jurgen Klopp has claimed Borussia Dortmund are "like Robin Hood" in the wake of the side's 4-1 Champions League semifinal victory over Real Madrid in Wednesday's first leg.
Four goals from Robert Lewandowski fired the Schwarzgelben into a commanding aggregate lead over the Spanish giants, and their coach was left enthused by his players' high-octane approach which brought him back memories of 'total football' advocated by Netherlands in the 1970s.
"[Dortmund] are like this unbelievable team, I can't explain it in English... we are like Robin Hood," the 45-year-old told Sky Sports. "It was brilliant, they did not stop, I brought on two defensive players and they ran into the box and that was total football. It was great to see."
Klopp then gave his analysis on the match, and while he admitted that Dortmund temporarily succumbed to Madrid's strength soon after it flew out of the traps, he was delighted to see his team respond to his halftime instructions.
"It was unbelievable, a great game from my team, it was so difficult to play because Madrid are so strong, so fast and so brilliant on the counterattack," he added. "I think the first 25 minutes were great and then we lost our game a little bit - not by much, but enough to let them come up and they equalized.
"So I told them at the break 'maybe you think the referee made a wrong decision [referring to the penalty shout], but in the last game we had a decision go against us and we were the winners'.
"This is what we wanted to do, and we went back to playing like we did during the first 25 minutes."
The BVB boss struggled for superlatives when describing his team's performance against the Blancos - eventually settling for the folk hero who robbed the rich and gave to the poor Jurgen Klopp has claimed Borussia Dortmund are "like Robin Hood" in the wake of the side's 4-1 Champions League semifinal victory over Real Madrid in Wednesday's first leg.
Four goals from Robert Lewandowski fired the Schwarzgelben into a commanding aggregate lead over the Spanish giants, and their coach was left enthused by his players' high-octane approach which brought him back memories of 'total football' advocated by Netherlands in the 1970s.
"[Dortmund] are like this unbelievable team, I can't explain it in English... we are like Robin Hood," the 45-year-old told Sky Sports. "It was brilliant, they did not stop, I brought on two defensive players and they ran into the box and that was total football. It was great to see."
Klopp then gave his analysis on the match, and while he admitted that Dortmund temporarily succumbed to Madrid's strength soon after it flew out of the traps, he was delighted to see his team respond to his halftime instructions.
"It was unbelievable, a great game from my team, it was so difficult to play because Madrid are so strong, so fast and so brilliant on the counterattack," he added. "I think the first 25 minutes were great and then we lost our game a little bit - not by much, but enough to let them come up and they equalized.
"So I told them at the break 'maybe you think the referee made a wrong decision [referring to the penalty shout], but in the last game we had a decision go against us and we were the winners'.
"This is what we wanted to do, and we went back to playing like we did during the first 25 minutes."
'The final is all that counts' - Lewandowski humble after four-goal haul
The Poland international struck four times during the game to give his side a strong lead going into the semifinal second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next week
Robert Lewandowski says he is just concentrating on helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final, after he scored four in the 4-1 win over Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park.
The 24-year-old netted the opening goal of the semifinal first leg in the eighth minute, before adding three further strikes after the break.
"I’m happy to have scored four goals, but obviously the big picture is reaching the final and that’s the only thing that counts," he told UEFA after the final whistle.
"Real played well in the first half but we had things under control in the second half.
"We are very satisfied."
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan spoke of his pleasure at being part of the victory, particularly as it was against such talented opposition.
"It was a royal evening for us, it would have been perfect if we had kept a clean sheet," he added.
"However, it’s quite hard to get a better result against a team like Real.
"We played a great game from the start until the final whistle and deserved to win by this margin."
Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc was also happy with the German club's performance, and he reserved special praise for Mario Gotze, who recently agreed a move to Bayern Munich which will be completed in the summer.
"It was an extraordinary performance, for almost the whole 90 minutes," he said to Sky Sports.
"The goal we conceded was our mistake, but the team corrected itself in the second half.
On Gotze, he said: "Gotze was very good and very concentrated, just like every other player."
The second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on April 30.
The Poland international struck four times during the game to give his side a strong lead going into the semifinal second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next week
Robert Lewandowski says he is just concentrating on helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final, after he scored four in the 4-1 win over Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park.
The 24-year-old netted the opening goal of the semifinal first leg in the eighth minute, before adding three further strikes after the break.
"I’m happy to have scored four goals, but obviously the big picture is reaching the final and that’s the only thing that counts," he told UEFA after the final whistle.
"Real played well in the first half but we had things under control in the second half.
"We are very satisfied."
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan spoke of his pleasure at being part of the victory, particularly as it was against such talented opposition.
"It was a royal evening for us, it would have been perfect if we had kept a clean sheet," he added.
"However, it’s quite hard to get a better result against a team like Real.
"We played a great game from the start until the final whistle and deserved to win by this margin."
Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc was also happy with the German club's performance, and he reserved special praise for Mario Gotze, who recently agreed a move to Bayern Munich which will be completed in the summer.
"It was an extraordinary performance, for almost the whole 90 minutes," he said to Sky Sports.
"The goal we conceded was our mistake, but the team corrected itself in the second half.
On Gotze, he said: "Gotze was very good and very concentrated, just like every other player."
The second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on April 30.
Dortmund was the better side, admits Ramos after drubbing
The center back pulled no punches in his analysis of a comprehensive loss in Signal Iduna Park, and stated that Real Madrid would have to attack from the start in the second leg Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos offered no excuses for his team after it suffered a bruising 4-1 reverse at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, admitting it was outplayed by the Germans in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
The Blancos were overwhelmed by a stunning exhibition of finishing by Robert Lewandowski, who netted all of his side's goals as it inflicted a punishing defeat on its rivals. Madrid was given a lifeline by Cristiano Ronaldo's away goal, but will have to turn around a three-goal deficit on home soil if it wishes to reach the final.
Speaking after the final whistle, Ramos recognized his team was defeated by a far superior outfit.
"We had no attitude. They were better, that's all. We still got 90 minutes but it's so difficult with a German team," the center back told reporters.
"People thought we were lucky, but they are a good team. Team spirit and the hard work won today."
Asked whether he thought Madrid's hopes were still alive in the tournament, Sergio gave a tepid response.
"It will be difficult to pass [into the final]. We must try hard from the beginning to have options in this competition," he said.
Madrid will host Dortmund in the Santiago Bernabeu on April 30, knowing it must score at least three times to have a chance of reaching the final.
The center back pulled no punches in his analysis of a comprehensive loss in Signal Iduna Park, and stated that Real Madrid would have to attack from the start in the second leg Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos offered no excuses for his team after it suffered a bruising 4-1 reverse at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, admitting it was outplayed by the Germans in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
The Blancos were overwhelmed by a stunning exhibition of finishing by Robert Lewandowski, who netted all of his side's goals as it inflicted a punishing defeat on its rivals. Madrid was given a lifeline by Cristiano Ronaldo's away goal, but will have to turn around a three-goal deficit on home soil if it wishes to reach the final.
Speaking after the final whistle, Ramos recognized his team was defeated by a far superior outfit.
"We had no attitude. They were better, that's all. We still got 90 minutes but it's so difficult with a German team," the center back told reporters.
"People thought we were lucky, but they are a good team. Team spirit and the hard work won today."
Asked whether he thought Madrid's hopes were still alive in the tournament, Sergio gave a tepid response.
"It will be difficult to pass [into the final]. We must try hard from the beginning to have options in this competition," he said.
Madrid will host Dortmund in the Santiago Bernabeu on April 30, knowing it must score at least three times to have a chance of reaching the final.
Manchester United target Wanyama insists he will stay at Celtic
The 21-year-old's performances this season have alerted a host of teams across Europe to his availability but the midfielder insists he is happy in Glasgow for now
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama insists he will stay at the club this summer despite interest from a host of clubs, including Premier League winner Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, including a brilliant performance in the Champions League victory over Barcelona, and has been nominated for the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Wanyama's current deal with Celtic expires in June 2015, and talks on an extension stalled in the autumn. But despite the interest from Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the Kenya international says he will stay put and pay back manager Neil Lennon for having faith in him.
"Will I be a Celtic player next season? Of course, I am happy and I love it here at Celtic," said Wanyama. "So I will be here next season.
"I've not really spoken to my agent because I have been playing football and I'm not thinking about leaving or having talks. I'm not worried, I feel I am in the right club and I am happy.
"It's been great, the manager has given me the chance to prove myself and for that I am grateful. I'm happy and want to do my best and try to pay the manager back for the faith he has shown in me because he has done a lot for the team."
The 21-year-old's performances this season have alerted a host of teams across Europe to his availability but the midfielder insists he is happy in Glasgow for now
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama insists he will stay at the club this summer despite interest from a host of clubs, including Premier League winner Manchester United.
The 21-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, including a brilliant performance in the Champions League victory over Barcelona, and has been nominated for the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Wanyama's current deal with Celtic expires in June 2015, and talks on an extension stalled in the autumn. But despite the interest from Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the Kenya international says he will stay put and pay back manager Neil Lennon for having faith in him.
"Will I be a Celtic player next season? Of course, I am happy and I love it here at Celtic," said Wanyama. "So I will be here next season.
"I've not really spoken to my agent because I have been playing football and I'm not thinking about leaving or having talks. I'm not worried, I feel I am in the right club and I am happy.
"It's been great, the manager has given me the chance to prove myself and for that I am grateful. I'm happy and want to do my best and try to pay the manager back for the faith he has shown in me because he has done a lot for the team."
Liverpool captain Gerrard 'likely' to undergo shoulder surgery in summer
The 32-year-old has played every minute of the league campaign for the Reds this season, but has been doing so with an injury for "quite some time" according to coach Mike Marsh Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will "likely" require surgery on his shoulder during the summer, according to first-team coach Mike Marsh.
The 32-year-old has been playing through the pain barrier for some time, according to Marsh, after completing every minute of the Reds' Premier League season thus far - but Gerrard is now expected to miss England's friendly double-header against Republic of Ireland on May 29 and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro four days later.
Marsh also revealed that the injury is similar to that of Liverpool teammate Joe Allen, who went under the knife to prematurely end his season.
"It's looking more and more likely that he might require surgery," Marsh told the club's official website. "He has been playing with a shoulder injury for quite a while now. If it gets to the stage where he gets any worse, we'll try to find the right time for him to get it fixed properly.
"It's not ideal timing, it's going to take quite a while for him to heal. It's a funny injury - it's pretty similar to Joe Allen.
"If it needs repairing, it needs repairing and when he's back fit, he's back fit. There's not much we can do about it."
Gerrard has scored nine Premier League goals this season, plus a further nine assists, as Liverpool looks for a Europa League qualification spot before the end of the campaign.
The 32-year-old has played every minute of the league campaign for the Reds this season, but has been doing so with an injury for "quite some time" according to coach Mike Marsh Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will "likely" require surgery on his shoulder during the summer, according to first-team coach Mike Marsh.
The 32-year-old has been playing through the pain barrier for some time, according to Marsh, after completing every minute of the Reds' Premier League season thus far - but Gerrard is now expected to miss England's friendly double-header against Republic of Ireland on May 29 and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro four days later.
Marsh also revealed that the injury is similar to that of Liverpool teammate Joe Allen, who went under the knife to prematurely end his season.
"It's looking more and more likely that he might require surgery," Marsh told the club's official website. "He has been playing with a shoulder injury for quite a while now. If it gets to the stage where he gets any worse, we'll try to find the right time for him to get it fixed properly.
"It's not ideal timing, it's going to take quite a while for him to heal. It's a funny injury - it's pretty similar to Joe Allen.
"If it needs repairing, it needs repairing and when he's back fit, he's back fit. There's not much we can do about it."
Gerrard has scored nine Premier League goals this season, plus a further nine assists, as Liverpool looks for a Europa League qualification spot before the end of the campaign.
Messi's father: I didn't say Leo wasn't fit to face Bayern
The Argentine appeared to be struggling physically during his club's 4-0 defeat in Bavaria and it has been suggested that he should not have started
Lionel Messi's father has denied telling anyone that his son was not fit for Barcelona's Champions League semifinal first-leg clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Former agent Josep Maria Minguella has claimed that Jorge Messi told him that the Argentine was in no condition to start at the Allianz Arena, having made just one substitute appearance for the Blaugrana since sustaining a hamstring injury against Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the month.
However, he has now denied that he made any such admission before his son's anonymous display in the Catalans' devastating 4-0 defeat in Bavaria.
"I never said that Leo was not in condition to play, and there are people who were with me and they know it," the player's father told Ole. "They asked me how he was and I said: 'In my opinion, he's fine'. The routine [medical] exams had gone well.
"I expected him to play, and I said exactly that."
Messi admitted afterwards that he was not "100 percent comfortable" but insisted that he had been fit to feature.
The Argentine appeared to be struggling physically during his club's 4-0 defeat in Bavaria and it has been suggested that he should not have started
Lionel Messi's father has denied telling anyone that his son was not fit for Barcelona's Champions League semifinal first-leg clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Former agent Josep Maria Minguella has claimed that Jorge Messi told him that the Argentine was in no condition to start at the Allianz Arena, having made just one substitute appearance for the Blaugrana since sustaining a hamstring injury against Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the month.
However, he has now denied that he made any such admission before his son's anonymous display in the Catalans' devastating 4-0 defeat in Bavaria.
"I never said that Leo was not in condition to play, and there are people who were with me and they know it," the player's father told Ole. "They asked me how he was and I said: 'In my opinion, he's fine'. The routine [medical] exams had gone well.
"I expected him to play, and I said exactly that."
Messi admitted afterwards that he was not "100 percent comfortable" but insisted that he had been fit to feature.
Heynckes' agent: Bayern Munich also has Lewandowski agreement
The coach's representative says the Poland striker will be the next Dortmund player to move to the Allianz Arena this summer following Mario Gotze
Jupp Heynckes' agent has claimed that Bayern Munich has a deal in place to sign Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Bavarians confirmed on Tuesday that Mario Gotze will be moving from Signal Iduna Park to the Allianz Arena this summer, with the Bundesliga champion having agreed to meet the player's 37 million euro buy-out clause.
According to the representative of outgoing Bayern boss Heynckes, Enrique Reyes, the German giant has also wrapped up a similar deal for its rival's star forward.
"Bayern have signed Lewandowski," he told COPE. "Yes, right now, they have Lewandowski and Gotze. The problem is that Bayern has a lot of money. They are doing what they did with [former Athletic Bilbao midfielder] Javi Martinez.
"If a club doesn't want to negotiate with you, what do you do? Why, pay the buy-out clause, of course."
The coach's representative says the Poland striker will be the next Dortmund player to move to the Allianz Arena this summer following Mario Gotze
Jupp Heynckes' agent has claimed that Bayern Munich has a deal in place to sign Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Bavarians confirmed on Tuesday that Mario Gotze will be moving from Signal Iduna Park to the Allianz Arena this summer, with the Bundesliga champion having agreed to meet the player's 37 million euro buy-out clause.
According to the representative of outgoing Bayern boss Heynckes, Enrique Reyes, the German giant has also wrapped up a similar deal for its rival's star forward.
"Bayern have signed Lewandowski," he told COPE. "Yes, right now, they have Lewandowski and Gotze. The problem is that Bayern has a lot of money. They are doing what they did with [former Athletic Bilbao midfielder] Javi Martinez.
"If a club doesn't want to negotiate with you, what do you do? Why, pay the buy-out clause, of course."
'We want Lewandowski to stay' - Watzke dismisses Bayern Munich and Manchester United approaches
The Poland international produced an extraordinary performance for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid, scoring four goals, and his employers are not planning to sell him.Borussia Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke insists he would rather lose star striker Robert Lewandowski for free next summer than sell him to Bayern Munich or Manchester United.
Reports on Wednesday linked the Poland international with a move to the Bavarians, with the agent of Jupp Heynckes claiming a deal was all but complete for the former Lech Poznan forward.
Lewandowski scored all four goals in Dortmund's thrilling 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal first leg on Wednesday night, and Watzke admitted he would rather have the 24-year-old replicating that form at Signal Iduna Park and lose him for free than sell him.
"I'm surprised [about the claims]. I don't know what agent Heynckes has," Watzke told ZDF. "All the harassing fire from a part of the republic are of no interest to us. The fact is that Robert has a contract with us till 2014."Unlike Mario [Gotze] he has no release clause. We want Robert to play next year in Dortmund, for this we will waive a transfer fee. But first of all we have to talk with Robert. He is one of our most important players and a great guy.
"We have a good relationship and the transfer fee does not matter. I want him to stay, and in my life a lot of my wishes came true."Speaking to Sky Germany, Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp added: "I don't believe Lewandowski is on the run. We won't send him away."
Amid all the speculation regarding Lewandowski, the player himself refused to be drawn on the rumors linking him with Bayern and was adamant that his focus is firmly on Dortmund.
"I'm concentrating on Borussia," he told reporters. "We have important games in Champions League and the Bundesliga, we have to see what happens then."
The Poland international produced an extraordinary performance for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid, scoring four goals, and his employers are not planning to sell him.Borussia Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke insists he would rather lose star striker Robert Lewandowski for free next summer than sell him to Bayern Munich or Manchester United.
Reports on Wednesday linked the Poland international with a move to the Bavarians, with the agent of Jupp Heynckes claiming a deal was all but complete for the former Lech Poznan forward.
Lewandowski scored all four goals in Dortmund's thrilling 4-1 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal first leg on Wednesday night, and Watzke admitted he would rather have the 24-year-old replicating that form at Signal Iduna Park and lose him for free than sell him.
"I'm surprised [about the claims]. I don't know what agent Heynckes has," Watzke told ZDF. "All the harassing fire from a part of the republic are of no interest to us. The fact is that Robert has a contract with us till 2014."Unlike Mario [Gotze] he has no release clause. We want Robert to play next year in Dortmund, for this we will waive a transfer fee. But first of all we have to talk with Robert. He is one of our most important players and a great guy.
"We have a good relationship and the transfer fee does not matter. I want him to stay, and in my life a lot of my wishes came true."Speaking to Sky Germany, Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp added: "I don't believe Lewandowski is on the run. We won't send him away."
Amid all the speculation regarding Lewandowski, the player himself refused to be drawn on the rumors linking him with Bayern and was adamant that his focus is firmly on Dortmund.
"I'm concentrating on Borussia," he told reporters. "We have important games in Champions League and the Bundesliga, we have to see what happens then."
Mourinho: Our defending gave Lewandowski man of the match
While acknowledging Dortmund's superiority, the outspoken trainer was clearly vexed at seeing BVB's attacking star hit four times against an under-par defense
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could not hide his disappointment at going down to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, putting the blame on his defense for helping Robert Lewandowski achieve a remarkable scoring feat.
The Poland international hit all of his side's goals in a dominant 4-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park, becoming the first man to reach such a tally in a single semifinal match during either the European Cup or Champions League eras. The win leaves Dortmund on the verge of reaching the final, although Madrid will have the chance for revenge next week on home soil.
Speaking after the match, the Portuguese trainer was irritated with his backline, slamming them for failing to control Lewandowski even though they knew what to expect from the striker.
"We know everything about Lewandowski, absolutely everything, we studied him from every detail possible and we lose him in three goals - i don't talk about the penalty - where we know exactly what he does," Mourinho explained in the post-match press conference.
"It's of course very disappointing. When I lose and I don't deserve to lose, for me it's a drama, when I lose and I deserve to lose, it's a situation I don't accept."
While careful not to take away merit from Dortmund, which he described as "by far the best team," Jose was frank as he described his side's failings on what was the biggest game of its season so far.
"We prepared the game as well as we do always but also in the semifinals we were ready for everything, we were very confident about the work we did," he added.
"I think many of the boys did not have a good night, and this is exactly when you can't make mistakes because at club level this is the second most important night in the world of football."
Mourinho and Madrid will attempt to make amends for the defeat this coming Tuesday, when they host Dortmund in the Santiago Bernabeu needing at least three goals.
While acknowledging Dortmund's superiority, the outspoken trainer was clearly vexed at seeing BVB's attacking star hit four times against an under-par defense
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could not hide his disappointment at going down to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, putting the blame on his defense for helping Robert Lewandowski achieve a remarkable scoring feat.
The Poland international hit all of his side's goals in a dominant 4-1 victory at Signal Iduna Park, becoming the first man to reach such a tally in a single semifinal match during either the European Cup or Champions League eras. The win leaves Dortmund on the verge of reaching the final, although Madrid will have the chance for revenge next week on home soil.
Speaking after the match, the Portuguese trainer was irritated with his backline, slamming them for failing to control Lewandowski even though they knew what to expect from the striker.
"We know everything about Lewandowski, absolutely everything, we studied him from every detail possible and we lose him in three goals - i don't talk about the penalty - where we know exactly what he does," Mourinho explained in the post-match press conference.
"It's of course very disappointing. When I lose and I don't deserve to lose, for me it's a drama, when I lose and I deserve to lose, it's a situation I don't accept."
While careful not to take away merit from Dortmund, which he described as "by far the best team," Jose was frank as he described his side's failings on what was the biggest game of its season so far.
"We prepared the game as well as we do always but also in the semifinals we were ready for everything, we were very confident about the work we did," he added.
"I think many of the boys did not have a good night, and this is exactly when you can't make mistakes because at club level this is the second most important night in the world of football."
Mourinho and Madrid will attempt to make amends for the defeat this coming Tuesday, when they host Dortmund in the Santiago Bernabeu needing at least three goals.
Liverpool 'shocked and disappointed' with 10-game Suarez ban
The club's managing director Ian Ayre has questioned the severity of the suspension handed to the Uruguay international after he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic Liverpool has expressed its shock and disappointment at the news that the Football Association has handed striker Luis Suarez a 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.
The incident took place during Sunday's 2-2 draw between the Reds and Chelsea at Anfield, with the Uruguay international striker releasing a statement on Monday apologizing for his "inexcusable" behavior.
The FA reacted by charging the former Ajax star, who previously caused controversy for biting then PSV player Otman Bakkal back in 2010 during his time with the Eredivisie side, before announcing on Wednesday that the 26-year-old would face a 10-game suspension.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said, in a statement posted on the club's official website: "Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision.
"We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment."
Suarez has until midday on April 26 to appeal the seven-game suspension, which was added to the standard three matches that applies for a violent conduct ban.
The club's managing director Ian Ayre has questioned the severity of the suspension handed to the Uruguay international after he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic Liverpool has expressed its shock and disappointment at the news that the Football Association has handed striker Luis Suarez a 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.
The incident took place during Sunday's 2-2 draw between the Reds and Chelsea at Anfield, with the Uruguay international striker releasing a statement on Monday apologizing for his "inexcusable" behavior.
The FA reacted by charging the former Ajax star, who previously caused controversy for biting then PSV player Otman Bakkal back in 2010 during his time with the Eredivisie side, before announcing on Wednesday that the 26-year-old would face a 10-game suspension.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said, in a statement posted on the club's official website: "Both the club and player are shocked and disappointed at the severity of today's Independent Regulatory Commission decision.
"We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment."
Suarez has until midday on April 26 to appeal the seven-game suspension, which was added to the standard three matches that applies for a violent conduct ban.
Reus: Timing of Gotze announcement 'stupid and unfortunate'
The Dortmund forward has urged fans to get behind his Bayern-bound teammate for the rest of the season as the club enters a crucial part of the campaign.
Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus has labelled the timing of the announcement of Mario Gotze's move to Bayern Munich "stupid and unfortunate" as his side prepares to host Real Madrid.
The Germans' preparations for the Champions League semifinal have been completely overshadowed by the previous day's news that the 20-year-old will move to the Allianz Arena this summer.
Reus admits that the news could not have come at a worse time for Dortmund but has urged fans to get behind Gotze in a key part of the season.
"Today is THE game," the former Borussia Monchengladbach man wrote on his Facebook page. "We're looking forward to Real Madrid and we want to reach the Champions League final. Nothing will distract us from our goal - not even the news which everyone in Germany has been talking about.
"Mario has made a decision for his future. We have to respect that. The timing of the announcement was certainly stupid and unfortunate. But no one should believe that Mario is responsible for that."
The forward went on to ask fans to back off of his teammate and just enjoy the spectacle of a Champions League semifinal.
"I think that some of the comments about Mario which I heard or read on Facebook are below the belt. He doesn't deserve that. He has a lot to thank you and Dortmund for, but BVB also owe him. Let's not forget that.
"Please, let's look forward and celebrate a great night of football together - including Mario of course!"
The Dortmund forward has urged fans to get behind his Bayern-bound teammate for the rest of the season as the club enters a crucial part of the campaign.
Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus has labelled the timing of the announcement of Mario Gotze's move to Bayern Munich "stupid and unfortunate" as his side prepares to host Real Madrid.
The Germans' preparations for the Champions League semifinal have been completely overshadowed by the previous day's news that the 20-year-old will move to the Allianz Arena this summer.
Reus admits that the news could not have come at a worse time for Dortmund but has urged fans to get behind Gotze in a key part of the season.
"Today is THE game," the former Borussia Monchengladbach man wrote on his Facebook page. "We're looking forward to Real Madrid and we want to reach the Champions League final. Nothing will distract us from our goal - not even the news which everyone in Germany has been talking about.
"Mario has made a decision for his future. We have to respect that. The timing of the announcement was certainly stupid and unfortunate. But no one should believe that Mario is responsible for that."
The forward went on to ask fans to back off of his teammate and just enjoy the spectacle of a Champions League semifinal.
"I think that some of the comments about Mario which I heard or read on Facebook are below the belt. He doesn't deserve that. He has a lot to thank you and Dortmund for, but BVB also owe him. Let's not forget that.
"Please, let's look forward and celebrate a great night of football together - including Mario of course!"
The 29-year-old, who scored a hat trick in Monday's win over Aston Villa, insists Sir Alex Ferguson's side has now set the standard after clinching its 20th league title.Robin van Persie has revealed his ambition to secure every major trophy during his time at Manchester United.
The Dutch striker, whose only other career title in English football came in the 2005 FA Cup with Arsenal, scored a first-half hat trick against Aston Villa to lead United to its 20th Premier League title on Monday evening.
Van Persie believes that his teammates have now set the standard following their title win and insists his appetite for winning has not been satisfied yet.
"It's a great feeling. I had to wait a long time for this," Van Persie told reporters. "I've been thinking and speaking about it with Rio [Ferdinand], for example, in the car, and he's been telling me, 'Listen, whatever happens, that's the standard.' From now on, our new standard is we want to be champions every year and we want to win more.
"So we are even more hungry than we were last season because you could just tell, from day one, everyone wanted this and we did well. I want to win it again. I want to win more stuff. I want to win the FA Cup, the Champions League, the League Cup - I want to win it all."
The 29-year-old, who stands on 24 Premier League goals for the season, one clear of Liverpool's Luis Suarez, was also keen to praise the United fans for their support throughout the campaign.
"This is a trophy for all of us - the management, staff, all the players and the fans have been brilliant, too," he said. "They've been absolutely amazing, cheering us on every single game, home and away, so credit to them as well."
Muller: Beating Barcelona like this is just brilliant
The versatile attacker was understandably pleased with die Roten's performance and admitted they are now in pole position to make it to the final.
Thomas Muller was over the moon with Bayern Munich's 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Germany international opened the scoring in the opening 45 minutes, before Mario Gomez, Muller a second time and Arjen Robben helped the Bavarians to a comfortable home win after the break, much to the delight of the 23-year-old.
"It feels great. We put in an outstanding performance. The way in which we beat them was superb – we gave everything. Everyone battled and ran their hearts out," the attacker was quoted as saying on the official UEFA website. "It's no secret that we have a lot of quality going forward. We've had some big wins recently, but to beat them like this in a game of this magnitude is just brilliant."
Muller then went on to admit that things are looking good for Bayern after the first leg, but stressed that the club is not there just yet.
"Everyone knows how strong Barcelona are at home, but we're in a great position and if I know this team, we'll be doing everything we can to progress," he went on. "Nothing has been decided yet, but things could certainly be worse."
The Germany international was about to be replaced just seconds before he made it 4-0 as he had picked up a knock and was understandably very pleased to double his personal tally before going off.
"I signaled to the bench that I'd picked up a knock before my second goal and was suffering from a bit of cramp, so I was preparing to come off, but we were still in possession so I had to keep going. Then I scored, which was obviously fantastic."
The second leg at Camp Nou takes place on May 1.
The versatile attacker was understandably pleased with die Roten's performance and admitted they are now in pole position to make it to the final.
Thomas Muller was over the moon with Bayern Munich's 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Germany international opened the scoring in the opening 45 minutes, before Mario Gomez, Muller a second time and Arjen Robben helped the Bavarians to a comfortable home win after the break, much to the delight of the 23-year-old.
"It feels great. We put in an outstanding performance. The way in which we beat them was superb – we gave everything. Everyone battled and ran their hearts out," the attacker was quoted as saying on the official UEFA website. "It's no secret that we have a lot of quality going forward. We've had some big wins recently, but to beat them like this in a game of this magnitude is just brilliant."
Muller then went on to admit that things are looking good for Bayern after the first leg, but stressed that the club is not there just yet.
"Everyone knows how strong Barcelona are at home, but we're in a great position and if I know this team, we'll be doing everything we can to progress," he went on. "Nothing has been decided yet, but things could certainly be worse."
The Germany international was about to be replaced just seconds before he made it 4-0 as he had picked up a knock and was understandably very pleased to double his personal tally before going off.
"I signaled to the bench that I'd picked up a knock before my second goal and was suffering from a bit of cramp, so I was preparing to come off, but we were still in possession so I had to keep going. Then I scored, which was obviously fantastic."
The second leg at Camp Nou takes place on May 1.
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