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'We can deal with Reus loss' - Klopp
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp says his side know how to deal with having key men absent after Marco Reus became their latest star to pick up an injury.
BVB have had to cope without the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Marcel Schmelzer, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Ilkay Gundogan for much of the season.
Reus and Sven Bender picked up fresh knocks during Saturday's 5-1 win over Werder Bremen but Klopp believes his side's experiences this term will help them cope.
"The good thing about this situation is that we have learned to deal with it," he said at a press conference ahead of the DFB-Pokal trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Looking ahead to the match at the Commerzbank Arena, the 46-year-old said he was under no illusions as to what he can expect from Armin Veh's side.
"It's a high hurdle. They play good football. We've been drawn against a strong opponent who will demand everything from us.
"It's a final so we can reach the semi-finals."
Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt kick off at 20:45CET on Tuesday.
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp says his side know how to deal with having key men absent after Marco Reus became their latest star to pick up an injury.
BVB have had to cope without the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Marcel Schmelzer, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Ilkay Gundogan for much of the season.
Reus and Sven Bender picked up fresh knocks during Saturday's 5-1 win over Werder Bremen but Klopp believes his side's experiences this term will help them cope.
"The good thing about this situation is that we have learned to deal with it," he said at a press conference ahead of the DFB-Pokal trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Looking ahead to the match at the Commerzbank Arena, the 46-year-old said he was under no illusions as to what he can expect from Armin Veh's side.
"It's a high hurdle. They play good football. We've been drawn against a strong opponent who will demand everything from us.
"It's a final so we can reach the semi-finals."
Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt kick off at 20:45CET on Tuesday.
Pogba set for talks over new Juventus contract
Juventus are set to start negotiations with Paul Pogba over a new contract, with his agent Mino Raiola ready to fly into Turin for talks with the club.
The midfielder joined the club from Manchester United 18 months ago and quickly became a key cog in Antonio Conte's team.
Paris Saint-Germain have been vocal in their admiration for the 20-year-old, though, while he has also reportedly been the subject of interest from England and Germany.
Juventus, however, are eager to avoid their star man becoming embroiled in a long-running transfer saga this summer.
His current contract expires at the end of June 2016 and the club have held initial talks with Raiola concerning a potential extension until 2018.
And, with the controversial agent due to arrive in Turin in the coming days, Juve are increasingly confident that Pogba will commit his future to the club, with both player and entourage happy with the new terms.
The France international has scored six goals in 23 Serie A games this season.
Juventus are set to start negotiations with Paul Pogba over a new contract, with his agent Mino Raiola ready to fly into Turin for talks with the club.
The midfielder joined the club from Manchester United 18 months ago and quickly became a key cog in Antonio Conte's team.
Paris Saint-Germain have been vocal in their admiration for the 20-year-old, though, while he has also reportedly been the subject of interest from England and Germany.
Juventus, however, are eager to avoid their star man becoming embroiled in a long-running transfer saga this summer.
His current contract expires at the end of June 2016 and the club have held initial talks with Raiola concerning a potential extension until 2018.
And, with the controversial agent due to arrive in Turin in the coming days, Juve are increasingly confident that Pogba will commit his future to the club, with both player and entourage happy with the new terms.
The France international has scored six goals in 23 Serie A games this season.
Manchester City better 'armed' to win title, insists Hazard
Eden Hazard believes Manchester City are still better equipped to win the Premier League title than Chelsea.
The Belgium international sparkled in Saturday's 3-0 triumph over Newcastle, scoring a hat-trick as Jose Mourinho's men moved to the summit of the standings just five days after an equally impressive performance from the 23-year-old in a hugely significant 1-0 victory at the Etihad.But while Hazard is hopeful the club can retain top spot, he feels Manuel Pellegrini's team remain favourites in a tight race.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, the winger said: "At the moment we are playing well and picking up plenty of points. We are first in the table now and we hope we can stay there until the end of the season.
"I think we are less well-armed than [Manchester] City even though when we played there we won. Arsenal lost heavily at Liverpool but they are a great side too so we will see."There isn't a lot of difference between the teams so it will be in the [small] details. The best [team] will come out on top."Hazard is also hoping to continue his own purple patch in order to help Chelsea collect trophies this season.
"I'm going through a good period at the moment," he added. "I try to enjoy myself every match with my team-mates. It's all going well."I've played a lot of very good games in my Chelsea career. The last against Man City was very good as well and it was a great performance on my part against Newcastle, but the whole team did well from the first to the last minute.
"I'm happy in life, I'm happy with my football and I'm happy at this club. I am in good form now, lots of nice things are happening and I hope to continue like this."
Eden Hazard believes Manchester City are still better equipped to win the Premier League title than Chelsea.
The Belgium international sparkled in Saturday's 3-0 triumph over Newcastle, scoring a hat-trick as Jose Mourinho's men moved to the summit of the standings just five days after an equally impressive performance from the 23-year-old in a hugely significant 1-0 victory at the Etihad.But while Hazard is hopeful the club can retain top spot, he feels Manuel Pellegrini's team remain favourites in a tight race.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, the winger said: "At the moment we are playing well and picking up plenty of points. We are first in the table now and we hope we can stay there until the end of the season.
"I think we are less well-armed than [Manchester] City even though when we played there we won. Arsenal lost heavily at Liverpool but they are a great side too so we will see."There isn't a lot of difference between the teams so it will be in the [small] details. The best [team] will come out on top."Hazard is also hoping to continue his own purple patch in order to help Chelsea collect trophies this season.
"I'm going through a good period at the moment," he added. "I try to enjoy myself every match with my team-mates. It's all going well."I've played a lot of very good games in my Chelsea career. The last against Man City was very good as well and it was a great performance on my part against Newcastle, but the whole team did well from the first to the last minute.
"I'm happy in life, I'm happy with my football and I'm happy at this club. I am in good form now, lots of nice things are happening and I hope to continue like this."
Benzema: I watch videos of Brazilian Ronaldo
Karim Benzema has admitted that he watches videos of former Real Madrid and Brazil star Ronaldo before matches.
The Frenchman scored twice during Carlo Ancelotti's side's 4-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday to draw level with the now-retired 37-year-old's tally of 104 goals for los Blancos in all competitions.
However, the former Olympique Lyonnais man says that he continues to draw inspiration from the former Inter and AC Milan forward.
"I'm really happy because to go level with a player of his stature is simply awesome," Benzema told AS.
"Ronaldo is, for me, alongside [Zinedine] Zidane, the best footballer in history. I am very proud to have scored the same number of goals as him [for Madrid] and it encourages me to work even further.
"He inspired me in many respects. Firstly, his will to score goals. But I have also learned a lot from him in terms of movement in front of goal.
"I followed Ronaldo as a child and I still watch videos of him before matches."
Zidane is currently employed as an assistant coach at the Santiago Bernabeu and Benzema is grateful for the opportunity to learn from his compatriot.
"Zizou is working well with the whole team, but it's true that he and I talk a lot each day," the 26-year-old forward explained.
"Zidane is like my big brother. He advises me and makes me work specifically in front of goal.
"It works: Zidane recommended that I move a lot to the near post against Villarreal and that's how I scored my first goal."
Benzema went through a poor run of form at the beginning of the season but believes he is now back to his best.
"Physically, I'm better now," the attacker stated. "It's all forgotten now.
"I feel very good in everything I do on the pitch. I also enjoy passing to my team-mates. I just hope that everything continues."
Karim Benzema has admitted that he watches videos of former Real Madrid and Brazil star Ronaldo before matches.
The Frenchman scored twice during Carlo Ancelotti's side's 4-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday to draw level with the now-retired 37-year-old's tally of 104 goals for los Blancos in all competitions.
However, the former Olympique Lyonnais man says that he continues to draw inspiration from the former Inter and AC Milan forward.
"I'm really happy because to go level with a player of his stature is simply awesome," Benzema told AS.
"Ronaldo is, for me, alongside [Zinedine] Zidane, the best footballer in history. I am very proud to have scored the same number of goals as him [for Madrid] and it encourages me to work even further.
"He inspired me in many respects. Firstly, his will to score goals. But I have also learned a lot from him in terms of movement in front of goal.
"I followed Ronaldo as a child and I still watch videos of him before matches."
Zidane is currently employed as an assistant coach at the Santiago Bernabeu and Benzema is grateful for the opportunity to learn from his compatriot.
"Zizou is working well with the whole team, but it's true that he and I talk a lot each day," the 26-year-old forward explained.
"Zidane is like my big brother. He advises me and makes me work specifically in front of goal.
"It works: Zidane recommended that I move a lot to the near post against Villarreal and that's how I scored my first goal."
Benzema went through a poor run of form at the beginning of the season but believes he is now back to his best.
"Physically, I'm better now," the attacker stated. "It's all forgotten now.
"I feel very good in everything I do on the pitch. I also enjoy passing to my team-mates. I just hope that everything continues."
Hernanes: I was desperate to make Inter bow
Inter midfielder Hernanes has spoken of his delight after making his debut for the club in Sunday's 1-0 win over Sassuolo at the Giuseppe Meazza.
The Brazilian sealed a deadline day move to the Nerazzurri from Lazio, but did not feature in last week's 3-1 loss to Juventus in Turin.
However, he made his bow for his new club at San Siro and set up Walter Samuel's winner.
"I was a bit agitated in the build-up to this game, I was desperate to play and make my debut. The best thing about today of course is that we won, I'm very happy with how it went," he told the club's official website.
"We created lots of openings and could have taken the lead earlier, but then we scored a great goal.
"I'm especially pleased because it came from a corner we'd rehearsed. I spent quite a bit of time working on them during the week.
"It was an emotional experience to play at San Siro. The pitch was in excellent condition. It's a bit faster than the Olimpico because the grass is a bit shorter.
"The stadium is magnificent, as always – the best I've played in. It will always be a pleasure to play here.
"What's Inter like on the inside? Fantastic. I've been welcomed really well by everyone. The people who work here are all really nice folk, so I'm even happier with my decision to join."
Inter midfielder Hernanes has spoken of his delight after making his debut for the club in Sunday's 1-0 win over Sassuolo at the Giuseppe Meazza.
The Brazilian sealed a deadline day move to the Nerazzurri from Lazio, but did not feature in last week's 3-1 loss to Juventus in Turin.
However, he made his bow for his new club at San Siro and set up Walter Samuel's winner.
"I was a bit agitated in the build-up to this game, I was desperate to play and make my debut. The best thing about today of course is that we won, I'm very happy with how it went," he told the club's official website.
"We created lots of openings and could have taken the lead earlier, but then we scored a great goal.
"I'm especially pleased because it came from a corner we'd rehearsed. I spent quite a bit of time working on them during the week.
"It was an emotional experience to play at San Siro. The pitch was in excellent condition. It's a bit faster than the Olimpico because the grass is a bit shorter.
"The stadium is magnificent, as always – the best I've played in. It will always be a pleasure to play here.
"What's Inter like on the inside? Fantastic. I've been welcomed really well by everyone. The people who work here are all really nice folk, so I'm even happier with my decision to join."
Carrick: Failing to beat Fulham was 'criminal'
Michael Carrick believes that Manchester United's failure to beat Fulham on Sunday was "criminal".
The England international looked to have handed the reigning Premier League champions all three points at Old Trafford with a deflected strike 10 minutes from time, shortly after Robin van Persie had cancelled out Steve Sidwell's first-half opener.There was to be a dramatic injury-time twist, however, as Darren Bent headed home a 94th-minute leveller for rock-bottom Fulham.
United dominated possession and had 31 shots on goal, leaving Carrick at a loss to explain how David Moyes' men only gained a point.
"It's a tough one to take. It's hard to explain how we've only come away with a point," he told the club's official website. "It was an incredible game, so one-sided.
"We played well for most of the game, we created opportunities but just couldn't score. When we finally got in front, we should have extended the lead with the chances we had, so it's tough to take after being hit like that at the end.
"We certainly had chances to [go further ahead], but even so, we were so in control that letting it slip like that is criminal."I haven't been involved in a game like that in my career. It's so frustrating because we should have scored more.
"We're very disappointed to concede twice, considering the amount of time they spent in our half, never mind our box."
The draw leaves United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via their league position in jeopardy as the club currently sit seventh, nine points of adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool.United head to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Wednesday, with Arsene Wenger's men looking to quickly eradicate memories of Saturday's 5-1 humiliation at Anfield.
But Carrick is looking for United to bounce back quickly and inflict more misery on Arsenal.He added: "We'll be ready. We'll pick ourselves up and get back to training in the morning. It's one of those seasons - setback after setback - and we have just got to pick ourselves up.
"We have to believe that with performances, things are going to change. There's no better place to do that than on Wednesday night at Arsenal, and we still believe that we can go there and get the result we want."
Fulham draw 1ka thanikarama aparadayak thamaionama karana points 2kak miss une
Ewagema thamai unlucky
81 crosses
onama karana points 2kak miss uneEwagema thamai unlucky81 crosses
Barclays Premier League 2014.02.11 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2014.02.11 Fixtures
Cardiff City Vs Aston Villa
Hull Vs Southampton
West Ham Vs Norwich
WBA Vs Chelsea
Copa Del Rey 2014.02.11 Fixture
Copa Del Rey 2014.02.11 Fixture
Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid
Benzema: I watch videos of Brazilian Ronaldo
Karim Benzema has admitted that he watches videos of former Real Madrid and Brazil star Ronaldo before matches.
The Frenchman scored twice during Carlo Ancelotti's side's 4-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday to draw level with the now-retired 37-year-old's tally of 104 goals for los Blancos in all competitions.
However, the former Olympique Lyonnais man says that he continues to draw inspiration from the former Inter and AC Milan forward.
"I'm really happy because to go level with a player of his stature is simply awesome," Benzema told AS.
"Ronaldo is, for me, alongside [Zinedine] Zidane, the best footballer in history. I am very proud to have scored the same number of goals as him [for Madrid] and it encourages me to work even further.
"He inspired me in many respects. Firstly, his will to score goals. But I have also learned a lot from him in terms of movement in front of goal.
"I followed Ronaldo as a child and I still watch videos of him before matches."
Zidane is currently employed as an assistant coach at the Santiago Bernabeu and Benzema is grateful for the opportunity to learn from his compatriot.
"Zizou is working well with the whole team, but it's true that he and I talk a lot each day," the 26-year-old forward explained.
"Zidane is like my big brother. He advises me and makes me work specifically in front of goal.
"It works: Zidane recommended that I move a lot to the near post against Villarreal and that's how I scored my first goal."
Benzema went through a poor run of form at the beginning of the season but believes he is now back to his best.
"Physically, I'm better now," the attacker stated. "It's all forgotten now.
"I feel very good in everything I do on the pitch. I also enjoy passing to my team-mates. I just hope that everything continues."
i though he watch porn
Fulham draw 1ka thanikarama aparadayak thamai
81 crosses
31shots
Fiorentina 2-0 Udinese (3-2 agg): Pasqual & Cuadrado screamers send Viola into final
Manuel Pasqual and Juan Cuadrado wonder goals helped Fiorentina overturn a 2-1 deficit to seal their place in the Coppa Italia final at the expense of Udinese, who were reduced to nine men late on.
Pasqual levelled the tie on aggregate with a superb close-range finish in the opening stages.
Udinese dictated for long periods in the first half, but spurned a number of opportunities to reassume command of the tie at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.Francesco Guidolin's side were made to pay for their profligacy early in the second half, though, as Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado put Fiorentina in complete control of the tie with an excellent individual goal.
And there proved to be no way back for Udinese, who ended the game with nine men as they slipped to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.Fiorentina took the lead with the first real chance of the game after 13 minutes as Pasqual volleyed home in emphatic fashion from Joaquin's knock back.
Udinese responded well to going behind, and would have levelled if not for two fine saves from Neto, who denied Gabriel Silva from close range before keeping out Maurizio Domizzi's header from the resulting corner.The visitors continued to push for an equaliser and were denied by the woodwork on 32 minutes as veteran striker Antonio Di Natale's header crashed against the post.
However, the hosts remained a threat going forward, with Joaquin testing the reflexes of Simone Scuffet with a fine curling effort shortly before the break.
And the same player was involved once again as the attacking midfielder's deflected effort forced another strong stop from Scuffet in the early stages of the second half.
Fiorentina's second goal arrived in spectacular fashion a minute after the hour mark when Cuadrado capped a quick counterattack by thumping an effort in off the crossbar from the edge of the area.Udinese almost responded immediately but Silvan Widmer fired well wide at the far post from Domizzi's left-wing cross.
The closing stages were marred by ill-discipline, as first Cuadrado received a booking that will see him miss the final, before unused Udinese substitute Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu was dismissed for dissent.But Udinese would have forced extra-time if not for another excellent save from Neto, who produced a flying stop to deny Luis Muriel and then kept out Nico Lopez's header from the rebound.
Domizzi became the second visiting player to see red for dissent moments later, and Fiorentina stood firm to set up a final clash with Roma or Napoli.
Manuel Pasqual and Juan Cuadrado wonder goals helped Fiorentina overturn a 2-1 deficit to seal their place in the Coppa Italia final at the expense of Udinese, who were reduced to nine men late on.
Pasqual levelled the tie on aggregate with a superb close-range finish in the opening stages.
Udinese dictated for long periods in the first half, but spurned a number of opportunities to reassume command of the tie at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.Francesco Guidolin's side were made to pay for their profligacy early in the second half, though, as Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado put Fiorentina in complete control of the tie with an excellent individual goal.
And there proved to be no way back for Udinese, who ended the game with nine men as they slipped to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.Fiorentina took the lead with the first real chance of the game after 13 minutes as Pasqual volleyed home in emphatic fashion from Joaquin's knock back.
Udinese responded well to going behind, and would have levelled if not for two fine saves from Neto, who denied Gabriel Silva from close range before keeping out Maurizio Domizzi's header from the resulting corner.The visitors continued to push for an equaliser and were denied by the woodwork on 32 minutes as veteran striker Antonio Di Natale's header crashed against the post.
However, the hosts remained a threat going forward, with Joaquin testing the reflexes of Simone Scuffet with a fine curling effort shortly before the break.
And the same player was involved once again as the attacking midfielder's deflected effort forced another strong stop from Scuffet in the early stages of the second half.
Fiorentina's second goal arrived in spectacular fashion a minute after the hour mark when Cuadrado capped a quick counterattack by thumping an effort in off the crossbar from the edge of the area.Udinese almost responded immediately but Silvan Widmer fired well wide at the far post from Domizzi's left-wing cross.
The closing stages were marred by ill-discipline, as first Cuadrado received a booking that will see him miss the final, before unused Udinese substitute Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu was dismissed for dissent.But Udinese would have forced extra-time if not for another excellent save from Neto, who produced a flying stop to deny Luis Muriel and then kept out Nico Lopez's header from the rebound.
Domizzi became the second visiting player to see red for dissent moments later, and Fiorentina stood firm to set up a final clash with Roma or Napoli.
West Brom 1-1 Chelsea: Late Anichebe strike dents Blues' title challenge
Victor Anichebe pegged back a Premier League high-flier for the second successive home game as West Brom drew 1-1 with Chelsea.
The Blues looked set to extend their advantage at the top of the table to four points after Branislav Ivanovic - as he did eight days previously at Manchester City - gave them a first-half lead.
But the Serbian defender's contribution did not prove decisive as Saido Berahino's 87th-minute cross was glanced home by substitute Anichebe, who also ensured a share of the spoils when Liverpool visited the Hawthorns earlier in February.
Arsenal and Manchester City could both leapfrog Jose Mourinho's team with wins in their respective games against Manchester United and Sunderland on Wednesday night, while West Brom edged out of the relegation zone ahead of the Black Cats on goal difference.
Thievy Bifouma, who marked his Baggies debut at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a goal less than a minute after coming on, was was rewarded with a first start, one of four changes made by Pepe Mel, and faced up to a Chelsea defence still lacking John Terry due to a muscle strain.
There was little to unduly concern either back line in the opening 20 minutes, although the Blues had established a controlled hold on possession.
In the 22nd minute, Willian found Samuel Eto'o inside the area and his cutback was scrambled away from the onrushing Ivanovic by a combination of Gareth McAuley and goalkeeper Ben Foster.
West Brom grew impressively into the game and Chris Brunt fizzed a low drive wide after Thievy failed to control Berahino's knockdown.
A succession of Chelsea corners came to nothing until their final set-piece of the half - in the third minute of stoppage time - was touched on by David Luiz and his defensive colleague, Ivanovic, slammed home unmarked.
Foster made a sharp stop from Eto'o when the former Barcelona striker collected Willian's 50th-minute through-ball and the West Brom goalkeeper bettered that save as the hour approached, adjusting to keep out Willian's deflected shot after his defence backed away from the rampaging winger.
Eden Hazard beat the hosts' offside trap in the 68th minute and teed up Eto'o but his final contribution before being replaced by Fernando Torres was to slash wide of the near post.
Emboldened by their visitors' profligacy, West Brom mounted considerable pressure in the final quarter of an hour - Thievy and Brunt both pulling attempts off target from inside the area. McAuley then rose unmarked to meet Brunt's 81st-minute corner but could not direct his header downwards.
But the pressure told as Anichebe found a way through and, when Torres left the field at full-time amid a heated confrontation with Foster, it was indicative of Chelsea's feelings towards an opportunity missed.
Victor Anichebe pegged back a Premier League high-flier for the second successive home game as West Brom drew 1-1 with Chelsea.
The Blues looked set to extend their advantage at the top of the table to four points after Branislav Ivanovic - as he did eight days previously at Manchester City - gave them a first-half lead.
But the Serbian defender's contribution did not prove decisive as Saido Berahino's 87th-minute cross was glanced home by substitute Anichebe, who also ensured a share of the spoils when Liverpool visited the Hawthorns earlier in February.
Arsenal and Manchester City could both leapfrog Jose Mourinho's team with wins in their respective games against Manchester United and Sunderland on Wednesday night, while West Brom edged out of the relegation zone ahead of the Black Cats on goal difference.
Thievy Bifouma, who marked his Baggies debut at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a goal less than a minute after coming on, was was rewarded with a first start, one of four changes made by Pepe Mel, and faced up to a Chelsea defence still lacking John Terry due to a muscle strain.
There was little to unduly concern either back line in the opening 20 minutes, although the Blues had established a controlled hold on possession.
In the 22nd minute, Willian found Samuel Eto'o inside the area and his cutback was scrambled away from the onrushing Ivanovic by a combination of Gareth McAuley and goalkeeper Ben Foster.
West Brom grew impressively into the game and Chris Brunt fizzed a low drive wide after Thievy failed to control Berahino's knockdown.
A succession of Chelsea corners came to nothing until their final set-piece of the half - in the third minute of stoppage time - was touched on by David Luiz and his defensive colleague, Ivanovic, slammed home unmarked.
Foster made a sharp stop from Eto'o when the former Barcelona striker collected Willian's 50th-minute through-ball and the West Brom goalkeeper bettered that save as the hour approached, adjusting to keep out Willian's deflected shot after his defence backed away from the rampaging winger.
Eden Hazard beat the hosts' offside trap in the 68th minute and teed up Eto'o but his final contribution before being replaced by Fernando Torres was to slash wide of the near post.
Emboldened by their visitors' profligacy, West Brom mounted considerable pressure in the final quarter of an hour - Thievy and Brunt both pulling attempts off target from inside the area. McAuley then rose unmarked to meet Brunt's 81st-minute corner but could not direct his header downwards.
But the pressure told as Anichebe found a way through and, when Torres left the field at full-time amid a heated confrontation with Foster, it was indicative of Chelsea's feelings towards an opportunity missed.
Atletico Madrid 0-2 Real Madrid (0-5 agg): Ronaldo double seals Blancos' final berth
Two Cristiano Ronaldo penalties helped seal Real Madrid's place in the Copa del Rey final and avenge last year's defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Portugal international's seventh-minute opener made life almost impossible for the hosts before he completed his double just nine minutes later with another spot-kick to hand the visitors a dream start to the second leg.
Ronaldo was unable to complete his hat-trick, however, as the 18-time winners booked a final clash with either Barcelona or Real Sociedad thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win.
Real also created a little slice of history by becoming the only team to reach the Copa del Rey final without conceding a goal.
Raphael Varane made his first start since November after suffering with a knee injury, while Atletico were without key men such as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Tiago and attacker David Villa due to injury, with Diego Costa suspended.
Gareth Bale threatened first, glancing a header wide from Xabi Alonso's delivery, before Ronaldo was brought down in the area by Javier Manquillo after leaving Miranda for dead with an electric turn of pace.
The Portuguese stepped up to fire home the first away goal of the tie to the right of Daniel Aranzubia and register his 33rd goal of the season in all competitions.
Raul Garcia struck Real's post with an impressive long-range effort five minutes later, but Diego Simeone's men were hit with another blow when Bale was fouled by Emiliano Insua in the area.
Referee Alberto Undiano again pointed to the spot and Ronaldo firmly placed the ball in the same corner as before to double Real's advantage in the game after just 16 minutes.
Despite conceding two early goals, Atletico continued to pass the ball well, but struggled to create any real chances.
The home side's best spell came in the final 10 minutes of the half when Garcia almost found himself through on goal, only for Varane to clear, before Cristian Rodriguez fired over from the left-hand edge of the box.
Ronaldo almost completed his hat-trick five minutes before the break, but screwed an effort high and wide from inside the area, before he was involved in a mid-air tangle with Manquillo.
The defender landed awkwardly on his neck, but continued for the remainder of the half, with Ronaldo hit by an object that appeared to be thrown from the crowd as he left the field at half-time.
Opportunities were limited in the early parts of the second half, with Bale's dipping free kick causing Aranzubia problems 25 minutes from time.
Atletico continued to look neat in possession but failed to get behind Real other than when Jose Sosa rifled an effort at Iker Casillas - forcing the Spaniard into a smart save.
Defeat represents a third straight loss for Atletico without finding the net, with the sides due to renew rivalries in La Liga in March.
Two Cristiano Ronaldo penalties helped seal Real Madrid's place in the Copa del Rey final and avenge last year's defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Portugal international's seventh-minute opener made life almost impossible for the hosts before he completed his double just nine minutes later with another spot-kick to hand the visitors a dream start to the second leg.
Ronaldo was unable to complete his hat-trick, however, as the 18-time winners booked a final clash with either Barcelona or Real Sociedad thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win.
Real also created a little slice of history by becoming the only team to reach the Copa del Rey final without conceding a goal.
Raphael Varane made his first start since November after suffering with a knee injury, while Atletico were without key men such as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Tiago and attacker David Villa due to injury, with Diego Costa suspended.
Gareth Bale threatened first, glancing a header wide from Xabi Alonso's delivery, before Ronaldo was brought down in the area by Javier Manquillo after leaving Miranda for dead with an electric turn of pace.
The Portuguese stepped up to fire home the first away goal of the tie to the right of Daniel Aranzubia and register his 33rd goal of the season in all competitions.
Raul Garcia struck Real's post with an impressive long-range effort five minutes later, but Diego Simeone's men were hit with another blow when Bale was fouled by Emiliano Insua in the area.
Referee Alberto Undiano again pointed to the spot and Ronaldo firmly placed the ball in the same corner as before to double Real's advantage in the game after just 16 minutes.
Despite conceding two early goals, Atletico continued to pass the ball well, but struggled to create any real chances.
The home side's best spell came in the final 10 minutes of the half when Garcia almost found himself through on goal, only for Varane to clear, before Cristian Rodriguez fired over from the left-hand edge of the box.
Ronaldo almost completed his hat-trick five minutes before the break, but screwed an effort high and wide from inside the area, before he was involved in a mid-air tangle with Manquillo.
The defender landed awkwardly on his neck, but continued for the remainder of the half, with Ronaldo hit by an object that appeared to be thrown from the crowd as he left the field at half-time.
Opportunities were limited in the early parts of the second half, with Bale's dipping free kick causing Aranzubia problems 25 minutes from time.
Atletico continued to look neat in possession but failed to get behind Real other than when Jose Sosa rifled an effort at Iker Casillas - forcing the Spaniard into a smart save.
Defeat represents a third straight loss for Atletico without finding the net, with the sides due to renew rivalries in La Liga in March.
Hull City 0-1 Southampton: Fonte goal settles tight affair
Southampton secured a valuable 1-0 victory over Hull City to move up eighth in the Premier League.
Defender Jose Fonte struck on the 69th minute after a scramble in the hosts' area, extending his side's unbeaten run since their New Year's Day defeat to Chelsea.
Shane Long had earlier been denied by the frame of the goal on what was a disappointing evening for Hull, who also lost defender Paul McShane to injury in the first half and are still three points from the drop zone after their fourth home league defeat of the season.
It was the visitors who started brightest, with Rickie Lambert pouncing on to a deflected cross from Calum Chambers on the right before shooting wide with four minutes gone.Lambert again caused problems when he was played through by Steven Davis, but his heavy touch gave Harper and McShane enough time to react to his attempted effort on goal.
However, Republic of Ireland defender McShane had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by George Boyd as a result of the three players colliding after just 12 minutes.Jay Rodriguez then came close to putting Mauricio Pochettino's side ahead after 30 minutes when his curling effort from outside the box beat Artur Boruc, but hit the crossbar.
Nikica Jelavic tested Boruc five minutes before half-time with a right-footed shot as he made the most of a failed clearance following another Elmohamady cross.
Hull were the first to threaten after the restart, but Jelavic's long-range free-kick was easily saved by Boruc.Rodriguez then failed with an acrobatic attempt at goal from close range after good build-up play from Luke Shaw on the left wing.
Southampton started to dominate and the constant pressure nearly paid off as Lambert almost opened the scoring with a shot from a tight angle inside the box.
However, the visitors did take the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.Harper failed to deal with a long ball in from Chambers and Fonte's reaction shot then looked to have been cleared off the line, but referee Atkinson gave the decision in Southampton's favour after a referral to goal-line technology.
The hosts failed to find a way back back into the game after going behind and Saints, having looked solid throughout, held on for the win.
Southampton secured a valuable 1-0 victory over Hull City to move up eighth in the Premier League.
Defender Jose Fonte struck on the 69th minute after a scramble in the hosts' area, extending his side's unbeaten run since their New Year's Day defeat to Chelsea.
Shane Long had earlier been denied by the frame of the goal on what was a disappointing evening for Hull, who also lost defender Paul McShane to injury in the first half and are still three points from the drop zone after their fourth home league defeat of the season.
It was the visitors who started brightest, with Rickie Lambert pouncing on to a deflected cross from Calum Chambers on the right before shooting wide with four minutes gone.Lambert again caused problems when he was played through by Steven Davis, but his heavy touch gave Harper and McShane enough time to react to his attempted effort on goal.
However, Republic of Ireland defender McShane had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by George Boyd as a result of the three players colliding after just 12 minutes.Jay Rodriguez then came close to putting Mauricio Pochettino's side ahead after 30 minutes when his curling effort from outside the box beat Artur Boruc, but hit the crossbar.
Nikica Jelavic tested Boruc five minutes before half-time with a right-footed shot as he made the most of a failed clearance following another Elmohamady cross.
Hull were the first to threaten after the restart, but Jelavic's long-range free-kick was easily saved by Boruc.Rodriguez then failed with an acrobatic attempt at goal from close range after good build-up play from Luke Shaw on the left wing.
Southampton started to dominate and the constant pressure nearly paid off as Lambert almost opened the scoring with a shot from a tight angle inside the box.
However, the visitors did take the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.Harper failed to deal with a long ball in from Chambers and Fonte's reaction shot then looked to have been cleared off the line, but referee Atkinson gave the decision in Southampton's favour after a referral to goal-line technology.
The hosts failed to find a way back back into the game after going behind and Saints, having looked solid throughout, held on for the win.
West Ham 2-0 Norwich City: Collins & Diame pile pressure on Hughton
Late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame were enough for West Ham against Norwich City as Sam Allardyce's side moved from 15th to 10th in the Premier League table.
Both clubs were level on 25 points before kick-off, with West Ham 15th and Norwich 16th, and Collins grabbed what could be a crucial goal when he headed home Diame's cross with six minutes remaining.
The capital club's third successive 2-0 win in the Premier League - and a 13th clean sheet of the season, the division's best record - also moves them three points clear of the visitors, whose winless run was extended to four matches.
West Ham keeper Adrian was in fine form throughout the contest, and his heroics enabled the hosts to remain level before Collins broke the deadlock with a towering header six minutes from time.Substitute Diame then sealed the win by finishing off a swift counter-attack in injury time as Norwich pushed for a late leveller.
Chris Hughton's side made a nervy start to the game, but created the first meaningful chance on 10 minutes. Nathan Redmond turned Guy Demel inside out and crossed for Gary Hooper, whose header forced Adrian into a smart save.
Sebastien Bassong then made two important clearances for the visitors, before the creativity of Redmond unlocked the West Ham defence once again.The 19-year-old winger’s ball over the top sent Snodgrass through on goal, but the Scot chose to shoot first time rather than take a touch and Adrian was able to make a comfortable save.
West Ham began to get more possession as the half progressed, but were unable to create a noteworthy opportunity despite sending a series of crosses into the Norwich box - largely thanks to some fine defending from Bassong.
Norwich threatened again just before the break as Alexander Tettey's strike from just inside the area was pushed round the post by the diving Adrian.
Marco Boriello was sent on at half-time, replacing the ineffective Carlton Cole, and the on-loan Roma striker was almost presented with an instant chance, but Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy was alert to clear the danger.West Ham winger Matt Jarvis then cleverly pulled the ball back for captain Kevin Nolan just before the hour, but the in-form midfielder got the ball caught up in his feet and a great chance went begging.
Hooper spurned a good opportunity for Norwich shortly after, before Diame's firm strike from inside the box was brilliantly tipped over by Ruddy. But Ruddy could do nothing about Collins' 84th-minute opener, as he powered home his first Premier League goal since March 2012 from Diame's cross.
And Diame himself then put the game to bed with his third goal of the season in the 94th minute to move West Ham well clear of the relegation zone.
Late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame were enough for West Ham against Norwich City as Sam Allardyce's side moved from 15th to 10th in the Premier League table.
Both clubs were level on 25 points before kick-off, with West Ham 15th and Norwich 16th, and Collins grabbed what could be a crucial goal when he headed home Diame's cross with six minutes remaining.
The capital club's third successive 2-0 win in the Premier League - and a 13th clean sheet of the season, the division's best record - also moves them three points clear of the visitors, whose winless run was extended to four matches.
West Ham keeper Adrian was in fine form throughout the contest, and his heroics enabled the hosts to remain level before Collins broke the deadlock with a towering header six minutes from time.Substitute Diame then sealed the win by finishing off a swift counter-attack in injury time as Norwich pushed for a late leveller.
Chris Hughton's side made a nervy start to the game, but created the first meaningful chance on 10 minutes. Nathan Redmond turned Guy Demel inside out and crossed for Gary Hooper, whose header forced Adrian into a smart save.
Sebastien Bassong then made two important clearances for the visitors, before the creativity of Redmond unlocked the West Ham defence once again.The 19-year-old winger’s ball over the top sent Snodgrass through on goal, but the Scot chose to shoot first time rather than take a touch and Adrian was able to make a comfortable save.
West Ham began to get more possession as the half progressed, but were unable to create a noteworthy opportunity despite sending a series of crosses into the Norwich box - largely thanks to some fine defending from Bassong.
Norwich threatened again just before the break as Alexander Tettey's strike from just inside the area was pushed round the post by the diving Adrian.
Marco Boriello was sent on at half-time, replacing the ineffective Carlton Cole, and the on-loan Roma striker was almost presented with an instant chance, but Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy was alert to clear the danger.West Ham winger Matt Jarvis then cleverly pulled the ball back for captain Kevin Nolan just before the hour, but the in-form midfielder got the ball caught up in his feet and a great chance went begging.
Hooper spurned a good opportunity for Norwich shortly after, before Diame's firm strike from inside the box was brilliantly tipped over by Ruddy. But Ruddy could do nothing about Collins' 84th-minute opener, as he powered home his first Premier League goal since March 2012 from Diame's cross.
And Diame himself then put the game to bed with his third goal of the season in the 94th minute to move West Ham well clear of the relegation zone.
Cardiff City 0-0 Aston Villa: All square between Premier League strugglers
Cardiff City and Aston Villa played out a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, a result that did little to aid either side's hopes of securing Premier League survival.
The hosts had the greater number of opportunities, striking the woodwork twice in quick succession during the first half, while Kenwyne Jones missed a presentable headed opportunity midway through the second period.
Villa struggled to create clear-cut goalscoring chances, Leandro Bacuna wasting their best position just after the hour when he sent a shot wide of goal after bursting through, while David Marshall made the save of the game in stoppage time, somehow tipping away substitute Andreas Weimann's close-range effort when he appeared to be moving in the wrong direction initially.
The result leaves Cardiff in 19th place, two points adrift of safety, while Villa moved up to 11th.
The Bluebirds made four changes and the Villans three from their respective defeats on Saturday, with Craig Bellamy an enforced change for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he served the first of a three-match ban for striking Swansea City's Jonathan De Guzman.
Delph fired an early warning shot for Villa in the 10th minute, sending a low effort a yard wide of the left-hand post from just outside the area, but Cardiff responded brightly and struck the woodwork twice in the space of 30 seconds in the 14th minute.
First Wilfried Zaha played in Fraizer Campbell, whose effort from a tight angle was diverted onto the post by Brad Guzan, before Craig Noone cut inside from the right and his shot looped onto the crossbar via a wicked deflection off Ashley Westwood.
Cardiff appealed in vain for a penalty five minutes later when Jones appeared to be hauled down by Nathan Baker as he tried to reach the byeline but the remainder of the first half was largely without incident - Zaha's effort, disallowed for offside 10 minutes before the break, the closest that either side came to scoring.
Campbell wasted a good opportunity nine minutes after the restart, dragging his shot well wide of the target after creating space for himself on the edge of the box.
Villa have proved dangerous on the counterattack away from home all season and so it proved again in the 61st minute, Bacuna exchanging passes with Gabriel Agbonlahor before driving into the area and sending his effort narrowly wide of the left hand upright.
Jones was similarly wasteful five minutes later, planting a free header straight at Guzan from 12 yards, before Marshall flew to his left to deny Delph's deflected effort.
Agbonlahor ought to have won it for his side in the 82nd minute but took too long and allowed Kevin Theophile-Catherine to get back before Marshall made an incredible reaction save to deny Weimann in stoppage time as both sides had to settle for a point.
Cardiff City and Aston Villa played out a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, a result that did little to aid either side's hopes of securing Premier League survival.
The hosts had the greater number of opportunities, striking the woodwork twice in quick succession during the first half, while Kenwyne Jones missed a presentable headed opportunity midway through the second period.
Villa struggled to create clear-cut goalscoring chances, Leandro Bacuna wasting their best position just after the hour when he sent a shot wide of goal after bursting through, while David Marshall made the save of the game in stoppage time, somehow tipping away substitute Andreas Weimann's close-range effort when he appeared to be moving in the wrong direction initially.
The result leaves Cardiff in 19th place, two points adrift of safety, while Villa moved up to 11th.
The Bluebirds made four changes and the Villans three from their respective defeats on Saturday, with Craig Bellamy an enforced change for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he served the first of a three-match ban for striking Swansea City's Jonathan De Guzman.
Delph fired an early warning shot for Villa in the 10th minute, sending a low effort a yard wide of the left-hand post from just outside the area, but Cardiff responded brightly and struck the woodwork twice in the space of 30 seconds in the 14th minute.
First Wilfried Zaha played in Fraizer Campbell, whose effort from a tight angle was diverted onto the post by Brad Guzan, before Craig Noone cut inside from the right and his shot looped onto the crossbar via a wicked deflection off Ashley Westwood.
Cardiff appealed in vain for a penalty five minutes later when Jones appeared to be hauled down by Nathan Baker as he tried to reach the byeline but the remainder of the first half was largely without incident - Zaha's effort, disallowed for offside 10 minutes before the break, the closest that either side came to scoring.
Campbell wasted a good opportunity nine minutes after the restart, dragging his shot well wide of the target after creating space for himself on the edge of the box.
Villa have proved dangerous on the counterattack away from home all season and so it proved again in the 61st minute, Bacuna exchanging passes with Gabriel Agbonlahor before driving into the area and sending his effort narrowly wide of the left hand upright.
Jones was similarly wasteful five minutes later, planting a free header straight at Guzan from 12 yards, before Marshall flew to his left to deny Delph's deflected effort.
Agbonlahor ought to have won it for his side in the 82nd minute but took too long and allowed Kevin Theophile-Catherine to get back before Marshall made an incredible reaction save to deny Weimann in stoppage time as both sides had to settle for a point.
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Borussia Dortmund: Aubameyang grabs late winner
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a late winner to allow Borussia Dortmund to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in Tuesday's DFB-Pokal quarter-final.
The Schwarzgelben were the better side in the opening half, but their one-touch football was regularly followed by poorly timed final balls and off-target finishes.
Die Adler came out the second half stronger but gradually lost their head of steam and were clinging to the draw in the hope of extra-time.
It was Gabonese forward Aubameyang who grabbed the crucial goal for BVB and propelled his side into the last four of the German cup competition with a header seven minutes from time.
Injury-hit Dortmund have fallen off the pace in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal looked like their best chance of getting further silverware this season heading into the tie at the Commerzbank Arena.
Aubameyang's pace triggered the first chance of the game 13 minutes in, sprinting down the right before squaring for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian attacker skidded his effort inches wide of the post.
At the other end, Frankfurt could have taken an unlikely lead but Sebastian Rode's got his feet stuck beneath him and failed to make contact on a tempting, low cross.
Jurgen Klopp's men almost made the hosts pay by counterattacking with Aubameyang, who this time offloaded to Kevin Grosskreutz for the midfielder to force a save from Kevin Trapp from outside the box.
The Gabon forward had a chance of his own to put the visitors ahead but his 30-yard free kick flew marginally wide of the top-left corner.
Mkhitaryan really should have put away his strike 10 yards out an angle but skewed his shot wide, and not long afterwards - with half-time looming - Grosskreutz similarly wasted a chance by lofting his strike over the crossbar.
The hosts brought on Jan Rosenthal at the break and looked a totally different team for the following 20 minutes, turning the momentum in their favour.
Although clear chances were at a premium, Sebastian Jung had the best opportunity but he hit way wide of target when in acres of space from a Frankfurt counterattack on the right edge of the Dortmund box.
Midway through the half, the game devolved into constant theatrics from Frankfurt's Carlos Zambrano and BVB's Robert Lewandowski, who were frustrating each other with niggling tackles and over-the-top reactions.
Klopp's men rallied in the final 20 minutes, however, and looked increasingly likely to break the deadlock and avoid the added 30 minutes at full-time.
A Henrik Mkhitaryan corner with 83 minutes gone was flicked on by Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl and it was Aubameyang who dumped Frankfurt out of the tournament with a header at the back post which flew into the back of the net.
The hosts could not muster the energy to create a comeback and Dortmund dropped the tempo to ease into the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a late winner to allow Borussia Dortmund to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in Tuesday's DFB-Pokal quarter-final.
The Schwarzgelben were the better side in the opening half, but their one-touch football was regularly followed by poorly timed final balls and off-target finishes.
Die Adler came out the second half stronger but gradually lost their head of steam and were clinging to the draw in the hope of extra-time.
It was Gabonese forward Aubameyang who grabbed the crucial goal for BVB and propelled his side into the last four of the German cup competition with a header seven minutes from time.
Injury-hit Dortmund have fallen off the pace in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal looked like their best chance of getting further silverware this season heading into the tie at the Commerzbank Arena.
Aubameyang's pace triggered the first chance of the game 13 minutes in, sprinting down the right before squaring for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian attacker skidded his effort inches wide of the post.
At the other end, Frankfurt could have taken an unlikely lead but Sebastian Rode's got his feet stuck beneath him and failed to make contact on a tempting, low cross.
Jurgen Klopp's men almost made the hosts pay by counterattacking with Aubameyang, who this time offloaded to Kevin Grosskreutz for the midfielder to force a save from Kevin Trapp from outside the box.
The Gabon forward had a chance of his own to put the visitors ahead but his 30-yard free kick flew marginally wide of the top-left corner.
Mkhitaryan really should have put away his strike 10 yards out an angle but skewed his shot wide, and not long afterwards - with half-time looming - Grosskreutz similarly wasted a chance by lofting his strike over the crossbar.
The hosts brought on Jan Rosenthal at the break and looked a totally different team for the following 20 minutes, turning the momentum in their favour.
Although clear chances were at a premium, Sebastian Jung had the best opportunity but he hit way wide of target when in acres of space from a Frankfurt counterattack on the right edge of the Dortmund box.
Midway through the half, the game devolved into constant theatrics from Frankfurt's Carlos Zambrano and BVB's Robert Lewandowski, who were frustrating each other with niggling tackles and over-the-top reactions.
Klopp's men rallied in the final 20 minutes, however, and looked increasingly likely to break the deadlock and avoid the added 30 minutes at full-time.
A Henrik Mkhitaryan corner with 83 minutes gone was flicked on by Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl and it was Aubameyang who dumped Frankfurt out of the tournament with a header at the back post which flew into the back of the net.
The hosts could not muster the energy to create a comeback and Dortmund dropped the tempo to ease into the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal.
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