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Full Time
Manchester United 3 Vs 0 Olympiacos
Manchester United Goal(s)
Robin Van Persie 25(PEN)',45+1',51'
Congratulations Manchester United
Hat-Trick hero RVP the man
but injured una neh
Get well soon RVP
RVP,Roo,De Gea,Giggs & Valencia elatama play kala
De Gea ge saves tika patta
Manchester United Goal(s)
Robin Van Persie 25(PEN)',45+1',51'
Congratulations Manchester UnitedHat-Trick hero RVP the man
but injured una nehGet well soon RVPRVP,Roo,De Gea,Giggs & Valencia elatama play kala
De Gea ge saves tika patta
Full Time
Manchester United 3 Vs 0 Olympiacos
Manchester United Goal(s)
Robin Van Persie 25(PEN)',45+1',51'
Manchester United 3-0 Olympiakos (Agg 3-2): Van Persie hat-trick seals dramatic comeback
Robin van Persie salvaged Manchester United's Champions League dream as his hat-trick beat Olympiakos 3-0 and booked a last-eight spot.
The hosts had trailed 2-0 heading into the second leg, with manager David Moyes under huge pressure to produce a result, but the Scot avoided a Greek tragedy with the help of his prolific Dutch frontman.
Penalties have become a familiar sight at Old Trafford in recent days - United conceded three in the weekend Premier League mauling by Liverpool - and Van Persie put the hosts ahead from 12 yards when one went their way in the 25th minute after a foul by Jose Holebas.
The Netherlands striker doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time to level the tie on aggregate, before curling home a free-kick seven minutes into the second period to seal the win and a famous comeback.
The result takes United into the last eight for the first time since 2011, while Olympiakos have now lost on all 12 of their visits to England, conceding an average of three goals.
Moyes made four changes from Sunday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at home to fierce rivals Liverpool, bringing Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs into an experienced starting XI, and it was United who did the early pressing.
Wayne Rooney was first to challenge visiting goalkeeper Roberto, with the Spanish shot-stopper electing to extravagantly punch clear from a free-kick, but United's Herculean task almost became even greater 15 minutes in, when Hernan Perez scooped the ball over after good work by Joel Campbell to set up the opportunity.
Rooney went agonisingly close to making the visitors pay for that miss as he headed against the left-hand post from Giggs' cross, with replays suggesting that Roberto may have got the slightest of fingertips to the ball.
But United broke the deadlock from the spot after 25 minutes - Van Persie powering home after he had been recklessly bundled to the ground from behind by Holebas.
Patrice Evra had Roberto diving at full stretch 10 minutes before the break, forcing the Spaniard into an impressive stop with a headed effort from Van Persie's corner.
David De Gea then made a crucial double save at the other end, first denying David Fuster's header and then recovering well to keep out Alejandro Dominguez's effort from close range.
And United were level in the tie in first-half stoppage time when Van Persie tapped home through the legs of Roberto after a cross from Rooney.
The Dutchman was single-handedly rescuing their hopes, and he completed his treble in the 52nd minute by curling a 20-yard free-kick around the Olympiakos wall and beyond a statuesque Roberto to give the home fans belief and lift a considerable weight off Moyes' shoulders.
However, he almost had the ball in the back of his own net shortly afterwards when Dominguez's free-kick deflected narrowly wide off his head.
The delicate nature of the scoreline was emphasised when Fuster's rifled effort straight at De Gea in the 67th minute had many-a-Mancunian heart in their mouth, with Olympiakos still only a single away goal from victory.
But United weathered a late storm to cling on to an important vict
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Zenit (agg 5-4): Hulk stunner not enough to halt Klopp's men
Borussia Dortmund booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Zenit on Wednesday.
The Russians grabbed the lead through a stunning strike from Hulk early in the first half before Sebastian Kehl equalised before the break.
Rondon restored the visitors' advantage in the second period but Jurgen Klopp's side were able to hold on to a 5-4 aggregate advantage to mark their 200th match in Europe's premier club competition with progression to the last eight.
Sergey Semak, taking charge of his final Zenit match before Andre Villas-Boas is officially installed as coach on Thursday, at least saw his reign close with a victory at Signal Iduna Park, although his side failed to turn around their first-leg deficit.
After five minutes of the first leg, Dortmund were two goals to the good thanks to efforts from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost got the hosts off to another flying start in Dortmund as he headed Marcel Schmelzer's cross wide.
Axel Witsel had the game's first effort on target shortly afterwards as the Belgian tested Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller with a long-range drive.
Malafeev was then forced into a relatively routine save from Robert Lewandowski before Hulk produced a stunning effort to open the scoring.
Having cut in from the right, the Brazilian hit a wonderful, swerving left-footed strike that gave Weidenfeller no chance.
As the Germans responded, Kevin Grosskreutz saw his effort well saved by Malafeev before Sokratis Papastathopoulos headed over from a corner, but for all their possession and forward momentum Dortmund struggled to break down Zenit's resolute back line.
That was the case until Kehl rose highest to head past Malafeev - breaking his Champions League duck in the process at the 30th attempt.
Hulk threatened a repeat of his first-half effort shortly after the break when he sent a free-kick over the crossbar before Viktor Fayzulin's shot drifted wide of Weidenfeller's post.
Rondon's winner may have spoiled the evening for Dortmund somewhat - the Venezuelan arriving to meet a cross from the left - but it changed little as Jurgen Klopp's men followed Bundesliga rivals and European champions Bayern Munich into the last eight.
Borussia Dortmund booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Zenit on Wednesday.
The Russians grabbed the lead through a stunning strike from Hulk early in the first half before Sebastian Kehl equalised before the break.
Rondon restored the visitors' advantage in the second period but Jurgen Klopp's side were able to hold on to a 5-4 aggregate advantage to mark their 200th match in Europe's premier club competition with progression to the last eight.
Sergey Semak, taking charge of his final Zenit match before Andre Villas-Boas is officially installed as coach on Thursday, at least saw his reign close with a victory at Signal Iduna Park, although his side failed to turn around their first-leg deficit.
After five minutes of the first leg, Dortmund were two goals to the good thanks to efforts from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost got the hosts off to another flying start in Dortmund as he headed Marcel Schmelzer's cross wide.
Axel Witsel had the game's first effort on target shortly afterwards as the Belgian tested Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller with a long-range drive.
Malafeev was then forced into a relatively routine save from Robert Lewandowski before Hulk produced a stunning effort to open the scoring.
Having cut in from the right, the Brazilian hit a wonderful, swerving left-footed strike that gave Weidenfeller no chance.
As the Germans responded, Kevin Grosskreutz saw his effort well saved by Malafeev before Sokratis Papastathopoulos headed over from a corner, but for all their possession and forward momentum Dortmund struggled to break down Zenit's resolute back line.
That was the case until Kehl rose highest to head past Malafeev - breaking his Champions League duck in the process at the 30th attempt.
Hulk threatened a repeat of his first-half effort shortly after the break when he sent a free-kick over the crossbar before Viktor Fayzulin's shot drifted wide of Weidenfeller's post.
Rondon's winner may have spoiled the evening for Dortmund somewhat - the Venezuelan arriving to meet a cross from the left - but it changed little as Jurgen Klopp's men followed Bundesliga rivals and European champions Bayern Munich into the last eight.
Klopp: 'Awesome' Dortmund are back among the best
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side have earned their place amongst Europe's elite in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Sebastian Kehl cancelled out Hulk's opener in the return leg of their last-16 meeting with Zenit on Wednesday, as Dortmund were beaten 2-1 on the night.
Despite the defeat, Klopp's side still progressed to the last eight on aggregate and the coach was delighted to have made it to the next round."Sometimes success can hide even behind a 1-2 defeat," he said after the match."Borussia Dortmund have to learn that. We are at the quarter-finals again. Up there with the creme de la creme. That's awesome."
Captain Sebastian Kehl echoed his coach's sentiments, insisting his side deserved to progress."Perhaps it wasn't our best match, but we have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and can all leave the stadium with a huge smile on our face," he told Uefa.com.
"We are very happy going through, as we've had a lot of injuries this season. We never complained about it, but it does cost a lot of energy."Despite all this, we deserve to be among the best eight teams in Europe."
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side have earned their place amongst Europe's elite in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Sebastian Kehl cancelled out Hulk's opener in the return leg of their last-16 meeting with Zenit on Wednesday, as Dortmund were beaten 2-1 on the night.
Despite the defeat, Klopp's side still progressed to the last eight on aggregate and the coach was delighted to have made it to the next round."Sometimes success can hide even behind a 1-2 defeat," he said after the match."Borussia Dortmund have to learn that. We are at the quarter-finals again. Up there with the creme de la creme. That's awesome."
Captain Sebastian Kehl echoed his coach's sentiments, insisting his side deserved to progress."Perhaps it wasn't our best match, but we have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and can all leave the stadium with a huge smile on our face," he told Uefa.com.
"We are very happy going through, as we've had a lot of injuries this season. We never complained about it, but it does cost a lot of energy."Despite all this, we deserve to be among the best eight teams in Europe."
Mertens: Napoli have already beaten stronger sides than Porto
Dries Mertens says Napoli have no reason to fear Europa League rivals Porto, claiming that Rafael Benitez's men have already beaten stronger sides this season.
The Partenopei trail 1-0 going into the second leg of their last-16 tie with the Portuguese champions, with Jackson Martinez having netted the only goal of the game at the Dragao last week.
However, Mertens is in a bullish frame of mind ahead of Thursday's return clash at the San Paolo, primarily because Napoli have won all four of their previous home games in European competition this season, a run which includes victories over Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in the Champions League.
"I believe we can go through and go far in the Europa League," the Belgium international told +N.
"We have beaten teams stronger than Porto this season."Mertens, who joined Napoli from PSV last summer, believes that the Serie A side are only going to go from strength to strength in the coming years and therefore has no intention of leaving the San Paolo any time soon.
"The call from Napoli was very important for me," the 26-year-old winger revealed.
"I quickly realised what this project was all about and I knew as soon as I arrived that I want to stay here for a long time."
Dries Mertens says Napoli have no reason to fear Europa League rivals Porto, claiming that Rafael Benitez's men have already beaten stronger sides this season.
The Partenopei trail 1-0 going into the second leg of their last-16 tie with the Portuguese champions, with Jackson Martinez having netted the only goal of the game at the Dragao last week.
However, Mertens is in a bullish frame of mind ahead of Thursday's return clash at the San Paolo, primarily because Napoli have won all four of their previous home games in European competition this season, a run which includes victories over Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in the Champions League.
"I believe we can go through and go far in the Europa League," the Belgium international told +N.
"We have beaten teams stronger than Porto this season."Mertens, who joined Napoli from PSV last summer, believes that the Serie A side are only going to go from strength to strength in the coming years and therefore has no intention of leaving the San Paolo any time soon.
"The call from Napoli was very important for me," the 26-year-old winger revealed.
"I quickly realised what this project was all about and I knew as soon as I arrived that I want to stay here for a long time."
Cavani content at PSG despite being played out of position
Edinson Cavani has insisted that he is happy at Paris Saint-Germain - while at the same time hinting at his displeasure at not being played in his preferred position up front.
The Uruguay international arrived at the Parc des Princes from Napoli last summer and has netted 21 times in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions - despite regularly being deployed out wide.
Consequently, Cavani is continually being linked with a move away from the French capital at the end of the season, but the 27-year-old says he is content just to be playing regularly.
"The results until now are proving that everything's going well, even if I'm not playing in the same position that I had at Napoli," the forward told beIN Sport. "Anyway, the most important thing for me is to play."
However, Cavani conceded that while he is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team, his thirst for goals remains as unquenchable as ever.
"I always have the desire to score," he confessed. "Although I want to help the squad in the defensive phase, scoring a goal remains something incomparable."
PSG are currently eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1, while they cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a resounding 6-1 aggregate win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Edinson Cavani has insisted that he is happy at Paris Saint-Germain - while at the same time hinting at his displeasure at not being played in his preferred position up front.
The Uruguay international arrived at the Parc des Princes from Napoli last summer and has netted 21 times in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions - despite regularly being deployed out wide.
Consequently, Cavani is continually being linked with a move away from the French capital at the end of the season, but the 27-year-old says he is content just to be playing regularly.
"The results until now are proving that everything's going well, even if I'm not playing in the same position that I had at Napoli," the forward told beIN Sport. "Anyway, the most important thing for me is to play."
However, Cavani conceded that while he is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team, his thirst for goals remains as unquenchable as ever.
"I always have the desire to score," he confessed. "Although I want to help the squad in the defensive phase, scoring a goal remains something incomparable."
PSG are currently eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1, while they cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a resounding 6-1 aggregate win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Guardiola: My wife causes me more trouble than Robben
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has joked that he has more trouble justifying his rotation policy to his wife Cristina than the likes of Arjen Robben.
The former Barcelona coach often rests high-profile names such as Dutchman due to the Bavarians' busy schedule.
However, Guardiola's spouse believes that her husband would be better of sticking with a winning line-up.
"My wife Cristina often complains about my tactics," the ex-Spain international told reporters.
"She keeps on telling me that I should stick with the players who won the last match.
"Exlaining her my rotation system is much harder than telling Arjen Robben that he will have to settle for a spot on the bench ..."
Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the game but he has admitted that he was not sure he would enjoy such a successful beginning to his Bayern career.
"There's not a single coach out there who can guarantee success at the start of the season," he pointed out. "There is no magic formula to win.
"Football would be like a shopping mall if that was the case. Everybody would come in and just pick the part he needs. But there would be no challenge in that."
Guardiola replaced Jupp Heynckes as Bayern boss last summer and the Bavarians are currently perfectly place to successfully defend their Bundelisga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has joked that he has more trouble justifying his rotation policy to his wife Cristina than the likes of Arjen Robben.
The former Barcelona coach often rests high-profile names such as Dutchman due to the Bavarians' busy schedule.
However, Guardiola's spouse believes that her husband would be better of sticking with a winning line-up.
"My wife Cristina often complains about my tactics," the ex-Spain international told reporters.
"She keeps on telling me that I should stick with the players who won the last match.
"Exlaining her my rotation system is much harder than telling Arjen Robben that he will have to settle for a spot on the bench ..."
Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the game but he has admitted that he was not sure he would enjoy such a successful beginning to his Bayern career.
"There's not a single coach out there who can guarantee success at the start of the season," he pointed out. "There is no magic formula to win.
"Football would be like a shopping mall if that was the case. Everybody would come in and just pick the part he needs. But there would be no challenge in that."
Guardiola replaced Jupp Heynckes as Bayern boss last summer and the Bavarians are currently perfectly place to successfully defend their Bundelisga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles.
Robben signs Bayern extension until 2017
Bayern Munich have announced on their official website that Arjen Robben has signed a new contract with the Bavarians until June 2017.
The Netherlands international's previous deal was due to expire in the summer of 2015 and a number of clubs were closely monitoring Robben's situation at the Allianz Arena.
However, Robben recently already revealed that it was a matter of time before he would sign a new contract and he has now put ink to paper.
"I am very happy that the contract has been signed now and I will continue to fight for trophies with Bayern," the 30-year-old commented on his renewal.
"I am currently in my fifth year at Bayern and there are three more to come. This is the perfect signal to show that my family and I are very happy in Munich and at Bayern.
"I am looking forward to the next few years and many more titles."
Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 and has since won two Bundesliga title, two DFB Pokals and the Champions League.
He previously wore the jerseys of Groningen, PSV and Chelsea.
Bayern Munich have announced on their official website that Arjen Robben has signed a new contract with the Bavarians until June 2017.
The Netherlands international's previous deal was due to expire in the summer of 2015 and a number of clubs were closely monitoring Robben's situation at the Allianz Arena.
However, Robben recently already revealed that it was a matter of time before he would sign a new contract and he has now put ink to paper.
"I am very happy that the contract has been signed now and I will continue to fight for trophies with Bayern," the 30-year-old commented on his renewal.
"I am currently in my fifth year at Bayern and there are three more to come. This is the perfect signal to show that my family and I are very happy in Munich and at Bayern.
"I am looking forward to the next few years and many more titles."
Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 and has since won two Bundesliga title, two DFB Pokals and the Champions League.
He previously wore the jerseys of Groningen, PSV and Chelsea.
Manchester City prepared to table €35m bid for Shaw
Manchester City are prepared to blow their Premier League rivals out of the water with a €35 million bid for Southampton starlet Luke Shaw this summer, Goal understands.
City first registered their interest in January and the subject of Shaw's availability was broached again when Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino attended the Under-21 Premier League clash between the two clubs at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, with elite development squad coach Patrick Vieira also present.
The Manchester giants were encouraged by the nature of the talks and are now increasingly confident of seeing off a host of rival suitors to secure one of the hottest properties in English football.
Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked the left-back spot as a key area of improvement for his side, with neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksandar Kolarov convincing the Chilean this season.
Shaw, 18, is regarded as the finest domestic talent of his generation and is battling Ashley Cole for a place in England's World Cup squad, having made his full Three Lions debut against Denmark earlier this month.
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Shaw - a boyhood Blues fan - and possess a geographical advantage over other interested clubs with the youngster's parents residing in Raynes Park, just a short drive from the club's Cobham training base.
However, the Blues' bid to capture the left-back is complicated by the fact that he is represented by Stellar Group, the same management firm who represent Cole, whose contract expires this summer.
City believe Cesar Azpilicueta's impressive performances since displacing Cole at left-back have made Shaw wary of summer move to Stamford Bridge.
David Moyes is also in the market for a new left-back as he continues to make plans for a summer overhaul of his Manchester United squad and has identified Shaw as a top target.
As reported by Goal, United made a €24m move for Shaw on January and the Premier League champions are expected to step up their bid to sign him in the next window.
Tottenham are also in the mix to sign Shaw and have launched a charm offensive on the player's family and representatives, who enjoy a strong relationship with chairman Daniel Levy.
Both Chelsea and United have made if clear through third parties that they are prepared to pay up to €30m to land the Southampton left-back, though City's intent takes the potential bidding to a new level.
Sources expect Shaw to join the club that Stellar advise him to, with all signs point to him leaving St Mary's Stadium this summer.
Manchester City are prepared to blow their Premier League rivals out of the water with a €35 million bid for Southampton starlet Luke Shaw this summer, Goal understands.
City first registered their interest in January and the subject of Shaw's availability was broached again when Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino attended the Under-21 Premier League clash between the two clubs at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, with elite development squad coach Patrick Vieira also present.
The Manchester giants were encouraged by the nature of the talks and are now increasingly confident of seeing off a host of rival suitors to secure one of the hottest properties in English football.
Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked the left-back spot as a key area of improvement for his side, with neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksandar Kolarov convincing the Chilean this season.
Shaw, 18, is regarded as the finest domestic talent of his generation and is battling Ashley Cole for a place in England's World Cup squad, having made his full Three Lions debut against Denmark earlier this month.
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Shaw - a boyhood Blues fan - and possess a geographical advantage over other interested clubs with the youngster's parents residing in Raynes Park, just a short drive from the club's Cobham training base.
However, the Blues' bid to capture the left-back is complicated by the fact that he is represented by Stellar Group, the same management firm who represent Cole, whose contract expires this summer.
City believe Cesar Azpilicueta's impressive performances since displacing Cole at left-back have made Shaw wary of summer move to Stamford Bridge.
David Moyes is also in the market for a new left-back as he continues to make plans for a summer overhaul of his Manchester United squad and has identified Shaw as a top target.
As reported by Goal, United made a €24m move for Shaw on January and the Premier League champions are expected to step up their bid to sign him in the next window.
Tottenham are also in the mix to sign Shaw and have launched a charm offensive on the player's family and representatives, who enjoy a strong relationship with chairman Daniel Levy.
Both Chelsea and United have made if clear through third parties that they are prepared to pay up to €30m to land the Southampton left-back, though City's intent takes the potential bidding to a new level.
Sources expect Shaw to join the club that Stellar advise him to, with all signs point to him leaving St Mary's Stadium this summer.
Totti wants Drogba at Roma
Roma skipper Francesco Totti has made it clear that he would welcome Didier Drogba with open arms if the Cote d'Ivoire international were to join the Giallorossi this summer.
The 36-year-old has an expiring contract with Galatasaray and is widely expected to say farewell to the Turkish giants come June.
A recent report suggested that Roma are keen to lure Drogba to Serie A ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and Totti feels Drogba would be a good addition.
"We need three new signings, one great player for each area of the team," Totti told Il Romanista.
"Could Drogba be one of those signings? He might come here. He is still younger than I. You win things with players like him.
"Either way, I am not in charge of our transfer policy and I have never been.
"But I do think that this team can win things with three good signings."
Drogba has netted 14 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray this season.
Roma skipper Francesco Totti has made it clear that he would welcome Didier Drogba with open arms if the Cote d'Ivoire international were to join the Giallorossi this summer.
The 36-year-old has an expiring contract with Galatasaray and is widely expected to say farewell to the Turkish giants come June.
A recent report suggested that Roma are keen to lure Drogba to Serie A ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and Totti feels Drogba would be a good addition.
"We need three new signings, one great player for each area of the team," Totti told Il Romanista.
"Could Drogba be one of those signings? He might come here. He is still younger than I. You win things with players like him.
"Either way, I am not in charge of our transfer policy and I have never been.
"But I do think that this team can win things with three good signings."
Drogba has netted 14 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray this season.
Pedro: Clasico loss would end Barca's title hopes
Pedro has admitted that Barcelona cannot afford to lose Sunday's match against Real Madrid if they are to keep their title ambitions alive, but he's confident the Catalans will be up for the challenge.
Barca currently sit third in La Liga with 66 points from 28 games, trailing leaders Madrid by four points, and Pedro realises they are in for a tough task to retain their title if they lose at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"A defeat would make it tough to pull ourselves back into the title race," the Spain international told Barca TV.
"But we are coming into the game in a good run of form and we know it’s all to play for there. We all want to put in a great performance and keep our treble hopes alive.
"Madrid might just be favourites because they are playing at home, but we know in this type of game there are never clear favourites at all - anything can happen."
Pedro then went on to stress that Barca cannot afford to lose focus on Sunday as Madrid are always waiting to hit their opponents on the counter attack.
"They have very quick players up front and they will be waiting for us to give the ball away so that they can hit us hard on the break.
"We have to be aware of their strengths and their style of play and use that to exploit our own strong points. Our idea is to move the ball quickly."
Barca recorded a 2-1 win over Madrid at Camp Nou earlier this season.
Pedro has admitted that Barcelona cannot afford to lose Sunday's match against Real Madrid if they are to keep their title ambitions alive, but he's confident the Catalans will be up for the challenge.
Barca currently sit third in La Liga with 66 points from 28 games, trailing leaders Madrid by four points, and Pedro realises they are in for a tough task to retain their title if they lose at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"A defeat would make it tough to pull ourselves back into the title race," the Spain international told Barca TV.
"But we are coming into the game in a good run of form and we know it’s all to play for there. We all want to put in a great performance and keep our treble hopes alive.
"Madrid might just be favourites because they are playing at home, but we know in this type of game there are never clear favourites at all - anything can happen."
Pedro then went on to stress that Barca cannot afford to lose focus on Sunday as Madrid are always waiting to hit their opponents on the counter attack.
"They have very quick players up front and they will be waiting for us to give the ball away so that they can hit us hard on the break.
"We have to be aware of their strengths and their style of play and use that to exploit our own strong points. Our idea is to move the ball quickly."
Barca recorded a 2-1 win over Madrid at Camp Nou earlier this season.
Van Gaal: I want to win Premier League title
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has reiterated his desire to take charge of one of the title contenders in the Premier League after the World Cup as he is determined to win a league title in a fourth country.
Van Gaal, who has had previous successes in Netherlands, Spain and Germany, will leave his position as Holland coach after this summer's tournament in Brazil and has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham in recent weeks.
"My ambition is to coach a top team in the Premier League. I have never experienced the atmosphere in England," Van Gaal told Bild.
"I want to win the league title in a fourth country. That's my objective and I want to fulfil it.
"Either that, or I will retire and move with my wife to Portugal.
"Of course, I like the Bundesliga a lot, but I have already won the German title. I now want to win a major trophy in another country."
Van Gaal previously won the Eredivisie with Ajax and AZ, La Liga with Barcelona and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has reiterated his desire to take charge of one of the title contenders in the Premier League after the World Cup as he is determined to win a league title in a fourth country.
Van Gaal, who has had previous successes in Netherlands, Spain and Germany, will leave his position as Holland coach after this summer's tournament in Brazil and has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham in recent weeks.
"My ambition is to coach a top team in the Premier League. I have never experienced the atmosphere in England," Van Gaal told Bild.
"I want to win the league title in a fourth country. That's my objective and I want to fulfil it.
"Either that, or I will retire and move with my wife to Portugal.
"Of course, I like the Bundesliga a lot, but I have already won the German title. I now want to win a major trophy in another country."
Van Gaal previously won the Eredivisie with Ajax and AZ, La Liga with Barcelona and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
Manchester United boss Moyes calms fears over Van Persie injury
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie was stretchered off in the closing stages of his side's 3-0 win against Olympiakos at Old Trafford, though David Moyes is hopeful that the injury is "not that bad".
The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick on the night – which completed a 3-2 aggregate victory – but was forced off in the final moments of the match, much to the concern of the home bench.
The Red Devils overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to progress to the quarter-finals but the Scot could potentially be without his match-winner for at least their upcoming Premier League games against West Ham and Manchester City.
However, Moyes told Sky Sports after the game: "It doesn't look that bad. I've just gone in to see him just now. He's certainly had a knock in and around the knee area, so we don't know exactly. Could be just [that he took] a knee in the back of his knee.
"Not many people score a hat-trick in Champions League football," he added of the Dutchman's performance, "and it was a great hat-trick as well.
Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney also started against the Greek side, who had just clinched their 41st domestic title, and could step into the breach should it be required.
Javier Hernandez has found himself out of the starting line-up in recent weeks, amid links with a summer transfer, but the Mexico international could also be called upon.
'I'll keep an eye on Gomez' - Buffon wary of Fiorentina firepower
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his team-mates not to take compatriots Fiorentina lightly when the two meet in the Europa League on Thursday.
The two sides drew 1-1 in Turin in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash last week, with Mario Gomez grabbing a priceless equaliser after Arturo Vifla's early goal.
And while the Old Lady may site 27 points ahead of Vincenzo Montella's side in Serie A, Buffon is expecting a tough challenge at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
"We all have to focus on the job at hand and hope to achieve the satisfaction of a win that will take us forward in the competition," the 36-year-old told a press conference on Wednesday.
"As a goalkeeper, I have to keep a particular eye out for Mario Gomez and Alessandro Matri among their other players."
The Viola have fallen behind the top three in Italy after an encouraging start to the season, though they remain in the hunt for the European places.
Buffon, however, sees the clash as another chance for his side to reinforce their domestic dominance, with Juve brushing aside all competition at present in the defence of their league crown.
"There's no hiding from the fact that they have a lot of top level players and a very capable coach, so of course they're going to cause you difficulties," he added.
"Tomorrow is a different game and another chance for us to prove ourselves."
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his team-mates not to take compatriots Fiorentina lightly when the two meet in the Europa League on Thursday.
The two sides drew 1-1 in Turin in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash last week, with Mario Gomez grabbing a priceless equaliser after Arturo Vifla's early goal.
And while the Old Lady may site 27 points ahead of Vincenzo Montella's side in Serie A, Buffon is expecting a tough challenge at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
"We all have to focus on the job at hand and hope to achieve the satisfaction of a win that will take us forward in the competition," the 36-year-old told a press conference on Wednesday.
"As a goalkeeper, I have to keep a particular eye out for Mario Gomez and Alessandro Matri among their other players."
The Viola have fallen behind the top three in Italy after an encouraging start to the season, though they remain in the hunt for the European places.
Buffon, however, sees the clash as another chance for his side to reinforce their domestic dominance, with Juve brushing aside all competition at present in the defence of their league crown.
"There's no hiding from the fact that they have a lot of top level players and a very capable coach, so of course they're going to cause you difficulties," he added.
"Tomorrow is a different game and another chance for us to prove ourselves."
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