..::Football III::..

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Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad: Resurgent Rojiblancos close on rivals Real Madrid

Reigning champions Atletico Madrid eased to a third consecutive Liga win with a routine 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

Coach Diego Simeone chose to shuffle his pack, making five alterations to the side that overcame Cordoba by the same scoreline on Saturday, but the changes paid instant dividends as the hosts caught Sociedad cold.Atletico offered the latest demonstration of their set-piece prowess when Mikel Gonzalez headed Koke's second-minute corner into his own net.

It was 2-0 shortly afterwards as Antoine Griezmann capitalised on an error from Geronimo Rulli - far from the last uncertain moment on a trying outing for the Argentine goalkeeper.

The gap between second-placed Real Madrid and Atletico is down to two points ahead of the former's trip to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, while next week's all-Madrid Champions League quarter-final looms on the horizon.

Simeone's side made a strong start as Arda Turan drilled an early shot against the post on the end of Koke's deep cross, but Atletico did not have to wait long to open the scoring.Koke's delivery caused problems for Sociedad once more as Gonzalez diverted the Spain midfielder's in-swinging corner into his own goal.

An uphill task for David Moyes' team became considerably steeper in the 10th minute when Rulli got down to keep out Koke's dipping strike but could only push the ball to Griezmann, who dispatched a cool finish beyond the prone keeper.
A last-ditch challenge from Gonzalez prevented Griezmann from doubling his tally shortly afterwards and, although Sociedad belatedly settled into the contest, Rulli provided further cause for concern in the 27th minute when he saved unconvincingly from a Jesus Gamez drive.

Another well-planned corner routine in the 39th minute could have brought a third for Atletico but Mario Suarez missed his kick, before Koke almost caught out Rulli in fortuitous circumstances - his arching cross from the right dipping to hit the crossbar.Suarez thumped over under pressure after Griezmann's cushioned lay-off as Atletico continued to be the most threatening team after the break.

Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza went to ground in the area under a challenge from Miranda as the hour approached but the referee was uninterested in his penalty claims.

The hosts pressed forward once more, looking to secure the points, and substitute Raul Jimenez - on in place of Fernando Torres - saw an attempt deflected wide after Rulli clawed a Gamez cross out of his six-yard box.

Home goalkeeper Jan Oblak made sure of his third consecutive clean sheet with a brilliant 88th-minute save, pushing a free-kick from sub Esteban Granero away from the top corner as Sociedad were forced to accept a first defeat in five games.

 

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Muniain out for six months with knee injury

Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain is set for six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The club initially announced that the forward had suffered a sprained left knee during Saturday's 2-0 La Liga defeat to Sevilla.

But, following an MRI scan on Tuesday, it has now been confirmed that Muniain will be out until at least October with the problem.

Additionally, tests have revealed midfielder Ander Iturraspe has torn his adductor muscle, although Bilbao have not yet said how long his recovery will take.
Athletic are eighth in La Liga, 11 points adrift of a Europa League place.

 

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I've improved this season - Isco

Real Madrid star Isco believes he has improved as a player this season as a result of playing in a deeper midfield role.

The 22-year-old made his name operating as an attacking midfielder and a winger but has spent much of this season in a central midfield position as Carlo Ancelotti has attempted to accommodate all of his star forwards.

"This season I've been doing a job that maybe before I didn't have. In that respect I've grown a lot," he said after being named La Liga's 'five-star' player for February and March.

However, Isco or James Rodriguez could assume Gareth Bale's wide berth against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, with the Welshman a doubt after picking up an injury in the 9-1 thrashing of Granada on Sunday.

The result has breathed fresh life into the club's season after a faltering 2015 so far, which has seen Barcelona overtake them at the top of La Liga and establish a four-point lead.

Ancelotti's side were also fortunate to scrape past Schalke in the last 16 of the Champions League but remain in the hunt for both trophies, with Isco determined to land more silverware.

"I hope the fans support us as they have up until now because we're going to give it everything to win both titles.

"Real Madrid have to be fighting for trophies every season we can and that's the case this year as well. We're more than still in it in both competitions and we'll give it our best to bring them both home."

 

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I'm lucky to be at United - Herrera

In-form Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted he is very lucky to be at Old Trafford and says he never once questioned his future during a spell on the bench earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of United's standout performers in the second half of the season and has started the last eight games for Louis van Gaal's side, scoring four goals in the process.

After initially struggling to force his way into the first-team picture at the club, Herrera insists he was always settled in England and that he feels fortunate to be playing for the Red Devils.

The ex-Athletic Bilbao star told United Review: "I'm very happy. Even when I was not playing, I was also happy. I am at Manchester United. I feel really lucky to be here.

"The manager has to decide who is playing or not but we have to respect always the decision he makes. The manager wants the best for the team, the best for us and we have to follow him always.

"When I signed for Manchester United, I was thinking of players like Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Rafael da Silva and, although he is not here now, Darren Fletcher. These are people who have been playing for a long time for United.

"It's my dream to be here for a long time because I am in the right team, in the right league and in the right country. I feel very happy and I want to stay at the club for many years to come.

"I feel I quickly adapted to this league and this country because I am so comfortable here. I think [we at] Manchester United are always helping each other to adapt and to feel like we're at home. I feel really good at United and I hope to stay here for a long time."

 

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Ancelotti: Isco or James can take Bale's place

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Isco and James Rodriguez can play alongside each other, before one of the two could take Gareth Bale's place in the starting XI against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.

Isco, who has previously been declared untouchable by Ancelotti, missed the 9-1 win over Granada at the weekend due to suspension, with James replacing him after recovering from injury.

Both midfielders are available for the midweek encounter with Rayo and Ancelotti has hinted they will both feature from the start, with Bale potentially missing out due to a minor injury.

"I could field both Isco and James. They have played together before," the Madrid coach said at a press conference.

"It is not a debate between the two of them. We are fortunate to have two players like them, it is not a problem. They can play in a number of positions and are very complete."Plus Bale has picked up a foot injury and we will have to wait and see whether he can play.

"I said before that Isco is untouchable, but that goes for the entire squad. I think we have the best team in the world.

"We have many more games left and I will have to rotate players. It is not true that some players are more important than others. James is doing a great job, but Isco has been fantastic, too."

Ancelotti then went on to reveal that Iker Casillas will play against Rayo, before making way for Keylor Navas for Saturday's match versus Eibar."Casillas will play on Wednesday. Navas will then get his chance against Eibar."

Madrid are currently trailing leaders Barcelona by four points in the Liga table and Ancelotti has admitted they face a tough task to catch the Catalans.

"I am not convinced that we will win the Liga title if we win all our remaining games.

"Barcelona are the team in charge."All I can do is make sure we do everything within our powers to win all our games."

 

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Van der Wiel: I have no reason to leave PSG

Gregory van der Wiel has insisted that he is happy with life at Paris Saint-Germain and has no intention of leaving the Ligue 1 champions any time soon.

The Netherlands international recently hit out at head coach Laurent Blanc after he was dropped for the crucial Champions League game against Chelsea, hinting at a lack of trust.

The Paris side have been heavily linked with a move for Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, fuelling speculation that Van der Wiel's future could lie elsewhere, but the 27-year-old is keen to stay put and hopes to sign a contract renewal shortly."I am genuinely happy at PSG," Van der Wiel told L'Equipe.

"I love the club, I love the city and I love my team-mates. Everything is perfect for me here.

"There is absolutely no reason for me to leave. I want to sign a new contract.
"If the coach decides not to play me, that is his decision. But I am ready whenever I am called upon."Van der Wiel's existing contract with PSG runs until June 2016.

The defender has made 33 appearances in all competitions for the Parc des
Princes side this term.

 

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Casemiro: Porto can go all the way in Champions League

Porto midfielder Casemiro is confident the Portuguese side have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League.

Julen Lopetegui's men saw off Basel in the round of 16 and will now have to deal with Bayern Munich if they are to make it to the semi-finals of the competition.

Casemiro has acknowledged it will not be easy for Porto to dethrone titleholders Real Madrid, but is optimistic about their chances as long as they take it one game at a time."We're among the best eight sides in Europe. We are obviously doing well but we have a very long path ahead of us," Casemiro told the official Uefa website.

"We've already shown we have the ability to go a long way, but we have to take it game by game. We have to think about playing well now, and then in the semi-finals and then in the final."We're getting better every day, with every match, and I'm sure there is even further potential for improvement.

"Winning a competition like the Champions League is simply extraordinary. I don't have the words to describe the happiness a player feels when they win something like this.

"I would just say we have to try to emulate what Real Madrid achieved last season, taking it game by game."Porto last won the Champions League in 2003-04, when they beat Monaco 3-0 in the final.

 

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Man City win can help us climb the table - Pardew

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes his side can continue to climb up the Premier League after they beat Manchester City 2-1 on Monday.

A Glenn Murray goal in the 34th minute followed by a Jason Puncheon free-kick early in the second half gave Palace the lead over Manuel Pellegrini's men before a late Yaya Toure goal halved the deficit.

Pardew believes there is more to come from his side, who are now on a three game winning streak and currently sit 11th in the table, three points behind Stoke and West Ham.

"We had to lean on our character. We've got some good professionals in this group and that showed," he told Sky Sports.

"It was about the resilience, the character, and it was a shame we didn't have enough offensive moments but it's a great result for the club. Our fans were terrific.

"We've got games against Sunderland, West Brom and Hull City now - a good little run for us, then we come in against the big boys - Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. We'll just keep creeping up the league if we can and keep setting our goals that little bit further."

Murray's opener was his fifth goal in as many appearances and Pardew says that it is the least that the forward deserves after a serious knee injury ruled him out of the majority of last season.

"We said to Glenn: 'you might need to buy us fouls, work hard', and I thought he gave an exceptional performance," he added. "Forget about his goal, it was a real lesson in how to play the No.9 role.

"He had a terrible time with injuries - he should have been a Premier League player years ago - so I'm pleased for him that he's getting the reward for the quality that he has."

Murray himself is thrilled to be playing a starring role in Palace's resurgence under Pardew.

"It took a lot of time to get over my knee injury," he said. "I've worked hard to get back into this position and I'm enjoying it now."

 

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Vassell: Manchester City should stick with Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini should be allowed to spend another season in charge of Manchester City, according to former striker Darius Vassell.

The Chilean enjoyed a superb debut campaign as manager at the Etihad Stadium - leading City to a Premier League and League Cup double.

However, the former Real Madrid boss has been unable to repeat his heroics this time around, with City eliminated from the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, while a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday has left them nine points adrift of league leaders Chelsea, having played a game more.

However, Vassell, who spent four years at City between 2005 and 2009, believes Pellegrini has earned the right to stay another season, though he concedes that the large sums of money spent on the first-team squad means that his position is in jeopardy.

"I would like to think he will [still be there next season]," Vassell said. "But it tends to not work out that way. Managers are dismissed or let go too easily.

"Given the expenditure of teams as big as Manchester City you can see why owners want to get it right as soon as possible and get a return from their investment."

City's setback at Palace means they have now lost six times this season - as many as in the entire 2013-14 campaign.

Vassell, a former England international, feels that part of the champions' problems stem from the fact that City have struggled to maintain a settled team.

"I think personally it's down to the kind of attitude in the league with regards to foreign managers and changing the team around," he added.

"I think it's difficult if you're a top player when one minute you're in the team and the next minute you're out. You don't know if you're coming or going and it's difficult to settle as a team.

"I think with Manchester City some of their main players have had niggling injuries which hasn't allowed them to have continuity in the side.

"And the bunch of players they have there now, as good as they are, I feel around the corner there will be another overhaul and another change there which again is unsettling for players and can affect their performances."

 

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Morata's young and impulsive - Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri believes Alvaro Morata's late red card in Juventus' 3-0 triumph over Fiorentina was harsh, but says that his striker paid the price for his "young and impulsive" nature.

The Spaniard started up front alongside Alessandro Matri - who scored the opener in the semi-final second leg in Florence - but was handed his marching orders for wiping out substitute Alessandro Diamanti with just two minutes left on the clock.

Allegri lamented Morata's rashness which rules the former Real Madrid forward out of the final along with midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who picked up another booking at the Artemio Franchi.

"If Morata really felt the urge to foul him, he should've just tugged his shirt," he told reporters. "Unfortunately he's still young and impulsive and he's yet to learn these tips and tricks.

"It was excessive to hand him a red card for his swipe but we can make do. We'll have Paul Pogba back by the time of the final. We've got Kingsley Coman, who unfortunately I had to take off because we needed someone aerially strong like Fernando Llorente.

"Matri played very well and scored a goal tonight, so I'm delighted for him."

With Juve flying high in three competitions with two months to go in 2014-15, the former AC Milan coach addressed the widespread criticism upon the announcement he would replace Antonio Conte in charge of the Turin club last summer.

"Conte did a great job, it's normal that fans felt ill about his exit," he continued. "But the departure of players and coaches is part of football.

"Now we are doing well. The Scudetto isn't secure yet - we need four wins and one draw to wrap that up mathematically. Then of course we have Monaco to think about in the Champions League quarter-finals. They won't be a simple hurdle."

When asked about the Coppa Italia final currently set to be played the day after the Champions League showpiece, Allegri added with a laugh: "It would be nice if they moved the Italian cup final!"

 

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Ramsey: QPR guilty of schoolboy errors at Aston Villa

QPR manager Chris Ramsey lamented "schoolboy errors" from his side in the aftermath of their 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Ramsey's side looked set to move above Villa and out of the bottom three when Charlie Austin made it 3-2 with 12 minutes to play at Villa Park, but Christian Benteke then curled home a brilliant free-kick to complete a superb hat-trick and snatch a point for the hosts.

Matt Phillips and Clint Hill had previously given QPR a 2-1 lead, and Ramsey was disappointed with his side's defensive display as they dropped two potentially precious points.

"The goals we gave away were schoolboy errors," he told BBC Sport. "The point was better for them, we would have loved to have won the game and been above the line.

"Based on the performance in the second half we are disappointed we have not got three points."

Ramsey admitted that Villa had the better of the first half but felt his team did enough to win the game.

"In the first half we got overrun a bit, we caused our own problems our technique was poor, they had a lot chances and we rode our luck," he added.

"But we were fantastic in the second half and the travelling fans had something to cheer about."

 

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'I'm proud of Manchester United link,' admits Atletico ace Miranda

Atletico Madrid defender Miranda has admitted he is "proud" to be linked with Manchester United, though insists he wants to stay with the Spanish champions.

Reports have suggested Louis van Gaal's side could make a move for the centre-back in the summer as the Red Devils look to bolster their defence.

And the Brazil international feels such links show that he is performing well for Diego Simeone's team.

"Of course this news reaches me, and it makes me happy. It shows I am doing well," he told Estadao.

"It makes me proud, but my intention is to stay at Atletico because I still have a year and a half on my contract."

Miranda was a key member of Simeone's squad as they beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Spanish title in 2014 but faces increased competition for his place from Jose Maria Gimenez as well as Toby Alderweireld when his loan spell at Southampton is completed.

 

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Chiellini: Juventus face two months of fire

Giorgio Chiellini believes that Juventus have "two months of fire" coming up after they reached the Coppa Italia final at Fiorentina's expense on Tuesday.

The defender played his part as Massimiliano Allegri's men defeated Vincenzo Montella's side 3-0 in the semi-final second leg, turning around their 2-1 loss in the opener, which kept their treble hopes alive.

With a Champions League quarter-final against Monaco coming up this month and now a domestic cup final to look forward to, Chiellini believes the Serie A table-toppers are well-placed to repeat Inter's treble success five years ago under Jose Mourinho.

"Juve wanted to take control of the semi-final from the start," the centre-back told Rai Sport. "We managed to ease into the rhythm well then tried to hit the weak points of Fiorentina.

"I did not expect such a great result, to be honest, with so many key players absent, but this just proves what a great group we have and how everybody deserves to wear the Bianconeri jersey.

"We have to continue to be flexible with our tactics and our personnel, as we have two months of fire coming up.

"Winning games helps one's winning attitude, and these last few weeks in Serie A have given us the strength to thrive in the cup and in Europe.

"Treble talk is more a newspaper's job than mine, but it is right that fans dream of such success. We must not take our eye off the ball, though.

"You have to think about the present and the upcoming matches, not the prize at the end of the road."

On Saturday, Juventus continue their assault on Serie A with a trip to rock-bottom Parma, who surprisingly held Inter to a draw at the weekend, before hosting Arsenal's conquerors Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

 

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Klopp: Kehl cracker was beautiful

Jurgen Klopp has lauded Sebastian Kehl's "beautiful" extra-time effort that sent Borussia Dortmund into the last four of the DFB-Pokal.

Hoffenheim goalscorers Kevin Volland and Roberto Firmino cancelled out Neven Subotic's opener before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's equaliser took the quarter-final tie beyond 90 minutes.

Veteran midfielder Kehl settled the tie with a stunning strike from outside the box - his third goal of the season - and his coach conceded he did not think the 35-year-old was still capable of such stunning strikes.

"We built up constant pressure and the result was a deserved outcome," the BVB boss told reporters. "And then there was Kehl's goal. Such a cracker of a goal today was really nice.

"I did not think he could still do that. It's beautiful that he can be the hero today.

"It was a really intense game, in the second half I was especially pleased with our calm response to being behind. It was such a dramatic game; it went back and forth."

Dortmund were rock-bottom of the Bundesliga earlier this year but a turnaround in form has seen them look more like the team which challenged at the top of the table over the past few years.

Considering injuries to major players and the weekend's narrow defeat to Bayern Munich, Klopp stressed his relief at avoiding a cup exit as they attempt to salvage a season in which so much has gone wrong.

"After the Bayern loss and in light of the short-term losses of Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, the team showed a great reaction," he added. "Reaching the semis is good for everyone at Signal Iduna Park.

"Wounds have been licked and now we await the weekend clash with Borussia Monchengladbach."

 

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Griezmann: Atletico ready for Champions League fight

Antoine Griezmann has warned Europe's top clubs that Atletico Madrid are gearing up to win the Champions League this season.

The Rojiblancos are playing catch-up behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to top La Liga but they made it three wins on the bounce courtesy of a 2-0 triumph over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

Mikel Gonzalez's own goal put Diego Simeone's men ahead after just over 60 seconds of play at the Vicente Calderon before Griezmann doubled the lead 10 minutes in against the club he left for a reported €30 million last summer.

The France international says that Atleti have now got their confidence back ahead of next week's Champions League quarter-final, first-leg clash with Real.

"Atletico are doing well again," the France international told reporters after the win, which left them two points shy of their city rivals in La Liga. "Now we have consistency we need to keep this form going.

"We're feeling strong, we know that with our third consecutive clean sheet we are giving ourselves more of a chance of winning.

"It is normal in a season to have ups and downs. Hopefully our dip has passed and we can go on to fight to win the Champions League."

Griezmann refrained from celebrating his goal out of respect for his former employers, explaining that he would have seen such behaviour as in poor taste.

"Never will I celebrate against Real Sociedad," he added. "They gave me so much and the only reason I am standing here at Atletico is because of the work they did with me."

Atletico are still six points off Liga leaders Barcelona who - like Carlo Ancelotti's fellow title-chasers - play their game in hand on Wednesday.

After travelling to Malaga on Saturday, Simeone's men host Real next Tuesday in what is a repeat of last season's Champions League final.

 

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FA Cup Fixture 2015.04.08

FA Cup Fixture 2015.04.08

Blackburn Vs Liverpool​

 

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La Liga 2015.03.08 Fixtures

La Liga 2015.03.08 Fixtures

Barcelona Vs Almeria

Deportivo Vs Cordoba

Granada Vs Celta Vigo

Rayo Vallecano Vs Real Madrid​

 

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Serie A Fixture 2015.04.08

Serie A Fixture 2015.04.08

Parma Vs Udinese​

 

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Coppa Italia Fixture 2015.04.08

Coppa Italia Fixture 2015.04.08

(AGG)

(1-1)

Napoli Vs Lazio​

 

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Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Hoffenheim (aet): Kehl cracker sends BVB into semi-finals