..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rayo Vallecano 0-2 Real Madrid: Ronaldo's 300th goal keeps Blancos fighting for title

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 300th Real Madrid goal as Carlo Ancelotti's side battled their way past Rayo Vallecano to win 2-0 on Wednesday.

La Liga leaders Barcelona eased to a 4-0 win over struggling Almeria earlier on Wednesday and Real endured a far more testing encounter against their tireless near-neighbours.

Rayo attacked with verve and intelligence as they enjoyed the better of the first half and, although Real improved after the interval, the prolific form showcased during Sunday's 9-1 demolition of Granada eluded them.

Ronaldo netted a remarkable five times in that game, but his solitary 68th-minute header here was arguably of greater importance in terms of the title race.

The Ballon d'Or holder turned provider for the impressive James Rodriguez to make the points safe with 17 minutes left, ensuring Madrid remain four points behind Barca and five ahead of reigning champions Atletico Madrid in third.

James crossed for Ronaldo to volley wide in the seventh minute before the Colombia playmaker was thwarted by David Cobeno, who started in goal for Rayo after Cristian Alvarez was injured during the warm-up.

In between those two chances, Gael Kakuta sent a 25-yard effort whistling narrowly off target and Iker Casillas did well to keep out a low strike from Alberto Bueno as Paco Jemez's men played a full part in an entertaining opening period.

Gareth Bale netted a controlled volley in the 23rd minute but was correctly ruled to be offside on the end of Luka Modric's lofted throughball.

It was a rare moment of encouragement during the first half for Real as Rayo, buoyed by a run of four wins in their previous five matches, dominated possession and pressed to stifle Real's creativity.

Manucho almost turned a 34th-minute corner past Casillas and the Spain goalkeeper made an even better reaction save from Roberto Trashorras' back-post header.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had plenty to ponder at the break as Rayo were rapturously applauded from the field.

The visitors began the second half in more encouraging fashion, as Bale sent a diving header agonisingly wide from James' searching cross.

Ronaldo was booked for simulation when he had penalty claims rejected before the Portugal star combined with Bale for Karim Benzema to pull a shot past the far post in the 53rd minute.

Marcelo and Bale hit rasping drives just wide as Real cranked up the pressure further, with James showcasing some dazzling footwork before crashing a left-footed shot over with 65 minutes played.

Finally, the pressure told when full-back Dani Carvajal raced down the right flank and Ronaldo stooped to head home his cross.

Rayo surged forward in response as Nacho stung Casillas' gloves from 20 yards but James got the goal his efforts deserved, slotting into the bottom corner with 17 minutes to play.

Casillas added a further flourish to a fine evening's work when Manucho headed towards the bottom corner and Rayo full-back Tito lashed a shot wastefully wide, meaning Ancelotti's side gladly avoided a grandstand finish.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich AET (3-5 pens): Neuer and Thiago the shoot-out heroes

Manuel Neuer and Thiago Alcantara were the penalty shoot-out heroes for Bayern Munich as they edged past Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal.

Pep Guardiola's side were forced to do things the hard way on Wednesday, but they held their nerve in a shoot-out to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament to 16 games, as Thiago slotted home the decisive spot-kick.

Leverkusen enjoyed the better of a tepid first half, though Thomas Muller twice went close to opening the scoring for the visitors.

That sluggish first period also proved costly for Guardiola on the injury front, with centre-back Mehdi Benatia adding to Bayern's already lengthy list of fitness concerns when he was forced off with a knock.

The game stepped up a gear after the interval, with Robert Lewandowski having a goal incorrectly disallowed, while both Steffan Kiessling and Mario Gotze squandered golden chances as the game headed into extra-time.

Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno was in spectacular form throughout to deny the holders on several occasions, pulling off a string of superb saves to send the match to a shoot-out, but he could do nothing to deny Bayern a place in the last four, as they kept their defence of the trophy on course.

Missing several key players through injury, Guardiola made just one change to the Bayern line up that triumphed over Borussia Dortmund last time out, with Gotze replacing the stricken Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Schmidt's Leverkusen are the form team in the Bundesliga, and they would have been ahead 15 minutes in had Kiessling – who netted twice in the 4-0 win against Hamburg at the weekend – managed to keep his header down after latching onto Roberto Hilbert's cross.

They were almost made to pay for that miss eight minutes later - Rafinha's corner falling to Muller at the back post, but his effort was blocked on the line by Wendell.

Matters were made worse for the visitors when their dreadful run of luck continued just past the half-hour mark as Benatia trudged off, with Sebastian Rode coming on in his place.

In spite of their lacklustre first-half display, it was Bayern who went closest to taking the lead when Juan Bernat found Muller in the box, but Leno rushed out quickly to smother the forward's low shot.

Lewandowski thought he had given Bayern the lead at the start of the second half when he headed in from Philipp Lahm's corner – but the referee ruled it out for a push on Emir Spahic, although contact appeared minimal.

Manuel Neuer was on top form to deny Karim Bellarabi edging Leverkusen ahead soon afterwards parrying the winger's effort away following an excellent move.

Not to be outdone, Leno matched Neuer's feat a minute later – somehow turning a venomous Lewandowski strike over the crossbar.

Leverkusen – who lifted this trophy for the only time in their history in 1993 – should have snatched victory in the dying moments of normal time, but Kiessling failed to tap home from Bellarabi's low cross.

Extra time began in a similar fashion, but this time it was Bayern who passed up a golden opportunity to go in front – Gotze volleying into the side-netting from the corner of the six-yard box.

The visitors dominated the extra period but Leno remained unbeaten in Leverkusen's goal – punching away Bernat's thunderous drive before parrying away another Gotze effort.

But it was the 17-time winners who kept their cool in the shoot-out, as substitute Thiago ensured they joined Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and minnows Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day, third-tier Arminia recorded an historic win over Bundesliga high-flyers Borussia Monchengladbach, also on penalties, to seal their place in the last four.

Manuel Junglas gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half before Monchengladbach levelled within four minutes thanks to Max Kruse's spot-kick.

But, having withstood increased pressure from the visitors during the second half and into extra time, it was Arminia who held their nerve from the spot to progress to the semi-finals 5-4 on penalties.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 Saint-Etienne: Ibrahimovic hat-trick seals final spot

A hat-trick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed a 4-1 win for Paris Saint-Germain over Saint-Etienne to send them into the Coupe de France final.

With David Luiz, Thiago Motta and Edinson Cavani sidelined and a Coupe de la Ligue final with Bastia as well as a Champions League tie with Barcelona on the horizon, PSG coach Blanc named a much-changed side for the last-four clash.

Still, the Ligue 1 leaders had enough to see off a stern test from Christophe Galtier's side, Ibrahimovic opening the scoring with a landmark 100th goal from the penalty spot at the Parc des Princes.

The talismanic striker converted after Francois Clerc had harshly been adjudged to have pulled down Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Romain Hamouma ensured PSG's lead short-lived when the winger levelled matters by turning home from a Yohan Mollo set-piece, only for Lavezzi to restore the hosts' advantage after the break.

Ibrahimovic then put on a late finishing masterclass, stylishly adding PSG's third in the 81st minute before sweeping home in injury time to take his tally to 102 for the French champions - who face Auxerre in the final on May 30.

PSG started on the front foot and Lavezzi was twice denied by Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier in the first 15 minutes.

Ruffier did well to punch away a Lavezzi volley after the Argentinian forward had latched on to an Ibrahimovic header and again thwarted the former Napoli man at the near post following more good work from the Sweden striker.

But the hosts' pressure told in the 20th minute when Lavezzi broke through the Saint-Etienne defence before appearing to go down easily under the challenge of Clerc.

Referee Fredy Fautrel showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Ibrahimovic coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner to reach the century mark.

Yet PSG's lead lasted all of four minutes, as Hamouma levelled by glancing home Mollo's left-wing free kick.

Blanc's men would have fallen behind if not for the reflexes of Nicolas Douchez, who came in for first-choice goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu as one of six PSG changes.

Douchez used his legs to keep out former PSG striker Mevlut Erding's shot following a poor Gregory van der Wiel back-pass and turned Loic Perrin's header from the resulting corner over the crossbar.

Ibrahimovic forced Ruffier into another save with a low free kick in the 35th minute and, after ramping up the pressure following the restart, PSG re-established command as Lavezzi got the goal his impressive display merited.

Lavezzi met a cross from compatriot Javier Pastore with an expertly placed header into the bottom-right corner on the hour-mark.

Ibrahimovic struck the post in the 71st minute following a quick PSG counter, but 10 minutes later he did add a third with a moment of class.

Substitute Blaise Matuidi played Ibrahimovic in and he cleverly flicked the ball round Ruffier then tapped into the empty net.

The former Barcelona man then capped things off by claiming his hat-trick with a powerful strike just inside the near post in stoppage-time to keep PSG's assault on silverware alive.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Liverpool: Coutinho eases pressure on Rodgers and sends Reds to Wembley

Philippe Coutinho scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at the expense of Blackburn Rovers.

The Brazilian shot low across goal with 20 minutes left as the Reds finally broke down Gary Bowyer's resolute home side, who had earned a replay with a gritty 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Blackburn battled bravely, and they caused brief late panic when goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was sent forward for a corner in injury time.

But they could not deny the Premier League side, as Brendan Rodgers' search for a first trophy as Liverpool manager remained on course.

Visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet played his part as he kept out a shot from Tom Cairney and then turned a Ben Marshall header onto the post early in the second half.

Eastwood, though, was by far the busier - and had kept his side in the game in the first half with saves from Glen Johnson and Coutinho.

Joe Allen wasted Liverpool's first opening after four minutes when, having got to the ball first on the edge of the Blackburn area, his shot was well wide.

Raheem Sterling also tried his luck as Liverpool pressed early on, but his effort flew over.

Blackburn's first real attack came after 13 minutes when Mamadou Sakho left the ball for Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet but was forced to race back to block Craig Conway's shot.

Daniel Sturridge - recalled to the starting line-up in place of Lazar Markovic - shot narrowly over as Liverpool continued to dominate, before the England striker failed to control Jordan Henderson's long ball.

Jordan Rhodes then got in front of Dejan Lovren at the other end after 25 minutes, but he headed over with a rare Blackburn chance.

An injured Sakho could only watch that attack, and the limping defender was soon substituted by Kolo Toure, in the absence of suspended Martin Skrtel.

Johnson forced a good save out of Eastwood on the half-hour mark after the defender's initial cross had come back to him, before Eastwood again got down well to turn Coutinho's low shot through a crowd of players and around the post.

But Blackburn began the second half with more purpose and Mignolet was forced to turn Cairney's shot out for a corner before, from the resulting set-piece, the Belgian pushed Marshall's header onto the post.

Corry Evans then tested Mignolet with a shot 10 minutes into the second half, as Blackburn continued to force the pace.

Just after the hour, Bowyer brought on Rudy Gestede - who was restricted to a role on the bench because of a hamstring injury - and in his first moment of action, the striker played through Rhodes, whose shot was blocked by Toure.

Finally, with 20 minutes to go, Coutinho broke the deadlock with a moment of magic. The Brazilian took a return pass from Henderson in his stride and fired low into the opposite corner from the edge of the six yard area.

There was almost late drama when, in injury time, Blackburn threw goalkeeper Eastwood forward for a throw-in and he caused panic as Liverpool somehow survived to book their semi-final against Villa at Wembley.

 

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Barcelona 4-0 Almeria: Messi and Suarez brilliance seals three points

Two brilliant strikes from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez helped Barcelona to a 4-0 win over Almeria on Wednesday.

Messi went into the contest nursing an injury to his right foot but illuminated a largely forgettable first half with a sumptuous strike – his 44th goal in 43 Barca appearances this term.

Suarez redeemed what had been a frustrating match individually with a similarly impressive second 10 minutes after half-time.

Defender Marc Bartra headed home in the 75th minute before Suarez tapped home in stoppage-time to ensure former Barca full-back Sergi suffered defeat in his first match as Almeria coach.

The Andalusian side dispensed of Juan Ignacio Martinez after a run of seven winless games, though Sergi may well target Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Granada as a chance to turn their fortunes around.

Barca appear to be hitting their straps at just the right time, however, with an ever-improving defence keeping a clean sheet for the fourth time in five outings.

Though ultimately comfortable, Barca were made to sweat through much of the first half as Suarez wasted a free header from a seventh minute corner before Messi nodded Dani Alves' cross into the arms of goalkeeper Julian Cuesta.

Barca struggled to create early clear openings despite dominating possession and Wellington Silva was only denied by a last-ditch intervention from Pedro – the winger's best contribution coming in defence despite being brought in to replace the off-form Neymar.

There was a vital clearance from Almeria teenage debutant Antonio Marin after Messi sent Suarez scampering in behind the visiting defence and Cuesta saved with half an hour played when Xavi drilled a volley into the turf.

Murmurs of frustration were audible from the Camp Nou terraces at that stage, but Messi punctured the air of apprehension in typically majestic style.

Cutting in from the right flank, Barca's talisman skipped past Edgar Mendez's challenge and curled a beauty into the far corner from the edge of the area.

Almeria retained a threat on the break after half-time and the hosts were grateful when Suarez doubled their advantage emphatically.

Again, attacking from the right proved profitable for Barca and Suarez evaded an isolated Jose Manuel Casado to thrash a left-footed shot that Cuesta could only touch into the top corner.

Ivan Rakitic and Pedro went close as Barca revelled in a more relaxed Camp Nou atmosphere.

Bartra was allowed ample room to convert a Xavi corner with 15 minutes remaining and Messi thought he had a second, only for Cuesta to impressively keep out his 88th-minute free kick.

Suarez shrugged off brief fears that he had sustained an injury to his right leg by chalking up his double in stoppage time, completing a simple finish from Pedro's low cross moments after Almeria midfielder Thomas Partey had a spectacular volleyed effort disallowed - a moment to encapsulate the struggles that Sergi must turn around.

 

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Napoli 0-1 Lazio (agg. 1-2): Lulic stuns San Paolo

Senad Lulic fired Lazio into the Coppa Italia final as they claimed a snatch-and-grab 1-0 win at Napoli on Wednesday that saw them proceed to the showpiece 2-1 on aggregate.

Lulic - a second-half substitute for Stefano Pioli's side - turned in Felipe Anderson's cross with just 11 minutes to play at Stadio San Paolo to book the six-time winners a spot in the June 7 showpiece against Juventus.The final will be staged at Lazio's Stadio Olimpico home, as they go in search of a third Coppa Italia success in seven years.

Coppa holders Napoli will feel hard done by after dominating much of the second leg, with Manolo Gabbiadini - who scored their goal in the 1-1 first-leg draw - coming closest when his excellent free kick struck the post.

Lazio defended well but star Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain had an off night in front of goal and it proved costly as Lulic had the last laugh before making sure of their progression with a heroic goalline clearance to deny Jose Callejon a tap-in.
A delighted Stefano Pioli led the visitors' celebrations at the final whistle as the Lazio coach goes in search of silverware to add to a campaign that could end in Champions League qualification for the first time in eight seasons.Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insisted his side would not sit back despite their away goal in the first leg and they made all the early running.

A heavy touch robbed captain Marek Hamsik - back in the starting XI after being left out against Roma on Saturday - of space to get a meaningful shot off following Dries Mertens' clever pass.Napoli fans then thought they had scored when Gabbiadini's superb 25-yard free kick bent over the wall and dipped, with goalkeeper Etrit Berisha beaten, but his effort cannoned off the post as Napoli failed to make their dominance pay.

Only superb last-ditch defending in the 51st minute from Dusan Basta denied Higuain - who was set to tap in Christian Maggio's cross unmarked at the far post.

Much of Lazio's attacking threat came from either Miroslav Klose or Antonio Candreva, and the latter registered their first shot on target in the 54th minute before the German veteran saw penalty appeals fall on deaf ears after bustling into the area.

Having committed numbers forward, Lazio were caught out by a breathtaking Napoli counterattack, but Higuain's poor first touch allowed the onrushing Berisha to claim the ball.

It served as a warning, and in the 79th minute, Anderson's deflected cross from the right beat goalkeeper Mariano Andujar but not Lulic, who simply side-footed in from four yards.

Higuain volleyed way wide as Napoli desperately sought an equaliser, and it nearly came after substitute Lorenzo Insigne charged forward down the left, but Lulic was on hand to deny Callejon with a crucial intervention that capped his superb cameo.

 

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Ronaldo's yellow card for diving 'unbelievable' - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti described the referee's decision to book Cristiano Ronaldo and not give a penalty as "unbelievable" in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.

The Portugal forward was issued a yellow card for diving when Antonio Amaya took him out in the Rayo area, much to the chagrin of his Blancos team-mates and the Ballon d'Or winner himself.

Although Madrid went on to win courtesy of Ronaldo scoring his 300th goal for the club and James Rodriguez finishing acutely shortly afterwards in the second half, Ancelotti was still stunned at the referee's decision.

"I told the referee that I thought it was unbelievable not to give a penalty when he instead called it the other way," the Italian said of the yellow card, which rules Ronaldo out of Madrid's next match.

Ancelotti also explained his decision to start James ahead of Isco - a selection he will have to adapt against Eibar on Saturday, with the Colombian also facing a suspension.

"James being selected ahead of Isco was purely a choice for this specific game," he added. "I thought James would contribute better to the team this time and went for him, but every game can have a different line-up."

Real Madrid are back in action on Saturday before a tasty Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in a repeat of last season's final.

 

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Balotelli posts temperature pic after Savage illness jibe

Mario Balotelli has hit back at Robbie Savage after the former midfielder crtiticised the Liverpool striker for pulling out of their FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers with illness.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed the Italy international had travelled with the squad to Ewood Park on Tuesday, only to return home the following morning after complaining of feeling unwell.

This followed Balotelli pulling himself out of Saturday's clash with Arsenal through injury, and Savage felt the former Manchester City man had acted disgracefully in not trying to help his side to a semi-final at Wembley.

"Pathetic, isn't it? You're going to miss an FA Cup quarter-final?" he told BT Sport.

"I don't know how unwell he is, but to miss an FA Cup quarter-final when you're feeling a bit ill? Nonsense. I would have to be really, really ill to miss that game."

Balotelli reacted by posting a picture on his Instagram account showing him with a thermometer to his mouth which showed him to have a temperature of 38.7C - 1.7 degrees above normal body temperature.

The image was accompanied with the caption: "Nothing stop me to watch my team winning. At least this time you know the real reason I am out. Miss the pitch so much #unluckyseason #YNWA #illbeback [sic]."

 

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Menez success not down to me - Inzaghi

AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi says Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani deserve praise for Jeremy Menez's goalscoring exploits this season and not him.

Only Carlos Tevez (17) has more goals than the Frenchman (16) in Serie A this season, as the forward has emerged as the Rossoneri's talisman.

His rise to prominence has been all the more surprising given his struggle to hold down a regular place at Paris Saint-Germain prior to joining Milan last summer.
Inzaghi has refused to take credit for Menez's resurgence, though, instead opting to hail the Milan hierarchy for bringing him to the club.

"Menez? I don't take any credit," he told Sky Sport. "He is a good centre-forward and he's also good as a winger. Berlusconi and Galliani invested him and they deserve praise."He mustn't stop now, though. He must try to become Serie A's top goalscorer, not for himself but for the team."

However, another disappointing season for Milan sees them sit in ninth place in Italy's top flight and facing an uphill battle to qualify for next season's Europa League.

Their current standing has prompted speculation regarding the future of Inzaghi, but he is refusing to give up of clinching a European spot."I hope to repay Milan fans by the end of the season. To them it is hard to accept that the club isn't challenging for the championship.

"But I think with this squad we can soon return to where we believe we belong."

 

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Ibrahimovic is France's best-ever foreigner - Galtier

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been labelled "the greatest foreigner to ever play in France" by Saint-Etienne boss Christophe Galtier after his team were demolished by the Paris Saint-Germain striker on Wednesday.

The Swede scored a hat-trick to keep PSG's quadruple hopes alive with a 4-1 thumping of Saint-Etienne in their Coupe de France last-four clash at Parc des Princes, setting up a final with second-tier side Auxerre on May 30.

Ibrahimovic has drawn criticism in recent weeks for appearing to brand France a "s*** country" when ranting about a referee's performance, but Galtier hailed his quality and thinks he is unrivalled by any other non-French player in the country's history.

"He is the greatest foreigner to ever play in France," the Saint-Etienne coach told reporters after Ibrahimovic scored his sixth, seventh and eighth goals against his team this season alone.

"My team did not fare well against Zlatan this season. Fortunately, we don't have to play PSG a fifth time..."

PSG coach Laurent Blanc was thrilled with his side's comfortable triumph over les Verts and acknowledged the impact of a number of French-born stars in the clash.

"That was a great game of football, from our attack in particular," he said. "Saint-Etienne took advantage of our mistakes in the first half but PSG played best after the break.

"The performance was very much appreciated. Since early 2015, the players have been exemplary in training and this is our just reward. I'm delighted for the players who haven't had as much game time, such as Yohan Cabaye. I also noticed there were a lot of French players who put in a shift."

 

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Henderson hails 'brilliance' of Liverpool hero Coutinho

Jordan Henderson hailed the "brilliance" of match-winner Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian secured Liverpool's place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Coutinho scored the only goal of Wednesday's quarter-final replay win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, burying a low finish across goal after he had played a neat one-two with Henderson in the right channel.

The victory earned Liverpool a semi-final meeting with Aston Villa at Wembley and kept manager Brendan Rodgers' bid for a first trophy with the Anfield club on course.

Henderson told BT Sport: "Philippe has got a great football brain and the easy bit is just giving him it.

"That little bit of brilliance from him wins us the game.

"We go to Wembley against Villa. I am sure it will be a tough game because they are a good side."

Henderson admitted Liverpool's recent defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League had placed more importance on the FA Cup, with hopes of qualifying for the Champions League fading.

"It was a really important game for us today," he added. "Everybody has been disappointed the last couple of weeks. We knew it would be difficult for us."

 

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Nobody is happy at Napoli - Benitez

Rafa Benitez conceded that "nobody is happy" at Napoli after they were eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Lazio on Wednesday.

The Partenopei hosted the second leg having held Lazio to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico last month but the capital club followed Juventus in securing an away win to seal a final spot.

Senad Lulic scored the only goal of the game at the Stadio San Paolo, converting in the 79th minute after coming off the bench, and Benitez was left to rue his side's missed chances as they surrendered the chance to defend their trophy against the Serie A champions.

"We just lacked a goal," Benitez told Rai Sport. "Congratulations Lazio for qualifying. We had seven chances to score, didn’t take them and the other team took their chance.

"I think getting to the semi-final and the Europa League quarter-final is nothing to be sniffed at. The attitude of the team and the chances we create are obvious. What did club president Aurelio De Laurentiis say? Well, nobody is happy."

Stefano Pioli, on the other hand, was delighted that his Champions League-chasing team were able to eliminate the Coppa Italia holders on their own turf.

"I think the whole team has earned praise for a superb battling performance in this difficult stadium," he said. "I knew this side deserved to reach the final after a long road to get here and we’re very satisfied at having done so.

"Now we must focus on Serie A again as we want to continue our good run there too."

 

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Luis Enrique eager for Xavi to stay at Barcelona

Luis Enrique has pleaded with captain Xavi to stay at Barcelona this summer and ignore offers from teams away from Spain.

The midfielder, 35, has been strongly linked with a move away from Camp Nou at the end of the season, with Qatari club Al Sadd believed to be frontrunners for his signature.

Xavi has started only intermittently for Barca in 2014-15 but his influence in the weekend win over Celta - where he came off the bench to score - and in Wednesday's 4-0 victory over Almeria have been enough for some to call for him to be offered a new deal.

"Xavi has the affections of all Catalans and any lover of football," Luis Enrique told reporters. "He knows how I feel about him leaving.

"I'd love for him to continue helping Barca, but I understand if he wants different experiences before he retires. Whatever he chooses, the club will be behind him."

Luis Enrique also explained his selection choices in attack which saw him avoid rotating out Lionel Messi, despite him being injured throughout the recent international break, but drop Neymar in place of Pedro.

"I was not at any point tempted to rest Messi," he added. "Neymar, however, is the only player who didn't get any sort of rest while with Brazil and it gave me an opportunity to get Pedro in the best possible condition."

Barca are back in action on Saturday with a tough visit to Sevilla before taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next Wednesday.

 

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Thiago's timely return boosts Bayern's treble tilt

Thiago Alcantara injured his knee ligaments for the first time against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last March. Following his departure from the field of play, Bayern Munich could only muster a 3-3 draw on the night and there ended a run of 19 consecutive victories. That sensational run of form coincided with the Spain midfielder's introduction to the first team after being injured upon his arrival from Barcelona.

Without him in the line-up, Bayern would fail to win six of their next 10 games and were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid. The wind was taken from their sails at a time when they looked most unstoppable. While the excuse of a lack of motivation was offered, it was plain to see that Thiago's absence killed them.

Pep Guardiola made sure that the signing of Thiago, only Thiago, be delivered when first he decamped to Bavaria. It was his former Barcelona charge and the qualities only he could bring or else no-one at all. Due to
niggles, knocks, strains and tears, it has not worked out like that for club or player, who suffered a recurrence of the knee problem before the winter break.

It is not unusual to look at Bayern, sometimes, and feel they are missing something. Well they are and it is Thiago. It was the case again against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals. Over 120 minutes, the reigning German double-holders could only manage a measly three shots on Bernd Leno's goal. They had plenty of the ball but fell into that dreaded trap of Guardiola's, the trap that keeps the ball but stifles it.

There have, of course, been concerns over Bayern losing so many key players at this stage of the season. Treble-winners Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and David Alaba were all absent at the BayArena and Bayern suffered. They laboured to the end with only Mario Gotze's shot in the second period of extra-time counting as a serious attempt. He ultimately fired wide. That chance, too, would have been academic had Julian Brandt not done similar at the end of 90 minutes.

Penalties were needed and it was fitting for Pep's Bayern that the man he wanted here more than any other should be given the opportunity to roll the ball home for a 5-3 shootout victory.

"You have to take a bow for this team," sporting director Matthias Sammer said to ARD after. "We have so many injured players. But we just keep getting closer together and we fight through."

Thiago had to hold back the tears when coming on at the weekend for his competitive return against Borussia Dortmund and this will have been an even bigger emotional uplift.

He was entrusted with the ball, completing his fair share of passes after replacing Philipp Lahm, but a studs-up tackle on Stefan Kiessling near the end of normal time betrayed a touch of ring-rustiness.

He will need more minutes in his legs, for sure, but Thiago's timely return will boost Bayern's treble tilt. Just as the season is closing in, Bayern's players are dropping like flies. Mehdi Benatia is the latest addition to the infirm list having departed in the first half with a muscular injury.

Indeed, it seems like Guardiola has never once had a full complement during his time at Munich. There are long-term absentees like Javi Martinez and Thiago who have not got a look in this season but who could be reasonably described as first-team certainties.

More than just a starter though, Thiago is the player that should be the beating heart of this Bayern team. Over the next few decisive weeks, he can prove it. For the first time in his Bayern career, he is available when they truly need him.

Porto next week in the Champions League will be a mammoth task for the 2013 winners especially considering the current injury situation at the club. The Portuguese side are in handy form themselves having demolished Estoril on Monday and Bayern have not won any of their last two away Champions League games.

The Bundesliga title may be wrapped up but Bayern are still two matches from glory in the DFB-Pokal and have a long way to go in Europe.

Now is the opportunity for Thiago to show he is the player Pep asked for above anyone else.

 

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Dani Alves has been offered new Barcelona deal, confirms agent

Dani Alves has been offered an extension to his Barcelona contract, his agent has confirmed.The Brazilian, who turns 32 next month, is entering the final few months of his current deal and has been heavily linked with a summer exit throughout the season.

Premier League giants Manchester United have been touted as a potential destination for Dani Alves, while French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be interested, with defender Marquinhos stating he would relish the chance to link up with his compatriot at Parc des Princes.The former Sevilla full-back's agent has now revealed the Camp Nou club have made an initial contract offer but has stressed negotiations are far from complete.

"On Monday, I had a meeting with [director] Javier Bordad. On Wednesday I have had the second meeting. I have already received an offer [for a new contract], although I can't say if I am happy or not [with it]," Dinorah Santana, Dani Alves' representative and ex-wife, told Sport.

"There will be more meetings. They told me they will call me to arrange the next one."

Dani Alves has always maintainted he is happy at Barcelona, where he has won four Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

 

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'Dortmund will make changes... but Klopp will stay'

Borussia Dortmund will make big changes to their squad this summer but won't part ways with coach Jurgen Klopp, according to sporting director Michael Zorc.

BVB have endured the most disappointing of campaigns and sit in 10th place, six points adrift of sixth position - the final Europa League qualification spot.

Should they fail to qualify for European football that could leave last season's Bundesliga runners-up with an over-inflated squad - a fact not lost on Zorc who is prepared to trim the playing staff.

"It is true that at the end of the season we will look at our overall situation and also each individual player," he said in an interview with Sport Image."If we do not play European football then our squad is certainly too big. Then, numerically, you have to make decisions to adjust the size of the squad.

"The quality is there, you've seen that in the second half of the season. But just knowing that a player has quality isn't enough, he must prove he has quality every week."

Reports earlier this week claimed striker Ciro Immobile could be among those sold but Zorc leapt to his defence and said it was too easy to use new signings as scapegoats."It's too early to make a judgement," he added. "We value our players not after a few months but over a longer period of time. Even Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski sat in the stands at first.

"I refuse to make our new signings scapegoats for this season."Prior to the winter break Dortmund spent several weeks in the relegation zone but have improved since the turn of the year and remain in contention for the DFB-Pokal.

Jurgen Klopp's men saw off Hoffenheim 3-2 after extra-time on Tuesday night to reach the semi-finals and Zorc added the club's coach would not be among those facing the axe."Jurgen is ambitious, energetic and determined to repair this disastrous season so far and will attack again.

"The goal for the rest of the season is clear, the Europa League is a worthwhile goal - we want to be in Europe every season."

 

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Alexis: Wenger's told me to relax!

Alexis Sanchez has admitted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has had to tell him to "relax" at times as a result of his over-exuberance on the training ground.

The Chile international, who joined the club from Barcelona in the summer, has been hailed for his work-rate on a number of occasions and even likened to a duracell battery by his team-mates.

However, such is his thirst to play the game, Gunners boss Wenger and the rest of his coaching staff have warned him to temper his approach in a bid to conserve his energy levels.

“I am a happy man who chats to everyone,” the Chilean told the club’s official website. “My aim is to improve in every training session.

“I love to play with the ball so much that sometimes they ask me to relax and leave the ball a bit!”

He continued: “I want to win titles for Arsenal. We have the right team and the right players to do it. We have everything to collect silverware.

“There is a very positive environment. Not only among the players, but I would extend this to the staff. Every club member is always available for us and that’s a great thing for us as players.”

Sanchez has scored 14 goals and made eight assists in 28 appearances in the Premier League this season, and leads Arsenal’s league scoring charts alongside the in-form Olivier Giroud.

 

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Van Persie returns to Manchester United training ahead of derby

Manchester United have been boosted by Robin van Persie's return to training, with the striker having not featured for the club since February's 2-1 win over Swansea City.

The Netherlands international played the entirety of that victory, but left the Liberty Stadium in a protective boot and has missed every game since as United moved above rivals Manchester City into third place.

Louis van Gaal suggested last week that his compatriot would not be fit for Sunday's derby against the reigning champions, although Goal understands Van Persie is targeting a place against City.

United have won all but one game since Van Persie's injury, with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata helping to provide the attacking threat in the Dutchman's absence.

 

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Moratti: I'm not buying Inter back

Massimo Moratti has denied reports that he is considering trying to buy Inter back as he remains confident Erick Thohir is the right man for the club.

The petroleum tycoon sold a 70 per cent share in the Giuseppe Meazza side to Thohir in October 2013, retaining the remaining 30 per cent.

A report in La Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday suggested Moratti was ready to acquire a majority stake again following the club's disappointing performances since the take-over by the Indonesian businessman, but the 69-year-old insists he has no interest in regaining control.

"There is no truth in those rumours," Moratti told SportMediaset."Erick Thohir has my full support. I hope he will do well with Inter. He is making a lot of sacrifices and the conditions are there for him to succeed.

"I might miss the club as a fan and sometime I wish I had certain privileges that Thohir has."But I can rule out that I will buy back the club."

Inter had to settle for fifth place in the Serie A table under Walter Mazzarri last term and decided to part ways with their head coach this season following an underwhelming start to the 2014-15 campaign.

They have fared little better under new coach Roberto Mancini, though, and currently sit 10th in the table.

 

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Simeone: Torres helps Griezmann shine

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is delighted with the partnership Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres have formed, stating the latter's hard work allows the Frenchman to shine.

After a Mikel Gonzalez own goal, Griezmann took his league tally for the season to 16 as Atletico extended their unbeaten streak in the top flight to seven matches with a win over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

The run has kept Atletico's bid for a top-three finish alive, with Simeone left impressed by the understanding between the two absence of the injured Mario Mandzukic."Griezmann's back scoring, which is exactly what we needed from him and he worked for the team," Simeone told reporters.

"We're delighted that he is back among the goals and I hope he continues this upward trajectory. He's got a lot ahead of him; he's still only young."Torres is also looking good to me. He's working at what the team needs.

"He makes the rival defenders work harder and that frees up Griezmann, because most of the attention is on him."Atletico now lead fourth-placed Valencia by four points, having played a game more than Nuno Espirito Santo's side, with Sevilla also in the chasing pack.

"A few teams have been fairly consistent this season," Simeone added.
"Sevilla are winning their games and that means that securing third place is going to be very complicated.

"Now Valencia are obliged to win in against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Every matchday is a final now and nothing will be decided until the last day."