..::Football III::..

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Bayern Munich 2-0 Hertha Berlin: Muller & Coman keep Die Roten marching on

Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman both struck to keep Bayern Munich unbeaten at the top of the Bundesliga standings, as the champions dispatched Hertha Berlin 2-0 in the Allianz Arena.

Hertha had not beaten Bayern in eight attempts prior to Saturday's clash at the Allianz Arena - coach Pal Dardai part of the last side to beat the champions in 2009 - and the visitors rarely troubled Pep Guardiola's side.

Guardiola, the subject of fresh speculation linking him with Manchester City this week, brought in Mehdi Benatia and Javi Martinez from the 4-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos and saw the pair assist a goal apiece.

Muller headed in from close range to register his 13th Bundesliga goal of the season before Coman converted Martinez's lay-off as Bayern wrapped up the win inside the final 11 minutes of the first half.

Despite Hertha boasting back-to-back wins prior to their trip to Bavaria, Dardai's men struggled to test a Bayern team missing injured wingers Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa.

An eighth home win of the Bundesliga season sends Bayern 11 points clear, with Borussia Dortmund playing Stuttgart on Sunday.

Hertha's Marvin Plattenhardt had a sight on goal with a wayward strike four minutes in but Robert Lewandowski had the game's first real chance when he clipped an effort over Rune Jarstein only to be thwarted by the woodwork.

The Pole guided a header on target after 15 minutes as Bayern sought to turn the screw without reward early on. But despite a relatively solid start, Hertha fell behind to an instinctive Muller header following Benatia's towering knock-down from a corner.
Benatia - one of three changes from midweek - diverted the ball to Muller who equalled his Bundesliga goal-haul for each of the last three seasons.

Jarstein denied Arturo Vidal from close range while Benatia saw an effort cleared off the line, before Bayern had their second through Coman five minutes before the break.

Jerome Boateng's raking pass to Martinez was skilfully turned into the Frenchman's path, and the young winger finished calmly past Jarstein.

Vedad Ibisevic - back from a four-game suspension for an awful challenge against Schalke - was among the early second-half action, picking up a booking for a foul on Benatia shortly after a tough tackle on Boateng.

The striker initially ruffled Bayern feathers but the hosts kept their cool in possession and should have had a third when Lewandowski fluffed a close-range finish.

Muller spurned a good chance when Jarstein smothered a Lewandowski chance, before Guardiola brought Boateng with apparent discomfort in his knee.

Vidal and Salomon Kalou had chances at either end late on but the points belonged to Bayern, who will begin the Ruckrunde top of the table provided Dortmund fail to beat Stuttgart.

 

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Mexes: Milan must have Champions League every year

Philippe Mexes has urged AC Milan not to settle for anything less than Champions League football every year, voicing his irritation at the team's slump in recent years.

The Rossoneri have missed out on Champions League football in consecutive seasons, failing to qualify after back-to-back seventh-placed finishes, while they have been barren on the title front since claiming the Scudetto in 2011.

And Mexes maintains Sinisa Mihajlovic's men are anxious to bring an era of success at San Siro, hoping to attract players of the highest calibre back to the club.

"It's frustrating. And it's frustrating because Milan should be in the Champions League every year," the 33-year-old told FIFA.com.

"We need to get back up to the highest level. I hope we can make it and that there'll be another Milan player collecting the Ballon d'Or again before too long.

"That would mean we'd have the best player in the world at the club."

Mexes has been nominated for the Puskas Award - in recognition of the best goal of the year - following his sensational volley against rivals Inter in the International Champions Cup.

With no player representing Milan on the 23-man Ballon d'Or shortlist, the defender is determined to take home the individual prize for his team, adding: "There have been quite a few Ballons d'Or [winners] in the history of Milan.

"The club always takes a lot of pride whenever one of its players wins that magnificent trophy. That's why it's so important for me to be representing AC Milan."

 

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Guardiola exit would be a shame for Bayern - Beckenbauer

Bayern Munich's honorary president Franz Beckenbauer does not want Pep Guardiola to leave the club, saying it would be a shame if they parted company.

Guardiola has enjoyed great success since taking over as Bayern coach in June 2013, leading the Bavarians to consecutive Bundesliga titles as well as success in the DFB-Pokal, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.

However, the former Barcelona head-coach's contract at the Allianz Arena is set to expire at the end of the season and speculation over a potential move elsewhere has been widespread.

The Premier League is seen as the most likely destination for Guardiola, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all having been linked with the 44-year-old.

Beckenbauer, who enjoyed two brief spells as Bayern coach - winning the Bundesliga and the Uefa Cup - wrote in his column for Deutsche Press-Agentur: "It would be a real shame if he leaves Munich after three years.

"He knows the Bundesliga much better, speaks German more fluently and has the players on his side more now that at the start."

Bayern are eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga ahead of Saturday's match with Hertha Berlin.

 

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Wenger defends 14-minute flight to Norwich

Arsene Wenger has defended Arsenal's decision to take a 14-minute flight to Norwich for Sunday's game with Alex Neil's side.

The Gunners' travelling party are due to fly from Luton airport to Norwich on Saturday, despite a train journey from London taking just two hours and a journey by road taking only slightly longer.

Wenger, who opted to take the same journey by plane in 2012, has been branded "ridiculous" by environmental group Plane Stupid, but the 66-year-old insists the flight is a necessity given traffic issues in Norfolk.

"When we made the decision there was some roadworks planned," he said. "Sometimes the access to Norwich is difficult, so we decided to fly. But it's not a lot of difference.

"We do not fly a lot any more. We take a train or coach. This is an exception. Now, we have a new coach.

"When you go to Birmingham, we took the train a lot because the traffic was impossible on a Friday afternoon on the M1.

"Now we found a solution is that we have dinner here and travel afterwards. So we go 7.30 to 9.30 and that usually goes well. We have no traffic problems.

"Before, when you left at 3 o'clock, we never knew when we would arrive."

 

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Bale and Ronaldo free to play where they want - Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez says he did not instruct Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo where to play in Wednesday's 4-3 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, assuring the duo have 'freedom of movement'.

Los Blancos responded to the 4-0 drubbing by Barcelona in last Saturday's Clasico by racing into a 4-0 lead in Ukraine, with the two most expensive players in history in scintiliating form.

Bale, who has often played on the right flank for Real before shifting behind the strikers this season, was devastating down the left, setting up Ronaldo for the opener before the Portuguese set up Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal.

The Real Madrid all-time top scorer then added a fourth, again from a Bale delivery from the left, before the hosts rallied late on to make for a nervy finale.

Under-pressure Benitez has been criticised for his defensive tactics and use of Bale and Ronaldo, but the Spaniard insisted his star duo have the freedom to play where they want.

“I didn’t tell Bale to play on the left, nor Ronaldo to play in the centre," Benitez explained.

"They have freedom. When they interchange positions, they have to assume the responsibilities of their position. Bale and Cristiano have freedom of movement.

The former Napoli coach also defended midfielder Toni Kroos, who has appeared short of form this season and struggled after replacing Modric in midweek.

“Kroos came on and he did what he does well: he was precise in his passing," Benitez added.

"The team didn’t take its foot off the pedal, we made mistakes with a penalty and at a corner. But it wasn’t because Kroos’ level dropped, he stayed at a high level.

"We wanted a reaction and we saw one," Benitez added.

"For a lot minutes we played well, we moved the ball, the team scored goals and played with intensity in the defensive aspect.

"Then we made some mistakes, but I think that is easy to analyse and I hope we can solve that with a little more concentration.”

 

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Sunderland 2-0 Stoke City: Shawcross sees red in late Black Cats show

Late goals from Patrick van Aanholt and Duncan Watmore secured back-to-back Premier League wins for Sunderland with a 2-0 result over Stoke City.

The Wearsiders went into the game having claimed only their second league win of the campaign by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 away from home on Monday.

A disjointed first-half display served as evidence of why Sunderland have been struggling at the wrong end of the table, but the game turned when Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross was controversially sent off after 47 minutes
Shawcross was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a foul on Watmore, and Sunderland's perseverance was rewarded in the final eight minutes.
Full-back Van Aanholt lashed home an 82nd-minute effort from the edge of the area after Adam Johnson laid a free-kick into his path.

And the victory was sealed two minutes later as substitute Watmore was rewarded for an energetic display, surging into the box from the right and firing in across the face of goal to send Sunderland two points clear of the relegation zone.

The game was preceded by a minute's applause for Marton Fulop, whose parents were in attendance to witness the tributes for the former Sunderland and Stoke goalkeeper who died at the age of 32 earlier this month following a battle with cancer.

Jermain Defoe - the match-winner against Crystal Palace – spurned the game's first chance when he flashed an effort wide of the left-hand post in the 19th minute.Defoe - who had been passed fit despite picking up an injury at Palace - then limped off in the 31st minute to be replaced by Watmore.

Stoke threatened two minutes later, but Costel Pantilimon produced a fine reaction save to deny Jonathan Walters from point-blank range after the Republic of Ireland forward had met Marko Arnautovic's left-wing delivery.

The first half ended with contentious moments at both ends, Shawcross lucky to escape two quick cautions as he saw yellow for a foul on Steven Fletcher after avoiding a booking for a challenge on Watmore.

Pantilimon was equally fortunate to avoid being punished at the other end for a handball when he appeared to dive on the ball outside the area.Shawcross' luck ran out two minutes into the second period, however, when he lunged in again on Watmore although replays suggested he may have got some of the ball. Referee Mike Dean thought otherwise and reduced the visitors to 10 men.

Jeremain Lens, a 54th-minute replacement for Sebastian Larsson, almost set up the opening goal, only for Yann M'Vila to be denied by Jack Butland, who then tipped a Sebastian Coates header over.

But Van Aanholt finally got the better of Butland in stunning fashion eight minutes from time, with Watmore then deservedly making it three wins in five games for Sam Allardyce's resurgent side.

 

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Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad: Neymar nets twice in easy win

Neymar scored twice to lead Barcelona to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on Saturday.

David Moyes recorded a memorable 1-0 win over the champions last season but his successor as head coach, Eusebio Sacristan, a former Barca midfielder, endured an unhappy return to Camp Nou against the league leaders.

Neymar finished a fine team move to open the scoring on 22 minutes before another superb Luis Suarez volley made it 2-0 just before half-time, just as Sociedad had begun to threaten.

Barca made it three with Neymar's second early in the second half as the Catalans moved into cruise control and Lionel Messi grabbed a late fourth, with Claudio Bravo largely a spectator throughout the 90 minutes.

The victory puts more pressure on Real Madrid, with Rafael Benitez's side now nine points behind Barca ahead of their trip to Eibar on Sunday, while Sociedad remain just two points outside the bottom three.

Geronimo Rulli raced out sharply to block Suarez's run after Neymar's fine through ball as Barca began firmly on the front foot.

Rulli then snatched the ball superbly from the feet of Neymar as he raced onto Messi's pass before Andres Iniesta headed against the base of the post from 12 yards just two minutes later following a fine Suarez cross.

Sergio Canales blazed a half-volley high and wide from 25 yards out at the end of a rare Sociedad attack but Barca broke the deadlock with 22 minutes played - and in some style.

Messi controlled and flicked the ball into Dani Alves' path brilliantly, and the full-back's low cross was met by Neymar, who fired first time into the top corner as he raced into the penalty area.

Sociedad grew into the half but were unable to create any chances for a leveller and Suarez made it 2-0 just before the break when he met another Alves cross with a stunning volley which flew into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

The game was ended as a contest just seven minutes after the break. Jeremy Mathieu raced in behind down the left following Iniesta's pass and squared the ball for Neymar, who was left with a simple finish from close range.

Messi, making his 600th career appearance, volleyed just wide of the near post after being teed up by Neymar, and Rulli clutched the ball gratefully to his chest when the Argentina star shot straight down the middle following a combination with the same team-mate a minute later.

Sociedad pushed for a way back into the match as Barca took their foot off the gas but full-back Yuri lashed into the side-netting when presented with their best opening to the left of the penalty area.

Bruma caused some problems as a late substitute, firing just wide from 18 yards before cutting inside Gerard Pique and forcing Bravo into a brilliant point-blank stop, but Messi came close a minute later when he curled a shot onto the crossbar from just inside the box.

Messi finally got in on the act in stoppage time. Neymar skipped inside from the right and played a one-two with Suarez before squaring the ball to an unmarked Messi at the far post, and he tapped home.

 

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Manchester City 3-1 Southampton: Aguero injury mars City win

Manchester Ciity bounced back from two consecutive defeats with a 3-1 win over Southampton, but the shine was taken off the victory after Sergio Aguero suffered yet another injury.

City responded to losses to Liverpool and Juventus with a scintillating start to the contest as Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Delph added a deflected second before the defensive frailties that tainted the 4-1 thrashing against Liverpool seven days ago returned to unnerve Manuel Pellegrini's team.

The injury-enforced absences of goalkeeper Joe Hart and captain Vincent Kompany were keenly felt as Southampton asked repeated questions of a ramshackle backline that was punctured when Shane Long, in for the suspended Graziano Pelle in attack, scored a 49th-minute header.

Ronald Koeman's side looked favourites to score the next goal, but Aleksandar Kolarov smashed home in the 69th minute to ease the tension among an increasingly fraught home support, who had watched star striker Sergio Aguero limp out of the action.The win returns City to the top of the table, but only a draw in the later Saturday kick-off featuring Leicester City and Manchester United can keep them there.

Raheem Sterling dashed onto Yaya Toure's flicked return pass in the first minute to force Maarten Stekelenburg into a save and City peppered the Southampton goal during the opening stages.

Driving Manchester rain promised a tricky afternoon for goalkeepers and Stekelenburg could not hold Kolarov's fifth-minute free-kick, although he did well to grab the loose ball under pressure.

The Netherlands international did not need defenders in front of him to be handing out gifts, but the recalled Maya Yoshida dallied on the ball and was dispossessed by Sterling, who fed De Bruyne for a simple finish.There were strong suspicions of handball when Steven Davis turned Fernandinho's header behind on the line, but City's sense of injustice was short-lived.

The resulting corner was cleared as far as Delph, whose rasping low drive took a decisive deflection into the net.

Virgil van Dijk was the unfortunate Southampton defender, but he almost made amends in the 23rd minute with a spectacular long-range effort that crashed off the crossbar.

There was further encouragement for the visitors when City's second choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero flapped at a James Ward-Prowse cross before sharply stopping Jose Fonte's follow-up.

Captain Fonte made way after 35 minutes due to an apparent knee problem, but his team-mates' improved showing was rewarded early in the second half.Caballero hesitated under Sadio Mane's teasing cross and Long headed home at the back post.

The Argentinian keeper atoned for this misjudgement as half-time substitute Dusan Tadic left Martin Demichelis in his wake to draw a save that was followed up by a reaction stop to deny Long on the rebound.Amid their increasing defensive concerns, City were confronted by the worrying sight of Aguero leaving the action with a knock to the ankle.

His replacement, Wilfried Bony, did much to settle the nerves with a delightful backheel to De Bruyne, who fed Kolarov to thump in his second of the season.
David Silva made a cameo appearance as a substitute following nine matches out with an ankle injury and Pellegrini will hope the Spain playmaker's return heralds more assured displays than this.

 

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Bournemouth 3-3 Everton: Stanislas snatches draw in incredible finish

Junior Stanislas scored a 98th-minute equaliser to earn Bournemouth a remarkable 3-3 draw against Everton after Ross Barkley seemed to have won it in stoppage time for the visitors.

Bournemouth had fought back from two goals down to make it 2-2 with three minutes of normal time remaining before Barkley sparked wild celebrations with what appeared to be a last-ditch winner.

But there was still time for Stanislas to pop up with virtually the final kick of the game to snatch a point for Eddie Howe's team.

Everton appeared to be on their way to a comfortable win following first-half goals from Ramiro Funes Mori and Romelu Lukaku, but Bournemouth drew level through Adam Smith and Stanislas late on.

There was then even more drama as Barkley looked to have stolen victory for the visitors before Stanislas restored parity again.

Bournemouth started on top and could have gone a goal up after just three minutes. Stanislas found Dan Gosling after a good move down the left, but the midfielder mishit his effort harmlessly wide.

Josh King then tested Tim Howard with a powerful shot from 20 yards out, with John Stones clearing the rebound before Stanislas could pounce.

Sloppy defending from Simon Francis allowed Arouna Kone to unleash a powerful volley from a narrow angle halfway through the first half, but Adam Federici did well to deflect the ball wide before tipping over Lukaku’s header from the resulting corner.

There was nothing the Australia goalkeeper could do to deny Funes Mori in the 25th minute, though. Barkley curled in a corner from the left and the defender beat his marker and headed home his first goal for Everton.

Lukaku doubled Everton’s lead 11 minutes later. Gerard Deulofeu sent in a low pass from the right toward the in-form striker, who held off his marker before beating Federici at his near post with a powerful right-footed finish for his 10th league goal of the season.

Gosling should have pulled one back for Bournemouth shortly after the break following a good cross from Charlie Daniels, but the 25-year-old's header lacked the power to trouble Howard.

Lukaku could have doubled his tally at the hour mark after a dangerous cross from Seamus Coleman from the right, but he just failed to get his foot to the ball and the chance went begging.

Matt Ritchie then had a good chance to add his name to the scoresheet only to fire straight at Howard from 12 yards.

Smith eventually did pull one back in superb fashion when he fired a shot in the top corner after the Everton defence failed to adequately clear Ritchie's corner, before Stanislas finished well to square things up.

A fine goal from Barkley sparked a pitch invasion from the visiting supporters, but there was more drama to come as Stanislas had the final say.

 

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Aston Villa 2-3 Watford: Hutton howler helps visitors to win

Aston Villa suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Watford on Saturday after Alan Hutton scored an embarrassing own-goal.

Odion Ighalo had given the visitors the lead after 17 minutes, converting a loose ball after Villa had failed to clear their lines on several occasions.

But the hosts hit back just before half-time with skipper Micah Richards heading in a free-kick to ensure the scores were level at the break.Villa's defence always looked likely to make a mistake and a hapless Hutton turned into his own net when Ighalo looked set to score again.

Watford made the points safe in the last few minutes as boyhood Birmingham City fan Troy Deeney rose highest to head in for 3-1, leaving Jordan Ayew's marvellous strike scant consolation for Villa, who remain winless under Remi Garde.

The match was marred by a serious injury to Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who received oxygen on the pitch and was stretchered off after being caught in the head, with 10 minutes of added time played as a result.

In-form Deeney, who now has four goals in five Premier League outings, looked menacing from the off and fired narrowly over before Ayew showed his intention by drilling in a low shot that drew Gomes into a fine stop.

Villa could only look at themselves as they fell behind, failing to clear after Brad Guzan denied Ighalo, allowing the Nigeria striker to tuck in his eighth goal of the season.

The hosts should have been level almost immediately. A corner was recycled to Jordan Veretout, whose shot fell at Ayew's feet, but somehow he missed from inside the six-yard box and Etienne Capoue ought to have compounded the miss, but he could only shoot straight at Brad Guzan when one-on-one.

A tricky run from Scott Sinclair created an opening but Guzan saved his curling effort before Ciaran Clark stabbed wide at the far post when Ayew flicked on Veretout's low corner.

Villa's mounting pressure told when Richards headed in the equaliser five minutes before the break. Veretout floated a free-kick perfectly for the Villa captain to power in his first goal for the club, although he looked just offside.

Quique Sanchez Flores had to replace his goalkeeper 15 minutes after the break when Gomes was caught in the head by Craig Cathcart's shin, with Giedrius Arlauskis coming on to make his Premier League debut in his place.Shortly after the restart Watford retook the lead. Deeney slipped in Ighalo, with the covering Hutton diverting the ball into his own net beyond Guzan.

And Deeney realised his dream of scoring against Villa in front of the Holte End when he showed fantastic desire to get up to power a header past Guzan with a few minutes remaining.

Ayew gave Villa hope of coming back to earn a point by smashing home a wonderful strike, but the Villans' dire run now stretches to 13 Premier League matches without a win, already leaving them seven points off safety.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 Troyes: Champions extend Ligue 1 lead

Paris Saint-Germain continued their imperious form at the expense of lowly Troyes, as the Ligue 1 champions ran out 4-1 winners to take a 16-point lead at the top of the table.

The game marked PSG's first at home since the terror attacks in the French capital two weeks ago that left 130 people dead and hundreds more injured.

Before kick-off, the big screen inside the stadium displayed famous faces from the world of sport declaring the words 'Je suis Paris' - I am Paris - prior to a stirring rendition of La Marseillaise once the players had emerged.

As the action got under way amid an understandably subdued atmosphere, runaway leaders PSG assumed control without ever reaching top gear and took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Edinson Cavani's excellent first-time volley from Angel di Maria's wonderful ball.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been largely quiet for much of the game, but the Sweden international claimed his almost customary goal from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Lucas Moura had been felled by Chris Mavinga.

Layvin Kurzawa added a third with a fine volley nine minutes later before substitute Jean-Kevin Augustin made it 4-0 with his first goal for the club. Thomas Ayasse curled home from 25 yards in the 91st minute, but it was scant consolation as PSG eased to a ninth successive league victory, while bottom club Troyes remain winless from their 15 outings.

As expected against the strugglers, PSG made a bright start and Troyes goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni was called into action as early as the third minute, producing a fine save from Cavani's powerful header.

The visitors responded and eight minutes later had a chance of their own when Fabien Camus' low shot was tipped round the post by Kevin Trapp.

Thiago Silva went close to giving the hosts the lead soon afterwards when his header from Di Maria's corner was cleared off the line, but Troyes' respite was brief.

In the 20th minute, two moments of real quality proved too good for Troyes as Di Maria chipped an impudent pass to Cavani, who produced a sublime cushioned volley beyond Bernardoni.

PSG did not have matters all their own way, however, and were indebted to Trapp for keeping out Benjamin Nivet's effort with his legs eight minutes before half-time.

The last meaningful action of the half saw Cavani work space for himself inside the box, but the Uruguayan's rasping drive was tipped over.

PSG began the second period as they had ended the first and saw Lucas shoot narrowly wide eight minutes after the restart, and the Brazilian was involved again as the home side doubled their lead.

Looking to get onto a cute pass from Ibrahimovic, Lucas was brought down by Mavinga, and Zlatan calmly slotted home the resulting spot-kick.

Blanc's men continued to dominate and made it three when a headed clearance fell to Kurzawa on the edge of the box and the left-back controlled before volleying into the bottom-right corner with Bernardoni motionless.

Augustin's shot from distance crept through the legs of Bernardoni for the home side's fourth. And, although Ayasse gained a late consolation for Troyes with a stunning effort from distance, it mattered little as PSG's seemingly inexorable charge towards a fourth straight title continued.

 

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Van Nistelrooy hails 'number one' Vardy after Leicester striker breaks Premier League record

Ruud van Nistelrooy has hailed Jamie Vardy after the Leicester City striker broke the Dutchman's Premier League record by scoring in 11 consecutive games.

Vardy, who had already equalled the Dutchman's record set in 2003, struck in the first half of Leicester's clash with Manchester United on Saturday to set a new benchmark.

 

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Atletico Madrid 1-0 Espanyol: Griezmann maintains pressure on Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game as Atletico Madrid beat Espanyol 1-0 to ensure they remain just four points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Fresh from netting both goals in Atleti's 2-0 Champions League victory over Galatasaray, Griezmann nudged the hosts ahead with an exquisite finish inside the opening three minutes.The France international was denied a second soon after the break as Pau Lopez produced a terrific stop in the Espanyol goal.

Diego Godin also headed against the upright as the hosts searched for a second goal, with Espanyol unable to fashion any notable opportunities, with Atleti dominating possession.

Atletico's victory was marred by an injury to Tiago midway through the first half – the veteran midfielder having to be taken to hospital with an apparent knee injury.
But, despite being shorn of one of their key figures, Atleti had little trouble in containing Espanyol as they kept within touching distance of league leaders Barcelona.

Simeone made four changes to the Atleti side that secured qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek and one of those, Oliver Torres, unlocked Espanyol's leaky defence just three minutes in.

Torres slipped in a precise cross to the feet Griezmann, who turned the ball expertly into the bottom-left corner with the outside of his boot.Griezmann almost turned provider soon after, but his smart lay-off to Luciano Vietto was smothered by the well-positioned Lopez.

Atleti suffered a blow shortly before the half-hour mark, with Tiago, who has been a constant in midfield for Simeone so far this term, having to be taken off on a stretcher following a collision with Marco Asensio.

Juanfran should have done better when he picked up possession on the edge of the area on the stroke of half-time, but his tame strike was gathered in with ease by Lopez.Lopez pulled off an instinctive save to parry away Griezmann's close-range effort shortly after the restart, after Filipe Luis' goal-bound strike had been blocked by Alvaro Gonzalez.

Espanyol's goalkeeper was forced into action again around the hour mark as he reacted sharply to tip Torres' venomous effort over.Griezmann came close to doubling his tally with a fantastic effort from 20 yards out late on, but Lopez was again equal to it, before Godin hit the woodwork with a powerful header.

But that miss mattered little as Atleti held firm against Espanyol's lacklustre attack to secure a third consecutive league win and fifth consecutive clean sheet in Liga.

 

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Leicester City 1-1 Manchester United: Schweinsteiger cancels out Vardy's record breaker

Bastian Schweinsteiger cancelled out Jamie Vardy's record-breaking goal to ensure Leicester City and Manchester United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening.

Vardy drew level with the 10-game mark established by United great Ruud van Nistelrooy when he netted at Newcastle United last week but the division's most miserly defence stood in the way of his landmark achievement.

It was breached after 24 minutes as, sporting gold boots, the England striker demonstrated the coolness and precision in front of goal that are quickly becoming his trademarks to put the hosts ahead.

On the stroke of half-time, Schweinsteiger's first goal for United cancelled out Vardy's 40th in Leicester colours to temper the party atmosphere and a cagey second half threw up few clear-cut chances.

The draw means Manchester City sit ahead of Leicester at the top of the Premier League table on goal difference, with United a point further back in third.

Shinji Okazaki replaced Leonardo Ulloa to join Vardy in the Leicester attack, while Paddy McNair and Michael Carrick returned from injuries as two of four changes made by United boss Louis van Gaal.

The home faithful roared in response to Vardy's every touch and his first opening came in the 13th minute when Carrick carelessly presented possession to his England team-mate, who found N'Golo Kante for a shot that was deflected behind.

United, operating with a 3-5-2 system, were controlled and methodical in their play and Wes Morgan blocked a strike from Schweinsteiger as the half reached its midway point.

Shortly afterwards, Leicester's contrasting approach heralded an historic moment.

Kasper Schmeichel claimed a United corner and threw the ball to Christian Fuchs. The Austria full-back charged over the halfway line on a rapid break to release Vardy with a measured pass from the right.

The man of the moment scampered clear and clipped a low finish beyond De Gea before embarking on an adrenaline-fuelled celebration as the King Power Stadium went wild.

Spurred on by their raucous fans, Leicester sought to press home their advantage and Riyad Mahrez completed a delicate one-two with Okazaki to force a sharp stop from De Gea.

United threatened sparingly but, after Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater headed nervously behind, they had an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

Daley Blind delivered the resulting corner into a dangerous area and Schweinsteiger won his wrestling match with Okazaki to head home.

Four minutes into the second half, the Germany captain was afforded more space on the end of Juan Mata's free-kick but his headed attempt was too close to Schmeichel.

The first-half's earlier pattern re-emerged - United controlling possession before they were almost punished by another lightning Leicester break in the 66th minute.

Mahrez was the architect on this occasion and, with Ulloa and Vardy on his inside, he picked out the recently introduced substitute who could not match the top scorer's incisiveness as De Gea saved.

A striker experiencing contrasting fortunes to Vardy, Wayne Rooney, made way for Memphis Depay two minutes later following a lacklustre display.

Depay blazed over from close range in the 84th minute but former non-league man Vardy did not get the chance to add another twist to his fairytale before taking the acclaim of the stadium at the final whistle.

 

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Blanc: Cavani was not very happy

Laurent Blanc confirmed Edinson Cavani was not happy about being taken off during Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-1 win over Troyes in Ligue 1 on Saturday, but understands his frustrations.

However, he warned his players that younger members of his squad will be selected if experienced players step out of line.

Cavani was replaced by Jean-Kevin Augustin with 10 minutes remaining having opened the scoring in the first half.

As he left the pitch, the Uruguayan striker muttered a few words of discontent in his manager’s direction.

"Cavani wasn't very happy - I can confirm that,” Blanc said at his media conference after the game.

“But [players] are never happy [to be taken off] and I can understand that."

"If established players have no motivation, we will play young people. They will be happy to play, but I think the established players that I have are currently serious."

Blanc also asked journalists to stop spreading “false information” about Javier Pastore, who the PSG boss insists is injured.

Amid rumours over the midfielder’s future, there have been conspiracy theories about the reasons he has not been available for selection.

"We must stop saying false information about Pastore - he is really injured,” the 50-year-old said.

“You will speak with him and will see that he is injured. It's been a difficult start to the season for him, but he is injured.

“Stop saying that these are diplomatic injuries - I won’t lie to you, I will not tell you that he is injured if it is not the case."

 

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Manchester United's lack of attack won't change under Van Gaal

Peter Schmeichel admits he is “disappointed” with Manchester United’s lack of attacking threat under Louis van Gaal and admits he has “no idea” about the Dutchman’s style of play.

After a lifeless display against PSV in the Champions League, United struggled to create chances in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City as Jamie Vardy struck to set a new Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive Premier League games.

United are just a point behind leaders Manchester City but Schmeichel, who won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his eight seasons at Old Trafford, struggles to understand Van Gaal’s philosophy.

“I’m disappointed in a few things he’s saying,” the Dane told Sky Sports.

“Manchester United don’t wait for just one chance. They have 10 or 12 chances to score in a game. This is not the way they’re set out to play and I don’t know if it is going to change.

“The thing about Van Gaal is you hear him talk he never tells you what the big picture is.

“As supporters we don’t know what is his plan. He’s always talking about giving the sense that everything is under control and going in the right direction but I have no idea what his ultimate goal is.”

 

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Manchester United's lack of attack won't change under Van Gaal

Attha thamai.LVG innakam Manchester United attacking nam improve karaganna bari weiai ithin koi welaweth kiyawanne philosophy arawa mewai nehOnly possession no goals

Meeta wada low level teams thiyanawa loku squad 1kak nathiwa unoth pattama attack 1kek dena.ekata Manchester United lineup 1ke kochchara hoda playersla hitiyath performance gannama deyak naha

End of the season LVG sack kaloth thamai hoda.nathnam ithin Manchester United kalin thibba thatthweta gena 1ka lesi wenne naha​

 

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Neymar: I want new Barcelona contract

Neymar insists he wants to sign a new contract with Barcelona, despite failing to agree fresh terms with the club.

The Brazil international's father and agent claimed earlier this month that, although talks over a new deal were progressing, Neymar could be forced to leave Spain should a satisfactory resolution not be reached over alleged tax evasion.

A Brazilian court has frozen £31.3million worth of assets belonging to the Barca attacker, his family and related businesses, with the 23-year-old alleged to have evaded £10.5m worth of taxes in Brazil from 2011 to 2013.

Neymar, however, insists he hopes to secure a new deal at Camp Nou, telling the media on Saturday: "I've still got years on my contract. My father has already spoken about my future.

"We're talking about a renewal because my intention is to do so." The former Santos forward scored twice as Barca beat Real Sociedad 4-0, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi also on the scoresheet.

Head coach Luis Enrique claimed after the match that the trio can only be content when they all hit the back of the net and Neymar admits he was happy to pass up the chance for a hat-trick in order to set up Messi for the final goal.

"It's true that, at the end, I looked for Leo so he could score his goal. Off the pitch, he helps us a lot. I'm happy when Suarez and Messi score, and they are when I do," he said.

Neymar added to TV3: "I'm very happy for everything we're doing. Our team is at a great level.

"I want to help my team-mates and keep scoring goals and giving passes.

"We were hoping that they would press us high. The victory was very important for the difficulties they caused us and we go away very happy."

 

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Van Gaal reveals why Manchester United DIDN'T train before facing Leicester

Louis van Gaal has revealed that his Manchester United players did not train in the build-up to their draw with Leicester City because they were physically drained from their stalemate against PSV.

United limped to a goalless draw in the Champions League on Wednesday and are still not guaranteed a place in the knockout phase with only a trip to Wolfsburg remaining, while on Saturday, Jamie Vardy set a new Premier League record by scoring in his 11th consecutive game before Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised.

United are now a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City but could also be overtaken by Arsenal if they beat Norwich on Sunday.

"We played a fantastic game defensively, but we can't only do that in particular situations,” said Van Gaal.

“The goal they scored was after a corner of ours. We know what should happen, but we still concede. We played three defenders because of the danger of Vardy and Okazaki to cause trouble in the channels.

“But in spite of our dominance in an important game we didn't win. We played against PSV and gave everything. When you see the data against PSV it is the highest physical data of Manchester United this season.

“So we can't train Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday the manager wants to play a different shape. So we have done well.

"Am I disappointed? Yes, because it is the second time this week we could have win. It is difficult to cope with because we could be first in the league but we are not."

 

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Van Gaal reveals why Manchester United DIDN'T train before facing Leicester

Wow maruneSuperheros lane team 1ke inne.Anisa training one naha.onama welawaka game 1kata readyanemanda mona magulak karanna hadanawada kiyala

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