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Real Madrid 2 Vs 0 Wolfsburg
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Mata: Man Utd must bounce back against West Ham
Juan Mata says Manchester United must forget their comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Tottenham and focus solely on this week's FA Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham.
Louis van Gaal's side were thumped at White Hart Lane on Sunday, with their hopes of qualification for the Champions League taking a significant dent in the process.
But Mata insists that United must look to bounce back quickly in the replay at Upton Park, with the first encounter between the two sides ending 1-1 at Old Trafford.
"I think it's good to play the next game as soon as possible, on Wednesday, because it allows the team to move on from White Hart Lane and focus completely on the match against West Ham," Mata wrote on his personal blog.
"It's actually one of the most important games of the season and we can't afford to feel sad or upset when preparing for it."On the contrary, we must be aware that in Boleyn Ground we have a fantastic opportunity to make it to Wembley and give our fans what they deserve: a reason for joy this season.
"And then we will be back to Old Trafford to play against Aston Villa in one of the last home games of the season, but right now the FA Cup quarter finals replay is all we think about."
United could be boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney for the match after he played over an hour for the club's under-21 outfit at Old Trafford as they defeated Middlesbrough on Monday.
Juan Mata says Manchester United must forget their comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Tottenham and focus solely on this week's FA Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham.
Louis van Gaal's side were thumped at White Hart Lane on Sunday, with their hopes of qualification for the Champions League taking a significant dent in the process.
But Mata insists that United must look to bounce back quickly in the replay at Upton Park, with the first encounter between the two sides ending 1-1 at Old Trafford.
"I think it's good to play the next game as soon as possible, on Wednesday, because it allows the team to move on from White Hart Lane and focus completely on the match against West Ham," Mata wrote on his personal blog.
"It's actually one of the most important games of the season and we can't afford to feel sad or upset when preparing for it."On the contrary, we must be aware that in Boleyn Ground we have a fantastic opportunity to make it to Wembley and give our fans what they deserve: a reason for joy this season.
"And then we will be back to Old Trafford to play against Aston Villa in one of the last home games of the season, but right now the FA Cup quarter finals replay is all we think about."
United could be boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney for the match after he played over an hour for the club's under-21 outfit at Old Trafford as they defeated Middlesbrough on Monday.
AC Milan sack manager Mihajlovic
AC Milan have dismissed Sinisa Mihajlovic and promoted youth-team coach Cristian Brocchi as his replacement until the end of the season.
Mihajlovic left his role as Sampdoria coach and replaced Filippo Inzaghi at San Siro last June, but he leaves the club 10 months into his tenure, despite sitting sixth in Serie A and having navigated the team to the Coppa Italia final.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat to league leaders Juventus proved the final straw, extending Milan's winless run to five matches and leaving them 15 points adrift of third-placed Roma in the final Champions League qualifying berth.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Sinisa Mihajlovic has been relieved of his role as AC Milan coach."The club would like to thank Mihajlovic for the dedication and hard work carried out this season."
Mihajlovic's replacement until the end of the campaign has been confirmed as Brocchi, who had two separate spells as a Rossoneri player from 1994-1998 and 2001-2008 and had been coaching the youth team since 2014.
Brocchi took over that position from Inzaghi, but will look to avoid his predecessor's fate when in charge of the first team.The 40-year-old becomes the fifth coach to take charge of Milan in the past three seasons.
AC Milan have dismissed Sinisa Mihajlovic and promoted youth-team coach Cristian Brocchi as his replacement until the end of the season.
Mihajlovic left his role as Sampdoria coach and replaced Filippo Inzaghi at San Siro last June, but he leaves the club 10 months into his tenure, despite sitting sixth in Serie A and having navigated the team to the Coppa Italia final.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat to league leaders Juventus proved the final straw, extending Milan's winless run to five matches and leaving them 15 points adrift of third-placed Roma in the final Champions League qualifying berth.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Sinisa Mihajlovic has been relieved of his role as AC Milan coach."The club would like to thank Mihajlovic for the dedication and hard work carried out this season."
Mihajlovic's replacement until the end of the campaign has been confirmed as Brocchi, who had two separate spells as a Rossoneri player from 1994-1998 and 2001-2008 and had been coaching the youth team since 2014.
Brocchi took over that position from Inzaghi, but will look to avoid his predecessor's fate when in charge of the first team.The 40-year-old becomes the fifth coach to take charge of Milan in the past three seasons.
Forlan believes Atletico Madrid should keep Torres
Fernando Torres warrants a deal to keep him at Atletico Madrid beyond this season, according to Diego Forlan.Torres is on loan at Atletico until the end of the season, when his contract with parent club AC Milan also expires.
The 32-year-old ended a barren run of almost five months to score his 100th goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Eibar on February 6 and has since converted a further five times.
Three of those have come in his last three appearances and Forlan – a Pichichi winner with Atletico in 2008-09 – feels the form he has shown makes him worthy of a permanent contract.
"It's very important for the people and he is a player who is performing, is physically well, is scoring goals," the Uruguayan told Cope.
"It is not a matter of renewing a player because he is from the club and has known it all of his life. In a team playing 60 games a year, he will play 35 or 40 and can help with goals or assists."
Torres will sit out of Atletico's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday after he was sent off having opened the scoring in the 2-1 first-leg defeat and Forlan believes Diego Simeone's side will feel his absence.
"It is an important loss, not only for the quality of the player, but due to the damage he has done to the club throughout his career," he said."The sending off could have been avoided. He knows you have to be very careful in these kind of games."
Atletico moved to within three points of Liga leaders Barca, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday with Luis Suarez absent due to suspension.
Forlan felt Luis Enrique's lacked the same threat in attack without Suarez and warned his former side against approaching the second leg in a casual manner.
"They missed Luis Suarez. When Neymar is more outside and [Lionel] Messi is away from the area, Luis is the one who stays and does the dirty work: creating space, annoying, fighting," he added."He's a difficult player to defend against because he is very strong and is very dangerous.
"It is true they are not at their best, but they are a wounded lion. It's complicated when you have an opponent of this magnitude, with players as destabilising."
Atletico would welcome Costa return - Cerezo
Chelsea striker Diego Costa would be welcomed back to Atletico Madrid with open arms, according to club president Enrique Cerezo.
Costa left Atletico for Chelsea in 2014 but is said to be keen on a return to the Spanish capital in the close-season, with the Stamford Bridge club on course for a mid-table finish after a dismal start to their Premier League title defence.
And Atletico, who will look to overcome a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday, are also interested in a reunion.
"I think it’s difficult, but, as far as we are concerned, we would love it if he came back here," Cerezo told the Daily Mail.
Atletico are no strangers to re-signing former stars – coach Diego Simeone had two spells at the club as a player, while Fernando Torres and Filipe Luis, both Chelsea alumni, have returned to the Vicente Calderon in recent seasons.
"It's the Atleti way," added Cerezo. "We have a magnificent relationship with all ex-coaches and players. I went to see Simeone in Argentina when he was at River Plate, that is the way it is with Costa."Whether he can come back or not is another thing but the relationship has always been fantastic.
"He is okay because he is at a good club. I don’t know whether they will be in the Champions League this year."Costa has scored 35 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa would be welcomed back to Atletico Madrid with open arms, according to club president Enrique Cerezo.
Costa left Atletico for Chelsea in 2014 but is said to be keen on a return to the Spanish capital in the close-season, with the Stamford Bridge club on course for a mid-table finish after a dismal start to their Premier League title defence.
And Atletico, who will look to overcome a 2-1 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday, are also interested in a reunion.
"I think it’s difficult, but, as far as we are concerned, we would love it if he came back here," Cerezo told the Daily Mail.
Atletico are no strangers to re-signing former stars – coach Diego Simeone had two spells at the club as a player, while Fernando Torres and Filipe Luis, both Chelsea alumni, have returned to the Vicente Calderon in recent seasons.
"It's the Atleti way," added Cerezo. "We have a magnificent relationship with all ex-coaches and players. I went to see Simeone in Argentina when he was at River Plate, that is the way it is with Costa."Whether he can come back or not is another thing but the relationship has always been fantastic.
"He is okay because he is at a good club. I don’t know whether they will be in the Champions League this year."Costa has scored 35 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.
Forlan backs Mourinho for Manchester United job
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has backed Jose Mourinho for the job at Old Trafford, as the Penarol player believes that the Portuguese is perfect to end the club's recent malaise.
Widespread reports have linked the former Chelsea boss with the United job as Louis van Gaal's continued employment looks increasingly precarious.
But a number of former United players, including Bryan Robson, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Nemanja Vidic, have backed current assistant Ryan Giggs to take over if and when the Dutch manager leaves Old Trafford.
Forlan, however, disagrees, suggesting that the club need a manager with experience after the difficult period that they have endured since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
"I think with what they have gone through in the past two years United would be better to have a coach with Mourinho's experience," Forlan told 888.com.
Mourinho has an impressive track record, winning Premier League titles with Chelsea, the treble with Inter, an unlikely Champions League with Porto and La Liga with Real Madrid, whereas Giggs' main experience comes as part of Van Gaal's backroom staff.
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has backed Jose Mourinho for the job at Old Trafford, as the Penarol player believes that the Portuguese is perfect to end the club's recent malaise.
Widespread reports have linked the former Chelsea boss with the United job as Louis van Gaal's continued employment looks increasingly precarious.
But a number of former United players, including Bryan Robson, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Nemanja Vidic, have backed current assistant Ryan Giggs to take over if and when the Dutch manager leaves Old Trafford.
Forlan, however, disagrees, suggesting that the club need a manager with experience after the difficult period that they have endured since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
"I think with what they have gone through in the past two years United would be better to have a coach with Mourinho's experience," Forlan told 888.com.
Mourinho has an impressive track record, winning Premier League titles with Chelsea, the treble with Inter, an unlikely Champions League with Porto and La Liga with Real Madrid, whereas Giggs' main experience comes as part of Van Gaal's backroom staff.
Rooney to be assessed on Tuesday but unlikely to make West Ham cup clash
Wayne Rooney will be assessed by Manchester United medical staff on Tuesday amid initial impressions that he will not be fit to face West Ham in Wednesday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay.
The United club captain, who sustained a knee injury in the loss to Sunderland in February, made his comeback appearance in Monday’s slender Under-21 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
He came through 60 minutes as planned with no real concerns and reported no pain in his troublesome knee, but Goal understands there was a consensus among staff that Rooney was still a little short of sharpness in his legs.
While he is due in to United’s AON Training Complex on Tuesday for some physio work and a warm-down session, his slight lack of sharpness looks likely to count against him when it comes to Louis van Gaal’s considerations for selection for Wednesday’s crunch cup tie at Upton Park.
The Dutchman has spoken repeatedly this term about the need to ease injured players back into the squad, and as such Rooney’s best hope appears to be a place on the bench as a last resort in the eventuality that United need his impact late in the game.
At this stage it is thought that the 30-year-old will be held back to make his first-team return in Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney will be assessed by Manchester United medical staff on Tuesday amid initial impressions that he will not be fit to face West Ham in Wednesday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay.
The United club captain, who sustained a knee injury in the loss to Sunderland in February, made his comeback appearance in Monday’s slender Under-21 victory over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
He came through 60 minutes as planned with no real concerns and reported no pain in his troublesome knee, but Goal understands there was a consensus among staff that Rooney was still a little short of sharpness in his legs.
While he is due in to United’s AON Training Complex on Tuesday for some physio work and a warm-down session, his slight lack of sharpness looks likely to count against him when it comes to Louis van Gaal’s considerations for selection for Wednesday’s crunch cup tie at Upton Park.
The Dutchman has spoken repeatedly this term about the need to ease injured players back into the squad, and as such Rooney’s best hope appears to be a place on the bench as a last resort in the eventuality that United need his impact late in the game.
At this stage it is thought that the 30-year-old will be held back to make his first-team return in Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Alonso: Guardiola and Mourinho have similar personalities
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso believes Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have similar personalities, even if they differ in football philosophies.Alonso worked under Mourinho – sacked by Chelsea in December – at Real Madrid and is now coached by Guardiola at Bayern.
As one of only a handful of players to play under both managers, Alonso is well placed to compare the two and believes they share a lot of the same characterisitics.
"Pep and Mou are very different in football terms, but I see similarities in their personalities," he told beIN Sports."[Mourinho] is 100 per cent competitive and wants to win. He squeezes out what he does not like to get what he wants."
Guardiola will make way for Carlo Ancelotti – another coach Alonso has played under in the past – when he leaves for Manchester City at the end of the season.
And Alonso also had some kind words to say about the Italian, adding: "I think of Ancelotti with fondness because he is an endearing person. “He is a club man and does not give importance to things that do not matter."
Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso believes Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have similar personalities, even if they differ in football philosophies.Alonso worked under Mourinho – sacked by Chelsea in December – at Real Madrid and is now coached by Guardiola at Bayern.
As one of only a handful of players to play under both managers, Alonso is well placed to compare the two and believes they share a lot of the same characterisitics.
"Pep and Mou are very different in football terms, but I see similarities in their personalities," he told beIN Sports."[Mourinho] is 100 per cent competitive and wants to win. He squeezes out what he does not like to get what he wants."
Guardiola will make way for Carlo Ancelotti – another coach Alonso has played under in the past – when he leaves for Manchester City at the end of the season.
And Alonso also had some kind words to say about the Italian, adding: "I think of Ancelotti with fondness because he is an endearing person. “He is a club man and does not give importance to things that do not matter."
Madrid great De Felipe dies aged 71
Real Madrid great Pedro de Felipe, who won the European Cup with the club in 1966, has passed away at the age of 71.Defender De Felipe made 170 appearances for Madrid, winning five Liga titles and a Copa de Espana in addition to his continental success.
"Real Madrid offers its condolences to his family and would like to express its deep sorrow following his death," read a club statement.
De Felipe won one cap for the Spanish national team.
Real Madrid great Pedro de Felipe, who won the European Cup with the club in 1966, has passed away at the age of 71.Defender De Felipe made 170 appearances for Madrid, winning five Liga titles and a Copa de Espana in addition to his continental success.
"Real Madrid offers its condolences to his family and would like to express its deep sorrow following his death," read a club statement.
De Felipe won one cap for the Spanish national team.
Messi: We continue to believe in ourselves
Lionel Messi says Barcelona continue to believe in themselves despite back-to-back La Liga defeats.
Barca have lost to Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in their last two league matches, while a 2-2 draw with Villarreal makes it a three-match winless run for the leaders.
The defending champions' lead at the summit has been cut to three points as a result, with Atletico Madrid in increasingly close pursuit.
Atleti are the opposition on Wednesday as European champions Barca look to turn their 2-1 first-leg advantage into a passage to the Champions League semi-finals.
And Messi insists Barca will not allow their season to collapse, posting on Facebook: "Our mindset remains the same. We work hard all year to have a chance of winning trophies at the end of the season."We continue to believe in ourselves."
Barca still remain on course to retain the treble they won last season, with Sevilla awaiting in next month's Copa del Rey final.
Lionel Messi says Barcelona continue to believe in themselves despite back-to-back La Liga defeats.
Barca have lost to Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in their last two league matches, while a 2-2 draw with Villarreal makes it a three-match winless run for the leaders.
The defending champions' lead at the summit has been cut to three points as a result, with Atletico Madrid in increasingly close pursuit.
Atleti are the opposition on Wednesday as European champions Barca look to turn their 2-1 first-leg advantage into a passage to the Champions League semi-finals.
And Messi insists Barca will not allow their season to collapse, posting on Facebook: "Our mindset remains the same. We work hard all year to have a chance of winning trophies at the end of the season."We continue to believe in ourselves."
Barca still remain on course to retain the treble they won last season, with Sevilla awaiting in next month's Copa del Rey final.
Rummenigge cools Gotze transfer talk
Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has moved to clarify his recent comments about Mario Gotze, claiming he is not aware of the Germany international's future plans.
Rummenigge told the Schwabische Zeitung that Gotze is welcome to hold talks with the club at the end of the season amid reports tipping the World Cup winner for a reunion with former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
The CEO, speaking ahead of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Benfica on Wednesday, insisted no specific message from Gotze or his representatives had triggered the comments.
"The length of his contract is known," Rummenigge said of the 23-year-old, whose deal expires in June 2017.
"I don't know any more. Neither he nor his advisor have stated anything publicly.
"So everything is speculation. I just wanted to show with my statement [in the newspaper] that we are at the end of the season, in which the titles are won. "The team have worked and remain focused for the whole season, so that we can win the titles.
"And we have enough time after that to talk with him about his future if he wants to."Rummenigge is also looking forward to the return to fitness of Arjen Robben, who has not played since a 0-0 draw at Dortmund on March 5 due to an adductor problem.
"He trains, he runs, but we still need to be patient," he said."We can't predict when he will be back, if it's one or two weeks. He tries everything he can. Our medical department, our physiotherapists do what they can so that he can come back.
"We need every player in the last part of the season, and of course also the quality of Arjen Robben. It would be great if he can come back quickly, but I can't predict it."
Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has moved to clarify his recent comments about Mario Gotze, claiming he is not aware of the Germany international's future plans.
Rummenigge told the Schwabische Zeitung that Gotze is welcome to hold talks with the club at the end of the season amid reports tipping the World Cup winner for a reunion with former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
The CEO, speaking ahead of Bayern's Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Benfica on Wednesday, insisted no specific message from Gotze or his representatives had triggered the comments.
"The length of his contract is known," Rummenigge said of the 23-year-old, whose deal expires in June 2017.
"I don't know any more. Neither he nor his advisor have stated anything publicly.
"So everything is speculation. I just wanted to show with my statement [in the newspaper] that we are at the end of the season, in which the titles are won. "The team have worked and remain focused for the whole season, so that we can win the titles.
"And we have enough time after that to talk with him about his future if he wants to."Rummenigge is also looking forward to the return to fitness of Arjen Robben, who has not played since a 0-0 draw at Dortmund on March 5 due to an adductor problem.
"He trains, he runs, but we still need to be patient," he said."We can't predict when he will be back, if it's one or two weeks. He tries everything he can. Our medical department, our physiotherapists do what they can so that he can come back.
"We need every player in the last part of the season, and of course also the quality of Arjen Robben. It would be great if he can come back quickly, but I can't predict it."
Real Madrid 3-0 Wolfsburg (agg. 3-2): Ronaldo heroics snatch stunning victory
A brilliant hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo saved Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, as the Spaniards battled back to down Wolfsburg 3-0 and progress to the semi-finals.
Madrid appeared to have a sizeable task in front of them having lost the first leg in Germany 2-0 but were rescued in stunning fashion as Ronaldo continued his magnificent goalscoring form in the Champions League.
The former Manchester United forward netted two goals in the space of 90 seconds to bring Madrid level in the tie, before completing his treble and the turnaround with 13 minutes remaining.
Ronaldo halved the aggregate deficit with a composed 15th-minute finish and just one minute and 26 seconds later Madrid were all square as he headed home Toni Kroos' corner.Wolfsburg did not lie down following that devastating spell and threatened on multiple occasions to turn the tie back in their favour.
But Ronaldo refused to be denied and capped a stunning individual performance in fitting fashion with a sublime free-kick that marked his 16th Champions League goal of the season and kept Madrid's hopes of an 11th European crown very much alive.
Madrid unsurprisingly made the more aggressive start to proceedings, Sergio Ramos hitting the top of the crossbar with a header from Kroos' corner.And just as Wolfsburg appeared to be weathering the early storm Ronaldo struck with a cool close-range finish after Dani Carvajal had found the Portugal forward at the second attempt with a cross from the right.
Vieirinha was forced to turn another Carvajal cross aimed at Ronaldo behind for a corner as Madrid went in search of a second, which arrived from Kroos' subsequent delivery.Wolfsburg failed to track Ronaldo at the near post and he made no mistake in glancing Kroos' ball into the bottom-right corner to level the tie.
Luiz Gustavo forced Keylor Navas into his first save of the game with a long-range effort before Karim Benzema tested Diego Benaglio at the other end as the contest became more open.But Wolfsburg's hopes were dealt a significant blow in the 31st minute when Julian Draxler limped off to be replaced by Max Kruse.
Despite that setback, the visitors twice went close to regaining the aggregate lead shortly after.Luiz Gustavo's swerving strike from distance drew a fine acrobatic save from Navas and Ramos produced a vital block to prevent Bruno Henrique from finding the net.
For all their spirit, Wolfsburg almost contributed to their own downfall in the 59th minute when Benaglio had to react quickly to prevent Josuha Guilavogui from turning Luka Modric's cross into his own net.
And the visitors were fortunate not to see Ramos complete the comeback as his header from Kroos' corner struck the inside of the post, with Benaglio then showing the presence of mind to trap the ball between his legs before it crossed the line.Bruno Henrique was forced off following a collision with Marcelo - with Daniel Caligiuri coming on in his stead - in another dent to Wolfsburg's cause and soon afterwards they were behind for the first time in the tie.
Luiz Gustavo received a yellow for hacking down Modric on the edge of the area, and Ronaldo took full advantage of a perfectly positioned free-kick with a dinked effort through the wall.
Benzema and Jese Rodriguez each went close late on but Madrid were not made to pay for those missed chances as Wolfsburg failed to net the away goal that would have spoiled the party for Ronaldo.
A brilliant hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo saved Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, as the Spaniards battled back to down Wolfsburg 3-0 and progress to the semi-finals.
Madrid appeared to have a sizeable task in front of them having lost the first leg in Germany 2-0 but were rescued in stunning fashion as Ronaldo continued his magnificent goalscoring form in the Champions League.
The former Manchester United forward netted two goals in the space of 90 seconds to bring Madrid level in the tie, before completing his treble and the turnaround with 13 minutes remaining.
Ronaldo halved the aggregate deficit with a composed 15th-minute finish and just one minute and 26 seconds later Madrid were all square as he headed home Toni Kroos' corner.Wolfsburg did not lie down following that devastating spell and threatened on multiple occasions to turn the tie back in their favour.
But Ronaldo refused to be denied and capped a stunning individual performance in fitting fashion with a sublime free-kick that marked his 16th Champions League goal of the season and kept Madrid's hopes of an 11th European crown very much alive.
Madrid unsurprisingly made the more aggressive start to proceedings, Sergio Ramos hitting the top of the crossbar with a header from Kroos' corner.And just as Wolfsburg appeared to be weathering the early storm Ronaldo struck with a cool close-range finish after Dani Carvajal had found the Portugal forward at the second attempt with a cross from the right.
Vieirinha was forced to turn another Carvajal cross aimed at Ronaldo behind for a corner as Madrid went in search of a second, which arrived from Kroos' subsequent delivery.Wolfsburg failed to track Ronaldo at the near post and he made no mistake in glancing Kroos' ball into the bottom-right corner to level the tie.
Luiz Gustavo forced Keylor Navas into his first save of the game with a long-range effort before Karim Benzema tested Diego Benaglio at the other end as the contest became more open.But Wolfsburg's hopes were dealt a significant blow in the 31st minute when Julian Draxler limped off to be replaced by Max Kruse.
Despite that setback, the visitors twice went close to regaining the aggregate lead shortly after.Luiz Gustavo's swerving strike from distance drew a fine acrobatic save from Navas and Ramos produced a vital block to prevent Bruno Henrique from finding the net.
For all their spirit, Wolfsburg almost contributed to their own downfall in the 59th minute when Benaglio had to react quickly to prevent Josuha Guilavogui from turning Luka Modric's cross into his own net.
And the visitors were fortunate not to see Ramos complete the comeback as his header from Kroos' corner struck the inside of the post, with Benaglio then showing the presence of mind to trap the ball between his legs before it crossed the line.Bruno Henrique was forced off following a collision with Marcelo - with Daniel Caligiuri coming on in his stead - in another dent to Wolfsburg's cause and soon afterwards they were behind for the first time in the tie.
Luiz Gustavo received a yellow for hacking down Modric on the edge of the area, and Ronaldo took full advantage of a perfectly positioned free-kick with a dinked effort through the wall.
Benzema and Jese Rodriguez each went close late on but Madrid were not made to pay for those missed chances as Wolfsburg failed to net the away goal that would have spoiled the party for Ronaldo.
Manchester City 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain (agg 3-2): De Bruyne stunner sends hosts through to semi-finals
Kevin De Bruyne's superb late strike sealed Manchester City's place in their first Champions League semi-final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Paris Saint-Germain.
City were heading for victory on away goals by virtue of their 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes last week, but De Bruyne settled the nerves and sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad Stadium when he curled a brilliant low effort beyond Kevin Trapp with 14 minutes remaining on Tuesday.De Bruyne's intervention made amends for Sergio Aguero’s missed penalty in the first half of a tense, evenly-matched contest that offered few chances to either side.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini opted to leave Yaya Toure out of his starting line-up and saw his decision vindicated as Brazilian anchorman Fernando was excellent and came through the test without a repeat of the error that saw him gift PSG a goal in the first leg.
The French champions, on the other hand, failed to show any of the attacking flair that has helped them dominate Ligue 1 this season and they exited the competition with a whimper, although Lucas Moura and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both had goals disallowed for offside.
However, that will not worry City, who go into the hat for Friday's last-four draw in Nyon.With David Luiz suspended, PSG coach Laurent Blanc switched to a back three and City sought to press them early, but the visitors soon settled into a rhythm and began to control the game.
Ibrahimovic, hunting his 40th goal of the season, drew a fingertip save from Joe Hart with a dipping, swerving free-kick after a quarter of an hour, before City twice went close through Aguero.
The home side seemed to shake off their early nerves as half-time approached and were given a chance to take the lead when Aguero went sprinting into the box and was felled by a poorly-timed tackle by Trapp.
Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo gave the penalty and booked the PSG keeper, but Aguero side-footed his spot-kick well wide, and PSG were let off the hook a second time in quick succession when Serge Aurier's misplaced pass fell to Jesus Navas and the Spaniard fired off target.
Ibrahimovic stung Hart's palms early in the second half with a powerful free-kick from 25 yards and PSG tried to lift the tempo of their game after a sluggish end to the first period.Substitute Lucas had the ball in the net moments later only to see the effort ruled out for offside, and Thiago Silva's downward header was well saved by Hart as Blanc's team began a late push for a winner.
But with 15 minutes to go, City went forward and Gael Clichy's cross found Fernando, who touched the ball to De Bruyne and the Belgian curled home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box.
Ibrahimovic put the ball in the net in the dying minutes but the offside flag was raised and PSG were dumped out of the Champions League amid delirious celebrations from the home crowd.
Kevin De Bruyne's superb late strike sealed Manchester City's place in their first Champions League semi-final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Paris Saint-Germain.
City were heading for victory on away goals by virtue of their 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes last week, but De Bruyne settled the nerves and sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad Stadium when he curled a brilliant low effort beyond Kevin Trapp with 14 minutes remaining on Tuesday.De Bruyne's intervention made amends for Sergio Aguero’s missed penalty in the first half of a tense, evenly-matched contest that offered few chances to either side.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini opted to leave Yaya Toure out of his starting line-up and saw his decision vindicated as Brazilian anchorman Fernando was excellent and came through the test without a repeat of the error that saw him gift PSG a goal in the first leg.
The French champions, on the other hand, failed to show any of the attacking flair that has helped them dominate Ligue 1 this season and they exited the competition with a whimper, although Lucas Moura and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both had goals disallowed for offside.
However, that will not worry City, who go into the hat for Friday's last-four draw in Nyon.With David Luiz suspended, PSG coach Laurent Blanc switched to a back three and City sought to press them early, but the visitors soon settled into a rhythm and began to control the game.
Ibrahimovic, hunting his 40th goal of the season, drew a fingertip save from Joe Hart with a dipping, swerving free-kick after a quarter of an hour, before City twice went close through Aguero.
The home side seemed to shake off their early nerves as half-time approached and were given a chance to take the lead when Aguero went sprinting into the box and was felled by a poorly-timed tackle by Trapp.
Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo gave the penalty and booked the PSG keeper, but Aguero side-footed his spot-kick well wide, and PSG were let off the hook a second time in quick succession when Serge Aurier's misplaced pass fell to Jesus Navas and the Spaniard fired off target.
Ibrahimovic stung Hart's palms early in the second half with a powerful free-kick from 25 yards and PSG tried to lift the tempo of their game after a sluggish end to the first period.Substitute Lucas had the ball in the net moments later only to see the effort ruled out for offside, and Thiago Silva's downward header was well saved by Hart as Blanc's team began a late push for a winner.
But with 15 minutes to go, City went forward and Gael Clichy's cross found Fernando, who touched the ball to De Bruyne and the Belgian curled home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box.
Ibrahimovic put the ball in the net in the dying minutes but the offside flag was raised and PSG were dumped out of the Champions League amid delirious celebrations from the home crowd.
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