..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Sociedad 3-2 Barcelona: Battling Basques stun Blaugrana despite Messi milestone

Barcelona's unbeaten Liga record came to an end after the club went down 3-2 to Real Sociedad in a gripping clash at the Anoeta Stadium on Saturday.

Real Madrid was previously the only side to claim a result against the Catalans with a 2-2 tie last October, but Madrid's exploits were bettered by a heroic showing from the Basque outfit, which fought back from two goals down to clinch victory.

Lionel Messi scored for a record 10th game in a row when he opened the scoring after seven minutes, before Pedro doubled the advantage with 25 minutes on the clock to seemingly put Barca out of sight.

But Sociedad responded five minutes before the break through Chori Castro, and took full advantage of Gerard Pique's second half red card to draw level through a Javier Mascherano own goal shortly after the hour mark.

It seemed destined to end in a draw, but substitute Imanol Agirretxe struck in injury time to clinch a famous victory for the home side, as Barca could now see its lead at the top of the table cut to eight points should Atletico Madrid win against Levante on Sunday.

Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Pique returned to the starting lineup for Barcelona, with Alex Song, Alexis Sanchez and Javier Mascherano making way after their exertions in the Copa Del Rey against Malaga midweek.

The Catalans were ahead in just the seventh minute. Messi had already drilled a one-on-one wide, and made no mistake at the second time of asking, slotting home superbly from the edge of the box after Barca had pounced on a terrible clearance from Claudio Bravo.Xabi Prieto came close to responding with a shot that hit the side netting after a clever move from a free kick, but it was Barca which should have scored again after winning the ball inside the Sociedad box, with Pedro unlucky to see his splendid curling effort crack off the far post.

The second goal was always on the cards, and when Dani Alves delivered into the six-yard box after being picked out wonderfully by Xavi, Pedro’s close-range finish was inevitable.

Messi could have made it 3-0 five minutes before halftime after lifting the ball over Bravo, but the ball rolled onto the post before being hacked clear by Mikel Gonzalez.Instead, within moments, it was 2-1. Chori did well to control a Carlos Vela pass just inside the box, and the Uruguayan picked his spot brilliantly, firing into the bottom corner.

The home fans were back in full voice, and Chori could have equalized with an identical chance seconds after the restart, but this time, Victor Valdes was up to the task and parried the shot away from danger.

Barca was already rattled by the renewed endeavor of Sociedad, and 11 minutes into the second half, the cause was further dented when Pique picked up his second yellow card for a clumsy trip on Vela.

With the Catalans on the ropes, Sociedad struck another decisive blow just after the hour mark. A cross into the area was not dealt with by the defense, and Chori took fortuitous advantage, sending in a shot that Mascherano deflected in despite a touch from Valdes.

The match seemed destined to end with both sides splitting the points, but with the clock moving into injury time, Agirretxe met a Carlos Martinez cross to seal a victory for Sociedad that will surely go down in the team's history.

 

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Mamanam hithenne naha bro oka wei kiyala

ow mama hitnenneth nae

 

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Paris Saint-Germain does not need Ronaldo, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti says Paris Saint-Germain does not need Cristiano Ronaldo and will not be making a move for the Real Madrid player.



The Italian stated it is not difficult to manage top-class players such as the Portugal international and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but insists he is not looking to pair the two together.

“Can Zlatan and Ronaldo can play together? All quality players can play together. You know, it’s not hard to manage a guy like Ibrahimovic. Ronaldo is a fantastic player, but today, I do not think of him,” he told RMC.

Following the departures of forwards Nene and Guillaume Hoarau, there has been speculation les Parisiens will look to bolster their attack with big-money signings.
However, the former Chelsea coach believes he does not need to make any additions to his team in the transfer window and made it clear no deals will be done.

“Nenê and Hoarau are gone, they won’t be replaced because the team is good. We don’t have to buy. The transfer window is closed for us,” he added.The 53-year-old also added his belief that PSG is on course to lift the Ligue 1 title, providing he guides his side in the correct manner, but stated the difficulty of doing the same thing in the Champions League.

“We have to be champions. We clearly have the qualities to win. It all depends on the coach. If the manager does his job, then PSG is going to win," Anceliotti said. "If we do not win it? Yes, it will clearly be a failure. The Champions league is harder.”

aniwa Ibra inadadhdhi Ronaldo moktadha

 

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Swansea City 3-1 Stoke City: De Guzman double wraps up dominant win

Swansea is unbeaten in six Premier League games after a 3-1 win over Stoke at the Liberty Stadium.

Ben Davies opened the scoring with an excellent goal early in the second half before Jonathan de Guzman added two quality goals to seal the result.

Michael Owen added a late consolation with his first ever strike for the Potters.

Swansea started the brighter of the two teams, with Pablo Hernandez dragging a shot wide of Begovic's goal in the opening minutes, before Michu miscued a volley from just outside the area after a good lay-off from Itay Schecter.

The hosts' first real chance of the half came after 26 minutes when Hernandez found Michu with a long ball into the box but the Spaniard couldn't rerarrange his feet and sent his volley off target.

That was quickly followed by a chance for the visitors. Matthew Etherington should have done better as he failed to hit the target from a tight angle inside the box following a neat exchange with Adam.Etherington then nearly handed the Swans a lead in the 36th minute when he over-played deep inside his own half, allowing Angel Rangel to dispossess him before crossing for Michu, who should have scored with his header inside the six-yard box.

The second half sparked instantly into life when Davies gave Swansea the lead with a superbly taken first goal for the club. The left back shrugged off Jonathan Walters before skipping past Robert Huth and slotting a low right-footed finish past Begovic.

Less than 10 minutes later the hosts doubled their lead through a fantastic free kick from De Guzman. Michu was fouled just outside the box, allowing the Dutchman to step up and curl a sweetly struck right-footed effort into the top corner.

The Dutchman got himself on the scoresheet again with 10 minutes to play. He made a lung-busting run to support Danny Graham, whose lay-off was sublimely controlled and De Guzman provided a finish to match.

Owen grabbed a late consolation for Stoke with his first goal for the club as a late substitute, the striker got a slight touch on Cameron Jerome's cross to take it into the net.

 

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West Brom 2-2 Aston Villa: Brunt and Odemwingie deny rivals derby victory

Second-half goals from Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie were enough to salvage a point for West Brom in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, which took the lead with early goals from Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

In a one-sided first-half, Benteke opened proceedings with a stunning strike from the edge of the area, before Agbonlahor doubled the lead before the interval, finishing off a lovely team move.

The second half produced a response from the Baggies, as, after the away side pulled one back courtesy of a well-taken strike from Brunt, Odemwingie came to the rescue with eight minutes remaining, volleying in acrobatically from a corner.

It took only 12 minutes for the first goal to materialize and that was courtesy of one piece of magic from the powerful Benteke. Having received a pass fairly innocuously from Charles N'Zogbia with his back to goal, he dropped his shoulder, went the other way and duly fired an unstoppable effort past Ben Foster into the far corner, giving Villa the lead with its first chance of the game.

With the Baggies looking increasingly listless, the away side began to dominate proceedings and, with half an hour gone, the Villains extended their lead with the second clear-cut opportunity of the game. In a lovely move, Kieran Westwood found N'Zogbia who, after cutting inside, found Gabby Agbonlahor; the striker needed only two touches as he brought it inside with his first and with his second, finished past Foster with aplomb.

Following the shock of that second goal, the home side began to attempt to mount some sort of comeback as successive long-range efforts from Graeme Dorrans and James Morrison went begging.

The only other real chance of the half, however, fell to Aston Villa as, after the effervescent N'Zogbia beat Olsson with consummate ease down the right flank, he cut the ball back to the advancing Lichaj. However, the Villa right back could only fire straight at Foster from close-range and left the away side unusually unhappy with its two-goal advantage at the break.

The start of the second half, however, finally provoked a response from West Brom as, just a few minutes in, it pulled a goal back with a delightful effort from Brunt. Odemwingie, following an excellent run from deep, found Lukaku in the area and the striker, unable to turn, laid off to Brunt who sidefooted powerfully into the corner, with a little assistance from the post.

West Brom continued the pressure on its local rivals as with 25 minutes remaining, a Gareth McAuley header from a Brunt corner required a goalline clearance from Villa center back Ciaran Clark.

Just minutes later, Odemwingie almost managed what McAuley could not as, after a hopeful long-ball, he rounded Foster but, running at pace, he was unable to keep his footing and fired over.

With eight minutes remaining, however, Odemwingie managed to take one of the chances that continued to fall his way as, after a Brunt corner was turned into his path by Olsson, the striker turned it home acrobatically from six yards out.

West Brom almost managed to salvage an unlikely win with three minutes remaining but Lukaku could only fire wide to leave the spoils shared.

 

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Werder Bremen 0-5 Borussia Dortmund: Sahin returns as Dortmund cruises to victory at Weserstadion

An early goal set Borussia Dortmund on the way to a crushing victory that never looked in question, as the club strolled to a 5-0 triumph over Werder Bremen in Nuri Sahin's first game back at his old club. Marco Reus looped in a free kick in the opening minutes, and Jurgen Klopp's charges never released their grip on proceedings as further goals from Mario Gotze, Felipe Santana, Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Blaszczykowski ensured three points for the Bundesliga holder.

In desperate need of three points to keep up the chase on Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen at the Bundesliga summit, Dortmund could not have asked for a better start on Saturday afternoon. Roberto Lewandowski was felled on the edge of the box with eight minutes on the clock, and Reus stepped up to float a delightful free kick into the top right corner, with Sebastian Mielitz immobile between the posts.

Werder showed plenty of industry and fight during the first half, but struggled to translate the exertions into clear chances during the first 45 minutes. Nils Petersen had one of the few opportunities that fell to the home side with a shot that was dragged wide of the upright, but otherwise it was BVB which continued on top in the match's early stages.

Dortmund's rapid attacking was giving the Bremen back line lots of trouble, and the side was 2-0 up before 20 minutes were on the clock. Kevin Grosskreutz did well to make space after receiving a lovely ball from Ilkay Gundogan, and his pass found Gotze on the edge of the area. The youngster received a stroke of good fortune as his shot rebounded off a Bremen boot, looping over a despairing Mielitiz and into the roof of the net.

Dortmund finished the half in clear control, and Mats Hummels was left wondering what might have been as he burst through the defense only to lay off a wayward pass when the goal beckoned. Bremen had not been outplayed, but BVB's clinical finishing in front of goal handed the champion a decisive advantage as the teams went in for the break.

The second half was barely three minutes old when the game was effectively ended as a contest. Petersen failed to keep track of Santana at an early corner, and paid dearly as the Brazilian connected with the cross and headed home to further extend Dortmund's advantage. The striker tried to make amends with a strong run down the right side, but he blasted a shot well wide as Bremen looked to do the impossible and find a way back into the match.

Roman Weidenfeller was finally called into action one hour in when he tipped over a header from Petersen, but it was otherwise plain sailing for the away team which enjoyed a three-goal cushion. The Werderaner continued to battle valiantly in their efforts to get something out of the game, but there was no way through and Dortmund strolled to a comfortable, impressive victory to keep themselves in the Bundesliga hunt.

Lewandowski pitched in with a simple tap-in 10 minutes from time to cap an impressive display.

One of the evening's biggest ovations was reserved right at the end for Nuri Sahin, who came on in his first appearance since returning from Real Madrid, but Dortmund was not finished. Fellow substitute Blaszczykowski added insult to injury with another goal, finishing powerfully with Werder in disarray.

Jurgen Klopp's men remain in third place after Bayern and Leverkusen's victories, still 12 points from the summit currently occupied by Die Roten. Bremen, meanwhile, holds on to 12th although the club could slip down depending on Sunday's results in round 18.

 

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Juventus 4-0 Udinese: Prodigious Pogba propels brilliant Bianconeri five points clear

Juventus moved five points clear at the summit of Serie A courtesy of a resounding 4-0 victory over Udinese in Turin on Saturday evening.

Paul Pogba was the star of the show for the Bianconeri, opening the scoring with a stunning strike from distance towards the tail end of the first half before repeating the feat midway through the second period.

Mirko Vucinic added a third with a close-range volley that Udinese goalkeeper Danielle Padelli really should have saved and then laid on a fourth for Alessandro Matri as the home side capitalized on second-placed Lazio's surprise 2-2 draw at Palermo earlier in the evening.

Despite having accrued just one point from its previous two Serie A outings, Juventus began the game in confident fashion, with Sebastian Giovinco and Vucinic looking particularly lively up top.

Indeed, the former embarked upon a run which ultimately led to Arturo Vidal calling Padelli into action for the first time with a well-struck drive from the edge of the area that the goalkeeper did well to tip over. It was Vucinic, meanwhile, who slipped Emanuele Giaccherini through on goal 19 minutes in. Again Padelli came to Udinese’s rescue, though, this time denying the Bianconeri an opening goal with an outstretched left foot.

Giovinco then sent over the set piece which Leonardo Bonucci headed just over the bar but, by that point, 31 minutes in, the home fans were growing a little restless. However, they were on their feet just before the break when Pogba pounced on a loose ball some 30 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

It had come out of nothing but it was difficult not to feel that Juve deserved to go into the break a goal to the good given the visitor's had offered little by way of an attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, Udinese elected to take a gamble on star forward Antonio Di Natale, who had been left on the bench because of concerns over his fitness. However, his introduction made not a jot of distance because while the Zebrette saw more of the ball in the second period, they were still utterly devoid of an attacking threat in midfield.

The same could not be said of Juventus, nor indeed Pogba, who doubled the champion's advantage on 66 minutes, this time beating Padelli from distance with a less spectacular - but equally unstoppable - drive into the bottom corner.

Udinese was left reeling by a second hammer blow from the boot of the teenage Frenchman and Juventus finished its punch drunk opponent off with two more goals in the final quarter.

First, Vucinic rolled Thomas Heurtaux in the area before somehow squirming a shot past Padelli, and then the Montenegrin turned provider, splitting the now ragged Udinese defense with a pass that Matri, who had come on for Giovinco, finished with relish.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

SAF,Pogba wa sell karapu 1kanam aparadeMan's elata play karanawaneYesterday Udinese match 1keth score karala thiyana goals 2kama Patta

Especially 1st goal 1kanam kiyala wadak naha

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Conte: It is justice to give Napoli back its deducted points

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes the lifting of charges against Napoli for its alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli saga was the correct decision, speaking after his men ran out 4-0 winners against Udinese on Saturday.


Walter Mazzari's side was handed a two-point penalty which they successfully appealed against on Thursday, while Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava had bans from playing for the rest of the current season overturned.

"It is justice to give Napoli back their deducted points, and acquit Cannavaro and Grava," Conte said to assembled reporters. "However, I shouldn't have been disqualified either."

The successful appeal of the Partenopei's two-point penalty ensures the Italian outfit remains in the hunt for the Scudetto, although Juventus managed to extend its lead at the top of Serie A thanks to a brace by Paul Pogba that swept Udinese aside.

"Pogba has similar characteristics to Frank Rijkaard, and can still grow to become one of the world's best in this role. Paul is the proof that talent can be brought to the fore when organization is in place," Conte said. "My players are working seriously without the injured players. We always place the team above individuals, and always had things under control tonight.

"Despite the many absentees, very few noticed thanks to the great performances by those who stepped in."

The club is enduring an injury crisis that ruled out the participation of Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio among others, although Mirko Vucinic capped his return to the starting lineup with a goal.

"After the last two games, tonight’s success represents a much-needed victory," the Montenegrin said. "My condition is improving on a daily basis. We'll start to prepare against Lazio tomorrow, which is always a special game for me."

 

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Messi: Barcelona had to lose at some point

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has said the shock 3-2 loss to Real Sociedad on Saturday was not entirely unexpected, but added that the side must now rebound with a win in the Cope del Rey.

Despite bagging a goal in his 10th straight league game in consecutive seasons, Philippe Montanier's men staged an incredible comeback to stun Messi and the Blaugrana.

But the newly-crowned Balon d'Or winner told reporters: "Losing a game had to come at some point. We have to pick ourselves up immediately because of the cup match coming up.

Meanwhile Pedro, who scored Barca's other goal, was quick to blame the defeat on the referee's decision to produce a second yellow-card for Gerard Pique.

"Pique’s red card conditioned the match, because it was a [tackle] that wasn't dangerous. On Thursday, we simply cannot fail," he said.

The Camp Nou outfit travels to Malaga in midweek for its Copa del Rey quarterfinal.

 

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Ferguson to take Manchester United squad on Qatar break

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will take his players on a mini-break to Qatar next week.

The 71-year-old, who claimed a golfing holiday rejuvenated his squad last season, is mindful of United's congested fixture list ahead of its title run-in with Manchester City, as well as a difficult two-legged Champions League tie with Real Madrid next month.

United will travel to Qatar straight after their Premier League fixture against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday and will focus on team-building exercises at the Aspire Academy in Doha, a multi-sport facility which cost $1.3 billion to build.

As well as boosting team spirit, Sir Alex will be hoping the trip can aid the recovery of Ashley Young and Jonny Evans, who are both currently sidelined through injury, as well as prepare Wayne Rooney for regular playing time following his return from a knee problem on Wednesday.

With snow also potentially offering a disruption to United's training schedule, Ferguson is also eager to suffer minimal hindrances in his side's preparations.

United sits top of the Premier League, four points ahead of Manchester City, which has played a game more following its 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

 

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Redknapp desperate to tie up M'Vila deal

LONDON -- QPR manager Harry Redknapp has stated that talks are ongoing with Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila but that a deal has yet to be reached.

The 22-year-old France international has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham in the past after carving out a burgeoning reputation for himself back in his homeland, but a series of incidents off the pitch have seen plenty of big clubs withdraw from chasing his signature.

"We're still working on it, you need to get deals done quickly. The longer it drags on the more people get involved, he’s good value," Redknapp told reporters.

After taking the lead through a first half goal from Loic Remy on his debut for the club, Joe Cole's equalizer in the second half ensured that honors remained even at Upton Park, with Redknapp revealing that his side came close to signing the playmaker from Liverpool earlier in the window.

"I wanted Joe and I think we could have had Joe," he said. "We were talking to him three weeks before West Ham even came on the scene but it just went on too long. Once West Ham came in for him he was only ever going to go there, this is his club. But the deal just dragged on too long.

"Sometimes with deals you have to get them done quickly and once others get alerted it can change. He had some bits and pieces to sort at Liverpool which held it up."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.01.20 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.01.20 Fixtures​

Chelsea Vs Arsenal

Tottenham Vs Manchester United

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La Liga 2013.01.20 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.01.20 Fixtures


Osasuna Vs Deportivo

Real Valladoid Vs Real Zaragoza

Atletico Madrid Vs Levante

Valencia Vs Real Madrid​

 

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Serie A 2013.01.20 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.01.20 Fixtures


Fiorentina Vs Napoli

AC Milan Vs Bologna

Atalanta Vs Cagliari

Chievo Vs Parma

Genoa Vs Catania

Siena Vs Sampdoria

Pescara Vs Torino

Roma Vs Inter​

 

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Snow could force Spurs to call off Manchester United clash on Sunday

Tottenham say this afternoon's match against Manchester United is still on, but could be called off if snow continues to fall in the next couple of hours.

The 4pm kick-off between the two sides has been put in danger thanks to heavy snowfall in the capital.Ground staff have been working hard to keep the pitch at White Hart Lane clear, but should the bad weather continue, fans may find it hard to get to the north London venue - and the game could be called off.

A statement on Tottenham's website, published at 12.23pm, read: "Today's match against Manchester United remains on at this point in time."However the situation is being monitored and much will depend on whether or not there is any substantial snow before kick-off at 4pm.

"We'll keep fans informed of any further updates via our usual channels."

 

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Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United: Dempsey delivers to snatch late Spurs leveler

LONDON -- Clint Dempsey scored a dramatic equalizer in added time as Tottenham denied Manchester United a battling victory at White Hart Lane.

The American turned the ball in from two minutes into injury time to wild scenes in the snow in north London to snatch Andre Villas-Boas’ side a point it fully deserved but had appeared unlikely to manage.

Robin van Persie had headed United ahead in the 25th minute before the visitors produced a resilient backs-to-the-wall display under a barrage of Tottenham pressure, with visiting goalkeeper David De Gea making a number of crucial saves.

The result means United’s advantage at the top of the Premier League has been cut to five points this week following Manchester City’s victory over Fulham on Saturday, while Spurs remain fourth as they chase a Champions League spot.

The build-up to the game was dominated by concerns over the snowy conditions as referee Chris Foy declared the pitch playable following an inspection just over an hour before kickoff.

Spurs made three changes to the side that drew with QPR, with Scott Parker making his first league start of the season to replace the injured Sandro, while Steven Caulker and Clint Dempsey also came into the team as Jan Vertonghen dropped to the bench due to illness.

United made just one change to the starting lineup that beat Liverpool as Phil Jones replaced Ashley Young, with van Persie and Danny Welbeck again paired in attack.

Both sides started in cagey fashion, with Spurs winger Aaron Lennon injecting some impetus into the home side's attacks as he looked to run at Patrice Evra.

Lennon nearly put Tottenham in front in the 14th minute when he burst in from the right and drilled a low, left-footed shot that De Gea saved to his left before snuffing out Jermain Defoe’s rebound.

In the 25th minute, United took the lead as van Persie headed home his 18th league goal of the season to put the finishing touch on a swift move from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

After some neat build-up play, Welbeck played the ball out to Tom Cleverley on the right, and the midfielder clipped in his cross to the far post, where van Persie was completely unmarked to power in with his head.

Back in north London, the former Arsenal man made sure to enjoy his celebration in front of the Spurs fans as he wheeled away to be mobbed by his teammates.

From then on, Tottenham controlled most of the game but struggled to find a way past De Gea, with the Spaniard in inspired form in the United goal.

De Gea made two sharp stops before the break, denying Defoe at the near post before brilliantly keeping out Gareth Bale’s deflected effort with his legs.

The pattern continued after the re-start as De Gea denied Clint Dempsey from point-blank range after the American went through following a silky shimmy and shuffle from Mousa Dembele on the edge of United’s area.

Yet Tottenham began to run out of ideas and was unable to find a way past United’s defense as the visitors looked to sit deep and play on the counterattack, putting bodies behind the ball and always managing to find a last ditch block or saving header.

Then, two minutes into added time, De Gea produced a weak punch that fell to Lennon. The winger kept his head to pick out Dempsey in a crowded penalty box, and the American made no mistake in slotting the ball into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

 

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Congratulations Manchester UnitedAnyway Manchester United attaking nam madi​

 

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AC Milan 2-1 Bologna: Pazzini double settles San Siro clash

Giampaolo Pazzini netted after the hour mark and a second eight minutes from time as AC Milan battled to hard-fought 2-1 win over lowly Bologna at the San Siro.
Philippe Mexes scored a late own goal to set up a tense finish in Milan, but the hosts held on to take the share of the spoils.

M'Baye Niang looked to fire the Rossoneriin front just minutes after halftime, but his 25-yard drive was deflected wide for a corner. Stephan El Shaarway's cross was poorly cleared by Albero Gilardino as Mexes spectacularly attempted to fire into the back of the Bologna net, but the visitors managed to clear to safety.

The hosts continued to dominate and should've gone ahead on the hour mark. Ignazio Abate strode forward to collect a deflected Niang pass, before pulling back for Pazzini. The Milan front-man, under pressure, fired just wide when it was perhaps easier to score.

Milan kept the heat on Bologna, but goalkeeper Federico Agliardi was again on hand to deny the hosts. A Niang corner was played back to the unmarked El Shaarawy, who fired goalbound, only for his compatriot to deny him. The pressure paid off for Massimiliano Allegri's side, which found itself in front with 25 minutes to go. Pazzini took the ball down well before turning on the penalty spot. His goalbound effort took a wicked deflection off Mikael Antonsson, leaving Agliardi to watch helplessly as the ball nestled in the back of the net.

The Italian added his and Milan's, second with a little more than 10 minutes to go after bringing down Kevin Prince-Boateng's cross. Pazzini the looped the ball over his marker before smashing a volley past Agliardi to extend the hosts' lead.


A late Mexes own goal ensured a nail-biting finish at the San Siro after the Frenchman inadvertently put the ball into his own net following Christian Pasquato's header across goal. El Shaarawy came close to netting a superb third for the hosts in injury time, but his curling effort drifted just wide of Agliardi's post, but the Rossoneri did not need the strike, as they held on for all three points to climb into sixth place, two points behind Fiorentina.

 

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Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal: Lampard penalty ensures Blues weather second-half storm

LONDON -- Chelsea dispatched Arsenal 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to pull 11 points clear of its rival in the race for the Champions League places.

Early goals from Juan Mata and Frank Lampard put the home side in complete control but Theo Walcott’s brilliant 58thminute strike gave Arsene Wenger’s team hope. However, with the snow tumbling down, Chelsea was able to avoid a repeat of the midweek fixture here against Southampton by not letting slip a two-goal lead.

It enabled Rafael Benitez’s team to take a firm grip on third place and establish clear distance between itself and Arsenal, which limped to its second consecutive league defeat after losing to Manchester City last weekend.

Wenger’s side showed heart and fight to make a game of it in the second half but was ultimately made to pay for a feeble first-half showing in which the team was comprehensively out played and out thought by the home side.Chelsea was so fluent and dominant in the early exchanges that the home support forgot to continue the 16th-minute tradition of chanting the name of Benitez’s predecessor Roberto Di Matteo.

It was enough to leave those who did not take up their seats because of the snow that tumbled down in west London all day and throughout the match kicking themselves with envy.With Lukas Podolski missing through illness, Arsenal selected the same XI that dumped Swansea City out of the FA Cup in midweek, with Olivier Giroud spearheading the attack and Theo Walcott starting on the right.
Chelsea made two changes from the side that drew at home against Southampton. Branislav Ivanovic, who was on the bench on Wednesday, replaced the injured David Luiz and Fernando Torres came in for Demba Ba.
Early on, Giroud wasted a great opportunity to put Arsenal ahead after being put through by Walcott, and Chelsea immediately made the visitors pay for the let off.
The home side broke up the field where Cesar Azpilicueta delivered an excellent cross-field pass to Juan Mata, who pulled the ball down with a wonderful first touch and hammered it into the net with his second.

After 15 minutes, the visitors were sliced open once again after Abou DIaby was robbed of the ball in the middle of the park. Mata found Ramires in acres of space in the penalty box and the Brazilian dawdled before falling over Szczesny’s outstretched leg and Chelsea was awarded its eighth spot kick of the season.Szczesny, who had cover from his defenders, escaped with a yellow card but could not prevent Lampard converting the 47th penalty of his Chelsea career.
From then on, it was one-way traffic throughout the opening period. Arsenal’s frustration was encapsulated by an animated Jack Wilshere, who, isolated in an advanced attacking midfield role, could not get the ball and made no attempt to hide his disgust at his teammates’ failure to treat their passing with care.

Arsenal was much improved after the break, creating three good opportunities before Walcott sprung the Chelsea offside trap after 58 minutes.

Santi Cazorla threaded the ball through to Walcott, who opened up his body to fire it magnificently past the grasp of Petr Cech to give his team a life line.With Wilshere increasingly influential and Walcott a constant threat on the right, Arsenal looked the better team. However, Wenger made his feelings clear about the effectiveness of his central midfield by subbing both Coquelin and Diaby.

Despite their late rally, Arsenal could not find a way through a Chelsea defense that was far more resilient than it had been against Southampton on Wednesday.