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    Edu: Pato can succeed at Chelsea, but must connect with fans

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    Former Arsenal player Edu, who signed Alexandre Pato for Corinthians in 2013, believes the attacker can succeed at Chelsea as long as he adopts the club's philosophy.

    The Brazil international revitalised his career in South America after persistent injuries hindered his development at AC Milan, despite a bright opening four years in Italy.The 26-year-old got off to a flyer upon his return to his homeland, but a dismal second season saw him loaned to Sao Paulo.

    Pato courted a lot of interest in the January transfer window after picking up form during his loan spell, leading to him making a move to Stamford Bridge until the end of the season.

    And Edu, who won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal and is now sporting director at Corinthians, believes he has what it takes to shine in England.

    “Injuries are not a problem any more. We did a good job with him here and he improved a lot on the pitch," the 37-year-old told The Sun.“I think he can be a success in the Premier League. Everyone is disappointed with how it turned out with Pato.

    “But he has no injuries, so I think he will be good for Chelsea. He could play in the Premier League for many years.“It is hard to compare him to other players but he is a big talent. He has matured. Maybe that can help him. He has changed in his mind a bit.

    “I think he is mature enough now to understand this change at Chelsea. To be in the mentality of the club.“Many clubs wanted him but the last word is the player’s word.“When Chelsea came to talk to us and gave us the opportunity to start the negotiations, Pato said he wanted to go to the Premier League.”

    However, Edu feels the attacker must adapt to the expectations at Chelsea.“Pato didn’t get the philosophy here and what the fans expect from the players," he added.

    “He must get the philosophy of the club. He has to connect well with the supporters.“That is what I mean about philosophy. If you see Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham, they have a traditional way of playing and the fans see that.

    “That is what he has to understand, he must be clever enough to know how important that is now.“At the beginning, Corinthians were prepared for him to play very strong and fast - like at the other clubs where he did well.

    “He started well, was scoring goals and was playing games. But it was tactical as well, and in the end about the team. He didn’t suit us and then Sao Paulo wanted him and we wanted Jadson, so we changed them around.“And it worked for both - for Pato and for Jadson - they both did well for their new clubs.

    “In the end Sao Paulo was better for Pato, Corinthians went for another player and we changed. Both sides did well.”
     

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    :eek::frown::baffled:Rooney: Blame the players, not Van Gaal

    Wayne Rooney believes the Manchester United players should shoulder the responsibility for the side's lacklustre campaign instead of Louis van Gaal.

    Rooney was on target in United's 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday as the Red Devils eased to a fourth victory in six games in 2016.

    The England star has been a crucial part of that resurgence, scoring six goals in January, but he believes he and his teammates were equally culpable in a disastrous period between November and December, which saw United go winless for eight-straight games in all competitions.

    "It’s unfair to say it’s down to the manager," Rooney said."We’re on the pitch, so the players have to take a lot of responsibility for performances and results."We have to stand up and take criticism when it’s there. We want to win, of course - we always want to win - and we’re trying."Even when you’re giving 100 per cent, it doesn’t always come off."

    Van Gaal denied that he had explicitly told the players to abandon his playing style after a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Southampton - in which United managed just one shot on target. Rooney, however, said it was obvious that the players enjoyed their performance on Friday much more than their league encounter."The manager gave us a lot of freedom to go and play and I think you can see the difference in the team," he added.

    "You can see we were enjoying it, scoring some good goals and thoroughly deserved to win so hopefully we can put in another performance like this against Stoke City on Tuesday."
     

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    Lewandowski: Bayern exit possible

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    Robert Lewandowski says he may not see out his career with Bayern Munich, acknowledging the possibility of an exit amid links with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

    The Poland international has been a reported target for both Madrid and PSG in recent weeks following Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge's admission that Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain was of interest to them.

    Lewandowski's contract runs until 2019 and, when asked if he felt he would end his career at Bayern, the 27-year-old told Die Welt am Sonntag: "As a professional footballer, it's hard to say."Many times I have heard players say such a thing and then in comes another coach and they are no longer in such high demand. Or they get a very interesting offer.

    "In any case, I feel very well at Bayern and will always give everything for the team while I'm here. I focus exclusively on Bayern.

    "Ever since I was 18, there have been enquiries and rumors and even then I learned to deal with it. I can shut it out, it does not distract me."It has become normal, but it does not interest me."

    Pep Guardiola brought Lewandowski to the Allianz Arena in 2014, with the Pole furthering his reputation as one of the best out-and-out strikers in the world.

    The Spaniard will leave Bayern at the end of the season and will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, with the change of coach sparking speculation over Lewandowski's future.However, the former Borussia Dortmund man remains focused on ending the season strongly.

    "Guardiola's exit is a long way off," he added. "We now all know that Pep will leave the club in the summer but, until then, we are a unit.

    "And we want to celebrate another title with him at the end of the season. That's why I am fully concentrated on this season."Under Pep I always learned something new, especially in terms of tactics."
     

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    Martial must improve at Manchester United, insists Fellaini

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    Marouane Fellaini insists Anthony Martial “must improve” and believes the 20-year-old will find the Premier League more difficult next season.

    Martial has impressed since his €80 million (£60.8m) arrival from Monaco last summer and was the star of United’s 3-1 win over Derby County in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.

    Fellaini has praised the France international’s start to life at Old Trafford and believes he has enough quality to be a success in England.

    “He can be a good player, but he must improve,” said the Belgian.


    “Anthony has a lot of quality; he is quick, a good dribbler and always dangerous. He is young and has to keep going, learn every day and he will be a good player.

    “He’s settled in well, and enjoys the training and loves the Premier League, and loves playing games.

    “So, first of all, This is good for him, but also the club. He must train hard and keep going as next season will be more difficult because the Premier League will know him. But he has the quality to be a success.”
     

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    Blanc: Lavezzi going nowhere in January

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    Laurent Blanc says Paris Saint-Germain are refusing to let Ezequiel Lavezzi leave in the January transfer window, meaning he will likely leave for free at the end of the season.

    The attacker will be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June, but he has long been linked with a move away from the French champions, having lost out on a regular starting spot.

    The former Napoli player's agent says a return to Italy is the preferred destination for the 30-year-old, who joined PSG for around €30 million in 2012, but the coach insists he will have to wait a few more months before he can make his move.

    "We have been very clear with Lavezzi. We have been very, very clear with him," Blanc said."I don’t want to tell you what we said but we have been very clear with him, from the beginning of the season until this transfer window.

    "We have been very clear on his situation. He cannot say the contrary. We all know that if someone wants to leave the club, all parts of the club must agree. Apparently, that is not the case because he hasn't moved.

    "His contract ends in June and there is a strategy. Well, not really a strategy, but there is a position to stand, hold or keep.

    "We have had discussions with players at the end of their contracts. We spoke with them and we told them that we could adapt to their positions if we found satisfaction."

    PSG currently sit 21 points clear of second-placed Monaco in the Ligue 1 standings, while still competing in the Coupe de la Ligue, Coupe de France and Champions League.

    The capital club take on Chelsea when the latter resumes in February, and the coach says his team are in for a tough tie."To be competitive the D-day against Chelsea, we’ll have to give it all we have in Ligue 1 and in the cup. Yes, there are some risks to give it all we have but you always have risks," he said.

    "If you begin to think about injuries, about not giving 100 per cent in some duels, it’s the best way to get injured or to not being present on the big day. I said that to my players. So, yes there are risks. But there are always risks. Zero risk doesn’t exist.

    "I think that we have lots of games, maybe too many, before Chelsea - I would have loved to play a bit less. We’ll play them all but we can't be focused on this game because it’s the best way to get into trouble."
     

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    Van Gaal: Fans can jeer me but must support players

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    Louis van Gaal is not worried about whether or not he will be booed by Manchester United fans at Old Trafford on Tuesday, but hopes they will lend their support to the players.

    United take on Stoke City in midweek off the back of their 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday and will be looking seek revenge for their 2-0 loss to Mark Hughes' men on Boxing Day.

    There is concern the Old Trafford faithful may have a hostile reception in store for their under-pressure Dutch manager, with United having lost 1-0 to Southampton at home in their last league game.

    Van Gaal, though, is not concerned about what the fans think of him, but hopes they will voice their support for the players.

    "I’m not a stupid man," Van Gaal said. "I’m an intelligent man and I cannot predict the atmosphere on Tuesday."I hope that we can give the same level of performance as against Derby but we have to play Stoke, another opponent. I’m always honest.

    "It’s not important that they yell at me. It’s more important that they support the players, that’s the most important thing. The players have the most difficult task.
    "They have to give a result at that hour with that resistance from Stoke. There are no excuses.

    "When I’m not so popular, then OK. It’s also not the first time that it’s happened with me but I can survive. They supported us fantastically against Derby. I have heard more from the fans of United than from Derby.

    "We are the away team. It’s also fantastic that there is such a big part coming to see ‘boring’ Manchester United."

    Van Gaal expects another tough encounter with Hughes' Stoke side, who he said would not make life easy for his team."I like how Stoke play very much. I saw them play this week and they were very good. I think they deserved to win against Liverpool but they didn’t," he said.

    "That’s football. You can lose. They are in good shape, good form. They are a team that every club in the Premier League has a lot of difficulties with."
     

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    Chievo 0-4 Juventus: Pogba and Morata run the show in easy victory

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    Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba were the stars of the show for Juventus on Sunday as they beat Chievo 4-0 to record a 12th consecutive Serie A win.

    Morata scored twice on Wednesday as Juve earned a 3-0 first-leg advantage against Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-finals and the striker took his tally for the season to seven in all competitions on Sunday as the champions equalled their record for consecutive league wins in a single season.

    Juve began Sunday two points behind league leaders Napoli - who play Empoli later in the day - but made an ideal start at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi when Morata tapped in Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross from the right just six minutes in.

    In their first outing since top scorer Alberto Paloschi's departure for Swansea City, mid-table Chievo struggled to ask questions of Massimiliano Allegri's side and fell further behind when Morata doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time.

    With Juve well on their way to maximum points, Alex Sandro and Paul Pogba added further gloss to a result that was never in doubt with quickfire goals after the hour, as Allegri's men returned to Turin with their revival in full effect.

    While Juve were without injured striker Mario Mandzukic, Chievo coach Rolando Maran replaced Paloschi with Paul-Jose M'Poku following the striker's exit on Friday.

    Alex Sandro came in for the suspended Patrice Evra at left-back and, after the Brazilian fired over early on, Morata handed the visitors a sixth-minute lead with a close-range finish following Lichtsteiner's cross from the right.

    As Juve dominated the opening half-hour, Pogba twice went close to doubling the advantage with long-range efforts, while Chievo struggled to offer a threat aside from Nicola Rigoni's effort, which was comfortably saved by Gianluigi Buffon.

    The reigning champions' dominance was further rewarded when Morata doubled the lead with a carbon copy of his opener, as Sami Khedira collected Paulo Dybala's pass before squaring for the Spaniard to convert.

    Khedira was replaced by Stefano Sturaro at the break, having appeared to suffer a knock midway through the first half, with the Bianconeri staying on top after the restart.

    Chievo claimed a point at Juventus Stadium in the reverse fixture, while the champions were in the midst of their early-season malaise, and Ivan Radovanovic sent a shot wide as the hosts sought a way back into the game.

    However, Alex Sandro added a third to remove any doubt of where the points were heading. Pogba showed composure inside the box to pivot on the ball and play in the full-back who calmly slotted past Albano Bizzarri.

    With Allegri's team fully in the groove, Pogba deservedly got in on the act with arguably the pick of the goals, turning away from Dario Dainelli before calmly rolling the ball beyond a helpless Bizzarri.

    Juve could have extended their lead further when the dangerous Alex Sandro and Pogba each rattled the woodwork in the latter stages as Allegri's men saw out a convincing win with ease.
     

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    Lewandowski: I think Guardiola has decided his next team

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    Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski believes Pep Guardiola has already decided which Premier League team he will join next season.

    The Spaniard has confirmed he will leave the Bavarian side at the end of the season, but his next destination is yet to be revealed.

    Goal reported at the beginning of January that, barring any major obstacles, Guardiola has agreed to take over at Manchester City, but Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be interested in hiring him.

    Lewandowski has backed his boss to bring a new and improved style to whichever English team he chooses to manage, insisting that he will be prepared for the difference to the Spanish and German leagues in which he has already succeeded.

    "I know Pep can improve a team in England," Lewandowski told The Daily Mail. "I think he knows where he’s going and he knows what he needs to do with the team he’s going to so that they play much better.

    "He will focus on technique and perhaps more possession than is the norm in England. But Pep knows the Premier League is different from the Spanish league or the Bundesliga and I’m sure he can do something new in terms of tactics and technique."While Lewandowski has admitted he was sad to hear of Pep's upcoming exit, he has put the feelings behind him in order to finish the season strongly, as Bayern chase a domestic and European treble.

    "The first time I heard Pep’s decision I thought it was a shame," the Pole added. "But after that, I knew I’d to come here to train and play and I’m sure we’ll carry on in the same direction with Pep right to the end of the season.

    "It’s important for me to have a good second half of the season. And if we do win something then we will celebrate with Pep."
     

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    Carlisle United 0-3 Everton: Rampant Toffees seal fifth-round place

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    Everton breezed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory away to League Two side Carlisle United on Sunday afternoon.

    Roberto Martinez opted to rest John Stones, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku, but his side never looked likely to suffer an upset against a team lying in mid-table in England's fourth tier.

    Aaron Lennon teed up Arouna Kone to open the scoring with just two minutes on the clock and the former Tottenham winger doubled the lead inside the first quarter of an hour.

    Everton fans had contributed to the restoration of Brunton Park, which was hugely affected by the December storms in the UK, and they had plenty to enjoy about their journey north as Ross Barkley drilled in a deflected third after the break.

    Carlisle had lost all three previous FA Cup ties with the Merseysiders and rarely looked likely to spring a shock, with Derek Asamoah coming closest to finding a way past Joel Robles in what proved to be a frustrating outing for the hosts.

    The result sees Everton march into round five for the fifth time in six seasons with a win that will go some way towards banishing memories of their League Cup semi-final heartbreak against Manchester City last time out.

    The home fans - who numbered more than 17,000 - were in fine voice as they welcomed Carlisle for their second game back on the relaid turf, but it took Everton just two minutes to strike the first blow.

    Lennon burst into the box from the right and squared the ball across goal for Kone, who tapped home from close range.
    Asamoah drew a strong stop from Robles with a half-volley at the near post but Lennon finished a fine team move to put the visitors in complete control with just 14 minutes played.

    Bryan Oviedo combined superbly with Barkley before picking out the England international, who took a touch past Michael Raynes and slotted through Mark Gillespie's legs.

    Carlisle created little to threaten Everton's advantage before the break and Keith Curle made two changes at half-time in an effort to galvanise his side - Asamoah coming closest to grabbing a lifeline as he fired narrowly over following Hallam Hope's long ball.

    But Barkley ended any prospect of a shock comeback just past the hour mark. Striding into space on the edge of the area after Leon Osman's pass, his firm strike glanced off the head of Mark Ellis before nestling high into the net past the wrong-footed Gillespie.

    Carlisle pushed for a late consolation, with Robles saving low to deny Antony Sweeney, but Everton comfortably saw out the closing stages to book their place in Sunday's fifth-round draw.
     

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    Allegri: I care about the Scudetto, not the winning streak

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    Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he does not care about his side equaling the club's run of consecutive Serie A victories, but praised their convincing display in Sunday's 4-0 win at Chievo.Alvaro Morata scored twice in the first half at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi before Alex Sandro and Paul Pogba completed the triumph in Verona.

    It matched Juve's record run of 12 successive league victories in a single season - set during 2013-14 - and ensures they keep the pressure on Napoli in the title race.

    Allegri was thrilled to see his side continue the recovery from a woeful start to their Scudetto defence, but stressed the winning streak does not impress him as he only cares about winning the title.

    "I do not care," he told reporters when asked for his thoughts on his side's incredible form. "I'd like to go for 20 straight wins, but even then maybe we would not win the Scudetto.

    "The run is proving successful, although I did not expect it happen so quickly. There are still 16 games left, but we are in a good period and now we have to continue like this and improve further.

    "There is still room for individual growth, both mentally and physically. Just see the final shot from Pogba, when he took the long pass down and hit it hard and hit the crossbar when he could have placed the ball.

    "We must not forget what or where we were after 10 games. That will remind us to keep the pressure high.

    "The team played a good game from a technical point of view and in terms of the intensity in our play."There was only one error in the finale, which needed some great goalkeeping from Buffon, but it was a nice match."

    Genoa are next up for Juve, who face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League and still have a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg to come against Inter in March.
     

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    Neville edges closer to the brink as Valencia slump to new low

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    Valencia coach Gary Neville is set to come under increasing scrutiny as his side suffered another setback in La Liga as they lost 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijon.

    Neville has yet to taste victory in the Primera Division, and though he has won four fixtures in charge of the Mestalla outfit, all of these wins have come against weaker sides in the Copa del Rey.

    Meanwhile, he has seen his side pick up just a handful of points in the league as they have started to slip down the standings.

    As a result, the mood around the team is hostile. Valencia were whistled off after their latest loss, while owner Peter Lim is under increasing pressure to sack a figure seen by the fans as lacking the experience to steer a club such as Valencia.

    And it gets worse for Neville, whose side will tackle Barcelona in midweek...
     

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    MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea: Oscar hits hat-trick in Blues romp

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    Oscar scored a hat-trick and Eden Hazard found the back of the net for the first time this season as Chelsea thumped MK Dons 5-1 and eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

    The Blues crashed out to League One Bradford City at the same stage last season, but a repeat never seemed to be on the cards at the home of Karl Robinson's Championship strugglers.Oscar had passed up two gilt-edged chances before Diego Costa was presented with possession by Dons defender Kyle McFadzean to tee him up for the opener.

    A deflected strike from Mark Potter gave the Dons a scarcely deserved equaliser, but there were two more crisp finishes from their tormentor-in-chief to wrap up a treble inside 44 minutes.

    Reigning PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year Hazard had remarkably failed to find the net in 28 Chelsea appearances this term, but won and converted a penalty to end his slump after half-time and laid on substitute Bertrand Traore to complete the scoring.

    Costa has scored six times in as many outings for boss Guus Hiddink and the striker should have prolonged that purple patch in the second minute when Oscar squared, but David Martin pulled off a stunning reaction save.Oscar twice shot tamely wide when picked out by Hazard inside the area, either side of saving with his boot from Branislav Ivanovic.

    But the Brazil international made no mistake in the 15th minute, sliding home into an empty net after McFadzean's horrible error.The signs were ominous for the hosts, but they drew level thanks to a large stroke of fortune six minutes later.

    Potter's speculative attempt looped wickedly off Nemanja Matic before beating Thibaut Courtois.

    Chelsea continued to cut through the home backline at will and a combination of Martin and the post denied Hazard before Costa slid in to take a simple finish off Oscar's toe. Both men were left seated and smirking with embarrassment inside the six-yard box.

    Oscar's busy afternoon in front of goal continued in the 32nd minute – the impressive Ruben Loftus-Cheek flicking a delightful pass into his path for him to fire across Martin.

    A first-half hat-trick was complete when the midfielder cut inside from the Dons' porous right flank and arrowed a superb strike into the far corner.Hazard finally opened his account for the season after 55 minutes, sending Martin the wrong way from 12 yards after being bundled over by Potter.

    The Belgium international celebrated at length in front of the travelling supporters, kissing the club badge.Rob Hall had a rising drive tipped over by Courtois as the Dons looked to ease the severity of their beating, but more pain arrived after the hour.

    Traore's first Chelsea goal was one of unacceptable simplicity from the hosts' point of view as Hazard collected a long ball unchallenged and found Costa's replacement to slot into the bottom corner.There should have been a brace for Traore, but he slipped and put Baba Rahman's 77th-minute cutback wide.

    Chelsea are now unbeaten in eight matches under Hiddink and remain on course to celebrate the Dutchman's mid-season salvage job with FA Cup glory – as they did in 2009.
     

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    Bayern Munich 2-0 Hoffenheim: Lethal Lewandowski at the double for leaders

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    A brace from Robert Lewandowski lifted injury-hit Bayern Munich to a routine 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday.

    Die Roten have been decimated by injuries of late, with the latest casualty, Javi Martinez, meaning coach Pep Guardiola was forced to field Xabi Alonso as a makeshift centre-back.

    However, the German champions looked untroubled and swept to victory thanks to Lewandowski's heroics, with his double taking his tally to 20 league goals this season and putting him on par with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the Bundesliga scoring charts.

    The Poland striker opened the scoring right after the half-hour mark when Douglas Costa zipped down the wing and laid the ball on a plate for an easy tap-in into an open net.

    Lewandowski then showcased his penchant for the spectacular when he chipped Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann for Bayern's second to send his side crusing to victory.

    Bayern, who maintained their 100 per cent record at the Allianz Arena in 2015/16, never looked threatened by a Hoffenheim side who arrived in Bavaria having collected just six points on their travels all term.

    Arjen Robben twice came close to putting his side ahead in the opening nine minutes with two curling efforts from the edge of the box, both of which clipped the roof of the net. Muller then volleyed straight at Baumann from Costa’s cross in the 17th minute as Bayern dominated the first quarter of the contest.

    Hoffenheim struggled to hold onto possession for any meaningful period of time and spent much of the first 45 minutes camped in their own half.

    Muller danced round two challenges before firing low at Baumann from eight yards out in the 19th minute and Lewandowski could not beat the visiting goalkeeper from a narrow angle after collecting David Alaba's chipped throughball three minutes later.The relegation-threatened visitors lined up to stifle their free-scoring hosts and their smothering tactics worked until the 32nd minute, when Bayern edged in front.

    Costa darted down the left and crossed low into the six-yard box, where Lewandowski was on hand to bundle home from close range.

    Hoffenheim fashioned a rare chance to get back into the game four minutes before the break as Kramaric found space in the penalty area, but he was denied by Manuel Neuer low at the Bayern stopper’s near post.

    The home side were straight back into their rhythm after the break, with Lewandoswki teeing up Alonso, who saw his shot tipped over the top of the crossbar by Baumann, who pulled off another excellent stop from the resulting corner to keep out Lewandowski's header.

    Kramaric spurned a glorious chances for Hoffenheim to level against the run of play in the 55th minute, but the on-loan Leicester City striker dragged his shot wide at the end of a swift counter-attack, and Lewandowski punished that profligacy 10 minutes later.Philipp Lahm picked out his team-mate's with a perfectly weighted pass and Lewandowski obliged with an exquisite chip over Baumann.

    Arturo Vidal struck a post with a 20-yard volley as Bayern refused to ease up after scoring their second and Alaba's effort from the edge of the box bounced inches wide, but the hosts were unable to add to their tally in the final throes of a low-key encounter.
     

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    John Terry to leave Chelsea

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    Chelsea captain John Terry will leave the club at the end of the 2015-16 season, with the Blues having opted against extending his contract.

    Terry, who made his debut with the Stamford Bridge club in 1998, will not be given a new deal by the club and will leave when his current terms expire at the end of the campaign.

    In a statement released by the defender following the Blues' FA Cup win over MK Dons, Terry said: "To be honest, I was in last week before the Arsenal game and it's [the contract] not going to be extended.

    "It's my last run in the FA Cup so I want to make it a good one. It's a big season for me and I want to push on - not just in this competition but in the Premier League as well. I knew before the Arsenal game so mentally I've kind of accepted it. We just have to move on.

    "They said that when the new manager comes in, things might change. It's a no at the minute. I needed to know now like I have done every January and sometimes it takes a couple of months to get done. Unfortunately it was a no. It’s not going to be a fairytale ending, I'm not going to retire at Chelsea.

    "It’s going to be elsewhere which took me a couple of days to get over. But like I say, I knew before the Arsenal game and my performance isn't going to change - the way I train, what I give for the club. I want to give everything and finish on a high, on 100 per cent good terms with the club."

    The 35-year-old, who also captained England, has a long list of honours with Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles, the most recent of which came last season, as well as four FA Cup winner's medals and the Champions League, in 2012.

    But the current campaign has been an unhappy one for the Stamford Bridge club, with Jose Mourinho sacked as manager in December following a collapse in form, leaving the Blues in the bottom half of the Premier League.

    Interim manager Guus Hiddink has managed to steady the ship, illustrated by Sunday's 5-1 FA Cup win over MK Dons, but the Blues will now have to deal with the loss of their longstanding captain, who will continue his career elsewhere.
     

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    FA Cup Fifth Round Draw: Chelsea to face Manchester City

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    Chelsea have been drawn against Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while Shrewsbury Town will face Manchester United.

    Holders Arsenal, meanwhile, will take on Hull City in a repeat of the 2014 final, the Gunners triumphing at Wembley on that day 3-2 courtesy of goals from Santi Cazorla, Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey.

    It is in fact the third season in a row that Arsene Wenger's side will meet the Tigers, with the north Londoners having knocked out Hull at the third-round stage last season as Per Mertesacker and Alexis Sanchez scored in a 2-0 home win.

    Elsewhere in the draw, Liverpool or West Ham, who replay on February 9 following Saturday's 0-0 draw, will travel to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, while Tottenham host Crystal Palace in an all-Premier League affair.

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    Everton, who defeated Carlisle United 3-0 in Sunday's fourth-round tie, will take on Eddie Howe's Bournemouth and Watford will host 14th-placed Championship outfit Leeds United, who reached the fifth round after a 2-1 victory over Bolton.

    All eight fifth-round ties will be played between Friday February 19 and Monday February 22. Before that, though, fans can look forward to West Ham's fourth-round replay with Liverpool on Tuesday February 9, a fixture that has seen the Hammers' Premier League clash with Southampton rearranged given that it was originally due to be played the day before the FA Cup tie. Any team who plays in the fifth round will receive £180,000 in prize money.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Real Madrid 6-0 Espanyol: Ronaldo scores hat-trick in impressive win

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    Cristiano Ronaldo scored a superb hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Espanyol 6-0 at the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

    The Portugal international converted a spot-kick in the 12th minute, before doubling his tally in the dying seconds of the first half and making it three late on.

    Karim Benzema had opened the scoring for Madrid after being set up by James Rodriguez, who found the net himself between Ronaldo's first two goals to cap an impressive outing on the right wing.

    Sunday's win matched the result in the first meeting between the two teams in Barcelona in September and was a third victory in four games for Zinedine Zidane, whose triumphs as Madrid boss have been similarly convincing.

    Madrid remain third in La Liga, but are now trailing second-placed city rivals Atletico by just one point, after Diego Simeone's side lost to league leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

    Giedrius Arlauskis' goal had been under siege with Marcelo, Ronaldo and Isco all going close before Benzema struck in the seventh minute. James sent in a superb cross from the right and the Frenchman beat his marker to the ball before heading home for his 18th league goal of the season.

    Madrid immediately started pushing for a second goal and Ronaldo doubled their lead from the spot in the 12th minute, after drawing a foul from Enzo Roco.

    There was no stopping Zidane's men in the opening stages and James piled even more misery on Espanyol when his 16th-minute shot took a deflection off Papa Kouly Diop before finding the net. Benzema could have made it four shortly after following an intelligent one-two with Isco, but he aimed just wide from eight yards out.

    Espanyol got their first chance of note shortly before the half-time whistle after a quick break involving Mamadou Sylla and Salva Sevilla, but the latter's attempt was too weak to worry Keylor Navas.

    Ronaldo was not to be denied in the dying seconds of the first half, however, dancing past three opponents before beating Arlauskis with a powerful left-footed shot.

    Benzema should have made it five at the hour mark after some good work from Ronaldo down the right, but the striker's header lacked the power and accuracy to worry Arlauskis.

    Ronaldo handed the former Lyon man another gilt-edged chance after a good combination with Marcelo down the left, but Benzema once more failed to get his attempt on target.Madrid kept on pushing for more and Ronaldo nearly got his hat-trick when he lifted a free-kick over the wall, only to see his attempt clip the top of the net.

    Ronaldo eventually made it 5-0 in the 82nd minute with his 19th Liga goal of the season to draw level in the Pichichi standings with Luis Suarez. He headed home from close range after a fine cross from Jese, before Espanyol debutant Oscar Duarte beat his own goalkeeper to cap a dominant outing for the hosts.
     
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