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Roberto Firmino scoops PFA Player of the Month award
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been named the Professional Footballers' Association's Fans' Player of the Month award for January.
The 24-year-old beat off competition from 11 other Premier League stars to claim 40.2 per cent of the vote, with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney finishing second and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane taking third.
The Brazil star hit four goals in four appearances over the month of January, helping his club to a 3-3 draw with Arsenal before a stunning 5-4 victory over Norwich City.His fine form has arrived after Jurgen Klopp moved him to a false no.9 role, the position in which all of his 11 international caps have arrived.
“I have played there for the national team before as a striker and I’ve been getting used to the position,” Firmino said.
“I enjoy playing as a forward but I am there to help the team and am happy as long as I am playing. It is another challenge, I am playing in this position and I am well prepared for it.”
Firmino, who arrived at Anfield from German club Hoffenheim in June last year, has now managed six goals in 16 league starts during his first season in England.
Injury saw him replaced in the Brazil squad by veteran Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira for October’s World Cup qualifiers. Firmino was then left out of the squad for November’s clashes with Argentina and Peru.
All of Firmino’s Selecao appearances have arrived since Dunga’s July 2014 appointment and he is now hoping his form with Liverpool will earn him a recall for March’s qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay.
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been named the Professional Footballers' Association's Fans' Player of the Month award for January.
The 24-year-old beat off competition from 11 other Premier League stars to claim 40.2 per cent of the vote, with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney finishing second and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane taking third.
The Brazil star hit four goals in four appearances over the month of January, helping his club to a 3-3 draw with Arsenal before a stunning 5-4 victory over Norwich City.His fine form has arrived after Jurgen Klopp moved him to a false no.9 role, the position in which all of his 11 international caps have arrived.
“I have played there for the national team before as a striker and I’ve been getting used to the position,” Firmino said.
“I enjoy playing as a forward but I am there to help the team and am happy as long as I am playing. It is another challenge, I am playing in this position and I am well prepared for it.”
Firmino, who arrived at Anfield from German club Hoffenheim in June last year, has now managed six goals in 16 league starts during his first season in England.
Injury saw him replaced in the Brazil squad by veteran Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira for October’s World Cup qualifiers. Firmino was then left out of the squad for November’s clashes with Argentina and Peru.
All of Firmino’s Selecao appearances have arrived since Dunga’s July 2014 appointment and he is now hoping his form with Liverpool will earn him a recall for March’s qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay.
Raul: Real Madrid can dream under Zidane
Raul believes Real Madrid are on course to end a troublesome campaign with silverware under the stewardship of former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane took over from Rafael Benitez in January and his side have since taken 13 points from a possible 15 in La Liga to stay in touch with leaders Barcelona - who they trail by four points having played a game more - and second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Madrid – expelled from the Copa del Rey after fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz in the round of 32 - face Atletico this month and Barca in April.
With a Champions League last-16 tie against Roma to be played across February and March, Raul believes Madrid can salvage something from a difficult season.
"I think that the message Zidane has to offer will get through to the players, because he was a world-class player," he told beIN Sports.
"He'll go down as one of the best ever because of what he won and how he played and he'll be able to make the players buy into his message, having inherited a squad brimming with talent.
"He knows what people really want. Why not dream of ending this year with something to shout about?
"And, failing that, he will have to be given time so that next season all the work he is doing can bear fruit."
Raul believes Real Madrid are on course to end a troublesome campaign with silverware under the stewardship of former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane took over from Rafael Benitez in January and his side have since taken 13 points from a possible 15 in La Liga to stay in touch with leaders Barcelona - who they trail by four points having played a game more - and second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Madrid – expelled from the Copa del Rey after fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz in the round of 32 - face Atletico this month and Barca in April.
With a Champions League last-16 tie against Roma to be played across February and March, Raul believes Madrid can salvage something from a difficult season.
"I think that the message Zidane has to offer will get through to the players, because he was a world-class player," he told beIN Sports.
"He'll go down as one of the best ever because of what he won and how he played and he'll be able to make the players buy into his message, having inherited a squad brimming with talent.
"He knows what people really want. Why not dream of ending this year with something to shout about?
"And, failing that, he will have to be given time so that next season all the work he is doing can bear fruit."
Ancelotti: Italy job is a decade away
Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to manage Italy for at least another decade and suggested that the World Cup in 2030 could give him a glorious final triumph at the age of 71.
The 56-year-old, who was sacked by Real Madrid at the end of last season, will replace Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich head coach from the start of the 2016-17 campaign, having agreed a three-year deal.
Ancelotti is regularly linked with the Italy job, but has regularly reiterated that international management is not on his immediate agenda.
The ex-AC Milan boss did say, though, that he would consider taking the role in 2026, with a view to winning the World Cup four years later given Italy's track record of being runners-up (1970, 1994) and triumphing (1982 and 2006) in the tournament at 24-year intervals.
"According to historical recurrences, Italy will get to the final of the championship in Russia [2018] and win the one in 2030," Ancelotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I started with the Azzurri next to Arrigo Sacchi and I might as well finish that way - I will be 71, just the right age for one last hurrah.
"Of course that means I need to keep working for the next 10 years now until I can reach 2026. Once I get there, then I will start thinking about the Italy job."
Carlo Ancelotti has no plans to manage Italy for at least another decade and suggested that the World Cup in 2030 could give him a glorious final triumph at the age of 71.
The 56-year-old, who was sacked by Real Madrid at the end of last season, will replace Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich head coach from the start of the 2016-17 campaign, having agreed a three-year deal.
Ancelotti is regularly linked with the Italy job, but has regularly reiterated that international management is not on his immediate agenda.
The ex-AC Milan boss did say, though, that he would consider taking the role in 2026, with a view to winning the World Cup four years later given Italy's track record of being runners-up (1970, 1994) and triumphing (1982 and 2006) in the tournament at 24-year intervals.
"According to historical recurrences, Italy will get to the final of the championship in Russia [2018] and win the one in 2030," Ancelotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I started with the Azzurri next to Arrigo Sacchi and I might as well finish that way - I will be 71, just the right age for one last hurrah.
"Of course that means I need to keep working for the next 10 years now until I can reach 2026. Once I get there, then I will start thinking about the Italy job."
Ferdinand: Give Giggs Man United job
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should appoint Ryan Giggs as manager when Louis van Gaal leaves the club.
Van Gaal's position as United boss is under scrutiny following the club’s group stage elimination from the Champions League and a run of just three league victories in 12 matches, which has seen them fall to fifth in the Premier League table.
And Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, says Giggs is the right man to be the Dutchman's long term successor, but also admitted Jose Mourinho could offer an alternative solution.
“Short-term, Mourinho looks like a good fit. He is used to success. He is a winner, a proven winner,” the former defender, who was speaking at the India on Track event at Gurgaon, told Goal.
“But I think for the long run, I would sway for Giggsy because he understands the philosophy of the club and knows it. I think a big part of it would be the element of youth. Young guys join Manchester United knowing that they are going to get a chance and that needs to continue. So whoever goes in, that’s a big part.
“I am interested to see the decision the club make.”Although Ferdinand now sees Giggs as a potential United manager, he admitted that he didn’t always think he would move into coaching.
“Not at first. I didn’t know [he wanted to be a coach] but the later he went in his career, the more interested he seemed to be in coaching and doing his badges," said Ferdinand.
"So towards the end of his career, I saw him being involved in some capacity.”
While Giggs is awaiting the chance to lead United, another man who Ferdinand shared a dressing room with at Old Trafford, Gary Neville, has failed to record a league victory in his first nine games in charge of Valencia.
But Ferdinand insists that the difficulties of being a first-time manager in a new country will have come as no surprise to the former defender.“I don’t think Gary thought differently. He knows that and he is not silly but it is not easy,” added the 37-year-old.
“The difficult thing for Gary from the beginning was that he was going to a foreign country where he doesn’t speak the language – that’s a big problem from the beginning. Then it is about coaching and getting the best out of your players and at the moment he hasn’t been able to get the results but I am sure he will.“He is a resolute and determined guy and it will be nice to see him get a win.”
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should appoint Ryan Giggs as manager when Louis van Gaal leaves the club.
Van Gaal's position as United boss is under scrutiny following the club’s group stage elimination from the Champions League and a run of just three league victories in 12 matches, which has seen them fall to fifth in the Premier League table.
And Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, says Giggs is the right man to be the Dutchman's long term successor, but also admitted Jose Mourinho could offer an alternative solution.
“Short-term, Mourinho looks like a good fit. He is used to success. He is a winner, a proven winner,” the former defender, who was speaking at the India on Track event at Gurgaon, told Goal.
“But I think for the long run, I would sway for Giggsy because he understands the philosophy of the club and knows it. I think a big part of it would be the element of youth. Young guys join Manchester United knowing that they are going to get a chance and that needs to continue. So whoever goes in, that’s a big part.
“I am interested to see the decision the club make.”Although Ferdinand now sees Giggs as a potential United manager, he admitted that he didn’t always think he would move into coaching.
“Not at first. I didn’t know [he wanted to be a coach] but the later he went in his career, the more interested he seemed to be in coaching and doing his badges," said Ferdinand.
"So towards the end of his career, I saw him being involved in some capacity.”
While Giggs is awaiting the chance to lead United, another man who Ferdinand shared a dressing room with at Old Trafford, Gary Neville, has failed to record a league victory in his first nine games in charge of Valencia.
But Ferdinand insists that the difficulties of being a first-time manager in a new country will have come as no surprise to the former defender.“I don’t think Gary thought differently. He knows that and he is not silly but it is not easy,” added the 37-year-old.
“The difficult thing for Gary from the beginning was that he was going to a foreign country where he doesn’t speak the language – that’s a big problem from the beginning. Then it is about coaching and getting the best out of your players and at the moment he hasn’t been able to get the results but I am sure he will.“He is a resolute and determined guy and it will be nice to see him get a win.”
Varela hopeful of long Man Utd career
Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela believes he has fully adapted to English football and is hopeful of a long career at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan, who was loaned to Real Madrid Castilla following his move to United from Penarol in June 2013, has made his first-team breakthrough this season, playing four times for the first team in 2015-16, against AFC Bournemouth, West Ham, Derby County and Wolfsburg.
Varela says he now feels fully accustomed to playing in England, but admits he is remaining grounded as he waits for another chance to impress.
"Right now, I can say that I have adapted 100 per cent to the English game," Varela told United's website. "I'm used to the pace and physicality just now. I think I've learned about everything. But I've really developed and learned about the physical aspect of my game.
"It [playing against Wolfsburg] gave me a kind of inner calm to say that I could compete at the level of the Champions League. Then, I knew I can be here and I can play.
"After being in the squad a few times and then featuring in a number of games, you start to feel that you are capable of turning out in the starting XI and performing at the level the team requires.
"But, of course, I need to keep working hard, I can't start believing that I've arrived because that's clearly not the case.
"It's all about continuing to work hard and trying to win the confidence of the coach. Firstly, I love being at Manchester United and I'd love to enjoy a long career here and win everything that comes in our path. Then, looking ahead, [playing for] the [Uruguayan] national team of course."
Manchester United defender Guillermo Varela believes he has fully adapted to English football and is hopeful of a long career at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan, who was loaned to Real Madrid Castilla following his move to United from Penarol in June 2013, has made his first-team breakthrough this season, playing four times for the first team in 2015-16, against AFC Bournemouth, West Ham, Derby County and Wolfsburg.
Varela says he now feels fully accustomed to playing in England, but admits he is remaining grounded as he waits for another chance to impress.
"Right now, I can say that I have adapted 100 per cent to the English game," Varela told United's website. "I'm used to the pace and physicality just now. I think I've learned about everything. But I've really developed and learned about the physical aspect of my game.
"It [playing against Wolfsburg] gave me a kind of inner calm to say that I could compete at the level of the Champions League. Then, I knew I can be here and I can play.
"After being in the squad a few times and then featuring in a number of games, you start to feel that you are capable of turning out in the starting XI and performing at the level the team requires.
"But, of course, I need to keep working hard, I can't start believing that I've arrived because that's clearly not the case.
"It's all about continuing to work hard and trying to win the confidence of the coach. Firstly, I love being at Manchester United and I'd love to enjoy a long career here and win everything that comes in our path. Then, looking ahead, [playing for] the [Uruguayan] national team of course."
Busquets a perfect fit for Manchester City - Hamann
Dietmar Hamann has urged Manchester City to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who has been linked with the Premier League side due to Pep Guardiola's imminent arrival.
The midfielder himself admitted this week that the only his wife and Guardiola could convince him to leave Camp Nou, leaving the door open on a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Hamann, a former City player, believes a move for a holding player would be prudent given the club's plethora of attacking talent and described Busquets as "a perfect fit".
"Luis Enrique came out saying that he is the best midfielder around," Hamann told talkSPORT. "I’m not sure I would go that far but in that holding role, as a hugely underrated and undervalued player, he has done fantastic things.
"I wasn’t too sure a few years ago when he came into the team. But what he has done for Spain, what he has done for Barcelona, he has been fantastic and I think he would improve that City team no end.
"They have got so much attacking power, they need someone to sit in front of that back four and he would be a perfect fit."
Dietmar Hamann has urged Manchester City to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who has been linked with the Premier League side due to Pep Guardiola's imminent arrival.
The midfielder himself admitted this week that the only his wife and Guardiola could convince him to leave Camp Nou, leaving the door open on a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Hamann, a former City player, believes a move for a holding player would be prudent given the club's plethora of attacking talent and described Busquets as "a perfect fit".
"Luis Enrique came out saying that he is the best midfielder around," Hamann told talkSPORT. "I’m not sure I would go that far but in that holding role, as a hugely underrated and undervalued player, he has done fantastic things.
"I wasn’t too sure a few years ago when he came into the team. But what he has done for Spain, what he has done for Barcelona, he has been fantastic and I think he would improve that City team no end.
"They have got so much attacking power, they need someone to sit in front of that back four and he would be a perfect fit."
VfL Bochum 0-3 Bayern Munich: Lewandowski double sends Guardiola's men through
Bayern Munich kept their treble hopes alive as they reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal with a 3-0 victory away at 10-man Bochum.
A double from Robert Lewandowski and Thiago Alcantara's first-half strike saw the Bundesliga leaders remain on course to lift the domestic cup for the 18th time in their history.
They could even afford for Thomas Muller to have a first-half penalty saved after Bochum had seen substitute Jan Simunek shown a straight red card for a foul on Arjen Robben just 14 minutes after coming on.
The result means outgoing Bayern manager Pep Guardiola can still win three trophies - the runaway Bundesliga leaders face Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League - before leaving to take over at Manchester City.
However, the Bavarians were made to work hard for the win against opponents from Germany's second tier. Bayern barely troubled their hosts until a quiet game burst into life in a crazy six-minute spell late in the first half.
Bochum managed to hold firm for the majority of the opening period, even creating the best opportunity when Thomas Eisfeld's cross allowed Simon Terodde to cut inside David Alaba and curl a left-footed shot just wide.Yet their hopes of an upset disappeared when they suffered a double blow just before the interval.
Lewandowski broke the deadlock when a delayed one-two with Muller set him free in the right channel. He took his time with the finish, sending a low effort into the net via the far post.As if falling behind was not bad enough for Bochum, they soon found themselves down to 10 men when Simunek was dismissed for a foul on the lively Robben.
The defender, who had replaced the injured Timo Perthel, paid the price for ending up on the wrong side of the Dutch winger, clipping his opponent's heels just inside the area as he rolled towards goal.
Muller, however, failed to convert the spot kick as goalkeeper Manuel Riemann dived to his left to block the attempt, with the rebound looping onto the crossbar before eventually going out for a corner. Still, the miss did not prove too costly, as the visitors doubled their lead on the hour mark.
Robben's scooped pass picked out the run of Muller, who helped make amends for his profligacy from the spot with a low cross that Thiago converted on the slide.
Bayern should have added a third on 67 minutes, yet Douglas Costa somehow managed to lift Robben's centre over the bar from inside the six-yard box.Lewandowski did make it 3-0 just before the final whistle, though, Robben's through-ball allowing him to slot a finish beyond Riemann and make it six goals in his last four games.
Bayern Munich kept their treble hopes alive as they reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal with a 3-0 victory away at 10-man Bochum.
A double from Robert Lewandowski and Thiago Alcantara's first-half strike saw the Bundesliga leaders remain on course to lift the domestic cup for the 18th time in their history.
They could even afford for Thomas Muller to have a first-half penalty saved after Bochum had seen substitute Jan Simunek shown a straight red card for a foul on Arjen Robben just 14 minutes after coming on.
The result means outgoing Bayern manager Pep Guardiola can still win three trophies - the runaway Bundesliga leaders face Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League - before leaving to take over at Manchester City.
However, the Bavarians were made to work hard for the win against opponents from Germany's second tier. Bayern barely troubled their hosts until a quiet game burst into life in a crazy six-minute spell late in the first half.
Bochum managed to hold firm for the majority of the opening period, even creating the best opportunity when Thomas Eisfeld's cross allowed Simon Terodde to cut inside David Alaba and curl a left-footed shot just wide.Yet their hopes of an upset disappeared when they suffered a double blow just before the interval.
Lewandowski broke the deadlock when a delayed one-two with Muller set him free in the right channel. He took his time with the finish, sending a low effort into the net via the far post.As if falling behind was not bad enough for Bochum, they soon found themselves down to 10 men when Simunek was dismissed for a foul on the lively Robben.
The defender, who had replaced the injured Timo Perthel, paid the price for ending up on the wrong side of the Dutch winger, clipping his opponent's heels just inside the area as he rolled towards goal.
Muller, however, failed to convert the spot kick as goalkeeper Manuel Riemann dived to his left to block the attempt, with the rebound looping onto the crossbar before eventually going out for a corner. Still, the miss did not prove too costly, as the visitors doubled their lead on the hour mark.
Robben's scooped pass picked out the run of Muller, who helped make amends for his profligacy from the spot with a low cross that Thiago converted on the slide.
Bayern should have added a third on 67 minutes, yet Douglas Costa somehow managed to lift Robben's centre over the bar from inside the six-yard box.Lewandowski did make it 3-0 just before the final whistle, though, Robben's through-ball allowing him to slot a finish beyond Riemann and make it six goals in his last four games.
Griezmann rubbishes Chelsea links
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has quashed speculation suggesting he will leave the Spanish capital for Chelsea at the end of the season.
The France international has been in fine form for Diego Simeone's side this term, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, and has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently dismissed the prospect of Griezmann leaving, claiming that "no-one has spoken to us about a possible transfer".
And in a news conference on Wednesday, Griezmann insisted that both he and the club are on the same page in terms of his future.
"I'm fine here, I'm at ease," explained the former Real Sociedad striker.
"I want to continue here and I think the club's intention is not to sell, so I'm not going."
Griezmann moved to the Vicente Calderon in 2014 and is under contract until 2020.
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has quashed speculation suggesting he will leave the Spanish capital for Chelsea at the end of the season.
The France international has been in fine form for Diego Simeone's side this term, scoring 19 goals in all competitions, and has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently dismissed the prospect of Griezmann leaving, claiming that "no-one has spoken to us about a possible transfer".
And in a news conference on Wednesday, Griezmann insisted that both he and the club are on the same page in terms of his future.
"I'm fine here, I'm at ease," explained the former Real Sociedad striker.
"I want to continue here and I think the club's intention is not to sell, so I'm not going."
Griezmann moved to the Vicente Calderon in 2014 and is under contract until 2020.
Hernandez to miss Darmstadt match with muscle injury
Javier Hernandez will miss Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga match at Darmstadt on Saturday, the club have confirmed.
Hernandez hit his 22nd goal of the season, from the penalty spot, to put Leverkusen ahead in their DFB-Pokal quarter-final with Werder Bremen on Tuesday, but was later substituted.
Bremen came back to win 3-1 at the BayArena thanks to goals from Santiago Garcia, Claudio Pizzaro and Florian Grillitsch, while Bayer had Wendell sent off.
Bayer have revealed the Mexico international suffered a "small fibre muscle tear of the left glutes" in the game.Hernandez will now miss the trip to Darmstadt, with the club writing on Twitter: "We're hoping for a speedy recovery!"
The 27-year-old striker has won the Bundesliga's player of the month award three times in a row, scoring 10 goals in his last nine matches.
Javier Hernandez will miss Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga match at Darmstadt on Saturday, the club have confirmed.
Hernandez hit his 22nd goal of the season, from the penalty spot, to put Leverkusen ahead in their DFB-Pokal quarter-final with Werder Bremen on Tuesday, but was later substituted.
Bremen came back to win 3-1 at the BayArena thanks to goals from Santiago Garcia, Claudio Pizzaro and Florian Grillitsch, while Bayer had Wendell sent off.
Bayer have revealed the Mexico international suffered a "small fibre muscle tear of the left glutes" in the game.Hernandez will now miss the trip to Darmstadt, with the club writing on Twitter: "We're hoping for a speedy recovery!"
The 27-year-old striker has won the Bundesliga's player of the month award three times in a row, scoring 10 goals in his last nine matches.
Barcelona ‘certain’ over Neymar contract renewal
Barcelona’s vice president Carles Vilarrubi is “certain” that Neymar will sign a new contract with the club.
Earlier this month, the Brazilian’s father revealed that Manchester United had made a €190 million (£144m) bid for the forward last summer, while reports claim that the club, along with Manchester City will try again at the end of the season.
Neymar’s current deal expires in 2018 but Barcelona are convinced the 24-year-old will extend his contract.
"Neymar will renew his contract," Vilarrubi told Club de la Mitjanit.
"It will be when he wants, and when the club wants. We are absolutely certain.
"He is committed to the team and is happy with his team-mates. The club gives him a lot of happiness."
Barcelona’s vice president Carles Vilarrubi is “certain” that Neymar will sign a new contract with the club.
Earlier this month, the Brazilian’s father revealed that Manchester United had made a €190 million (£144m) bid for the forward last summer, while reports claim that the club, along with Manchester City will try again at the end of the season.
Neymar’s current deal expires in 2018 but Barcelona are convinced the 24-year-old will extend his contract.
"Neymar will renew his contract," Vilarrubi told Club de la Mitjanit.
"It will be when he wants, and when the club wants. We are absolutely certain.
"He is committed to the team and is happy with his team-mates. The club gives him a lot of happiness."
Valencia 1-1 Barcelona (agg 1-8): Neville denied rare win as Barca break record
Barcelona left it late to set a new club record unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw at Valencia, which saw them into the Copa del Rey final with an 8-1 aggregate victory.
Defending champions Barca subjected Gary Neville's men to a humiliating drubbing last week, with Luis Suarez scoring four and Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick.
Only five players remained from the 22 who took to the field at Camp Nou and the match had the feel of a dead rubber – not even the most committed Valencia fan could argue with any great conviction that their side would turn this tie around.
And the hosts' efforts amounted to a single Alvaro Negredo strike before half-time, although their attacking endeavour arguably merited more.
There were plenty of positives for Neville, who is yet to register a Liga win as Valencia boss, but Wilfrid Kaptoum scored his first Barcelona goal six minutes from time to make it 29 unbeaten in all competitions, breaking a Barca record set by Pep Guardiola's 2010-11 vintage.
Sevilla likely await in the final, as they head to Celta Vigo on Thursday with a 4-0 aggregate advantage.
Vast swathes of empty seating contributed to a low-key atmosphere at the Mestalla, and Barcelona's brighter start did nothing to lift the spirits of those in attendance.
Sandro fired over the crossbar from the edge of the box from an early cutback, before Ivan Rakitic failed to find the target with a fizzed effort from slightly further out.
Jeremy Mathieu made a vital interception when Pablo Piatti played the ball across the six-yard box with Santi Mina lurking in the 22nd minute, and 17-year-old Fran Villalba came close to curling in his first Valencia goal as the hosts began to cause more of a threat.
And it was the home side who broke the deadlock when Negredo evaded the Barca defence to run onto a ball over the top and cut into the net, although there was an element of good fortune in his rounding of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Mina came close to making a further dent in Barca's now six-goal advantage when he headed just over in the early stages of the second half.
Barca – quite understandably – rarely shifted out of first gear, with Rakitic unleashing wayward drive before sending a tame effort into the arms of Jaume Domenech.
Valencia continued to probe, though, and Ter Stegen had to be on his guard to tip over a Danilo free-kick.
However, as time ticked away, so did the Valencia's chances of pulling off the miracle comeback, and Kaptoum got on the end of Juan Camara's pass to slot beyond Domenech for the historic equaliser.
Barcelona left it late to set a new club record unbeaten run with a 1-1 draw at Valencia, which saw them into the Copa del Rey final with an 8-1 aggregate victory.
Defending champions Barca subjected Gary Neville's men to a humiliating drubbing last week, with Luis Suarez scoring four and Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick.
Only five players remained from the 22 who took to the field at Camp Nou and the match had the feel of a dead rubber – not even the most committed Valencia fan could argue with any great conviction that their side would turn this tie around.
And the hosts' efforts amounted to a single Alvaro Negredo strike before half-time, although their attacking endeavour arguably merited more.
There were plenty of positives for Neville, who is yet to register a Liga win as Valencia boss, but Wilfrid Kaptoum scored his first Barcelona goal six minutes from time to make it 29 unbeaten in all competitions, breaking a Barca record set by Pep Guardiola's 2010-11 vintage.
Sevilla likely await in the final, as they head to Celta Vigo on Thursday with a 4-0 aggregate advantage.
Vast swathes of empty seating contributed to a low-key atmosphere at the Mestalla, and Barcelona's brighter start did nothing to lift the spirits of those in attendance.
Sandro fired over the crossbar from the edge of the box from an early cutback, before Ivan Rakitic failed to find the target with a fizzed effort from slightly further out.
Jeremy Mathieu made a vital interception when Pablo Piatti played the ball across the six-yard box with Santi Mina lurking in the 22nd minute, and 17-year-old Fran Villalba came close to curling in his first Valencia goal as the hosts began to cause more of a threat.
And it was the home side who broke the deadlock when Negredo evaded the Barca defence to run onto a ball over the top and cut into the net, although there was an element of good fortune in his rounding of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Mina came close to making a further dent in Barca's now six-goal advantage when he headed just over in the early stages of the second half.
Barca – quite understandably – rarely shifted out of first gear, with Rakitic unleashing wayward drive before sending a tame effort into the arms of Jaume Domenech.
Valencia continued to probe, though, and Ter Stegen had to be on his guard to tip over a Danilo free-kick.
However, as time ticked away, so did the Valencia's chances of pulling off the miracle comeback, and Kaptoum got on the end of Juan Camara's pass to slot beyond Domenech for the historic equaliser.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Lyon: Ibrahimovic brace sends holders through
Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a brace as Paris Saint-Germain maintained their unbeaten domestic run in routine fashion by beating Lyon 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France.Laurent Blanc's men, who have not lost a domestic game since a 3-2 Ligue 1 defeat to Bordeaux in March, remain on course for the quadruple, having won the domestic treble last campaign.
Possessing a 24-point lead at the top of Ligue 1, the Champions League will be seen as PSG's priority. However - despite missing Marco Verratti, Javier Pastore and Gregory van der Wiel through injury - they still produced an impressive display of their squad depth to swat aside Lyon.
And it was talisman Ibrahimovic who unsurprisingly played a key role in sending PSG through to the last eight, converting a Lucas Moura cross to give the hosts the lead in the 62nd minute of play at Parc des Princes.
Ibrahimovic then made it 2-0 with a simple finish in the 67th minute before being brought off as Blanc looks to preserve his players' energy ahead of a league clash with Lille and next week's meeting with Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Despite his withdrawal, PSG had little trouble splitting open the Lyon defence again as midfielder Adrien Rabiot added a third 15 minutes from time, albeit from what appeared to be an offside position.
A mix-up between Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and defender Bakari Kone in the 19th minute presented PSG with the game's first opportunity.Lopes and Kone collided after both going for the same ball but PSG were unable to capitalise as Ibrahimovic's volley was headed clear by Christophe Jallet.
Edinson Cavani spurned the best chance of the half in the 31st minute, firing wide from close range after being played through by Lucas Moura.
Lyon had offered little threat in the opening 45 minutes but forced PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu into action eight minutes later, the Italian turning Maxwel Cornet's curling effort behind.
Ibrahimovic lashed narrowly off target after combining with Lucas nine minutes after the restart but was soon celebrating opening the scoring as he got on the end of more fine play from Lucas.
The Brazil winger surged down the left and produced an excellent cross with the outside of his boot for Ibrahimovic to chest into the back of the net from point-blank range.
And the Sweden striker doubled PSG's lead just five minutes later, Lucas involved again as he found Serge Aurier on the overlap, with Ibrahimovic timing his run to perfection to tap in the right-back's low delivery.Angel Di Maria was immediately brought on for Ibrahimovic before Rabiot turned Maxwell's cross from the left wing in off the post.
David Luiz - who refused to be taken off in the win over Marseille at the weekend - was introduced as a late substitute, with his compatriot Lucas then hitting the post from a Di Maria ball as PSG kept alive hopes of winning the competition for a 10th time.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a brace as Paris Saint-Germain maintained their unbeaten domestic run in routine fashion by beating Lyon 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France.Laurent Blanc's men, who have not lost a domestic game since a 3-2 Ligue 1 defeat to Bordeaux in March, remain on course for the quadruple, having won the domestic treble last campaign.
Possessing a 24-point lead at the top of Ligue 1, the Champions League will be seen as PSG's priority. However - despite missing Marco Verratti, Javier Pastore and Gregory van der Wiel through injury - they still produced an impressive display of their squad depth to swat aside Lyon.
And it was talisman Ibrahimovic who unsurprisingly played a key role in sending PSG through to the last eight, converting a Lucas Moura cross to give the hosts the lead in the 62nd minute of play at Parc des Princes.
Ibrahimovic then made it 2-0 with a simple finish in the 67th minute before being brought off as Blanc looks to preserve his players' energy ahead of a league clash with Lille and next week's meeting with Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Despite his withdrawal, PSG had little trouble splitting open the Lyon defence again as midfielder Adrien Rabiot added a third 15 minutes from time, albeit from what appeared to be an offside position.
A mix-up between Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and defender Bakari Kone in the 19th minute presented PSG with the game's first opportunity.Lopes and Kone collided after both going for the same ball but PSG were unable to capitalise as Ibrahimovic's volley was headed clear by Christophe Jallet.
Edinson Cavani spurned the best chance of the half in the 31st minute, firing wide from close range after being played through by Lucas Moura.
Lyon had offered little threat in the opening 45 minutes but forced PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu into action eight minutes later, the Italian turning Maxwel Cornet's curling effort behind.
Ibrahimovic lashed narrowly off target after combining with Lucas nine minutes after the restart but was soon celebrating opening the scoring as he got on the end of more fine play from Lucas.
The Brazil winger surged down the left and produced an excellent cross with the outside of his boot for Ibrahimovic to chest into the back of the net from point-blank range.
And the Sweden striker doubled PSG's lead just five minutes later, Lucas involved again as he found Serge Aurier on the overlap, with Ibrahimovic timing his run to perfection to tap in the right-back's low delivery.Angel Di Maria was immediately brought on for Ibrahimovic before Rabiot turned Maxwell's cross from the left wing in off the post.
David Luiz - who refused to be taken off in the win over Marseille at the weekend - was introduced as a late substitute, with his compatriot Lucas then hitting the post from a Di Maria ball as PSG kept alive hopes of winning the competition for a 10th time.
Blanc could sign PSG renewal by end of week
Laurent Blanc has revealed he could sign a contract renewal with Paris Saint-Germain by the end of the week.
It had been reported at the start of the season that PSG could part company with Blanc should they miss out on winning the Champions League.
However, Blanc dismissed such claims and, after witnessing his side beat Lyon 3-0 to reach the Coupe de France quarter-finals on Wednesday, he told France 3: "If this must be done in the coming days, it will be by the end of week."Pressed on the issue, Blanc said he could sign the contract by "[Thursday] morning".
PSG face Lille in Ligue 1 on Saturday before facing Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie three days later.
Asked about his side's busy schedule, Blanc said: "If you speak to me about the calendar, I'm best avoided. Victory softens things."For the return match in the Champions League, we know the solution, but I have a team of players who want to win everything and I'm a coach who wants to win everything. There are no solutions, so we make do.
"We struggled to get into the match [on Wednesday], Lyon made us run, defend. In the second half we were much better. The players need these difficult matches to be good next week.
"The physical work in January is starting to bear fruit. There are no casualties. This is a very good thing."
Laurent Blanc has revealed he could sign a contract renewal with Paris Saint-Germain by the end of the week.
It had been reported at the start of the season that PSG could part company with Blanc should they miss out on winning the Champions League.
However, Blanc dismissed such claims and, after witnessing his side beat Lyon 3-0 to reach the Coupe de France quarter-finals on Wednesday, he told France 3: "If this must be done in the coming days, it will be by the end of week."Pressed on the issue, Blanc said he could sign the contract by "[Thursday] morning".
PSG face Lille in Ligue 1 on Saturday before facing Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie three days later.
Asked about his side's busy schedule, Blanc said: "If you speak to me about the calendar, I'm best avoided. Victory softens things."For the return match in the Champions League, we know the solution, but I have a team of players who want to win everything and I'm a coach who wants to win everything. There are no solutions, so we make do.
"We struggled to get into the match [on Wednesday], Lyon made us run, defend. In the second half we were much better. The players need these difficult matches to be good next week.
"The physical work in January is starting to bear fruit. There are no casualties. This is a very good thing."
'Mourinho and Man Utd a perfect match'
Former Porto striker Benni McCarthy believes that Jose Mourinho is the perfect manager to turn around Manchester United's fortunes should the club part company with Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure this season, with United languishing in fifth and struggling to entertain the Old Trafford faithful.
A meek Champions League exit also means they will enter the Europa League during the second half of the season, with the FA Cup representing United's only other chance for silverware.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Mourinho has informed close friends that he is sure he will take the job this summer, and McCarthy believes the former Chelsea and Porto boss would be the ideal appointment at Old Trafford.
"Manchester United have a lot of young players who want to achieve things and make names for themselves," the former Blackburn Rovers striker told BBC Sport. "He would come in and be the perfect man for the job.
"If the players give him 100 per cent effort and show a willingness to succeed, he could definitely get Manchester United back to being one of those powerhouses in Europe, where teams fear to go."
He continued: "During my time at Porto, he had full support and I think that is why he was so successful.
"Manchester United is that kind of club. It is a very well-run club and a family club. Because of that, I think he will be able to make those players play to their ability and put the club back where they belong."
Should Mourinho end up at United next season he would go head-to-head with his old adversary Pep Guardiola, the pair having faced off during their spells at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City in 2016-17 with many expecting his coaching success to continue, but McCarthy insists that Mourinho would cause him problems were he to take the reigns at Old Trafford.
"Mourinho is one of those people who knows how to beat Guardiola's tactics," he added.
"When he was at Real Madrid, he beat him a couple of times. At Inter Milan, he also had success against him.
"At the moment, I can't see anyone taking on Pep and his tactics at Manchester City.
"But Mourinho at United, he would have the resources, the players and the financial backing to beat Guardiola."
Former Porto striker Benni McCarthy believes that Jose Mourinho is the perfect manager to turn around Manchester United's fortunes should the club part company with Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure this season, with United languishing in fifth and struggling to entertain the Old Trafford faithful.
A meek Champions League exit also means they will enter the Europa League during the second half of the season, with the FA Cup representing United's only other chance for silverware.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Mourinho has informed close friends that he is sure he will take the job this summer, and McCarthy believes the former Chelsea and Porto boss would be the ideal appointment at Old Trafford.
"Manchester United have a lot of young players who want to achieve things and make names for themselves," the former Blackburn Rovers striker told BBC Sport. "He would come in and be the perfect man for the job.
"If the players give him 100 per cent effort and show a willingness to succeed, he could definitely get Manchester United back to being one of those powerhouses in Europe, where teams fear to go."
He continued: "During my time at Porto, he had full support and I think that is why he was so successful.
"Manchester United is that kind of club. It is a very well-run club and a family club. Because of that, I think he will be able to make those players play to their ability and put the club back where they belong."
Should Mourinho end up at United next season he would go head-to-head with his old adversary Pep Guardiola, the pair having faced off during their spells at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City in 2016-17 with many expecting his coaching success to continue, but McCarthy insists that Mourinho would cause him problems were he to take the reigns at Old Trafford.
"Mourinho is one of those people who knows how to beat Guardiola's tactics," he added.
"When he was at Real Madrid, he beat him a couple of times. At Inter Milan, he also had success against him.
"At the moment, I can't see anyone taking on Pep and his tactics at Manchester City.
"But Mourinho at United, he would have the resources, the players and the financial backing to beat Guardiola."
Luis Enrique: I had to give my voice a rest
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admitted he had to give his voice a rest in the Catalans' Copa del Rey semi-final return leg against Valencia.
Though Barca needed an 84th-minute goal from Wilfrid Kaptoum to secure a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Wednesday, the defending champions advanced to the final of competition with an 8-1 aggregate win.
Barca assistant Juan Carlos Unzue was the main man on the sidelines at the Mestalla Stadium, shouting directions to the player's as Luis Enrique took a back seat. "It was because of the state of my voice," the 45-year-old revealed.
"I don't have a voice every three days.
"However, Juan Carlos and I have the same idea and whenever he can help out, I like to let him do so."
With the draw Barca moved to 29 games unbeaten in all competitions - breaking the previous club record of 28 set by Pep Guardiola in the 2010-11 season. Luis Enrique fielded a second-string side against Valencia - with no Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in the squad - and their performance pleased the Spaniard.
"What interested me was to give the majority of the minutes to the reserve players, and that's why we played with that system," he said."We played without a No.9 too, with [Ivan] Rakitic as a playmaker."I'm happy with the way my players competed."
Barca will face the winner of Celta Vigo and Sevilla in the final, with the latter holding a 4-0 advantage going into the return leg away from home.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admitted he had to give his voice a rest in the Catalans' Copa del Rey semi-final return leg against Valencia.
Though Barca needed an 84th-minute goal from Wilfrid Kaptoum to secure a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Wednesday, the defending champions advanced to the final of competition with an 8-1 aggregate win.
Barca assistant Juan Carlos Unzue was the main man on the sidelines at the Mestalla Stadium, shouting directions to the player's as Luis Enrique took a back seat. "It was because of the state of my voice," the 45-year-old revealed.
"I don't have a voice every three days.
"However, Juan Carlos and I have the same idea and whenever he can help out, I like to let him do so."
With the draw Barca moved to 29 games unbeaten in all competitions - breaking the previous club record of 28 set by Pep Guardiola in the 2010-11 season. Luis Enrique fielded a second-string side against Valencia - with no Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in the squad - and their performance pleased the Spaniard.
"What interested me was to give the majority of the minutes to the reserve players, and that's why we played with that system," he said."We played without a No.9 too, with [Ivan] Rakitic as a playmaker."I'm happy with the way my players competed."
Barca will face the winner of Celta Vigo and Sevilla in the final, with the latter holding a 4-0 advantage going into the return leg away from home.
Sunderland to drop Johnson for Man Utd match
Sunderland will not consider Adam Johnson for selection in Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United.
The 28-year-old England international winger pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.
Johnson denies two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
Following his arrest and subsequent bail last March, Sunderland suspended Johnson before clearing him to return to first-team duties when his bail was extended by Durham Police.
The former Middlesbrough and Manchester City player has made 19 Premier League appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring his second goal of the campaign in last weekend's 2-2 comeback draw at Liverpool, but Omnisport understands manager Sam Allardyce will not pick Johnson to face United following Wednesday's developments.
Allardyce's side have not won any of their last four league matches and sit four points from safety.
Sunderland will not consider Adam Johnson for selection in Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United.
The 28-year-old England international winger pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.
Johnson denies two charges of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16.
Following his arrest and subsequent bail last March, Sunderland suspended Johnson before clearing him to return to first-team duties when his bail was extended by Durham Police.
The former Middlesbrough and Manchester City player has made 19 Premier League appearances for Sunderland this season, scoring his second goal of the campaign in last weekend's 2-2 comeback draw at Liverpool, but Omnisport understands manager Sam Allardyce will not pick Johnson to face United following Wednesday's developments.
Allardyce's side have not won any of their last four league matches and sit four points from safety.
Revenues at record high, debt down in Man Utd financial statement
Manchester United have declared significant increases in revenue as part of their report to shareholders at the halfway point of the fiscal year, with the club's overall debt being reduced by over £20 million.
Overall revenue came in at a record £133.8m, with commercial revenue having increased to £66.1m for the quarter up to December 2015. That figure shows a climb of 42.5 per cent on the return of £46.4m for the same period in 2014. Much of their commercial gains come from the lucrative new kit deal with Adidas which came into effect for the beginning of the 2015-16 season.
Broadcasting revenue is also up, with a 31.3% rise to £37.3m for the quarter. Much of this return is thought to be down to United's return to the Champions League and the TV riches incolved in participation in the prestigious competition.
The figures have helped the club to reduce its net debt, with the current figure at £322.1m against last year's £343.4m.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is due to speak to investors at 1pm GMT on Thursday to discuss the returns and field calls on the club's current financial situation and future strategies.
The club's stock has fallen dramatically in recent months, with the share price on the New York Stock Exchange moving from $18.99 in Novermber 2015 to less than $14 earlier this week, which is below the initial flotation price.
Fortunes on the field have also slumped over the same period, leading to extensive speculation about the future of manager Louis van Gaal and the potential appointment of ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United have declared significant increases in revenue as part of their report to shareholders at the halfway point of the fiscal year, with the club's overall debt being reduced by over £20 million.
Overall revenue came in at a record £133.8m, with commercial revenue having increased to £66.1m for the quarter up to December 2015. That figure shows a climb of 42.5 per cent on the return of £46.4m for the same period in 2014. Much of their commercial gains come from the lucrative new kit deal with Adidas which came into effect for the beginning of the 2015-16 season.
Broadcasting revenue is also up, with a 31.3% rise to £37.3m for the quarter. Much of this return is thought to be down to United's return to the Champions League and the TV riches incolved in participation in the prestigious competition.
The figures have helped the club to reduce its net debt, with the current figure at £322.1m against last year's £343.4m.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is due to speak to investors at 1pm GMT on Thursday to discuss the returns and field calls on the club's current financial situation and future strategies.
The club's stock has fallen dramatically in recent months, with the share price on the New York Stock Exchange moving from $18.99 in Novermber 2015 to less than $14 earlier this week, which is below the initial flotation price.
Fortunes on the field have also slumped over the same period, leading to extensive speculation about the future of manager Louis van Gaal and the potential appointment of ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
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