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Man Utd interested in Dante
Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Dante, though the player's agent has warned any deal to take the player to the Premier League is far from close.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Brazil international, having previously shown interest before he completed a move to the Allianz Arena from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012, and continue to monitor his progress with the European champions.
Goal understands that Bayern are receptive to offers for the 30-year-old, having so far been unable to reach agreement on an extension to the defender's current contract which expires at the end of next season.
After being asked by Fox Sport Brasil if he had already signed for United, Dante said: "Not yet. I am still a Bayern player. I appreciate Manchester United's interest. At the end of the month it will be resolved."
"We'll have to wait until the 31st, but there's still a lot to come."
But while Dante suggests a move to Old Trafford is close, his agent was keen to stress that at the moment he has not held talks with any club but Bayern, although he did admit that English football interests his client.
"He has two more years on his contract and we are now in the race to make a new contract, but at the moment we have not found a solution so we are still waiting for Bayern," Marcus Marin told Goal. "We are not in touch with any other clubs at the moment but in football you never know.
When asked specifically about Dante's quotes on Brazilian television and Manchester United's supposed interest, Marin replied: "No, I know that they follow him and we were in touch with Manchester [United] two years ago before [Dante] went to Bayern Munich, but at the moment I know only that they watch him at games, but we haven’t spoken to the club at the moment.
"We have not found a solution [with Bayern], so we are still in the race, but England is very interesting, Manchester United are a big club so you never know.
"Next month [Bayern] play in the next round of the Champions League against Arsenal and it is a good way to present himself in England. In the last game [in England] he played very well so yeah, we will see."
Dante was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2013, as well as the Brazil side that claimed the Confederations Cup last summer.
United's search for reinforcements has taken manager David Moyes across Europe, with the Scot present at Cagliari versus Juventus earlier this month to run the rule over home defender Davide Astori - as well as Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio.
The Premier League champions have also held talks with Benfica regarding Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay.
Veteran defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic look set to leave Old Trafford this summer having not been offered extensions to their current deals, which expire at the end of the season.
defender kenek aran polgannada....
Full Time(PENS)
AGG
(1)(3-3)(2)
Manchester United 2 Vs 1 Sunderland
Manchester United Goal(s)
Evans 37',Chicharito 120+1'
&
Sunderland Goal(s)
Bardsley 119'
AGG
(1)(3-3)(2)
Manchester United Goal(s)
Evans 37',Chicharito 120+1'
&
Sunderland Goal(s)
Bardsley 119'
Another defeatTika welawakata Heart beat 1ka nawathuna match 1kak
1st De Gea ge 119th minute mistake 1ka lokuma paduwak una welawe hatiyataThen very well recover kala Januzaj & Chicha
Welldone boyes
Ath kiyanna one mata thiyana lokuma duka thamai Penalty Shootout 1kakadi playersla 5 denekgen 4kma penalty miss karana 1ka gana nam godak dukai
& Chicha wa Penalty score karanna gatthe natthe ai Jones wenuwata
Evra & Valencia th ididdi
Anyway Congratulations Sunderland!
Tika welawakata Heart beat 1ka nawathuna match 1kak1st De Gea ge 119th minute mistake 1ka lokuma paduwak una welawe hatiyata
Then very well recover kala Januzaj & ChichaWelldone boyes
Ath kiyanna one mata thiyana lokuma duka thamai Penalty Shootout 1kakadi playersla 5 denekgen 4kma penalty miss karana 1ka gana nam godak dukai
& Chicha wa Penalty score karanna gatthe natthe ai Jones wenuwataEvra & Valencia th ididdiAnyway Congratulations Sunderland!
Another defeat
1st De Gea ge 119th minute mistake 1ka lokuma paduwak una welawe hatiyata
Ath kiyanna one mata thiyana lokuma duka thamai Penalty Shootout 1kakadi playersla 5 denekgen 4kma penalty miss karana 1ka gana nam godak dukai
Anyway Congratulations Sunderland!
Levante 1-4 Barcelona: Tello hat-trick gives Catalans commanding lead
Barcelona came from behind to thump Levante and put themselves firmly in control of the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie with a 4-1 first-leg victory.
After a sluggish start and falling a goal behind courtesy of Nabil El Zhar's effort, which once again exposed Barca's defensive frailties, the visitors turned on the style.
Cristian Tello scored a hat-trick and, although Messi did not get on the scoresheet in his 400th appearance for the club, he would have been more than delighted with the three assists he laid on for the Spaniard.
However, while Barca finished on top they were submissive to a bright start from the hosts, who were clearly buoyed by their 1-1 draw against Gerardo Martino's men on Sunday.
Both sides made a whole host of changes from that match and it was Levante who took the game to Barca in the early stages.
However, the visitors did nearly score with their first attempt on goal as Pedro cut inside from the right and curled a delightful effort that cannoned off the post, before Loukas Vyntra had to be alert moments later to snuff out a dangerous ball across goal from the lively Tello.
The Catalans continued to press and Messi played a delicate ball in behind the Levante defence, finding the run of Adriano, but the Brazilian's looping effort fell narrowly wide.
But it was Levante who took the lead and deservedly so. Martino's men's defensive frailties from set-pieces were exposed once again as Carles Puyol failed to get enough purchase on his headed clearance, allowing El Zhar to power a shot towards goal; Jose Pinto reacted well but the winger followed up his own effort to prod home.
Messi attempted to restore parity as Dani Alves fed him the ball and the Argentine tried to shape an effort around a cluster of bodies, but his shot did not test Javi Jimenez.
After the break, the Liga champions equalised following some calamitous defending from the hosts. Messi delivered a ball over the top, finding Tello in space and his weak shot squirmed loose of Jimenez's grasp, with Vyntra's attempted clearance cannoning in off Juanfran for a comical own goal.
It became worse for the hosts as another incisive pass from Messi found Tello as the hosts struggled to cope with the Spaniard's blistering pace and he slipped the ball past Jimenez to turn the game completely on its head.
Messi came close with an effort from just inside the box, while Xavi forced a reflex save from the Levante shot stopper, but it was Tello who grabbed the third goal. Assisted by Messi, he fired past Jimenez, who should have done better as the ball squirmed underneath him.
Jimenez went some way towards making amends by making a stunning save to deny Tello's long-range effort inside the final 10 minutes.
But the winger was not to be denied his hat-trick. Messi found Tello with a delightful dink over the top, which exposed the vulnerability of the Levante defence again. The Spaniard, full of confidence, then took a touch before firing a volley emphatically past Jimenez to complete a remarkable comeback.
Barcelona came from behind to thump Levante and put themselves firmly in control of the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie with a 4-1 first-leg victory.
After a sluggish start and falling a goal behind courtesy of Nabil El Zhar's effort, which once again exposed Barca's defensive frailties, the visitors turned on the style.
Cristian Tello scored a hat-trick and, although Messi did not get on the scoresheet in his 400th appearance for the club, he would have been more than delighted with the three assists he laid on for the Spaniard.
However, while Barca finished on top they were submissive to a bright start from the hosts, who were clearly buoyed by their 1-1 draw against Gerardo Martino's men on Sunday.
Both sides made a whole host of changes from that match and it was Levante who took the game to Barca in the early stages.
However, the visitors did nearly score with their first attempt on goal as Pedro cut inside from the right and curled a delightful effort that cannoned off the post, before Loukas Vyntra had to be alert moments later to snuff out a dangerous ball across goal from the lively Tello.
The Catalans continued to press and Messi played a delicate ball in behind the Levante defence, finding the run of Adriano, but the Brazilian's looping effort fell narrowly wide.
But it was Levante who took the lead and deservedly so. Martino's men's defensive frailties from set-pieces were exposed once again as Carles Puyol failed to get enough purchase on his headed clearance, allowing El Zhar to power a shot towards goal; Jose Pinto reacted well but the winger followed up his own effort to prod home.
Messi attempted to restore parity as Dani Alves fed him the ball and the Argentine tried to shape an effort around a cluster of bodies, but his shot did not test Javi Jimenez.
After the break, the Liga champions equalised following some calamitous defending from the hosts. Messi delivered a ball over the top, finding Tello in space and his weak shot squirmed loose of Jimenez's grasp, with Vyntra's attempted clearance cannoning in off Juanfran for a comical own goal.
It became worse for the hosts as another incisive pass from Messi found Tello as the hosts struggled to cope with the Spaniard's blistering pace and he slipped the ball past Jimenez to turn the game completely on its head.
Messi came close with an effort from just inside the box, while Xavi forced a reflex save from the Levante shot stopper, but it was Tello who grabbed the third goal. Assisted by Messi, he fired past Jimenez, who should have done better as the ball squirmed underneath him.
Jimenez went some way towards making amends by making a stunning save to deny Tello's long-range effort inside the final 10 minutes.
But the winger was not to be denied his hat-trick. Messi found Tello with a delightful dink over the top, which exposed the vulnerability of the Levante defence again. The Spaniard, full of confidence, then took a touch before firing a volley emphatically past Jimenez to complete a remarkable comeback.
AC Milan 1-2 Udinese: Super-sub Lopez fires visitors into semi-finals
AC Milan were dumped out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday as Nico Lopez's second-half strike fired Udinese into the semi-finals.
The substitute scored a superb solo effort late in the second period after Luis Muriel's penalty had equalised following Mario Balotelli's early opener.
Milan were lacklustre for large spells and did little to threaten Udinese once they had surrendered their lead, meaning Clarence Seedorf was made to suffer his first defeat in charge of the club as their most viable route to European qualification came to a stuttering halt.
Balotelli lead the line for Milan ahead of Kaka, Robinho and Walter Birsa in support, while Muriel was handed a first start in two months following injury in place of Antonio Di Natale for the visitors.
It did not take long for Milan to seize the initiative: a lightning-quick counterattack allowed Birsa to drill in a cross, and Robinho's clever dummy at the near post allowed Balotelli to tap home from close range.
Birsa then tested Brkic with a free kick before Nigel de Jong hit an effort on target from distance, but Milan's control began to wane as Udinese grew into the game.
The lively Bruno Fernandes was denied at close range by Christian Abbiati after De Jong gave the ball away in the middle, and Badu came close as he surged into the box only to be denied at the near post.
The visitors continued to impress and got their equaliser just before the break. Silvan Widmer was clumsily brought down by Urby Emanuelson inside the area, allowing Muriel to dispatch his effort low past Abbiati, who got a hand to the ball.
The second half was a far scrappier affair, with Muriel firing over from distance before Kaka did likewise for the home side.
Substitute Roberto Pereyra then scuffed an effort over the bar, before Balotelli tested Brkic from distance. The Italy striker then tested the Serbian from the edge of the box with a fierce free kick.
Pereyra then miscued when free in the area before Muriel did the same from the rebound as both sides tried to find a breakthrough - and it was substitute Lopez who did just that.
Udinese cleared after Robinho's run towards goal and Lopez burst clear into the Milan half before cutting towards the centre and rifling a shot into the bottom corner.
A deflated Milan made a late salvo as they tried to find an equaliser, but Udinese comfortably saw out the win to see them safely into the last four to face either Fiorentina or Siena.
AC Milan were dumped out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday as Nico Lopez's second-half strike fired Udinese into the semi-finals.
The substitute scored a superb solo effort late in the second period after Luis Muriel's penalty had equalised following Mario Balotelli's early opener.
Milan were lacklustre for large spells and did little to threaten Udinese once they had surrendered their lead, meaning Clarence Seedorf was made to suffer his first defeat in charge of the club as their most viable route to European qualification came to a stuttering halt.
Balotelli lead the line for Milan ahead of Kaka, Robinho and Walter Birsa in support, while Muriel was handed a first start in two months following injury in place of Antonio Di Natale for the visitors.
It did not take long for Milan to seize the initiative: a lightning-quick counterattack allowed Birsa to drill in a cross, and Robinho's clever dummy at the near post allowed Balotelli to tap home from close range.
Birsa then tested Brkic with a free kick before Nigel de Jong hit an effort on target from distance, but Milan's control began to wane as Udinese grew into the game.
The lively Bruno Fernandes was denied at close range by Christian Abbiati after De Jong gave the ball away in the middle, and Badu came close as he surged into the box only to be denied at the near post.
The visitors continued to impress and got their equaliser just before the break. Silvan Widmer was clumsily brought down by Urby Emanuelson inside the area, allowing Muriel to dispatch his effort low past Abbiati, who got a hand to the ball.
The second half was a far scrappier affair, with Muriel firing over from distance before Kaka did likewise for the home side.
Substitute Roberto Pereyra then scuffed an effort over the bar, before Balotelli tested Brkic from distance. The Italy striker then tested the Serbian from the edge of the box with a fierce free kick.
Pereyra then miscued when free in the area before Muriel did the same from the rebound as both sides tried to find a breakthrough - and it was substitute Lopez who did just that.
Udinese cleared after Robinho's run towards goal and Lopez burst clear into the Milan half before cutting towards the centre and rifling a shot into the bottom corner.
A deflated Milan made a late salvo as they tried to find an equaliser, but Udinese comfortably saw out the win to see them safely into the last four to face either Fiorentina or Siena.
Ajax 3-1 Feyenoord: Bojan header sends Koeman's men packing
Ajax have reached the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker after a 3-1 win over arch-rivals Feyenoord at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Jean-Paul Boetius gifted Feyenoord an early lead after some good work from Tonny Vilhena, but Viktor Fischer restored parity 10 minutes before the interval. Bojan Krkic then made it 2-1 with a good header, before Thulani Serero made it three well into stoppage time.
The guests started the match the better side of the two and threatened for the first time after just five minutes when Graziano Pelle set up Ruben Schaken, but Kenneth Vermeer rushed off his line to clear the ball into safety.
The Ajax goalkeeper arrived too late two minutes later, though, as Vilhena lifted the ball over Vermeer after latching onto a Lex Immers pass, allowing Boetius to tap home from close range for the opener.
Feyenoord continued to create the better chances and they nearly doubled their lead midway through the first half. Vermeer flapped at a high cross from the left, but Nicolai Boilesen came to his keeper's rescue as he cleared Pelle's weak attempt off the goal-line.
The Amsterdam giants then levelled the scoring from out of nowhere after Joris Mathijsen lost possession to Daley Blind in midfield. The Netherlands international set up Fischer with a fine pass and the winger beat Erwin Mulder before slotting home to make it 1-1.
Fischer should have doubled his personal tally only minutes later, but he failed to find the net from 10 yards out after collecting a rebound from a Van Rhijn shot that was kept out by Mulder.
The first big chance of the second half was for the away side after Pelle's miss-hit backheel found Schaken in a dangerous position, but Vermeer pulled off an excellent save to deny the winger.
Bojan tried his luck for Ajax moments later, but the Barcelona loanee aimed wide from a narrow angle after being set up by Blind.
The Spaniard did add his name to the scoresheet halfway through the second half, however. Mulder kept out Lasse Schone's header after a superb Blind cross, but Bojan was alert to head home the rebound and help his side into the lead.
Substitute Sam Armentreros raced past Van Rhijn down the right with five more minutes to go before finding Pelle with a low cross, but the Italian's shot was deflected wide for a corner.
Serero then put the match to bed in the dying minutes of the game with a calm finish from inside the area.
Ajax will meet either AZ, PEC Zwolle or NEC in the semi-finals.
Ajax have reached the semi-finals of the KNVB Beker after a 3-1 win over arch-rivals Feyenoord at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Jean-Paul Boetius gifted Feyenoord an early lead after some good work from Tonny Vilhena, but Viktor Fischer restored parity 10 minutes before the interval. Bojan Krkic then made it 2-1 with a good header, before Thulani Serero made it three well into stoppage time.
The guests started the match the better side of the two and threatened for the first time after just five minutes when Graziano Pelle set up Ruben Schaken, but Kenneth Vermeer rushed off his line to clear the ball into safety.
The Ajax goalkeeper arrived too late two minutes later, though, as Vilhena lifted the ball over Vermeer after latching onto a Lex Immers pass, allowing Boetius to tap home from close range for the opener.
Feyenoord continued to create the better chances and they nearly doubled their lead midway through the first half. Vermeer flapped at a high cross from the left, but Nicolai Boilesen came to his keeper's rescue as he cleared Pelle's weak attempt off the goal-line.
The Amsterdam giants then levelled the scoring from out of nowhere after Joris Mathijsen lost possession to Daley Blind in midfield. The Netherlands international set up Fischer with a fine pass and the winger beat Erwin Mulder before slotting home to make it 1-1.
Fischer should have doubled his personal tally only minutes later, but he failed to find the net from 10 yards out after collecting a rebound from a Van Rhijn shot that was kept out by Mulder.
The first big chance of the second half was for the away side after Pelle's miss-hit backheel found Schaken in a dangerous position, but Vermeer pulled off an excellent save to deny the winger.
Bojan tried his luck for Ajax moments later, but the Barcelona loanee aimed wide from a narrow angle after being set up by Blind.
The Spaniard did add his name to the scoresheet halfway through the second half, however. Mulder kept out Lasse Schone's header after a superb Blind cross, but Bojan was alert to head home the rebound and help his side into the lead.
Substitute Sam Armentreros raced past Van Rhijn down the right with five more minutes to go before finding Pelle with a low cross, but the Italian's shot was deflected wide for a corner.
Serero then put the match to bed in the dying minutes of the game with a calm finish from inside the area.
Ajax will meet either AZ, PEC Zwolle or NEC in the semi-finals.
Chasselay 0-3 Monaco: Visitors' victory marred by Falcao injury
Radamel Falcao set Monaco on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Chasselay but the injury the Colombian suffered in the first half overshadowed the remainder of the game.
The former Atletico Madrid striker opened the scoring at the Gerland just before the half-hour mark only to then be stretchered off with a suspected knee injury on 41 minutes.
The loss of Falcao for a significant period of time would represent a massive blow for Monaco's Ligue 1 hopes but it mattered not in this Coupe de France clash, with the visitors running out comfortable winners thanks to second-half strikes from Falcao's replacement, Emmanuel Riviere.
Much of the build-up focused on former Monaco star Ludovic Giuly, who made good on his promise to return to hometown club Chasselay last year.
However, Falcao quickly came to the fore, snatching at a great chance to give Monaco an 11th-minute advantage.
The Colombia international did not have to wait long, though, to break the deadlock, Falcao tapping home unchallenged after Valere Germain had headed Joao Moutinho's free kick across the six-yard box.
However, just four minutes before the break, Falcao's joy turned to anguish, after he was left clutching his left knee in agony following a rough challenge from behind from Soner Ertek.
Monaco were stunned by the loss of their star summer signing but in Riviere they had a more than worthy replacement.
After Yannick Ferreira Carrasco had hit the post, the 23-year-old doubled Monaco's advantage in the 63rd minute when he hooked the ball home after latching onto a long ball over the top.
Riviere struck again soon after, this time producing a fine finish after terrific work from Ferreira Carrasco, who subsequently blew a golden opportunity to make it 4-0 by ballooning the ball over the bar after being presented with an open goal.
Radamel Falcao set Monaco on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Chasselay but the injury the Colombian suffered in the first half overshadowed the remainder of the game.
The former Atletico Madrid striker opened the scoring at the Gerland just before the half-hour mark only to then be stretchered off with a suspected knee injury on 41 minutes.
The loss of Falcao for a significant period of time would represent a massive blow for Monaco's Ligue 1 hopes but it mattered not in this Coupe de France clash, with the visitors running out comfortable winners thanks to second-half strikes from Falcao's replacement, Emmanuel Riviere.
Much of the build-up focused on former Monaco star Ludovic Giuly, who made good on his promise to return to hometown club Chasselay last year.
However, Falcao quickly came to the fore, snatching at a great chance to give Monaco an 11th-minute advantage.
The Colombia international did not have to wait long, though, to break the deadlock, Falcao tapping home unchallenged after Valere Germain had headed Joao Moutinho's free kick across the six-yard box.
However, just four minutes before the break, Falcao's joy turned to anguish, after he was left clutching his left knee in agony following a rough challenge from behind from Soner Ertek.
Monaco were stunned by the loss of their star summer signing but in Riviere they had a more than worthy replacement.
After Yannick Ferreira Carrasco had hit the post, the 23-year-old doubled Monaco's advantage in the 63rd minute when he hooked the ball home after latching onto a long ball over the top.
Riviere struck again soon after, this time producing a fine finish after terrific work from Ferreira Carrasco, who subsequently blew a golden opportunity to make it 4-0 by ballooning the ball over the bar after being presented with an open goal.
Manchester United 2-1 Sunderland (1-2 pens): Rafael misses crucial spot kick to send Black Cats to Wembley
Vito Mannone proved to be Sunderland's hero as they defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford 2-1 on penalties to reach the Capital One Cup final.
The rumoured United target saved Rafael's crucial penalty in a dismal shootout which saw just three players find the back of the net after the hosts had won an incredible second leg 2-1.Jonny Evans put the hosts ahead in the 37th minute with a header from close range, but neither side could find the quality to breach either defence thereafter.
With away goals not coming into force until the end of extra time in the competition, United were required to hang on to their narrow lead for an additional 30 minutes, but looked to be out when David de Gea could only shovel Phil Bardsley's strike into the net.
In a frantic last two minutes, Javier Hernandez then sent the tie to penalties from close range, but with both teams short of quality from spot, Mannone made the vital save to book Sunderland a spot in their first League Cup final since 1985.
Moyes made five changes to the United side that lost the tie’s opener, with Darren Fletcher and Hernandez among the players to come in, the Mexican denied early on as his headed effort from an Adnan Januzaj free-kick was palmed away by Mannone.
With chances at a premium, Fabio Borini lashed a speculative half-volley over, while Darren Fletcher hit the post at the other end, before Danny Welbeck’s follow-up was cleared.
But Moyes’ men were ahead moments later, as two former Sunderland loanees combined to level the tie. Welbeck flicked the ball on from a corner from the right, teeing up Evans to head home from inside the six-yard box.Rafael went agonisingly close to giving United an aggregate lead four minutes into the second half, hooking a left-footed strike just over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Januzaj was next to try his luck from distance, drilling just wide of the right-hand upright in the 55th minute, but both teams struggled to break down the opposition defence as the half progressed, with extra time looking an increasingly likely prospect.
Sunderland had cause to feel harshly done by in the closing stages of normal time when Chris Smalling escaped punishment for a tug on Steven Fletcher, before Marcos Alonso blazed narrowly wide of the right-hand post from a tight angle.
Bardsley looked to have sent Sunderland into the final when De Gea spilled his 20-yard effort into the net in the 119th minute, but Hernandez and Januzaj exchanged passes well before the former smashed home from close range to force penalties.Alonso, Ki Sung-Yueng and Darren Fletcher netted in an otherwise dismal showing among the first eight spot kicks.
Adam Johnson appeared to have wasted Sunderland's chance to win as De Gea saved his effort from 12 yards, but Rafael saw the following spot-kick saved as Mannone earned victory for Sunderland, who now meet Manchester City at Wembley on March 2.
PSG 1-2 Montpellier: Montano stuns Blanc's men
Victor Montano helped Montpellier pull off a shock victory over Paris Saint-Germain to eliminate Laurent Blanc's men from the Coupe de France.
Blanc's side had opened their Ligue 1 campaign with a frustrating draw away to the same opponents, but saw any hopes of a quadruple go out the window courtesy of a 2-1 home defeat.
They dominated the early proceedings, as Lucas Digne had a goal disallowed for offside, while Blaise Matuidi also spurned a golden opportunity.
Montpellier took the lead completely against the run of play, as a goalkeeping blunder from Nicolas Douchez saw Daniel Congre head into an open net in the 20th minute.
Digne squared for a Cavani equaliser 10 minutes later, but the match was decided by Montano's bullet header from a corner in the 69th minute.
Victor Montano helped Montpellier pull off a shock victory over Paris Saint-Germain to eliminate Laurent Blanc's men from the Coupe de France.
Blanc's side had opened their Ligue 1 campaign with a frustrating draw away to the same opponents, but saw any hopes of a quadruple go out the window courtesy of a 2-1 home defeat.
They dominated the early proceedings, as Lucas Digne had a goal disallowed for offside, while Blaise Matuidi also spurned a golden opportunity.
Montpellier took the lead completely against the run of play, as a goalkeeping blunder from Nicolas Douchez saw Daniel Congre head into an open net in the 20th minute.
Digne squared for a Cavani equaliser 10 minutes later, but the match was decided by Montano's bullet header from a corner in the 69th minute.
Martino: Messi key to Copa victory
Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi was key to Barcelona's first leg Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Levante.
The Catalans had to come from behind as Nabil El Zhar gave the hosts an unexpected lead, but Messi played a pivotal role in overturning the score as he helped Cristian Tello grab a hat-trick in the 4-1 win.
And Martino hailed the performance of the 26-year-old. who was making his 400th appearance for the club.
"It is true that when Leo plays he can change the game in our favour," he is quoted as saying by Sport.
"When we are operating in tight spaces and when the opposition are closing us down, players like Messi can help us to create openings.
"He has provided three assists tonight and has been the key to our successful performance."
El Zhar exposed some weak Barcelona defending to give Levante a shock lead as the visitors started off slugglishly.
But in the second half they found their rhythm and Messi and Tello wrecked havoc against the Levante backline, forcing a calamitous own goal from Juanfran to level the score before Tello bagged his hat-trick.
"In the first half we lacked movement and mobility. Levante were doing well and playing with men behind the ball. Luckily they made a mistake in the second half and from then we began to wear them down," Martino continued.
"As the minutes passed and we got to the latter stages that was something we used to our advantage."
The Barca coach was full of praise for Tello, who grabbed his first hat-trick in Blaugrana colours.
"There some players who show what they can do over 90 minutes and others who demonstrate it in 15. Cristian is one of those who demonstrates what he does in shorter spurts and that can be difficult," Martino said.
“But this match has served him well. The confidence that you can generate from good performances is significant and he definitely needed a game like this.
"We have a very large squad of players and to me it is logical that they should all get a chance to play. Today we had a bad first half and a good second half. We thought that these were the players we should call upon despite the two draws we have had recently."
Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi was key to Barcelona's first leg Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Levante.
The Catalans had to come from behind as Nabil El Zhar gave the hosts an unexpected lead, but Messi played a pivotal role in overturning the score as he helped Cristian Tello grab a hat-trick in the 4-1 win.
And Martino hailed the performance of the 26-year-old. who was making his 400th appearance for the club.
"It is true that when Leo plays he can change the game in our favour," he is quoted as saying by Sport.
"When we are operating in tight spaces and when the opposition are closing us down, players like Messi can help us to create openings.
"He has provided three assists tonight and has been the key to our successful performance."
El Zhar exposed some weak Barcelona defending to give Levante a shock lead as the visitors started off slugglishly.
But in the second half they found their rhythm and Messi and Tello wrecked havoc against the Levante backline, forcing a calamitous own goal from Juanfran to level the score before Tello bagged his hat-trick.
"In the first half we lacked movement and mobility. Levante were doing well and playing with men behind the ball. Luckily they made a mistake in the second half and from then we began to wear them down," Martino continued.
"As the minutes passed and we got to the latter stages that was something we used to our advantage."
The Barca coach was full of praise for Tello, who grabbed his first hat-trick in Blaugrana colours.
"There some players who show what they can do over 90 minutes and others who demonstrate it in 15. Cristian is one of those who demonstrates what he does in shorter spurts and that can be difficult," Martino said.
“But this match has served him well. The confidence that you can generate from good performances is significant and he definitely needed a game like this.
"We have a very large squad of players and to me it is logical that they should all get a chance to play. Today we had a bad first half and a good second half. We thought that these were the players we should call upon despite the two draws we have had recently."
Hat-trick hero Tello hails 'spectacular' Messi
Barcelona winger Cristian Tello hailed team-mate Lionel Messi as "spectacular" after the Argentine set up his hat-trick in Wednesday's win over Levante.
Tello scored his first-ever treble for the Blaugrana as they came from behind to win 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Messi notched three assists in one game for the first time for Barcelona as he made his 400th appearance for the club, and Tello thanked the Argentine ace for making his task in front of goal all the more easy.
"I'm very happy with the three goals, but above all the victory," he was quoted as saying by Sport.
"The truth is I have to give thanks to Messi for leaving me with just the goalkeeper to beat. It's spectacular to have a player like that.
"The team went out well in the first half but the goal affected us. The chances came, only the finishing was lacking. In the second half we took them.
"It wasn't an easy game, the boss gave us confidence. I work hard every day to continue getting chances and to improve."
The second leg takes place at Camp Nou next week.
Barcelona winger Cristian Tello hailed team-mate Lionel Messi as "spectacular" after the Argentine set up his hat-trick in Wednesday's win over Levante.
Tello scored his first-ever treble for the Blaugrana as they came from behind to win 4-1 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Messi notched three assists in one game for the first time for Barcelona as he made his 400th appearance for the club, and Tello thanked the Argentine ace for making his task in front of goal all the more easy.
"I'm very happy with the three goals, but above all the victory," he was quoted as saying by Sport.
"The truth is I have to give thanks to Messi for leaving me with just the goalkeeper to beat. It's spectacular to have a player like that.
"The team went out well in the first half but the goal affected us. The chances came, only the finishing was lacking. In the second half we took them.
"It wasn't an easy game, the boss gave us confidence. I work hard every day to continue getting chances and to improve."
The second leg takes place at Camp Nou next week.
Seedorf calls for fighting spirit
Clarence Seedorf has called on AC Milan to work hard to reverse their fortunes after they were put out of the Coppa Italia by Udinese.
Milan took an early lead in Wednesday's clash through Mario Balotelli, but a penalty from Luis Muriel and a fine solo effort from substitute Nico Lopez handed the visitors a place in the semi-finals.
Seedorf admits the team are struggling for consistency in their play, but has stressed he has seen enough from the squad to be optimistic about the near future.
"The whole team worked hard, but when they get tired and stretched out it's an old story in football," the former Netherlands international told Rai Sport.
"We are not yet able to be consistent in terms of our football, but I saw interesting things today that leave me optimistic we'll be able to improve the situation.
"I said in the first few days that we know our fans have Rossoneri hearts. When you play for a big club, you know the demands are high, but I told the lads to be as calm as possible. I want hard work and effort to turn the situation around; I said one victory wouldn't change everything.
"I saw some positive things tonight and others we need to work on. I am getting to know the players on the field, in the locker room and in training, so together we can build a new type of football.
"In football you can have the strongest defence in the world, but if the whole team doesn't contribute then they are going to be exposed. In the first 30 minutes against Verona and again here we held possession in the opposition half, but it takes time to be consistent in this approach.
"I think all players at certain moments understand the situation and can come back to help out. Mario did that a lot tonight."
Seedorf was also unwilling to discuss potential activity in the remaining days of the transfer window but hinted he is fully confident that any plans for investment in the squad would be backed to the hilt.
"I think questions about the transfer market should be aimed at [vice-president] Adriano Galliani," he said.
"I think after this game it is important to give a sense of balance to the lads in the locker room. I need them all and it's not right at this moment to discuss the market.
"The focus now is to give the players a sense of a project that takes time to build. I am convinced Milan will take every step to make this team stronger."
Clarence Seedorf has called on AC Milan to work hard to reverse their fortunes after they were put out of the Coppa Italia by Udinese.
Milan took an early lead in Wednesday's clash through Mario Balotelli, but a penalty from Luis Muriel and a fine solo effort from substitute Nico Lopez handed the visitors a place in the semi-finals.
Seedorf admits the team are struggling for consistency in their play, but has stressed he has seen enough from the squad to be optimistic about the near future.
"The whole team worked hard, but when they get tired and stretched out it's an old story in football," the former Netherlands international told Rai Sport.
"We are not yet able to be consistent in terms of our football, but I saw interesting things today that leave me optimistic we'll be able to improve the situation.
"I said in the first few days that we know our fans have Rossoneri hearts. When you play for a big club, you know the demands are high, but I told the lads to be as calm as possible. I want hard work and effort to turn the situation around; I said one victory wouldn't change everything.
"I saw some positive things tonight and others we need to work on. I am getting to know the players on the field, in the locker room and in training, so together we can build a new type of football.
"In football you can have the strongest defence in the world, but if the whole team doesn't contribute then they are going to be exposed. In the first 30 minutes against Verona and again here we held possession in the opposition half, but it takes time to be consistent in this approach.
"I think all players at certain moments understand the situation and can come back to help out. Mario did that a lot tonight."
Seedorf was also unwilling to discuss potential activity in the remaining days of the transfer window but hinted he is fully confident that any plans for investment in the squad would be backed to the hilt.
"I think questions about the transfer market should be aimed at [vice-president] Adriano Galliani," he said.
"I think after this game it is important to give a sense of balance to the lads in the locker room. I need them all and it's not right at this moment to discuss the market.
"The focus now is to give the players a sense of a project that takes time to build. I am convinced Milan will take every step to make this team stronger."
Real Madrid football's highest earners for record ninth year
Real Madrid were the world's highest-earning football club in 2012-13, racking up a record ninth successive season at the top of Deloitte's Football Money League.
The Spaniards made a total of €518.9 million over the course of the campaign, out-earning rivals Barcelona by €36.3m. Manchester United, who held the No.1 spot between 1996-97 and 2003-04, dropped out of the top three in the Deloitte chart for the first time, with Champions League winners Bayern Munich collecting €7.4m more than the English champions.
The big gains, though, were made by Paris Saint-Germain, who leapt from 10th place to fifth in the rankings thanks to an 81 per cent year-on-year gain in revenue.
The Parisians earned their first French league title for 19 years during the campaign and also made the lucrative signing of David Beckham from LA Galaxy for the second half of the season before his retirement from football. The increased pulling power of the Qatari-owned club resulted in them generating the highest commercial revenue in the game at €254.7m.
For the first time in the history of the list, recording the revenues of sides from around the world, the top 30 clubs all made in excess of €100m during the course of the campaign. This compares to just one club - Manchester United - breaking the same barrier in the first release for season 1996/97.
As with the 2011-12 list, the Premier League is the best represented division, with six clubs appearing. Serie A and the Bundesliga each have four clubs, while only Atletico Madrid join Madrid and Barcelona from La Liga. Fenerbahce join Galatasaray to ensure that Turkey have two representatives for the first time.
But the continued dominance of the two Spanish giants could soon be under threat, according to Austin Houlihan, a senior consultant in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.
"Real Madrid still enjoy a healthy gap over Barcelona and have done over the past few years," Houlihan told Goal. "The interesting thing, along with Barcelona being expected to accrue over €500m in revenue next year, is around Manchester United. If they continue to qualify for Europe, and with the Chevrolet sponsorship deal in 2014-15, then they have a real opportunity to challenge the top two."
But Houlihan also believes that there will be some positive change in the Spaniards' figures due to the likely new La Liga TV deal which is touted for two seasons' time.
"They are continuing to discuss a collective distribution model and the year they are working towards is 2015-16," Houlihan explains.
"What has happened in Serie A since 2010-11 is that they experienced an overall uplift in the overall value of collective deals compared to individual deals, so there are promising signs for Spain."
Lower down, the rise of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce reflects a desire to bring some of the attractiveness of other leagues to emerging nations.
"It shows a strong fanbase in growing economies and a desire to push the elite in the big five leagues," Houlihan continues. "You also have Corinthians just outside the top 20.
"We expect to see them continue to challenge for places further up the standings."
Those gains could also see Italian clubs fall further, with no Serie A outfit in the top eight this year.
"Italy have stagnated in terms of revenue," Houlihan tells Goal. "A key reason behind that is stadia and the need to invest in and improve their facilities - which will have a knock-on effect to commercial and matchday revenues.
"If you look at Juventus' new stadium and the revenue boost they have received since redeveloping, then a lot of other Italian clubs will look at those benefits.
"The challenge they have is that the stadia is owned by the local municipality, which makes it even more challenging to push through redevelopment plans."
All revenue figures in the Money League report are based on the 2012-13 season or the most recent available calendar year.
It focuses on each club's revenues from day to day football operations, including matchday ticket and corporate hospitality sales, broadcast rights revenues including distributions from participation in European club competitions, sponsorship, merchandising, and other commercial operations, but excluding transfer income.
Real Madrid were the world's highest-earning football club in 2012-13, racking up a record ninth successive season at the top of Deloitte's Football Money League.
The Spaniards made a total of €518.9 million over the course of the campaign, out-earning rivals Barcelona by €36.3m. Manchester United, who held the No.1 spot between 1996-97 and 2003-04, dropped out of the top three in the Deloitte chart for the first time, with Champions League winners Bayern Munich collecting €7.4m more than the English champions.
The big gains, though, were made by Paris Saint-Germain, who leapt from 10th place to fifth in the rankings thanks to an 81 per cent year-on-year gain in revenue.
The Parisians earned their first French league title for 19 years during the campaign and also made the lucrative signing of David Beckham from LA Galaxy for the second half of the season before his retirement from football. The increased pulling power of the Qatari-owned club resulted in them generating the highest commercial revenue in the game at €254.7m.
For the first time in the history of the list, recording the revenues of sides from around the world, the top 30 clubs all made in excess of €100m during the course of the campaign. This compares to just one club - Manchester United - breaking the same barrier in the first release for season 1996/97.
As with the 2011-12 list, the Premier League is the best represented division, with six clubs appearing. Serie A and the Bundesliga each have four clubs, while only Atletico Madrid join Madrid and Barcelona from La Liga. Fenerbahce join Galatasaray to ensure that Turkey have two representatives for the first time.
But the continued dominance of the two Spanish giants could soon be under threat, according to Austin Houlihan, a senior consultant in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.
"Real Madrid still enjoy a healthy gap over Barcelona and have done over the past few years," Houlihan told Goal. "The interesting thing, along with Barcelona being expected to accrue over €500m in revenue next year, is around Manchester United. If they continue to qualify for Europe, and with the Chevrolet sponsorship deal in 2014-15, then they have a real opportunity to challenge the top two."
But Houlihan also believes that there will be some positive change in the Spaniards' figures due to the likely new La Liga TV deal which is touted for two seasons' time.
"They are continuing to discuss a collective distribution model and the year they are working towards is 2015-16," Houlihan explains.
"What has happened in Serie A since 2010-11 is that they experienced an overall uplift in the overall value of collective deals compared to individual deals, so there are promising signs for Spain."
Lower down, the rise of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce reflects a desire to bring some of the attractiveness of other leagues to emerging nations.
"It shows a strong fanbase in growing economies and a desire to push the elite in the big five leagues," Houlihan continues. "You also have Corinthians just outside the top 20.
"We expect to see them continue to challenge for places further up the standings."
Those gains could also see Italian clubs fall further, with no Serie A outfit in the top eight this year.
"Italy have stagnated in terms of revenue," Houlihan tells Goal. "A key reason behind that is stadia and the need to invest in and improve their facilities - which will have a knock-on effect to commercial and matchday revenues.
"If you look at Juventus' new stadium and the revenue boost they have received since redeveloping, then a lot of other Italian clubs will look at those benefits.
"The challenge they have is that the stadia is owned by the local municipality, which makes it even more challenging to push through redevelopment plans."
All revenue figures in the Money League report are based on the 2012-13 season or the most recent available calendar year.
It focuses on each club's revenues from day to day football operations, including matchday ticket and corporate hospitality sales, broadcast rights revenues including distributions from participation in European club competitions, sponsorship, merchandising, and other commercial operations, but excluding transfer income.
Chelsea target Salah after agreeing £37m Mata deal with Manchester United
Chelsea are targeting Basel winger Mohamed Salah after agreeing to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United for £37 million.
Mata is scheduled to undertake a United medical on Thursday as he puts the finishing touches to his club-record transfer to Old Trafford.
There was a breakthrough in talks between Chelsea and United on Wednesday, with the London club giving the 25-year-old permission to miss first-team training in the morning.Barring any late hiccups, Mata is expected to make his debut for David Moyes’ team in their Premier League clash against Cardiff City next Tuesday.
Chelsea, who have had an approach for Wayne Rooney rejected in the January window, are set to make an immediate attempt to reshape their squad by trying to prise Salah from Swiss champions Basel.
The 21-year-old Egyptian made a series of eye-catching appearances in the Champions League before Christmas, scoring the equaliser for Basel in their unexpected 2-1 win at Chelsea in the group stage and repeating the feat in the 1-0 win at St Jakob Park.
The Londoners are prepared to reinvest around €12m, a quarter of the Mata money, in Salah although Basel value the wide player at closer to €18m.Chelsea's strong interest could scupper Liverpool's bid to sign the Egyptian this month.They will make their move after negotiating a big profit on Mata, who cost €28.7m when he signed from Valencia in 2011.
Mata told Chelsea he wanted to move to Old Trafford to play regular first-team football at a top club and boost his chances of playing for Spain at next summer’s World Cup. He is believed to have been offered a significant increase on his £70,000-a-week salary.
The Spaniard has been named Chelsea's player of the year in the last two seasons but Jose Mourinho suggested earlier this month that the 'door is open' should Mata seek a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.Mourinho has cited Mata's lack of defensive work as the main reason behind the Spain international's frequent omission, with Oscar preferred in the No.10 role at Stamford Bridge.
With United no longer considered a direct rival - the champions are currently seventh in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal - Chelsea decided to sanction his sale.It represents a major coup for Moyes, who has been given €180m to spend on new recruits by United in the two transfer windows covering this month and the summer.
Chelsea are targeting Basel winger Mohamed Salah after agreeing to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United for £37 million.
Mata is scheduled to undertake a United medical on Thursday as he puts the finishing touches to his club-record transfer to Old Trafford.
There was a breakthrough in talks between Chelsea and United on Wednesday, with the London club giving the 25-year-old permission to miss first-team training in the morning.Barring any late hiccups, Mata is expected to make his debut for David Moyes’ team in their Premier League clash against Cardiff City next Tuesday.
Chelsea, who have had an approach for Wayne Rooney rejected in the January window, are set to make an immediate attempt to reshape their squad by trying to prise Salah from Swiss champions Basel.
The 21-year-old Egyptian made a series of eye-catching appearances in the Champions League before Christmas, scoring the equaliser for Basel in their unexpected 2-1 win at Chelsea in the group stage and repeating the feat in the 1-0 win at St Jakob Park.
The Londoners are prepared to reinvest around €12m, a quarter of the Mata money, in Salah although Basel value the wide player at closer to €18m.Chelsea's strong interest could scupper Liverpool's bid to sign the Egyptian this month.They will make their move after negotiating a big profit on Mata, who cost €28.7m when he signed from Valencia in 2011.
Mata told Chelsea he wanted to move to Old Trafford to play regular first-team football at a top club and boost his chances of playing for Spain at next summer’s World Cup. He is believed to have been offered a significant increase on his £70,000-a-week salary.
The Spaniard has been named Chelsea's player of the year in the last two seasons but Jose Mourinho suggested earlier this month that the 'door is open' should Mata seek a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.Mourinho has cited Mata's lack of defensive work as the main reason behind the Spain international's frequent omission, with Oscar preferred in the No.10 role at Stamford Bridge.
With United no longer considered a direct rival - the champions are currently seventh in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal - Chelsea decided to sanction his sale.It represents a major coup for Moyes, who has been given €180m to spend on new recruits by United in the two transfer windows covering this month and the summer.
'I'll be back in a few weeks' - Lucas allays long-term injury fears
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has allayed fears he could be out long-term with a knee injury.The Brazilian lasted just 21 minutes of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield, having been brought on at half-time.
Reports had claimed the Brazil international could miss two months of action, but he moved to quash those on his official Twitter account.He posted: "I would like to let you know that my injury isn't serious and I will be back in a few weeks. Thanks."
Lucas missed much of the 2011-12 season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his knee, while a thigh issue kept him out of action for three months last term.
The 27-year-old's revelation will come as welcome news for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who is currently without Daniel Agger (calf), Jose Enrique (knee) and Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) as well as Lucas.
Liverpool travel to Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday before a Merseyside derby clash with Everton on home soil three days later.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has allayed fears he could be out long-term with a knee injury.The Brazilian lasted just 21 minutes of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield, having been brought on at half-time.
Reports had claimed the Brazil international could miss two months of action, but he moved to quash those on his official Twitter account.He posted: "I would like to let you know that my injury isn't serious and I will be back in a few weeks. Thanks."
Lucas missed much of the 2011-12 season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his knee, while a thigh issue kept him out of action for three months last term.
The 27-year-old's revelation will come as welcome news for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who is currently without Daniel Agger (calf), Jose Enrique (knee) and Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) as well as Lucas.
Liverpool travel to Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday before a Merseyside derby clash with Everton on home soil three days later.
Wenger attends Barcelona clash with Levante
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was in attendance at Barcelona's Copa Del Rey clash with Levante on Wednesday night.
The Gunners look set to miss out on their top transfer targets, prompting Wenger to look elsewhere with little over week remaining of the January window.
Goal understands Wenger and Arsenal had drawn up a five-man striker shortlist for the January transfer window, including Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa and Bayern Munich-bound Robert Lewandowski.
Wenger sent scouts to watch Costa back in November but the Brazilian-born forward looks set to to see out the rest of the season with the Spanish high-flyers, while Lewandowski completed his much anticpiated move to the Champions League holders earlier this month.
Despite his denial that the club were "specifically" looking at Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic, Goal understand's the Montenegro international's agent was due for talks in London on Monday with a view to thrashing out a deal that would see the 30-year-old join the Premier League leaders either on loan, or a permanent deal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was in attendance at Barcelona's Copa Del Rey clash with Levante on Wednesday night.
The Gunners look set to miss out on their top transfer targets, prompting Wenger to look elsewhere with little over week remaining of the January window.
Goal understands Wenger and Arsenal had drawn up a five-man striker shortlist for the January transfer window, including Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa and Bayern Munich-bound Robert Lewandowski.
Wenger sent scouts to watch Costa back in November but the Brazilian-born forward looks set to to see out the rest of the season with the Spanish high-flyers, while Lewandowski completed his much anticpiated move to the Champions League holders earlier this month.
Despite his denial that the club were "specifically" looking at Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic, Goal understand's the Montenegro international's agent was due for talks in London on Monday with a view to thrashing out a deal that would see the 30-year-old join the Premier League leaders either on loan, or a permanent deal.
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