..::Football III::..

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Inter 1-1 Cagliari: Rolando bags point for Nerazzurri

Inter could only secure a 1-1 draw at home to minnows Cagliari on Sunday to put an end to hopes of winning three games in a row.

Rolando, on loan from Porto, scored the equaliser early in the second half after Mauricio Pinilla had put Cagliari in front from the penalty spot late in the first half.

Despite creating the clearest chances and hitting the bar late on through Mauro Icardi, the Nerazzurri could not find the winning goal to make it three successive wins and Rolando's leveller left Cagliari still looking for their first away win in Serie A since last February.

It has been a week of upheaval for struggling Cagliari, who parted company with assistant coach Ivo Pulga earlier this week, but the visitors impressed early on at San Siro, with Victor Ibarbo in particular causing problems.

Inter went into the game unbeaten in nine at home in all competitions since their solitary San Siro loss this season to Roma and Jonathan had their first chance of note but sliced well wide inside the area.

Walter Samuel scored the only goal in Inter's last home game - a 1-0 win over Sassuolo - and almost repeated the trick after 23 minutes when he out-jumped two players to meet Ricky Alvarez's teasing cross, but the direction was lacking.

As the half wore on, the home side exerted their authority, but a lack of real class was evident. Zdravko Kuzmanovic found space 30 yards out and lined up a shot only to fire well wide.

But it was Cagliari who took the lead after Juan Jesus handled in the area after 40 minutes. Pinilla made no mistake with his penalty, firing into the right corner and sending Samir Handanovic the wrong way to notch his sixth goal of the season.

A disappointing half for Inter was almost rescued in injury-time but, although Diego Milito's fierce effort was spilled by Vlada Avramov, the goalkeeper held on at the second attempt before Alvarez could get to the rebound.

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri changed things up at half-time and brought on Icardi and his impact was instant, as he provided a lovely cushioned header across the box after 51 minutes for Rolando to sweep under Avramov from close range.

Cagliari were not deterred from their task and space opened up for Andrea Cossu soon after and although his shot did not hit the target, it had the sprawling Handanovic worried.

Parity was only maintained after a wonderful Avramov save after the hour mark. Fredy Guarin chipped a delightful ball to the onrushing Rodrigo Palacio, who volleyed from 10 yards. The effort looked destined to find the corner, only for Avramov's outstretched leg to deny the Argentine.

Inter went agonisingly close to snatching all three points in the final minute when Icardi beat Avramov to the ball, but the header cannoned back off the bar and Cagliari scrambled clear.

 

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Sampdoria 0-2 AC Milan: Rossoneri bag first back-to-back Serie A wins of the season

AC Milan secured back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time this season with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sampdoria on Sunday.

Adel Taarabt, who joined on loan from Championship outfit QPR during the January transfer window, scored the first goal of the game 12 minutes in and helped to create the second as the Rossoneri won at Sampdoria in the league for the first time since October 2007.

Taarabt opened the scoring early in the first half, poking home at the second attempt after being picked out by Adil Rami's right-wing cross.

The roles were reversed just before the hour mark, Taarabt's delivery eventually finding the Frenchman to nod home at the back post after Giampaolo Pazzini had challenged home goalkeeper Angelo Da Costa for the ball.

Sampdoria substitute Maxi Lopez was dismissed 20 minutes from time, the Argentine picking up two bookings for dissent in quick succession to compound a miserable day for the hosts.

The result continues Milan's recent resurgence, with the San Siro outfit having now taken 13 points from Clarence Seedorf's six league games in charge.

Blucerchiati coach Sinisa Mihajlovic called on his side to show an improved attitude before the game, but in truth they showed little attacking threat as they fell to a first home defeat under the Serbian.

Milan showed nine changes from their Champions League defeat in midweek: Mario Balotelli and Mattia De Sciglio were absent through injury while goalkeeper Christian Abbiati missed out with illness, with Marco Amelia coming in.

However, it was the two men who kept their place from Wednesday's defeat that combined for the opening goal on 12 minutes.

Taarabt and Pazzini had already threatened for the visitors before Rami picked out the Moroccan from the right and, although he saw his free header saved by Da Costa, the playmaker reacted quickest to prod home his second goal since moving to Serie A in January.

After an open first 20 minutes, goalmouth action became increasingly scarce as the half wore on, Riccardo Saponara's volley narrowly over the crossbar in the 39th minute the closest either side came before the break.

Samp made a brighter start to the second period, but Rami doubled Milan's advantage in controversial circumstances in the 58th minute. As Taarabt crossed from the right, Pazzini challenged Da Costa for the aerial ball and with the keeper flattened, Rami was able to nod home into the unguarded goal.

Lopez, introduced 15 minutes earlier, saw red in the 72nd minute as Samp's frustrations boiled over though Eder showed some positive play, only to be denied twice by Amelia in the final stages.

The result leaves Milan five points adrift of rivals Inter in the final Europa League qualifying spot as Seedorf and his men look to salvage something from a turbulent season.

 

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Newcastle 1-0 Aston Villa: Last-gasp Remy snatches vital victory

Loic Remy's stoppage-time goal ended Newcastle's barren league run at St James' Park on Sunday as they beat Aston Villa 1-0.

Alan Pardew's side had gone over seven hours without a goal in the Premier League, but the France international struck in the 92nd-minute to lift the gloom hanging over Tyneside.

Remy had been Newcastle's biggest threat in the match, forcing Brad Guzan into several saves and hitting the post in the closing stages, before he had the final say.

Pardew had urged his players to prove Paul Lambert wrong after the Villa boss suggested Newcastle were there for the taking on the back of a sorry run that had seen them take just four points from the previous 24 available.However, though Tim Krul was made to earn his clean sheet, Villa were ultimately undone.

Newcastle recalled Remy, Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote as they sought to avoid a defeat that would have consigned them to their worst home run since 1953, while Villa brought in fit-again forward Andreas Weimann and midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

Pardew's message looked to have resonated with the team in the opening five minutes as the hosts managed to fashion a couple of decent chances.First Remy struck a low drive straight at Guzan, before Cisse forced the American to parry a dipping curled shot from the edge of the box five minutes later.

The visitors gave the home crowd a scare four minutes later when Agbonlahor fired narrowly over from distance, before Bacuna stung the hands of Krul with a well-hit free-kick.France striker Remy, who returned for the hosts after suspension, nearly found some luck with a set-piece of his own several minutes before the break, curling just wide of Guzan's left-hand post.

Cisse had not found the net at home since the Boxing Day win over Stoke City, but was handed a golden opportunity just before the break, courtesy of some great work from Remy.

The Frenchman dashed towards the byline before squaring to Cisse, who inexplicably fired over from six yards. Substitute Yoan Gouffran wasted another decent opportunity by dragging a shot wide just after the break, before young full-back Paul Dummett sent a shot just over the bar from outside the area around 10 minutes later.

Newcastle threw on Luuk de Jong for the last 20 minutes, but it was Remy who looked the most likely source of a goal, bursting through the defence before forcing a great save from Guzan.The hosts had a penalty shout late on when the ball appeared to strike Bacuna's arm, with referee Martin Atkinson waving away appeals as Newcastle grew frustrated.

De Jong nearly helped break the deadlock two minutes from time, squaring to Remy inside the six-yard box, only for the Frenchman to rattle an effort off the post.But Remy made amends with a minute to play, lashing home from inside the area to hand the hosts a vital win and move them into eighth place in the table.

 

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Liverpool 4-3 Swansea City: Henderson strike helps Reds edge seven-goal thriller

Jordan Henderson's late goal kept Liverpool's Premier League title bid on track as the hosts earned a thrilling 4-3 win over Swansea City at Anfield on Sunday.


Daniel Sturridge scored twice to become only the second player - after former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy - to net in eight consecutive Premier League fixtures.But the England striker's brace was only one part of a remarkable story that unfolded, with five first-half goals setting the tone for a top-flight classic.

It took just three minutes for Sturridge to break the deadlock and Henderson's pinpoint finish put Brendan Rodgers' side in the ascendancy midway through the opening half.

The game was turned on its head as Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Bony scored within three minutes of each other, the former drawing applause from the fans of his former club after arrowing a stunning first-time effort into the top-right corner.

Sturridge netted again before the break to take his tally for the season to 18 league goals, but Bony grabbed his second from the spot early in the second half.
It was Henderson who had the last say, though, his close-range finish sealing the points 16 minutes from time.

Liverpool signalled their intent from the off and took the lead as Raheem Sterling provided a defence-splitting pass for Sturridge, who deftly side-stepped Michel Vorm before slotting home.

The visitors did show some early promise, but Henderson's superb right-footed strike from the edge of the box seemingly put the hosts in control with 20 minutes gone.

Swansea needed a response and it was provided two minutes later in emphatic fashion by Shelvey, who scored one and set up another in September's reverse fixture, but was also responsible for a dreadful mistake that led to Sturridge's equaliser in a game that ended 2-2.He exorcised those demons with a glorious shot from 20 yards that left Simon Mignolet with no chance.

The 21-year-old, making his return to league action from a hamstring injury, refused to celebrate but was applauded by many of the home contingent, whose charitable nature was less apparent three minutes later when Bony levelled matters.
Shelvey was on the receiving end of a hefty challenge from Martin Skrtel and the Liverpool defender then appeared to get a decisive touch on Jonathan de Guzman's subsequent free-kick, which had been headed goalwards by Bony, wrong-footing Mignolet.

The breathless pace of the game continued and, remarkably, Rodgers' men were ahead again before the interval, Sturridge doubling his tally with a neat back-post header from Luis Suarez's cross.Suarez almost joined the fun himself, lobbing an effort from the halfway line just wide of Vorm's goal.

Swansea levelled two minutes into the second half after Skrtel, already on a yellow, clumsily felled Bony, with the Ivorian picking himself up to convert the spot-kick.Yet just as it appeared as though City boss Garry Monk would earn a point against his former manager, Suarez's stinging effort was turned into the path of Henderson to poke home from inside the six-yard box.

The result moves Liverpool, who hit the post late on through Steven Gerrard, back to within four points of leaders Chelsea, while Swansea remain four points above the drop zone having won just two of their last 13 league games.

 

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Toulouse 2-4 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic hat-trick puts Parisiens pasts Pitchouns

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat-trick to help Paris Saint-Germain beat a dogged Toulouse 4-2 in Sunday's closely fought Ligue 1 clash.

The Swede took his Ligue 1 tally to 22 for the campaign, but the scoreline somewhat flattered Laurent Blanc's men, who were far from their best at Stadium Municipal.Ibrahimovic reached the 20-goal mark from the penalty spot when Ezequiel Lavezzi was fouled by Uros Spajic in the area, but a well-controlled volley from Wissam Ben Yedder saw the sides reach half-time level.

Lavezzi kept his cool after a flowing move to put PSG back ahead after 56 minutes, before Ibrahimovic flicked home Yohan Cabaye's free kick to make it 3-1.Ben Yedder ensured a nervy ending with his second 18 minutes from time, but Sweden international Ibrahimovic bagged his third with a rebound from his own penalty in the closing stages.

The win sees PSG re-establish a five-point gap to second-placed Monaco, while Toulouse stay 10th.PSG struggled to create opportunities against an organised Toulouse side in the opening exchanges and Blanc's men were handed a huge reprieve on 26 minutes.

Jean-Daniel Akpa Apro's cross was deflected to the back post where Serge Aurier crashed an effort against the upright - the ball rebounded to Martin Braithwaite inside the six-yard box but he made weak contact, allowing Salvatore Sirigu to collect.Having survived that scare, Marco Verratti could have scored for PSG but he put a free header over the crossbar.

However, Toulouse's resistance was broken after 31 minutes. Spajic felled Lavezzi in the penalty area with a rash challenge and Ibrahimovic converted from the spot.
That goal appeared to settle PSG and Blaise Matuidi burst into the box six minutes later but his left-footed shot was kept out by a combination of goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and the post.

Captain Thiago Silva then missed a gilt-edged chance shortly before the break, slicing wide at the back post after Ibrahimovic flashed a ball across goal.And they were punished for their profligacy on the stroke of half-time when Ben Yedder volleyed home emphatically from Etienne Didot's cross.

The visitors regained the lead 11 minutes after the break. Ibrahimovic surged forward and his pass was flicked into the path of Lavezzi by Matuidi, and the Uruguayan swivelled before firing past Boucher into the bottom right-hand corner.
PSG were grateful to Sirigu for keeping the scores level shortly after the hour mark, the goalkeeper producing a fine reaction stop from Aurier's point-blank header.

Cabaye was introduced from the bench to replace Verratti, and he made an instant impact with a whipped free kick that Ibrahimovic flicked home on 68 minutes.The lead cut to four minutes later, however, Ben Yedder capitalising with a cool finish in the box when Thiago Motta's interception fell into his path.

There was time for one last twist when Issiaga Sylla handballed Ibrahimovic's free kick in the area, and the striker saw his initial chipped penalty parried by Boucher but tapped in the rebound.

 

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Ibra Niyamai!

 

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Atletico boss Simeone: Osasuna deserved to win

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone conceded that Osasuna fully deserved their 3-0 win in Pamplona on Sunday.

The Rojiblancos went into the match at El Sadar needing a win to move level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, but they were blown away during the first half, with Alvaro Cejudo, Emiliano Armenteros and Roberto Torres all netting during a sensational opening 45 minutes for the hosts.

Simeone, therefore, had no complaints about the final scoreline, admitting that his players had been rightly punished for a dreadfully sluggish start.

"When the opponent is better I congratulate them," the Argentine told reporters afterwards. "Osasuna played well today.

"The second half was better for us but the goal to put us back in the match didn't arrive.

"Osasuna played well and surprised us in the first two goals, completing the first half very well.”

Atleti left-back Filipe Luis echoed his coach, maintaining that the better team had won, yet arguing that the Rojiblancos are more than capable of bouncing back against Madrid at the Vicente Calderon next weekend.

"They (Osasuna) have been better," the defender admitted. "They have taken their chances. We have to congratulate them.

"We must think to the next match. At home we are very strong and we are going to try to beat Real Madrid."

 

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Fit-again Schweinsteiger targets Bundesliga and Champions League double

Bastian Schweinsteiger is determined to help Bayern Munich retain both their Bundesliga and Champions League titles after making an impressive return to the first team on Sunday.

The midfielder spent three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury but managed 70 minutes in Sunday's 4-0 demolition of Hannover, as Pep Guardiola's men moved 19 points clear in the German top flight.

"It's great to be back," Scweinsteiger told reporters after the game. "I feel good and it's great to come through it unscathed.

"The Bayern training sessions are high quality, but I've got to use these minutes. I'm not getting any younger, but with my ankle injury games like this are crucial.

"Pep gave me a lot of encouragement, but I've got to be fit in order to help the team.

"Our priority is the Bundesliga and becoming the first team to defend the Champions League.”

Elsewhere, Guardiola was full of praise for reserve goalkeeper Tom Starke, who kept a clean sheet while deputising for regular No.1 Manuel Neuer.

"Tom Starke deserved a start," the Bayern boss explained. "It's just difficult for him being behind the best in the world [Neuer].

"But I was delighted to give him a chance and I was pleased with his performance.

"My players executed the game plan and we managed to take the chance to extend our lead at the top."

 

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Conte concedes Torino could have had a penalty

Antonio Conte has admitted that Juventus could easily have conceded a penalty in the closing stages of Sunday's Serie A win over Torino.

Carlos Tevez's first-half strike gave the hosts the lead in the Derby della Mole and although the Granata rarely threatened an equaliser, there was one scare for the Bianconeri with 10 minutes remaining when Omar El Kaddouri went down under Andrea Pirlo's challenge inside the penalty area.

Conte conceded that Juve could have had few complaints if the referee had pointed to the spot but also argued that El Kaddouri's theatrical fall could also have resulted in a yellow card for the Moroccan.

"Let's say El Kaddouri was prepared for it, but there was contact too," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

"I'll admit anything could have happened there; a penalty or a booking for simulation.

"Thankfully, the referee made the right decision for us!"

Juve now face a trip to Turkey for the second leg of their Europa League round-of-32 tie with Trabzonspor on Thursday, before returning to Italy to face AC Milan at San Siro on Sunday.

Although nine points clear of Roma at present, Conte expressed concerns that his side's extra games could count against them in the run-in for the title.

"Roma sent us a message last night [by beating Bologna], we replied today and next week we'll play away to Milan," he said.

"What worries me is that we won't get back from Turkey until Friday morning at 07:00 and then play on Sunday evening, so we'll barely get any rest.

"[Roma] don't have any European commitments, aren't getting anything wrong and in many ways remind me of my first year at Juventus.

"If you ask me if I'm more relaxed last season or this, I'll be honest and say last year. Are they more dangerous than Napoli last year? Yes. Definitely."

 

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Valbuena admits Atletico Madrid interest

Olympique de Marseille ace Mathieu Valbuena has revealed that he could have signed for Atletico Madrid and admitted that he remains drawn to the Liga outfit.

The France international is under contract at the Stade Velodrome until 2017 but speculation is rife that he will be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer.

Valbuena says that he has had several suitors during his time in Marseille, including Atletico, and strongly hinted that he would jump at the chance to move to the Vicente Calderon should the Rojiblancos reignite their interest in signing him.

"There was Schalke, Zenit, great clubs," the 29-year-old attacking midfielder told beIn Sport.

"But I really like Atletico Madrid because it is a Spanish club and I have Spanish origins, but also because they play well.

"This was an interesting lead but it didn't go all the way."

Valbuena, who has also been linked with Premier League duo Liverpool and Arsenal, joined Marseille from Libourne in 2006.

 

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True champion Tevez made the difference, says Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon has praised Carlos Tevez for his game-deciding contribution to Juventus' 1-0 Serie A win over Torino on Sunday evening.

The Argentina international settled the Derby della Mole in the Italian champions' favour with a fine first-half strike and his skipper was quick to highlight the striker's importance to the Bianconeri after the game.

"Tevez is a great player who helped us to the full three points in a difficult game with his goal," Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

"These kinds of games are often decided by flashes of brilliance from true champions and we have a number of players like that in our team."

Buffon then went on to hail Torino for their good performance, but dismissed the Granata's claims that they should have been awarded a penalty when Andrea Pirlo appeared to trip Omar El Kaddouri in the area with just 10 minutes to go.

"Torino are going through a good season and this allowed them to start the game with a clear head," the Italy international mused.

"They deserve compliments for their display. It was a good game and a real derby.

"The referee was quite strict and blew his whistle a lot. But I don't think it was a penalty."

Juventus are once again nine points clear of second-placed Roma in the Serie A standings.

 

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Draxler to Bayern could be an option, admits Sammer

Matthias Sammer has admitted that Bayern Munich could make a move for Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler at some point in the future.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated last week dismissed reports that the Bundesliga champions were considering a summer swoop for the Germany international, but the Bavarian club's sporting director has now opened the door to a possible bid.

"There is no denying that German players are always interesting for Bayern, because they have had a good football education here," Sammer told Sport Bild.

"Young German players are at a high level when they make the step up from the youth teams to the senior side. And that makes them interesting for Bayern.

"I cannot rule out a move for Draxler, or for any other player, be that in Germany or abroad.

"Why would I want to rule anything out? I will never rule out what's best for the club.

"And you will all see what we consider to be the best for Bayern at some point in the future."

The 20-year-old has a contract with Schalke until the summer of 2018, but he reportedly has a €45.5 million buy-out clause.

Arsenal are also closely monitoring the situation of Draxler at Schalke and even saw an offer for the versatile midfielder rejected by the Bundesliga side during the January transfer window.

 

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Varane: I would love to see Pogba at Madrid

Raphael Varane says he would gladly welcome Paul Pogba to Real Madrid if the midfielder was in a position to leave Juventus.

Since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2012, Pogba has established himself as a regular for the Bianconeri alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio MarchisioHowever, transfer speculation has abounded of late that some of Europe's top sides - most notably Paris Saint-Germain - have been interested in making a bid for his services, and Varane says he'd delighted if Carlo Ancelotti signed his France team-mate.

"I have no information about any move," the 20-year-old told French football programme Telefoot.

"But personally, if it happens, I'd be very happy. I would love to play with him, but it's not my decision obviously."

Varane and Pogba are both regarded as two of the best young prospects in Europe and have established themselves in the France national team, making their debuts in the same game - a 3-1 win for les Bleus over Georgia last March in World Cup qualifying.

 

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Moyes: Manchester United don't need to be the best to win Champions League

Manchester United manager David Moyes believes his side can win the Champions League this season despite their poor domestic form.

The reigning Premier League holders have put up a limp defence of their title, and are currently 15 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and scrapping just to finish in the top four.

With their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier club competition dwindling, United's best hope of retaining their Champions League status could be to win the tournament – with their march towards the final getting back underway against Olympiakos on Tuesday.

Moyes is hoping to take inspiration from Liverpool, who won the Champions League despite finishing just fifth domestically almost a decade ago, and says his side do not have to be the best to beat the best.

“It isn’t always the best teams that get to the final in Europe,” the United manager told reporters. “Liverpool in 2005 gives us hope, but in any cup competition you always have a chance.

“I knew it was going to be a hard competition before it started. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG are all top clubs.”

Similarly to Liverpool, Chelsea, then managed by Roberto Di Matteo, finished only 6th in the Premier League but overcame the odds to win the Champions League in 2012, and Moyes knows anything can happen in football.

He added: “You see some of the games, where teams have hung on and hung on and somehow nicked a goal.”

 

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Moyes mona kiyawanawada manda

 

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Spain face Ukraine in Euro 2016 qualifiers

Holders Spain will face Ukraine in the qualifying stage of the 2016 European Championships.

The Euro 2012 winners were drawn with the previous competition's hosts in Sunday's draw for the qualifying stage in Nice, while they will also face Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia and Luxembourg in Group B.

Elsewhere, Netherlands will meet the Czech Republic and Turkey in Group A, while Group H matches up Italy and Croatia. Group D sets up some intriguing battles involving Germany, Republic of Ireland and Poland.

Hosts France were added to Group I after the draw in order for them to secure competitive international friendlies during the course of qualification, meaning they will come up against the likes of Portugal and Denmark twice each before the finals begin on June 10, 2016.

The first games of the qualifying stage will be played over the weekend of September 7-9, 2014, with 23 teams in total eventually joining France in the tournament finals.

 

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Osasuna 3-0 Atletico Madrid: Rojiblancos blitzed by Garcia's men to gift Real Liga lead

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Varane: I would love to see Pogba at Madrid

Raphael Varane says he would gladly welcome Paul Pogba to Real Madrid if the midfielder was in a position to leave Juventus.

Since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2012, Pogba has established himself as a regular for the Bianconeri alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio MarchisioHowever, transfer speculation has abounded of late that some of Europe's top sides - most notably Paris Saint-Germain - have been interested in making a bid for his services, and Varane says he'd delighted if Carlo Ancelotti signed his France team-mate.

"I have no information about any move," the 20-year-old told French football programme Telefoot.

"But personally, if it happens, I'd be very happy. I would love to play with him, but it's not my decision obviously."

Varane and Pogba are both regarded as two of the best young prospects in Europe and have established themselves in the France national team, making their debuts in the same game - a 3-1 win for les Bleus over Georgia last March in World Cup qualifying.

 

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Osasuna 3-0 Atletico Madrid: Rojiblancos blitzed by Garcia's men to gift Real Liga lead

Atletico Madrid missed the chance to draw level with city rivals Real at the top of La Liga, after suffering a shock 3-0 hammering at Osasuna.

The hosts made a stirring start in Pamplona, deservedly taking the lead just six minutes in through Alvaro Cejudo.

Emiliano Armenteros added a sensational second approaching the midway point of a shockingly one-sided first half and Roberto Torres effectively put the game to bed with his effort shortly before the break.

After losing to Almeria early this month, Atletico suffered their second defeat from their last three league games to raise more doubts over the club's title credentials.

And up next is the visit of neighbours Real next Sunday, with the performance against Osasuna suggesting that Diego Simeone's side will need to significantly improve at a key juncture in Atletico's season.

Left-back Filipe Luis returned to Atletico's starting line-up following a thigh strain, but coach Simeone rested key trio Miranda, Arda Turan and Koke, with all three starting on the bench.

Osasuna got off to the perfect start and took the lead within six minutes as the unmarked Cejudo turned in Armenteros' deep corner after arriving late at the back post.

Mario Suarez was in the right place at the right time four minutes later as Cejudo's right-wing cross looked destined to be knocked in by Oriol Riera, but the Atletico midfielder flicked it away with an important header.

Atletico were punished again after 21 minutes, however. Armenteros was given too much time and space about 25 yards from goal and the Argentine belted an unstoppable drive past the powerless Thibaut Courtois.

With half-time approaching quickly, Torres amazingly put the hosts three up as he burst between Diego Godin and Toby Alderweireld to head Damia's cross into the bottom-left corner.

Atletico were almost gifted a way back into the contest in the 57th minute as Jordan Loties sliced Filipe's cross towards his own goal, but luckily for Javi Gracia's men it flew just wide.

Simeone had made all three of his changes by the 61st minute as Koke, Turan and former Osasuna star Raul Garcia all came on, but still Atletico struggled to cut through a well-organised defence.

Cejudo should have scored a second 18 minutes from time as Riera looped a pass over Godin for the winger, but his first touch was poor and his eventual shot only found the side netting.

Atletico nearly pulled one back through Garcia in the 77th minute as he volleyed Koke's delivery wide from a tight angle but Osasuna held on to crank up the pressure on Simeone and his players heading into next weekend's Madrid derby.

lol

 

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Espanyol 1-2 Villarreal: Catalans pay penalty for Garcia miss

Sergio Asenjo saved an injury-time penalty to earn Villarreal a crucial 2-1 win at Espanyol on Monday night.

The visiting goalkeeper flung himself to his right to keep out Sergio Garcia's spot-kick after Gabriel Paulista had handled inside the area.

It could prove a vital stop for Villarreal come the end of the season as victory moved them to within four points of Athletic Bilbao, who occupy La Liga's fourth and final Champions League qualifying berth.

Villarreal took the lead in the 36th minute as Moises tapped home from close range following a pin-point cross from Nahuel Leiva.

An away victory appeared a formality when Jeremy Perbet made it 2-0 five minutes after half-time, tucking home a rebound after Kiko Casilla had kept out Giovani dos Santos' initial effort.

Espanyol had other ideas, however, and Villarreal had to withstand a late barrage.

Substitute Jhon Cordoba pulled a goal back 12 minutes from time after being set up by Garcia, who then saw his firm penalty parried away by Asenjo, as Villarreal bounced back from consecutive league defeats.