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Real Madrid Line-Up
Iker Casillas
Pepe
Sergio Ramos
Fábio Coentrão
Daniel Carvajal
Xabi Alonso
Luka Modric
Ángel Di María
Cristiano Ronaldo
Karim Benzema
Isco
Bayern Line-Up
Manuel Neuer
Dante
Rafinha
Jerome Boateng
David Alaba
Franck Ribéry
Arjen Robben
Philipp Lahm
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Toni Kroos
Mario Mandzukic
Good Luck For Both Teams!
Real Madrid 1-0 Bayern: Benzema gives Ancelotti's men slender first-leg advantage
A solitary strike from Karim Benzema was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
The France international poked home Fabio Coentrao's cross in the first half for the only goal of the game to inflict only a second defeat in the competition for Pep Guardiola's side, and his first as a coach at Santiago Bernabeu.
Bayern bossed possession but failed to create many meaningful chances, and Madrid could have won more comfortably had Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria kept their composure with clear openings in the first 45 minutes.
Despite a fast-paced opening, chances were scarce early on, with neither Ronaldo - who was risked despite his recent hamstring injury - nor his team-mates able to threaten Manuel Neuer.
Bayern also struggled to forge openings, until Arjen Robben flashed an effort wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post after 13 minutes.
Toni Kroos' shot was then blocked by Pepe before Real broke at pace, allowing Ronaldo to find Fabio Coentrao down the left with a brilliant pass.
And when his cross evaded Dante, Jerome Boateng and Neuer, Benzema was left with the simplest of tasks to finish and put the hosts ahead.
Ronaldo had a glorious opportunity to double the advantage soon afterwards, blazing Benzema's pass over the crossbar, as Bayern struggled to regain their early rhythm.
David Alaba and Franck Ribery went close to threatening a response but they were quickly dealt with, before Angel Di Maria fired over from a tight angle as the game opened up again in the latter stages of the first half.
Ronaldo twice tested Neuer to no avail following the interval and, even after the withdrawal of Pepe due to injury for the hosts, Bayern looked surprisingly toothless for a side who wrapped up the Bundesliga title in record time this season.
Their invincible form has deserted them of late, and even when they pushed for a late equaliser there was no way through.
In a nervy finish, Mario Gotze was denied by a smart Casillas stop before Bayern's appeals for a penalty following a challenge by Xabi Alonso on Thomas Muller were waved away by referee Howard Webb.
On his return to Spain, that left former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and his men with nothing to show for their efforts, and facing an uphill task if they are to become the first side to successfully defend the Champions League trophy.
A solitary strike from Karim Benzema was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
The France international poked home Fabio Coentrao's cross in the first half for the only goal of the game to inflict only a second defeat in the competition for Pep Guardiola's side, and his first as a coach at Santiago Bernabeu.
Bayern bossed possession but failed to create many meaningful chances, and Madrid could have won more comfortably had Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria kept their composure with clear openings in the first 45 minutes.
Despite a fast-paced opening, chances were scarce early on, with neither Ronaldo - who was risked despite his recent hamstring injury - nor his team-mates able to threaten Manuel Neuer.
Bayern also struggled to forge openings, until Arjen Robben flashed an effort wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post after 13 minutes.
Toni Kroos' shot was then blocked by Pepe before Real broke at pace, allowing Ronaldo to find Fabio Coentrao down the left with a brilliant pass.
And when his cross evaded Dante, Jerome Boateng and Neuer, Benzema was left with the simplest of tasks to finish and put the hosts ahead.
Ronaldo had a glorious opportunity to double the advantage soon afterwards, blazing Benzema's pass over the crossbar, as Bayern struggled to regain their early rhythm.
David Alaba and Franck Ribery went close to threatening a response but they were quickly dealt with, before Angel Di Maria fired over from a tight angle as the game opened up again in the latter stages of the first half.
Ronaldo twice tested Neuer to no avail following the interval and, even after the withdrawal of Pepe due to injury for the hosts, Bayern looked surprisingly toothless for a side who wrapped up the Bundesliga title in record time this season.
Their invincible form has deserted them of late, and even when they pushed for a late equaliser there was no way through.
In a nervy finish, Mario Gotze was denied by a smart Casillas stop before Bayern's appeals for a penalty following a challenge by Xabi Alonso on Thomas Muller were waved away by referee Howard Webb.
On his return to Spain, that left former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola and his men with nothing to show for their efforts, and facing an uphill task if they are to become the first side to successfully defend the Champions League trophy.
I was afraid to return from injury, admits Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he was afraid to return in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, but insists he was fit enough to return to Champions League action.
The Portugal international has not featured since the Blancos' 3-0 home leg win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final - exactly three weeks prior to his start at Santiago Bernabeu against the European champions.
He played a key part in Karim Benzema's goal which allowed Carlo Ancelotti's men to defeat die Roten 1-0 in the semi-final first leg and the Ballon d'Or holder was delighted with the result ahead of next Tuesday's return at the Allianz Arena.
"I was afraid - it was my first match after three weeks out," he told reporters after the game. "Some people didn't want me to play and some people did. I felt well and ready for the next few games.
"One-nil is a good result. We have a good advantage and if we score next week it will be so difficult for them to qualify for the final.
"The second leg will be a tense match. We have a little advantage so let's see if that is enough."
Madrid will now temporarily turn their attention to La Liga, as they prepare to host Osasuna on Saturday as they look to close the gap to leaders Atletico Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he was afraid to return in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, but insists he was fit enough to return to Champions League action.
The Portugal international has not featured since the Blancos' 3-0 home leg win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final - exactly three weeks prior to his start at Santiago Bernabeu against the European champions.
He played a key part in Karim Benzema's goal which allowed Carlo Ancelotti's men to defeat die Roten 1-0 in the semi-final first leg and the Ballon d'Or holder was delighted with the result ahead of next Tuesday's return at the Allianz Arena.
"I was afraid - it was my first match after three weeks out," he told reporters after the game. "Some people didn't want me to play and some people did. I felt well and ready for the next few games.
"One-nil is a good result. We have a good advantage and if we score next week it will be so difficult for them to qualify for the final.
"The second leg will be a tense match. We have a little advantage so let's see if that is enough."
Madrid will now temporarily turn their attention to La Liga, as they prepare to host Osasuna on Saturday as they look to close the gap to leaders Atletico Madrid.
Beckenbauer disappointed by toothless Bayern
Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer criticised Pep Guardiola's team for a lack of "punch" as they conceded a 1-0 first-leg advantage to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Karim Benzema scored the only goal as Madrid seized the initiative ahead of the Champions League semi-final return at the Allianz Arena next week.
The visitors enjoyed the lion's share of possession but Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was not seriously threatened before making a late save to deny substitute Mario Gotze.
Beckenbauer hailed Madrid's defensive efforts but was disappointed the defending champions had not carried more menace going forward.
He told Sky: "I never saw Madrid defend so well.
"But maybe Bayern made it easy for them. They were lacking dynamism, they had no punch."
Madrid played largely on the counter but it was an approach which could have seen them claim a commanding first-half advantage as Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria both squandered wonderful opportunities.
Beckenbauer added: "Maybe Bayern were surprised by the way Real played. It was one of the best matches I have seen from Madrid. They switched the rhythm like they wanted. They attacked suddenly, they pulled back. If it had been 3-0 at half-time you could have stopped the game.
"Madrid were superior, better, quicker. It was a deserved victory. But there is still a second leg. It is doable, but it will be very dangerous and very difficult."
Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer criticised Pep Guardiola's team for a lack of "punch" as they conceded a 1-0 first-leg advantage to Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Karim Benzema scored the only goal as Madrid seized the initiative ahead of the Champions League semi-final return at the Allianz Arena next week.
The visitors enjoyed the lion's share of possession but Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas was not seriously threatened before making a late save to deny substitute Mario Gotze.
Beckenbauer hailed Madrid's defensive efforts but was disappointed the defending champions had not carried more menace going forward.
He told Sky: "I never saw Madrid defend so well.
"But maybe Bayern made it easy for them. They were lacking dynamism, they had no punch."
Madrid played largely on the counter but it was an approach which could have seen them claim a commanding first-half advantage as Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria both squandered wonderful opportunities.
Beckenbauer added: "Maybe Bayern were surprised by the way Real played. It was one of the best matches I have seen from Madrid. They switched the rhythm like they wanted. They attacked suddenly, they pulled back. If it had been 3-0 at half-time you could have stopped the game.
"Madrid were superior, better, quicker. It was a deserved victory. But there is still a second leg. It is doable, but it will be very dangerous and very difficult."
'I expected more from Real Madrid' - Robben
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben claims he "expected more" from Real Madrid, despite the Spanish giants beating the Champions League holders 1-0 in Wednesday's semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema's goal in the opening 20 minutes was the only difference on the scoresheet and, although Pep Guardiola's men dominated possession, they struggled to create meaningful chances.
Robben, who spent two years at Madrid before joining Bayern in 2009, refused to accept his team were inferior and expressed his shock that Carlo Ancelotti's side were willing to allow the holders to dictate play.
"I have to compliment my team," the Dutchman told NOS. "We played a world class team, in the Santiago Bernabeu, but still we dominated and were the better side. I expected more from Real Madrid.
"I expected Madrid to come storming out of the gates but instead they waited and allowed us to run the game.
"We didn't create many chances, but it should have been enough to score at least one goal. At the end we wasted a big chance. This is a bad result, but nevertheless I feel good about the game.
"Confidence will be high ahead of the return. We know they are lethal. With their goal you could see what they are capable of. That is their quality and we have to be careful."
The result means that Bayern must win at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday if they want to compete in the final for the fourth time in the past five seasons.
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben claims he "expected more" from Real Madrid, despite the Spanish giants beating the Champions League holders 1-0 in Wednesday's semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema's goal in the opening 20 minutes was the only difference on the scoresheet and, although Pep Guardiola's men dominated possession, they struggled to create meaningful chances.
Robben, who spent two years at Madrid before joining Bayern in 2009, refused to accept his team were inferior and expressed his shock that Carlo Ancelotti's side were willing to allow the holders to dictate play.
"I have to compliment my team," the Dutchman told NOS. "We played a world class team, in the Santiago Bernabeu, but still we dominated and were the better side. I expected more from Real Madrid.
"I expected Madrid to come storming out of the gates but instead they waited and allowed us to run the game.
"We didn't create many chances, but it should have been enough to score at least one goal. At the end we wasted a big chance. This is a bad result, but nevertheless I feel good about the game.
"Confidence will be high ahead of the return. We know they are lethal. With their goal you could see what they are capable of. That is their quality and we have to be careful."
The result means that Bayern must win at the Allianz Arena next Tuesday if they want to compete in the final for the fourth time in the past five seasons.
Ancelotti: Bayern’s slow pace suited Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that the slow pace suited his side after they defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The hosts saw little of the ball over the course of the game but were a persistent menace on the break, and it was on such a raid Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the match in the first half.
For the Italian coach, it was an evening that went according to plan, even though he was frustrated at the nervous opening from his side.
"When they slowed their pace we were better," he admitted to Canal + after the game. "We made some great counterattacks. Teamwork was so important, and [Fabio] Coentrao and [Dani] Carvajal were helped by Isco and [Angel] Di Maria.
"I'm happy about everything, even if the game was hard. Sometimes we suffered but we played well on the attack.
"We began a bit shy, being too defensive and having some problems."
Cristiano Ronaldo recovered from injury to feature for 70 minutes of the match while Gareth Bale would only play a late cameo due to flu, yet the coach was pleased with how his side coped without the two attacking stars in tandem.
"Without Bale and Cristiano at their perfect level, it is not easy. Cristiano did some excellent work," he said.
Despite his side's lead, the former AC Milan and Juventus boss was unwilling to predict a straightforward passage to the final as they look ahead to the return leg at the Allianz Arena.
"The second leg will be tough and we must play with the kind of confidence we showed tonight."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that the slow pace suited his side after they defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The hosts saw little of the ball over the course of the game but were a persistent menace on the break, and it was on such a raid Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the match in the first half.
For the Italian coach, it was an evening that went according to plan, even though he was frustrated at the nervous opening from his side.
"When they slowed their pace we were better," he admitted to Canal + after the game. "We made some great counterattacks. Teamwork was so important, and [Fabio] Coentrao and [Dani] Carvajal were helped by Isco and [Angel] Di Maria.
"I'm happy about everything, even if the game was hard. Sometimes we suffered but we played well on the attack.
"We began a bit shy, being too defensive and having some problems."
Cristiano Ronaldo recovered from injury to feature for 70 minutes of the match while Gareth Bale would only play a late cameo due to flu, yet the coach was pleased with how his side coped without the two attacking stars in tandem.
"Without Bale and Cristiano at their perfect level, it is not easy. Cristiano did some excellent work," he said.
Despite his side's lead, the former AC Milan and Juventus boss was unwilling to predict a straightforward passage to the final as they look ahead to the return leg at the Allianz Arena.
"The second leg will be tough and we must play with the kind of confidence we showed tonight."
Lahm: Bayern dictated Real Madrid
Philipp Lahm insisted Bayern Munich's Champions League title defence remains on course despite Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid.
Bayern enjoyed 72 per cent of the possession at Santiago Bernabeu but could not find an equaliser to Karim Benzema's 19th-minute opener as Madrid edged the first leg of the semi-final.
Lahm, who started in a defensive midfield role before being switched to right-back in the second half, felt Pep Guardiola's men were unfortunate not to take something from the game.
He told Sky: "We were missing a little bit of luck. The decisive action was missing. We were in control and we wanted to win. You could see that for 90 minutes.
"We had several good chances to score the important away goal, but it was not meant to be."
The hosts were content to sit back and play a counterattacking game, a tactic which came as no surprise to Germany international Lahm.
"We were not surprised at all," he added. "We studied them and we knew they were very strong on the counter.
"It is nice to come to Madrid and dictate the game here. I don't remember Bayern Munich dominating here like this before.
"Of course we wished for a better result. But we still can do this at home."
Philipp Lahm insisted Bayern Munich's Champions League title defence remains on course despite Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid.
Bayern enjoyed 72 per cent of the possession at Santiago Bernabeu but could not find an equaliser to Karim Benzema's 19th-minute opener as Madrid edged the first leg of the semi-final.
Lahm, who started in a defensive midfield role before being switched to right-back in the second half, felt Pep Guardiola's men were unfortunate not to take something from the game.
He told Sky: "We were missing a little bit of luck. The decisive action was missing. We were in control and we wanted to win. You could see that for 90 minutes.
"We had several good chances to score the important away goal, but it was not meant to be."
The hosts were content to sit back and play a counterattacking game, a tactic which came as no surprise to Germany international Lahm.
"We were not surprised at all," he added. "We studied them and we knew they were very strong on the counter.
"It is nice to come to Madrid and dictate the game here. I don't remember Bayern Munich dominating here like this before.
"Of course we wished for a better result. But we still can do this at home."
Van Gaal fits the bill for Manchester United, says Vorm
Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm feels that Louis van Gaal would be a good fit for Manchester United as they seek to replace David Moyes after he was sacked on Tuesday.
The Netherlands coach is understood to have told friends that he is "very keen" on taking over at Old Trafford when his stint in charge of his country finishes after the World Cup.
When asked if Van Gaal would be a good fit for Manchester United, the Swansea keeper had no doubts at all that he would suit the Red Devils.
"I'm 100 per cent sure, with all his experience and what he already achieved and the way he is as a person, he would definitely fit the bill at Manchester United," Vorm told Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old, who has worked with Van Gaal in the national team, says that he has the experience and knowledge to succeed in the Premier League.
"I think he's very clever, you can tell he has got a lot of experience," the Swans star continued.
"He analyses teams very, very well. He's straightforward - for me, he's one of the best managers I've worked with because he's very clear in what he wants and, it doesn't matter who you are, he treats everybody the same.
"I think, if he comes to the Premier League, he is definitely going to do good no matter what team he is going to coach."
Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm feels that Louis van Gaal would be a good fit for Manchester United as they seek to replace David Moyes after he was sacked on Tuesday.
The Netherlands coach is understood to have told friends that he is "very keen" on taking over at Old Trafford when his stint in charge of his country finishes after the World Cup.
When asked if Van Gaal would be a good fit for Manchester United, the Swansea keeper had no doubts at all that he would suit the Red Devils.
"I'm 100 per cent sure, with all his experience and what he already achieved and the way he is as a person, he would definitely fit the bill at Manchester United," Vorm told Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old, who has worked with Van Gaal in the national team, says that he has the experience and knowledge to succeed in the Premier League.
"I think he's very clever, you can tell he has got a lot of experience," the Swans star continued.
"He analyses teams very, very well. He's straightforward - for me, he's one of the best managers I've worked with because he's very clear in what he wants and, it doesn't matter who you are, he treats everybody the same.
"I think, if he comes to the Premier League, he is definitely going to do good no matter what team he is going to coach."
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Liverpool unveil Anfield redevelopment plans
Liverpool have unveiled details of their plans to redevelop Anfield and expand it to a capacity of around 58,800.
With an official planning application intended to be submitted in the close-season, the Reds are seeking consultation from fans, residents and local businesses on the proposed work.
The plans would see the stadium's Main Stand have 8,500 seats added and redeveloped to open into a large concourse, better accessible to the ground's surroundings. The Hillsborough Memorial would also be moved to a dedicated cloister in the stand.
"As part of our proposed stadium redevelopment project, we have unveiled the detail of our ambitious plans for an expanded Main Stand and Anfield Road stand and are embarking on a consultation process which will shape and inform our planning application," the club's managing director, Ian Ayre, said in a statement.
"In order to move forward with our expansion plans we need to have certainty that we can navigate the complex planning process and secure the support of the community, local homeowners, businesses and other key stakeholders. This consultation exercise is an important part of this process.
"We started this journey just over 18 months ago and a lot of work has already been done. There is still an incredible amount to do but good progress has been made so far and we are proud to be able to unveil our plans."
In conjunction with the City Council, Liverpool are still negotiating to buy up the last of the vacant housing around the stadium to go ahead with the redevelopment but the club say that they are optimistic of finally securing agreements to that effect.
If the application for planning permission is submitted on schedule and granted, the Reds hope to begin work in early 2015, with completion in time for the 2016-17 season a possibility.
Liverpool have unveiled details of their plans to redevelop Anfield and expand it to a capacity of around 58,800.
With an official planning application intended to be submitted in the close-season, the Reds are seeking consultation from fans, residents and local businesses on the proposed work.
The plans would see the stadium's Main Stand have 8,500 seats added and redeveloped to open into a large concourse, better accessible to the ground's surroundings. The Hillsborough Memorial would also be moved to a dedicated cloister in the stand.
"As part of our proposed stadium redevelopment project, we have unveiled the detail of our ambitious plans for an expanded Main Stand and Anfield Road stand and are embarking on a consultation process which will shape and inform our planning application," the club's managing director, Ian Ayre, said in a statement.
"In order to move forward with our expansion plans we need to have certainty that we can navigate the complex planning process and secure the support of the community, local homeowners, businesses and other key stakeholders. This consultation exercise is an important part of this process.
"We started this journey just over 18 months ago and a lot of work has already been done. There is still an incredible amount to do but good progress has been made so far and we are proud to be able to unveil our plans."
In conjunction with the City Council, Liverpool are still negotiating to buy up the last of the vacant housing around the stadium to go ahead with the redevelopment but the club say that they are optimistic of finally securing agreements to that effect.
If the application for planning permission is submitted on schedule and granted, the Reds hope to begin work in early 2015, with completion in time for the 2016-17 season a possibility.
PSG 1-0 Evian: Matuidi puts Blanc's men on the cusp of glory
Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of winning the Ligue 1 title this weekend remain in their hands after Blaise Matuidi struck late on to secure a 1-0 win over Evian.
Despite a lacklustre display, Laurent Blanc's men grabbed victory at the death when Lucas Moura's fine through pass picked out the substitute, who shot through Jesper Hansen's legs.
By this stage Kassim Abdallah had been sent off, but Evian had displayed plenty of guts throughout, particularly in the opening period, when Daniel Wass' free kick left the crossbar shaking.
Blanc's side now hold a 10-point lead over second-placed Monaco with four games remaining, and will be assured of a second consecutive title with victory over Sochaux on Sunday - although they would be crowned champions sooner should Monaco lose at Ajaccio on Saturday. Evian, meanwhile, remain five points above the relegation zone.
PSG typically looked to control possession from the off, but it was the visitors who almost opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Wass' 30-yard free kick crashed against the bar.
The game's next chance also fell to Wass, the Denmark international rising highest to head Cedric Barbosa's corner goalwards only to be denied by Salvatore Sirigu's fine save.Having survived those scares, the hosts created their first meaningful opportunity on 22 minutes.
Marco Verratti pinched the ball deep in Evian's half before slipping a neat throughball into the path of Ezequiel Lavezzi, only for the Argentine forward to be denied by the quick thinking of Evian keeper Hansen, who saved with his foot.
Adrien Rabiot then flashed an effort over the bar from the edge of the box, but PSG remained frustrated in their hunt for the opener.
The home side upped the tempo after the break, and Lavezzi really should have broken the deadlock after 58 minutes.
Javier Pastore's cute pass into the box was met by Rabiot, who in turn laid a teasing ball across goal from the left to the former Napoli man, who side-footed wide of the far post from six yards.Evian were dealt a blow on the hour mark as Abdallah - who had only been booked five minutes earlier - was sent off for a second bookable offence for scything down Lucas Digne.
PSG then began to control proceedings and Lavezzi's dipping effort from 30 yards was tipped over by Hansen.Blanc's side wasted a golden opportunity with 10 minutes left as the ball fell kindly to Matuidi near the penalty spot, but he flashed wide.
However, the France international made amends shortly after as he collected fellow substitute Lucas' throughball and sent the home fans into delirium.
Paris Saint-Germain's hopes of winning the Ligue 1 title this weekend remain in their hands after Blaise Matuidi struck late on to secure a 1-0 win over Evian.
Despite a lacklustre display, Laurent Blanc's men grabbed victory at the death when Lucas Moura's fine through pass picked out the substitute, who shot through Jesper Hansen's legs.
By this stage Kassim Abdallah had been sent off, but Evian had displayed plenty of guts throughout, particularly in the opening period, when Daniel Wass' free kick left the crossbar shaking.
Blanc's side now hold a 10-point lead over second-placed Monaco with four games remaining, and will be assured of a second consecutive title with victory over Sochaux on Sunday - although they would be crowned champions sooner should Monaco lose at Ajaccio on Saturday. Evian, meanwhile, remain five points above the relegation zone.
PSG typically looked to control possession from the off, but it was the visitors who almost opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Wass' 30-yard free kick crashed against the bar.
The game's next chance also fell to Wass, the Denmark international rising highest to head Cedric Barbosa's corner goalwards only to be denied by Salvatore Sirigu's fine save.Having survived those scares, the hosts created their first meaningful opportunity on 22 minutes.
Marco Verratti pinched the ball deep in Evian's half before slipping a neat throughball into the path of Ezequiel Lavezzi, only for the Argentine forward to be denied by the quick thinking of Evian keeper Hansen, who saved with his foot.
Adrien Rabiot then flashed an effort over the bar from the edge of the box, but PSG remained frustrated in their hunt for the opener.
The home side upped the tempo after the break, and Lavezzi really should have broken the deadlock after 58 minutes.
Javier Pastore's cute pass into the box was met by Rabiot, who in turn laid a teasing ball across goal from the left to the former Napoli man, who side-footed wide of the far post from six yards.Evian were dealt a blow on the hour mark as Abdallah - who had only been booked five minutes earlier - was sent off for a second bookable offence for scything down Lucas Digne.
PSG then began to control proceedings and Lavezzi's dipping effort from 30 yards was tipped over by Hansen.Blanc's side wasted a golden opportunity with 10 minutes left as the ball fell kindly to Matuidi near the penalty spot, but he flashed wide.
However, the France international made amends shortly after as he collected fellow substitute Lucas' throughball and sent the home fans into delirium.
Too soon for Giggs to be full-time Manchester United boss - May
Former Manchester United defender David May believes that it is too soon for club legend Ryan Giggs to take over as full-time manager at Old Trafford.
The Welshman has been placed in temporary charge after United dispensed of former boss David Moyes on Tuesday, just 10 months into a six-year contract.
Moyes paid the price for a poor campaign that has seen United relinquish their Premier League crown with a whimper, while the club are unable to qualify for next season's Champions League, and May believes that the Red Devils should do their utmost to tempt Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.
"I think it will be the wrong decision if Giggsy becomes the manager," he told Perform. "So much as he has been an unbelievable player and an ambassador for United, it's totally different managing and playing football.
"I think the club will go out and get somebody with experience, with that winning mentality, that attack-minded mentality as well that's been sorely missed this season.
"For me, I'd go for Klopp at Dortmund. I think he's been fantastic but he's ruled himself out already. Managers will do that because they don't want to upset their own club.
"If United go knocking on his door and make a few lines towards bringing him on board then he might change his mind.
"I think, at the moment, [Louis] van Gaal is the favourite - he's got a track record of winning things as well at huge clubs so, going down that line, I think United will be pushing Liverpool, [Manchester] City and Chelsea next season.
"He will have the character to overcome all the hype that goes with [managing Manchester United]."
May believes that United were fully justified in dismissing Moyes as the results under the Scot have simply not been good enough.
He remarked: "I think the results say it all, really. Over the season, to lose 11 games, six at home, it's one of those times - do you make the change now or do you make the change at the end of the season? I think the club have done wisely and chosen to do it before the end of the season."
Former Manchester United defender David May believes that it is too soon for club legend Ryan Giggs to take over as full-time manager at Old Trafford.
The Welshman has been placed in temporary charge after United dispensed of former boss David Moyes on Tuesday, just 10 months into a six-year contract.
Moyes paid the price for a poor campaign that has seen United relinquish their Premier League crown with a whimper, while the club are unable to qualify for next season's Champions League, and May believes that the Red Devils should do their utmost to tempt Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.
"I think it will be the wrong decision if Giggsy becomes the manager," he told Perform. "So much as he has been an unbelievable player and an ambassador for United, it's totally different managing and playing football.
"I think the club will go out and get somebody with experience, with that winning mentality, that attack-minded mentality as well that's been sorely missed this season.
"For me, I'd go for Klopp at Dortmund. I think he's been fantastic but he's ruled himself out already. Managers will do that because they don't want to upset their own club.
"If United go knocking on his door and make a few lines towards bringing him on board then he might change his mind.
"I think, at the moment, [Louis] van Gaal is the favourite - he's got a track record of winning things as well at huge clubs so, going down that line, I think United will be pushing Liverpool, [Manchester] City and Chelsea next season.
"He will have the character to overcome all the hype that goes with [managing Manchester United]."
May believes that United were fully justified in dismissing Moyes as the results under the Scot have simply not been good enough.
He remarked: "I think the results say it all, really. Over the season, to lose 11 games, six at home, it's one of those times - do you make the change now or do you make the change at the end of the season? I think the club have done wisely and chosen to do it before the end of the season."
Januzaj opts to represent Belgium
Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj has chosen to play international football for Belgium, according to national coach Marc Wilmots.
The 19-year-old was born in Brussels but qualified to represent a host of countries including Albania, Serbia and Turkey.
Januzaj's international career had been subject to much speculation after he broke into the first-team set-up at Old Trafford this season, but Wilmots has claimed the teenager has chosen to play for Belgium."I have received official confirmation that Adnan Januzaj makes himself available for the Belgian national team for the rest of his career," Wilmots posted on his official Twitter account.
"This is good news and I am delighted that such a talented player can be selected for (Belgium)."Januzaj has become a regular at United during what has been a tumultuous season for the reigning Premier League champions - culminating in the sacking of manager David Moyes on Tuesday.
He has made 32 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring four times, and could now be in line for a place in Belgium's World Cup squad.
Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj has chosen to play international football for Belgium, according to national coach Marc Wilmots.
The 19-year-old was born in Brussels but qualified to represent a host of countries including Albania, Serbia and Turkey.
Januzaj's international career had been subject to much speculation after he broke into the first-team set-up at Old Trafford this season, but Wilmots has claimed the teenager has chosen to play for Belgium."I have received official confirmation that Adnan Januzaj makes himself available for the Belgian national team for the rest of his career," Wilmots posted on his official Twitter account.
"This is good news and I am delighted that such a talented player can be selected for (Belgium)."Januzaj has become a regular at United during what has been a tumultuous season for the reigning Premier League champions - culminating in the sacking of manager David Moyes on Tuesday.
He has made 32 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring four times, and could now be in line for a place in Belgium's World Cup squad.
Interim Manchester United manager Ryan Giggs called on old team-mate Paul Scholes for assistance as he took his first training session at the club on Wednesday.
Giggs was appointed in a caretaker role on Tuesday after David Moyes was sacked less than 12 months into his six-year deal, and with Saturday's home clash against Norwich City fast approaching, the veteran summoned his long-time team-mate to help.
Former United team-mates Nicky Butt and Phil Neville – who are on the club's coaching staff – were also present at their Carrington training ground.
Butt coaches the club's Under-19s team and Scholes has assisted in their European campaign.
Neville remains part of the club's first-team staff despite the departure of Moyes, with whom he also worked at Everton.
Along with Gary Neville, the four members of the 'Class of '92' agreed a deal in March to buy non-league club Salford City FC together.
United are languishing in seventh in the Premier League table, 23 points behind table-toppers Liverpool and with their hopes of Champions League qualification extinguished.
Italy boosted by Rossi return
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi has returned to training after more than three months out with a knee injury.
The Italy international has been unavailable since January when he suffered ligament damage in his right knee in a Serie A clash with Livorno.
Fiorentina had been hopeful of having the forward available for the club's Coppa Italia final with Napoli on May 2, and that may now be possible after he came through full training on Tuesday.
Rossi's return will also be a boost for Italy boss Cesare Prandelli ahead of the World Cup in Brazil later this year.Prandelli has previously claimed he will give Rossi every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament in Brazil.
Mario Gomez is also targeting the cup final for a possible return, but reportedly remains on a different training regime.The German missed five months earlier in the season with a serious ligament injury, also in his right knee, and his return in March proved brief as he suffered a sprain to his left knee in the 1-0 win at Napoli.
Fiorentina currently sit fourth in Serie A and look set to claim a spot in next season's Europa League.
Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi has returned to training after more than three months out with a knee injury.
The Italy international has been unavailable since January when he suffered ligament damage in his right knee in a Serie A clash with Livorno.
Fiorentina had been hopeful of having the forward available for the club's Coppa Italia final with Napoli on May 2, and that may now be possible after he came through full training on Tuesday.
Rossi's return will also be a boost for Italy boss Cesare Prandelli ahead of the World Cup in Brazil later this year.Prandelli has previously claimed he will give Rossi every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament in Brazil.
Mario Gomez is also targeting the cup final for a possible return, but reportedly remains on a different training regime.The German missed five months earlier in the season with a serious ligament injury, also in his right knee, and his return in March proved brief as he suffered a sprain to his left knee in the 1-0 win at Napoli.
Fiorentina currently sit fourth in Serie A and look set to claim a spot in next season's Europa League.
Barcelona transfer ban suspended
Fifa has announced they have suspended Barcelona's transfer ban following their appeal against the punishment.
The Catalans were banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows for breaching regulations relating to the international transfer of players under 18 years of age, but the suspension has been put on hold until a final decision on their appeal is taken.
"The club Barcelona have lodged an appeal before the Fifa Appeal Committee against the decision of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee that sanctioned the club for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. Together with the appeal, the club requested that its appeal be granted suspensive effect," an official statement reads.
"In this respect, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee, Larry Mussenden, took into consideration the sanctions imposed against the club, the complexity of the matter, the start date of the next registration period – 1 July 2014 – and the fact that the Fifa Appeal Committee does not seem in a position to take a decision on the main issue early enough so that an eventual appeal of the club against its decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport would still be decided before the beginning of the next registration period.
"Consequently, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect.
"In view of the foregoing, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee assures that proper and adequate appeal proceedings will take place and, at the same time, that all rights of the club will be respected."
World football's governing body's decision to suspend Barcelona's transfer ban means the already confirmed transfer of Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb is back on, while it now also seems to be a matter of time before they complete the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
A Barca statement read: "FC Barcelona has responded positively to the decision announced today by Fifa’s Appeal Committee to provisionally grant suspensive effect to the appeal made by the Club against the sanction imposed by Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee.
"The sanction was announced by the Fifa Disciplinary Commission last April 2 and prevented the Club from signing players during the next two transfer windows. FC Barcelona presented an appeal against the measure within the required period.
FC Barcelona declares its utmost respect for the resolutions pronounced by the bodies responsible for sporting justice."
Fifa has announced they have suspended Barcelona's transfer ban following their appeal against the punishment.
The Catalans were banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows for breaching regulations relating to the international transfer of players under 18 years of age, but the suspension has been put on hold until a final decision on their appeal is taken.
"The club Barcelona have lodged an appeal before the Fifa Appeal Committee against the decision of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee that sanctioned the club for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. Together with the appeal, the club requested that its appeal be granted suspensive effect," an official statement reads.
"In this respect, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee, Larry Mussenden, took into consideration the sanctions imposed against the club, the complexity of the matter, the start date of the next registration period – 1 July 2014 – and the fact that the Fifa Appeal Committee does not seem in a position to take a decision on the main issue early enough so that an eventual appeal of the club against its decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport would still be decided before the beginning of the next registration period.
"Consequently, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect.
"In view of the foregoing, the chairman of the Fifa Appeal Committee assures that proper and adequate appeal proceedings will take place and, at the same time, that all rights of the club will be respected."
World football's governing body's decision to suspend Barcelona's transfer ban means the already confirmed transfer of Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb is back on, while it now also seems to be a matter of time before they complete the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
A Barca statement read: "FC Barcelona has responded positively to the decision announced today by Fifa’s Appeal Committee to provisionally grant suspensive effect to the appeal made by the Club against the sanction imposed by Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee.
"The sanction was announced by the Fifa Disciplinary Commission last April 2 and prevented the Club from signing players during the next two transfer windows. FC Barcelona presented an appeal against the measure within the required period.
FC Barcelona declares its utmost respect for the resolutions pronounced by the bodies responsible for sporting justice."
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