Congratz Atletico MadridBarcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Godin stuns Camp Nou to seal La Liga title glory
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Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Bayern Munich (AET): Robben and Muller secure brilliant domestic double for Guardiola's men
Bayern Munich sealed a second successive domestic double with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal final after extra-time.
Netherlands winger Robben popped up in the 107th minute at the Olympiastadion in Berlin to set the Bavarians on the way to a fourth trophy in their first season under the stewardship of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Dortmund pressed in vain for an equaliser, but the match was settled in injury time when Muller broke clear to grab a second for Bayern.
Their success was not without fortune, as Dortmund were denied a goal midway through the second half of normal time when a header from Mats Hummels appeared to cross the line.
Victory for Bayern was also somewhat marred by an injury to Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who limped off during the first half to place his participation in next month's World Cup into doubt.
Guardiola has faced criticism since his side's Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid last month, but can now point to the retention of each of Germany's premier domestic prizes.
There was almost a goal inside three minutes as Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller inadvertently kept out Muller's near-post drive.
Weidenfeller also produced a comfortable save from a tame Robben effort as Bayern dictated play for large spells early on.
However, Bayern suffered a blow when Lahm was withdrawn through injury in front of watching national coach Joachim Low and replaced by Franck Ribery.
Moments of quality were rare in a cagey opening period, although 18-year-old midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg did go close to opening the scoring for Bayern two minutes before the interval as he powered a shot wide from Ribery's pull back.
Dortmund responded almost immediately by carving out their best opportunity of the first half, but Robert Lewandowski - playing against the team he will join for next season - fired high and wide after cutting inside Hojbjerg.
Bayern continued to carry the greater threat and Weidenfeller made a fine reaction stop to deny Muller from close range 10 minutes after the break, following good work down the left from Ribery.
However, Dortmund were left aggrieved in the 64th minute as a far-post header from Hummels looked to cross the line before being cleared by Dante. As Dortmund's players launched animated appeals, the referee refused to award the goal.
Jurgen Klopp's side duly grew in stature and their opponents were grateful to Manuel Neuer when the goalkeeper pulled off his first meaningful save, parrying Oliver Kirch's long-range drive.
Yet Bayern remained a dangerous attacking threat and Weidenfeller was soon called into action again, denying Robben with an improvised save with his chest.
Neither team was able to find a breakthrough in normal time, although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost found the opener at the start of the first additional period, curling into the side-netting from just inside the 18-yard box.
It was to be Robben who claimed the decisive goal, slotting home at the back post from Jerome Boateng's cross to finally break the deadlock.
Marco Reus saw a late effort deflected over the crossbar by Boateng, but there was to be no way back for Dortmund, who conceded a second in injury time when Muller broke free on the counterattack before rounding Weidenfeller and tucking into an empty net.
Bayern Munich sealed a second successive domestic double with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal final after extra-time.
Netherlands winger Robben popped up in the 107th minute at the Olympiastadion in Berlin to set the Bavarians on the way to a fourth trophy in their first season under the stewardship of former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Dortmund pressed in vain for an equaliser, but the match was settled in injury time when Muller broke clear to grab a second for Bayern.
Their success was not without fortune, as Dortmund were denied a goal midway through the second half of normal time when a header from Mats Hummels appeared to cross the line.
Victory for Bayern was also somewhat marred by an injury to Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who limped off during the first half to place his participation in next month's World Cup into doubt.
Guardiola has faced criticism since his side's Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid last month, but can now point to the retention of each of Germany's premier domestic prizes.
There was almost a goal inside three minutes as Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller inadvertently kept out Muller's near-post drive.
Weidenfeller also produced a comfortable save from a tame Robben effort as Bayern dictated play for large spells early on.
However, Bayern suffered a blow when Lahm was withdrawn through injury in front of watching national coach Joachim Low and replaced by Franck Ribery.
Moments of quality were rare in a cagey opening period, although 18-year-old midfielder Pierre Hojbjerg did go close to opening the scoring for Bayern two minutes before the interval as he powered a shot wide from Ribery's pull back.
Dortmund responded almost immediately by carving out their best opportunity of the first half, but Robert Lewandowski - playing against the team he will join for next season - fired high and wide after cutting inside Hojbjerg.
Bayern continued to carry the greater threat and Weidenfeller made a fine reaction stop to deny Muller from close range 10 minutes after the break, following good work down the left from Ribery.
However, Dortmund were left aggrieved in the 64th minute as a far-post header from Hummels looked to cross the line before being cleared by Dante. As Dortmund's players launched animated appeals, the referee refused to award the goal.
Jurgen Klopp's side duly grew in stature and their opponents were grateful to Manuel Neuer when the goalkeeper pulled off his first meaningful save, parrying Oliver Kirch's long-range drive.
Yet Bayern remained a dangerous attacking threat and Weidenfeller was soon called into action again, denying Robben with an improvised save with his chest.
Neither team was able to find a breakthrough in normal time, although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost found the opener at the start of the first additional period, curling into the side-netting from just inside the 18-yard box.
It was to be Robben who claimed the decisive goal, slotting home at the back post from Jerome Boateng's cross to finally break the deadlock.
Marco Reus saw a late effort deflected over the crossbar by Boateng, but there was to be no way back for Dortmund, who conceded a second in injury time when Muller broke free on the counterattack before rounding Weidenfeller and tucking into an empty net.
Bruce proud of 'magnificent' Hull despite FA Cup final defeat
Steve Bruce praised his players' efforts despite Hull City squandering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.James Chester and Curtis Davies found the net to put the Tigers 2-0 up inside eight minutes, but goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny forced the game to extra time.
Aaron Ramsey popped up in the box in the second additional period to complete the comeback and seal the Gunners' first piece of silverware for nine years, but Bruce remained proud in spite of the disappointment."We struggled at the death, but in terms of their effort, endeavour and determination, you couldn't fault them to a man," he told ITV. "In the end, we just didn't have enough.
"Proud? Of course I am. They were totally magnificent."Bruce also stated his belief that refereeing decisions in the build-up to Arsenal's two goals in normal time cost his side.
"I didn't think the first one was a free kick," he said. "Certainly the goal they scored from the corner, we think it's a goal kick."But I don't think it's the time now to whinge.
"We're totally disappointed because we had a wonderful opportunity and it could have been one of those wonderful moments when the underdog goes and wins the FA Cup.
"On another day, we could have won it, but in the end we just didn't have enough."
Steve Bruce praised his players' efforts despite Hull City squandering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.James Chester and Curtis Davies found the net to put the Tigers 2-0 up inside eight minutes, but goals from Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny forced the game to extra time.
Aaron Ramsey popped up in the box in the second additional period to complete the comeback and seal the Gunners' first piece of silverware for nine years, but Bruce remained proud in spite of the disappointment."We struggled at the death, but in terms of their effort, endeavour and determination, you couldn't fault them to a man," he told ITV. "In the end, we just didn't have enough.
"Proud? Of course I am. They were totally magnificent."Bruce also stated his belief that refereeing decisions in the build-up to Arsenal's two goals in normal time cost his side.
"I didn't think the first one was a free kick," he said. "Certainly the goal they scored from the corner, we think it's a goal kick."But I don't think it's the time now to whinge.
"We're totally disappointed because we had a wonderful opportunity and it could have been one of those wonderful moments when the underdog goes and wins the FA Cup.
"On another day, we could have won it, but in the end we just didn't have enough."
I don't want to leave Monaco, insists Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri insists he has no plans to leave Monaco after guiding the club to second place in Ligue 1 this season.
The Principality club completed their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Girondins de Bordeaux on Saturday, as Lucas Ocampos sealed a point with a second-half equaliser following Guillaume Hoarau's 15th-minute opener.
Ranieri's future at the club has been the subject of speculation despite the Italian guiding Monaco to a Champions League return in their first season back in the French top flight, but the former Chelsea boss is adamant he wants to stay at Stade Louis II.
"It was phenomenal. I want to thank all the fans who have helped us throughout the last two championships," Ranieri told repoters after the match.
"I feel very proud of my players and I am a very positive person. I love my job for the emotion it brings and tonight was a good night for emotion and adrenaline.
"I don't know when I'll see my bosses. Maybe this week or next week. I don't want to leave because I am very happy here.
"For now, I'm staying in the Principality. This was my final match... for this season."
Monaco ultimately finished nine points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, with 80 points and 23 wins from their 38 matches.
Claudio Ranieri insists he has no plans to leave Monaco after guiding the club to second place in Ligue 1 this season.
The Principality club completed their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Girondins de Bordeaux on Saturday, as Lucas Ocampos sealed a point with a second-half equaliser following Guillaume Hoarau's 15th-minute opener.
Ranieri's future at the club has been the subject of speculation despite the Italian guiding Monaco to a Champions League return in their first season back in the French top flight, but the former Chelsea boss is adamant he wants to stay at Stade Louis II.
"It was phenomenal. I want to thank all the fans who have helped us throughout the last two championships," Ranieri told repoters after the match.
"I feel very proud of my players and I am a very positive person. I love my job for the emotion it brings and tonight was a good night for emotion and adrenaline.
"I don't know when I'll see my bosses. Maybe this week or next week. I don't want to leave because I am very happy here.
"For now, I'm staying in the Principality. This was my final match... for this season."
Monaco ultimately finished nine points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, with 80 points and 23 wins from their 38 matches.
Klopp: All my substitutes saw it was a goal
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated over his side's disallowed goal in the DFB-Pokal final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Extra-time goals from Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller sealed back-to-back domestic doubles for the Bavarians, although Dortmund felt aggrieved that Mats' Hummels second-half strike - which replays showed crossed the line - was not spotted by the referee.
Klopp revealed the entire Dortmund dug-out were left stunned that the goal was not awarded but stressed he was proud of his side's season on the whole.
"We scored a goal that didn't count. All of my substitutes saw that," Klopp said to Sky after the match.
"I don't want to pin the blame on the referee, but the goal would have changed a lot. We lost 2-0 even though we scored a goal. The referee Florian Meyer told me you need the goal-line technology for those things.
"The loss is very painful. Both teams pushed themselves to the limit. We lacked concentration for the goals but any time tonight I will tell the boys what an extraordinary season we produced."
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated over his side's disallowed goal in the DFB-Pokal final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Extra-time goals from Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller sealed back-to-back domestic doubles for the Bavarians, although Dortmund felt aggrieved that Mats' Hummels second-half strike - which replays showed crossed the line - was not spotted by the referee.
Klopp revealed the entire Dortmund dug-out were left stunned that the goal was not awarded but stressed he was proud of his side's season on the whole.
"We scored a goal that didn't count. All of my substitutes saw that," Klopp said to Sky after the match.
"I don't want to pin the blame on the referee, but the goal would have changed a lot. We lost 2-0 even though we scored a goal. The referee Florian Meyer told me you need the goal-line technology for those things.
"The loss is very painful. Both teams pushed themselves to the limit. We lacked concentration for the goals but any time tonight I will tell the boys what an extraordinary season we produced."
Wenger vows to stay at Arsenal after FA Cup win
Arsene Wenger has vowed to extend his stay at Arsenal after the Gunners ended a nine-year wait for silverware by beating Hull City on Saturday in the FA Cup final.
The Gunners went 2-0 down early on against Steve Bruce's men, but a spirited comeback was capped by an extra-time winner from Aaron Ramsey.
Despite previously insisting that the result would have no bearing on his future at the north London club, Wenger admitted after the victory that he would be remaining at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future.
"I always said my future doesn't depend on this but I wanted to wait and see how it goes," the Frenchman told ITV when asked if he would stay at the club, before confirming: "Yes, I will."
He added: "We wanted to make history tonight and win the game and we made it in both ways, how not to start a cup final and how to come back.
"It's a turning point in the life of this team. They know they can win. in that way it's very important today.
"It would have been terrible, but we came back. I've praised the spirit of this team and I'm very proud of that today. Congratulations to Hull, they played very well."
Arsene Wenger has vowed to extend his stay at Arsenal after the Gunners ended a nine-year wait for silverware by beating Hull City on Saturday in the FA Cup final.
The Gunners went 2-0 down early on against Steve Bruce's men, but a spirited comeback was capped by an extra-time winner from Aaron Ramsey.
Despite previously insisting that the result would have no bearing on his future at the north London club, Wenger admitted after the victory that he would be remaining at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future.
"I always said my future doesn't depend on this but I wanted to wait and see how it goes," the Frenchman told ITV when asked if he would stay at the club, before confirming: "Yes, I will."
He added: "We wanted to make history tonight and win the game and we made it in both ways, how not to start a cup final and how to come back.
"It's a turning point in the life of this team. They know they can win. in that way it's very important today.
"It would have been terrible, but we came back. I've praised the spirit of this team and I'm very proud of that today. Congratulations to Hull, they played very well."
Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Montpellier: Ibrahimovic on target as champions set new win record
Paris Saint-Germain rounded off their stellar season by smashing another record with a 4-0 Ligue 1 win over Montpellier.
Laurent Blanc's champions extended their Ligue 1 benchmark point total to 89 with a 27th triumph this term - the most victories ever recorded in a French top-flight season.
Montpellier, league winners in 2012 but uncomfortably close to the relegation places this term, could not repeat the heroics displayed in January's 2-1 Coupe de France win at the Parc des Princes, which denied PSG a tilt at the domestic treble.
But the league and Coupe de la Ligue crowns are stowed for safe keeping in the French capital, with Friday's confirmation of punishments for breaching Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules never likely to dampen the festivities.
Before kick-off, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the decision from European football's governing body would not check his ambitious plans for the club and Ezequiel Lavezzi tapped into the optimism with a second-minute opener.
Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic extended his club-record haul to 41 goals from the season before further goals from Lucas Moura and Adrien Rabiot completed the rout.
There was understandably a party atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes and the home faithful soon had something to shout about.
Geoffrey Jourdren punched clear unconvincingly when Ibrahimovic chipped into his six-yard box and PSG kept the attack alive, enabling Lavezzi to poach an opener from close range.
The Argentinian attacker sniffed a second when Jourdren grasped an Ibrahimovic drive at the second attempt, while Montpellier's goalkeeper was rooted to the spot when Lucas' deflected long-range effort cannoned back off the crossbar.
Marquinhos showed no signs of the disappointment he suffered in missing out on a place in Brazil's World Cup squad last week, producing a fine block to deny Benjamin Stambouli as Montpellier threatened for the first time.
PSG doubled their advantage in the 20th minute as Ibrahimovic sprung the offside trap to convert Javier Pastore's beautifully flighted pass.
Montpellier pressed gamely and the home defence had to remain on its mettle, but this approach left holes for PSG to exploit and an offside flag was required to chalk off a clinical Lavezzi finish in the 34th minute.
Lavezzi should have had a second before the interval but headed over from Lucas Digne's sumptuous cross, while a Jourdren double save thwarted Lucas and the former Napoli forward.
The third duly arrived four minutes after the restart when Lucas bravely opted to ignore a poised Ibrahimovic and drill beyond Jourdren at his near post.
Thiago Motta joined an attack to blaze over in the 61st minute and shortly afterwards Ibrahimovic and Lavezzi were withdrawn to standing ovations.
There was a testimonial feel thereafter - heightened when home full-back Christophe Jallet was denied a rare goal by another fine Jourdren save - but there was still time for Rabiot to put the seal on a season that will live long in the memory for his club's fans.
The midfielder made the most of an empty net in the 88th minute after substitute Kingsley Coman saw his shot squirm from Jourdren's grasp
Paris Saint-Germain rounded off their stellar season by smashing another record with a 4-0 Ligue 1 win over Montpellier.
Laurent Blanc's champions extended their Ligue 1 benchmark point total to 89 with a 27th triumph this term - the most victories ever recorded in a French top-flight season.
Montpellier, league winners in 2012 but uncomfortably close to the relegation places this term, could not repeat the heroics displayed in January's 2-1 Coupe de France win at the Parc des Princes, which denied PSG a tilt at the domestic treble.
But the league and Coupe de la Ligue crowns are stowed for safe keeping in the French capital, with Friday's confirmation of punishments for breaching Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules never likely to dampen the festivities.
Before kick-off, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the decision from European football's governing body would not check his ambitious plans for the club and Ezequiel Lavezzi tapped into the optimism with a second-minute opener.
Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic extended his club-record haul to 41 goals from the season before further goals from Lucas Moura and Adrien Rabiot completed the rout.
There was understandably a party atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes and the home faithful soon had something to shout about.
Geoffrey Jourdren punched clear unconvincingly when Ibrahimovic chipped into his six-yard box and PSG kept the attack alive, enabling Lavezzi to poach an opener from close range.
The Argentinian attacker sniffed a second when Jourdren grasped an Ibrahimovic drive at the second attempt, while Montpellier's goalkeeper was rooted to the spot when Lucas' deflected long-range effort cannoned back off the crossbar.
Marquinhos showed no signs of the disappointment he suffered in missing out on a place in Brazil's World Cup squad last week, producing a fine block to deny Benjamin Stambouli as Montpellier threatened for the first time.
PSG doubled their advantage in the 20th minute as Ibrahimovic sprung the offside trap to convert Javier Pastore's beautifully flighted pass.
Montpellier pressed gamely and the home defence had to remain on its mettle, but this approach left holes for PSG to exploit and an offside flag was required to chalk off a clinical Lavezzi finish in the 34th minute.
Lavezzi should have had a second before the interval but headed over from Lucas Digne's sumptuous cross, while a Jourdren double save thwarted Lucas and the former Napoli forward.
The third duly arrived four minutes after the restart when Lucas bravely opted to ignore a poised Ibrahimovic and drill beyond Jourdren at his near post.
Thiago Motta joined an attack to blaze over in the 61st minute and shortly afterwards Ibrahimovic and Lavezzi were withdrawn to standing ovations.
There was a testimonial feel thereafter - heightened when home full-back Christophe Jallet was denied a rare goal by another fine Jourdren save - but there was still time for Rabiot to put the seal on a season that will live long in the memory for his club's fans.
The midfielder made the most of an empty net in the 88th minute after substitute Kingsley Coman saw his shot squirm from Jourdren's grasp
Neymar's arrival was the beginning of Barcelona's downfall
It’s immensely difficult to plan, create and execute the greatest football team of the modern era. It’s even more difficult to destroy that vision in 12 months. But Barcelona have somehow managed it, and the degeneration picked up pace from the moment Neymar swaggered into Catalunya.
The Brazilian is not to blame for this disaster. He made a concerted effort to adapt his game to an entirely new way of playing, and had he not suffered injury problems his narrative in this debacle may have been altogether more satisfying. But he is the personification of Barcelona in the role of the conformist. Adhering to the conventional, the doctrine by which others abide.
No longer ‘Mes que un club’; now, any old club.
Even before considering what an unequivocal misadventure the specifics of the transfer proved to be, at face value it was an endeavour not to improve the team but appease sponsors and fulfil the egos of certain high-ranking officials. Neymar, through no fault of his own, became a bystander in a narcissistic power play, as everything that Barca stood for, arguably for the first time in a decade, became a secondary consideration to revenue generation.
Money drives everything, of course it does. But Barca do it differently, don’t they? It says so right there in the slogan. Not so, not now.
The first warning sign was the uneasy partnership with Qatar that meant a sponsor on the jersey for the first time. From there the path from righteousness towards self-aggrandising rhetoric moved all too swiftly. A club that dealt with its issues with class and integrity fast descended into a duplicitous organisation.
Neymar’s deal meant no centre-back was brought in - another season where the glaringly obvious weak point of the team was not addressed. Neymar is a marketing superstar first, footballing superstar next, and it was too easy for the club to strengthen brand synergy with Nike rather than bring in a player who does uncivilised things like tackle, header, and block. Things that Carles Puyol used to do rather well.
It came in the midst of decisions made with dubious ethics. Before his heartbreaking passing Tito Vilanova’s initial illness was not particularly well-handled, nor was the thrusting of Jordi Roura into a position he openly admitted he did not desire, stating he was ‘just there to do his job’. Eric Abidal’s send-off was ill-judged, given the defensive situation, coupled with the fact he has performed to a high standard with Monaco this season. Victor Valdes, a player who breathes Barca, was suitably disillusioned that he opted to leave.
The Camp Nou redevelopment project, spending €600m to increase capacity and corporate seating at a time when the stadium has been less than half full before Atletico Madrid’s arrival on Saturday, may come across in a practical sense as a means to an end in terms of future revenues. But it’s hard to shake that, just like the tickertape arrival of Neymar, it’s a vanity project for men in suits to attach their legacy to.
And perhaps most gallingly, Neymar is the antithesis to the Barcelona project. La Masia and its ideals mean development of talent from a young age, cultivated to play a certain way. That’s not to say that Barca shouldn’t sign top talents, but an attacking player, renowned for his individuality, wasn’t what was needed to retain continuity.
And now, current president Josep Maria Bartomeu promises a summer of renovation, not revolution. “From Monday we begin to execute the projects [Andoni] Zubizarreta has been working on. There are some players who know they will not continue. There will be deep changes."
Tata Martino has been caught in the crossfire. He confirmed post-match that he will be first to depart - another Sandro Rosell decision that has spectacularly backfired.
For Rosell, read Neymar. They are kindred spirits in this debate, and they will be remembered for the season when the greatest Barca came to an abrupt end. Only one has the chance to makes amends, and next year the Brazilian might be the World Cup-winning signing that resets the situation. He needs it. Barca, need it.
It’s immensely difficult to plan, create and execute the greatest football team of the modern era. It’s even more difficult to destroy that vision in 12 months. But Barcelona have somehow managed it, and the degeneration picked up pace from the moment Neymar swaggered into Catalunya.
The Brazilian is not to blame for this disaster. He made a concerted effort to adapt his game to an entirely new way of playing, and had he not suffered injury problems his narrative in this debacle may have been altogether more satisfying. But he is the personification of Barcelona in the role of the conformist. Adhering to the conventional, the doctrine by which others abide.
No longer ‘Mes que un club’; now, any old club.
Even before considering what an unequivocal misadventure the specifics of the transfer proved to be, at face value it was an endeavour not to improve the team but appease sponsors and fulfil the egos of certain high-ranking officials. Neymar, through no fault of his own, became a bystander in a narcissistic power play, as everything that Barca stood for, arguably for the first time in a decade, became a secondary consideration to revenue generation.
Money drives everything, of course it does. But Barca do it differently, don’t they? It says so right there in the slogan. Not so, not now.
The first warning sign was the uneasy partnership with Qatar that meant a sponsor on the jersey for the first time. From there the path from righteousness towards self-aggrandising rhetoric moved all too swiftly. A club that dealt with its issues with class and integrity fast descended into a duplicitous organisation.
Neymar’s deal meant no centre-back was brought in - another season where the glaringly obvious weak point of the team was not addressed. Neymar is a marketing superstar first, footballing superstar next, and it was too easy for the club to strengthen brand synergy with Nike rather than bring in a player who does uncivilised things like tackle, header, and block. Things that Carles Puyol used to do rather well.
It came in the midst of decisions made with dubious ethics. Before his heartbreaking passing Tito Vilanova’s initial illness was not particularly well-handled, nor was the thrusting of Jordi Roura into a position he openly admitted he did not desire, stating he was ‘just there to do his job’. Eric Abidal’s send-off was ill-judged, given the defensive situation, coupled with the fact he has performed to a high standard with Monaco this season. Victor Valdes, a player who breathes Barca, was suitably disillusioned that he opted to leave.
The Camp Nou redevelopment project, spending €600m to increase capacity and corporate seating at a time when the stadium has been less than half full before Atletico Madrid’s arrival on Saturday, may come across in a practical sense as a means to an end in terms of future revenues. But it’s hard to shake that, just like the tickertape arrival of Neymar, it’s a vanity project for men in suits to attach their legacy to.
And perhaps most gallingly, Neymar is the antithesis to the Barcelona project. La Masia and its ideals mean development of talent from a young age, cultivated to play a certain way. That’s not to say that Barca shouldn’t sign top talents, but an attacking player, renowned for his individuality, wasn’t what was needed to retain continuity.
And now, current president Josep Maria Bartomeu promises a summer of renovation, not revolution. “From Monday we begin to execute the projects [Andoni] Zubizarreta has been working on. There are some players who know they will not continue. There will be deep changes."
Tata Martino has been caught in the crossfire. He confirmed post-match that he will be first to depart - another Sandro Rosell decision that has spectacularly backfired.
For Rosell, read Neymar. They are kindred spirits in this debate, and they will be remembered for the season when the greatest Barca came to an abrupt end. Only one has the chance to makes amends, and next year the Brazilian might be the World Cup-winning signing that resets the situation. He needs it. Barca, need it.
La Liga 2014.05.18 Fixtures
La Liga 2014.05.18 Fixtures
Real Sociedad Vs Villareal
Almeria Vs Athletic Bilbao
Osasuna Vs Real Betis
Rayo Vallecano Vs Getafe
Real Valladoid Vs Granada
Sevilla Vs Elche
Real Sociedad Vs Villareal
Almeria Vs Athletic Bilbao
Osasuna Vs Real Betis
Rayo Vallecano Vs Getafe
Real Valladoid Vs Granada
Sevilla Vs Elche
Serie A 2014.05.18 Fixtures
Serie A 2014.05.18 Fixtures
Catania Vs Atalanta
Genoa Vs Roma
Juventus Vs Cagliari
AC Milan Vs Sassuolo
Chievo Vs Inter
Fiorentina Vs Torino
Lazio Vs Bologna
Napoli Vs Hellas
Parma Vs Livorno
Catania Vs Atalanta
Genoa Vs Roma
Juventus Vs Cagliari
AC Milan Vs Sassuolo
Chievo Vs Inter
Fiorentina Vs Torino
Lazio Vs Bologna
Napoli Vs Hellas
Parma Vs Livorno
Nothing like that from DubaiSpend your own money and go!! well...
ow oi i spent my own money
the woman didnt take us for free. 100 aed for a person to go and come
by bus it was only like 25
Camp Nou today! That red circle is the allocated space for Athletico fans!
Barshitlona!
is it true once athletico madrid gave barcelona just 200 tickets in the past?
AC Milan 2-1 Sassuolo: Muntari & De Jong strikes not enough for Europe
AC Milan have failed to qualify for next season's Europa League, despite rounding off their Serie A campaign by beating Sassuolo 2-1.
Clarence Seedorf's side could consider themselves in the vital sixth spot for just six precious second-half minutes on Sunday as Parma's win at home to Livorno proved enough for Roberto Donadoni's men.Last season, Milan snuck into the Champions League on the last day at Fiorentina's expense, but there was to be no repeat.
Sassuolo came into the game having secured their survival last week and were aiming to do a domestic double after ending Massimiliano Allegri's reign with a stunning 4-3 win in January.But Sulley Muntari settled any home nerves with a second-minute thunderbolt and Nigel de Jong doubled the advantage before the half hour with a deflected free-kick.
Philippe Mexes was dismissed for two bookings and Sassuolo - who were also reduced to 10 men late on when Paolo Cannavaro saw red - may find themselves having ultimately accounted for two Milan coaches in their debut Serie A campaign.Simone Zaza scored a penalty in stoppage time to end Sassuolo's fine season on a high, Mattia De Sciglio seeing red for the foul.
Milan made a superb start as Muntari fired in a swerving left-foot effort from 25 yards that pinged into the net off Alberto Pomini's right-hand post.Lorenzo Ariaudo spurned a great chance to equalise as he turned over from eight yards, but the hosts were in the ascendancy with Pazzini and Kaka both forcing Pomini into fine diving saves.
Pazzini saw a goal rightly chalked off for offside before Milan did double their advantage soon after as De Jong's set-piece came off Zaza in the wall and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.De Jong made a point to celebrate with the under-fire Seedorf, who has often found public backing from the Milan board hard to come by.Zaza found himself clear on goal 10 minutes into the second period, but Adil Rami stormed back to make a fine block.
And the visitors looked inspired with Domenico Berardi's effort tipped over by Christian Abbiati, who also saved Cannavaro's header from the resulting corner.
Substitute Stephan El Shaarawy drew a save from Pomini in his first act after emerging from the bench.
But Milan's attacking threat was stifled when Mexes was sent off for picking up a second yellow card with 20 minutes to go, with Cannavaro following him down the tunnel 20 minutes later for clattering El Shaarawy.Referee Paolo Valeri was in the spotlight most in the closing stages, flourishing his third red card in De Sciglio's direction for fouling Nicola Sansone in the penalty area.
Zaza stepped up to force home the spot-kick, ending Milan's desperate season on a sour note.
AC Milan have failed to qualify for next season's Europa League, despite rounding off their Serie A campaign by beating Sassuolo 2-1.
Clarence Seedorf's side could consider themselves in the vital sixth spot for just six precious second-half minutes on Sunday as Parma's win at home to Livorno proved enough for Roberto Donadoni's men.Last season, Milan snuck into the Champions League on the last day at Fiorentina's expense, but there was to be no repeat.
Sassuolo came into the game having secured their survival last week and were aiming to do a domestic double after ending Massimiliano Allegri's reign with a stunning 4-3 win in January.But Sulley Muntari settled any home nerves with a second-minute thunderbolt and Nigel de Jong doubled the advantage before the half hour with a deflected free-kick.
Philippe Mexes was dismissed for two bookings and Sassuolo - who were also reduced to 10 men late on when Paolo Cannavaro saw red - may find themselves having ultimately accounted for two Milan coaches in their debut Serie A campaign.Simone Zaza scored a penalty in stoppage time to end Sassuolo's fine season on a high, Mattia De Sciglio seeing red for the foul.
Milan made a superb start as Muntari fired in a swerving left-foot effort from 25 yards that pinged into the net off Alberto Pomini's right-hand post.Lorenzo Ariaudo spurned a great chance to equalise as he turned over from eight yards, but the hosts were in the ascendancy with Pazzini and Kaka both forcing Pomini into fine diving saves.
Pazzini saw a goal rightly chalked off for offside before Milan did double their advantage soon after as De Jong's set-piece came off Zaza in the wall and wrong-footed the goalkeeper.De Jong made a point to celebrate with the under-fire Seedorf, who has often found public backing from the Milan board hard to come by.Zaza found himself clear on goal 10 minutes into the second period, but Adil Rami stormed back to make a fine block.
And the visitors looked inspired with Domenico Berardi's effort tipped over by Christian Abbiati, who also saved Cannavaro's header from the resulting corner.
Substitute Stephan El Shaarawy drew a save from Pomini in his first act after emerging from the bench.
But Milan's attacking threat was stifled when Mexes was sent off for picking up a second yellow card with 20 minutes to go, with Cannavaro following him down the tunnel 20 minutes later for clattering El Shaarawy.Referee Paolo Valeri was in the spotlight most in the closing stages, flourishing his third red card in De Sciglio's direction for fouling Nicola Sansone in the penalty area.
Zaza stepped up to force home the spot-kick, ending Milan's desperate season on a sour note.
Napoli 5-1 Hellas Verona: Zapata & Mertens end season in style
Napoli rounded off their Serie A campaign in style as they claimed a 5-1 home victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Rafa Benitez's side came out of the blocks quickly and were ahead within five minutes thanks to Jose Callejon. Duvan Zapata added two others in a first half which the hosts dominated.
Napoli made a fast-paced start to the match and the writing was on the wall from the off, when Lorenzo Insigne's tame effort forced Nicolas Andrade into a routine save.
Minutes later, however, and they had the breakthrough. Dries Mertens gathered the ball in midfield and slipped a lovely through ball into the path of Callejon, who finished coolly.
Napoli were visibly the dominant team and it was not long before their lead was doubled. Once again, Mertens was involved, playing in Zapata, who recovered from a poor first touch to drive the ball home.
Verona had paid the price for their poor start but started to show some signs of life, with Luca Toni having an effort saved at the other end of the pitch, but it made little difference as Napoli continued to threaten every time they went forward.
Insigne looked like he could have been set to make it three, but slipped up when racing towards the visitors' goal, but his missed opportunity made little difference. Soon enough, Callejon found space on the left and sent in an exquisite cross to Zapata, who headed home at the far post.
An untimely mistake from Andrade could have led to an own goal, but for the intervention of a defender and Toni was left blasting the officials' decision to rule out a close-range effort for offside - correctly - in a rather tame end to a thrilling first half.
The visitors needed to respond quickly after the break if they were to get anything out of the game and Juan Iturbe was presented with an excellent opportunity to get his side a foothold in the match but sent a tame strike straight at Toni Doblas.
Soon after, they were punished. Capitalising on a backpass, Mertens got a richly-deserved goal, rounding Andrade and tapping the ball home.
However, the four-goal lead did not last long Iturbe's free kick flying into the top corner via a hefty deflection.
Napoli were still in control and Juan Zuniga almost restored the hefty advantage with a ferocious effort that Andrade tipped over but Mertens soon got his second, driving home a ferocious effort from the edge of the box.
The Belgian missed a great chance to complete his hat-trick six minutes from time, forcing the keeper into a fine save but it made little difference - Napoli had done enough to secure a fine victory.
Napoli rounded off their Serie A campaign in style as they claimed a 5-1 home victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Rafa Benitez's side came out of the blocks quickly and were ahead within five minutes thanks to Jose Callejon. Duvan Zapata added two others in a first half which the hosts dominated.
Napoli made a fast-paced start to the match and the writing was on the wall from the off, when Lorenzo Insigne's tame effort forced Nicolas Andrade into a routine save.
Minutes later, however, and they had the breakthrough. Dries Mertens gathered the ball in midfield and slipped a lovely through ball into the path of Callejon, who finished coolly.
Napoli were visibly the dominant team and it was not long before their lead was doubled. Once again, Mertens was involved, playing in Zapata, who recovered from a poor first touch to drive the ball home.
Verona had paid the price for their poor start but started to show some signs of life, with Luca Toni having an effort saved at the other end of the pitch, but it made little difference as Napoli continued to threaten every time they went forward.
Insigne looked like he could have been set to make it three, but slipped up when racing towards the visitors' goal, but his missed opportunity made little difference. Soon enough, Callejon found space on the left and sent in an exquisite cross to Zapata, who headed home at the far post.
An untimely mistake from Andrade could have led to an own goal, but for the intervention of a defender and Toni was left blasting the officials' decision to rule out a close-range effort for offside - correctly - in a rather tame end to a thrilling first half.
The visitors needed to respond quickly after the break if they were to get anything out of the game and Juan Iturbe was presented with an excellent opportunity to get his side a foothold in the match but sent a tame strike straight at Toni Doblas.
Soon after, they were punished. Capitalising on a backpass, Mertens got a richly-deserved goal, rounding Andrade and tapping the ball home.
However, the four-goal lead did not last long Iturbe's free kick flying into the top corner via a hefty deflection.
Napoli were still in control and Juan Zuniga almost restored the hefty advantage with a ferocious effort that Andrade tipped over but Mertens soon got his second, driving home a ferocious effort from the edge of the box.
The Belgian missed a great chance to complete his hat-trick six minutes from time, forcing the keeper into a fine save but it made little difference - Napoli had done enough to secure a fine victory.
Chievo 2-1 Inter: Obinna double stuns Mazzarri's men
Chievo celebrated their Serie A survival by producing a second-half turnaround to beat Inter 2-1 in Verona.
Inter skipper Javier Zanetti will now call time on his career, following 19 seasons with the San Siro club, after playing the full 90 minutes at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi as Inter said farewell to a host of first-team regulars. Esteban Cambiasso, Diego Milito and Walter Samuel are also set to leave, but it was former Inter striker Obinna who stole the show.Ex-Chievo man Marco Andreolli sent Inter in ahead at the break, despite the hosts enjoying the better of the first half and striking the woodwork twice.
But Inter were reeled in when Nigeria international Obinna fired home from a tight angle before scoring the winner a minute from time to sour Zanetti's swansong.
Zanetti made only his fourth league start of the season in his final game before retirement, while there were also places in the Inter XI for outgoing pair Cambiasso and Milito.Samuel was on the bench and Obinna was named among the substitutes for Chievo - who were already safe from relegation.
The hosts had the first sight on goal when Alberto Paloschi brought down a long ball but rolled it wide of the onrushing Juan Pablo Carrizo and his left-hand post.
Paloschi then crashed a header against the crossbar, before Danilo D'Ambrosio's jinking run and shot marked the first effort on target for an Inter side that had previously guaranteed qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
Chievo's Dejan Lazarevic was denied by the post just before the half-hour mark, but it was Inter who went ahead before the break thanks to Andreolli.Following a free-kick, the defender struck a loose ball powerfully past Lorenzo Squizzi from inside the area to register his first goal for the club.
Inter were much improved after the break but failed to turn their possession into meaningful chances.
Obinna capitalised with 17 minutes remaining, pulling Chievo level with a low shot that Carrizo will perhaps feel he should have done better with at his near post.
There was more to come from Obinna, who duly secured all three points for his side with a drive from distance late on.
Focus will now turn to Inter's transfer plans for the summer. With plenty of incomings and outgoings anticipated, the team that begins their next campaign is likely to look vastly different from the one that finished Sunday's match.
Chievo celebrated their Serie A survival by producing a second-half turnaround to beat Inter 2-1 in Verona.
Inter skipper Javier Zanetti will now call time on his career, following 19 seasons with the San Siro club, after playing the full 90 minutes at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi as Inter said farewell to a host of first-team regulars. Esteban Cambiasso, Diego Milito and Walter Samuel are also set to leave, but it was former Inter striker Obinna who stole the show.Ex-Chievo man Marco Andreolli sent Inter in ahead at the break, despite the hosts enjoying the better of the first half and striking the woodwork twice.
But Inter were reeled in when Nigeria international Obinna fired home from a tight angle before scoring the winner a minute from time to sour Zanetti's swansong.
Zanetti made only his fourth league start of the season in his final game before retirement, while there were also places in the Inter XI for outgoing pair Cambiasso and Milito.Samuel was on the bench and Obinna was named among the substitutes for Chievo - who were already safe from relegation.
The hosts had the first sight on goal when Alberto Paloschi brought down a long ball but rolled it wide of the onrushing Juan Pablo Carrizo and his left-hand post.
Paloschi then crashed a header against the crossbar, before Danilo D'Ambrosio's jinking run and shot marked the first effort on target for an Inter side that had previously guaranteed qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
Chievo's Dejan Lazarevic was denied by the post just before the half-hour mark, but it was Inter who went ahead before the break thanks to Andreolli.Following a free-kick, the defender struck a loose ball powerfully past Lorenzo Squizzi from inside the area to register his first goal for the club.
Inter were much improved after the break but failed to turn their possession into meaningful chances.
Obinna capitalised with 17 minutes remaining, pulling Chievo level with a low shot that Carrizo will perhaps feel he should have done better with at his near post.
There was more to come from Obinna, who duly secured all three points for his side with a drive from distance late on.
Focus will now turn to Inter's transfer plans for the summer. With plenty of incomings and outgoings anticipated, the team that begins their next campaign is likely to look vastly different from the one that finished Sunday's match.
Juventus 3-0 Cagliari: Bianconeri smash 100-points barrier
Juventus ended the season with a Serie A record 102 points following a resounding 3-0 win over Cagliari in Turin.
With a third successive title sealed weeks in advance of the season finale, Sunday's final match of 2013-14 was merely a procession amid a carnival atmosphere in Turin.From the moment Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring with a typically nonchalant free-kick after just eight minutes, Antonio Conte's side were in complete control.
Fernando Llorente and Claudio Marchisio's strikes ensured Juve headed into the break 3-0 ahead - a lead they maintained with a controlled second-half showing.
The upshot was Juve ending the season with a tally of 102 points, having amassed an incredible 33 wins from their 38 top-flight fixtures.For Cagliari, the result, although expected, added further frustration to an average year that has seen them finish in 15th place.
The visitors started brightly as Victor Ibarbo's snap-shot from a tight angle forced a fine save from Gianluigi Buffon, who dived full-stretch to tip the ball around the post.Juve were quick to respond, though, with Pirlo finding space on the edge of the area before producing an uncharacteristically wild effort that flew over.
Such a strike was in stark contrast to his next attempt, however.The veteran playmaker struck a sublime 25-yard free-kick that Marco Silvestri could only tip on to the underside of the bar, with the ball bouncing over the line before hitting the goalkeeper and rolling into the net.
Suddenly, the hosts were rampant and it was not long before Llorente doubled their advantage, dispossessing Daniele Conti - who failed to clear his lines from a corner - and sliding home.Cagliari came back strongly and should have reduced the deficit when Daniele Dessena was denied by Buffon from point-blank range.
The game took on an end-to-end nature thereafter as Kwadwo Asamoah's sizzling 35-yard strike forced a superb stop from Silvestri.The visiting keeper could do little shortly after, however, as Marchisio stunningly controlled a ball into his own path before unleashing a powerful volley that flew past the 23-year-old.
Juventus operated with a more controlled approach after the interval, with Conte's confidence epitomised by the withdrawal of Buffon for reserve keeper Rubinho - who was given his first playing time of the season.The wonderful ovation afforded to Buffon almost made way for celebrations, too, as Paul Pogba's effort from distance tested Silvestri soon after.
That was to prove the last real opening as Juve eased their way to the points after the outstanding Pirlo was taken off to rapturous applause from the gleeful crowd.
Juventus ended the season with a Serie A record 102 points following a resounding 3-0 win over Cagliari in Turin.
With a third successive title sealed weeks in advance of the season finale, Sunday's final match of 2013-14 was merely a procession amid a carnival atmosphere in Turin.From the moment Andrea Pirlo opened the scoring with a typically nonchalant free-kick after just eight minutes, Antonio Conte's side were in complete control.
Fernando Llorente and Claudio Marchisio's strikes ensured Juve headed into the break 3-0 ahead - a lead they maintained with a controlled second-half showing.
The upshot was Juve ending the season with a tally of 102 points, having amassed an incredible 33 wins from their 38 top-flight fixtures.For Cagliari, the result, although expected, added further frustration to an average year that has seen them finish in 15th place.
The visitors started brightly as Victor Ibarbo's snap-shot from a tight angle forced a fine save from Gianluigi Buffon, who dived full-stretch to tip the ball around the post.Juve were quick to respond, though, with Pirlo finding space on the edge of the area before producing an uncharacteristically wild effort that flew over.
Such a strike was in stark contrast to his next attempt, however.The veteran playmaker struck a sublime 25-yard free-kick that Marco Silvestri could only tip on to the underside of the bar, with the ball bouncing over the line before hitting the goalkeeper and rolling into the net.
Suddenly, the hosts were rampant and it was not long before Llorente doubled their advantage, dispossessing Daniele Conti - who failed to clear his lines from a corner - and sliding home.Cagliari came back strongly and should have reduced the deficit when Daniele Dessena was denied by Buffon from point-blank range.
The game took on an end-to-end nature thereafter as Kwadwo Asamoah's sizzling 35-yard strike forced a superb stop from Silvestri.The visiting keeper could do little shortly after, however, as Marchisio stunningly controlled a ball into his own path before unleashing a powerful volley that flew past the 23-year-old.
Juventus operated with a more controlled approach after the interval, with Conte's confidence epitomised by the withdrawal of Buffon for reserve keeper Rubinho - who was given his first playing time of the season.The wonderful ovation afforded to Buffon almost made way for celebrations, too, as Paul Pogba's effort from distance tested Silvestri soon after.
That was to prove the last real opening as Juve eased their way to the points after the outstanding Pirlo was taken off to rapturous applause from the gleeful crowd.
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