Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol: Sanchez spares Blaugrana blushes
Alexis Sanchez's Barcelona rebirth continued as he struck the only goal in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Espanyol in La Liga.
Despite dominating possession for large spells of the match, the leaders were frustrated by a well-organised visiting defence.
Alexis eventually broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when he tapped home from a pin-point Neymar pass.
Barcelona have now won 21 league matches in a row on home soil and boast a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, who play on Sunday.
Gerard Pique returned from a hamstring injury but there was no place for Carles Puyol as Gerardo Martino made six changes from Tuesday’s 3-0 victory at Celta Vigo.
Espanyol made four alterations of their own, with Gabriel Torje among the players to come in.
After withstanding some early pressure from the hosts, Espanyol got a sight of goal in the sixth minute but Torje sent his eventual effort wide.
Alexis had an 18-yard strike punched away by Kiko Casilla at the other end as Barca went in search of a breakthrough.
With Martino’s men dominating possession, Dani Alves nodded the ball back for an advancing Alexis in the 28th minute, but the Chilean failed to get any purchase on a strike that was charged down in the penalty area.
The visitors could – and possibly should – have broken the deadlock against the run of play 10 minutes prior to the break. David Lopez was sent through one-on-one with Victor Valdes, only to be denied by the goalkeeper’s outstretched boot.
On the stroke of half-time, Alves exchanged passes brilliantly with Sergio Busquets just outside the penalty area before fizzing an 18-yard effort against the left-hand upright.
Barcelona continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball after the break, and Lionel Messi drew a superb diving save from Casilla in the 54th minute as he got his head to a looping Alves cross from the right.
With the hosts finding it difficult to break down a resolute Espanyol backline, Neymar created an angle for himself on the edge of the 18-yard box and curled a shot inches wide.
Barca finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute as Neymar threaded a pass through the legs of two defenders to find a grateful Alexis, who was left with a simple tap-in at the far post.
Sergio Garcia forced Valdes into a save from close range with 10 minutes left as Espanyol chased an equaliser, before Messi curled a free-kick narrowly wide late on.
Alexis Sanchez's Barcelona rebirth continued as he struck the only goal in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Espanyol in La Liga.
Despite dominating possession for large spells of the match, the leaders were frustrated by a well-organised visiting defence.
Alexis eventually broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when he tapped home from a pin-point Neymar pass.
Barcelona have now won 21 league matches in a row on home soil and boast a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Atletico Madrid, who play on Sunday.
Gerard Pique returned from a hamstring injury but there was no place for Carles Puyol as Gerardo Martino made six changes from Tuesday’s 3-0 victory at Celta Vigo.
Espanyol made four alterations of their own, with Gabriel Torje among the players to come in.
After withstanding some early pressure from the hosts, Espanyol got a sight of goal in the sixth minute but Torje sent his eventual effort wide.
Alexis had an 18-yard strike punched away by Kiko Casilla at the other end as Barca went in search of a breakthrough.
With Martino’s men dominating possession, Dani Alves nodded the ball back for an advancing Alexis in the 28th minute, but the Chilean failed to get any purchase on a strike that was charged down in the penalty area.
The visitors could – and possibly should – have broken the deadlock against the run of play 10 minutes prior to the break. David Lopez was sent through one-on-one with Victor Valdes, only to be denied by the goalkeeper’s outstretched boot.
On the stroke of half-time, Alves exchanged passes brilliantly with Sergio Busquets just outside the penalty area before fizzing an 18-yard effort against the left-hand upright.
Barcelona continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball after the break, and Lionel Messi drew a superb diving save from Casilla in the 54th minute as he got his head to a looping Alves cross from the right.
With the hosts finding it difficult to break down a resolute Espanyol backline, Neymar created an angle for himself on the edge of the 18-yard box and curled a shot inches wide.
Barca finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute as Neymar threaded a pass through the legs of two defenders to find a grateful Alexis, who was left with a simple tap-in at the far post.
Sergio Garcia forced Valdes into a save from close range with 10 minutes left as Espanyol chased an equaliser, before Messi curled a free-kick narrowly wide late on.
Borussia Dortmund 6-1 Stuttgart: Lewandowski hits hat-trick
Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Borussia Dortmund beat Stuttgart 6-1 at Signal Iduna Park to move top of the Bundesliga on Friday.
The convincing victory saw the hosts equal a club record of six consecutive home wins, a feat they last achieved a decade ago.
But they had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Karim Haggui's 13th-minute header.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos provided a prompt response, his first goal for the club, and Marco Reus completed the comeback before Lewandowski took centre stage after the interval by netting an 18-minute treble.
He looked to have got himself a fourth but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deflected effort had already crossed the line to seal an emphatic triumph for Dortmund, who will hope that Hoffenheim can pull off an upset when they welcome Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp made two changes from the side that were victorious against Schalke in the Ruhr derby, with Sokratis and Jakub Blaszczykowski replacing Neven Subotic and Aubameyang.
Georg Niedermeier, Martin Harnik and Ibrahima Traore lost their places in Stuttgart's starting XI following the 1-1 draw with Nuremberg last time out.
Moritz Leitner was called in to feature against his parent club, while there were also starting berths for 17-year-old Timo Werner and defender Gotoku Sakai.
The visitors stunned the home crowd when Haggui's header looped over Nuri Sahin on the line to put Stuttgart in front against the run of play early on.
Stuttgart's joy was short lived, however, as Sokratis connected well with a Sahin corner to power a header past Sven Ulreich after 18 minutes.
The goals continued to flow and the turnaround was complete for Klopp's men two minutes later as Reus made no mistake with his left-footed effort after evading the attentions of Haggui.
The hosts continued to dominate, Sahin going close with a header before Lewandowski cheekily attempted to chip Ulreich from the edge of the area.
Stuttgart were incensed three minutes before the break when Werner was denied a penalty despite appearing to be bundled over inside the area by Kevin Grosskreutz.
Lewandowski then showed his lethal touch after the break to score twice in as many minutes. First he latched onto a neat Reus backheel to angle his effort into the far corner before he was set clear a minute later by an expertly crafted Henrikh Mkhitaryan throughball.
The Poland international was at his clinical best, first holding off Sakai and then Haggui, to fire home.
He came close to registering a third nine minutes later but saw his fierce effort parried by Ulreich as Stuttgart struggled to find a route back into the match.
Lewandowski did claim the match ball after 72 minutes as Ulreich could only force Blaszczykowski's effort onto the post following a quick breakaway and the Pole was on hand for a simple close-range finish.
There was still time for Aubameyang to get his second goal in as many games eight minutes from time as Dortmund made it four wins in a row in all competitions.
Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Borussia Dortmund beat Stuttgart 6-1 at Signal Iduna Park to move top of the Bundesliga on Friday.
The convincing victory saw the hosts equal a club record of six consecutive home wins, a feat they last achieved a decade ago.
But they had to do it the hard way after falling behind to Karim Haggui's 13th-minute header.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos provided a prompt response, his first goal for the club, and Marco Reus completed the comeback before Lewandowski took centre stage after the interval by netting an 18-minute treble.
He looked to have got himself a fourth but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deflected effort had already crossed the line to seal an emphatic triumph for Dortmund, who will hope that Hoffenheim can pull off an upset when they welcome Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp made two changes from the side that were victorious against Schalke in the Ruhr derby, with Sokratis and Jakub Blaszczykowski replacing Neven Subotic and Aubameyang.
Georg Niedermeier, Martin Harnik and Ibrahima Traore lost their places in Stuttgart's starting XI following the 1-1 draw with Nuremberg last time out.
Moritz Leitner was called in to feature against his parent club, while there were also starting berths for 17-year-old Timo Werner and defender Gotoku Sakai.
The visitors stunned the home crowd when Haggui's header looped over Nuri Sahin on the line to put Stuttgart in front against the run of play early on.
Stuttgart's joy was short lived, however, as Sokratis connected well with a Sahin corner to power a header past Sven Ulreich after 18 minutes.
The goals continued to flow and the turnaround was complete for Klopp's men two minutes later as Reus made no mistake with his left-footed effort after evading the attentions of Haggui.
The hosts continued to dominate, Sahin going close with a header before Lewandowski cheekily attempted to chip Ulreich from the edge of the area.
Stuttgart were incensed three minutes before the break when Werner was denied a penalty despite appearing to be bundled over inside the area by Kevin Grosskreutz.
Lewandowski then showed his lethal touch after the break to score twice in as many minutes. First he latched onto a neat Reus backheel to angle his effort into the far corner before he was set clear a minute later by an expertly crafted Henrikh Mkhitaryan throughball.
The Poland international was at his clinical best, first holding off Sakai and then Haggui, to fire home.
He came close to registering a third nine minutes later but saw his fierce effort parried by Ulreich as Stuttgart struggled to find a route back into the match.
Lewandowski did claim the match ball after 72 minutes as Ulreich could only force Blaszczykowski's effort onto the post following a quick breakaway and the Pole was on hand for a simple close-range finish.
There was still time for Aubameyang to get his second goal in as many games eight minutes from time as Dortmund made it four wins in a row in all competitions.
Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Lorient: Cavani at the double
Paris Saint-Germain made light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence by thrashing Lorient 4-0 to stretch their unbeaten Ligue 1 run to 23 games.
Ibrahimovic was ruled out due to a knee injury, but the French champions proved they can cope without the prolific Sweden striker as struggling Lorient were swept aside in pouring rain at the Parc des Princes on Friday night.
Wingers Lucas Moura and Jeremy Menez made the most of being handed rare starts by scoring first-half goals to put Laurent Blanc's side in command.
Lucas then set up big-money signing Edinson Cavani's 10th goal of the season and the Uruguay striker added another after the break - his sixth in four games - as the capital outfit moved three points clear of Monaco at the top of the table.
Blanc made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Saint-Etienne last weekend, with Lucas and Menez among those given a chance to impress, while defender Christophe Jallet returned from injury.
Lorient ended a run of six games without a win by beating Sochaux in their last league game, but coach Christian Gourcuff made two changes following that victory as forward Kevin Monnet-Paquet and midfielder Maxime Barthelme came in.
Lucas took just three minutes to impress on his recall as he got on the end of Lucas Digne's cross from the left and volleyed home with his right foot.
The visitors were then forced to make two substitutions in as many minutes with Jeremie Aliadiere and goalkeeper Fabien Audard unable to continue. Sadio Diallo replaced the former, while Baptiste Reynet took over between the posts.
Lorient had no answer to PSG's passing and movement, and the lively Menez had a shot cleared off the line before scoring his first goal of the season in the 39th minute.
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti set the France international up with an incisive pass and the winger finished clinically from eight yards out.
The in-form Cavani got in on the act two minutes before the break when he headed home Lucas' inviting cross with Reynet stranded.
Lorient made a fist of it in the second half and defender Lamine Kone's header drifted wide of the far post.
Fit-again Javier Pastore then came on to make his first appearance for over a month before PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu produced a fine save to deny Vincent Aboubakar a consolation after 73 minutes.
PSG finished the stronger, with Cavani and Menez both threatening, and the former Napoli striker should have been awarded a penalty prior to scoring his second of the night from close range with nine minutes remaining.
Paris Saint-Germain made light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence by thrashing Lorient 4-0 to stretch their unbeaten Ligue 1 run to 23 games.
Ibrahimovic was ruled out due to a knee injury, but the French champions proved they can cope without the prolific Sweden striker as struggling Lorient were swept aside in pouring rain at the Parc des Princes on Friday night.
Wingers Lucas Moura and Jeremy Menez made the most of being handed rare starts by scoring first-half goals to put Laurent Blanc's side in command.
Lucas then set up big-money signing Edinson Cavani's 10th goal of the season and the Uruguay striker added another after the break - his sixth in four games - as the capital outfit moved three points clear of Monaco at the top of the table.
Blanc made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Saint-Etienne last weekend, with Lucas and Menez among those given a chance to impress, while defender Christophe Jallet returned from injury.
Lorient ended a run of six games without a win by beating Sochaux in their last league game, but coach Christian Gourcuff made two changes following that victory as forward Kevin Monnet-Paquet and midfielder Maxime Barthelme came in.
Lucas took just three minutes to impress on his recall as he got on the end of Lucas Digne's cross from the left and volleyed home with his right foot.
The visitors were then forced to make two substitutions in as many minutes with Jeremie Aliadiere and goalkeeper Fabien Audard unable to continue. Sadio Diallo replaced the former, while Baptiste Reynet took over between the posts.
Lorient had no answer to PSG's passing and movement, and the lively Menez had a shot cleared off the line before scoring his first goal of the season in the 39th minute.
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti set the France international up with an incisive pass and the winger finished clinically from eight yards out.
The in-form Cavani got in on the act two minutes before the break when he headed home Lucas' inviting cross with Reynet stranded.
Lorient made a fist of it in the second half and defender Lamine Kone's header drifted wide of the far post.
Fit-again Javier Pastore then came on to make his first appearance for over a month before PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu produced a fine save to deny Vincent Aboubakar a consolation after 73 minutes.
PSG finished the stronger, with Cavani and Menez both threatening, and the former Napoli striker should have been awarded a penalty prior to scoring his second of the night from close range with nine minutes remaining.
In-form Lewandowski gunning for Arsenal
Robert Lewandowski continued his purple patch in front of goal with an 18-minute hat-trick in Borussia Dortmund's 6-1 win over Stuttgart on Friday and then set his sights on gunning down Arsenal in the Champions League.
The Poland international now has 13 goals in all competitions this season and his efforts helped Jurgen Klopp’s men take first place in the Bundesliga, one point ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old's contract at Signal Iduna Park expires next summer and despite enjoying a fine run of goalscoring form for the club, Lewandowski is expected to move onto pastures new in January or at the end of the season.
The transfer speculation has done little to affect his performances on the pitch, however, and the striker is already eyeing further goals in Europe.
“It was a very nice game with lots of goals,” the Bundesliga's top scorer told Sky Sports. “We are very satisfied. We have achieved what we set out. Now we focus on Arsenal and hope we will also get three points.”
Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich are strongly fancied to win the race for Lewandowski and BVB coach Klopp has already begun to prepare for life after his star striker with the summer signing of Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The forward has scored six times in his first 11 games for the club and the former Saint-Etienne man added to his tally on Friday with the sixth and final goal of the game following his strike partner's hat-trick and solitary strikes from Marco Reus and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
BVB host Arsenal at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday in their latest Champions League group stage clash.
Robert Lewandowski continued his purple patch in front of goal with an 18-minute hat-trick in Borussia Dortmund's 6-1 win over Stuttgart on Friday and then set his sights on gunning down Arsenal in the Champions League.
The Poland international now has 13 goals in all competitions this season and his efforts helped Jurgen Klopp’s men take first place in the Bundesliga, one point ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old's contract at Signal Iduna Park expires next summer and despite enjoying a fine run of goalscoring form for the club, Lewandowski is expected to move onto pastures new in January or at the end of the season.
The transfer speculation has done little to affect his performances on the pitch, however, and the striker is already eyeing further goals in Europe.
“It was a very nice game with lots of goals,” the Bundesliga's top scorer told Sky Sports. “We are very satisfied. We have achieved what we set out. Now we focus on Arsenal and hope we will also get three points.”
Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich are strongly fancied to win the race for Lewandowski and BVB coach Klopp has already begun to prepare for life after his star striker with the summer signing of Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The forward has scored six times in his first 11 games for the club and the former Saint-Etienne man added to his tally on Friday with the sixth and final goal of the game following his strike partner's hat-trick and solitary strikes from Marco Reus and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
BVB host Arsenal at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday in their latest Champions League group stage clash.
Liverpool laughed at Arsenal’s bid for Suarez, says Rodgers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims he laughed at Arsenal’s bid of £40 million plus £1 for Luis Suarez.
Arsene Wenger’s side had prioritised the signing of the Uruguay international during the summer transfer window and believed they had triggered a release clause in the striker’s contract when they submitted an offer in excess of £40m.
Rodgers insists Arsenal stood no chance of prising the 26-year-old away from Anfield and labelled the club’s bid as “derogatory”.
“To be honest, we laughed. We were away at the time on the pre-season tour when I saw the bid in writing,” Rodgers told reporters.
“I think Arsenal were ill-advised on that, to say the least.
"Arsenal as a football club always had great integrity historically and so, when that bid came through, I can only say it was one of the worst pieces of information they ever received.
"It was never going to succeed. At the time we certainly saw the bid as derogatory. The two clubs have historically had class, it has been the hallmark of both, but whether it was £40m and one pound or £40m and one penny, our fight was always to keep him here because he is a top player."
Suarez was ordered to train alone in August after the striker claimed the club had broke their promise of allowing him a move away from Anfield if Champions League football was not secured.
"I'm sure all the players are looking to the manager in a situation like that to see what happens," said Rodgers.
"It cannot fester and be allowed to become a cancer within the group.
"No matter how difficult the situation was, we were leading up to our first game of the season having had a brilliant pre-season and nothing could be allowed to stand in the way of our preparation for that.
“My job is to protect the club and it was important during that time that the power of the club was seen."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims he laughed at Arsenal’s bid of £40 million plus £1 for Luis Suarez.
Arsene Wenger’s side had prioritised the signing of the Uruguay international during the summer transfer window and believed they had triggered a release clause in the striker’s contract when they submitted an offer in excess of £40m.
Rodgers insists Arsenal stood no chance of prising the 26-year-old away from Anfield and labelled the club’s bid as “derogatory”.
“To be honest, we laughed. We were away at the time on the pre-season tour when I saw the bid in writing,” Rodgers told reporters.
“I think Arsenal were ill-advised on that, to say the least.
"Arsenal as a football club always had great integrity historically and so, when that bid came through, I can only say it was one of the worst pieces of information they ever received.
"It was never going to succeed. At the time we certainly saw the bid as derogatory. The two clubs have historically had class, it has been the hallmark of both, but whether it was £40m and one pound or £40m and one penny, our fight was always to keep him here because he is a top player."
Suarez was ordered to train alone in August after the striker claimed the club had broke their promise of allowing him a move away from Anfield if Champions League football was not secured.
"I'm sure all the players are looking to the manager in a situation like that to see what happens," said Rodgers.
"It cannot fester and be allowed to become a cancer within the group.
"No matter how difficult the situation was, we were leading up to our first game of the season having had a brilliant pre-season and nothing could be allowed to stand in the way of our preparation for that.
“My job is to protect the club and it was important during that time that the power of the club was seen."
Neuer honoured at Ballon d'Or nomination
Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer says he is delighted at being the only goalkeeper nominated for the 2013 Ballon d'Or prize.
Neuer is one of six Bayern players to have made the 23-man shortlist for the latest Fifa award after their historic treble-winning campaign of 2012-13.
And the Germany No.1 was full of praise for former boss Jupp Heynckes for his part in the 27-year-old's efforts in the past year.
"I'm honoured that I am the only keeper nominated and we all hope that someone in Bavaria wins the award," he told Audi Star Talk.
"He [Heynckes] has a very good knowledge of human nature, he is a very good coach."
Bayern have continued their indomitable form under new coach Pep Guardiola in the opening few months of their Bundesliga title defence, and Neuer is impressed with his side's recent displays.
"We always want to have the ball," said the former Schalke man. "He wants us to be the boss on the pitch, and we've done the job quite well so far."
Bayern face free-scoring Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer says he is delighted at being the only goalkeeper nominated for the 2013 Ballon d'Or prize.
Neuer is one of six Bayern players to have made the 23-man shortlist for the latest Fifa award after their historic treble-winning campaign of 2012-13.
And the Germany No.1 was full of praise for former boss Jupp Heynckes for his part in the 27-year-old's efforts in the past year.
"I'm honoured that I am the only keeper nominated and we all hope that someone in Bavaria wins the award," he told Audi Star Talk.
"He [Heynckes] has a very good knowledge of human nature, he is a very good coach."
Bayern have continued their indomitable form under new coach Pep Guardiola in the opening few months of their Bundesliga title defence, and Neuer is impressed with his side's recent displays.
"We always want to have the ball," said the former Schalke man. "He wants us to be the boss on the pitch, and we've done the job quite well so far."
Bayern face free-scoring Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Villas-Boas tips Lukaku for greatness
Andre Villas-Boas has tipped Romelu Lukaku to become a "great" as he prepares to come up against the on-loan Everton striker on Sunday.
The Belgium striker has scored five goals in as many Premier League games since joining Roberto Martinez's side on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
Lukaku enjoyed a fruitful spell at West Brom last season and it came as a surprise to some that Jose Mourinho allowed him to spend another campaign away from Stamford Bridge.
Villas-Boas was in charge at Chelsea when Lukaku was signed and has no doubt the 20-year-old has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level ahead of Tottenham's trip to Goodison Park this weekend.The Spurs boss said: "Chelsea already has three great strikers.
"They’ve obviously made their decision which is something that I cannot comment about."He did extremely well for West Brom last season and he is continuing to do well for Everton.
"The potential is there – we all recognise that. He can become an influential striker in the future."Chelsea’s standards are very high and it will be difficult but he has shown he can cope in the Premier League.
"It’s another good step up at Everton and we’ll probably see him in the World Cup for Belgium."So he has all the conditions to continue to progress into a great striker."
Andre Villas-Boas has tipped Romelu Lukaku to become a "great" as he prepares to come up against the on-loan Everton striker on Sunday.
The Belgium striker has scored five goals in as many Premier League games since joining Roberto Martinez's side on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
Lukaku enjoyed a fruitful spell at West Brom last season and it came as a surprise to some that Jose Mourinho allowed him to spend another campaign away from Stamford Bridge.
Villas-Boas was in charge at Chelsea when Lukaku was signed and has no doubt the 20-year-old has all the attributes to succeed at the highest level ahead of Tottenham's trip to Goodison Park this weekend.The Spurs boss said: "Chelsea already has three great strikers.
"They’ve obviously made their decision which is something that I cannot comment about."He did extremely well for West Brom last season and he is continuing to do well for Everton.
"The potential is there – we all recognise that. He can become an influential striker in the future."Chelsea’s standards are very high and it will be difficult but he has shown he can cope in the Premier League.
"It’s another good step up at Everton and we’ll probably see him in the World Cup for Belgium."So he has all the conditions to continue to progress into a great striker."
Allegri calls for Milan revival
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists they must start winning games if they are to have any hope of finishing in the top three.
With just three wins from their first 10 league games, the Rossoneri sit in 10th place in Serie A, 13 points adrift of the final Champions League spot.
But with key players like Kaka, Mario Balotelli and Stephen El Shaarawy on their way back from injury, Allegri knows now is the time to claw their way back into the race for third.
“We have to stay motivated because there are 28 games to go, and our goal is get a point more than last year,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match against Fiorentina.
“Tomorrow we will have to start winning.
“We will have to improve on the road, because we have conceded 13 goals out of 17 and it is this that penalises us in the standings.”
Last season Milan edged out Fiorentina for third place by two points, but the Viola got the better of them in their two meetings, drawing 2-2 home, while winning 3-1 at the San Siro, but Allegri is not focused on last year’s results.
“Matches end and life goes on. I have put Fiorentina behind me. Last year was a good battle until the last minute so to recall what happened last year does not help.
“Tomorrow will be a beautiful game, we will be angry but they will be too, both teams want to win so we need to watch out.
“Fiorentina played a great match against Napoli. They are built to get into the top three, tomorrow we will have the opportunity to close things up a bit in the table.”
The 46-yar-old says his team must avoid the inconsistencies they have encountered this season, and remain focused for a full 90 minutes.
“We played well against Lazio until they scored goal. We had a bad 10 minutes which we could have handled better but there are a lot of matches to go so we will see where we get to.
“We are off the pace in the league, but we must not go through moments of euphoria as after the match against Barcelona and in moments of depression after the match with Parma.”
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists they must start winning games if they are to have any hope of finishing in the top three.
With just three wins from their first 10 league games, the Rossoneri sit in 10th place in Serie A, 13 points adrift of the final Champions League spot.
But with key players like Kaka, Mario Balotelli and Stephen El Shaarawy on their way back from injury, Allegri knows now is the time to claw their way back into the race for third.
“We have to stay motivated because there are 28 games to go, and our goal is get a point more than last year,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match against Fiorentina.
“Tomorrow we will have to start winning.
“We will have to improve on the road, because we have conceded 13 goals out of 17 and it is this that penalises us in the standings.”
Last season Milan edged out Fiorentina for third place by two points, but the Viola got the better of them in their two meetings, drawing 2-2 home, while winning 3-1 at the San Siro, but Allegri is not focused on last year’s results.
“Matches end and life goes on. I have put Fiorentina behind me. Last year was a good battle until the last minute so to recall what happened last year does not help.
“Tomorrow will be a beautiful game, we will be angry but they will be too, both teams want to win so we need to watch out.
“Fiorentina played a great match against Napoli. They are built to get into the top three, tomorrow we will have the opportunity to close things up a bit in the table.”
The 46-yar-old says his team must avoid the inconsistencies they have encountered this season, and remain focused for a full 90 minutes.
“We played well against Lazio until they scored goal. We had a bad 10 minutes which we could have handled better but there are a lot of matches to go so we will see where we get to.
“We are off the pace in the league, but we must not go through moments of euphoria as after the match against Barcelona and in moments of depression after the match with Parma.”
Kompany not ready for Manchester City return - Pellegrini
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that skipper Vincent Kompany will not return until after the international break.The influential centre-back has not featured since suffering a thigh injury in the victory over Everton last month.
He will play no part in City's Premier League game against Norwich on Saturday or the trip to Sunderland the following weekend.Javi Garcia and Stevan Jovetic have also been ruled out of the game against Norwich after picking up injuries in the League Cup win at Newcastle in midweek.
"Garcia and Jovetic have a problem from the last match and Vincent Kompany is not fit. All the other players are okay," the former Malaga boss said."Garcia does not have a serious injury, but he will be out tomorrow [Saturday]. Vincent is progressing. I think he will be back after the international break, but not before.
"He is a very important player, but we have a strong squad and the other players can play. He is an important player but we can play without him.
"In the last five matches we have won four and we lost just one against Chelsea, but I think we deserved more."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that skipper Vincent Kompany will not return until after the international break.The influential centre-back has not featured since suffering a thigh injury in the victory over Everton last month.
He will play no part in City's Premier League game against Norwich on Saturday or the trip to Sunderland the following weekend.Javi Garcia and Stevan Jovetic have also been ruled out of the game against Norwich after picking up injuries in the League Cup win at Newcastle in midweek.
"Garcia and Jovetic have a problem from the last match and Vincent Kompany is not fit. All the other players are okay," the former Malaga boss said."Garcia does not have a serious injury, but he will be out tomorrow [Saturday]. Vincent is progressing. I think he will be back after the international break, but not before.
"He is a very important player, but we have a strong squad and the other players can play. He is an important player but we can play without him.
"In the last five matches we have won four and we lost just one against Chelsea, but I think we deserved more."
Zanetti: I could return this month
Inter captain Javier Zanetti has revealed that he could make his eagerly-awaited return before the end of the month.
The Nerazzurri legend has been out of action since suffering an Achilles injury in April and there were those that questioned whether the Argentine would ever play again.
However, Zanetti, who turned 40 in August, says that his comeback is now not too far away.
"I am recovering well," the versatile defender told Exclusivo24. "I am training with the group and I hope to return to play soon.
"I want to take it slowly, quietly, without any rush. Could I return in December or January? Before then, I think ..."
Zanetti also insisted that he has not yet given any thought to whether he will call time on his career next summer.
"I don't think about it at the training camp," the Buenos Aires native explained. "I'm just thinking about recovering from the injury and returning to play."
Zanetti, who was capped 145 times by his country, joined Inter from Banfield in 1995.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti has revealed that he could make his eagerly-awaited return before the end of the month.
The Nerazzurri legend has been out of action since suffering an Achilles injury in April and there were those that questioned whether the Argentine would ever play again.
However, Zanetti, who turned 40 in August, says that his comeback is now not too far away.
"I am recovering well," the versatile defender told Exclusivo24. "I am training with the group and I hope to return to play soon.
"I want to take it slowly, quietly, without any rush. Could I return in December or January? Before then, I think ..."
Zanetti also insisted that he has not yet given any thought to whether he will call time on his career next summer.
"I don't think about it at the training camp," the Buenos Aires native explained. "I'm just thinking about recovering from the injury and returning to play."
Zanetti, who was capped 145 times by his country, joined Inter from Banfield in 1995.
Aguero looks to diffuse Maradona row
Sergio Aguero has moved to draw a line under his row with Diego Maradona after the Argentina icon called him a "wimp".
The 53-year-old's comments came during a radio interview in his homeland earlier this week as he launched a stinging attack on Aguero following the Manchester City striker's split with wife, Giannina - Maradona's daughter.
The pair - who have a son, Benjamin, together - parted earlier this year after a four-year marriage, with Maradona saying: "He's a wimp who I don't even want to name."
However, Aguero has now attempted to diffuse the situation with a statement on his official Facebook page.He wrote: "It always has been very clear in my mind that Benjamin is the most important part of my life, he comes before anything else. I have never been willing to publish my private life in [the] media.
"That's why I spoke with my people, telling them that, regardless of how offended they might be, they shouldn't answer any questions [to the media]."I have never spoken about these matters, and this is the last time I will do it. I hope every party involved understands this the same way.
"For all of our sakes, especially Ben, we need to solve this privately. This is the way I've always done this, this is the way I'll carry on doing this."
Aguero has made eight Premier League appearances for City this season, scoring seven times, including in the 2-1 defeat to title rivals Chelsea last weekend.
Sergio Aguero has moved to draw a line under his row with Diego Maradona after the Argentina icon called him a "wimp".
The 53-year-old's comments came during a radio interview in his homeland earlier this week as he launched a stinging attack on Aguero following the Manchester City striker's split with wife, Giannina - Maradona's daughter.
The pair - who have a son, Benjamin, together - parted earlier this year after a four-year marriage, with Maradona saying: "He's a wimp who I don't even want to name."
However, Aguero has now attempted to diffuse the situation with a statement on his official Facebook page.He wrote: "It always has been very clear in my mind that Benjamin is the most important part of my life, he comes before anything else. I have never been willing to publish my private life in [the] media.
"That's why I spoke with my people, telling them that, regardless of how offended they might be, they shouldn't answer any questions [to the media]."I have never spoken about these matters, and this is the last time I will do it. I hope every party involved understands this the same way.
"For all of our sakes, especially Ben, we need to solve this privately. This is the way I've always done this, this is the way I'll carry on doing this."
Aguero has made eight Premier League appearances for City this season, scoring seven times, including in the 2-1 defeat to title rivals Chelsea last weekend.
Moyes targets momentum ahead of Fulham clash
Manchester United manager David Moyes has urged his side to show more consistency in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford outfit have endured an indifferent start to their title defence, winning four and losing three of their nine top-flight fixtures.
United have triumphed in their last three matches in all competitions and are undefeated in the previous six and the Scot echoed the sentiments of Patrice Evra who called on the club to win 10 games in a row.
And Moyes has now targeted a run of victories to close the gap on the teams above them.
"It's a gap we have to try to work to get closer to," he said ahead of Saturday's visit to Fulham.
"We'll take one game at a time and try to start getting a bit closer to the top end. That's the plan but there's a long way to go.
"We've started to put together one or two half decent results and hopefully that starts to build up a bit of momentum.
"We've been a little bit up and down at the start of the season, winning one, losing one, so we're hoping to get a bit more consistency and then our form follows with that."
Moyes has also been handed a boost with the news Robin van Persie will be fit to start against Martin Jol's side, with centre-back pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic also coming through the 4-0 League Cup victory over Norwich City unscathed.
"Van Persie has been fine. He's trained well and worked quite well this week so hopefully he will be okay," he added.
"I think both (Vidic and Ferdinand) are very close to full fitness. They showed that in midweek when playing Premier League opposition.
"They both played for 90 minutes so I can't see any reason why they wouldn't be ready to be selected or involved."
Manchester United manager David Moyes has urged his side to show more consistency in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford outfit have endured an indifferent start to their title defence, winning four and losing three of their nine top-flight fixtures.
United have triumphed in their last three matches in all competitions and are undefeated in the previous six and the Scot echoed the sentiments of Patrice Evra who called on the club to win 10 games in a row.
And Moyes has now targeted a run of victories to close the gap on the teams above them.
"It's a gap we have to try to work to get closer to," he said ahead of Saturday's visit to Fulham.
"We'll take one game at a time and try to start getting a bit closer to the top end. That's the plan but there's a long way to go.
"We've started to put together one or two half decent results and hopefully that starts to build up a bit of momentum.
"We've been a little bit up and down at the start of the season, winning one, losing one, so we're hoping to get a bit more consistency and then our form follows with that."
Moyes has also been handed a boost with the news Robin van Persie will be fit to start against Martin Jol's side, with centre-back pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic also coming through the 4-0 League Cup victory over Norwich City unscathed.
"Van Persie has been fine. He's trained well and worked quite well this week so hopefully he will be okay," he added.
"I think both (Vidic and Ferdinand) are very close to full fitness. They showed that in midweek when playing Premier League opposition.
"They both played for 90 minutes so I can't see any reason why they wouldn't be ready to be selected or involved."
Godin commits to Atletico until 2018
Diego Godin has expressed his delight at having committed himself to Atletico Madrid until 2018.
The Uruguay international has established himself as one of the Rojiblancos' key performers since joining from Villarreal in 2010 for reported fee of €8 million, and has not missed a minute of the capital club's sensational start to this season's Liga campaign.
Consequently, he was only too happy to sign a new five-year contract with Atletico.
"I am very pleased to continue in this club," he told Los Colchoneros' official website. "This is my home.
"They make me feel great despite being away from my country, my home, my friends. What better than to be here with people who love you and makes you feel like one of them.
"We are a group, strong and solid with great togetherness and solidarity. I think this is not achieved so easily.
"It's a club that is showing seriousness, wanting to continue with this project, both with all the guys who are renewing and with the coach [Diego Simeone], who was the first to take the initiative and extend.
"And I think this is good for everyone, especially for the club."
Atletico drew to within a point of Liga leaders Barcelona by defeating Granada 2-1 on Thursday.
Diego Godin has expressed his delight at having committed himself to Atletico Madrid until 2018.
The Uruguay international has established himself as one of the Rojiblancos' key performers since joining from Villarreal in 2010 for reported fee of €8 million, and has not missed a minute of the capital club's sensational start to this season's Liga campaign.
Consequently, he was only too happy to sign a new five-year contract with Atletico.
"I am very pleased to continue in this club," he told Los Colchoneros' official website. "This is my home.
"They make me feel great despite being away from my country, my home, my friends. What better than to be here with people who love you and makes you feel like one of them.
"We are a group, strong and solid with great togetherness and solidarity. I think this is not achieved so easily.
"It's a club that is showing seriousness, wanting to continue with this project, both with all the guys who are renewing and with the coach [Diego Simeone], who was the first to take the initiative and extend.
"And I think this is good for everyone, especially for the club."
Atletico drew to within a point of Liga leaders Barcelona by defeating Granada 2-1 on Thursday.
Arsenal had no doubts over Suarez morals, insists Wenger
Arsene Wenger insists he had no doubts over Luis Suarez’s morals when he tried to bring the Liverpool striker to north London this summer.
Arsenal made two formal bids for the Uruguayan in the close-season as they attempted to lure the forward to the Emirates Stadium, despite the fact he was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
However, Wenger has revealed that the did not hold concerns over Suarez’s temperament, even though he has also served previous bans for biting (in the Netherlands) and racial abuse.
"The player has been punished for what he did,” the Arsenal boss told reporters.
"We have high moral grounds and, of course, we take information about the moral level of the players and when there is any restriction about it, we do not buy the players.
"If some clubs were interested in buying him, it's because he played well before as well."
Wenger will come up against Suarez for the first time since bidding for him on Saturday as second-placed Liverpool visit the league leaders at the Emirates.
But the Frenchman did not reveal whether Arsenal will lodge any more bids for the 26-year-old in the future.
"I'm not focused on that now," he said. "Look, he plays for Liverpool tomorrow. At the moment, he is doing very well. What is important for me is the players who play for Arsenal, really, not those who could play for Arsenal.
"The details of all that [Arsenal's pursuit of Suarez] will maybe come out one day. Maybe not in my book! In somebody else's book."
After the Gunners' clash with Liverpool, Wenger's side face a tough test as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United the following weekend.
Arsene Wenger insists he had no doubts over Luis Suarez’s morals when he tried to bring the Liverpool striker to north London this summer.
Arsenal made two formal bids for the Uruguayan in the close-season as they attempted to lure the forward to the Emirates Stadium, despite the fact he was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
However, Wenger has revealed that the did not hold concerns over Suarez’s temperament, even though he has also served previous bans for biting (in the Netherlands) and racial abuse.
"The player has been punished for what he did,” the Arsenal boss told reporters.
"We have high moral grounds and, of course, we take information about the moral level of the players and when there is any restriction about it, we do not buy the players.
"If some clubs were interested in buying him, it's because he played well before as well."
Wenger will come up against Suarez for the first time since bidding for him on Saturday as second-placed Liverpool visit the league leaders at the Emirates.
But the Frenchman did not reveal whether Arsenal will lodge any more bids for the 26-year-old in the future.
"I'm not focused on that now," he said. "Look, he plays for Liverpool tomorrow. At the moment, he is doing very well. What is important for me is the players who play for Arsenal, really, not those who could play for Arsenal.
"The details of all that [Arsenal's pursuit of Suarez] will maybe come out one day. Maybe not in my book! In somebody else's book."
After the Gunners' clash with Liverpool, Wenger's side face a tough test as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United the following weekend.
Flamini could face Manchester United - Wenger
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that midfielder Mathieu Flamini could be available for his side’s trip to Manchester United.
The 29-year-old picked up a groin injury in his side’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
And Wenger has confirmed Flamini could be available for his side’s visit to Old Trafford, which comes a week after Saturday’s clash with Liverpool.
"[Mikel] Arteta is back from suspension, [Serge] Gnabry is still out, [Mathieu] Flamini could be available for Manchester United," Wenger told reporters.
The Gunners boss also spoke of his side’s current mindset after losing to Chelsea in the Capital One Cup - their second home loss on the trot - but is confident his squad are ready for high-flying Liverpool.
"The mood is very positive at the moment, our priorities are the league and the Champions League," he said.
"I have complete confidence that we will deal well with this period, the players will be up for it. I learnt a lot about my team during the spring, I know how much we want it.
"We have a good away record in recent years and we suffered at home, Liverpool is an example of that. We had a difficult period at the Emirates last season, it's up to us to get the crowd on our side.
"Suarez and [Daniel] Sturridge are among the top strikers in the league. Giroud has been exceptional since the start of the season and has a different style to Suarez."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that midfielder Mathieu Flamini could be available for his side’s trip to Manchester United.
The 29-year-old picked up a groin injury in his side’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
And Wenger has confirmed Flamini could be available for his side’s visit to Old Trafford, which comes a week after Saturday’s clash with Liverpool.
"[Mikel] Arteta is back from suspension, [Serge] Gnabry is still out, [Mathieu] Flamini could be available for Manchester United," Wenger told reporters.
The Gunners boss also spoke of his side’s current mindset after losing to Chelsea in the Capital One Cup - their second home loss on the trot - but is confident his squad are ready for high-flying Liverpool.
"The mood is very positive at the moment, our priorities are the league and the Champions League," he said.
"I have complete confidence that we will deal well with this period, the players will be up for it. I learnt a lot about my team during the spring, I know how much we want it.
"We have a good away record in recent years and we suffered at home, Liverpool is an example of that. We had a difficult period at the Emirates last season, it's up to us to get the crowd on our side.
"Suarez and [Daniel] Sturridge are among the top strikers in the league. Giroud has been exceptional since the start of the season and has a different style to Suarez."
Falcao does not have exit clause, insist Monaco
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has insisted that Radamel Falcao does not have an exit clause in his contract amid reports linking the Colombia international with a move to Real Madrid.
Madrid president Florentino Perez recently admitted that the Liga giants see Falcao as an interesting option for the future, with several Spanish sources claiming that the 27-year-old could join the Santiago Bernabeu side for a set fee.
However, Monaco have made it clear that Falcao will not be going anywhere for now.
"I know Florentino and I have a lot of respect for him. He runs one of the best clubs in the world, but I think some of his comments were inappropriate," Vasilyev told Marca.
"Falcao has signed a five-year deal with Monaco and I have already said a hundred times that he doesn't have an exit clause.
"We put in a lot of effort in order to sign him and it would not make any sense to allow him to leave again in January or next summer."
Falcao has a contract with Monaco until June 2018.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has insisted that Radamel Falcao does not have an exit clause in his contract amid reports linking the Colombia international with a move to Real Madrid.
Madrid president Florentino Perez recently admitted that the Liga giants see Falcao as an interesting option for the future, with several Spanish sources claiming that the 27-year-old could join the Santiago Bernabeu side for a set fee.
However, Monaco have made it clear that Falcao will not be going anywhere for now.
"I know Florentino and I have a lot of respect for him. He runs one of the best clubs in the world, but I think some of his comments were inappropriate," Vasilyev told Marca.
"Falcao has signed a five-year deal with Monaco and I have already said a hundred times that he doesn't have an exit clause.
"We put in a lot of effort in order to sign him and it would not make any sense to allow him to leave again in January or next summer."
Falcao has a contract with Monaco until June 2018.
Manchester United need a 10-game winning streak, says Evra
Manchester United need to win 10 games in a row to truly reassert themselves after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, argues Patrice Evra.
The Red Devils go into Saturday's clash with Fulham on a three-match winning streak - their best run so far under new manager David Moyes - but sit only eighth in the Premier League table after an indifferent start.
"The problem is not that we are doing badly, it is because we are not doing things well enough," Evra opined to reporters.
"We've lost our consistency and we need to find it really quickly if want to win every trophy. We can't win one game and draw the next one, or lose it. Now every game is important.
"We [do] want to win two or three games in a row but it is when we win 10 games in a row that I will say Manchester United are back in business. At the moment, we’re not."
The Frenchman is confident his side will get back to their best, insisting that Moyes has them on the right track, but feels they must do whatever it takes to re-establish their dominance before they consider the aesthetics of their play.
"The training sessions are very good," he added. "The staff are very good. I'm not lying to people when I say we are doing the right things. I trust what we are doing and what the new manager has set up, it's just the results that are missing.
"We have to make sure we win games, even if we do it in a bad way or an ugly way.
"We need to win those 10 games. We don't have any choice. After that, we can play the beautiful football."
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon to face Martin Jol's struggling side.
Manchester United need to win 10 games in a row to truly reassert themselves after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, argues Patrice Evra.
The Red Devils go into Saturday's clash with Fulham on a three-match winning streak - their best run so far under new manager David Moyes - but sit only eighth in the Premier League table after an indifferent start.
"The problem is not that we are doing badly, it is because we are not doing things well enough," Evra opined to reporters.
"We've lost our consistency and we need to find it really quickly if want to win every trophy. We can't win one game and draw the next one, or lose it. Now every game is important.
"We [do] want to win two or three games in a row but it is when we win 10 games in a row that I will say Manchester United are back in business. At the moment, we’re not."
The Frenchman is confident his side will get back to their best, insisting that Moyes has them on the right track, but feels they must do whatever it takes to re-establish their dominance before they consider the aesthetics of their play.
"The training sessions are very good," he added. "The staff are very good. I'm not lying to people when I say we are doing the right things. I trust what we are doing and what the new manager has set up, it's just the results that are missing.
"We have to make sure we win games, even if we do it in a bad way or an ugly way.
"We need to win those 10 games. We don't have any choice. After that, we can play the beautiful football."
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon to face Martin Jol's struggling side.
- Status
