..::Football III::..

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Villarreal 1-1 Atletico Madrid: Two own goals as Yellow Submarine salvage point

Atletico Madrid were denied a chance to top the table when a late own goal salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Sunday.

Mario Gaspar accidentally netted into the Yellow Submarine net in the opening minutes of the match, but Juanfran conceded a similar own-goal with just over 10 minutes on the clock to deny the Rojiblancos an El Madrigal win.

Diego Simeone's men stay second in La Liga following the first 1-1 draw with two own-goals in a decade, while Villarreal hold on to fourth place behind Barca, Atletico and Real Madrid.

The visitors unquestionably started the stronger as the Juanfran whipped in a dangerous ball from the right with two minutes on the clock, which Gaspar met with his head but - unfortunately for him and his team-mates - he headed past goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo into his own net.

Marcellino Garcia Toral's men went close to levelling the scoreline on 13 minutes, but Jonathan Pereira was unable to squeeze his effort on target after Cani fed him the ball inside the Rojiblancos' 18-yard box.

Atletico battled for supremacy and had a number of half-chances as the opening 45 minutes wore on, with Joao Miranda's header met by Asenjo's arms from a whipped free kick from skipper Gabi.

Diego Costa and David Villa were largely kept quiet as the hosts searched for a way to carve an equaliser, though the capital-based club dealt well with Villarreal's forays forward.

With half-time imminent, it was one-way traffic in the Yellow Submarine's favour and Mario nodded just wide as he scuppered a chance to make amends for his earlier own goal.

The second half began slowly as Villarreal passed Simeone's side off the park but the visitors kept all attacks in check - the hosts simply struggled the break through the defensive line.

Villarreal sent on Manu Trigueros and Javier Aquino for Tomas Pina and Hernan Perez in an attempt to forge a comeback with a third of the game to go, while Simeone withdrew Raul Garcia for Arda Turan.

With 23 minutes on the clock, Pereira threatened Thibaut Courtois' clean sheet once again but his effort to find the bottom corner was to no avail as his shot sneaked wide of the post.

However, the hosts finally had a stroke of luck on 79 minutes when Jeremy Perbet's run into the box resulted in a squared, low cross which Juanfran tapped past team-mate Courtois into the back of the net as Uche celebrated as though he scored it.

Atletico seemed content to settle for a draw as Garcia Toral's troops pushed hard for a winner, but the hosts were unable to rustle the visitors' net for the second time in the match and it finished 1-1.

 

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Ribery: Guardiola demands even more Bayern success

Franck Ribery has lauded the impact of Pep Guardiola on Bayern Munich and his own individual performances since the Spanish coach arrived in the summer.

The Bavarian side set a new Bundesliga milestone having gone 37 games unbeaten, beating Hamburg's 30-year record, after brushing aside Augsburg 3-0 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

And the attacker intimated that a large part of their recent form has been down to Guardiola.

“He brings his technical touch, the same one he showed at Barcelona where he had done a great job,” he told beIN Sport programme ‘Le Club’.

“He came with his ideas and he wants to experience more success with us, more than he did with Barcelona. He wants to win with Bayern."

The Frenchman scored the second against Augsburg with a brilliant free kick and was quick to emphasise the importance the former Barcelona coach has had on his own displays this season – displays that have led to him being tagged as one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or.

“Everyday he is on the training ground speaking to lots of players. I am someone that needs to feel confident and close to the coach and I feel at ease with Pep Guardiola," he continued.

“It wasn’t going to be easy for him coming in after Jupp Heynckes, who won everything, but he is happy to be with us."

Ribery also talked briefly about Paris Saint-Germain and admitted that they are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with on the European stage.

“I think PSG are getting stronger each year and are getting in more and more great players,” the former Marseille star accepted.

“Many have experience at the top level, this is a team that can go all the way but it will come down to the small details.

“It’s good to see Paris playing as they are but we don’t talk about that in the changing rooms at Bayern, we focus on ourselves but we respect all other teams."

There was a quick mention for his former club Marseille, and Ribery stated that despite having left the club they still hold an important place in his heart.

“I have a lot of good memories from Marseille. Being part of a club like that helped me after arriving at Bayern. I had a lot of fun with the players and the fans," he said.

“At Marseille, you learn what football means and to fight for the shirt you’re wearing.”

 

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Pellegrini concerned by Manchester City’s away form

Manuel Pellegrini admits he is concerned by Manchester City’s away form following his side’s defeat at Sunderland on Sunday.

Phil Bardsley’s first-half strike handed City their fourth loss in the Premier League this season to keep Pellegrini’s men six points behind leaders Arsenal.

The 60-year-old concedes a title challenge this term will be difficult if City’s record away from the Etihad Stadium does not improve but has backed his players to start picking up wins.

"[I am] concerned because we are losing too many points away and of course that is very difficult,” said Pellegrini.

"If you don't win away, it's hard to fight for the Premier League but I do not think we are playing bad so we must arrange and we must improve and I am absolutely sure that we are going to start to win."

City have secured just one win on the road in the Premier League this season and Pellegrini believes his team constantly face the same challenge of breaking their opponents down.

"The reaction is very similar to the other games we lost away [from home] in the way we lost this game," said the Chilean.

"Sunderland played really well defensively and I understand how they played but they had just one shot on our goal.

"We had the possession and the chances but we didn't score."

 

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Alex in talks over new Paris Saint-Germain deal

Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex has revealed that he is in talks with the club over extending his stay at the Parc des Princes.

The Brazilian's current contract is set to expire in June 2015 and 31-year-old hoping to imminently agree terms on an extension.

“We are negotiating my renewal,” Alex told reporters. “I’m fine here and I would like to sign another contract for a year or two.”

The veteran centre-half, who was last capped by Brazil in 2008, joined PSG from Chelsea in January 2012 for a reported €5 million.

Despite the presence of compatriots Thiago Silva and Marquinhos at the Parc des Princes, Alex has made 11 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season.

 

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Ribery: Zidane wanted me at Madrid

Franck Ribery has revealed that Zinedine Zidane did his utmost to try to persuade him to sign for Real Madrid.

The Bayern Munich winger claims that both los Blancos and Liga rivals Barcelona previously expressed an interest in taking him to Spain.

Ribery freely admits that he was particularly tempted by the prospect of following in Zidane's footsteps and making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Barcelona and Madrid are very big teams and there was a moment when both teams were interested in me," the 30-year-old France international told beIN Sport.

"I liked both but I had a moment in which I felt closer to Madrid than Barcelona. Zidane wanted me to go to Madrid and he tried all he could."But I am not interested now because Bayern is my family."

Ribery, of course, played a key role in the German side's historic treble triumph last season and is, therefore, considered by many as the frontrunner for this year's Ballon d'Or award.

The former Olympique de Marseille attacker will face stiff competition from Madrid ace Cristiano Ronald and Barcelona star Lionel Messi but Ribery fancies his chances of walking away with the prestigious accolade.

"I feel good about it," he confessed. "It is getting closer and closer. This has been one of my best years. I was lucky enough to win everything."

 

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Romania's Chiriches out of World Cup play-off against Greece

Vlad Chiriches has been forced to withdraw from Romania's squad for their two-legged World Cup qualifying play-off with Greece.

The Tottenham centre-half suffered a blow to the face in his club's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.

When asked about Chiriches's injury after the game, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas told the press: "I think he broke his nose."

The Romanian Football Federation confirmed in a statement on Monday that the former Steaua Bucharest man, who has 22 caps to his name, would not be fit to feature in either match against Greece.

Dinamo Bucharest's Dragos Grigore has been named as a replacement for the 23-year-old defender.

Romania play the away leg of their tie with Greece in Piraeus on Friday, with the return match taking place in Bucharest four days later.

 

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Vidic released from hospital after suffering concussion

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has been released from hospital after suffering concussion during the club’s win against Arsenal on Sunday.

Vidic left the field shortly before the half-time whistle after he collided with United goalkeeper David de Gea.

The 32-year-old was sent to hospital for further treatment and received stitches for a facial injury.

A statement from United said: “Nemanja Vidic has been released from hospital after suffering concussion.”

Since Vidic has retired from international football since October 2011, the defender’s next chance for feature for United will be on November 24 when David Moyes’ side take on Cardiff.

 

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Get well soon Vidic!

 

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Bayern: Schweinsteiger will be fit for 2014

Bayern Munich have allayed fears over Bastian Schweinsteiger's long-term fitness after the midfielder was booked in for ankle surgery.

The Germany international underwent an operation on his right ankle in June, but the problem has flared up again and will keep Schweinsteiger out until the new year.

Media reports over the weekend poured doubts over Schweinsteiger's ability to return from his latest setback, having suffered four similar issues in the past year.
However, the club insist the 29-year-old will be back in peak fitness when he returns after the German mid-season break.

Chief medical officer Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt told Bayern's official website: “Unfortunately there has been a large-scale media debate since last weekend regarding Bastian Schweinsteiger's state of health, conducted in a manner which is inappropriate and untenable with respect to the player."Opinions are being expressed by colleagues who have no access whatsoever to specialist information, including diagnoses and visual material.

"The injury concerns an extra-articular condition (situated away from the joint).
"The ankle joint itself is not affected. The post-operative prognosis may be regarded as very favourable.

"Bastian Schweinsteiger's fitness for the year 2014 is not endangered in any respect."

Schweinsteiger was a key figure in Bayern's treble-winning side last term and had made 17 appearances under Pep Guardiola before his latest lay-off was confirmed.

 

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Klose a doubt for Germany friendlies

Miroslav Klose is a doubt for Germany's friendlies against Italy and England after dislocating his shoulder in Lazio's clash with Parma.

The 35-year-old was replaced in the 84th minute of the game at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Sunday, and now faces further tests to determine whether he will be fit to play as Germany start their preparations for next year's World Cup.

Klose's third season with Lazio has been heavily affected by injury, with the former Bayern Munich man forced to undergo surgery back in September because of a metatarsal injury.

Germany coach Joachim Low could also be without Arsenal pairing Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker due to a virus that kept the latter out of the Premier League side's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.

The duo will not travel to Munich to link up with the squad, and it remains to be seen if they will be able to recover in time to face two of their prospective World Cup rivals.

Vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger has already been ruled out as the Bayern midfielder faces another procedure on a persistent ankle problem.

Germany take on Italy at San Siro on Friday in what will be Low's 100th game in charge, before meeting England at Wembley next Tuesday.

 

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Deschamps: I hope Ribery is decisive

Didier Deschamps says he hopes Franck Ribery is decisive for France, but does not mind who is as long as they beat Ukraine to reach the World Cup in Brazil next year.

Les Bleus face Mykhaylo Fomenko's men in a play-off on Friday in Kiev before the second leg in Paris on Tuesday, with Ribery in stunning form for club side Bayern Munich, which has already earned him Uefa's Best Player award and a nomination for the Ballon d'Or.

Deschamps is hoping for that form to be transferred to the national team, but insists it is not important who produces the goods for France as long as they seal a place at Brazil 2014.

"I hope Ribery is decisive, but if it's him or someone else, it doesn't matter," he told reporters.

"Current form is not necessarily what I will select players on, but it's a criteria. I'm not concerned about the form of [Mathieu] Valbuena, [Olivier] Giroud or [Eric] Abidal as they are dependent on their teams. It's been a period a little more difficult for Abidal and Monaco, but I have no specific worries."

Ukraine finished second in Group H behind England and ahead of Montenegro. Fomenko's men proved difficult to penetrate, conceding only four goals from 10 games; the joint-best defensive record alongside England.

Deschamps believes his side will have their work cut out and will have to keep a close eye on the attacking prowess of Evgen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko.

"Ukraine concede few goals. Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko are their two main threats down the wings," he said.

"I have no doubt there is support for the team. There will be fans in Ukraine and the Stade de France is already full.

"We cannot be considered in 'big danger' before the draw and considered to 'have qualified' the morning after.

"Ukraine will not be tourists."

 

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Cleverley: Arsenal win puts Manchester United back in title mix

Tom Cleverley feels Sunday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal puts Manchester United right back in the Premier League title race.

The champions struggled initially under new manager David Moyes, suffering three losses in their opening six league games.

But they are unbeaten since September's defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford, a run of nine games, including a win over league leaders Arsenal courtesy of Robin van Persie's goal.

It leaves United in fifth place after 11 games going into the international break, and Cleverley is delighted with the progress being made under Moyes."We didn't want them [Arsenal] to go 11 points ahead of us. It gets us right back in the mix and gets our confidence up," he said.

"This is a big win for us as we are ahead of [Manchester] City and not far behind Chelsea. We have also played some very tough games out of our opening 11 fixtures.

"I am sure we can get a run together and get right up to the top. It is what everyone predicted at the start of the season - everyone is improving and it makes for a really competitive season."

United will now continue their campaign with a trip to Cardiff on November 24.

 

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Vermaelen not considering Arsenal exit

Thomas Vermaelen insists he is not thinking of a move away from Arsenal.

The 27-year-old was handed his first Premier League start of the season in the club’s defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Vermaelen’s selection was due to Per Mertesacker’s illness, otherwise the Germany international was set to start alongside his regular centre-back partner Laurent Koscielny.

Despite making only six appearances for Arsenal this season, the Belgium international maintains reports suggesting he is unhappy in north London are not accurate.

“Yes. At the moment there is no story. I’m not talking about it,” Vermaelen told Evening Standard.

“It’s now November but any moment things can happen. If they do, I’m ready and I’m not thinking about anything else.

“I can keep talking about my situation. I’ve done that with the national team and I keep on reading stories that I want to leave. But that’s not the case.

“I’m still focused on the team at the moment and that’s what I want to do. I’m always positive.

“What I have said is that it is not about my situation but what the team do and I’m really happy that we’re top of the league. Personally I’m still confident I can play for this club and every chance I get I will do a job for this club.”

 

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Manchester United are gathering momentum, warns Evans

Jonny Evans has warned Manchester United's title rivals that David Moyes' men will gather pace over the Christmas period.

The defending champions made a poor start to the season by their own high standards, losing three out of six league games.

A run of four wins from five matches, though, has propelled United up the table and a 1-0 victory over leaders Arsenal on Sunday means Moyes' men are fifth heading into the latest international break.

Momentum is slowly building under the Scot, who replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in the close-season, and defender Evans has admitted United are focused on closing the gap between themselves and the teams around them between now and the end of December after beating Arsenal at Old Trafford."The result was important, especially with Arsenal being top of the league," Evans told MUTV."Apart from Liverpool, the other teams around us have slipped up, so it was big in terms of the points.

"It needed to be a good performance to beat Arsenal, and it was.

"We got off to a bad start [to 2013-14], but we talked about it, and we want to be within touching distance of top spot by the Christmas period.

"We know that we always finish the season well; we've got experience on our side and we've got history at this great club, so we're in a good position."

 

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Gerrard as vital to Liverpool as ever - Jose Enrique

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique says that captain Steven Gerrard is as important to the team as he has ever been.

The midfielder has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, forging a partnership with Lucas Leiva and helping the Reds to second in the table.

The 33-year-old provided assists for Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez in Saturday's 4-0 win over Fulham and Enrique feels that he remains a key figure despite moving to a deeper role.

"He has been playing fantastic like always. He's our captain and he's been really, really important for us," the left-back told reporters.

"When you get older, you lose something physically and, when he was playing with [Fernando] Torres, he was more behind the striker, making runs.

"Now he plays deeper, keeps more of the ball and works differently. He is playing with Lucas now in that sitting role, which he didn't play when he was younger.

"But the quality of the passes and the crosses he produces, and the free kicks ... at 50 years of age, he will still be doing the same thing! He will always have that and his quality is amazing."

 

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Neymar up against Ibrahimovic for Fifa best goal award

Barcelona attacker Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic are among the 10 nominees up for Fifa's Puskas award for the best goal of the year.

As part of the lead up to the annual Ballon d'Or ceremony, 10 of the top strikes over the past 12 months are available for football fans to choose from, with the options to be whittled down to the three most popular on December 9.

Neymar gets the nod for his strike against Japan for Brazil at this summer's Confederations Cup and he could become the first player to win the award twice.

Sweden forward Ibrahimovic is also on the list for his outrageous overhead kick from over 25 yards out against England in a friendly last November.

The only major European league on the list is Serie A, which has two entrants: Antonio Di Natale for an acute volley in Udinese's clash with Chievo in April, and Bologna's Panagiotis Kone with his acrobatic, twisting volley against Napoli.

Still got it | Antonio Di Natale's strike against Chievo in April makes the grade

Juan Manuel Oliveira capped off some fine one-touch Nautico passing with a stunning volley versus Sporting Recife to earn a nomination, while Pachuca midfielder Daniel Luduena gets his spot for having the audacity to shoot and score from beyond the halfway line.

Peter Ankersen's entry has shades of Marco van Basten's famous volleyed finish in the 1988 European Championship final, though Nemanja Matic's sweetly-struck goal from outside the box could sway voters.

Ankersen's strike | The full-back took the ball on his chest before volleying high into the net

There are also two female entrants: France's Louisa Necib for her long-range strike and Australian player Lisa De Vanna - who struck a superb overhead kick inside the 18-yard box.

The winning goal will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on January 13.

 

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Injured Costa out of Spain squad

Diego Costa has withdrawn from Spain's squad to face Equitorial Guinea and South Africa due to a thigh injury, with Juventus' Fernando Llorente set to replace him.

The Atletico Madrid striker's inclusion in Vicente del Bosque's side was much hyped after his decision to commit his international career to the world and European champions over the country of his birth, Brazil.

Costa made two appearances for the 2014 World Cup hosts in March against Russia and Italy, but was allowed to switch allegiances as he had not played for them in a competitive fixture.

He sustained the injury in Sunday's 1-1 La Liga draw against Villarreal, being replaced by Adrian Lopez in the 82nd minute at Estadio Madrigal.

Costa has hit the headlines for his scintillating early-season form, scoring 16 goals in 17 outings to propel Atleti into second place in La Liga and the Champions league knockout stages.

Del Bosque will also have to make do without Cesc Fabregas, who withdrew due to a knee injury and was replaced by Barcelona club-mate Marc Bartra.

 

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Messi out for up to two months

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will miss the next six to eight weeks of action with a tear in his left hamstring.

The Argentine, who has been plagued by injuries since the turn of the year, limped out of his side's game against Betis in Seville on Sunday after 21 minutes.

The club promptly announced that the 26-year-old was set to undergo further tests and it has been determined that Messi will miss between six to eight weeks with the knock.

As a result of his injury, Messi is likely to miss the games against Granada, Ajax, Celtic, Villarreal and Getafe, as well as both legs of the Copa del Rey clash with Cartagena.

Messi has had a string of similar injuries in 2013. He was forced to sit out much of the tail end of last season with a hamstring problem, which reoccurred at the end of September.

Despite Messi's absence against Betis, Tata Martino's side triumphed 4-1, thanks to goals from Neymar and Pedro along with a Cesc Fabregas double.

Meanwhile, Fabregas has been forced to pull out of the Spain squad for the upcoming friendlies against Guinea and South Africa with a knee injury.

The former Arsenal captain was withdrawn 10 minutes from full-time against Betis and has been replaced in the Roja set up by club mate Marc Bartra.

 

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Get well soon for Diego Costa & Messi!

 

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Rooney: Manchester United aiming to be Premier League leaders by January

Wayne Rooney has labelled Manchester United’s victory over Arsenal as a ‘massive lift’ and says the champions are aiming to be top by the New Year.

Robin van Persie’s first-half header secured the win at Old Trafford which has pushed David Moyes’ men into fifth, five points behind Arsene Wenger’s side who are top of the Premier League.

Rooney admits it was imperative that United beat Arsenal on Sunday and says the victory has pulled the club back into the title race.

"We knew we had to win today at all costs,” Rooney told reporters.

“That was the toughest we've been to break down and we defended really well. We knew we could not afford to lose, we couldn't let Arsenal get 11 points away from us.

"The other results today and yesterday also gave us a boost and we are right back in it now.

“It's a massive lift, a great weekend for us ahead of the international break. Our aim is to be top or thereabouts at the New Year."