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
Verona 2-2 Juventus: Last-gasp Juanito strike denies Bianconeri
A 94th-minute equaliser from Juanito saw Verona salvage a last-gasp 2-2 draw at home to Juventus.
Carlos Tevez struck twice in the first half to put the visitors in complete control, with the 30-year-old taking his tally for the season to 13 with two close-range finishes.Former Juventus forward Luca Toni pulled a goal back seven minutes after the break, and with time running out the Argentine substitute rose to meet a Romulo cross and head past Gianluigi Buffon.
Despite the disappointment, Juve are now unbeaten in 15 league games, although they missed a chance to extend their advantage at the top of Serie A after Roma were held by Lazio in the Rome derby.The visitors, who welcomed Buffon back after suspension, started at a high tempo and were rewarded with the opening goal in the fourth minute.
Kwadwo Asamoah raced past Fabrizio Cacciatore on the left and saw his low shot parried by Rafael, before Tevez latched onto the rebound to find the net from six yards.Verona put together some neat passing moves as they looked to respond, but more slack defending in the 21st minute allowed Tevez to double his tally.
The Argentina international sprung the offside trap to receive a perfectly weighted throughball from Paul Pogba, and fired through Rafael's legs from close range.
Juventus were in complete control for the remainder of the first half, denying their hosts a shot on target.
Verona finally got themselves into the game after the interval and halved their deficit in the 52nd minute through Toni’s sixth goal in his last six league appearances.
Romulo delivered a free-kick to the near post for the striker, who got ahead of Leonardo Bonucci and headed low past Buffon.
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was handed his debut midway through the second half and the Southampton loanee had an immediate impact.He saw a low shot clip the post on its way wide, and had a goal disallowed soon after as Asamoah was adjudged offside before squaring to the striker.
Buffon made a late save to deny Toni a second goal, before Juve central defender Giorgio Cheillini limped out of the match with 15 minutes remaining due to an apparent calf injury.
Verona subsequently saw a penalty shout turned away as Stephan Lichtsteiner appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area when challenging Toni.
However, it did not matter as Juanito rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser.
A 94th-minute equaliser from Juanito saw Verona salvage a last-gasp 2-2 draw at home to Juventus.
Carlos Tevez struck twice in the first half to put the visitors in complete control, with the 30-year-old taking his tally for the season to 13 with two close-range finishes.Former Juventus forward Luca Toni pulled a goal back seven minutes after the break, and with time running out the Argentine substitute rose to meet a Romulo cross and head past Gianluigi Buffon.
Despite the disappointment, Juve are now unbeaten in 15 league games, although they missed a chance to extend their advantage at the top of Serie A after Roma were held by Lazio in the Rome derby.The visitors, who welcomed Buffon back after suspension, started at a high tempo and were rewarded with the opening goal in the fourth minute.
Kwadwo Asamoah raced past Fabrizio Cacciatore on the left and saw his low shot parried by Rafael, before Tevez latched onto the rebound to find the net from six yards.Verona put together some neat passing moves as they looked to respond, but more slack defending in the 21st minute allowed Tevez to double his tally.
The Argentina international sprung the offside trap to receive a perfectly weighted throughball from Paul Pogba, and fired through Rafael's legs from close range.
Juventus were in complete control for the remainder of the first half, denying their hosts a shot on target.
Verona finally got themselves into the game after the interval and halved their deficit in the 52nd minute through Toni’s sixth goal in his last six league appearances.
Romulo delivered a free-kick to the near post for the striker, who got ahead of Leonardo Bonucci and headed low past Buffon.
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was handed his debut midway through the second half and the Southampton loanee had an immediate impact.He saw a low shot clip the post on its way wide, and had a goal disallowed soon after as Asamoah was adjudged offside before squaring to the striker.
Buffon made a late save to deny Toni a second goal, before Juve central defender Giorgio Cheillini limped out of the match with 15 minutes remaining due to an apparent calf injury.
Verona subsequently saw a penalty shout turned away as Stephan Lichtsteiner appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area when challenging Toni.
However, it did not matter as Juanito rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser.
Lazio 0-0 Roma: Spoils shared as Biancocelesti tame Totti and Co.
Roma's lingering hopes of challenging Juventus to the Serie A title were dealt a blow as Lazio held them to a 0-0 draw in the derby della Capitale on Sunday.
In a scrappy game of few chances, Roma dominated possession and came closest through Miralem Pjanic and a disallowed Gervinho goal, but a draw was the deserved outcome as Edy Reja earned a morale-boosting point for his side.
Lazio were without the suspended Lucas Biglia and the injured Helder Postiga from the start, with young Balde Keita handed a start on the left. Miralem Pjanic shook off a knock to start for Roma, who slotted Vassilis Torosidis in at left-back to cover for Federico Balzaretti and Dodo.
Candreva tested the Greek early on and his cross was tipped behind by Morgan De Sanctis, before Florenzi spurned the first real chance of the half as he volleyed Maicon's cross over the bar.
Benatia then scuffed an effort wide at the far post before Gervinho had the ball in the net after Maicon's shot was parried, only for the assistant's flag to rule out the goal.
Lazio continued to press superbly in midfield, with Ledesma marshalling Totti particularly well, and Candreva continued to cause problems for Torosidis on the counter as the game began to become stretched towards the break.
Gonzalez fired over from the edge of the area after Senad Lulic's cut-back before Pjanic missed a glorious chance when he failed to control Maicon's pass in the box, and Gervinho curled another shot just over the bar as the two sides headed into half-time with nothing to separate them.
Roma stepped up a gear just after the break, with Pjanic coming with inches of the opener as he fired just wide of the near post after good play from Totti.
Totti himself came close with two further efforts - one a rasping drive from distance, the other a left-footed shot dragged wide - as Roma continued to be frustrated by their organised rivals.
Roma continued to dominate territory but Lazio's impressive rearguard display restricted chances to a premium, and the Biancocelesti could have stolen the points had substitute Ogenyi Onazi found Klose when through two on one on the counter.
Michel Bastos poked just wide and then almost picked out Mattia Destro with a cross as Roma rallied late on, but Lazio held firm to deny Garcia's men the win.
Roma's lingering hopes of challenging Juventus to the Serie A title were dealt a blow as Lazio held them to a 0-0 draw in the derby della Capitale on Sunday.
In a scrappy game of few chances, Roma dominated possession and came closest through Miralem Pjanic and a disallowed Gervinho goal, but a draw was the deserved outcome as Edy Reja earned a morale-boosting point for his side.
Lazio were without the suspended Lucas Biglia and the injured Helder Postiga from the start, with young Balde Keita handed a start on the left. Miralem Pjanic shook off a knock to start for Roma, who slotted Vassilis Torosidis in at left-back to cover for Federico Balzaretti and Dodo.
Candreva tested the Greek early on and his cross was tipped behind by Morgan De Sanctis, before Florenzi spurned the first real chance of the half as he volleyed Maicon's cross over the bar.
Benatia then scuffed an effort wide at the far post before Gervinho had the ball in the net after Maicon's shot was parried, only for the assistant's flag to rule out the goal.
Lazio continued to press superbly in midfield, with Ledesma marshalling Totti particularly well, and Candreva continued to cause problems for Torosidis on the counter as the game began to become stretched towards the break.
Gonzalez fired over from the edge of the area after Senad Lulic's cut-back before Pjanic missed a glorious chance when he failed to control Maicon's pass in the box, and Gervinho curled another shot just over the bar as the two sides headed into half-time with nothing to separate them.
Roma stepped up a gear just after the break, with Pjanic coming with inches of the opener as he fired just wide of the near post after good play from Totti.
Totti himself came close with two further efforts - one a rasping drive from distance, the other a left-footed shot dragged wide - as Roma continued to be frustrated by their organised rivals.
Roma continued to dominate territory but Lazio's impressive rearguard display restricted chances to a premium, and the Biancocelesti could have stolen the points had substitute Ogenyi Onazi found Klose when through two on one on the counter.
Michel Bastos poked just wide and then almost picked out Mattia Destro with a cross as Roma rallied late on, but Lazio held firm to deny Garcia's men the win.
Tottenham 1-0 Everton: Adebayor snatches vital victory
Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal of the game as Tottenham beat Everton to move up to fifth in the Premier League table.
The Togo striker fired home his seventh goal of the season with a fine second-half finish at White Hart Lane on Sunday to move just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Everton had the better of much of the game but lacked a cutting edge in the absence of a recognised striker as their hopes of securing a top-four finish suffered a setback.
Tottenham were thrashed 5-1 by Manchester City in their last home game, but Tim Sherwood's side got back on track to move two points above Everton and three behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Roberto Martinez's team's away form is becoming their downfall in the race for Champions League football, as they have won only one of their last six top-flight matches on their travels.
Fit-again midfielder Moussa Dembele replaced Roberto Soldado in the Tottenham starting line-up, while Andros Townsend was among the substitutes after recovering from a hamstring problem that has sidelined the winger since December.
Everton defender Seamus Coleman also returned from a hamstring injury and came into the side along with Steven Pienaar and Steven Naismith as Ross Barkley, John Stones and Aiden McGeady dropped to the bench.
The visitors lined up without a recognised striker as Naismith got the nod to play in a more advanced role, but they still showed plenty of attacking threat early on.
Leon Osman had four chances to open the scoring in the first eight minutes, twice shooting straight at Hugo Lloris and also forcing the France goalkeeper into an outstanding fingertip save with a right-foot strike before heading Naismith's corner just wide.
Despite Everton's bright start, they were almost caught out when Danny Rose was allowed too much space to foray forward and deliver a dangerous cross that only just evaded Adebayor.
Martinez’s side undoubtedly had the better of the first half, though, and the lively Kevin Mirallas embarked on an incisive run from inside his own half and burst into the penalty area before firing over the bar eight minutes before the break.
Mirallas was off target again five minutes into the second half with a right-foot drive from outside the area as Tottenham struggled to live with Everton's brisk passing and movement.
Townsend replaced Christian Eriksen after 58 minutes as Sherwood attempted to give the home side some impetus, and the winger's England team-mate Barkley replaced former Tottenham midfielder Pienaar for Everton five minutes later.
And it was Tottenham who broke the deadlock out of the blue after 64 minutes, when Kyle Walker picked out Adebayor with a free-kick that caught Everton out and the striker controlled the ball on his chest before beating Tim Howard with a clinical left-foot finish.
Gerard Deulofeu made his return from injury and Martinez also brought on McGeady in search of an equaliser, but Adebayor came close to sealing the points with a second goal when he fired over.
Jermain Defoe was given a run out in front of the White Hart Lane faithful for the final time before his move to Toronto FC and almost signed off in style with a goal in stoppage time, but Howard denied him.
Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal of the game as Tottenham beat Everton to move up to fifth in the Premier League table.
The Togo striker fired home his seventh goal of the season with a fine second-half finish at White Hart Lane on Sunday to move just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Everton had the better of much of the game but lacked a cutting edge in the absence of a recognised striker as their hopes of securing a top-four finish suffered a setback.
Tottenham were thrashed 5-1 by Manchester City in their last home game, but Tim Sherwood's side got back on track to move two points above Everton and three behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Roberto Martinez's team's away form is becoming their downfall in the race for Champions League football, as they have won only one of their last six top-flight matches on their travels.
Fit-again midfielder Moussa Dembele replaced Roberto Soldado in the Tottenham starting line-up, while Andros Townsend was among the substitutes after recovering from a hamstring problem that has sidelined the winger since December.
Everton defender Seamus Coleman also returned from a hamstring injury and came into the side along with Steven Pienaar and Steven Naismith as Ross Barkley, John Stones and Aiden McGeady dropped to the bench.
The visitors lined up without a recognised striker as Naismith got the nod to play in a more advanced role, but they still showed plenty of attacking threat early on.
Leon Osman had four chances to open the scoring in the first eight minutes, twice shooting straight at Hugo Lloris and also forcing the France goalkeeper into an outstanding fingertip save with a right-foot strike before heading Naismith's corner just wide.
Despite Everton's bright start, they were almost caught out when Danny Rose was allowed too much space to foray forward and deliver a dangerous cross that only just evaded Adebayor.
Martinez’s side undoubtedly had the better of the first half, though, and the lively Kevin Mirallas embarked on an incisive run from inside his own half and burst into the penalty area before firing over the bar eight minutes before the break.
Mirallas was off target again five minutes into the second half with a right-foot drive from outside the area as Tottenham struggled to live with Everton's brisk passing and movement.
Townsend replaced Christian Eriksen after 58 minutes as Sherwood attempted to give the home side some impetus, and the winger's England team-mate Barkley replaced former Tottenham midfielder Pienaar for Everton five minutes later.
And it was Tottenham who broke the deadlock out of the blue after 64 minutes, when Kyle Walker picked out Adebayor with a free-kick that caught Everton out and the striker controlled the ball on his chest before beating Tim Howard with a clinical left-foot finish.
Gerard Deulofeu made his return from injury and Martinez also brought on McGeady in search of an equaliser, but Adebayor came close to sealing the points with a second goal when he fired over.
Jermain Defoe was given a run out in front of the White Hart Lane faithful for the final time before his move to Toronto FC and almost signed off in style with a goal in stoppage time, but Howard denied him.
Martinez rues Everton lapse in Tottenham defeat
Roberto Martinez blamed a defensive lapse for Everton's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
The Merseyside club had more possession and chances than Tim Sherwood's side at White Hart Lane but were undone by Emmanuel Adebayor's strike in the 65th minute.
The loss leaves Everton two points behind Tottenham and five behind fourth-placed Liverpool with 13 Premier League games remaining.
"We dropped our concentration," Martinez said.
"When the free-kick was given for whatever reason we were feeling sorry for ourselves, because it could have been a free-kick going the other way just two seconds before.
"Nobody steps in front of the ball and, the backline, we don't recover quickly enough. Our backline is too spread out and that's our downfall."
Despite failing to take at least a point from the fixture, Martinez believes similar performances will keep his side in the race for a top-four finish this season.
"I think we started the game really well. My concern before the game was to be able to come to White Hart Lane and be ourselves, control the game and impose ourselves on the opposition and we did that," said Martinez.
"I think it's fair to say that sometimes in football you're better to be lucky than good and today we played a good role and we didn't play the lucky one.
"But I thought from our point of view the first half was a very good performance, if there's any criticism you need to hit the back of the net when you get the chances that we had.
"If you're going to tell me Spurs would have one shot on target before the game I would have taken that.
"Looking at the performance it's disappointing because you don't get a positive result, but if we can take this type of performance into the next 13 games we are going to get a lot of points."
Roberto Martinez blamed a defensive lapse for Everton's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
The Merseyside club had more possession and chances than Tim Sherwood's side at White Hart Lane but were undone by Emmanuel Adebayor's strike in the 65th minute.
The loss leaves Everton two points behind Tottenham and five behind fourth-placed Liverpool with 13 Premier League games remaining.
"We dropped our concentration," Martinez said.
"When the free-kick was given for whatever reason we were feeling sorry for ourselves, because it could have been a free-kick going the other way just two seconds before.
"Nobody steps in front of the ball and, the backline, we don't recover quickly enough. Our backline is too spread out and that's our downfall."
Despite failing to take at least a point from the fixture, Martinez believes similar performances will keep his side in the race for a top-four finish this season.
"I think we started the game really well. My concern before the game was to be able to come to White Hart Lane and be ourselves, control the game and impose ourselves on the opposition and we did that," said Martinez.
"I think it's fair to say that sometimes in football you're better to be lucky than good and today we played a good role and we didn't play the lucky one.
"But I thought from our point of view the first half was a very good performance, if there's any criticism you need to hit the back of the net when you get the chances that we had.
"If you're going to tell me Spurs would have one shot on target before the game I would have taken that.
"Looking at the performance it's disappointing because you don't get a positive result, but if we can take this type of performance into the next 13 games we are going to get a lot of points."
Sherwood urges Tottenham to address 'slow starts' after Everton win
Tim Sherwood has urged Tottenham to address their "slow starts" following the club's narrow 1-0 victory over Everton on Sunday.
The Toffees forced Hugo Lloris into a number of saves and enjoyed more possession at White Hart Lane but Emmanuel Adebayor struck a 65th-minute winner to keep Spurs three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
"We started slow again and we’ve got to find out why," Sherwood told reporters. "Hugo kept us in the game early on – we have to address it.
"We did the same against Manchester City and we were out of the game, and it could have happened again today.
"The contrast between first and second half was good, they clearly took it on board. I want the ball played into midfield and if someone is marked, give them the ball.
"Risk the football. I want to play with risk – I want to be responsible in responsible areas, but I want them to risk the football and get a bit of rotation in the middle, it was a bit stodgy in there."
Adebayor took his tally to seven goals for the season and Sherwood believes the forward's displays have been influenced by the way he has been handled.
"It’s all about how he’s being managed, I think," said Sherwood.
"He’s going to have sticky spells, all strikers do, but he’s got the right attitude and application and I’m just delighted with him at the moment."
Tim Sherwood has urged Tottenham to address their "slow starts" following the club's narrow 1-0 victory over Everton on Sunday.
The Toffees forced Hugo Lloris into a number of saves and enjoyed more possession at White Hart Lane but Emmanuel Adebayor struck a 65th-minute winner to keep Spurs three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
"We started slow again and we’ve got to find out why," Sherwood told reporters. "Hugo kept us in the game early on – we have to address it.
"We did the same against Manchester City and we were out of the game, and it could have happened again today.
"The contrast between first and second half was good, they clearly took it on board. I want the ball played into midfield and if someone is marked, give them the ball.
"Risk the football. I want to play with risk – I want to be responsible in responsible areas, but I want them to risk the football and get a bit of rotation in the middle, it was a bit stodgy in there."
Adebayor took his tally to seven goals for the season and Sherwood believes the forward's displays have been influenced by the way he has been handled.
"It’s all about how he’s being managed, I think," said Sherwood.
"He’s going to have sticky spells, all strikers do, but he’s got the right attitude and application and I’m just delighted with him at the moment."
Conte slams Juve lapses
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has criticised his team's late lapses in concentration as the Italian champions threw away a two-goal lead against Hellas Verona.
The Bianconeri had led 2-0 through a Carlo Tevez double, but Luca Toni got the hosts back in the match at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi before Juanito nicked a draw deep into stoppage time.
And Conte believes his defenders have to be wary of late comebacks and keep their concentration.
"Games last 95 minutes and one lapse will get punished," he told reporters.
"We have to be careful not to undermine the good work we have done so far. We need to remain alert, especially from dead ball situations, otherwise we'll be punished like we were today.
"We need to show the same determination and hunger we've witnessed over the past two years, otherwise it will become very difficult for us.
"There were some serious lapses in concentration in the second half. Hopefully, this will serve as a lesson for the future.
"Now I'll make my assessment and we'll see. [Claudio] Marchisio and [Dani] Osvaldo are ready."
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has criticised his team's late lapses in concentration as the Italian champions threw away a two-goal lead against Hellas Verona.
The Bianconeri had led 2-0 through a Carlo Tevez double, but Luca Toni got the hosts back in the match at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi before Juanito nicked a draw deep into stoppage time.
And Conte believes his defenders have to be wary of late comebacks and keep their concentration.
"Games last 95 minutes and one lapse will get punished," he told reporters.
"We have to be careful not to undermine the good work we have done so far. We need to remain alert, especially from dead ball situations, otherwise we'll be punished like we were today.
"We need to show the same determination and hunger we've witnessed over the past two years, otherwise it will become very difficult for us.
"There were some serious lapses in concentration in the second half. Hopefully, this will serve as a lesson for the future.
"Now I'll make my assessment and we'll see. [Claudio] Marchisio and [Dani] Osvaldo are ready."
Dortmund suffer Reus blow
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Marco Reus and Sven Bender will miss two weeks and one week of action respectively.
The duo started the 5-1 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, but were both withdrawn after 65 minutes.
And the club have now confirmed that Reus had suffered a muscle tear, which will force him to miss the two upcoming games against Eintracht Frankfurt and the trip to Hamburg.
Bender, meanwhile suffered a strain in his right thigh which means he will be absent from the Pokal quarter-final at the Commerzbank Arena and next Saturday's meeting with Armin Veh's side.
Dortmund, who had been struggling for form in the Bundesliga, thrashed Bremen at the Weserstadion thanks to two goals apiece from Robert Lewandowski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and a Manuel Friedrich strike.
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Marco Reus and Sven Bender will miss two weeks and one week of action respectively.
The duo started the 5-1 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, but were both withdrawn after 65 minutes.
And the club have now confirmed that Reus had suffered a muscle tear, which will force him to miss the two upcoming games against Eintracht Frankfurt and the trip to Hamburg.
Bender, meanwhile suffered a strain in his right thigh which means he will be absent from the Pokal quarter-final at the Commerzbank Arena and next Saturday's meeting with Armin Veh's side.
Dortmund, who had been struggling for form in the Bundesliga, thrashed Bremen at the Weserstadion thanks to two goals apiece from Robert Lewandowski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and a Manuel Friedrich strike.
Monaco 1-1 PSG: Thiago Silva own goal sees spoils shared
Paris Saint-Germain missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 as they were held to a 1-1 draw by title rivals Monaco.
Javier Pastore's first league goal of the season, and his first in 1,207 Ligue 1 minutes, put Laurent Blanc's side ahead but they were not able to hang on and record an eighth away win in the league this season.
Monaco battled hard and they were level with 16 minutes to go as Thiago Silva put through his own goal.
The league leaders piled on the pressure in an attempt to find a winner but their efforts proved in vain and they had to settle for a point, which also extended Monaco's unbeaten run to five league games.
The draw means the gap at the summit remains at five points, with both games between the two sides having ended all square this season.
PSG, who recalled goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, made the perfect start to the match with a goal after just eight minutes.
Lucas Moura's corner from the right was met by Alex inside the penalty area and his header looped off a defender towards the back post, where Pastore was on hand to turn the ball home from close range.
Rather than panic after going behind so early, the hosts attacked the league leaders and Emmanuel Riviere had two chances in as many minutes to level.
The first came after Sirigu had made an excellent save from Lucas Ocampos as the loose ball dropped to the striker, but he was unable to guide his shot towards the open goal, instead firing wide.
Then, a few moments later, the 23-year-old Riviere wriggled free inside the penalty area only for Silva to deny him with a perfectly timed challenge.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first sight of goal came in the 16th minute, but he failed to get enough on a Blaise Matuidi cross, and seven minutes later his swerving free kick was pushed wide by Danijel Subasic.
Pastore should have doubled his tally, and his side’s advantage, just after the half-hour mark when he was superbly found by Marco Verratti. The 24-year-old jinked past Eric Abidal but rather than find Ibrahimovic, he went for goal and fired wide.
Ibrahimovic's personal battle with Subasic continued in the second half, with the goalkeeper again coming out on top as he got down well to push the Sweden international's free kick wide of goal in the 54th minute.
The introduction of Dimitar Berbatov just after the hour for Valere Germain gave the hosts more of an attacking threat in the final third, and within 10 minutes of that change Monaco were level.
Having survived a spell of PSG pressure, Monaco finally had time on the ball inside the opposition half and when Joao Moutinho released Fabinho, the Brazilian full-back delivered a low cross into the penalty area that was diverted into his own goal by Silva.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, but both Ibrahimovic and Fabinho were denied, despite some dodgy defending from Abidal, whose hesitation in the box almost led to a late PSG goal.
Paris Saint-Germain missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of Ligue 1 as they were held to a 1-1 draw by title rivals Monaco.
Javier Pastore's first league goal of the season, and his first in 1,207 Ligue 1 minutes, put Laurent Blanc's side ahead but they were not able to hang on and record an eighth away win in the league this season.
Monaco battled hard and they were level with 16 minutes to go as Thiago Silva put through his own goal.
The league leaders piled on the pressure in an attempt to find a winner but their efforts proved in vain and they had to settle for a point, which also extended Monaco's unbeaten run to five league games.
The draw means the gap at the summit remains at five points, with both games between the two sides having ended all square this season.
PSG, who recalled goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, made the perfect start to the match with a goal after just eight minutes.
Lucas Moura's corner from the right was met by Alex inside the penalty area and his header looped off a defender towards the back post, where Pastore was on hand to turn the ball home from close range.
Rather than panic after going behind so early, the hosts attacked the league leaders and Emmanuel Riviere had two chances in as many minutes to level.
The first came after Sirigu had made an excellent save from Lucas Ocampos as the loose ball dropped to the striker, but he was unable to guide his shot towards the open goal, instead firing wide.
Then, a few moments later, the 23-year-old Riviere wriggled free inside the penalty area only for Silva to deny him with a perfectly timed challenge.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first sight of goal came in the 16th minute, but he failed to get enough on a Blaise Matuidi cross, and seven minutes later his swerving free kick was pushed wide by Danijel Subasic.
Pastore should have doubled his tally, and his side’s advantage, just after the half-hour mark when he was superbly found by Marco Verratti. The 24-year-old jinked past Eric Abidal but rather than find Ibrahimovic, he went for goal and fired wide.
Ibrahimovic's personal battle with Subasic continued in the second half, with the goalkeeper again coming out on top as he got down well to push the Sweden international's free kick wide of goal in the 54th minute.
The introduction of Dimitar Berbatov just after the hour for Valere Germain gave the hosts more of an attacking threat in the final third, and within 10 minutes of that change Monaco were level.
Having survived a spell of PSG pressure, Monaco finally had time on the ball inside the opposition half and when Joao Moutinho released Fabinho, the Brazilian full-back delivered a low cross into the penalty area that was diverted into his own goal by Silva.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, but both Ibrahimovic and Fabinho were denied, despite some dodgy defending from Abidal, whose hesitation in the box almost led to a late PSG goal.
Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona: Classy Messi puts Catalans back on top
Two goals from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona regain top spot in La Liga following a flattering victory over Sevilla on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid held pole position going into the weekend, but their defeat to Almeria on Saturday meant Barcelona only needed to win in Andalucia to retake the lead on goal difference, and they duly obliged in pouring rain, despite Sevilla's best efforts.
Alberto Moreno opened the scoring at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan when his 15th-minute shot was deflected in by Marc Bartra, but the hosts were unable to pull clear as they missed numerous chances.
Alexis Sanchez equalised with a clever header after 34 minutes, albeit from a seemingly offside position, and Messi put Barcelona ahead just before half-time with his first La Liga goal from open play since September 28 against Almeria.
Messi gave his side a two-goal cushion 11 minutes into the second half with another sumptuous finish and, although the hosts had their fair share of opportunities thereafter, Barca claimed all three points, with Cesc Fabregas adding a late fourth.
Although Barca had more of the early possession, Unai Emery’s seventh-placed side deserved their initial lead, provided by Moreno.
Ivan Rakitic brought the ball into the area from the right flank before combining well with Diogo Figueiras. The ball then dropped to Vitolo, whose nudged pass allowed Moreno to hit a fierce shot that flew in off Bartra.
Sevilla came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage seven minutes later as Carlos Bacca headed against Victor Valdes' right-hand post from a devilish Rakitic free-kick.
Rakitic also skewed wide after being fed into the area by Bacca and Sevilla were made to pay as the champions converted their first opportunity of the game.
Nico Pareja was harshly adjudged to have fouled Messi and, from the resulting free-kick, Alexis knocked the ball past Beto with the back of his head despite appearing to be offside.
Barca scored again before the break. Diogo missed a tackle near the halfway line and Pedro capitalised by charging forward before cutting the ball back to Messi, who rifled into the bottom-right corner after teeing himself up.
Sevilla continued to spurn clear chances early in the second half, Vitolo stroking wide when one-on-one with Valdes in the 51st minute before Kevin Gameiro shot straight at the goalkeeper when pouncing on a rebound.
Messi then effectively wrapped up the win for Barcelona as he collected an Andres Iniesta pass on the edge of the area and coolly caressed the ball into the bottom-left corner, well out of Beto’s reach.
Bacca held off Gerard Pique before firing into the side-netting as Sevilla sought a response, but Barcelona remained strong at the back and enhanced their flattering lead late on as substitute Fabregas cleverly dinked the ball over Beto after Alexis' cutback.
Two goals from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona regain top spot in La Liga following a flattering victory over Sevilla on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid held pole position going into the weekend, but their defeat to Almeria on Saturday meant Barcelona only needed to win in Andalucia to retake the lead on goal difference, and they duly obliged in pouring rain, despite Sevilla's best efforts.
Alberto Moreno opened the scoring at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan when his 15th-minute shot was deflected in by Marc Bartra, but the hosts were unable to pull clear as they missed numerous chances.
Alexis Sanchez equalised with a clever header after 34 minutes, albeit from a seemingly offside position, and Messi put Barcelona ahead just before half-time with his first La Liga goal from open play since September 28 against Almeria.
Messi gave his side a two-goal cushion 11 minutes into the second half with another sumptuous finish and, although the hosts had their fair share of opportunities thereafter, Barca claimed all three points, with Cesc Fabregas adding a late fourth.
Although Barca had more of the early possession, Unai Emery’s seventh-placed side deserved their initial lead, provided by Moreno.
Ivan Rakitic brought the ball into the area from the right flank before combining well with Diogo Figueiras. The ball then dropped to Vitolo, whose nudged pass allowed Moreno to hit a fierce shot that flew in off Bartra.
Sevilla came agonisingly close to doubling their advantage seven minutes later as Carlos Bacca headed against Victor Valdes' right-hand post from a devilish Rakitic free-kick.
Rakitic also skewed wide after being fed into the area by Bacca and Sevilla were made to pay as the champions converted their first opportunity of the game.
Nico Pareja was harshly adjudged to have fouled Messi and, from the resulting free-kick, Alexis knocked the ball past Beto with the back of his head despite appearing to be offside.
Barca scored again before the break. Diogo missed a tackle near the halfway line and Pedro capitalised by charging forward before cutting the ball back to Messi, who rifled into the bottom-right corner after teeing himself up.
Sevilla continued to spurn clear chances early in the second half, Vitolo stroking wide when one-on-one with Valdes in the 51st minute before Kevin Gameiro shot straight at the goalkeeper when pouncing on a rebound.
Messi then effectively wrapped up the win for Barcelona as he collected an Andres Iniesta pass on the edge of the area and coolly caressed the ball into the bottom-left corner, well out of Beto’s reach.
Bacca held off Gerard Pique before firing into the side-netting as Sevilla sought a response, but Barcelona remained strong at the back and enhanced their flattering lead late on as substitute Fabregas cleverly dinked the ball over Beto after Alexis' cutback.
Inter 1-0 Sassuolo: Samuel header seals first win in 2014
A Walter Samuel header gave Inter a narrow victory over Sassuolo and their first three points in 2014.The 35-year-old defender's strike came just after half-time, when he emphatically headed home from a corner to give goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo no chance.
That earned a deserved win for Walter Mazzarri's side, who dominated for much of the game and perhaps should have had more than the one goal they scored.
In the end, though, it mattered little as they finally ended a poor run of form that had seen them pick up just two points from their previous five games and not win in any competition since December 22nd's victory over city rivals Milan.
Sassuolo started with six players signed in January, but the new-look nature of their side was not obvious early on as they pushed their more illustrious opponents back, Jonathan having had to head away a particularly dangerous cross.
Fredy Guarin then had Inter's first effort of note when he unleashed a long-range drive that had Pegolo scrambling to palm away.
Hernanes almost marked his first start with a spectacular goal after he profited from a poor defensive header from Paolo Cannavaro, but the Brazilian's fiercely curling effort whistled just wide of the top corner after 19 minutes.
Sassuolo could have taken the lead when Domenico Berardi’s dangerous free kick was met by Lorenzo Ariaudo after 24 minutes, but he could not keep his header down.
Berardi was instrumental in Sassuolo's last win - netting four against Milan - and he almost opened the scoring with a 30-yard free kick that was heading for the corner until Samir Handanovic made a superb flying save.
Diego Milito had two great chances for Inter late in the first half. First, Rodrigo Palacio's surging run ended with him setting up his fellow countryman, but Pegolo saved with his feet after Ariaudo's desperate block took the sting out of the shot.
An even better chance was passed up when Palacio sprung the offside trap and crossed to Milito, but he took a touch to control, which gave Pegolo time to smother his shot.
Inter did finally take a deserved lead after 47 minutes through the veteran Samuel, whose bullet header flew past Pegolo from Hernanes' set piece.
Sassuolo looked beleaguered and Pegolo almost put his team in further trouble when he punched straight to Jonathan, but he lashed wide when well placed.
The impressive Hernanes continued to threaten and his fierce drive was only stopped by the legs of Pegolo as Inter pushed.
The goalkeeper continued to keep his side in touch as he stood firm in the face of sustained pressure, but Sassuolo never looked like springing a surprise on the counter as Inter controlled matters.
A Walter Samuel header gave Inter a narrow victory over Sassuolo and their first three points in 2014.The 35-year-old defender's strike came just after half-time, when he emphatically headed home from a corner to give goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo no chance.
That earned a deserved win for Walter Mazzarri's side, who dominated for much of the game and perhaps should have had more than the one goal they scored.
In the end, though, it mattered little as they finally ended a poor run of form that had seen them pick up just two points from their previous five games and not win in any competition since December 22nd's victory over city rivals Milan.
Sassuolo started with six players signed in January, but the new-look nature of their side was not obvious early on as they pushed their more illustrious opponents back, Jonathan having had to head away a particularly dangerous cross.
Fredy Guarin then had Inter's first effort of note when he unleashed a long-range drive that had Pegolo scrambling to palm away.
Hernanes almost marked his first start with a spectacular goal after he profited from a poor defensive header from Paolo Cannavaro, but the Brazilian's fiercely curling effort whistled just wide of the top corner after 19 minutes.
Sassuolo could have taken the lead when Domenico Berardi’s dangerous free kick was met by Lorenzo Ariaudo after 24 minutes, but he could not keep his header down.
Berardi was instrumental in Sassuolo's last win - netting four against Milan - and he almost opened the scoring with a 30-yard free kick that was heading for the corner until Samir Handanovic made a superb flying save.
Diego Milito had two great chances for Inter late in the first half. First, Rodrigo Palacio's surging run ended with him setting up his fellow countryman, but Pegolo saved with his feet after Ariaudo's desperate block took the sting out of the shot.
An even better chance was passed up when Palacio sprung the offside trap and crossed to Milito, but he took a touch to control, which gave Pegolo time to smother his shot.
Inter did finally take a deserved lead after 47 minutes through the veteran Samuel, whose bullet header flew past Pegolo from Hernanes' set piece.
Sassuolo looked beleaguered and Pegolo almost put his team in further trouble when he punched straight to Jonathan, but he lashed wide when well placed.
The impressive Hernanes continued to threaten and his fierce drive was only stopped by the legs of Pegolo as Inter pushed.
The goalkeeper continued to keep his side in touch as he stood firm in the face of sustained pressure, but Sassuolo never looked like springing a surprise on the counter as Inter controlled matters.
Blanc rues late Thiago Silva own goal
Laurent Blanc was left to rue a late Thiago Silva own goal as his Paris Saint-Germain side were held to a 1-1 draw by title rivals Monaco.
Javier Pastore had given the visitors the perfect start at Stade Louis II with his first Ligue 1 goal of the season as the Argentine met a deflected header from Alex to head past Danijel Subasic from close range.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had three good chances saved by the Monaco goalkeeper, but the champions still looked on course to secure victory until Thiago Silva's 74th-minute own goal.
"The first half was better controlled, but after it was a bit more complicated," said Blanc.
"We came to win, and dominated the first half. We thought we could win. The [own] goal is a bit unfortunate."
The result sees PSG remain five points clear at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri declared himself content with his side's display.
"I am satisfied; we had a good game against PSG," said Ranieri.
"At half-time, I made changes to the system. I positioned three central midfielders and decided to play a diamond, both to attack, but also to release [Layvin] Kurzawa [on the] left and Fabinho on the right."
Ranieri insists claiming automatic qualification for the Champions League by finishing second remains his main goal.
"PSG is a great team. We are building," he added. "We have many good players but this is the first year they evolve in Ligue 1.
"The experience is very important. We are ambitious, but we played against a great team that plays in the Champions League.
"We must continue playing for second place; our goal is the Champions League. If PSG wants to lose the title, we're here."
Laurent Blanc was left to rue a late Thiago Silva own goal as his Paris Saint-Germain side were held to a 1-1 draw by title rivals Monaco.
Javier Pastore had given the visitors the perfect start at Stade Louis II with his first Ligue 1 goal of the season as the Argentine met a deflected header from Alex to head past Danijel Subasic from close range.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had three good chances saved by the Monaco goalkeeper, but the champions still looked on course to secure victory until Thiago Silva's 74th-minute own goal.
"The first half was better controlled, but after it was a bit more complicated," said Blanc.
"We came to win, and dominated the first half. We thought we could win. The [own] goal is a bit unfortunate."
The result sees PSG remain five points clear at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri declared himself content with his side's display.
"I am satisfied; we had a good game against PSG," said Ranieri.
"At half-time, I made changes to the system. I positioned three central midfielders and decided to play a diamond, both to attack, but also to release [Layvin] Kurzawa [on the] left and Fabinho on the right."
Ranieri insists claiming automatic qualification for the Champions League by finishing second remains his main goal.
"PSG is a great team. We are building," he added. "We have many good players but this is the first year they evolve in Ligue 1.
"The experience is very important. We are ambitious, but we played against a great team that plays in the Champions League.
"We must continue playing for second place; our goal is the Champions League. If PSG wants to lose the title, we're here."
'This is what happens when you try to hurt Messi's pride' - Martino
Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi has reacted superbly to doubts raised over his commitment to Barcelona by former assistant coach Angel Cappa.
Cappa claimed that the Argentine attacker has lost his passion for the game, words to which the Catalans' No.10 responded to with a classy double against Sevilla on Sunday.
However, Martino believes his strikes, his first goals in the Primera Division since September, have silenced his critics, and that he always has an impact even when not on the score-sheet.
"I would never risk speaking ill of Messi. Unconsciously, people who talk about him are in fact playing with his pride, and if you touch the pride of the best player in the world... the rival pays for that, and that's what happened today," the coach told reporters after the game.
"He is always decisive, even if it's just to draw rivals defenders inside. He becomes the focus of the other team's attention to such an extent that he creates space for others, so his involvement is always positive."
Additional strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas bookended the 26-year-old's goals to give Barca a 4-1 victory, profiting from a wasteful Sevilla side to regain top spot in La Liga.
The Blaugrana fell behind to Alberto Moreno's opener before Alexis equalised, albeit from an offside position, but the Barca coach felt they had good claims for a spot kick.
Martino added: "There was also a penalty on Messi, I saw it very well because I was on that side. Regarding the offside I didn't see it because my view was obstructed."
Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi has reacted superbly to doubts raised over his commitment to Barcelona by former assistant coach Angel Cappa.
Cappa claimed that the Argentine attacker has lost his passion for the game, words to which the Catalans' No.10 responded to with a classy double against Sevilla on Sunday.
However, Martino believes his strikes, his first goals in the Primera Division since September, have silenced his critics, and that he always has an impact even when not on the score-sheet.
"I would never risk speaking ill of Messi. Unconsciously, people who talk about him are in fact playing with his pride, and if you touch the pride of the best player in the world... the rival pays for that, and that's what happened today," the coach told reporters after the game.
"He is always decisive, even if it's just to draw rivals defenders inside. He becomes the focus of the other team's attention to such an extent that he creates space for others, so his involvement is always positive."
Additional strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas bookended the 26-year-old's goals to give Barca a 4-1 victory, profiting from a wasteful Sevilla side to regain top spot in La Liga.
The Blaugrana fell behind to Alberto Moreno's opener before Alexis equalised, albeit from an offside position, but the Barca coach felt they had good claims for a spot kick.
Martino added: "There was also a penalty on Messi, I saw it very well because I was on that side. Regarding the offside I didn't see it because my view was obstructed."
Mazzarri praises 'world-class' Samuel
Inter coach Walter Mazzarri praised "world-class" Walter Samuel after his header gave them a 1-0 win over Sassuolo.
The Argentine veteran made the telling contribution just after half-time with his first goal of the season, when he powered in a header that flew past Gianluca Pegolo.
That was enough to see Inter end a poor run of form that had seen them go winless in 2014, and Mazzarri was thankful to the experienced defender.
"Samuel? We've got world-class players up top and at the back, he's one of them, he's won everything. We needed a leader like him back there," the Inter coach told Sky Sport Italia.
"Obviously injuries and age have an effect, but the rest of the squad ought to watch and learn from the determination of Samuel."
Mazzarri chose to start with Diego Milito up front and he endured a frustrating game in search of his first goal since September.
The forward had two good chances saved by Pegolo in the first half, but Mazzarri put his inability to score down to bad luck.
He added: "Milito is such an important and intelligent player. He was unlucky with the chances, as one bounced right in front of him and another would've gone it were it not for a deflection, while Pegolo performed crucial saves.
"I'm sure he can only get better with more match fitness."
The victory was only Inter's second in their last 10 league games but it was still enough to move them into fifth in the table, and Mazzarri was pleased with the overall performance.
"We played well, it was tough and we know in Italy all opponents prepare tactically so they are balanced encounters," he said.
"We took a while to break the deadlock, which was rather familiar, but let's say we finally broke the spell.
"Both Hernanes and Fredy Guarin did well, though clearly they need to improve their fitness levels and can only get that with regular playing. You could tell Hernanes felt the tension of his debut."
Inter coach Walter Mazzarri praised "world-class" Walter Samuel after his header gave them a 1-0 win over Sassuolo.
The Argentine veteran made the telling contribution just after half-time with his first goal of the season, when he powered in a header that flew past Gianluca Pegolo.
That was enough to see Inter end a poor run of form that had seen them go winless in 2014, and Mazzarri was thankful to the experienced defender.
"Samuel? We've got world-class players up top and at the back, he's one of them, he's won everything. We needed a leader like him back there," the Inter coach told Sky Sport Italia.
"Obviously injuries and age have an effect, but the rest of the squad ought to watch and learn from the determination of Samuel."
Mazzarri chose to start with Diego Milito up front and he endured a frustrating game in search of his first goal since September.
The forward had two good chances saved by Pegolo in the first half, but Mazzarri put his inability to score down to bad luck.
He added: "Milito is such an important and intelligent player. He was unlucky with the chances, as one bounced right in front of him and another would've gone it were it not for a deflection, while Pegolo performed crucial saves.
"I'm sure he can only get better with more match fitness."
The victory was only Inter's second in their last 10 league games but it was still enough to move them into fifth in the table, and Mazzarri was pleased with the overall performance.
"We played well, it was tough and we know in Italy all opponents prepare tactically so they are balanced encounters," he said.
"We took a while to break the deadlock, which was rather familiar, but let's say we finally broke the spell.
"Both Hernanes and Fredy Guarin did well, though clearly they need to improve their fitness levels and can only get that with regular playing. You could tell Hernanes felt the tension of his debut."
Moyes bemoans Manchester United's luck in Fulham draw
David Moyes again bemoaned Manchester United's luck after his side were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Darren Bent's 94th-minute equaliser saw United lose further ground in their bid for a Champions League place, leaving them nine points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
Moyes was at a loss to explain the result after he watched his side put in 81 crosses, enjoy 75 per cent possession and have 31 shots on goal - 25 more than their opponents.
"We should have won," Moyes told Sky Sports. "A couple of lapses cost us a bit. I think we had to defend probably three or four times for the whole game. Sometimes that happens in football.
"We did everything to try and win, we crossed it, we passed it, we just didn't have the finishing touches."
Moyes pointed the blame at his side's wastefulness in front of goal and felt that Fulham were lucky to get a point.
"I hardly felt as if they were up the park at all today," he added. "They didn't deserve to [get the early goal] and we had deserved to be in front. We didn't take the chances we had.
"If we hadn't got back in the game, there would have been something up. We deserved to win the game, we deserved to get the three points. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve."
Moyes admitted that he thought his side "could have taken a bit more care with some of our crosses and deliveries" and refused to concede that their bid to finish fourth was over.
When asked if Liverpool were too far away to catch, he simply offered: "We'll do our best."
'Martinez & Muller exit rumours are bull****' - Sammer
Matthias Sammer has categorically denied that Thomas Muller and Javi Martinez will be leaving Bayern Munich.
Martinez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, while competition for places in the final third of the park has led to rumours that Muller could exit the Allianz Arena.
However, the club's sporting director strongly refuted the claims.
"Javi Martinez to Real Madrid, Muller, I don't know, to Dynamo Dresden - it's all bulls**t!" Sammer told reporters.
"We're a buying club, not a selling club. And to think about Martinez or Muller for only a second... that's the only thing that bothers me a bit."
Sammer was speaking afrer Bayern's hard-fought 2-0 victory over Nurnberg.
"The pitch was a catastrophe. You cannot play top-level football on a pitch like this," he continued.
"But Nurnberg did well. They will not be fighting against relegation playing like this."
Meanwhile, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola refused to speculate on attacker Toni Kroos' future.
The 24-year-old was left out of the clash against their Bavarian rivals for a second game running after missing Bayern's demolition of Frankfurt, and Guardiola said: "I comment only on players who played the match."
Bayern lead the way in the Bundesliga, 13 points ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Matthias Sammer has categorically denied that Thomas Muller and Javi Martinez will be leaving Bayern Munich.
Martinez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, while competition for places in the final third of the park has led to rumours that Muller could exit the Allianz Arena.
However, the club's sporting director strongly refuted the claims.
"Javi Martinez to Real Madrid, Muller, I don't know, to Dynamo Dresden - it's all bulls**t!" Sammer told reporters.
"We're a buying club, not a selling club. And to think about Martinez or Muller for only a second... that's the only thing that bothers me a bit."
Sammer was speaking afrer Bayern's hard-fought 2-0 victory over Nurnberg.
"The pitch was a catastrophe. You cannot play top-level football on a pitch like this," he continued.
"But Nurnberg did well. They will not be fighting against relegation playing like this."
Meanwhile, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola refused to speculate on attacker Toni Kroos' future.
The 24-year-old was left out of the clash against their Bavarian rivals for a second game running after missing Bayern's demolition of Frankfurt, and Guardiola said: "I comment only on players who played the match."
Bayern lead the way in the Bundesliga, 13 points ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
- Status
