..::Football III::..

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Balotelli makes the difference, says Villa

Atletico Madrid forward David Villa has warned his team-mates that Mario Balotelli is capable of making a decisive impact in any match ahead of Wednesday's Champions League encounter.

The AC Milan striker scored a spectacular late winner for the Rossoneri against Bologna on Friday, and the former Barcelona star believes the Italy international could hurt his side at San Siro - although he is equally wary of Kaka.

"Mario Balotelli makes the difference," Villa is quoted as saying by AS.

"They have many good players like Kaka. We'll have to be very aware.

"We want to play well, we're eager to have a good tie. We need to approach the tie with humility and be keen to progress."

Balotelli is set to lead the line for Clarence Seedorf's side on Wednesday although there are doubts over Kaka's fitness due to the Brazilian's ankle injury.

Atletico Madrid and Milan kick off at 20:45CET at San Siro.

 

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Ibrahimovic always wants more - Maxwell

Paris Saint-Germain left-back Maxwell says Zlatan Ibrahimovic's determination to win trophies can still surprise him.

The Sweden star has enjoyed league and cup success with AC Milan, Inter, Ajax, Barcelona and PSG in a glittering club career to date.

And Maxwell - who has played with Ibrahimovic at Ajax, Inter, Barca and with the current French champions - says the striker is an example to the rest of the game.

"I've known him since he was 19. And his thirst for victory is still intact today. That's what suprises me. Although he has won many titles, he always wants more," he told Le Parisien.

"Zlatan is an example to us all. To be cited as a friend is a pleasure for me. I'm very pleased that we've been playing together for all these years. It's rare in football."

PSG topped their Champions League group this season in impressive style to set up a tie with Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, and the Brazil international is eager to better last term's showing where they were beaten on away goals by Barcelona.

"The quarter-finals last year left us feeling like we were unfinished," he said.

"It would be a great victory for us if we were to do better. Leverkerkusen do not attract many people and aren't well know to the public.

"However, we're playing a game of such importance so we study every detail, whether it's Leverkusen or a more famous club. We have to qualify.

"When you move to a big club like PSG, the responsibility as a player is always huge. The pressure is too. PSG have ambitious plans. It's up to us to live up to expectations."

 

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Ancelotti: I told Seedorf how to beat Atletico

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he has given AC Milan boss Clarence Seedorf advice as to how to beat Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos overcame their city rivals 5-0 over two legs in the Copa del Rey earlier this month, and Diego Simeone's men now face off with the Rossoneri in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Seedorf played under Ancelotti during his time at San Siro and the Italian says his old charge has been in touch over how to best the capital club.

"He's a partner and a friend," Ancelotti told the Corriere dello Sport.

"It was inevitable that he'd request information. He knows how to deal with it. He's completely into his role. He has great ideas.

"Atletico play in the image of their coach. I remember Simeone as a player. He's smart tactically and gave it all. So his team are like him: strong, compact, with the mentality of a fighter.

"Milan must be careful about the counterattack and set pieces."

 

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PSG as good as Bayern Munich, says Worns

Former Germany international Christian Worns believes that Paris Saint-Germain are at the same level as Champions League holders Bayern Munich and is confident they can go all the way this season in European club football's elite competition.

PSG meet Leverkusen in the round of 16, with the first leg scheduled to take place at the BayArena on Tuesday evening, and Worns is eagerly anticipating the tie between two of his old teams.

"There is not much difference between Bayern Munich and PSG when you look at their players. Paris are a great team with a lot of high-profile names," Worns told Goal.

"They don't have to fear any opponent in Europe. They are one of the dark horses in this competition. They can beat any opponent when they have a good day."

The 41-year-old singled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic as PSG's main dangerman and stressed that Leverkusen cannot afford to allow the Sweden international any space if they are to be successful.

"It is very difficult to come up with a tactic to stop Ibrahimovic. He is very strong physically, has amazing technique and he's a real aerial threat as well. He is the complete striker.

"The only way to stop him is by defending as a team. You have to double up on him and make sure his team-mates can't reach him.

"Then again, PSG have a lot of world-class players in other positions, too."

Nevertheless, Worns is adamant that Leverkusen have what it takes to trouble the French giants.

"I think Leverkusen can spring a surprise. PSG have spent big and have some amazing players, but Bayer are competitive.

"They play as a unit and are very compact and efficient. Their players know what's expected of them. They sit second in the Bundesliga table for a reason.

"Of course, PSG have the bigger names, but let's not underrate players like Stefan Kiessling, Sidney Sam and Heung-Min Son. They might not be at Ibrahimovic or [Edinson] Cavani's level, but they are good players as well."

Leverkusen have not made it past the last 16 of the Champions League since the 2001-02 season when they eventually lost 2-1 in the final against Real Madrid at Hampden Park.

 

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Neymar: Manchester City are still novices compared to Barcelona

Barcelona superstar Neymar believes Manchester City still have a long way to go before they can claim to be a European superpower.

City spent upwards of €120 million on new players in the summer in a bid to ensure they qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time following two early exits under Roberto Mancini.

If Manuel Pellegrini's side are to progress further in the competition they will have to overcome a Barcelona side whose recent pedigree in Europe's premier club competition is unrivalled.

City have won admirers this season for their attacking prowess, which has seen them score over 100 goals in all competitions, but their lack of European experience will be their downfall against Barcelona, according to Neymar.

He told Goal: "I have read the things about Manchester City beating Barcelona because of the amount of goals they are scoring in England - but I think the reality is that Manchester City are still a long way behind Barcelona.

"They do have very good players - but we have much more experience in the competition.

"We will respect them - but if we concentrate and play the way we know we can - then I think we will progress."

Neymar returned to full training last week and scored in Saturday's 6-0 drubbing of Rayo Vallecano having recovered from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since early January, and he is hopeful of being fit enough to have a significant impact on the tie.

He added: "Of course I am desperate to be back for the games against Manchester City. This was why I chose to play for Barcelona - so I could be involved in important European nights like this.

"Every competition is important for us - but of course there is something very special about the Champions League - and it is my dream to win it this season."

 

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De Gea visits Al Ahli youth academy during Dubai trip

David De Gea caused quite a stir during Manchester United's warm-weather training break in Dubai by visiting the youth academy of Al Ahli, one of the country's biggest clubs.

Having accepted an invite from Millio Blanco, a coach who moved to Dubai under Quique Flores, De Gea's former coach at Atletico Madrid, the 23-year-old spent his time with the club's goalkeepers between the ages of 12 and 19.

The Spaniard praised the club's facilities, gave them some goalkeeping tips, signed their gloves and posed for the pictures below before departing with the thanks of club officials.

De Gea's detour is further evidence that United's mid-season trip to the Middle East is not all hard graft, after Argentina legend Diego Maradona dropped in on one of their training sessions.

Giving back | De Gea comes bearing gifts (Getty)

Star-struck | Al Ahli's promising youngsters share a photo with one of Europe's best (Getty)

Watch and learn | De Gea listens as Al Ahli coaches dish out instructions (Getty)

All smiles | De Gea shares a joke with his new friends (Getty)

No pressure | One hopeful gets to strut his stuff in front of Manchester United's No.1 (Getty)

Ready for action | De Gea strikes a pre-match pose with Al Ahli's young stars (Getty)

 

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Buffon undecided over Juventus future

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is still undecided over his future, with his contract set to expire in 2015.

The Bianconeri captain's agent, Silvano Martina, has revealed that his client could choose to continue playing in Turin, move elsewhere or even retire from the game.
"Gigi is the captain of the national team, plays for a great club and is always decisive in matches," he told CalcioMercato. "He has a contract with Juve and it's easy to associate his name with the Bianconeri.

"But at the moment, I can't say for certain what's going to happen. Maybe he'll retire, maybe he'll leave, maybe he'll stay."I just don't know what's going to happen at the moment."

Buffon has featured in all but two of Juve's Serie A games this season, playing his part in what is statistically the second best defence in the Italian top flight.

 

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City aren't a mini-Barcelona - Martino

Gerardo Martino rates Manchester City as "one of the biggest teams in the world" and says they are not a "mini Barcelona" ahead of his side's trip to the Etihad Stadium.

The two clubs meet in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday in what is one of the most eagerly-anticipated ties of the round.Barca, winners of the competition on seven occasions, take on a City side contesting their first Champions League knockout tie, but Blaugrana boss Martino is fully aware of the threat City pose.

Despite being without the injured Sergio Aguero for the first leg, Martino knows the Premier League title contenders carry a serious attacking threat."I really like Manchester City's diversity. They can create chances many ways, attack on the first and second line, go from inside to outside, (they are) good in the air, good in the set-pieces (and) they score a lot of goals.

"To defend that we must keep possession."City are very similar to us, maybe a bit more direct. I think the team with the least time on the ball will suffer the most.

"They are not a mini-Barcelona or a mini any team. They are one of the biggest teams in the world right now. They have great players from all over the world."

 

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I respect Wenger - Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola is has revealed his respect for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as he prepares his side to face the Gunners at the Emirates.

The two sides meet on Wednesday in the first leg of an eagerly anticipated Champions League last-16 clash.Defending champions Bayern knocked Arsenal out at the same stage last year, but Wenger's men are enjoying an excellent season, sitting second in the Premier League and through to the last eight of the FA Cup.

The London club are also unbeaten in their last 13 home matches, of which 10 have been wins, making Guardiola cautious."My opinion on Arsene is that I have a lot of respect," the Spaniard said.

"His teams have his quality and I have to admire the quality of my opponents.
"We are going to play one team that has all the season been up (leading the league), so now they are third or second in the league, but in the beginning (they were) there."It is a typical team that always puts in a good performance in the Champions League.

"The last eight, nine or 10 years they have been in the Champions League and they are a special team with (Santi) Cazorla, (Mesut) Ozil, (Jack) Wilshere, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain, (Aaron) Ramsey.

"They always have good midfield players, with combinations. You have to be good in both sides in our defensive movements and try to understand their game."
Bayern are also in good form and have won their last nine matches in all competitions, scoring 28 goals in the process.

 

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Henry: Messi is from another world

Thierry Henry believes that Lionel Messi is "from another world" because his former Barcelona team-mate is capable of "unimaginable" things on a football field.

The former France international spent three years playing alongside the Argentine between 2007 and 2010 and said that he witnessed the No.10 do things that he did not previously think possible.

"You cannot define him in words," Henry told El Mundo Deportivo. "He's from another world; the best.

"To have him beside you every day is tremendous. He does unimaginable things. I do not know just how far he will be able to go in his career, but he's definitely already an incredible player."

Henry revealed that he also loved his time under the tutelage of former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, explaining that the Catalan proved nearly as big an influence on him as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

"For me, personally, Wenger is like a father," the forward explained. "He is untouchable.

"But I must say that Pep proved surprisingly spectacular. From a strictly business point of view, he is the best boss that I've had because he gave me discipline and a proper view of the game.

"Everything was planned; he left nothing to chance and was always one step ahead of the others.

"Pep and Wenger are my two reference points [in terms of coaching]; both are extraordinary."

Turning his attention to Barcelona's Champions League last-16 tie with Manchester City, Henry is hoping that Blaugrana prevail but freely admits that they are going up against a strong side.

"It will be difficult [for Barca]," the New York Red Bulls striker conceded. "Manchester are better than ever this year.

"They have made a very strong investment [in their squad] and are showing their full potential in the Premier League.

"But I also think that having a rival like this will work well for Barcelona because City like to play without closing things up at the back. So Barcelona should be able to attack as they please.

"I'll watch the game on TV and I'll be cheering on Barca like a fan."

 

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Kaka: Milan ready for Atletico Madrid

Kaka insists that AC Milan are feeling "confident and ready" ahead of Wednesday's Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid.

The Rossoneri currently sit ninth in Serie A, 31 points behind leaders Juventus, and only managed to beat relegation-threatened Bologna at San Siro on Friday night thanks to a sensational late strike from distance from Mario Balotelli.

However, Kaka claims that Clarence Seedorf's side are in a bullish frame of mind ahead of the visit of Atletico, who are currently locked in a three-way tie for top spot in La Liga with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"After Friday's victory in the league against Bologna, we are confident and ready for Wedesday," the attacking midfielder said of the last-16, first-leg clash at the Giuseppe Meazza during a Twitter Q&A session.

Kaka admitted that the tie is also of the utmost importance to him from a personal perspective, as he has not yet given up hope on earning a recall to the Brazil squad in time for this summer's World Cup.

"I'm doing everything to avoid missing this date," the 31-year-old confessed. "We'll see if I will be part of the squad."

Kaka, of course, is currently in his second stint at Milan, having rejoined the Rossoneri last summer after a four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu with Madrid.

He explained that he never had any doubt that he would end up back at San Siro, as he always held such fond memories of the Italian club.

"I was sure that soon or later in my career I would return to Milan," he declared.

"The best beautfiul goal in my career was among the 101 scored in the Milan jersey: it was one of the two I got in Manchester in 2007 against United."

 

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Kaka: Cristiano Ronaldo the best I have played alongside

AC Milan midfielder Kaka has revealed that Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane are the best footballers he has faced and claimed Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player he has ever played alongside.

The Brazilian midfielder faced Messi numerous times during his time at Real Madrid, where he played alongside fellow Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.

Zidane was only involved in the set-up at the Santiago Bernabeu while Kaka was there but the 31-year-old appearances against the France legend earlier in his career were enough to leave a lasting impression.

"The best ones I played against were Zidane and Messi," Kaka wrote in aQ&A via Milan's official Twitter page. "The best one I've played with was Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The strongest defender I've played with or against is Paolo Maldini [Kaka's former team-mate at Milan]."

Kaka also expressed his delight at playing under Clarence Seedorf, who took over from Massimiliano Allegri as Rossoneri coach in January, but played down the chances of him following in the Dutchman's footsteps when he hangs up his boots.

"It's the first time a former team-mate is now my coach," he said when asked what it's like playing under the ex-Netherlands international. "I' m so happy about it and I think Seedorf will do a great job!

"I would say no [to coaching in the future]. I don't want to coach once I retire from playing, but I do not know if I will miss being part of the field of play. Who knows!"

 

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Ronaldo hints at future role with PSG

Iconic former Brazil striker Ronaldo has revealed that he is considering a permanent position with Paris Saint-Germain after the World Cup is over.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker has been mooted as a possible candidate to take up the role of sporting director vacated by compatriot Leonardo last summer.

Ronaldo, 37, says he is committed to boosting Brazil's image ahead of the World Cup in the country later this year but claims he could be tempted to become part of the Parc des Princes set-up afterwards should PSG come calling.

"I have a good relationship with the president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but first I want to finish my work as an ambassador for the World Cup in Brazil," he told Canal Plus. "Afterwards I'll take a couple of months and I'll see what to do.

"But I do not rule out this option. I'm already a voluntary ambassador of PSG, I love the city of Paris and I have great affection for the team.

"I love this spontaneous relationship that I have with the club. I'm a fan and a supporter of PSG, but an unpaid one right now."

World Cup winner Ronaldo has been out of the footballing limelight for the most part since ending his glittering career at Corinthians in 2011.

 

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Wenger is a winner, no matter what Mourinho thinks

Arsene Wenger delivered his retort to Jose Mourinho with a rapier thrust and a winning smile. No failure here.

The Arsenal manager starts this week with his team still fighting on three fronts and looking far from a 'specialist in failure' - at least for now.

Wenger watched his side reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Liverpool. It was a hard-fought, gritty victory and the Gunners rode their luck but it was a fitting response to Mourinho, not to mention the humiliating 5-1 defeat at Anfield eight days earlier.

Next up are Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, an FA Cup last-eight clash against Everton awaits and crucial Premier League clashes that will define Arsenal's title challenge.

Arsenal have not won a trophy since 2005 but are increasingly becoming the choice of the neutrals and romantics among us this season.

Wenger will not want sympathy, but he judged his riposte expertly to Mourinho's frankly nasty, pernicious failure jibe.

"I do not want to go into silly, disrespectful remarks," Wenger hit back. "I did not speak about him in my press conference and I won't do so again tonight.

"All I know is that it is more embarrassing for Chelsea than for me."

The best advice would usually be to avoid being dragged in to a war of words with Mourinho, but the Portuguese does not intimidate Wenger and this time he crossed the mark.

The weekend results do not prove Mourinho wrong, but remind us that any analysis of Arsenal and their season must wait until at least the end of the campaign.

Wenger has had his clashes with Mourinho before, he's been through this whole mind games nonsense with the great Sir Alex Ferguson, too.

And, whatever Mourinho says, he's a winner. Wenger has won three league titles and four FA Cups for Arsenal, qualified for the Champions League 16 years in a row and overseen the club's move to the Emirates Stadium.

While Wenger navigated Arsenal through rocky financial times, the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City emerged with their petrodollars to threaten the effectiveness of the Gunners' business model based on spending only what they earn.

In truth, Arsenal are punching above their weight by even competing with Chelsea and City this season. Will they win the Premier League title? No. Is Arsene Wenger an expert in failure? Not a chance.

The win over Liverpool was somewhat fortunate. The outcome would no doubt have been different had referee Howard Webb spotted the most obvious of fouls by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Luis Suarez and awarded Liverpool their second penalty of the game.

But the fight and spirit of Wenger's men gave them a much needed boost after their dismal Anfield performance as they prepare for an even tougher test with the visit of the reigning European champions.

Wenger has consistently proved the doubters wrong, including many among his own Arsenal support.

He took a gamble by resting several players against Liverpool, but his decision was vindicated and the likes of Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna and Olivier Giroud will start against Bayern with fresh legs.

In Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Gunners also boost one of the form players in the country right now.

The midfielder started on the right, scoring the opener with a clinical finish before racing down the right and displaying great composure to tee up Lukas Podolski for what turned out to be the winning goal.

With Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott out injured, Oxlade-Chamberlain's pace in behind will provide a target for Mesut Ozil to aim at when Pep Guardiola's men roll into town on Wednesday.

Arsenal have nothing to lose in their two games against Bayern and their focus this season should be purely on the two domestic competitions they have a great chance of winning.

It's unlikely Arsenal will win the league - City and Chelsea are too strong - so the FA Cup represents their best chance of ending that nine-year drought.

But when it looked like it could all crumble as Wenger looked to pick up the squad following a crushing defeat and found himself under a barrage of abuse from Mourinho, the Frenchman found the answer.

 

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Barcelona no longer Champions League favourites, says Lahm

Bayern Munich veteran Philipp Lahm has suggested that Barcelona are no longer the top dogs in Europe ahead of the Champions League knockout stages kicking off on Tuesday.

The Bavarians humiliated Barcelona last season by eliminating them with a 7-0 aggregate win in the semi-final stage en route to beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the final at Wembley.

Lahm, whose team have been drawn against Arsenal in the last 16 for the second season in a row, does not think Barca have a monopoly on being the favourites as they did when Pep Guardiola - who now coaches die Roten - was in charge at Camp Nou.

"I hope we can defend it," the 30-year-old said to Kicker when asked if Bayern can win back-to-back titles for the first time since AC Milan in 1990.

"But there are several teams that have the potential to be the overall winner. In recent years, it was always about Barcelona for the title, but now we are the defending champions.

"There is not one team that I can see as favourite for winning the cup. Real Madrid, for example, will challenge us though."

Lahm has excelled in his new defensive midfielder position this season and says he always knew he could shine in the role, but thinks the Allianz Arena side are doomed in their pursuit of footballing perfection.

"I always thought that I meet the requirements of a midfielder knew," the Germany international added.

"We can never achieve perfect football at Bayern because the game is always changing. There are always new influences and different styles."

Bayern head into their visit to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday on the back of a 4-0 win against Freiburg on Saturday, though they will be without wingers Xherdan Shaqiri and Franck Ribery.

 

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Vidic agrees Inter switch

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has agreed a deal to join Inter.

The Serbia international, who announced in January that he intended to leave Old Trafford this summer, will sign a two-year contract worth €3 million (potentially rising to €3.5m) per year.

Vidic is understood to have informed United of his decision to move to Italy after a deal was agreed following the club's 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Wednesday night.

Piero Ausilio, Inter's general manager, has been in close contact with Vidic's entourage since January and spoke in glowing terms of the defender after he made his announcement to leave United.

Ausilio was in attendance for the Premier League clash against the Gunners where a gentleman's agreement was struck between the two parties.

Erick Thohir, the Inter chairman, views Vidic as a potential ambassador for the club and is looking to use the player's vast experience as a means to engage his home nation's interest in football and open up the Indonesian market.

Vidic will become the Serie A side's first signing of the summer and is seen as a sensible piece of business, adding experience, quality and value for money given no transfer fee will be paid.

Monaco and Galatasaray showed interest in Vidic but the centre-back judged Inter's offer to be the most appealing.

Vidic moved to Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow in 2006 and has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in his eight years with the Red Devils.

 

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UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures

Manchester City Vs Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen Vs PSG

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Manchester City Vs Barcelona patta gemak yai

 

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Half Time

Leverkusen 0 Vs 3 PSG

Manchester City 0 Vs 0 Barcelona
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Full Time

Manchester City 0 Vs 2 Barcelona

Barcelona Goal(s)

Messi 54 (PEN)'
Dani Alves 90'
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