..::Football III::..

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Napoli 1-1 Genoa: Late Calaio strike cancels out Higuain opener

Napoli were denied victory on Monday as Genoa loanee Emanuele Calaio scored a sensational goal against his parent club to secure a 1-1 draw.


Gonzalo Higuain's 18th minute strike looked set to prove decisive for Rafael Benitez's side, who sit third in Serie A.

However, substitute Calaio provided a stunning twist to an entertaining match with seven minutes remaining, beating Pepe Reina with a curling free-kick from 30 yards.

Calaio was understandably restrained in celebration after his wonderful left-footed strike punished the hosts for not putting the game to bed.

Napoli now sit six points behind second-placed Roma having played a game more, while Genoa remain 11th.

After Higuain had fired wide on the turn early on, the lively Dries Mertens twice looked to find the top-right corner, narrowly missing the target with his second attempt after Mattia Perin had saved his initial effort.

The hosts' early dominance was rewarded when Higuain latched on to a perfectly-weighted throughball from Marek Hamsik before lifting the ball over Perin to take his Serie A tally this season to 13 goals.

Genoa responded well, with Luca Antonelli heading over from a free-kick and Moussa Konate seeing a goalbound shot cleared by Federico Fernandez with Reina beaten.

Higuain then sent a driven strike just past Perin's right-hand post before Matuzalem escaped with just a yellow card after appearing to jump into a challenge with Fernandez.

There were further chances at either end before the interval, Mertens threatening for Napoli on two further occasions either side of Konate seeing a free header saved by Reina.

Konate dribbled into a promising position three minutes into the second half, but was unable to capitalise as Fernandez got back to make a crucial intervention.

A similarly fine challenge from Luca Antonini shut out Napoli's Jose Callejon before Genoa saw another opportunity go begging through Giuseppe Sculli, who was unable to hit the target after good work from Konate.

Sculli also brought a save from Reina with Benitez's side looking vulnerable, yet it was Calaio who had the final say.

 

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Kaka: AC Milan can still qualify for European football

Kaka is in no doubt that AC Milan can still finish high enough in Serie A to secure European football for next season.

By the midway point of the Italian championship, the Rossoneri appeared more likely to be involved in a relegation battle than fighting for a place in the top five.

However, Milan have won four of their six games since Clarence Seedorf replaced Massimiliano Allegri as coach, meaning they know lie just five points behind city rivals Inter, who sit fifth.

“I believe we can get into Europe, but we’re taking one game at a time,” Kaka told GazzettaTV.

“Things are changing, we are playing well and if things go well on the pitch the results will come too.

“I like Seedorf, he is a good coach. He has his philosophy of working and in the last few games it has shown."

Meanwhile, Kaka says that the struggling Keisuke Honda deserves time to settle at San Siro following his January arrival on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow.

“Honda needs patience," the Brazilian argued. "He has come from Russian football, which is very different to Italian football."

Turning his attention to his own situation, Kaka is well aware that he needs to finish the season strongly if he is to have any hope of earning a recall to the Brazil squad in time for the World Cup.

"I need to do well with Milan," he acknowledged. "Then, on May 5, we’ll see if my name is on the list for the Brazil squad."

 

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Napoli are missing something, admits Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez has admitted that Napoli are missing something, after watching his side held to a 1-1 draw at home to Genoa on Monday night.

The Partenopei dominated the first half at the San Paolo and went in a goal to the good at the break thanks to a sublime finish from Gonzalo Higuain.

However, they allowed Genoa back into the game after the interval and the visitors snatched a deserved draw through Emanuele Calaio's late free kick, much to the frustration of Benitez.

"We should have scored two or three more goals in the first half, which was really so positive," the Spaniard told Sky Sport Italia.

"Now we must understand that we need to kill games like this as soon as possible.

"The team is fine and the season is good, even if we're lacking something when it comes to seeing out games.

"There are still many games to play, but we can do what we did today, which is get close to the goal and then mess up the key play.

"Even though Genoa did not create much in the second half, we were not in control of the game. Had we played as we had in the first half, we would not have had any problems.

"Also if we had done better defensively, we could have won this game.

"But I'm not too worried. The president knows well that we were lacking something to be able to take some steps forward; to better manage these games.

"It's not going badly, but we could do better. We are, though, third in the championship, in the final of the Coppa Italia and in contention in the Europa League."

The draw means that Napoli are six points behind second-placed Roma having played one game more than the Giallorossi, but remain six points ahead of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who were also held on Monday night, away to Parma.

 

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Wayne Rooney: One Champions League title is never enough

Wayne Rooney claims winning one Champions League title "is never enough" and believes Manchester United possess the quality to go far in the competition this season.

David Moyes’ side face Olympiakos in Greece in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie on Tuesday evening.

Rooney won his only Champions League medal to date after beating Chelsea in the 2008 final and the 28-year-old maintains his focus has always been on a successful campaign in Europe.

"You always want to win," Rooney told reporters.

"One is never enough, especially at this club. You have to keep trying to get into those finals. The feeling you get when you win the trophy is incredible.

"There's no way you want to stop at one. You want to win every year. That's impossible, but if we can get to the final that will be great. It's an opportunity to win another trophy. Hopefully we can do that."

United topped topped Group A ahead of Real Sociedad, Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen and Rooney feels achieving a positive result should be his side’s main focus in Athens.

"I think we have the quality to go really far," said the forward.

"The main aim is to get the right result on Tuesday and then take each game as it comes. The year Chelsea won it they nearly went out about three times.

"You just have to keep going, whether or not we get the right result or not. We're looking to get the victory and then progress to the quarter-finals."

 

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Liverpool progressing quicker than I expected, admits Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool have progressed quicker than he anticipated this season.

With 11 Premier League games remaining, Liverpool sit four points behind leaders Chelsea and are unbeaten in the league in 2014.

The 41-year-old also revealed he had initially aimed for the club to be competing for a top-four place next season, as opposed to the current campaign.

However, when asked if he thought Liverpool had progressed further than he expected, Rodgers told talkSPORT: "Yes, I feel they are.

"When I spoke to the owners when I decided to come to Liverpool, I certainly wanted to be challenging for the Champions League by my third year at the club.

"But I haven’t been surprised by the players because I’ve seen how much they put into their game and I know the quality we have."

Having seen his side concede nine goals in their last six matches in all competitions, Rodgers admits Liverpool still need to improve.

"I think we’ve probably moved ahead of where I thought we would be this season, some of our play has been exceptional, but there are still areas of the team that I feel we need to improve on," said Rodgers.

"It’s been a wonderful season, to be in our position with 11 games to go is fantastic, but there’s still a lot of work to do."

 

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Moyes buoyed by 'vital' Rooney & Van Persie partnership

David Moyes has backed Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie to fire Manchester United past Olympiakos on Tuesday evening.

Injuries have hampered the partnership between Rooney and Van Persie this season but the duo both struck on Saturday to secure a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

United face the Greek champions in the first leg of their round-of-16 Champions League tie in Athens and Moyes insists his first-choice pairing can be decisive for the remainder of the campaign.

"They’re both vital to a lot of the things we do. They’re both excellent players," the Scot told reporters.

"Our record with them is far better than our record without them, that’s for sure. Both have had injuries - Robin much longer than Wayne - and both have got themselves back into shape.

"They’re both goalscorers and they’re scoring goals, which is great for us. That’s why they’re top players - they score in big games and make the big moments."

 

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Wenger predicts dramatic Premier League title race

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the Premier League title race could go down to the final day of the season.

After the league's frontrunners all picked up wins at the weekend, leaders Chelsea and fourth-placed Liverpool are separated by just four points - with Arsenal second and Manchester City three points from the summit in third, having played a game less.

With Wenger's men a point off top spot and due to face Tottenham, Chelsea and City within a fortnight in March, the Frenchman believes the title race is likely to go down to the wire.

"It looks like the last game could be decisive. Nobody knows. What is for sure, the most consistent team from now on will do it," he told Arsenal Player.

"Everybody has big games; everybody has difficult games. The Premier League is difficult for everybody so let's just focus on our performances."

Wenger's side picked up their first victory in three Premier League matches on Saturday, comfortably dispatching Sunderland 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Having been taken apart by Liverpool in a 5-1 defeat and playing out a goalless draw with Manchester United prior to the success against Sunderland, Wenger is pleased that his side remain in title contention.

"We've just come off of a little bit of a difficult run because we lost at Liverpool, we played a draw against Man United and we are still only one point behind Chelsea so overall that is a great encouragement," he continued.

"Let's go for the [remaining] 11 games with a real desire to do well in every single game - then you have a good chance."

 

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Casillas harbours treble dream with Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas has targeted a treble this season, but recognises the challenge posed by Schalke in the Champions League.The Spain international goalkeeper has had a trophy-laden career with the Bernabeu outfit, and counts five La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey medal and two Champions League triumphs on his impressive resume.

But Real have never completed the treble in their illustrious history and Casillas is keen to buck that trend by collecting a clean-sweep of trophies as his side strive for their 10th European crown.

"I'd like the last piece of news for this season to say that Real Madrid had won the treble," he said in an interview with Bwin. "That on May 24, Real Madrid won the first treble in its history."We know it is difficult because there are other teams that also want to win titles. But we are where we want to be right now, which is fighting in all three competitions.

"I hope the headline we see on May 25 reads that Real Madrid has won every possible title."Madrid continue their quest for a first Champions League triumph since 2002 in the last-16 first-leg tie against Schalke on Wednesday and Casillas is expecting a tough encounter, particularly from former Real forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

"They are a German team, a side that is physically strong," continued the 32-year-old. "They are improving in the Bundesliga and after a shaky start they are up in the top four."They have one player, Huntelaar, who recently recovered from a serious injury, and I think they are dangerous rivals.

"We are solid in attack, with decisive players who are in good form and that has to be our style: to maintain the defensive line with the help of the rest of the team, while trying to score a goal ourselves in every chance that we get."

 

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Muller ruled out with hamstring injury as Ribery nears Bayern return

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has been ruled out of Saturday's Bundesliga game against Schalke after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Germany international scored twice as Bayern cruised to a 4-0 win over Hannover at the weekend, but picked up a problem in his right leg later in the match.

After further tests on Monday, the club have confirmed on their official website that Muller has been ordered to rest for the next five days, meaning he will definitely miss the meeting with Schalke at the Allianz Arena and could potentially be a doubt for the game with Wolfsburg on March 8.

Meanwhile, Bayern have received better news on the injury front as Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri close in on returns to first-team action.

Ribery, who underwent surgery on a buttock problem earlier this month, resumed high-intensity sprint training on Monday under the scrutiny of the club's physios.

Shaqiri, meanwhile, is set to return to training this week after suffering a torn muscle against Freiburg.

 

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Dortmund can still win trophies this season, insists Klopp

Borussia Dortmund head coach Jurgen Klopp is confident of winning silverware this season, but concedes his side's title chances are over.Dortmund slumped to a 3-0 defeat against struggling Hamburg on Saturday, a result that ended a run of three consecutive league victories.

The loss means Dortmund trail reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich by 20 points and, while Klopp admits his team are too far off the pace, he is determined to maintain a challenge in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League, with his side currently preparing for Tuesday's encounter with Zenit St Petersburg.
"Some clubs are under pressure to make the final [of the Champions League] every year, but at other clubs everything has to come together just to get there in the first place," he told Fifa.com.

"We're somewhere in between. My priority for 2014 is to have my team complete the second half of the season in better physical shape. We've been hardly recognisable due to all our injuries."We needn't bother talking about the championship. Bayern Munich are the best team in the world at the moment, and unfortunately they play in the Bundesliga, so we're up against them all the time.

"We don't have a chance in the league any more. But why would we write off our chances in the other two competitions before we've been knocked out?"We're strong when we have everyone fit, and even when we don't have everyone fit we still have the desire. We've proved that and that's why we're in a relatively good position. We want to make the most of it."

 

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Rami: I want to stay at AC Milan

Valencia loanee Adil Rami is desperate to prolong his stay at AC Milan beyond his current loan spell after rediscovering his confidence at San Siro.

The 28-year-old made the temporary switch to the Serie A outfit in January after falling out of favour at los Che because of an argument with then head coach Miroslav Djukic.

Rami has since made six league appearances for Milan and has paid tribute to head coach Clarence Seedorf and his team-mates for helping him make the transition.

"I went four months without playing and that was a tough period for me," he told the club's official website. "I've worked hard to be ready and I have a strong character.

"Credit as well to my team-mates who always gave me confidence and the coach too. It's very important for a player.

"My dream is to stay here and do all I can for the team. I think it's a dream for any player to be here."

The France international was among the scorers as Milan triumphed 2-0 at Sampdoria on Sunday, but he insists his main focus is keeping the opposition at bay.

"The priority for me is to defend at the back rather than score," he continued.

"Of course, I'm also big and strong which helps to get the ball in the back of the net as well. I want and I have to continue to do well for this club. I want to give 100 per cent."

 

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Matuidi: PSG difficult to stop

Blaise Matuidi is optimistic about Paris Saint-Germain's chances of retaining their Ligue 1 title as he feels their rivals face a tough task to stop the reigning champions.

PSG beat Toulouse 4-2 on Sunday to extend their lead over second-placed Monaco to five points again after emphatically beating Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 away from home in the Champions League last-16 first leg game.

And Matuidi is brimming with confidence following the Parisians' good run of form."We know that we have the potential to score a lot of goals," Matuidi told the club's official website.

"The game against Toulouse wasn't easy, especially with this early kick-off time we aren't used to, and after a game in midweek against Bayer Leverkusen that took a lot out of us.

"But we showed everyone that it will be tough to stop us."

PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and defender Maxwell, meanwhile, both agreed that the club's forwards were crucial in Sunday's win over Toulouse.

"It's an important win after Monaco's victory on Friday," Sirigu said. "It's also important because this was an away match. It was tougher than usual, it's true, but winning matches like these really counts.

"They didn't surprise us. You have to adapt to each and every match and we are succeeding at the moment. Our strikers made the difference."

Maxwell added: "The five-point lead in the standings is very important for us. We weren't great in all the departments, but the main thing is the victory. It's very important to score when the chances come your way. Congratulations to the forwards."

 

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Vidic backs Manchester United to do 'something special' in Champions League

Nemanja Vidic believes Manchester United can win the Champions League in what will likely be his final season at the club.

The 32-year-old skipper confirmed earlier this month that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the current campaign, with Inter having all but finalised a deal to bring the Serbian to San Siro.

And Vidic, despite the side's indifferent form domestically under David Moyes, is convinced he can leave the club on a high and claim a second European trophy with United.

"I believe we can do something special in the Champions League. I really do," the Serbia international told reporters after beating Crystal Palace 2-0.

"I believe that if we keep playing as we did - solid - and improve our form again we have a chance to do something good for the rest of the season. That means fourth place and the Champions League."

United ended a run of three games without victory on Saturday, with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney both netting at Selhurst Park.

Vidic believes there have been signs of improvement ahead of their Champions League last-16 away tie against Olympiakos.

"We always believe we can do well, but we know we have to improve in every game and I think we saw some signs (at Palace)," he added.

"To win it you have to defend well as a team. This is the way you should play and that is encouraging for us before we go to Greece."

 

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'Natural goalscorer' Sturridge can get even better, warns Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has lauded the form of on-fire striker Daniel Sturridge and, in a warning to the rest of the Premier League, is confident the Liverpool frontman can get even better.

The former Chelsea forward took his tally for the season to 18 goals in 19 league matches, and is now second only to team-mate Luis Suarez in the scoring charts thanks to a run of eight consecutive matches with a goal.

Sturridge showed his predatory instincts to net twice in a 4-3 victory over Swansea City on Sunday, and Rodgers is relieved the 24-year-old plays for the Reds and not against them.

“He's a natural goal-scorer,” said the Liverpool boss. “He has great pace and it was a wonderful pass by young Raheem [Sterling] for his first goal. That gave us a great start and it was a really good finish.

“His second goal is in an area of his game he needs to improve. It was a lovely ball by Luis, clipped in, and he's finished it really well with the header.

“He just looks like he can score in every single game. He's got that ability, he's got that quality. Thankfully, he plays for us here and he's still got a lot of improving to do.”

Jordan Henderson also netted twice against Garry Monk's men and Rodgers says he has been encouraging the former Sunderland midfielder to get into the box due to his composure in front of goal.

“Jordan, he showed great leadership,” added the Northern Irishman. “You could see him driving the team on.

“We have been talking to him about getting him up there. In training, his finishing is sublime. He practises and works at it.

“His second goal really pleased me. I try to get him into the box because he has got the energy and he did that to score the winner.”

 

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Schalke can beat Madrid, says Huntelaar

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is eagerly anticipating the Champions League round of 16 tie against Real Madrid and is confident Schalke can spring a surprise against the Liga leaders.

The Gelsenkirchen side finished second in the group phase behind Chelsea to book their ticket for the knockout stages, and Huntelaar is determined to make it to the quarter-finals, although he acknowledges that Madrid start the tie as the favourites.

"I think that Real Madrid are the favourites, but we play the first leg at home and we are going to come out fighting," the Dutchman told Marca.

"Beating Madrid is not impossible, But that said, they are clearly the favourites to win this tie and even to win the Champions League."

Huntelaar scored eight goals in 20 La Liga appearances for Madrid in 2008-09 and he has fond memories of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu side.

"It's a special game in many ways. Madrid are a great club with some fantastic people and I used to play there…. I very much look forward to playing against them," he continued.

"It was very special to score goals for Real Madrid, especially in front of the home crowd at the Bernabeu."

The first leg of the round of 16 tie takes place at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday.

 

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Pirlo dismisses Real Madrid links

Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he has not been in touch with Real Madrid over a summer transfer and is keen to extend his stay with Juventus.

The Italy international's current contract with the Serie A champions is due to expire at the end of the season and Madrid are allegedly closely monitoring Pirlo's situation at the Old Lady.
Nevertheless, Pirlo is focused on his current club and is hopeful of agreeing terms over a new deal sooner rather than later.

"Real Madrid? I've never spoken to them. I talk with Carlo Ancelotti, but we talk about other things. I feel good here at Juventus," Pirlo told La Stampa.

"Juventus and I have spoken and we will meet again to discuss everything.
"We have a lot of matches to play and we must focus on them, but there are a lot of reasons to stay at Juventus. They are growing and it is possible to achieve your targets here."

The 34-year-old then briefly discussed the possibility of returning to AC Milan but was quick to stress that he has no intention of re-joining the San Siro side.

"Would I go back to Milan? No, not now. I did what I had to do there. I'm happy to be at Juve. I think that players don't have to go back to where they once did good things. I hope to remain here."

 

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Thiago Silva wants new PSG deal for Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva believes the club’s Qatari owners should display their faith in coach Laurent Blanc and tie him down with a new contract.
Blanc signed a two-year deal after being installed as PSG boss last summer and has guided the Parisians to the summit of Ligue 1 in his first season in charge.

And with a successful defence of the domestic crown looking likely – Blanc’s men are five points clear at the summit after 26 rounds – and progression into the Champions League quarter-finals all but secured following their 4-0 first-leg thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen, Silva believes now is the time for Qatar Sports Investments to offer the former France coach fresh terms.

Silva told L'Equipe: “It is important the coach feels good and valued at this club.
“If he does get an extension I hope he invites us all to dinner to celebrate the event.”Blanc played for Montpellier, Auxerre, Barcelona, Inter and Manchester United in a glittering playing career that culminated in successes at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France.

In his first coaching role, he led Bordeaux to the 2009 Ligue 1 title before taking over as les Bleus' boss in 2010.

 

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Arsenal set to announce new Rosicky contract

Arsenal have agreed terms on a contract extension for Tomas Rosicky, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Goal exclusively revealed in November that the midfielder would be offered a new deal if he featured in 25 games for the club.

Rosicky made his 26th appearance in all competitions for the Gunners in the 4-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, with Wenger "absolutely adamant" he must keep the 33-year-old.

"Tomas Rosicky will stay," Wenger told reporters. "We have an agreement with him and it will come out soon.

"I am absolutely adamant he has to stay at the club."

Rosicky returned to the starting lineup on Saturday and scored as Mesut Ozil was rested, leaving Wenger to sing the experienced midfielder's praises.

He added: "I think when he arrived here he was less a tactical player.

"He was purely creative, offensive player. Today he is a real organiser on the pitch as well. I like to have him in the team because he gives a real structure to our team."

 

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UEFA Champions League 2014.02.25 Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures

UEFA Champions League 2014.02.25 Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures

Zenit Vs Dortmund

Olympiacos Vs Manchester United

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Half Time

Olympiacos 1 Vs 0 Manchester United


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