..::Football III::..

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Januzaj must be rested by Man Utd, says Phil Neville

Adnan Januzaj needs to be managed carefully to ensure he fulfils his huge potential, according to Manchester United first-team coach Phil Neville.

The emergence of the 19-year-old has been one of the few positive points of a below-par season for United, with the reigning Premier League champions sitting sixth in the table and facing a 2-0 deficit ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Olympiakos.

However, while praising the impact Januzaj has had in his fledgling Old Trafford career, Neville feels the playmaker is far from the finished article, and should not be expected to play every game while he adapts to the demands of performing at the highest level."Everyone knew we had a special talent on our hands, but the real test comes when you play at Old Trafford," Neville told United's official website.

"So that was the question back in pre-season: has he got the temperament to play for Manchester United at Old Trafford?"Well, I think he's answered that. You have to have the courage, the belief, the confidence, the determination to play for Manchester United - those characteristics are key to a player's success here and Adnan is no different.

"It's still early doors for him, though, and I think we've treated him right. We've played him in games and we've also rested him in others and given him a bit of a breather."We have to make sure that in two or three years he's still improving and reaching the levels we hope he can reach. That's our job as coaches."

Belgian-born Januzaj - who joined United from Anderlecht in 2011 - has made 26 appearances in all competitions this term, and put pen to paper on a new, five-year contract in October.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2014.03.02 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2014.03.02 Fixtures

Aston Villa Vs Norwich City

Swansea Vs Crystal Palace

Totttenham Vs Cardiff City

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Capital One Cup Final 2014.03.02

Capital One Cup Final 2014.03.02

Manchester City Vs Sunderland

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La Liga 2014.03.02 Fixtures

La Liga 2014.03.02 Fixtures

Villareal Vs Real Betis

Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid

Sevilla Vs Real Sociedad

Barcelona Vs Almeria

Rayo Vallecano Vs Valencia​

 

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Atletico Madrid Vs Real Madrid pattama gemak yai

 

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Serie A 2014.03.02 Fixtures

Serie A 2014.03.02 Fixtures

Cagliari Vs Udinese

Atalanta Vs Chievo

Genoa Vs Catania

Hellas Verona Vs Bologna

Sassuolo Vs Parma

Torino Vs Sampdoria

Livorno Vs Napoli

AC Milan Vs Juventus

Fiorentina Vs Lazio​

 

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Manchester City 3-1 Sunderland: Pellegrini's men come from behind for Capital One Cup glory

Manuel Pellegrini lifted his first major trophy with Manchester City after an enthralling 3-1 Capital One Cup final victory over Sunderland.

The Chilean was brought to the club with the remit of winning silverware and, though City were behind at the break, he duly delivered at Wembley on Sunday thanks to wonder goals from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, with Jesus Navas adding the third late on.Gus Poyet's men played their part in an exhilarating contest and Fabio Borini's superb opener left City fans fearing more Wembley disappointment following the 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic in May's FA Cup final.

But, ultimately, City lived up to the favourites tag to leave their hopes of a quadruple still on course, though they will have to overcome a 2-0 deficit against Barcelona in their Champions League tie.

Despite controlling the early tempo, City were given a warning when Jack Colback tapped home Borini's slide pass, but the whistle had long since gone for offside.
Having survived that scare, Sergio Aguero, making his return from a month-long injury absence, made his first contribution on nine minutes when he forced Mannone into a smart save from 20 yards.

But just a minute later the Sunderland fans were sent into raptures. Johnson floated a superb ball from the halfway line that Borini collected on the edge of the area before holding off the challenge of Kompany and applying an expert finish with the outside of his boot.There was no let up from Sunderland, who caused havoc with two corners as first Borini saw an effort from the edge of the box deflected over, while Wes Brown put a free header wide.

A clearly rattled City gradually began to exert some pressure and Borini had to be on hand to clear the danger inside the six-yard box after Aleksandar Kolarov's flicked header.Poyet's men still looked remarkably assured, however, and it required a superb last-ditch tackle from Kompany to prevent Borini having another opportunity to score on 38 minutes after the Italian had broken free of the defence.

Seeking a swift response after the break, City saw David Silva hit a tame effort at Mannone, before at the other end Ki Sung-Yueng's flash shot from distance forced Costel Pantilimon into action.The game then turned on two unstoppable strikes in as many minutes.

First Pablo Zabaleta, sent off in the Wigan reverse, played the ball square to Toure, and the Ivorian planted his long-range strike into the top corner from 30 yards.And City stole ahead on 57 minutes. Kolarov's cross from the left was deflected into the path of Nasri, who connected with a sweetly struck first-time shot that flew into the corner of the goal.

Sunderland refused to lie down but it was City who looked the more likely to score again, with Kompany's near-post volley flashing just wide in the closing stages.And the result was sealed in the last minute when Navas put the finishing touch on a swift breakaway.

Poyet will now turn his attention to Sunderland's fight for top-flight survival, while Pellegrini's side have matters to attend to at the other end of the table, with a six-point gap to league leaders Chelsea having opened up over the weekend.

 

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Congratulations Manchester City!

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AC Milan 0-2 Juventus: Tevez screamer sinks Seedorf's men

Carlos Tevez's second-half strike condemned AC Milan to a 2-0 defeat at San Siro as Juventus' unbeatable form continued on Sunday.

After spending most of the first period on the back foot, Juve pounced in the final minutes of the half through Fernando Llorente's close-range strike before Tevez scored spectacularly from distance after the break to confirm a win that moves Antonio Conte's men 11 points clear of Roma.

The result also continues Juve's remarkable run of scoring in every league game this season as goals from both strikers kept them on course for the title.

A home reverse ended Milan's bid for a third straight league victory but they will certainly take heart from their first-half performance in particular, when they could have scored but for a combination of wasteful finishing, a goalline clearance and the presence of Gianluigi Buffon in the Juve goal.

The Rossoneri were without Mario Balotelli through injury but created early openings when Adel Taarabt fired in a long-range effort that Buffon easily dealt with, before Kaka blasted wide.

Tevez and Llorente were back in the starting XI after being rested for the Europa League clash with Trabzonspor and they combined well to fashion an early chance for the visitors, but Tevez shot straight at Christian Abbiati.

The champions should have taken the lead after 18 minutes when Stephan Lichtsteiner met a low cross at the back post, only for Abbiati to produce a fine save.

In a breathless opening, Milan went close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes when Kaka saw his first effort saved by Buffon and, although he beat the Italian with the rebound, Leonardo Bonucci cleared off the line.

Milan continued to impress and Andrea Poli wasted a good chance after 32 minutes when he sliced over from 18 yards.

Buffon had to be at his best a few moments later as he made a sprawling save to palm away Riccardo Montolivo's piledriver.

The Bianconeri were under siege and Kaka produced a fine curling effort that forced Buffon into a superb save. Poli should have converted the rebound but fired over.

And the hosts were made to pay for their profligacy a minute later when Lichtsteiner pulled the ball back for Llorente to tap home his 13th of the season

The pace showed no signs of dropping early in the second half. Tevez brushed Adil Rami off the ball before forcing Abbiati into a low save before, at the other end, Taarabt's cross was missed by everybody and Buffon had to parry the ball away.

Juve made the game safe after 67 minutes when Tevez produced a stunning 25-yard strike that flew past Abbiati and went in off the crossbar.

The scoreline could have been even worse for Milan soon afterwards, as Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba both hit the woodwork late on, but a third would have been harsh on Milan - who struck the frame of the goal themselves in a frantic finish through Robinho.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Olympique de Marseille: Maxwell & Cavani give Parisiens Classique victory

Paris Saint-Germain secured a Classique double over Olympique de Marseille by winning 2-0 on Sunday and took a giant step towards the Ligue 1 title in the process.

Second half goals from Maxwell and Edinson Cavani saw the Parisiens move eight points clear at the top of the table following Monaco's surprise 2-0 defeat to Saint-Etienne. Paris Saint-Germain opened the scoring five minutes into the second half through Brazilian defender Maxwell, before Cavani came off the bench to head home his 21st goal of the campaign.

Cavani was left out of the starting XI despite having returned to full fitness following a thigh injury, but the hosts still offered plenty of firepower and should have taken the lead six minutes in when Ezequiel Lavezzi wasted a glorious opportunity.

The Argentine was played through by Lucas Moura but, instead of squaring the ball to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he rounded goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and sent his shot narrowly wide of the post.

Marseille did not heed that early warning, though, and they were grateful to defender Rod Fanni for clearing Lucas' effort off the line after the winger had beaten several defenders.

The visitors did offer a sporadic attacking threat of their own, midfielder Mathieu Valbuena forcing PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu into a strong diving save with a curling strike from the edge of the area before half-time.

The breakthrough arrived almost immediately following the restart as Maxwell slotted a composed finish underneath Mandanda after being played through by Ibrahimovic.

Jose Anigo's side offered little in response and were consistently on the back foot as they struggled to create goalscoring opportunities.

Cavani's introduction came in the 70th minute and the former Napoli man did not take long to find the net, converting with a bullet header from Gregory van der Wiel's right-wing delivery.

Ibrahimovic then missed the chance to add gloss to the scoreline with a lofted finish, but that proved to be little more than a footnote in a superb win for PSG.

 

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Tottenham 1-0 Cardiff City: Soldado strike enough for three points

Roberto Soldado broke his scoring duck as Tottenham kept their top-four challenge alive with an unconvincing victory over Cardiff City at White Hart Lane.

Having taken just 10 points from the nine league matches that have immediately followed Europa League ties this season, Spurs built on their 3-1 win over Dnipro on Thursday with a hard-fought victory. Tim Sherwood's men took the lead through Soldado after 28 minutes as the Spaniard found the net for the first time since December 29.



Strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor selflessly opted to play the Spaniard in before Soldado took a touch and fired the ball past David Marshall with the outside of his right boot.

It proved to be the only goal of the game as 19th-placed Cardiff - without an away league win since September - saw their relegation fears heightened.

Aaron Lennon, one of two Spurs changes, was quick to make an impact, providing a cross after just a minute that Soldado was only able to divert wide.
Craig Bellamy, making his return from a three-match suspension, then whistled a free-kick over the crossbar before laying on an opportunity for Fabio, whose shot was well blocked by Michael Dawson.Andros Townsend was next to threaten during an open first 15 minutes, forcing Marshall into action with a low, driven effort.

After seeing Dawson go close with a volley and a header from a corner, Tottenham continued to dominate possession and were soon rewarded.Soldado showed his quality to latch on to Adebayor's pass, calmly control the ball and place it home to register his first goal of 2014.

Steven Caulker almost levelled against his former club, crashing a header against the crossbar from Bellamy's corner, and Declan John stung the palms of Hugo Lloris three minutes before the break to offer a reminder Cardiff were still in the contest.Lennon almost weaved his way through the visiting backline five minutes into the second half and continued to cause problems, drawing a foul from John just outside the penalty area.

Townsend tested Marshall with the resulting free-kick and the goalkeeper denied substitute Harry Kane late on, although it mattered little as Cardiff failed to find a leveller. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, who visit bottom club Fulham on Saturday, remain three points off West Brom in 17th, having played a game more than Pepe Mel's men.

For Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood, the win represents an ideal tonic ahead of Premer League clashes with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea later this month, as well as a Europa League tie against Benfica.

 

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Barcelona 4-1 Almeria: Messi & Puyol put Catalans one point off Real Madrid

Barcelona reacted to the draw between their title rivals by defeating Almeria 4-1 on Sunday to go one point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Alexis Sanchez gave Barca the lead before Lionel Messi netted his 229th La Liga goal with an inch-perfect free-kick, a strike that saw the Argentinian overtake Real legend Raul to become the third-highest Liga scorer in history. Angel Trujillo unexpectedly pulled one back for Almeria but goals from Carles Puyol and Xavi completed the rout.

Gerardo Martino made six changes to the side which lost 3-1 to Real Sociedad last week, with Andres Iniesta being the most high-profile player to lose his place.

Barca looked destined to put that disappointment behind them from the outset, with Sanchez opening the scoring after just nine minutes by converting the rebound after Esteban failed to hold Cesc Fabregas' effort.

Almeria's task then became even more daunting on 25 minutes, as Messi expertly curled an unstoppable free-kick into the top-left corner from 25 yards to claim yet another goalscoring milestone.

However, Almeria earned themselves an unlikely lifeline just two minutes later, when Miguel Angel Corona's inviting corner was headed past the stranded Victor Valdes by defender Trujillo.

Messi almost restored Barca’s two-goal cushion late in the first half, but he nodded just wide after beating Esteban to a loose ball in the area.

The hosts made a sluggish start to the second half, but that did not stop Xavi creating a great opportunity for Neymar as he fed the Brazilian into the left side of the area, only for the forward to shoot straight at Esteban.

Valdes then had to bail Barca out just after the hour, as Aleix Vidal inexplicably found space in the home side's area before letting fly with a powerful left-footed effort that went right at the keeper.

Neymar wasted another big chance shortly after as he opened his body up and shot well wide of the far post from close range.

But Barca finally put breathing space between themselves and Francisco's men seven minutes from time as Puyol knocked in after Messi's towering header had hit the bar, before Xavi stroked an excellent finish beyond Esteban from 20 yards.

 

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Atletico Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid: Ronaldo rescues Blancos in derby thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo came to Real Madrid's rescue in a thrilling Madrid derby as the Liga leaders drew 2-2 with Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico's last double over Real in the league came back in the 1950-51 season and Diego Simeone's men came close to repeating the trick on Sunday.

The hosts, three points behind leaders Real in the table, got off to a miserable start as Karim Benzema found the net from close range.

However, after Diego Costa was controversially denied a penalty when he appeared to be clipped by Sergio Ramos, Atletico turned things around courtesy of Koke's fierce finish in the 28th minute and a sensational long-range strike from skipper Gabi just before the break.Atletico had two further penalty appeals turned down in the second half and saw coach German Burgos sent to the stands for confronting referee Carlos Delgado.

Real then snatched a dramatic late leveller when Ronaldo finished from 12 yards in the 82nd minute to extend his side's unbeaten run to 28 games in all competitions.
In the build-up to the clash, Atletico head coach Simeone claimed Madrid came into the match as the "most feared" side in Europe and they lived up to that billing by grabbing an early lead.In just the third minute, Benzema broke the Atletico offside trap to prod Angel Di Maria's exquisite inswinging cross past the static Thibaut Courtois.

Referee Delgado incurred the wrath of Atleti after 12 minutes as he refused to award a penalty after Ramos looked to have tripped Costa, and objects appeared to be thrown towards the official as a result.

However, Atletico restore parity on 28 minutes when Arda worked himself into some space on the edge of the area and slipped the ball to Koke, who drilled into the bottom left hand corner.

Real soaked up considerable pressure at the end of the half, but Atletico ultimately took the lead as Gabi hit a ferocious 40-yard effort through a crowd of players and goalkeeper Diego Lopez was unable to react quickly enough.Costa missed a huge chance to double the advantage seven minutes after the break as he latched on to Koke's pass over the Real defence, held off Pepe, and then fired wide with only Lopez to beat.

The homes side had two more penalty claims turned down just past the hour mark as Costa was involved in tangles with Pepe and then Alvaro Arbeloa.The forward was booked for simulation following the second incident, which provoked a furious reaction from Atleti coach Burgos, who was sent to the stands for his angry protests.

And there was to be one more twist in the tale as Ronaldo spared Madrid's blushes by rifling in a low shot from 12 yards with eight minutes remaining.

 

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Gabi ge goal 1ka patta!

 

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Atletico will knock out Milan, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has backed Atletico Madrid to knock his former club AC Milan out of the Champions League.

Diego Simeone's side claimed a 1-0 win over the Rossoneri at San Siro in the first leg of their last-16 encounter and the Italian believes his club's rivals will finish the job on home soil against Clarence Seedorf's men.

"Good luck to Clarence, but the favourite for the match between Atletico and Milan is Atletico," he is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Atletico are favourites because of their football, the atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon and because of the advantage they gained at San Siro.

"Simeone will progress. He's very intense."

Atletico won in Italy thanks to a late Diego Costa strike after the Rossoneri spurned a number of chances to take the lead. The second leg takes place on March 12.

 

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Cabella should stay at Montpellier, says Nicollin

Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin has told Remy Cabella that he should remain at the club, despite much interest in the playmaker.

The 23-year-old has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle after scoring 10 goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances this term.

However, the MHSC chief says he is ready to resist any efforts from foreign clubs to secure the attacker's services, hinting that he would rather see the player remain in France.

"I would advise him not to go anywhere," he told RMC.

"In England, there's Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. If Newcastle would offer €20 million, and Arsenal €5 million? I think I would not sell him. I am capable of doing that.

"Would I advise him against joining Newcastle? Yes definitely. Arsenal why not. For my dear Yanga-Mbiwa, Newcastle was not Eldorado.

"Look at any great French players, like Desailly etc...They first left their club for a big French one and then they left for abroad. Remy has to do the same.

"Why not Monaco?! There is no contact, but that is what I believe could be good for Remy. Monaco or PSG, who knows?"

Cabella has spent his entire career at Montpellier, barring a brief loan spell at Arles.

 

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Benzema: I couldn't choose between La Decima and the World Cup

Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema says that choosing between the Champions League and the World Cup would be too difficult.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are searching for their 10th European Cup, while les Bleus are bidding to win this summer's tournament for the first time since 1998.

However, the former Olympique Lyonnais man believes both competitions are too important to pick a favourite and does not want to prioritise either his club or his country.

"I can't choose. They're both so important. They're both possible," Benzema is quoted as saying by Marca.

"Club and country are very different. You work with one every day, but not with the other one. The World Cup is the most beautiful thing that can happen to a play. You must be on top form when it arrives."

Having scored six goals in his last five games, Benzema is delighted with his recent form and credited Madrid boss Ancelotti for helping him to improve.

"I'm in good form and that shows on the field. Players go through good periods and tough ones," said the 26-year-old

"Ancelotti has transformed my game, but for a striker it is good to have confidence when you go through a period without a goal, don't play well or are booed."

 

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Heynckes: Kroos shouldn't go anywhere

Former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has told Toni Kroos to reject the advances of any club - even Barcelona or Real Madrid.

The Germany international is currently locked in a stand-off with the Bavarian club over a new deal and has been linked with a variety of sides, with his current contract set to expire in 2015.

However, the 68-year-old, who led Bayern to a historic treble last term, believes that his old charge could become the figurehead of Pep Guardiola's side and should stay put.

"He shouldn't leave Bayern, not even for Barca or Madrid," he told Kicker.

"He can win everything with this side over the next four years and needs to be playing as the head of the team."

Kroos' brother, Felix, who plays for Werder Bremen, hinted this week that Manchester United are interested in signing the 24-year-old.

 

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Barcelona rumours ridiculous, says Vidal

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has dismissed rumours that he is set to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid.

The Chilean has been with the Italian champions since 2011 and was instrumental as Antonio Conte's men won back-to-back Scudetti in his two full seasons at the club.

Vidal has been linked with a variety of clubs, but has branded reports of an impending move to La Liga "ridiculous", insisting that his focus is on winning the league with the Bianconeri.

"Me to Real Madrid or Barcelona? It's ridiculous," he toldreporters. "It's a non-story. All I want to do is win the league with Juventus and have a good World Cup."

The 26-year-old joined Juve from Bayer Leverkusen and is looking forward to reconnecting with some familiar rivals when his country play Germany on Wednesday.

"I know most of Germany's players," he said. "I have played against virtually all of them. But we are a young team with pace. We are attacking, we run a lot and we like playing good football.

"Our game is similar to Borussia Dortmund's in last season's Champions League."

Vidal has scored 11 goals in 25 Serie A games as Juve sit 11 points clear of Roma in the title race.

 

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Barcelona didn't believe in me, claims Thiago

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has hit out at his former club Barcelona for not having confidence in his ability.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who swapped the Camp Nou for the Allianz Arena in July 2013, described his new club as the "best in the world" and revealed that he was happy with his decision to join Die Roten after feeling increasingly undervalued in Catalunya.

"My decision [to come to Bayern] was wonderful. It was about the leadership. I got the impression at Barca that they didn't believe in me," Thiago told Kicker

"The club are the best in the world, it's great to play in the Bundesliga."

The Spain international re-joined former Barca boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich and the 43-year-old's management of the Bavarian giants has led to comparisons between the two clubs.

However, Thiago stressed that both clubs remain unique and praised Guardiola's ability to convey ideas to his players.

He said: "Barca will never be Bayern and Bayern will never be Barca. [Pep] brings us his ideas about football and manages to pass on his skills to the local players."

Despite his criticism of Barcelona, Thiago revealed his admiration of his former team mate, Xavi and explained that he views his compatriot as something to aspire to.

"Xavi is the benchmark for me. When I see him, my jaw drops," he said. "I hope I can give football a little bit of what Xavi gave football."