..::Football III::..

Status
Not open for further replies.

Wolverine GTR

Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Napoli 0-1 Fiorentina: Joaquin downs 10-man hosts

    382117hp2.jpg


    Fiorentina recorded a 1-0 win over Napoli in Sunday evening's Serie A encounter at the Stadio San Paolo to all but end the Partenopei's lingering hopes of the title.

    Both sides created a number of chances to break the deadlock, yet it took until the 87th minute for Joaquin to find the net with a good header.

    Napoli started the match with attacking intentions and Gonzalo Higuain almost opened the scoring after just 10 minutes. The Argentine latched on to a long ball from Pepe Reina, but Neto pulled off a superb save to deny the former Real Madrid striker.

    The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and again threatened through Marek Hamsik midway through the first half, yet Neto once more proved to be too much of an obstacle as he kept out the Slovakian midfielder's attempt from close range.

    Rafa Benitez's side were then dealt a major blow in the 37th minute when Faouzi Ghoulam received a straight red card for a foul on Marko Bakic, who was clean through on Reina.

    Jose Callejon was the next Napoli player to try his luck, with the Spaniard unleashing an ambitious long-range strike from midfield that nearly surprised Neto, but the Fiorentina goalkeeper was back on his line just in time to keep the ball out.

    Fiorentina took over the initiative in the second half and Josip Ilicic should have broken the deadlock in the 64th minute. The attacking midfielder surprised the Napoli defence with a smart run, only to see his shot from a narrow angle go inches wide.

    The guests got another big chance shortly after when Borja Valero found Alessandro Matri with a fine cross, but the striker's header was too weak to trouble Reina.

    Vincenzo Montella's side would go 1-0 up in the closing stages of the game, however. Matri set up Ilicic down the left wing, whose cross found Joaquin inside the area and the Spanish winger headed home from close range to help the Viola to victory.

    Napoli remain third in the Serie A table with 58 points from 29 games, while Fiorentina sit fourth on 51 points.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Aston Villa 1-4 Stoke City: Potters ease relegation fears after first-half comeback

    382008hp2.jpg


    Stoke City came from behind to comfortably beat Aston Villa 4-1 and move up to 10th in the Premier League on Sunday.

    Christian Benteke gave Paul Lambert's men the lead less than five minutes into the game, slamming home from close range after an assist from Fabian Delph.

    But Peter Odemwingie hit back midway through the first half when he raced onto and finished a flick from Peter Crouch, who then put the Potters in front four minutes later in a fine turnaround.

    An error from Nathan Baker then opened it up for Steven N'Zonzi to lash home from the edge of the area just before half-time and Villa were unable to recover, Geoff Cameron adding a fourth late in the game to rub salt into the wound.

    A first away league victory since the end of August saw Stoke climb into the top half above their opponents, 12 points clear of the relegation zone, while for Villa it was a chastening defeat after successive wins over Norwich City and Chelsea.

    It all looked to be going to plan for Lambert's side when Benteke gave them a dream start inside five minutes after excellent work by the in-form Delph. The midfielder turned away from Cameron down the left before finding the Belgian, who took a touch and fired high into the net from 10 yards.

    Odemwingie went close to levelling in the 20th minute, seeing his effort from the edge of the box deflect on to the roof of the net, but did net two minutes later when he got on the end of Crouch's knock-down before muscling his way through and slotting the ball between the legs of the advancing Brad Guzan.

    And Stoke were in front four minutes later, Crouch converting Pieters' low cross after the full-back had got the better of Andreas Weimann on the left-hand side.

    All the momentum was with the visitors and they added a third three minutes before the break, N'Zonzi slotting home from the edge of the area after Bacuna's mistake let in Marko Arnautovic.

    The second period was less eventful than the first, Odemwingie testing Guzan with a searing drive in the 64th minute.

    Stoke kept Villa comfortably at bay before Cameron tucked away Arnautovic's low cross after the Austrian had comprehensively beaten the beleaguered Bacuna.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Real Betis 0-2 Atletico Madrid: Gabi & Costa send Rojiblancos top of the table

    382047hp2.jpg


    Atletico Madrid heaped the pressure on rivals Real Madrid ahead of the Clasico with a 2-0 win at 10-man Real Betis on Sunday.

    The Rojiblancos, who hold the edge on their city rivals because of their superior head-to-head record, moved level on points with their neighbours at the top of the Liga table after second-half strikes from Gabi and Diego Costa gave them their 10th away win of the 2013-14 season.

    If Atletico and Real end the campaign on the same number of points, Diego Simeone's side will finish higher because of their win and draw garnered from the two derby meetings this term.

    They were made to work for their latest victory, but eventually their quality shone through against bottom-placed Betis, just two hours before Madrid's much-anticipated clash with third-placed Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    Costa had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, a decision that appeared to be harsh, but the match swung in Atleti's favour when Braian Rodriguez was sent off for a second yellow card in the 56th minute.

    Gabi capitalised with a stunning 25-yard strike just two minutes later and Costa then showed his predatory instincts with a clever left-foot finish just after the hour, as struggling Betis' slim chances of survival took another blow.

    The hosts started quickly as lone striker Jorge Molina and Juan Carlos had long-range attempts on goal, and, initially at least, they kept Atletico quiet.

    Arda Turan was the main outlet for the visitors and he showed his class when he got to the byline, beat three and crossed for Costa in the 23rd minute, but Javi Chica nodded his delivery behind for a corner.

    The first half's main talking point almost immediately followed, as an unlucky Costa had a goal cancelled out.

    The forward reacted quickly to a flick-on header, taking a touch and smashing a left-foot volley into the roof of the net despite the best efforts of defender Antonio Amaya, only to see the offside flag raised.

    Replays suggested the decision was incorrect and tempers began to fray as Braian and Filipe Luis were booked, while Costa and Paulao clashed more than once.

    Costa was denied twice by good Betis defending before the interval but the hosts - perhaps fatigued after their Europa League last-16 loss to city rivals Sevilla on penalties on Thursday - faded in the second half.

    Just after Braian was given his marching orders, Gabi produced his moment of genuine quality, hitting the bottom right corner of the net with an incredible shot that gave Adan no chance.

    Raul Garcia then missed a sitter, after Costa's lay-off, and was immediately substituted, but his strike partner netted a second, reacting to Koke's flick-on header with a fine finish for his 23rd Liga goal of the season.

    Costa could have had another, only for his header to hit substitute David Villa in an offside position, but two goals were more than enough for the title challengers as the game petered out in the final stages.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Inter 1-2 Atalanta: Nerazzurri stunned by last-gasp Bonaventura

    381983hp2.jpg


    Giacomo Bonaventura struck a late winner as Atalanta recorded a dramatic 2-1 win at Inter on Sunday afternoon.

    In a result that extends Atalanta's winning run to four Serie A games, the once-capped Italy international scored twice, with his decisive goal coming after withstanding a second-half barrage from Inter.

    However, Inter's profligacy and Bonaventura's double proved crucial as the hosts missed the chance to move ahead of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who make the trip to Napoli later on Sunday.

    After an entertaining start that saw visiting captain German Denis head against the crossbar, the opening two goals came within the space of two late first-half minutes.

    Expert finishes from Bonaventura and Mauro Icardi ensured the sides went in level at the break before Inter twice struck the woodwork early in the second half.

    Inter, though, failed to make the most of their chances and Bonaventura made them pay - heading home in the 90th minute to extend Inter's winless run against Atalanta to six matches.

    With Walter Mazzarri's Inter going in search of a third straight victory, Hernanes played in Fredy Guarin for the game's first opportunity - the Colombian placing an effort marginally wide of Andrea Consigli's left-hand post.

    The two combined again shortly after, but this time Guarin opted for power, as he fired over the crossbar.

    Samir Handanovic was then required to keep out powerful efforts from Guglielmo Stendardo and Luca Cigarini as he demonstrated some of the form that had seen Inter keep clean sheets in their previous three outings.

    Guarin's third effort stung the palms of Consigli before Icardi failed to provide a cutback for Rodrigo Palacio when played in behind the Atalanta defence.

    Bonaventura's long-range strike dipped too late to threaten Handanovic before he eventually found the net at the third attempt after 35 minutes.

    Following a quick break, Bonaventura made the most of Denis' decoy run to create space before firing past Handanovic.

    However, Atalanta's joy was shortlived, as a minute later Icardi collected Guarin's slipped pass before cutting inside his marker and firing home the equaliser to restore parity nine minutes before the break.

    As in the first half, Inter began on the front foot after the interval with Guarin at the centre of their attacking threat - firing a shot from distance that clipped the crossbar and went over.

    Palacio was then denied by the post as he glanced Jonathan's cross over the helpless Consigli as Inter continued to pile on pressure.

    However, Stefano Colantuono's charges secured a dramatic late win thanks to Bonaventura's fifth league goal of the season as Inter's European aspirations were dealt a blow.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Tottenham 3-2 Southampton: Sigurdsson seals dramatic comeback

    381938hp2.jpg


    Gylfi Sigurdsson's late long-range strike completed a stunning turnaround for Tottenham as the north Londoners came from two goals down to earn a 3-2 victory over Southampton at White Hart Lane on Sunday - a repeat scoreline of Tim Sherwood's first game in charge.

    The hosts' high line looked perilous from the off, with the linesman's flag denying Jay Rodriguez an early goal, but the England international was not to be shut out for very long, latching onto a high ball forward to stroke the ball beyond Hugo Lloris and into the bottom corner.

    A defensive mix-up from Kyle Naughton gifted possession to Saints deep in Tottenham's half, with Adam Lallana punishing the error with a clinical finish to double the lead. Spurs halved the deficit quickly, though, with Eriksen prodding in at the far post from a low cross.

    The Denmark international scored in almost identical fashion after the restart, tapping home after a wicked delivery from Roberto Soldado, and with time running out Sigurdsson unleashed a powerful effort that flew past Artur Boruc to seal all three points and ensure a first win in five games.

    There were signs of life from Sherwood's men on Thursday night as they threatened a stunning turnaround before ultimately losing 5-3 on aggregate to Benfica to exit the Europa League, a disappointment that followed defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal.

    Yet any confidence gleaned from that performance in Lisbon was not in evidence during a nervy and open start as Tottenham afforded their opponents too much space – although that was not the contributing factor when the visitors were gifted an opener.

    Naughton completely misjudged the simplest of headers from Boruc's goal kick, paving the way for Rodriguez to race clear and curl home his third goal in as many games.

    Things quickly went from bad to worse for Naughton, too, as another failed clearance by the full-back fell to Rickie Lambert, whose silky close control and simple ball enabled Lallana to slot past Hugo Lloris.

    Nathaniel Clyne then continued the theme of errors from right-backs, allowing Tottenham back into the game; the former Crystal Palace man completely fluffed his lines attempting to clear Nabil Bentaleb's cross and Eriksen was on hand to side-foot past Boruc.

    The frenetic nature of the game showed no signs of halting before half-time as Rodriguez and Eriksen both spurned good chances.

    The half-time break did little to dull proceedings either, with Tottenham equalising within a minute of the restart.

    Roberto Soldado stole the ball from Dejan Lovren on the right wing, cut inside and slid across to Eriksen – who made no mistake with the goal gaping.

    Southampton completely lost their early verve as Tottenham piled forward with increased fluency in search of a third goal to end their current slump.

    When Nacer Chadli hit the side-netting it appeared as though a point would have to suffice for both Tottenham and outspoken boss Sherwood, only for Sigurdsson to win the game with a stunning strike that glided into the bottom corner to keep Spurs' slim top-four hopes alive.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Conte: I was sent off as a warning to the players

    382200_heroa.jpg


    Juventus coach Antonio Conte feels the decision to send off both him and counterpart Rolando Maran was the referee's way of trying to control a bad-tempered match against Catania.

    In a fiesty affair on Sunday, which saw Juventus triumph 1-0, both coaches were dismissed by referee Antonio Damato midway through the first half as passions boiled over.

    Conte and Maran were both given their marching orders by the official after arguing over an incident which saw Catania striker Gonzalo Bergessio catch Leonardo Bonucci with his arm.

    Bergessio had already been booked but after escaping punishment on that occasion, was sent off midway through the second half after catching Giorgio Chiellini in another aerial challenge.

    The visitors were already ahead by that point, Carlos Tevez's 59th-minute goal earning them a sixth consecutive league win and sending them 14 points clear of second-placed Roma.

    "I think Mr Damato wanted to send a signal to the players on the field by sending off the coaches and trying to calm things down," Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

    "It was basically a warning, as he couldn't send the players off that early.

    "Rolando and I both understood the situation and it wasn't an easy game to officiate, as it was very, very fiery on and off the field.

    "Juve did well to keep our heads, so I am very proud of the lads."

    Pablo Daniel Osvaldo set up the winning goal for strike partner Tevez and Conte was pleased with the Italy international, who joined from Southampton in January.

    "He has settled in very well," the 44-year-old coach said.

    "Daniel arrived in January, so we had to prepare a different approach for him.

    "He has great qualities and trained the right way, so he can become an important player for Juventus.

    "He has technique and I am happy with what he's doing at the moment.

    "I am convinced that if we have time to work with him physically as well as tactically, we can see a whole other level to his game. I know he can do so much more."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Second place will be difficult for Napoli, admits Benitez

    380990_heroa.jpg


    Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has conceded that second place in Serie A may be beyond his side's reach following their 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina.

    Joaquin headed home in the closing stages to snatch maximum points for Vincenzo Montella's side after Faouzi Ghoulam was sent off for the hosts.

    Benitez was proud of his side's efforts, especially in the aftermath of their Europa League exit to Porto, but admitted that the eight-point gap to Roma may now be too big to bridge.

    "I have to congratulate my players for what they showed in this match," he told Sky Italia.

    "Clearly [second is difficult] but playing at this level we can still win a lot of games.

    "Something is still missing but the team is growing. Now I have to look at all the positive things and to play a match at this level just three days after Porto is positive.

    "We're prepared for the last nine games."

    Gonzalo Higuain was visibly angered as he was susbtituted during the clash but Benitez insisted his reaction was simply down to frustration at how the match had gone for his side.

    "No, he [Higuain] was angry about what happened in the game, not for being replaced," he added.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Kalou reveals he rejected Arsenal move in January

    277042_heroa.jpg


    Salomon Kalou has revealed he rejected the chance to join Arsenal on loan during the January transfer window.

    The former Chelsea forward claims he had the opportunity to move to Arsene Wenger’s side on a temporary deal but wanted to finish the campaign with his current club Lille.

    "A possible departure? Yes, to Arsenal,” the Cote d'Ivoire international told L'Equipe. “It could have been done as a last-minute loan.

    “But I want to finish third, prepare for the World Cup and go to the Stade de France to compete in the final of the Coupe de France."

    Arsenal, who lost pace in the race for the Premier League title following a 6-0 defeat against Chelsea, made just one signing in January, with Kim Kallstrom joining the Gunners on loan - though he is yet to make an appearance for the club due to injury.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :)Scholes backs Mata to shine after Van Persie injury

    376860_heroa.jpg


    Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Juan Mata has the ideal chance to step up and make an impact in the absence of striker Robin van Persie.

    The Dutchman was stretchered off in the dying moments of United's 3-0 Champions League win over Olympiakos in midweek and Mata subsequently played in his preferred central position – instead of out wide – during the weekend victory over West Ham.

    And Scholes has backed the big-money signing to come good over the next few weeks.

    When asked who could step up in Van Persie's absence, Scholes told Goal: “I think as a collective, a group of players, you have to contribute to scoring goals. Although Robin went a long way to help us win the league last year. But you still need players around him to create chances.

    “We still have plenty of goals in the team with Wayne Rooney and I think now is a great chance for Juan Mata to play in his favoured position.”

    Scholes also praised strikers Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, believing both can step up and contribute, and hopes they boast the firepower needed to overcome Bayern Munich.

    “Danny Welbeck is looking strong after an injury, he’s come up in the last couple of games, he’s got goals in him as well,” he added.

    “We've got people on the bench like Chicharito, who is capable to come on and score goals. The truth is there’s plenty of goals in the team and hopefully there’s enough to get us through the Champions League games [against Bayern Munich] and have a good finish to the season.”

    It was revealed on Sunday that David Moyes plans to bolster his backroom staff with the addition of the ex-England star in the near future, and Scholes admits he would be open to moving into coaching.

    “If anything comes along, I’m in no rush to get back, I wont touch something that doesn’t interest me,” he said.

    “I’ve had a little bit of experience with the youth team at United, the Under 19s and in the Champions League which was good. I really enjoyed it.”
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Bayern won't buy Draxler, says Rummenigge

    372896_heroa.jpg


    Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the Bundesliga champions are not interested in signing Schalke star Julian Draxler.

    The 20-year-old has attracted attention from several top European clubs over the last year, including the Bavarian giants as well as Arsenal. The Gunners had been close to signing the Germany international in January, having sent a delegation to Germany to negotiate a deal, but looked less likely to acquire the playmaker after he refused to rule out a move to the Allianz Arena.

    Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer had previously hinted at a move for Draxler too, but now Rummenigge has categorically ruled die Roten out of the race to sign the Germany international, insisting the club are only interested in signing players who are the finished article.

    "I can assure that we will not buy Julian Draxler this summer," the 58-year-old told Welt am Sonntag.

    "I do not know [if he wants to join Bayern]. We never talked to his agents. In my opinion the public do not understand our transfer policy yet.

    "We will not buy any players from Dortmund or Schalke only to hurt them. We will buy only players who bring more quality to the club immediately.

    "In the past we bought some players to be better prepared for the future because some of our players were becoming older than 30. But we will not do that anymore."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    11.gif
    Moyes planning Manchester United title charge next season


    381599_heroa.jpg


    David Moyes is already planning next season's Premier League title charge with Manchester United after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.

    Moyes was understood to be losing the faith of various personnel at the club after defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League and a thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.

    But United came from two goals down to eliminate Olympiakos in the second-leg of their last-16 tie to set up a quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, and saw off West Ham thanks to a double from Wayne Rooney on Saturday.

    And with chances of a finish in the top four looking slim, Moyes is wasting no time in "building" for the next campaign.

    "We are building already, with my thoughts and vision for next year," he told reporters. "In every game we have to start looking to that. We need to be in there competing for titles next year.

    "That’s what this club has done and all the other clubs have had periods where they haven’t been competing for titles.

    "There is an added importance if you win big games and it’s something we’ve not done often enough this season."

    United next face local rivals and Premier League title contenders Manchester City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Martino lost for words for record-breaking Messi

    382183_heroa.jpg


    Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has run out of compliments for Lionel Messi after the Argentine's hat-trick against Real Madrid on Sunday.

    The Argentine star struck three times, including two second-half penalties, to lead his side to a 4-3 Clasico win at Santiago Bernabeu.

    With his first goal, which came just before half-time to level the contest at 2-2, Messi became the all-time leading goalscorer in Clasico matches, surpassing former Real striker Alfredo Di Stefano.

    Martino admits he had run out of superlatives for Messi, telling reporters: "I can hardly talk about Leo but there's no need. It's compliment after compliment.

    "Today he breaks another record. I hope he gives me the match ball!"

    Karim Benzema's first-half double gave Real a 2-1 lead after Andres Iniesta's opener, only for Messi to level before half-time.

    Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial penalty 10 minutes after the break put Real ahead once more, only for the game to turn on 63 minutes.

    Sergio Ramos denied Neymar a clear goalscoring opportunity and was sent off, with Messi dispatching that spot kick and another on 84 minutes.

    Neymar was otherwise ineffective but Martino insists he produced the moment that mattered.

    "Neymar's only 21 but it all happened with him. Ramos was sent off through his phenomenal diagonal run," Martino said.

    Barca are a point behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid (70 points), while Real are on the same number of points as their city rivals but behind based on their head-to-head record.

    Martino, who claimed prior to the match this was his side's "last chance" of defending their title, admits his team are right back in the race.

    "The league begins again," he said.

    "But it doesn't change my perception that beyond El Clasico, it's just one game."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ramos rages at 'pre-meditated' Clasico defeat

    382141_heroa.jpg


    Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos claimed Sunday's defeat to Barcelona was "pre-meditated" and insisted he did not foul Neymar in the incident which swung the game the visitors' way.

    Ramos was sent-off after referee Alberto Undiano adjudged he had brought down the Brazilian in the area midway through the second half as he raced through on goal.

    Lionel Messi scored from the spot to make it 3-3 and the Barca forward – now the all-time leading goalscorer in Clasico history – added another penalty late on to hand the Blaugrana a win which puts them back in the thick of the title race.

    "It's always the same. I didn't touch Neymar but there's no point talking about it, it changes nothing," Ramos told AS.

    "Everyone can see what happened today. We could have got something from the game but got nothing.

    "There are some things you can't fight against. This was pre-meditated."

    It was the 19th red card of Ramos’ Madrid career but the Spain international was adamant he had done his best to pull out of the challenge.

    "I stopped because I preferred 3-3 rather than a penalty and a sending off," he added.

    "Hopefully, we will not meet Undiano for the rest of the season."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ancelotti: You cannot make mistakes against Messi

    382207_heroa.jpg


    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side were made to pay for their mistakes by an inspired Lionel Messi in Sunday's 4-3 Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

    Messi struck for the first time just before half-time but Cristiano Ronaldo restored Real's lead with a controversial penalty on 55 minutes.

    But Messi delivered from the spot twice in 20 minutes as Sergio Ramos was sent off, putting Barca to within a point of top spot in La Liga as he broke Alfredo Di Stefano's long-standing record for goals scored in the Clasico.

    Ramos and Ronaldo were quick to criticise referee Alberto Undiano after the match, but Ancelotti was more concerned with the errors in his side's play.

    "It's difficult for me to comment on the referee's decisions," he told reporters after the match.

    "It's true that Messi scored three goals but any mistakes against a player of his quality will always hurt you.

    "We have nine matches left. It will be all intense. Every game will be decisive."

    Atletico Madrid are now top of La Liga following their win over Betis, while Barcelona are just a point behind the capital clubs, and Ancelotti believes this season's title race will go right to the wire.

    "The league race is still open. We need an immediate reaction," he added.

    "I've said it many times – the league will be decided in the last match. We have to continue fighting. We need to react.

    "I haven't spoken to the players about the match yet. We committed small mistakes and that's why we lost.

    "The team is ready to get up and move on. We have to be satisfied with how we played.

    "We have improved a lot, the team have showed their quality and proved it in this match. It was a good game but we now have to forget about it quickly. Our next match is important."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    11.gif
    :cool:Scholes set for Manchester United return


    279837_heroa.jpg


    Paul Scholes could be set for an emotional return to Old Trafford this summer.

    The Manchester United legend decided to take a breather after hanging his boots up for a second time last year and, although Scholes was offered a coaching role within the Carrington set-up he wanted to spend more time with his family.

    But the former England midfielder was spotted last Saturday evening in talks with David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Alderley Edge hotel.

    Sources have indicated United are keen to discover what he wants to do next and want to bring him back into the fold as they look to bolster David Moyes's coaching team.

    Scholes, unlike some of his former colleagues, was full of support for United's under-pressure manager earlier this week, insisting: "With all the injuries he’s had, I feel quite sorry for him really.

    "He's never been able to put out the same back four. You see all the top teams, they have the same back four every week, especially with the centre-backs, they need to get an understanding and rhythm together.

    "Michael Carrick’s been injured, Robin van Persie’s been injured, key players have been injured [but] he's not made any excuses and tried to get on with it and hopefully next year will be better."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ronaldo: We were playing against 12

    382168_heroa.jpg


    Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed referee Undiano Mallenco in the wake of Real Madrid's 4-3 La Liga loss against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening.

    Madrid were awarded a controversial spot kick shortly after half-time, but Mallenco also pointed to the spot in Barcelona's favour twice in the remainder of the game - while also dismissing Sergio Ramos - and Ronaldo feels the official deliberately favoured the Catalans.

    "Undiano Mallenco is not suitable for games like this. We were playing against 12. It's always the same. It's like they don't want us to win and wanted Barcelona back in the title race," Ronaldo told reporters

    "I am not looking for excuses, but I don't want to stay quiet on this. The referee was not at the required level for a big game like this.

    "I have been here for five years now and I know how things work. If Barcelona had lost, they would have been out of the title race. I have never seen Real Madrid being favoured by the referees."

    Ronaldo remains confident that Madrid will win the Liga title, however, irrespective of Sunday's defeat at the Bernabeu.

    "Regardless of all that happened, Madrid will still win La Liga."

    Carlo Ancelotti's side currently sit joint first with Atletico Madrid, while Barca are third, just a single point behind.
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.