..::Football III::..

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"Real Madrid will fight until the end" - Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti praised his Real Madrid players for their performance in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad and vowed to fight for the title until the last weeks of the season.

Los Blancos recovered from a poor first-half display to hammer the Basque club and remain three points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid, with goals coming from Asier Illarramendi, Gareth Bale, Pepe and Alvaro Morata.

And Ancelotti said he is delighted with the way his team are playing at the moment and praised them for their fighting spirit.

“The victory strengthens us and the team. We will fight until the last game,” the Italian told reporters after the game

“I appreciate the whole game because we played very well, very intelligently. I’m very happy.

"It wasn’t easy but I have a team that likes to fight. I’m proud to coach this team. Gareth Bale is comfortable on the left and he and Cristiano often change positions.
“We had to avoid injury so I rested Cristiano. My second concern was the physical aspect of the team.“We defended very well and had to be very organized."

Barca kawa sociedad eken 3-1 No Jese No CR No Marcelo No Coentrao Still 4-0

 

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Mou mutath keli wage

Aparade Hazard wa sell kalothChelsea team 1ken mama asama player

 

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Liverpool vs city,Liverpool vs Chelsea match deken hugak welawata title eka decide weyi

Ow machan aniwaanith 1ka machan hithanne nathi deyak unath wenna puluwan.So final day 1ka wenakam ma gema denawanam thamai hoda

 

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Dan MESSI PESSI wela Ronaldo PENALDO una wage issara

 

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Everton 3-0 Arsenal: Martinez's men demolish Gunners to close in on top four

Everton's Champions League hopes are in their own hands after a 3-0 win over top-four rivals Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday.

First-half strikes from Steven Naismith and Romelu Lukaku, along with an own goal from Mikel Arteta, put the hosts on course for a first appearance in Europe's premier club competition since 2005-06, when they failed to make it past the qualifying rounds.

After winning six top-flight matches in a row, Everton are now a solitary point behind fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand and have a great chance to secure European football in their first season under Roberto Martinez.

Naismith gave Everton a great start when he opened the scoring after 14 minutes - tucking the ball home after Wojciech Szczesny had done well to deny Lukaku.

Lukaku, a threat to Arsenal's backline for much of the half, doubled the lead when he cut in from the right before evading the attentions of Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgian then fired past Szczesny, who was again left helpless thanks to more feeble Arsenal defending, before Everton old-boy Arteta put through his own net in the second half under pressure from Kevin Mirallas.

Arsene Wenger's men must reflect on another damaging defeat, which extends their winless run in the top flight to four matches, and face an uphill task to secure a 17th successive season in the Champions League.

In a lively opening, Leon Osman went close after two minutes with a dipping effort that sailed marginally wide of Szczesny's left-hand post, while Lukas Podolski's shot veered just off target at the other end.

Osman was then forced off after suffering a cut to the head when challenging Bacary Sagna, with Ross Barkley introduced in his place, but the switch did not harm Everton as Naismith pounced on a loose ball to find the net.

Lukaku had brought a smart save from Szczesny but Naismith kept cool to slide home the rebound as Everton were rewarded for their positive start.

Arsenal went in search of an equaliser but were kept at bay by an Everton side who looked threatening on the break and assured at the back.

The hosts moved further clear when Lukaku produced a stunning solo effort to register his 13th league goal of the season just after the half-hour mark.

It was no more than Everton deserved as they put themselves in control at the break before starting the second half brightly.

Aside from a moment of madness that saw Mirallas lose possession to Olivier Giroud inside his own area, the hosts looked comfortable in protecting their lead.

Mirallas then played a key role in Everton's third, setting a counter-attack in motion and releasing Naismith. The Scot was denied by Szczesny but Arteta turned the ball home under pressure from the Belgian.

Aaron Ramsey made his first appearance since December 26 as a substitute for Arsenal, having been out with a thigh injury, but the Welshman's return only proved a minor consolation for Wenger on an otherwise gloomy day, which ended with Yaya Sanogo having a goal ruled out for offside.

 

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Dan Everton 4th place gap 1ka just one pointChampions League qualify wenna puluwan wei wage Everton lata.​

 

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Cagliari 1-3 Roma: Destro hat-trick keeps Giallorossi in Scudetto race

A Mattia Destro hat-trick fired Roma to a recorded a 3-1 win over Cagliari at the Stadio Sant'Elia on Sunday afternoon and kept their slim title hopes alive.

The striker gave the visitors the lead on 32 minutes, before netting his second and third goals after the break to put the match to bed, with Mauricio Pinilla scoring a late consolation for the hosts from the spot.

The two sides struggled to create any noteworthy chances in the opening stages of the match and it wasn't until the 30th minute that Roma threatened. Maicon caused his opponent all kinds of trouble with his run down the right, but Vlada Avramov collected his cross before Destro could get to it.

The Italy international was not to be denied for a second time, however, and opened the scoring two minutes later after some good work from Gervinho. The former Arsenal man set up the Italy international after a superb dribble and Destro had no trouble slotting home from close range.

Cagliari felt they should have been awarded a penalty shortly after when Leandro Castan allegedly handled the ball inside his own area, but the referee wanted none of it and waved play on.

Davide Astori nearly restored parity in the closing minutes of the first half from a corner kick, but the defender failed to find the net from inside the area.

The Giallorossi started the second half with attacking intent and doubled their lead within 10 minutes. Radja Nainggolan found Destro with an intelligent through ball and the striker kept his calm to make it two for Roma.

Rudi Garcia's men continued to dominate proceedings and Destro poured even more salt in Cagliari's wounds in the 73rd minute. Gervinho found Alessandro Florenzi down the left, who sent in a low cross for Destro and the striker beat his marker to the ball with a quick reaction to get his hat-trick.

Cagliari pulled one back in the dying minutes of the game when Pinilla converted a spot kick after Mehdi Benatia had fouled the Chilean attacker, but it was too little too late for the hosts.

 

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Destro wa Italy World Cup squad 1kata dammanam hodaimeh season 1ke hodata play karanawa

 

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West Ham 1-2 Liverpool: Gerrard spot-on to send Merseysiders top

Steven Gerrard twice held his nerve from the penalty spot to keep Liverpool's title bid on course with a battling 2-1 win at West Ham.

Referee Anthony Taylor found himself at the centre of the action at Upton Park from the moment he penalised James Tomkins for handball late in the first half, allowing Gerrard to notch his first goal two minutes before the break.

But West Ham went in level through Guy Demel's first goal for the club, which came after Simon Mignolet had dropped a corner under pressure of highly questionable legality from ex-Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

Carroll headed against the crossbar after the hour before West Ham's Adrian became the second goalkeeper to fall foul of Taylor, who adjudged him to have impeded Jon Flanagan for Gerrard's second penalty in the 71st minute.

Luis Suarez curled a first-time effort against the frame of the goal late on, but Liverpool had already done enough to maintain their quest for the Premier League crown.

Brendan Rodgers' side return to the top of the table, two points above Chelsea and four ahead of Manchester City - who have played two games less and head to Anfield for what looks set to be a season-defining encounter in seven days' time.

Napoli loanee Pablo Armero made his full debut for West Ham after left-back George McCartney suffered a hamstring strain in Monday's 2-1 win at Sunderland.

A knee injury suffered in training by Daniel Agger meant a change for Liverpool at centre-back - Mamadou Sakho starting for the first time since they last lost in the league, at Chelsea on December 29.

Suarez had been the central figure in the subsequent 11 wins and two league draws, and the forward glanced the top of the netting with an early free kick.
Largely well shackled by Tomkins during the opening stages, Suarez engineered room to arch a delicate 20th-minute attempt against the far post.

Daniel Sturridge then twice blasted over but the contest remained disjointed until an explosive end to the half

In the 43rd minute, Gerrard, whose raking ball was collected by Suarez to draw a handball from Tomkins, coolly converted from the spot.

But West Ham found an instant response in controversial circumstances as Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet - struck by a flailing arm under pressure from Carroll - dropped Mark Noble's corner for Demel to prod home.

Amid understandable protests from the visitors, referee Taylor signalled for the goal, and he did so again following lengthy consultation with his assistant.

Carroll again made a nuisance of himself on set-pieces early in the second period as Liverpool, who began the half with Lucas Leiva on in place of playmaker Philippe Coutinho, found clear chances at a premium.

There were no question marks when Carroll got the better of Mignolet in the 62nd minute, only to see his powerful header from Mohamed Diame's cross cannon back of the crossbar.

But Taylor once again placed himself at the centre of the action soon afterwards, awarding Liverpool a second penalty despite Adrian appearing to get a touch on the ball before bringing down rampaging full-back Flanagan.

Gerrard made no mistake from the spot again before Suarez was denied by both the crossbar and Adrian, as Liverpool closed out the kind of gritty win upon which title triumphs are often built.

 

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Parma 1-0 Napoli: Parolo fires hosts to victory

Parma have recorded a 1-0 win over Napoli in Sunday evening's Serie A encounter at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

The guests had a goal disallowed for offside in the opening 45 minutes, before Marco Parolo netted the only goal of the game in the second half.

The away side thought they had taken the lead after 10 minutes of play when Federico Fernandez found the net after a Lorenzo Insigne free kick, but the referee disallowed the goal for offside.

Another Insigne set piece saw Jose Callejon pop up in a dangerous situation, yet the Spaniard had to settle for a corner as his attempt at the far post deflected wide.

Parma then threatened halfway through the first half when Jonathan Biabiany attempted to set up Rafael Palladino, only for Raul Albiol to frustrate the hosts with a fine interception.

The home side again looked dangerous in the closing minutes of the first period after Afriyie Acquah found Gabriel Paletta, yet the Italy international's header went over the crossbar.

Pepe Reina was called into action shortly after the break as Biabiany sent in a dangerous low shot and the goalkeeper did well to divert the danger.

There was little Reina could do about Parma's 55th minute opener, however. Mattia Cassani found Parolo at the edge of the area with a pinpoint cross and the midfielder coolly slotted home to make it 1-0.

Gonzalo Higuain came close to levelling the scoring after a superb pass from Jorginho, yet the former Real Madrid man fired wide from a difficult position.

Duvan Zapata felt he should have been awarded a spot kick in the 76th minute after he went down following Antonio Mirante's touch, only for the referee to book the Colombian forward for diving.

Insigne got a big chance to restore parity after 83 minutes of play following a fine cross from Dries Mertens, but the winger failed to hit the target, while Zupata headed inches over from close range only minutes later.

Parma have climbed to joint fifth spot in the Serie A table following this weekend's results, while Napoli remain third in the standings.

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool will be fearless against Manchester City

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool will be "fearless" against Manchester City when the two sides clash next weekend in the Premier League.The Reds returned to the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 win over West Ham at Upton Park on Sunday - Steven Gerrard scoring a penalty in each half as a number of decisions made by referee Anthony Taylor came under the microscope.

Rodgers' side are two points ahead of Chelsea and four above third-placed City, although Manuel Pellegrini's team have two games in hand ahead of their potentially pivotal trip to Anfield.

Speaking on BBC's 'Match of the Day' programme on Saturday, City captain Vincent Kompany labelled Liverpool the best team his side had faced this season and Rodgers is looking forward to the clash."I thought it was interesting to hear Vincent Kompany talk about how we're the best team that they've played," he told reporters.

"We should have won at the Etihad this season. We should have won there last season and drew 2-2. We should have beaten them at home [last season] - we were 2-1 up and made a mistake and it was 2-2."The team we've put together, the mentality is to be fearless. It doesn't matter who we play.

"We have to respect them because they've got world class players but it's about ourselves and the confidence that we have to play."For the youngsters, they'll embrace it and enjoy it - there's no pressure. Just go and play and whatever pressure there is, I will take."The most important thing is focus on the ball and the team and not yourself. When you do that it'll take you a long way."

Rodgers, who guided Swansea to a 1-0 win over City in the latter's 2011-12 title-winning season is under no illusions that his players will face formidable opposition next week but is determined to enjoy the occasion."They've spent money and what they've done in the last couple of years has been fantastic," he said of City.

"I think they’re a wonderful football club that's invested and invested well in top players.“But they've invested to win the league and to win the Champions League. So, for them, they'll be looking to come to Anfield and get a result.

"For us, I think it's a wonderful place to play. We're just going to enjoy it and in all the big games this year, in the main, we've done really well."The concentration for me is on the next training session. We'll recover tomorrow and then we’ll go again."

 

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Rodriguez double delays PSG title party

James Rodriguez hit a brace as Monaco beat Nantes 3-1 to delay Paris Saint-Germain's march to the Ligue 1 title.

Claudio Ranieri's side went into the game knowing defeat would give Laurent Blanc's men the chance to wrap up the title with a win next week.And with injured striker Radamel Falcao watching from the stands, Monaco produced a show of defiance to delay the destination of the title.

Monaco easily wrapped up the win to bounce back impressively after last week's defeat to Evian. Rodriguez netted either side of Andrea Raggi's second half strike before Alejandro Bedoya's consolation goal.Fourth-placed Saint-Etienne lost ground in the race for third after drawing 1-1 with mid-table Nice.

Mathieu Bodmer headed the visitors in front after 57 minutes but the hosts grabbed a late equaliser from the penalty spot after Didier Digard's injury-time handball which saw him receive his second yellow card. Max Gradel converted the spot kick but Les Verts couldn't grab the winner and remain five points from third.

Lyon kept their faint Champions League qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win at 10-man Valenciennes who moved closer to relegation.Bafetimbi Gomis bagged his 12th league goal of the campaign on the half hour but Abdul Waris equalised midway through the second half.

Parity was shortlived though, as Jordan Ferri struck what turned out to be the winner after 69 minutes.Lyon's unused substitute goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre was shown two yellow cards for dissent late on, while Marco da Silva was dismissed for Valenciennes after a second booking.

Waris thought he had equalised two minutes later but it was disallowed and Lyon held on to remain nine points behind Lille in third, while Valenciennes are now six points from safety.

 

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'Napoli won't finish second' - Benitez gives up on Roma chase

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez was disappointed in his side's 1-0 defeat at Parma and admitted that second place is beyond them.

Marco Parolo's second-half strike was enough to give Roberto Donadoni's side all three points to further boost their Europa League hopes and leaves Napoli 12 points behind second-placed Roma.

Despite the defeat, Benitez feels his side have had a good season and will focus on their Coppa Italia final clash with Fiorentina in May.

"I still consider this a very, very positive campaign," the Spaniard told Sky Sport Italia. "However, you can tell we are missing something. We won’t finish second, as Roma win those games that we do not.

"This is the reality and we have to work every day to improve, but in the meantime we can lock down third and prepare for the Coppa Italia final."Benitez was disappointed to lose Sunday's game after such a positive first half display but says they can learn from the defeat.

"We are all disappointed to lose a game that was under control in the first half and at the end of the day Parma only had one shot on goal. We had a great chance and we missed it.

"It’s true we need to have more intensity when going forward and in defending. We have a team with quality, it has its strengths and weaknesses, which we need to analyse and learn to improve. Lack of consistency in a game is one of those things.

"Every player has his characteristics and it’s not easy to change everything. We changed many things, are in third place, but there’s a long way to go yet until we can create a team that has the right mentality to win every game. That is what I want and what I’m working towards."

 

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Barcelona will be perfect at Atletico, warns Pinto

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto believes the side will be "perfect" in the second-leg of his side's Champions League quarter-final with Atletico Madrid.

The two teams, who are also challenging each other at the top of La Liga, meet in the Vicente Calderon to conclude the last-eight tie after last week's 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

And Pinto doesn't think there is much between the two teams as he is anticipating another tight affair between the two Spanish giants on Wednesday.

"[The first-leg] was a really tough game, we gave our all. But in the return leg, we’ll be perfect," the 38-year-old told Barca TV.

"It will be very close, like it was here. The small details will make all the difference."

The shot-stopper was then asked about the off-field difficulties facing his team, following the transfer ban Barca were recently handed by Fifa, and he admitted that the accusations could be harming the Catalans.

"We’re trying to keep out of it all, and it’s true there is a strange atmosphere with some odd things going on, some really odd things.

"We are staying focused and trying to let these things not affect us in any way, but it hurts what’s happening to the club."

 

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Szczesny urges Arsenal to concentrate on FA Cup

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has urged his side to forget Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and focus on winning the FA Cup.

Sunday’s defeat leaves Arsene's Wenger men just a point above the Toffees in fourth place, but having played a game more than the Merseysiders, meaning their hopes of securing Champions League football are out of their hands.

However, Szczesny feels his side’s season is far from over, despite a run of just one win in their last six games in all competitions, and has urged them to focus on next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Wigan at Wembley.

"We’re not getting the results but we've got plenty to play for still,” he told Sky Sports.

“We've got the FA Cup now, so we're going to have to switch on and focus very quickly and forget about this.

"I hope we can kick on from now and start a good run. It's huge obviously. We know it's the only trophy we can win and it will be a massive boost for the club and the fans."

Everton, meanwhile, still have to face both Manchester City and United in their final six games, and Szczesny remains confident his side can still finish fourth.

He added: "Yes, we've managed to do it every single time so far, so although we haven't been at our very best recently, we believe we can do it, yes.”

 

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Rodgers praises 'outstanding' Gerrard after West Ham heroics

Brendan Rodgers hailed the "outstanding" performance of Steven Gerrard after the Liverpool captain scored both goals in a 2-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.

Gerrard sent Adrian the wrong way from 12 yards on 44 minutes after Luis Suarez's deft flick struck the arm of James Tomkins, and powered in his second on 71 minutes after the goalkeeper had felled Jon Flanagan.

The win returns Liverpool to the Premier League summit ahead of next Sunday's title showdown with Manchester City, and after the match Rodgers paid tribute to his captain.

"I thought he was outstanding today, his range of passing, his pass for the first goal and his coolness," Rodgers told reporters.

"It's not by accident [his penalty success]. He studies the goalkeepers, he analyses the pattern of a goalkeeper’s dive, where they make saves.

"He’s got great variety, he can put the ball anywhere and as a manager to have someone as cool and as calm as him in those pressure situations, he did fantastically well.

"We had to change the game at half-time. We were in a 4-3-3 – I’m always trying to get the two front boys in the team but I didn’t think it was quite working for us.

"We couldn’t dominate the game as much as we’d like we went to a diamond in the second half and put the strikers closer together to try which could stretch them a bit more.

"I thought we were dominant in the second half and Steven was pivotal in that for us."

Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, was critical of referee Anthony Taylor and his assistants after a match which saw two penalties awarded and a controversial Guy Demel goal allowed.

"We want to play a game of football and we want the team that wins to win through the way they've played, not through what decision the referee might or might not have got wrong," he added.

"There are two decisions - one for Liverpool and one for us - that leads to controversy and frustration due to the management of the players by officials who weren't quite at the level we expect.

"We gave all we could give and tried our best to upset Liverpool's winning streak, but unfortunately for us they've won on two penalties rather than their attractive football."

 

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Gerrard: Manchester City clash not a title decider for Liverpool

Steven Gerrard insists victory over Manchester City next Sunday will not guarantee Liverpool the Premier League title.

The midfielder netted two penalties in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham to fire Brendan Rodgers’ side back to the top of the Premier League, two points clear of Chelsea and four ahead of City, although Manuel Pellegrini’s men have two games in hand.

"I'm not convinced just yet," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"There are some very hard games to go. We’ve got a huge game next week. The message is to stay calm and every time we go out on the pitch we leave every ounce of energy out there."

When asked if beating City will hand Liverpool the title, Gerrard replied: "No, I don't think so.

"If you said to me now 'beat Manchester City and you get the Premier League title' I think the answer to your question will be 'Yes' but all it will give us is three points and there will be four huge games after that."

 

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Destro can get even better, says Garcia

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has taken the time to praise Mattia Destro in the wake of the Giallorossi's 3-1 Serie A win away against Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.

The 23-year-old netted a hat-trick at the Stadio Sant'Elia to take his league tally for 2013-14 to 13 goals in 18 appearances and Garcia believes the Italy international has the potential to get even better.

"Mattia missed the start of the season due to injury, so we can say that he has played only half a season," Garcia said at a press conference.

"He is a very complete attacker and has shown just that. He always gives his all on the pitch and always shows a great desire to win.

"I am convinced that he can still get better, though. He can switch positions with [Francesco] Totti and he has the quality to threaten even from outside the area."

Destro missed the first few months of the season due to a knee injury, but has developed into a key player at Roma since his comeback, helping them to second place in the Serie A table with his goals.

 

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Ronaldo returns to Real Madrid training

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training for Real Madrid ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

The Portuguese forward picked up a knock in last week's 3-0 first-leg win and consequently missed Saturday's 4-0 league win over Real Sociedad.

However, the 29-year-old appears poised to return to action in time for the return after Madrid confirmed that he has undergone a recovery session prior to the quarter-final decider at Signal Iduna Park.

The former Manchester United man's presence will come as a boost as Real aim to finish off the tie with BVB and progress to the semi-finals for a fourth consecutive season.
Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria is also in contention to feature in Germany after taking part in training having recovering from illness that saw him miss the games against Dortmund and Sociedad.

The Argentina international was replaced by Isco in Madrid's last two games, but is expected to make his return on Tuesday.