..::Football III::..

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Sunderland 4-0 Cardiff City: Poyet's men climb out of dropzone

Connor Wickham's purple patch continued as Sunderland hammered 10-man Cardiff City 4-0 to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Head coach Gus Poyet stated that it would take a "miracle" for Sunderland to survive after their defeat at Tottenham earlier this month, but they must fancy their chances of pulling off the great escape after Sunday's victory at a packed Stadium of Light - which ensured Cardiff replace them at the foot of the table.

The resurgent Wickham, fresh from scoring goals at Manchester City and Chelsea, set them on their way when he headed home after some poor Cardiff defending.

And fellow striker Borini, scorer of the winning penalty in a stunning 2-1 triumph at Stamford Bridge, was on target from the spot again on the stroke of half-time after Juan Cala had tugged back the impressive Wickham and was shown a red card.

Cardiff were unhappy with referee Phil Dowd's decision, with initial contact made outside the penalty area, but the defender was the last man and Sunderland gained no advantage.

Emanuele Giaccherini added a third, and another Wickham header capped a miserable outing for Cardiff, who are now two points behind Poyet's men with two games remaining and face the prospect of an immediate return to the Championship.

Sunderland, on the other hand, have momentum on their side with three games to play after moving to 17th in the table, leaving Norwich City in the drop zone.

Wickham was passed fit after sustaining a knock at Stamford Bridge last weekend and the in-form striker had the bit between his teeth as Sunderland started in the ascendancy.

Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall had to be alert to turn the former Ipswich Town man's effort from wide on the right around the post five minutes in.

Marshall was beaten 25 minutes in, though, when the lively Wickham capitalised on some hesitant Cardiff defending to head home at the back post after Sebastian Larsson's corner from the left was not dealt with.

With the balance of play firmly in their favour, Sunderland strengthened their grip on the game a minute into first-half stoppage time, when Borini doubled their lead after Cala was given his marching orders by Dowd – much to the bemusement of the visitors.

Cala's dreadful backpass allowed Wickham to race clear and although he stayed on his feet after being tugged back - initially outside the penalty area - there was no advantage, so Dowd pointed to the spot before showing the Spanish defender a red card and Borini kept his cool to find the bottom-right corner.

Solskjaer replaced Don Cowie with Wilfried Zaha at half-time, but Cardiff were rattled and Fabio Da Silva was possibly fortunate to only be shown a yellow card after he barged Larsson over early in the second half.

Jordon Mutch headed over the crossbar and Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone reacted superbly to keep out a deflected Peter Whittingham free-kick as Cardiff threatened a comeback.

Any hopes of a Cardiff comeback were ended 15 minutes from time, when second-half substitute Giaccherini finished clinically with his left foot after Borini had picked him out.

Giaccherini then turned provider for Wickham four minutes from time, swinging in a corner which the striker stooped to head home to cap a fine performance in front of a fervent crowd on Wearside.

 

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Valencia 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Garcia edges 10-man Rojiblancos closer to La Liga glory

Atletico Madrid inched ever closer to winning La Liga as Raul Garcia's goal gave them a hard-fought 1-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla.Diego Simeone's side remain at the top of the table after another hard-fought victory, with Garcia's 18th strike of the season in all competitions proving to be the difference.
Much of Atletico's success has been down to their resolute defence – they have conceded a league-low 22 goals in 35 games – and again they proved too tough for their opponents to break down.

They have now conceded just one goal in their last nine league matches, with the result ending Valencia's scoring run in 25 successive La Liga matches at the Mestalla.Garcia's 43rd-minute goal – a smart header from Gabi's cross – should have been added to by Diego Costa when he was sent clean through.

The forward was denied and Valencia rallied late, with Jonas seeing a header blocked, but Atletico held on for all three points despite Juanfran receiving a straight red card in second-half stoppage time for a lunge at Pablo Piatti.

The visitors – who travel to Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday – now need just six more points from their remaining three matches to win the title.

The importance of breaking Atletico's La Liga drought was underlined by Simeone, who picked nine of the players who started in Tuesday's goalless Champions League draw against Chelsea.

Valencia started well, with Paco Alcacer firing wide after a smart turn, while at the other end, the recalled David Villa almost provided a spectacular opener with an instinctive curling shot that just missed the target.

Filipe Luis had a fierce strike deflected wide and Atletico started to exert their dominance, with Koke volleying into the ground and over Vicente Guaita's goal after Costa evaded two players to create the chance.And they struck just before half-time, when Garcia beat two defenders and Guaita to Gabi's superb cross, heading into the right corner for his 10th league goal of the season.

Atletico should have doubled their lead just after the break when the prolific Costa was played in by Koke, but he shot straight at Guaita.A far-post header from Jonas looked destined to find the bottom corner, but Diego Godin was in the way to thwart him, and Sofiane Feghouli saw a blistering effort flash just wide.

Costa had another great chance to score but was denied by Guaita after trying to round the goalkeeper, and Atletico's desperation to maintain their lead saw Juanfran scythe down Piatti in the dying stages.

It did not impact the result, though, as the Rojiblancos won a league match at Valencia for the first time since 2003.

 

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Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea: Ba & Willian blow title race open after Gerrard slip

Steven Gerrard's mistake allowed Demba Ba to deal a huge blow to Liverpool's Premier League title hopes and give a weakened Chelsea side a famous win at Anfield.


Gerrard's slip on the stroke of half-time allowed Ba to race through unopposed on Simon Mignolet's goal and slot the ball home to give the visitors a lead they never relinquished.

Liverpool poured forward but were repeatedly frustrated by Chelsea's massed defensive ranks and ran out of ideas long before Willian sprinted upfield to tap a second into an empty net at the death.

Brendan Rodgers' men are now just two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table, while the result also provides a huge boost to third-placed Manchester City's hopes of catching the current leaders.

Much was made before the game of Jose Mourinho's team selection three days ahead of the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese had hinted at fielding a weakened side and decided to leave Gary Cahill and Willian on the bench, handing a Premier League debut to 20-year-old defender Tomas Kalas.

With Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic - all unavailable for the game with Atletico - screening the back four, Chelsea were set up with the objective of frustrating their opponents and the gameplan worked perfectly as Liverpool struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities, despite enjoying a greater share of possession.

As a result, the leaders drew a blank for the first time in 26 league games and were condemned to their maiden top-flight defeat in 2014, having last been beaten in December's reverse meeting with Chelsea.

Ashley Cole fired an early warning shot for the visitors in the sixth minute, with a fizzing 25-yard effort that Mignolet parried away low to his left, while Philippe Coutinho volleyed into the side-netting from a tight angle at the other end.

Cole was involved again in the 14th minute, this time clearing off the line after the ball had ricocheted off Mikel, before Sakho scooped Luis Suarez's driven ball over the crossbar from six yards out.

The hosts continued to enjoy the greater share of possession and Suarez curled an effort a yard over the bar from the edge of the box four minutes before the interval.
For all Liverpool's dominance, they fell behind in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Moments after Kalas had glanced a free header wide from a corner, Gerrard's slip allowed Ba to race clear and the Senegalese striker kept his cool to slot underneath Mignolet.

Liverpool tested Mark Schwarzer for the first time in the 59th minute, the Australian getting down low to his left to keep out Joe Allen's first-time volley from just outside the area.

Andre Schurrle brought a similar stop out of Mignolet three minutes later, while Gerrard saw an effort from distance comfortably held by Schwarzer.

Liverpool continued to press hard for an equaliser, Schwarzer tipping Suarez's rasping drive over the bar in stoppage time, but as the hosts pushed on they were left exposed at the back and Willian had the simple task of finding an empty net after Torres' unselfish square ball.

 

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Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City: Dzeko & Toure help Pellegrini's men capitalise on Liverpool slip

Manchester City's Premier League title destiny is back in their own hands following a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Manuel Pellegrini's men sit third, three points behind leaders Liverpool, but triumphs in their three remaining fixtures would almost certainly be enough to secure glory after the Anfield outfit lost to Chelsea earlier on Sunday.

The 2011-12 champions, who hold a game in hand over Liverpool and a significantly superior goal difference, wasted no time in making the Merseysiders pay for their earlier slip-up – Edin Dzeko heading City in front at Selhurst Park with the game less than four minutes old.

The remainder of the first half passed by largely without incident, until Yaya Toure - making his return from injury - curled home a wonderful effort just before the interval.Defeat brings an end to Palace's remarkable five-match winning run, while City's title tilt is well and truly back on track with games against Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham to come.

Palace's stay in the top flight looked set to be nothing more than a brief cameo for much of the campaign, but their resurgence under Tony Pulis has seen them emerge as major protagonists in a season of twists and turns at both ends of the table.However, City started Sunday's game in confident mood and swiftly moved ahead after bursting out of the blocks in south London.

With Pellegrini's charges clearly galvanised by Liverpool's earlier defeat, Toure sent a delightful chip into the Palace area, which Dzeko nodded home for his fifth goal in his last eight league appearances.

City initially struggled to build on their early breakthrough and rarely threatened Julian Speroni's goal prior to Toure seeing an effort blocked by Scott Dann in the box, with referee Howard Webb waving away appeals for handball.Toure appeared in sensational form after shaking off a thigh problem, and extended his side's lead two minutes before the break.

After exchanging passes with Samir Nasri, Toure forced his way into the area before showing great composure to curl the ball around Speroni.Palace made the early running in the second period and the in-form Jason Puncheon forced Joe Hart to punch an effort around his right-hand post.

Toure, instrumental to everything that was good about City's performance, was withdrawn after 65 minutes on his return, to be replaced by Fernandinho.
Yet the visitors remained in control and could have moved three up when Speroni reacted well to keep out a deflected Dzeko strike.

Neither side were able to find the net as the game drew to a close, but results at Selhurst Park - where Chelsea were beaten last month - could well prove pivotal in the destination of the Premier League trophy, and it is leaders Liverpool who face a visit to Palace a week on Monday.

 

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Sochaux 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Thiago Silva own goal postpones title party

A Thiago Silva own goal postponed Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 title party for another week as they were held 1-1 by Sochaux.
The defending champions went into the game knowing a win would secure a fourth French crown, but Laurent Blanc's men delivered a disappointing performance at the Stade Auguste Bonal.PSG looked to be heading towards victory and the championship when Edinson Cavani gave them the lead midway through the first half.

But the capital club failed to build on that lead, and a determined Sochaux drew level when Silva put through his own net early in the second period.Yohann Pele was superb throughout in the Sochaux goal, routinely denying the visitors to preserve a precious point as they fight relegation.

Blanc's side still lead second-placed Monaco by eight points at the summit and will secure the title if they beat Rennes or the principality club cannot beat Guingamp a week on Wednesday.

PSG made a bright start to proceedings and came close to opening the scoring in the early stages as Yohan Cabaye saw a header cleared off the line by Julien Faussurier.The visitors continued to create the better chances in a high-tempo first half, with only more heroics from Sochaux keeping the scores level.

First Cavani forced Pele into a spectacular stop with a curling effort from distance, before Faussurier saved the day again from the resulting corner as he kept out Lucas Moura's far-post header.But the deadlock was finally broken by Cavani in the 25th minute, with the Uruguay international displaying superb technique to control Thiago Motta's exquisite ball over the top and volley into the bottom corner.

Blanc's men then spurned a clear opportunity to double their lead when Ezequiel Lavezzi volleyed over the bar after pouncing on some sloppy Sochaux defending.
Herve Renard's side rarely threatened the PSG goal during the opening period, but they should have drawn level on the stroke of half-time, only for Salvatore Sirigu to keep out Sebastien Roudet's close-range effort.

Just over 10 minutes into the second half Sochaux did level, though, Sirigu palming Florian Marange's deflected left-wing cross off Silva and into the net after Sebastien Corchia had gone close for the hosts.PSG almost restored their advantage five minutes later, Cavani working his way into the box only to be thwarted by another fine stop from Pele, who then denied substitute Marco Verratti from point-blank range.

Both teams pressed to try and find a winner in the closing stages, but were left to settle for a point that moves Sochaux within four of safety - though time is running out for them - and keeps PSG's title party on hold.

 

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kawane

Ow ada Liverpool loss 1ka nisa dan best advantage 1ka thiyenne City lata77 points with 3 games in hand.

Liverpool & City next thiyana hama match 1kama dinnoth 86 points wenawa.Ahema equal unath goal diffrence 1ken City lata chance 1ka thiyanawa

 

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Barca

 

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Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Sevilla: Muniain & Herrera put Valverde's side on brink of the Champions League

Athletic Bilbao are on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League playoffs following a 3-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

Susaeta put the home side in control by scoring directly from a corner before Iker Muniain and Ander Herrera settled matters against Unai Emery's side, who had Diogo Figueiras sent off in the second half.

The result means Athletic need just one win from their final three games to seal fourth spot in La Liga, while Sevilla - who rested some key players for the clash - will now turn their attention to the Europa League semi-final second leg with Valencia on Thursday.

It took Athletic just five minutes to break the deadlock, with a Susaeta corner creeping inside the near post after just five minutes following uncertainty in the Sevilla defensive ranks.

With a precious Champions League spot up for grabs, it was a fiesty first half at San Mames, with four players all finding themselves in the referee's notebook as each side scrapped for supremacy.

Athletic were the more comfortable team looking the more likely to find the second goal and they duly obliged just after half-time.

Valverde's men broke down the right wing and Andoni Iraola crossed to the far post for Muniain, who ghosted in unmarked to volley home with his right foot.

Muniain was booked for dissent just 10 minutes later as Daniel Carrico was lucky to escape a second yellow card for a trip on Ander Herrera, and the stoppage prompted Emery to call on Ivan Rakitic to try to find a way back into the match.

The midfielder came close a few minutes after his introduction as he fired a half volley wide of the left-hand post, but the task soon became insurmountable as Diego Figueiras was sent off for a second booking.

And just a minute later, the match was settled, as Iraola bent in another good cross from the right to allow Ander Herrera to head low into the corner for his fourth Liga goal of the season.

Sevilla responded well, with substitute Jairo touching the ball into the path of Kevin Gameiro to sweep into the corner, but in the end it was too little too late for the visitors as Athletic moved to within a victory of the Champions League playoff round.

 

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Villarreal 2-3 Barcelona: Messi caps brilliant comeback to keep champions in the title race

Lionel Messi sealed a brilliant Barcelona comeback as they came from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 3-2 on Sunday and keep their title hopes alive.

The champions trailed 2-0 after the first hour thanks to goals from Cani and Trigueros, but two own goals from Gabriel Paulista and Mateo Musacchio put Gerardo Martino's men back in the contest.

And with just 12 minutes to play, Messi finished a fine team move involving Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas to secure a priceless three points for the Blaugrana at the end of a deeply emotional week for the Catalan club.

Sergio Busquets struggled to hold back tears during the emotional minute's silence which preceded the match in honour of Tito Vilanova, who lost his battle with cancer this week. The Villarreal team donned shirts which paid homage to the late Barcelona boss.

The early proceedings were understandably subdued, but Messi had the first chance of the game in the 17th minute, with Asenjo producing an important save with his feet.

Barca continued to dominate possession, as usual, although Giovani dos Santos – who came through the ranks at Camp Nou – was unable to punish his former side at the other end after a quick Villarreal break, with Marc Bartra blocking a shot on the line.

The hosts then claimed the lead on the stroke of half-time, as Cani coolly slotted his first-time shot into the bottom-right corner after collecting Jonathan Pereira's precise ball.

Barcelona began the second half in impressive fashion and looked likely to draw level as Messi's influence on the game grew.

The forward first saw a 25-yard curling effort palmed away by Asenjo, before the goalkeeper kept out two free kick attempts from the Argentina star.

Villarreal were able to double their lead, though, as Trigueros rose brilliantly to steer a pinpoint header past Jose Manuel Pinto from Javier Aquino's cross.

Barcelona finally scored in the 65th minute, with Gabriel diverting Dani Alves' cut-back past his goalkeeper.

Another own goal was to follow, as Barca equalized after Musacchio headed Alves' delivery beyond Asenjo's reach.

And they completed their unlikely comeback in the 83rd minute, as Busquets' lofted ball was headed across by Fabregas, with Messi on hand to steer the winner home.

The match was soured by a banana being thrown at Alves during the second half, which the Brazilian proceeded to pick up and eat before taking a corner.

Barcelona are now four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid - who they play on the final day of the season - with three games to go, after Diego Simeone's side beat Valencia 1-0 earlier on Sunday.

 

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'Football means so little' - Martino pays tribute to Vilanova after Villarreal comeback

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino claimed football "seems to mean so little" after his side's 3-2 win at Villarreal on Sunday.

It was an emotional day at El Madrigal as both teams paid homage to the champions' former coach Tito Vilanova, who tragically lost his battle with cancer on Friday.

Goals to Cani and Manuel Trigueros put Villarreal 2-0 up but own goals to Gabriel and Mateo Musacchio set up a close finish.

And Lionel Messi bagged the winner with seven minutes to play to keep Barca's La Liga title push intact.

Following the match, which saw Barca remain four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, Martino was reluctant to speak at length about the result, instead focusing on Vilanova's passing.

"It's a sad weekend for Barcelona and for football," he said.

"Speaking of football, regardless of how the game went, seems inappropriate. I just want to send a big hug and a lot of strength to the family of Tito.

"In this case football seems to mean so little that to transmit it to a player seems out of place.

"Secondly, it's a fact, my players showed a lot of strength."

Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted that Vilanova's death had profoundly affected the team after working so closely with the former youth coach for several years.

The 29-year-old said: "The death of Tito has affected us very much because he is someone we had known for many years.

"I'll stick with the example that he always gave us as a person."

 

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Dani Alves thanks fan who threw banana during Villarreal clash

Barcelona defender Dani Alves thanked a supporter who threw a banana from the stands during his side's 3-2 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

The Brazilian picked up and ate the piece of fruit which was hurled from the crowd as he prepared to take a corner in the second half of the Liga encounter.

And Alves, whose crosses caused two own goals as the champions came from two goals down to win 3-2 on the night, claimed the supporter in question helped to give him the energy he needed to spark Barca's comeback.

"I don't know who it was, but thanks to whoever threw the banana, the potassium gave me the energy for the two crosses which led to a goal," he told reporters after the match.

Alves, who has been similarly targeted by supporters throughout his career with Sevilla and Barcelona in Spain, stressed he is not concerned by the actions of such fans.

"I've been living in Spain for 11 years, and for 11 years I've been laughing at these morons," he added.

Barca's win moves them back to within four points of leaders Atletico Madrid - who beat Valencia 1-0 earlier on Sunday - with three games left to play.

 

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Ajax are 'worthy champions' - De Boer

Frank de Boer says his Ajax side were worthy champions after they sealed a fourth successive Eredivisie title on Sunday.

The Amsterdam outfit were crowned champions after a 1-1 draw at Heracles, with Lasse Schone opening the scoring for Ajax in the 13th minute before Simon Cziommer equalised nine minutes later.

Sunday's celebrations were a far cry from the previous weekend, when Ajax were thumped 5-1 by Zwolle in the final of the KNVB Beker.

However, De Boer - who won five titles with Ajax as a player - took delight from his fourth crown as a coach, pointing to results against their direct title rivals as a key factor.

"We've beaten almost all our direct competitors. The title is justified," he said.

"I am proud. It was not the prettiest game, but eventually we dragged in the title.

"If we see that after the winter break we beat Feyenoord, Twente and PSV and drew with Vitesse, then we are worthy champions.

"Over the whole season we've been the best."

 

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Garcia: Atletico are now the team to beat

Raul Garcia believes Atletico Madrid are now the team to beat in Spain after their 1-0 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Garcia headed home the only goal of the game just before half-time at Mestalla as Diego Simeone's side moved a step closer to winning the Liga title.

The midfielder admits that every game is now a final for his side as they prepare for their three remaining games in the Spanish top flight this season.

"In football, you can't speak of percentages. You lose a game and things get tricky. You have to go out to win every game and, most importantly, depend upon yourselves," he is quoted as saying by Marca after the match.

"We knew it would be difficult and we'd be made to suffer, but we managed to play fairly well.

"Even though there are teams with nothing to play for, everyone wants to win. We are the leaders and the team to beat and every game is tough. We're playing finals, knowing that, if we win, things get a little bit closer."

Atletico now turn their attention to the Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea, with the Rojiblancos heading to Stamford Bridge after a 0-0 draw at Vicente Calderon last Wednesday.

Mourinho came under fire for his defensive tactics in the first leg - a system he deployed again in Sunday's 2-0 win away to Premier League leaders Liverpool - but Garcia insists the Portuguese boss must be respected for adopting a method which plays to his side's strengths.

"The way he approaches things is respectable and he thinks it was best for them to play like this, but we're going there with the intention of winning," he added.

 

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Simeone: Losing is not an option for Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone reminded his Atletico Madrid players that defeat was not an option after they secured a vital 1-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla.

The narrow away win, secured through Raul Garcia's first-half header, puts Atleti six points ahead of rivals Real Madrid having played a game more.

But with a clash against reigning champions Barcelona to come at Camp Nou on the final day of the season, Simeone is aware that just one slip could cost his side their dream.

"We have two big rivals behind us and we simply cannot afford to lose," he told Marca after the win on Sunday.

"This was an important win. We showed a great attitude and we fought nobly to get the three points.

"Valencia were very intense but I imagined they would be. I knew we were going to have a very tough first 30 minutes and every game at this stage of the season is complicated and requires a lot of effort."

Atletico will now need to swiftly turn their attentions to the continent as they travel to London to face Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

With the tie hanging in the balance after a goalless first game at Vicente Calderon, Simeone is well aware of the threat posed by the Blues, who secured a 2-0 win at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

He continued: "Starting on Monday we will be focusing on the Champions League.

"Chelsea have a great team. They rotated half their team today and still won against Liverpool. We know they will create many problems for us."

Atletico, who have only lost three of their 35 Liga matches so far, face Levante and Malaga in their final matches before the season-ending finale against Barca and know that two victories in those games will wrap up the title before the trip to Catalunya.

 

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Blanc wants Cavani to be a 'leader'

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc feels Edinson Cavani can play a leading role in the final weeks of the season.

In the five games PSG have played without injured talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cavani has scored three of his side's six goals, including a brace that secured victory in the Coupe de la Ligue final. The forward has been linked with a move to Manchester United recently, but Blanc is keen for Cavani to remain a focal point for PSG. "Cavani can be a leader on the field. Off the field, I think it's more complicated for him to be one," said Blanc.

"We have other leaders in the group such as Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I think this year's team has made good progress, both defensively and offensively. It is very satisfying."

After PSG were beaten in dramatic fashion by Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals, they suffered defeat in Ligue 1 to Lyon. However, they recovered to clinch the Coupe de la Ligue with victory over the same opponents before putting themselves on the brink of back-to-back league titles courtesy of Sunday's draw at Sochaux.

"We took some time to recover from the setback in the Champions League," Blanc added."We still have to get the title. We have to take the title again, this is a nice motivation for the team.

"This season Monaco have allowed us to stay focused on our objectives."

 

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Mourinho: Chelsea can't win title despite beating Liverpool

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is adamant his side can't win the Premier League title despite moving to within two points of Liverpool after a 2-0 win at Anfield.

Goals from Demba Ba, who capitalised on an uncharacteristic error from Reds skipper Steven Gerrard to score the first, and Willian secured all three points for Mourinho's men in a game that was being billed as a potential title decider.

The result sees the Blues close the gap on the Merseysiders to just two points, with both sides having two games left to play in the 2013-14 Premier League campaign, although Mourinho does not believe his team are now back in the running.

When asked if Chelsea are in the title race, he told Sky Sports: "No, we're back in nothing. In this moment we are almost third. Yesterday with Everton in fifth we were automatically qualified for the Champions League but fourth was still a possibility.

"Now with these three points we need one point to finish third. It was a good season for us. There was an evolution in many aspects of this team. And now champions are only one and the champions will be City or Liverpool.

"So we have nothing to celebrate but we can say that we finished third and we can say we won both matches against the champion."

Chelsea defended resolutely and repelled waves of Liverpool attacks over the 90 minutes and Mourinho was full of praise for his side, singling out Tomas Kalas, who was making his Premier League debut, for his performance.

"My feeling is that we deserved to win, no doubts about it. It's as simple as this. And with the result 1-0 during the first 45 minutes, we were always comfortable and we were never in trouble against a fantastic team.

"For us to have this performance and for a kid like Kalas to make his debut and play the way he did - all of them, I have to speak about the kid because it's a special day for him, our team was fantastic and a very much deserved victory. We won both matches against the champions - whether it's Liverpool or Man City."

 

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PSG didn't do enough - Blanc

Laurent Blanc admitted Paris Saint-Germain "didn't do enough" after being held to a 1-1 draw by Sochaux on Sunday.

Victory would've seen the Ligue 1 leaders retain their title, but though Edinson Cavani got them off to the perfect start with the opener in the first half, the home side grew into the game in the second period.

And they were rewarded for their efforts when Thiago Silva put the ball into his own net just shy of the hour mark, with PSG unable to find the goal that would've clinched the title.

Blanc said: "We didn't get the three points so there has to be disappointment. We missed a lot of chances and Sochaux produced a very good performance.

"We scored a nice goal but it wasn't enough. They came back into the game in the second half and equalised, but we didn't do enough, so a drawn isn't illogical."

PSG midfielder Yohan Cabaye added his disappointment at failing to clinch the league crown and pointed to a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

"We lacked success in and around the penalty area," he admitted.

"There was more determination in the team that wanted to stay in the division than the one that wanted to lift the title.

"Unfortunately we are not champions tonight but we will stay focused and try and win against Rennes."

 

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Van Persie set for Manchester United stay

Robin van Persie had been considering his Manchester United future during David Moyes's troubled reign but the striker is now unlikely to leave Old Trafford this summer as the club lay the foundations for the arrival of his fellow Dutchman, Louis van Gaal.

As reported by Goal, Van Gaal has agreed the terms of a contract with a United delegation in the last 48 hours and is set to be appointed the Scot's permanent successor.

It is no secret that Van Persie has a far better relationship with his national-team boss - Van Gaal will take over at Old Trafford when his stint with Netherlands ends after the World Cup - than he had with Moyes.

The 30-year-old has been photographed sat alongside Van Gaal at a number of Feyenoord league matches while he has been rehabilitating in his home country from a knee injury that is not expected to stop him from featuring in Brazil.

The Insider understands that the Holland boss and captain also share the same agent in Kees Vos, who has been busy negotiating Van Gaal's new job at United.

Van Persie had been mulling over a switch to the continent in the summer following a second season at Old Trafford that has not matched the exploits of his outstanding first campaign, when his goals shot United to the league title.

He frequently clashed with Moyes over the Scot's tactics and training methods, which the Dutchman felt did not suit his explosive playing style.

But the former Arsenal man is likely to figure prominently in Van Gaal's plans next season even though United are openly looking for a marquee centre forward in the next window.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal make Sagna 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer

Arsenal have made Bacary Sagna a take-it-or-leave-it offer in a new attempt to keep him at the club.

Goal understands that the Gunners upped their package to more than €95,000-per-week during fresh talks earlier in April.

It was an improvement on the €90,000-a-week deal already on the table, with both offers spread over two years with the option of a third year, and the Gunners hierarchy are hopeful that it will be enough for Sagna to snub other offers and commit to extending beyond this season, when his current deal expires.

The right-back, who is believed to be settled with his family in London, has attracted strong interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, Monaco and Inter but is believed to be most attracted by the possibility of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal are now waiting on a decision from one of their longest-serving players, with an end to the saga expected to be imminent.

Arsene Wenger has been heavily involved in his fellow Frenchman's contract talks despite the uncertainty over his own future beyond this season.

On Friday, he told reporters of Sagna: "We know what we want from him, he knows what is on the table and that's where we are. The ball is not in our camp any more. It is in his camp and he needs to come back to us."

The defender, who turned 31 in February, could leave the Emirates Stadium on a free in the summer and is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club.

Wenger has always been keen to hold on to Sagna, who has been a key figure for Arsenal this season and offers experience and versatility that would not be easy to replace. The Gunners have looked closely at replacement right-backs in the last year, with Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung currently top of their target list should Sagna decide to leave.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and City manager Manuel Pellegrini are also admirers of Sagna, who can operate in central defence as well as both full-back positions, and he is highly regarded in his native France.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are expected to shake off knocks and be fit for the Newcastle clash, although there is a doubt over Thomas Vermaelen.

The trio sat out training on Friday but Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain were in line to join full training over the weekend.

Abou Diaby made his comeback for Arsenal Under-21s earlier in April as he continues his long recovery from a torn cruciate ligament but the midfielder is not considered ready for a first-team return.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs hails Mata 'masterclass' in Manchester United win

Ryan Giggs says that Juan Mata delivered a "masterclass" during his 30-minute display in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

The Spaniard started as a substitute during Giggs' debut as United's stand-in manager but came off the bench to score twice after Wayne Rooney had put last season's title winners two goals in front.

The interim boss admits that he lost sleep over his decision to leave out several high-profile players, including Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini, who both failed to make the matchday squad.

"That was a tough one, as it was leaving so many players out," Giggs told reporters.

"[Mata] was disappointed [not to start] and I'd expect that. It would be strange if he wasn't but he just showed the class that he's got both as a player and as a professional.

"He put on a half-hour masterclass, he was brilliant and I was really happy for him because it's not easy because he's got a big price tag.

"To not start the game was disappointing for him and I'm really pleased that he came on and made such an impact."