..::Football III::..

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West Ham 2-0 Tottenham: 10-man Spurs slump to embarrassing defeat

West Ham confirmed their Premier League status with a comfortable win over 10-man Tottenham, their third win of the season over their London rivals.

First-half goals from Stewart Downing and a Harry Kane own goal gave the Hammers the 2-0 win but they were largely helped by the sending off of Younes Kaboul in the 25th minute.

Sam Allardyce's men won twice at White Hart Lane earlier this season, in the Premier League and League Cup, and were dominant for large spells on this occasion.

After a reasonably open start to proceedings, Kaboul was red-carded for bringing down Stewart Downing as the winger bore down on goal.

Things got worse for Tim Sherwood when an Andy Carroll header deflected in off Kane just two minutes later and, on the stroke of half-time, Downing scored his first goal for West Ham with a free-kick from the edge of the area.

The result dents sixth-placed Spurs' hopes of securing Europa League football for next season.

West Ham, meanwhile, are guaranteed another campaign in the top flight, with a first win in five providing a welcome boost to manager Allardyce, who has been the subject of regular criticism from his own fans of late.

Carroll caused the visiting defence problems early on but it was Emmanuel Adebayor at the other end who should have opened the scoring.

After Christian Eriksen cleverly played him in, the Spurs forward side-footed a tame effort straight at Adrian.

Guy Demel almost profited from Carroll's aerial presence to strike the crossbar with a mis-hit strike on the turn.

Spurs then appeared to have little reason for complaint as Kaboul bundled over Downing just outside the area and was sent off.

Carroll's free-kick forced Hugo Lloris to make a smart stop and the England international helped open the scoring from the resulting corner, with his header clipping Kane and looping over Tottenham's goalkeeper to cap off a woeful few minutes for the visitors.

West Ham piled on the pressure for the remainder of the half and another foul on the edge of the box led to their second goal.

Mark Noble was brought down by Michael Dawson before Downing converted the free-kick, with Lloris likely to be disappointed with the lack of protection offered by his wall.

Mohamed Diame found the target with an overhead kick shortly after the break, while Nolan was also thwarted by a busy Lloris.

The introduction of Roberto Soldado and Sandro had little effect as Tottenham struggled to find a way back into the game, with the former spurning two half-chances.

Adrian made a fine save to deny Danny Rose in injury time, but West Ham were all but assured of victory by then and Sherwood's men could now find themselves pipped to the final Europa League place by Manchester United.

 

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Manchester United 0-1 Sunderland: Larsson steers Black Cats closer to safety

Sunderland stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford to take a massive step closer to Premier League survival.

A first-half goal from Sebastian Larsson, after good work from Connor Wickham, put the Black Cats ahead and Gus Poyet's side held on to secure a massive three points and in the process, relegate Cardiff and Fulham.

A draw at Manchester City and a win over Chelsea preceded last weekend's vital 4-0 triumph for Sunderland against Cardiff and Gus Poyet's men made it 10 points from the last 12 on offer thanks to Sebastian Larsson's first-half volley.

Defeats to Stoke and Newcastle respectively meant Fulham and Cardiff's fates were sealed, while Emanuele Giaccherini and Fabio Borini both hit the United woodwork in the closing stages.

Sunderland now hold a three-point lead over third-bottom Norwich City - who take on Chelsea on Sunday in their penultimate game - and a vastly superior goal difference.

Following a vibrant 4-0 win over Norwich last Sunday, interim United manager Ryan Giggs crashed back down to earth as a lacklustre display that allowed the visitors to claim a first league win at Old Trafford since May 1968.

A combination of illness and a minor groin injury kept Wayne Rooney on the sidelines - the only enforced change of five made by Giggs to his starting XI.

Former United defender John O'Shea almost turned Michael Carrick's 16th-minute cross into his own goal, while Nani fizzed over and Patrice Evra headed a 20th-minute corner into Vito Mannone's arms - though clear-cut chances were at a premium.

However, United's early lethargy remained and the travelling supporters were able to enliven a pensive Old Trafford atmosphere when Sunderland took a 30th-minute lead.

Darren Fletcher allowed in-form striker Connor Wickham to send over a cross from the right and Larsson sent a controlled volley into the bottom-left corner.

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson twice failed to capitalise on poor clearances from goalkeeper David de Gea as United staggered towards the interval in disarray.

United's pedestrian tempo continued after the break but Johnson switched off to allow the overlapping Evra into the box and his 50th-minute centre was superbly cleared behind by Wes Brown with Javier Hernandez poised to convert.

Nemanja Vidic headed wide when the resulting corner was worked back into the area and Sunderland suddenly found themselves defending perilously deep.

Activity in front of the away team's goal became somewhat frantic and Carrick and Vidic were both unable to force headers home when Phil Jones chipped towards the back post.

Sunderland almost made the points safe on an increasingly rare foray forward after 71 minutes - substitute Giaccherini hitting the post before Jack Colback crashed the rebound into the side netting.

By that stage, Giggs had also called for considerable reinforcements in the form of Adnan Januzaj, Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie and the latter almost enjoyed a dream return from his knee injury but prodded wide from Jones' delivery.

Fellow striker Hernandez skied over from Evra's 81st minute cutback before Borini came agonisingly close to compounding United's misery, striking the woodwork with De Gea rooted to the spot.

Reports this week suggested Van Persie's countryman Louis van Gaal is the front-runner to become David Moyes' permanent successor at Old Trafford and he may have a major overhaul on his hands on this evidence.

 

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Meh season 1ka purawatama kisima luck 1kak nahaTottenham loss 1ke advantage 1ka capture karaganna bari una neh

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Barcelona 2-2 Getafe: Lafita late show shatters Blaugrana title hopes

A 92nd minute strike from Lafita shattered Barcelona's La Liga title hopes as they drew 2-2 with Getafe at Camp Nou.

Lafita – who initially cancelled out Lionel Messi's first-half strike – headed in a dramatic leveller in the 92nd minute to give Cosmin Contra's side a well-earned point.Barcelona are now three points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand, with just two fixtures to play.

At the other end of the table, the draw could prove crucial in Getafe's fight against relegation, with a point moving them up to 16th and three points clear of safety.
The hosts controlled possession, as expected, but were never at their fluent best and eventually paid the price in dramatic circumstances.They did look set for victory, however, when Alexis Sanchez scored his 18th league goal of the season with 23 minutes remaining.

But Lafita took advantage of some terrible marking to nod in a late equaliser and stun the home crowd.Barcelona paid tribute to former coach Tito Vilanova with a minute's silence held before the first match at the Camp Nou since the 45-year-old's passing.

The hosts also wore commemorative shirts that had words translating to 'Tito – Forever Eternal' emblazoned on them.

Both sides were slow to get going until Messi's 23rd-minute opener, which came after Dani Alves charged down the right.His cut-back was met at full pace by the Argentina star, who side-footed a clever finish into the top-left corner from 12 yards.Barca's lead lasted just 14 minutes, though, as Lafita's outstanding finish restored parity.

An unorthodox lobbed free-kick unsettled the Barcelona defence and Lafita brought the ball down, held off the attention of Pedro and then lashed a shot across goalkeeper Jose Pinto and into the left corner.

The goal was initially ruled out by the linesman, who appeared to suggest that Lafita had handled the ball, but referee Jose Teixeira intervened and the decision was overruled, as the visitors went to the break on level terms after Alexis wasted a late chance.

Alexis was denied by the crossbar early in the second half, despite failing to meet Alves' swinging cross from the right with his head, almost scoring with his shoulder after significant pressure from defender Rafa.

The chances kept coming for Barca, as Pedro was denied by Getafe goalkeeper Julio Cesar after an excellent dribbling run from Messi, and their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 67th minute.The goal followed a neat team move, with substitute Cesc Fabregas' ball finding Pedro, and although his shot was blocked, Alexis was on hand to fire the rebound in with his left foot.

Fabregas and Alves had further opportunities to extend Barca's lead, before Messi lobbed onto the roof of the net, while at the other end, Pablo Sarabia was guilty of missing a great chance with 10 minutes left.

With Barca left vulnerable after a quick Getafe counter-attack, Sarabia could only fire a volley straight at Pinto.

But it mattered little, as Lafita's late effort boosted their survival hopes and shattered Barcelona title hopes.

 

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Swansea City 0-1 Southampton: Late Lambert strike clinches Saints win

Rickie Lambert's injury-time strike secured a 1-0 victory for Southampton at Swansea City.

The forward, who started the match on the bench, took advantage of Ashley Williams’ poor clearance to bundle the ball over the line and register his 11th Premier League goal of the season.

The result means Southampton are assured of an eighth-place finish at the end of the campaign.

A lack of significant incentives for either side contributed to a low-key encounter at the Liberty Stadium, with clear-cut chances in scarce supply.

The hosts enjoyed the majority of possession, but failed to cause Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm too many problems, while Artur Boruc had a comfortable 90 minutes at the other end.

Wilfried Bony and Sam Gallagher each wasted opportunities to break the deadlock after both players sent efforts over the crossbar in the opening period.

Swansea squandered another chance as Jonjo Shelvey squared the ball to Bony, who back-heeled to Pablo Hernandez, but Boruc denied the Spaniard before Jonathan de Guzman blazed over.

Dejan Lovren curled a 20-yard free-kick narrowly over the crossbar in 20th minute, before a Gallagher header from a dangerous Nathaniel Clyne cross suffered the same fate just past the half-hour mark.

Bony should have put Swansea in front soon after, but after collecting the ball from a Hernandez touch, the Ivorian powered his effort well over.

Adam Lallana's 25-yard drive shortly after the break forced Vorm into his first real save of the encounter, while the biggest cheers from home supporters came as news of fierce rivals Cardiff City's slide towards relegation filtered through.

Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium for both sides, and Shelvey's low free-kick on the hour was too tame to trouble Boruc in the Southampton goal.

But Southampton had the final say, as Lambert put the ball in the back of the net to secure the club’s 15th win in the Premier League this term.

 

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Aston Villa 3-1 Hull: Weimann double secures precious win for Lambert

Aston Villa took a huge stride toward Premier League safety with a 3-1 victory over FA Cup finalists Hull City.

Ashley Westwood put the hosts in front in the first minute after turning in a cross from Gabby Agbonlahor.

Jordan Bowery, who replaced the injured Agbonlahor in the first half, scored an own goal to let the visitors back into the game.

But Andreas Weimann was the hero for Paul Lambert with two more goals before the interval to wrap up the win.

The defeat leaves FA Cup finalists Hull still without a win since booking their place at Wembley Stadium, but they will be safe from relegation if Norwich City fail to win at Chelsea on Sunday.

Villa made a blistering start, taking the lead inside 60 seconds through Westwood's composed finish.

Agbonlahor played an influential role, poking a pass into the path of Westwood, and the midfielder took a touch before planting a shot beyond Steve Harper.

Agbonlahor departed the action midway through the half after picking up a knock, and his replacement Bowery unwittingly brought Hull level in the 28th minute.

Tom Huddlestone slid a disguised free-kick into the path of Liam Rosenior and, although the full-back appeared to be in an offside position, play was allowed to continue and his low cross was turned into the net as Bowery got his feet in a tangle.

Huddlestone brought a flying save out of Brad Guzan six minutes later but Harper had to rush from his line to deny Weimann and then tip Bowery's header over the crossbar at the other end as the game opened up.

Weimann was not to be denied for long, however, as he nodded in from close range after Nathan Baker was denied by the bar in the 41st minute.

Villa Park was jubilant as the Austrian was on target again in first-half stoppage time, glancing in Bowery's left-wing delivery from 10 yards.

In a second half that offered little in comparison to the first, Bowery tested Harper with a rising drive on the hour, while Guzan got down low to his left to comfortably hold Huddlestone's effort from the edge of the box 15 minutes from time.

Hull were unable to force a way back into proceedings as the game petered out, with Villa now almost certainly safe to plan for life in the Premier League next season.

 

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Stoke 4-1 Fulham: Magath's men sink into Championship

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League following a heavy defeat to Stoke on Saturday, after Sunderland unexpectedly triumphed at Old Trafford.

The Cottagers conceded three times in the second half and despite Kieran Richardson's consolation, ultimately fell to a 4-1 defeat to the Potters.

Felix Magath had never previously suffered relegation during his managerial career, but the German's impressive record came to an end as his men were swept aside by rampant Stoke in a one-sided Premier League clash.

Sunderland's victory at Manchester United ensures the London club's 13-season stay in the top flight is over and the manner in which they were beaten at Stoke will have been difficult to take for Fulham's supporters.

Peter Odemwingie opened the scoring with his sixth goal since his move from Cardiff City, whose relegation was also confirmed on Saturday.

Marko Arnautovic doubled Stoke's lead in a game that they dominated from start to finish and the impressive Oussama Assaidi added a third goal.

Kieran Richardson did reply for Fulham, but Stoke substitute Jon Walters swiftly made it 4-1 to compound Fulham's misery.

Hughes, who walked out on Fulham in 2011, is on course to guide Stoke to their first top-10 finish in the Premier League, while his former employers must prepare for life in the second tier.

Assaidi was named in the Stoke starting line-up for the first time in almost three months after a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem and ought to have put his side in front just two minutes in.

Steven N'Zonzi cut the ball back for the on-loan Liverpool winger, who came in the expense of Peter Crouch, but Assaidi blazed wildly over the crossbar with his right foot.

Mahamadou Diarra breathed a sigh of relief when he gifted the ball to Stephen Ireland 25 yards from his own goal and David Stockdale spared his blushes with a fine reflex save.

Assaidi was a constant menace to the Fulham defence and the busy Stockdale had to be alert to keep out the Moroccan's long-range drive as Stoke set a frenetic pace.

Lewis Holtby made way for Ashkan Dejagah shortly after only 34 minutes, but Magath's attempt to turn the tide failed to have the desired effect.

Stoke were dominant and it came as no surprise when they moved in front six minutes before the break.

Arnautovic was the architect as he cut the ball back for Ireland. The midfielder's shot took a deflection before hitting the crossbar and dropping down nicely for Odemwingie to slot home.

Fulham were unable to live with the home side's passing and movement and Stockdale produced another fine save to thwart the influential Arnautovic.

The Austrian was not to be denied nine minutes after the break, though, as he finished off a brisk Stoke break to double their lead.

Assaidi found Odemwingie with a sublime pass and the Nigerian this time turned provider as he picked out the onrushing Arnautovic, who beat Stockdale with a clinical right-footed finish at the back post.

Assaidi had the bit between his teeth and rounded off another rapid break after Arnautovic had squared from the right 73 minutes in.

Substitute Richardson pulled a goal back with a right-footed finish from inside the penalty area 10 minutes from time, but the damage had already been done.

And Walters completed the scoring when he slotted home a fourth Stoke goal with eight minutes remaining to add insult to injury for Magath's men.

 

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Hamburg 1-4 Bayern: Gotze at the double as Bavarians bounce back

Mario Gotze scored twice as Bayern Munich bounced back from their European heartbreak with a 4-1 win over struggling Hamburg. Bayern went into the contest on the back of a chastening 5-0 aggregate Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid, but Hamburg were unable to capitalise on the visitors' deflated mood.

Mirko Slomka's men needed to win to stand any chance of avoiding a bottom-three finish and they produced some encouraging moments early on, but the Bundesliga champions' quality eventually shone through.

Gotze, who has endured a disappointing first season at Bayern, put his side ahead just after the half-hour mark to round off a delightful move and Thomas Muller added their second 10 minutes after half-time.Former Borussia Dortmund playmaker Gotze got his second with just over 20 minutes left, before Hakan Calhanoglu pulled one back for Hamburg.

However, any hope of an unlikely comeback from the home side were dashed by Claudio Pizarro, who struck 15 minutes from time to restore Bayern's three-goal cushion before Jerome Boateng was sent off late on following an altercation with substitute Kerem Demirbay.Defeat for Hamburg means they can now only finish the season as high as 16th, which would see them face a relegation play-off.

In the wake of Bayern's humiliating Champions League exit, coach Pep Guardiola defiantly defended his football philosophy, and the German champions showed no sign of abandoning their possession-based game in Hamburg.But despite their attempt to monopolise the ball, the hosts created the better chances inside the first 20 minutes.

With 11 minutes played, Ivo Ilicevic pounced on Manuel Neuer's skewed clearance before cleverly flicking the ball over Dante and blasting a half-volley into the side netting.

Highly-rated midfielder Calhanoglu cut in from the left with intent shortly after, but once again Bayern escaped unscathed as the Turkey international fired wide of the right-hand post.

And Bayern duly capitalised on those let-offs in the 32nd minute, as Gotze combined brilliantly with Arjen Robben inside the penalty area, before coolly slotting under Rene Adler.Hamburg almost levelled just before the break, but Neuer produced a fine save to deny Rafael van der Vaart's half-volley.

Ominously for Hamburg, Bayern began the second half with renewed focus and after Robben won a corner following a devilish run in towards the right-hand post, they doubled their lead.Robben delivered the set-piece along the floor to Gotze, and the 21-year-old fired through a crowd of players before Muller flicked it past the helpless Adler.

Gotze got his second of the game in the 69th minute as he brought the ball down nonchalantly in the area before confidently converting a half-volley in from close range.

Hamburg's hopes of a late comeback were given some encouragement as Calhanoglu rifled into the bottom-right corner from long range three minutes later.

But Pizarro's audacious over-head kick, which came just two minutes after he replaced Robben, added gloss to the scoreline for Bayern - whose day was marred slightly when Boateng received his marching orders for going head-to-head with Demirbay after the Hamburg man had tried to win a penalty.

 

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Newcastle United 3-0 Cardiff City: Welsh side relegated amid Pardew protests

Cardiff City have been relegated to the Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Shola Ameobi opened the scoring in the first half as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side failed to muster a response, with Loic Remy and Steven Taylor wrapping up the win late on.

The Welsh outfit, who sacked manager Malky Mackay in December 2013, return to English football's second tier after just one season in the Premier League.

The home fans, meanwhile, unveiled banners calling for the sacking of boss Alan Pardew, with some supporters staging a walk-out.

Cardiff - who were without Gary Medel, Mats Moller Daehli and Kevin Theophile-Catherine due to illness - almost made an ideal start inside the first five minutes as Fraizer Campbell volleyed narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

Both sides struggled to create chances in the early going, but defender Mathieu Debuchy twice came close to giving Newcastle the lead.

However, the hosts did go ahead after 17 minutes, when Ameobi met Moussa Sissoko's right-wing cross at the far post with a fine diving header which flew past the helpless David Marshall.

Sissoko was heavily involved again as Newcastle narrowly missed out on doubling their advantage just two minutes later, with the midfielder's low deflected effort hitting the post.

Cardiff's main threat came through Wilfried Zaha, who would have levelled matters if not for a great reaction save from Tim Krul.

Both sides made a change during the half time interval, former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy replacing Kim Bo-kyung for Cardiff, while Massadio Haidara took the place of Paul Dummett at left-back for the hosts.

But Bellamy's introduction failed to turn the game in the visitors' favour, and Cardiff were fortunate not to fall further behind as Mike Williamson saw an effort deflect just wide of the post.

A lack of excitement on the pitch saw attentions turn to protests off the field for much of the second period, but Cardiff found life in latter stages as they pressed for an equaliser.

First a point-blank save from Krul denied substitute Kenywne Jones a leveller, and Newcastle's lead was kept intact in spectacular fashion moments later as captain Fabricio Coloccini brilliantly cleared Aron Gunnarsson's effort off the line.

And Cardiff's fate was sealed three minutes from time, as Remy coolly finished off a Newcastle counter after collecting Sissoko's deflected pass.

Pardew's men then piled further misery on the visitors in injury time when substitute Taylor bundled the ball in from Remy's header, following good work down the right from Dan Gosling.

 

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Fulham & Cardiff City EPL 1ken relegated!​

 

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Everton 2-3 Manchester City: Dzeko double sends Pellegrini's men top

Manchester City moved ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League on goal difference with a tense 3-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

The league leaders looked in for a difficult afternoon and fell behind early to a stunning curling effort from England World Cup hopeful Ross Barkley.

But Sergio Aguero equalised before limping off with an injury, and Edin Dzeko scored either side of half time to put the visitors in control.

Romelu Lukaku responded with a header from a Leighton Baines cross to set up a nervy finish and despite the best efforts of Gerard Deulofeu, who forced a save from Joe Hart with a fine individual run, Roberto Martinez's side could not find an equaliser and saw their Champions League hopes ended.

City made an enterprising start, with Aguero often the architect, but Everton took a 10th-minute lead in sensational fashion.

Barkley, who impressed throughout, brought Goodison Park to its feet by whipping Steven Naismith's lay-off into the top corner from 25 yards.

Yaya Toure brushed Leon Osman aside to blast over after 16 minutes, while Barkley jinked past Javi Garcia and Martin Demichelis at the other end to prompt a magnificent last-ditch tackle from Vincent Kompany.

Perhaps inspired by their captain's heroics, City drew level in the 21st minute.

Centre-back Antolin Alcaraz was drawn towards Toure, who slipped a pass though for Aguero to blast beyond Tim Howard at his near post.

However, in the act of scoring, Aguero appeared to sustain another leg problem in an injury-plagued season and the striker was replaced by Fernandinho.

As half time approached Howard thwarted Dzeko from an acute angle but when the ball was worked out to James Milner the big Bosnian was on hand to head home from a pinpoint cross.

Everton had a glorious chance to draw level within a minute of the restart as Barkley stormed forward and Naismith shrugged off Pablo Zabaleta, but Joe Hart made a stunning low save to deny the Scotland international.

In a similar response to the one following Kompany's earlier brilliance, City streamed up field to give themselves breathing space.

Fernandinho sublimely controlled the attack and found Samir Nasri, whose low centre was turned in by Dzeko for City's 150th goal in all competitions this term.

Faced with the seemingly routine prospect of closing out a decisive win, City then faded badly and Lukaku reduced the arrears when he stooped to convert Leighton Baines' arching cross.

Bizarrely, City's defenders were then of greater use at the other end of the field, as Zabaleta and Demichelis went close to adding a fourth.

Lively Everton substitute Gerard Deulofeu rippled the side netting after cutting through the visitors with a brilliant jinking run.

A lengthy period of treatment for a shoulder injury to Dzeko brought about six minutes of stoppage time, but Manuel Pellegrini's side held on and are likely to guarantee a second league crown in three seasons by winning their remaining matches, at home to Aston Villa and West Ham.

 

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Manchester City win 1kath 1kkama Arsenal 4th place dan secureCongratzzzzz for City & Arsenal!​

 

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Dortmund 3-2 Hoffenheim: Lewandowski bids farewell in five-goal thriller

Borussia Dortmund came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 as Robert Lewandowski bid farewell to the Signal Iduna Park faithful on Saturday.

The 25-year-old Poland striker, who will join Bayern Munich at the end of the season, failed to get on the scoresheet in his last home game for Dortmund, but his team-mates stepped up in the Bundesliga’s penultimate round.

In a match of little importance – Dortmund and Hoffenheim had already been assured of finishing second and in mid-table before kick-off respectively – the visitors stormed into an early lead through Roberto Firmino.

However, a Kevin Grossreutz curler, a rare header from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lukasz Piszczek’s half-volley ensured Jurgen Klopp's men will enter their final league game of the season at Hertha Berlin with a chance of breaking the 70-point barrier.

Niklas Sule's goal sent nerves through the home crowd, but the day nevertheless belonged to Lewandowski, who joined Dortmund from Lech Poznan in 2010 before firing them to back-to-back Bundesliga crowns.

The Poland international received flowers and a giant poster of himself before kick-off, had his name chanted throughout, and was substituted to a standing ovation in stoppage time.Dortmund have now scored 17 goals in their last six Bundesliga games, while Hoffenheim's rollercoaster season provided another clash full of highlights.

Klopp claimed he only had "15 fit players" going into the game, but he was able to welcome back left-back Marcel Schmelzer following a groin injury.Hoffenheim were without suspended second-top scorer Anthony Modeste, but it took their leading marksman just four minutes to break the deadlock.

Kevin Volland's dummy freed Firmino, whose strike from inside the box gave goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller no chance - the Brazilian grabbing a 15th goal of the Bundesliga season.

It should have been 2-0 on seven minutes. Volland received the ball inside the box and side-stepped Weidenfeller, only to see his close-range strike cleared off the line by the sliding Mats Hummels.Dortmund turned a deficit into a 3-1 lead with three goals within five minutes around the hour mark.

Sokratis broke up a Hoffenheim attack, carried the ball forward and freed Grossreutz, who curled a fine effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Just two minutes later, Reus received the ball inside the box, looked up and dinked the ball onto the head of a diving Mkhitaryan, who powered it home.

And Piszczek increased Dortmund's lead after a frantic spell, pouncing on a loose ball and half-volleying the ball just inside the post.Grosskreutz went close to a second just before the hour, but the visitors retained a threat, as Volland's touch deserted him when in on goal, allowing Sokratis to intercept.

However, Sule did get Hoffenheim back into the game on 65 minutes. The 18-year-old unleashed a fierce drive from 30 yards which, although directed straight at Weidenfeller, somehow slipped through the goalkeeper's legs.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s cross almost gave Lewandowski the chance to score the goal he so desired, but an interception left him on 101 goals in 185 appearances for Dortmund.

And with BVB controlling the game in stoppage time, an emotional Lewandowki left the field to a standing ovation and hug from Klopp.

 

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Lewandowski ge last BVB home game 1ka

 

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Cardiff & Fulham relegated from Premier League

Cardiff and Fulham have been relegated from the Premier League following their respective defeats to Newcastle and Stoke on Saturday afternoon.

Results elsewhere saw Sunderland secure an unlikely victory at Old Trafford, meaning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, who lost 3-0 at Newcastle, will return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

Despite starting the campaign brightly under Malky Mackay, defeating Manchester City in front of their home fans, eccentric owner Vincent Tan saw fit to replace the Scot with Solskjaer.

The gamble failed as the Norwegian struggled to improve on Mackay's record, winning just three of 17 matches in charge of the south Wales club.

For Fulham, the picture is the same as a heavy 4-1 loss at Stoke brought to an end their 13-year stay in the Premier League.

Until this point, German manager Felix Magath had never been relegated and had a reputation for saving clubs in trouble, yet only managed three wins in his 11 games in charge, collecting just 11 points from 33.

 

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Arsenal secure Champions League qualification

Arsenal have secured Champions League football for a 17th consecutive season after Everton’s defeat against Manchester City ensured Arsene Wenger’s side will finish the season no lower than fourth in the Premier League table.

Two goals from Edin Dzeko and another from Sergio Aguero ensured a 3-2 victory for Manuel Pellegrini’s men to help cement their status as title favourites – victories in their final two matches against Aston Villa and West Ham will secure second Premier League crown in three seasons.

Arsenal harboured ambitions of challenging City for the title this season and led the table at the turn of the year before a series of damaging losses against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool killed off their title challenge.

Defeat against Everton at Goodison Park last month put Arsenal’s proud record of consecutive years in the Champions League at great risk but Wenger’s side have responded with three straight wins, while Roberto Martinez’s men have suffered costly defeats against Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.

Arsenal will now head into their final two games of the season against West Bromwich Albion and Norwich knowing their top four status is secure and can concentrate fully on their FA Cup final preparations – the Gunners take on Hull City at Wembley on May 17 hoping to end a nine-year wait for a trophy.

 

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I am to blame - Martino

Gerardo Martino says he is responsible for Barcelona's disappointing season after the 2-2 draw with Getafe left their title hopes in tatters.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring on Saturday afternoon, before Angel Lafita made it 1-1 at Camp Nou, but Alexis Sanchez looked to have given the home side the win on 67 minutes.

However, late drama ensued, as Lafita rose highest to head home deep into injury-time to salvage a point for struggling Getafe and all but end Barca's hopes of retaining their La Liga crown.

Martino said after the game: "We paid an expensive mistake. The team had desire and invention. We played well and deserved to win. It is not a desired end and not a good season. Neither for me nor for the club. It has been a very difficult season.

"I think it is the responsibility of the coach, who leads the team. Whatever we say mathematically, we have already given everything we had to win the league. We wanted to do many more things, but we could not get to the last day with options.
Martino's downbeat tone continued throughout his post-match press conference and he admitted there were problems within the club that need resolving, casting further doubt over his future.

"The players know what is dividing the club and what is the choice," he said.
"There is still time to tell my future. I do not like to avoid responsibilities and feel that I am responsible. During the season we had some shortcomings which we haven't resolved."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ter Stegen set to announce new club

Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is ready to end speculation over his future by announcing his new club next weekend.

The 22-year-old was widely rumoured to be joining Barcelona but the club's transfer ban - imposed by Fifa for their dealings in international youth transfers – appeared to scupper any move.

Gladbach have previously announced that Ter Stegen will definitely leave and after Fifa suspended Barca's ban on transfers while the club's appeal against the sanction is still unresolved, the move appears to be back on, pending final confirmation.

"I control the moment when I announce my new club," Ter Stegen told Kicker .
"I would like to do so at the end of the season."

The Germany international is therefore expected to reveal his future plans after Gladbach's last Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg just seven days from now, with his current club still firmly in the race for European qualification.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ter Stegen Barcelona thamai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero forced off against Everton with groin injury

Sergio Aguero was forced off during Manchester City's Premier League clash with Everton due to a groin injury.

The Argentina international had equalised for City after Ross Barkley's stunning opener but pulled up shortly after his goal.

Aguero attempted to play on but could not continue and was subsequently replaced by Fernandinho in the 28th minute.

The 25-year-old has scored 28 goals in 33 appearances for City this term but his campaign has been disrupted by calf and hamstring injuries.

Manuel Pellegrini's side require a win at Goodison Park in order to pull level on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play their penultimate game of the season against Crystal Palace on Monday.