..::Football III::..

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Eibar 0-4 Real Madrid: Ronaldo double breaks another milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo set a new La Liga record as his two goals helped Real Madrid to a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Eibar.The capital club's victory was their 14th in a row in all competitions and keeps Real top of the Liga standings for another week.

James Rodriguez opened the scoring midway through the first half to put the visitors on their way to a 36th Liga victory under Carlo Ancelotti in his 50th game in charge.

Eibar coach Gaizka Garitano had labelled Ronaldo "unstoppable" before the game and that proved true as the Portugal captain doubled the advantage - scoring in his 11th consecutive Liga game in the process.

Real controlled things nicely in the second half with Isco replacing the injured Luka Modric in the midfield and bringing a similar calm as the Croatia star.Karim Benzema scored for the fifth league game in a row and Ronaldo netted a late penalty to take his Liga tally for the season to 20 and add gloss to a dominant performance.

The European champions' focus now turns to guaranteeing top spot in their Champions League group, which they can do with a point against Basel in midweek.

Gareth Bale saw a fierce free-kick tipped into the air and onto the crossbar by Xabi Irureta as the visitors quickly regained their stride after a fortnight away.

The early pressure told in the 23rd minute, although Real were perhaps fortunate to not see Benzema flagged offside as he tried to flick Ronaldo's cross home - the Portuguese recovering the ball to clip into the path of Rodriguez to nod past Xabi.

Sergio Ramos was then denied by Xabi from four yards and Bale lashed a half-volley wide after smart work from Ronaldo in a deeper area.

But the Eibar defence again fell asleep as Dani Carvajal burst up the right flank and squared for Ronaldo, who scuffed home from eight yards.

Real's incessant pressure continued after the interval, with Xabi called into action again by Ramos, before Isco was just off-target following a flowing move involving Benzema, Rodriguez and Ronaldo.A third did arrive with 20 minutes to go as Marcelo and Rodriguez showed grit and determination to keep the ball in on the left-hand flank and Benzema profited from their work, hammering into the top corner from the Colombian's pass.

Ronaldo then converted from 12 yards after his free-kick had been handled in the wall by Raul Albentosa, meaning the Champions League holders have now scored at least four goals in six of their last eight domestic fixtures.

 

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Congratulations CR7!​

 

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Everton 2-1 West Ham: Toffees strike on the break to down Hammers

Leon Osman marked his 400th appearance for Everton with the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday.

The midfielder finished off a flowing move with 17 minutes remaining at Goodison Park, tapping home from close range after a superb low cross from Samuel Eto'o.

Romelu Lukaku had broken the deadlock midway through the first half with a poacher's finish, latching onto a deflection to net his fifth league goal of the season.

Mauro Zarate levelled for West Ham after the break, five minutes after coming on, albeit with the aid of a deflection.

However, in a frantic end the hosts grabbed the winner, with Osman netting his first league goal of the season to lift Everton into eighth place.

Defeat ends West Ham's five-match unbeaten run in the league, and sees them drop out of the top four.

Roberto Martinez made four changes to Everton's starting line-up, with Tony Hibbert, Osman, Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith all starting, but James McCarthy retained his place despite having withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad that played Scotland and the United States after suffering a hamstring injury.

The visitors were also forced into changes as Sam Allardyce brought in five new faces, including Andy Carroll making his first start of the season after finally shaking off his long-standing ankle problem.

Carlton Cole was also named in attack as Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia missed out.

With chances at a premium in the early exchanges it fell to Osman to create the first opening for the hosts in the 18th minute.

The 33-year-old played a neat pass for Seamus Coleman to get in behind the West Ham defence and he cut the ball back to Naismith, but the Scotland international blazed over while leaning back.

However, eight minutes later that miss was forgotten as Lukaku pounced to open the scoring, the striker lashing a shot past Adrian after Ross Barkley's effort had been blocked by Winston Reid.

Carroll had his first real sight of goal on the half-hour mark when he rose to meet a right-wing cross, but Tim Howard was able to gather easily.

Tempers flared in the closing minutes of the half as McCarthy was booked for a challenge on Morgan Amalfitano, while Reid was also cautioned in the melee that followed.

The introduction of Zarate six minutes after the break had an almost immediate impact for the visitors, the Argentine striker's low shot looping over Howard and in after deflecting off Phil Jagielka.

Having spent large parts of the first half chasing the game, West Ham were now making all the running, and after 68 minutes Amalfitano went agonisingly close with a low drive across goal.

But despite looking the more likely side to score, West Ham found themselves behind with 17 minutes left when Everton substitute Eto'o laid a perfect cross into the path of Osman, the midfielder making no mistake.

James Collins could have levelled within a few seconds of the restart, but the defender's attempt to turn in Matt Jarvis' effort was saved by Howard.

Carroll had a late chance to rescue a point for the visitors, but his header sailed over and Everton hung on to record a fifth consecutive win over West Ham.

 

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Manchester City 2-1 Swansea City: Yaya Toure seals hard-fought turnaround

Yaya Toure was the match-winner as Manchester City emerged from their recent slump by coming from behind to beat Swansea City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League champions came into Saturday's match with just one win from their last six matches in all competitions, and face Bayern Munich on Tuesday with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

Wilfried Bony made the most of frailties among Manuel Pellegrini's team by handing Swansea an early lead at the Etihad, but recalled forward Stevan Jovetic restored parity after 19 minutes.

Below-par performances from midfield talisman Toure have often defined City's malaise this term, but the Ivory Coast international showcased his trademark combination of power and poise to net decisively 17 minutes into the second half.

Swansea boss Garry Monk used his substitutions shrewdly to craft a dramatic finish, with replacements Bafetimbi Gomis and Jonjo Shelvey agonisingly close to securing a share of the spoils.

Pellegrini's men remain eight points behind leaders Chelsea, but close to within a point of Southampton before Ronald Koeman's second-placed team travel to Aston Villa on Monday.

Captain Vincent Kompany returned from a calf problem for the home team but a similar complaint for Edin Dzeko meant Jovetic started in attack.

Shelvey had to settle for a place on the Swansea bench following a one-match suspension, while Nathan Dyer returned to the starting XI and the winger played a key role in the opening goal after nine minutes.

As it has been so often this season, the champions' defensive vulnerability was on full display when Bony charged onto a return chipped pass from Dyer to coolly slot past Joe Hart.

There was little conviction in City's response until Toure released Jesus Navas and the Spain winger fizzed in an excellent low right-wing cross to leave Jovetic with a simple finish to equalise.

Swansea defender Kyle Bartley was booked for a robust 23rd-minute tackle on Sergio Aguero before an aerial challenge between Kompany and Neil Taylor left the visiting full-back with a cut eye - two incidents that gave a feisty edge to an opening period that threatened to boil over when Bartley and Aguero clashed once more.

 

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Chelsea 2-0 West Brom: Costa & Hazard lead Blues to victory

Diego Costa was on target yet again as Chelsea beat 10-man West Brom 2-0 to go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Costa and Cesc Fabregas were named in the starting line-up after missing Spain's clashes with Belarus and Germany due to hamstring problems and played key roles as Chelsea's ominous start to the season continued.

Jose Mourinho had complained of a lack of atmosphere after the last home game against QPR, but the Stamford Bridge faithful were again given plenty to shout about on Saturday.

Striker Costa scored his 11th goal in 10 top-flight games and Eden Hazard was also on target in the first half as Mourinho's side made it six Premier League wins out of six at Stamford Bridge.

West Brom had struggled to live with the London club even before Claudio Yacob was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Costa, when he won the ball but appeared to go in with two feet.

Chelsea were in complete control throughout as they caused Alan Irvine's side all sorts of problems in a one-sided encounter that saw the home side extend their lead over second-placed Southampton, who play Aston Villa on Monday.
Yacob and Chris Baird made their first league starts of the season for Albion, while Craig Gardner and Stephane Sessegnon returned to the starting line-up.

West Brom were caught napping when Chelsea took a short corner in the fifth minute, but Ben Foster produced a fine save with his feet to deny John Terry from close range after Hazard had picked the captain out.

Foster was unable to prevent the hosts taking the lead six minutes later, though, as Oscar picked out the unmarked Costa with a fine cross from the left and the striker showed great composure to control the ball on his chest and volley beyond the England goalkeeper.

Chelsea were brimming with confidence and Foster made a stunning double save to keep out Oscar's long-range drive and the lively Costa following up.

West Brom were again made to pay for more dreadful defending after 25 minutes, when Fabregas rolled a corner to the unmarked Hazard and the Belgium winger was allowed far too much time to take a touch and fire under Foster.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors four minutes later, as Yacob was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Costa when he got the ball first, but referee Lee Mason deemed the tackle to be dangerous.

The marauding Branislav Ivanovic was unable to square the ball into Costa's path with the goal gaping after racing onto a precise Fabregas pass, then Foster did well to thwart Costa, Oscar and Hazard as Chelsea breached the Albion defence all too easily.

Nemanja Matic ought to have added a third goal just after half-time, but volleyed over from inside the six-yard box after he was also left unmarked.

It was a case of damage limitation for Albion and Ivanovic could only tamely volley wide of the far post as Chelsea attempted to enhance their goal difference, but the two first-half efforts proved sufficient as the hosts again showed why they are such strong favourites to win the title.

 

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Atletico Madrid 3-1 Malaga: Griezmann emerging as Simeone's talisman

Antoine Griezmann is slowly emerging as Diego Simeone's talisman after scoring yet again in Atletico Madrid's 3-1 win over Malaga on Saturday.

The reigning Liga champions never really hit top gear at the Vicente Calderon and, despite looking comfortable in the first period, Simeone's men were made to fight for all three points.

Malaga travelled to the capital on the back of five successive league wins, but Javi Garcia's side struggled throughout the first half, with Tiago heading Atletico ahead before Griezmann doubled his team's lead in the 42nd minute.

Roque Santa Cruz pulled one back for Malaga with 26 minutes to go as the away side appeared far more decisive and fluid in the final third after half-time.

Raul Jimenez, a second-half substitute for Mario Mandzukic, saw a couple of excellent chances go begging, although Atletico ultimately sealed all three points seven minutes from time as Diego Godin nodded in the third from close range.
Although Malaga came into the clash in fine form, Atletico looked very much in charge during the early exchanges as they pressed high and pushed the visitors back.

Koke appeared destined to give the hosts a 12th-minute lead as he latched on to Juanfran's cut-back and fired at goal following Mandzukic's step-over, only for Weligton to make a crucial block.

Atletico were not to be denied from the resulting corner, though, as Tiago met Koke's corner and headed beyond Carlos Kameni, who probably should have done better.Simeone's men appeared to relax after taking the lead, inviting Malaga back into the contest as the away side began to enjoy more possession.

But, even with a hamstring injury keeping the ever-reliable Miranda out of Atletico's defence, Malaga were unable to break through the hosts' backline and test Miguel Angel Moya in goal.

As a result, Atletico punished Malaga on the counterattack just before the break to open up a two-goal cushion.Arda Turan raced down the right after linking well with Mandzukic and his teasing low cross was tapped in at the back post by the lurking Griezmann.

Malaga began the second half with renewed determination and they went close to pulling one back in the 49th minute, but Juanmi failed to hit the target after pouncing on Santa Cruz's flick-on.Much-improved Malaga finally brought themselves within touching distance of Atletico three minutes later, as Santa Cruz, starting because of an injury to Nordin Amrabat, steered in Samu Castillejo's deep cross from a tight angle.

The visitors continued to push for an equaliser, but were ultimately undone again at the back as Tiago lifted a cross over Kameni and Godin bundled over the line to complete a hard-fought Atletico victory.

 

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Paderborn 2-2 Borussia Dortmund: Reus injured as BVB collapse

Borussia Dortmund surrendered a two-goal lead after seeing Marco Reus succumb to injury yet again as they drew 2-2 at Paderborn on Saturday.

Dortmund took a deserved early lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's tap-in before Reus slotted home on the stroke of half-time as the visitors looked on course for a second successive league win.

But Lukas Rupp gave the hosts hope midway through the second half with a terrific individual strike, and they were further buoyed when Reus' afternoon ended following a strong challenge from Marvin Bakalorz, who was arguably lucky to only be given a yellow card.That injury noticeably rocked Jurgen Klopp's men, who had a Kevin Grosskreutz effort ruled out for offside when Dortmund led 2-1.

And Paderborn took full advantage of the reprieve to earn a share of spoils, levelling eight minutes from time through Mahir Saglik's header.

It was certainly an eventful afternoon for the visitors and Reus, with head coach Klopp admitting earlier in the week that the German international could be tempted by a move away from Dortmund.

The 25-year-old nearly gave Dortmund the best possible start within just two minutes, with goalkeeper Lukas Kruse having to be alert to smother after a cutting throughball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan. That early chance set the tone for the game as the visitors enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges.

And they were rewarded after 12 minutes when Erik Durm found some space on the left and picked out Aubameyang with an inch-perfect cross that he finished with a simple tap-in from close range.

Paderborn kept battling, though, and nearly drew themselves level seven minutes later when Suleyman Koc burst into the box to force a good save from Roman Weidenfeller after latching on to Bakalorz's incisive pass.But Dortmund continued to look the better side, with Aubameyang twice firing wide after 25 minutes before Mkhitaryan saw an effort ruled out for offside.

Koc curled a free-kick wide for the hosts five minutes before the break, but Dortmund ended the half two goals to the good courtesy of Reus, who was on hand to finish a fine move that saw the defence split open by Aubameyang's deft first-touch pass.

Reus nearly doubled his tally just after the restart, but his angled drive was well saved by Kruse, who was also at full stretch to deny Aubameyang 10 minutes later. Dortmund's failure to notch a third was punished on the hour, when Rupp shook off the attentions of Neven Subotic and Grosskreutz to burst into the area and slot home.

Things got worse for the visitors seven minutes later when a cynical challenge from Bakalorz forced Reus off with a suspected ankle injury. Grosskreutz should have sealed the win 17 minutes from time, but the substitute could only fire wide after breaking free of the home defence and he then had another effort controversially ruled out for offside 10 minutes from time.

And Paderborn made Dortmund pay courtesy of Saglik's header, ensuring an eventful end to the first competitive meeting between the two sides.

 

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Bayern 4-0 Hoffenheim: Gotze, Lewandowski and Robben seal routine win

Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowksi and Arjen Robben all scored as Bayern Munich swept aside Hoffenheim 4-0 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.First-half goals from the former Dortmund pair burst the bubble of a visiting side who started the game in a positive fashion, with Arjen Robben and Sebastian Rode adding the late gloss before Adam Szalai saw red for Hoffenheim.

Perhaps buoyed by having earned a thrilling 3-3 draw on their last visit to the Allianz Arena, Markus Gisdol's men took the game to the hosts in the early stages and Anthony Modeste missed an excellent chance to put them ahead.

But such a bold approach to taking on the champions was always likely to bring a degree of risk, and the backlash began in the 23rd minute when Gotze arrowed home a stunning long-range drive.

Lewandowski was on hand to make it 2-0 with a simple header just before the interval, while Robben provided a delicate finish for the third and substitute Rode took a more robust approach to rounding off the scoring three minutes from time.
The home crowd were even treated to the welcome sight of Bastian Schweinsteiger's return from a long-standing knee injury in the second half, as Bayern took full advantage of nearest challengers Wolfsburg's loss at Schalke.Bayern's injury problems worsened on Tuesday when captain Philipp Lahm was ruled out for several months with a fractured ankle, joining fellow defenders David Alaba and Holger Badstuber (both knee) on the sidelines.

Mehdi Benatia and Juan Bernat have been two of the major beneficiaries of Pep Guardiola's reduced selection options and both started, with the hosts seeking a ninth straight home league win.

Despite Bayern's impressive home record, the visitors - who suffered back-to-back defeats prior to the international break - demonstrated a clear determination to get on the front foot from the start.

A rapid break led to a glorious eighth-minute opening for Gisdol's men, with Modeste's close-range header from Tarik Elyounoussi's cross bouncing narrowly wide.

But Bayern carried a threat of their own and, after firing a couple warning shots, Guardiola's side took the lead midway through the opening half.

Gotze received the ball in space 25 yards from goal and seized his opportunity to shoot, sending a fierce strike beyond the diving Oliver Baumann and into the top-right corner.

Manuel Neuer took a characteristic risk with his side's advantage only five minutes after they had gained it, attempting to turn the onrushing Kevin Volland inside his own area and only just getting away with it.

The hosts were afforded the comfort of a two-goal lead five minutes before the interval when Lewandowski rose unopposed at the far post to nod in Robben's floated cross.

Gotze brought the best out of Baumann with a powerful effort from inside the area early in the second half as Bayern sought to put the game beyond Hoffenheim's reach.Gisdol's charges felt they should have been awarded a penalty just past the hour mark, but Rode escaped sanction for his untidy challenge on Sebastian Rudy.

Schweinsteiger, out of competitive action since Germany's World Cup final victory over Argentina back in July, came off the bench late on and received a reception fitting of a one-club man of over 12 years' service.

The celebratory mood was enhanced by Robben's deft chip and Rode's powerful strike, with Szalai dismissed in the closing minutes for a poor tackle on fellow substitute Dante, as Bayern's dominance of the German top flight was further underlined.

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United will not buy in January

Louis van Gaal has backed Ed Woodward's insistence that Manchester United are unlikely to make significant signings in January.

United, beset by injuries since the start of the season, have won just four of their first 11 Premier League games under the Dutchman, while the summer departures of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have also left the squad short of experience and quality in defence.

But earlier this week Woodward told investors during a conference call to discuss United's latest financial results that the club will not go looking for "short-term fixes" in January, and Van Gaal agrees with his executive vice chairman.

“I don’t think that he has said he should not buy. I think he has said that in January it’s very difficult to buy players who are good enough for the quality of Manchester United and because of that we are not buying and I agree with that,” the Dutchman told reporters.

“When you buy it has to be a player better than you have in your squad and it shall be very difficult to find such a player in January. So that is what he wanted to say and I believe we are speaking the same language.”

One man repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the New Year is Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, but Van Gaal refused to be drawn on whether United will try to tempt the Serie A title contenders into a sale.

“I cannot discuss with the media about players that we want to buy," he added. "I cannot answer this question and not only about Strootman but all the players in this world."

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United will not buy in January

Kamak set wei wage ahenam​

 

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'Keep on making history!' - Suarez & Puyol lead tributes to record-breaking Messi

Luis Suarez, Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta were among those to post tributes to Lionel Messi after a historic evening for the Barcelona star at Camp Nou.

Messi struck a hat-trick against Sevilla to smash Telmo Zarra's all-time La Liga goalscoring record, with the Argentine's treble him moving his tally to 253 - and counting.

The 27-year-old's achievements soon became the No.1 trending topic in Spain, with #siempremessi - 'Messi forever' - quickly appearing on social media during and after the match at Camp Nou.And the forward's Barca team-mates were equally effusive in their praise: Rafinha Alcantara called him "the greatest in history"; Andres Iniesta said he was "beyond description"; and Marc Batra professed it was "an honour to play alongside him".

Dani Alves, meanwhile, added: "Today is a very, very great day and I'm lucky to be a team-mate of this phenomenon. Whatever words I give would not be enough. It is an honour to have you as a team-mate and a brother."Take a look at more of the tributes to Spanish football's greatest-ever goalscorer below...

 

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Messi: I never imagined I'd break the record

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi admits he never thought he would break La Liga's goalscoring record following his milestone hat-trick on Saturday.

Messi scored three goals in the 5-1 thrashing of Sevilla to take his career tally to 253 in Spain's top flight, surpassing the mark of 251 which Telmo Zarra set in 1955.

Following the latest record in a remarkable career to date, the Argentina star was quick to pay tribute to his friends and Barcelona colleagues for helping him to a milestone he never imagined he could reach.

Writing on his official Facebook page above footage of his first ever Liga goal against Albacete in 2005, he said: "When I scored this goal, I couldn't imagine I could break any record, let alone this one previously held by the great Telmo Zarra.

"I was only able to achieve this because of the support I have had from so many people during my time here and I would like to dedicate this achievement to you all. Thanks for always being with me.

"I would also like to dedicate this to the people who are no longer with us anymore. I will never forget you. Thank you everyone for standing with me!"
Barca's win, in which Ivan Rakitic and Neymar also scored, moves them back above Atletico Madrid into second, two points behind Real Madrid, who won 4-0 at Eibar.

 

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'If Messi is happy, Barcelona are happy' - Xavi

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes his side can be "very happy" after Lionel Messi enjoyed a record-breaking night on Saturday.

The forward caused a stir this week when he suggested his long-term future could lie away from Camp Nou, though the club quickly moved to deny he could leave.

Messi finally broke Telmo Zarra's long-standing La Liga goalscoring record on Saturday as he scored a brilliant hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Sevilla.

And Xavi feels Barca can be delighted with their evening's efforts - especially given the celebrations surrounding his team-mate's historic achievement."If Messi is happy, Barcelona are happy," he said after the match.

"We are all very happy and it’s clear that Leo has achieved an historic record. He deserves this, as a person and, of course, as a player.

"This was one of our best games of the season, we've seen a great Barca, a very complete performance.“We certainly enjoyed playing our football today. We’ve seen the best Barca of the season and the best Messi. We have to continue on this path."

Sevilla drew level just after half-time when Vitolo's cross was turned into his own net by Jordi Alba, before Messi inspired Barca to a dominant second-half display.
And the winger believes his side could have left Camp Nou with a share of the spoils but for the Argentina captain's efforts."He comes from another planet," Vitolo said. "He has basically won the game on his own."

 

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Rooney: Manchester United knew how to beat Arsenal

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says that his side knew that exploiting the counterattack would be the right approach to beat Arsenal after a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.

The hosts dominated the Premier League contest for long spells before falling behind to a Kieran Gibbs own goal in the 56th minute.

Rooney streamed forward to seal the points and Angel Di Maria should have added a third on the counter before Olivier Giroud netted midway through nine minutes of injury time as Arsenal battled in vain to stop United claiming a first away victory of the season.

"It's a very important victory," Rooney told Sky Sports. "We weathered the storm at times, especially first half. Our goalkeeper [David de Gea] was fantastic and we hit them with two good goals.

"It was a different game. They had possession and we hit them on the break - that was our gameplan."

United's lengthy injury list led manager Louis van Gaal to select a back three featuring rookie centre-backs Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair and Rooney feels that the youngsters performed well in a determined team display.

"We've put five at the back and a bit of experience in myself, Michael [Carrick] and [Marouane] Fellaini in the midfield to try and protect them," he added.

"I felt we did that well at times and we knew we had legs in terms of Robin [van Persie], Angel and myself joining in on the break. We saw that to good effect in the second half.

"I think it's a massive result for us. Two very young players, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett, in such a big game - they've coped well. A clean sheet - I'm sure the defence and the goalkeeper will be delighted with that.

"This will give us a lot of confidence, a lot of belief and it's come at the right time for us."

Despite a stuttering start to the Van Gaal era, United have now broken into the Premier League's top four as they bid to reclaim the coveted Champions League spot that they let slip during a shambolic 2013-14 campaign.

"We'll take each game as it comes," Rooney added. "It's been an indifferent start to the season but we hope now that we can go on a run of games and enjoy the position we're in after Christmas.

"We want to try and build a bit of momentum going into the New Year so today was a massive result in terms of starting that."

 

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Isco proved his versatility against Eibar - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti was fulsome in his praise of Isco following the Spain international's performance in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Eibar on Saturday evening.

With Luka Modric ruled out until the New Year with a thigh injury, Ancelotti opted to field Isco in a deeper role in Saturday's encounter alongside Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, and the 22-year-old continued his impressive run of form with an assured display.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti revealed Sami Khedira had not been fully match fit prior to kick-off and was thus delighted that former Malaga man Isco stepped up to the mark."The whole game was good, with great concentration, bravery and hard work from the whole team," the Italian coach said.

"Khedira has no problems but he is a bit tired. Isco played a very complete game, he showed he can play in that position."

The victory - which came courtesy of a goal apiece from James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema, and a Cristiano Ronaldo double - was Madrid's 14th in succession and Ancelotti is hopeful that his troops can prolong their remarkable run."Someday we will be beaten but our objective is to continue this great run. They're doing a fantastic job, but the season is very long and we have to keep going with this attitude," he added.

"I think Eibar played their game, they're a team who are very good from a defensive perspective and look for the counter, but Madrid were good in all aspects, with and without the ball."

 

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Klopp devastated by Reus injury

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp was left distraught after Marco Reus suffered yet another injury setback on Saturday.

The Germany international was forced off with an ankle problem following a strong challenge from Marvin Bakalorz in the Bundesliga draw at Paderborn, having netted his side's second goal before the hosts battled from 2-0 down to earn a share of the spoils. The incident clearly infuriated Klopp, who told the club's official website: "I find it hard with the injury of Marco Reus to talk about football.

"I have no problem with the draw, and I have great respect for the work that is being done here in Paderborn ..."

But Klopp refused to blame the result on the loss of the injury-ravaged Reus, conceding his side's performance in the second half was simply not good enough.
He added: "In the first half we had many things right - in the second less.

"Thus, a different game originated and we allowed them to cause problems with the long balls."Klopp is adamant BVB would have sealed the win were it not for Kevin Grosskreutz's effort being controversially ruled out for offside when Dortmund were 2-1 in front.

He added: "Anyone who has seen the alleged offside goal will probably join my opinion, that it [the goal] should not have been waved away. "This was again not a good day for us. We have to work. Quality is what you make of the existing potential. We were good in some moments, in some others a bit less, and so we left them [Paderborn] alive."

The result means Dortmund are 15th in the Bundesliga, just one point above the relegation play-off spot.

 

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BVB la Bundesliga points table 1ke danata 15th place 1ke​

 

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Barclays Premier League 2014.11.23 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2014.11.23 Fixtures

Crystal Palace Vs Liverpool

Hull City Vs Tottenham

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La Liga 2014.11.23 fixtures

La Liga 2014.11.23 fixtures

Rayo Vallecano Vs Celta Vigo

Levante Vs Valencia

Elche Vs Cordoba

Villareal Vs Getafe​

 

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Serie A 2014.11.23 fixtures

Serie A 2014.11.23 fixtures

Torino Vs Sassuolo

Cesena Vs Sampdoria

Hellas Verona Vs Fiorentina

Napoli Vs Cagliari

Parma Vs Empoli

Udinese Vs Chievo

AC Milan Vs Inter​