..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 3-0 Watford: Blues sweep into fourth round‏

Chelsea cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 3-0 win over Watford.

The Premier League leaders had been frustrated by their Championship opponents during a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge, provoking manager Jose Mourinho into action at the interval.

Mourinho sent on Willian and top scorer Diego Costa at the start of the second half in place of Oscar and Andre Schurrle, and the two had the desired impact as both were involved in breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Costa cut in from the left and passed to Loic Remy, who in turn found Willian and the Brazilian curled a sublime shot into the net from just outside the area.With the breakthrough made, Chelsea struck a quickfire double blow in the final 20 minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

Remy volleyed in a second after Costa's shot had been blocked, and Kurt Zouma headed home a pinpoint cross from Cesar Azpilicueta.

It was a welcome victory for Chelsea, who had been stunned 5-3 by London rivals Tottenham in the league on New Year's Day, while Watford - managed by former Chelsea man Slavisa Jokanovic - will now focus their attentions on their promotion challenge.

Following a busy festive period of four league matches in 11 days, Mourinho made eight changes with only Gary Cahill, Azpilicueta and Oscar keeping their place from the defeat to Spurs.Watford, meanwhile, showed three alterations from their 4-2 win at Cardiff City with leading scorer Troy Deeney among those to return.

Cahill diverted Schurrle's free-kick over the crossbar in the seventh minute, while the visitors' first sight of goal came when Daniel Tozser fired straight at Petr Cech from distance shortly afterwards.

The Chelsea goalkeeper was similarly comfortable in holding Deeney's drive in the 27th minute, and Cech's opposite number Jonathan Bond was tested for the first time when he had to react smartly to keep out Didier Drogba's header from Remy's delivery.Cahill went close for a second time when he headed Filipe Luis' corner narrowly wide just before half-time.At the other end, Fernando Forestieri saw a shot deflected over and Odion Ighalo fired wide of the target in stoppage time.

Watford made a bright start to the second half and went close to opening the scoring in the 55th minute when Deeney's low cross took a deflection off Filipe Luis and was diverted behind by the sharp reflexes of Cech.Chelsea responded as Bond kept out Drogba with his legs and soon afterwards the home side were ahead.

Costa and Remy combined to set up Willian, who got the ball out of his feet before curling a fine finish into the top-right corner from 20 yards.Remy then took advantage of a deflated Watford by thumping a 70th-minute volley high into the net, before Zouma rounded off the scoring with a powerful header two minutes later.

Watford had conceded 13 goals without reply on their previous three visits to Stamford Bridge, and in the end this meeting proved a similarly one-sided affair as Mourinho's side cruised into the fourth round.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia 2-1 Real Madrid: Otamendi ends Blancos' winning streak

Valencia brought Real Madrid's 22-match winning streak to a halt as they came from behind to win 2-1 at the Mestalla and blow the La Liga title race wide open.

Leaders Madrid travelled to Mestalla to resume their season having won their last 22 competitive games, but were greeted by a fired-up, aggressive Valencia side not short on quality themselves.

The home side were superb from the off, but the newly-crowned Club World Cup champions still took an early lead courtesy of a controversial penalty from their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo - his 26th Liga goal of the campaign.

However, the hosts were undeterred and forced a thoroughly deserved equaliser shortly after half-time through Antonio Barragan's first Liga strike since March 2007.

And, roared on by a boisterous home crowd, Nuno Espirito Santo's men edged in front on 65 minutes when Nicolas Otamendi rose highest to power a towering header beyond Iker Casillas from Dani Parejo's excellent corner.

Carlo Ancelotti's side reacted in the manner of a side who many fancy to sweep the board in terms of major trophies this season, but Valencia stood firm and claimed an invaluable three points that move them above Sevilla and into the top four.

Valencia started on the front foot, with their up-tempo, high-pressing game denying Real space and time on the ball.

But despite the hosts' strong start, Real went in front after 14 minutes through - somewhat inevitably - Ronaldo.

Alvaro Negredo was adjudged to have handled Gareth Bale's flicked header from a Toni Kroos free-kick inside the area, and the Portuguese duly stepped up to send Diego Alves the wrong way from 12 yards.

If Madrid were slightly fortunate to be given that penalty, they had every right to feel aggrieved that referee Jesus Gil did not point to the spot again 11 minutes later.

Bale was again involved, and Lucas Orban clearly handled his cross towards Ronaldo.

However, the Ballon d'Or favourite should have scored anyway, as he somehow fired into the side-netting after latching onto the loose ball and rounding Alves.

Ronaldo was almost made to pay for his uncharacteristic profligacy on the stroke of half-time, when Andre Gomes' left-footed shot from 20 yards was deflected onto the post with Casillas stranded, before the Real skipper reacted quickest to deny Paco Alcacer on the rebound.

Gomes again went agonisingly close immediately after the restart, as he lashed a volley narrowly wide with Casillas beaten.

But Valencia finally got their just rewards courtesy of the most unlikely of sources in the 52nd minute, as Barragan's speculative shot took a wicked deflection off Pepe and gave Casillas no chance.

The home crowd were sent into raptures once again with 25 minutes remaining, when Otamendi powered a bullet header past Casillas from Parejo's outswinging corner.

Madrid were on the ropes and Valencia should have gone further ahead soon after, only for Barragan to side-foot wide following a free-flowing passing move.

Ancelotti's men quickly regained their composure and laid siege to their opponents' goal for the remainder of the game.

Sergio Ramos, Ronaldo and Isco all went close to finding a late leveller, but Valencia were not to be denied a famous victory as the Champions League winners were condemned to a first defeat since September.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City 3-1 Wrexham: Arnautovic & Ireland crush upset hopes‏

Wrexham were denied an FA Cup upset as Marko Arnautovic and Stephen Ireland, twice, struck late to seal a 3-1 win for Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Conference side Wrexham rose to the challenge of taking on a team 95 places above them and looked to be heading for victory when they opened the scoring in the 73rd minute on Sunday.Mark Carrington's header had the 4,382 visiting fans that made the journey from north Wales to Staffordshire dreaming of a shock triumph.

However, Premier League Stoke - FA Cup finalists in 2011 - eventually found their stride and secured progression to round four with a trio of late goals.Marko Arnautovic equalised in the 80th minute, the Austrian's close-range effort allowed to stand despite a suggestion of offside.

Ireland then broke Wrexham hearts two minutes from time with a second Stoke goal, before ensuring a flattering scoreline for the hosts with another strike in injury time.Stoke unsurprisingly dictated possession against a side four tiers below them in the English football pyramid, yet chances were few and far between in the opening stages.

Robert Huth forced Wrexham goalkeeper Jon Flatt to tip wide with a header from a corner in the 11th minute, but Stoke generally laboured in their efforts to break down the visiting defence.

However, the hosts were almost gifted the lead in the 24th minute due to a miscommunication between Flatt and Blaine Hudson.

Centre-back Hudson headed towards his own goal as Flatt decided to charge from his line, with Wrexham just managing to scramble clear to prevent an embarrassing opener.

Flatt continued to look shaky and was again fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute, the Wolves loanee grateful to see the ball roll wide of the post after kicking fresh air when attempting to clear a backpass from one of his defenders.Wrexham could be pleased with their first-half display, but they were even more impressive after the break and went close to scoring in the 60th minute.

Striker Wes York crashed a fantastic 25-yard effort against the woodwork just moments after midfielder Johnny Hunt had seen an appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Simon Hooper.

Those near-misses appeared to spark Stoke - who threw on former Wrexham man Jon Walters - into life, Ryan Shawcross heading narrowly wide of the far post from a corner.Flatt then atoned for his earlier struggles by brilliantly tipping a header from Peter Crouch - another replacement - over the bar.

Hughes' men appeared to be gaining a measure of control, yet Wrexham were finally rewarded for their magnificent display when Carrington struck.The midfielder met Connor Jennings' right-wing cross with a superb header into the bottom-left corner, sending the travelling masses into raptures.

Yet the lead lasted all of seven minutes, Arnautovic restoring parity on the rebound after Crouch - who looked to be offside from Ireland's cross-cum-shot - had been denied by Flatt.Ireland then completed the turnaround as his half-volley from the edge of the area sneaked under the outstretched hand of Flatt.

And the midfielder added gloss to the scoreline in the fourth minute of injury time, when Wrexham's keeper was unable to keep out a shot across the face of goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 1-1 Ipswich: Schneiderlin goal sets up replay‏

Southampton fought back from a goal down to seal an FA Cup replay with Ipswich after a 1-1 draw at St Mary's.

Darren Ambrose fired the Championship side ahead after 19 minutes but they were unable to hold onto the lead.Morgan Schneiderlin levelled things for the hosts with an opportunistic finish three minutes after the half hour.

The Premier League side dominated the final hour of play but were unable to find a way through a resolute Ipswich defence, with goalkeeper Dean Gerken making a string of impressive saves.Graziano Pelle and Shane Long were both guilty of wasting chances in the Town penalty area, while Mick McCarthy's team soaked up waves of pressure.They were able to hang on, meaning the sides will meet again at Portman Road to contest a place in the fourth-round.

With Ronald Koeman keen to progress in the competition, Long and Schneiderlin were the only two Southampton players to come in after their Premier League victory over Arsenal on New Year's Day.

But it was the visitors - who made six changes - that started brightest, creating the opening chance after 14 minutes as Stephen Hunt combined well with David McGoldrick, only for Fraser Forster to pull-off a good save.

Ipswich continued to threaten and they got their reward in the 19th minute as Ambrose placed a looping header out of Forster's reach - the midfielder converting former Southampton academy player Tyrone Mings' left-wing cross.
The goal appeared to wake Southampton up and within the space of 60 seconds midway through the half Pelle and Steven Davis went close, the latter denied by Gerken's legs.

Ipswich's goalkeeper was proving a tough man to beat as he denied James Ward-Prowse but there was nothing he could do after 33 minutes as Schneiderlin capped his 250th Southampton appearance with the equalising goal.

A mix-up between Gerkan and Christophe Berra allowed the midfielder to nip in between them and flick the ball into the net from 10 yards.Southampton finished the half in the ascendancy and they continued to control proceedings in the early exchanges after the break, but Pelle and Long both wasted good chances.

Gerkan was back to his old tricks after an hour as another Southampton move saw Davis find Pelle, but the Italian's effort was well stopped.Koeman's decision to introduce Lloyd Isgrove gave the hosts an injection of pace, but it was Long who thought he had won the game after 72 minutes, only for his effort to be ruled out by Martin Atkinson.

Long had a late chance to be the Southampton hero but the Irishman's control let him down and Ipswich clung on for a replay.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Yeovil Town 0-2 Manchester United: Herrera & Di Maria ensure Red Devils avoid upset

Manchester United beat Yeovil Town 2-0 to reach the FA Cup fourth round.

The Red Devils unsurprisingly had the best of possession against the League One team but struggled to make it count in the first half, with Louis van Gaal making two changes at the break in order to gee up the visitors.

Ander Herrera's excellent goal got them going, however, shooting on the turn into the top corner to leave goalkeeper Jed Steer no chance in the 64th minute.

Angel Di Maria then broke away at the death, making a long sprint before dinking the ball over Steer to seal progression.

Van Gaal entered the game with memories of an embarrassing 4-0 League Cup defeat to MK Dons in August still fresh in the mind and he made his intentions clear by selecting a strong XI featuring the likes of Wayne Rooney, Herrera, Radamel Falcao and David de Gea but that star-studded XI had minimal impact on an opening half in which United struggled to forge clear-cut openings.

Rooney went closest to scoring during a cagey start, curling a shot narrowly over the crossbar after the ball broke to him 20 yards from goal. Yeovil, however, looked the more dangerous side as they caused United early problems.

The game was brought to a halt for a lengthy spell in the 20th minute following a clash of heads between Paddy McNair and Kieffer Moore, although both players were able to continue. United had another chance soon afterwards when Herrera played a ball into James Wilson, only for the striker to hit his shot straight at Steer.

That was one of the few promising first-half moments as slack passing undermined United's efforts. Van Gaal's obvious displeasure was best summed up by his decision to make two half-time changes, introducing Juan Mata and Jonny Evans as he switched to a 4-4-2 diamond.

That brought an initial improvement as some crisp passing led to Wilson nodding just over from Tyler Blackett's cross but United should have been behind in the 55th minute when Moore hit a shot straight at De Gea from six yards after Evans had inadvertently flicked a cross into his path.

Yeovil were rueing that miss when Herrera broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion after 64 minutes. Darren Fletcher's attempted pass deflected 25 yards from goal and, having turned 180 degrees, the Spaniard unleashed a spectacular first-time volley that left Steer with no chance.

Yeovil came back into the game impressively after Rooney had curled a free kick over, with Di Maria - also returning from injury off the bench - required to head Joe Edwards's goal-bound header off the line.

But, after Rooney had uncharacteristically fluffed his lines from 12 yards, Di Maria's most telling contribution came at the other end as he raced clear on the end of Rooney's through-ball and superbly chipped Steer to finish the job.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Milner double spares Pellegrini blushes

Manchester City left it late to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in the FA Cup third round.

The reigning Premier League champions were put under pressure early on when Stevie May aimed a pass from the right into the path of Atdhe Nuhiu, who buried a first-time shot past Willy Caballero.

The Owls were excellent in the first half and good value for their lead but the introductions of Samir Nasri and David Silva on the hour changed things for City, who soon saw the two combine for Silva to then set up James Milner for the equaliser.

Manuel Pellegrini's men had to wait for the breakthrough but it eventually came through Milner's second in stoppage time, a tap-in from Nasri's cross that left the Championship side deflated after a game which they did not deserve to lose.

City dictated the tempo in the early stages and Jesus Navas fired an early warning shot with a half-volley that sailed over the crossbar.

However, it was Wednesday who took a surprise early lead. Kieran Lee sent May free down the right flank and the Scotland international squared to strike partner Nuhiu, who confidently slotted home a first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area.

City pressed in search of an equaliser but they were regularly denied by a stubborn Wednesday defence.

The hosts went close to a leveller in the 26th minute when Frank Lampard placed a shot narrowly wide of the left-hand post from 20 yards with Chris Kirkland rooted to the spot.

Wednesday appeared content to protect their lead and utilise the counterattack and May curled a rare shot wide from distance.

City ended the half with a tentative penalty claim when Milner was nudged to ground by Liam Palmer but referee Michael Oliver was uninterested.

The home side initially continued to struggled after the break, although they did start to threaten with a flurry of dangerous balls into the area that failed to yield a positive outcome.

Manuel Pellegrini was forced to chance his arm on the hour with the introduction of Nasri and Silva from the bench and the changes proved pivotal as City restored parity midway through the second half.

Nasri played the ball into Silva, who in turn flicked an exquisite pass into the path of Milner on the left of the area and his drilled shot went through the legs of Kirkland.

Buoyed by the leveller and with Wednesday dropping deeper, City pressed in search of a winner with Yaya Toure shooting straight at Kirkland and a last-ditch tackle from Tom Lees denying Milner a second.

Wednesday were having to withstand increasing pressure and Kirkland produced a superb one-handed save to deny Silva in the 90th minute.

However, it would not prove enough as soon after Silva once more provided an assist with a cross from the right that Milner poked home, with Wednesday's appeals for offside falling on deaf ears.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa 1-0 Blackpool: Benteke snatches late victory

Christian Benteke's 88th-minute winner spared Aston Villa's blushes and earned a 1-0 FA Cup third round victory against Championship strugglers Blackpool.

Villa have managed just 11 goals in 20 Premier League matches this season, scoring only one in their last five, and looked set for a replay at Bloomfield Road after struggling to break down one of the most porous defences in the Championship.

However, Benteke rifled home from the edge of the penalty area late on to give the home side an unconvincing win at Villa Park.The hosts failed to get a single shot on target in the first half, as Blackpool looked more than capable of causing an upset.Paul Lambert's side upped their game after the interval, though, and Benteke's winner ended the hopes of the Championship's basement club.

Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood made a welcome return from a knee injury for the hosts, having spent a month on the sidelines, while Blackpool made three changes from their 1-1 league draw with Rotherham United last weekend.

The hosts made the early running, but Jack Grealish failed to find a Villa shirt after capping a slick passing move with a dangerous cross into the area, before Jores Okore fired over from a corner.

Alan Hutton saw his protestations ignored when he was brought down by Charles Dunne on the edge of the Blackpool penalty area, and the full-back saw yellow when he hit Dunne with a return challenge soon after.

Blackpool finally started to threaten the Villa goal shortly before the half-hour mark, and Spanish midfielder Andrea Orlandi drilled wide from a well-worked corner routine.

The former Swansea City man again caused problems for the home defence moments later, forcing goalkeeper Shay Given to get down and keep out a deflected strike.

Villa had two chances to break the deadlock before the end of the half, but Hutton's effort deflected harmlessly into the arms of Joe Lewis, before Benteke hit the side-netting from a tight angle.Former Villa man Nathan Delfouneso placed the ball wide from a promising position 10 minutes into the second half, only to see the linesman had already raised his flag for offside.

It took Villa until the 58th minute to get a shot on target – Benteke having a soft header saved by Lewis before Carlos Sanchez also tested the goalkeeper.Lewis had to be alert again moments later when he pushed a Benteke half-volley onto his left-hand post, with Villa beginning to dominate proceedings.

However, with home fans chanting 'We only want one goal', Benteke duly obliged, thrashing the ball in after cutting in from the left, somewhat banishing memories of last season's third-round embarrassment at the hands of Sheffield United in the same round.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dover 0-4 Crystal Palace: Dann double eases Eagles through

Crystal Palace strolled through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a professional 3-0 win over Dover Athletic in Alan Pardew's first game in charge.

The Premier League side's quality was evident from the outset and defender Scott Dann capitalised early when he finished off a deflected cross from Wilfried Zaha.

And the centre-back had a second not long before half-time, left completely unmarked at a corner to head home.

Dwight Gayle got in on the action midway through the second period, beating Connor Essam for pace before rifling into goal at the near post, before substitute Kevin Doyle finishing off a classy team move late on.

Some 86 places separated the two teams coming into this contest and it was unsurprisingly the top-flight side who asked most of the questions during the opening exchanges, despite Pardew making six changes to the starting XI.

A jinking run from Zaha found space down the left before he curled a cross for Glenn Murray at the far post, whose header was palmed away by goalkeeper Andy Rafferty, the striker - recently returned from a loan spell at Reading - also seeing two more chances go begging.

The inevitable breakthrough came on 10 minutes, when a teasing cross from the lively Zaha was flicked by a Dover head into the path of Dann, who volleyed home at the far post.

An unchanged Dover came into the tie on the back of a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions but they struggled for possession on a rough pitch that proved as much to their own disadvantage as their Premier League opponents.

And things were made even harder for the hosts 12 minutes before the break as Dann rose highest to meet Barry Bannan's corner and power home a towering header to double Palace's lead.

The visitors looked in no rush to add to their lead after the break, although Stuart O'Keefe should have kept his shot down on 62 minutes before some desperate defending saw Gayle's shot blocked soon after.

Gayle was not to be denied, though, and found the net on 68 minutes, slaloming past Essam on the left before cutting inside the area and beating Rafferty at his near post.

The win was rounded off three minutes from time, when Jerome Thomas's cross found fellow substitute Doyle, allowing the Irishman to open his account from close range and cap a happy reunion for Pardew and Palace.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sunderland 1-0 Leeds: Van Aanholt sends Black Cats into round four

Sunderland were relatively comfortable as they beat Leeds 1-0 to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Patrick van Aanholt gave Gus Poyet's side the lead with his first goal for the club 33 minutes in, aiming a powerful shot across goalkeeper Marco Silvestri and in.

The Black Cats could have had more but for some wayward finishing from Steven Fletcher and good saves from Silvestri, though Poyet will be frustrated with the injury suffered by Jack Rodwell in the first half.

United initially looked to take the game to their hosts, though the Premier League side's superior quality quickly became evident after a frantic few moments in the 12th minute.

First Giaccherini cut inside an unconvincing challenge from Gaetano Berardi and forced Silvestri into a save before Ricky Alvarez struck the crossbar from the resulting corner.

Sunderland continued to put Leeds under significant pressure and went close for a third time in the 21st minute but Fletcher failed to keep his effort down from six yards following Van Aanholt's cross.

Leeds had another escape five minutes later as Casper Sloth cleared Santiago Vergini's goal-bound header off the line.

Sunderland finally broke the Championship side's resistance just after the half-hour mark. Van Aanholt latched onto Fletcher's pass and drilled a first-time effort across goal from the left, his fierce shot finding the net via the far post.

Leeds began the second half far better and went close to finding the net twice inside three minutes as goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon was called into action by Adryan and Brian Montenegro.

At the other end, Italian shot-stopper Silvestri once again denied his compatriot, Giaccherini, as the midfielder looked for the bottom-left corner from 20 yards.

Silvestri continued his impressive display with 22 minutes to go, launching himself across goal to keep out an effort from Fletcher that looked destined to find the net.

Leeds committed men forward in the closing stages and they almost found the last-gasp leveller they were searching for as Cooper met Luke Murphy's cross with a fine header in the second minute of stoppage time but Sunderland were saved by the left-hand post.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

QPR 0-3 Sheffield United: League One side embarrass Redknapp's men

QPR were dumped out of the FA Cup by third-tier Sheffield United with a 3-0 defeat on Sunday.

A poor performance from Harry Redknapp's side, despite his naming a strong team, saw the League Cup semi-finalists take advantage, Marc McNulty getting their first goal by racing through the defence and firing under goalkeeper Alex McCarthy 10 minutes before half-time.

The Blades had a second almost immediately after the break, Jamal Campbell-Ryce reacting quickly to McCarthy's failure to claim a corner, as the Premier League side stumbled.

Campbell-Ryce then grabbed a second in stoppage time, capitalising upon a dreadful backpass from Leroy Fer before beating the keeper.

Redknapp made seven changes to the QPR starting line-up who drew with Swansea City on New Year's Day, with only Charlie Austin, Steven Caulker, Karl Henry and Fer retaining their places.

The hosts started the brightest, with Fer forcing Mark Howard into a fine save from a superb curling effort five minutes in.

United were not deterred, though, and could have been ahead when the industrious Campbell-Ryce picked out Steven Scougall in the area, only for the Scot to shank his strike over the bar.

QPR were guilty of overplaying as the half wore on and McNulty almost punished them when robbing Nedum Onouha of possession before failing to get his shot away.

But McNulty, the Blades' leading marksman, made amends two minutes later when he latched onto Louis Reed's pass before slotting past Alex McCarthy from inside the area.

Redknapp's dismay with his side's first-half performance was evident when Bobby Zamora, rested after a hectic festive period, replaced the anonymous Junior Hoilett at the break.

But that change made little difference as United extended their advantage four minutes after the restart when Campbell-Ryce prodded in from close range after poor some QPR defending from Reed's corner.

QPR were suddenly stung into life and Zamora was unlucky not to pull one back when he glanced wide Matt Phillips's pinpoint cross.

Redknapp introduced Chilean duo Mauricio Isla and Eduardo Vargas on the hour, with the latter testing Howard with a powerful header before Phillips blasted a close-range effort high over the bar.

But it was Campbell-Ryce who would have the final say, as he capitalised on more weak defending before finishing coolly to seal United's place in round four.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres revels in spectacular Atletico Madrid return

Fernando Torres has expressed his gratitude to Atletico Madrid for sealing his return to the club and spoken of his desire to fire them to further success.

The striker departed the Vicente Calderon seven years ago to join Liverpool but finds himself back at the Spanish capital on a year-and-a-half long loan deal from AC Milan.

Torres left Atletico as one of the hottest prospects in European football but returns bidding to resurrect a career that has nosedived since he left the Reds for Chelsea in 2011.

The 30-year-old watched from the stands as the Liga champions beat Levante 3-1 on Saturday and cut the gap between themselves and leaders Real Madrid to just a point.

Torres was then unveiled to supporters at the stadium on Sunday. Fans were queueing up for two hours before the event and 45,000 showed up to give their returning hero a thunderous reception as he was paraded on the pitch.

"Leaving this club was the hardest decision of my career. Seven years ago I said goodbye and today I am back, it is hard not to be excited," he told reporters.

"From the outside I have been excited when the club has won trophies and suffered when they have suffered defeats.

"I want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to come back to the club. I left because I needed to grow but now I find a team that has grown and is competing with the best in the world.

"My dream is to win trophies with Atletico."

Torres could make his second debut in the Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash with city rivals Madrid on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Torres!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Anzhi youngster Magomedov dies after shooting

Anzhi Makhachkala reserve player Gasan Magomedov has been shot dead near his home, the Russian club confirmed on Sunday.

A statement released by Anzhi said the 20-year-old was driving to his family home when his car was targeted by machine-gun fire. He subsequently died as a result of his injuries on the way to hospital.The statement added that the police have yet to discover motive for the attack."Football club Anzhi conveys the sincerest condolences to all the dearest of Gasan," the statement added. "It's caused huge grief for all of us.

"Gasan would have celebrated his 21st birthday on January 17. [A] kind-hearted boy, Magomedov was true to himself on the field."Magomedov represented Anzhi at youth and reserve-team level.

Anzhi's general director, Sergey Korablev, added: "We grieve together with everyone who was dear to Gasan."I hope the police quickly find the killers and they suffer just punishment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Karanka denies Newcastle links

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has brushed off speculation linking him with vacant managerial position at Newcastle United.

The Magpies have begun their search for a new boss after Alan Pardew's departure to Crystal Palace was confirmed on Saturday.

A host of names have already been linked with the St James' Park hot-seat, including Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and former Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel.

Karanka, whose Boro side are fourth in the Championship, has also been mooted as an option for Toon owner Mike Ashley, but speaking after his side's FA Cup third round win over Barnsley he insisted he is staying put.

Asked of he was committed to Boro he replied: "120%."

Karanka added: "It could be a surprise for me but I am just thinking about Middlesbrough's next game against Reading."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Robben: Neuer deserves the Ballon d'Or

Arjen Robben is hopeful that Bayern Munich team-mate Manuel Neuer has done enough to earn the Fifa Ballon d'Or.

The Germany international lifted the World Cup in Brazil after claiming the domestic double last season and has continued his exceptional form so far in 2014-15.

While current holder Cristiano Ronaldo remains the favourite for the prize ahead of Neuer and Lionel Messi, Robben feels the 28-year-old has earned the trophy.

"I do not know [what Neuer's chances are]," Robben told Bayern's official website. "But I can say that it would be deserved for Manu.

"He had a great year. His body language, his strength. If you are standing in front of him as a striker and he makes himself big, that's impressive. I keep my fingers crossed for him."

Bayern vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger returned from a long-term knee injury in November and scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 win at Mainz in the final game before the mid-season break.

And Robben wants Schweinsteiger to get back to his best form as the Bavarians seek to win the treble under Pep Guardiola in 2015.

"Basti is one of our captains, that says it all," the Netherlands international added.

"He has a difficult period behind him. I hope now that he can really attack again in January. We need him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard could offer 'gold dust' as a coach - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Steven Gerrard to thrive in a coaching role if he opts to take that route after retiring.

Gerrard will leave Anfield at the end of the season after 17 years with the club, 12 of them as captain, and head for the USA to play in MLS.

That will likely take the former England skipper up to the end of his playing career.

Another Anfield favourite, Jamie Carragher, has carved out a reputable career as a television pundit after bowing out from the game in 2013.

But Rodgers believes the "gold dust" that Gerrard could pass on to the stars of tomorrow makes him an ideal coaching candidate.

"I do genuinely believe that he is that type, he can offer great advice," Rodgers told the club's official website. "It's whether it's something that he wants to do.

"When players retire and finish, they have been in this cauldron for so many years and especially with the eyes on you at a club like this here.

"They move away and they might find that after a year or two out of it, it's actually not something they want to do and there are other opportunities for them that are maybe less stressful than moving into coaching and management.

"From my perspective here, the experience that he has of Liverpool as a club and those little bits of gold dust that he can give players would be invaluable to young players."

Though in no doubt over Gerrard's capacity for an off-field role, Rodgers tempered any thoughts that the 34-year-old should move straight into management after playing.

"Moving into coaching and management is not something you just click your fingers and move into," the Northern Irishman added. "There's a lot of work, lot of hours, lot of time and a lot of commitment that has to go into that.

"I always say that if you want to move into coaching or management, take two or three years to really get your eye in on it, because it's not something that you can just click your fingers and walk into - it's a pressure situation.

"You see coaches coming in on the back of managers, learning the ropes and then maybe one day moving on in that field.

"For Steven, that would be a great opportunity for him to do that, but time will tell if that's something that he's really interested in."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo to PSG is impossible - Mendes

It is "impossible" that Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain, according to agent Jorge Mendes.

The big-spending French champions have been linked with a mega-money move for the prolific Portuguese in recent seasons, with former sporting director Leonardo claiming they "did everything they could" to convince Ronaldo to move in the past.

Mendes, however, believes such a transfer is out of the question and instead believes the 29-year-old could move to America once his time at Santiago Bernabeu is up.

"Ronaldo to PSG is impossible. He will finish his career with Real, and maybe he'll go to the United States. Only God knows," he told Telefoot.

"He's a machine, he's the best player in history and nobody can be his equal. It's not even fair to compare him to others. He's a winger, right? Tell me the names of wingers that have scored even 10 per cent of his goals."

Mendes admits he has a good working relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi but believes French football remains firmly in the wake of the Premier League and La Liga.

"Nasser is my friend, I enjoy a good relationship with him. He does some good work at PSG, who are one of the best clubs in the world right now," said the Portuguese.

"Ligue 1 is good, but I think the Premier League and La Liga are better, even if PSG have bought some quality."

Supporters of Ligue 1 side Monaco were left incensed in the summer when Mendes helped to broker an €80 million deal to take James Rodriguez to Madrid, but he is adamant the player is where he wants to be.

"The people who decide are the players and the clubs. James is happy today because he was dreaming of Real Madrid. That's what counts," he said.

Mendes, now 48, also suggests he could take charge of a club himself in the future - possibly when Ronaldo chooses to retire from his playing days.

"I'm on the phone 17 to 18 hours a day. Sometimes it's difficult, but it's my life," he added.

"Club president? Why not? I think I have enough experience to do it. But right now it is too soon. Maybe I'll wait until Ronaldo stops, so we could stop together."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Podolski tweets more than he plays'

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has urged Lukas Podolski to prove his ability as a player again after suggesting he has devoted too much time to social media.

The 29-year-old is poised to seal a loan switch to Inter after becoming frustrated with life at Arsenal, for whom he has not started a league game all season.

The former Bayern Munich striker has earned a staggering 121 caps for Germany and added the World Cup to his list of honours this summer, but Matthaus claims he has not done enough of his talking on the pitch in recent years.

"Lukas has his qualities; now he must prove them by bringing them back to the pitch," he said to Sky.

"In the past we heard how he tweets more than he plays. He needs to concentrate on football."

Podolski himself hit back at the World Cup-winning captain via Twitter, stating: "I find it very amusing that Matthaus should give me precise tips on how to behave."

The forward was at Inter's Appiano Gentile complex on Saturday to meet with head coach Roberto Mancini prior to his move.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard doesn't want to leave Chelsea, insists Mourinho

Eden Hazard "loves" being at Chelsea and has no desire to leave, according to boss Jose Mourinho.

Hazard has been in contract talks with the Blues since June, but the Belgian is yet to commit to a new deal which would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.

After Thursday's shock 5-3 defeat to Tottenham, Mourinho appeared to cast further doubt on the future of his star player, insisting the physical punishment Hazard takes from opponents could drive him out of English football.

Paris Saint-Germain have been avowed admirers of Hazard for more than a year but Mourinho remains confident that the Belgian harbours no imminent desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

"I think he loves it here. I think so," the Chelsea boss told reporters. "I think, I hope [he will stay]."

Elaborating on his belief that Hazard is not protected by referees, Mourinho continued: "The first free kick of every game is somebody kicking him. He has fouls and fouls and fouls. I don't see many yellow cards.

"Sometimes a yellow card is a consequence of violent conduct, but I also think that accumulation of small fouls is also violent conduct.

"The kid is suffering the consequences of that, but playing amazingly well.

"[Against Tottenham] he was amazing. Even in the second half, with a difficult result to face, and to have the determination to keep believing till the end. He was fantastic."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan have wanted Cerci for three years - Berlusconi

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi says the club have been monitoring Alessio Cerci for three years prior to his loan move this month.

Cerci completed a full training session with Milan for the first time on Saturday after passing his medical on Friday, having agreed to a loan as part of the deal which saw Fernando Torres head back to Atletico Madrid.

Berlusconi claims the 27-year-old has been a target for the best part of the last three seasons and says the Italy international has already made a sacrifice for his new club.

"We have a new arrival that really pleased me, because we had been tracking Cerci for three years," he told Milan Channel.

"He's finally here and has already promised me he'll shave off his beard ahead of the next game!"

The winger barely played in six months with Atletico, coming off the bench six times in La Liga, and wants to return to the type of form that saw him score 13 goals in 37 Serie A matches for Torino.

"It's taken a little longer but I'm now happy," Cerci told Milan's website after his medical.

The Italy international's first chance to make his Milan debut will be against Sassuolo at San Siro on Tuesday.