..::Football III::..

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Koeman sets 61-point target for Southampton

Ronald Koeman has set Southampton the target of winning at least five of their remaining 11 games this season in order to qualify for Europe.

A dip in form has seen the Saints pick up only four points from their last five matches but they remain sixth in the table and very much in the hunt for the Champions League and Europa League berths.

Koeman takes encouragement by the way in which his side responded to a previous blip in December, by winning five of their next six fixtures.

"I think the reaction of the players was fantastic after that and I expect the same reaction in the last 11 games," the Dutchman told reporters ahead of Tuesday's home game against Crystal Palace.

"We're still in a high position on the table. That's the focus for the players. If we win five of 11 games, that means 61 points and that means, in my opinion, European football.

"I still believe, at the moment, that we can finish in a high position on the league. If we win seven or eight of 11, maybe we will be fourth in the league but I realise it's very difficult because we have to beat some big teams."

Southampton's main problem in recent weeks has been a lack of goals, finding the net just once in their last five Premier League games.

Koeman acknowledges the need for improvement in the final third but refuses to single out striker Graziano Pelle, who is without a league goal since December 20, for blame.

"One of the reasons [for a lack of goals] is now they [opponents] know exactly the strengths of our team," the manager observed.

"Still, we are creating chances but maybe we need [to be] a little bit more ruthless in the box, more confident in the box. It's a team question, not an individual question of Pelle or another striker.

"We need everybody to do the last part of attacking in a better way than we did in the last few games.

"I don't like to focus on one player. [Pelle] is working and doing everything we expect. It's a difficult time for him but he's an experienced player and he has to show his qualities and, of course, he has to score.

"Everybody knows that and, first of all, he will know that."

 

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Pearson: I empathise with Pellegrini

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson says he feels a degree of empathy with the pressure on Manchester City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini ahead of Wednesday's trip to the Etihad.

After defeats to Barcelona in the Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League in the space of six days, Pellegrini has come in for criticism as City look set to end the season without a trophy.

However, Pearson, who guided Leicester to the Championship title last term, says that he understands the strain on his counterpart.

"There is always going to be scrutiny on the big sides and people have told me they're in a bit of a sticky spell," the Foxes boss told reporters.

"But a sticky spell for them isn't a sticky spell for us. Success is relative; they have two players for every position and quality there.

"On their day, they're an outstanding side. It always interests me to see how perceptions change.

"The pressures they're under now will be a bit similar to the ones you [the media] were alluding to that we were under last year, in the sense that there is an expectation to win trophies."

Pearson was also asked whether Leicester, who sit bottom of the Premier League, could draw on the expectation surrounding their title success last term in their bid to avoid relegation.

"I think so, but they are different types of pressure," he added. "I've worked in these scenarios before and I think it is slightly different but ultimately the pressure you're under you have to be able to cope with.

"As I've already pointed out, the players being able to go out and play as well as they can is the acid test. My job as manager is to allow them to do that and as I've already said we have belief in ourselves.

"Time will tell but I think we've shown we've got plenty of character and ability. What we need to do now is translate that into points sooner rather than later."

 

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Liverpool announce first profit for seven years

Liverpool returned to profit for the first time in seven years in the last financial year, new figures have revealed.

A statement released by the Premier League club on Tuesday confirmed they posted a "small profit" in the year ending May 31, 2014 - a stark contrast to a loss of around £50 million (€69m) reported 12 months previously - while their revenue increased by 19 per cent to £255.6m (€351).This upturn in revenue has been primarily attributed to the rise in income from the Premier League's lucrative television rights deal, with Liverpool moving back up to ninth from 12th in the Deloitte Football Money League.

"Since Fenway Sports Group completed its takeover of Liverpool F.C. in October 2010, revenue has steadily increased year on year and the club has transformed to a sustainable business," Liverpool's statement added.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre commented: "We continue to make good financial progress. Although these results are nearly 12 months old, they demonstrate that the transitional period we've been through over the past four years have stabilised the club and provided a platform for growth.

"Revenue has been consistently increasing from around £170m (€233m) in 2009 to over £250m (€343m) today and our commercial revenues continue to add strength to our overall results.

"During these past transitional years, it was important that we took a measured approach to bring back financial stability by ensuring the club is properly structured both on and off the pitch.

"We continue to add strength and depth to our playing squad while continuing to develop young talent."

 

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Klopp to stick with strongest team

Jurgen Klopp plans on playing his strongest Borussia Dortmund side between now and the end of the season after winning four consecutive Bundesliga games.

Saturday's 3-0 derby win over Schalke moved his side to within eight points of the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, with a DFB-Pokal trip to Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday next on the agenda.

Klopp was asked whether he would look to rotate his side in a bid to balance the workload of cup and league commitments but ruled out that possibility as he bids to build momentum."I do not think it makes sense now to think about rotating," said Klopp. "Those who can [play], will play if they fit into the plan.

"We are not overloaded [with games], and in the cup we have given a good image in recent years."This year we want not only to get to Berlin, but when we are there, to win this time."

Last season Dortmund were beaten 2-0 in extra time by Bayern Munich, with Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller scoring the winning goals.

 

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Adam Johnson arrested over underage sex allegations

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

The 27-year-old was arrested at his home on Monday morning.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

“He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.”

A further statement from Durham Police is expected on Monday.

Sunderland have also released a short statement confirming the player will be suspended for the duration of the investigation.

"Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time."

Johnson joined the Black Cats in a £10 million deal from Manchester City in August 2012 and has made 28 appearances for Gus Poyet’s side this season.

 

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'Di Maria was sold by Real Madrid for being too ugly'

Angel Di Maria was sold by Real Madrid because he was "too ugly" for the club, claims Barcelona's assistant director of football, Carles Rexach.

After helping Madrid win the Champions League last year, the Argentina international joined Manchester United for a British-record fee of €81.8 million but has struggled to find form under Louis van Gaal this season.

And Rexach believes that Madrid's concerns over their brand and image was the main reason behind Di Maria's departure.

"Florentino Perez [Madrid's president] looks at the world market and wants a team of Galacticos for everyone to admire. Do you understand what I mean?" Rexach told Regio7.

"[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the flagship of the club. Perez is selling an international brand.

"Vicente del Bosque and Di Maria are too ugly for Real Madrid. They are different from Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez."

 

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Madrid clash could be decisive in La Liga race - Busquets

Sergio Busquets has admitted Barcelona's clash with Real Madrid could well play a decisive role in the race for La Liga.

The Catalan giants host their fierce rivals on March 22 to cap a crucial month in their season as they look to stay in contention for three trophies.Saturday's victory over Granada – combined with Madrid's draw with Villarreal – moved Barca to within two points of the leaders.

However, Busquets says they cannot let the Clasico take their attention away from the four games prior to it, otherwise their season could unravel."There's still a couple of games before then, but let's hope it is decisive for us," said the Barca midfielder. "A lot depends on what happens in the games before it.

"We know we've got to win every game. Being two points behind doesn't change anything about way we think, we always try to win all our games. "Last week they [Real] were four, now it is just two, it means we don't have to depend on other results going our way, but it won't change way we play football."

Ahead of the meeting with madrid, Barca travel to Villarreal for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, before facing Rayo Vallecano and Eibar in the league. They then host Manchester City at Camp Nou in the return leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

 

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Kane: League Cup final defeat the worst feeling in the world

Harry Kane has admitted Tottenham's loss to fierce rivals Chelsea in the League Cup final was "the worst feeling in the world".

The Spurs striker provided the final touch on John Terry's opener at Wembley, as the ball deflected off him into his own net - though he was spared the dishonour of an own goal, as the Chelsea defender's initial shot was on target.

Kyle Walker was not so lucky, however, as Diego Costa's strike from an acute angle struck the full-back and beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Kane says that Chelsea were lucky with both of their goals, but admits that their good fortune did little to dull the pain of defeat in Spurs' first cup final since 2008.

"It's the worst feeling in the world losing, and losing in a final on the big stage even worse," Kane told SpursTV.

"When you see Chelsea lift that trophy at the end it gives you that fire in your belly.

"It's disappointing - the lads gave it everything and I thought we played well.

"In these big games you don't always get the luck you need and I felt Chelsea did with a couple of deflected goals which on another day wouldn't go in."

Kane revealed, however, that manager Mauricio Pochettino was proud of his charges after their run to the final during his first season in charge at White Hart Lane.

"Just to be proud of ourselves," Kane replied when asked what Pochettino had said at full-time. "We've come a long way. It's a very young team with a new manager. To be in a final in the first season is great."

Spurs host Swansea City on Wednesday.

 

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Bony: Manchester City have to win every game

Manchester City must win all 11 of their remaining Premier League games if they are to have a chance of retaining their title, says Wilfried Bony.

City missed the chance to cut the gap to leaders Chelsea on Sunday as they lost 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield.

That result leaves Manuel Pellegrini's side five points behind Jose Mourinho's men, who also boast a game in hand having been on League Cup final duty on Sunday.

"It is disappointing. We have made it difficult for ourselves now," Bony told reporters.

"If Chelsea win their game in hand, it will be more difficult for us to get close to them but we still hope - there are 11 more games and every game we just have to win, be positive for the rest of the league and try to get maximum points.

"We need to win, win, win and hope Chelsea will drop some points. It is a difficult moment for us but we still hope we can do it."

Bony, 26, is still looking for his first goal for City having made three appearances since joining the club in a €38 million deal from Swansea in January.

 

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Real Madrid must learn Villarreal lessons - Marcelo

Real Madrid defender Marcelo stressed Carlo Ancelotti's men cannot afford a repeat of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Villarreal if they want to lift the Spanish title.

The Liga leaders were pegged back by Gerard Moreno at the Santiago Bernabeu after Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 52 minutes and, despite immense pressure late on, they were unable to find a winner.

Villarreal's dogged display saw Madrid drop points at home in the league for only the second time this season, enabling Barcelona to close the gap to two points at the top of the table.The European champions travel to Athletic Bilbao next weekend and Marcelo says they have plenty to work on to ensure they do not give up further ground."Winning would have been an important step," he told the club's official website. "We tried to do everything, we fought and ran, we had several chances but the ball has not gone in."We are saddened by the result. Every game is like a final for us and we will try to win against Athletic.

"We'll see what we have failed against Villarreal to ensure we do not repeat it. We know that only depend on ourselves and we must work to win."Madrid have collected 61 points from 25 games so far this term, while reigning champions Atletico Madrid have fallen seven points behind.

 

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Kroos: Not my job to attack at Real Madrid

Toni Kroos has insisted that he is satisfied with his more defensively-defined role at Real Madrid.

The Germany international joined Madrid from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2014-15 campaign and has since developed into a key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kroos has been less decisive going forward than during his time at Bayern due to his more defensive role, yet the 25-year-old is thoroughly enjoying his less attacking position.

"We tend to play with three central midfielders and at the moment I have the more defensive role - and have done since the beginning of the season. I very much enjoy playing there," Kroos told the official Fifa website.

"Of course the coach sets out certain demands for playing in that position, but those coincide with my own interpretation of how to play there. So in that regard I’m delighted with how things are going.

"Over the years I’ve been moving further back bit by bit and that’s fine by me. In Madrid it’s important that we have the right balance. Normally we have a lot of very attack-minded players on the pitch, so for me it’s almost of secondary importance to get forward.

"Instead, I focus on how the game is going in the middle of the park and that we’re well positioned."Kroos then went on to stress that Madrid are undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in the world due to the European champions' enormous global appeal.

"Wherever you go people are always beside themselves to see Madrid. We were in Dubai recently and that’s the kind of place where you think you’re going a long way away. But once we got there I had the feeling that the people there are even crazier, so to speak, than they are in Madrid and in Spain.

"That says it all. The club has won an unbelievable number of trophies and still has a top-quality team with top-class players. I think that alone is what makes Real Madrid so interesting."Kroos has netted once in 25 La Liga appearances so far this term.

 

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PSV: Star man Memphis Depay could leave this summer

PSV director Toon Gerbrands admits in-demand forward Memphis Depay could leave the club this summer.

Spurs made a €20 million bid for the Netherlands international in August after Depay caught the world's attention by scoring twice in four appearances at the World Cup.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, though, told Depay to remain in the Netherlands prior to Spurs’ approach, and retains an interest in acquiring the 21-year-old this summer, despite the north Londoners launching a charm offensive ahead of a renewed push to secure his signature.

Gerbrands admits Depay is in demand, and expects to be inundated with offers for both the winger and Georginio Wijnaldum this summer - with the latter attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

"Tottenham were willing to offer €20m for Depay. We decided to keep hold of him,” he told NOS. “But he has the option to leave after this season.

"I think these two players are very attractive to a lot of clubs in Europe. So far, no one has come forward with an offer but I expect we will come under great pressure."

Depay has scored 21 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season.

 

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Depay

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Sunderland 1-1 Hull City: Rodwell rescues point for Poyet's men

Hull City were denied all three points at the KC Stadium as Jack Rodwell's late header secured a draw for Sunderland.

Dame N'Doye struck his third goal in as many games at the KC Stadium as he turned home Tom Huddlestone's free-kick.

Black Cats manager Gus Poyet was sent to the stands shortly before the break, though home boss Stev Bruce had to be restrained as the former Chelsea midfielder left the touchline.

And though they struggled to create many chances, the visitors equalised late on as Rodwell headed in Patrick van Aanholt's cross from close range.

The headlines are sure to focus on Bruce and Poyet's confrontation, though, after the Sunderland boss was sent off for kicking a container filled with water bottles following Mike Dean's decision to book Rodwell.

Bruce was then prevented from running at Poyet and there was an angry exchange of words as the latter made his way down the tunnel.

Sunderland, now without a win in five Premier League matches, were without winger Adam Johnson after he was suspended by the club following his arrest on Monday.

Wes Brown started again for the visitors after the red card he was wrongly given in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Manchester United was rescinded, but he had a part to play in Hull's 15th-minute opener.

After a lengthy delay following Brown's foul on Ahmed Elmohamady, Huddlestone drove in a low free-kick that N'Doye smartly flicked beyond Costel Pantilimon and in.

Rodwell, one of four Sunderland inclusions, was booked in the 36th minute after trying to win a penalty for the visitors.

And that led to the game's flashpoint, as an enraged Poyet booted a drinks container and was subsequently sent to the stands by referee Dean.

Poyet disputed the decision and then wandered over to Bruce, appearing to look for a handshake, before the Hull manager reacted angrily and tried to run at the Sunderland boss.

An official held Bruce back in dramatic scenes, but once play finally resumed, Hull looked unfortunate not to win a penalty after John O'Shea manhandled Nikica Jelavic - returning from a knee problem - in the area.

O'Shea's header nearly crept in for a Sunderland equaliser just before the hour mark, while at the other end, N'Doye blasted a first-time effort well over following a promising Hull counter-attack.

Tensions rose once more when a cynical Lee Cattermole kick on David Meyler resulted in the latter squaring up to the Sunderland man.

Cattermole, who will be banned for the next two matches as a result of his latest booking, was quickly replaced by Ricky Alvarez as Sunderland bolstered their attacking options.

Yet it was Hull who seemed closer to a goal as N'Doye nodded over and left-back Andrew Robertson shot just wide from 20 yards.

Jake Livermore then spurned a good chance, shooting at Pantilimon following a clever Elmohamady cut-back, and Sunderland made the Tigers pay with their 77th-minute equaliser.

Anthony Reveillere fed Van Aanholt down the left and his cross floated over Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor before Rodwell applied the finishing touches.

Hull almost restored their lead immediately, but N'Doye was denied by Pantilimon as Sunderland claimed a valuable draw on the road.

 

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Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom: Benteke hands Sherwood first win with dramatic late penalty

Christian Benteke slotted home a penalty deep into stoppage time to give Aston Villa a much-needed 2-1 victory over local rivals West Brom.

Villa were without a Premier League win since December 7, but moved three points clear of the Premier League's bottom three amid exuberant celebrations from new manager Tim Sherwood on the touchline.

Benteke kept his cool in the 93rd minute, moments after West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster lost his bearings in tearing from his goal to bring down Matthew Lowton, handing Sherwood his first league win since taking charge.

Gabriel Agbonlahor ended a 14-match goal drought to open the scoring in the 22nd minute as Villa dominated the opening half.

Nerves set in after Saido Berahino's 66th-minute equaliser, but Villa gathered themselves to launch a decisive late rally and boost their survival prospects.

Charles N'Zogbia was preferred to Scott Sinclair in the only change to the Villa line-up.

Berahino and Brown Ideye overcame respective foot and knee injuries, giving West Brom head coach Tony Pulis the opportunity to name an unchanged XI.

The forward duo failed to make the most of a fifth-minute opening and then saw little to encourage them during the early stages as Villa pushed their visitors back.

Agbonlahor was almost gifted an opener when Benteke squared for him to shoot and Foster embarrassingly fumbled before grasping the ball on the line.

West Brom backed off too readily for Tom Cleverley to fire over in the 19th minute and they fell behind when Benteke won a flick on from goalkeeper Brad Guzan's clearance and Agbonlahor sped away from Joleon Lescott to slot between Foster's legs.

The Villa attacker's trademark pace and West Brom's surprising weakness against the long ball were on show again in the 28th minute, but Lescott got back to clear from the goalmouth after Agbonlahor poked beyond Foster.

Pulis was left with plenty to ponder at the interval, having gratefully watched Fabian Delph's fierce drive cannon back off the inside of the upright.

Lescott found himself in the referee's notebook for bringing down the rampaging Agbonlahor after 52 minutes, Ashley Westwood sending the resulting free-kick over.

West Brom had barely created a chance of note as the hour approached, but should have been level when Craig Dawson escaped the attentions of Jores Okore to head Chris Brunt's free-kick wastefully wide at the near post.

Villa did not heed that set-piece warning and Berahino flicked a header home when Lescott outmuscled his tormentor Agbonlahor and nodded a 66th-minute corner back into the six-yard box.

The hosts were clearly still reeling when Berahino sent James Morrison racing towards goal on a 70th-minute counter attack, but Okore got back to tackle Ideye.

Substitute Jack Grealish sidefooted weakly at Foster and the England goalkeeper kept out a stinging drive from Delph before switching from hero to villain.

Foster raced out to clatter into Lowton, leaving Benteke to score the winner from the spot as he did in the same fixture last January.

 

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Southampton 1-0 Crystal Palace: Mane keeps Saints in top-four mix

Sadio Mane's late goal proved the difference as Southampton maintained their push for a place in the Premier League top four against Crystal Palace.

Filip Djuricic wasted the best chance of the first half as he blazed over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

But the visitors were far more adventurous in the second period, and almost broke the deadlock themselves as Wilfried Zaha struck an effort against the post.

With time running out, however, the Saints secured the three points as Mane converted from close range after Julian Speroni could only parry a shot from James Ward-Prowse.

Mane had been the last man to find the net for Southampton in a 1-0 triumph over QPR on February 7, and this late strike ended Palace's sequence of five successive away victories in all competitions since Alan Pardew took charge.

The former Southampton boss had enjoyed a 3-2 success at St Mary's Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round as part of that run, but his side could not build on their impressive 3-1 win at West Ham on Saturday.

Victory lifts Southampton above Liverpool into fifth place, while Palace drop a place to 13th, still eight points clear of the drop zone.

Palace were forced into three changes due to Jordon Mutch's thigh injury and the suspensions of Glenn Murray and Mile Jedinak after their transgressions at Upton Park.

Djuricic - recalled as one of two changes following his side's defeat at West Brom - had the first opportunity of the game when he fired over from just inside the area in the 11th minute.

The hosts survived a scare 10 minutes before the break when Fraser Forster dropped Yannick Bolasie's cross under little pressure, and just managed to re-gather the ball before Zaha could stab it into the net.

Southampton ought to have been in front five minutes later, but Graziano Pelle prodded wide from close range after Speroni parried Eljero Elia's initial shot.

Palace offered little going forward in the first half, but almost made the breakthrough three minutes after the interval when former Southampton man Jason Puncheon turned and fired a shot straight at the legs of Forster.

The visitors came even closer to scoring in the 55th minute as Bolasie and Zaha both threatened an opener.

Initially, Forster denied Bolasie and, as Southampton failed to clear, the DR Congo international fed Zaha, who struck a low shot against the inside of the post before the hosts finally scrambled the ball away.

Midway through the half, Maya Yoshida could only divert the ball wide from close range after meeting Pelle's flick-on from a corner.

With time running out, Speroni made a mess of Ward-Prowse's shot, and Mane reacted quickest to lift the ball over the prone goalkeeper and into the net.

 

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Dynamo Dresden 0-2 Borussia Dortmund: Reus injury mars cup win

Ciro Immobile scored twice send Borussia Dortmund into the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal but their night was marred by yet another injury to Marco Reus.

The forward - plagued with long-term ankle injuries in recent months - will have had Dortmund hearts racing when he was forced off after suffering a suspected knee problem in a challenge with Dennis Erdmann midway through the first half.

However, after an opening 45 minutes in which Reus' withdrawal was the only real talking point, Michael Hefele's gaffe handed Ciro Immobile a golden opportunity to get the first of two goals and send Dortmund on their way to the quarter-finals.

The former Torino man made no mistake when afforded possession clean through on goal shortly after the interval and, despite late attacks from the hosts, Dortmund sealed a fourth consecutive quarter-final appearance with Immobile's second.

The Italy international tapped home from Jakub Blaszczykowski's cross to double the advantage, with Reus ending the game back on the Dortmund bench - easing fears over his injury ahead of next week's Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Juventus.After an even opening 10 minutes in which neither side were able to test the opposing goalkeeper, Dortmund were dealt an early below when Reus hobbled off in some discomfort after injuring his left knee in a tackle.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the man chosen to replace the Germany international before Dresden saw shouts for a penalty waved away when Niklas Kreuzer went down inside the area under pressure from Neven Subotic.

Justin Eilers - hat-trick hero in Dresden's 3-2 win over Jahn Regensburg at the weekend - was denied the opportunity to test Roman Weidenfeller before the break by an offside flag, despite the forward appearing to be in his own half when the ball was played.

Having survived that scare prior to the interval, Dortmund took the lead five minutes into the second period when captain Hefele undid his side's positive opening 45 minutes with a moment of madness.

The defender sought to switch the play to the opposite flank, but instead found Immobile in acres of space, with the Italian slotting home his first goal since mid-December.But Dortmund nearly gifted the visitors an equally good chance When Mats Hummels slipped, but Mitchell Langerak stood tall to deny Eilers as the hosts refused to give up on causing an upset.

Dortmund's progression should have been sealed when Mkhitaryan fired Oliver Kirch's delivery high over the crossbar before the hour, but Immobile's second in the 90th minute ended any Dresden hopes.Ilkay Gundogan found Blaszczykowski down the right, with the Poland midfielder squaring for the striker to tap home.

Immobile's second wrapped up a relatively comfortable outing for Jurgen Klopp's men, who continue their revival and extend their winning run to five matches in domestic competitions.

 

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Reus ayeth injured!​

 

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Poyet: Bruce spat was just passion

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said he had "no problem" with Steve Bruce despite the pair's touchline spat, but accused Paul McShane of diving in Tuesday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Hull City .

Jack Rodwell's controversial 77th-minute equaliser - which saw the ball strike his arm - won a point for Sunderland after Dame N'Doye gave Hull an early lead.

But the post-match talk focused on Poyet's confrontation with Bruce, which began after the Uruguayan was sent to the stands for kicking a container full of water bottles in response to a decision that saw Rodwell booked for simulation.

Before leaving the pitch, Poyet headed for Bruce and the latter tried to charge at him, only to be restrained by a match official.

Poyet said he would visit the Hull manager's office for a glass of wine following his media commitments, though, though that may have been to discuss the conduct of McShane.

When asked if he would reveal the conversation between the two, Poyet said: "No, because I am old-fashioned. I don't want technology in football and what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch.

"No problem [with Steve]. I will take it [a glass of wine]. I just saw him and nothing happened. It's football ... passion.

"Kicking a bucket of bottles of water, I don't think is nothing serious. I understand it doesn't look good, especially if 20 bottles are coming out of the bucket. I was quite good at kicking with my right foot, unfortunately.

"I was not happy with the decision on McShane [though].

"[He was] diving like he was in a theatre dancing ballet and he lost his foot, and getting a free-kick for Hull. And then Jack diving and getting a yellow card and a free-kick against. Give me one. You cannot have both go against you.

"Have a look on TV, if they can show it, McShane, in the first half, jumping in with two feet and going down like he had been shot, but he won a free-kick.

"And then the other way, [it] is a free-kick for them as well and a yellow card. I just was asking for the same treatment."

Poyet said he did not intend to provoke Bruce when he walked towards him after being sent off by referee Mike Dean.

He did concede it had been a tough few days, though, in the wake of Adam Johnson's arrest on Monday.

When quizzed about the charges against Johnson, Poyet said: "The only thing I can tell you was that it was a very difficult day. I never had one like that. Very difficult."

 

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Sherwood: Victory better than winning the lottery!

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has joked that his side's 2-1 win over West Brom - his first in charge of the club - is a better feeling than winning the Euromillions jackpot.

The 46-year-old guided his side to a vital three points in the first of two Midlands derbies this week, and his first since joining, after a late Christian Benteke penalty helped push Villa outside the relegation zone.

Sherwood admitted the three points are crucial for the club and as valuable as a EuroMillions lottery win.

He said: "It’s the best feeling in the world. When I left home this morning my Mrs said to me she had done the lottery euros for a £54 million jackpot. I said I’ll take three points all day. It means more to me.

"I think it shows the effort and how far we’ve come. We’ve improved every game and I think tonight was the best performance - especially in the first half.

"We dictated the pace of the game, controlled the football, moved it through midfield, created chances and should have been more than one nil up.

"We’ve got a group of players who are not really suited to a relegation battle to be honest.

"The old fashion style is blood and thunder and dig out results, so we had to change it and we have to play as if we’re not in a relegation battle and pass and move and I think we did that in the first half."

West Brom entered the break 1-0 down, despite seeing Fabian Delph hit the post and Gabriel Agbonlahor have two attempts cleared off the line - one following a mistake from Ben Foster.

Foster's challenge on Matt Lowton in the dying embers of the game then gifted the hosts the chance to score from the spot and Pulis admits his keeper had an off night.

He said: "I haven’t seen it but Ben should catch it anyway.

"Ben has been absolutely fantastic for us all season and he’s saved us points and won us games. He’s had an off night but there will nobody at this football club that will criticise Ben.

"I don’t have to speak to him – he knows."