..::Football III::..

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Guardiola: I'd like 1000 Dantes in my team

Pep Guardiola dedicated Bayern Munich's 1-0 away win over Borussia Dortmund to Brazil international centre-back Dante.

Robert Lewandowski scored the only goal against his former club at Signal Iduna Park, ensuring that the Bavarians kept their 10-point lead over Wolfsburg at the top in Germany.

The Spaniard, however, reserved praise for the South American, who has not featured regularly of late.

"I would like to congratulate my players and dedicate this victory to Dante," he said. "He hasn't played often recently but he played very well today.

"He is an incredibly important player for us. I'd like 1,000 Dantes in my team."

With just seven games to go until the end of the campaign, a proud Guardiola has done the maths and knows the Allianz Arena club cannot be caught if they win four of the remaining league games.

"People often don't know how hard it is to play against teams like Dortmund or Bayer Leverkusen," the former Barcelona head coach told Sky. "But every match is incredibly hard as we saw today.

"I would actually like to have played differently than we played today. But I also have to pay attention to who is available.

"It is not easy to win here - Bayern have done that only twice since 2009. Now we have to win four games before the end of the season to become German champions, and we want to do that."

Bayern are still in with a chance of claiming their second treble in three seasons as they are in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and Champions League last eight.

 

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Diego Costa out for at least a couple of weeks - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Diego Costa will be out for "a couple of weeks minimum" after he limped out of the Blues' 2-1 win over Stoke with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

The Spain international began the game on the bench but lasted just 10 minutes after arriving as a half-time substitute, having aggravated a long-standing problem.

When asked how long he expected the striker to be sidelined for, Mourinho told Sky Sports: "I don't know but for sure, muscular injury, a couple of weeks minimum. But lets see what happens.

"To be fair, the important [thing] is the three points today."

Mourinho conceded in the run-up to the fixture that Costa was not a certain starter, and the Portuguese admits that he took a risk in sending the 26-year-old into the fray, while confirming that goalscorer Loic Remy will continue in the starting XI against QPR next week.

"You have to risk, and the medical department risked a little bit, but the truth is that in all the scans they did two days ago - not even yesterday - two days ago, the muscle was clean, the image was completely clean, and the player trained twice," he added.

"He trained twice 100 per cent, where he did much more in training that he did today. He did much more in training than today.

"He shot lots of times, we put him in dozens and dozens of specific actions in the game and the response was very good. We decided to protect and if the result was two or three-nil he wouldn't play and we would give him one more week.

"But we risk. My medical department is fantastic and they do fantastic things for us during the whole season, so no problem, and next weekend Remy plays, then Drogba plays while we will wait for Diego again."

 

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Van Gaal: Man Utd's top four spot not secure

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal does not believe his side have yet secured their place in next season's Champions League.

The Red Devils moved eight points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford as they look to return to Europe's elite club competition having missed out last season.

But former Barcelona coach Van Gaal feels his side cannot be sure of their place in the top four due to having to face Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City before the end of the campaign, though he admits his side could yet challenge for the title.
"We still have to play against the other three teams in the top four of the league," he told reporters. "It’s not done yet but of course we have made a big gap so we can suffer a defeat.

"I’m looking higher up and then we have to win every week. Everything is possible. Liverpool are eight points behind us and we are more than eight behind Chelsea.
"Normally it is not likely we are champions but we are giving Chelsea pressure. Normally Chelsea would be champions."

The Red Devils were forced to be patient for much of their encounter against Tim Sherwood's side, with two goals from Ander Herrera and a superb Wayne Rooney strike securing the three points.

And Van Gaal conceded he was pleased that his side were able to pick up their fifth-straight victory despite not being at their best against a well organised Villa outfit.

"Before this match I was afraid because there was an international break. But we are in good shape and the confidence has risen, and then you play against a very defensive organisation.

"In attack it is not easy. You have to focus and concentrate yourself much more. It is not so easy to create many chances and score goals.

"In the end it was 3-1. In the first half we conceded no chances and in the second half, one chance and one goal, and that was a lucky goal.

"I’m very pleased with the result. I know the performance could be better but we won and that’s the most important thing."

 

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Van Gaal: Man Utd's top four spot not secure

Ow thawa wins one​

 

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Hazard is as good as Messi and Ronaldo and will only improve, says Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry says Eden Hazard is as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - and that he will only get better.

Hazard opened the scoring in the 2-1 victory over Stoke from the penalty spot as Jose Mourinho's side moved seven points clear at the top of the table. Loic Remy hit the winner after Charlie Adam had pulled the Potters level.

There was, however, bad news for Jose Mourinho's side with top scorer Diego Costa substituted after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring problem, but Terry says Hazard can step up and be the Blues' match-winner.

"He has been excellent - he has been our best player by a long way this year," he told Sky Sports.

“In those games where you're looking for a little bit of something extra - a bit of magic from someone - he's the one who steps up and manages to create something. He's up there with Messi and Ronaldo and he can still get better and better."

Chelsea face a trip to Loftus Road to take on QPR next weekend before games against Manchester United and Arsenal, and Terry has urged his team to maintain their momentum.

"It's the old cliche, but tick a box, get three points today and move on. It's a massive game for us away to QPR, a big London derby for us," he added.

"We've just got to frustrate teams. For the next two or three weeks, we've got some big games coming up so we must keep putting three points on the board and making it difficult for the teams around us."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2015.04.05 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2015.04.05 Fixtures

Burnley Vs Tottenham

Sunderland Vs Newcastle United

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La Liga 2015.04.05

La Liga 2015.04.05

Real Madrid Vs Granada

Valencia Vs Villareal

Getafe Vs Deportivo

Celta Vs Barcelona​

 

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stoke lage goal eka

Charlie Adam ge goal 1kanam patta​

 

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[panchaz]

Real Madrid 9 - 1 Granada
Madrid is back

Hala Madrid

 

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Marseille 2-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Champions go top by edging Classique cracker

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to win 3-2 at Marseille in a thrilling Classique and go back to the top of Ligue 1.Lyon moved to the summit with a 3-1 win at Guingamp on Saturday but their two-point lead was dashed after an excellent PSG rearguard in Marseille.

Andre-Pierre Gignac gave the hosts a 30th-minute lead and although the outstanding Blaise Matuidi levelled, the Marseille striker restored their advantage before the half-time break with a calm finish.

Laurent Blanc's men scored twice in the first six minutes of the second half, though, through Marquinhos and Jeremy Morel's unfortunate own goal.

And that proved enough for the champions, who weathered the storm to take a one-point lead in the thrilling race for the title over Lyon, while Marseille now sit five adrift of PSG.Marcelo Bielsa's misery was compounded when Andre Ayew was given a straight red card for protestations with the referee after full-time.

Hamstring injuries to David Luiz and Thiago Motta could sour PSG's success, however, with a crucial Champions League tie against Barcelona to come this month.

The home fans created an incredible atmosphere before kick-off inside the revamped Velodrome and the raucous noise continued during a breathless first half.A fast early tempo was not matched by quality football, at least initially, but Gignac's first goal brought the contest to life on the half-hour mark.

The forward beat Marquinhos at the back post with a firm header from Dimitri Payet's excellent cross which saw goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu beaten from six yards at his near post.The news went from bad to worse for PSG, as David Luiz, who had only just returned from a hamstring problem, limped off with a similar injury.

But a piece of individual brilliance from Matuidi drew the champions level 10 minutes before the break as the midfielder cut inside Brice Dja Djedje before curling into the top-right corner from 18 yards, despite the best efforts of Steve Mandanda who got a hand to the strike.

Marseille would head into the half-time break ahead, though, as a quick counter-attack saw Alaixys Romao's tackle fall for Gignac, and the forward calmly slotted past the onrushing Sirigu from 18 yards.

Gignac was only denied a first half hat-trick by Sirigu in stoppage time, and that save would prove crucial after the break.

Shortly after Payet curled wide for Marseille, PSG levelled, with Marquinhos on hand to restore parity in the 49th minute, making the most of a stroke of luck after
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's mis-hit free-kick landed in his path.

And just two minutes later, PSG had the lead, as Pastore broke down the left and saw his deflected cross - intended for Ibrahimovic - turned into his own net by the unlucky Morel.

An eerie silence followed and Marseille seemed stunned, as Ibrahimovic wasted a free header before Matuidi and Pastore went close again.

Their second half domination continued right until the final whistle, but attacking verve was tempered as key midfielder Motta limped off in the closing stages, before Gignac's red card after the final whistle ended a dramatic night.

 

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Celta 0-1 Barcelona: Mathieu moves Catalans four points clear

Barcelona ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory at 10-man Celta Vigo on Sunday as they restored their four-point lead at the top of La Liga thanks to Jeremy Mathieu's header.

Celta had sprung a surprise back in November with a 1-0 win at Camp Nou and they more than matched Barca for a second time in this encounter, until Mathieu - who scored in the 2-1 Clasico victory last time out - decided the game 17 minutes from time.

It could prove to be a crucial goal for Luis Enrique's side, who had earlier seen a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid hammer Granada 9-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca struggled for large parts at Balaidos, and could have been behind had Joaquin Larrivey showed more composure when presented with a glorious opportunity late in the first half.

The visitors will point to Neymar's effort early in the second period which was disallowed for offside with replays showing that to be the incorrect decision, although Mathieu's excellent header rendered that academic.

Celta's woe in front of goal was compounded late on as Fabian Orellana was dismissed in farcical circumstances - for throwing a lump of turf at Sergio Busquets.

Larrivey netted the only goal when the two sides met in the reverse fixture, and it was he who threatened first in the 11th minute with a low shot which Claudio Bravo parried away.

Barca's response was swift, with Lionel Messi - who missed both of Argentina's friendlies during the international break with a foot injury - bringing a smart stop out of Sergio Alvarez following a trademark jinking run, before Neymar sent the rebound over.Celta continued to look dangerous, though, and Bravo had to race from his line and slide in to divert the ball away from Nolito.

Three minutes before the break, Larrivey ought to have put the hosts ahead but he lashed wildly at Orellana's pass when he had time inside the area to take a touch and pick his spot.

Barca began the second period in much more positive fashion and Neymar had a goal ruled out for offside, despite replays suggesting the Brazil forward was level with the last defender.

Messi and Nolito both fired wide for their respective sides as the game opened up, before Dani Alves snatched a golden chance wide shortly after the hour-mark.
Gerard Pique was forced into a last-ditch challenge to deny replacement Charles as the game entered the final 20 minutes, and that proved crucial as Mathieu managed to reach substitute Xavi's free-kick with a fine far-post header which went in off the crossbar.

In a bizarre conclusion, Orellana was giving his marching orders two minutes from time for aiming a lump of grass at Busquets which struck the midfielder in the neck.
Messi missed the chance to seal the win when his deft chip went over the bar, but it mattered little as Barca held on to clinch maximum points.

 

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Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle: Sensational Defoe strike settles derby clash

Jermain Defoe's spectacular volley proved the difference as Sunderland recorded their fifth consecutive Premier League victory over bitter rivals Newcastle to ease their relegation fears.

Dick Advocaat's first home fixture as boss at the Stadium of Light saw an encouraging, determined display that was lit up by Defoe's wonderstrike shortly before half-time.

The former Tottenham forward's brilliant goal from the edge of the area was enough for Sunderland to complete the double over their arch-rivals for the second season running, and also moved them three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with seven games left to play.

Defoe was close to tears after sending the Sunderland faithful into raptures, and the hosts' lead was never really threatened by a lacklustre Newcastle side.

Newcastle, who restored Jonas Gutierrez to the starting XI for the first time since August 2013 after his battle with cancer, were subdued throughout and have now lost four games in a row.

Sunderland had by the far the better of the opening stages but did not create anything of note until the 21st minute when Connor Wickham's header was deflected onto the post and wide by Moussa Sissoko.

Newcastle seemed content to play on the counter-attack and were finally punished for their lack of ambition in remarkable fashion by Defoe on the stroke of half-time.

Steven Fletcher beat Mike Williamson to a header following a long free-kick forward and Defoe unleashed a thunderous left-footed volley into the top-right corner from 18 yards, leaving Tim Krul with no chance.

Defoe was emotional as the sides went into the tunnel for the interval, but Sunderland emerged for the second half re-focused and dangerous as they searched for a second goal.

Newcastle did gradually get more of a foothold in the game but were unable to craft anything to trouble the Sunderland defence.

Instead it was Advocaat's man who went closest to scoring again, Sebastian Larsson bending a free-kick narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

Remy Cabella stung the palms of Costel Pantilimon and Ayoze Perez curled over the crossbar from the edge of the area as Newcastle pressed for an undeserved leveller late on.

Perez then wasted a great chance to level in the 88th minute as he volleyed over from a corner, but Sunderland were able to see out the remainder in relative comfort to give their supporters hope that Advocaat is the man to steer the club to safety.

 

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Defoe ge goal 1ka patta​

 

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Burnley 0-0 Tottenham: Captain Kane kept quiet as Spurs drop points in top-four chase

Harry Kane failed to inspire Tottenham to victory in his first game as captain as they were held to a goalless Premier League draw at struggling Burnley on Sunday.

Kane was handed the armband in the absence of the injured Hugo Lloris, but the England striker was ineffective in a lacklustre display from the London club which ensured they were unable to move above Liverpool into fifth place.

A point was enough for Spurs to leapfrog Southampton into sixth spot, but their chances of securing Champions League qualification look increasingly slim with seven matches remaining.

Burnley deserved at least a point at Turf Moor, but may see this as a missed opportunity a day after QPR and Leicester City secured much-needed victories in the battle to avoid the drop.

Sean Dyche's men have now won just one of their last 10 top-flight games, although a draw enabled them to move back above QPR into 18th spot.

Burnley boss Dyche named an unchanged starting line-up and included recent signing Fredrik Ulvestad on the bench for the first time.

Michel Vorm made his maiden Premier League start for Tottenham due to Lloris' leg injury, while Vlad Chiriches replaced the unwell Jan Vertonghen and Paulinho was preferred to Andros Townsend.

Burnley pressed Spurs high up the pitch from the off and should have been rewarded with a goal after just four minutes, when George Boyd robbed Ryan Mason but Danny Ings shot straight at Vorm after surging into the penalty area.

Nacer Chadli had Tottenham's first sight of goal after 15 minutes, forcing Tom Heaton to get down well to smother a shot from the Belgium winger that came through a crowded penalty area.

Boyd's stunning strike gave Burnley a famous win over Manchester City in their last home game, but the industrious midfielder failed to trouble Vorm when the ball fell kindly for him just outside the area.

Vorm's agility was put to the test just before half-time, though, when he dived to his left to palm over Ings' strike from the edge of the area.

Kyle Walker's afternoon was cut short by an injury just after half-time, so Chiriches moved to right-back and Ben Davies came on at left-back for Tottenham.

Ings was proving to be a handful for the Spurs defence and Vorm had to be alert to palm the striker's attempted cross behind for a corner as Burnley started to gain the upper hand.

Vorm then pushed away Ashley Barnes' strike in a good spell of pressure from the home side, before Christian Eriksen had a good chance to open the scoring against the run of play when he raced into the area and fired over the crossbar.

Boyd headed just wide in stoppage time, but neither side did enough to secure all three points from a forgettable encounter.

 

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Real Madrid 9-1 Granada: Ronaldo hits five in easy win for Blancos

Cristiano Ronaldo well and truly stole the show in Real Madrid's 9-1 win over Granada on Sunday with an eight-minute hat-trick as part of a five-goal masterclass.

The Portuguese superstar is running out of achievements to notch up in Spain, but he netted his fastest treble in a Real shirt, and his first since December, within 38 minutes of a wonderfully clinical display.Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, twice, were also on target for Carlo Ancelotti's side in Madrid, while Diego Mainz put through his own net to compound Granada's misery late on.

Bizarrely given such an emphatic scoreline, Real were far from their fluent best early on.

However, from the moment they led after 25 minutes when Bale's recent upturn in form continued with a well-taken opener under pressure, they never looked back.
Having coolly rounded goalkeeper Oier, Bale registered his fifth goal in four outings for club and country to set the ball rolling, before Ronaldo took centre stage and almost single-handedly put Granada to the sword.

The returning James Rodriguez supplied his first before the Ballon d'Or holder made the most of two Oier errors to register his 24th, and quickest, Liga hat-trick.
The onslaught continued in the second half as Ronaldo scored his fourth in between Benzema's brace, with Roberto Ibanez's late consolation the only disappointment for the hosts.Mainz then turned Luka Modric's cross into his own net to present Real with another gift, before Ronaldo - fittingly - had the final say to move Real to within a point of Barcelona, who play Celta Vigo later on Sunday.

In their first outing since the international break, Real dominated possession early on but were hampered by loose passes and offside calls.

After Ruben Rochina and Ibanez had both gone close for the struggling visitors, the home fans made their frustrations clear as Granada began to grow in confidence.
But the whistles were silenced when Bale latched onto Toni Kroos’ pass and outmuscled Mainz before rounding the goalkeeper, doing well to keep the ball in play before tucking it into an open net.

The lead was doubled before the half-hour mark, as Granada's early solidity crumbled - Rodriguez cleverly turning a sloppy clearance into an assist for Ronaldo's 32nd league goal of the season.

With Real in full swing, Oier could only parry a fierce Marcelo cross into Ronaldo's path for his second with the visiting goalkeeper also at fault for Real's fourth.

Oier could only help Ronaldo's long-range strike on its way as the Portuguese completed his quickfire hat-trick to take the game well and truly beyond Granada.
Youssef El-Arabi did rattle the crossbar on a rare foray forward prior to half-time, but it was a rare moment of relief for the visitors as Benzema and Ronaldo continued to expose them after the break.

Showing expert control on his chest, Benzema turned and fired home on the half-volley after 52 minutes to ensure each of Real's frontline a place on the scoresheet, before the Frenchman then turned provider for Ronaldo's fourth.Benzema took Real's tally to seven himself with Ancelotti subsequently able to withdraw Rodriguez, having made his first appearance since February following a broken metatarsal.

Ibanez finished a quick break for the visitors to ensure a consolation but normal order was restored when Mainz's own goal took Real's tally against Granada to 12 this term.

There was still time, though, for Ronaldo to round off a supreme performance in style as he netted his fifth a minute from time, rising highest to head home Modric's free-kick from the right.

 

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Cavani: I have one problem at PSG - and it's not Ibrahimovic

Edinson Cavani has again moved to dismiss suggestions he does not get on with Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, insisting that his only issue at Parc des Princes is not being played up front alongside the Swede.

It has been claimed in the French press that Cavani has a poor rapport with his fellow forward but the Uruguyan says that while the pair may not be close friends, they have a respectful working relationship.

Indeed, speaking before the 3-2 win over Marseille, the former Napoli attacker said that his sole worry is his lack of chances to play as a striker, admitting he is frustrated at being positioned out wide by coach Laurent Blanc.

"I do not know where this rumour of a bad relationship with Ibrahimovic comes from," Cavani told Canal Plus."We are footballers who play for the same club and we respect one another. One cannot be friends with everyone.

"The only concern that I have ever spoken about is that I was recruited to play as a striker with Ibrahimovic and it has not always been the case.

"There is a long series of games where I have not scored in Ligue 1 but that can happen. In France, people judge me as a lone striker, but I do not play in that position."But aside from that, everything else is perfect here."

However, Cavani's unhappiness at being played out of position has resulted in him being consistently linked with a move away from PSG.The 28-year-old, who is under contract until 2018, expects to remain in the French capital - but refused to completely rule out a future transfer.

"Currently, I am just thinking about finishing the season in Paris and also respecting my contract," he added.

"My attention is only focused on training with the club that pays me. But anything can happen in football."

 

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Mathieu: Even Barcelona have to suffer sometimes

Jeremy Mathieu admitted Barcelona played poorly in Sunday's 1-0 win at Celta Vigo but argued that even the best teams are made to suffer sometimes.

The Blaugrana's much vaunted attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar struggled to create openings at Balaidos but they were bailed out by Mathieu, who followed up his goal in last month's Clasico by scoring the winner with a thumping header.

The French defender admitted the international break had taken its toll on Barca's players but he insisted victory was ultimately all that mattered to Luis Enrique's men, who have restored their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

"Celta played well for the whole 90 minutes, but there are games that are won on little details," the centre-back told the club's official website. "It was a tough game. Paying after international matches is more difficult because the dynamics of the team are a bit off.

"In the first half we suffered a lot. We are Barca, but we also suffer."However, the most important thing is getting the three points."

Mathieu drew plenty of praise for another key contribution but the former Valencia man felt that central defensive partner Gerard Pique had played a bigger role in Barca's win."Playing with Pique is very simple," he added. "He is outstanding - it is amazing to play with him."

Barca next face Almeria at Camp Nou as they continue their bid to reclaim the Liga title.

 

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Classique victory came at a cost for PSG - Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc acknowledged Sunday's 3-2 win at Marseille came at a significant cost.The French champions took a significant step towards retaining their Ligue 1 title with a come-from-behind victory at Stade Velodrome.

PSG started the match just two points ahead of third-placed Marseille - and two adrift of Lyon - but they moved back to the summit with an excellent win that came despite Andre-Pierre Gignac's first-half double for the hosts.

Blaise Matuidi scored for PSG in the first half, but they went in 2-1 down at the break, only for Marquinhos to quickly level before Jeremy Morel's own goal settled a thrilling Le Classique.

Both David Luiz and Thiago Motta limped off with hamstring injuries for Blanc's men, though, dampening his enthusiasm ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona later this month.

"We will savour the victory but we paid an expensive price because we have lost two players," Blanc said."That is a problem - they have muscular problems, which is not very reassuring. It is annoying to have two injured, especially ahead of such a busy period.

"But we are very happy to have won here at Marseille. The players have done a very good job."

Matuidi was simply outstanding for PSG, capping his all-action display with an excellent first-half goal and Blanc was full of praise for the midfielder - who he hopes will add more goals to his game.

The coach continued: "Blaise Matuidi was amazing with his physical game and he worked hard this week to try and score a goal because we were winding him up a bit - he hasn't had much success in front of goal!"