..::Football III::..

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Ancelotti: Isco can replace Modric

Carlo Ancelotti is confident Real Madrid have the strength in depth to cope with the injuries of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Atletico Madrid.
The Santiago Bernabeu side recorded a scoreless draw against their city rivals last week and will have to make do without a number of first-team regulars in Wednesday's return leg on home soil.

Ancelotti remains unperturbed, though, and feels Isco can replace Modric in midfield, while singling out Jese and Chicharito as potential starters in the absence of Benzema and Bale.

"We are missing some important players but it's impossible for us to be more motivated than we are. We have to live with injuries. We did it in the past and it will not hurt our confidence," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"Isco has played in Modric's position before and he did very well there. We have plenty of options even without Bale and Benzema. There's James, Jese and Chicharito. James has been doing great, both on the right and in midfield. Chicharito is in fine shape as well, both physically and mentally.

"I will choose the best possible line-up. I will select players that will help the team to play like we did in the first leg. I have the best squad in the world in my opinion."
The Madrid coach then went on to stress that the reigning European champions are expecting to reach the final four.

"Atletico have a very strong defence but we are confident that we can beat them. We have to repeat our performance at their stadium. We are ready for any outcome. However, It's very complicated to practice a penalty shootout.

"I think it will be an even match, we will focus on playing well for the entire 90 minutes. We have to stick to our strategy and apply it on the field. It will be an important game for all: the club, the players and the fans - we have a chance to reach the semi-finals."

Ancelotti also took the time to discuss Antoine Griezmann's fine performances in recent weeks and he admitted the Frenchman could cause Madrid problems.
"Griezmann is a very dangerous player who has been in fine form. We will have to be very careful with him and cannot lose focus."

 

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Dybala will cost €50m, says Zamparini

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has stressed interested clubs will have to pay €50 million in order to sign Paulo Dybala this summer.The Argentine attacker has been in sublime form in 2014-15 and has caught the attention of a number of big clubs across Europe with his fine performances.

Dybala's agent, Gustavo Mascardi, claimed earlier this week that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have already tabled offers for the 21-year-old, while Juventus, Roma and Inter have all been credited with an interest in the forward as well.
Nevertheless, Zamparini has made it clear that Palermo will only sell their prized asset for the right price.

"There are six or seven teams that are interested in signing him," Zamparini was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport."At the moment, his valuation is €50 million."

Dybala has scored 13 goals in 30 Serie A appearances so far this campaign, while creating 10 more.The attacker has a contract with Palermo until June 2016.

 

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'Klopp is a perfect fit for Arsenal... but Wenger has to be given two more years'

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn believes Jurgen Klopp would be a "perfect fit" for the Gunners but has called on the club to place their faith in Arsene Wenger for two more years.

Klopp put a number of European clubs on alert last week when he announced he will be leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, terminating his contract in the process.

Arsenal have repeatedly been touted as a potential destination for the German, who has won two Bundesliga titles and been a Champions League runner-up during his time at Signal Iduna Park.

Klopp has drawn something of a cult following for his exploits at Dortmund, his brash, energetic style combining perfectly with the high-pressing, turnover-based game that won the club so many admirers.

Winterburn - who won three Premier League titles and made over 500 appearances in 12 years at Arsenal - concedes that Klopp has the "credentials" required, but is cautious of a change in the Emirates dugout.

"If Arsene Wenger decides to step down or move upstairs, then obviously he’s a manager with the credentials, the way his teams play, I think a lot of people would think it’s a perfect fit," he told Goal.

"It sounds good, it sounds right, I think in essence you never really know until that manager comes in and you see the players leave and the players come in, and where the team will finish.

"It looks right, but again I would always hold judgement and wait – while supporting that manager – until he’s had at least one season to show what his methods are and what he can do for the football club."

Arsenal have enjoyed a superb run of form since losing to local rivals Tottenham in early February, winning eight consecutive Premier League matches and securing a second consecutive FA Cup final berth.

As a result of their domestic form, Arsenal are on course for a second-placed finish in the Premier League and Winterburn believes Wenger must be allowed to see through his vision for the current Gunners squad.

Arsenal have spent heavily in the past two years - acquiring the likes of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid and Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona - and Winterburn says the club are on the precipice of continued success.

He added: "My thoughts are quite clear, and that's why I talk about the next three years. This year we've just had, in terms of the spending power and the players coming in, and the next two, where we'll see the vision of where Arsenal are going to go and where they'll be after that.

"I would like Arsene Wenger to see out the next two years, and see where we are then, but obviously, with Klopp leaving Dortmund, it sort of puts the conundrum in because he’s been linked with Arsenal before, particularly when Arsenal were struggling. Wenger was coming under severe pressure, so I understand where it’s coming from but I would be surprised if there was a change this summer."

Winterburn has also defended Wenger for his somewhat minimal outlay in the transfer windows prior to the €50 million signing of Ozil, claiming that the club were severely limited in their ability to spend by the debt they took on in the wake of their move to the Emirates Stadium.

"I had the luxury of playing under Arsene Wenger so I know what he's all about, and I know there's been a lot of frustration around the supporters in terms of the move to the new stadium and being able to sell the vision of being able to compete with the big boys," he said.

"But my views are quite clear and I've never hidden away from them; I don't think Arsenal had the spending power, while that stadium debt was being whittled down, to compete with the top teams. You don't have the likes of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas within your squad and allow them to leave if you can bring in players to complement them, lets say like Alexis Sanchez at €40 million.

"I don't believe Arsene Wenger would not have spent that money to help improve the squad."

 

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Arsenal's quality surprises me - Alexis

Alexis Sanchez admits he was surprised by the standards at Arsenal when he first arrived at the club from Barcelona, hailing Santi Cazorla as a "spectacular" player.

Alexis joined Arsenal in a €41 million deal last summer and has enjoyed a superb debut campaign, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, while he has also been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.

The Chilean says he is delighted that he decided to move to the Emirates, and has reserved particular praise for Cazorla.

"When I arrived at the club I didn't know the players that well, but I was really surprised by everyone's quality," the 26-year-old told the club's official website.

"I am not saying this just because it's my obligation to do it. Being part of a team like this makes me very proud. I am willing to win many titles here.

"Santi Cazorla is a spectacular player. You never know whether he will kick the ball with his right or left foot. Also, he moves with short but quick strides, which is a remarkable trademark too.

"Although I knew about his quality, playing alongside him makes me very happy."

 

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Juventus know what to expect from Monaco - Allegri

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri says his side know what to expect when they take on Monaco on Wednesday.

The Italian champions take a 1-0 lead to Stade Louis II for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final knowing that just a draw will take them into the last four.

While Allegri admits he is fully prepared to face a strong defensive unit against the Ligue 1 side, he maintains his own players cannot afford to become complacent and must look to score themselves.

"I don't know for certain what Monaco's tactics will be, but we will try to score as we know what they are about," Allegri told a press conference.

"Monaco are a team that defend well and are physically very strong, so it will be a difficult game, just like the first leg.

"It could come down to the finer details. We are in the quarter-finals, we have a chance of going through, and whether we do or not depends on ourselves. We are not that far into the competition yet; we can go even further. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves."

Juventus are without the injured Paul Pogba but can call upon Simone Pepe and Arturo Vidal, with Allegri admitting he will have to be smart with his substitutions in order to keep his side's Champions League campaign alive.

"I think we are in for a long night and I will have to make the right substitutions," he said.

"Pepe is in the squad and he has been doing well but I don't think he is ready to start. My team has great quality, good character. We have the ability to progress and we will need to be brave and focused."

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the game is a chance for Juve to prove they can be considered one of the continent's best sides again as he aims to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time.

"It is a very important game for the club as a whole and the chance to show we are back among Europe's finest," he said.

"Monaco have what it takes to try and overturn the result. They are a strong team but we are also aware of our qualities.

"The Champions League is a trophy I've never lifted and one I'd like to as soon as possible. A team's success comes around through the squad, club and backroom staff. The coach has done really well to come in and immediately get on the same wavelength as us."

 

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Neymar: Barcelona must march on to Champions League final

Neymar has called on Barcelona to push on in pursuit of Champions League glory after they eliminated Paris Saint-Germain 5-1 on aggregate.

Luis Enrique's men already one foot in the last four of the competition having dominated the opening fixture at Parc des Princes last week en route to a 3-1 victory, in which Luis Suarez starred.

On Tuesday, it was Neymar's time to shine and the Brazil international scored two first-half goals as Barca triumphed 2-0 at Camp Nou and joined Bayern Munich as one of the teams in the competition's final four.

On top of hailing Andres Iniesta for his defence-splitting pass which gifted him his first goal, Neymar pledged to keep fighting in Europe and domestically to bring silverware to Barca.

"We played a great game, like in Paris, and I congratulate all of my team-mates for playing a great match," the 23-year-old told TVE. "We had a favourable score of 3-1 heading into the game but we knew we had to fight for the semi-finals.

"It was a phenomenal pass from Iniesta. All I had to do after that was direct the ball into the goal, really.

"I am very happy with how the season has gone so far but we must continue in this vein. We are first in La Liga and in a great moment in the Champions League, we must keep going."

Barca remain in the hunt for a treble as they have already reached the Copa del Rey final and are two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

 

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Iniesta: I'm back? I never went away

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta insists he "never went away" after being asked whether he was back to his best in the 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

There have been suggestions that the Spaniard has dipped in form in recent seasons and his critics point at his total of zero assists and zero goals in 19 Liga appearances in 2014-15.

However, Iniesta's dazzling run through the PSG side - finished with a pass Neymar himself described as "phenomenal" - set up the Brazilian's first goal for Luis Enrique's men as they sealed a 5-1 aggregate win at Camp Nou.

"I was glad to take part in the semi-finals and it was a great night for everyone," he told reporters. "Am I back? I never went away.

"It was not easy at all, despite us having the 3-1 advantage. We're peaking at a great time by playing well at the end of the season. We have gone from strength to strength, which is what it should be like.

"We're in great form but we know that matches can be decided by the smallest of details. We know that our presence in the semi-finals is important, though, and it's great that we made it that far."

Barcelona are joined in the Champions League semi-finals by Bayern Munich, who hammered Porto 6-1 at the Allianz Arena to seal a 7-4 aggregate triumph.

The remaining two spots will be decided on Wednesday when Real Madrid host Atletico after their goalless first leg, and Monaco welcome Juventus to the principality in the hope of turning around their 1-0 deficit at the Stade Louis II.

 

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'It was no fun at all' - Martins Indi left flattened by Bayern thrashing

Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi admitted the 6-1 thrashing at Bayern Munich was "no fun at all".

The visitors came into the second leg of their quarter-final tie with a 3-1 advantage but were blown away at the Allianz Arena, Bayern storming into a 5-0 half-time lead on their way to winning 6-1, and 7-4 on aggregate.

Netherlands international Martins Indi conceded it had been a chastening experience for the Portuguese side.

He told Sport1: "This is a massive loss and, of course, we are very disappointed. We came here with a lot of confidence but it all went very quickly.

"We didn't win enough duels and they know how to take advantage of that. The second half was a little bit better but Bayern were too good today, that was obvious.

"This is what football at the top level is all about. At home we punished them for making mistakes and this week they did that to us. It was no fun at all."

Porto skipper Jackson Martinez, who grabbed a consolation in the second half, also had few arguments with the result.

He told A Bola: "It was a very hard match for us and we suffered. Bayern were better collectively.

"We knew about the difficulties of this match but we could have done a lot better in the first half."

Next up for Porto is a top-of-the-table Primeira Liga clash at leaders Benfica on Sunday.

Martinez added: "We now have another tournament to dispute and we'll fight to the end. It will be a hard game at the [Estadio da] Luz but we are conscious of the opportunity we have to achieve our goals."

 

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Barcelona as perfect as possible - Luis Enrique

Barcelona were as close to perfect as possible in their 2-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, according to head coach Luis Enrique.

Neymar got both goals for the Catalans at Camp Nou as they put to bed any distant hopes that Laurent Blanc's men could find their way back into the tie having lost 3-1 at Parc des Princes last week.

Luis Enrique - who now has the best record of a Barca coach after 50 games, with 42 victories - refrained from describing Barca's performance as flawless but says it would be harsh to critique his team at all.

"If we were fussy I'm sure I could find something wrong," he told reporters when asked if that was the perfect Barca performance. "But if I wasn't fussy, it would be hard to deny the players carried out the game-plan as perfectly as possible.

"It was brilliant to see the attitude of the players, the pressure we applied in the attacking half, the chances we created... It was a good team effort and good news for Catalunya.

"But coaches always complain and can find room for improvement; a placid team is in danger of not foreseeing complications and can lose focus.

"La Liga is still difficult because we have Real Madrid fighting us for it. In the Champions League there will be three other teams able to win. In the Copa del Rey we face Athletic Bilbao who have a history of causing us problems.

"It would be very silly of me to think this is mission accomplished - the goal is to be in the Champions League final now. We've reached what I saw as the minimum requirement but now we need to get to the final."

Barca could be drawn against Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich - who hammered Porto on Tuesday to reach the final four - and Luis Enrique praised the former Camp Nou coach for being so ruthless with a shoestring squad.

"I'm very happy that Bayern won, I like to see good things happen for my friends, like Pep," he added.

"Scoring six against top-class opposition with numerous injuries to your first team demonstrates what a coach Pep is and what a team he has."

 

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Blanc: PSG must be patient in Champions League chase

Laurent Blanc believes Barcelona provide the perfect example of why big-spending Paris Saint-Germain should be patient in their pursuit of a maiden Champions League title.

Blanc's side were unable to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit in their quarter-final tie at Camp Nou, with two Neymar goals giving the hosts a 2-0 victory in the return.

The defeat means success in Europe's elite club competition continues to elude the Ligue 1 champions - but Blanc pointed to Barca as reason for optimism.

"If you follow Barcelona, you know how patient you have to be to win the Champions League," he said.

"How long did it take them? They won it [for the first time] in 1992 when the club were almost in their centenary year. I am not saying PSG will need to wait that long, but we have to be patient."

Blanc conceded Barca deserved to go through after bossing both legs of the last-eight tie.

"We hoped to play better but Barcelona didn't let us, just as they didn't let us in the first leg," he added. "Barcelona deserve to go through. We didn't do enough to earn that ticket to the semis.

"We just didn't defend [well enough] but although they were superior, we did see a bit of the ball. We had our weapons, fewer than Barcelona, but we had them. We didn't abandon our philosophy, we stuck to our style. We took risks.

"We beat Chelsea [in the previous round] and that was amazing but not enough to stay in the competition. We had more experience than our opponents then, but tonight we lacked experience compared with Barcelona. Everyone wants fast results but Paris will move forward given a positive mentality and time."

 

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Van Gaal gives Manchester United an advantage in race for Depay, says Ronald de Boer

Manchester United will have an advantage in the race for Memphis Depay because of the winger's link with Louis van Gaal, according to Ronald de Boer.

United have made strong progress in their talks with PSV over a summer move, while Liverpool and Tottenham are also keen on a deal for the 21-year-old.

Depay was part of Van Gaal's Netherlands squad at last summer's World Cup and De Boer believes that pre-existing relationship could work in United's favour.

"I don't want to say which club is more suitable for him, but if he goes to Manchester United he knows there is a Dutch coach there who knows him from the World Cup. That has an advantage but also he has to look at what players are there and the kind of system," De Boer told talkSPORT.

"He has to decide for himself and it's important he doesn't look [only] for the best offer."

De Boer has also likened Depay's talents to Cristiano Ronaldo in his early years and insists the midfielder is one of the brightest prospects in Dutch football.

"He is one of the biggest talents in Europe," said De Boer.

"He has skill compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo. He is very lively, technically unbelievable, very skilful, very fast, he has a great goalscoring record, he can shoot from every distance - he has everything.

"For me, he is without doubt one of the best talents we have."

 

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UEFA Champions League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2015.04.22

UEFA Champions League 2nd Leg Fixtures 2015.04.22

AGG
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Monaco Vs Juventus

AGG
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Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid

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Ada thiyana matches 2keth hoda fight 1kak yai​

 

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Champions league result

http://amebosport.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/UCL-pic.jpg

 

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Barcelona 2-0 Paris Saint-Germain (agg 5-1): Neymar completes emphatic victory

 

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Van Gaal gives Manchester United an advantage in race for Depay, says Ronald de Boer

Depay M United join weyi

 

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Wolfsburg need a miracle against Napoli - Hecking

Dieter Hecking has admitted that Wolfsburg need a miracle if they are to overcome Napoli and reach the Europa League semi-finals.

The German side suffered a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Rafael Benitez's side in Germany in the first-leg, with Nicklas Bendtner grabbing a late consolation goal when they were 4-0 down.

Hecking, though, insists crazy things happen in football, adding that they can take inspiration from Bayern Munich turning around a 3-1 deficit against Porto to reach the last four of the Champions League.

"We haven’t lost all hope, but the situation could’ve been better. It would be a miracle if we would progress," he told reporters. "It's going to be extremely difficult, but who would have thought that Bayern would have lead 5-0 at half time against Porto? In football, the craziest things happen."

Wolfsburg are without Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Schurrle and Vieirinha for the match at the Stadio San Paolo, and the coach feels they will suffer as a result."We have travelled to Naples under the most unfavourable conditions, but we still want to show our true colours."

Wolfsburg came under attack from papers in Naples after warning their travelling fans of the dangers of the city, but Hecking had nothing but good things to say about it.

"I didn’t know that statement was on our site. From my room I see a fantastic sea and I have fallen in love with the view. Of course I distance myself from this statement.”

 

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Bony returns to Man City training

Wilfried Bony could be set to return to action for Manchester City against Aston Villa on Saturday after returning to training.

The Ivory Coast international - who moved to the Etihad Stadium from Swansea City in January - has missed their last three games because of ankle and knee injuries.

However, the club confirmed on their Twitter that the former Vitesse striker trained with the squad as City prepare for the visit of the FA Cup finalists.

Bony has endured a disappointing spell at City so far, scoring one goal in seven appearances.

The Ivorian had earlier scored nine goals for Swansea before sealing his transfer ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

 

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Neuer is the world's best goalkeeper - Ter Stegen

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has hailed his Germany team-mate Manuel Neuer as the world's best goalkeeper.

The Bayern Munich shot stopper has been a pivotal part of Bayern's success following his move from Schalke and is believed to have overtaken the likes of Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon as the most secure keepers in world football, along with Thibaut Courtois.And Ter Stegen admits he has a lot of work to do to catch up with the Germany No.1.

"Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world," he told Uefa. "I'm a bit behind him."
Ter Stegen has had to settle for a place on the bench for most of the season at Barcelona following his move from Borussia Monchengladbach, but has played a key role in the Copa del Rey and Champions League for Luis Enrique's men.

"It's difficult for me, being in and out of the team and not playing all the games, but that's part of the development of a player. I'm glad I can play in the Champions League and that we're in the Copa del Rey final. To me, that's testament to my work.

"Good performances always improve your confidence, but to me it's not only important what I alone do. It's important what the team does on the pitch, and if we win together I'm happy."

 

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Rodgers must make the right signings for Liverpool - Carragher

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher insists that Brendan Rodgers is the man to take the club forward, but insists he must be smart in the transfer market in the summer.

The Reds slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday, with Tim Sherwood's men turning the game around to reach the final after Philippe Coutinho had put Liverpool ahead.

That result has seen pressure on Rodgers increase, with Liverpool outsiders for a Champions League spot. The Merseysiders are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City, although they do have a game in hand.

Carragher told Sky Sports: "Is Rodgers the right !man? I think so. I don't think your whole future should be determined by one game. It was difficult with the players that came in and I still don't think many of them have bedded in yet.

"Brendan, the players and the staff will be looking to next season and thinking they will go one step further, winning a trophy, maybe, and getting back into the top four. That's his job.

"He has to identify where in the team they need to improve; the squad is there and they did a lot of that last summer. The signings have to be right and, if they are, it will make a massive difference. If they're not, they'll be back to where they are this season."

Asked about the need for Liverpool to tie down vice-captain Jordan Henderson to a new contract, Carragher replied: "I think he's vitally important.

"He's an England player and, although he's not a local player, the way he performs for Liverpool shows you the passion that he's got.

"He's a regular for England and, without Steven Gerrard, he's taken on the role of the captaincy this season. The manager has said it isn't set in stone that he will get it next season but I'd be very surprised if he wasn't. His record as captain is very good and he's a player who has grown into playing for Liverpool after a difficult start."