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Villarreal 2-1 Sevilla: Yellow Submarines rise to fourth
Cedric Bakambu netted the decisive goal as Villarreal overcame Sevilla 2-1 on Saturday, propelling the hosts up to fourth in La Liga.
Unai Emery's Sevilla headed into the match hoping to build on their 5-0 trashing of Getafe last time out ahead of their crucial Champions League game against Manchester City, but fell behind in the 25th minute.
New Spain international Mario Gaspar - who netted on his la Roja debut in October - diverted in Leonardo Suarez's corner after a mad scramble in the box.
The 24-year-old was the instrumental in the build up to Bakambu's winner, charging down the right flank before laying on for Suarez, who then set up his Congolese counterpart.
Fernando Llorente halved the deficit after he met Yevhen Konoplyanka's cross with a firm header, but the Yellow Submarines held on for a result that strengthens their bid for Champions League qualification.
Cedric Bakambu netted the decisive goal as Villarreal overcame Sevilla 2-1 on Saturday, propelling the hosts up to fourth in La Liga.
Unai Emery's Sevilla headed into the match hoping to build on their 5-0 trashing of Getafe last time out ahead of their crucial Champions League game against Manchester City, but fell behind in the 25th minute.
New Spain international Mario Gaspar - who netted on his la Roja debut in October - diverted in Leonardo Suarez's corner after a mad scramble in the box.
The 24-year-old was the instrumental in the build up to Bakambu's winner, charging down the right flank before laying on for Suarez, who then set up his Congolese counterpart.
Fernando Llorente halved the deficit after he met Yevhen Konoplyanka's cross with a firm header, but the Yellow Submarines held on for a result that strengthens their bid for Champions League qualification.
Ramos and Pepe fit to face Paris Saint-Germain, says Benitez
Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez is hopeful that Sergio Ramos and Pepe will both be available for Tuesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos has been plagued by a shoulder injury in recent weeks, while a leg injury has kept Pepe sidelined for over a month.Both defenders sat out Saturday's 3-1 win over Las Palmas, but will be ready to make their comeback at the Bernabeu against the French champions in midweek.
"Sergio Ramos and Pepe will be available to play against PSG," Benitez told reporters after the match.
Luka Modric was taken off at half-time against Las Palmas due to a hip problem, but Benitez seems confident the Croatia international's injury is nothing too serious.
"Modric had a slight problem with his hip and we took him off because we preferred not to risk him."For the rest of the recovering players, we will make a decision on Monday whether they are available."
Madrid recorded a scoreless draw in the away match against PSG and sit joint top of Group A with Laurent Blanc's side on seven points from three games.
Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez is hopeful that Sergio Ramos and Pepe will both be available for Tuesday's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos has been plagued by a shoulder injury in recent weeks, while a leg injury has kept Pepe sidelined for over a month.Both defenders sat out Saturday's 3-1 win over Las Palmas, but will be ready to make their comeback at the Bernabeu against the French champions in midweek.
"Sergio Ramos and Pepe will be available to play against PSG," Benitez told reporters after the match.
Luka Modric was taken off at half-time against Las Palmas due to a hip problem, but Benitez seems confident the Croatia international's injury is nothing too serious.
"Modric had a slight problem with his hip and we took him off because we preferred not to risk him."For the rest of the recovering players, we will make a decision on Monday whether they are available."
Madrid recorded a scoreless draw in the away match against PSG and sit joint top of Group A with Laurent Blanc's side on seven points from three games.
Reus: Werder Bremen win was tougher than it looked
Marco Reus has insisted that Borussia Dortmund's 3-1 win over Werder Bremen was not as easy as it appeared.
The attacker was the star of the show on Saturday as he opened the scoring inside 10 minutes before Anthony Ujah's equaliser later in the half.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan restored Dortmund's lead before setting up Reus to kill the game off in the second period.
Reus, though, insists his side struggled at times in the game despite dominating possession.
"It was extremely difficult for us," he told reporters. "We played with patience in the first half and got the lead, but we did not play with the necessary pace.
"During the break, we said that we needed more punch in our play and we needed to circulate the ball more.
"The game was more difficult than it might have looked like but in the end, we played out the game well."
The result, coupled with Bayern Munich's 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, sees Dortmund move to within five points of the league leaders, but Reus feels they cannot afford to start thinking about Pep Guardiola's men.
"If you are second, you are of course looking at getting first place, but Bayern are still a bit far away," the 26-year-old concluded.
"Now we are closer. In the Bundesliga things can change so fast. We have to focus on ourselves."
Marco Reus has insisted that Borussia Dortmund's 3-1 win over Werder Bremen was not as easy as it appeared.
The attacker was the star of the show on Saturday as he opened the scoring inside 10 minutes before Anthony Ujah's equaliser later in the half.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan restored Dortmund's lead before setting up Reus to kill the game off in the second period.
Reus, though, insists his side struggled at times in the game despite dominating possession.
"It was extremely difficult for us," he told reporters. "We played with patience in the first half and got the lead, but we did not play with the necessary pace.
"During the break, we said that we needed more punch in our play and we needed to circulate the ball more.
"The game was more difficult than it might have looked like but in the end, we played out the game well."
The result, coupled with Bayern Munich's 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday, sees Dortmund move to within five points of the league leaders, but Reus feels they cannot afford to start thinking about Pep Guardiola's men.
"If you are second, you are of course looking at getting first place, but Bayern are still a bit far away," the 26-year-old concluded.
"Now we are closer. In the Bundesliga things can change so fast. We have to focus on ourselves."
Otamendi hails City's fighting spirit
Nicolas Otamendi felt Manchester City's scrappy 2-1 win over Norwich City was due reward for the Premier League leaders' battling qualities.
Otamendi, who scored six times from centre-back for Valencia in La Liga last season, opened his City account by powering home Kevin De Bruyne's 67th-minute corner.
The hosts appeared to have thrown away victory at the Etihad Stadium when a dreadful error from goalkeeper Joe Hart presented Norwich striker Cameron Jerome with a tap-in seven minutes from time.
But Manuel Pellegrini's team finished strongly, Yaya Toure converting from the spot in the 89th minute following Norwich captain Russell Martin's sending off for blocking Raheem Sterling's goalbound shot with his arm.
City fans regularly sung of their team's capacity to 'fight to the end' on the way to their final-day Premier League title triumphs in 2011-12 and 2013-14. And Argentina international Otamendi feels it is a reputation well earned by his team-mates.
"I'm really, really happy that we won this game and that we played well, and obviously I'm really pleased I scored my first goal for City," the 27-year-old, who was named as man-of-the-match, told reporters.
"I heard about the 'fight to the end' spirit we have here before I arrived, but in all honesty it's just a pleasure for me to be playing for this club."We are a group of players who work really hard and it's true, we never give up and we got our reward for that belief.
"This was a tough game but I think we were good value for the three points and it would have been tough to have come away with only a draw so we are pleased."
The result sees the outfit retain their place at the top of the Premier League, sitting ahead of Arsenal in the table on goal difference.
Nicolas Otamendi felt Manchester City's scrappy 2-1 win over Norwich City was due reward for the Premier League leaders' battling qualities.
Otamendi, who scored six times from centre-back for Valencia in La Liga last season, opened his City account by powering home Kevin De Bruyne's 67th-minute corner.
The hosts appeared to have thrown away victory at the Etihad Stadium when a dreadful error from goalkeeper Joe Hart presented Norwich striker Cameron Jerome with a tap-in seven minutes from time.
But Manuel Pellegrini's team finished strongly, Yaya Toure converting from the spot in the 89th minute following Norwich captain Russell Martin's sending off for blocking Raheem Sterling's goalbound shot with his arm.
City fans regularly sung of their team's capacity to 'fight to the end' on the way to their final-day Premier League title triumphs in 2011-12 and 2013-14. And Argentina international Otamendi feels it is a reputation well earned by his team-mates.
"I'm really, really happy that we won this game and that we played well, and obviously I'm really pleased I scored my first goal for City," the 27-year-old, who was named as man-of-the-match, told reporters.
"I heard about the 'fight to the end' spirit we have here before I arrived, but in all honesty it's just a pleasure for me to be playing for this club."We are a group of players who work really hard and it's true, we never give up and we got our reward for that belief.
"This was a tough game but I think we were good value for the three points and it would have been tough to have come away with only a draw so we are pleased."
The result sees the outfit retain their place at the top of the Premier League, sitting ahead of Arsenal in the table on goal difference.
Getafe 0-2 Barcelona: Suarez and Neymar seal victory
Luis Suarez and Neymar fired Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday to leave the Catalans level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Barca had claimed just one win in their previous five away games in all competitions, but Sergi Roberto supplied Suarez and Neymar to ensure a comfortable win.
Roberto made his return from injury to replace the suspended Javier Mascherano and continued to take his opportunities in the side by playing a key role in Barca's sumptuous build-up play for Suarez's opener after 37 minutes.
It was the first goal Getafe had conceded at home since August before Neymar collected another delightful Roberto pass shortly before the hour to complete the scoring and wrap up the points.
Barca almost led inside a minute when Munir El Haddadi's acrobatic effort went just wide of Vicente Guaita's left-hand post, before a slick counter saw Stefan Scepovic hit Victor Rodriguez's cross off target.
However, the opening stages largely saw Barca struggle to break down a deep Getafe defence - with Suarez failing to get a shot away having been played in by the tricky Neymar before the half-hour mark.
Suarez had penalty appeals turned away when Santiago Vergini appeared to handle, although the Uruguayan's frustrations were shortlived as he opened the scoring soon after.Neymar centred for Roberto and he cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Suarez to tuck past Guaita.
The visitors began the second half on the front foot and, with Getafe no longer able to simply soak up pressure, Barca saw Munir's effort ruled out for offside, while the linesman's flag also denied Neymar a shot on goal.
Prior to the hour, Getafe asked questions of Barca, but Gerard Pique shrugged off boos from the Madrid crowd to help keep the scores level before Neymar completed a quick break to seal the points after 58 minutes. Roberto was allowed to roam forward unchallenged, launching an inch-perfect pass for the Brazilian to fire home at the near post.
An audacious flick from Neymar almost saw Jordi Alba add a third 15 minutes from time and Suarez also prodded an effort wide as Luis Enrique's men avoided a repeat of the away-day difficulties encountered at Sevilla and Celta Vigo in recent weeks.
Luis Suarez and Neymar fired Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday to leave the Catalans level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Barca had claimed just one win in their previous five away games in all competitions, but Sergi Roberto supplied Suarez and Neymar to ensure a comfortable win.
Roberto made his return from injury to replace the suspended Javier Mascherano and continued to take his opportunities in the side by playing a key role in Barca's sumptuous build-up play for Suarez's opener after 37 minutes.
It was the first goal Getafe had conceded at home since August before Neymar collected another delightful Roberto pass shortly before the hour to complete the scoring and wrap up the points.
Barca almost led inside a minute when Munir El Haddadi's acrobatic effort went just wide of Vicente Guaita's left-hand post, before a slick counter saw Stefan Scepovic hit Victor Rodriguez's cross off target.
However, the opening stages largely saw Barca struggle to break down a deep Getafe defence - with Suarez failing to get a shot away having been played in by the tricky Neymar before the half-hour mark.
Suarez had penalty appeals turned away when Santiago Vergini appeared to handle, although the Uruguayan's frustrations were shortlived as he opened the scoring soon after.Neymar centred for Roberto and he cleverly flicked the ball into the path of Suarez to tuck past Guaita.
The visitors began the second half on the front foot and, with Getafe no longer able to simply soak up pressure, Barca saw Munir's effort ruled out for offside, while the linesman's flag also denied Neymar a shot on goal.
Prior to the hour, Getafe asked questions of Barca, but Gerard Pique shrugged off boos from the Madrid crowd to help keep the scores level before Neymar completed a quick break to seal the points after 58 minutes. Roberto was allowed to roam forward unchallenged, launching an inch-perfect pass for the Brazilian to fire home at the near post.
An audacious flick from Neymar almost saw Jordi Alba add a third 15 minutes from time and Suarez also prodded an effort wide as Luis Enrique's men avoided a repeat of the away-day difficulties encountered at Sevilla and Celta Vigo in recent weeks.
'I'll bring you nice glasses next time' - Mourinho in press rant after Liverpool loss
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho offered to bring bring the press "nice glasses" after his side's 3-1 to Liverpool, alleging there was a lack of respect being shown for his side.
Ramires put the home side in front at Stamford Bridge but two goals from Philippe Coutinho and one from Christian Benteke sealed Jurgen Klopp's first win in the Premier League.
Mourinho refused to offer comment on any issue surrounding the game or his Chelsea future when speaking to television reporters after the match, but appeared to point the finger at Mark Clattenburg and was keen to take the blame away from his players.
"I'd like to listen more than being questioned," he said at his press conference initially, before stating: "There are things that are out of our hands.
"Two minutes extra time [at the end of the first half], we concede the goal on two minutes 35 seconds.
"Then what happened in the second half, everything, is a consequence of some crucial moments. Moments that the stadium saw, the players more than see, the players felt it, from now, what happens is just a consequence.
"I have some players really sad in the dressing room and I am full of respect for them. We see it match after match.
"As professionals they are not getting the respect they deserve. I don't think we, myself and them, are not going to have a great Saturday dinner, even families for sure."They have the same feelings that we have and I'm really sorry with that lack of respect for professionals."
Asked to explain his remarks about respect, Mourinho added: "You are all intelligent guys. If you want to write [about the incidents], you write.
"Next press conference I will bring you nice glasses, maybe you see the game in a better way."Mourinho was incensed on the touchline when Clattenburg refused to issue a second yellow card to Lucas Leiva for a blatant trip on Ramires, but refused to comment on the officials for fear of another sanction from the Football Association.
"What do you think? You are not punished by the FA. I'm punished if I tell you," he said.
"Now I go home, I go find a sad family. I will try to watch some of the rugby [World Cup final] and disconnect a little bit from this."Then I will start preparing the training session for tomorrow morning and the game for Wednesday [against Dynamo Kiev]."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho offered to bring bring the press "nice glasses" after his side's 3-1 to Liverpool, alleging there was a lack of respect being shown for his side.
Ramires put the home side in front at Stamford Bridge but two goals from Philippe Coutinho and one from Christian Benteke sealed Jurgen Klopp's first win in the Premier League.
Mourinho refused to offer comment on any issue surrounding the game or his Chelsea future when speaking to television reporters after the match, but appeared to point the finger at Mark Clattenburg and was keen to take the blame away from his players.
"I'd like to listen more than being questioned," he said at his press conference initially, before stating: "There are things that are out of our hands.
"Two minutes extra time [at the end of the first half], we concede the goal on two minutes 35 seconds.
"Then what happened in the second half, everything, is a consequence of some crucial moments. Moments that the stadium saw, the players more than see, the players felt it, from now, what happens is just a consequence.
"I have some players really sad in the dressing room and I am full of respect for them. We see it match after match.
"As professionals they are not getting the respect they deserve. I don't think we, myself and them, are not going to have a great Saturday dinner, even families for sure."They have the same feelings that we have and I'm really sorry with that lack of respect for professionals."
Asked to explain his remarks about respect, Mourinho added: "You are all intelligent guys. If you want to write [about the incidents], you write.
"Next press conference I will bring you nice glasses, maybe you see the game in a better way."Mourinho was incensed on the touchline when Clattenburg refused to issue a second yellow card to Lucas Leiva for a blatant trip on Ramires, but refused to comment on the officials for fear of another sanction from the Football Association.
"What do you think? You are not punished by the FA. I'm punished if I tell you," he said.
"Now I go home, I go find a sad family. I will try to watch some of the rugby [World Cup final] and disconnect a little bit from this."Then I will start preparing the training session for tomorrow morning and the game for Wednesday [against Dynamo Kiev]."
Inter 1-0 Roma: Medel missile sends Nerazzurri to Serie A summit
Gary Medel's powerful strike helped Inter defeat Roma 1-0 and leapfrog their opponents at the top of Serie A.
The defensive midfielder is not known for getting on the scoresheet, but nearly burst Wojciech Szczesny's net with his 25-yard effort right after the half-hour mark with what proved the winner.
Chances continued coming for both sides, but any hopes of a Giallorossi comeback were ended when Miralem Pjanic picked up a bizarre second yellow card.
The Bosnian playmaker was spotted by referee Nicola Rizzoli for using his hand to block a ball, and was sent off with no protest on his part.
Roberto Mancini's side remained composed to move to the top of Serie A with their sixth 1-0 victory in Serie A this season, deposing Roma, who had gone into the weekend at the summit.
Mohamed Salah quickly set about displaying the abilities Inter missed out on after failing to capture his signature ahead of this season, causing problems with his pace and dribbling and looping a header over the top in the eighth minute.
Roma had taken charge of the match and were denied an opener in the 15th minute when Handanovic got down to parry Dzeko's header clear of the bottom corner.
Rudi Garcia's side were well on top but did not make the most of a glorious chance in the 23rd minute when Handanovic saved Maicon's powerful drive and Dzeko's follow-up effort from inside the six-yard box was deflected wide by Danilo D'Ambrosio.
That miss proved costly as Medel drilled a fine strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards, putting Inter ahead against the run of play.
The 28-year-old was forced off through injury early in the second half - Geoffrey Kondogbia replacing him - and Roma took a greater hold of possession.Six minutes after the restart, Handanovic denied Dzeko once again, smothering his header following a corner.
The Inter keeper's fine display continued when, in the 61st minute, he kept out Pjanic's 20-yard strike, saved Salah's follow-up effort with his legs and made two more reflex stops to keep the ball out.Roma continued their pursuit for a leveller but their hopes were dealt a severe blow when Pjanic was shown a second yellow card for deliberate handball.
As Inter sought to kill the game off, Szczesny brilliantly denied Marcelo Brozovic, but it mattered little as Inter hit top spot, although the tight nature of Serie A's title race could see Napoli or Fiorentina overtake them on Sunday.
Gary Medel's powerful strike helped Inter defeat Roma 1-0 and leapfrog their opponents at the top of Serie A.
The defensive midfielder is not known for getting on the scoresheet, but nearly burst Wojciech Szczesny's net with his 25-yard effort right after the half-hour mark with what proved the winner.
Chances continued coming for both sides, but any hopes of a Giallorossi comeback were ended when Miralem Pjanic picked up a bizarre second yellow card.
The Bosnian playmaker was spotted by referee Nicola Rizzoli for using his hand to block a ball, and was sent off with no protest on his part.
Roberto Mancini's side remained composed to move to the top of Serie A with their sixth 1-0 victory in Serie A this season, deposing Roma, who had gone into the weekend at the summit.
Mohamed Salah quickly set about displaying the abilities Inter missed out on after failing to capture his signature ahead of this season, causing problems with his pace and dribbling and looping a header over the top in the eighth minute.
Roma had taken charge of the match and were denied an opener in the 15th minute when Handanovic got down to parry Dzeko's header clear of the bottom corner.
Rudi Garcia's side were well on top but did not make the most of a glorious chance in the 23rd minute when Handanovic saved Maicon's powerful drive and Dzeko's follow-up effort from inside the six-yard box was deflected wide by Danilo D'Ambrosio.
That miss proved costly as Medel drilled a fine strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards, putting Inter ahead against the run of play.
The 28-year-old was forced off through injury early in the second half - Geoffrey Kondogbia replacing him - and Roma took a greater hold of possession.Six minutes after the restart, Handanovic denied Dzeko once again, smothering his header following a corner.
The Inter keeper's fine display continued when, in the 61st minute, he kept out Pjanic's 20-yard strike, saved Salah's follow-up effort with his legs and made two more reflex stops to keep the ball out.Roma continued their pursuit for a leveller but their hopes were dealt a severe blow when Pjanic was shown a second yellow card for deliberate handball.
As Inter sought to kill the game off, Szczesny brilliantly denied Marcelo Brozovic, but it mattered little as Inter hit top spot, although the tight nature of Serie A's title race could see Napoli or Fiorentina overtake them on Sunday.
Klopp: Chelsea slump reminds me of Dortmund
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Chelsea's struggles remind him of Borussia Dortmund's plight last season.
The Reds inflicted a sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign on the Blues on Saturday as the Reds came from behind to run out 3-1 winners at Stamford Bridge.
Klopp oversaw a similar slump during his final season in charge of BVB last term, which saw the club mired in the relegation zone for much of the season.
BVB eventually finished seventh in the Bundesliga and their former manager admits he can empathise with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
He said: "Of course I feel for him, it's normal. He is a great coach I don't think that anyone in this room is in doubt that he is one of the best managers in the world.
"Things like this happen and I had a similar occasion in Dortmund last year. The good thing was no one in the club was in doubt about my position - nobody. I never felt pressure.
"So he could change the situation with the quality of players at Chelsea.
"I've got to feel for him of course, but it's work, normal work, and it has to change and it will change.
"But today we were here for three points and not here for changing the situation for Chelsea."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Chelsea's struggles remind him of Borussia Dortmund's plight last season.
The Reds inflicted a sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign on the Blues on Saturday as the Reds came from behind to run out 3-1 winners at Stamford Bridge.
Klopp oversaw a similar slump during his final season in charge of BVB last term, which saw the club mired in the relegation zone for much of the season.
BVB eventually finished seventh in the Bundesliga and their former manager admits he can empathise with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
He said: "Of course I feel for him, it's normal. He is a great coach I don't think that anyone in this room is in doubt that he is one of the best managers in the world.
"Things like this happen and I had a similar occasion in Dortmund last year. The good thing was no one in the club was in doubt about my position - nobody. I never felt pressure.
"So he could change the situation with the quality of players at Chelsea.
"I've got to feel for him of course, but it's work, normal work, and it has to change and it will change.
"But today we were here for three points and not here for changing the situation for Chelsea."
Mancini insists dropping Icardi was a tactical decision
Roberto Mancini has stated dropping Mauro Icardi for Inter's 1-0 win over Roma was a purely tactical decision.After ending the 2014-15 Serie A season as joint-top scorer, the striker has only found the net three times in nine league outings this term.
Although Icardi's most recent strike came in the 1-0 win over Bologna on Wednesday, Mancini left him out of his starting line-up for the victory over Roma on Saturday.
But the trainer insists the decision was not aimed as a snub to the captain, and praised the collective effort of his team as they sealed a win that sent them top of Serie A.
"It was our decision because we did not want to give Roma reference points, we needed technical players who could attack them down the flanks," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia. "That is all."I needed a fresh player to attack the space, as [Stevan] Jovetic had worked hard and I wanted someone who could attack the space. He did very well, he really sacrificed himself for the team.
"A team is like a house, if you don’t have solid foundations, it will sink. We had a great game against an excellent Roma side, so 1-0 was a good result."Gary Medel scored the only goal of the game at San Siro, and the Chilean believes Inter can compete for the Serie A title after leapfrogging their rivals in the table.
"I think we've got a great team that can challenge for the title and we can be in the top spots, but we have to take it one step at a time," the Chilean added.The win over Rudi Garcia's men means the Nerazzurri have extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Roberto Mancini has stated dropping Mauro Icardi for Inter's 1-0 win over Roma was a purely tactical decision.After ending the 2014-15 Serie A season as joint-top scorer, the striker has only found the net three times in nine league outings this term.
Although Icardi's most recent strike came in the 1-0 win over Bologna on Wednesday, Mancini left him out of his starting line-up for the victory over Roma on Saturday.
But the trainer insists the decision was not aimed as a snub to the captain, and praised the collective effort of his team as they sealed a win that sent them top of Serie A.
"It was our decision because we did not want to give Roma reference points, we needed technical players who could attack them down the flanks," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia. "That is all."I needed a fresh player to attack the space, as [Stevan] Jovetic had worked hard and I wanted someone who could attack the space. He did very well, he really sacrificed himself for the team.
"A team is like a house, if you don’t have solid foundations, it will sink. We had a great game against an excellent Roma side, so 1-0 was a good result."Gary Medel scored the only goal of the game at San Siro, and the Chilean believes Inter can compete for the Serie A title after leapfrogging their rivals in the table.
"I think we've got a great team that can challenge for the title and we can be in the top spots, but we have to take it one step at a time," the Chilean added.The win over Rudi Garcia's men means the Nerazzurri have extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Van Gaal: Crystal Palace were the better team
Louis van Gaal acknowledged that Manchester United were not the better team in their goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
United drew 0-0 with Manchester City last weekend, before a goalless 120 minutes preceded their League Cup penalty-shootout elimination at the hands of Middlesbrough in midweek.
After failing to find the net against Palace, the Dutchman bemoaned his side's inability to control the match and was left frustrated as they mustered just a single shot on target.
"When you are not creating so many chances you cannot complain," he said.
"Against Middlesbrough I thought we had chances to finish, so that is of more concern. But today we had no chances to win it.
"Today I think it was obvious that Crystal Palace started very well in this game, they won every second, third ball and we didn't touch it.
"Then after 15 minutes we came into the match, had positional shape and made chances, like Ander Herrera in the last minute of the first half.
"In the second half Crystal Palace had more strength. When you play like Crystal Palace did with the long ball the pressure is always on our goal.
"Still, I think we could have scored in the second half but we were not the better team today and that's a concern."I cannot train anymore because we have to recover, recover, recover. We have a game every three days so I have to speak more.
"The most important thing is to score in the next game."
Louis van Gaal acknowledged that Manchester United were not the better team in their goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
United drew 0-0 with Manchester City last weekend, before a goalless 120 minutes preceded their League Cup penalty-shootout elimination at the hands of Middlesbrough in midweek.
After failing to find the net against Palace, the Dutchman bemoaned his side's inability to control the match and was left frustrated as they mustered just a single shot on target.
"When you are not creating so many chances you cannot complain," he said.
"Against Middlesbrough I thought we had chances to finish, so that is of more concern. But today we had no chances to win it.
"Today I think it was obvious that Crystal Palace started very well in this game, they won every second, third ball and we didn't touch it.
"Then after 15 minutes we came into the match, had positional shape and made chances, like Ander Herrera in the last minute of the first half.
"In the second half Crystal Palace had more strength. When you play like Crystal Palace did with the long ball the pressure is always on our goal.
"Still, I think we could have scored in the second half but we were not the better team today and that's a concern."I cannot train anymore because we have to recover, recover, recover. We have a game every three days so I have to speak more.
"The most important thing is to score in the next game."
Barclays Premier League 2015.11.01 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2015.11.01 Fixtures
Everton Vs Sunderland
Southampton Vs Bournemouth
LA Liga 2015.11.01 Fixtures
LA Liga 2015.11.01 Fixtures
Eibar Vs Rayo Vallecano
Espanyol Vs Granada
Sporting Gijon Vs Malaga
Real Betis Vs Athletic Bilbao
Eibar Vs Rayo Vallecano
Espanyol Vs Granada
Sporting Gijon Vs Malaga
Real Betis Vs Athletic Bilbao
Serie A 2015.11.01 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.11.01 Fixtures
Fiorentina Vs Frosinone
Bologna Vs Atalanta
Carpi Vs Hellas Verona
Genoa Vs Napoli
Udinese Vs Sassuolo
Lazio Vs AC Milan
Fiorentina Vs Frosinone
Bologna Vs Atalanta
Carpi Vs Hellas Verona
Genoa Vs Napoli
Udinese Vs Sassuolo
Lazio Vs AC Milan
I can't dribble four rivals, that's a job for Neymar - Suarez
Luis Suarez praised Neymar's impact in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, saying it is his counterpart's job to "dribble four rivals".
The victory kept Barca level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, with Suarez opening the scoring prior to the Brazilian's well-taken volley after the break.
Neymar was key in the build-up to the opener as well as he continued to help Barca cope with the absence of injured star Lionel Messi in recent weeks.
The forward was a constant menace to the hosts' back-line with his pace and trickery, and Suarez credited his strike partner for producing the side's moments of magic in Messi's absence.
"We all have clear functions, I can't dribble four rivals, that's a job for Neymar," he told Movistar.Apart from Neymar's goal that sent him top of La Liga's scoring charts, Luis Enrique was equally impressed by his star's all-round display at Coliseum Alfonso Perez, praising his player as "unique".
"He brings us a lot, he is a unique player in all aspects, capable of taking on two or three opponents on his own," the coach told reporters."He brings us goals, assists, defensive work, keeps improving and will keep improving. He is so important for us.
"[But] we have not asked more from the players, we always ask for them to give everything. We all had to step up with players out."
Luis Suarez praised Neymar's impact in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, saying it is his counterpart's job to "dribble four rivals".
The victory kept Barca level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, with Suarez opening the scoring prior to the Brazilian's well-taken volley after the break.
Neymar was key in the build-up to the opener as well as he continued to help Barca cope with the absence of injured star Lionel Messi in recent weeks.
The forward was a constant menace to the hosts' back-line with his pace and trickery, and Suarez credited his strike partner for producing the side's moments of magic in Messi's absence.
"We all have clear functions, I can't dribble four rivals, that's a job for Neymar," he told Movistar.Apart from Neymar's goal that sent him top of La Liga's scoring charts, Luis Enrique was equally impressed by his star's all-round display at Coliseum Alfonso Perez, praising his player as "unique".
"He brings us a lot, he is a unique player in all aspects, capable of taking on two or three opponents on his own," the coach told reporters."He brings us goals, assists, defensive work, keeps improving and will keep improving. He is so important for us.
"[But] we have not asked more from the players, we always ask for them to give everything. We all had to step up with players out."
Isco: I'll force Benitez into difficult decisions
Isco is eager to put pressure on coach Rafael Benitez to pick him consistently, after scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Las Palmas on Saturday.
The 23-year-old playmaker has failed to secure his position in the side since joining from Malaga in July 2013 but has enjoyed a fine recent run of form and has started the last five games for the Madrid giants.
After starting on the right of the front three in attack against the Canary Island outfit, Isco said that he is happy to play in any position and wants to give Benitez a selection dilemma.
"I'm comfortable anywhere, as long as it's on the pitch," he said. "I will continue working and fighting to make it difficult for the manager."
Madrid temporarily extended their lead at the top of La Liga before title-rivals and holders Barcelona drew level at the summit following their victory over Getafe.
Isco was pleased with the manner of Madrid's away victory but said the team will not be resting on their laurels, with Barca in touching distance.
"We began the game with a lot of conviction and scored two goals early on," he said.
"The game went our way and it was a shame we conceded a goal. We played pretty well overall."
He added: "We have to continue this good run. We're happy to get the three points and stay at the top, which is important."
Isco is eager to put pressure on coach Rafael Benitez to pick him consistently, after scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Las Palmas on Saturday.
The 23-year-old playmaker has failed to secure his position in the side since joining from Malaga in July 2013 but has enjoyed a fine recent run of form and has started the last five games for the Madrid giants.
After starting on the right of the front three in attack against the Canary Island outfit, Isco said that he is happy to play in any position and wants to give Benitez a selection dilemma.
"I'm comfortable anywhere, as long as it's on the pitch," he said. "I will continue working and fighting to make it difficult for the manager."
Madrid temporarily extended their lead at the top of La Liga before title-rivals and holders Barcelona drew level at the summit following their victory over Getafe.
Isco was pleased with the manner of Madrid's away victory but said the team will not be resting on their laurels, with Barca in touching distance.
"We began the game with a lot of conviction and scored two goals early on," he said.
"The game went our way and it was a shame we conceded a goal. We played pretty well overall."
He added: "We have to continue this good run. We're happy to get the three points and stay at the top, which is important."
Schneiderlin: Goals will come for United
Morgan Schneiderlin is not worried about Manchester United's barren run in front of goal, and is confident the title hopefuls will start scoring.
United played out their third consecutive goalless draw in all competitions after firing another blank at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
It is the first time United have drawn 0-0 in three successive matches since 2005 but Schneiderlin is keeping the faith.
"It's frustrating when you don't win games," Schneiderlin told MUTV after United slipped four points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
"We have the players to score goals and we will score goals. It's not a worry for me. We've had the chances and sometimes it's just a matter of taking the time to make a good choice.
"It will come if we keep believing. We will keep clean sheets, that's not a problem, and we will win games but we need to make sure it comes quickly."
United have kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League, collecting five points in the process.
But manager Louis van Gaal warned United can forget about winning the title if they keep dropping points against teams outside the top four.
"I am not happy because if you want to be the champions, you have to win these kinds of matches," Van Gaal added.
"Arsenal beat Swansea [City], for example. We lost against Swansea, even though we were the better team, but they have beaten them 3-0."
Morgan Schneiderlin is not worried about Manchester United's barren run in front of goal, and is confident the title hopefuls will start scoring.
United played out their third consecutive goalless draw in all competitions after firing another blank at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
It is the first time United have drawn 0-0 in three successive matches since 2005 but Schneiderlin is keeping the faith.
"It's frustrating when you don't win games," Schneiderlin told MUTV after United slipped four points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
"We have the players to score goals and we will score goals. It's not a worry for me. We've had the chances and sometimes it's just a matter of taking the time to make a good choice.
"It will come if we keep believing. We will keep clean sheets, that's not a problem, and we will win games but we need to make sure it comes quickly."
United have kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League, collecting five points in the process.
But manager Louis van Gaal warned United can forget about winning the title if they keep dropping points against teams outside the top four.
"I am not happy because if you want to be the champions, you have to win these kinds of matches," Van Gaal added.
"Arsenal beat Swansea [City], for example. We lost against Swansea, even though we were the better team, but they have beaten them 3-0."
'I am not PSG's saviour', stresses Di Maria
Angel di Maria has hit back at his critics, stressing he is not PSG's "saviour" in their bid to win the Champions League.
Seen as the final piece of the puzzle in PSG's quest for European glory, Di Maria has been criticised for his lack of consistency after swapping Manchester United for the French champions in a deal worth £44million.
French media have been quick to heap pressure on Di Maria, especially after he was substituted during his reunion with former club Real Madrid in the Champions League over a week ago, but the Argentina international silenced his critics, albeit momentarily, by scoring the winner in PSG's 1-0 Ligue 1 win at Rennes on Friday.
And the 27-year-old has attempted to curb expectations following his high-profile arrival in Paris, telling BeIN Sports: "I'm not a classic centre-forward; I'm not a goal scorer. I'm not used to scoring in every game.
"Obviously I love scoring and I get great satisfaction when I set up one of my team-mates to score. For me, assisting a goal and scoring one is the same thing.
"People have to understand that I am not PSG's saviour and nor can I make the team win the Champions League on my own. I'm here to help – to add my own grain of sand."
Di Maria added: "There's always going to be criticism but sometimes people criticize just for the sake of it because they get a kick out of it. Criticism can be damaging – especially when you have only just arrived at a club and have just put in three or four good games.
"I scored against Malmo in my first Champions League game with PSG and everyone was raving about it. Against Madrid, things didn't turn out so well and there were a million criticisms.
"Sometimes there is more criticism than is necessary but you have to adapt to it. A lot of things happened to me while I was at Madrid and I had to overcome them. I ended up winning major trophies and I hope the same thing happens here with PSG."
Angel di Maria has hit back at his critics, stressing he is not PSG's "saviour" in their bid to win the Champions League.
Seen as the final piece of the puzzle in PSG's quest for European glory, Di Maria has been criticised for his lack of consistency after swapping Manchester United for the French champions in a deal worth £44million.
French media have been quick to heap pressure on Di Maria, especially after he was substituted during his reunion with former club Real Madrid in the Champions League over a week ago, but the Argentina international silenced his critics, albeit momentarily, by scoring the winner in PSG's 1-0 Ligue 1 win at Rennes on Friday.
And the 27-year-old has attempted to curb expectations following his high-profile arrival in Paris, telling BeIN Sports: "I'm not a classic centre-forward; I'm not a goal scorer. I'm not used to scoring in every game.
"Obviously I love scoring and I get great satisfaction when I set up one of my team-mates to score. For me, assisting a goal and scoring one is the same thing.
"People have to understand that I am not PSG's saviour and nor can I make the team win the Champions League on my own. I'm here to help – to add my own grain of sand."
Di Maria added: "There's always going to be criticism but sometimes people criticize just for the sake of it because they get a kick out of it. Criticism can be damaging – especially when you have only just arrived at a club and have just put in three or four good games.
"I scored against Malmo in my first Champions League game with PSG and everyone was raving about it. Against Madrid, things didn't turn out so well and there were a million criticisms.
"Sometimes there is more criticism than is necessary but you have to adapt to it. A lot of things happened to me while I was at Madrid and I had to overcome them. I ended up winning major trophies and I hope the same thing happens here with PSG."
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