Latest ads
-
NURSING , CAREGIVER , HOTEL & BEAUTY COURSES- IVA Para Medical Campus
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys Peppa Pig Family- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Gap 1kanam dan wadi thamai bro.anyway last day 1ka wenakam fight 1kak dei broWell... Bye Bye La Liga
Real 1- 1 Malaga
Dan 10 Points down
Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 Borussia Dortmund: Aubameyang nets controversial winner
Borussia Dortmund earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in a game which saw the referee suspend proceedings following Roger Schmidt's refusal to accept his sending off.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang's 31st goal of the season settled a feisty clash at the BayArena as Dortmund moved back to within eight points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.
But the main talking point was referee Felix Zwayer's decision to suspend play midway through the second half, shortly after Aubameyang's goal, in response to Leverkusen coach Schmidt's refusal to leave the dugout.
Schmidt was ordered to the stands for dissent in the wake of what proved to be Dortmund's winner in the 64th minute and when he showed no inclination to leave the technical area, the referee took the decision to take the teams off.Play eventually resumed after 10 minutes, but despite applying some concerted late pressure, the home side were unable to find an equaliser.
With both sides perhaps jaded by their midweek Europa League exertions, the game was a largely turgid affair that was ultimately decided by a typical Dortmund breakaway as Marco Reus squared for Aubameyang to seal the points.
An extremely cagey opening quarter yielded almost nothing in the way of goalmouth incident, with the exception of Jonathan Tah's header from a Javier Hernandez corner which was comfortably claimed by Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Omer Toprak also managed to get on the end of a corner on 33 minutes, but his effort was a tame one and Burki was again able to make the simplest of saves.
At the other end, the in-form Aubameyang cut a largely anonymous figure right up until the final minute of the half when he was picked out by Christian Pulisic, only to drag his low shot wide of the post.The second half, in contrast, opened brightly with the first goal almost arriving in the 50th minute.
Hernandez was the architect, creating a shooting opportunity for Karim Bellarabi with a clever backheel, but the German international saw his 15-yard strike palmed around the post by Burki.
And that save proved crucial as second-half substitute Reus escaped down the left and squared for Aubameyang, who sidefooted home from close range to seal his side's seventh away league win of the season and extend an unbeaten record at the BayArena that dates back to 2007.
As Schmidt protested against what he felt had been a foul in the build-up, Zwayer sent Stefan Kiessling over to the touchline, seemingly in a bid to calm the Leverkusen coach, whose refusal to go to the stands resulted in the official leading the teams from the field.After the teams returned, Leverkusen continued to look the more likely and went close again when Kiessling's header flashed just wide of the post.
A cross-shot from Bellarabi also went close for Schmidt's men, but they were nearly hit by a second sucker punch right at the death as Reus broke through only to be foiled by Bernd Leno.
Borussia Dortmund earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in a game which saw the referee suspend proceedings following Roger Schmidt's refusal to accept his sending off.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang's 31st goal of the season settled a feisty clash at the BayArena as Dortmund moved back to within eight points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.
But the main talking point was referee Felix Zwayer's decision to suspend play midway through the second half, shortly after Aubameyang's goal, in response to Leverkusen coach Schmidt's refusal to leave the dugout.
Schmidt was ordered to the stands for dissent in the wake of what proved to be Dortmund's winner in the 64th minute and when he showed no inclination to leave the technical area, the referee took the decision to take the teams off.Play eventually resumed after 10 minutes, but despite applying some concerted late pressure, the home side were unable to find an equaliser.
With both sides perhaps jaded by their midweek Europa League exertions, the game was a largely turgid affair that was ultimately decided by a typical Dortmund breakaway as Marco Reus squared for Aubameyang to seal the points.
An extremely cagey opening quarter yielded almost nothing in the way of goalmouth incident, with the exception of Jonathan Tah's header from a Javier Hernandez corner which was comfortably claimed by Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Omer Toprak also managed to get on the end of a corner on 33 minutes, but his effort was a tame one and Burki was again able to make the simplest of saves.
At the other end, the in-form Aubameyang cut a largely anonymous figure right up until the final minute of the half when he was picked out by Christian Pulisic, only to drag his low shot wide of the post.The second half, in contrast, opened brightly with the first goal almost arriving in the 50th minute.
Hernandez was the architect, creating a shooting opportunity for Karim Bellarabi with a clever backheel, but the German international saw his 15-yard strike palmed around the post by Burki.
And that save proved crucial as second-half substitute Reus escaped down the left and squared for Aubameyang, who sidefooted home from close range to seal his side's seventh away league win of the season and extend an unbeaten record at the BayArena that dates back to 2007.
As Schmidt protested against what he felt had been a foul in the build-up, Zwayer sent Stefan Kiessling over to the touchline, seemingly in a bid to calm the Leverkusen coach, whose refusal to go to the stands resulted in the official leading the teams from the field.After the teams returned, Leverkusen continued to look the more likely and went close again when Kiessling's header flashed just wide of the post.
A cross-shot from Bellarabi also went close for Schmidt's men, but they were nearly hit by a second sucker punch right at the death as Reus broke through only to be foiled by Bernd Leno.
Hiddink confirms he WILL be leaving Chelsea
Guus Hiddink has announced he plans to retire from coaching at the end of the season despite admitting he is relishing his role at Chelsea.
The 69-year-old took charge at Stamford Bridge for the second time in his career in December after Jose Mourinho left the club following a turbulent start to the campaign.Hiddink has helped the Premier League champions regain some solidity and only suffered his first defeat of the season when his side were beaten 2-1 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.
Though the former Netherlands boss plans on visiting the club beyond the end of 2015-16, he maintains that he will not go into another coaching role once he leaves London.
"I feel fit, I feel fresh and, every morning, I go with a smile," he said. "Although we have a difficult time when there's a loss, I love to go to Cobham, to the training field, so I feel fresh.
"On the other hand, young people must take over and I must retreat a bit. I will visit Chelsea often next season but I'm not thinking of working elsewhere."
Yet despite his comments, midfielder Oscar is quietly optimistic Hiddink may yet decide to stay on at the club next season if offered the chance, admitting he has had a "positive influence" since joining.
"Based on how well Guus has been doing so far, he could very well stay," he told The Sunday Times. "He's a very nice guy. Very smiley. He always looks to create a happy, positive environment.
"He has a very positive influence here and we've been playing well. We've had a lot of draws in that time but overall, in the Premier League, things have been going a lot better and it has given a huge boost of confidence to all the players."And also for me on a personal level because I'm playing much better.
"He said all the things we wanted to hear as players which was to get back to winning ways and playing much better football like we were doing so last season, so that was the main thing -- getting back to the level we know that we can perform at.""Since he's a popular figure, there's a good chance he'll stay."
Guus Hiddink has announced he plans to retire from coaching at the end of the season despite admitting he is relishing his role at Chelsea.
The 69-year-old took charge at Stamford Bridge for the second time in his career in December after Jose Mourinho left the club following a turbulent start to the campaign.Hiddink has helped the Premier League champions regain some solidity and only suffered his first defeat of the season when his side were beaten 2-1 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.
Though the former Netherlands boss plans on visiting the club beyond the end of 2015-16, he maintains that he will not go into another coaching role once he leaves London.
"I feel fit, I feel fresh and, every morning, I go with a smile," he said. "Although we have a difficult time when there's a loss, I love to go to Cobham, to the training field, so I feel fresh.
"On the other hand, young people must take over and I must retreat a bit. I will visit Chelsea often next season but I'm not thinking of working elsewhere."
Yet despite his comments, midfielder Oscar is quietly optimistic Hiddink may yet decide to stay on at the club next season if offered the chance, admitting he has had a "positive influence" since joining.
"Based on how well Guus has been doing so far, he could very well stay," he told The Sunday Times. "He's a very nice guy. Very smiley. He always looks to create a happy, positive environment.
"He has a very positive influence here and we've been playing well. We've had a lot of draws in that time but overall, in the Premier League, things have been going a lot better and it has given a huge boost of confidence to all the players."And also for me on a personal level because I'm playing much better.
"He said all the things we wanted to hear as players which was to get back to winning ways and playing much better football like we were doing so last season, so that was the main thing -- getting back to the level we know that we can perform at.""Since he's a popular figure, there's a good chance he'll stay."
Malaga 1-1 Real Madrid: Albentosa deals blow to Blanco title chances
Sunday, when Malaga held the giants to a 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda.
Holders Barcelona extended their lead over Zinedine Zidane's men to 10 points with Saturday's victory over Las Palmas, meaning Madrid, missing injured striker Karim Benzema and the suspended Raphael Varane, could ill-afford a slip-up on the south coast.
Having survived early Malaga pressure, all looked to be on track for Madrid who saw Cristiano Ronaldo - in the absence of Benzema and Gareth Bale due to injuries - open the scoring and falter from the spot within six first-half minutes.
Buoyed by Carlos Kameni's penalty heroics, Malaga were in command against an out-of-sorts Madrid after the break and were back level when centre-backs Weligton and Raul Albentosa combined for the latter to level after 66 minutes.
Malaga have beaten Atletico Madrid and ran Barca close in defeat at La Rosaleda recently and Javi Gracia's men kept their European hopes alive with a hard-earned point against another of the title hopefuls.
Perhaps fatigued from their Champions League win at Roma in midweek, Madrid's chances of breaking Barca's domestic dominance now appear slim at best
Zidane opted to include ex-Malaga midfielder Isco in his front three ahead of James Rodriguez while Gracia recalled Recio and Horta into his XI.
Malaga were on top in the early stages, amid a frenetic start, and saw Juanpi spurn a glorious opportunity to take the lead when he diverted a tame effort straight at Keylor Navas following a mix-up between Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos.Horta found the side-netting with an attempt from inside the area before Ronaldo became heavily involved in proceedings.
Having been angered at an apparent elbow from Albentosa off the ball, Ronaldo responded by glancing Kroos' free-kick past Kameni to open the scoring 33 minutes in.
However, after a run into the box was halted unfairly by Weligton, Ronaldo was unable to beat Kameni from the spot soon after as the Malaga goalkeeper saved relatively comfortably down to his left.Duje Cop almost made Ronaldo pay before the break but his shot struck Navas and found the top of the crossbar with Ramos waiting to clear on the line.
The Madrid goalkeeper was busy after the restart too, tipping Horta's strike over the crossbar after a deflection off Ramos as Malaga again looked dangerous early in the half.Aside from a Ronaldo effort saved comfortably by Kameni, the hosts were on top before the hour and eventually had their reward when Albentosa hammered a side-footed effort home after Weligton's cross from the left.
Rodriguez was introduced for the final stages and forced Kameni into action with a tame volley, while Marcelo could only drag a shot wide and Ronaldo found the side-netting as Zidane's men dropped league points for the second time in his tenure.
Sunday, when Malaga held the giants to a 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda.
Holders Barcelona extended their lead over Zinedine Zidane's men to 10 points with Saturday's victory over Las Palmas, meaning Madrid, missing injured striker Karim Benzema and the suspended Raphael Varane, could ill-afford a slip-up on the south coast.
Having survived early Malaga pressure, all looked to be on track for Madrid who saw Cristiano Ronaldo - in the absence of Benzema and Gareth Bale due to injuries - open the scoring and falter from the spot within six first-half minutes.
Buoyed by Carlos Kameni's penalty heroics, Malaga were in command against an out-of-sorts Madrid after the break and were back level when centre-backs Weligton and Raul Albentosa combined for the latter to level after 66 minutes.
Malaga have beaten Atletico Madrid and ran Barca close in defeat at La Rosaleda recently and Javi Gracia's men kept their European hopes alive with a hard-earned point against another of the title hopefuls.
Perhaps fatigued from their Champions League win at Roma in midweek, Madrid's chances of breaking Barca's domestic dominance now appear slim at best
Zidane opted to include ex-Malaga midfielder Isco in his front three ahead of James Rodriguez while Gracia recalled Recio and Horta into his XI.
Malaga were on top in the early stages, amid a frenetic start, and saw Juanpi spurn a glorious opportunity to take the lead when he diverted a tame effort straight at Keylor Navas following a mix-up between Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos.Horta found the side-netting with an attempt from inside the area before Ronaldo became heavily involved in proceedings.
Having been angered at an apparent elbow from Albentosa off the ball, Ronaldo responded by glancing Kroos' free-kick past Kameni to open the scoring 33 minutes in.
However, after a run into the box was halted unfairly by Weligton, Ronaldo was unable to beat Kameni from the spot soon after as the Malaga goalkeeper saved relatively comfortably down to his left.Duje Cop almost made Ronaldo pay before the break but his shot struck Navas and found the top of the crossbar with Ramos waiting to clear on the line.
The Madrid goalkeeper was busy after the restart too, tipping Horta's strike over the crossbar after a deflection off Ramos as Malaga again looked dangerous early in the half.Aside from a Ronaldo effort saved comfortably by Kameni, the hosts were on top before the hour and eventually had their reward when Albentosa hammered a side-footed effort home after Weligton's cross from the left.
Rodriguez was introduced for the final stages and forced Kameni into action with a tame volley, while Marcelo could only drag a shot wide and Ronaldo found the side-netting as Zidane's men dropped league points for the second time in his tenure.
Tottenham 0-1 Crystal Palace: Kelly scores as Spurs crash out of FA Cup
Martin Kelly's powerful strike sealed a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace against Tottenham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Palace took the lead just before the interval, when Kelly thumped a shot into the top corner after dazzling skill from winger Wilfried Zaha, and held on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 21 years.
Dele Alli almost put the home team ahead in the opening moments but Yohan Cabaye blocked his goal-bound header on the line and Alli later came within inches of scoring when his shot hit both posts.
Palace, who have never won the FA Cup, progress to the quarter-finals after beating Premier League opposition for the third successive round, having previously knocked out Southampton and Stoke City.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday, with Joshua Onomah and Nabil Bentaleb handed starts.
Alan Pardew welcomed back Yannick Bolasie, Joe Ledley and Dwight Gayle from injury and former Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor made his first return to White Hart Lane.
Alli almost gave Tottenham a dream start in the third minute but his diving header was cleared off the line by Cabaye, with Onomah putting the rebound over the crossbar.
Palace appealed for a penalty after five minutes when a Jordon Mutch cross bounced off Nabil Bentaleb's chest on to his arm, but referee Craig Pawson was unmoved.
Michel Vorm then had to scramble Kyle Walker's misjudged header off the line before Harry Kane's volley deflected off Damien Delaney and wide of the post.
The hosts came within inches of taking the lead after 22 minutes when Son Heung-min danced into the box. Alli collected the loose ball and placed a shot across Wayne Hennessey, but the strike hit the post and rolled along the line to strike the woodwork again.
Hennessey kept out Kane's 25-yard curling free-kick after 41 minutes and the visitors then took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time.
Superb play from Zaha created an opening for Kelly and the right-back thundered a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Vorm helpless at his near post.
A battle between Kane and Hennessey was developing, with the Palace goalkeeping coming out on top again after 50 minutes, the Wales international making a fingertip save to turn the striker's shot wide.
Kelly blocked Onomah's effort on the line and Hennessey saved from substitute Christian Eriksen after 62 minutes as Pochettino's men pushed for an equaliser.
With six minutes to go, Scott Dann blocked Onomah's shot, before Palace had a second goal correctly ruled out for offside when Connor Wickham turned in Bolasie's cross.
Palace were without a win in their last nine league matches but Pardew's side held on to defy the form book and pull off an impressive cup victory.
Martin Kelly's powerful strike sealed a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace against Tottenham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Palace took the lead just before the interval, when Kelly thumped a shot into the top corner after dazzling skill from winger Wilfried Zaha, and held on to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 21 years.
Dele Alli almost put the home team ahead in the opening moments but Yohan Cabaye blocked his goal-bound header on the line and Alli later came within inches of scoring when his shot hit both posts.
Palace, who have never won the FA Cup, progress to the quarter-finals after beating Premier League opposition for the third successive round, having previously knocked out Southampton and Stoke City.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino made seven changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday, with Joshua Onomah and Nabil Bentaleb handed starts.
Alan Pardew welcomed back Yannick Bolasie, Joe Ledley and Dwight Gayle from injury and former Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor made his first return to White Hart Lane.
Alli almost gave Tottenham a dream start in the third minute but his diving header was cleared off the line by Cabaye, with Onomah putting the rebound over the crossbar.
Palace appealed for a penalty after five minutes when a Jordon Mutch cross bounced off Nabil Bentaleb's chest on to his arm, but referee Craig Pawson was unmoved.
Michel Vorm then had to scramble Kyle Walker's misjudged header off the line before Harry Kane's volley deflected off Damien Delaney and wide of the post.
The hosts came within inches of taking the lead after 22 minutes when Son Heung-min danced into the box. Alli collected the loose ball and placed a shot across Wayne Hennessey, but the strike hit the post and rolled along the line to strike the woodwork again.
Hennessey kept out Kane's 25-yard curling free-kick after 41 minutes and the visitors then took the lead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time.
Superb play from Zaha created an opening for Kelly and the right-back thundered a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Vorm helpless at his near post.
A battle between Kane and Hennessey was developing, with the Palace goalkeeping coming out on top again after 50 minutes, the Wales international making a fingertip save to turn the striker's shot wide.
Kelly blocked Onomah's effort on the line and Hennessey saved from substitute Christian Eriksen after 62 minutes as Pochettino's men pushed for an equaliser.
With six minutes to go, Scott Dann blocked Onomah's shot, before Palace had a second goal correctly ruled out for offside when Connor Wickham turned in Bolasie's cross.
Palace were without a win in their last nine league matches but Pardew's side held on to defy the form book and pull off an impressive cup victory.
Chelsea 5-1 Manchester City: Blues thrash Pellegrini’s youngsters in FA Cup
Chelsea eased into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 5-1 win over a youthful Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini pledged to play with a scratch side in light of the fifth-round match being moved to Sunday for television coverage, with an eye on Wednesday's Champions League trip to Dynamo Kiev and a lengthy injury list.
The Chilean stuck to his word as he named five full debutants, although one of those – French striker David Faupala – seemed to care little for his manager's assertion that the tie was "not a real game" when he promptly cancelled out Diego Costa's 35th-minute opener.
But Chelsea's class and experience told during the early stages of the second half, with Willian and Gary Cahill scoring in quick succession as the below-par performances of experienced City goalkeeper Willy Caballero and right-back Pablo Zabaleta did little to help the cause of their younger colleagues.
Eden Hazard rifled home number four from a free-kick and Oscar had a penalty saved before fellow substitute Bertrand Traore completed the scoring as Chelsea maintained boss Guus Hiddink's hopes of lifting the trophy he won in 2009 with a 13th domestic match unbeaten.
osin Adarabioyo, Aleix Garcia and Faupala made maiden senior appearances among six teenage starters for City, while a far more seasoned Chelsea were unchanged from their 2-1 midweek defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
Faupala was the first City rookie to settle, working his way past Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic to draw a near-post save from Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea quelled their visitors' early enthusiasm with a crisp passing move that ended with Cesc Fabregas slotting Pedro in behind Martin Demichelis and the former Barcelona winger hitting the post.
Hiddink's men were dominant and led 10 minutes before half-time when the influential Fabregas lifted a pass over Zabaleta and Hazard hooked the bouncing ball across goal for Costa to head home.
City stunned the home crowd with an instant response – Manu Garcia feeding Faupala, who continued his run to score from Kelechi Iheanacho's return prod across goal as Cesar Azpilicueta failed to clear.
Chelsea continued to have plenty of joy down Zabaleta's right flank, with Caballero forced into a point-blank save when Hazard picked out Pedro.
Adarabioyo concluded an impressive half with a vital block on Pedro and Pellegrini's experimental line-up reached the break on terms.
Parity lasted only three minutes of the second half as Willian surged forward on the break and exchanged passes with Hazard to finish clinically across Caballero.
Cahill clattered home a third when Fernando could only block Hazard's cross into the England defender's path.
That strike went through Caballero, but the Argentine could not get close to Hazard's 67th-minute free-kick as he inexplicably shuffled behind his wall and the ball dropped into the opposite corner.
The visiting goalkeeper regained some credit by keeping out a poor penalty from Chelsea substitute Oscar, Demichelis having bundled Traore to ground.
Caballero rounded off his mixed outing by scrambling haplessly to his far post as Traore's header from Oscar's cross looped in.
Having written off an FA Cup bid on the back of consecutive Premier League defeats to title rivals Leicester City and Tottenham, Pellegrini must look to revive City's season in the Ukrainian capital and at next weekend's League Cup final against Liverpool.
Chelsea eased into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 5-1 win over a youthful Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini pledged to play with a scratch side in light of the fifth-round match being moved to Sunday for television coverage, with an eye on Wednesday's Champions League trip to Dynamo Kiev and a lengthy injury list.
The Chilean stuck to his word as he named five full debutants, although one of those – French striker David Faupala – seemed to care little for his manager's assertion that the tie was "not a real game" when he promptly cancelled out Diego Costa's 35th-minute opener.
But Chelsea's class and experience told during the early stages of the second half, with Willian and Gary Cahill scoring in quick succession as the below-par performances of experienced City goalkeeper Willy Caballero and right-back Pablo Zabaleta did little to help the cause of their younger colleagues.
Eden Hazard rifled home number four from a free-kick and Oscar had a penalty saved before fellow substitute Bertrand Traore completed the scoring as Chelsea maintained boss Guus Hiddink's hopes of lifting the trophy he won in 2009 with a 13th domestic match unbeaten.
osin Adarabioyo, Aleix Garcia and Faupala made maiden senior appearances among six teenage starters for City, while a far more seasoned Chelsea were unchanged from their 2-1 midweek defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
Faupala was the first City rookie to settle, working his way past Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic to draw a near-post save from Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea quelled their visitors' early enthusiasm with a crisp passing move that ended with Cesc Fabregas slotting Pedro in behind Martin Demichelis and the former Barcelona winger hitting the post.
Hiddink's men were dominant and led 10 minutes before half-time when the influential Fabregas lifted a pass over Zabaleta and Hazard hooked the bouncing ball across goal for Costa to head home.
City stunned the home crowd with an instant response – Manu Garcia feeding Faupala, who continued his run to score from Kelechi Iheanacho's return prod across goal as Cesar Azpilicueta failed to clear.
Chelsea continued to have plenty of joy down Zabaleta's right flank, with Caballero forced into a point-blank save when Hazard picked out Pedro.
Adarabioyo concluded an impressive half with a vital block on Pedro and Pellegrini's experimental line-up reached the break on terms.
Parity lasted only three minutes of the second half as Willian surged forward on the break and exchanged passes with Hazard to finish clinically across Caballero.
Cahill clattered home a third when Fernando could only block Hazard's cross into the England defender's path.
That strike went through Caballero, but the Argentine could not get close to Hazard's 67th-minute free-kick as he inexplicably shuffled behind his wall and the ball dropped into the opposite corner.
The visiting goalkeeper regained some credit by keeping out a poor penalty from Chelsea substitute Oscar, Demichelis having bundled Traore to ground.
Caballero rounded off his mixed outing by scrambling haplessly to his far post as Traore's header from Oscar's cross looped in.
Having written off an FA Cup bid on the back of consecutive Premier League defeats to title rivals Leicester City and Tottenham, Pellegrini must look to revive City's season in the Ukrainian capital and at next weekend's League Cup final against Liverpool.
Fabregas: Hazard should have taken penalty, not Oscar
Cesc Fabregas told Eden Hazard the Belgian should have taken the penalty missed by Oscar in Chelsea's 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.
Hazard scored Chelsea's fourth goal with a free kick, his first at Stamford Bridge since May 2015, by firing into the bottom corner with Willy Caballero wrong-footed, but allowed Oscar to take the spot kick.
The Brazilian's penalty was comfortably saved by Caballero, and Fabregas said Hazard should have showed the desire to score again having netted just twice all season.
"I told him: he has to take it," Fabregas told BBC Sport.
Turning to Hazard, he said: "You score one, you have to want more, man."
Hazard admitted he wanted to take the penalty, but allowed Oscar to step up after the Brazil international had missed from the spot in a previous game.
"Yes, I want[ed] to take the penalty but Oscar I think missed the last one," he said. "OK, he missed today but it's not important, the result was already 4-1 or 5-1. It's not important."
Cesc Fabregas told Eden Hazard the Belgian should have taken the penalty missed by Oscar in Chelsea's 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round.
Hazard scored Chelsea's fourth goal with a free kick, his first at Stamford Bridge since May 2015, by firing into the bottom corner with Willy Caballero wrong-footed, but allowed Oscar to take the spot kick.
The Brazilian's penalty was comfortably saved by Caballero, and Fabregas said Hazard should have showed the desire to score again having netted just twice all season.
"I told him: he has to take it," Fabregas told BBC Sport.
Turning to Hazard, he said: "You score one, you have to want more, man."
Hazard admitted he wanted to take the penalty, but allowed Oscar to step up after the Brazil international had missed from the spot in a previous game.
"Yes, I want[ed] to take the penalty but Oscar I think missed the last one," he said. "OK, he missed today but it's not important, the result was already 4-1 or 5-1. It's not important."
FA Cup sixth round draw: Chelsea play Everton and Arsenal or Hull to face Watford
Chelsea will play Everton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup while Arsenal will face Watford should they see off Hull City in a fifth round replay.
The winner of Monday night's tie between Manchester United and Shrewsbury Town will take on West Ham, who thrashed Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round.
Guus Hiddink's side eased into the last eight with a 5-1 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge but will be away from home when they take on Roberto Martinez's Toffees in a rematch of the 2009 final, which was won by the Blues during the Dutchman's first spell in charge.
Arsenal drew 0-0 with Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and have again been handed a home draw against Watford if they beat Steve Bruce's side in their fifth round replay at the KC Stadium.
Alan Pardew, meanwhile, will return to Reading with his Crystal Palace side who are in the quarter-finals for the first time in 21 years after beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
The ties will be played between 11-14 March.
Chelsea will play Everton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup while Arsenal will face Watford should they see off Hull City in a fifth round replay.
The winner of Monday night's tie between Manchester United and Shrewsbury Town will take on West Ham, who thrashed Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round.
Guus Hiddink's side eased into the last eight with a 5-1 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge but will be away from home when they take on Roberto Martinez's Toffees in a rematch of the 2009 final, which was won by the Blues during the Dutchman's first spell in charge.
Arsenal drew 0-0 with Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and have again been handed a home draw against Watford if they beat Steve Bruce's side in their fifth round replay at the KC Stadium.
Alan Pardew, meanwhile, will return to Reading with his Crystal Palace side who are in the quarter-finals for the first time in 21 years after beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
The ties will be played between 11-14 March.
Nine points adrift and in need of a miracle: Real Madrid kiss La Liga goodbye
Real Madrid can kiss goodbye to La Liga for another year. Zinedine Zidane's men dropped two more points in the Primera Division on Sunday and now need a miracle to catch Barcelona. It isn't going to happen.
Barca beat Las Palmas in a hard-fought match on Saturday and after their 2-1 win in Gran Canaria, goalscorer Luis Suarez said: "These are the games that win you league titles."
And 24 hours on, those seemed like wise words. While Barca came through their tough test, Madrid flunked theirs with a 1-1 draw at Malaga. It was Zidane's third away match in La Liga, all in Andalucia, and those have yielded one last-ditch win (at Granada) and two ties (at Betis and Malaga). Simply not good enough.
Madrid have not won La Liga since Jose Mourinho's second season in Spain in 2011-12. The Portuguese's successor Carlo Ancelotti then claimed four trophies including the Champions League, yet failed to bring back the Primera Division title to the Santiago Bernabeu in his two campaigns in charge and there will be no championship this time around either.
The title triumph in 2011-12 is Madrid's only Liga win in the last eight years and in that same period, Barca have claimed the Primera Division no less than five times (three under Pep Guardiola, one with Tito Vilanova and another coached by Luis Enrique). And the Catalans are well on course for a sixth in the current campaign.
Barca lead Madrid by nine points and even if Real were to draw level, it would be insufficient unless they were able to thrash the Blaugrana at Camp Nou in the Clasico clash in April and overturn the goal average from their 4-0 loss at home to the Catalans in November.
With just 13 fixtures remaining, it is mission impossible and Atletico are also adrift after the weekend action. Diego Simeone's side were held at home by Villarreal in a goalless game on Sunday and are now eight points off the top. Having lost both home and away to Luis Enrique's men, they too would need to beat Barca's points haul to claim La Liga. It's a tough ask to say the least.
For Madrid, it is yet another failure in a desperately disappointing season. Thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding the suspended Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz, Real parted company with Rafa Benitez in January and Zidane claimed he would fight for the two trophies on offer.
But several weeks later, only the Champions League is realistically left and the team's troubles in La Liga over recent seasons represent a sorry state of affairs for the world's richest club.
Against Malaga, Cristiano Ronaldo headed the visitors into the lead and Madrid were somewhat fortunate because he had been in an offside position when the Toni Kroos cross came in. And minutes later, the Portuguese saw a penalty saved by Carlos Kameni in a miss that proved to be costly as Raul Albentosa levelled in the second period and Real had no reply.
Asked afterwards if La Liga is lost for Madrid, Zidane said: "Not at all. It will be difficult because we dropped two points but we will never give up. There are 39 points left. We had a difficult game and we could even have lost. You (the journalists) think La Liga is lost, but neither myself nor the players think that."
It was the right message, but surely not even the most optimistic of fans really believe this stuttering side can make up 10 points on Barca in the final 13 rounds of the championship. There is just no way it will happen.
"We have to be positive because all of the games we have played up until now have been phenomenal," Zidane added.
Whether fans and president Florentino Perez will agree with that assessment is unclear, but the truth is the Frenchman has come in mid-season with limited coaching experience to try and lift a team already struggling under Benitez.
That was never ideal and the 43-year-old needs to be given time to try and turn this situation around. For now, however, it's the same old story for Real Madrid: another season, another disappointment in La Liga - and another reason for Florentino to take a long, hard look at this faltering project.
Real Madrid can kiss goodbye to La Liga for another year. Zinedine Zidane's men dropped two more points in the Primera Division on Sunday and now need a miracle to catch Barcelona. It isn't going to happen.
Barca beat Las Palmas in a hard-fought match on Saturday and after their 2-1 win in Gran Canaria, goalscorer Luis Suarez said: "These are the games that win you league titles."
And 24 hours on, those seemed like wise words. While Barca came through their tough test, Madrid flunked theirs with a 1-1 draw at Malaga. It was Zidane's third away match in La Liga, all in Andalucia, and those have yielded one last-ditch win (at Granada) and two ties (at Betis and Malaga). Simply not good enough.
Madrid have not won La Liga since Jose Mourinho's second season in Spain in 2011-12. The Portuguese's successor Carlo Ancelotti then claimed four trophies including the Champions League, yet failed to bring back the Primera Division title to the Santiago Bernabeu in his two campaigns in charge and there will be no championship this time around either.
The title triumph in 2011-12 is Madrid's only Liga win in the last eight years and in that same period, Barca have claimed the Primera Division no less than five times (three under Pep Guardiola, one with Tito Vilanova and another coached by Luis Enrique). And the Catalans are well on course for a sixth in the current campaign.
Barca lead Madrid by nine points and even if Real were to draw level, it would be insufficient unless they were able to thrash the Blaugrana at Camp Nou in the Clasico clash in April and overturn the goal average from their 4-0 loss at home to the Catalans in November.
With just 13 fixtures remaining, it is mission impossible and Atletico are also adrift after the weekend action. Diego Simeone's side were held at home by Villarreal in a goalless game on Sunday and are now eight points off the top. Having lost both home and away to Luis Enrique's men, they too would need to beat Barca's points haul to claim La Liga. It's a tough ask to say the least.
For Madrid, it is yet another failure in a desperately disappointing season. Thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding the suspended Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz, Real parted company with Rafa Benitez in January and Zidane claimed he would fight for the two trophies on offer.
But several weeks later, only the Champions League is realistically left and the team's troubles in La Liga over recent seasons represent a sorry state of affairs for the world's richest club.
Against Malaga, Cristiano Ronaldo headed the visitors into the lead and Madrid were somewhat fortunate because he had been in an offside position when the Toni Kroos cross came in. And minutes later, the Portuguese saw a penalty saved by Carlos Kameni in a miss that proved to be costly as Raul Albentosa levelled in the second period and Real had no reply.
Asked afterwards if La Liga is lost for Madrid, Zidane said: "Not at all. It will be difficult because we dropped two points but we will never give up. There are 39 points left. We had a difficult game and we could even have lost. You (the journalists) think La Liga is lost, but neither myself nor the players think that."
It was the right message, but surely not even the most optimistic of fans really believe this stuttering side can make up 10 points on Barca in the final 13 rounds of the championship. There is just no way it will happen.
"We have to be positive because all of the games we have played up until now have been phenomenal," Zidane added.
Whether fans and president Florentino Perez will agree with that assessment is unclear, but the truth is the Frenchman has come in mid-season with limited coaching experience to try and lift a team already struggling under Benitez.
That was never ideal and the 43-year-old needs to be given time to try and turn this situation around. For now, however, it's the same old story for Real Madrid: another season, another disappointment in La Liga - and another reason for Florentino to take a long, hard look at this faltering project.
Madrid won't say goodbye to La Liga - Zidane
Zinedine Zidane acknowledged the Liga title race is all but over for Real Madrid but insisted they will not give up on catching Barcelona.
The Spanish champions beat Las Palmas on Saturday to move nine points clear at the top before Malaga held Madrid to a 1-1 draw that saw Cristiano Ronaldo score and miss a penalty in the first half before Raul Albentosa levelled after 66 minutes.With cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid also in the running, Zidane's men face an uphill task to make up ground at the top in their final 13 matches.
Zidane's men have Atletico and Barca to play again before the season ends and the Frenchman - appointed as Rafael Benitez's replacement in January - is refusing to give up on the title.
"Not at all have we said goodbye to La Liga, although it is now more difficult," he told reporters."We will never give up because there are many points to play for. There are many points at stake and others may also drop them.
"I do not think about others but instead look to follow whatever happens to work for our goals. Also I have to do analysis of myself, not only of the players, because we have worked well all week.
"We will not switch off. This concern does not exist. There is also the Champions League and we will fight to the end no matter what."We have had some difficulties [against Malaga] but we have not played badly. We had our chances."
Zinedine Zidane acknowledged the Liga title race is all but over for Real Madrid but insisted they will not give up on catching Barcelona.
The Spanish champions beat Las Palmas on Saturday to move nine points clear at the top before Malaga held Madrid to a 1-1 draw that saw Cristiano Ronaldo score and miss a penalty in the first half before Raul Albentosa levelled after 66 minutes.With cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid also in the running, Zidane's men face an uphill task to make up ground at the top in their final 13 matches.
Zidane's men have Atletico and Barca to play again before the season ends and the Frenchman - appointed as Rafael Benitez's replacement in January - is refusing to give up on the title.
"Not at all have we said goodbye to La Liga, although it is now more difficult," he told reporters."We will never give up because there are many points to play for. There are many points at stake and others may also drop them.
"I do not think about others but instead look to follow whatever happens to work for our goals. Also I have to do analysis of myself, not only of the players, because we have worked well all week.
"We will not switch off. This concern does not exist. There is also the Champions League and we will fight to the end no matter what."We have had some difficulties [against Malaga] but we have not played badly. We had our chances."
Alexis Sanchez: No regrets over leaving Barcelona for Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez says his decision to leave Barcelona for Arsenal was the right one as he prepares to take on his former team at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Arsenal host the holders in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 and it will be the first time Chile star Sanchez has faced his old club since moving to north London in July 2014.
The 27-year-old won La Liga and the Copa del Rey during three seasons with Barcelona but, having already scored 35 goals and lifted the FA Cup in Arsenal colours, feels he made the switch at the ideal time."I never regret my decisions," Sanchez told the Sunday Mirror. "It wasn't easy to leave Barcelona.
"I fulfilled a dream when I moved there - to play in Spain and for the champions - but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal."I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go.
"I think it was a good choice to go to Arsenal, the best choice. It has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal."Sanchez, who moved to Barcelona from Udinese in 2011, does not know if he will celebrate or not should he find the back of the net against his former team.
"I'm a professional so any match against Barcelona in the Champions League is special to me," he said."I can't say what my reaction will be if I score. That depends on the moment."
Alexis Sanchez says his decision to leave Barcelona for Arsenal was the right one as he prepares to take on his former team at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Arsenal host the holders in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 and it will be the first time Chile star Sanchez has faced his old club since moving to north London in July 2014.
The 27-year-old won La Liga and the Copa del Rey during three seasons with Barcelona but, having already scored 35 goals and lifted the FA Cup in Arsenal colours, feels he made the switch at the ideal time."I never regret my decisions," Sanchez told the Sunday Mirror. "It wasn't easy to leave Barcelona.
"I fulfilled a dream when I moved there - to play in Spain and for the champions - but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal."I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go.
"I think it was a good choice to go to Arsenal, the best choice. It has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal."Sanchez, who moved to Barcelona from Udinese in 2011, does not know if he will celebrate or not should he find the back of the net against his former team.
"I'm a professional so any match against Barcelona in the Champions League is special to me," he said."I can't say what my reaction will be if I score. That depends on the moment."
Hiddink happy to see off 'dangerous' Man City youngsters
Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink claims Manuel Pellegrini 's decision to name a young Manchester City team did not help his side despite their 5-1 FA Cup fifth round win at Stamford Bridge.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but City struck back through debutant striker David Faupala, before Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and substitute Bertrand Traore sealed Chelsea's place in the quarter-finals.Facing a side including six teenagers and five full debutants, Hiddink labelled his players' ruthlessness as "key".
"Manchester City made changes but that doesn't make it easy because the youngsters that came in were dangerous," Hiddink told BBC Sport."It was key that we started well in the second half, got an early second and third goal."
Chelsea will travel to Everton in the quarter-finals in a repeat of the 2009 final, in which Hiddink led the Blues to a 2-1 victory during his previous spell in charge of the club.
"That was a long time ago," said Hiddink, who is unbeaten in six FA Cup ties as Chelsea's coach."I think they will be gunning for revenge. The past is the past.
"Everton at their home is difficult, of course, but we hope to keep this flow we are in and maintain it to the next round."Hiddink also commented on a coin-throwing incident during the clash, and called for the guilty party to be barred from the ground.
"We condemn it and I condemn it strongly," he said. "Those people must not come into stadiums."
Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink claims Manuel Pellegrini 's decision to name a young Manchester City team did not help his side despite their 5-1 FA Cup fifth round win at Stamford Bridge.
Diego Costa put Chelsea ahead but City struck back through debutant striker David Faupala, before Willian, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and substitute Bertrand Traore sealed Chelsea's place in the quarter-finals.Facing a side including six teenagers and five full debutants, Hiddink labelled his players' ruthlessness as "key".
"Manchester City made changes but that doesn't make it easy because the youngsters that came in were dangerous," Hiddink told BBC Sport."It was key that we started well in the second half, got an early second and third goal."
Chelsea will travel to Everton in the quarter-finals in a repeat of the 2009 final, in which Hiddink led the Blues to a 2-1 victory during his previous spell in charge of the club.
"That was a long time ago," said Hiddink, who is unbeaten in six FA Cup ties as Chelsea's coach."I think they will be gunning for revenge. The past is the past.
"Everton at their home is difficult, of course, but we hope to keep this flow we are in and maintain it to the next round."Hiddink also commented on a coin-throwing incident during the clash, and called for the guilty party to be barred from the ground.
"We condemn it and I condemn it strongly," he said. "Those people must not come into stadiums."
Pochettino refuses to blame Vorm for Tottenham's FA Cup defeat
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame Michel Vorm for conceding the only goal in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.
Vorm was beaten at his near post by a powerful drive from Martin Kelly shortly before half-time in the fifth-round tie at White Hart Lane on Sunday, but Pochettino claimed the goalkeeper was not at fault.
"If you analyse the action he is maybe the last player that you blame," Pochettino told reporters, who made seven changes to the team that drew 1-1 at Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday.
"It was tough. It's like a Premier League game but you need to be clinical in front of goal."We managed the game, created chances but it was difficult to win.
"There was no tiredness. If we analysed the game we played better but you need to score. It's hard to explain."Mousa Dembele had a [small] groin problem. That's why we changed him at half-time.
"It's a tough period for us. We have a crazy schedule but now we need to look forward to be ready for next Thursday.
"It's impossible to know if losing here will help us in the long run. Now we feel disappointed because we're out."Dele Alli had Spurs' best chances, seeing a header blocked on the line and a shot strike both posts.
"It wasn't our day. There are a lot of disappointing lads in the changing room but we'll move on," he said. "They made it hard for us. We want to win every game.
"We'll work hard and look forward to the next game."
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame Michel Vorm for conceding the only goal in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.
Vorm was beaten at his near post by a powerful drive from Martin Kelly shortly before half-time in the fifth-round tie at White Hart Lane on Sunday, but Pochettino claimed the goalkeeper was not at fault.
"If you analyse the action he is maybe the last player that you blame," Pochettino told reporters, who made seven changes to the team that drew 1-1 at Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday.
"It was tough. It's like a Premier League game but you need to be clinical in front of goal."We managed the game, created chances but it was difficult to win.
"There was no tiredness. If we analysed the game we played better but you need to score. It's hard to explain."Mousa Dembele had a [small] groin problem. That's why we changed him at half-time.
"It's a tough period for us. We have a crazy schedule but now we need to look forward to be ready for next Thursday.
"It's impossible to know if losing here will help us in the long run. Now we feel disappointed because we're out."Dele Alli had Spurs' best chances, seeing a header blocked on the line and a shot strike both posts.
"It wasn't our day. There are a lot of disappointing lads in the changing room but we'll move on," he said. "They made it hard for us. We want to win every game.
"We'll work hard and look forward to the next game."
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Villarreal: Simeone's men miss chance to close gap
Atletico Madrid pushed hard but their lack of precision in front of goal once more cost dearly, as the Liga title hopefuls were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Villarreal.
Following a hard-fought 2-1 win at struggling Las Palmas on Saturday, defending champions Barcelona were able to enjoy Real Madrid being held 1-1 at Malaga before Atleti were also held to a share of the points.
Antoine Griezmann wasted the hosts' clearest opening and was substituted during a feisty encounter at the Vicente Calderon that leaves Diego Simeone's team eight points behind Barcelona with 13 matches remaining this season.
Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu might have sent Atleti into next weekend's Madrid derby level on points with Real but botched a glorious opportunity after the hour.
Nevertheless, the fourth-placed visitors were able to extend their impressive unbeaten run in La Liga to 12 matches.
Marcelino rested Denis Suarez, Mateo Musacchio, Manu Trigueros and Leo Baptistao among his substitutes, with an eye on Villarreal's Europa League trip to Napoli on Thursday, but his side began confidently.Samu Castillejo had an early penalty claim turned down when he was clumsily challenged by Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez.
As expected, in a showdown between the two most miserly defences in La Liga, chances were at a premium.
Speculative efforts at either end from Saul and Castillejo offered fleeting encouragement that the match might break free from its pattern of cagey intensity, before Villarreal defender Daniele Bonera lashed a 32nd-minute corner over when he should have worked Jan Oblak in the Atleti goal.
The hosts' best chance of the opening period came five minutes before half-time but Antoine Griezmann did not get enough on his header from Juanfran's superb cross.
Atletico pinned Villarreal back after the restart, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola acrobatically tipping Angel Correa's chip over the bar.Nevertheless, a dissatisfied Simeone hauled off star forward Griezmann in the 62nd minute and almost watched his men go behind moments later.
Bakambu had been largely starved of service but could have made himself the match-winner when he latched onto a throughball from Antonio Rukavina, only to blaze wildly over.
Mario Gaspar made a vital block at the other end when Areola failed to claim a corner and Saul shot goalwards.Former Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto scored the winner in last season's corresponding fixture and almost did likewise for Atletico, coming off the bench to fire into the side-netting under pressure from Eric Bailly in stoppage time.
His former employers held out for a deserved share of the spoils and they retain an eight-point advantage over fifth-place Sevilla in their quest for La Liga's final Champions League qualification berth.
Atletico Madrid pushed hard but their lack of precision in front of goal once more cost dearly, as the Liga title hopefuls were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Villarreal.
Following a hard-fought 2-1 win at struggling Las Palmas on Saturday, defending champions Barcelona were able to enjoy Real Madrid being held 1-1 at Malaga before Atleti were also held to a share of the points.
Antoine Griezmann wasted the hosts' clearest opening and was substituted during a feisty encounter at the Vicente Calderon that leaves Diego Simeone's team eight points behind Barcelona with 13 matches remaining this season.
Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu might have sent Atleti into next weekend's Madrid derby level on points with Real but botched a glorious opportunity after the hour.
Nevertheless, the fourth-placed visitors were able to extend their impressive unbeaten run in La Liga to 12 matches.
Marcelino rested Denis Suarez, Mateo Musacchio, Manu Trigueros and Leo Baptistao among his substitutes, with an eye on Villarreal's Europa League trip to Napoli on Thursday, but his side began confidently.Samu Castillejo had an early penalty claim turned down when he was clumsily challenged by Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez.
As expected, in a showdown between the two most miserly defences in La Liga, chances were at a premium.
Speculative efforts at either end from Saul and Castillejo offered fleeting encouragement that the match might break free from its pattern of cagey intensity, before Villarreal defender Daniele Bonera lashed a 32nd-minute corner over when he should have worked Jan Oblak in the Atleti goal.
The hosts' best chance of the opening period came five minutes before half-time but Antoine Griezmann did not get enough on his header from Juanfran's superb cross.
Atletico pinned Villarreal back after the restart, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola acrobatically tipping Angel Correa's chip over the bar.Nevertheless, a dissatisfied Simeone hauled off star forward Griezmann in the 62nd minute and almost watched his men go behind moments later.
Bakambu had been largely starved of service but could have made himself the match-winner when he latched onto a throughball from Antonio Rukavina, only to blaze wildly over.
Mario Gaspar made a vital block at the other end when Areola failed to claim a corner and Saul shot goalwards.Former Villarreal forward Luciano Vietto scored the winner in last season's corresponding fixture and almost did likewise for Atletico, coming off the bench to fire into the side-netting under pressure from Eric Bailly in stoppage time.
His former employers held out for a deserved share of the spoils and they retain an eight-point advantage over fifth-place Sevilla in their quest for La Liga's final Champions League qualification berth.
Van Gaal: Man Utd have lost their fear factor
Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United have lost their fear factor ahead of his side’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Shrewsbury Town.
The Red Devils head to Greenhous Meadow to take on League One opposition on the back of demoralising defeats to Sunderland in the Premier League and Midtjylland in the Europa League.
Van Gaal has come under huge pressure following the losses and says teams no longer fear facing Manchester United.
"When you see the last two games, it’s maybe like that," he told reporters. "But then we have to make them fear us again.
"We lost the first match in the Premier League also, against Swansea City, when I first came here.
"But then still we had a very good home record last season - and we can do that again. It’s a question of winning matches in a row.
"That I have said also already to the players, because you cannot continue with losing games.
"The question is how we lift ourselves for this game, because Shrewsbury Town shall also fight for the second balls, play direct and that kind of thing, and we have to cope with that.
"We have to keep the ball better and not give unnecessary losses away, because I think the first goal [against Midtjylland] was an unnecessary loss and the second goal we could have won that duel much easier."
United’s recent form gives Shrewsbury hope of pulling off a shock and Van Gaal admits Micky Mellon’s side will be hopeful of beating his men.
"Maybe," he added. "I hope so, because then it’s a benefit for us.
"It’s not a question of being the favourite. It’s a question of having to see every match as a match you have to win.
"On Monday we have to win, and when we win we’re in the next round and capable of winning the FA Cup.
"It’s not always that you can say 'we shall win' and it’s normal. It’s not like that. But it’s always possible."
Louis van Gaal has admitted that Manchester United have lost their fear factor ahead of his side’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Shrewsbury Town.
The Red Devils head to Greenhous Meadow to take on League One opposition on the back of demoralising defeats to Sunderland in the Premier League and Midtjylland in the Europa League.
Van Gaal has come under huge pressure following the losses and says teams no longer fear facing Manchester United.
"When you see the last two games, it’s maybe like that," he told reporters. "But then we have to make them fear us again.
"We lost the first match in the Premier League also, against Swansea City, when I first came here.
"But then still we had a very good home record last season - and we can do that again. It’s a question of winning matches in a row.
"That I have said also already to the players, because you cannot continue with losing games.
"The question is how we lift ourselves for this game, because Shrewsbury Town shall also fight for the second balls, play direct and that kind of thing, and we have to cope with that.
"We have to keep the ball better and not give unnecessary losses away, because I think the first goal [against Midtjylland] was an unnecessary loss and the second goal we could have won that duel much easier."
United’s recent form gives Shrewsbury hope of pulling off a shock and Van Gaal admits Micky Mellon’s side will be hopeful of beating his men.
"Maybe," he added. "I hope so, because then it’s a benefit for us.
"It’s not a question of being the favourite. It’s a question of having to see every match as a match you have to win.
"On Monday we have to win, and when we win we’re in the next round and capable of winning the FA Cup.
"It’s not always that you can say 'we shall win' and it’s normal. It’s not like that. But it’s always possible."
Koke: Atletico will fight to the end in La Liga
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke refused to concede his team's La Liga title chances after a goalless draw with Villarreal saw them lose ground on leaders Barcelona.
Luis Enrique's defending champions were the only team in the top five to win this weekend, battling to a 2-1 triumph at Las Palmas on Saturday, that puts them eight points clear with 13 matches remaining.
Second-placed Atleti and Villarreal cancelled each other out as a display of their formidable defensive capabilities resulted in a stalemate at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone's men remain a point above city rivals Real Madrid, who entertain their near neighbours next weekend having drawn 1-1 at Malaga.
Atletico turn towards Champions League action at PSV before that eagerly awaited encounter and Spain international Koke is not looking too far ahead.
Asked by Movistar Plus whether the Liga title race was finished, he said: "We just go game by game, as always."It is the Champions League next, then the Bernabeu [to face Real Madrid]."We're second and we will keep fighting until the end to stay near the top.
"We played with intensity but lacked luck and effectiveness in attack, where we should be more aggressive.
"Villarreal are well organised and they made their game. They played well."Star forward Antoine Griezmann passed up arguably Atletico's best chance when he failed to make a clean connection with Juanfran's cross before half-time.
The France international was substituted shortly after the hour as he extended his goalless run to five matches, although Koke backed his colleague to turn this slump around."He is a great player and he will soon rediscover [his form]," Koke said.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke refused to concede his team's La Liga title chances after a goalless draw with Villarreal saw them lose ground on leaders Barcelona.
Luis Enrique's defending champions were the only team in the top five to win this weekend, battling to a 2-1 triumph at Las Palmas on Saturday, that puts them eight points clear with 13 matches remaining.
Second-placed Atleti and Villarreal cancelled each other out as a display of their formidable defensive capabilities resulted in a stalemate at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone's men remain a point above city rivals Real Madrid, who entertain their near neighbours next weekend having drawn 1-1 at Malaga.
Atletico turn towards Champions League action at PSV before that eagerly awaited encounter and Spain international Koke is not looking too far ahead.
Asked by Movistar Plus whether the Liga title race was finished, he said: "We just go game by game, as always."It is the Champions League next, then the Bernabeu [to face Real Madrid]."We're second and we will keep fighting until the end to stay near the top.
"We played with intensity but lacked luck and effectiveness in attack, where we should be more aggressive.
"Villarreal are well organised and they made their game. They played well."Star forward Antoine Griezmann passed up arguably Atletico's best chance when he failed to make a clean connection with Juanfran's cross before half-time.
The France international was substituted shortly after the hour as he extended his goalless run to five matches, although Koke backed his colleague to turn this slump around."He is a great player and he will soon rediscover [his form]," Koke said.
Simeone: Atletico still on track despite Villarreal draw
Diego Simeone refused to view Atletico Madrid's goalless La Liga draw against Villarreal in a negative light.
Like city rivals Real Madrid earlier on Sunday at Malaga, Atleti were forced to settle for a share of the spoils and are now eight points behind defending champions Barcelona at the summit with 13 games remaining.
However, speaking at a post-match news conference, Simeone was reluctant to discuss the title prospects of his 2013-14 champions – preferring to focus on maintaining a six-point advantage over their miserly opponents Villarreal, who lie fourth.
The top-three teams in La Liga earn automatic Champions League qualification, while the side in fourth must undergo a preliminary round in Europe's premier club competition.
"If we focus on our objectives, we are on track and it will be very difficult until the end of the season," said Simeone, who will lead Atleti back into Champions League action against PSV on Wednesday before next weekend's Madrid derby.
"Obviously we would have liked to win but the result keeps Villarreal six points behind us. Based on the squad's objectives we set at the start of the season, we are well set to achieve them.
"Except for Barcelona, who are different to all the rest, it is difficult for all of us. There is Real Madrid, Sevilla, Athletic [Bilbao]. We all have our needs and it becomes more difficult to achieve your objectives.
"It is clear that we went for the three points but Villarreal have one of the best defences in La Liga and counter-attack well."Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu missed a glorious chance after the hour on one of the breakaway moments Simeone identified as a danger.
"In the second half they had their counter-attacks, they came here to try and win the game," he added."We kept the gap with them and that is something positive."
Diego Simeone refused to view Atletico Madrid's goalless La Liga draw against Villarreal in a negative light.
Like city rivals Real Madrid earlier on Sunday at Malaga, Atleti were forced to settle for a share of the spoils and are now eight points behind defending champions Barcelona at the summit with 13 games remaining.
However, speaking at a post-match news conference, Simeone was reluctant to discuss the title prospects of his 2013-14 champions – preferring to focus on maintaining a six-point advantage over their miserly opponents Villarreal, who lie fourth.
The top-three teams in La Liga earn automatic Champions League qualification, while the side in fourth must undergo a preliminary round in Europe's premier club competition.
"If we focus on our objectives, we are on track and it will be very difficult until the end of the season," said Simeone, who will lead Atleti back into Champions League action against PSV on Wednesday before next weekend's Madrid derby.
"Obviously we would have liked to win but the result keeps Villarreal six points behind us. Based on the squad's objectives we set at the start of the season, we are well set to achieve them.
"Except for Barcelona, who are different to all the rest, it is difficult for all of us. There is Real Madrid, Sevilla, Athletic [Bilbao]. We all have our needs and it becomes more difficult to achieve your objectives.
"It is clear that we went for the three points but Villarreal have one of the best defences in La Liga and counter-attack well."Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu missed a glorious chance after the hour on one of the breakaway moments Simeone identified as a danger.
"In the second half they had their counter-attacks, they came here to try and win the game," he added."We kept the gap with them and that is something positive."
- Status
