..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Braga 4-1 Fenerbahce (agg 4-2): Eight-man visitors squander first-leg lead

Braga mounted a stunning second-half turnaround as Fenerbahce's ill discipline cost them dear in a 4-1 defeat, handing the hosts a 4-2 aggregate win in the last 16 of the Europa League.

It was Mehmet Topal's dismissal – the first of three for Fener – that swung the tie after Koka's early opener had been cancelled out by Alper Potuk on the stroke of half-time, the scorer of the away goal later given his own marching orders.

After seeing a number of chances go begging the hosts began their comeback as Josue netted a 66th-minute penalty, the winger converting after Topal had been sent off for handling inside the area.

Braga still needed another goal to progress and did not have to wait long as Nikola Stoiljkovic pounced after 74 minutes, the striker swivelling to fire beyond Volkan Demirel.

Rafa Silva added gloss to their victory in the closing minutes, while Fener's frustrations manifested in further red cards for Potuk and Volkan Sen in the final few minutes - the latter appearing to push referee Ivan Bebek after his dismissal.

The Turkish side made a lively start and had the ball in the back of the net after four minutes, but Robin van Persie's neat finish was ruled out for offside.

Slowly Braga began to enjoy some possession and after 11 minutes levelled the tie, Koka timing his run perfectly to convert Nikola Vukcevic's defence-splitting pass from 18 yards.

Van Persie should have re-established Fener's lead six minutes later as he rose unmarked to meet Caner Erkin's left-wing corner, but the Dutchman was unable to get enough on his header and it dropped wide.

With the tie wide open again both sides played with freedom, but quality in the final third was lacking as chances went begging before Potuk fired Fener level on the night on the brink of half-time.

Willy Boly was able to block Van Persie's initial header, but the ball dropped to Potuk and he lashed into the top corner to give the visitors a crucial away goal and the lead on aggregate.

Needing two goals to progress to the last eight Braga were immediately on the attack after the restart and saw Josue and Boly go close – the latter heading wide from six yards.

Josue made no mistake from the spot, though, as Topal was adjudged to have blocked Rafa Silva's shot with his arm – the defender shown a second yellow card as further punishment.

Braga's comeback was complete five minutes later as Stoiljkovic pounced on Pedro Santos' header to score his third goal of the competition, before Rafa Silva ensured their progress with a low finish under Demirel.

Fener's miserable night got worse late on as Potuk was shown a straight red card for a rash tackle on Pedro Santos and Sen picked up a second booking.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neville 'did not insult' referee, refuses to blame official

Valencia head coach Gary Neville maintained he did not insult the match official after being sent to the stands for protesting against Athletic Bilbao's crucial goal in the Europa League.

Neville's side, trailing 1-0 from the first leg of the last-16 tie, were in the ascendancy at 2-0 up with a little under 15 minutes to go and were seemingly heading for the quarter-finals.

But Aritz Aduriz's effort handed Athletic a vital away goal, before Neville was sent off by referee Daniele Orsato for protesting against what he felt was a handball in the build-up.Neville had to watch on from the Mestalla stands as his side bowed out on away goals, despite recording a 2-1 victory on the night.

"I have not insulted the referee," Neville insisted. "I don't like to blame the defeat on the referee."I think we could have won by four or five. I have seen a very good game. We have been eliminated from the Europa League and it is a bad night.

"It was the team's highest level since I was here. I think the fans can leave Mestalla proud. There may be disappointment, but tonight the intensity has been maximum. It must be repeated and that is all I ask."

Neville was critical of his side after Sunday's 1-0 loss to Levante in La Liga, but was thrilled by the improvement shown by his players on Thursday."We've seen the two sides of Valencia in the last four days. Sunday's game and tonight, the differences are evident. It needs to be shown in the next matches.

"They players now have nine games ahead. When you wear this shirt, you have the responsibility to fight every day."The fans were right to criticise us on Sunday, but today they will be proud."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp: I don't want Dortmund next...they are the strongest team left!

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to avoid facing former club Borussia Dortmund in the next round of the Europa League - but has welcomed a cup-final showdown.

The Reds drew 1-1 with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night to secure a 3-1 victory on aggregate and advance through to the quarter-finals.

On the same night in north London, Dortmund beat Tottenham 2-1 to wrap up an impressive 5-1 aggregate win over two legs, setting up the possibility of a showdown against ex-boss Klopp.

However, the German says he is hopeful Liverpool and Dortmund will avoid each other when the draw for the last eight is conducted.

"I don't want Dortmund next," he told reporters. "Why would I want the strongest team in the tournament?"

Instead, the German coach is eager to face his former employers in May's final at the St. Jakob-Park in Basel.

"All my friends in Dortmund want to play us – but only in Basel," he told BT Sport. "They won at Tottenham, not too bad.

"When you saw all the results there are only good teams in the race. It's cool, last eight – perfect."

A superb individual effort from Philippe Coutinho cancelled out Anthony Martial's earlier penalty, denting any chances of a United fight-back at 3-1 down - having also conceded an away goal.

And Klopp admits the second leg was troublesome before a "genius moment" from Coutinho.

He said: "Yes, there were moments we knew they would show a reaction.

"They were much more intensive than in the first game, we had a little bit of trouble with them winning second balls in the first half.

"But when we used the ball with the extra time we had, we created wonderful chances. De Gea had another good night. They got a penalty - I think it was a penalty - then Phil had a genius moment. It was a wonderful moment.

"You know Phil longer than I know him! He had a lot of good moments in the first half. It was a little bit like Man City. It was brilliant what he did. What you can do in a situation like this, it was brilliant."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd had enough chances to win – Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal accepted it was "very disappointing" for Manchester United to exit the Europa League to rivals Liverpool, but said his side had enough chances to progress to the quarter-finals.Liverpool went through 3-1 on aggregate despite falling behind on the night to Anthony Martial's penalty.

David de Gea made a series of stunning saves to keep United in the match, but he was left helpless when Philippe Coutinho beat Guillermo Varela before lifting home a sumptuous finish as the match ended 1-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday."It was very disappointing because we had the chance, that was the feeling in the dressing room," Van Gaal told BT Sport.

"We created enough chances and we know of course when you are attacking in this way that Liverpool also will have chances on the counter, but the way that we conceded that goal, at half-time, they [the players] were all so disappointed. "If we didn't concede that goal I think it [the win] was possible. I was very pleased that the fans are seeing everything and applauded after.

"We tried to do everything, in the second half we also had chances, Fellaini with his head and his foot, but then you have to score three goals and that's not too easy.

"But we fought till the end. If we had not concede that goal in the last seconds of the first half, that was critical."Van Gaal refused to blame Varela or De Gea for Liverpool's goal, preferring to praise Coutinho for an inspired run and finish.

"You have to give also credit to Coutinho, it was a fantastic action," he added."You can also say that we have had fantastic actions but you also need a little bit of luck, but when you say that too much as a manager it's not good."

United now face a Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday, with both sides gunning for the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.
"That's the schedule we have and we have to cope with it," Van Gaal said.

"They have given everything and more than everything I think and still we have to play against Manchester City and they have one more day to recover but it was the same against Arsenal and we beat Arsenal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd had enough chances to win – Van Gaal

Wenna puluwan.koheda ithin goal finishing anthimai neh​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Keane: Man Utd play like a bunch of strangers

Roy Keane expressed his sadness with Manchester United's plight following their exit from the Europa League at the hands of Liverpool on Thursday, accusing the current crop of "playing like a bunch of strangers".

United have one less trophy to fight for after they were unable to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Liverpool, held to a 1-1 draw as a Philippe Coutinho stunner cancelled out Anthony Martial's first-half penalty at Old Trafford.

The 3-1 aggregate defeat heaped further pressure on manager Louis van Gaal, with United stuttering in sixth position in the Premier League after 29 matches and facing a daunting FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham.

"I'm really saddened by what I've seen of United over the last year or two," former club captain Keane told ITV. "It's like a bunch of strangers have been thrown together. When you play for United and you put that jersey on, I always felt 10-foot tall.

"But when you see these players, some of them look like they're shrinking with the jersey on, whether it is the pressure or not. If you're playing for United, you have to deal with that pressure and expectation and this group of players are certainly struggling.

"I know they have had injuries. It goes to show how important Wayne Rooney is to this club. I'm looking at the characters. Where are the leaders in this group? Even tonight when they weren't quite at it and were chasing, trying to get back into the game.

"Liverpool could've scored five or six goals easily. You have to use your head and your brain. That is where the leaders and characters come into it and we're not seeing it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coutinho ge away goal 1ken passe kalin thibba fight 1ka ahempitinma nathi wela giya​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Rossi leaves World Cup medal in Italy kitman's coffin in tribute to his friend

World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi buried his winners' medal with the body of former Italy kitman Pietro Lombardi, whose funeral was held on Wednesday after he had passed away at the age of 92.

De Rossi's gesture was intended to salute Lombardi, who had endeared himself to the Azzurri squad that lifted the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The latter, who was nicknamed 'Spazzolino' by players, was responsible for catering to the needs of Marcello Lippi's men during their victorious campaign.

De Rossi chose to recognise his contributions to Italy's cause during the period by parting with his prized possession, leaving Roma's training earlier on Wednesday with the medal tucked into his pocket.

From the club's training ground, the 32-year-old drove to the site of Lombardi's funeral, where he paid his final tributes before depositing the item into the coffin.

 

[akilar25]

De Rossi leaves World Cup medal in Italy kitman's coffin in tribute to his friend

World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi buried his winners' medal with the body of former Italy kitman Pietro Lombardi, whose funeral was held on Wednesday after he had passed away at the age of 92.

De Rossi's gesture was intended to salute Lombardi, who had endeared himself to the Azzurri squad that lifted the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The latter, who was nicknamed 'Spazzolino' by players, was responsible for catering to the needs of Marcello Lippi's men during their victorious campaign.

De Rossi chose to recognise his contributions to Italy's cause during the period by parting with his prized possession, leaving Roma's training earlier on Wednesday with the medal tucked into his pocket.

From the club's training ground, the 32-year-old drove to the site of Lombardi's funeral, where he paid his final tributes before depositing the item into the coffin.

අම්මටසිරි.
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[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal open to joining Conte at Chelsea

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal says he is open to playing for Antonio Conte again with the Italy coach expected to join Chelsea in the summer.

Conte has confirmed this week that he will leave his post with the Azzurri after Euro 2016 as he is keen to return to club management.

Goal understands Conte will sign a three-year deal with the Blues and has already told the club he wants to bring Vidal, Radja Nainggolan and Juan Cuadrado to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after Bayern Munich’s Champions League win over Juventus, Vidal hinted he would be happy to work with his former manager once again

“I have always said if I go to war I would take Conte with me. We will see what happens," he told reporters.

The duo worked together at Juventus winning three Serie A titles after Vidal joined from Bayer Leverkusen before Conte’s departure in 2011.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Welbeck would walk into this Manchester United side, says Scholes

Paul Scholes has hit out at Manchester United’s decision to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal, claiming that the striker would now be a huge asset to Louis van Gaal’s side.

The Old Trafford outfit were dumped out of the Europa League by Liverpool on Thursday, and their former midfielder launched another attack on those running the club for their short-sighted approach that has diverged from the traditional values of the side.

"He [Welbeck] would walk into this team, without a shadow of a doubt and he’s just been allowed to go," the Red Devils legend told BT Sport.

"Every time I watch United I keep thinking of the players that have been allowed to leave the club. You’re scratching your head. I think Welbeck is the biggest example of that, he should have never, ever been allowed to leave this club.

"He’s a big example of what Manchester United are, he was here from nine years of age and came right through to the first team. He’s quick, he’s strong, can score a goal, can make a goal, can play left wing, can play right wing.

"Whether that’s come from the manager or beyond I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure it probably did come from the manager. It should never ever have been allowed to happen."

The 25-year-old striker has played only eight times for the Gunners this season due to injury, scoring three times.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool started to crumble - Smalling

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling believes his side had Liverpool on the brink of collapse in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Anthony Martial's penalty put Louis van Gaal's men in front in the second leg of the last-16 tie, but an impressive equaliser from Philippe Coutinho ensured the match finished level at 1-1, sending the visitors through 3-1 on aggregate.

Smalling accepts United had left themselves too much to do after losing the first leg 2-0 at Anfield but feels Liverpool were on the ropes prior to Coutinho's pivotal strike before half-time."We believed that, if we started well, we could put them under pressure," the defender told MUTV.

"You could see that they started to crumble but it was unfortunate we conceded just before half-time because we had a real battle on our hands."The damage was done in the first leg. We all knew we gave ourselves far too much to do and we paid the price for that."

With the Europa League now gone, United remain alive in the FA Cup and still hope to seal a place in the Premier League's top four.They sit sixth in the table with nine matches to play, four points adrift of rivals Manchester City in fourth ahead of Sunday's crunch derby at the Etihad Stadium.

Smalling added: "We are going to want to make sure we go into that international break on a high and the only way we can close the gap on the top four is by beating somebody who is already in there.

"It's our time to step up. There's still a lot to play for. We need to show that consistency in our performances and, if we can build on that first half, we give ourselves a chance in the league and in the FA Cup."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milner: I don't want to play at left-back

James Milner admitted full-back is not where he’d like to be stationed for Liverpool, but he was happy to slot into the role to help the team advance to the Europa League quarter-finals at the expense of Manchester United.

The England international missed the first-leg of the last-16 tie at Anfield due to illness, but was back in the starting line-up at Old Trafford to deputise on the left of defence for the hamstrung Alberto Moreno.

The 30-year-old executed his duties well in the 1-1 draw which saw Liverpool progress 3-1 on aggregate, knowing exactly when to attack or hold, and his positional play was excellent.

However, one of the core reasons Milner departed Manchester City for Merseyside was their unwillingness to use him in his preferred central midfield berth, and he does not want his versatility to count against him again.

Typically though, he was more concerned with what Liverpool needed on the night.On featuring on the left flank, Milner said: “It was different. The manager asked me to play there, and I’ll always do what’s best for the team.

“I wasn’t really comfortable there. It’s not a position I want to play, but the team comes first before any individuals and we got the result we needed which is all that matters.

“I’d probably rather play left-back than right-back to be honest, but it helps that I had very good players around me. Mama [Mamadou Sakho] was talking all the time and he played very well as all the back four did really.

“The manager told me how he viewed the game and what he thought I needed to do. Obviously you do the job to the best of your ability and I’ve been around long enough, have filled in at different positions so you always try to learn so you know what to do in whatever roles you’re moved into.”

Milner revealed Liverpool were prepared for United to strike back on Thursday night after they were floored 2-0 at Anfield last week.When Anthony Martial converted a penalty, the hosts were in the ascendancy, but the Reds knew a goal would effectively kill the encounter.

Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning chip just before the interval to ensure Liverpool became the first English team to eliminate United from European competition.“They were confident first half, but I think we remained relatively calm,” said Milner.

“They were always going to have moments where they got on top, but we just needed to stay in the game and remember our situation.“We knew that if we got a goal during any stage of the game really, it was going to be difficult for them.

“We managed to do that, it was good timing just on half-time. That quietened their crowd and we came back out, we had chances, so did they but their keeper made a couple of great saves as well. “We’re disappointed we didn’t win the game, but we did the job and are in the hat.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Uefa charges Manchester United and Liverpool following Europa League crowd trouble

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United and Liverpool after crowd trouble marred the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash.

Supporters were involved in unsavoury scenes in the East Stand at Old Trafford towards the end of Thursday's 1-1 draw, which saw Liverpool progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Greater Manchester Police arrested five men - four Liverpool fans and one United supporter - after fights broke out and flares and smoke bombs were lit in the stands.Uefa confirmed on Friday that proceedings had been opened against United on charges of blocked stairways, crowd disturbances and objects being thrown.

Liverpool, meanwhile, were charged with setting off fireworks, throwing objects, crowd disturbances and for delaying the kick-off.

The visitors face a further charge of "illicit chants", with some supporters alleged to have taken part in songs referencing the Munich air disaster in 1958, in which 23 people - including United players and staff - were killed.

United escaped punishment from Uefa after some fans were heard singing offensive chants relating to the Hillsborough disaster during the first leg at Anfield."The case will be dealt with by the Uef Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 19," Uefa's statement added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alaba signs three-year Bayern extension


Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the Allianz Arena until 2021.

The Austria international, who has played at left-back, centre-back and as a midfielder in Pep Guardiola's side, has now extended his stay at the Bundesliga champions into the next decade.

He told the club's official website: "I’m very happy and grateful that I can continue playing for the best club in the world.
“I grew up at FC Bayern and I’ve experienced unbelievably wonderful moments here. We’re all hungry to add further trophies to the ones we’ve already won.

"There’s a lot I want to achieve here in the years to come and I’ll continue to give my best for FC Bayern."

The 23-year-old came through Bayern's youth system before establishing himself as a first-team regular, winning four league titles with the Bavarians.

Bayern and Alaba, whose initial deal was set to expire in 2018, currently await their fate in the Champions League quarter-final draw, after a memorable triumph against Juventus on Wednesday.

“His demeanor off the field embodies Bayern,” added CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “He will be one of the cornerstones of our team in the coming years.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City switch best for my career, insists Sterling

Raheem Sterling insists his decision to leave Liverpool for Manchester City was the best thing for his career.

The England international's high-profile switch from Anfield last July provoked anger amongst some Liverpool faithful, who accused him of pursuing a more substantial pay packet after he had turned down a contract offer from the Merseysiders.

Sterling, however, says the chance to move to Manuel Pellegrini's side felt like the next appropriate step in his career, telling Sky Sports: "The main [comment] on my Instagram is the snake sign - that's the biggest one so far - and someone that loves money, hungry for money.

"Realistically, I am trying to improve as a player and that's the most important thing for me and for my development. I just did what I thought was best for my career at that moment in time."Sterling, 21, believes his decision to avoid speaking with the media for much of this season has helped to focus his efforts on developing as a player.

"Obviously getting a move to City was a great opportunity for me and a great stepping stone, but I thought [the best way] to give myself the best chance to progress and do well was to try to stay out of people's TVs and headlines," he said."I tried to be seen to focus on football and make the right headlines. It's a difficult one because people formed an opinion on me and I can't do anything to change that.

"If I came out again and said something else it would probably make the situation a lot worse. Maybe it could have made it better, who knows?"I thought to myself at that moment in time it was the right thing to do - get a level playing field and try to keep it a smooth one and go into the season with the right head and focus.

"I think I've not done too badly. I think I've stayed out of the way."Sterling, who has scored 11 goals in 2015-16, also revealed his biggest critic during what has been a mixed campaign for City.

"After games you get messages from friends and family and I can honestly say, of all the games I've played this year, about 10 to 15 times I've had - from my mum - 'you weren't in the box as much as you should be. You should be closer to the goal so it makes it easier for you'," he said."I can't believe her level of thinking. I actually call her Jose Mourinho because she actually thinks she is the Chosen One!

"It's kind of annoying because those are things I'm trying to change and get better at and she's pointing it out to me and I don't like that! It's the fact that it's actually true is the most annoying bit!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger rules out Ibrahimovic bid… for now


Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are not presently pursuing the signing of Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 34-year-old striker is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with his contract at the French champions due to expire.Ibrahimovic has enjoyed another stunning season in 2015-16, with 27 Ligue 1 goals to his name from 24 matches.

Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with a free transfer swoop at the end of the campaign, but Wenger claims he has not given that any thought.When questioned about a move for the striker, Wenger said: "At the moment, no - we are not on that case. We have other worries at the moment in the short term and we are not on Zlatan's case.

"Even at 34 he has a great season with Paris Saint-Germain. But at the moment you can understand that my priority before the Everton game is not to look at possible signings next season in the transfer market. "I'm just surprised by the name you forward me and at the moment we are not thinking of signing anybody."

Wenger still feels he has enough quality from the attacking resources already at Arsenal and thinks the team as a whole can help them to score more goals."I always believe let's improve the quality of our game and then the strikers will benefit from that," said the manager.

"It's always very difficult to blame one or two individuals when you don't score as many goals. I believe we have quality strikers and, if you produce the quality of our game like we did in Barcelona, then our strikers will score goals."We are one of the best, if not the best, in creating goalscoring opportunities in the Premier League if you look at the numbers.

"Maybe we need to improve the quality of those chances and look at confidence as they are maybe a bit desperate to score, but I believe we have quality strikers."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City to take on PSG and Barcelona face Atletico - Champions League quarter-final draw

Manchester City will face Paris Saint-Germain while reigning champions Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The match between City and PSG gives the Manchester club the chance to reach the Champions League final for the first time, as Manuel Pellegrini's Citizens tenure begins its final stretch.

Laurent Blanc's side, who have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, are once again handed a draw against English opposition, after defeating Chelsea in the last-16 with two dominant performances.

Elsewhere, there will be an all-Spanish tie as current trophy holders Barcelona face Atletico, renewing their rivalry on the European stage as the two clubs compete at the top of La Liga.

On the other side of the Clasico divide, Real Madrid will be made heavy favourites against Bundesliga side Wolfsburg while German champions Bayern Munich, fresh from their triumph over Juventus, were handed a draw against Benfica, a tie that they will be expected to win.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp to return to Dortmund with Liverpool - Europa League quarter-final draw

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will return to former club Borussia Dortmund after the two sides were drawn against each other in the Europa League quarter-finals.

After triumphing against arch rivals Manchester United in the last 16, Klopp was asked about the possibility of facing his former club, indicating that he did not want to draw them, asking: "Why should I want the strongest team in the round?"

Klopp now returns to Dortmund to face Thomas Tuchel's side for a place in the semi-finals, though much of the focus will be on the German manager heading back to his former club, while Dortmund again return to England after defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round on Thursday night.

Elsewhere, Sevilla, the current holders of the trophy, will renew their Liga hostilities with Athletic Bilbao in an all-Spanish tie, while Spainis also represented by Villarreal who take on Sparta Prague.

The proceedings are wrapped up by a tie between Sporting Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk, who have been severely affected by the war in eastern Ukraine, forced to move their home matches to Lviv in the west of the country.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp wenna one naha kiwwa 1kama wela thiyanawa​