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Sevilla 1-2 Athletic Club (agg 3-3, pen 5-4): Holders survive scare to reach semi-finals
Sevilla's quest for a third successive Europa League title remains on course, but only just, after they needed penalties to see off Athletic Club to reach the semi-finals.
The hosts had lost just one of their last 18 matches at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan prior to Thursday's quarter-final second leg, but trailed 2-1 after 90 minutes to leave the tie locked at 3-3 on aggregate.After falling behind to a 57th-minute strike from tournament top scorer Aritz Aduriz, Sevilla hit back two minutes later through Kevin Gameiro.
Athletic's attempts to force extra time were hampered by an injury to Aduriz, but Raul Garcia popped up to head the crucial goal 10 minutes from time.
Neither side found a winner during the additional 30 minutes and, after Benat sent his spot-kick straight into the arms of David Soria, Gameiro - who had earlier gone down with a calf problem - stepped up to convert the decisive penalty in a shoot-out that ended 5-4 to the holders.
Early penalty claims went unrewarded when Sevilla felt a Mariano cross struck Benat on the arm, before Aduriz knocked the ball around Soria at the other end but saw his effort from a tight angle touched behind by Timothee Kolodziejczak.
For all the attacking intent, particularly from Athletic, who were without the injured Inaki Williams, neither side was able to find a breakthrough in the opening period, although Garcia forced Soria into a diving save before the break.
Sevilla started the second half on the front foot and Iago Herrerin had to be alert to push wide a rifled Vicente Iborra strike from the edge of the box, before Mariano half-volleyed over.
But it was Athletic who eventually broke the deadlock when Aduriz created an angle for the shot and sent an effort squirming past Soria, who will do some squirming of his own when he watches the replay.Sevilla responded almost immediately, though, with Gameiro tapping home from a Grzegorz Krychowiak ball into the six-yard box.
Mikel San Jose – booked for dissent moments earlier – was perhaps lucky to remain on the field when, as the last man, he clumsily dispossessed an advancing Gameiro in the 69th minute, but Athletic were soon left reeling by the departure of Aduriz through injury.
Gameiro proved an increasing nuisance for the Athletic defence, seeing another powerful strike kept out by Herrerin before Steven N'Zonzi headed wide from a promising position.
But Garcia then netted Athletic's crucial second after Gameiro had smashed yet another effort over at the other end. The former Atletico Madrid man got on the end of a lofted Benat cross to send a looping header over Soria, who once again failed to cover himself in glory as he watched the ball float beyond him.
With the game forced to extra time, Markel Susaeta was left with his head in his hands after sending the ball bouncing wide from a one-on-one with Soria, before a Yevhen Konoplyanka free-kick found its way onto the right-hand upright via the head of a defender.Tempers flared as extra-time reached the midway point, but Herrerin kept his focus to get down to his left and keep out a Konoplyanka set-piece.
With neither team able to put the match to bed, it was left to penalties to separate the sides, and Gameiro, whose turn was held up by a scuffle in the centre circle after Oscar De Marcos' efforts to put off the Sevilla striker, kept hopes of a remarkable treble alive for Unai Emery's men.
Sevilla's quest for a third successive Europa League title remains on course, but only just, after they needed penalties to see off Athletic Club to reach the semi-finals.
The hosts had lost just one of their last 18 matches at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan prior to Thursday's quarter-final second leg, but trailed 2-1 after 90 minutes to leave the tie locked at 3-3 on aggregate.After falling behind to a 57th-minute strike from tournament top scorer Aritz Aduriz, Sevilla hit back two minutes later through Kevin Gameiro.
Athletic's attempts to force extra time were hampered by an injury to Aduriz, but Raul Garcia popped up to head the crucial goal 10 minutes from time.
Neither side found a winner during the additional 30 minutes and, after Benat sent his spot-kick straight into the arms of David Soria, Gameiro - who had earlier gone down with a calf problem - stepped up to convert the decisive penalty in a shoot-out that ended 5-4 to the holders.
Early penalty claims went unrewarded when Sevilla felt a Mariano cross struck Benat on the arm, before Aduriz knocked the ball around Soria at the other end but saw his effort from a tight angle touched behind by Timothee Kolodziejczak.
For all the attacking intent, particularly from Athletic, who were without the injured Inaki Williams, neither side was able to find a breakthrough in the opening period, although Garcia forced Soria into a diving save before the break.
Sevilla started the second half on the front foot and Iago Herrerin had to be alert to push wide a rifled Vicente Iborra strike from the edge of the box, before Mariano half-volleyed over.
But it was Athletic who eventually broke the deadlock when Aduriz created an angle for the shot and sent an effort squirming past Soria, who will do some squirming of his own when he watches the replay.Sevilla responded almost immediately, though, with Gameiro tapping home from a Grzegorz Krychowiak ball into the six-yard box.
Mikel San Jose – booked for dissent moments earlier – was perhaps lucky to remain on the field when, as the last man, he clumsily dispossessed an advancing Gameiro in the 69th minute, but Athletic were soon left reeling by the departure of Aduriz through injury.
Gameiro proved an increasing nuisance for the Athletic defence, seeing another powerful strike kept out by Herrerin before Steven N'Zonzi headed wide from a promising position.
But Garcia then netted Athletic's crucial second after Gameiro had smashed yet another effort over at the other end. The former Atletico Madrid man got on the end of a lofted Benat cross to send a looping header over Soria, who once again failed to cover himself in glory as he watched the ball float beyond him.
With the game forced to extra time, Markel Susaeta was left with his head in his hands after sending the ball bouncing wide from a one-on-one with Soria, before a Yevhen Konoplyanka free-kick found its way onto the right-hand upright via the head of a defender.Tempers flared as extra-time reached the midway point, but Herrerin kept his focus to get down to his left and keep out a Konoplyanka set-piece.
With neither team able to put the match to bed, it was left to penalties to separate the sides, and Gameiro, whose turn was held up by a scuffle in the centre circle after Oscar De Marcos' efforts to put off the Sevilla striker, kept hopes of a remarkable treble alive for Unai Emery's men.
Liverpool comeback one of the best games in years - Lovren
Liverpool hero Dejan Lovren believes his side's exhilarating Europa League comeback against Borussia Dortmund was one of the best matches in recent years.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool scored three times in the final 24 minutes through Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and Lovren to recover from 4-2 behind on aggregate to win 5-4 at an ecstatic Anfield and move into the semi-finals.
It was Lovren's stoppage-time header which finished the job and the centre-back was delighted after the dramatic second-leg victory, which came after a 1-1 draw in Dortmund last week.
"It is an amazing feeling," the 26-year-old said to BT Sport. "It is one of the best games in the last two or three years."We didn't expect we would start like we did, but we never stopped believing in ourselves.
"We said at half-time we have nothing to lose, we need to just to believe. It was a great effort from everyone, we deserved to win."
Divock Origi had scored Liverpool's first goal, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus netting for Dortmund.
Liverpool hero Dejan Lovren believes his side's exhilarating Europa League comeback against Borussia Dortmund was one of the best matches in recent years.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool scored three times in the final 24 minutes through Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and Lovren to recover from 4-2 behind on aggregate to win 5-4 at an ecstatic Anfield and move into the semi-finals.
It was Lovren's stoppage-time header which finished the job and the centre-back was delighted after the dramatic second-leg victory, which came after a 1-1 draw in Dortmund last week.
"It is an amazing feeling," the 26-year-old said to BT Sport. "It is one of the best games in the last two or three years."We didn't expect we would start like we did, but we never stopped believing in ourselves.
"We said at half-time we have nothing to lose, we need to just to believe. It was a great effort from everyone, we deserved to win."
Divock Origi had scored Liverpool's first goal, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus netting for Dortmund.
Liverpool fought like devils for victory - Klopp
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the passion of his players and claimed they "fought like devils" in their miraculous comeback against Borussia Dortmind which sealed their passage to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Klopp’s men rallied from 3-1 down to complete a 4-3 victory on the night, meaning they advance to the last-four 5-4 on aggregate in a night the German described as "not to be forgotten" at Anfield.
Dortmund were able to race into a 3-1 lead in the tie after Henri Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice in the first 10 minutes of the return leg before Marco Reus added another in the second half after Divock Origi pulled one back for the hosts.
However, Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho struck to level the scores at 3-3 before the winner from Dejan Lovren right at the death."It’s difficult to explain," Klopp told BT Sport. "It was a wonderful night at Anfield and to be honest the game was strange.
"Overall, It’s deserved. We had a lot of chances and fought like devils. It is a little bit lucky of course when you score in the 93rd minute.""From the beginning, the whole game showed the quality of Dortmund. They took nearly every chance they had.
"A team with counter attacking quality of Dortmund is a killer. Staying in the game was absolutely great. We brought Joe [Allen] and Daniel [Sturridge] on as a message - we wanted to show character and we didn’t care if we lost.
"In the end, we did a bit more than that. That is what football can be at its best – a wonderful experience – and it’s hard to believe that it really happened like this."
Liverpool drew 1-1 in Dortmund a week earlier on Klopp’s return to his old stomping ground, but their precious away goal was quickly cancelled out at Anfield.In the end it did not matter, and Klopp paid tribute to the bravery of his players in fighting to the end.
"At half time, with the score at 2-0, it is difficult to stay brave," he said. "But we had a little agreement and discussed the easy way each person can go - but we have to go hard way.
"To stay in the race is rare. When it happens, it’s outstanding."I’m pleased for everyone here who saw the game. It’s easy for each fan who is only a football fan. They will think 'Okay, football is a nice game.'"
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the passion of his players and claimed they "fought like devils" in their miraculous comeback against Borussia Dortmind which sealed their passage to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Klopp’s men rallied from 3-1 down to complete a 4-3 victory on the night, meaning they advance to the last-four 5-4 on aggregate in a night the German described as "not to be forgotten" at Anfield.
Dortmund were able to race into a 3-1 lead in the tie after Henri Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice in the first 10 minutes of the return leg before Marco Reus added another in the second half after Divock Origi pulled one back for the hosts.
However, Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho struck to level the scores at 3-3 before the winner from Dejan Lovren right at the death."It’s difficult to explain," Klopp told BT Sport. "It was a wonderful night at Anfield and to be honest the game was strange.
"Overall, It’s deserved. We had a lot of chances and fought like devils. It is a little bit lucky of course when you score in the 93rd minute.""From the beginning, the whole game showed the quality of Dortmund. They took nearly every chance they had.
"A team with counter attacking quality of Dortmund is a killer. Staying in the game was absolutely great. We brought Joe [Allen] and Daniel [Sturridge] on as a message - we wanted to show character and we didn’t care if we lost.
"In the end, we did a bit more than that. That is what football can be at its best – a wonderful experience – and it’s hard to believe that it really happened like this."
Liverpool drew 1-1 in Dortmund a week earlier on Klopp’s return to his old stomping ground, but their precious away goal was quickly cancelled out at Anfield.In the end it did not matter, and Klopp paid tribute to the bravery of his players in fighting to the end.
"At half time, with the score at 2-0, it is difficult to stay brave," he said. "But we had a little agreement and discussed the easy way each person can go - but we have to go hard way.
"To stay in the race is rare. When it happens, it’s outstanding."I’m pleased for everyone here who saw the game. It’s easy for each fan who is only a football fan. They will think 'Okay, football is a nice game.'"
Manchester City face Real Madrid, Atletico face Bayern Munich – Champions League semi-final draw results
Real Madrid have been paired with Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals, while Bayern Munich will have to deal with Atletico Madrid if they are to make it to the final.
Friday’s draw in Nyon means City manager Manuel Pellegrini will take on his former team, having coached Madrid in 2009-10.
Madrid - who saw off Wolfsburg in the last round - made it to the final four in 2014-15, but Juventus eventually proved to too strong. They last won the competition in 2013-14, beating Atletico 4-1 after extra time for their 10th European Cup win.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are the rookies in the semi-finals, having never made it to this stage before. They failed to make it past the round of 16 in 2013-14 and 2014-15, but got the better of Dynamo Kyiv and Paris Saint-Germain to set up a clash with the Spanish giants.
Madrid and City have met twice before, with Los Blancos winning once and drawing the remaining game when they were paired in the group stages of the competition in 2012-13.
The tie between Bayern and Atletico will see Pep Guardiola return to his native country, having enjoyed so much success at Barcelona before his move to the Bundesliga champions.
Guardiola's side eliminated Benfica on their way to the semi-finals, holding out for a 2-2 draw in the second leg after a 1-0 win at home in the first fixture. They won it in 2012-13 when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1, but have failed to get past the final four since.
Atletico, meanwhile, booked their spot in the last four when they beat reigning champions Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. Diego Simeone's men crashed out in the quarter-finals last term, losing to Madrid, and have yet to win the Champions League.Bayern and Atletico's only previous meeting came in the 1974 final, the Bundesliga side running out 4-0 winners in the replay following an initial 1-1 draw.
City will host Madrid on April 26 and Atletico welcome Bayern to the Vicente Calderon the following day, returning to the Allianz Arena on May 3, with Zinedine Zidane's side playing at home on May 4.
The final at San Siro is on May 28, kicking off at 20:45 CET. The winners of the tie between City and Madrid will be the home team in the final.
Real Madrid have been paired with Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals, while Bayern Munich will have to deal with Atletico Madrid if they are to make it to the final.
Friday’s draw in Nyon means City manager Manuel Pellegrini will take on his former team, having coached Madrid in 2009-10.
Madrid - who saw off Wolfsburg in the last round - made it to the final four in 2014-15, but Juventus eventually proved to too strong. They last won the competition in 2013-14, beating Atletico 4-1 after extra time for their 10th European Cup win.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are the rookies in the semi-finals, having never made it to this stage before. They failed to make it past the round of 16 in 2013-14 and 2014-15, but got the better of Dynamo Kyiv and Paris Saint-Germain to set up a clash with the Spanish giants.
Madrid and City have met twice before, with Los Blancos winning once and drawing the remaining game when they were paired in the group stages of the competition in 2012-13.
The tie between Bayern and Atletico will see Pep Guardiola return to his native country, having enjoyed so much success at Barcelona before his move to the Bundesliga champions.
Guardiola's side eliminated Benfica on their way to the semi-finals, holding out for a 2-2 draw in the second leg after a 1-0 win at home in the first fixture. They won it in 2012-13 when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1, but have failed to get past the final four since.
Atletico, meanwhile, booked their spot in the last four when they beat reigning champions Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. Diego Simeone's men crashed out in the quarter-finals last term, losing to Madrid, and have yet to win the Champions League.Bayern and Atletico's only previous meeting came in the 1974 final, the Bundesliga side running out 4-0 winners in the replay following an initial 1-1 draw.
City will host Madrid on April 26 and Atletico welcome Bayern to the Vicente Calderon the following day, returning to the Allianz Arena on May 3, with Zinedine Zidane's side playing at home on May 4.
The final at San Siro is on May 28, kicking off at 20:45 CET. The winners of the tie between City and Madrid will be the home team in the final.
United should appoint Mourinho - McCarthy
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy believes Manchester United should appoint Jose Mourinho as Louis van Gaal's successor.Mourinho, without a job since leaving Chelsea, has been heavily linked with the post at Old Trafford with United struggling under Van Gaal this season.
And McCarthy, a United fan who won the Champions League under the Portuguese tactician at Porto in 2003-04, said the Premier League giants should chase the 53-year-old.
"I think we need somebody that will steer the ship with immediate results but also as a long-term successor," the former Blackburn striker told Omnisport.
"The good old days of Sir Alex Ferguson are long gone.
"I think we have to try and captivate those moments back and for me the only example I can give for someone who can get United back on that path is Jose."
McCarthy said Mourinho had already proven he could turn teams around, having led Chelsea to three league titles and multiple cups.
"He turned Chelsea into one of the biggest teams in Europe; he made them one of the most feared teams to play [against] and into a powerhouse and a European household name," he said."He has come to an average English team, a big name, but an average team at the time, and has turned them into world beaters."
United's rivals Manchester City have already made a move, appointing Pep Guardiola ahead of next season.McCarthy believes Mourinho is as good as the Bayern Munich coach, with whom he shared a rivalry during their time in La Liga.
"Mourinho's tactics and ability matches Pep Guardiola," he said."I think of the arrogance and there is enough testosterone there not to fear anything that Man City will throw at Man United next season if he goes."
Former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy believes Manchester United should appoint Jose Mourinho as Louis van Gaal's successor.Mourinho, without a job since leaving Chelsea, has been heavily linked with the post at Old Trafford with United struggling under Van Gaal this season.
And McCarthy, a United fan who won the Champions League under the Portuguese tactician at Porto in 2003-04, said the Premier League giants should chase the 53-year-old.
"I think we need somebody that will steer the ship with immediate results but also as a long-term successor," the former Blackburn striker told Omnisport.
"The good old days of Sir Alex Ferguson are long gone.
"I think we have to try and captivate those moments back and for me the only example I can give for someone who can get United back on that path is Jose."
McCarthy said Mourinho had already proven he could turn teams around, having led Chelsea to three league titles and multiple cups.
"He turned Chelsea into one of the biggest teams in Europe; he made them one of the most feared teams to play [against] and into a powerhouse and a European household name," he said."He has come to an average English team, a big name, but an average team at the time, and has turned them into world beaters."
United's rivals Manchester City have already made a move, appointing Pep Guardiola ahead of next season.McCarthy believes Mourinho is as good as the Bayern Munich coach, with whom he shared a rivalry during their time in La Liga.
"Mourinho's tactics and ability matches Pep Guardiola," he said."I think of the arrogance and there is enough testosterone there not to fear anything that Man City will throw at Man United next season if he goes."
Ronaldo reveals free-kick advice... from Keylor Navas
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he altered his free-kick technique following advice from Keylor Navas.
The Portugal international netted a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Tuesday evening which has put Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-final draw.
But prior to his third goal at the Santiago Bernabeu, Navas ran from his area to where Ronaldo was taking the free-kick in order to give some words of advice to his team-mate.
“We train together,” said Ronaldo.
“And he’ll kill me for telling you, but he said that I should take it slowly, not run at full pelt because he knew I’d score.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he altered his free-kick technique following advice from Keylor Navas.
The Portugal international netted a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Tuesday evening which has put Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-final draw.
But prior to his third goal at the Santiago Bernabeu, Navas ran from his area to where Ronaldo was taking the free-kick in order to give some words of advice to his team-mate.
“We train together,” said Ronaldo.
“And he’ll kill me for telling you, but he said that I should take it slowly, not run at full pelt because he knew I’d score.”
Guardiola: Atletico on par with Real Madrid and Barcelona
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola feels Atletico Madrid are on par with Barcelona and Real Madrid after the Bundesliga champions were paired with Diego Simeone's men during Friday's Champions League semi-final draw.
Guardiola's men avoided Madrid and Manchester City in the last four, but the Spanish coach feels Atletico have shown in recent years that they are up there with the continent's very best.
"Spanish teams have always been on top of their game in European games over the past few years," Guardiola said at a news conference. "I have been keeping a close eye on the Spanish league in recent years, so I know how good Atletico Madrid are.
"People are always talking about Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Atletico have been up there as well in the past five years. They are on par with Madrid and Barcelona.
"Barcelona have been the best team around over the past 10 years or so and Atletico managed to eliminate them twice in the last three seasons. That is further proof that this is a very tough draw. I hope my players will remain healthy in the build-up to the two games against Atletico."
Atletico have impressed defensively this campaign, but Guardiola has stressed Bayern are a force to be reckoned with in defence as well."Atletico have a strong defence, but Bayern have not conceded many goals either," he added.
"There's no denying they are a strong opponent, though, just like Juventus were."They press their opponents, defend deep and are very compact. Diego Godin is always there to intercept crosses from the wings and Jan Oblak is a great goalkeeper. They have a very good organisation.
"Juventus were one of the strongest teams in the world in defence and so were Benfica. Now we meet another team that is very strong at the back."Diego Simeone has been key to Atletico's revival in recent years and Guardiola has nothing but praise for his opposite number.
"Simeone has been at the club for five years and is a great coach. The team has the same attitude and philosophy as him. They play the way he wants them to play," the Bayern coach stated.
"They lost players like Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa, but they stayed true to their own style. They nearly always win when they put in a good performance, but they are still very solid when they have a bad day."Simeone is one of the best coaches in the world."
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola feels Atletico Madrid are on par with Barcelona and Real Madrid after the Bundesliga champions were paired with Diego Simeone's men during Friday's Champions League semi-final draw.
Guardiola's men avoided Madrid and Manchester City in the last four, but the Spanish coach feels Atletico have shown in recent years that they are up there with the continent's very best.
"Spanish teams have always been on top of their game in European games over the past few years," Guardiola said at a news conference. "I have been keeping a close eye on the Spanish league in recent years, so I know how good Atletico Madrid are.
"People are always talking about Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Atletico have been up there as well in the past five years. They are on par with Madrid and Barcelona.
"Barcelona have been the best team around over the past 10 years or so and Atletico managed to eliminate them twice in the last three seasons. That is further proof that this is a very tough draw. I hope my players will remain healthy in the build-up to the two games against Atletico."
Atletico have impressed defensively this campaign, but Guardiola has stressed Bayern are a force to be reckoned with in defence as well."Atletico have a strong defence, but Bayern have not conceded many goals either," he added.
"There's no denying they are a strong opponent, though, just like Juventus were."They press their opponents, defend deep and are very compact. Diego Godin is always there to intercept crosses from the wings and Jan Oblak is a great goalkeeper. They have a very good organisation.
"Juventus were one of the strongest teams in the world in defence and so were Benfica. Now we meet another team that is very strong at the back."Diego Simeone has been key to Atletico's revival in recent years and Guardiola has nothing but praise for his opposite number.
"Simeone has been at the club for five years and is a great coach. The team has the same attitude and philosophy as him. They play the way he wants them to play," the Bayern coach stated.
"They lost players like Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa, but they stayed true to their own style. They nearly always win when they put in a good performance, but they are still very solid when they have a bad day."Simeone is one of the best coaches in the world."
Martial grateful for Van Gaal's guidance
Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial has hailed manager Louis van Gaal's role in his development.
Martial joined United from Monaco in September and has since become a key figure at Old Trafford, scoring eight goals in 26 Premier League outings.The performances of the 20-year-old Frenchman have been one of the highlights in an underwhelming campaign for the Red Devils.
"The boss has shown a lot of faith in me and the fact he has played me in so many games has allowed me to make progress and come on as a player," Martial told United Review.
"Getting so much playing time is not something I had really expected, but it has been very important for my development.
"On a personal level, it has gone reasonably well. There are occasions when I could have done better. I could have been more clinical, scored more goals and made more assists. Now it is down to me to keep going so I can help the team as much as I possibly can."
Martial previously acknowledged the Premier League is more physical than Ligue 1, but he will resist any attempts to significantly increase his strength, as he fears it could have a negative impact on his natural game.
"In truth, I do not really enjoy doing weights in the gym too much," he said."I do not do an awful lot of it, really. I do a little bit just for muscle tone more than anything, but not a huge amount.
"I am wary that if I do a lot of gym work, I might bulk up too much and lose that agility, so I try to limit what I do and simply do some strengthening of my abdominal muscles."
Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial has hailed manager Louis van Gaal's role in his development.
Martial joined United from Monaco in September and has since become a key figure at Old Trafford, scoring eight goals in 26 Premier League outings.The performances of the 20-year-old Frenchman have been one of the highlights in an underwhelming campaign for the Red Devils.
"The boss has shown a lot of faith in me and the fact he has played me in so many games has allowed me to make progress and come on as a player," Martial told United Review.
"Getting so much playing time is not something I had really expected, but it has been very important for my development.
"On a personal level, it has gone reasonably well. There are occasions when I could have done better. I could have been more clinical, scored more goals and made more assists. Now it is down to me to keep going so I can help the team as much as I possibly can."
Martial previously acknowledged the Premier League is more physical than Ligue 1, but he will resist any attempts to significantly increase his strength, as he fears it could have a negative impact on his natural game.
"In truth, I do not really enjoy doing weights in the gym too much," he said."I do not do an awful lot of it, really. I do a little bit just for muscle tone more than anything, but not a huge amount.
"I am wary that if I do a lot of gym work, I might bulk up too much and lose that agility, so I try to limit what I do and simply do some strengthening of my abdominal muscles."
I told players to remember Istanbul - Klopp
Jurgen Klopp urged Liverpool to channel the spirit of Istanbul at half-time of their miraculous win over Borussia Dortmund.The German's men looked in trouble as they trailed 2-0 at the break at Anfield in the second leg of the quarter-final, before a remarkable comeback.
Goals from Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren saw the Premier League side claim a 4-3 win – 5-4 on aggregate – to reach the last four.
Klopp brought up Istanbul at the break, recalling Liverpool's 2005 Champions League final victory over AC Milan after they trailed 3-0 at half-time."At half-time, there was a good atmosphere to be honest because I was satisfied with the game – not with the goals, but with the game in general," he said.
"I told the lads, I was not there but a few Liverpool players who are a little bit older and work now as experts for television, they were 3-0 down at half-time but won a Champions League final."So even when it’s not really likely, it is for sure possible and we should try it."
Early goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had put Dortmund in control before Divock Origi pulled one back, only for Marco Reus to then edge Dortmund furth ahead.
The comeback started there, though, with three goals in the final half-hour and, while Klopp used Istanbul, he wanted Thursday to be remembered in its own right.
"The players did it, it was not the team of Istanbul," Klopp said.
"It's easy to say it. I'm a football fan so I saw the game [in 2005] and to be honest at half-time I did not think, 'Oh it looks like Liverpool will strike back'."I only told them that it's possible, but it's much more difficult to do it than say it. They showed that they have potential, real potential, and I'm completely happy.
"Forget the story about 'these could be heroes' - give us the time to play the semi-final against probably a really strong [team]. They are all pretty strong so we don't need to compare this. This, tonight, was brilliant in itself."
Jurgen Klopp urged Liverpool to channel the spirit of Istanbul at half-time of their miraculous win over Borussia Dortmund.The German's men looked in trouble as they trailed 2-0 at the break at Anfield in the second leg of the quarter-final, before a remarkable comeback.
Goals from Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren saw the Premier League side claim a 4-3 win – 5-4 on aggregate – to reach the last four.
Klopp brought up Istanbul at the break, recalling Liverpool's 2005 Champions League final victory over AC Milan after they trailed 3-0 at half-time."At half-time, there was a good atmosphere to be honest because I was satisfied with the game – not with the goals, but with the game in general," he said.
"I told the lads, I was not there but a few Liverpool players who are a little bit older and work now as experts for television, they were 3-0 down at half-time but won a Champions League final."So even when it’s not really likely, it is for sure possible and we should try it."
Early goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had put Dortmund in control before Divock Origi pulled one back, only for Marco Reus to then edge Dortmund furth ahead.
The comeback started there, though, with three goals in the final half-hour and, while Klopp used Istanbul, he wanted Thursday to be remembered in its own right.
"The players did it, it was not the team of Istanbul," Klopp said.
"It's easy to say it. I'm a football fan so I saw the game [in 2005] and to be honest at half-time I did not think, 'Oh it looks like Liverpool will strike back'."I only told them that it's possible, but it's much more difficult to do it than say it. They showed that they have potential, real potential, and I'm completely happy.
"Forget the story about 'these could be heroes' - give us the time to play the semi-final against probably a really strong [team]. They are all pretty strong so we don't need to compare this. This, tonight, was brilliant in itself."
Zidane: Real Madrid favourites against Manchester City
Zinedine Zidane feels Real Madrid are the favourites in their Champions League semi-final tie with Manchester City, but has warned the Premier League side should not be taken lightly.
The two sides were paired together in Friday's draw in Nyon, while Atletico Madrid were handed a tough fixture against Bayern Munich in the other tie.
Zidane's charges almost missed out on a place in the last four to Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals, having lost 2-0 to the German side in the first-leg, but a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick in the return match turned things around for the 10-time European champions.
Although the coach feels his side have the upper hand, that close call has him worried ahead of the meeting with City, as he insists his side must learn from their mistakes.
"Real Madrid are always the favourites and that's no different in the semi-final against Manchester City," Zidane said at a media conference.
"But City are a great team. I do not want to hear people say Manchester City will be an easy opponent. People also said Wolfsburg were not a strong team and we saw what happened.
"I see City as a strong opponent, just like Roma and Wolfsburg were difficult rivals."The positive thing is that we play the return at home. It will be a balanced tie."Both sides last met in the group stages in 2012-13, when Madrid scored two late goals to beat City on matchday one, while the game in Manchester finished 1-1.
The first leg of this season's encounter is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
Zinedine Zidane feels Real Madrid are the favourites in their Champions League semi-final tie with Manchester City, but has warned the Premier League side should not be taken lightly.
The two sides were paired together in Friday's draw in Nyon, while Atletico Madrid were handed a tough fixture against Bayern Munich in the other tie.
Zidane's charges almost missed out on a place in the last four to Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals, having lost 2-0 to the German side in the first-leg, but a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick in the return match turned things around for the 10-time European champions.
Although the coach feels his side have the upper hand, that close call has him worried ahead of the meeting with City, as he insists his side must learn from their mistakes.
"Real Madrid are always the favourites and that's no different in the semi-final against Manchester City," Zidane said at a media conference.
"But City are a great team. I do not want to hear people say Manchester City will be an easy opponent. People also said Wolfsburg were not a strong team and we saw what happened.
"I see City as a strong opponent, just like Roma and Wolfsburg were difficult rivals."The positive thing is that we play the return at home. It will be a balanced tie."Both sides last met in the group stages in 2012-13, when Madrid scored two late goals to beat City on matchday one, while the game in Manchester finished 1-1.
The first leg of this season's encounter is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Stadium on April 26.
Schweinsteiger ruled out for the rest of Manchester United's season
Bastian Schweinsteiger will not play again for Manchester United this season, according to Louis van Gaal.
The 31-year-old has started only 21 games this season as his campaign has been disrupted by injury.
Schweinsteiger is currently sidelined after suffering knee ligament damage whilst training with Germany’s national team last month.
"I don't think Schweinsteiger shall play this season. I think, next season, he is prepared,” said Van Gaal.
“Maybe he is prepared for the European Championship, I cannot predict. It is possible, but then that is also in our favour because then he is fit for the new competition.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger will not play again for Manchester United this season, according to Louis van Gaal.
The 31-year-old has started only 21 games this season as his campaign has been disrupted by injury.
Schweinsteiger is currently sidelined after suffering knee ligament damage whilst training with Germany’s national team last month.
"I don't think Schweinsteiger shall play this season. I think, next season, he is prepared,” said Van Gaal.
“Maybe he is prepared for the European Championship, I cannot predict. It is possible, but then that is also in our favour because then he is fit for the new competition.”
Bayern must not collapse like Barcelona - Guardiola
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has urged his players to take note of Barcelona's collapse in La Liga and told them to focus on retaining the Bundesliga crown.
The Catalans appeared to be cruising to the Spanish title but have collected just one point from their last three games to open the door for Madrid rivals Real and Atletico.
Bayern are seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with five games to go, but Guardiola is not getting carried away and has stressed this weekend's match versus Schalke is a must-win.
"We need two more wins and a draw to secure the Bundesliga title. That is my ultimate goal," Guardiola said at a media conference.
"I think the Bundesliga title is ours to lose if we beat Schalke. But we have seen in La Liga how fast things can change. Barcelona got only one point from three games and everything is open again.
"That's why we have to be ready. We have not won anything yet. It is my job to make it clear to the players that we have not won the title yet. I am quite good at it, though. I am very good at it actually."But we are very close to winning the title if we manage to see off Schalke."
Guardiola left Robert Lewandowski out of his starting XI for the 2-2 Champions League draw with Benfica on Wednesday after the Poland international was involved in a car accident, but the Bayern coach was quick to stress that had no influence on his decision to bench the striker."It was my decision to leave Robert out of the team against Benfica," he added."I wanted an extra midfielder on the pitch and that is why he did not play. It was a tactical decision.
"Sometimes my tactics depend on our opponents. I cannot always go all-out attack, even though I would love to play with seven attackers. Maybe Carlo Ancelotti might be able to do that next season!"
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has urged his players to take note of Barcelona's collapse in La Liga and told them to focus on retaining the Bundesliga crown.
The Catalans appeared to be cruising to the Spanish title but have collected just one point from their last three games to open the door for Madrid rivals Real and Atletico.
Bayern are seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with five games to go, but Guardiola is not getting carried away and has stressed this weekend's match versus Schalke is a must-win.
"We need two more wins and a draw to secure the Bundesliga title. That is my ultimate goal," Guardiola said at a media conference.
"I think the Bundesliga title is ours to lose if we beat Schalke. But we have seen in La Liga how fast things can change. Barcelona got only one point from three games and everything is open again.
"That's why we have to be ready. We have not won anything yet. It is my job to make it clear to the players that we have not won the title yet. I am quite good at it, though. I am very good at it actually."But we are very close to winning the title if we manage to see off Schalke."
Guardiola left Robert Lewandowski out of his starting XI for the 2-2 Champions League draw with Benfica on Wednesday after the Poland international was involved in a car accident, but the Bayern coach was quick to stress that had no influence on his decision to bench the striker."It was my decision to leave Robert out of the team against Benfica," he added."I wanted an extra midfielder on the pitch and that is why he did not play. It was a tactical decision.
"Sometimes my tactics depend on our opponents. I cannot always go all-out attack, even though I would love to play with seven attackers. Maybe Carlo Ancelotti might be able to do that next season!"
Ronaldo will always score goals - Zidane
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo can always be trusted to score goals following his hat-trick in the 3-0 Champions League win over Wolfsburg.
It has been suggested this season Ronaldo may be past his prime, but the 31-year-old has been instrumental to his team of late, scoring five goals from four games in all competitions this month.
The former Manchester United star scored the winner as Madrid beat arch rivals Barcelona 2-1 away from home in El Clasico and he followed that up with his heroics on the European stage, firing his team into the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they will face Manchester City.
And Zidane insists he has never doubted the Portuguese star's credentials, insisting he can always rely on him to make the difference."It has always been like this with Cristiano," Zidane said at a media conference ahead of the Liga match at Getafe on Saturday.
"There are always moments when an attacker does not score, but Cristiano never needs to worry about it because he will always score goals.
"You can see on his face that he is very happy. We are pleased with everything. We always try to make sure the players are at ease."Cristiano will be playing again versus Getafe."
Madrid have moved to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona following the Catalans' poor run of form and Zidane wants his players to retain their focus during what is set to be a dramatic run-in.
"We have no influence on what happens at Barcelona. We can only focus on what we are doing. We are in great shape physically and are still improving.
"I am very happy with how things are going at the moment. If we end up winning a trophy it is down to all the hard work. Only one team can win La Liga in the end. I do not want to talk about Barcelona's situation. I do not like to talk about a team that is not doing well, while my team is doing well. We cannot let our guard down. We have to be focused and continue on this path.
"I don't know whether winning all our remaining games is enough to win the title. We are third at the moment and have to catch Atletico in second position first. But the players know what's at stake. We went from being 13 points down to trailing by four points and we cannot let up now.
"I do not like Saturday's game against Getafe. It might seem like it will be an easy game, but it will be a very complicated match. It is not easy to play against a team that nearly sits at the bottom of the table."
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo can always be trusted to score goals following his hat-trick in the 3-0 Champions League win over Wolfsburg.
It has been suggested this season Ronaldo may be past his prime, but the 31-year-old has been instrumental to his team of late, scoring five goals from four games in all competitions this month.
The former Manchester United star scored the winner as Madrid beat arch rivals Barcelona 2-1 away from home in El Clasico and he followed that up with his heroics on the European stage, firing his team into the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they will face Manchester City.
And Zidane insists he has never doubted the Portuguese star's credentials, insisting he can always rely on him to make the difference."It has always been like this with Cristiano," Zidane said at a media conference ahead of the Liga match at Getafe on Saturday.
"There are always moments when an attacker does not score, but Cristiano never needs to worry about it because he will always score goals.
"You can see on his face that he is very happy. We are pleased with everything. We always try to make sure the players are at ease."Cristiano will be playing again versus Getafe."
Madrid have moved to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona following the Catalans' poor run of form and Zidane wants his players to retain their focus during what is set to be a dramatic run-in.
"We have no influence on what happens at Barcelona. We can only focus on what we are doing. We are in great shape physically and are still improving.
"I am very happy with how things are going at the moment. If we end up winning a trophy it is down to all the hard work. Only one team can win La Liga in the end. I do not want to talk about Barcelona's situation. I do not like to talk about a team that is not doing well, while my team is doing well. We cannot let our guard down. We have to be focused and continue on this path.
"I don't know whether winning all our remaining games is enough to win the title. We are third at the moment and have to catch Atletico in second position first. But the players know what's at stake. We went from being 13 points down to trailing by four points and we cannot let up now.
"I do not like Saturday's game against Getafe. It might seem like it will be an easy game, but it will be a very complicated match. It is not easy to play against a team that nearly sits at the bottom of the table."
Herrera a doubt for Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa
Ander Herrera is a doubt for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa after picking up an injury in midweek against West Ham.
The Spaniard sustained the knock late in the second half of United's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final replay success at Upton Park and, after being forcibly carried off by Mark Noble, was replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin.
In his pre-match media conference on Friday, manager Louis van Gaal did not think the problem was too serious, but was unable to give a definitive update on Herrera's condition."At this moment, I don't know, as the diagnosis is still yet to come," he said. "It is better to do that after two days, so I haven't heard about him yet. It is not so heavy we think, but we have to wait and see."
Van Gaal lamented United's chronic injury woes this season, although he was able to give positive updates on Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw.
"That [injuries] is a continuing problem, because we have to play so many matches when you are in so many competitions during this season, that is the only problem," he told MUTV. Rooney made a brief comeback against West Ham on Wednesday after two months out with a knee injury, while Shaw has been out since breaking his leg in September.
"He [Rooney] always wants to play. Yes, I think he shall receive more minutes [against Villa] but it's always dependable on the game," Van Gaal added."You cannot say in advance that I give you 20 minutes or something like that; when it's possible, I shall do that because we need Wayne in the team.
"Shaw is now training on the pitch with the physiotherapist, it's not with a trainer-coach, so that's the difference. But he's going great, it's unbelievable."
Ander Herrera is a doubt for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa after picking up an injury in midweek against West Ham.
The Spaniard sustained the knock late in the second half of United's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final replay success at Upton Park and, after being forcibly carried off by Mark Noble, was replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin.
In his pre-match media conference on Friday, manager Louis van Gaal did not think the problem was too serious, but was unable to give a definitive update on Herrera's condition."At this moment, I don't know, as the diagnosis is still yet to come," he said. "It is better to do that after two days, so I haven't heard about him yet. It is not so heavy we think, but we have to wait and see."
Van Gaal lamented United's chronic injury woes this season, although he was able to give positive updates on Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw.
"That [injuries] is a continuing problem, because we have to play so many matches when you are in so many competitions during this season, that is the only problem," he told MUTV. Rooney made a brief comeback against West Ham on Wednesday after two months out with a knee injury, while Shaw has been out since breaking his leg in September.
"He [Rooney] always wants to play. Yes, I think he shall receive more minutes [against Villa] but it's always dependable on the game," Van Gaal added."You cannot say in advance that I give you 20 minutes or something like that; when it's possible, I shall do that because we need Wayne in the team.
"Shaw is now training on the pitch with the physiotherapist, it's not with a trainer-coach, so that's the difference. But he's going great, it's unbelievable."
Ozil deserves Player of the Year nomination - Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Mesut Ozil fully deserves his nomination for the PFA's Player of the Year award.Ozil has been the Gunners' standout performer this term, scoring six goals and registering 18 assists in the top flight to date.
His impressive efforts have not been enough to inspire Arsenal to any silverware, however, with Wenger's men likely to have to make do with another top-four finish.
Ozil's superb performances have led to him being included in the shortlist for the PFA's top individual gong along with Leicester City trio Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, Tottenham's Harry Kane and Dimitri Payet of West Ham.And Wenger believes Ozil is a worthy contender for the accolade, lauding his improvement in front of goal in the current campaign."He has been more efficient," said Wenger in a media conference.
"He has created more chances and scored more goals. I hope he will get 10 goals because that is the tally he should get."But he is miles ahead on assists and deserves this kind of award."
Arsenal head into Sunday's home clash with Crystal Palace 13 points behind surprise leaders Leicester - albeit with a game in hand - but Wenger is refusing to concede that their title hopes are over."We need a strong run now," he added. "There is pressure but a lot of pressure on the teams around us.
"It is perceived the title is over but I don't think that completely. We have to fight from now until the end of the season."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Mesut Ozil fully deserves his nomination for the PFA's Player of the Year award.Ozil has been the Gunners' standout performer this term, scoring six goals and registering 18 assists in the top flight to date.
His impressive efforts have not been enough to inspire Arsenal to any silverware, however, with Wenger's men likely to have to make do with another top-four finish.
Ozil's superb performances have led to him being included in the shortlist for the PFA's top individual gong along with Leicester City trio Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante, Tottenham's Harry Kane and Dimitri Payet of West Ham.And Wenger believes Ozil is a worthy contender for the accolade, lauding his improvement in front of goal in the current campaign."He has been more efficient," said Wenger in a media conference.
"He has created more chances and scored more goals. I hope he will get 10 goals because that is the tally he should get."But he is miles ahead on assists and deserves this kind of award."
Arsenal head into Sunday's home clash with Crystal Palace 13 points behind surprise leaders Leicester - albeit with a game in hand - but Wenger is refusing to concede that their title hopes are over."We need a strong run now," he added. "There is pressure but a lot of pressure on the teams around us.
"It is perceived the title is over but I don't think that completely. We have to fight from now until the end of the season."
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.04.16
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.04.16
Norwich City Vs Sunderland
Everton Vs Southampton
Manchester United Vs Aston Villa
Newcastle Vs Swansea
WBA Vs Watford
Chelsea Vs Manchester City
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.04.16
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.04.16
Getafe Vs Real Madrid
Las Palmas Vs Sporting Gijon
Eibar Vs Real Sociedad
Celta Vigo Vs Real Betis
Getafe Vs Real Madrid
Las Palmas Vs Sporting Gijon
Eibar Vs Real Sociedad
Celta Vigo Vs Real Betis
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