Serie A Fixtures 2016.04.16
Serie A Fixtures 2016.04.16
Bologna Vs Torino
Carpi Vs Genoa
Inter Vs Napoli
Bologna Vs Torino
Carpi Vs Genoa
Inter Vs Napoli
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Ranieri: De Niro can play me in Hollywood film
Leicester City's rise from the bottom to the top of the Premier League has caught the imagination of millions across the world in one of the greatest and most romantic stories sport has ever seen.
Such is the drama and surprise behind The Foxes' remarkable feat that the talk of a Hollywood film being made to tell their story is increasingly being discussed.
With Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron among those named as potential candidates to play the role of star striker Jamie Vardy and Vinnie Jones seen as the man capable of playing former manager Nigel Pearson, it seems Claudio Ranieri has already picked the actor he wants to convey him.
Having played iconic characters such as a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jake La Motta in Raging Bull and James Conway in Goodfellas, Robert De Niro has been seen as the man to take on the role of a lifetime and feature as the 64-year-old Italian.
And that prospect is one which intrigues Ranieri himself, who was asked about the idea on Friday.
"I heard something about that," the Italian told The Sun. "Why not? He’s a fantastic actor."
Any talk of a film on Leicester's miraculous season could come to a halt if they fail to lift the Premier League title this season. That is becoming increasingly unlikely, though, as they remain seven points clear at the top of the table with five games left to go.
Leicester take on West Ham in Sunday's match, and second-placed Tottenham face Stoke City on Monday.
Leicester City's rise from the bottom to the top of the Premier League has caught the imagination of millions across the world in one of the greatest and most romantic stories sport has ever seen.
Such is the drama and surprise behind The Foxes' remarkable feat that the talk of a Hollywood film being made to tell their story is increasingly being discussed.
With Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron among those named as potential candidates to play the role of star striker Jamie Vardy and Vinnie Jones seen as the man capable of playing former manager Nigel Pearson, it seems Claudio Ranieri has already picked the actor he wants to convey him.
Having played iconic characters such as a young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jake La Motta in Raging Bull and James Conway in Goodfellas, Robert De Niro has been seen as the man to take on the role of a lifetime and feature as the 64-year-old Italian.
And that prospect is one which intrigues Ranieri himself, who was asked about the idea on Friday.
"I heard something about that," the Italian told The Sun. "Why not? He’s a fantastic actor."
Any talk of a film on Leicester's miraculous season could come to a halt if they fail to lift the Premier League title this season. That is becoming increasingly unlikely, though, as they remain seven points clear at the top of the table with five games left to go.
Leicester take on West Ham in Sunday's match, and second-placed Tottenham face Stoke City on Monday.
Emre Can out for up to six weeks
Emre Can has been ruled out for up to six weeks after rupturing ankle ligaments in Thursday's 4-3 win over Borussia Dortmund , Liverpool have announced.
The Germany international sustained the injury in the closing stages of the 4-3 win which completed a 5-4 aggregate success over Thomas Tuchel's side.
Liverpool's reward was to be paired with Villarreal in the semi-finals but Can will miss both ties, scheduled for April 28 and May 5, with captain and fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson also out for the season.
The club remain hopeful that Can can return before the end of the campaign, however, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was refusing to be downbeat about the 22-year-old's absence.
He said at a news conference: "We have to find other solutions. It's not about moaning about losing Emre."It's a ligament in the ankle. It's not the best news but we'll try everything to get him back."
Klopp added: "We cannot change this, we will try to bring the boy back as soon as possible."There is hope for a few things. We should not say his season is finished but if he's not available then we have to deal with it.
"Emre was in really good shape. You could see he felt secure, confident and he used his skills like he should, not always running with the ball like he did in the past. "He played man's football which was good to see. Now he's injured and we have to see.
Emre Can has been ruled out for up to six weeks after rupturing ankle ligaments in Thursday's 4-3 win over Borussia Dortmund , Liverpool have announced.
The Germany international sustained the injury in the closing stages of the 4-3 win which completed a 5-4 aggregate success over Thomas Tuchel's side.
Liverpool's reward was to be paired with Villarreal in the semi-finals but Can will miss both ties, scheduled for April 28 and May 5, with captain and fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson also out for the season.
The club remain hopeful that Can can return before the end of the campaign, however, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was refusing to be downbeat about the 22-year-old's absence.
He said at a news conference: "We have to find other solutions. It's not about moaning about losing Emre."It's a ligament in the ankle. It's not the best news but we'll try everything to get him back."
Klopp added: "We cannot change this, we will try to bring the boy back as soon as possible."There is hope for a few things. We should not say his season is finished but if he's not available then we have to deal with it.
"Emre was in really good shape. You could see he felt secure, confident and he used his skills like he should, not always running with the ball like he did in the past. "He played man's football which was good to see. Now he's injured and we have to see.
Wenger hints at quiet summer for Arsenal in the transfer market
Arsene Wenger has hinted that Arsenal may not invest heavily in strengthening their squad this summer as they are finding it difficult to find the right players.
The Gunners look set to finish the season empty-handed, although their manager has not quite given up hope of winning the Premier League title, despite being 13 points behind leaders Leicester.
But Wenger appears to have ruled out the likelihood of Arsenal spending big in the summer in order to try and improve their chances of winning major honours next term.
Arsenal signed just Petr Cech and Mohamed Elneny during the two transfer windows this season and Wenger has suggested another quiet period could be on the cards, stating he has faith in the club's youngsters.
"If you look at the top three teams, you will see they have not changed their team a lot," he told reporters.
"We have to strengthen our squad but it’s not obvious to find the players despite the money the English clubs will have.
"We are already working but we have to find the players and that is not easy.
"You cannot dismiss that the players are young: Alex Iwobi is 19, Mohamed Elneny is 23, Francis Coquelin 24, and they will be stronger next year but you need to keep a core of players and strengthen where we can. The team is going the right way."
Arsenal also look set to finish behind north London rivals Tottenham in the table but Wenger rejected suggestions Spurs were now the dominant team in the capital.
"First of all, we are not behind Spurs yet," he added. "Anyway, Tottenham have been 18 years behind us and they’ve survived. So let’s be realistic.
"If Leicester win on Sunday it does not affect us, it does not change the fact that we absolutely have to win our game against Palace. Let’s prepare for that no matter what the result is.
"We need a perfect run. They can drop points on Sunday but if they go until the end of the season having lost only three games what can you say [other than] well done, congratulations, even if it’s Leicester that nobody expected.
"At the moment it’s difficult for us to accept that we are not completely there [at the top]. Leicester have lost three games, it is exceptional.
"They lost two games against us, and then you have Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, all of whom you’d think they would lose more than one game against. Barcelona has lost four games this season, Real Madrid five and Leicester three."
Arsene Wenger has hinted that Arsenal may not invest heavily in strengthening their squad this summer as they are finding it difficult to find the right players.
The Gunners look set to finish the season empty-handed, although their manager has not quite given up hope of winning the Premier League title, despite being 13 points behind leaders Leicester.
But Wenger appears to have ruled out the likelihood of Arsenal spending big in the summer in order to try and improve their chances of winning major honours next term.
Arsenal signed just Petr Cech and Mohamed Elneny during the two transfer windows this season and Wenger has suggested another quiet period could be on the cards, stating he has faith in the club's youngsters.
"If you look at the top three teams, you will see they have not changed their team a lot," he told reporters.
"We have to strengthen our squad but it’s not obvious to find the players despite the money the English clubs will have.
"We are already working but we have to find the players and that is not easy.
"You cannot dismiss that the players are young: Alex Iwobi is 19, Mohamed Elneny is 23, Francis Coquelin 24, and they will be stronger next year but you need to keep a core of players and strengthen where we can. The team is going the right way."
Arsenal also look set to finish behind north London rivals Tottenham in the table but Wenger rejected suggestions Spurs were now the dominant team in the capital.
"First of all, we are not behind Spurs yet," he added. "Anyway, Tottenham have been 18 years behind us and they’ve survived. So let’s be realistic.
"If Leicester win on Sunday it does not affect us, it does not change the fact that we absolutely have to win our game against Palace. Let’s prepare for that no matter what the result is.
"We need a perfect run. They can drop points on Sunday but if they go until the end of the season having lost only three games what can you say [other than] well done, congratulations, even if it’s Leicester that nobody expected.
"At the moment it’s difficult for us to accept that we are not completely there [at the top]. Leicester have lost three games, it is exceptional.
"They lost two games against us, and then you have Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, all of whom you’d think they would lose more than one game against. Barcelona has lost four games this season, Real Madrid five and Leicester three."
Van Gaal: Qualification failure won't lead to player exodus
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expects to retain his star players, despite the likelihood of no Champions League football at Old Trafford next season.
After finishing fourth in 2014-15, fifth-placed United are battling to claim the final Champions League qualification place, with under pressure boss Van Gaal and his team four points adrift of Manchester City heading into the remaining six Premier League games.
Even if United do finish fourth, they could be forced to play in the Europa League if City and Liverpool triumph in Europe.But Van Gaal, who is aware failure to qualify for the Champions League could cost him his job amid speculation Jose Mourinho is set to replace him at the end of the season, does not fear a player exodus in Manchester.
"There is not any player who wants to go away, I think," the Dutchman said ahead of Saturday's home game against relegation-bound Aston Villa."And when another club wants to pay the figures that the board of Manchester United demand, then it is possible.
"But that is dependent on the board, they decide if a player can go."When pressed again whether players want to leave for Champions League football, Van Gaal said he doubted it before highlighting the fact that goalkeeper David de Gea signed a new contract after his move to Real Madrid collapsed in September."You have said that he is going to Real Madrid," he said. "I have said always that he stays. You remember that?
"And now you are asking how long he has to stay? Come on. First you have to say: 'OK, sorry that I have written that. Sorry.'"Ask him, ask him. Maybe he said something about that. But not to me."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expects to retain his star players, despite the likelihood of no Champions League football at Old Trafford next season.
After finishing fourth in 2014-15, fifth-placed United are battling to claim the final Champions League qualification place, with under pressure boss Van Gaal and his team four points adrift of Manchester City heading into the remaining six Premier League games.
Even if United do finish fourth, they could be forced to play in the Europa League if City and Liverpool triumph in Europe.But Van Gaal, who is aware failure to qualify for the Champions League could cost him his job amid speculation Jose Mourinho is set to replace him at the end of the season, does not fear a player exodus in Manchester.
"There is not any player who wants to go away, I think," the Dutchman said ahead of Saturday's home game against relegation-bound Aston Villa."And when another club wants to pay the figures that the board of Manchester United demand, then it is possible.
"But that is dependent on the board, they decide if a player can go."When pressed again whether players want to leave for Champions League football, Van Gaal said he doubted it before highlighting the fact that goalkeeper David de Gea signed a new contract after his move to Real Madrid collapsed in September."You have said that he is going to Real Madrid," he said. "I have said always that he stays. You remember that?
"And now you are asking how long he has to stay? Come on. First you have to say: 'OK, sorry that I have written that. Sorry.'"Ask him, ask him. Maybe he said something about that. But not to me."
Pardew: Adebayor can return to haunt Arsenal
Alan Pardew is backing Emmanuel Adebayor to cause Arsenal problems ahead of Crystal Palace's visit to the Emirates Stadium.
Palace manager Pardew said Adebayor could take inspiration from the difficulties West Ham striker Andy Carroll handed Arsenal's back four last week in a 3-3 draw to do similar damage on Saturday.
Carroll used his height and power to devastating effect as he scored a hat-trick against a poor Arsenal defence, and Pardew claimed Adebayor is hungry for a similar outcome."It is so much more difficult to get pressure on those two centre-halves when they're playing at home," Pardew expressed.
"But we are going to try and will put pressure on their centre-halves every opportunity we have."I think it's documented that their set-piece record isn't great defensively and we are the best."
Adebayor has only scored once since signing for Palace on a short-term deal as a free agent in January, but Pardew hailed the influence of the Togo striker on the squad."In and around the group Ade has been great. He has experience of where we are going at the moment," he said.
"We have got big games coming up, we're going to Arsenal, Manchester United and the [FA Cup] semi-final so we can lean on his experience of those type of games.
"He is going to get some time in those three games for sure."Pardew added: "It takes a while to get up to speed when you've been out for that long and I think he has.
"He looks better in training, he is moving better so we might really bear the fruit of Adebayor in this final part of the season, I certainly hope so."I haven't really spoken to him about Arsenal and this particular game. But of course he'll fancy it."
Alan Pardew is backing Emmanuel Adebayor to cause Arsenal problems ahead of Crystal Palace's visit to the Emirates Stadium.
Palace manager Pardew said Adebayor could take inspiration from the difficulties West Ham striker Andy Carroll handed Arsenal's back four last week in a 3-3 draw to do similar damage on Saturday.
Carroll used his height and power to devastating effect as he scored a hat-trick against a poor Arsenal defence, and Pardew claimed Adebayor is hungry for a similar outcome."It is so much more difficult to get pressure on those two centre-halves when they're playing at home," Pardew expressed.
"But we are going to try and will put pressure on their centre-halves every opportunity we have."I think it's documented that their set-piece record isn't great defensively and we are the best."
Adebayor has only scored once since signing for Palace on a short-term deal as a free agent in January, but Pardew hailed the influence of the Togo striker on the squad."In and around the group Ade has been great. He has experience of where we are going at the moment," he said.
"We have got big games coming up, we're going to Arsenal, Manchester United and the [FA Cup] semi-final so we can lean on his experience of those type of games.
"He is going to get some time in those three games for sure."Pardew added: "It takes a while to get up to speed when you've been out for that long and I think he has.
"He looks better in training, he is moving better so we might really bear the fruit of Adebayor in this final part of the season, I certainly hope so."I haven't really spoken to him about Arsenal and this particular game. But of course he'll fancy it."
Newcastle 3-0 Swansea: Lascelles, Sissoko and Townsend keep Rafa's men alive
Newcastle United earned Rafael Benitez a first win as manager and boosted their Premier League survival prospects with a vital 3-0 victory over Swansea City on Saturday.
Newcastle's hopes of remaining in the top flight had looked slim following a dire performance in last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Southampton.
Benitez made five changes to the starting XI in response to that display and the Spaniard's team selection was vindicated on his birthday, with Newcastle earning their reward for a much-improved showing.
Jamaal Lascelles, who came in for Steven Taylor in the back four as part of the alterations, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home only his second goal for the club from Andros Townsend's corner.
Jefferson Montero and Bafetimbi Gomis both spurned big chances for Swansea before Moussa Sissoko's first goal of the campaign and Townsend's late third sealed a result that, combined with north-east rivals Sunderland's 3-0 win at Norwich City, moves Newcastle within three points of safety with five games to play.
The hosts made a bright start at St James' Park and drew Lukasz Fabianski into action as Vurnon Anita's cross-cum-shot forced the former Arsenal goalkeeper to claw the ball away from goal.
The hosts continued to have the better of a scrappy first half but struggled to make the most of their periods of superiority, with Jack Colback's tame effort after the midfielder had latched onto a flick on from Papiss Cisse indicative of Newcastle's issues in the final third.
But they were finally rewarded for their good play in the opening 45 minutes when Swansea failed to deal with Townsend's corner from the left, which was turned in by Lascelles at the near post despite Fabianski getting a heavy touch to the ball.
Benitez's men would have doubled their lead early in the second term had a Newcastle player been able to get a touch to a delivery from Townsend, who then found Colback on the edge of the area, only for the ex-Sunderland midfielder to curl over.
With the missed chances piling up, nerves began to set in for Newcastle, as Swansea enjoyed some threatening passages of play without really testing goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Newcastle struggled to retain possession in the second 45 minutes and should have been punished in the 71st minute, Swansea captain Ashley Williams lashing narrowly wide after Chancel Mbemba failed to properly clear a cross from the left wing.
Montero then hit wide at the far post with only Darlow to beat and Gomis blasted over following great work from fellow substitute Modou Barrow.
And Swansea were made to pay eight minutes from time as Sissoko fired in from close range after Aleksandar Mitrovic's blocked header bounced into his path, with the Serbian then setting up Townsend to slot home and wrap up the points late on.
Newcastle United earned Rafael Benitez a first win as manager and boosted their Premier League survival prospects with a vital 3-0 victory over Swansea City on Saturday.
Newcastle's hopes of remaining in the top flight had looked slim following a dire performance in last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Southampton.
Benitez made five changes to the starting XI in response to that display and the Spaniard's team selection was vindicated on his birthday, with Newcastle earning their reward for a much-improved showing.
Jamaal Lascelles, who came in for Steven Taylor in the back four as part of the alterations, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading home only his second goal for the club from Andros Townsend's corner.
Jefferson Montero and Bafetimbi Gomis both spurned big chances for Swansea before Moussa Sissoko's first goal of the campaign and Townsend's late third sealed a result that, combined with north-east rivals Sunderland's 3-0 win at Norwich City, moves Newcastle within three points of safety with five games to play.
The hosts made a bright start at St James' Park and drew Lukasz Fabianski into action as Vurnon Anita's cross-cum-shot forced the former Arsenal goalkeeper to claw the ball away from goal.
The hosts continued to have the better of a scrappy first half but struggled to make the most of their periods of superiority, with Jack Colback's tame effort after the midfielder had latched onto a flick on from Papiss Cisse indicative of Newcastle's issues in the final third.
But they were finally rewarded for their good play in the opening 45 minutes when Swansea failed to deal with Townsend's corner from the left, which was turned in by Lascelles at the near post despite Fabianski getting a heavy touch to the ball.
Benitez's men would have doubled their lead early in the second term had a Newcastle player been able to get a touch to a delivery from Townsend, who then found Colback on the edge of the area, only for the ex-Sunderland midfielder to curl over.
With the missed chances piling up, nerves began to set in for Newcastle, as Swansea enjoyed some threatening passages of play without really testing goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Newcastle struggled to retain possession in the second 45 minutes and should have been punished in the 71st minute, Swansea captain Ashley Williams lashing narrowly wide after Chancel Mbemba failed to properly clear a cross from the left wing.
Montero then hit wide at the far post with only Darlow to beat and Gomis blasted over following great work from fellow substitute Modou Barrow.
And Swansea were made to pay eight minutes from time as Sissoko fired in from close range after Aleksandar Mitrovic's blocked header bounced into his path, with the Serbian then setting up Townsend to slot home and wrap up the points late on.
Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa: Rashford confirms Villans' relegation
Another goal for Marcus Rashford was enough for Manchester United to consign Aston Villa to relegation with a 1-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford.The Villans needed a win to maintain any chance of survival in the top flight but lacked urgency and United were allowed to dominate.
Wayne Rooney – one of five changes to the United team – started for the first time in two months following a knee injury and played a pivotal role in the decisive goal, picking out Antonio Valencia who in turn set up the lively Rashford for his fourth Premier League goal.
A late rally nearly produced a twist in the tale but substitute Rudy Gestede was denied first by Daley Blind and then by the woodwork, confirming that the visitors will play Championship football next season.
A sense of inevitability was in the air as the visitors managed to ride out an early storm, with Marcos Rojo wasting a decent opportunity in the 19th minute as the defender met Memphis Depay's ball with a backheel which was deflected wide.
Mata was the culprit shortly afterwards, darting into the right-hand side of the penalty area following a fine interchange with Rashford but slicing a shot all the way out for a throw-in from 12 yards out.
Villa's resistance finally broke in the 32nd minute. Valencia latched on to a brilliant cross-field pass from Rooney and slid an inch-perfect cut-back into the danger zone for the in-form Rashford to direct past Brad Guzan.
The visitors did threaten on the break towards the end of the first period but Jordan Ayew ultimately failed to outsmart Chris Smalling and United escaped unscathed.A clever Mata pass set up Rashford for a fine chance at doubling his tally early in the second half, only for the youngster to drag his effort wide from close-range under pressure from Ciaran Clark.
The impressive Mata was then denied by Guzan at the near post just after the hour-mark, United catching Villa napping with a quick corner.Villa's caretaker boss, Eric Black, introduced Gestede with eight minutes to go and he had an instant impact, almost bundling the ball over the line following a quick breakaway and then smashing against the post at a corner.
But it proved to be too little, too late, as United - who hit the frame of the goal through Memphis in stoppage time - held on to consign Villa to the second tier for the first time since 1988.
Getafe 1-5 Real Madrid: Zidane's men record easy victory
Karim Benzema appeared unaffected by France snubbing him for Euro 2016 as he scored and provided two assists in Real Madrid's 5-1 Liga win against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday Benzema would not play a part in the European Championship on home soil this year due to his involvement in an ongoing legal investigation into an alleged plot to blackmail Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, and he wasted no time in reminding the decision makers of what they would be missing.
The 28-year-old produced a brilliant display to help Zinedine Zidane's side follow up on their Champions League quarter-final victory over Wolfsburg by piling the pressure on Liga leaders Barcelona – who entertain Valencia on Sunday – by closing the gap at the top to one point.
After Cristiano Ronaldo had struck the upright, Benzema opened the scoring on the half-hour mark despite not making the cleanest of contact with an excellent delivery from James Rodriguez.
The former Lyon striker then played a one-two with Isco to enable the midfielder to add the second, and facilitated a rapid counter-attack for Gareth Bale to slot home the third before being replaced by Jese Rodriguez in the 67th minute.
Pablo Sarabia pulled one back for Getafe, but they were unable to avoid a 13th Liga match without a win in Jose Esnaider's first game at the helm as James and Ronaldo both found the net in the closing stages to complete a seventh successive top-flight win for Madrid.
Zidane rested Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric but his side were on the front foot from kick-off, with James forcing Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita down to his left to keep out a 20-yard strike after just four minutes.
Ronaldo hit the base of the post with a powerful drive with 16 minutes on the clock as, despite dominating possession, Madrid were limited to efforts from outside the area.
That was until James curled a delightful cross in from the right wing and Benzema, timing his run to perfection, swept the ball into the bottom corner unchallenged for his 22nd Liga goal of the season – his best return since signing in 2009.
Guaita denied Ronaldo one minute later, but Madrid doubled their advantage before half-time when Isco stabbed the ball beneath the onrushing keeper after a neat move with Benzema.
The French striker laid on the third for his side, releasing the breaking Bale, who surged into the box and guided the ball into the far corner to surpass his previous best of 15 Liga goals in one campaign.Keylor Navas did well to stop Sarabia converting an indirect free-kick from six yards after he picked up a touch from Marcelo inside the box soon after.
Sarabia's endeavour was rewarded when his 20-yard effort found the back of the net via a deflection off Pepe in the 83rd minute, but James showed supreme composure to restore the three-goal cushion with two minutes remaining.
And Ronaldo rounded off an emphatic win in second-half stoppage time by adding the finishing touch to Jese's pass in front of an open goal, keeping Madrid's title tilt on course and Getafe rooted to the foot of the table.
Karim Benzema appeared unaffected by France snubbing him for Euro 2016 as he scored and provided two assists in Real Madrid's 5-1 Liga win against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday Benzema would not play a part in the European Championship on home soil this year due to his involvement in an ongoing legal investigation into an alleged plot to blackmail Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, and he wasted no time in reminding the decision makers of what they would be missing.
The 28-year-old produced a brilliant display to help Zinedine Zidane's side follow up on their Champions League quarter-final victory over Wolfsburg by piling the pressure on Liga leaders Barcelona – who entertain Valencia on Sunday – by closing the gap at the top to one point.
After Cristiano Ronaldo had struck the upright, Benzema opened the scoring on the half-hour mark despite not making the cleanest of contact with an excellent delivery from James Rodriguez.
The former Lyon striker then played a one-two with Isco to enable the midfielder to add the second, and facilitated a rapid counter-attack for Gareth Bale to slot home the third before being replaced by Jese Rodriguez in the 67th minute.
Pablo Sarabia pulled one back for Getafe, but they were unable to avoid a 13th Liga match without a win in Jose Esnaider's first game at the helm as James and Ronaldo both found the net in the closing stages to complete a seventh successive top-flight win for Madrid.
Zidane rested Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric but his side were on the front foot from kick-off, with James forcing Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita down to his left to keep out a 20-yard strike after just four minutes.
Ronaldo hit the base of the post with a powerful drive with 16 minutes on the clock as, despite dominating possession, Madrid were limited to efforts from outside the area.
That was until James curled a delightful cross in from the right wing and Benzema, timing his run to perfection, swept the ball into the bottom corner unchallenged for his 22nd Liga goal of the season – his best return since signing in 2009.
Guaita denied Ronaldo one minute later, but Madrid doubled their advantage before half-time when Isco stabbed the ball beneath the onrushing keeper after a neat move with Benzema.
The French striker laid on the third for his side, releasing the breaking Bale, who surged into the box and guided the ball into the far corner to surpass his previous best of 15 Liga goals in one campaign.Keylor Navas did well to stop Sarabia converting an indirect free-kick from six yards after he picked up a touch from Marcelo inside the box soon after.
Sarabia's endeavour was rewarded when his 20-yard effort found the back of the net via a deflection off Pepe in the 83rd minute, but James showed supreme composure to restore the three-goal cushion with two minutes remaining.
And Ronaldo rounded off an emphatic win in second-half stoppage time by adding the finishing touch to Jese's pass in front of an open goal, keeping Madrid's title tilt on course and Getafe rooted to the foot of the table.
Everton 1-1 Southampton: Mane equaliser maintains pressure on Martinez
Everton failed to arrest their poor run of form at home as they once again let a lead slip, with Sadio Mane's goal earning a 1-1 Premier League draw for Southampton at Goodison Park.
Roberto Martinez needed a victory to relieve some of the pressure that has been building on him following a winless run for Everton that now stands at six top-flight games.
The hosts failed to stamp any authority on proceedings throughout, though, with Southampton twice hitting the woodwork and dominating possession.
Everton were given a lifeline when Ramiro Funes Mori capitalised on slack defending from Ryan Bertrand to thump a drilled effort home from close range, but their lead was short-lived as Mane latched onto a loose ball to nudge in with just under 15 minutes remaining.
It was no more than Ronald Koeman's side deserved and they would have taken the lead in the closing stages if not for a fine save by Joel Robles to deny Jay Rodriguez.
Southampton continued to press as the game wore on, with Everton restricted to little more than counter-attacks, but the hosts – who have won just four league games at Goodison this term – held firm to secure a share of the spoils.
Ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, Martinez made six changes, with Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, who netted the goals in Everton's 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture and had started every Premier League game this term, among those dropping out.
Everton started brightly and almost took the lead when Gerard Deulofeu teed up Kevin Mirallas, but the Belgian's goal-bound strike was blocked on the line by Jose Fonte, while Dusan Tadic went close with a hooked volley at the other end.
However, just moments after making another timely block to once again deny Mirallas, Fonte's afternoon came to a premature end when he was taken off with a head injury.
But that setback did not shake Southampton as the visitors came on strong towards the end of the half – Shane Long clipping the woodwork with a glancing header before Virgil van Dijk directed a close-range effort over the crossbar.
The visitors came out strongly after the interval and were unlucky not to move ahead when Tadic rattled the woodwork with a deflected strike.
Matters were made more difficult for Everton soon after when Seamus Coleman pulled up with an apparent hamstring injury and was replaced by debutant Callum Connolly.
Everton finally managed to get an effort on target just before the hour mark, but Mirallas' free-kick was easy for Fraser Forster.
But for all Southampton's pressure, it was Everton who broke the deadlock as Funes Mori, at the second attempt, bundled home with a powerful effort after the visitors failed to clear from a 68th-minute corner.
However, Everton's soft underbelly was exposed once more when Mane stole in to tap home from six yards out.
Boosted by that deserved equaliser, Southampton continued to apply the pressure, but – despite Rodriguez testing Robles with a stinging effort – the points were shared.
Everton failed to arrest their poor run of form at home as they once again let a lead slip, with Sadio Mane's goal earning a 1-1 Premier League draw for Southampton at Goodison Park.
Roberto Martinez needed a victory to relieve some of the pressure that has been building on him following a winless run for Everton that now stands at six top-flight games.
The hosts failed to stamp any authority on proceedings throughout, though, with Southampton twice hitting the woodwork and dominating possession.
Everton were given a lifeline when Ramiro Funes Mori capitalised on slack defending from Ryan Bertrand to thump a drilled effort home from close range, but their lead was short-lived as Mane latched onto a loose ball to nudge in with just under 15 minutes remaining.
It was no more than Ronald Koeman's side deserved and they would have taken the lead in the closing stages if not for a fine save by Joel Robles to deny Jay Rodriguez.
Southampton continued to press as the game wore on, with Everton restricted to little more than counter-attacks, but the hosts – who have won just four league games at Goodison this term – held firm to secure a share of the spoils.
Ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, Martinez made six changes, with Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, who netted the goals in Everton's 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture and had started every Premier League game this term, among those dropping out.
Everton started brightly and almost took the lead when Gerard Deulofeu teed up Kevin Mirallas, but the Belgian's goal-bound strike was blocked on the line by Jose Fonte, while Dusan Tadic went close with a hooked volley at the other end.
However, just moments after making another timely block to once again deny Mirallas, Fonte's afternoon came to a premature end when he was taken off with a head injury.
But that setback did not shake Southampton as the visitors came on strong towards the end of the half – Shane Long clipping the woodwork with a glancing header before Virgil van Dijk directed a close-range effort over the crossbar.
The visitors came out strongly after the interval and were unlucky not to move ahead when Tadic rattled the woodwork with a deflected strike.
Matters were made more difficult for Everton soon after when Seamus Coleman pulled up with an apparent hamstring injury and was replaced by debutant Callum Connolly.
Everton finally managed to get an effort on target just before the hour mark, but Mirallas' free-kick was easy for Fraser Forster.
But for all Southampton's pressure, it was Everton who broke the deadlock as Funes Mori, at the second attempt, bundled home with a powerful effort after the visitors failed to clear from a 68th-minute corner.
However, Everton's soft underbelly was exposed once more when Mane stole in to tap home from six yards out.
Boosted by that deserved equaliser, Southampton continued to apply the pressure, but – despite Rodriguez testing Robles with a stinging effort – the points were shared.
Aston Villa relegated from Premier League
Aston Villa have been relegated from the Premier League following their defeat by Manchester United on Saturday.
The west Midlands club have been rooted to the bottom of the table, having won just three top-flight matches this term, and their relegation to the Championship has been confirmed with four games remaining.
The visitors to Old Trafford needed all three points to be in with any chance of prolonging their stay in England's top flight but a goal from Marcus Rashford ensured that Louis van Gaal's side would consign them to the drop.
Villa are now a massive 15 points from safety, having now lost each of their last nine league games, and have so far scored only 23 goals this term, conceding a massive 65.
Two two teams who will join Villa in the Championship are yet to be decided, however, with Norwich City, Sunderland and Newcastle United all battling to stay in the division, while the likes of Crystal Palace and Watford are not yet completely safe.
Aston Villa have been relegated from the Premier League following their defeat by Manchester United on Saturday.
The west Midlands club have been rooted to the bottom of the table, having won just three top-flight matches this term, and their relegation to the Championship has been confirmed with four games remaining.
The visitors to Old Trafford needed all three points to be in with any chance of prolonging their stay in England's top flight but a goal from Marcus Rashford ensured that Louis van Gaal's side would consign them to the drop.
Villa are now a massive 15 points from safety, having now lost each of their last nine league games, and have so far scored only 23 goals this term, conceding a massive 65.
Two two teams who will join Villa in the Championship are yet to be decided, however, with Norwich City, Sunderland and Newcastle United all battling to stay in the division, while the likes of Crystal Palace and Watford are not yet completely safe.
Heurelho Gomes sets new Premier League record after Watford penalty heroics
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has set a new Premier League record by becoming the first person to save two penalties in two different games.
The 35-year-old saved two spot-kicks from Saido Berahino in Watford’s 1-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday, while in April 2010, the Brazilian stopped two penalties from Darren Bent in Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Sunderland.
Ben Watson’s first-half strike was enough to secure victory for Watford, who are now 12th in the Premier League on 41 points.
Meanwhile for Gomes, his penalty heroics are only outshone in the Premier League by former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, who stopped 31.8% of his penalties.
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has set a new Premier League record by becoming the first person to save two penalties in two different games.
The 35-year-old saved two spot-kicks from Saido Berahino in Watford’s 1-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday, while in April 2010, the Brazilian stopped two penalties from Darren Bent in Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Sunderland.
Ben Watson’s first-half strike was enough to secure victory for Watford, who are now 12th in the Premier League on 41 points.
Meanwhile for Gomes, his penalty heroics are only outshone in the Premier League by former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, who stopped 31.8% of his penalties.
Aston Villa's relegation is a weight off our shoulders, admits Lescott
Joleon Lescott admits confirmation of Aston Villa’s relegation is a weight off the players’ shoulders.
Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday means they will be playing in the Championship next season, but Lescott believes the team now have the opportunity to impress, now that they have learned their fate.
"We knew before the game what we had to do but coming to Old Trafford is never easy no matter what situation you're in,” Lescott told BBC Sport.
"Throughout the game we showed a level of pride that there's probably not been enough of throughout the season.
"It's about results so regardless of how we played in patches today we are relegated. We need to find a way to get out of this run of defeats. Now it's confirmed maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances.
"Throughout the season we have given reasons for people to jump on us. It's part of football, we have to take that on the chin. It's a tough time at the minute. At the back of our minds is next season to get promoted. I'm here for as long as Aston Villa want me."
Joleon Lescott admits confirmation of Aston Villa’s relegation is a weight off the players’ shoulders.
Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday means they will be playing in the Championship next season, but Lescott believes the team now have the opportunity to impress, now that they have learned their fate.
"We knew before the game what we had to do but coming to Old Trafford is never easy no matter what situation you're in,” Lescott told BBC Sport.
"Throughout the game we showed a level of pride that there's probably not been enough of throughout the season.
"It's about results so regardless of how we played in patches today we are relegated. We need to find a way to get out of this run of defeats. Now it's confirmed maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances.
"Throughout the season we have given reasons for people to jump on us. It's part of football, we have to take that on the chin. It's a tough time at the minute. At the back of our minds is next season to get promoted. I'm here for as long as Aston Villa want me."
Mata applauds Manchester United match-winner Rashford
Juan Mata applauded the impact of Marcus Rashford after the 19-year-old striker scored the winner in Manchester United's 1-0 defeat of Aston Villa on Saturday, sealing the visitors' relegation in the process.
Rashford has been a revelation since his United debut against Midtjylland on February 25, starting 12 games in all competitions and scoring seven times, including his smart finish against Villa.
The England Under-21 international netted a stunning goal in Wednesday's 2-1 FA Cup defeat of West Ham and was on the scoresheet again at Old Trafford, directing home following an inch-perfect cut-back from Antonio Valencia in the 32nd minute.
And Mata, who enjoyed a solid performance himself, believes Rashford's attitude and humble nature stand him in good stead, urging the United academy product to finish the season in form."We are all so happy for him," the Spaniard told reporters.
"He is scoring goals, creating chances and his movement is very good. He needs to keep working hard, but he is a humble guy and full of confidence.
"I hope he can continue and score even more goals before the end of the season."
The result keeps the pressure on rivals Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League spot and, although stealing that berth from Manuel Pellegrini's men is out of United's hands, Mata is under no illusions as to what Louis van Gaal's side's targets are in the remainder of the season.
"Our aim is to win five games," he added. "Obviously we are now depending on other results and other teams [to get into the top four], but we are clear that we have two objectives now; one to win the FA Cup and then to get into the Champions League."
Juan Mata applauded the impact of Marcus Rashford after the 19-year-old striker scored the winner in Manchester United's 1-0 defeat of Aston Villa on Saturday, sealing the visitors' relegation in the process.
Rashford has been a revelation since his United debut against Midtjylland on February 25, starting 12 games in all competitions and scoring seven times, including his smart finish against Villa.
The England Under-21 international netted a stunning goal in Wednesday's 2-1 FA Cup defeat of West Ham and was on the scoresheet again at Old Trafford, directing home following an inch-perfect cut-back from Antonio Valencia in the 32nd minute.
And Mata, who enjoyed a solid performance himself, believes Rashford's attitude and humble nature stand him in good stead, urging the United academy product to finish the season in form."We are all so happy for him," the Spaniard told reporters.
"He is scoring goals, creating chances and his movement is very good. He needs to keep working hard, but he is a humble guy and full of confidence.
"I hope he can continue and score even more goals before the end of the season."
The result keeps the pressure on rivals Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League spot and, although stealing that berth from Manuel Pellegrini's men is out of United's hands, Mata is under no illusions as to what Louis van Gaal's side's targets are in the remainder of the season.
"Our aim is to win five games," he added. "Obviously we are now depending on other results and other teams [to get into the top four], but we are clear that we have two objectives now; one to win the FA Cup and then to get into the Champions League."
Van Gaal: Rooney angry I took him off
Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney is angry with him, because he was not allowed to complete the full 90 minutes as Manchester United defeated Aston Villa on Saturday.
United ran out 1-0 winners over the doomed strugglers, whose relegation was confirmed at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.Rooney started the game but was substituted in the 67th minute, with Jesse Lingard his replacement, and Van Gaal claims the United skipper was disappointed not to complete the encounter.
Explaining his tactical changes, Van Gaal told reporters: "I wanted to change him [Rashford] also. I have doubted for a long time because he has played the last 12 matches. But he was very positive, he was positive to play, he told me he was fit.
"The last 15 minutes is always very important, so I changed him. The same for Rooney because he has not played. He was angry with me because he wanted to play on, but he lost the ball more in the second half. He was good in the first."
United defeated West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup in midweek and Van Gaal feels that the club's exertions at Upton Park negatively affected his team's display against Villa.
"Because of that intense game I have changed five players so that has an influence," he added. "I was surprised that we could not lift ourselves because we played at too slow a tempo.
"I know it's not so easy when you have to play against a very defensive team. You have to play very quickly, and we have trained that way, but to play like that is very difficult. But we have three points and that is most important right now."
Louis van Gaal says Wayne Rooney is angry with him, because he was not allowed to complete the full 90 minutes as Manchester United defeated Aston Villa on Saturday.
United ran out 1-0 winners over the doomed strugglers, whose relegation was confirmed at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.Rooney started the game but was substituted in the 67th minute, with Jesse Lingard his replacement, and Van Gaal claims the United skipper was disappointed not to complete the encounter.
Explaining his tactical changes, Van Gaal told reporters: "I wanted to change him [Rashford] also. I have doubted for a long time because he has played the last 12 matches. But he was very positive, he was positive to play, he told me he was fit.
"The last 15 minutes is always very important, so I changed him. The same for Rooney because he has not played. He was angry with me because he wanted to play on, but he lost the ball more in the second half. He was good in the first."
United defeated West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup in midweek and Van Gaal feels that the club's exertions at Upton Park negatively affected his team's display against Villa.
"Because of that intense game I have changed five players so that has an influence," he added. "I was surprised that we could not lift ourselves because we played at too slow a tempo.
"I know it's not so easy when you have to play against a very defensive team. You have to play very quickly, and we have trained that way, but to play like that is very difficult. But we have three points and that is most important right now."
Paris Saint-Germain 6-0 Caen: Ibrahimovic double leads rout
Paris Saint-Germain showed no sign of a Champions League hangover as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice in a 6-0 demolition of Caen on Saturday.
The Ligue 1 champions once again failed to replicate their domestic dominance on the European scene as a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday saw them eliminated at the quarter-final stage for the fourth season running.
But PSG undoubtedly remain the powerhouse of French football and Laurent Blanc – whose failure in Europe has led to question marks over his future – witnessed his side at their irrepressible best at the Parc des Princes.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the beneficiary of an Alaeddine Yahia mistake for his 31st league goal of the campaign, surpassing his best return in a season, and the Sweden striker set up Blaise Matuidi to make it 2-0 shortly before half-time.
Three goals in the space of seven minutes early in the second half then killed any hope of a Caen comeback as PSG ran riot.
Cavani tapped in the third, Angel di Maria scored the pick of the goals with an audacious chip and Ibrahimovic grabbed a second thanks to a well-controlled volley before Maxwell completed the rout.PSG opened the scoring in the 12th minute following a gift from Caen.
Yahia got his feet tangled after making an interception and Di Maria teed up Ibrahimovic, whose 25-yard effort went straight under Remy Vercoutre.Caen responded well and Ronny Rodelin side-footed wide after meeting Vincent Bessat's deep cross from the left.
PSG missed a great chance to double the lead when Lucas Moura headed straight at the goalkeeper from Matuidi's clever dinked cross and shortly after Ibrahimovic picked out the run of Cavani, whose delicate chip just cleared the crossbar.Vercoutre then made a sharp save from Matuidi's volley, before Cavani slashed an effort wide when one-on-one.
Caen almost made PSG pay twice. First Benjamin Stambouli cleared Michael Nkololo's header off the line before Salvatore Sirigu made a fine one-handed stop from Saidi Ntibazonkiza.It was 2-0 before the break, though. Ibrahimovic held the ball up in the area and squared to Matuidi, who rifled his shot past Vercoutre.
And the floodgates opened after the interval. Cavani started the blitz, prodding into an unguarded goal after great work by Ibrahimovic and the brilliant Matuidi.
Di Maria then displayed his class by bursting through the middle and delicately chipping over Vercoutre.It soon became five when Layvin Kurzawa's first-time cross from the left was wonderfully guided home by Ibrahimovic at the back post.
There was no mercy for Caen and Cavani picked up the ball on the left before laying on for Maxwell in the area and the full-back's effort was too strong for Vercoutre, while Gregory van der Wiel also struck the post late on.
Paris Saint-Germain showed no sign of a Champions League hangover as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice in a 6-0 demolition of Caen on Saturday.
The Ligue 1 champions once again failed to replicate their domestic dominance on the European scene as a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday saw them eliminated at the quarter-final stage for the fourth season running.
But PSG undoubtedly remain the powerhouse of French football and Laurent Blanc – whose failure in Europe has led to question marks over his future – witnessed his side at their irrepressible best at the Parc des Princes.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the beneficiary of an Alaeddine Yahia mistake for his 31st league goal of the campaign, surpassing his best return in a season, and the Sweden striker set up Blaise Matuidi to make it 2-0 shortly before half-time.
Three goals in the space of seven minutes early in the second half then killed any hope of a Caen comeback as PSG ran riot.
Cavani tapped in the third, Angel di Maria scored the pick of the goals with an audacious chip and Ibrahimovic grabbed a second thanks to a well-controlled volley before Maxwell completed the rout.PSG opened the scoring in the 12th minute following a gift from Caen.
Yahia got his feet tangled after making an interception and Di Maria teed up Ibrahimovic, whose 25-yard effort went straight under Remy Vercoutre.Caen responded well and Ronny Rodelin side-footed wide after meeting Vincent Bessat's deep cross from the left.
PSG missed a great chance to double the lead when Lucas Moura headed straight at the goalkeeper from Matuidi's clever dinked cross and shortly after Ibrahimovic picked out the run of Cavani, whose delicate chip just cleared the crossbar.Vercoutre then made a sharp save from Matuidi's volley, before Cavani slashed an effort wide when one-on-one.
Caen almost made PSG pay twice. First Benjamin Stambouli cleared Michael Nkololo's header off the line before Salvatore Sirigu made a fine one-handed stop from Saidi Ntibazonkiza.It was 2-0 before the break, though. Ibrahimovic held the ball up in the area and squared to Matuidi, who rifled his shot past Vercoutre.
And the floodgates opened after the interval. Cavani started the blitz, prodding into an unguarded goal after great work by Ibrahimovic and the brilliant Matuidi.
Di Maria then displayed his class by bursting through the middle and delicately chipping over Vercoutre.It soon became five when Layvin Kurzawa's first-time cross from the left was wonderfully guided home by Ibrahimovic at the back post.
There was no mercy for Caen and Cavani picked up the ball on the left before laying on for Maxwell in the area and the full-back's effort was too strong for Vercoutre, while Gregory van der Wiel also struck the post late on.
Bayern Munich 3-0 FC Schalke: Lewandowski nets double in easy victory
A Robert Lewandowski brace and Arturo Vidal's goal helped Bayern Munich close to within touching distance of a fourth successive Bundesliga crown as they defeated Schalke3-0 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
The result means Pep Guardiola's men can clinch the title as early as next weekend if second-placed Borussia Dortmund fail to beat Hamburg and Stuttgart in their next two matches, coupled with a Bayern triumph at Hertha Berlin on April 23.
The deserved victory rounded off a fine week for the Bavarian giants in which they also progressed to the last four of the Champions League, but they were made to work for the three points by an stubborn Schalke side who kept them at bay for almost an hour.The visitors defended stoutly as they sought to keep a first clean sheet in seven games and maintain their hopes of securing a Champions League place.
But they were undone on 54 minutes when Robert Lewandowski rifled home his 26th league goal of the season from close range.
The Pole then made it 2-0 with a fine header just after the hour-mark, before Vidal added the third on 73 minutes, ensuring Bayern would maintain an unbeaten league run at home to Schalke that stretches back to 2009.For Andre Breitenreiter's men, meanwhile, the defeat means they have now won only three of their last 12 games in all competitions and remain seventh in the table.
With the visitors happy to get numbers behind the ball and sit deep, Bayern struggled to find a way through during a low-key first half.
Despite some promising approach work from Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa down either flank, it took the hosts until the 18th minute to create their first shooting opportunity, when Juan Bernat dragged his effort wide of the far post from 15 yards out.
On their rare attacking forays, Leroy Sane looked lively for Schalke, but the hosts' goalkeeper Manuel Neuer still remained a virtual spectator for the entire opening 45 minutes.
Opposite number Ralf Fahrmann was similarly under-worked, although he was grateful to Joel Matip just before the break as the Cameroon international foiled Mario Gotze's attempt to turn and shoot from close range.
Bayern upped the pace at the start of the second half, with Coman and Philipp Lahm both drawing saves from Fahrmann.On 52 minutes, Vidal was narrowly off-target after a neat turn on the edge of the box and seconds later it was Costa's turn to be denied by Fahrmann.
Finally the breakthrough arrived, however, as Vidal found Lewandowski and he pivoted in the box before finding the bottom corner of the net.Ten minutes later, the Bundesliga's leading scorer grabbed his and Bayern's second, rising highest to head home a superb Rafinha cross from the right.
Sane then came close to providing an immediate response for Schalke, but his header from a Caicara cross was straight at Neuer and the game was effectively ended as a contest on 73 minutes when substitute Franck Ribery teed up Vidal for the Chilean to bag his second goal in four days.
A Robert Lewandowski brace and Arturo Vidal's goal helped Bayern Munich close to within touching distance of a fourth successive Bundesliga crown as they defeated Schalke3-0 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
The result means Pep Guardiola's men can clinch the title as early as next weekend if second-placed Borussia Dortmund fail to beat Hamburg and Stuttgart in their next two matches, coupled with a Bayern triumph at Hertha Berlin on April 23.
The deserved victory rounded off a fine week for the Bavarian giants in which they also progressed to the last four of the Champions League, but they were made to work for the three points by an stubborn Schalke side who kept them at bay for almost an hour.The visitors defended stoutly as they sought to keep a first clean sheet in seven games and maintain their hopes of securing a Champions League place.
But they were undone on 54 minutes when Robert Lewandowski rifled home his 26th league goal of the season from close range.
The Pole then made it 2-0 with a fine header just after the hour-mark, before Vidal added the third on 73 minutes, ensuring Bayern would maintain an unbeaten league run at home to Schalke that stretches back to 2009.For Andre Breitenreiter's men, meanwhile, the defeat means they have now won only three of their last 12 games in all competitions and remain seventh in the table.
With the visitors happy to get numbers behind the ball and sit deep, Bayern struggled to find a way through during a low-key first half.
Despite some promising approach work from Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa down either flank, it took the hosts until the 18th minute to create their first shooting opportunity, when Juan Bernat dragged his effort wide of the far post from 15 yards out.
On their rare attacking forays, Leroy Sane looked lively for Schalke, but the hosts' goalkeeper Manuel Neuer still remained a virtual spectator for the entire opening 45 minutes.
Opposite number Ralf Fahrmann was similarly under-worked, although he was grateful to Joel Matip just before the break as the Cameroon international foiled Mario Gotze's attempt to turn and shoot from close range.
Bayern upped the pace at the start of the second half, with Coman and Philipp Lahm both drawing saves from Fahrmann.On 52 minutes, Vidal was narrowly off-target after a neat turn on the edge of the box and seconds later it was Costa's turn to be denied by Fahrmann.
Finally the breakthrough arrived, however, as Vidal found Lewandowski and he pivoted in the box before finding the bottom corner of the net.Ten minutes later, the Bundesliga's leading scorer grabbed his and Bayern's second, rising highest to head home a superb Rafinha cross from the right.
Sane then came close to providing an immediate response for Schalke, but his header from a Caicara cross was straight at Neuer and the game was effectively ended as a contest on 73 minutes when substitute Franck Ribery teed up Vidal for the Chilean to bag his second goal in four days.
Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City: Aguero hits hat-trick as Courtois sees red
Sergio Aguero continued his rich vein of scoring form with a clinical hat-trick as Manchester City swept Chelsea aside, with Thibaut Courtois’ late sending off compounding Guus Hiddink’s misery.
Aguero has now scored 13 goals in his last 12 top-flight appearances, and his display helped City temporarily move up to third position, though Arsenal would overtake them if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Argentina international was dangerous from the early stages, with he and Pedro having efforts blocked by last-ditch defending inside the opening 10 minutes.
Kevin De Bruyne was a constant menace on his first return to the club who sold him in 2014, playing a key role in Aguero's first two goals, which both came from swift counter-attacking moves.
The striker was afforded the chance to complete his hat-trick when Courtois was shown a red card for felling Fernandinho inside the box, and, despite missing from the spot in the win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Aguero made no mistake this time.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini gained a degree of revenge for the 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea in February - a match in which he fielded a severely weakened team, while Guus Hiddink's men have now won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions
Pellegrini welcomed Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri back into the starting line-up but David Silva was afforded a rest due to an ongoing ankle injury, while Courtois, Gary Cahill and Willian all returned for Chelsea.
Cahill was not eased into his return from a hip injury as he was forced into a vital block to stop Aguero converting a fourth-minute cutback from De Bruyne.
Chelsea responded well, with Diego Costa, showing no signs of rustiness after a three-game absence due to suspension, latching onto a long ball following a lapse in concentration from Nicolas Otamendi with just seven minutes played.
The striker held off the onrushing Joe Hart before teeing up Pedro, whose strike was cleared off the line by Otamendi, making up for his initial error.
In a very open game, Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a cross-goal drive pushed behind by Hart, although the officials incorrectly awarded a goal-kick, before Chelsea came under an onslaught of City pressure.
The hosts had to rely on Courtois to keep out De Bruyne and Nasri, but the goalkeeper was eventually beaten with 33 minutes played.
De Bruyne led a rapid counter-attack down the right before sending a pass inside to Aguero, whose 20-yard strike took a deflection off Cahill on its way into the bottom-right corner.
Chelsea mounted a strong start to the second half but they fell two behind in the 54th minute when De Bruyne led a charge from inside his own half, and Nasri used the Belgian's pass to thread through Aguero for an emphatic finish.
Nasri was replaced by Fabian Delph after appearing to sustain an injury with 15 minutes remaining, and City were soon awarded a penalty following Courtois' foul on Fernandinho.
Aguero stepped up to complete his hat-trick, coolly sending substitute goalkeeper Asmir Begovic the wrong way in the 80th minute.
Sergio Aguero continued his rich vein of scoring form with a clinical hat-trick as Manchester City swept Chelsea aside, with Thibaut Courtois’ late sending off compounding Guus Hiddink’s misery.
Aguero has now scored 13 goals in his last 12 top-flight appearances, and his display helped City temporarily move up to third position, though Arsenal would overtake them if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Argentina international was dangerous from the early stages, with he and Pedro having efforts blocked by last-ditch defending inside the opening 10 minutes.
Kevin De Bruyne was a constant menace on his first return to the club who sold him in 2014, playing a key role in Aguero's first two goals, which both came from swift counter-attacking moves.
The striker was afforded the chance to complete his hat-trick when Courtois was shown a red card for felling Fernandinho inside the box, and, despite missing from the spot in the win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Aguero made no mistake this time.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini gained a degree of revenge for the 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea in February - a match in which he fielded a severely weakened team, while Guus Hiddink's men have now won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions
Pellegrini welcomed Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri back into the starting line-up but David Silva was afforded a rest due to an ongoing ankle injury, while Courtois, Gary Cahill and Willian all returned for Chelsea.
Cahill was not eased into his return from a hip injury as he was forced into a vital block to stop Aguero converting a fourth-minute cutback from De Bruyne.
Chelsea responded well, with Diego Costa, showing no signs of rustiness after a three-game absence due to suspension, latching onto a long ball following a lapse in concentration from Nicolas Otamendi with just seven minutes played.
The striker held off the onrushing Joe Hart before teeing up Pedro, whose strike was cleared off the line by Otamendi, making up for his initial error.
In a very open game, Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a cross-goal drive pushed behind by Hart, although the officials incorrectly awarded a goal-kick, before Chelsea came under an onslaught of City pressure.
The hosts had to rely on Courtois to keep out De Bruyne and Nasri, but the goalkeeper was eventually beaten with 33 minutes played.
De Bruyne led a rapid counter-attack down the right before sending a pass inside to Aguero, whose 20-yard strike took a deflection off Cahill on its way into the bottom-right corner.
Chelsea mounted a strong start to the second half but they fell two behind in the 54th minute when De Bruyne led a charge from inside his own half, and Nasri used the Belgian's pass to thread through Aguero for an emphatic finish.
Nasri was replaced by Fabian Delph after appearing to sustain an injury with 15 minutes remaining, and City were soon awarded a penalty following Courtois' foul on Fernandinho.
Aguero stepped up to complete his hat-trick, coolly sending substitute goalkeeper Asmir Begovic the wrong way in the 80th minute.
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