..::Football IV::..

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Serie A Fixtures 2016.12.18

Serie A Fixtures 2016.12.18

Sassuolo Vs Inter

Chievo Vs Sampdoria

Napoli vs Torino

Pescara Vs Bologna

Udinese Vs Crotone

Genoa Vs Palermo

Lazio Vs Fiorentina​

 

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Bundesliga Fixtures 2016.12.18

Bundesliga Fixtures 2016.12.18

Darmstadt Vs Bayern

Leverkusen Vs Ingolstadt​

 

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Club America 2-2 Atletico Nacional (AET, 3-4 pens): Colombians finish third in Club World Cup

Atletico Nacional sealed third place in the Club World Cup, beating Club America 4-3 on penalties after 90 minutes of action in Yokohama had ended in a 2-2 draw.
In the shoot-out, America's Osvaldo Martinez hit the crossbar and Miguel Samudio - who had earlier scored an own goal - fired over, meaning Juan Pablo Nieto's miss for Atletico went unpunished.

Atletico had threatened to run away with the match after Samudio's own goal and a strike from Alejandro Guerra.But Michael Arroyo reduced the deficit prior to half-time and America drew level after the break through a penalty from substitute Oribe Peralta.

Atletico prevailed in the shoot-out, though, meaning they finish third ahead of the final between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers later on Sunday.

Both sides had been soundly beaten in their respective semi-finals but it was Atletico who made the brighter start, taking the lead in the sixth minute.

Mateus Uribe's excellent throughball sought out Orlando Berrio and as the forward prepared to shoot, Samudio stuck out a leg but only succeeded in poking the ball through the legs of his own goalkeeper.

America ought to have had a penalty when Rubens Sambueza was chopped down by Atletico keeper Franco Armani, and their mood was not improved when Silvio Romero could only stab wide from close range shortly afterwards.

To make matters worse, Atletico went two up in the 26th minute as Berrio got in down the right and cut the ball back for Guerra to sweep home first time.The game should have been put to bed when more good work from Berrio saw the ball run for Jhon Mosquera, whose shot crashed back off the bar.

This time it was Atletico's turn to rue a missed opportunity as America pulled one back, Samudio setting up Arroyo to smash home in the 38th minute.

Romero forced a good save from Armani early in the second half as America pushed to complete the comeback.

The striker then had an excellent shooting opportunity in his side's next attack but could only fire straight at Armani, before Guerra chipped over after an excellent team move for Atletico at the other end.

The America penalty award was controversial as Farid Diaz jumped into the back of Samudio while challenging for a header, allowing Peralta to find the top corner from the spot after 66 minutes.Atletico substitute Miguel Borja forced a good save from Moises Munoz from long range as the match moved to penalties.

America missed both of their first two spot-kicks to put Atletico in control despite Nieto's miss, and Borja went on to hit the winning penalty.

 

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Real Madrid 4-2 Kashima Antlers: Ronaldo hat-trick rescues Los Blancos

Cristiano Ronaldo rose to Real Madrid's rescue with a hat-trick to fire them past Kashima Antlers 4-2 after extra time in the final to clinch the 2016 Club World Cup title on Saturday.

The writing looked on the wall when the European champions took the lead against the J.League title winners - the first Japanese club to appear in the last two - as Karim Benzema opened the scoring.

However, Antlers struck back twice through Gaku Shibasaki, who volleyed in the equaliser before the break before showing fantastic skill to put his side ahead in the 52nd minute.Zinedine Zidane's men found a way back through Ronaldo's penalty on the hour mark, though, after Shuto Yamamoto scythed down Lucas Vazquez in the box.

And it was the newly-crowned Ballon d'Or winner's decisive double in extra time that finally broke all resistance and be crowned world champions for the second time in three years.

The trophy is Madrid's second Club World Cup success and the fifth time they have been crowned world champions, with head coach Zinedine Zidane celebrating his third trophy of the calendar year.Kashima had won three matches en route to the final and they produced a superb performance, testing Madrid to the limit in front of a passionate crowd.

The opener arrived early after Vazquez's cross had been cleared as far as Luka Modric. The midfielder's volley was spilled by goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata into the path of Benzema and he converted the rebound with an instinctive finish.

Kashima captain Mitsuo Ogasawara fired just over with a blistering effort as the J.League champions attempted to draw level, although Sogahata soon had to get down sharply to save Benzema's long-range drive.

The equaliser arrived a minute before half-time when Shoma Doi crossed from the left to find Shibasaki, who forced his way past Raphael Varane in the penalty area and powered a finish into the bottom corner.

Incredibly, Kashima moved in front after 52 minutes when Sergio Ramos' poor clearance only travelled as far as Shibasaki. The midfielder escaped the attention of three Madrid players and fired a left-footed shot past Keylor Navas from 20 yards.

That rallied Madrid and Zidane's men equalised from the penalty spot after a combination of Shibasaki and Yamamoto brought down Vazquez, with Ronaldo firing into the bottom corner from 12 yards.Madrid were seeking a winner and Ronaldo had a shot saved by Sogahata, while Ramos lashed an attempt over from the resulting corner.

Madrid were seeking a winner and Ronaldo had a shot saved by Sogahata, while Ramos lashed an attempt over from the resulting corner.

Marcelo was the next to be denied by Sogahata, while Yasushi Endo briefly stemmed the flow of attacks by forcing Navas into action at the other end.But Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside after Benzema's shot had been parried by the Kashima keeper, before the Portugal international headed Vazquez's cross over.

Ronaldo squandered another chance when he failed to beat Sogahata having been sent through on goal by Benzema, and the Frenchman headed off target from close range.

A thrilling contest moved towards extra time after Madrid survived three late scares, with Navas having to save from Fabricio and Mu Kanazaki, while Ramos avoided a second yellow card for a last-minute foul.

Ronaldo struck twice in extra-time, first firing in a left-footed finish after 98 minutes having broken the offside trap to latch on to Benzema's pass.

Yuma Suzuki headed against the crossbar for Kashima as an extraordinary match continued to hang in the balance until Ronaldo sealed the trophy by collecting Toni Kroos' scuffed shot and powerfully striking into the roof of the net.

Madrid almost had a fifth when, after a weaving run, substitute Alvaro Morata's shot beat Sogahata but was cleared off the line by Naomichi Ueda, with Ronaldo and Madrid celebrating a memorable victory.

 

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Congratulations Real Madrid!​

 

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Sassuolo 0-1 Inter: Candreva ends winless away run

Antonio Candreva starred as Inter won away from home for the first time in almost three months with a 1-0 victory at Sassuolo in Serie A, playing out the final few minutes with 10 men.

Since beating Empoli on September 21, the Nerazzurri had lost seven of eight away games in all competitions, drawing once against arch-rivals AC Milan at San Siro.

However, while Sassuolo had come out on top in each of the previous three meetings between these two sides, they have struggled in recent weeks and went into the match with one win in their last 12 competitive matches.And Candreva was in inspired form for Inter on Sunday, terrorising the hosts in the first half before opening the scoring after the break.

The Italy international had already struck the post and laid on a glorious opportunity for Mauro Icardi when he smashed a rebound past Andrea Consigli after 47 minutes.

Inter pushed for a late second but Ivan Perisic was unable to take their best chances, and victory was soured by the dismissal of Felipe Melo for a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.Candreva mustered the first shot on target as Consigli parried away his awkward, dipping 25-yard strike.

After a relatively slow start, that effort prompted a spell of Inter pressure and Candreva's next deflected attempt crashed back off the post, with Consigli this time beaten.

The hosts finally responded as the half-hour mark approached, but Federico Ricci blazed over from Antonino Ragusa's cross, while Lorenzo Pellegrini's blast on the turn ricocheted into Samir Handanovic's arms.Icardi should have nodded Inter in front, but, rising to meet Candreva's delivery unmarked, he directed a header narrowly past the right-hand post.

Back came Sassuolo, and Gregoire Defrel brought the best out of Handanovic as the goalkeeper tipped away a stretching volley from Stefano Sensi's measured pass.

Candreva, so often central to the action, accelerated away down the right, teeing up Perisic to shoot low at Consigli, before Icardi lashed the rebound wide.Inter finally took the lead just two minutes after half-time.

Consigli saved low from Joao Mario's thump, but, with the rebound not cleared, Candreva followed in to rattle a finish high into the net.Sassuolo remained a threat on the break, though, and Handanovic was again tested as he blocked Sensi's firm right-footed volley.

Miranda marginally escaped the ignominy of a costly late error, smashing a clearance from Ragusa's low drive narrowly wide of his own goal after an unanticipated deflection.

Inter renewed their earlier attacking efforts, though, hunting for a second, with Perisic twice shooting too close to the advancing Consigli as he was sent clear of the Sassuolo back-line.

Stefano Pioli's side finished the match with 10 men after Melo received his second booking for a foul on Francesco Acerbi, but victory, temporarily at least, sends them up to seventh.

 

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Ronaldo makes Club World Cup history

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score a Club World Cup final hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-2 extra-time victory over Kashima Antlers on Sunday.

Madrid looked like they could be heading for a shock defeat until Ronaldo drilled home from the penalty spot to make it 2-2, forcing an additional 30 minutes to be played.

The 31-year-old put Zinedine Zidane's side in front with a left-footed finish after being released by Karim Benzema – whose opener had earlier been overturned by Gaku Shibasaki's double – in the 98th minute.

Ronaldo completed his hat-trick when he fired into the roof of the net after Toni Kroos' scuffed attempt fell at his feet, making him the joint-highest scorer in the competition's history with five goals.

 

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Morata makes history in Club World Cup as first ever fourth substitute

Cristiano Ronaldo may have stolen headlines in Real Madrid's 4-2 Club World Cup final win over Kashima Antlers, but Alvaro Morata joined his team-mate in making history.

The Spain striker came on for the Portuguese hat-trick hero in extra time - in the process becoming the first fourth substitute in the history of competitive men's football.

Morata's entrance was possible after the fielding of an additional substitute in the event of extra time was sanctioned.

The new rule helped Zinedine Zidane preserve tired legs as the newly-crowned world champions keep one eye on their ongoing La Liga title charge.Ronaldo also made history, becoming the first player to score a Club World Cup final hat-trick in the victory.

 

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Ronaldo revels in 'dream year' after Club World Cup hat-trick

Cristiano Ronaldo's match-winning hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-2 Club World Cup final victory over Kashima Antlers capped off a "dream year" for the superstar forward.

The Japanese side took a shock lead as Gaku Shibasaki's double made it 2-1 to Kashima after Karim Benzema's early goal head put Madrid ahead.

Ronaldo's penalty forced extra time, and he duly spared Madrid's blushes in the extra 30 minutes to wrap up a third trophy of the year for Zinedine Zidane's men.
The Portuguese's performance came at the end of a week in which he won the Ballon d'Or, receiving that honour for the fourth time.

"We suffered a lot, but to win you have to suffer, and we ended the year in the best way," Ronaldo told TVE."It's a week of great joy, with the Ballon d'Or and this World Cup, a dream year. I want to thank my team-mates, because without them Cristiano could not win the individual trophy he won.

"It was an unforgettable year at a collective level and an individual level, we won the Champions League, [UEFA] Super Cup, European Championship [with Portugal] and now the World Cup, and a few days ago the Ballon d'Or."Choosing one is difficult, but the European Championship had a little more of a special taste to it because it was the first time."

Responding to criticism of his recent form - Ronaldo had failed to score against Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund going into the tournament - he added: "You always expect more from Cristiano, but when I do not give more it is because I cannot.

"The statistics do not lie, as I said I am very happy, it was a spectacular year with both Madrid and the national team."I am accustomed to the criticism, I always prove my quality on the pitch."

 

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Hoddle: I'm watching Man City commit 'footballing suicide' under Guardiola

Glenn Hoddle believes Manchester City's struggles arise from Pep Guardiola's reluctance to adapt his methods to the Premier League, saying the side are committing "footballing suicide".

After an impressive start to the new campaign, City have found it difficult to maintain their relentless pace and fallen off, falling 10 points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of their showdown with Arsenal on Sunday.The Etihad Stadium outfit have failed to convince since the turn of November and recently fell to consecutive defeats to the Blues followed by Leicester City.

And though they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Watford last weekend, Hoddle remains unconvinced and says they are paying for Guardiola's insistance on over-elaborate play.

"Instinctively, I'm in his camp. I've loved watching his teams," Hoddle wrote in his column for the Daily Mail."But when he came to England I did also say that it would be his biggest test and that he would have to adapt to our game. At the moment what I'm watching is footballing suicide.

"Teams are relishing playing City, rubbing their hands together saying: 'Well, if they want to play like that, great. We'll press them, cut down the angles and let them make their mistakes.'

"There's nothing wrong with playing out from the back but it's where you choose to do so which is important. Guardiola's team seem to want to do so from very deep."

Hoddle went on to state that the competitive nature of the Premier League would not allow City to dominate games on a whim, adding that Guardiola lacks the players to execute his vision of football.

"Pep could get away with it at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as most opponents would fear them and wouldn't press them high up the pitch," the ex-England manager said.

"But in England it's different and at City, Guardiola has nowhere near the squad he had at Bayern or Barca."If you want to play out from the back, you're only as good as your weakest link. You might have one or two who are outstanding but if you have two or three who aren't comfortable, it's going to fail.

"I think it's really difficult to ask players like Bacary Sagna or Aleksandar Kolarov to play the way he's asking. Teams can pick you off and get on the front foot.

"The test for Guardiola is the defensive part of the game, not the attacking. It's fine saying 'I am not a coach for the tackles' but in England that might be an important part of your game.

"Will Guardiola adjust? He has to understand that it is different in England; there are many teams who can match this City squad and even the ones who have less resources are expected to take on top teams, especially at home.

"Once his teams get into the last third, they can play perhaps the best football in the league. But at the moment they're vastly overplaying and not getting to that stage enough.

"The players are shaky and once confidence haemorrhages, it's hard to stem the bleeding. At present, Guardiola looks like a prisoner of his own idealism."

 

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'When did Gundogan die?' - World pokes fun at Man City's backwards shirts vs Arsenal

Manchester City's attempt to pay tribute to injured midfielder Ilkay Gundogan backfired spectacularly on Sunday ahead of their clash with Arsenal.

The entire first team wore shirts with Gundogan's name printed on the front in solidarity with the German, who faces another long spell on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.

But Twitter quickly poured mockery on the incident, questioning why Pep Guardiola's men were acting like he'd passed away - with some even questioning if he'd actually died (he hasn't).

 

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James: I have offers to leave, I can't assure I will stay at Real Madrid

James Rodriguez says he cannot guarantee remaining at Real Madrid during the January transfer window and claims he has offers on the table over a potential move.

The Colombia international moved to the Santiago Bernabeu after dazzling at the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot award.

James impressed during his first year in the Spanish capital, scoring 13 goals in 29 LaLiga starts, but the 25-year-old has not always been a regular under Zinedine Zidane and was linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea during the close-season.

James stated as recently as this week that he will not leave the club but, after he was an unused substitute in Sunday's 4-2 Club World Cup final win over Kashima Antlers, the former Porto man admitted his future is uncertain.

"I can't assure I will stay at Real Madrid. I have offers and seven days left to think about my future," he told reporters.

"I am happy in Madrid, but I want to play more. I have a bitter feeling as I wanted to play the final, but I am happy for the title. It's my 15th title in my career."

 

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James January wala Real Madrid walin giyoth Chelsea join wei samaharawita.​

 

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Mertens matches 22-season feat with consecutive hat-tricks

Dries Mertens' hat-trick for Napoli against Torino establishes him as the first player since the 1994-95 Serie A season to net consecutive trebles.

The Belgian was in stunning form against the Granata, beating Joe Hart three times inside the first 22 minutes of the tie at San Paolo.

Coming off the back of three goals in the 5-0 demolition of Cagliari last weekend, Mertens has now netted back-to-back hat-tricks, being the first player in 22 seasons to do so.

When Mertens added a fourth later on, it meant the former PSV star has now scored seven goals in the league since the start of the month - more than any team other than Napoli in the same space of time.

He has found a new lease of life deployed as a false No.9 by Maurizio Sarri, and demonstrated his goalscoring prowess with his fourth goal in the second half against Torino, sensationally chipping Hart.

 

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Darmstadt 0-1 Bayern Munich: Costa stunner sends Bayern back to the top

Douglas Costa scored a stunning winner as Bayern Munich won 1-0 at Darmstadt to seal their return to the top of the Bundesliga table.

Bayern had over 80 per cent of the first-half possession but failed to register a shot on target as the hosts held firm prior to the break.Darmstadt's resistance was eventually broken by Costa's moment of brilliance, the Brazil international scoring a 30-yard beauty with 19 minutes remaining.

While Bayern failed to produce the fireworks that saw them thrash Wolfsburg 5-0 last time out, Costa's strike proved to be decisive and gave them a fifth straight victory across all competitions.

The win puts them back above RB Leipzig on goal difference at the top of the table ahead of a crucial meeting with their surprise title rivals at the Allianz Arena in their final league game of 2016 on Wednesday.

Darmstadt, meanwhile, have now lost a club record eight straight matches in all competitions and scored just once in five league games, meaning they remain rooted to the bottom.

Sandro Sirigu had a shot blocked by Thiago Alcantara and Jan Rosenthal headed narrowly wide as Darmstadt made a decent start.

Bayern, who made four changes to their line-up, did not trouble home goalkeeper Michael Esser at all in the first half, with Mats Hummels claiming he had been fouled by Mario Vrancic before heading over from close range shortly before the break.

Esser was finally tested for the first time after 54 minutes, saving from Thomas Muller at his near post after Robert Lewandowski had created the opportunity.

Vrancic curled a free-kick just off target at the other end, but Manuel Neuer was not being tested by the strugglers.

Carlo Ancelotti needed a spark and opted to bring on Franck Ribery for Arturo Vidal in an attacking substitution.

It was Costa who made the breakthrough, though. Thiago backheeled a quick free-kick into the winger's path and he smashed an unstoppable swerving shot in off the crossbar from long range for his third league goal of the season.

Darmstadt had a chance to draw level with a free-kick in prime position outside the area after Hummels had fouled Vrancic.Jerome Gondorf's set-piece was parried by Neuer, who then saved Peter Niemeyer's follow-up.

That ensured Bayern – who brought on Joshua Kimmich to tighten things up in the latter stages – held on for victory and left Darmstadt stuck on eight points.

 

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Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal: Guardiola's men come back to leapfrog Gunners

Manchester City climbed above Arsenal into second in the Premier League after coming from behind to beat the Gunners 2-1 on Sunday.A first goal for the club from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling's strike gave Pep Guardiola's side a much-needed victory and condemned the visitors to a second defeat in a row.

Arsenal had been unbeaten in their last six against City and looked on course for another positive result when Theo Walcott opened the scoring with only five minutes played at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola dropped under-fire John Stones from his starting line-up, but City looked no more confident against a defensive Gunners set-up until Sane stroked in an equaliser just after half-time.

City, who wore shirts before the game bearing Ilkay Gundogan's name following a serious knee injury sustained against Watford in midweek, began to play with a renewed spirit as a frustrated Wenger watched his players offer very little fight in the second half.

Sterling's fine finish from a brilliant Kevin De Bruyne pass 19 minutes from time was no more than City deserved and, although Arsenal at last showed some attacking endeavour in the closing minutes, the Gunners failed to find an equaliser and they now drop to fourth in the table, only a point above Tottenham in fifth.

The visitors needed only five minutes to unlock City's porous defence. Sanchez was given too much time and space outside the area and he threaded a simple pass through to Walcott, who controlled the ball before slotting past Claudio Bravo from 12 yards.Sterling somehow missed the chance to equalise only a minute later, heading De Bruyne's cross from the left beyond the far post with the goal gaping.

City began to monopolise possession as Arsenal sat deep to await the chance to counter, but their attacking play was lacking in inspiration as they struggled to provide Sterling - who was deployed in the central striker role - with service.

De Bruyne almost reached a teasing Sane cross and Yaya Toure headed a corner straight into Petr Cech's grasp, but Alex Iwobi drilling the ball into the net after Nacho Monreal had been flagged for offside offered a glimpse of the threat posed by the Gunners on the break.Two minutes after the restart, however, some more slack defending allowed City to level the scores.

David Silva's clever lofted pass sent Sane - who had just stayed onside - in behind the Gunners defence and allowed him to roll the ball past Cech and into the bottom-left corner from close range.

City suddenly looked confident as Arsenal dropped deeper and deeper and only a good save from Cech at his near post denied Sane a second following De Bruyne's throughball.The Belgium playmaker had Cech at full stretch with a deflected strike from distance but produced a moment of real brilliance to unlock Arsenal's defence for the winner.

On the turn near the halfway line, De Bruyne raked a long ball into the path of Sterling down the right wing, and after Nacho Monreal allowed him to stride into the penalty area, he rifled a low shot past Cech at his near post and into the net.

De Bruyne hit the post from close range as City looked for a killer third, while Arsenal substitute Olivier Giroud headed one presentable chance wide, but Guardiola's men held firm for a much-needed victory that moves them back to within seven points of leaders Chelsea.

 

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Tottenham 2-1 Burnley: Alli and Rose seal Spurs comeback

Danny Rose's fierce second-half effort secured Tottenham a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win over Burnley to take full advantage of Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City.

Mauricio Pochettino's men were frustrated for the much of the match as Burnley were on course for only their second away point of the season, but Rose's stunning effort 19 minutes from the end moved Spurs to within a point of fourth-placed Arsenal after their 2-1 loss in Manchester.

Although Spurs exerted control and saw several opportunities go to waste early in the first half, Burnley broke the deadlock thanks to Ashley Barnes – only their second Premier League goal on their travels this season.

The hosts grabbed a swift equaliser thanks to Dele Alli, though that failed to inspire a great improvement as Burnley's stubborn defence held firm for the rest of the half.

After the break Burnley generally had goalkeeper Tom Heaton to thank for keeping them level, denying Christian Eriksen three times. But his efforts were ultimately for nothing, as Rose's rasping drive found the net and wrapped up the three points in Spurs' final match before Christmas.

Pochettino's side made a rapid start as Danny Rose's fine pass up the left flank released Alli in the area, only for the midfielder to slice over from a good position in the second minute.

But the hosts were lucky to remain level shortly after. Kyle Walker was robbed by Stephen Ward as he tried to play himself out of danger, and Andre Gray slammed the Irishman's eventual cross at Hugo Lloris from eight yards.

Burnley were not to be denied in the 21st minute, though. Spurs failed to clear an aerial delivery and George Boyd scuffed the ball back into the danger zone for Barnes to stab home from close range.But their lead lasted just six minutes, Alli arriving in the area late and meeting Walker's fierce low cross with a clinical finish into the bottom-right corner.

Harry Kane almost completed the turnaround just before the break when he raced on to Eriksen's throughball and fired at Heaton.Burnley were furious when Eric Dier tackled Gray from behind in the penalty area and referee Kevin Friend refused to point to the spot eight minutes after the restart.

Spurs then went straight down the other end and should have taken the lead.
Rose charged down Matt Lowton's attempted clearance by the corner flag and then volleyed a cross into the goalmouth which Eriksen headed straight at Heaton with little conviction.

The Denmark international was a central figure again just after the hour-mark, with his dipping 20-yard drive forcing a strong save from Heaton, but the goalkeeper was eventually beaten.

The much-maligned Moussa Sissoko, who replaced Mousa Dembele in the 63rd minute, did brilliantly, charging through the centre and then playing a pinpoint pass into the left side of the area for Rose, who struck a stinging drive into the top-left corner.

Heaton was called into action again to deny Son Heung-min from a tight angle in the closing stages, but Burnley never looked punishing them at the other end for a fifth loss in six matches.

 

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Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol: Suarez at the double as hosts cut gap at top

Two goals from Luis Suarez and a scintillating Lionel Messi display helped Barcelona to a 4-1 Catalan derby win over Espanyol on Sunday.Suarez scored in each half before Jordi Alba added a third, but it was some astonishing footwork from Messi that brought Camp Nou to its feet as the home fans celebrated a victory that takes them back into second place in La Liga.

Barca had not been beaten by their city rivals since 2009 and they looked set to extend that run as soon as Suarez put them ahead following a spectacular long pass from Andres Iniesta.

Luis Enrique's side dominated proceedings while keeping an in-form Espanyol side firmly at arm's length, although there remained a certain amount of nervousness as they struggled to find a killer second goal.

But two remarkable runs from Messi allowed Suarez and Alba to score in the space of a minute midway through the second half before his late strike, scored after David Lopez's consolation, capped arguably one of the champions' best displays in La Liga this season.

The result puts Barca back above Sevilla and into second place, three points behind newly-crowned world champions Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Suarez led a swift Barca counter with a brilliant turn on the halfway line in just the seventh minute, but Messi surprisingly failed to turn home Neymar's low cross from the left.

The hosts did not have to wait long for the opener, though.After Javier Mascherano won the ball near the edge of his own penalty area, Iniesta fired a brilliant long pass towards Suarez, who killed the ball with a superb first touch before racing into the area and slotting low past Diego Lopez.

Messi fizzed a low shot narrowly wide of Diego Lopez's left-hand post just before the half-hour mark, though a goal would have been controversial as David Lopez had gone to ground after being caught in the face by Sergio Busquets' raised hand.

Suarez was denied a second by a good save at his near post from Diego Lopez after a sublime throughball from Messi, and the goalkeeper had to be replaced by Roberto after picking up an injury in making the stop.Just as the home fans were growing a little restless, Messi came to life to make the points safe.

First, the Argentina captain produced dazzlingly quick feet to ride three challenges on the edge of the area before unleashing a low strike, and when Roberto could only parry the ball back out, Suarez was on hand to covert the rebound.A minute later, Messi surged through the Espanyol defence with a blistering run and, when the ball broke to Alba inside the box, the full-back arrowed a fine finish into Roberto's bottom-right corner.

David Lopez turned a brilliant finish high into Marc-Andre ter Stegen's net from 18 yards after a flowing counter-attack involving Pablo Piatti and Gerard Moreno, but Messi scored the goal of the game in the dying minutes to bring Barca's league commitments for 2016 to a stylish close.

Driving forward on the break, he played the ball to Suarez and received a delightful chipped pass in return before prodding the ball through Roberto's legs and into the net.

 

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Ibrahimovic: I can play until I'm 50!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to be getting better with age, so much so that the evergreen Manchester United striker believes he can continue playing until he is 50.

At 35, the striker has proved age is just a number since swapping French champions Paris Saint-Germain for United in the off-season, after taking his 2016-17 tally to 16 goals following his two-goal haul against West Brom on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic - who is expected to sign a new contract after arriving on an initial one-year deal - scored both goals in the 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns, with the former Sweden captain how enjoying a run of 10 goals in nine matches in all competitions.

"I feel happy, I feel good," said Ibrahimovic. "Even if I'm 35, in my mind I'm 20.
"I think I could play also at 50, but it won't be down to me.Zlatan Ibrahimovic seems to be getting better with age, so much so that the evergreen Manchester United striker believes he can continue playing until he is 50.

At 35, the striker has proved age is just a number since swapping French champions Paris Saint-Germain for United in the off-season, after taking his 2016-17 tally to 16 goals following his two-goal haul against West Brom on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic - who is expected to sign a new contract after arriving on an initial one-year deal - scored both goals in the 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns, with the former Sweden captain how enjoying a run of 10 goals in nine matches in all competitions.

"I feel happy, I feel good," said Ibrahimovic. "Even if I'm 35, in my mind I'm 20.
"I think I could play also at 50, but it won't be down to me.

 

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Luis Enrique: Messi is something unique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique heaped praise on Lionel Messi, who produced another magical performance in the Catalan derby win over Espanyol.

Messi made history at Camp Nou on Sunday, becoming the top goalscorer in the derby with his strike in Barca's 4-1 La Liga victory.

A sublime finish late in the game took Messi's Catalan derby tally to 15, after two dazzling runs saw him assist Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba in the second half."We cannot get accustomed to what Leo Messi does," said Luis Enrique."It is something unique and, here at the Camp Nou, it happens every 15 days."

Suarez scored twice in the resounding win, opening the scoring in the 18th minute against Espanyol.The Uruguayan doubled the lead in the 67th minute before Alba made it 3-0 just a minute later.

David Lopez reduced the deficit with 11 minutes remaining, but Messi restored Barca's three-goal lead at the death as the Spanish champions stayed within three points of leaders Real Madrid, who have a match in hand following the Club World Cup.

"[We played] at a very high level," Luis Enrique added. "Espanyol set out their game as we expected, very compact at the back, something that always makes attacking more difficult."In the first half, we tired them out and, in the second, our best players showed up to unbalance the match.

"We more often play against teams who sit back in their own half."When they try to attack us, we look to take advantage of the spaces in behind with long passes. We have the ideal players to do it."