..::Football IV::..

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Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos feels Clasico red card was excessive: I did not try to hurt Messi

Real Madrid captain and defender Sergio Ramos feels he did not deserve a red card for his foul on Lionel Messi in Sunday's 3-2 defeat against Barcelona.

The Spain international was dismissed in the 77th minute for a two-footed tackle on Messi in midfield, with referee Alejandro Hernandez showing no hesitation to pull out a straight red card in the top-of-the-table La Liga clash.Ramos, however, believes the red card was a harsh decision as he had no bad intentions at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"The red card was excessive," Ramos told reporters."I was not going to harm anyone. In my opinion, that was a yellow card, not a red. I was too late, but there was no contact."I never have the intention to hurt anyone."

Ramos immediately confronted Hernandez to protest his dismissal and was seen sarcastically applauding as he left the pitch.Nevertheless, the Madrid centre-back is adamant his gesture was aimed at Barcelona defender Gerard Pique rather than at the referee."I did not applaud the referee when I walked off. I was talking to Pique, not to the referee," he added.

"Referees can be right and sometimes they are wrong. This one was decisive. But I was chatting to Pique, not the referee.

"They [Barcelona] have a different understanding of the game and always talk about referees. But we will not talk about referees, that is not our style. Pique always talks about referees. Maybe it is better to talk about the referee sometimes than to keep quiet, but I will not start any controversy."I have no problem with Pique, but he might not get a hug after a Clasico like this."

 

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Zidane admits Real Madrid should have been smarter with 10 men against Messi-inspired Barca

Zinedine Zidane criticised his Real Madrid players after their dramatic Clasico defeat to Barcelona, insisting they should have been smarter in the closing stages of their loss.

Ten-man Madrid lost an unbelievable match 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Lionel Messi scoring his second of the match – and 500th for the club – with the last kick of the game.

Zidane's men had overcome Sergio Ramos' red card for a foul on Messi by seemingly salvaging a point courtesy of substitute James Rodriguez's effort five minutes from time.

But even though a draw would have put them on the brink of securing their first league title since 2012, Madrid were pushing for a winner when Barca picked them off in the second minute of stoppage time, the Argentina international converting Jordi Alba's cutback with a trademark finish."I cannot be happy," Zidane told reporters after his first loss in three Clasicos. "We are disappointed with the result. When you get back to 2-2 with 10 men you have to think a little more and defend together.

"We thought that we could grab a third goal. From a throw in we were out of position and then what happened happened. "Playing to push up when we have 10 men is dangerous and there was room for us to do something else."

Zidane acknowledged Madrid had paid the price for failing to take huge chances in either half of a match that saw Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen make an astonishing 12 saves.
The Madrid boss continued: "We created a lot during the whole game. We had many goalscoring chances throughout the match, but couldn't bring the game under control."When you don't kill the game off, this can happen, and it did. I have to look at the game again but I wouldn't have changed anything.

"Messi made the difference for his team. He has scored two goals, but it is not only Messi - we didn't control the game well in the moments that we could have done damage to our opponent."We cannot be happy, it is the first Clasico for me at home and the result is bad. We lose three points but there is a lot of the league still to play.

"We were not going to finish La Liga in this match, but of course it would have been better to win. Overall we did not deserve to lose, although football is like this.
"Now we have to think about the next game on Wednesday [away to Deportivo La Coruna]."

 

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'Giving up is not an option' - Man Utd striker Ibrahimovic vows to bounce back from knee injury

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has vowed that “giving up is not an option” as he looks to work his way back from injury.The Swede suffered cruciate knee ligament damage during a Europa League victory over Anderlecht, as did with club colleague Marcos Rojo.Both men are now facing a long road to recovery, with surgery required to put them on the right path.

It has been suggested that the ailment could end not only Ibrahimovic’s season but also his time at Old Trafford, with no extension agreed to the 12-month deal he penned in the summer of 2016.

The 35-year-old has, however, taken to Instagram to point out that he is far from finished, stating: “It’s no news I got injured so I will be out of football for a while.“I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger. So far I played with one leg so it shouldn't be any problem.

“One thing is for sure, I decide when it’s time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not an option. See you soon.”

Ibrahimovic had been a talismanic presence for United prior to picking up an untimely knock.His 28-goal return had helped to keep the club in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League, while winning efforts in the Community Shield and EFL Cup final had landed major honours.

No decision has been taken on his future as yet, with talk of an extension with the Red Devils having been replaced by speculation regarding a possible stint in Major League Soccer.

 

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Chelsea's Kante named PFA Players' Player of the Year

N'Golo Kante has been named the PFA Players' Player of the Year after a formidable debut season at Chelsea, while Dele Alli of Tottenham has retained the Young Player of the Year award.France international Kante has enjoyed an incredible rise in English football after joining Leicester City from Caen in 2015.

Having played a key role in Leicester's remarkable Premier League title success last term, the midfielder has continued to star at Stamford Bridge for this season's leaders, Chelsea.Alli has also enjoyed a marvellous campaign for Spurs, his 16 goals and five assists vital in their title challenge.

He becomes the fourth player to be named Young Player of the Year in successive years, after Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney.

Kante was one of the favourites for the senior award 12 months ago, when his former Leicester team-mate Riyad Mahrez claimed the crown, and his fellow professionals voted him as the winner this time around.

The 26-year-old has played 31 of Chelsea's 32 games in the Premier League so far this season, once again drawing plaudits for his immense athleticism, tackling and reading of the game.

Kante's team-mate Eden Hazard came second in the voting, while Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic closed out the top three.

Much like Kante, Alli's adaptation to the Premier League has been hugely impressive since he jumped up from League One side Milton Keynes Dons in 2015.

His form at Tottenham has helped the 21-year-old to also become a prominent figure on the international stage with England, forming a fine partnership for both club and country with Harry Kane, who was also nominated for the main award.

Alli could yet inspire Spurs to the Premier League title as well, with Mauricio Pochettino's men only four points adrift of Chelsea with six matches to go.

 

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Congratulations Kante!​

 

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Martial 'a new player' as Mourinho hails Burnley performance

Jose Mourinho says having a rejuvenated Anthony Martial at Manchester United is like a new player arriving in his squad.

As has been the case for several first-team stars at Old Trafford this season, Martial's performances have drawn public criticism from Mourinho in recent weeks.

After the France international failed to make the bench for last weekend's win over Premier League leaders Chelsea, Mourinho said of Martial: "He needs to give me things that I like."

The France international responded in style, scoring the opener in Sunday's 2-0 win at Burnley, before laying on an assist for captain Wayne Rooney and, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marouane Fellaini and Luke Shaw have found of late, Martial's return to form would also draw praise from the manager."He has to understand what we need from him, but it's not just for us but it's also for him," Mourinho said of the Frenchman.

"If he wants to become a very special player – [and] he can do that – then he has to go in a certain direction and he showed this attitude and appetite. We are happy because we have a new player until the end of the season."April's schedule is a hectic one for United, with nine games landing in the space of a month.

Having advanced to the Europa League semi-finals, where Celta Vigo await, United's next task is Thursday's Manchester Derby against City – a game that could prove pivotal in the battle for a top-four spot.

However, Mourinho remains steadfast in his recent opinion that winning the Europa League is United's best chance of Champions League qualification and hinted that – as against Chelsea – he could rest key players at the Etihad Stadium."If we beat Celta Vigo in the semi-final, we go to the final," he said.

"Yes, it is important for us to play in the Champions League, but this club wants trophies. We cannot give the club the Premier League trophy, but we have a 25 per cent chance to win the Europa League. "I will rotate the players again to give some players a chance again."

 

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Man Utd boost as Mata eyes return before season finale

Juan Mata could return from injury in time to help Manchester United with their late-season charge in the Premier League and Europa League.Mata underwent groin surgery this month and was initially expected to remain sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

A 2-0 win at Burnley on Sunday moved United to within a point of the top four, with a Manchester derby against City to come this Thursday, while Jose Mourinho has placed focus upon the Europa League after reaching the semi-finals, where Celta Vigo await.

Paul Pogba limped off in the win at Turf Moor, causing further headaches for Mourinho, who has seven first-teamers out of action, but Mata believes he will be back in action soon."As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury," Mata wrote on his weekly blog.

"I had never been in a situation like this before (I've been very lucky), but the truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season. "As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury," Mata wrote on his weekly blog.

"I had never been in a situation like this before (I've been very lucky), but the truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season."I hope so, because that's all I want: being always available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch. "A million thanks for all your messages wishing me a speedy recovery, I'm getting closer!"

Mata's return would be a welcome boost to Mourinho, having lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the season with a knee injury, while Marcos Rojo is expected to be missing with a similar issue.

The Spain international added: "By defeating Anderlecht and Burnley we have made it through the semis in Europe and have approached the top four in the Premier League, but we know there's still a crucial way to go.

"The last few days have been very good in terms of results but those good feelings have been tarnished by Marcos and Zlatan's injuries. "These situations just happen in football, that's for sure, although they're never easy to take.

"Now it's time to be patient and strong to face the recovery period and I'm sure both of them will do their best. The rest of the team will support them."

 

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Lyon will do things we've never done before to keep Lacazette – Aulas

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says the club are prepared to "go a bit crazy" in their attempts to keep Alexandre Lacazette.

Lacazette has scored 24 goals in 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season, but Lyon cannot finish in the top three – leaving the Europa League as their only avenue back into the Champions League for next season.

Playing in Europe's premier club competition could be vital if Lyon are to keep Lacazette out of the clutches of reported admirers Liverpool, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

After claiming seven straight league titles between 2002 and 2008, Lyon have gone a decade without winning Ligue 1 – in which time Paris Saint-Germain have dominated with the backing of Qatari investment – but Aulas insists they are ready to challenge again, hoping Lacazette can lead a revival in their fortunes."We're ready to go a bit crazy and do things we've never done to keep Alexandre Lacazette," Aulas said.

"The club is good, the club has invested in all the structures that will allow it to get back among Europe's top 10 clubs.

"Of course we'll have to listen to Alexandre, because he's a man and a great player."The 25-year-old is currently contracted to the club until 2019, having joined in

 

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Newcastle United 4 Preston North End 1: Perez at the double as Benitez's men seal Premier League return

Recalled striker Ayoze Perez netted a goal in each half as Newcastle United secured an instant return to the Premier League with a resounding 4-1 win over 10-man Preston North End.

Rafael Benitez's side – resounding pre-season favourites for the Championship title – have faltered of late, winning only two of their previous eight matches as Brighton and Hove Albion stole a march on them in booking a top-flight place.

In the absence of top scorer Dwight Gayle, who has been struggling with hamstring problem, Perez came to the fore at a capacity St James' Park, while Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie were also on target after Jordan Hugill levelled for Preston.

Ritchie scored Newcastle's third from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, after Paul Gallagher was sent off for deliberate handball, and the celebrations could begin in earnest from that point.

Aleksandar Mitrovic saw a curling shot deflected agonisingly wide and Perez pounced when the resulting corner skidded across goal.

Rob Elliot – starting his first Newcastle game for 400 days – saved well with his legs when Daniel Johnson streamed clear on a slick Preston break but the visitors showed their teeth once more to level with 15 minutes played.

Again they broke sharply, with Tom Barkhuizen cutting in from the left and finding Hugill for the striker to volley his 12th of the season beyond Elliot.Nerves were palpable until Isaac Hayden dispossessed Aiden McGeady on the stroke of half-time to feed Mitrovic, whose clever first-time pass set up Atsu to raise the roof.

Gallagher's reaction on the goal-line was impressively instinctive, if entirely illegal, when Newcastle's set-plays again caused problems in the 64th minute.Ritchie converted from 12 yards confidently to put the champagne on ice and when Jonjo Shelvey's corner cannoned back off the post shortly afterwards, Perez was the man on the spot.

It was mission accomplished for Benitez, whose men will not entirely have given up hope of overhauling the four-point gap between themselves and Brighton at the summit with two matches remaining.

 

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Welcome back to EPL Newcastle United!​

 

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Pescara 1 Roma 4: Salah brace condemns Serie A basement boys

Roma put on an impressive showing for newly appointed sporting director Monchi as Mohamed Salah's second-half brace sealed a 4-1 win and confirmed Pescara's relegation.

The capital club's long-term pursuit of Monchi was wrapped up ahead of kick-off on Monday and, although Pescara almost held out until half-time, the gulf in class between Serie A's bottom club and the closest challengers to Juventus at the summit would become clear.

Leandro Paredes opened up Pescara with a wonderful 44th-minute pass, sending Stephan El Shaarawy darting into space to square and leave Kevin Strootman with a simple finish.

It was two in as many minutes before the break, as Radja Nainggolan marked his 250th Serie A appearance with a goal on the end of Edin Dzeko's pull back.Salah, who earlier had a thumping volley ruled out for offside, curled impeccably into the corner to crown a glorious team move in the 48th minute – Emerson Palmieri, Nainggolan and El Shaarawy all to the fore.

The Egypt winger crowned a swift counter-attack to pile further misery on Pescara before the hour-mark, although there was also disquiet in the visitors' ranks as top scorer Dzeko reacted angrily to his 71st-minute substitution.


Ahmed Benali grabbed a late consolation to at least offer some cheer to ex-Roma boss Zdenek Zeman and his condemned side, while Luciano Spalletti's men are back to being eight points adrift of Juventus with five games to play.

 

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Barcelona are still fighting for the title, warns Messi

Lionel Messi feels Barcelona have taken an important step towards winning La Liga with their sensational 3-2 win over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, but has warned they still have a long way to go.

Defeat on Sunday would have effectively ended the Catalans' title hopes, but Messi's stoppage-time winner – his 500th goal for the club – saw them move level on points with their arch-rivals instead.

Madrid will move three points clear of Barcelona again if they see off Celta Vigo in their game in hand, but the Argentine forward remains optimistic over his side's chances of retaining the title.

"We went to the Bernabeu looking for a win to keep ourselves in the battle for the La Liga title," Messi wrote on his official Facebook account.

"There is still a long way to go, but we came away with the joy of having taken an important step."
Barcelona resume LaLiga action with a home game against Osasuna on Wednesday, while Madrid travel to Deportivo La Coruna the same day.

 

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Conte: FA Cup win over Tottenham will not benefit Chelsea in title race

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte does not think the 4-2 FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham will be an advantage in the race for the Premier League title.

Spurs have had the edge in recent weeks as they closed the gap at the top of the table from 10 to four points, but their confidence was dealt a major blow on Saturday as they missed out on a place in the FA Cup final.Conte does not expect the weekend's result to influence the title race, however, as he feels there is a clear distinction between the two competitions.

"Honestly I don't know. I think, for us, it was important this win, because you reach the final in the FA Cup, a great competition, and for us it's great to know that a week after we finish the championship, we have to play a final in the FA Cup," Conte said at a news conference."It's a great achievement for us but if you ask me if this win over Spurs means more - I don't think so.

"These are two different competitions and we have six games to go and it's important to start this rush very well to try to keep this four points [lead]."

Chelsea will be looking to take another step towards the title when they take on Southampton on Tuesday and Conte predicts another tough test."It's important to win for us and to look at ourselves," he added. "This is the most important thing.

"We all know that it won't be easy because Southampton is a really good team, with a good coach and good players. We know this."I have in my mind the starting 11 but Tuesday I want to check the physical condition of every player because our game [against Tottenham] was an intense game and we're still [low on] energy. "But I think we train very well this season and we have a lot of energy to face the type of situation."

 

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Ramsey: Every game is a cup final for Arsenal

Arsenal have seven cup finals left to ensure a place in next season’s Champions League, according to Aaron Ramsey, who has implored the team to fight until the season's finish.The Gunners currently sit seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.

Ramsey believes that, despite having an FA Cup final to look forward to in May, Arsenal must retain focus on hunting down City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
“We are in the final now so have something to look forward to,” Ramsey told Arsenal’s official website.“Now we have seven finals in the Premier League to try and get into that fourth position.

“It is going to be an exciting end but one that we are more than up for.”The Gunners came back from a goal behind in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Man City thanks to a Nacho Monreal equaliser and an extra-time strike from Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal will be looking to win the competition for a record 13th time and Ramsey believes that his side’s team spirit helped them to make the final.“We just stick together as a team,” the Welsh midfielder added.“We know what we’re capable of doing. It is just about repeating that in every game.

“We played against a top-quality team with some unbelievable and we stood up to the test. We did answer that and have shown what we are all about.”Arsenal host Leicester City on Wednesday as they look to carry on their quest for European qualification in the midst of uncertainty over Arsene Wenger’s future.

The coach has refused to commit himself to a new contract that the club have tabled him, although it's suspected that he'll remain at the Emirates for another year.

 

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Blind happy to take leading role during Man Utd injury crisis

Daley Blind is prepared to play “where the manager needs me” as Manchester United nurse their way through a defensive injury crisis.Jose Mourinho has seen his ranks depleted by untimely knocks to Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo.

Eric Bailly has managed to steer clear of the treatment table for now, but he is one of few senior players comfortable playing at centre-half available to the Red Devils.

Blind is another, with the versatile Dutchman having helped to keep a clean sheet alongside his Ivorian colleague in United’s 2-0 victory over Burnley on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who has often operated at left-back this season, told MUTV on his role heading forward: "I feel very confident about the position [centre-back] myself. It was a very good performance from the team too, I think."I played there a lot of times last season and I feel confident in the position; I feel good and I feel comfortable.

"I'm happy to play there again and of course everybody knows me - I play where the manager needs me, and I just want to play like anybody else. I'm just happy for the team that we put in a good performance here today."

Blind is also capable of operating in a holding midfield role, but his services are very much needed at the back for now.

It is not just in defence that United have suffered injury blows, though, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juan Mata also nursing knocks.

 

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Lucas Perez only thinking of Arsenal, says agent

Lucas Perez has not held discussions with former club Deportivo La Coruna and is focused on finishing the season with Arsenal, his agent has told Goal.The 28-year-old scored 17 times for Spanish outfit Deportivo last campaign before joining the Gunners last summer after they activiated a £17.5million (€20m) release clause in his contract.

Perez has scored seven goals in 21 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s men, while also contributing five assists despite starting just nine games.

He has ambitions of breaking into the Spain squad for the 2018 World Cup and believes that an Arsenal exit may be required this summer if he is to fulfil those dreams.

However, his agent refuted reports in Spain which claimed that talks are ongoing between Deportivo over bringing their clinical forward back to the Estadio Riazor.
“It’s not true and we haven’t been talking with anyone,” said Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle.

“Lucas has three years left on his contract with Arsenal. “In the summer when the season is finished we can talk but right now we are only thinking about Arsenal.”

Three of Perez’s seven goals for Arsenal this season came against FC Basel in the Champions League, which saw him subsequently dropped to the bench for the following game.Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott are all ahead of him in the pecking order at Emirates Stadium as Perez continues his recovery from a thigh injury on the sidelines.

 

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Ronaldo issues support for injured Man Utd ace Ibrahimovic

Brazil legend Ronaldo has sent his best wishes to Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the Manchester United man looks to bounce back from a serious knee injury.

Ibrahimovic, 35, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after coming off injured during United's Europa League clash against Anderlecht after landing awkwardly on his knee.

The striker, who moved to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, was enjoying a fine debut campaign in England, having netted 28 times in 46 appearances prior to sustaining the problem.But now questions remain about whether Ibrahimovic has played his last game for United, with the Swede's contract set to expire at the end of the season.

A number of players have voiced their support for Ibrahimovic since he picked up the injury including Chelsea man Michy Batshuayi and old PSG team-mate Kevin Trapp.

And now former Real Madrid and Inter Milan hitman Ronaldo has offered his support for Ibrahimovic, urging him to come back “even stronger”.

In a message on his Instagram account, Ronaldo wrote: “[You have] my positive thinking so that you have a good recovery, and come back even stronger. The force is in our will! You have my support, respect and admiration for facing the injury with this warrior spirit of overcoming adversity.”

United will now attempt to finish inside the Premier League top four as well as taste Europa League glory without Ibrahimovic, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial set to deputise up front.


Jose Mourinho's men were victorious in their first match since Ibrahimovic's injury, winning 2-0 away at Burnley.

 

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Bale ruled out of Champions League semi-finals as Clasico start backfires on Real Madrid

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been ruled out of their upcoming Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid, suggesting their decision to rush him back against Barcelona has backfired.The Blancos have confirmed that he will be out for at least three weeks with a calf muscle issue, which would see him return to fitness in the middle of May.

And therefore Bale, 27, will be absent in both legs of Madrid's last four clash against fierce rivals Atletico, in what is a bitter blow after a difficult weekend for Zinedine Zidane's men following their narrow 3-2 defeat against title rivals Barcelona.

A statement on Madrid's website read: “Following the tests carried out on Gareth Bale by the Sanitas Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a grade 2 injury in his left calf.“His recovery will continue to be assessed.”

Bale was handed a starting berth by Zidane in Sunday's Clasico but was replaced by Marco Asensio in the first half after sustaining the problem.However, speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday's clash with Deportivo La Coruna, Zidane defended his decision.

"Bale was 100 per cent,” said Zidane. “He told me he was at 100 per cent, that the two training sessions before the game were perfect. We cannot avoid this happening."Injuries happen, it is part of a player’s life, nobody can do anything about that.

"I hope he is back before the end of the season. It's grade two [the severity of the injury], yes. But the doctors tell me it's a small thing. I trust the staff here."The injury comes as the latest setback in a campaign blighted by fitness issues for Bale, with the Wales star having missed a large chunk of winter period with an ankle problem.

He returned in March but was soon out of action after being sent off in Madrid's heated 3-3 draw with Las Palmas in La Liga.Bale will also miss Madrid's Liga clashes against Valencia, Granada, Sevilla and Malaga with his latest knock.

 

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'I don't feel I'm worth €100m' - Arsenal target Belotti plays down price tag

Torino forward Andrea Belotti has admitted he does not think he is worth the €100 million asking price his club have set for him.

The Serie A side previously revealed they had turned down a bid from Arsenal for the striker, and demand that any potential suitor pay a massive fee to prise him from Turin.Despite scoring 25 goals for Torino this season and leading the race for Serie A's top scorer, Belotti has played down his proposed fee.

"I honestly do not feel that I am worth so much," the 23-year-old told Tiki Taka. "In football, however, the figures have increased dramatically, and the values of the players have gone through the roof."

Belotti is neck-and-neck with Roma's Edin Dzeko on 25 goals this season, with Mauro Icardi and Gonzalo Higuain also close behind as Serie A enters its final weeks.The Torino forward is hopeful he can beat Dzeko to the top scorer award but is taking nothing for granted.

"It 's hard duel with striker Edin Dzeko and Mauro Icardi, they both can score two or three goals per game," the Italy international said. "We need to stay focused and take every opportunity because nobody gives away anything."

 

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Mourinho planting the foundations for 'better years' at Man Utd

Jose Mourinho has brought stability and success back to Manchester United and believes “better years” lie ahead.The Portuguese was appointed to bring the good times back to Old Trafford following a turbulent period in the club’s history post-Sir Alex Ferguson.

Community Shield and EFL Cup successes have been toasted, while the Europa League crown and a top-four finish in the Premier League remain up for grabs.

Mourinho is happy with the groundwork he has put in place and expects those solid foundations to be built upon in the seasons to come.

"It doesn't matter what happens in terms of titles we win or don't win," he told Sky Sports."I always feel that the season is very important for me, the players and the club.

"I would say this can be the first season of the next five or six or seven. It can be the first season of better years."And the reality is even in the first season of better years we won already and we have already the chance to do good things until the end of the season.

"If we manage to win the Europa League and in August to play the European Super Cup against the Champions League winner, it will be magnificent."

United are through to the semi-finals in continental competition, where they will meet La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.They have also forced their way into contention for a top-four finish domestically on the back of a 23-match unbeaten run that stretches back to October 2016.

It could be that they become upwardly mobile once more on Thursday evening, with the Red Devils heading into a derby date with Manchester City sat just one point behind their arch-rivals.