Serie A Fixtures 2018.03.17
Serie A Fixtures 2018.03.17
Udinese Vs Sassuolo
Spal Vs Juventus
Udinese Vs Sassuolo
Spal Vs Juventus
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Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.03.17
Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.03.17
Frankfurt Vs Mainz
Augsburg Vs Werder Bremen
Hamburg Vs Hertha Berlin
Monchengladbach Vs Hoffenheim
Wolfsburg Vs Schalke
Frankfurt Vs Mainz
Augsburg Vs Werder Bremen
Hamburg Vs Hertha Berlin
Monchengladbach Vs Hoffenheim
Wolfsburg Vs Schalke
Full Time
Manchester United 2 Vs 0 Brighton
Manchester United Goal(s)
R.Lukaku 37'
N.Matic 83'
Manchester United Goal(s)
R.Lukaku 37'
N.Matic 83'
Congratulations Manchester United!
Lukaku & Matic
Next Swansea
Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Lukaku & Matic
Next Swansea
Good Luck for the next match Manchester United!
Manchester United 2 Brighton and Hove Albion 0: Lukaku & Matic book semi-final spot
Romelu Lukaku scored his 25th goal of the season as Manchester United beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 in a tight game at Old Trafford to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
United needed a reaction after Tuesday's surprise exit to Sevilla in the Champions League, and manager Jose Mourinho opted to leave star names Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez on the bench.
Mourinho told his players to "grow up" during an extraordinary pre-match news conference but the hosts produced another tepid display on Saturday, as they did just enough to edge out the determined Seagulls and progress.
Lukaku maintained his record of scoring in every round of this season's FA Cup, the Belgium international powering in a header from Nemanja Matic's perfect cross.
Brighton sporadically threatened but the visitors lacked cutting edge in attack, Jurgen Locadia missing a handful of chances including a fine opportunity from a deep Solly March centre.
The Red Devils had lost three of their last four FA Cup quarter-finals but Matic headed in an Ashley Young cross late on to secure victory for Mourinho as the Portuguese seeks a second FA Cup crown, having last won the tournament in 2007 when Chelsea beat United in the final.
Lukaku would later prove decisive but he turned Antonio Valencia's cross wide as United made a low-tempo start.The hosts finally worked a clear opening in the 29th minute as Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard rapidly swapped passes, the Spain international seeing his shot deflect wide.And United struck the outside of the post from the resulting corner, Tim Krul turning a Chris Smalling effort on to the woodwork.
Brighton then forced the first save from Sergio Romero as the game bubbled to life, United's reserve goalkeeper beating away a Lewis Dunk header.But Lukaku has a terrific FA Cup record and he scored his 12th goal in his last 11 appearances in the competition to give United the lead in the 37th minute.
Luke Shaw's driving run created space down the left and Matic's whipped cross was perfect for Lukaku to crash home a back-post header. Beram Kayal teed up Pascal Gross in the 51st minute but the midfielder's 20-yard strike did not curl enough to beat the post, before Romero had to be alert to gather a Locadia drive.
Romero was soon called into action again, Valencia's poor clearing header inviting Locadia to shoot but the Argentina international was equal to the striker's effort, diving high to his right.Locadia was proving a handful but he should have done better with a headed chance after March beat Young and delivered a deep right-wing cross to the back post.
Hughton threw on Brighton's top goalscorer Glenn Murray for the closing stages but Mourinho's men sealed victory with seven minutes left, their only attempt of the second half resulting in Matic nodding home Young's free-kick to secure a last-four berth.
Liverpool 5 Watford 0: Inspirational Salah nets four as Reds bounce back
Mohamed Salah returned to his inspirational best as he scored four goals and set up another in Liverpool's crushing 5-0 Premier League win over Watford, bouncing back from defeat to Manchester United in style.
The Egypt star may have been nullified by United's Ashley Young at Old Trafford last time out, but the real Salah was back with a point to prove and he made it in emphatic fashion, moving on to 36 Liverpool goals and setting up Roberto Firmino's stunning second-half effort.Liverpool were ahead as early as the fourth minute, with Salah getting Jurgen Klopp's side off to a fine start at Anfield courtesy of an excellent run and finish.
It took a while, but Liverpool did eventually add a second just before the break – Salah, predictably, the scorer from close range, taking his tally to 34 for the season, the most any player has managed in a debut campaign for the Reds.
And he then turned provider early in the second period, setting up Roberto Firmino's outrageous finish to leave Watford reeling.
The hosts' more relaxed approach towards the end should have offered the Hornets some respite, but things only got worse as Salah added another two late on to round off a remarkable individual display – the Merseyside club moving back to within two points of second-placed United.
Watford were behind early on as Liverpool seized the advantage through the irresistible Salah.The visitors afforded Salah too much space on the right flank and he darted into the box, turning Miguel Britos inside-out and leaving him on his backside before finishing right-footed under Orestis Karnezis.
Liverpool supporters who were expecting the floodgates to open were initially left disappointed, with proceedings falling rather flat for the most part.The hosts did not threaten again until the 39th minute, when Salah was released on the break to feed Roberto Firmino, whose brilliant first touch took him away from Jose Holebas and opened up the space for a shot which Karnezis did well to save.
But the goalkeeper was helpless soon after as Andrew Robertson raided up the left flank and delivered across the face of goal for Salah to tap in arguably his most straightforward effort of a prolific season.Salah played the role of creator shortly after the restart, crossing between Karnezis and his defenders for Firmino, who produced a brilliant flicked finish while airborne.
Javi Gracia's men nearly pulled one back soon after when a Roberto Pereyra free-kick caught Loris Karius out and came back off the crossbar. But that was the only worrying moment to trouble Liverpool, as they ultimately blasted Watford away by adding another two goals in the final 13 minutes.
Salah completed his first hat-trick for the club with a typically clever bit of play, finding the bottom-left corner despite being surrounded by three defenders, before wrapping up the rout by smashing home a rebound from close range.
Mohamed Salah returned to his inspirational best as he scored four goals and set up another in Liverpool's crushing 5-0 Premier League win over Watford, bouncing back from defeat to Manchester United in style.
The Egypt star may have been nullified by United's Ashley Young at Old Trafford last time out, but the real Salah was back with a point to prove and he made it in emphatic fashion, moving on to 36 Liverpool goals and setting up Roberto Firmino's stunning second-half effort.Liverpool were ahead as early as the fourth minute, with Salah getting Jurgen Klopp's side off to a fine start at Anfield courtesy of an excellent run and finish.
It took a while, but Liverpool did eventually add a second just before the break – Salah, predictably, the scorer from close range, taking his tally to 34 for the season, the most any player has managed in a debut campaign for the Reds.
And he then turned provider early in the second period, setting up Roberto Firmino's outrageous finish to leave Watford reeling.
The hosts' more relaxed approach towards the end should have offered the Hornets some respite, but things only got worse as Salah added another two late on to round off a remarkable individual display – the Merseyside club moving back to within two points of second-placed United.
Watford were behind early on as Liverpool seized the advantage through the irresistible Salah.The visitors afforded Salah too much space on the right flank and he darted into the box, turning Miguel Britos inside-out and leaving him on his backside before finishing right-footed under Orestis Karnezis.
Liverpool supporters who were expecting the floodgates to open were initially left disappointed, with proceedings falling rather flat for the most part.The hosts did not threaten again until the 39th minute, when Salah was released on the break to feed Roberto Firmino, whose brilliant first touch took him away from Jose Holebas and opened up the space for a shot which Karnezis did well to save.
But the goalkeeper was helpless soon after as Andrew Robertson raided up the left flank and delivered across the face of goal for Salah to tap in arguably his most straightforward effort of a prolific season.Salah played the role of creator shortly after the restart, crossing between Karnezis and his defenders for Firmino, who produced a brilliant flicked finish while airborne.
Javi Gracia's men nearly pulled one back soon after when a Roberto Pereyra free-kick caught Loris Karius out and came back off the crossbar. But that was the only worrying moment to trouble Liverpool, as they ultimately blasted Watford away by adding another two goals in the final 13 minutes.
Salah completed his first hat-trick for the club with a typically clever bit of play, finding the bottom-left corner despite being surrounded by three defenders, before wrapping up the rout by smashing home a rebound from close range.
Swansea City 0 Tottenham 3: Eriksen leads Kane-less Spurs into FA Cup semis
Christian Eriksen took charge in the absence of Harry Kane as he scored twice in a straightforward 3-0 win at Swansea City, booking Tottenham's place in the FA Cup semi-finals.Kane suffered ankle ligament damage against Bournemouth that is expected to keep him out until April, but on the evidence of Spurs' display at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, they should be able to cope without him for the time being.
Mauricio Pochettino said in his pre-match news conference that lifting the trophy would not help breed a "winning culture" at Spurs, but their challenge was boosted inside 11 minutes when the excellent Eriksen found the net in stunning fashion from just outside the area.
Although the visitors were frustrated by having a Son Heung-min goal disallowed for offside shortly before Eriksen struck the crossbar, a second goal arrived in first-half stoppage time when Erik Lamela scored in style.
Swansea responded positively at the start of the second half, but they could not find a way past their former goalkeeper Michel Vorm and Spurs took advantage just after the hour when Eriksen doubled his tally.
Any chance of a Swansea comeback was long gone as the match entered its final stages, allowing Spurs to ease to successive FA Cup semi-final appearances for the first time since 1981-82, when they won the competition.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, the indications were it was going to take a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock.And that was exactly what happened, as Eriksen marched towards the penalty area and bent a left-footed effort past Kristoffer Nordfeldt from 25 yards.
The Swansea goalkeeper was beaten again in the 24th minute, but Son was adjudged to be marginally offside – a decision upheld by the video assistant referee – just before firing past Nordfeldt.Eriksen was proving a real nuisance to Swansea and he almost doubled his tally seven minutes prior to the break, though this time his long-range, left-footed strike was tipped onto the bar by Nordfeldt.
Lamela was not to be denied on the stroke of half-time, however, as he evaded a challenge in midfield and then coolly swept home from 20 yards, finding the bottom-right corner.
Swansea started the second half in encouraging fashion and tested Vorm twice in quick succession – the Dutchman pushing away Martin Olsson's rasping drive and parrying Tammy Abraham's header on the rebound.
That was not the start of a Swansea onslaught, though, as the visitors nearly added a third when Nordfeldt just about kept Eric Dier's 30-yard drive out of the top-left corner.But Nordfeldt was arguably at fault as Spurs went 3-0 up; he managed to get a touch to Eriksen's low shot from the edge of the area but could not keep it out.
Pochettino introduced Dele Alli and Fernando Llorente from the bench late on and the Spaniard went close to scoring towards the end during a goalmouth scramble, but his failure to do so against his former team had no impact on the outcome as Spurs march on in the FA Cup.
Christian Eriksen took charge in the absence of Harry Kane as he scored twice in a straightforward 3-0 win at Swansea City, booking Tottenham's place in the FA Cup semi-finals.Kane suffered ankle ligament damage against Bournemouth that is expected to keep him out until April, but on the evidence of Spurs' display at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, they should be able to cope without him for the time being.
Mauricio Pochettino said in his pre-match news conference that lifting the trophy would not help breed a "winning culture" at Spurs, but their challenge was boosted inside 11 minutes when the excellent Eriksen found the net in stunning fashion from just outside the area.
Although the visitors were frustrated by having a Son Heung-min goal disallowed for offside shortly before Eriksen struck the crossbar, a second goal arrived in first-half stoppage time when Erik Lamela scored in style.
Swansea responded positively at the start of the second half, but they could not find a way past their former goalkeeper Michel Vorm and Spurs took advantage just after the hour when Eriksen doubled his tally.
Any chance of a Swansea comeback was long gone as the match entered its final stages, allowing Spurs to ease to successive FA Cup semi-final appearances for the first time since 1981-82, when they won the competition.
After a tight opening 10 minutes, the indications were it was going to take a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock.And that was exactly what happened, as Eriksen marched towards the penalty area and bent a left-footed effort past Kristoffer Nordfeldt from 25 yards.
The Swansea goalkeeper was beaten again in the 24th minute, but Son was adjudged to be marginally offside – a decision upheld by the video assistant referee – just before firing past Nordfeldt.Eriksen was proving a real nuisance to Swansea and he almost doubled his tally seven minutes prior to the break, though this time his long-range, left-footed strike was tipped onto the bar by Nordfeldt.
Lamela was not to be denied on the stroke of half-time, however, as he evaded a challenge in midfield and then coolly swept home from 20 yards, finding the bottom-right corner.
Swansea started the second half in encouraging fashion and tested Vorm twice in quick succession – the Dutchman pushing away Martin Olsson's rasping drive and parrying Tammy Abraham's header on the rebound.
That was not the start of a Swansea onslaught, though, as the visitors nearly added a third when Nordfeldt just about kept Eric Dier's 30-yard drive out of the top-left corner.But Nordfeldt was arguably at fault as Spurs went 3-0 up; he managed to get a touch to Eriksen's low shot from the edge of the area but could not keep it out.
Pochettino introduced Dele Alli and Fernando Llorente from the bench late on and the Spaniard went close to scoring towards the end during a goalmouth scramble, but his failure to do so against his former team had no impact on the outcome as Spurs march on in the FA Cup.
SPAL 0 Juventus 0: Scudetto charge halted by Serie A strugglers
Juventus failed to win for the first time in 13 Serie A matches as lowly SPAL earned a 0-0 draw at Stadio Paolo Mazza on Saturday.
Heavily favoured to strengthen their grip on the Scudetto against the relegation-threatened Biancazzurri, Juve could instead have their lead trimmed back to two points on Sunday when Napoli host Genoa.
Alex Sandro's early blocked shot and a marginally misdirected Paulo Dybala free-kick were the best of few opportunities extracted from the plucky hosts.SPAL had begun with the confidence of a team unbeaten in their previous three outings and richly deserved the point that moves them out of the bottom three.
Juve, conversely, looked heavy-legged in their fourth match in 11 days and struggled to produce anything that would cause concern Real Madrid, their Champions League quarter-final opponents.
Massimiliano Allegri's side did manage to equal their own Serie A record of 10 consecutive clean sheets – last achieved in 2015-16 – but it will be scant consolation as the door creaks open for Napoli.
Alex Sandro returned to the starting XI in an advanced role and the move almost paid off early, with only a sliding Filippo Costa denying him a clear sight of goal. Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala soon tried their luck without success, while Daniele Rugani was capably managing SPAL's encouraging incursions.
Juve had scored twice by the 22nd minute in the last meeting between these teams, which ended 4-1 to the Turin club, but there was to be no early breakthrough on this occasion as the hosts held their shape beyond the half hour.
Kwadwo Asamoah sliced over the crossbar before a curling Dybala free-kick brushed the top of the net as the opening period edged to a close without the expected opener from a slightly off-colour Bianconeri.
Douglas Costa set a more enterprising tone after the restart with a firm left-footed effort that was palmed away by Alex Meret.Dybala – overlooked by Jorge Sampaoli for the latest Argentina squad – next fired wide and, with scores still level by the hour, Allegri ushered Mario Mandzukic off the bench to replace Asamoah.The visitors' command of possession passed 60 per cent amid their constant probing for the all-important winner, but they were frustrated in their attempts as a Mandzukic header in the 82nd minute failed to trouble Meret.
Instead, SPAL remained compact and held on for a precious point, just their fourth they have managed against Juve at Stadio Paolo Mazza since 1957.
Juventus failed to win for the first time in 13 Serie A matches as lowly SPAL earned a 0-0 draw at Stadio Paolo Mazza on Saturday.
Heavily favoured to strengthen their grip on the Scudetto against the relegation-threatened Biancazzurri, Juve could instead have their lead trimmed back to two points on Sunday when Napoli host Genoa.
Alex Sandro's early blocked shot and a marginally misdirected Paulo Dybala free-kick were the best of few opportunities extracted from the plucky hosts.SPAL had begun with the confidence of a team unbeaten in their previous three outings and richly deserved the point that moves them out of the bottom three.
Juve, conversely, looked heavy-legged in their fourth match in 11 days and struggled to produce anything that would cause concern Real Madrid, their Champions League quarter-final opponents.
Massimiliano Allegri's side did manage to equal their own Serie A record of 10 consecutive clean sheets – last achieved in 2015-16 – but it will be scant consolation as the door creaks open for Napoli.
Alex Sandro returned to the starting XI in an advanced role and the move almost paid off early, with only a sliding Filippo Costa denying him a clear sight of goal. Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala soon tried their luck without success, while Daniele Rugani was capably managing SPAL's encouraging incursions.
Juve had scored twice by the 22nd minute in the last meeting between these teams, which ended 4-1 to the Turin club, but there was to be no early breakthrough on this occasion as the hosts held their shape beyond the half hour.
Kwadwo Asamoah sliced over the crossbar before a curling Dybala free-kick brushed the top of the net as the opening period edged to a close without the expected opener from a slightly off-colour Bianconeri.
Douglas Costa set a more enterprising tone after the restart with a firm left-footed effort that was palmed away by Alex Meret.Dybala – overlooked by Jorge Sampaoli for the latest Argentina squad – next fired wide and, with scores still level by the hour, Allegri ushered Mario Mandzukic off the bench to replace Asamoah.The visitors' command of possession passed 60 per cent amid their constant probing for the all-important winner, but they were frustrated in their attempts as a Mandzukic header in the 82nd minute failed to trouble Meret.
Instead, SPAL remained compact and held on for a precious point, just their fourth they have managed against Juve at Stadio Paolo Mazza since 1957.
Stoke City 1 Everton 2: Tosun at the double after Adam's early dismissal
A 10-man Stoke City sank further into relegation peril after Cenk Tosun's brace secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Everton at bet365 Stadium on Saturday.Tosun netted both goals amid a chaotic 15-minute period in the second half that was split by what seemed to be a vital Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equaliser.
The Potters had lost Charlie Adam to a straight red card for a loose, late tackle on Wayne Rooney in the 30th minute, giving the Toffees the perfect incentive to pursue a first Premier League away victory in seven attempts.And they looked to be course when Tosun, in an apparent offside position, poked home his first in the 69th minute.
The home side defied their numerical disadvantage to briefly halve the deficit through Choupo-Moting and inspire hope of a precious result in what was billed as the embattled club's biggest league game in 10 years.
Instead, Turkey international Tosun popped up to complete his brace - and score a fourth goal in three matches - to inflict back-to-back home defeats on Paul Lambert's men, who remain mired in the bottom three.
Lambert recalled Adam in a bid to inject his goal-shy side with more creativity but it was at the other end that the 32-year-old almost had an unwelcome early influence.
Caught napping on a Rooney free-kick, Adam's failure to track Tom Davies was spared by the Everton midfielder's inability to keep down an uncontested header.Peter Crouch - replacing Jese at the point of attack - next nodded wide in similar fashion, the striker unable to adequately crane his neck from Glen Johnson's cross.
Conditions grew more difficult as the half wore on, with visibility impeded by persistent heavy snow, although referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in dismissing Adam on the half hour.The former Scotland international was shown a straight red for catching Rooney with a studs-up challenge as both players stretched for the ball.
Having failed to truly test Jack Butland over the opening 50 minutes, Sam Allardyce was compelled to introduce Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Davies was shaken by an unfortunate collision with the Stoke goalkeeper. Rooney began to look ominous with an increase in tempo, unfurling two tame attempts either side of Everton appeals for handball in the area.
The tension was eventually broken by Tosun with just over 20 minutes remaining, the in-form forward firing home amid a goalmouth scramble in which his initial attempt at a header appeared to have come from an offside position.But the Potters regrouped to equalise eight minutes later as substitute Choupo-Moting turned in Joe Allen's free-kick.
The Cameroon international injured himself in the process and proceedings quickly went from bad to worse for Lambert, with Tosun stooping to head in Theo Walcott's cross in the 84th minute.
That proved the decisive moment in securing Everton a league double over Stoke for the first time since 2008-09, the latter's debut Premier League campaign.
A 10-man Stoke City sank further into relegation peril after Cenk Tosun's brace secured a dramatic 2-1 win for Everton at bet365 Stadium on Saturday.Tosun netted both goals amid a chaotic 15-minute period in the second half that was split by what seemed to be a vital Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equaliser.
The Potters had lost Charlie Adam to a straight red card for a loose, late tackle on Wayne Rooney in the 30th minute, giving the Toffees the perfect incentive to pursue a first Premier League away victory in seven attempts.And they looked to be course when Tosun, in an apparent offside position, poked home his first in the 69th minute.
The home side defied their numerical disadvantage to briefly halve the deficit through Choupo-Moting and inspire hope of a precious result in what was billed as the embattled club's biggest league game in 10 years.
Instead, Turkey international Tosun popped up to complete his brace - and score a fourth goal in three matches - to inflict back-to-back home defeats on Paul Lambert's men, who remain mired in the bottom three.
Lambert recalled Adam in a bid to inject his goal-shy side with more creativity but it was at the other end that the 32-year-old almost had an unwelcome early influence.
Caught napping on a Rooney free-kick, Adam's failure to track Tom Davies was spared by the Everton midfielder's inability to keep down an uncontested header.Peter Crouch - replacing Jese at the point of attack - next nodded wide in similar fashion, the striker unable to adequately crane his neck from Glen Johnson's cross.
Conditions grew more difficult as the half wore on, with visibility impeded by persistent heavy snow, although referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in dismissing Adam on the half hour.The former Scotland international was shown a straight red for catching Rooney with a studs-up challenge as both players stretched for the ball.
Having failed to truly test Jack Butland over the opening 50 minutes, Sam Allardyce was compelled to introduce Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Davies was shaken by an unfortunate collision with the Stoke goalkeeper. Rooney began to look ominous with an increase in tempo, unfurling two tame attempts either side of Everton appeals for handball in the area.
The tension was eventually broken by Tosun with just over 20 minutes remaining, the in-form forward firing home amid a goalmouth scramble in which his initial attempt at a header appeared to have come from an offside position.But the Potters regrouped to equalise eight minutes later as substitute Choupo-Moting turned in Joe Allen's free-kick.
The Cameroon international injured himself in the process and proceedings quickly went from bad to worse for Lambert, with Tosun stooping to head in Theo Walcott's cross in the 84th minute.
That proved the decisive moment in securing Everton a league double over Stoke for the first time since 2008-09, the latter's debut Premier League campaign.
Sane: Man City can win the Champions League under Guardiola's guidance
Leroy Sane claims Manchester City have “a good chance” of winning the Champions League after embracing Pep Guardiola’s “philosophy”.
An ambitious outfit have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and are fast closing in on the Premier League title.They are also through to the quarter-finals in Europe, with an all-English tie against Liverpool awaiting them at that stage.
Sane is looking forward to that challenge, with confidence building within the City camp that they can taste Champions League glory for the first time in the club’s history.
The Germany international said: “This year, we're a real strong team, and we understand Pep Guardiola's philosophy, have improved a lot and know what he wants from us.“The Champions League is a really tough tournament and every single game is really special and difficult.“But we have a good chance to come to the final and win the Champions League. But it will be really difficult.”
City saw their unbeaten run in domestic competition ended by Liverpool in January, with a thrilling 4-3 defeat suffered at Anfield.They had previously swept aside the 10-man Reds 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September.
Those fixtures suggest a continental clash will be keenly fought, with City’s sporting director, Txki Begiristain, conceding that both sides would have preferred to avoid one another.He said on a testing draw: “It’s a very difficult one. “We’re playing against a Premier League team.
“It’s something that you don’t like when you play Champions League but it’s what it is, we have to accept it and, of course, they’re a strong team.“It’s going to be a difficult one because we know each other very well, so it makes it even more difficult.
“Both stadiums and the atmosphere they can generate – Anfield road, the Etihad – it’s going to be great. Great teams and I think good football from both sides.”
Leroy Sane claims Manchester City have “a good chance” of winning the Champions League after embracing Pep Guardiola’s “philosophy”.
An ambitious outfit have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and are fast closing in on the Premier League title.They are also through to the quarter-finals in Europe, with an all-English tie against Liverpool awaiting them at that stage.
Sane is looking forward to that challenge, with confidence building within the City camp that they can taste Champions League glory for the first time in the club’s history.
The Germany international said: “This year, we're a real strong team, and we understand Pep Guardiola's philosophy, have improved a lot and know what he wants from us.“The Champions League is a really tough tournament and every single game is really special and difficult.“But we have a good chance to come to the final and win the Champions League. But it will be really difficult.”
City saw their unbeaten run in domestic competition ended by Liverpool in January, with a thrilling 4-3 defeat suffered at Anfield.They had previously swept aside the 10-man Reds 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September.
Those fixtures suggest a continental clash will be keenly fought, with City’s sporting director, Txki Begiristain, conceding that both sides would have preferred to avoid one another.He said on a testing draw: “It’s a very difficult one. “We’re playing against a Premier League team.
“It’s something that you don’t like when you play Champions League but it’s what it is, we have to accept it and, of course, they’re a strong team.“It’s going to be a difficult one because we know each other very well, so it makes it even more difficult.
“Both stadiums and the atmosphere they can generate – Anfield road, the Etihad – it’s going to be great. Great teams and I think good football from both sides.”
Buffon to play on for Italy as Di Biagio calls up uncapped duo
Gianluigi Buffon looks set to extend his international career after being included in Italy's squad for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.The Juventus goalkeeper fought back the tears when announcing his retirement after the Azzurri lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sweden in a World Cup play-off last November.
However, the 40-year-old has softened his stance since then and, having held a meeting with interim Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio in February, could now add to his national record of 175 caps.
As well as picking Buffon, Di Biagio – who has stepped up from his role as Under-21 boss on a temporary basis – has also named uncapped forwards Federico Chiesa and Patrick Cutrone in a 26-man squad.There is a recall for Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura, who won the last of his eight caps in December 2016, but Mario Balotelli and Simone Zaza both miss out.
Italy face Argentina at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on March 23 before taking on England at Wembley four days later.
Gianluigi Buffon looks set to extend his international career after being included in Italy's squad for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.The Juventus goalkeeper fought back the tears when announcing his retirement after the Azzurri lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sweden in a World Cup play-off last November.
However, the 40-year-old has softened his stance since then and, having held a meeting with interim Italy coach Luigi Di Biagio in February, could now add to his national record of 175 caps.
As well as picking Buffon, Di Biagio – who has stepped up from his role as Under-21 boss on a temporary basis – has also named uncapped forwards Federico Chiesa and Patrick Cutrone in a 26-man squad.There is a recall for Milan midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura, who won the last of his eight caps in December 2016, but Mario Balotelli and Simone Zaza both miss out.
Italy face Argentina at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on March 23 before taking on England at Wembley four days later.
'We've beaten them' - Salah and Liverpool have no fear of City
Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah insisted the Reds do not fear runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City ahead of their blockbuster Champions League tie.It will be an all-English affair when Liverpool and Premier League champions-elect City go head-to-head in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition.
City are 16 points clear atop the table and 18 ahead of third-placed Liverpool in the Premier League but Jurgen Klopp's men are not daunted by the task ahead, having been the only side to beat Pep Guardiola's team in the league this term.
Salah, who scored four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 rout of Watford on Saturday, will likely have to play a big part if Liverpool are to advance past their Premier League rivals.
The Egyptian's goals on Saturday saw him pass Fernando Torres' record of 33 competitive goals for a player in his debut season at Anfield, and now has club legend Ian Rush in his sights along with runaway leaders City."I don't believe that City have always been superior to other clubs this season in the Premier League – despite what everyone says," he said after Saturday's showing. "We have beaten them for a start.
"The Champions League always depends on the draw, but we don't fear any rival, whoever they are."We're in the quarter-finals and have the same chances of winning as each of the other seven teams."
Salah, whose Liverpool host City at Anfield on April 4 before travelling to Manchester for the return leg six days later, added: "There are many big clubs still in the competition but you have to remember Liverpool are a great club in Europe too. In these knockout ties, anything can happen."The 25-year-old international forward has been a phenomenon since arriving from Roma at the start of the season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions – 27 of those in the Premier League.
The Reds have just one match, against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, before playing City in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah insisted the Reds do not fear runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City ahead of their blockbuster Champions League tie.It will be an all-English affair when Liverpool and Premier League champions-elect City go head-to-head in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition.
City are 16 points clear atop the table and 18 ahead of third-placed Liverpool in the Premier League but Jurgen Klopp's men are not daunted by the task ahead, having been the only side to beat Pep Guardiola's team in the league this term.
Salah, who scored four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 rout of Watford on Saturday, will likely have to play a big part if Liverpool are to advance past their Premier League rivals.
The Egyptian's goals on Saturday saw him pass Fernando Torres' record of 33 competitive goals for a player in his debut season at Anfield, and now has club legend Ian Rush in his sights along with runaway leaders City."I don't believe that City have always been superior to other clubs this season in the Premier League – despite what everyone says," he said after Saturday's showing. "We have beaten them for a start.
"The Champions League always depends on the draw, but we don't fear any rival, whoever they are."We're in the quarter-finals and have the same chances of winning as each of the other seven teams."
Salah, whose Liverpool host City at Anfield on April 4 before travelling to Manchester for the return leg six days later, added: "There are many big clubs still in the competition but you have to remember Liverpool are a great club in Europe too. In these knockout ties, anything can happen."The 25-year-old international forward has been a phenomenon since arriving from Roma at the start of the season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions – 27 of those in the Premier League.
The Reds have just one match, against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, before playing City in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Manchester United are planning for a big off-season according to star striker Romelu Lukaku, who claimed "a lot of good players" will move to Old Trafford in 2018-19.
United invested heavily this season, signing Lukaku, Nemanja Matic, and Victor Lindelof in July before Alexis Sanchez arrived from Arsenal in January, but the Red Devils have taken a back seat to neighbours Manchester City this term.Jose Mourinho's side are second and 16 points adrift of City in the Premier League, while United sensationally crashed out of the Champions League in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
And United – who overcame Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday – are set to be active in the transfer market again, according to Lukaku.
"We are Manchester United, we have to improve every year and I know that a lot of players, a lot of good players, will come in next season. That's for sure," said Lukaku, who scored against Brighton to take his season tally to 25 goals."That is something I look forward to, in order to improve the squad, and what the manager also looks forward to because next year we have to win. "We will have to try and win as many trophies as we can."
Mourinho was scathing of United , despite their victory over Brighton at Old Trafford, accusing his players of being scared to play, while he was also critical of Luke Shaw's performance on Saturday.
The Portuguese's post-match comments came after his passionate 12-minute monologue during Friday's news conference, in which he defended his record as United manager following their 2-1 aggregate defeat to Sevilla.Despite the scrutiny over United's exploits this term, Lukaku said: "I don't believe we are really that short in being able to compete in the big competitions.
"We knew immediately after the game against Seville that we weren't good enough, so we accept the criticism."Lukaku also leapt to the defence of under-fire team-mate Sanchez, who was an unused substitute in the FA Cup clash.
Sanchez has only scored once in 10 appearances for United – against Huddersfield Town in February – since his high-profile transfer from Arsenal."As long as he keeps working hard like he does, I think he'll come good for us," the Belgium international added. "He is a quality player with a lot of assets.
"Look at my situation. I started really well and then had the dry spell in November and December. But at the end of the day with hard work you are always going to get through it."
Liverpool ace Salah does not want Lionel Messi comparisons, says Klopp
Jurgen Klopp agreed with suggestions Mohamed Salah could soon be considered one of the best players in the world, but the Liverpool manager feels comparisons with Lionel Messi will not help the forward.Salah scored four times in the 5-0 win over Watford at Anfield on Saturday, taking his tally to 27 Premier League goals in a prolific first season on Merseyside.
Such has been the impact of the Egypt international upon returning to England from Roma, one reporter put it to Klopp that the former Chelsea striker, along with Barcelona star Messi, is one of the game's top talents.
"Yes, I think Mo is on the way," he said."That's good. I don't think Mo wants or anybody wants to be compared with Lionel Messi."He [Messi] is the one that is doing what he is doing for 20 years it feels like. The last player that I know who had that influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona I think, another Argentine guy."Mo is on a fantastic way, that's for sure.But how it always is in life, if you have the skills, then you have to show it, constantly. And his consistency is very good for us, he helps us a lot. The boys love playing together with him."
Quizzed about Salah earlier in his post-match news conference, Klopp said: "He gave the answer already with four goals."If the question is, 'what do I think about that?', I think that's quite exceptional.
"Another good performance in a very difficult game, in a very impressive manner, coping and dealing with difficult conditions. "The whole team tonight but especially around the first goal I would say Mo, because it was obviously slippery. "Everybody suffered, but not Mo in that situation. That's what you need to be on the highest level."
Jurgen Klopp agreed with suggestions Mohamed Salah could soon be considered one of the best players in the world, but the Liverpool manager feels comparisons with Lionel Messi will not help the forward.Salah scored four times in the 5-0 win over Watford at Anfield on Saturday, taking his tally to 27 Premier League goals in a prolific first season on Merseyside.
Such has been the impact of the Egypt international upon returning to England from Roma, one reporter put it to Klopp that the former Chelsea striker, along with Barcelona star Messi, is one of the game's top talents.
"Yes, I think Mo is on the way," he said."That's good. I don't think Mo wants or anybody wants to be compared with Lionel Messi."He [Messi] is the one that is doing what he is doing for 20 years it feels like. The last player that I know who had that influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona I think, another Argentine guy."Mo is on a fantastic way, that's for sure.But how it always is in life, if you have the skills, then you have to show it, constantly. And his consistency is very good for us, he helps us a lot. The boys love playing together with him."
Quizzed about Salah earlier in his post-match news conference, Klopp said: "He gave the answer already with four goals."If the question is, 'what do I think about that?', I think that's quite exceptional.
"Another good performance in a very difficult game, in a very impressive manner, coping and dealing with difficult conditions. "The whole team tonight but especially around the first goal I would say Mo, because it was obviously slippery. "Everybody suffered, but not Mo in that situation. That's what you need to be on the highest level."
FA Cup Quarter-Finals 2018.03.18
FA Cup Quarter-Finals 2018.03.18
Wigan Vs Southampton
Leicester City Vs Chelsea
LA Liga Fixtures 2018.03.18
LA Liga Fixtures 2018.03.18
Leganes Vs Sevilla
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Celta Vigo Vs Malaga
Villareal Vs Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid Vs Girona
Leganes Vs Sevilla
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao
Celta Vigo Vs Malaga
Villareal Vs Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid Vs Girona
Serie A Fixtures 2018.03.18
Serie A Fixtures 2018.03.18
Sampdoria Vs Inter
AC Milan Vs Chievo
Benevento Vs Cagliari
Crotone Vs Roma
Torino Vs Fiorentina
Verona Vs Atalanta
Lazio Vs Bologna
Napoli Vs Genoa
Sampdoria Vs Inter
AC Milan Vs Chievo
Benevento Vs Cagliari
Crotone Vs Roma
Torino Vs Fiorentina
Verona Vs Atalanta
Lazio Vs Bologna
Napoli Vs Genoa
Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.03.18
Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.03.18
Dortmund Vs Hannover
Cologne Vs Leverkusen
Leipzig Vs Bayern
Dortmund Vs Hannover
Cologne Vs Leverkusen
Leipzig Vs Bayern
Real Madrid 6 Girona 3: Four-goal Ronaldo continues hot streak with 50th career hat-trick
Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable run of form continued with the 50th hat-trick of his career as his four-goal haul inspired Real Madrid to a thrilling 6-3 win over Girona in LaLiga on Sunday.The Portuguese netted for the eighth game in a row in all competitions, while it was the fourth league outing in succession in which he has found the net at least twice.
A quiet start to 2017-18 saw Ronaldo score just four LaLiga goals before the turn of the year but since late January he has been virtually unstoppable, this stunning display at the Santiago Bernabeu taking his tally to 21 in his past 11 outings across domestic and continental competitions.
His first arrived in the 11th minute, a clinical left-footed finish from Toni Kroos' ball, but Girona pegged the champions back shortly before the half-hour as Cristhian Stuani headed home from a free-kick.
Ronaldo restored Madrid's advantage early in the second period at the end of a fine move and then added an assist for good measure as Lucas Vazquez - who saw a goal wrongly ruled out for offside in the first half - got in on the act.The matchball was secured soon after the hour as Ronaldo converted a rebound before Stuani bagged his second with another header - his ninth this season via that method, a LaLiga high.
Substitute Gareth Bale joined in the fun four minutes from time and although Madrid conceded their third header of the game to Juanpe, it was fitting that Ronaldo had the last word by rifling in his fourth in stoppage time.
Madrid were stunned 2-1 in the reverse fixture in October and they seemed intent on avenging that defeat as they flew out of the traps and called Bono into action twice in the first seven minutes.The Girona goalkeeper tipped Ronaldo's fizzing free-kick over and then denied Vazquez following fine set-up play from Karim Benzema.
It was not long before Ronaldo continued his hot streak, however, as Kroos exchanged passes with Marcelo from a corner and picked out the Portuguese to sweep home first time from 12 yards.Girona were fortunate not to fall two behind midway through the half as Vazquez's finish from Kroos' delightfully disguised ball was incorrectly disallowed.
And Madrid were further riled by that injustice as six minutes later Alex Granell whipped in a free-kick from the left and Stuani was all alone to thump a header beyond Keylor Navas.
If Madrid were frustrated to be level at the break, their vexation was vanquished within two minutes of the restart.Mateo Kovacic, Vazquez and Benzema were all involved in a glorious team move, the Frenchman slipping through a pass for Ronaldo to finish off the underside of the crossbar.
The Portugal superstar then turned provider shortly before the hour as he received Benzema's pass and unselfishly squared for Vazquez to slot home.Madrid were rampant as Nacho Fernandez headed against the bar and Ronaldo's hat-trick arrived in the 64th minute, the simplest of tap-ins after Bono parried Benzema's effort.
The lead was cut to two within three minutes as Stuani headed home Borja Garcia's delivery and Madrid showed few signs of having learned their lesson as the Uruguayan was soon left unmarked again, this time glancing wide.
In a whirlwind finish, Bale slotted beyond the advancing Bono before Juanpe headed in Granell's corner but, as if there were to be any doubt, Ronaldo ensured he would dominate the headlines by firing in from another Kroos assist.
Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable run of form continued with the 50th hat-trick of his career as his four-goal haul inspired Real Madrid to a thrilling 6-3 win over Girona in LaLiga on Sunday.The Portuguese netted for the eighth game in a row in all competitions, while it was the fourth league outing in succession in which he has found the net at least twice.
A quiet start to 2017-18 saw Ronaldo score just four LaLiga goals before the turn of the year but since late January he has been virtually unstoppable, this stunning display at the Santiago Bernabeu taking his tally to 21 in his past 11 outings across domestic and continental competitions.
His first arrived in the 11th minute, a clinical left-footed finish from Toni Kroos' ball, but Girona pegged the champions back shortly before the half-hour as Cristhian Stuani headed home from a free-kick.
Ronaldo restored Madrid's advantage early in the second period at the end of a fine move and then added an assist for good measure as Lucas Vazquez - who saw a goal wrongly ruled out for offside in the first half - got in on the act.The matchball was secured soon after the hour as Ronaldo converted a rebound before Stuani bagged his second with another header - his ninth this season via that method, a LaLiga high.
Substitute Gareth Bale joined in the fun four minutes from time and although Madrid conceded their third header of the game to Juanpe, it was fitting that Ronaldo had the last word by rifling in his fourth in stoppage time.
Madrid were stunned 2-1 in the reverse fixture in October and they seemed intent on avenging that defeat as they flew out of the traps and called Bono into action twice in the first seven minutes.The Girona goalkeeper tipped Ronaldo's fizzing free-kick over and then denied Vazquez following fine set-up play from Karim Benzema.
It was not long before Ronaldo continued his hot streak, however, as Kroos exchanged passes with Marcelo from a corner and picked out the Portuguese to sweep home first time from 12 yards.Girona were fortunate not to fall two behind midway through the half as Vazquez's finish from Kroos' delightfully disguised ball was incorrectly disallowed.
And Madrid were further riled by that injustice as six minutes later Alex Granell whipped in a free-kick from the left and Stuani was all alone to thump a header beyond Keylor Navas.
If Madrid were frustrated to be level at the break, their vexation was vanquished within two minutes of the restart.Mateo Kovacic, Vazquez and Benzema were all involved in a glorious team move, the Frenchman slipping through a pass for Ronaldo to finish off the underside of the crossbar.
The Portugal superstar then turned provider shortly before the hour as he received Benzema's pass and unselfishly squared for Vazquez to slot home.Madrid were rampant as Nacho Fernandez headed against the bar and Ronaldo's hat-trick arrived in the 64th minute, the simplest of tap-ins after Bono parried Benzema's effort.
The lead was cut to two within three minutes as Stuani headed home Borja Garcia's delivery and Madrid showed few signs of having learned their lesson as the Uruguayan was soon left unmarked again, this time glancing wide.
In a whirlwind finish, Bale slotted beyond the advancing Bono before Juanpe headed in Granell's corner but, as if there were to be any doubt, Ronaldo ensured he would dominate the headlines by firing in from another Kroos assist.
Napoli 1 Genoa 0: Albiol goal maintains pressure on Juve
Raul Albiol celebrated 200 games for Scudetto-chasing Napoli by scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Genoa after a pre-match presentation to honour his achievement.
The 32-year-old defender, playing his 202nd match for the club, rose to meet Jose Callejon's corner in the 72nd minute at Stadio San Paolo and scored to the relief of a home crowd that had seen their side struggle to break Genoa down.The result takes second-placed Napoli back to within two points of Serie A leaders Juventus, but for over an hour they looked set to drop two points against Davide Ballardini's well-drilled Genoa side on Sunday.
Dries Mertens went into the game having scored twice in his previous three Napoli outings but he squandered two early opportunities to score as Maurizio Sarri's men piled the pressure on their mid-table opponents.
Marek Hamsik was replaced after 20 minutes with a muscle strain and Napoli's frustrations deepened as Allan blazed over the crossbar from five yards out before Lorenzo Insigne hit the frame of the goal just before half-time.Mertens crashed a shot onto the post early in the second-half before Albiol's near-post header from Callejon's in-swinging corner broke the deadlock, and Napoli closed out the match the clinch their third Serie A win in five games.
Raul Albiol celebrated 200 games for Scudetto-chasing Napoli by scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Genoa after a pre-match presentation to honour his achievement.
The 32-year-old defender, playing his 202nd match for the club, rose to meet Jose Callejon's corner in the 72nd minute at Stadio San Paolo and scored to the relief of a home crowd that had seen their side struggle to break Genoa down.The result takes second-placed Napoli back to within two points of Serie A leaders Juventus, but for over an hour they looked set to drop two points against Davide Ballardini's well-drilled Genoa side on Sunday.
Dries Mertens went into the game having scored twice in his previous three Napoli outings but he squandered two early opportunities to score as Maurizio Sarri's men piled the pressure on their mid-table opponents.
Marek Hamsik was replaced after 20 minutes with a muscle strain and Napoli's frustrations deepened as Allan blazed over the crossbar from five yards out before Lorenzo Insigne hit the frame of the goal just before half-time.Mertens crashed a shot onto the post early in the second-half before Albiol's near-post header from Callejon's in-swinging corner broke the deadlock, and Napoli closed out the match the clinch their third Serie A win in five games.
