..::Football IV::..

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'Everything is going very well here' - Lewandowski open to retiring at Bayern Munich


Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski has hinted that he could be happy to stay with the Bundesliga champions until the end of his career.

The former Borussia Dortmund forward netted a brace in Bayern's 6-0 win over Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, in a game which saw him leapfrog Claudio Pizarro as the Bundesliga's all-time leading foreign goalscorer.After a tough start to the season, Bayern have now regained top spot in the league table, having gone ahead of Dortmund on goal difference.

Lewandowski is also now the Bundesliga's top goalscorer having netted 17 league goals so far this season and gave a positive response when asked whether he could end his career with Bayern.

"Everything is going very well here, I'm feeling well and I'm satisfied, the communication between the club is good," Lewandowski told Welt am Sonntag. "I can play at the highest level for another five to seven years, I've been playing for Bayern for a long time, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world, and if you play for that, there are few options to improve."

The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid in recent years but now claims that he is only focused on his career with Bayern, with his contract not due to expire until 2021.He said: "I am fully focused on this season and my future in Munich. Bayern remains one of the top four in Europe, so I'm not thinking of other things."

It has been suggested that Bayern are in need of another striker to help ease the pressure on Lewandowski, with previous second-choice forward Sandro Wagner leaving for China at the start of the year.But the former Dortmund man says he would rather not be rested in matches to avoid losing rhythm and believes his side still have plenty of good options in the forward areas.

"I already have some opportunities to rest, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry are both able to play as strikers," he added."In the past season, I've had several breaks, and in retrospect, I have to say that they have not done me so well. I lost my rhythm, maybe too many breaks, it was not a perfect solution."

Next up for Lewandowski and Bayern is a crucial Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool, with the first leg finishing 0-0 at Anfield.

 

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Zidane makes sensational return to Real Madrid after Solari sacking

Zinedine Zidane has been reappointed as Real Madrid's head coach after the club held a board meeting on Monday evening to discuss the ongoing issues at the Spanish capital club - the French boss joins on a deal that ties him to the club until 2022.

Los Blancos have endured a calamitous season thus far, first seeing Julen Lopetegui given his marching orders after a failed stint at the helm following a controversial move from the Spain national team on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.Former youth coach Santiago Solari was called in to stop the rot at the Santiago Bernabeu, and at first it seemed the Argentine trainer had managed to do just that.

Two recent Clasico losses to eternal rivals Barcelona and a shock exit in the Champions League at the hands of Ajax have effectively ended Madrid's hopes of silverware this term, however, prompting yet another managerial shake-up.

Goal reported on Thursday that the board had decided to bring in Jose Mourinho – who had made no secret of his willingness to return to management during various pundit roles of late – with the Portuguese trainer receptive to taking the job on an interim basis.

It is understood that Madrid's hand had been forced in their decision to bring in Mourinho, with first-choice Zidane seemingly unwilling to step back into the dugout with the club in such disarray.

After further talks with Florentino Perez, however, Zidane has been convinced to return to the club following guarantees of having a big say in squad decisions and a large sum set aside for summer investment.A statement on the club's website reads: “The board of directors of Real Madrid, meeting today, Monday, March 11, 2019, has decided to terminate the contract that linked Santiago Solari with the club as coach of the first team.

“Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this institution.

“The board of directors has also agreed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate incorporation for the remainder of the season and the next three – until June 30, 2022.

"The president of Real Madrid will appear today with Zinedine Zidane before the media at 8:00pm (CET) in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”

The news will be music to the ears of Madrid fans, who have seen their side struggle massively with the Cristiano Ronaldo's summer exit to Juventus, as Mourinho is far from a popular figure within the club's support base.

In addition, captain Sergio Ramos, who himself has had well-publicised issues with both the club's management and team-mates of late, has an extremely poor relationship with Mourinho and his appointment could have marked the tipping point for a man who was allegedly open to leaving the club .

With Zidane now back at the helm in the Spanish capital, the mood at the club is sure to improve, although silverware is almost an impossibility at this point with Barcelona 12 points ahead of third-placed Madrid in La Liga – the only competition in which Los Blancos are still involved.

A strong end to the season under Zidane would go some way to fixing the issues currently plaguing the reigning European club champions, however, while the French boss will no doubt have one eye on how to best carry out a summer overhaul.

 

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'Neymar or Mbappe? I'd choose both' - Perez hoping Zidane's Real Madrid return will benefit summer rebuild


Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hopes “both” Kylian Mbappe and Neymar could join his club in the future, while also hoping Zinedine Zidane might lure the France star to the Spanish capital.

The Frenchman was named as head coach on Monday on a contract through the 2022 season, returning to the club he departed 10 months ago, having won his third straight Champions League title.

Zidane will be tasked with righting the ship after his successors Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari struggled to live up to expectations following the Frenchman's departure last summer.

Real Madrid have arguably struggled to cope with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left for Juventus in the summer, and the hunt for a proper replacement for the Portuguese has seen the likes of Paris Saint-Germain stars Mbappe and Neymar both linked with a move to the Spanish capital.Mbappe has previously downplayed a move away from PSG in the near future, though has not ruled out an eventual shift to the Spanish capital.

And Perez, speaking to reporters after presenting Zidane to the media, admitted he hopes that the presence of the France legend at the helm once more might tempt the 20-year-old star to Madrid."Zidane’s French so maybe he could do something with Mbappe,” Perez, with a laugh, told reporters.

When pressed over whether he believed Mbappe could be convinced to join Madrid, the club president deflected, instead saying their focus was on finishing the season."Right now, all we are concerned with is ending the season well and start preparing for next season,” Perez said.

Neymar has also been rumoured as a Madrid target, with reports suggesting the club would shatter the transfer record PSG paid for the Brazilian while offering to make him the highest-paid footballer in the world.

It has also been reported that such a move would take Madrid out of the race, at least in the short term, for Mbappe, given the cost of landing both stars.However, when asked who he would choose between the two PSG stars, Perez instead answered “Both.”

Neymar has been coy on his future as well, a few weeks ago saying he was happy in Paris but admitting Madrid was an attractive option and that he was uncertain over what the future may hold.

 

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'Bayern will be tough, we need to do better' - Van Dijk


Virgil van Dijk has spoken of the challenge facing Liverpool ahead of their Champions League second leg clash with Bayern Munich, insisting that he and his team-mates need to up their game.

The tie is poised at 0-0 after the first leg at Anfield and the Dutch defender knows that the Reds will have to play to the best of their ability to advance.While Van Dijk talked up the Reds’ chances of progressing, he also acknowledged the problems posed by the Germans, and that his team needs to improve on their away form in Europe so far this season.

“It’s going to be an exciting tie. They played very well [at Anfield], kept it tight - especially at the back - and they obviously showed us a lot of respect,” the central defender told a press conference on Monday.

“They changed a bit the way they played I think, so we need to be up for a big fight because they are probably going to come all in, especially in the beginning. It is going to be tough and we need to do better than we did in the last away games in the Champions League.

“The group stage games were not as good as we wanted, but we got through to the knockout phase. Now we have a 0-0 and we want to do everything that is possible to get through. We know it is going to be a very hard and tough game.”

Van Dijk downplayed any perceived advantage Bayern might have after the goalless first leg and, hopeful that the Reds will progress again, believes that Liverpool’s quality would shine through.

“To keep a clean sheet in the first leg is always good for both teams but we know if we score they need to score two. That is how it is. We want to win the game and go through.“There will be times when it is going to be very tough, we are going to be under a lot of pressure because they have a lot of quality and they showed that. But we will definitely have our own moments because of the quality we have as well.

“Everyone can see how tough it is already in the Champions League. The situation is we have a 0-0 to start with and hopefully we can get the job done.”Van Dijk and his team will hope the confidence from the weekend's win over Burnley carries over into the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

 

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'I'm a pensioner now!' - Van Gaal announces retirement from football

Former Ajax, Barcelona, AZ, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal has announced his retirement from football in any capacity.The Dutchman, who hasn’t coached since he was sacked by Manchester United in 2016, won trophies at every club he was at.

He won the Champions League in 1995 with Ajax, La Liga twice at Barcelona, the Bundesliga with Bayern and the Eredivisie three times with Ajax and once with AZ. Overall, Van Gaal managed in 899 games and won 20 trophies.

There were rumours that Van Gaal had quit the game in 2017 for family reasons, but he scotched those, saying he was merely on a sabbatical.

His final Manchester United game was the 2016 FA Cup final, which the Red Devils won. Van Gaal was let go two days later, replaced by Jose Mourinho.
“I am a pensioner now. I have no ambition to be a technical director or TV pundit.” Van Gaal, 67, told Dutch channel VTBL.

“My wife Truus gave up her job for me 22 years ago, and followed me when I went abroad. I told her I would quit as a coach when I turned 55, but instead kept going until I was 65.“She is entitled to have a life with me outside of football. I can say she is very happy. I think I could have worked as a technical director.”

Van Gaal did have a brief spell as technical director of Ajax in 2004 before leaving after a bust-up with head coach Ronald Koeman. It was perhaps with that experience in mind that he said:“But in this role you can’t attend training or say anything for fear it won’t suit the coach, directors or media. I don’t think I want a job like that.”

One of Van Gaal's brighter spots during his Man Utd tenure was the signing of Anthony Martial, and the Frenchman was quick to comment on his former manager's retirement.
“Thanks for everything coach!! It was an honour to learn from you!” Martial tweeted.Van Gaal had a reputation for bringing through young players, giving debuts to the likes of Marcus Rashford at United, Andres Iniesta at Barcelona and Edgar Davids at Ajax.

 

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Thanks for everything LVG & Good luck for the future!​

 

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I'm back because I love this club - Zidane explains Real Madrid return


Zinedine Zidane says he returned to Real Madrid because he loves the club and president Florentino Perez and is excited to lead their recovery.The former France star was confirmed as the shock successor to Santiago Solari on Monday on a three-year deal after the Argentine was sacked as head coach in the wake of damaging defeats to Barcelona and Ajax.

Zidane led Madrid to three consecutive Champions League triumphs and nine trophies in total before he stepped down in May last year, a decision he insists was made "for the good of everyone".

However, he is now eager to get back to work at the Santiago Bernabeu."It's a special day for everyone," he said at his presentation. "I'm very happy to come back home. I don't have anything to say - I'm very happy to be back and I want to work to put this club back where it should be. "I left because a change was needed at end of last season, for the good of everyone, as they had won so much. I returned as the president called me, and I love him, and this club.

"After eight months, I was eager to return to coaching. At the end of [last] season, I made the decision for the good of everyone."It's a great responsibility. All the players here love this club a lot, and I am one more, I played with this badge, I won a lot of things."

Madrid lost to Barca in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final and twice in La Liga, effectively ending their hopes of domestic silverware before they were stunned by Ajax in the Champions League last 16.Zidane is under no illusions as to the task at hand, saying there were disappointments in his final season in charge when they failed to defend their league title or win the Copa del Rey.

"I don't forget what we won, but neither do I forget the bad things," he said. "We lost La Liga quickly, also the Copa del Rey. We won the Champions League, okay, but I know where I am."I'm going to give everything so that this team becomes better."

Perez revealed he approached Zidane five days ago to ask him to return and thanked him for embracing the challenge of leading a "new era".He also praised Solari for conducting himself with dignity during a difficult end to his time in charge.

"We're going through a tough moment," he said. "These players have given us unforgettable trophies. It's to be proud of and we shouldn't forget what we've fought for to achieve this. Everyone will be remembered by us, always.

"We haven't achieved the results we expected. I want to recognise Solari's work.Until the last moment, he showed loyalty to the club, love for the club and his effort has been undeniable from the first day. We want him to continue with us at our club if he wishes.

Madrid lost to Barca in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final and twice in La Liga, effectively ending their hopes of domestic silverware before they were stunned by Ajax in the Champions League last 16.Zidane is under no illusions as to the task at hand, saying there were disappointments in his final season in charge when they failed to defend their league title or win the Copa del Rey.

"I don't forget what we won, but neither do I forget the bad things," he said. "We lost La Liga quickly, also the Copa del Rey. We won the Champions League, okay, but I know where I am."I'm going to give everything so that this team becomes better."

Perez revealed he approached Zidane five days ago to ask him to return and thanked him for embracing the challenge of leading a "new era".He also praised Solari for conducting himself with dignity during a difficult end to his time in charge.

"We're going through a tough moment," he said. "These players have given us unforgettable trophies. It's to be proud of and we shouldn't forget what we've fought for to achieve this. Everyone will be remembered by us, always.

"We haven't achieved the results we expected. I want to recognise Solari's work.Until the last moment, he showed loyalty to the club, love for the club and his effort has been undeniable from the first day. We want him to continue with us at our club if he wishes.

 

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UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Fixtures 2019.03.12

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Fixtures 2019.03.12

AGG
(0-2)

Juventus Vs Atletico Madrid

AGG
(3-2)

Manchester City Vs Schalke

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[Frosty]

juve

 

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Juventus 3 Atletico Madrid 0 (3-2 agg): Ronaldo hat-trick completes comeback

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant hat-trick as Juventus produced a stunning Champions League comeback, winning 3-0 at home against Atletico Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

A VAR review denied Juve a fourth-minute opener, but Ronaldo's first header of the game gave them hope and the Serie A leaders drew level in the tie thanks to the Portugal superstar's aerial power again.

The excellent Federico Bernardeschi then drove into the penalty area and was brought down by Angel Correa, with Ronaldo stepping up with four minutes to go to convert the spot-kick and down Atletico yet again.


Ronaldo has now scored 25 goals against Atletico in his career, with the former Real Madrid player's treble on Tuesday denying his old club's city rivals the chance to play in this season's final at their Wanda Metropolitano home.
Juve thought they had scored an early goal when Giorgio Chiellini struck from close range, only for referee Bjorn Kuipers to give a foul for Ronaldo's challenge on goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Koke fired a warning shot over the crossbar at the other end but Juve took a 27th-minute lead. Bernardeschi popped up on the left to deliver a wonderful inswinging cross that allowed Ronaldo to overpower Juanfran at the back post and beat Oblak with a downward header.

Oblak tipped over a header from a bloodied Chiellini but Atletico almost levelled on the stroke of half-time, Alvaro Morata only able to nod Koke's right-wing centre over the top.

That miss was punished four minutes after the restart when goal-line technology ruled Oblak failed to keep out another Ronaldo header, Joao Cancelo this time providing the cross.With the tie level, Juve smelled blood and sent on Paulo Dybala and Moise Kean, the teenager drilling a massive chance wide of the far post moments after his introduction.

Bernardeschi had dropped into a deeper role following the attacking changes but the winger forged forward and drew a clumsy foul from Correa after a dazzling solo run, Kuipers pointing to the spot.

Ronaldo was never going to miss, sending Oblak the wrong way to ensure Juve marched on at Atletico's expense, Diego Simeone's side going out of the competition after failing to record a shot on target in the second leg.

 

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Manchester City 7 Schalke 0 (10-2 agg): Aguero & Sane show no mercy

Manchester City cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals as Sergio Aguero's brace sparked a 7-0 home thumping of Schalke and a crushing 10-2 aggregate victory.

Pep Guardiola's men sat firmly in the driving seat after a come-from-behind 3-2 success in Gelsenkirchen last month and they were never in danger of letting the lead slip against a passive opponent in this last-16 tie.

Aguero struck twice and Leroy Sane once in the space of seven first-half minutes before Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus humiliated the visitors after half-time.


Schalke, who are in danger of Bundesliga relegation, seemed resigned to their fate from the outset as they sat deep and invited a second-leg defeat that casts a doubt over Domenico Tedesco's future.
Aguero ended Schalke's early resistance by outfoxing Ralf Fahrmann with a Panenka in the 35th minute, Jeffrey Bruma having impeded Bernardo Silva in the box.

The Argentine added his second three minutes later, poking home at close range courtesy of Raheem Sterling's backheel from the byline.Ilkay Gundogan provided fine passes in the lead-up to both goals and Oleksandr Zinchenko soon followed suit with a defence-splitting ball that freed Sane for a left-footed finish.

An offside flag denied the 23-year-old a double after the interval but did not cost him an assist in the 56th minute as the VAR correctly judged Sterling to be onside when he smashed home his fellow winger's angled pass.Sane continued to torment his former employers as the second half wore on, teeing up Silva to drive in a fifth in the 71st minute and then playing in teenage substitute Foden to round Fahrmann.

The heaviest ever Champions League defeat for a German side was assured when, six minutes from time, the Schalke skipper failed to stop Jesus' curling shot from squeezing under him.

 

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Dijon 0 Paris Saint-Germain 4: No Champions League hangover as Di Maria dazzles

Paris Saint-Germain began the process of putting another Champions League collapse behind them as they eased to a 4-0 Ligue 1 win at relegation-threatened Dijon.Thomas Tuchel's men have again been left to lick their wounds following a European disappointment after surrendering a 2-0 first-leg lead against Manchester United in the last 16, losing 3-1 at Parc des Princes last week.

The inquest into their latest meltdown in Europe's biggest club competition will go on, but PSG did at least continue their procession to another Ligue 1 title in style at Stade Gaston-Gerard on Tuesday.


Kylian Mbappe, who said he has had trouble sleeping in the aftermath of the United defeat, had a goal sandwiched by fine finishes from Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria - the latter a wonderful free-kick - as PSG moved 17 points clear of Lille at the top of the table.Substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's second league goal for the club added gloss to the scoreline in second-half injury time.

Any hope Dijon had of furthering PSG's misery was dented after just seven minutes, when two markers allowed Marquinhos to head home a Di Maria corner at the near post.The hosts did not lack the confidence to press in search of a quick response and Wesley Said flashed a long-range effort wide before Mbappe was thwarted by an impressive Runar Runarsson save at the other end.

Mbappe did double the lead five minutes before half-time, however, bundling home Layvin Kurzawa's low left-wing delivery into an empty net after Runarsson failed to deal with it.Just five minutes after the restart Di Maria extinguished any lingering Dijon hopes by bending a free-kick in off the right-hand post.

Mbappe was less fortunate as he struck the woodwork late on, but there was more misery for Dijon, who remain in the relegation play-off spot, as Choupo-Moting slid home a fourth in the 92nd minute.

 

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'Incredibly talented' Foden won't be going out on loan - Guardiola


Pep Guardiola insists there is no chance of Manchester City youngster Phil Foden being sent out on loan to gain more first-team experience.Foden produced an eye-catching cameo in City's 7-0 Champions League demolition of Schalke on Tuesday, scoring his first goal in Europe's premier club competition in the process.

The 18-year-old midfielder has six in all competitions this season but is yet to start a Premier League game amid a squad stacked with talent in the creative midfield positions.

Nevertheless, Guardiola is unequivocal in his view that the England Under-21 international is in the best place for his development.

"The people say he doesn't play too much. He is 18 years old and he has played a lot of minutes," he said."The people say he should be on loan; Phil Foden will not be on loan. All the time he is here he will be close to me because he is an incredibly talented player.

"He is with us. Congratulations [to him], because the minutes he played he did really well."Working under Guardiola's watchful eye can sometimes be a thankless task, as City wingers Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling can ascertain.

Sane's blistering first-leg free-kick against his former club Schalke, with City 2-1 down and depleted by Nicolas Otamendi's red card, proved to be a pivotal moment in the tie.

The Germany winger clinically dispatched the third goal in the return rout before crossing for Sterling to brilliantly score his 19th of the season on the half-volley after half-time, though they did not draw praise from their manager following a slow start.These are the sorts of problems brow-beaten Schalke boss Domenico Tedesco looked like he would welcome with open arms.

"Of course, it hurts when you lose 5-, 6- or 7-0 to stand there but that is why I'm here. It really hurt," he said."I have to say, I don't feel let down. At 2-0, it was two goals that happened quickly, otherwise it is clear they didn't stop playing. City did everything you need to win the game by that level."

Schalke lost each of their three Bundesliga games in between the two legs against City, conceding 11 goals in the process.

With a relegation battle looming, Tedesco insisted worrying about his own future would be a waste of energy."I haven't thought about that for a second and I don't imagine changing anything on my part. Even now I am proud to be coach of Schalke 04," he added."I am happy to be here in this difficult situation. I've not thought about my position. That's the last thing that I think about."

 

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Allegri: Impossible to think Ronaldo wouldn't score in the Champions League


Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed Cristiano Ronaldo, saying it was "impossible to think" the star had just one Champions League goal this season before Tuesday's heroics.Ronaldo produced a special display, scoring a hat-trick to guide Juve to a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid, sending them through to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

The Portuguese star had scored just once in his six games prior in the competition this season, a run that surprised even Allegri."It's impossible to think Cristiano would only score one goal in this Champions League," he told a news conference.

"He scored because he played well in the box and his team-mates worked well in the gameplay."A great match with an outstanding crowd supporting us and the players gave all Italian football fans a real show. That's the most important thing."

Ronaldo's arrival had seemingly made Juve one of the favourites in the Champions League, which the Serie A champions last won in 1996.But Allegri played down expectations, saying his side were just one of several contenders.

"Juventus is not the favourite to win the Champions League. We are one of the contenders and the trophy is one of our goals for this season, as usual," he said."If we were eliminated it would have not been a failure. Juventus every year must play the Champions League and today, I repeat, we get to the next stage. Because if you don't pass the round you don't have any chance to win. It is very simple.

"You don't need to graduate at Harvard to understand it – if you pass the group stage [you] have more chances, if not you play Europa League or watch the others from your sofa."

 

[Frosty]

Juventus 3 Atletico Madrid 0 (3-2 agg): Ronaldo hat-trick completes comeback

 

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Bayern Munich 1 Liverpool 3 (1-3 agg): Mane and Van Dijk seal quarter-final spot

Sadio Mane's brace inspired Liverpool to a convincing 3-1 win at Bayern Munich and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Senegal forward's excellent 26th-minute opener gave Jurgen Klopp's side a priceless away goal but, in a similar vein to the goalless first leg at Anfield, the action was fitful and error-strewn for the most part.

Bayern were level at the break thanks to Joel Matip's own goal but Niko Kovac's side were never able to mount a sustained victory push.A typically dominant Virgil van Dijk powered in to leave a forlorn Bayern with a mountain to climb and Mane administered the knockout blow six minutes from time.


Fabinho, a surprise omission from the Liverpool starting XI, was soon pressed into action when Jordan Henderson suffered an early ankle injury.

The visitors settled well despite that setback and - moments after Roberto Firmino flashed a snapshot wide - Mane brilliantly brought down Van Dijk's raking ball, spun a needlessly marauding Manuel Neuer and chipped in a sublime finish.Liverpool's lead lasted until six minutes before half-time when Serge Gnabry darted in behind Andy Robertson and Matip put through his own goal with Robert Lewandowski lurking.

Neuer dealt unconvincingly with a well-hit Mohamed Salah drive that was straight at him in the 50th minute, with Bayern struggling for rhythm.Gnabry remained a reliable outlet – not to mention a menace for Robertson – and he whipped a dangerous ball between the goalmouth and a sliding Lewandowski as the hour passed.

However, the Poland striker would like to have given Van Dijk far more work before the defender rose at the back post to power home James Milner's 69th-minute corner.Bayern were finished and Mane added late gloss on the end of Salah's floated cross.

 

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Barcelona 5 Lyon 1 (5-1 agg): Messi shines as LaLiga giants move into quarter-finals

Barcelona booked a Champions League quarter-final place with a 5-1 home win against Lyon secured thanks to Lionel Messi's inspirational performance, triumphing on aggregate by the same scoreline.After last month's goalless first leg, Messi opened the scoring at Camp Nou from the penalty spot, with Philippe Coutinho adding a second prior to half-time in Wednesday's tie.

Although Lucas Tousart sparked hope of a second-half Lyon fightback, Barca held their nerve and Messi struck again before Gerard Pique and substitute Ousmane Dembele wrapped up the scoring to seal a place in the last eight, where a bigger test likely awaits.


Barca have fallen at the quarter-final stage in each of the past three seasons since they last lifted the trophy in 2014-15, but with giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain already eliminated, Ernesto Valverde's side now await Friday's draw with interest.Anthony Lopes made a brilliant early save to deny Messi but Barca's captain beat him from 12 yards in the 17th minute.

Jason Denayer clumsily tripped Luis Suarez in the box and Messi, who had nine attempts but only one on target in the first leg, beat Lopes with a brilliant Panenka.
Moussa Dembele's drive deflected narrowly wide but Barca soon extended their lead.

Arthur's superb pass found Suarez and he jinked easily through the Lyon defence to square for Coutinho to tap in before a tearful Lopes had to make way due to a head injury.Marcal cleared Messi's delicate chip off the line after the restart but Lyon gave themselves hope by grabbing a goal back in the 58th minute.

After a spell of head tennis in the Barca box, Tousart controlled the ball and sent a low volley flying past Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the goal standing after a lengthy VAR review.Lyon grew in confidence but they were caught out at the back with 12 minutes to go, Messi dazzling defenders before squeezing a low shot past Mathieu Gorgelin.

And the substitute goalkeeper was then beaten again twice as Barca picked Lyon off on the break, Messi sensationally setting up Pique and Dembele for further goals.

 

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Kane and Hazard would fit in at Real Madrid - Owen


Michael Owen is confident that Premier League stars Harry Kane and Eden Hazard would fit in well at Real Madrid.

Tottenham hotshot Kane has been touted as a potential signing for the Spanish giants amid his continued incredible form for the London club, having scored 164 goals in just 249 appearances.

But it is Blues hero Hazard who has been most heavily linked to the Santiago Bernabeu team over the last year. Not only has the Belgium international openly flirted with Madrid, Goal understands the club have already made contact over a £100 million ($132m) summer deal.

Los Blancos are in the hunt for a new star following the loss of long-term talisman Cristiano Ronaldo last year and ex-Madrid and England forward Owen believes they cannot go wrong with Kane or Hazard.

"There are a lot of good players and teams in the Premier League. We're seeing them doing well in the Champions League," he told AS. "Of course they could fit in at Real Madrid. Kane is very good, Hazard is very, very good... both of them are excellent players, without any doubt."But Owen admits they cannot fully replace five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, adding it has become difficult for them to sign new stars.

"It's impossible to replace a player like Cristiano," he added. "A small club might be able to sign lots of players but the big clubs only have a limited pool to find players. Maybe there are just 10 players in the world who could sign for Real Madrid. It's very complicated.

"Also, now all of the clubs are financially stable, they've got money and they don't need to sell... All of that might have contributed to Madrid not signing anyone. Real Madrid's big advantage is their history. Every footballer wants to play there.

"Their season didn't start well, they didn't follow on from last season which was fantastic. And it's difficult when your best player leaves, and your coach [Zinedine Zidane]... [Santiago] Solari, who was a team mate of mine, did a good job, but it wasn't enough."

Zidane returned to Madrid this week, replacing Santiago Solari as coach on a contract that runs until 2022.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern deserved to lose to Liverpool, admits Kovac


Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac said his side were deservedly eliminated by Liverpool in the Champions League last 16.It was a night to forget for Bayern at Allianz Arena, where the Bundesliga champions suffered a 3-1 second-leg defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.

Following last month's scoreless stalemate on Merseyside, Bayern were no match for Liverpool – who condemned the German giants to their earliest European exit since 2010-11.

Speaking afterwards, Kovac told Sky: "We had a strong opponent and we have to congratulate Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp."They were better in these two matches and we deserved to lose. The opponent attacked us very high and left no spaces, that made it difficult for us.

"On top of that it was not our best day. Liverpool are a top team in Europe and they showed us our limits."He continued: "You saw after the second goal how much quality they have. "We still have two titles to fight for. We're top in the Bundesliga and we're still in the cup. Our goal is to win both of these competitions."

Bayern conceded first at home, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer caught out on the edge of the penalty area as Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead in the 26th minute.A Joel Matip own goal 13 minutes later restored parity for Bayern, however, the hosts were swept aside in the second half as Virgil van Dijk and Mane led Liverpool into the quarter-finals.

Asked about his involvement in the opening goal, Neuer said: "I wanted to stand right ahead of Mane, but his first touch was superb. If he does not control it perfectly, I am there [to take the ball]. Then he makes a great move."If I stay on the line he can run at me one on one. I can see why people think I did not look to good. Still, Mane did it really well."

Meanwhile, Bayern defender Mats Hummels credited Reds boss Klopp as the architect of the German giants' downfall."I know Jurgen Klopp and he is very good at eliminating the opponents' strengths and he showed that again today," he said."The 1-2 took away our belief. After that Liverpool was the better team. Still this was not a great game of football."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Liverpool are back where they belong' - Klopp delighted after Bayern win


Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool proved they are back where they belong as a European force to be reckoned with after his side dispatched Bayern Munich 3-1 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.Sadio Mane broke the deadlock in the tie, following a goalless first leg on Merseyside, with a brilliant solo effort at the Allianz Arena.

Joel Matip's own goal levelled matters before half-time but Liverpool kept their illustrious hosts at arm's length throughout the second period, when Virgil van Dijk restored their lead before Mane headed his second of the game.

Klopp helmed a raucous run to the Champions League final last season, where the Reds came up short against Real Madrid, and he felt claiming the scalp of their fellow five-time champions confirms the Anfield club are back at Europe's top table."Scoring three here is really difficult – actually we scored four because we scored the other one as well!" he told a post-match news conference.

"It's a big, big step for us. We will see what we can do with it but it's a fantastic sign, I love it."We again set a mark for this wonderful club, that we really are back on the landscape of international top football.

"We all think that's where this club belongs and tonight we proved it at least a little bit. I'm really happy about the result. I knew we had a chance and the boys made it happen."

Van Dijk sat out the first leg through suspension and, once again, proved an influential presence on his return."What can I say – I can write a book about his skills, about his strengths, what a fantastic person he is," Klopp said. "So young, so strong, already so mature.

"Virg knows that he can play better than he did, especially in the second half, we played as good as is necessary and possible in a game like this."You have to stay in a game, be really stable and have answers to all the questions, change things, use different tools.

"We had better passing in the second half, we had so many good football moments in the second half and I like that we developed into the game."It's a difficult place to come, not too many teams have wins on their card at Munich."

Klopp enjoyed many memorable battles at the Allianz Arena as Borussia Dortmund boss, often coming off on the losing side, but he insisted revenge did not figure in his emotions after an accomplished job well done."I'm not like this. It's not sweeter for me because it's Bayern. It does not bring back for me the other results from when we played them and we lost," he added."I wanted to win for Liverpool, not to beat Bayern. That doesn't bring me anything. It's just a good moment for Liverpool, so let's enjoy that."