..::Football IV::..

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Ter Stegen: I want to stay at Barcelona

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen says he is happy to stay at Camp Nou, despite having courted speculation over a move at the end of the season.

The Germany international claimed he could be forced to consider a transfer if Barca could not guarantee him regular first-team football, with Claudio Bravo the preferred choice of head coach Luis Enrique in Liga matches.

Liverpool and Manchester City have both been linked with a bid for the player, though last month he denied reports that claimed a deal was in place for him to move to the Etihad Stadium.

And the 24-year-old has now indicated he could well commit his long-term future to Barca, stating that a competition for places is healthy for the squad as a whole.
"I'm very happy here and I want to stay here, with the life I have," he told the club's TV channel. "It's a lovely place to live.

"You can never relax and you always have to give everything. Both myself and Claudio and Jordi [Masip] want to play and we work week after week to do so.
"I think that this idea is good for the team, too, because we're always ready."

Ter Stegen replaced the injured Bravo late on in the 2-0 win over Real Betis last week, meaning he is likely to start Sunday's derby with Espanyol and the final Liga game of the season against Granada on May 15, while he also is expected to play in the Copa del Rey final.

"We go on with strength. The team is in good condition, we have open doors to both titles," he said."I know what I can do and what the team can do. We train every day to be in the situation we're in. It's in our hands.

"With our fans behind us, supporting us, we're stronger. Atletico and Real Madrid are pushing from below and they'll go for the title until the end, but we have to look at our own path.

"There was a time when we had nine points more than the others, but that's life, that's football, you can't relax. We are still in a very good way. We have two matches more and every possibility to win the league."

 

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Real Madrid equal Arsenal's Champions League record

Real Madrid have equalled Arsenal’s record by keeping 10 clean sheets in the Champions League this season.

Zinedine Zidane’s side booked their place in this year’s final with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday evening.

And keeping City at bay marked the 10th time Madrid have kept a clean sheet in this season’s competition.

Arsenal were the first to achieve this in the 2005-06 campaign where they were beaten in the final by Barcelona.

 

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Pellegrini disappointed to lose game of few chances

Manuel Pellegrini was disappointed that Manchester City came off second best in their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, despite neither side creating many chances over the two legs.The tie was settled by an own goal in Wednesday's second-leg, as Fernando diverted Gareth Bale's 20th-minute cross past Joe Hart at the Santiago Bernabeu.

City offered little as an attacking force, with the otherwise anonymous Sergio Aguero coming closest when he landed a late long-range shot on the roof of the net.

"I am disappointed because I think that was a very close game with two teams who did not create many chances," Pellegrini, in his final season at the City helm, told BT Sport.

"The two teams were working with no-one making a difference."The visitors suffered an early blow when Vincent Kompany's injury curse struck again inside the opening 10 minutes, but Pellegrini did not feel it was a pivotal moment in the match.

The Chilean added: "It is not the best thing changing a defender very early, but I don't think we had any problems in defence, we had problems creating, same as Real Madrid. They did not create many chances."

Zinedine Zidane's men will now face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final at San Siro on May 28.

 

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Madrid were the better side, insists Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo said there are no doubts over Real Madrid's place in the Champions League final, insisting his team-mates played better than Manchester City in Wednesday's semi-final second leg.

Ronaldo returned from a hamstring injury and helped Madrid reach a 14th European Cup final, after Gareth Bale's 20th-minute delivery took a looping deflection off Fernando, giving the 10-time champions a 1-0 aggregate triumph following last week's stalemate.

Madrid had chances to put the game beyond doubt, with Bale hitting the post and Luka Modric denied by Joe Hart, as City's star duo Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne were kept quiet throughout in the Spanish capital.

"We are happy because we are in the final and it is special," Ronaldo told BT Sport as Madrid look ahead to a rematch with city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final at San Siro on May 28.

"It was tough, but we played better than City, created more chances and were more intense."We knew after our goal that City would press, but we controlled the game."We had chances through [Luka] Modric and myself, and it was the kind of game we had to kill off.

"One-nil is a close result but we were the better side."Ronaldo, who missed the first leg and sat out Madrid's 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday, added: "I have not competed for 15 days but people forget I recover quickly. I'm tired but really happy."

 

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We will leave our soul in the final - Ramos

Sergio Ramos warned Atletico Madrid to expect to face a determined Real Madrid side when the city rivals clash in the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons. Madrid reached the San Siro showpiece after securing a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale's deflected cross off Fernando in the 20th minute was the only goal of the tie, seeing Zinedine Zidane's men advance to Milan on May 28.

The Spanish giants will come up against Atletico in a repeat of the 2014 final, where a 4-1 extra-time win saw Los Blancos secure a record 10th European crown.

Reflecting on the City game, Ramos said: "There are sometimes easier games and others harder, but the Champions League always requires enormous concentration.

"We were on top of it and we knew we had to end up with a goal. We've eliminated City, despite many saying they were a difficult rival. "Now we can say we are in the final, in a season that has been difficult, but the work and union of the team has meant we are in two finals in three years.

"The team and the supporters deserve everything. We thank them because they have shown once again that they are an extra player for us."Now, we will leave our soul in the final of the Champions League."

 

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Winning the Champions League is why I joined Madrid, says Bale

The lure of winning Champions League titles was what drew Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, and the Welshman is relishing the prospect of claiming a second crown in Milan this month.

It was Bale's cross that deflected off Fernando to beat Joe Hart and send Madrid into the final at the expense of Manchester City on Wednesday as the hosts secured a 1-0 triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bale insists having the goal taken off him and credited to Fernando was not an issue as he has his sights set on a bigger prize – namely the May 28 showdown with Atletico Madrid at San Siro.

"It doesn't matter who scores or whether it's an own goal or not," Bale told BT Sport. "The main thing is we have a chance to win the Champions League again.

"I felt we were close to killing the game off, but couldn't get clear-cut chances. "The reason I came to Real Madrid was to win Champions Leagues. I've got one already and I have got another chance to win another."

Bale has previously come under fire for underwhelming performances in the Spanish capital, with the tag of being the world's most expensive player apparently weighing heavy on his shoulders.But the 26-year-old, who joined from Tottenham in 2013, believes things are now looking bright.

He added: "I feel like I am maturing. My Spanish is getting better and I'm integrating more with the team. I feel like I have turned a corner in that sense and I'm enjoying my football here."

 

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Lionel Messi Vs Giant Robot Keeper

 

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Real Madrid could buy Morata back and sell him to Chelsea

Real Madrid are ready to exercise their buy-back clause on Alvaro Morata but could immediately sell the Juventus star to Chelsea, Goal understands.

The deposed Premier League champions are interested in bolstering their strike force with the addition of Morata, with Radamel Falcao set to depart and uncertainty surrounding the future of Loic Remy as well as first-choice Diego Costa.

The deal could be made possible by the clause inserted into the deal signed between Madrid and Juventus when Morata was transferred to the Italian title holders for around €20 million in 2014. Although Morata signed a new Juventus contract in December, the clause remains intact and currently stands at €30m plus add-ons.

Madrid would not be able to guarantee Morata a starting role at Santiago Bernabeu due to the presence of Karim Benzema and the increasingly-central role offered to Cristiano Ronaldo and are aware that Chelsea are among the clubs who would be tempted to pay a high price to land the 23-year-old.

Juventus do not want to lose one of the cornerstones of their recent success with Morata having won two Serie A titles in a row, but they would make a relatively small profit of €10m on the Spain international should Madrid decide to trigger the clause. Any further deal between Madrid and an interested party such as the Blues would mean Juventus being cut out. Due to the complexity of the arrangement and the transfer window being closed Chelsea are monitoring the situation.

Juventus president Beppe Marotta admitted earlier this year that the Italian champions intend to deal with incoming Blues' boss Antonio Conte this summer, declaring "I hope we can do some transfer deals with Chelsea in the future."

Marotta is also resigned to the fact there is little Juventus can do to influence the future direction of Morata's career. "Some situations, such as Morata's, do not depend on us," he said. "We want to keep him, but we have to deal with Real Madrid. His intention is to stay here."

Conte is believed to be a fan of Morata after chasing his signature as Juventus coach before the player eventually signed under Massimiliano Allegri - shortly after Conte left the club.

Conte has been in contact with Chelsea over his transfer wishes despite still having Euro 2016 to complete with Italy before arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are in a prime position to sign talent from the Italian top-flight this summer due to Conte's extensive influence and contacts within the game in his homeland.Morata, who has four years left on his contract, joins a list of Serie A transfer targets such as Radja Nainggolan, Gonzalo Higuain, Kostas Manolas and Leonardo Bonucci.

 

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Lucky Madrid no better than Man City - Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini believes Real Madrid were lucky to beat Manchester City in their Champions League semi-final.

After a scoreless first leg, Zinedine Zidane's side secured a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu through Gareth Bale's deflected strike to book their place in the final against Atletico Madrid.

Pellegrini, who steered City to the last four for the first time in their history this season, admits the defeat feels like a missed opportunity but insists Madrid were no better than his side over 180 minutes."Of course if you don't reach the final you miss an opportunity," he said. "We played against a very strong team that wasn't better than us.

"You need a little bit of luck but that wasn't the reason we couldn't win the game. Tonight and the game we played at the Etihad we saw very equal teams. I don't think Real Madrid demonstrated tonight that they are better than Manchester City.

"We tried to create but we couldn't. Both teams couldn't create. It was similar in the first leg. We didn't deserve to lose this game, the goal was very lucky, a deflection into the top corner."Missing David Silva, [Samir] Nasri and Yaya [Toure] coming from an injury, we didn't have creative players to make a difference.

"There are no regrets, we worked very well for 90 minutes. That's why Real Madrid couldn't create any chances. But we needed to create in the final third and today we couldn't."Pellegrini now has just two Premier League games left before he hands over the reins to Pep Guardiola, and the Chilean is keen to finish the campaign on a high.

"It's a special season because we have reached the semi-final," he added. "I don't think that we deserved to reach the final but it was a bit of luck that Real will play in the final."Of course it would have been a very important achievement to play that final. It was very important for me to try to reach that final but we did what we could and now we must try to finish well."

City face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

 

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Bale hits back at Pellegrini 'lucky' claim

Gareth Bale has hit back at suggestions from Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini that Real Madrid were "lucky" to reach the Champions League final.

Zinedine Zidane's side triumphed 1-0 in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday thanks to a Bale effort which deflected off Fernando and past Joe Hart.Pellegrini suggested that fortune had been on Madrid's side across two tense encounters, while Hart was left frustrated at the manner in which he conceded the only goal of the tie.

But Bale insists Madrid fully deserved to progress after controlling the majority of the two games, saying afterwards: "I don't think we were lucky.

"There was a bit of luck involved in the goal, obviously, but we controlled possession. They had their moments but I don't think they had a shot on target in two games - maybe just one. We're definitely the deserved winners.

"Semi-finals are always cagey - no-one really wants to make a mistake. We were lucky enough to get a goal and that's the difference."Bale paid tribute to the Santiago Bernabeu support and has called on the fans to roar them to victory in the final against Atletico Madrid at San Siro.

"The fans were great, just as I'm sure they will be in Milan," he added. "They really got behind us, and we're very happy to have reached the final after two very tough games against Manchester City, in which we had to be at our best."

 

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'I'd love Benzema back!' - Lyon president reveals he'd love to sign Real Madrid striker

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed that he would love to re-sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who left the French club in 2009.

Real beat Manchester United to the Frenchman's signature, paying £35m to secure his services, and he has since been prolific in La Liga, netting 161 goals for the club.

And, when asked a number of questions by Goal, Aulas conceded that, if he had the opportunity to purchase any player who had left Lyon, he would bring Benzema back.

The 67-year-old also praised the development of Samuel Umtiti, and admitted that he dreams of signing both Paul Pogba and Lionel Messi.

 

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Ibrahimovic could make sensational San Siro return - Raiola

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make a sensational return to AC Milan when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain comes to an end, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

Sweden international Ibrahimovic has not yet agreed a contract extension with the Ligue 1 champions and has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham.There has also been reported interest from Qatar and MLS, with Ibrahimovic set to make a decision on his future at the end of the season.

But Raiola claims Ibrahimovic might be interested in re-joining the Rossoneri, with whom he won one Serie A title during a two-year spell before leaving for the French capital in July 2012.

In an extract from an interview in Italian GQ magazine, Raiola said: "Ibrahimovic could return to Italy, to Milan."Raiola is also the representative of controversial Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who has struggled for form since re-joining the club on a season-long loan from Liverpool, scoring just once in 19 Serie A outings.

After showing much promise as a youngster, the now 25-year-old striker saw his career stall after an unhappy spell at Anfield, while off-field misdemeanours have often overshadowed his performances on the pitch.

But Raiola believes Balotelli would have been a contender for the coveted Ballon d'Or award if he had a footballing brain like Ibrahimovic's."Balotelli? If he had Ibra's head, [Barcelona star Lionel] Messi would have fewer Ballon d'Or awards."

 

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Mahrez could leave Leicester City, says agent

Riyad Mahrez's agent believes there is a "50-50" chance the PFA Player of the Year will remain with Premier League champions Leicester City next season.

Mahrez has scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in a sensational campaign to help Claudio Ranieri's men to the title with two games to spare.The Algeria international's performances have seen him linked to European football heavyweights such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Kamel Bengougam told the Guardian that his 25-year-old client is happy at the King Power Stadium, but would not rule out a move in light of interest from the UK and abroad.

"Yes of course there is a possibility [Mahrez will move]," Bengougam said. "I'd say it's 50-50 at the moment whether he stays or goes.

"When you have been playing the way Riyad has this season it is bound to attract attention. He is very happy with Leicester and of course it has been a fantastic season.

"They will play in the Champions League next year as well so he would be happy to stay. But at his age if the opportunity comes to play for a big team then we would have to think about it."He added: "We have interest from the UK and overseas. We will have to see what develops over the next few weeks."

Mahrez is set to turn out for Leicester in their home match against Everton on Saturday, after which Ranieri's squad will be presented with the Premier League trophy.

Last month, the former Le Havre winger distanced himself from speculation over a possible switch to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain - insisting he did not want to return to French football.

 

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Fellaini and Huth hit with three-match bans

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini and Leicester City defender Robert Huth have both been hit with three-match bans by the Football Association.

The pair came together during Sunday's clash at Old Trafford, with Fellaini aiming an elbow at the German centre-back after having his hair pulled.

The incident was not seen by match officials at the time but was caught on video, allowing the FA to review the case and come to the decision.

The pair will serve their suspensions immediately, with Huth missing Leicester's final two games of the campaign against Everton and Chelsea, and the first of next season, as the ban does not prevent the German taking part in the Community Shield.

Louis van Gaal will be without Fellaini for the trips to Norwich City and West Ham, and the home clash with Bournemouth on the final day, but the Belgian will be available for United's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21.

 

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Man Utd to give blessing for Pereira Olympic call-up

Manchester United are set to allow Andreas Pereira to play for Brazil at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The 20-year-old, who was one of the Selecao’s star players in their run to the final of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, has made it clear to the club that he is keen to be a part of the Brazilian selection for the tournament on home soil at this summer’s sporting jamboree.

However, with the Olympics taking place between August 5 and 21, there has been concern from the attacker that United would look to prevent him from representing his country due to the clash of dates with the beginning of the new Premier League season, which gets underway on August 13.

But Goal understands that United will hold a meeting with Pereira in the coming days, during which they will give their permission for the player to skip the start of the season in order to take part in the Olympics.Pereira is also hoping to gain further clarity on his position at the club following a frustrating 2015-16 campaign on a personal level.

Despite his excellent form last summer, first at the Under-20 World Cup and then during United’s summer tour of the USA, the former PSV youth product has been limited to just four substitute appearances for Louis van Gaal's stuttering side in the Premier League this term.

Pereira has been linked with a number of possible loan moves over the course of the season, but the club were quick to block a temporary switch in January in spite of pleas from the player himself for more game-time in a bid to cement his place in Brazil’s Olympic squad.“I don’t know if United want to loan me out but I’m working hard for opportunities,” he told GloboEsporte in January.

“It’s their decision. I’m focused on doing my job for United, and of course I want to be seen by those in Brazil. I need to play more and get more chances. It is a big dream of mine to play in the Olympics.”


While his lack of chances at United have halted his development at club level, he is still highly likely to be selected by Dunga for the predominantly Under-23 panel for the event this summer.

 

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Fellaini must learn to control himself, claims Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal accepts Marouane Fellaini "must control himself better" but continued to defend the midfielder for his altercation with Leicester City defender Robert Huth.

The Football Association (FA) hit Fellaini with a three-match ban for aiming an elbow at his opponent during last weekend's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League, having become angered by Huth grabbing his hair.Fellaini accepted a charge of violent conduct, meaning he will miss three matches but will be back in time for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

Van Gaal confirmed United will not challenge the ruling. However, the Dutchman believes the FA's decision to also hand a three-match suspension to Huth is an admission United should have been awarded a penalty for the incident.

"We have not appealed because, like I said already, the reaction of Fellaini is like a human being," he told reporters ahead of Saturday's contest against struggling Norwich City.

"When the FA gives Huth a suspension of three matches then they admit it was a penalty, I have said that also after the match.

"For us it is very disappointing that the referee was not seeing that fact. I think, I still believe that Fellaini makes a reaction like a human being but he has to control himself, that is true. "But when you grab somebody by his hair, always this situation shall exist.

 

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Sevilla 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg 5-3): Holders into third straight Europa League final

Holders Sevilla remain on track for a third straight Europa League title after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and 5-3 on aggregate to pave the way for a final against Liverpool. Kevin Gameiro gave the four-time champions an early lead, pouncing on a loose pass to run through on goal and finish well.

Eduardo da Silva got Shakhtar back level just before half-time, the striker beating David Soria from close range after a stunning Marlos run.Sevilla edged ahead again shortly after half-time, Gameiro on target once more from a tight angle after Grzegorz Krychowiak sent him through on goal.

And a stunning goal by Mariano, his first for Sevilla, put the tie out of Shakhtar's reach, the defender unleashing a rasping shot from 25 yards that swerved just inside the post.

Unai Emery's men become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach three successive European finals and will face Liverpool in the Basel decider on May 18.

Sevilla, already in a dominant position thanks to their two away goals in the first leg in Lviv, took the lead after seven minutes.

Sloppy Shakhtar passing and a loose touch from Maksim Malyshev let in Gameiro, the France international running clear and slotting home through the legs of goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.The visitors, Uefa Cup winners in 2009, went close to equalising after 23 minutes when Ismaily fizzed a shot across the face of goal.

Krychowiak headed Ever Banega's free-kick narrowly over the angle after 41 minutes, but Shakhtar then levelled the scores on the night with a terrific break.

Marlos, who was on target in the first leg, did superbly to open up a backtracking Sevilla defence with a fabulous solo run, before slipping in Eduardo to score his 10th goal in 15 games for Shakhtar.But within two minutes of the restart, Gameiro struck to put Sevilla back in the lead.

Krychowiak's throughball was perfect for Gameiro, who rounded Pyatov and finished into an empty net despite a rapidly narrowing angle to score his seventh goal in the competition this season.

Gameiro went close to recording his hat-trick with a spectacular bicycle kick that flew over, then Sevilla scored the decisive third goal after 58 minutes.Mariano advanced from full-back and hit a wonderful swerving strike from outside the box with the outside of his foot that gave Pyatov no chance.

Eduardo had a golden chance to get his side back in the game after 71 minutes, but the striker steered a header from Darijo Srna's pinpoint cross just wide of the post.
Sevilla held on to record their 12th win in 13 home Europa League games to mark Emery's 100th European game as a coach in fine style and book a showpiece clash with Liverpool.

 

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Sevilla back to back 3rd time Europa League final select wechcha​

 

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Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal (agg 3-1): Sturridge and Lallana send Reds into Europa League final

Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana scored crucial second-half goals as Liverpool booked their place in the Europa League final with a 3-1 aggregate win over Villarreal on Thursday.

Trailing from the first leg, Bruno's early own goal gave Jurgen Klopp's men an excellent start before Sturridge – who had been controversially left out in Spain – and Lallana netted the decisive strikes to seal a 3-0 win on the night at Anfield.
Villarreal produced very little as an attacking force throughout Thursday's second leg and then had defender Victor Ruiz sent off for a second yellow card.

Liverpool, who have won the competition three times, now go on to face record four-time champions and holders Sevilla in Basel on May 18 after Unai Emery's men defeated Shakhtar Donetsk in the other last-four tie.

Villarreal, meanwhile, have suffered defeat in all four of the European semi-finals they have participated in – one in the Champions League and three in the Europa League.

The visitors looked to get on the front foot early on, with Simon Mignolet getting down sharply to deny Mario and Jonathan dos Santos firing over shortly afterwards.

But Liverpool were ahead inside seven minutes, as Nathaniel Clyne's cross was only pushed out as far as Roberto Firmino by goalkeeper Alphonse Areola – who replaced Sergio Asenjo from the first leg, allowing the Brazil international to help the ball back across the face of goal.Despite Sturridge being unable to make contact in a busy goalmouth, Bruno was in close proximity and inadvertently netted.

Liverpool threatened to make it two almost immediately when Lallana swept wide from James Milner's delivery, while Cedric Bakambu shot tamely at Mignolet at the other end as the teams went into half-time with the tie level.

Areola dealt with efforts from Philippe Coutinho, Milner and Sturridge early in the second half, while Roberto Soldado headed off target for Villarreal.

Another Sturridge effort was also kept out after he had been fed by Lallana, before the England striker netted with 63 minutes gone.

Firmino chested down and slipped through a pass from the edge of the box, with Sturridge taking one touch and firing in a shot that Areola could only divert onto the inside of the post.

Villarreal's hopes of a comeback were dealt a massive blow when Ruiz was handed a second yellow card after arriving late in a tackle on Lallana.

There was a moment of drama before Liverpool could be sure of their place in the final when Denis Suarez went down following Alberto Moreno's pressure from behind, but referee Viktor Kassai was unmoved by his claims for a penalty.

And the tie was put beyond doubt with nine minutes remaining when Firmino made great progress down the left to beat Mateo Musacchio and cut back for Sturridge, whose scuffed shot was helped over the line by Lallana from close range.

Sturridge could have scored again in the closing stages, but was kept out by the legs of Areola after being played in by Clyne, though it did nothing to dampen the joyous Anfield mood.

 

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Its Liverpool Vs Sevilla Europa League Final!

Liverpool la pattahoda fight 1kak dei

Congratzzzzzzzz & Good Luck for both sides

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