..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bordeaux 1-4 Paris Saint-Germain: Cavani and Di Maria score two each to secure spot in final

Goals from Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani saw Paris Saint-Germain ease to a 4-1 win over Bordeaux and reach the final of the Coupe de la Ligue.

Holders PSG, aiming for their fourth successive victory in the competition, opened the scoring through Di Maria's stunning free-kick at Stade Matmut-Atlantique on Tuesday, before Diego Rolan equalised for the hosts.

Unai Emery's men were undeterred, though, Cavani netting twice after the break to wrest back control of the contest - moving level with Pauleta as the second most prolific goalscorer in PSG's history by taking his tally to 109.Di Maria added gloss to the scoreline late on, with Monaco or Nancy, set to play on Wednesday, awaiting in the decider.

Having already sent a warning shot wide of the Bordeaux goal, Lucas Moura was involved again in the build-up to the opening goal, a driving run drawing a foul from Gregory Sertic in a central position outside the Bordeaux area in the 16th minute.
Di Maria stepped up and curled home a vicious free-kick, which cannoned in after clipping the underside of the crossbar.

Blaise Matuidi should have made it 2-0 when Marco Verratti played him in one-on-one in the 28th minute, only for the France midfielder to shoot tamely at Jerome Prior, while Cavani also miscued following good work from Lucas down the right.

And the visitors were soon punished for those missed opportunities, with a little help from the referee and his assistant. Malcom's ball over the top of the defence found Francois Kamano in an offside position on the left side of the area, but no flag was forthcoming.

His pass clipped the arm of Thiago Silva, who could have seen a penalty awarded against him, but Diego Rolan was the beneficiary, slotting home from close range with goalkeeper Kevin Trapp helpless.

PSG restored their lead in emphatic fashion on the hour mark, when Lucas found Cavani in space on the edge of the Bordeaux box. The Uruguay forward had plenty of room to advance on goal and smash a fierce drive beyond Prior.

And the former Napoli man made certain of the victory with his second and PSG's third in the 74th minute, hooking home after Thiago Silva headed a Lucas corner back across goal.

Di Maria completed his double by gathering a loose ball on the edge of the area and beating Prior from range for the second time in the match with nine minutes to go as PSG cruised into the Stade de France showpiece in April.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Napoli 1-0 Fiorentina: Callejon heads Partenopei into semi-finals

Jose Callejon's goal saw Napoli edge Fiorentina 1-0 at home on Tuesday to reach the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

There was little to separate the Serie A sides during a tight contest at Stadio San Paolo, where the Spanish forward headed home in the second half to send Maurizio Sarri's men through.

Napoli survived the sending off of Elseid Hysaj for committing a second bookable offence in the 90th minute, the remaining 10 men holding out successfully in injury time, as La Viola saw their hopes undermined when Maximiliano Olivera joined his opponent in seeing red.

Pepe Reina was tested first in the home team's goal, steering over Federico Chiesa's effort from an acute angle, before doing brilliantly to react to Davide Astori's awkward header.

Lorenzo Insigne was closely involved as Napoli responded, the forward forcing Ciprian Tatarusanu to tip a free-kick onto the woodwork. Insigne went close again in the opening 45 minutes, with Callejon also testing the goalkeeper from a dead ball.

Dangerman Insigne came even closer to breaking the deadlock just after the hour mark, another free-kick from a demanding angle rattling the crossbar with Tatarusanu beaten.

And Fiorentina's defence was finally breached with 19 minutes to go, when a fast counter-attack saw Insigne find Marek Hamsik down the left. The captain centred a neat chip for Callejon to head at goal, with Tatarusanu this time unable keep it out.

Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Lazio and Roma are among the other clubs aiming to join Napoli in the last four.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James adds to Zidane's injury woes at Madrid

James Rodriguez has suffered another calf injury setback as Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane counts the cost of mounting fitness problems for the La Liga leaders.

Colombia playmaker James has missed Madrid's last four matches in all competitions due to an injury to his left calf and has now damaged the same muscle in his right leg, with local media reports predicting a further two to three weeks on the sidelines.

"James has a problem with his other leg," Zidane said ahead of Wednesday's Copa del Rey trip to Celta Vigo, where Madrid will seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of the quarter-final.

"It is a strain, not a [serious] injury, which is the good part."Madrid's patchy start to 2017 – Saturday's slender 2-1 win over Malaga was their first victory in four matches – has been accompanied by a growing injury list.

First-leg goalscorer Marcelo and influential midfielder Luka Modric will miss the trip to Vigo after picking up respective hamstring and thigh strains at the weekend and Zidane is already without defensive duo Pepe (calf) and Dani Carvajal (hamstring), with Gareth Bale (ankle) a long-term absentee.

"It's true that we've had quite a few injuries recently, but I just want to say I am responsible for everything," Zidane said, in light of the work of his coaching and medical staff being called into question.

"The people here are doing their best to make sure the players are okay."I'd like to have everyone, yes. Am I annoyed that some are injured, yes? But we can't do anything."In a season, this happens. Now, it's our turn at the moment, but we're not worried. We just have to keep going with the players that are here."

Zidane insisted he does not regret using key players in back-to-back games during Spain's January slog of alternate La Liga and Copa del Rey matches and, while he appeared somewhat dejected after the struggles versus Malaga, he called for a more upbeat assessment of a side that set a new Spanish record of 40 games unbeaten before falling to Celta last week."It's difficult because you hear all these questions – you'd think that we're last and going against relegation," he said.

"Whatever goes on in the dressing room is normal. If you're worried about injuries or when you lose a game…. I'm not worried. I'm going to keep going and the dressing room [will do] the same."I'm excited and we know we've got a big game.It's a great game to play"When everything is going well things seem easy. Now it's a bit tougher, we're 2-1 down. But it's great to play in these type of games."

Despite exasperation in the Santiago Bernabeu stands on Saturday, Zidane – whose son Enzo and fellow Castilla player Achraf Hakimi were named in a depleted matchday squad, missing rested defender Raphael Varane – insisted he does not fear the wrath of the Madrid fanbase if Celta manage to complete a cup upset.

"I don't think it would be a great failure if we lose, but I'm not thinking about that," he added."I'm thinking about the performance we have to put in, but I don't think it would be a great failure."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney's record may stand forever - Ferguson

Alex Ferguson does not expect Wayne Rooney to be surpassed as Manchester United's leading scorer after the club captain moved clear of Bobby Charlton on Saturday to take sole possession of the record.

Rooney equalised with a spectacular late free-kick away to Stoke City in the Premier League, bringing up his 250th strike for the Red Devils, after previously drawing level with Charlton by netting in an FA Cup third-round win at home to Reading.

Speaking to MUTV, Ferguson - the man who brought Rooney to Old Trafford from Everton in 2004 - was asked if he can imagine another player one day topping the 31-year-old's haul. "I don't think so," the Scot said."I couldn't say never - never say never - but if you look at modern-day football, Manchester United are one of the few clubs who can keep players for over 10 years.

"It is more difficult than ever but we were very lucky - if you look at my time, even in [former manager] Sir Matt Busby's time, we had players who stayed for more than 10 years. Many, many players did that and Wayne is one of them.

"But, in the modern day, you see it happening less and less that players stay for that length of time. For instance, [current manager] Jose [Mourinho] mentioned young Marcus Rashford and he's got to score more than 20 goals a season for the next 10 years or so and that is difficult in itself.

"You hope it lasts and he stays here more than 10 years but there are fewer players doing that now."The next opportunity for Rooney to add to his tally may come in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final away to Hull City on Thursday, a tie United lead 2-0 on aggregate.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I’m really happy to play for United' - De Gea eases exit fears

David de Gea has declared himself to be “really happy” at Manchester United as the speculation surrounding his long-term future lingers on.

The Spain international did come close to leaving Old Trafford in the summer of 2015, only for a last-minute administrative error to scupper a move.Real Madrid were looking to return the former Atletico Madrid man to the Spanish capital, and have remained an interested party ever since.

De Gea, though, has been fully committed to the United cause throughout the ongoing saga, with his consistent level of performance never dipping.He has now sought to reiterate how settled he feels in England, with the Red Devils working towards long-term targets under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.

De Gea told MUTV: "I feel really well on the pitch. I’m really happy to play for United and Spain and I’m feeling very strong on the pitch. I need to keep this level until the finish of the season.”

On United’s current 17-game unbeaten run, he added: "It’s a very good run but we need to keep the same level, focus and concentration going into the games."Everything is easy when you win and when the run is good. You win and you never lose so everything is easy and everyone is happy. We now need to be really focused to keep winning.

"I think we are defending really well but we are keeping the ball for more time and I think this is key. We have more possession of the ball and are creating more chances so that is why we are conceding fewer goals and fewer opportunities. We have great players and have a lot of confidence.”

United’s impressive sequence of games without defeat has helped them to remain competitive on multiple fronts, with an EFL Cup semi-final second leg clash with Hull City next on the agenda.

De Gea insists Mourinho’s men will not be taking the fixture lightly, despite holding a 2-0 lead in the tie, with the Spaniard looking to complete a clean sweep of major domestic honours in English football.

He said: "It’s a special game as, if you win, you’re at Wembley and in another final."It is one where we want to be there, of course. We played well at Old Trafford and scored two goals and they didn’t score. That was the most important thing, we are two goals in front, but we know we are going to be in a war in Hull. We’ll need to play good football.

"We had difficult games [in earlier rounds] against Manchester City and West Ham – they were not easy matches but we have been really good in the cup and played very well, especially against City. I think we deserve to be in the semi-finals.

"I really want to win that competition. I don’t have a League Cup winners’ medal and I am going to be really happy if we win it. We are always hungry. We are Manchester United. We’re always trying to be in the finals at Wembley because we always want to win."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferguson: Manchester United are now mirroring Mourinho

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Jose Mourinho is successfully creating a Manchester United team that is a mirror image of the Portuguese himself.

Mourinho got off to a slow start upon taking the reins at Old Trafford and appeared doomed to suffer through the struggles of his precedessors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal in filling the huge void left by Ferguson.But United have been much improved in recent months and have not suffered a domestic defeat since their 4-0 humbling at the hands of Chelsea in October.

Though a number of draws have held them back over the course of the campaign as a whole, the Red Devils won nine games in a row in all competitions either side of the New Year and now sit two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League.

Ferguson believes the revival can be credited to Mourinho gradually imposing his own values and identity on the team."The team is mirroring its manager," the 75-year-old told BBC Sport. "It's playing with great energy, determination, will to win - which I think is really important.

"If they hadn't had all these draws I think they would be there challenging Chelsea.That's the unfortunate part and he's going to have to live with that, but I think he'll be inspired by the progress of the team."

Ferguson, who remains a director at United, says the improvement could easily be reflected in a higher league position if not for some bad luck."I think he's done really well," he said. "It's like a player coming to United, it's not easy. It's not easy to come to United and transform the club's fortunes from my time. It's not easy.

"I think Louis van Gaal did a good job and I think Jose's doing a great job."He's got to grips with the club, you can see that, and the team's playing really well, and he's very unlucky because he's had six draws I think, 1-1 draws, and every game he's battered that team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal star Xhaka denying racial abuse allegation

Granit Xhaka is denying using racially abusive language towards an airline staff member at Heathrow Airport on Monday night, Goal understands.The Arsenal midfielder, 24, was interviewed by police after voluntarily attending a west London police station.

Switzerland international Xhaka was at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 where he was saying goodbye to his fiancee’s footballer brother Leonard Lekaj, who had arrived late for his flight back to Germany and was not allowed to board.

The alleged abuse was then directed at a staff member, although Goal understands Xhaka denies saying the “f*cking white bitch” words attributed to him by the complainant.

Lekaj, 26, plays in the sixth tier of German football and had been visiting London over the past few days where he witnessed Xhaka get sent off from the player’s private box at Emirates Stadium during Sunday’s narrow 2-1 win over Burnley.

“Police were called at 19:29hrs on Monday, 23 January following an allegation that a member of staff had been racially abused at Heathrow Airport, Terminal Five”, the Metropolitan Police said in an official press statement.

"The allegation was made by a third party. Officers attended and spoke with a man in his 20s. He was not arrested."He voluntarily attended a west London police station where he was interviewed under caution. Enquires continue.”

A source close to the player has told Goal that Xhaka denies all wrongdoing, instead insisting he was provoked, and says media reports quoting alleged racial comments towards an airline staff member are "not true".

Goal understands that several members of Xhaka's family, including a close cousin from Kosovo, are expected to arrive in London tomorrow as a show of support.The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach player is believed to be frustrated that he was red carded at the weekend for the second time this season.

Meanwhile, Gunners captain Per Mertesacker organised and a team bonding meal at Prime Steak & Grill in St Albans on Tuesday night.

The meal was organised before the news of Xhaka’s police interview but photos show him looking happy alongside team-mates including Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa del Rey Fixture 2017.01.25

Copa del Rey Fixture 2017.01.25

Eibar Vs Atletico Madrid

Celta Vigo Vs Real Madrid​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

EFL Cup Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2017.01.25

EFL Cup Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Fixture 2017.01.25

AGG

(0-1)

Liverpool Vs Southampton

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona & Real Madrid not a step up for me, says Lewandowski

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski says a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid would not represent a step up in his career.

The Poland international has been heavily linked with a transfer to Madrid in particular in recent seasons, but signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract in December to commit his future to the Allianz Arena.And the 28-year-old says there is no reason for him to consider a transfer now as he believes Bayern to be at the same level as Spain's most famous clubs.

"Bayern are one of the best teams in the world and on a par with Real Madrid and Barcelona," he told Sport Bild. "A move for me would not mean a step up. We can win every trophy."Besides, I feel very comfortable in Munich."Team-mate Arjen Robben has expressed a concern at Bayern's squad size, but Lewandowski believes the number is ideal for keeping the players motivated.

"It's not as though we only have 14 players," he said. "I think the squad size is perfect and can be our big asset in the fight for the title.

"The number of players is just right. It makes sure that all the players are motivated because everyone sees the chance to be in the first XI."Carlo Ancelotti's side are three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and face Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Silva vows Hull will play for Mason as Tigers eye deal for Man Utd target Bailey

Marco Silva says Hull City will play the rest of the season for Ryan Mason after the midfielder suffered a fractured skull.Mason was rushed to hospital after a clash of heads with Gary Cahill in Sunday's defeat at Chelsea and is making "excellent progress" after surgery.

The midfielder is expected to miss the rest of the season, but Silva hopes to bolster his squad with signing of Jamaica winger Leon Bailey.Silva said a move for the in-demand Genk star was "not an easy deal", but he hopes his remaining players can pull together without Mason, starting with Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester United, where they will try to overturn a 2-0 deficit.

"Nothing has changed from yesterday, but he is in good spirits," said Silva. "But as a team we need to stay strong, stay together and get behind Ryan Mason."We'll be going to see him when we go down on Saturday [for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Fulham], it is not easy for him to get visitors, but we will be there.

"For me it's not easy to put both things in the balance, he was a really important player for the team, but we need to continue our work in the window. It is clear we are light in midfield."It is not easy for our squad, but we need to be strong together, fight together and support Ryan.

"We have a good atmosphere, but in these moments we play for our fans, for ourselves and for Ryan for sure."The response has been fantastic, because it is important to support his family and the player together. "In these moments we need to forget everything and concentrate on him."

With Lazar Markovic signed on loan from Liverpool and a potential deal in the works for Bailey, talk around Robert Snodgrass' future has intensified.The Tigers' top scorer missed the trip to Stamford Bridge and will again be missing against United due to a muscle injury, but Silva says his absence has nothing to do with interest from other teams.

"He continues training with the team, but he won't be available for the match, I hope he stays," the Portuguese explained.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Watford sign Zarate from Fiorentina

Watford have announced that they have signed Mauro Zarate from Fiorentina on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 29-year-old attacker had spent the last year with the Serie A outfit, having departed West Ham, but is now back in the Premier League after signing for the Vicarage Road outfit for an undisclosed fee.Zarate has also had stints in England with Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers.

The Hornets will hope that he can show the kind of form that he mustered at West Ham, with whom he registered seven goals in 29 appearances.

Zarate had found his opportunities to shine limited with Fiorentina this season, playing only nine matches with the Viola. However, he found the net on each of his last two appearances for the Florence club, striking the consolation in a 3-1 loss against Lazio before helping his side to draw 3-3 with Napoli before Christmas.

The forward, who won the Coppa Italia at Lazio in 2009, will compete with the likes of Troy Deeney, Isaac Success and Roberto Pereyra for a place in the Watford attack. Striker Odion Ighalo has been heavily linked with a move to West Brom.

Mazzarri's team, who visit Millwall in the FA Cup on Sunday, are 14th in the Premier League, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eibar 2-2 Atletico Madrid (agg. 2-5): Visitors reach Copa semis as Juanfran seals draw

Atletico Madrid progressed to the last four of the Copa del Rey despite having to fight back for a 2-2 draw at Eibar in Wednesday's quarter-final second-leg contest.

The tie was all but over after the first leg as goals from Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Kevin Gameiro handed Diego Simeone's men a 3-0 aggregate lead.
And Eibar's task was made even more difficult when Jose Gimenez headed home Nicolas Gaitan's corner shortly after half-time.

However, a match that had produced little in terms of quality had a thrilling ending as Eibar - much to their credit - refused to cave in and two goals in seven minutes from Sergi Enrich and Pedro Leon saw the Basque club - who had reached the quarter-finals for the first time - take a 2-1 lead.

Atleti extinguished any slim hopes of what would have been a remarkable comeback, though, as Juanfran brilliantly lobbed Yoel in the Eibar goal with five minutes remaining to earn a draw and a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Simeone's men consequently reach the last four for the first time since 2014, but he will perhaps be disappointed with his side's failure to win having only drawn 2-2 at Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga on Sunday.

There was little to excite a half-empty stadium in a tepid opening, although the unmarked Fernando Torres perhaps should have done better when he headed wide from Gabi's sixth-minute corner.

Correa also hit a well-struck left-footed volley that cleared the crossbar, while at the other end Bebe saw a tame 20-yard effort go wide of the left post for Eibar.

Josue Dorrio provided a rare bright note in the 26th minute with a stunning dipping volley that forced Atleti goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya to fling himself to the left and make a brilliant one-handed save.Eibar enjoyed a spell of possession towards the end of the half, but Atleti were comfortable in defence and Moya was troubled.

Any hope Eibar had of a rousing comeback was all but ended in the 49th minute when Gaitan's superb outswinging corner from the left was emphatically headed home by Gimenez past a despairing Yoel.

Correa should have finished the job after springing the offside trap to latch onto substitute Yannick Ferreira Carrasco's throughball, but he shot straight at Yoel's legs when one-on-one.

Eibar pounced on that let-off in the 73rd minute. Leon saw a fierce strike cannon off the right post and Enrich was on hand to lash home the rebound.It was 2-1 seven minutes later as Bebe's whipped cross from the left was brilliantly guided into the bottom left-hand corner by Leon on the volley.

But, with five minutes remaining, Yoel was caught too far off his line and Juanfran lofted a superb volley over the stranded goalkeeper to salvage a draw for Atleti.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: PSG complete Guedes deal

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Portugal forward Goncalo Guedes from Benfica on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Th 20-year-old, who underwent a medical in Paris on Wednesday, came through the youth ranks with the Primeira Liga outfit, making his senior debut in October 2014.

He went on to make a total of 39 league appearances, scoring five goals and winning two domestic doubles.

Guedes now hopes to emulate the success of compatriot Pauleta in the French capital, with the former striker having played at the Parc des Princes between 2003 and 2008.

"I'm very happy to join such a big club as Paris Saint-Germain," Guedes told the club's official website. "Playing here with players of a very high standard will enable me to improve.

"Paris always play to win trophies, so my aim is to win as many trophies as possible, and that Paris keep on winning."I know my compatriot Pauleta was well loved by Paris Saint-Germain fans. I hope to do as well as he did, and one day be just as much loved as him."

PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: "We're happy to have brought in Goncalo Guedes and want to wish him a warm welcome to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Goncalo is a young European talent who fits perfectly with the aims of our project. He's been followed by numerous European clubs for several years, and he has made the choice to sign for Paris Saint-Germain."Guedes has won two caps for the Portuguese senior national team.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 2-1 AC Milan: Dybala & Pjanic seal Coppa progress early

Juventus gained revenge on 10-man AC Milan for their Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana defeats, progressing to the last four of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 victory.

Milan have proved tricky opposition for Juve this season and followed up the 1-0 league win at San Siro in October with a penalty shoot-out triumph in the Supercoppa in December.

But holders Juve burst out of the blocks in Wednesday's contest in Turin, their excellent first-half showing proving enough to set up an enticing semi-final with Napoli despite a spirited showing from a Milan side forced to play the final 36 minutes a man down.

Paulo Dybala gave Juve a 10th-minute lead with a close-range volley before Miralem Pjanic made it 2-0 with a fine free-kick 11 minutes later.After a dreadful first half, Milan found their stride and pulled one back through Carlos Bacca's stunning 53rd-minute effort.

However, Manuel Locatelli was then sent off for a second bookable offence and, though both teams had chances in a hugely entertaining second half, Juve stood firm to keep their bid for a third straight league and cup double alive.

Neither goalkeeper had really been threatened before Dybala struck, Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless to prevent him from firing Juve ahead with his eighth goal of the season.

Kwadwo Asamoah's left-wing delivery was cleverly flicked into Dybala's path and he lashed a fierce volley into the bottom-right corner.Milan continued to be posed problems by Asamoah and the second goal came as a result of more good work from the Ghanaian.

Asamoah was clipped on the edge of the area by Juraj Kucka and Pjanic took full advantage from the resulting free-kick, curling beyond the outstretched Donnarumma in superb fashion.

Juve looked to have a third when Sami Khedira found the net on the rebound after Gonzalo Higuain had latched onto a wonderful cross-field pass from Asamoah and seen his shot saved by Donnarumma, but the assistant's flag denied the Germany midfielder.

Milan finished the first half on the front foot and halved the deficit eight minutes after the restart.Khedira robbed Andrea Bertolacci following Kucka's knock down, but his clearance only went as far as Bacca, who met the ball with a magnificent hooked volley that left Neto with no chance.

But Milan's task of completing the comeback was made more difficult moments later when Locatelli was shown a second yellow for a rash sliding challenge on Dybala.

Mario Mandzukic then twice wasted excellent chances to restore Juve's two-goal advantage, heading narrowly wide on both occasions.Milan still posed a threat despite their numerical disadvantage and Neto had to parry strongly to prevent Kucka from levelling matters with a driven free-kick.

Gerard Deulofeu was brought on for his debut 10 minutes from time and, after Donnarumma had done well to keep out a Pjanic volley, the on-loan Everton man spurned a great chance to level when he got in behind the Juve defence only to produce a tame effort that Neto easily saved.

Milan were unable to threaten any further and, while Juve's domestic domination continues at pace, Vincenzo Montella's men will have to focus fully on their quest to bridge the seven-point gap to third-placed Napoli in Serie A and Champions League qualification.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 0-1 Southampton (Agg 0-2): Uninspired Reds crash out of League Cup

Liverpool's difficult start to 2017 continued as Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Southampton saw Claude Puel's men reach the EFL Cup final, Shane Long the hero in the second leg with his 91st-minute goal.

The Reds had shouts for a late penalty ignored by referee Martin Atkinson after a duel between Jack Stephens and Divock Origi and substitute Long decided the tie just moments later with a cool finish.

Jurgen Klopp's men had won just one of their previous six outings this calendar year - a 1-0 FA Cup win over League Two side Plymouth Argyle - and they knew they were in for a tough task at Anfield following the 1-0 defeat from the reverse fixture, a single strike from Nathan Redmond the difference at St. Mary's.

But Liverpool had plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the game following the news earlier in the day that Philippe Coutinho had signed a new long-term deal and the home fans were hopeful the Brazilian could conjure up some magic in the hunt for silverware.

Coutinho was unable to make much of an impact before the break, though, and Liverpool had Loris Karius to thank for still having a chance of making it to Wembley at half-time.

The hosts spurned a number of chances to send the game into extra time after the break before Southampton - who amazingly have not conceded a goal in this season's competition - made sure of their trip to Wembley when Long struck after a quick counterattack. Defeat for Klopp was his first in a semi-final as a manager.

Southampton, meanwhile, advance and will meet either Manchester United or Hull City in the showpiece on February 26, with Jose Mourinho's men defending a 2-0 lead in Thursday's return.

Liverpool got the first half-chance of the game when Adam Lallana did well to win possession deep into Southampton territory before setting up Coutinho, who in turn reached Daniel Sturridge on the edge of the area. The England international quickly turned onto his left foot, only to then aim a tame shot straight at goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Southampton should perhaps have opened the scoring after a quick break 10 minutes before half-time when Redmond danced past Joel Matip before handing Dusan Tadic a gilt-edged chance from 10 yards out, but goalkeeper Karius came to Liverpool’s rescue with a superb save.

Klopp's men made an encouraging start to the second half and nearly drew level on aggregate after a howler from Forster, the Southampton goalkeeper letting Emre Can's powerful shot slip through his hands, only to recover just in time to prevent the ball from crossing the goalline.

Liverpool kept on pushing for the equaliser and Sturridge was next to threaten, inexplicably volleying over the crossbar from close range after Can did well to divert the ball back across goal.

Coutinho came close late on when he curled a shot just wide of the top corner, but it was not meant to be for Liverpool as the Saints edged ahead on the night just moments after Atkinson decided against awarding a spot-kick for after Stephens' challenge on Origi.

Josh Sims set up Long after a rapid counterattack and he beat Karius with a low shot to send Southampton to Wembley.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Celta 2-2 Real Madrid (agg. 4-3): Merengue dumped out of the Copa del Rey with draw

A blistering free-kick effort from Cristiano Ronaldo was not enough to avoid another damaging defeat for Real Madrid, as Celta held on for a 2-2 draw to dump the Merengue out of the Copa del Rey.

Celta had stunned Madrid by winning 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in last week's quarter-final first leg - a result that formed part of a three-game winless run for Zinedine Zidane's La Liga leaders.

Saturday's league victory over Malaga looked to have put Madrid back on track, despite the addition of Marcelo and Luka Modric to an injury list that already features Gareth Bale and Pepe.

Madrid remained the more fancied to go through despite the first-leg result, but fell further behind late in the first half when Danilo put through his own net - not that he knew much about it.

Ronaldo powered in a free-kick after 62 minutes as Madrid sought to claw back the deficit but Daniel Wass, having played a key role in Celta's opener, placed a shot beyond Kiko Casilla with five minutes left to re-establish the cushion.

Vazquez headed home in the 90th minute to give Madrid some hope but the visitors were unable to deny Celta a second successive appearance in the Copa semi-finals, leaving the men from the capital to focus on their LaLiga and Champions League campaigns.Celta came into this match with something to defend, and defend they did in the early stages as Madrid set about wiping out the hosts' first-leg advantage.

The home side were happy to sit deep, soak up the pressure and wait for opportunities to hit Madrid on the break, although their tactics almost backfired when Ronaldo hit the woodwork after 26 minutes.

Isco's cross from the right was perfect for the Portugal captain, who would have headed Madrid in front on the night had it not been for the lightning-quick reactions of Sergio Alvarez, who palmed the powerful effort onto his crossbar.

That near miss appeared to spark Celta into life and they should have done better when a poor Casemiro clearance presented them with a glorious opportunity to stretch their aggregate lead.

The ball fell to Iago Aspas 18 yards out but he made the wrong decision in attempting, and failing, to square for John Guidetti and the move broke down.
Celta's new attacking approach did, however, pay off a minute from the break.

Finding yet more space in the Madrid defence, Wass succeeded where Aspas had earlier failed by finding Guidetti with a squared pass.The Swedish forward's shot hit Casilla's leg before rebounding into the net off an unsuspecting Danilo.

Madrid were desperate for a goal but they struggled to carve out any clear-cut opportunities until Ronaldo ominously stood over a free-kick some 20 yards out.
The club's record goalscorer arrowed an effort down the left-hand side of the Celta wall and beyond Alvarez, who may question the positioning of his defensive line.

Madrid had their tails up and Sergio Ramos nodded just wide from a Toni Kroos free-kick, before another Ronaldo set-piece crept just outside the right-hand upright.

Wass looked to have put the result beyond doubt when an intricate passing move eventually saw the ball pop out to him on the edge of the penalty area, picking his spot and placing a shot beyond Casilla.

Substitute Vazquez made it 2-2 on the night with a 90th-minute header, but Madrid were beaten by the clock in their desperate bid for a crucial third goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Monaco 1-0 Nancy: Falcao books Coupe de la Ligue final against PSG

Radamel Falcao scored the only goal of the game as Monaco set up a Coupe de la Ligue final against holders Paris Saint-Germain by beating Nancy 1-0 in a tight last-four clash at Stade Louis II on Wednesday.

It was far from a fluent performance from the Ligue 1 leaders, who had lost the last three times they had appeared in the semi-finals, but they scrapped their way to a narrow victory.

Falcao gave Monaco the lead just before half-time, the Colombia striker making the most of a costly mistake by Nancy goalkeeper Guy N'Dy Assembe to head home.Monaco have only lost one domestic game at home all season and held on to their lead despite the visitors creating a number of good openings.

Julien Cetout and Antony Robic wasted the best of Nancy's chances, the former prodding just wide after incisive build-up play sent him clear on goal and the latter slicing an effort over the crossbar.

Monaco held out for the win, though, and face PSG in the final on April 1, while they also play Unai Emery's men in a potentially decisive league match in the capital on Sunday.

Issiar Dia pulled a shot wide from the right of the penalty area in the third minute as Nancy made a strong start.

Chances proved at a premium in the opening half hour in front of a sparse crowd, though, with Anthony Koura seeing a tame shot easily saved by Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

Maurice Dale shot wide after being sent through by Dia, before Falcao was off target for Monaco with an ambitious diving header from Djibril Sidibe's cross.

Monaco, playing their seventh Coupe de la Ligue semi-final, cranked up the pressure and Assembe saved Kylian Mbappe-Lottin's shot with his legs before tipping Thomas Lemar's vicious free-kick over the crossbar.But the goalkeeper made a huge error to gift Monaco the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Jemerson's hopeful flick into the box was completely misjudged by the Cameroonian and Falcao stole in behind him to guide a header into the unguarded goal.
Assembe prevented Monaco from doubling their lead shortly after half-time, however, palming Sidibe's strike around the post after Bernardo Silva won the ball back on the edge of the box.

Koura and Cetout both missed good chances for Nancy as the visitors pressed for an equaliser, the latter poking wide after a superb one-two with Dale.

Falcao headed Lemar's centre wide after 70 minutes with Monaco looking to make the game safe, before Subasic saved from Tobias Badila.Monaco needed penalties to squeeze past Sochaux in the last round and Nancy should have levelled the tie with 10 minutes to go.

Faitout Maouassa burst down the left and pulled back a low cross for fellow substitute Robic, who screwed his shot over the crossbar from six yards out when it looked easier to score.That proved costly as Monaco saw out the remainder of the game to seal their progression.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 1-0 Colombia: Dudu scores winner in friendly for Chapecoense


Brazil recorded a 1-0 win over Colombia in a friendly played to raise money for tragedy-hit Chapecoense on Wednesday. A second-half header from Dudu was enough to seal victory for the hosts at the Estadio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.

With the game falling outside the FIFA international match calendar, both teams were made up of almost entirely domestic-based players. Both struggled to create clear-cut chances as Tite's Brazil – flying high in World Cup qualifying – made it seven straight wins.

The nations had organised the friendly in the wake of the November plane crash, in which Chapecoense players, backroom staff and directors were among 71 people who died when the flight carrying them to Colombia crashed. After survivors of the crash were greeted in a touching pre-match ceremony, both teams played at a slow tempo early on, but Colombia went closest to scoring as Miguel Borja forced a save out of Weverton.

Brazil then looked the more likely to open the scoring, with the impressive Lucas Lima firing an effort at Colombia goalkeeper David Gonzalez.Colombia were looking most dangerous on the counter-attack, although they went closest to a first-half goal. Mateus Uribe almost made it 1-0, but he headed a Macnelly Torres from the right against the post.

Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances before Brazil opened the scoring in the 47th minute. Dudu was on hand to head in a rebound after Gonzalez saved a close-range Diego Souza effort.

Colombia were on top after going behind, Daniel Bocanegra forcing a save out of Weverton with a free-kick. Substitute Gustavo Scarpa almost sealed Brazil's win in the 82nd minute, only to see his free-kick go just wide from 20 yards.

The visitors should have earned a draw in the dying minutes, but Orlando Berrio somehow missed the target from an angle after a set-piece fell to him in the area.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Evra leaves Juventus for Marseille

Marseille have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Juventus, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.The 35-year-old has agreed an 18-month contract at the Stade Velodrome, with Marseille not disclosing the fee.

Evra had been linked with former club Manchester United as well as Valencia and Crystal Palace in recent weeks, but has opted to return to the French top flight.

The left-back started his professional career at Italian minnows Marsala after coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and also had spells with Monza, Nice, Monaco and United before eventually joining Juventus in 2014.

He won two Serie A titles with the Turin giants, but had set his sights on a move elsewhere after losing his starting berth this campaign.Marseille have already secured the services of Morgan Sanson from Montpellier this month and remain hopeful of luring Dimitri Payet back from West Ham.