..::Football IV::..

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Juventus hold talks to finalise Hernanes Chinese Super League move

Juventus are to hold talks to finalise the sale of attacking midfielder Hernanes to Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.The 31-year-old has not played in Serie A since November 27 and his future at the club was thrown into doubt when he was omitted from their Champions League squad for the knockout stages.

Hebei have been heavily linked with a €10million deal for the former Lazio and Inter man and are reportedly willing to offer him wages worth up to €7m a season to move to China.

Speaking prior to Juve's Serie A win over the Nerazzurri on Sunday, director general Giuseppe Marotta confirmed discussions are due to be held on Monday regarding Hernanes' transfer."We have a meeting and we will try to conclude the deal for Hernanes to Hebei China Fortune," he told Mediaset Premium.

Hernanes' agent Joseph Lee said last week that regular first-team football was the player's main priority."The important thing is for Hernanes to play, whether at Juve, in China or elsewhere," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"The fact he has been excluded from the Champions League list is certainly not a positive factor."If Juventus were to reach an agreement with the Chinese club and if it's a good situation for us, then Hernanes could move there."

Ex-Arsenal and Roma attacker Gervinho and former Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi are two players to have joined Hebei from major European clubs in recent seasons.The club, now coached by former Real Madrid and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, finished seventh in the CSL in 2016.

 

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Martial rubbishes Man Utd exit talk

Striker Anthony Martial has rubbished reports claiming he is unhappy at Manchester United.

The forward has failed to make an appearance for the Red Devils since his side's 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic at the end of January, leading to speculation surrounding his future.

Martial has since been linked with a summer switch to Paris Saint-Germain but the 21-year-old has shot down the reports on Twitter.

The marksman wrote: “Dont (sic) listen the papers it's wrong thanks Come on United.”Martial, who has scored six goals in all competitions for United so far this season, has made 22 appearances for the club but has struggled for a regular starting berth.

He has been forced to turn out several times as a substitute but was unused from the bench in United's last two Premier League games against Hull City and Leicester City.

Martial also failed to feature in the squads which faced Stoke City in the league and Hull in the League Cup in January, with his last top-flight start coming against Liverpool on January 15.

 

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Conte: I'm capable of murdering anyone!

Antonio Conte jokingly insisted he is "capable of murdering anyone" after taking out his anger on one of his assistant coaches during Chelsea's victory over Arsenal.
Videos taken from behind the dugout at Stamford Bridge showed Conte hauling Angelo Alessio down the touchline by his coat after a breakdown in their set-piece marking.

The Blues were comfortable 3-1 winners on Saturday, all but ending Arsenal's Premier League title hopes, but Conte admitted Alessio was often the victim of his pursuit of perfection.Conte told Sky Sport Italia: "When I see something that isn't going right, I am capable of murdering anyone!

"I was angry because [N'Golo] Kante was supposed to track back in place of [Victor] Moses, who had gone into the box to mark the sixth Arsenal man on the corner."He didn't do that and I took it out on Alessio. He's been my right-hand man and thus, unfortunately, my victim for many years."

Conte believes he has been able to turn Chelsea from a mid-table side under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink last season into champions-elect thanks to an unwavering belief in his own ideas."I have blind faith in what I do," he added. "We had won the first three games, but I didn't like the performances. It was a delicate time, but not dramatic.

"Looking at last season, when Chelsea had practically the same players, you cannot immediately transform from ugly ducking into a swan. At the end of the day, we found our balance."The blind faith in my ideas helped. I made some strong choices."

The Italian is not, however, prepared to claim that the Blues have the title in the bag having built up a nine-point lead over second-placed Tottenham."There is no one particular team that worries me more," Conte said. "The experience of being a player really helps. I won the Champions League, but I also lost other finals and that made me more determined to win.

"You can't talk about the title yet, as anything could still happen. Just look at us: Chelsea were struggling at the start and turned the whole season around. We've got to stay calm.

"[On Sunday] Manchester City beat Swansea with two minutes to go and I would've preferred that game end in a draw."

 

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Griezmann at Man Utd in Beckham's number seven jersey would be ideal, says adviser

A big-money move to Manchester United would make a lot of sense for Antoine Griezmann, according to the Atletico Madrid forward’s image adviser.

The France international has been identified as a top summer target for the Red Devils, as they look to bolster their attacking ranks with added creativity and goal threat.A sizeable fee will be required to land the 25-year-old, but United are prepared to splash the cash in pursuit of success under Jose Mourinho.

Griezmann has done little to curb the rumours by revealing that he would welcome the opportunity to play alongside international team-mate Paul Pogba at some stage in his club career.

Sebastien Bellencontre believes a switch in 2017 would be beneficial to all concerned, on a sporting and commercial level.

He sees Griezmann heading to Old Trafford and inheriting the number seven jersey worn by iconic figures such as George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham in the past, making his client even more saleable to a global audience.

"When I read articles about a hypothetical transfer to Manchester United I think it would be the ideal commercial scenario," Bellencontre told So Foot magazine."He would play at Beckham's former club, which is his idol, with the same legendary number on his back.

“Beyond sports, Paris Saint-Germain would be interesting at Franco-French level, but he already has international trajectory with the selection."Griezmann has previously revealed that United legend Beckham was his boyhood hero.

“I liked Beckham a lot,” he told The Guardian.“He was my idol. That’s why I wear a long-sleeved jersey and wear the No.7.”

 

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Liverpool need a Lukaku - Aldridge

Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge believes that a goalscorer like Romelu Lukaku is exactly what the Reds need.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has played without an out-and-out striker for most of the season, using attacking midfielders Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana in attack.

This has left both Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi watching from the sidelines, forcing them to make fleeting appearances from the bench.Sturridge has just four league goals so far this season, while Origi has only two Premier League strikes in the current campaign.

Liverpool's lack of a clinical finisher has left former league winner Aldridge aggrieved, and the 1987-88 First Division top scorer feels that the club needs someone like Everton's Lukaku."We need an out-and-out goalscorer," Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.

"Look across the Park at Romelu Lukaku. He doesn’t give you a lot outside the penalty box but hey he’s scored 16 goals. That’s exactly what we need."Aldridge does not think Sturridge is the answer, even though the England international has not had much of a chance to impress this season.Sturridge has made just five league starts this season, and has failed to score 10 or more goals in the last three campaigns with the Reds.

"When we had four players all scoring it was great but you need your match-winner up front," the former Ireland international continued."I think we’ve got to find one. Daniel Sturridge is not going to do it because the manager is not playing him. We need to unearth a 20-goal-a-season man.


"Tottenham have got Harry Kane. He’s been through a lean spell but has come through it with flying colours and that shows his strong mental attitude to prove people wrong."

 

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Lewandowski crowned Poland's best for sixth consecutive year

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has been voted Poland's Player of the Year for the sixth time in succession.

The 28-year-old beat off competitions from the likes of Kamil Glik, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Arkadiusz Milik and Michal Pazdan to lift the trophy once more."I am delighted that I have again managed to win the award for the player of the year," the striker commented.

"The award means a lot to me and it is a great honour."
Lewandowski enjoyed a hugely successful 2016 on club level as Bayern won the domestic double, with the prolific attacker playing a key role in their successes as he was crowned Bundesliga top scorer.

He scored once in five appearances at Euro 2016 as Poland made it to the quarter-finals, where eventual winners Portugal proved to be too strong after penalties.

 

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Congratzzzz LEW!​

 

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Iniesta and Busquets return for Barcelona​

Barcelona have been boosted by the return of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets for their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Iniesta has been sidelined since the 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad on January 19 with a calf injury, while Busquets sprained his ankle in the 4-0 win against Eibar three days later.Having returned to training this week, the pair have been included in Luis Enrique's 18-man squad as they look to hold on to their 2-1 advantage at Camp Nou and book a place in the final.

Reports have suggested Busquets could feature from the start, while Iniesta is likely to be named among the substitutes.
As is the norm with cup matches, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is rested, with Jasper Cillessen and Jordi Masip the two goalkeepers included.Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti are all included, but a booking on Tuesday would result in them missing the final should Barca advance to the decider.​

 

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I have no doubt Modric is the world's best - Srna

Real Madrid star Luka Modric has reached his peak and is the finest midfielder in the world, according to compatriot Darijo Srna.Modric has won two Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and the Copa del Rey among a host of honours since moving to the Spanish capital in 2012.

The 31-year-old was rewarded with a new contract lasting until 2020 last October and was named in the FIFPro World XI last month for his performances during 2016.And former Croatia captain Srna, who retired from international football after Euro 2016, says the ex-Tottenham star has no equal in his position.

"Modric is beyond just a friend, he's the best midfielder in the world right now," he told Marca. "I have no doubts; I'm not saying that he is one of the best, I affirm that he is the best.

"Luka has grown over the years, I think he is now at his peak. Since he arrived he has been improving with the team. Real Madrid are having a great run of results, but without Luka they would have problems."

Srna also backed Mateo Kovacic to develop into a leading player for Madrid after an inconsistent first 18 months at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I'm sure he will do well because he's an incredible talent," he said. "I adore him.Although he has grown a lot as a player, he has not yet realised his potential... but he will eventually."He is the future of Madrid. He needs time because in just three years he has gone from Dinamo Zagreb to play at Inter and Real Madrid."

Ivan Rakitic's form has been the subject of criticism at Barcelona this season and his future was cast into doubt when he was dropped from the team by Luis Enrique at the end of last year.

Srna, however, insists he will prove his value to the champions."Rakitic has demonstrated his quality many times and scored a goal in the Champions League final!" he said. "I am sure he will work hard to get back to [his] best level. I trust Rakitic very much."

Srna himself rejected the chance to join Barca in order to stay at Shakhtar Donetsk and he is not interested in discussing the prospect of a move."I do not talk about those rumours, Shakhtar is my club, my love, my life," the 34-year-old said.

 

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'The door isn't closed on him' - Lopetegui says Casillas can return to Spain set-up

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has not "closed the door" on Iker Casillas' international career.Casillas - Spain's record cap holder with 167 - has not been selected since Lopetegui succeeded Vicente del Bosque after Euro 2016.The 35-year-old Porto stopper is still hopeful of featuring at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and his recent club form has been encouraging.

Lopetegui coached Casillas at Estadio do Dragao prior to his Spain appointment and says the door remains open for the former Real Madrid man."It's true that we had a conversation between two friends. He was a player of mine [at Porto] and I understood that I needed to speak to him," Lopetegui told Antena 3.

"I told him my decision [not to call him up] but I haven't closed the door on him or anyone else."Lopetegui also addressed Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's decision to retire from international duty after the 2018 tournament.

Pique reached his decision following accusations he had cut the Spanish colours from the sleeves of his shirt for a clash with Albania in October.

"Gerard has made it clear that he will call it a day after the World Cup and I think we have to respect that decision," he added. "We have to enjoy him and the rest of the players during the time they remain with the national team."

 

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'Leicester not in crisis' - Ranieri calm after vote of confidence

Claudio Ranieri says Leicester City are not experiencing a crisis and claims a public vote of confidence from the club's owners on Tuesday was not necessary.Surprise Premier League champions last season, the Foxes have endured a difficult defence of their title.

They sit 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round replay at home to Championship side Derby County on Wednesday.

Prior to his news conference to preview the game, Leicester released a statement insisting Ranieri has the club's "unwavering support"."I think this is for the media," the Italian said of that show of support, which has so often served as the precursor to a sacking.

"I know the views of the chairman. Maybe the chairman wanted to stop all the speculation. I didn't ask them to do this. I knew what the chairman was thinking."I understand football. You have to do your job and I have to do my job. When you win three matches you are God, when you lose three you are not.

"This is not a crisis. When you aren't winning you lose confidence, it is normal."
Kasper Schmeichel described Leicester's 3-0 loss at home to Manchester United on Sunday as "unacceptable" and Ranieri endorsed the goalkeeper's withering assessment.

"I agree with all my players," he said. "Kasper is one of my leaders and he wants to stimulate everyone. This club, these players, came from the bottom of the table to win the title. For this reason I am confident with my players.

"It is not a problem to make mistakes, every man makes mistakes but we need to learn from them. The dressing room is fantastic. We try to do our best, but this season everything is wrong."The relationship is the same as last season. I speak the same s*** English and they understand me!

"I said to my players, my door is always open. We have a fantastic relationship. When you see the training session it's unbelievable, how they are working and running."Ranieri also claimed the players understand his tactics and he will not move away from his preferred formation.

"The players understand everything, well," he said. "I don't change anymore now, [we will play] 4-4-2."

 

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'Maybe it is time for change' - Gallas discusses Wenger's Arsenal position

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes that the time could be right for the club to replace Arsene Wenger.The French manager has not yet agreed a contract extension at the Emirates, leading to speculation that Wenger could be set to exit Arsenal after 21 years with the club.

At the weekend, Wenger revealed that he would decide his Arsenal future on a 'gut feeling', but Gallas feels that the club may make the decision for him.“Maybe it is time to change something at the end of the season," the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea centre-back told talkSPORT.

"We can’t forget what he did for the club. He did a very, very good job so sometimes you can’t sack the manager like this. You have to respect the manager."That is why I said at the end of the season maybe the board has to speak with Arsene and try to find a solution."

Gallas thinks that the lack of trophies in recent years is the main reason that Wenger is being criticised.Arsenal have not won the Premier League since 2004, and have just two FA Cup trophies since 2010."You get criticism when you don't win trophies, when you don't win games, and that is maybe the difference between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger," Gallas continued.

"Mourinho wants to win every game and at the end of the season sometimes he has success but, for Arsene, Arsenal didn’t win from 2004 so everybody starts to criticise him because football has changed.

"Football is about victory, about trophies. Players want to lift trophies. If you don't lift a trophy in your career, you will feel disappointed at the end of your career."I don’t know what Arsenal are going to do but they have to win trophies again.”

 

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Klopp is the best in the world - players would die for him, says Boateng

Kevin-Prince Boateng has hailed Jurgen Klopp as the world's best coach, stating the German has "everything" the job requires.

The midfielder teamed up with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund when he was sent on loan there from Tottenham in 2009. He started off as a regular member of the starting XI, but his playing time became limited after an injury before he was suspended for a nasty challenge against Wolfsburg, being dismissed less than 10 minutes after coming on.Dortmund were interested in signing him on a permanent deal, though, only to pull out of the deal.

But former AC Milan and Schalke player Boateng has good memories of his time at the club despite his struggles and was sad to miss out on the Champions League final and Bundesliga titles the team went on to win.

“I could see it immediately. [Klopp] is the best coach in the whole world," Boateng told The Guardian. "He knows when to push you and when to comfort you. He knows when you need a drink, when you need water... He has everything. Ask the players and they’ll say: ‘He’s the best, I’d die for him.’

“He knows exactly what every player needs and gives them time. There were players at Dortmund who played five minutes in six months but they were happy: happy to come to training, happy to work, because he made you feel important. Not necessarily as a player – maybe he doesn’t need you – but as a person. That’s why he’s successful everywhere.

"And Liverpool’s perfect; just watching his presentation you see it. ‘The normal one’: people there love that. If he’d gone to Paris, it would have been best suit, [different message]. He knows how to grab people.

“[If I'd stayed,] I’d have played a Champions League final, won the league, the cup. But: ‘if’, ‘when’ … I don’t know. I’ve had a career many dream of. I’m happy, but I know I could have done better; if I’d focused more, worked harder earlier. I’m happy to have met Klopp, to have worked with him, even if it was only six months.”

 

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Mental weakness is Arsenal's problem, not Wenger - Henry

Thierry Henry does not believe Arsene Wenger has to leave Arsenal for them to win the Premier League, but says the manager must address his side’s mentality problems.

Arsenal are now 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Antonio Conte’s men at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The defeat followed a 2-1 loss at home to Watford in the competition and has culminated in more calls from fans for the Frenchman to leave the club.With his contract at the Emirates expiring at the end of the season and no news of a renewal, that could become a reality.

Henry feels it is not a necessary step for the Gunners, though, insisting a psychological weakness appears to be holding the team back.

“Does this team have enough to win the Premier League? It can be debated. On paper, yes. If Chelsea is ahead, Arsenal also can be,” he said on RMC. “But it is necessary to be in tune with all the players, to work in training. This team is not aware of what they can achieve. There must be self-management and self-discipline.

“I don't think Arsene has to leave. Should he change his tactics and his way of doing things? I don't know. But what he must do there is mental work. The tactics help, but what I saw against Chelsea is a mental problem. This is not easy to manage. The problem is more mental than quality. Because if Leicester can win the championship... For now, it is true that they are missing something. Statistics are there to prove that.”The Arsenal icon was then asked if he could end up in charge of the first-team in the future.

"If I were to tell you that I don’t want to coach Arsenal, I would be lying,” he replied. “But I have not done anything yet. I think about it, but it's far away, let me learn, we'll see later."

After his eight year spell in north London, the former France striker joined Barcelona, where he worked with current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Henry quickly became a fan of the successful coach, stating he built on what Wenger had taught him.

“Guardiola impressed me a lot. He made me see football in a different way. The last windows that were not open yet with Wenger, he opened them for me.

“In one word, if I were to define it, I would say ‘intense’. His way of seeing the game is extraordinary. But it is also his problem. With him, you must always be ready. I learned a lot with him and his vision of football is enormous.

“At City, this is the first time in his life that he is not first or second. It's not easy to manage. At City, too, there is an end of generation. There were problems. He must also learn in relation to what happens at England. I thought he would adapt faster.”

 

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Montpellier 1-2 Monaco: Unbeaten run extended to 30 games

Ligue 1 leaders Monaco stretched their unbeaten league run against Montpellier to 30 matches with a 2-1 victory at Stade de la Mosson.The record is Monaco’s longest against any club in the top flight and goals from Kamil Glik and Kylian Mbappe ensured it continued.

Montpellier pulled one back through Hilton at the start of the second half but they were unable to complete the comeback, a late red card for Jemerson coming too late to give them a way back in.The result stretches Monaco’s lead at the summit to six points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Lille later on Tuesday.

Glik got Monaco off the mark in the 16th minute, when he rose to head a Thomas Lemar free-kick into an empty net, with goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren having carelessly rushed off his line to make more contact with Glik than with the ball.
And the visitors' second was not far away.

Four minutes later, Djibril Sidibe won possession on the edge of his own box and a swift counter attack culminated in Mbappe slotting beyond Jourdren having embarked on a rapid sprint down the left wing.

Montpellier gave themselves every chance of snatching a result when Hilton headed in at the near post from a Ryad Boudebouz corner within two minutes of the restart.

Monaco were then reduced to 10 men when Jemerson was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Boudebouz after 88 minutes, but it left too little time for Montpellier to take advantage.

 

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Bayern Munich 1-0 Wolfsburg: Costa goal seals DFB Pokal victory

Bayern Munich beat Wolfsburg 1-0 at the Allianz Arena courtesy of a first-half goal from Douglas Costa to book their ticket for the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal.The Brazil international found the net early in the first half with a low shot from 20 yards out that took a deflection off Luiz Gustavo on its way past Koen Casteels.

All eyes were on Costa ahead of Tuesday's game following his recent comments that he could be on the move come the end of the season in order to get more playing time elsewhere, even if Carlo Ancelotti was quick to downplay suggestions the winger could leave.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star was unperturbed by all the commotion, though, as he put in a fine performance against a weakened Wolfsburg.Head coach Valerien Ismael opted to rest players such as Diego Benaglio, Jeffrey Bruma and Mario Gomez with an eye on his side's upcoming Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim and the absence of their stars showed on the pitch.

Wolfsburg struggled to create any chances of note as they seemed happy to sit back and defend, even after Costa's early opener, and Bayern thus cruised to a comfortable, yet narrow, victory.

Bayern dominated play right from the start and deservedly went a goal up in the 17th minute when Costa found the net in somewhat fortunate fashion.

The Brazilian winger opted to try his luck from the edge of the box after being played in by Thiago Alcantara and his low shot took a deflection off former Bayern midfielder Luiz Gustavo to leave goalkeeper Casteels without a chance.

The home side had an opportunity to double their lead 10 minutes before the break when Xabi Alonso found Mats Hummels in a dangerous position with a clever free kick, but the unmarked centre-back failed to get his header on target from eight yards out.

Bayern remained firmly in charge after the interval and Thiago was next to threaten when he headed just over the crossbar after some good work from Costa down the left.

The titleholders kept on pushing for a second goal and Casteels did well to deny Costa when the winger unleashed a powerful shot from a narrow angle, before David Alaba sent a long-range strike just wide.

Wolfsburg brought on Gomez in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was fellow substitute Yunus Malli who had his side’s biggest chance in the closing stages of the game, firing straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after a quick break.

The visitors finally started pushing forward in the final five minutes, but Neuer proved to be too much of an obstacle as he kept his first clean sheet of 2017 to help his side progress.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Lille: Controversial late Lucas strike bails out champions in dramatic finish

Lucas Moura's desperately late controversial winner bailed out Alphonse Areola and Paris Saint-Germain as they scraped an unconvincing 2-1 win over Lille to keep the pressure on Monaco at the Ligue 1 summit.

Both sides scored in the final four minutes at Parc des Princes, as PSG escaped with victory thanks to Lucas after Nicolas de Preville had pounced on an Areola howler in possession.

It was one-way traffic throughout and PSG should have been well on their way to victory before the late drama, with Hatem Ben Arfa and Angel Di Maria particularly dangerous.

But the visitors managed to keep them at bay for long stretches, with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama kept busy by the home side.

PSG looked to have wrapped things up 20 minutes from the end when Edinson Cavani scored his 23rd league goal of the season, but Areola gifted De Preville an equaliser four minutes from time.

Unai Emery's men showed their character, however, rescuing the win right at the death through Lucas who smashed in from close range, despite appearing to be offside, keeping PSG within three points of pacesetters Monaco.

The table-toppers had maintained position with a 2-1 win at Montpellier earlier on Tuesday and PSG looked every inch a side hoping to settle any nerves with a quick goal, as they piled the pressure on right from the start.

Di Maria tested Enyeama with a low 25-yard drive which the goalkeeper luckily parried just behind the lurking Cavani, although it was the hosts' only shot on target of the first half.

Though inaccurate with their shooting, PSG looked fluid in attack and the roaming Ben Arfa caused problems, worrying Lille with two long-range efforts in the first half.

Lille were penned into their own half for much of the first period, but they did go close to an unlikely opener just before the break – Franck Beria's header forcing Areola into a smart save down to his left.

PSG's precision in front of goal improved at the start of the second period and they tested Enyeama twice within five minutes of the restart thanks to Ben Arfa and Di Maria.

Enyeama was crucial to Lille again just after the hour mark, saving from Di Maria at his near post with a brilliant reflex save.The Nigerian goalkeeper was helpless in the 70th minute, though, as he was finally beaten.

Di Maria's left-wing free-kick was inadvertently flicked into the danger zone by Ricardo Kishna and Cavani was on hand to find the bottom-left corner with a combination of his head and shoulder.

PSG's tempo dropped as they seemed set for victory and Areola's lapse in concentration presented De Preville with a simple equaliser to leave Emery incensed on the sideline.


But the hosts' winner was similarly gift-wrapped as a clearly offside Lucas turned home on the rebound, and the flag stayed down to keep PSG in contention at the top.

 

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Meh sarenam Ligue 1 title 1kata hoda fight 1kak yai

Monaco v PSG v Nice​

 

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Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid (agg. 3-2): Nine-man Blaugrana make Copa del Rey final

Luis Suarez helped Barcelona into another Copa del Rey final but he will be forced to miss it as he was sent off in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou that secured a nervy 3-2 aggregate triumph.

The Uruguay international opened the scoring against the run of play, tapping in after Miguel Angel Moya had only managed to parry Lionel Messi's effort in the 43rd minute.

But, after Sergi Roberto and Yannick Carrasco had been dismissed, substitute Kevin Gameiro atoned for his penalty miss by levelling the scores on the night from close range seven minutes from time.

Barca just needed to keep their cool and hold on for a shot at a third consecutive Copa title, but Suarez was the third man to pick up a second booking as he caught Saul Niguez while competing for a header.

Diego Simeone's side had been well on top when they fell behind to Suarez's simple finish, with Roberto dismissed early in the second half and Antoine Griezmann having an effort incorrectly disallowed for offside almost immediately after.

Atletico surrendered their numerical advantage 21 minutes from time, Carrasco clattering into Arda Turan to get his second yellow, and yet their best chance to score was still to come.

Gerard Pique was adjudged to have brought down Gameiro in the box, but after he picked himself up to take the spot-kick, the Frenchman fired it against the top of the crossbar.

Deflated by that blow, Atletico's threat faded before Suarez's late indiscretion – leading to his first Barca dismissal – briefly revitalised them, but Luis Enrique's men dug deep to make it through.
Despite being up against it for much of the opening half, Barca came close to breaking the deadlock early on when Suarez's low strike forced a near-post save from Moya.

Atletico responded with a swift counter-attack and Carrasco should have done better after creating space to shoot deep inside the box, but his effort was too close to Jasper Cillessen.

There was another warning shot from the visitors in the 11th minute, Cillessen having to quickly change direction to keep out Griezmann's header before gathering the loose ball.A powerful Diego Godin header and some urgent defending from Jordi Alba to thwart Griezmann underlined the growing threat of Simeone's side.

But they failed to make their superiority count and Barca pounced against the run of play on the stroke of half-time, Suarez prodding home from Messi's saved effort.

Atletico were handed added impetus when Roberto was given his marching orders having gone in studs-up on Filipe Luis, but a poor decision from the assistant referee to flag Griezmann offside as he picked out the bottom corner denied them a leveller.

Their momentum appeared to be stifled when Carrasco mindlessly fouled Arda to call his evening to an end, and Messi almost put the tie to bed with a stunning free-kick that cracked the underside of the crossbar from 30 yards.But Pique's foul on Gameiro handed Atletico a penalty from which the 29-year-old missed, only to make amends with a tap-in from compatriot Griezmann's assist three minutes later.

Suarez was flagged offside late on as he sought to seal Barca's progression, but he soon ended his own involvement in this year's competition with a foul that led to the game's third red card.

Simeone's side pushed to force it to extra time, but came up short and Barca will meet either Alaves or Celta Vigo in the final, with the sides playing on Wednesday in a tie that is goalless after the first leg.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: Bayern should have decided game sooner

Carlo Ancelotti saw room for improvement following Bayern Munich's 1-0 DFB-Pokal win over Wolfsburg, but was pleased with his side's progress to the quarter-final.Douglas Costa handed Bayern the lead early in the first half and the Bavarians created a number of chances to add a second.

They failed to double their lead, though, and were eventually fortunate not to concede a late equaliser as Wolfsburg applied pressure in the final 10 minutes."I am satisfied with our performance during the first 80 minutes," Ancelotti stated at a news conference."We were completely in control. But we failed to score a second goal.

"We had a few problems in the final 10 minutes of the game. Wolfsburg pushed hard for an equaliser."But in the end all that matters is that we are into the quarter-finals. That is very important."

Wolfsburg coach Valerien Ismael, meanwhile, was happy with his teams display regardless of their defeat."I think we put in a very good performance and were very disciplined," he said."We started very cautious because we conceded five goals here just two months ago.

"We were solid at the back and did not allow them many chances. We showed more courage going forward toward the end and got some fine chances. We nearly rewarded ourselves.

"All in all, it was a solid performance and we can build on this in the Bundesliga."