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Tottenham 4-0 Stoke City: Hat-trick hero Kane sends Spurs second
A first-half Harry Kane hat-trick inspired Tottenham to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Stoke City in the Premier League on Sunday.The England international scored his fourth treble for the club and turned provider for Dele Alli to send Mauricio Pochettino's side into second in the table.
Spurs endured a tough match at Wembley this week as they exited the Europa League at the hands of Gent, but there was to be no hangover from their European travails as they dispatched a dreadful Stoke side in the first half.
Kane - who disappointed in that 2-2 draw with the Belgians - opened the scoring with his 100th goal at club level before making is 2-0 with a sublime half-volley with 32 minutes played.
The 23-year-old's deflected free-kick secured his second hat-trick in as many appearances in domestic competition, and he set up Alli to make it 4-0 before the break to cap a ruthless performance.
It was a routine affair for Spurs in the second half as Stoke accepted their fate, with the home side moving back to within 10 points of leaders Chelsea, while Mark Hughes' side stay 10th.Spurs enjoyed the better of a very quiet opening but had Stoke's captain to thank for the opening goal.
Ryan Shawcross halted Christian Eriksen's run into the box, but managed only to flick the ball into Kane's path rather than clear, allowing the England international - who is now the joint-top Premier League scorer on 17 with Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and Everton's Romelu Lukaku - to fire first-time across goal and into the bottom-right corner of Lee Grant's net.
Glenn Whelan was a little fortunate not to be sent off soon after for a clumsy two-footed challenge on Jan Vertonghen, but only a fine save with his foot from Hugo Lloris prevented Peter Crouch from prodding in an equaliser against the run of play.
Vertonghen rattled the crossbar from close range, but a second unerring strike from Kane put Spurs firmly in control after half an hour, the striker firing a sublime half-volley from the edge of the area through the legs of Victor Wanyama and beyond Grant.
Five minutes later and his hat-trick was completed - although it came thanks to a huge slice of luck. Eriksen rolled a free-kick into his path, and Kane's low effort from 25 yards took a huge deflection off Crouch on its way into the net, with Grant powerless to stop it.
Hughes cut a disconsolate figure on the touchline, but, with seconds to go before the break, it got even worse for the visitors. Kane raced beyond Bruno Martins Indi and squared across the penalty area for Alli, who slid to steer the ball high into the net.
Spurs spirits were dampened when they lost Toby Alderweireld to a knock shortly after half-time, but Kane almost gave the home fans another moment to cheer, with only a fine right-hand save from Grant denying him a fourth goal.
Kyle Walker waltzed into the box only to slice a shot wide and he was thwarted by Grant in the closing minutes from close range, but Spurs were largely content to play the possession game as they cruised to what could be an important victory in the battle for the top four.
A first-half Harry Kane hat-trick inspired Tottenham to an emphatic 4-0 victory over Stoke City in the Premier League on Sunday.The England international scored his fourth treble for the club and turned provider for Dele Alli to send Mauricio Pochettino's side into second in the table.
Spurs endured a tough match at Wembley this week as they exited the Europa League at the hands of Gent, but there was to be no hangover from their European travails as they dispatched a dreadful Stoke side in the first half.
Kane - who disappointed in that 2-2 draw with the Belgians - opened the scoring with his 100th goal at club level before making is 2-0 with a sublime half-volley with 32 minutes played.
The 23-year-old's deflected free-kick secured his second hat-trick in as many appearances in domestic competition, and he set up Alli to make it 4-0 before the break to cap a ruthless performance.
It was a routine affair for Spurs in the second half as Stoke accepted their fate, with the home side moving back to within 10 points of leaders Chelsea, while Mark Hughes' side stay 10th.Spurs enjoyed the better of a very quiet opening but had Stoke's captain to thank for the opening goal.
Ryan Shawcross halted Christian Eriksen's run into the box, but managed only to flick the ball into Kane's path rather than clear, allowing the England international - who is now the joint-top Premier League scorer on 17 with Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and Everton's Romelu Lukaku - to fire first-time across goal and into the bottom-right corner of Lee Grant's net.
Glenn Whelan was a little fortunate not to be sent off soon after for a clumsy two-footed challenge on Jan Vertonghen, but only a fine save with his foot from Hugo Lloris prevented Peter Crouch from prodding in an equaliser against the run of play.
Vertonghen rattled the crossbar from close range, but a second unerring strike from Kane put Spurs firmly in control after half an hour, the striker firing a sublime half-volley from the edge of the area through the legs of Victor Wanyama and beyond Grant.
Five minutes later and his hat-trick was completed - although it came thanks to a huge slice of luck. Eriksen rolled a free-kick into his path, and Kane's low effort from 25 yards took a huge deflection off Crouch on its way into the net, with Grant powerless to stop it.
Hughes cut a disconsolate figure on the touchline, but, with seconds to go before the break, it got even worse for the visitors. Kane raced beyond Bruno Martins Indi and squared across the penalty area for Alli, who slid to steer the ball high into the net.
Spurs spirits were dampened when they lost Toby Alderweireld to a knock shortly after half-time, but Kane almost gave the home fans another moment to cheer, with only a fine right-hand save from Grant denying him a fourth goal.
Kyle Walker waltzed into the box only to slice a shot wide and he was thwarted by Grant in the closing minutes from close range, but Spurs were largely content to play the possession game as they cruised to what could be an important victory in the battle for the top four.
Sassuolo 0-1 Milan: Controversial Bacca penalty proves decisive
Carlos Bacca scored a controversial penalty as AC Milan claimed a precious 1-0 victory at Sassuolo and ramped up the pressure on the Serie A top six.
The Colombian striker found the net in the 22nd minute of an end-to-end encounter at Mapei Stadium, but his spot-kick appeared to hit his standing leg on its way into the net and Sassuolo's players claimed the goal should have been ruled out.
The home side could have been ahead before Bacca's intervention had Domenico Berardi not blazed a penalty kick at the other end well wide and Sassuolo failed to capitalise on numerous other opportunities afforded them by some patchy Milan defending throughout the game.
Bacca was a constant threat in attack and he gave a performance that defied those who have criticised him in recent weeks, while Gerard Deulofeu and Suso continued their industrious link-up play, which has been vital to Milan's resurgence under Vincenzo Montella.
The result kept Milan within three points of sixth-placed Lazio and ended the club's unwanted record of having never won at Mapei Stadium in Serie A.Deulofeu won a free-kick on the edge of the box as Milan pressed their hosts from the kick-off and Juraj Kucka failed to turn Suso's ensuing cross into the net when it seemed impossible to miss.
Berardi was felled in the box as he broke clear at the other end, but his penalty appeals were met with a yellow card for diving. But the home fans were appeased when Kucka pulled down Alfred Duncan and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
However, Berardi wasted Sassuolo's chance to take an early lead by firing the spot-kick well wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal, and Milan went straight back on the attack with Deulofeu twice drawing excellent saves from Andrea Consigli.
Milan took the lead in controversial circumstances when Alberto Aquilani was judged to have tripped Andrea Bertolacci in the box and Bacca's penalty appeared to go in via a deflection off his standing leg, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Bacca had a second ruled out for offside just before half-time after good build-up play from Deulofeu and Suso, who continued to cause Sassuolo problems after the break.
Gabriel Paletta's challenge on Matteo Politano drew further penalty claims from the home side, but appeals seemed to reflect a frustration with their failure to break down a packed Milan defence as much as any genuine hope of a favourable decision.
Sassuolo were dominant in the latter stages of the game with Politano tormenting the Milan defence, but the closest they came to an equaliser was a Berardi shot across the face of goal that Donnarumma palmed around the post.
Suso should have wrapped up the victory for Milan when substitute Lucas Ocampos put him clean through on goal, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Consigli, who then acrobatically saved a Cristian Zapata header. Consigli's heroics, though, were not enough to earn Sassuolo a share of the points.
Carlos Bacca scored a controversial penalty as AC Milan claimed a precious 1-0 victory at Sassuolo and ramped up the pressure on the Serie A top six.
The Colombian striker found the net in the 22nd minute of an end-to-end encounter at Mapei Stadium, but his spot-kick appeared to hit his standing leg on its way into the net and Sassuolo's players claimed the goal should have been ruled out.
The home side could have been ahead before Bacca's intervention had Domenico Berardi not blazed a penalty kick at the other end well wide and Sassuolo failed to capitalise on numerous other opportunities afforded them by some patchy Milan defending throughout the game.
Bacca was a constant threat in attack and he gave a performance that defied those who have criticised him in recent weeks, while Gerard Deulofeu and Suso continued their industrious link-up play, which has been vital to Milan's resurgence under Vincenzo Montella.
The result kept Milan within three points of sixth-placed Lazio and ended the club's unwanted record of having never won at Mapei Stadium in Serie A.Deulofeu won a free-kick on the edge of the box as Milan pressed their hosts from the kick-off and Juraj Kucka failed to turn Suso's ensuing cross into the net when it seemed impossible to miss.
Berardi was felled in the box as he broke clear at the other end, but his penalty appeals were met with a yellow card for diving. But the home fans were appeased when Kucka pulled down Alfred Duncan and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
However, Berardi wasted Sassuolo's chance to take an early lead by firing the spot-kick well wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal, and Milan went straight back on the attack with Deulofeu twice drawing excellent saves from Andrea Consigli.
Milan took the lead in controversial circumstances when Alberto Aquilani was judged to have tripped Andrea Bertolacci in the box and Bacca's penalty appeared to go in via a deflection off his standing leg, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Bacca had a second ruled out for offside just before half-time after good build-up play from Deulofeu and Suso, who continued to cause Sassuolo problems after the break.
Gabriel Paletta's challenge on Matteo Politano drew further penalty claims from the home side, but appeals seemed to reflect a frustration with their failure to break down a packed Milan defence as much as any genuine hope of a favourable decision.
Sassuolo were dominant in the latter stages of the game with Politano tormenting the Milan defence, but the closest they came to an equaliser was a Berardi shot across the face of goal that Donnarumma palmed around the post.
Suso should have wrapped up the victory for Milan when substitute Lucas Ocampos put him clean through on goal, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Consigli, who then acrobatically saved a Cristian Zapata header. Consigli's heroics, though, were not enough to earn Sassuolo a share of the points.
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: Messi's late strike secures victory for Barca
Lionel Messi struck another late winner to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and secure Barcelona a potentially vital triumph in La Liga's engrossing title race.
Diego Godin had seemingly salvaged Atletico a draw 20 minutes from the end, but Messi broke the hosts' hearts with a late goal to make Diego Simeone's men rue their missed opportunities and put Barca top of the table ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal.
Things should have been far better for Atletico, though, as they looked as fluid as they have all season during the first half and carved out a series of strong chances, with Yannick Carrasco, Godin and Antoine Griezmann all going close.
But the home side failed to make the most of their openings and Barca grew into proceedings, threatening Atletico with a few fine chances of their own towards the end of the half.
Atletico's ineffectiveness in front of goal was capitalised on when Rafinha opened the scoring just after the hour mark, though Godin headed the home side back on level terms.
However, just as he did against Leganes last time out in La Liga, Messi struck at the death to move Barca on to 54 points and back to the summit, where they will stay if Real Madrid fail to beat Villarreal later on Sunday.Atletico made it clear from the start that they are not giving up on a La Liga title push and they went close twice inside opening five minutes.
Carrasco was the first to spurn a chance, inexplicably failing to hit the target from six yards out when Saul Niguez's cross landed perfectly for him.Godin – returning after injuring his hamstring against Barca on February 7 – then prodded over from a similar distance following a corner.
Atletico's high intensity approach prevented Barca from gaining a foothold and Griezmann twice tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen – first from close range and then seeing his fierce 25-yard drive acrobatically tipped over by the German.
Jan Oblak was similarly sharp upon his return from two months out with a dislocated shoulder, tipping a Messi free-kick over before clutching Gerard Pique's goal-bound header on the stroke of half-time.
Barca's improvement continued at the start of the second half and an intricate, flowing move should have given them the lead, but Luis Suarez scuffed wide when played through by Messi.
Atletico then swiftly crafted another chance of their own, though Griezmann slammed an effort straight at Ter Stegen after being fed into the left side of the box, instead of squaring to Kevin Gameiro for an easy finish.Barca capitalised on that let-off in the 64th minute, as Suarez's charged-down shot fell kindly for Rafinha and the Brazilian tucked a neat finish inside the left-hand post from close range.
Their joy appeared to be short-lived, as Godin glanced a header in from Koke's free-kick delivery in the 70th minute.But the visitors had the final say.
Messi collected a cut-back from Suarez and, despite seeing his initial shot blocked, the ball dropped nicely for him once again and he coolly poked past the helpless Oblak to stun Atletico.
Lionel Messi struck another late winner to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 and secure Barcelona a potentially vital triumph in La Liga's engrossing title race.
Diego Godin had seemingly salvaged Atletico a draw 20 minutes from the end, but Messi broke the hosts' hearts with a late goal to make Diego Simeone's men rue their missed opportunities and put Barca top of the table ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal.
Things should have been far better for Atletico, though, as they looked as fluid as they have all season during the first half and carved out a series of strong chances, with Yannick Carrasco, Godin and Antoine Griezmann all going close.
But the home side failed to make the most of their openings and Barca grew into proceedings, threatening Atletico with a few fine chances of their own towards the end of the half.
Atletico's ineffectiveness in front of goal was capitalised on when Rafinha opened the scoring just after the hour mark, though Godin headed the home side back on level terms.
However, just as he did against Leganes last time out in La Liga, Messi struck at the death to move Barca on to 54 points and back to the summit, where they will stay if Real Madrid fail to beat Villarreal later on Sunday.Atletico made it clear from the start that they are not giving up on a La Liga title push and they went close twice inside opening five minutes.
Carrasco was the first to spurn a chance, inexplicably failing to hit the target from six yards out when Saul Niguez's cross landed perfectly for him.Godin – returning after injuring his hamstring against Barca on February 7 – then prodded over from a similar distance following a corner.
Atletico's high intensity approach prevented Barca from gaining a foothold and Griezmann twice tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen – first from close range and then seeing his fierce 25-yard drive acrobatically tipped over by the German.
Jan Oblak was similarly sharp upon his return from two months out with a dislocated shoulder, tipping a Messi free-kick over before clutching Gerard Pique's goal-bound header on the stroke of half-time.
Barca's improvement continued at the start of the second half and an intricate, flowing move should have given them the lead, but Luis Suarez scuffed wide when played through by Messi.
Atletico then swiftly crafted another chance of their own, though Griezmann slammed an effort straight at Ter Stegen after being fed into the left side of the box, instead of squaring to Kevin Gameiro for an easy finish.Barca capitalised on that let-off in the 64th minute, as Suarez's charged-down shot fell kindly for Rafinha and the Brazilian tucked a neat finish inside the left-hand post from close range.
Their joy appeared to be short-lived, as Godin glanced a header in from Koke's free-kick delivery in the 70th minute.But the visitors had the final say.
Messi collected a cut-back from Suarez and, despite seeing his initial shot blocked, the ball dropped nicely for him once again and he coolly poked past the helpless Oblak to stun Atletico.
Manchester United 3-2 Southampton: Ibrahimovic winner secures League Cup for Jose Mourinho's men
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored with three minutes remaining to give Manchester United a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup final.A dramatic contest at Wembley was settled when Ibrahimovic headed in Ander Herrera's cross just as the match appeared destined to move into extra-time.
A controversial and thrilling match saw Southampton have Manolo Gabbiadini's strike wrongly ruled out for offside before Ibrahimovic struck with an impressive free-kick at the other end.
Jesse Lingard got the second, finding the bottom-right corner after a neat team move to net on his third consecutive Wembley appearance for United, before Gabbiadini got a goal that did count in first-half stoppage time.
Gabbiadini made it five goals in three Saints matches with a magnificent finish early in the second half, but Ibrahimovic had the last word with his 26th goal of the season.United have now won the tournament on five occasions, a record bettered only by Liverpool.
Mourinho claims the first major trophy of his United reign and his fourth overall victory in the competition, tying the record jointly held by Brian Clough and Alex Ferguson.Southampton's wait for a first EFL Cup goes on as their FA Cup success in 1976 – which came against United – remains their only major trophy.
Claude Puel has now lost both of his management appearances in major domestic cup finals, having been beaten as Monaco boss in the 2001 Coupe de la Ligue final.
Paul Pogba had an early long-range drive beaten away by Fraser Forster, before United survived a moment of major controversy at the other end.
After Cedric Soares got the better of Marcos Rojo down the right, Gabbiadini tapped in his cross from close range but was denied by an offside flag, even though only team-mate Ryan Bertrand - who did not make a move towards the ball – had strayed beyond the last defender.
United took advantage of the reprieve, moving ahead in the 19th minute after Oriol Romeu had been booked for fouling Herrera.Ibrahimovic did the rest, sending a curling 25-yard free-kick beyond a flat-footed Forster for his sixth goal in as many games.
Southampton continued to make an impression after the goal and David de Gea made an important one-handed save from James Ward-Prowse, before using his legs to keep out Dusan Tadic.
United struck a hammer blow seven minutes before the break when Lingard – selected over Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford – justified Mourinho's decision by picking his spot from just inside the area after a neat move involving Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Rojo.
But Southampton continued to fight, Gabbiadini scoring moments before the half-time whistle with a close-range strike that stood this time after Ward-Prowse's low cross.United brought Michael Carrick on for Mata ahead of the restart, but Saints drew level three minutes into the second half.
A corner was only half-cleared and when Steven Davis headed back into the area, Gabbiadini turned and simultaneously buried a left-footed volley into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards.
Lingard managed to avoid a second yellow for tripping Redmond, before Romeu had the same reprieve despite appearing to elbow Herrera.
Romeu then saw his deflected header bounce off the post from a Ward-Prowse delivery, while Lingard lashed over from a good chance at the other end as a thrilling clash continued.
The destination of the trophy was finally decided in the closing stages when Martial fed Herrera, whose floating cross was converted by Ibrahimovic's thumping six-yard header.
Mourinho equals Sir Alex Ferguson's League Cup record
Jose Mourinho has now won the League Cup four times, a joint-record among managers along with Brian Clough and former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
United played out a thrilling Wembley final with Southampton on Sunday, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring twice to secure the trophy for the Red Devils.Manolo Gabbiadini had an early goal ruled out for offside but went on to score twice, levelling the game after Jesse Lingard put United 2-0 up in the first half.
Ibrahimovic struck three minutes from time, though, securing United's fifth League Cup trophy, and Mourinho's fourth.The Portuguese led Chelsea to the trophy in 2005, 2007 and 2015, with Sunday's victory his first major trophy as United boss. Mourinho also became the first manager to win a major trophy in his first season at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho has now won the League Cup four times, a joint-record among managers along with Brian Clough and former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
United played out a thrilling Wembley final with Southampton on Sunday, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring twice to secure the trophy for the Red Devils.Manolo Gabbiadini had an early goal ruled out for offside but went on to score twice, levelling the game after Jesse Lingard put United 2-0 up in the first half.
Ibrahimovic struck three minutes from time, though, securing United's fifth League Cup trophy, and Mourinho's fourth.The Portuguese led Chelsea to the trophy in 2005, 2007 and 2015, with Sunday's victory his first major trophy as United boss. Mourinho also became the first manager to win a major trophy in his first season at Old Trafford.
Man Utd usurp Liverpool as England's most successful club
Manchester United have become the most successful club in English football history after winning their 42nd major trophy.
The Red Devils beat Southampton in Sunday's EFL Cup final, meaning they have now overtaken Liverpool in the standings for silverware.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck twice at Wembley, either side of a Jesse Lingard goal, delivering the Old Trafford club's fifth League Cup trophy as a result.
United have also won 20 Premier League titles, 12 FA Cups, three European titles and two FIFA Club World Cups, totalliing 42 major trophies, one more than archrivals Liverpool.The Reds have won 18 top-flight titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European cups and three UEFA Cups.
Liverpool have so far reached two cup finals under the guidance of manager Jurgen Klopp, the 2016 League Cup against Manchester City and the 2016 Europa League final against Sevilla, eventually losing both.
Jose Mourinho became the first United manager to win a major trophy in his first season on Sunday and equalled Sir Alex Ferguson's record of four League Cup trophies.
Villarreal 2-3 Real Madrid: Madrid storm back to take vital win
Alvaro Morata sealed a dramatic comeback as Real Madrid proved they will take some stopping in LaLiga's title race with an enthralling 3-2 victory at Villarreal.
Villarreal had seemingly blown a three-way battle for the title with Barcelona and Sevilla wide open when quickfire second-half goals from Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had the hosts 2-0 up at Estadio de la Ceramica.
However, Madrid - beaten by Valencia last time out - produced an emphatic response with three goals in 19 second-half minutes to avoid back-to-back losses and seal three points that sees them go back top of LaLiga with a game in hand.
The visitors were second best throughout much of the match, but Gareth Bale - starting for the first time since November after an ankle injury - led the comeback with a well-placed header in the 64th minute.The ever prolific Cristiano Ronaldo then restored parity by becoming LaLiga's leading penalty scorer with 57 after Bruno Soriano was harshly penalised for handball in the area.
And substitute Morata secured a vital three points, which leaves Madrid one clear of second-place Barca, with six minutes to go when he headed home Marcelo's cross to spark joyous celebrations from the visitors.
Madrid had the luxury of knowing exactly what they had to do before the match even started following wins for Sevilla and Barca this week.
But that did not make their task any easier as Villarreal wrested control and looked a threat going forward, with Mario Gaspar forcing Keylor Navas into a smart 12th-minute save.
The hosts had to rely on Sergio Asenjo soon after, though, the goalkeeper slapping the ball away from under the crossbar after Victor Ruiz inadvertently directed Marcelo's cross towards goal.
But Villarreal's assault resumed just before the half-hour mark. Jonathan dos Santos first saw an effort deflected just wide, before a stretching Samu Castillejo met Adrian Lopez's cross and shot over from six yards.
Madrid were offered encouragement when Asenjo was forced off with an apparent ankle injury 10 minutes before the break, though Villarreal remained in control until the interval.The hosts started the second half as commandingly as they finished the first and their superiority finally bore fruit.
Castillejo did well to hold off Marcelo and nod down a lofted pass in the area, teeing it up nicely for Trigueros, who rifled a half-volley past the helpless Navas.
And Villarreal had a second six minutes later.
Bruno produced a defence-splitting pass from the centre circle to find the run of Bakambu right through the middle and he coolly slotted into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards after shrugging off Sergio Ramos.
Villarreal had a lucky escape shortly after when Ronaldo unleashed a left-footed volley that came back off the right-hand post.
But Bale was not to be denied as he rose highest to meet Dani Carvajal's cross and headed past substitute goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
Madrid clawed themselves level 16 minutes from time with Ronaldo slamming home a penalty after a Toni Kroos shot was controversially adjudged to have struck the arm of Bruno.
Morata then completed the astounding turnaround in the closing stages by meeting Marcelo's fine left-wing cross and beating Andres with his head, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it, leaving Madrid to focus on Wednesday's clash with Las Palmas on the back of a priceless win.
Alvaro Morata sealed a dramatic comeback as Real Madrid proved they will take some stopping in LaLiga's title race with an enthralling 3-2 victory at Villarreal.
Villarreal had seemingly blown a three-way battle for the title with Barcelona and Sevilla wide open when quickfire second-half goals from Manu Trigueros and Cedric Bakambu had the hosts 2-0 up at Estadio de la Ceramica.
However, Madrid - beaten by Valencia last time out - produced an emphatic response with three goals in 19 second-half minutes to avoid back-to-back losses and seal three points that sees them go back top of LaLiga with a game in hand.
The visitors were second best throughout much of the match, but Gareth Bale - starting for the first time since November after an ankle injury - led the comeback with a well-placed header in the 64th minute.The ever prolific Cristiano Ronaldo then restored parity by becoming LaLiga's leading penalty scorer with 57 after Bruno Soriano was harshly penalised for handball in the area.
And substitute Morata secured a vital three points, which leaves Madrid one clear of second-place Barca, with six minutes to go when he headed home Marcelo's cross to spark joyous celebrations from the visitors.
Madrid had the luxury of knowing exactly what they had to do before the match even started following wins for Sevilla and Barca this week.
But that did not make their task any easier as Villarreal wrested control and looked a threat going forward, with Mario Gaspar forcing Keylor Navas into a smart 12th-minute save.
The hosts had to rely on Sergio Asenjo soon after, though, the goalkeeper slapping the ball away from under the crossbar after Victor Ruiz inadvertently directed Marcelo's cross towards goal.
But Villarreal's assault resumed just before the half-hour mark. Jonathan dos Santos first saw an effort deflected just wide, before a stretching Samu Castillejo met Adrian Lopez's cross and shot over from six yards.
Madrid were offered encouragement when Asenjo was forced off with an apparent ankle injury 10 minutes before the break, though Villarreal remained in control until the interval.The hosts started the second half as commandingly as they finished the first and their superiority finally bore fruit.
Castillejo did well to hold off Marcelo and nod down a lofted pass in the area, teeing it up nicely for Trigueros, who rifled a half-volley past the helpless Navas.
And Villarreal had a second six minutes later.
Bruno produced a defence-splitting pass from the centre circle to find the run of Bakambu right through the middle and he coolly slotted into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards after shrugging off Sergio Ramos.
Villarreal had a lucky escape shortly after when Ronaldo unleashed a left-footed volley that came back off the right-hand post.
But Bale was not to be denied as he rose highest to meet Dani Carvajal's cross and headed past substitute goalkeeper Andres Fernandez.
Madrid clawed themselves level 16 minutes from time with Ronaldo slamming home a penalty after a Toni Kroos shot was controversially adjudged to have struck the arm of Bruno.
Morata then completed the astounding turnaround in the closing stages by meeting Marcelo's fine left-wing cross and beating Andres with his head, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it, leaving Madrid to focus on Wednesday's clash with Las Palmas on the back of a priceless win.
Inter 1-3 Roma: Nainggolan double sinks Nerazzurri
Radja Nainggolan's glorious double helped Roma to a 3-1 win against Inter at San Siro as they moved back within seven points of Juventus at the top of Serie A.
Juve had been enjoying an excellent weekend - beating Empoli as Napoli lost to Atalanta on Saturday - but Nainggolan was influential in keeping Roma's faint title hopes alive.
The three points were no more than the visitors deserved on Sunday, having dominated a pulsating opening period that saw the midfielder score his first with a fine 12th-minute effort.
Inter had won their previous eight home league matches, but they took too long to get going against an energetic Roma outfit and ultimately paid the price as their attempts to equalise came up short.Instead, Nainggolan added a superb second 11 minutes after the restart to cap an outstanding individual performance.
And although the hosts were handed a lifeline by Mauro Icardi's 81st-minute goal, Diego Perotti's penalty four minutes later sealed Roma's victory.The loss leaves Stefano Pioli's side in sixth - now just a point clear of rivals AC Milan and six adrift of the Champions League places.
Roma quickly established control with Edin Dzeko a focal point in attack and Mohamed Salah forced a strong save from Samir Handanovic after reaching the former Manchester City forward's pass.
The visitors were not to be denied, though, and Nainggolan was the next man to be picked out by Dzeko. The Belgium international charged in from the left to arc a stunning right-foot strike into the top-right corner.
That goal initially seemed to wake Inter from their slumber, but a first chance for Joao Mario was deflected over the crossbar by Kostas Manolas.
Roma came again and Dzeko drew a fine one-handed stop from Handanovic, before Roberto Gagliardini's vital challenge closed out a clear opening for Salah.
Visiting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was finally tested in the final minute of the first half, but he was equal to Marcelo Brozovic's bobbling curler.Inter improved after the break, with Szczesny alert again, denying Antonio Candreva, and Bruno Peres blocking from Ivan Perisic in front of goal.However, Roma remained a threat on the counter and Nainggolan soon added his second in similarly spectacular fashion.
Muscling his way through the middle third of the pitch, space opened up ahead of Nainggolan and he continued on to power a superb finish high into the net from 20 yards.
Although Icardi lashed wildly over at the other end and Eder failed to turn home from close range, the visitors' determined defensive efforts largely continued to keep Inter at bay.Dzeko could have then added a third, nodding wide from Perotti's cross, and his miss looked as though it could prove costly when the hosts pulled a goal back.
Icardi converted from close range after Perisic had made progress on the left, but another twist killed Inter's chances as Gary Medel conceded a penalty for a foul on Dzeko.
Perotti stepped up to coolly roll the spot-kick past Handanovic and secure a deserved win.
Radja Nainggolan's glorious double helped Roma to a 3-1 win against Inter at San Siro as they moved back within seven points of Juventus at the top of Serie A.
Juve had been enjoying an excellent weekend - beating Empoli as Napoli lost to Atalanta on Saturday - but Nainggolan was influential in keeping Roma's faint title hopes alive.
The three points were no more than the visitors deserved on Sunday, having dominated a pulsating opening period that saw the midfielder score his first with a fine 12th-minute effort.
Inter had won their previous eight home league matches, but they took too long to get going against an energetic Roma outfit and ultimately paid the price as their attempts to equalise came up short.Instead, Nainggolan added a superb second 11 minutes after the restart to cap an outstanding individual performance.
And although the hosts were handed a lifeline by Mauro Icardi's 81st-minute goal, Diego Perotti's penalty four minutes later sealed Roma's victory.The loss leaves Stefano Pioli's side in sixth - now just a point clear of rivals AC Milan and six adrift of the Champions League places.
Roma quickly established control with Edin Dzeko a focal point in attack and Mohamed Salah forced a strong save from Samir Handanovic after reaching the former Manchester City forward's pass.
The visitors were not to be denied, though, and Nainggolan was the next man to be picked out by Dzeko. The Belgium international charged in from the left to arc a stunning right-foot strike into the top-right corner.
That goal initially seemed to wake Inter from their slumber, but a first chance for Joao Mario was deflected over the crossbar by Kostas Manolas.
Roma came again and Dzeko drew a fine one-handed stop from Handanovic, before Roberto Gagliardini's vital challenge closed out a clear opening for Salah.
Visiting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was finally tested in the final minute of the first half, but he was equal to Marcelo Brozovic's bobbling curler.Inter improved after the break, with Szczesny alert again, denying Antonio Candreva, and Bruno Peres blocking from Ivan Perisic in front of goal.However, Roma remained a threat on the counter and Nainggolan soon added his second in similarly spectacular fashion.
Muscling his way through the middle third of the pitch, space opened up ahead of Nainggolan and he continued on to power a superb finish high into the net from 20 yards.
Although Icardi lashed wildly over at the other end and Eder failed to turn home from close range, the visitors' determined defensive efforts largely continued to keep Inter at bay.Dzeko could have then added a third, nodding wide from Perotti's cross, and his miss looked as though it could prove costly when the hosts pulled a goal back.
Icardi converted from close range after Perisic had made progress on the left, but another twist killed Inter's chances as Gary Medel conceded a penalty for a foul on Dzeko.
Perotti stepped up to coolly roll the spot-kick past Handanovic and secure a deserved win.
Marseille 1-5 Paris Saint-Germain: Record crowd sees OM thrashed
Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed second place in Ligue 1 and kept the pressure on leaders Monaco by inflicting a punishing 5-1 defeat on arch rivals Marseille.
In an overwhelmingly one-sided Classique, Unai Emery's side raced into the lead through early goals from Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani in front of a record crowd of more than 65,000 at Stade Velodrome.
Second-half goals from Lucas Moura, substitute Julian Draxler and Blaise Matuidi ensured the scoreline reflected the gulf between the two sides, despite Rod Fanni scoring a consolation for the hosts.
Marseille went into the game in a confident mood, having strung together three consecutive home victories, but Rudi Garcia's side were outclassed in all departments.
PSG became only the second team – after Monaco - to win at Marseille this season, and the emphatic manner of the victory will have delighted Emery, who was given no reason to give up hope of pushing free-scoring Monaco all the way.
It has been more than five years since Marseille last beat PSG, and Garcia could not point to the absence of injured top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis as a factor in the defeat; his team-mates were simply outplayed.
The stadium was silenced in just the sixth minute. Thiago Silva headed Marco Verratti's free-kick back across the face of goal and the onrushing Marquinhos thundered his header into the unguarded goal.
PSG continued to expose Marseille's defensive frailties and Layvin Kurzawa's header drew a fingertip save from Yohann Pele, but Dimitri Payet offered a reminder of the home side's attacking threat with a shot that flashed past Kevin Trapp's goal.
The visitors were irresistible going forward, though, and had a beautifully crafted second when Javier Pastore played an instinctive first-time throughball that Cavani latched onto before applying a delicate finish over Pele.
Lucas was denied a third by Pele's fast reactions after a defensive mix-up between Patrice Evra and Rolando, while Thiago Silva slammed the ball home after his header rebounded off the post but Cavani was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
Rather than offering a response after the restart, Marseille were slow out of the blocks and PSG rolled in a simple goal to make it three within five minutes of the restart.
Pastore, making his first start for PSG in five months, played a skilfull rabona-style cross to Lucas, and the Brazil international side-footed calmly past Pele into the corner.
Lucas almost added his second when he rose unmarked to head a corner towards goal but Pele was equal to it.There was nothing the goalkeeper could do, though, to stop Draxler from making it four when he met Thomas Meunier's cross with a close-range finish.
Fanni's shot on the turn briefly reduced the deficit after Trapp's punch failed to clear a Marseille corner with 20 minutes remaining.
But the fightback lasted just two minutes before Marco Verratti danced through the penalty area before teeing up Matuidi to lash his finish high into the net and wrap up the victory.
Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed second place in Ligue 1 and kept the pressure on leaders Monaco by inflicting a punishing 5-1 defeat on arch rivals Marseille.
In an overwhelmingly one-sided Classique, Unai Emery's side raced into the lead through early goals from Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani in front of a record crowd of more than 65,000 at Stade Velodrome.
Second-half goals from Lucas Moura, substitute Julian Draxler and Blaise Matuidi ensured the scoreline reflected the gulf between the two sides, despite Rod Fanni scoring a consolation for the hosts.
Marseille went into the game in a confident mood, having strung together three consecutive home victories, but Rudi Garcia's side were outclassed in all departments.
PSG became only the second team – after Monaco - to win at Marseille this season, and the emphatic manner of the victory will have delighted Emery, who was given no reason to give up hope of pushing free-scoring Monaco all the way.
It has been more than five years since Marseille last beat PSG, and Garcia could not point to the absence of injured top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis as a factor in the defeat; his team-mates were simply outplayed.
The stadium was silenced in just the sixth minute. Thiago Silva headed Marco Verratti's free-kick back across the face of goal and the onrushing Marquinhos thundered his header into the unguarded goal.
PSG continued to expose Marseille's defensive frailties and Layvin Kurzawa's header drew a fingertip save from Yohann Pele, but Dimitri Payet offered a reminder of the home side's attacking threat with a shot that flashed past Kevin Trapp's goal.
The visitors were irresistible going forward, though, and had a beautifully crafted second when Javier Pastore played an instinctive first-time throughball that Cavani latched onto before applying a delicate finish over Pele.
Lucas was denied a third by Pele's fast reactions after a defensive mix-up between Patrice Evra and Rolando, while Thiago Silva slammed the ball home after his header rebounded off the post but Cavani was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
Rather than offering a response after the restart, Marseille were slow out of the blocks and PSG rolled in a simple goal to make it three within five minutes of the restart.
Pastore, making his first start for PSG in five months, played a skilfull rabona-style cross to Lucas, and the Brazil international side-footed calmly past Pele into the corner.
Lucas almost added his second when he rose unmarked to head a corner towards goal but Pele was equal to it.There was nothing the goalkeeper could do, though, to stop Draxler from making it four when he met Thomas Meunier's cross with a close-range finish.
Fanni's shot on the turn briefly reduced the deficit after Trapp's punch failed to clear a Marseille corner with 20 minutes remaining.
But the fightback lasted just two minutes before Marco Verratti danced through the penalty area before teeing up Matuidi to lash his finish high into the net and wrap up the victory.
Luis Enrique happy to leave Atletico in Barca's dust
Luis Enrique highlighted the importance of Barcelona increasing the gap ahead of Atletico Madrid in La Liga's title race after they left the Vicente Calderon with a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Barca returned to La Liga's summit – for at least a few hours – ahead of Real Madrid by defeating Diego Simeone's men in in the Spanish capital, though it was by no means straightforward.
Diego Godin had seemingly secured a point for the hosts with his header 20 minutes from time, but Lionel Messi popped up and scored a late winner for the second league match in succession to salvage what could potentially be a vital result in the title race.
Defeating Atletico also left Simeone's side seven points behind third-placed Sevilla and nine off Barca, as their chances of winning the league diminished even further.
"It was game against a direct rival," Luis Enrique told reporters. "It was of the utmost importance."Aside from actually getting the three points, it was important that we left Atletico further behind us.
"We changed our system to 3-4-3 to have more of the ball, more control. Atletico found it hard to keep up their pressing in second half, especially after a tough game midweek [in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen].
"Then our decisive players made difference."
Luis Enrique highlighted the importance of Barcelona increasing the gap ahead of Atletico Madrid in La Liga's title race after they left the Vicente Calderon with a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Barca returned to La Liga's summit – for at least a few hours – ahead of Real Madrid by defeating Diego Simeone's men in in the Spanish capital, though it was by no means straightforward.
Diego Godin had seemingly secured a point for the hosts with his header 20 minutes from time, but Lionel Messi popped up and scored a late winner for the second league match in succession to salvage what could potentially be a vital result in the title race.
Defeating Atletico also left Simeone's side seven points behind third-placed Sevilla and nine off Barca, as their chances of winning the league diminished even further.
"It was game against a direct rival," Luis Enrique told reporters. "It was of the utmost importance."Aside from actually getting the three points, it was important that we left Atletico further behind us.
"We changed our system to 3-4-3 to have more of the ball, more control. Atletico found it hard to keep up their pressing in second half, especially after a tough game midweek [in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen].
"Then our decisive players made difference."
Neymar: Barca not thinking of Real Madrid
Barcelona star Neymar said the reigning La Liga champions are only focused on themselves after keeping the pressure on leaders Real Madrid.
Usual suspect Lionel Messi was the hero again, scoring with four minutes remaining to lift Barca past Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Sunday.Scores had been level after Diego Godin cancelled out Rafinha's 64th-minute opener in the Spanish capital.
Barca's fourth consecutive league win ensured they stayed within a point of Madrid, who have a game in hand after rallying to beat Villarreal 3-2."We do not think about other teams, we must look after ourselves," Neymar said post-match."Our rivals will do their bit or they will fail.
"I am happy for the win, we knew it would be very difficult, and congratulations to the team."Luis Suarez assisted Rafinha for the opening goal just past the hour-mark at Vicente Calderon and the Uruguay star is not giving up on the title after 24 rounds.
"There's still a lot of league to go but a win here was a boost for our confidence," Suarez said. "The important thing was to take all three points."All the players were on top form. We have shown that we have the ambition to fight for the title."We knew that this was a great chance to turn the league around."
Barcelona star Neymar said the reigning La Liga champions are only focused on themselves after keeping the pressure on leaders Real Madrid.
Usual suspect Lionel Messi was the hero again, scoring with four minutes remaining to lift Barca past Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Sunday.Scores had been level after Diego Godin cancelled out Rafinha's 64th-minute opener in the Spanish capital.
Barca's fourth consecutive league win ensured they stayed within a point of Madrid, who have a game in hand after rallying to beat Villarreal 3-2."We do not think about other teams, we must look after ourselves," Neymar said post-match."Our rivals will do their bit or they will fail.
"I am happy for the win, we knew it would be very difficult, and congratulations to the team."Luis Suarez assisted Rafinha for the opening goal just past the hour-mark at Vicente Calderon and the Uruguay star is not giving up on the title after 24 rounds.
"There's still a lot of league to go but a win here was a boost for our confidence," Suarez said. "The important thing was to take all three points."All the players were on top form. We have shown that we have the ambition to fight for the title."We knew that this was a great chance to turn the league around."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed his predictive powers after he scored twice in Manchester United's 3-2 EFL Cup final victory over Southampton, saying he expected success.
The 35-year-old put United ahead after 19 minutes at Wembley and Jesse Lingard doubled their lead before Southampton battled back to 2-2 thanks to Manolo Gabbiadini's brace.
Ibrahimovic rose to head home United's winning goal in the 87th minute, sealing his second trophy in English football after the Community Shield.And the Swede said it was nothing more than what he expected when he joined the club in July 2016 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free.
"This is what I predicted, everything I saw would happen," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports . "Others didn't see it. I came here to show others what I saw."This is what I came for: to win, and I'm winning. The more I win, the more satisfied I get. That's me."
Ibrahimovic has won silverware at every club he has played for since he left Malmo for Ajax in 2001 and the triumphs have become more poignant for the veteran as his career has progressed.The Swede, who won four consecutive league titles with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Old Trafford, said: "You appreciate it more the older you get.
"In the beginning at Ajax it was all hype, and you don't realise what it means. The older I got the more I understood that it's all about winning and collecting these trophies.
"This is my 32nd trophy and I'm super happy. Wherever I went, I won.Despite his key role in the victory over Claude Puel's side, Ibrahimovic was quick to credit his team-mates after they kept up the fight against a Southampton side who threatened throughout.
Ibrahimovic said: "It was very nice because we were winning 2-0, they came up to 2-2 and we looked a bit tired, but I got the opportunity and I scored.
"It was a team effort, and not about individuals.
"I keep going, I keep doing what I'm doing. I'm enjoying my time in England.
"I got a call from Jose Mourinho - I might have a good relationship with him - and, when he called, that's the reason I came. I'm happy I came. I know I made the right choice. I predicted things - what I predicted is what I'm doing now."Asked whether he was part of something special at the club, Ibrahimovic said: "I came - that's special."
Dembele worth £50m and good enough for Real Madrid, says Gamboa
Celtic star Moussa Dembele is worth £50million and good enough to play for Real Madrid, according to team-mate Cristian Gamboa.Dembele, 20, is enjoying a prolific campaign in Scotland, scoring 15 goals in 24 league games for the runaway leaders.
He also netted five Champions League goals, leading to speculation linking him with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.
But it will take a massive bid to secure Dembele from Celtic, team-mate Gamboa said."I'd give you £50m for him, but I don't have the money," he said, via the Daily Express.
"He is a good player. He can go wherever he wants. We enjoy having him here and hope we can enjoy having him for a long time."He can go to Real Madrid or wherever he wants. He is a top-class player. The age he is, just 20, means there is a lot that he still has to do.
"But he is having a really good season for Celtic. It is good for Celtic and it is good for us as a group. We enjoy it."Dembele struck a brace in his most recent outing, a 2-0 win over Hamilton Academical, to take his tally to nine in his past four games.Gamboa, a 52-time Costa Rica international, said there was plenty more to come from Dembele.
"Just imagine what he's going to be like when he's 25 when he is a more mature player and he has more experience," he said."He is a strong player and he shows everyone that in training all the time. I wish the best for him. But we enjoy him just now.
"He may go to another club, but just now he is here until at least the end of the season so we should enjoy his football and his goals."
Celtic star Moussa Dembele is worth £50million and good enough to play for Real Madrid, according to team-mate Cristian Gamboa.Dembele, 20, is enjoying a prolific campaign in Scotland, scoring 15 goals in 24 league games for the runaway leaders.
He also netted five Champions League goals, leading to speculation linking him with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.
But it will take a massive bid to secure Dembele from Celtic, team-mate Gamboa said."I'd give you £50m for him, but I don't have the money," he said, via the Daily Express.
"He is a good player. He can go wherever he wants. We enjoy having him here and hope we can enjoy having him for a long time."He can go to Real Madrid or wherever he wants. He is a top-class player. The age he is, just 20, means there is a lot that he still has to do.
"But he is having a really good season for Celtic. It is good for Celtic and it is good for us as a group. We enjoy it."Dembele struck a brace in his most recent outing, a 2-0 win over Hamilton Academical, to take his tally to nine in his past four games.Gamboa, a 52-time Costa Rica international, said there was plenty more to come from Dembele.
"Just imagine what he's going to be like when he's 25 when he is a more mature player and he has more experience," he said."He is a strong player and he shows everyone that in training all the time. I wish the best for him. But we enjoy him just now.
"He may go to another club, but just now he is here until at least the end of the season so we should enjoy his football and his goals."
'We do not regret having Mario with us' - Nice president Rivere backs Balotelli
Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere insists the club have no regrets at having snapped up Mario Balotelli last summer.
With the path cleared for the Italian striker to leave Liverpool, the Ligue 1 side moved quickly to acquire an enigmatic talent and their faith in his ability was rewarded early on with seven goals in as many appearances.
In fact, Balotelli reached double figures for the season before Christmas.He has, however, endured a dip in form since then, with only one more goal added to his tally in his last six appearances.
Those appearances have seen him collect more red cards than goals, with Balotelli having been dismissed three times in 2016-17.Nice have, however, managed to remain in title contention throughout the 26-year-old’s slump and Rivere remains confident that the former Manchester City and AC Milan forward will rediscover his spark.
He told Canal+: “There are periods like this in the life of any player.“He made a very good start to the season. At the moment things are not as good but I hope he will soon be back to the Mario that we saw at the beginning of the season.
“Overall we are very happy. He is in a good frame of mind and we do not regret having Mario with us.”
Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere insists the club have no regrets at having snapped up Mario Balotelli last summer.
With the path cleared for the Italian striker to leave Liverpool, the Ligue 1 side moved quickly to acquire an enigmatic talent and their faith in his ability was rewarded early on with seven goals in as many appearances.
In fact, Balotelli reached double figures for the season before Christmas.He has, however, endured a dip in form since then, with only one more goal added to his tally in his last six appearances.
Those appearances have seen him collect more red cards than goals, with Balotelli having been dismissed three times in 2016-17.Nice have, however, managed to remain in title contention throughout the 26-year-old’s slump and Rivere remains confident that the former Manchester City and AC Milan forward will rediscover his spark.
He told Canal+: “There are periods like this in the life of any player.“He made a very good start to the season. At the moment things are not as good but I hope he will soon be back to the Mario that we saw at the beginning of the season.
“Overall we are very happy. He is in a good frame of mind and we do not regret having Mario with us.”
'My sons asked me to play in England, but this time I'm the boss' - Zlatan on Man Utd renewal
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that it was his two sons who persuaded him to test himself in the Premier League, but warns that he’ll be the one deciding whether to stay at Manchester United next season.
The Swede took his total to 26 goals this term with a match-winning brace in Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Southampton and, while manager Jose Mourinho insisted he will not beg Ibrahimovic to stay on for a second campaign in 2017-18, he did invite fans to “go to the door of his house and stay there all night and ask him to stay”.
And the 35-year-old striker says that, while his sons Maxi and Vincent talked him into playing in the Premier League, he has yet to make his mind up whether at Old Trafford.
“My two kids wanted to see me play in England,” he told reporters. “I had my mind somewhere else, but then Jose called, we have a special relationship, and it was basically ‘Just tell me what number I should wear!’
“The kids are satisfied with what I’m doing but this time I’m the boss!“Let’s see what happens. We have another few months, I’m enjoying it and according to many I could not do what I’m doing.”
The former Inter, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain front man insists that qualification for the Champions League will not be a deciding factor despite many claiming he will not be happy if he ends his career without one last shot at the trophy.
“It’s not about that. I came here without the Champions League, so it’s nothing to do with the Champions League,” he added. “Somebody writes the story that without the Champions League I will extend but it’s nothing to do with that.
“But I’m never satisfied, I want always more, I am hungry to do more, that is always my mentality. This is my 32nd trophy, this is my fifth different country, I have been in the best clubs in the world, and I am repeating every year what I am doing.”
His goals record is not the only contributory factor to the rave reviews this season, with his excellent shape helping people to call for him to stay. Yet he insists that he will never look to outstay his welcome in the game by living off his well-earned reputation.
“I feel like a lion. I feel in shape, I feel good. I train very hard, I have an objective every season and I feel I am going to reach that. I need to train hard, I need to suffer when I train, that’s how I achieve my goals. I am from the old school, where they work hard and they get what they get from doing the hard work.
“But I will not play one game by being Ibrahimovic from what I did before. If I don’t perform, if I don’t bring the results, I go, because I will not be like other players playing because they had a great career and because they are who they are.”
Ibrahimovic has now won major trophies in every season since 2001, adding the EFL Cup to the season-opening Community Shield crown which was also secured with a late winner by the big striker.And, when asked what he does with his 32 winners’ medals, he answered in his own inimitable style.
“They’re in the museum… I have a house only for the medals!”
