..::Football IV::..

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Congratulations Manchester United!

Good luck for the 2nd Leg

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Xabi Alonso announces shock retirement in cryptic farewell message

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has announced his intention to retire from professional football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old has featured 27 times for Bayern this campaign, including playing all 180 minutes in their 10-2 aggregate Champions League last 16 triumph over Arsenal.

There had been reports earlier in the season that Alonso was considering hanging up his boots - with Philipp Lahm also catching the football world by surprise - but nothing official until now.Alonso tweeted on Thursday morning: "Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game."

Afterwards, he told Bayern's website that he didn't want to wait until his legs had gone and he was struggling to match the performance consistency he's shown throughout his career.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right time," he said. "I always thought it would be better to quit sooner rather than later. I still feel good, but I believe this is the right moment.

"I wanted to end my career still at the highest level, and Bayern is the highest level.I’m incredibly proud and happy to play for FC Bayern and to be a part of this family."

The Bundesliga club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was quick to shower praise on the Spaniard, who has been with the club since August 2014.

"Bayern would like to thank a great player and a man who has played the Bayern way on and off the pitch excellently," he said."Xabi Alonso is one of the greats of world football. He has won everything in his career. He is also an outstanding personality, a gentleman of football."

Alonso's career started at Real Sociedad in 1999 before Premier League giants Liverpool snapped him up four years later.

He became an iconic midfielder at Anfield, winning the Champions League with the club in his first season and three other trophies.

In 2009, five years after joining, he left for Real Madrid in a deal estimated to be worth £30 million. He won five titles in five years at the Santiago Bernabeu, including one Champions League final triumph.

On the international scene, Alonso won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 in addition to taking hom winners' medals at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.

Alonso could well win his third Bundesliga title in a row this summer and will hope to wrap up the third Champions League final victory in what would be an incredible way to end his illustrious career.

 

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Neymar breaks Messi's record for Champions League assists in a season

Neymar has broken the record of Champions League assists in a season after setting up Sergi Roberto in Barcelona's dramatic 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Having scored twice himself, the forward then capped a superb display to lift the ball over the PSG defence, where Roberto was waiting to poke the ball past Kevin Trapp in goal.

The Brazilian equalled the record of seven back in November, setting up Lionel Messi to open the scoring in Barcelona's group stage game against Celtic, though it was the meeting between the sides at Camp Nou which set him on his way.

In Barcelona's 7-0 victory over Brendan Rodgers' side in September 2016, Neymar registed four assists and a goal inside the 90 minutes to complete the rout in Catalonia.
He then followed up in Barca's following European tie, a 2-0 away victory against Bayer Leverkusen, applying the pass for Arda Turan to level the game for his side, before Gerard Pique secured the win.

Neymar grabbed his sixth assist of the European campaign by teeing up Messi in Barcelona's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City and his seventh, a record under current format which began in 2003-04, in the final group fixture away at Celtic.

 

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Koeman: Lukaku extension is close, but there is no guarantee

Romelu Lukaku is close to signing a new long-term contract at Everton after becoming the club's record Premier League goalscorer, manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

Lukaku is second in the Premier League scoring charts this season, with 18 goals placing him one behind Tottenham's Harry Kane, and a return to the Belgian's former club Chelsea has been rumoured, although his agent Mino Raiola has said a renewal with Everton is "99.9999 per cent" completed.

The 23-year-old surpassed Duncan Ferguson's record of 60 top-flight goals for the club by scoring against Spurs on Sunday and Koeman claimed progress on Lukaku's contract extension is being made, although he dismissed suggestions a new deal would ensure Everton can keep Lukaku at Goodison Park for next season."Still not signed," Koeman told reporters on Thursday. "Close, yes. In football you don't get guarantees."

While confirmation of Lukaku's renewal appears to be imminent, Koeman is unclear what will happen to Gerard Deulofeu, who has impressed during a loan spell in Serie A with AC Milan, although contract talks are in the works for Ross Barkley.
"I don't know [about Deulofeu]," Koeman said. "We know that until the end of the season he is an Everton player and then we need to make decisions. Every question is about players for next season and it's not important at the moment. At the moment what is important is Saturday.

"The situation about these players who will finish their contract after one year, ok he [Barkley] is one of them and we will do everything to keep Ross and to sign a new contract. The talks are planned.

"A lot of questions about next season and we have to play a lot, this weekend is the most important and what will happen for next season will happen next season, it's not for now."

Everton host West Brom on Saturday and will close in on sixth-placed Manchester United if they win their fifth straight home league game, with Koeman targeting six points from the match and next weekend's clash with Hull City.

"First objective for Saturday is to win the game and make the distance [to eighth-placed West Brom] to seven points," Koeman said. "That is a big gap and I still believe in when we win the next two games at home still something is possible above us in the table but that starts with six points and starts on Saturday to win the game. Arsenal are strong and they can struggle for a week or two weeks but they are strong and have good players and it will be tough to catch them but maybe after six points we come more close and maybe something is possible.

"It starts always by yourself, don't look too much to other teams, if we win we come close but that starts with ourselves. It's a big test because [West Brom] are really strong defensively and everybody knows their productivity out of set plays.They have scored 36 goals, 16 out of set plays, 12 from corners and we know because they scored one against us. It's difficult and we need to be at our best and defend against the strengths of West Brom."I don't like to speak too much about the end of the season but if we finish seventh we can be happy."

 

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Chelsea target Verratti 'staying at PSG' despite Barcelona meltdown - Kluivert

Marco Verratti is staying at Paris Saint-Germain despite the club's meltdown against Barcelona, says sporting director Patrick Kluivert.Thiago Silva: Worst captain ever?The Italy midfielder has been linked with a move to the likes of Barca, Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid, but possesses a contract in France until 2021.

Kluivert was asked whether Verratti's situation had changed given the dramatic collapse at Camp Nou, which saw Luis Enrique's side record the biggest comeback in Champions League history to reach the quarter-finals.

But the former Barca striker insists the 24-year-old, who was visibly upset after the match, will be staying in Paris. "Verratti is the cornerstone of our midfield and things will remain that way," Kluivert said to Le10Sport.

"He is not going anywhere this year."Before the match, Verratti's brother Stefano had suggested his sibling would be willing to stay at PSG for the rest of his career, given how well he has settled at the club.

Marco spoke of his shock in the aftermath of the Camp Nou capitulation, which saw Barca score three times from the 88th minute to win the last-16 tie 6-5 on aggregate."Three goals in seven minutes - I cannot find an explanation," Verratti said to L'Equipe.

"This is a game I will never forget and I hope it will serve as a lesson to everyone.
"We lost 6-1, so it was not the referee's fault. We are the first ones responsible for this."PSG are yet to progress past the quarter-finals in Europe's elite club competition.

 

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Mbappe destined to become one of world's best - Glik

Kamil Glik has backed Monaco team-mate Kylian Mbappe to become one of the best players in the world if he retains his humble attitude.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe following his fine performances this term, with the forward netting 15 times in 29 appearances in all competitions.

His impressive displays have earned him rave reviews and Glik has little doubt the gifted youngster will become a major star if he manages to remain grounded.

"Mbappe deserves everything that is happening to him," Glik said at a news conference."We all know that he can become one of the best players in the world if he really wants it.

"He is a young player, but he is doing some extraordinary things for a player his age."He is a very easy-going and humble guy who is happy to work hard day after day. He has not changed at all since breaking into the first team."He has to stay grounded and keep on working hard."

 

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FC Copenhagen 2-1 Ajax: Cornelius strike seizes advantage for Danes

Andreas Cornelius netted a second-half winner to help Copenhagen to a deserved 2-1 victory over Ajax in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The towering striker made the difference with a superb header just before the hour mark after Peter Ankersen's sublime cross from the right, beating Matthijs de Ligt in the air to leave goalkeeper Andre Onana without a chance.

The Danish champions had previously gone a goal up through Rasmus Falk after just 27 seconds, only for Kasper Dolberg to score a controversial equaliser from what seemed like an offside position, but there would be no denying the home side in the end.

Copenhagen were brimming with confidence heading into Thursday's encounter following their superb home form over the past 18 months, last conceding in an official game at Telia Parken back in August 2016 and going unbeaten ever since a 3-2 defeat against Jablonec in August 2015.

Ajax, meanwhile, had every reason for optimism as well, having won five of their eight prior Europa League encounters this term and drawing the remaining three.
It was Copenhagen that dominated proceedings, though, and Cornelius' second-half strike would eventually prove to be decisive.

Copenhagen charged forward right from the start and needed less than a minute to open the scoring through Falk. The midfielder escaped the attention of Lasse Schone after a clever pass from William Kvist and beat Onana with a fine volley from a narrow angle.

The hosts continued to cause Ajax all kinds of trouble early on and Youssef Toutouh could have doubled his side's lead after a long throw-in from Kvist, blasting a shot just wide of the target after Federico Santander had headed the ball into his path.

The Amsterdammers slowly grew into the game and Dolberg restored parity in the 32nd minute with a sublime finish from what appeared to be an illegal position.Davy Klaassen sent in a fine cross from the right and the Denmark international did well to hold off Ankersen before volleying home.

Ajax made an encouraging start to the second half and could have grabbed the lead when the unmarked Schone got a chance to try his luck from the edge of the box, only for the experienced midfielder to aim yards wide.

Copenhagen had struggled to get going after the restart, but they went 2-1 up with their first chance of note after the break, Cornelius beating Onana with a strong header after outmuscling De Ligt in the 59th minute.

Ajax boss Peter Bosz brought on big-money signings Hakim Ziyech and David Neres in the closing stages of the game as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.

Klaassen was unfortunate to be denied by a fine save from Robin Olsen, before Dolberg had a goal disallowed in the 88th minute for a foul on Uros Matic as it ended 2-1.

 

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Rostov 1-1 Manchester United: Mkhitaryan on target as Red Devils take draw

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Rostov in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday, leaving the tie in the balance ahead of next week's return fixture at Old Trafford.

The fit-again Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the opening goal with United's first real chance 10 minutes before half-time, the Armenian finishing off a cute cutback from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mkhitaryan's return was a timely boost for United, having not featured since the win over Saint-Etienne in the last round due to a hamstring problem, but his side could not hold on to their lead.

Aleksandr Bukharov equalised for Rostov eight minutes into the second half, getting between Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to take Timofei Kalachev's lofted pass on his chest and finish well.

Rostov could even have snatched a comeback victory in their first ever meeting with English opposition, but Aleksandr Erokhin's strike curled away from goal.

Jose Mourinho experimented with a back three ahead of Monday's FA Cup quarter-final tie at Premier League leaders Chelsea, but United were unable to record a fifth consecutive Europa League clean sheet and will have work to do in next week's second leg.

Christian Noboa had the first strike at goal in the second minute but Sergio Romero made a comfortable save, before Paul Pogba miscued a shot when found by Ashley Young in the Rostov box in a rapid start to the game.

Mourinho complained about the poor state of the Rostov pitch before the match and it started cutting up almost immediately, affecting the passing rhythm of both sides, while Rostov were also disrupted by having to replace the injured Vladimir Granat after 18 minutes.United gradually took control of a poor-quality encounter and the visitors opened the scoring after 35 minutes with their first shot on target, through the returning Mkhitaryan.

Marouane Fellaini took a long ball down on his chest and slipped a pass behind the Rostov defence for Ibrahimovic, who used the outside of his right boot to neatly pick out Mkhitaryan for an easy close-range finish.

Ibrahimovic, who will miss United's next three domestic games through suspension after elbowing Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings, flashed a drive over the bar soon after the restart.And Rostov then drew level after 53 minutes with a goal created out of absolutely nothing.

Kalachev was given space to drive into United territory and he floated a delightful pass into the box for Bukharov to chest down and blast a fine finish past the helpless Romero.

Rostov went close to taking a shock first-leg lead when Erokhin's shot swerved wide after he was set up by Dmitri Poloz, while Kalachev slashed an effort off target from just outside the area, as United toiled on the difficult surface.

Home captain Aleksandr Gatskan almost won the game with three minutes remaining, but Romero saved his powerful volley, leaving the tie finely poise.

 

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APOEL 0-1 Anderlecht: Belgians seal first-leg triumph in Cyprus

Nicolae Stanciu scored the only goal of the game as Anderlecht took control of their Europa League last-16 tie with a 1-0 win at APOEL in Thursday's first leg.APOEL had not lost in 19 home games across all competitions, but it was the visitors that started brightly at the GSP Stadium.

And Stanciu finished a well-worked move in the 29th minute that proved to be enough for Rene Weiler's men to take a potentially crucial lead and away goal back to Belgium for next week's return tie.

The hosts, who closed out their domestic regular season with victory over Nicosia rivals Omonia on Saturday, may have headed into the match in fine form but the absence of 22-goal top scorer Pieros Sotiriou through suspension left them light in attack.

Consequently, APOEL failed to find a way through the Anderlecht defence and now have it all to do in the second leg, where they now must record just a second away European win of the campaign to reach the last eight, a task made harder after captain Nuno Morais picked up a first-half booking that rules him out of the match in Brussels.

A raucous crowd greeted the teams, with a giant banner promising Anderlecht that Nicosia is "where your dreams become nightmares", but the visitors settled quickly and had the first sight of goal as Lukasz Teodorczyk shot tamely under pressure from Inaki Astiz.

Bram Nuytinck was required to make a crucial block from Igor de Camargo at the other end, but an opener soon arrived for Anderlecht.

Leander Dendoncker took possession from captain Sofiane Hanni on the left and cut inside towards Stanciu, who prodded the ball on to Alexandru Chipciu before sweeping a return pass into the bottom corner.

APOEL initially responded positively, but Nuno Morais was flagged offside as his header was brilliantly tipped against the post by Ruben Martinez and the same man collected a costly yellow card for a challenge on Stanciu.

After a lull, Anderlecht renewed their earlier attacking intent at the beginning of the second half as Chipciu stung the palms of Boy Waterman with a low drive.The home support simply turned the noise levels up again, though, and only further brave interventions in the Anderlecht defence kept De Camargo at bay.

APOEL's best chance yet arrived at the feet of David Barral with just over 20 minutes remaining, as Ruben clawed Roberto Lago's cross away from the top corner, but he sliced his finish horribly wide of the target.

De Camargo nodded over from Lago's left-wing cross and Barral forced a low save from Ruben with a deflected strike towards his near post, with the keeper then saving from Kostakis Artymatas' volley.Ruben was finally beaten with Vander Vieira's hopeful deep free-kick from near the half-way line, but the crossbar came to his rescue.


Frank Acheampong almost stole a second goal as he shot straight at Waterman from the subsequent counter-attack, but Anderlecht settled for a slander one-goal lead.

 

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Mkhitaryan blames pitch for 'not very interesting' Manchester United draw

Manchester United goalscorer Henrikh Mkhitaryan believes the poor state of Rostov's pitch was to blame for the lack of quality in the 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.The Armenia international finished off Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cutback to open the scoring for the Premier League side on his return from injury, having not featured since facing Saint-Etienne in the last round.

But Aleksandr Bukharov equalised for Rostov early in the second half to leave the tie in the balance, with Mkhitaryan highlighting the surface as a problem for United.

"We tried to win today, maybe we were not focused at the beginning of the second half, but we played as good as we could on this pitch," Mkhitaryan told BT Sport."I don't want to even speak about the pitch, because it was an awful thing for both sides. It was not a very interesting game but whatever, we tried to do everything."

Rostov had the better chances to win the game, with Mkhitaryan acknowledging Bukharov's effort changed the dynamics of the game.
Rostov had the better chances to win the game, with Mkhitaryan acknowledging Bukharov's effort changed the dynamics of the game.

"You know that's football, you have to wait for everything, it doesn't matter if you score and you lead 1-0, you have to be ready for everything," the playmaker said.
"We conceded the goal and that was a mistake but there is a second leg to play which will be more important.

"The first half was more quiet and there was nothing special besides the goal. I'm happy to score and we were happy to lead, but unfortunately we conceded and everything changed with their goal."Hopefully I've got no injuries so we'll keep fighting and getting ready for the next game."

 

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Gent 2-5 Genk: Samatta double helps Genk to massive away win

Genk stunned Gent with an incredible 5-2 away win in an action-packed first leg of their all-Belgian Europa League last-16 clash to move within touching distance of the competition's quarter-finals.

The visitors ran roughshod in the first half to lead 4-1 by half-time at the Ghelamco Arena and withstood a second-half fightback in which Kalifa Coulibaly reduced the deficit and Jeremy Perbet missed a penalty.

Only one place and two points separates the teams in the Belgian First Division A and that initially showed as Ruslan Malinovskyi's fine opener for Genk was cancelled out by Samuel Kalu in a well-balanced opening 30 minutes.

But Genk took complete control of the tie as Omar Colley, Mbwana Samatta and Jere Uronen scored before half-time, with the quality of their set-pieces and speed on the attack proving too much for Gent.

The home side had overcome the odds to knock out highly fancied Tottenham in the previous round and even this considerable deficit seemed somewhat surmountable when Coulibaly pulled a goal back in the second half.

However, Mat Ryan's save from Perbet's spot-kick killed their momentum and Samatta's second after 72 minutes restored a three-goal lead for Genk heading into the return leg, while Gent's misery was compounded by Anderson Esiti's red card six minutes from time.

Gent should have led in the third minute, but Perbet somehow smashed the rebound against the crossbar inside the six-yard box after Ryan had saved Kenny Saief's low strike.

Ryan made another stop from Saief's 20-yard effort, but Genk quickly established a threat on the break and took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 21st minute when Malinovskyi curled a delightful free-kick in off Lovre Kalinic's left-hand post.

Gent levelled six minutes later when the lively Saief saw his teasing centre slice off the crossbar via Jakub Brabec and Kalu smashed the dropping ball into the net off Ryan from a tight angle.

Back came Genk and Jean-Paul Boetius shot straight at Kalinic, before Colley restored the lead by meeting Malinovskyi's corner - missed by the flapping the goalkeeper - with a firm header.

Malinovskyi's deliveries continued to cause problems and Samatta and Brabec missed further chances, before Kalinic made a smart parry from Siebe Schrijvers' drive.And Genk took firm control with two goals in the last four minutes of the half.

Samatta sprung the offside trap to control Boetius' pass and smash his shot beyond Kalinic, who was then beaten by Uronen as Pozuelo prompted another ruthless move.Gent responded after half-time, though, with Saief again central to the attack as he crossed for Coulibaly to nod past Ryan.

It looked as though Genk's lead would be cut further when Malinovskyi tangled with Kalu to concede a penalty with just over half an hour remaining, but Ryan brilliantly denied Perbet from 12 yards.Samatta instead ensured the visitors would return home with considerable breathing space as he turned Thomas Buffel's cross into the net for a fifth.

And things went from bad to worse for Gent as Anderson Esiti, booked in the build-up to the first goal, earned a second yellow for a trip on Schrijvers and will now miss what appears an impossible rescue mission in the return leg.

 

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Lyon 4-2 Roma: Fekir & Lacazette seal first-leg victory

Substitute Nabil Fekir and top scorer Alexandre Lacazette netted second-half strikes to earn Lyon an enthralling 4-2 win over Roma in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie in France.

Fekir struck less than four minutes after coming off the bench, dancing past two opponents before beating goalkeeper Alisson, while Lacazette grabbed a fourth with a stunning long-range strike deep into stoppage time.

Lyon went a goal up early on when Mouctar Diakhaby found the net after Mathieu Valbuena's free-kick from the right, but his error contributed to Mohamed Salah and Federico Fazio turning things around before half-time.

Corentin Tolisso then struck early in the second half to begin the hosts' revival, before Fekir and Lacazette sealed the win late on in a hugely entertaining encounter.

The Ligue 1 giants will have fancied their chances heading into Thursday's encounter following their excellent form at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in recent weeks, with Bruno Genesio's men netting an impressive 24 goals in their last five home games.Roma, meanwhile, were relatively low on confidence after winning just one out of their last four matches in all competitions, losing the other three.

However, Luciano Spalletti's men got an early chance to open the scoring through Radja Nainggolan, but Anthony Lopes did well to deny the Belgium international and Lyon moved ahead in the eighth minute. Rafael flicked Valbuena's set-piece to the back post and Diakhaby was on hand to guide the ball past Alisson.

The away side immediately started pushing for an equaliser and Salah levelled in the 20th minute after a mistake from Diakhaby, the Egypt international making the most of the Lyon defender's slip as he aimed a low shot through Lopes' legs.

Spalletti's side continued to cause the Lyon defence problems and Fazio put Roma ahead shortly after the half-hour mark with a powerful header following a fine cross from veteran midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Lyon refused to throw in the towel, though, and Tolisso restored parity early in the second half, finding the net with a precise strike from just outside the box after a quick one-two with Lacazette.

Alisson came to the fore to keep out Maxime Gonalons' deflected long-range effort, before pulling off another smart stop to keep out a powerful strike from Lacazette.

But Lyon got their third goal after all when Fekir showed his class with 16 minutes left, the substitute shaking off two opponents inside the area before placing a low shot past the helpless Alisson.

Lyon kept on pushing for more in the dying minutes and they were rewarded for their positive approach when Lacazette blasted into the top corner in the 92nd minute to give his side a two-goal lead ahead of next week's return at the Stadio Olimpico.

 

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Schalke 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach: Honours even in all-German battle

There was nothing to split Bundesliga rivals Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach on Thursday, as the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie finished in a 1-1 draw at the Veltins-Arena.

The second meeting of the clubs in the space of five days - Gladbach won 4-2 in Saturday's Bundesliga clash - produced a tale of contrasting halves, with both goals coming in a pulsating first 45 played underneath the stadium's closed roof.

Jonas Hofmann's first Gladbach goal put the visitors in front a quarter-of-an-hour into the contest in Gelsenkirchen, only for Schalke to respond with a well-placed finish from Guido Burgstaller 10 minutes later.

A much tighter second period saw Burgstaller denied by the woodwork, leaving Gladbach the happier of the two ahead of the return fixture at Borussia-Park.

Just as they did in the domestic meeting last weekend, Dieter Hecking's side - searching for a sixth successive victory on their travels - struck the first blow.

Hofmann's run from deep was picked out perfectly by Lars Stindl's throughball, with the former's shot then squirming underneath the advancing Ralf Fahrmann to find the target.

Yet Schalke – without a win in their last five outings and perilously close to the relegation places in the Bundesliga standings – responded in kind, as Leon Goretzka's well-weighted pass in behind an exposed Gladbach defence set up the opportunity for Burgstaller to equalise.

The forward's early shot from the right was perfectly placed to find the far corner of the net, although the visitors felt the goal shouldn't have stood due to an apparent foul on Raffael that had allowed Schalke to steal possession and trigger a successful counter attack.

Hofmann was denied a second before the break by Fahrmann's close-range block, while Yann Sommer had to be alert at the other end to turn aside a dipping free-kick from Johannes Geis.

Chances were scarce after the half-time interval as Gladbach were happy to cede possession and play on the counter, although Benedikt Hoewedes failed to find the target with a free header from a corner on the hour mark.

A mix-up between Schalke duo Thilo Kehrer and Fahrmann should have gifted a goal to Fabian Johnson, yet the United States international failed to capitalise as a heavy touch denied him the opportunity to tap into an unguarded net.

Schalke substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was denied a goal inside two minutes of coming on by a smart save from Sommer, who reacted quickly to stop a low shot sneaking in at the near post.

The Gladbach goalkeeper had to rely on the crossbar to keep out a deflected drive from Burgstaller soon after though, meaning Schalke will have to score in the second leg to progress through to the quarter-finals.

 

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Hart: I'm not wanted at Manchester City

Joe Hart believes he is "surplus to requirements" at Manchester City and cannot foresee a return to his parent club.

The 29-year-old England goalkeeper joined Torino on a season-long loan in August when new City boss Pep Guardiola made it clear that Hart would not be his first choice.And despite the shaky form of Claudio Bravo since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, Hart believes his days as a City shot-stopper are numbered.

"I'd say I'm pretty much surplus to requirements at my parent club at the moment," Hart told the BBC's Premier League Show.

When asked if he saw that situation changing, Hart replied: "Not really. I've got to be realistic. I love that club and I've always said that as long as they wanted me, I would be there."But I was always cautious when I said that because I'm aware that at the big, big clubs stuff can change quickly as can opinions and people in charge.

"Not everyone is going to like you, not everyone is going to want to play you and that's the business side of it, which I've grown into and I'm certainly not going to take personally.

"I want to play football, I love to play football so if that opportunity is not going to be given there then I'm going to have to look elsewhere and may have to make somewhere else my home."Despite his arrival leading to Hart's departure from the club he first joined in 2006, the goalkeeper says he holds no animosity towards Guardiola.

"He did what he had to do, he did what he felt was right. He didn't do it to ruin my life, he did it because he thought that was what was right for him to win as a manager," he said.

Hart would not be drawn on his likely destination if he did leave City permanently.
"I'm open. I love the Premier League, I absolutely love Premier League games. Removing myself as a footballer, I watch the Premier League. It's a great league, fantastic football is played in it," he said.

"I know it really well but I wouldn't say it was top of my wishlist. Top of my wishlist is to play for a club that wants me to be their goalkeeper."

 

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At last! Man City boss Guardiola finally named Manager of the Month

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for the first time since arriving in England.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach won February's award after City won all three of their matches.Guardiola oversaw wins over West Ham, Swansea City and Bournemouth, scoring eight times and conceding just once.

The 46-year-old therefore avoids failing to win the award in his debut Premier League season.Chelsea manager Antonio Conte had been dominant, winning in three of the preceding four months.
Guardiola beat fellow nominees Conte, Jose Mourinho and Tony Pulis to the award. It is the first time a City boss has claimed the accolade since August 2015, when Manuel Pellegrini came out on top.

 

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Juventus eye Donnarumma as Buffon's heir amid AC Milan uncertainty

Juventus are monitoring Gianluigi Donnarumma's contract talks with AC Milan, with a view to finding a successor to goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Donnarumma has established himself as the Rossoneri's No.1 since making his first-team debut as a 16-year-old in October, 2015 and the San Siro side had hoped that he would commit his future to the club when he turned 18 on February 25.

However, the two parties have yet to reach an agreement, with the shot-stopper's agent, Mino Raiola, reportedly demanding between €4.5 million and €5 million per year for his client, which is almost double what Milan are offering.

Raiola is also reluctant to let Donnarumma commit his future to a club that is in the middle of a protracted takeover that was meant to be completed on March 3, with CEO Adriano Galliani also unable to agree any major deals given the Chinese Sino-Europe Group (SEG) has yet to fulfil certain financial demands.

Indeed, he has already previously stated that whether the Italy international stays on at the San Siro hinges upon the prospective new owners' transfer plans.

"I think it is only right for me to see what Milan will be like," Raiola stated. "Until I see the new ownership and I begin to talk to them, I cannot have a clear idea [on Donnarumma's future]."Does he deserve a great Milan? No, he deserves a great team. I'm not married to anyone. My job is not to be a fan of a team."

The current impasse has alerted the attention of Europe's top clubs, including Juventus, who are looking for a replacement for the 39-year-old Buffon.
Goal understands that the Bianconeri are closely following the situation at Milanwith great interest, as they believe Donnarumma is their current captain's natural heir.

Furthermore, Juve are also hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty at the Rossoneri by making a summer move for Mattia De Sciglio, who, like Donnarumma, only has just over 12 months left on his present Milan deal.

While it has yet to be confirmed that Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri will see out the final year of his contract in Turin, particularly amid intense speculation linking him to Arsenal, he is open to staying.

If he does, the former Milan boss would like to be reunited with De Sciglio, whose form has fluctuated in recent years but remains an excellent attacking full-back, as he showed at Euro 2016, and one with the added bonus of being able to play on either flank.


For now, though, Juve are willing to bid their time before deciding to launch what could be a sensational double swoop for two of their Serie A rivals' most prized possessions.

 

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Donnarumma pattahoda future 1kak have​

 

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Villa: Comeback makes Barcelona one of the best teams in history

David Villa believes Barcelona's historic Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain underlines their status as one of the best teams in football history.

Former Barca striker Villa congratulated his old team-mates on an "amazing" victory after they thrashed PSG 6-1 in the second leg of their last-16 tie, overturning a four-goal deficit.Three of their goals came from the 88th minute onwards and sealed the biggest comeback ever seen in the competition.

And Villa thinks it is the latest triumph from a team that compares favourably with any other from the game's past. "I think it is if not the best, then one of the best teams in the world - not only in Barcelona history, in all the teams," said the New York City FC star.

"They have won a lot of titles, a lot of games. They make games, crazy games, like this, it is so difficult in 2017, in soccer, in a competition like the Champions League. "It is one of the best games in the history of the Champions League, it is the best comeback.

"I stayed there three years, I know what happens in this club, I know how great this club and this team is and they deserve it because they made a very great, great, game.

"It is not easy, the other team is PSG, a great, an amazing team. I believe always in Barcelona because they can do this. I'm so happy, I'm so happy for them. "We couldn't watch this amazing game because we are training in the gym that day, but we finished in the gym and watched the highlights. "It was amazing for everybody who loves soccer, for me more than the other people as I am a Barcelona fan - I played there."

Villa heaped praise on Neymar after he produced two goals and an assist in the frantic finish to the match, while also hailing the focus of outgoing head coach Luis Enrique."Neymar is great for Barcelona," he said. "This guy is great. He is young and has done amazing things because he scored a lot of goals in Brazil, and now in Europe.

"He is the best one by one, he is always happy, he is always help to the team, in goals, in assists. Supporters of Barcelona like me are thankful we have him in our team."[Luis Enrique] was my idol when I was a kid, when he was playing with Barcelona - now he is coach.

"I admire a lot his personality as a player and a coach, I only am sure is that he is 100 per cent focused on finishing well this year, not thinking about the next step."

 

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Conte: Mourinho mind games will not give him victories

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has not cleared the air with Jose Mourinho since their Premier League win over Manchester United.

The Blues host United in a mouthwatering FA Cup quarter-final on Monday, Mourinho hoping to avenge a 4-0 October defeat against his former club.

The ex-Chelsea boss criticised current manager Conte for overzealous celebrations in that match, confronting him on the touchline and appearing to tell him he should celebrate passionately "at 1-0, not 4-0".But the Italian, who defended his actions at the time, has no plans to change as he insists his goal celebrations are simply displaying his passion.

Asked if he had spoken to Mourinho since, Conte said: "No, but I don't think it is important. "There is nothing to clarify with him. I think I have shown in my period at Chelsea that I live the game with great passion.

"My players are focused on the game, on the pitch, on the work every game. Mind games don't bring you to win.

"Before the October game I was sure we were facing a great team. It is the same now."In October we didn't know our future. Now we are in March and we stay on top of the table. We have a good identity as a team."

Conte thinks Chelsea's pre-match status as favourites counts for little and would not state whether he thought Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence through suspension would be significant.
Conte thinks Chelsea's pre-match status as favourites counts for little and would not state whether he thought Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence through suspension would be significant.

"After the game I can tell you," he said of Ibrahimovic. "I hope to show we are favourites on the pitch, not only in words."Up to now all my players are available, but we still have two training sessions on Saturday and Sunday.


"The most important thing is the pitch, to prepare your team in the right way. This is the most important thing."

 

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Manchester United and City are superior to Chelsea - Conte

Antonio Conte believes Manchester United and Manchester City have the strongest squads in the Premier League, despite his Chelsea side establishing a dominant 10-point cushion at the top of the table.

Chelsea host United in a blockbuster FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Monday, and Conte is expecting a tough game, although his team, widely dubbed the champions-elect, are sitting 17 points clear of Jose Mourinho's Red Devils in the league.

The Old Trafford men are unbeaten in the league since they were beaten 4-0 at Chelsea in the Premier League on October 23, but they have been unable to climb higher than sixth.Despite their inability to break into the top four, Conte was full of praise for the quality available to managerial rivals Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

"I think Manchester United, with City, have the best squad in the league," Conte told reporters on Friday. "They have a lot, a number of great players with great talent and great experience to win.

"For sure, it can be a really tough game, for us and for them. I think that now, for us, it is better. We have a good identity, a good team. So we are showing good football. But, for sure, it will be a really tough game against United. We are facing a good team, very strong."

Chelsea have the chance to win the league and cup double in Conte's first season in English football, matching compatriot Carlo Ancelotti's achievement in the 2009-10 campaign, but the Italian played down the club's chances of collecting multiple trophies.

"First of all, we have to win. We have to win," Conte stressed. "Now it's very difficult to say this because I think we need 24 points to be sure to win the title.There are 11 games to go. For us, it's important to go game by game in the league, in the championship, but also in the FA Cup.

"Now we have the FA Cup on Monday, a really tough game. We want to get into the next round, but we all know this game will be very difficult. But we want to try and go into the next round. Then we'll see. Until now, we didn't win anything. Nothing."

Conte also offered support to under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has been heavily criticised after his side's 10-2 aggregate humiliation against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

He added: "It's not an easy moment for Wenger, but we are talking about a great manager."I think that, in 20 years at Arsenal, he did very well. He worked a lot. Every year Arsenal stay in the Champions League. Now, I think, this could also be a good target because, in England, it's not easy.

"You have to fight, this season, with six teams. Next season, seven or eight teams to find the right place. He won in the past with Arsenal. I don't know if it's too much or not, to win, but I think he deserves respect for his past, for his work."