..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Pescara 1 AC Milan 1: Pasalic earns point after desperate Donnarumma error

AC Milan recovered from conceding a comical own goal but lost further ground in the race for European qualification in a 1-1 draw with Serie A's bottom club Pescara on Sunday.

Vincenzo Montella's side came into this meeting at Stadio Adriatico having won five of their past seven league outings - their only defeat in that sequence coming at the home of champions Juventus.

But any positivity was punctured early on by Gabriel Paletta's desperate own goal, although goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was most culpable as he allowed his captain's backpass to escape his control and trickle into the net.

It took Milan almost the entire first half to respond to that setback, but the equaliser arrived shortly before the break as Mario Pasalic smashed home following a fortunate rebound in the box.

The visitors could not find a winner amid a late onslaught on Pescara's goal, however - Alessio Romagnoli striking the woodwork late on - and they remain seventh in the table, having slipped further behind Atalanta, who won 5-0 at Genoa, while city rivals Inter host Sampdoria on Monday.

The draw ended a run of four straight Pescara defeats, although they are still rooted to the foot of the table, nine points from safety with an immediate return to Serie B seemingly inevitable.But Zdenek Zeman's side produced a lively start which belied their lowly league position and they forged ahead in farcical circumstances in the 12th minute.

There was little danger with Paletta in possession in Milan's right-back position, but Donnarumma let the defender's firm backpass run away from him and he could only watch on as it rolled into the unguarded goal.

Milan's goalkeeper went some way to redeeming himself on the half-hour, clawing Ledian Memushaj's teasing cross away at the back post with Jean-Christophe Bahebeck poised to nod home from point-blank range.

The importance of that intervention was underlined four minutes prior to half-time as Milan levelled. Pescara failed to clear after Gerard Deulofeu led a counter and the ball rebounded kindly to Pasalic, who swivelled and thumped a volley past Vincenzo Fiorillo from eight yards.

Deulofeu was heavily involved again as Milan picked up where they left off early in the second period, his cutback found Carlos Bacca but Cesare Bovo produced a heroic block.Jose Sosa curled off-target as Milan continued to press but Bovo's deflected free-kick flew narrowly wide to serve as a reminder of Pescara's threat.

Fiorillo - making his first Serie A start of the campaign - justified his inclusion with a fine double save from Pasalic and substitute Gianluca Lapadula 10 minutes from time.

As Milan poured forward frantically, Romagnoli headed against the post and only another desperate block - this time from Hugo Campagnaro to thwart Lapadula - preserved Pescara's draw as Milan were left to rue two points slipping from their grasp.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 3 Alaves 0: Benzema, Isco & Nacho boost LaLiga leaders

Karim Benzema, Isco and Nacho scored as an understrength Real Madrid added late gloss in a 3-0 win over Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu to pile the pressure on Barcelona in LaLiga's title race.

In-form Benzema linked up with Dani Carvajal to score his fourth goal in as many league games just after the half-hour mark, making it 50 matches in a row in which Madrid have netted.Alaves wasted numerous good chances for an equaliser in the second half and it looked like the Madrid striker's goal would ultimately prove to be the winner.

But a late strike from Isco – whose future is a hot topic amid rumours of a shock move to Barca – and a header from Nacho sealed a fourth consecutive league win for Zinedine Zidane's men.

The hosts were short of top form in their first game after the international break, with Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Keylor Navas and James Rodriguez all rested, while Casemiro was suspended.

Nonetheless, the win sees the league leaders move five points clear of Barca, who travel to play Granada later on Sunday.Alaves, who had won three of their last four top-flight away games, remain 10th in the table, but have a Copa del Rey final to look forward to.

After Cristiano Ronaldo fired over inside the first minute, Madrid were forced into an early change with injured defender Raphael Varane replaced by Carvajal.Alaves' Edgar Mendez shot straight at Kiko Casilla and then had an ambitious penalty claim rejected after going down under pressure from Danilo and Nacho.

Madrid upped the pressure as the first half progressed, but they did not test Fernando Pacheco until Ronaldo impressively beat Gaizka Toquero with clever skill down the left and forced the goalkeeper into action at his near post.

The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute. Despite Alaves claiming Benzema was offside in the build-up, Madrid's attack was allowed to proceed with the scorer and Carvajal exchanging four passes down the right before the Frenchman fired a low left-footed effort into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

It was almost two for Madrid on the stroke of half-time when Danilo charged into the box and delivered a square pass that found Gareth Bale in his stride, but the Wales forward's effort trickled agonisingly wide.

Alaves should have levelled straight after the restart when Deyverson latched on to Theo Hernandez's shot and headed over a super opportunity from close range after Casilla's claims he had been fouled by Manu Garcia prior to the chance were ignored.

Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end, his powerful finish correctly disallowed having strayed beyond the last defender from Benzema's throughball.Alaves were proving the more threatening side, another huge chance going begging when Edgar somehow missed the target with his volley when left completely unmarked by the Madrid defence from Zouhair Feddal's looping left-wing cross.

But a late flurry saw Madrid seal victory with a more flattering scoreline. With five minutes remaining, Isco collected Ronaldo's pass before taking one touch and sending his finish high past Pacheco from a tight angle.

Just three minutes later, a superb Bale free-kick crashed against the crossbar, with Nacho reacting quickly to head in the rebound from inside the six-yard box to send the home crowd home happy.

It was almost two for Madrid on the stroke of half-time when Danilo charged into the box and delivered a square pass that found Gareth Bale in his stride, but the Wales forward's effort trickled agonisingly wide.

Alaves should have levelled straight after the restart when Deyverson latched on to Theo Hernandez's shot and headed over a super opportunity from close range after Casilla's claims he had been fouled by Manu Garcia prior to the chance were ignored.

Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside at the other end, his powerful finish correctly disallowed having strayed beyond the last defender from Benzema's throughball.Alaves were proving the more threatening side, another huge chance going begging when Edgar somehow missed the target with his volley when left completely unmarked by the Madrid defence from Zouhair Feddal's looping left-wing cross.

But a late flurry saw Madrid seal victory with a more flattering scoreline. With five minutes remaining, Isco collected Ronaldo's pass before taking one touch and sending his finish high past Pacheco from a tight angle.

Just three minutes later, a superb Bale free-kick crashed against the crossbar, with Nacho reacting quickly to head in the rebound from inside the six-yard box to send the home crowd home happy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal 2 Manchester City 2: Mustafi earns a point for under-fire Wenger

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal went some way to answering their critics by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, but securing Champions League qualification appears increasingly unlikely for the Gunners, as intense speculation over the manager's future continues.

City led twice through goals from Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero at Emirates Stadium, only for Pep Guardiola's men to surrender their advantage on each occasion and miss an opportunity to close the gap on Chelsea following the league leaders' surprise loss at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi were the men to get the hosts level in the first and second half respectively, a share of the spoils leaving Arsenal sixth in the table, seven points behind fourth-placed City and facing the prospect of missing out on a place in UEFA's elite competition for the first time during Wenger's reign.

The Frenchman, out of contract at the end of the season, is yet to announce a decision on his future amid vociferous protests from some Arsenal supporters, who are likely to remain unconvinced by a determined but characteristically inconsistent performance on home soil.

City were in front after just five minutes, when Kevin De Bruyne's quick long pass from inside his own half found a gap in the Arsenal defence. Sane collected the ball and held off Hector Bellerin with ease, before rounding David Ospina and finding the bottom-right corner with a cool finish.
Arsenal settled and gradually grew into the contest, troubling City down the visitors' right, where Jesus Navas had been mystifyingly deployed by Guardiola as a makeshift full-back.

Despite starting to control possession, the Gunners still struggled to create chances, although Fernandinho was called on to make a brilliant sliding tackle to dispossess Alexis Sanchez inside the penalty area in the 29th minute after good work from Nacho Monreal and Mesut Ozil to create the opening.

The home side were deservedly level with five minutes remaining in the first half, Walcott netting opportunistically from close range after City failed to properly clear a corner, a napping Gael Clichy playing the Arsenal forward onside.

Parity lasted barely two minutes, though, before the Gunners' hard work in getting back into the match was undone. This time it was Arsenal who were found wanting defensively, David Silva left in too much space at the top of the penalty area and sliding the ball out to Aguero, who fired a firm, angled finish across Ospina and into the back of the net.

After a cagey start to the second half, Arsenal equalised for a second time in the 54th minute, Mustafi climbing above Nicolas Otamendi to head Ozil's corner down and into the far bottom corner of the net, beyond the reach of diving City goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

Perhaps surprisingly with so much at stake during the final months of the campaign, the game petered out in the second half, the introduction of Olivier Giroud for Walcott doing little to inspire Wenger's men, while Silva fired wide late on with one of the visitors' few notable opportunities.

Monreal survived a penalty appeal for handball in the 92nd minute, prompting a furious response from Guardiola on the sidelines, the Spanish defender and his team surviving to claim a point.

City now face a crunch showdown away to Antonio Conte's frontrunners – who are seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham – on Wednesday, when Arsenal welcome London rivals West Ham to Emirates Stadium.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Granada 1 Barcelona 4: Suarez stars & Neymar hits 100 as champions impress without Messi

Luis Suarez starred and Neymar reached 100 Barcelona goals as the champions overcame Lionel Messi's suspension to win 4-1 at Granada and keep their hopes of winning LaLiga alive.

The pressure was on Luis Enrique's side, who rested Gerard Pique, after leaders Real Madrid defeated Alaves earlier on Sunday, but the visitors won at Los Carmenes to move back to within two points of their rivals having played a game more.

Suarez chipped Barcelona into the lead at the end of a first half that had also seen him hit the crossbar and have four other shots saved by Guillermo Ochoa in an enthralling battle.

Granada substitute Jeremie Boga gave Barca a scare when he levelled the match after the interval, but Paco Alcacer soon restored the champions' lead, star man Suarez with the assist.

Uche Agbo was sent off for the hosts with eight minutes remaining, with Ivan Rakitic's shot deflecting in off Matthieu Saunier just 58 seconds later to end the match as a contest, before Neymar brought up his landmark in stoppage time.

Barca have now won eight of their last nine league matches as the title race continues, while Granada stay second bottom after their fifth loss in six games.

Suarez had the first of his chances early on, Granada goalkeeper Ochoa reacting quickly to deny him.

Barca boss Luis Enrique had made four changes to the team that beat Valencia last time out, but was forced into another when Alcacer came on to replace the injured Rafinha after only 17 minutes.

Suarez almost scored a glorious opener midway through the first half when he took Neymar's pass and sent a magnificent chip over Ochoa and off the crossbar from 18 yards, the Brazil international offside when he converted the rebound.Ochoa and Suarez were then in the thick of the action again when the keeper produced an impressive double save.

Neymar and Rakitic set up Suarez, whose initial effort was saved, with the Mexico shot stopper getting down again to deny the Uruguay striker later in the move after Alcacer had provided him another chance.

Ochoa saved from Suarez for a fourth time as half-time approached, the Barca striker claiming he was unfairly pressured by Granada captain David Lomban in the act of shooting.

But the first-half feud finally ended in Suarez's favour one minute before the break, the striker racing on to Jordi Alba's long throughball and brilliantly chipping Ochoa, who this time was caught out of position.

The home keeper saved from Alcacer at the start of the second half, a moment that became more crucial when Granada grabbed a shock 50th-minute equaliser.Saunier's perfectly weighted pass sent Boga – who had come on at half-time - through on goal and he took one touch before rolling a low finish past Marc-Andre ter Stegen and in off the far post for his first goal since August.

But Barca got back on track after 64 minutes, Suarez's lofted pass bounced into Alcacer's path, allowing the former Valencia striker to beat Ochoa at his near post for only his third league goal of the campaign.

Rakitic had a strike saved and Jeremy Mathieu stabbed wide as Barca looked to put the result beyond doubt, while Ter Stegen saved Andreas Pereira's long-range effort at the other end.But any hopes of Granada launching a comeback were ended when Uche received two yellow cards in the space of three minutes, one for dissent and a second for pulling back Alba.

Barca immediately took advantage, Rakitic seizing on a loose ball after Suarez's run had been blocked in the box to send a low shot into the bottom corner via a deflection off Saunier, which was credited as an own goal.And Neymar brought up his century for the club in a late breakaway, converting a left-footed volley from six yards after Alcacer's cross had set him up in the first minute of added time.

Neymar still had time to hit the post with the last kick of the game as the champions eventually settled for four.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nice 2 Bordeaux 1: Eysseric stunner closes gap on Monaco and PSG

Nice came from behind to defeat Bordeaux 2-1 at home on Sunday and keep the pressure on Ligue 1 title rivals Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.Leaders Monaco and second-placed PSG, the reigning champions, were not in league action this weekend as they contested the Coupe de la Ligue final, won 4-1 by Unai Emery's capital city club on neutral territory in Lyon.

That fixture afforded Nice, this season's surprise early frontrunners, who have since slipped to third, an opportunity to close the gap on the top two, but Lucien Favre's team got off to a bad start.

Bordeaux took the lead in the ninth minute, when Gaetan Laborde beat centre-backs Dante and Maxime Le Marchand with ease before shooting through the legs of goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale.

Nice pulled level six minutes later as a penalty was somewhat harshly awarded against Bordeaux captain Jeremy Toulalan for a challenge on Arnaud Souquet in the area, Mario Balotelli firing home emphatically from the spot.

And the hosts took the lead in style in the 27th minute, Balotelli turning provider by chipping a clever pass to Valentin Eysseric, who turned and dispatched a brilliant long-range shot past Cedric Carrasso.That strike proved to be a fitting winner, the result seeing Nice get to within one point of PSG and four of Monaco.

Nice came from behind to defeat Bordeaux 2-1 at home on Sunday and keep the pressure on Ligue 1 title rivals Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.Leaders Monaco and second-placed PSG, the reigning champions, were not in league action this weekend as they contested the Coupe de la Ligue final, won 4-1 by Unai Emery's capital city club on neutral territory in Lyon.

That fixture afforded Nice, this season's surprise early frontrunners, who have since slipped to third, an opportunity to close the gap on the top two, but Lucien Favre's team got off to a bad start. Bordeaux took the lead in the ninth minute, when Gaetan Laborde beat centre-backs Dante and Maxime Le Marchand with ease before shooting through the legs of goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale.

Nice pulled level six minutes later as a penalty was somewhat harshly awarded against Bordeaux captain Jeremy Toulalan for a challenge on Arnaud Souquet in the area, Mario Balotelli firing home emphatically from the spot.

And the hosts took the lead in style in the 27th minute, Balotelli turning provider by chipping a clever pass to Valentin Eysseric, who turned and dispatched a brilliant long-range shot past Cedric Carrasso.That strike proved to be a fitting winner, the result seeing Nice get to within one point of PSG and four of Monaco.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shaw's focus and ambition are a long way off - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has blasted Luke Shaw’s lack of focus and ambition, confirming it is highly unlikely the full-back will be involved in Manchester United’s clash with Everton on Tuesday.

The England left-back has played just twice for United since the end of November, with Mourinho periodically insisting he needs to see more from Shaw in order to give him a spot in his matchday squads. Even a string of recent injuries has not led to him gaining a recall, with Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind preferred.

And the Portuguese boss has again spoken of his dissatisfaction with Shaw’s work-rate in training, all but ruling him out of contention for the visit of Ronald Koeman’s side in a crucial Premier League fixture.

“It’s difficult for him to be on the bench because I cannot compare him with Ashley Young, with Darmian, with Blind,” the manager said in a pre-match press conference. “I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he commits, the focus, the ambition. I cannot compare. He is a long way behind.”

United have been hit by a number of absences of late, yet the only look-in Shaw has been given was his start against Bournemouth at the beginning of March. And that fixture was followed by claims that Mourinho was unhappy with the former Southampton defender’s exchange of pleasantries with Bournemouth players.

When challenged by one journalist that he was making some statement by leaving out an England international, Mourinho fired back: “Joe Hart is an England international and he is on loan in Italy.”

Besides Shaw, there will be other notable absentees against Everton. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are on the injury list and while there could be a return for Paul Pogba, Juan Mata could be out for the foreseeable future, according to Mourinho.

“I think a long time. I think Mata, Jones and Smalling for a long time," he said."Pogba I cannot say is ready for Tuesday because I don’t know but Pogba is not such a long term injury as the others.”

There will be returns, though, for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera after suspension, although Mourinho is not convinced that the Swede’s comeback will automatically put things right after Saturday’s toothless 0-0 draw with West Brom.

“I don’t know. We had matches here with Zlatan that we drew. He lost a penalty in the game 2-1 [against Bournemouth], he lost chances like other people did too, so I cannot say now that if Zlatan and Mata played on Saturday we win the game, I cannot say that," Mourinho said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane calls on Isco to sign new Real Madrid contract

Zinedine Zidane called on Isco to sign a new contract after the Real Madrid star underlined his quality with a supreme display against Alaves.

Isco's future is a huge talking point at Santiago Bernabeu, with reports in Spain suggesting he could make a shock move to Barcelona when his deal expires in 2018.

Talks about a renewal are on hold and the 24-year-old has stressed his desire to play more regularly, but he made the most of his 14th LaLiga start of 2016-17 in Sunday's 3-0 home win over Alaves.

Isco scored Madrid's second goal with a powerful finish five minutes from time – his fifth strike in his last six league starts – and had a season-high 101 touches in an influential performance.Zidane was asked if he wants Isco to sign a new deal after the match and he gave a positive response, as well as insisting the player himself wants to stay.

"Of course I want him to renew because he is a Real Madrid player and an important player for our team," said Zidane."The only thing he wants is to be here and play here. I'm delighted for the game he had."He did well playing between lines, he made the rest of the team play, he put in a very complete performance."

Zidane felt Isco's goal highlighted the quality that exists within Madrid's squad, but would not be drawn on whether he has promised the playmaker more game time next season.

"At the time of the second goal we had difficulties and had been losing possession, but then the ball arrived at Cristiano [Ronaldo], he passed to Isco and we scored," said Zidane.

"We know that at any moment we can do damage to our opponent – that is what this team has."What you need to be aware of is that every three days we have an important game. After that, everyone can think what they like.

"To be able to win the Liga or the Champions League, every single player in the squad is important. The players know that and that is why when Isco plays, he plays well."But there are 24 of us in this squad and everyone is important."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho braced for lengthy Mata absence

Jose Mourinho expects Juan Mata to join Phil Jones and Chris Smalling among Manchester United's long-term injury absentees as the team approach a crucial period in their challenge to qualify for the Champions League.

Spain international playmaker Mata underwent groin surgery last week, with no specific timescale given on his anticipated return to fitness.Defenders Jones and Smalling suffered leg and toe injuries respectively while on international duty with England and are also not expected back in the near future.

United are at home to Everton in mid-week as they attempt to improve on a frustrating 0-0 draw against West Brom at Old Trafford, a result that has left them five points behind fourth-placed Manchester City in the race to qualify for UEFA's elite competition next term.

"I think a long time," Mourinho told a news conference when asked about the duration of Mata's probable unavailability."I think Mata, Jones and Smalling for a long time."

Of world-record signing Paul Pogba, who has been out with a hamstring strain, Mourinho added: "Pogba I cannot say is ready for Tuesday because I don't know but Pogba is not such a long-term injury as the others."

The Portuguese also denied suggestions that star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has missed the past two league matches through suspension, would have made the difference against West Brom."I don't know," he said.

"We had matches here with Zlatan that we drew. He lost a penalty in the game 2-1 [against Bournemouth], he lost chances like other people did too, so I cannot say now that if Zlatan and Mata played on Saturday we win the game, I cannot say that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Costa: We can knock Man City out of title race in six-point affair

Diego Costa believes “a six-point affair” on Wednesday could see Chelsea write Manchester City out of the Premier League title picture.The Blues suffered a rare wobble on Saturday to keep the chasing pack interested in a battle for the top-flight crown.

A 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace has seen their advantage over second-placed Tottenham cut to seven points, with a visit from Pep Guardiola’s City side in midweek representing the first of several big games to come."After a loss at home and with a rival closing the gap the importance of the game only grows," Costa is quoted as saying by ESPN Brasil.

“We know this game against Manchester City will be a six-point affair since if we win the game they will [practically] be out of the title race while we keep the advantage."It also depends on the match between Tottenham and Swansea. In any case, we will do our best.

“We hope that the next game the ball will go in, and that we do a better job at handling these counter-attacking plays so we do not suffer from early goals again, and thus avoid what happened [against Palace]."City are 11 points behind Chelsea at present, with just nine games of the campaign remaining.

The Blues are, however, also due to take in potentially-tricky meetings with Manchester United and Everton over the coming weeks, along with a FA Cup semi-final date with Tottenham.For now, though, Costa and his team-mates are focused on righting the wrongs of a derby defeat to Palace.

He added: “We started off well, we scored and in two counter-attacking plays they managed to get two goals.“They have two good players up front and knew how to utilise it the best way they could. Afterwards they got behind the ball, we created opportunities and the ball did not go in.

"Obviously, as time passes by in the second half you do not go forward with a clear head. You go on with effort and will, but things do not solve themselves this way. At least we tried, and we did everything we could to get a draw."But now it is not the time to let ourselves down. We should keep our heads up and think ahead for the next game since it will be very important."

The Blues will be hoping to see Costa get back on the scoresheet in that contest, with their 18-goal top marksman having gone three domestic games without finding the target.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger admits top four will be tough for Arsenal

Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal could not afford to lose against Manchester City but stated it will be difficult to finish in the top four after Sunday's 2-2 draw.

The Gunners remain sixth in the table following this weekend's results and are trailing fourth-placed City by seven points, although they have a game in hand.Wenger's side have 10 games left to secure Champions League qualification and have floundered after four losses out of five Premier League games.

And the Frenchman fears there may be too much work to do, even though he stated he was heartened by his side rallying to fight back from twice surrendering the lead to City.

"It will be tough [to reach the top four]," Wenger told Sky Sports. "Everybody is in there. I think Pep Guardiola has said to be in the top four is a trophy because in England it is so difficult. We will fight for it."The first thing for us was to stop [losing], the second is to build up our confidence again and the third step will be to win on Wednesday night [against West Ham]."

We started very nervously. We played without discipline, being put under pressure. We conceded early as well," he added. "But we showed strong mental resources. You could see the team was ready for a fight.

"On the technical front we can do better. You could see they scored the 2-1 just before the break. For us the test was mental, not so much tactical. Not to feel sorry for ourselves, stay compact and be ready for a fight.

"Mathematically it is not good for them or us. But we have come out of such a stressful period. When you come out of a few disappointing results, the first priority is not to lose. We could not afford to lose, no.

"We went forward and exposed ourselves to counter-attack. They are very good in transition. On the whole, it was a very good defensive performance. The first goal was a surprise and for the second goal we lacked a bit of focus.

"We went for it. [Alex] Iwobi had a good chance in the box. The best chance came to Mesut Ozil. He has not played for months. Everybody was cautious in the last few moments. But we wanted to win the game and finished with plenty of offensive players on the pitch."

 

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Neymar joins Messi & Suarez in Barcelona's 100 club

Neymar has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Samuel Eto'o and Rivaldo in Barcelona's 100 club after scoring against Granada.

The forward completed a century of Barca goals in his 177th match for the club during Sunday's game at Los Carmenes, netting in stoppage time to put the seal on a 4-1 win. Neymar is the third Brazilian player to reach the milestone with the Catalan giants, following in the footsteps of Rivaldo and Evaristo.

He joins stars of Barca's past and present on the prestigious list of players to have reached the milestone, one which is topped by team-mate Messi, who is closing in on the 500-mark.The other member of Barca's 'MSN' strikeforce, Suarez, also made it to 100 in January.

Neymar is racking up the milestones in his fourth Camp Nou season after passing Barca icon and compatriot Ronaldinho's mark of 94 goals for the club last month.

After signing from Santos in 2013, he scored his first goal in that year's Supercopa de Espana against Atletico Madrid, which was also his first of nine trophies.His best goalscoring season came in 2014-15, when he netted 39 times in helping Barca to the treble under Luis Enrique.

 

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Mourinho: I'll 'protect' Man Utd players for Europa League on one condition

Jose Mourinho is prepared to “protect” his players in Premier League fixtures if he feels Manchester United need to prioritise the Europa League.The Red Devils have seen their resources tested to the full this season as they have competed in four competitions until their FA Cup elimination last month.

A 0-0 draw at home to West Brom on Saturday – an eighth stalemate of the season at Old Trafford – leaves United five points off Man City in fourth and six behind Liverpool in third, albeit with games in hand.

They also have the option of focusing on their Europa League quest as a possible route back to European football’s top table, with Mourinho conceding that some tough selection calls lie ahead.

The Portuguese said after watching his team toil against the Baggies: “I just want to think that against Everton [on Tuesday] we are going to do what we tried to do against West Brom, to try to play with our best team and try to win the match.“And after Everton we go to Sunderland with the same perspective. And then after Sunderland the Europa League comes, and then I don’t know.

“Then, it’s possible that you see me play in the Premier League with a team where I’m going to protect the players that I consider fundamental for the Europa League.

“But only if the results in the next matches put us in a situation where, mathematically, it becomes almost impossible to do it.”United are due to face Anderlecht at the quarter-final stage of the Europa League, with the first leg on Thursday April 13.

The two legs of that tie sandwich a Premier League meeting with Chelsea, while Man Utd are also due to face City, Arsenal and Tottenham before the campaign comes to a close.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Apologetic Donnarumma won't let head drop after Milan howler

AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma vowed not to let his head drop after his costly error in Sunday's Serie A draw at Pescara.

After making his first senior start in Italy's 2-1 win over Netherlands on Tuesday, the 18-year-old sensation was at fault having misjudged a backpass for Pescara's opener in the 1-1 draw against the struggling hosts.Donnarumma allowed Gabriel Paletta's pass to escape him, the ball squeezing under his foot and over the line in the 12th minute before Milan team-mate Mario Pasalic equalised four minutes prior to the break.

"I am sorry for the team and fans that we didn't win, but hopefully this experience will help me to learn and get better," Donnarumma told Milan TV.

"I gave my all, unfortunately these things can happen and I keep my head up high, taking it on the chin."Pescara were well set out and we struggled to react, but had chances to win it and were also a little unlucky at the end.

"The squad are ready, we go forward together and think of the next match. It's a mistake to react to this draw with anger. I keep a smile on my face and won't let my head drop after this error."Milan are seventh in the table, one point adrift of city rivals Inter, who are due to play Sampdoria on Monday.

 

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'We don't talk about the title' - Lloris adamant top-four finish is still the target for Tottenham

Hugo Lloris insists Tottenham’s priorities have not changed despite closing the gap to Chelsea in the Premier League title race.

With the Blues suffering a rare setback at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Spurs took advantage with a 2-0 win at Burnley to move to within seven points of the summit.

There are still nine fixtures to come this season, with 27 points left to play for, and it could be that the battle for top-flight supremacy becomes a little tighter than many expected when Chelsea surged clear.

Lloris, though, is reluctant to be drawn on the issue, with the France international goalkeeper insisting that a top-four finish and Champions League qualification remains Spurs’ sole target for now.

He told reporters after victory at Turf Moor: "Honestly, it doesn't change my mind or the minds of my team-mates."We're still focused on ourselves. We need to carry on because it's very tight in the league behind us.

"Anything can happen so it's important to stay involved, to stay together and keep fighting until the end because we want to finish as high as possible in this league and be back in the Champions League.

"We don't talk about the title because even seven points is a big gap at this stage of the season."I prefer to look backwards and to look at what is happening behind us because this is the final race. It's a key moment of the season."


Spurs are next in action against Swansea City on Wednesday, while home dates against Watford and Bournemouth will carry them into an FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on April 22.

 

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Player banned for life after he brutally knees referee in the face

 

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Man Utd midfielder Mata feeling positive as he starts recovery from groin surgery

Juan Mata considers Manchester United to have been “unlucky” this season after joining a long list of injury victims.

The Spain international has been forced to undergo groin surgery, with Jose Mourinho admitting that he expects to be without the midfielder for "a long time".
That means the World Cup winner now finds himself restricted to a spectator role, although he is trying to remain upbeat on a personal level and as a follower of United’s fortunes.

Mata wrote in a blog on his personal website: “This situation is new for me, after having surgery this week, but I feel positive and I’m looking forward to getting well and trying to help the team. Besides, right now, your messages of support are like an extra power for me.

“Watching a game of your team on TV is not the best possible experience, but I had to do it on Saturday [against West Brom]. It was a shame that we weren’t able to get the three points because now we would be in a better position, especially after the draw between Arsenal and [Manchester] City, but we have to keep going.

“We had some chances to score that goal that sometimes is so difficult to get, but we couldn’t make them. Now we have to focus on the next game, against Everton at home this Tuesday, and try to win this one. At this moment, we’re being unlucky in terms of players injured or suspended. I hope the situation gets better from now until the end of the season.”Mata finds himself sidelined during a crucial period for United.

As the club continues to compete on multiple fronts, there are important Premier League and Europa League fixtures approaching for Jose Mourinho’s men.They will need as many bodies as possible to help them through a testing run, while Mata’s eye for goal will also be a big miss as the 28-year-old has 10 efforts to his name this season.

 

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Henry: Ozil doesn't do enough on a daily basis

Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has criticised Mesut Ozil, claiming the midfielder "doesn't do enough on a daily basis" and suggested his performances are "sometimes not up to standard".

Ozil's contribution came in for scrutiny after Arsenal's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City on Sunday, despite registering his 50th assist for the club for Shkodran Mustafi's equaliser.

Ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville accused the Germany international of "bottling" a second-half opportunity when City goalkeeper Willy Caballero beat him to the ball and Henry was equally unimpressed with the former Real Madrid man's recent efforts.

"He can clearly play and last year everyone was praising him," Henry said to Sky Sports. "This year, he is struggling because he doesn't do enough on a daily basis.
"When he plays in an Arsenal shirt, sometimes it is not up to the standard of Arsenal.

"I'm a big admirer of him and how he plays but if he was in my old team, I know a couple of guys would have had a go at him and maybe that is what he needs.

"In my old team, everyone talked. Sylvain Wiltord talked. Edu the same. Even Nwankwo Kanu would have said something. Jens Lehmann, he was talking all the time. We had guys at it throughout the team."

Henry added: "When he has a good game, he is unstoppable. He is a World Cup champion, he won at Real Madrid and he won two cups with Arsenal."But you need to play like that all the time. It can't be from time to time." Prior to the City game, Ozil - who is out of contract in 2018 - revealed he felt like a scapegoat for his side's poor form in the second half of the season.

Arsenal have only won three of their last 10 games across all competitions and sit seven points adrift of the top four after the City draw.

 

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Van Gaal gives cryptic response after being asked if he'd take Netherlands job

Louis van Gaal refused to rule out the possibility of returning as Netherlands head coach, insisting the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) should ask him if they want a proper answer.

Danny Blind was sacked in the wake of Netherlands' 2-0 World Cup qualification defeat at the hands of Bulgaria last month and has received his fair share of criticism for his underwhelming spell in charge of the Dutch national team.Reports suggest the KNVB have lined up Van Gaal as their new director of football although he remained coy when asked about a possible return.

He said, as quoted by De Telegraaf. "That [the director of football model] is part of the structure of the KNVB, but they need to find a new national team coach first.

"A return as national team coach? I will answer that question if the KNVB ask it..."
Van Gaal also reflected on Blind's reign and feels that it would be unfair to solely blame him for Netherlands' poor results in recent years.

The former Manchester United boss added: "Blind should take some of the blame, but the players were at fault the most."The players never get mentioned anywhere, though..."

 

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Lukaku critics don't understand football, says Koeman

Everton manager Ronald Koeman launched a fierce defence of Romelu Lukaku after the forward's performance in the Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool was criticised.

Lukaku failed to register a single shot at goal for only the third time this season in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Anfield, which left seventh-placed Everton eight points adrift of the Premier League's top four.And Koeman is unhappy that the former Chelsea striker's display led to criticism from the media, who he feels do not fully understand the game.

Some former professionals also had negative reviews, with ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher questioning Lukaku's record in big games, but Koeman was unimpressed to see the league's top scorer singled out.

"It is a team, every individual is part of the team and the team was not good enough, but I was proud," Koeman told reporters ahead of Tuesday's match with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"What I don't like too much really is individual comments about the performances of the players after the game. I don't understand some comments, but I understand others.

"Maybe some players didn't perform at the level that maybe they showed in the last few games. Maybe, yes."Romelu, it was difficult. I spoke to Romelu, he was not really sharp, he was a little bit tired. That can all influence the performance of the player.

"But he's the top scorer of the league. Why now about the Liverpool game do we need to criticise Rom? "He's a great striker, he's working hard. He's a human boy, it's not always a 10, that's football and if you don't play football, maybe you don't understand it."

Ross Barkley was another Everton player to be targeted following the Liverpool loss, with much of the post-match attention focused on how he avoided a red card for a first-half foul on Dejan Lovren.

"Ross played in a little different position than he played in the last few weeks," said Koeman."Of course, he lost several balls in the midfield, instead of playing a little bit faster and no dribbling with the ball.

"He needs to improve on that, but not to take out one or two [players for criticism] and that was the problem last Saturday, that's not fair."It's easy to give your opinion in front of the television without any responsibility. I'm happy, I see a lot of progress in the club, in the team, it's a whole season, it's not one game.

"I try to be realistic about the situation of the team, its progress, and the project of Everton. It's only one game. To take conclusions is not good."We had six players under 22. Maybe that's something to see that, instead of expecting a Champions League team. They will learn from it."

 

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Ronaldo: Why I wore the No.7 shirt for Manchester United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was the driving force behind Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the famous No.7 shirt.

The Portuguese star, who now turns out for Real Madrid, has become known as CR7 due to that fateful talk from the Scot when he first arrived at Old Trafford.
Ferguson told the young Ronaldo: “Look, I want you to wear the No.7 shirt,” the player revealed while speaking at a promotional event.

“I was surprised because I knew of all the great players who wore that jersey.”
Ronaldo might have peaked at Real Madrid, but he was already on his way to greatness in England, as he claimed his first Ballon d’Or in 2009.

“It was the start of my successful stage in football,” he added. “I did not only improve my football skills, but also my physique.“In my five years there, I learned the art of football. We won many things together. It was a dream for me.”

Since moving to Madrid, Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or on four more occasions and is regarded as one of the outstanding players of his generation, along with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.