..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ajax beat Bayern Munich to win Future Cup


Ajax regained their crown as the most successful team in the ABN Amro Future Cup on Monday when they beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final.

The tournament hosts started the first half well and it took just two minutes for them to break the deadlock. A cross came in from the left wing and looked comfortable for defender Alexander Nitzl to deal with, but the centre-back could only knock it into his own net.

Though the German side pushed forward for the equaliser, they struggled to threaten the Ajax goal and the hosts soon struck again when a corner bounced well for Abdallah Aberkane to smash home from close range.

The Amsterdammers looked worthy of the win as a solid display saw them rewarded for an impressive tournament. They have now won the cup four times, having beaten three-time champions Anderlecht in their previous game with an impressive comeback.

The Belgian side looked set to sail through to the final when they took a two goal lead, but Quinten Maduro and Sven Botman struck back to secure a draw for Gery Vink’s men. Converting one more penalty in the resultant shootout, Ajax progressed.Bayern, meanwhile, took on the J-League selection to contest the other final spot. The teams gave little away in the early stages, but the game opened up enough for substitute Yannick Brugger to knock in the decisive goal in the second half and set up the decider.

The semi-finals and final were not the only action on show, however, as all eight teams took part in the final day.The bottom sides of each group also went head-to-head, with Paris Saint-Germain beating Juventus, while Benfica edged out Arsenal to win 4-3 in the game to decide the fifth and sixth positions.

Despite the occasion, the third-place playoff proved to be a highly-entertaining, as the team from J-League hammered Anderlecht 7-0.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona star Neymar admits he has no intention of retiring at Camp Nou

Neymar will not be seeing out his playing days at Barcelona, with the Brazilian planning to head home to Flamengo at some point.At just 25 years of age, the time to hang up his boots remains some way off for the Samba superstar.

He has also committed his immediate future to Barca, with a contract through to 2021 penned at Camp Nou in October 2016.

Neymar should still be in his prime when that deal comes to an end, with another extension possible, but a man widely tipped to capture the Ballon d’Or crown in his career has reiterated that he will return to South America before calling it a day.

He told Canal Esporte Interativo: “I have a lot of desire to one day play for Flamengo, with the Maracana full, playing in the Copa Libertadores.”

Neymar has already played domestic football in his homeland, with Santos having provided him with a platform on which to showcase his talent and earn a high-profile switch to Europe.

Relations between player and club have soured somewhat in recent years, though, with a big-money move to Barca attracting unwelcome attention.

With Neymar still at a loss to explain how he became caught up in legal wrangling, he recently shunned the opportunity to pass his best wishes on to Santos as they celebrated their 105th anniversary.Pele, Robinho and a number of other club legends did send messages, but nothing emerged from Catalonia.Neymar added: "I don't have an obligation to give my congratulations.

“I am grateful, I am thankful for everything they've done for me, I love and loved to play for Santos, my entire family are Santos supporters, I even turned into a Santos supporter, but I'm not obliged to do everything they wish.

"I have enormous respect for Santos, everyone in my family are Santos supporters, only that also has a bad side. Santos entered the courts against us for something I still don't understand today.

"They said the only thing missing was if I scored an own-goal in the game against Barcelona [in the 2011 Club World Cup final]. There are details that nobody knows."

Neymar joined Barcelona in 2013 and has gone on to make 180 appearances for the club, netting 100 goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp hints at retirement after Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Liverpool could be his last club before retirement.The 49-year-old started his coaching career with Mainz and worked seven years at the Opel Arena before leaving for Borussia Dortmund in 2008.He also worked with BVB for seven seasons, winning two Bundesliga titles before stepping down at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

Klopp says he has little intention of taking on short-term roles at a number of clubs and admits that his managerial post at Anfield could be his last."I will not have been in charge of 10 different clubs once my managerial career is over," he told Sport1.

"There is a not insignificant chance I will have coached three clubs. I would say it is very unlikely I will become a club-hopper all of a sudden."On the contrary, it is always quite easy for me to fully commit to what I am doing because they are often long-term projects."

Klopp missed out on winning silverware in his first year at Liverpool as they lost both the finals of both the EFL Cup and the Europa League, but he is hopeful of securing at least one trophy before the end of his contract in 2022.

"If I fulfil my contract with Liverpool, then there is a good chance I will have won something here," he added."I could be in an uncomfortable situation if we do not win anything. People expect Liverpool to win trophies."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Middlesbrough 1 Arsenal 2: Ozil keeps top-four hopes alive

Mesut Ozil's second-half strike secured an unconvincing 2-1 win for Arsenal away to relegation-threatened Middlesbrough that keeps their top-four hopes alive.

The Germany international's seventh Premier League goal of the season sealed the victory after Alvaro Negredo had cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's stunning set-piece opener.

Arsene Wenger's side slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, prompting the manager to experiment with a 3-5-2 system at the Riverside Stadium – with Rob Holding in a back three – in an effort to encourage a more resolute display.

Chances were scarce in a poor first half, but Sanchez swept in a fine free-kick to break the deadlock just before the break, only for Negredo to equalise five minutes into the second half.

Boro had produced a spirited performance, but Ozil finished a clever team move in the 71st minute to put the visitors back in front, and they held firm in the closing stages to claim a win that moves them back to within seven points of the top four.

The defeat leaves Boro six points from safety, with only six matches left to play, while Arsenal snapped a four-match losing streak on the road in the top flight.

Boro started in lively fashion, but their momentum was rather sapped when Fabio was forced off following lengthy treatment to what appeared to be a calf injury.

Marten de Roon headed past Petr Cech and into the net from an offside position, but the home side certainly looked the most likely to break the deadlock, with the Gunners looking uncertain in their new system

The visitors at last began to put Brad Guzan's goal under pressure, with Aaron Ramsey seeing a volley blocked inside the area, but Boro's defence was doing well to keep Sanchez and Olivier Giroud quiet.

However, the Chile star added a much-needed touch of quality to the match with three minutes left of the half, flighting a sublime free-kick over the wall and into the back of Guzan's net from 20 yards out.Boro heads were down after an encouraging half ended in disappointment, but they responded quickly after the restart.

Stewart Downing was released down the right on the break and allowed time to cut inside and clip a fine cross towards the six-yard box, where Negredo rose to prod the ball past Cech and into the net.

Cech reacted well to parry a header from Daniel Ayala as Boro sensed a second, although Guzan had to charge off his line to prevent Ozil from rounding him following Sanchez's throughball.

The Gunners were looking anxious, but they took full advantage when Boro's backline parted to allow them to regain the lead. Sanchez's cross was chested down by Ramsey and Ozil drilled right-footed past Guzan at the near post, the home defence having allowed them acres of space.

Boro pushed for a second equaliser, but Arsenal withstood the late pressure to claim an important result in their pursuit of the Champions League places, alleviating some pressure on Wenger ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final date with Manchester City at Wembley.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dybala: Juve have no reason to envy Barca, Madrid or Bayern

Juventus star Paulo Dybala says he is at a club that has no reason to be envious of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich after signing a new contract.

Dybala penned a new five-year deal with Juve on Thursday, two days after putting Barca to the sword in Juve's 3-0 win in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash.

That put to bed any talk of a departure from Juve and Dybala believes the Turin club are on the same footing as Barca and their Clasico rivals, as well as Bavarian giants Bayern.

He told TyC Sports: "It's the best moment of my career. I feel really good on the pitch, I'm at a club that has nothing to be envious of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich about."The fans, my team-mates and the club have made me feel like this. That's why I had no problem renewing.

"This club competes for all the tournaments it takes part in, it's the biggest club in Italy and from the moment I arrived they have helped me to become aware that we have to win everything we play for, against any opponent and on any pitch."

Dybala suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Pescara, but the Argentine is confident he will be fit for the return leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday.He added: "I had normal training with the group on Monday, but I didn't do the last part of the session out of precaution. But I'll be at 100 per cent on Wednesday."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Man City wanted me' - Atletico defender Godin admits to interest during Pellegrini's reign

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has admitted to being a transfer target for Manchester City during Manuel Pellegrini’s time at the club.

The Chilean was in charge at the Etihad Stadium from 2013 to 2016, overseeing a Premier League title triumph and two League Cup wins.While enjoying plenty of success with City, Pellegrini was eager to reinforce his ranks with the acquisition of a fellow South American.

Godin had previously worked under the experienced coach at Villarreal, with the pair retaining a professional admiration for one another after parting ways.“It’s true that two years ago, City wanted me when he [Pellegrini] was there,” Godin told the Daily Mail.

“I’m proud that he wanted me but I feel like just another fan of this club. I’m very happy here. I didn’t feel that it was the moment to leave.”Godin is now 31 years of age and an established part of an Atletico side that has enjoyed La Liga title success and productive Champions League runs with him at the heart of their defence.

He is no longer generating intense transfer speculation, but team-mate Antoine Griezmann continues to dominate the headlines.Interest in the Frenchman is no surprise to Godin, although he remains confident that it can be seen off and the services of a key man retained.“There’s no big mystery to why he has succeeded here,” he added.

“He came to a place where he fitted perfectly, where he was loved. “There are people, coaches and players, who fit in certain places. All players don’t fit into all teams and not every manager can manage every team. His place was Atletico.”

Godin and Griezmann will be in England on Tuesday looking to see off the challenge of Leicester City and book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas still waiting on Liverpool future call

Lucas Leiva is open to staying on at Liverpool but admits no decision on his future will be made until the summer.

The Brazilian is a long-serving member of the Reds ranks, having moved to Anfield in 2007.Following a shaky start to his time in England, the 30-year-old has become an important squad member with over 330 appearances to his name.

He was, however, heavily linked with Inter Milan in January and could yet to be freed by Liverpool to move elsewhere when the 2016-17 campaign comes to a close.“There is no doubt about my commitment to Liverpool, I just need to wait until the end of the season, work hard and make a decision together with the club,” Lucas told reporters on his future.

“I have been here long enough and if the time comes for me to go somewhere else I think I will leave with the feeling that I did everything I could.“I am getting to the stage of my career where I think I can help a lot, off the pitch of course, but on the pitch as well.

“Playing time [will play a part], I wouldn’t like to just be around. I feel I have many years that I can still play at the top level. I need to analyse and see what is best for me and the club and then I am sure we will make a decision together.”

For now, Lucas is fully focused on Liverpool’s quest to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and a return to Champions League competition.He added: “I don’t really know what will happen, I just need to focus on the last five games.

“The last few games I have played I feel very good. I have played centre-back and midfield, so I give some options to the manager and when he needs me I always try to deliver.

“We have a lot to play for and it depends on us. It is in our hands. I want to finish the season a high.”Lucas has been restricted to 26 appearances in all competitions this season, with Jurgen Klopp handing him just nine Premier League starts.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd should be setting their sights higher than fourth, says Young

Ashley Young has called on Manchester United to set their sights higher than merely securing a top-four finish this season.The Red Devils have spent much of the 2016-17 campaign playing catch-up in the battle for Champions League qualification.

They have kept themselves in contention, with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea leaving them four points off the pace with a game in hand, but Young believes there is still plenty for the club to aim at.He told reporters, with United also still in contention for Europa League success: “There have been high standards here since I signed for the club and we want to be pushing on.

“A lot has been said about how we want to finish fourth but I am that kind of person who wants to achieve more than that. I want to finish higher than that.“Hopefully we have a semi final coming up. If we can play like we did against Chelsea then I am sure we can get through against Anderlecht and into the semi finals. We want to aim as high as possible.”

Young looked to be on borrowed time at Old Trafford at one stage this season, but he captained the side in a crucial win against Chelsea.While he displayed commendable leadership qualities in that Premier League encounter, it was the performance of others which captured the headlines.Ander Herrera made one goal and netted the other, while also marking Blues danger man Eden Hazard out of the game.

Marcus Rashford also impressed and Young believes the youngster, who opened the scoring, is destined for big things.He added: “I said it all along that when he was coming through the youth team and reserves you could see there was something special about him. He plays the game with hunger It comes natural to him.

“When he does things quick I don’t think there are many defenders who can live with him. When he can get in behind he is a threat. He has a massive future in front of him not only for Manchester United but for England as well.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone compares Leicester to Atletico ahead of 'complex' clash

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone believes Leicester City are similar to his team as he prepares for a "complex" Champions League second leg.

The La Liga giants carry a 1-0 lead to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday as they look to reach the semi-finals.Simeone said there were plenty of similarities between his team and Leicester, the Premier League champions who have recovered from a poor start to the season."Leicester depend on the details, as we also depend on the details," the Argentine told a news conference Monday.

"It's a well worked and defensively balanced team and we are also similar like that. So it's an evenly matched and complex qualifier."Leicester are on a three-match winless run ahead of the clash, while Atletico are unbeaten in their past 10 outings.

Atletico have also been Champions League runners-up in two of the past three seasons and Simeone said his side's ability to fight made them stand out."The best thing that this team has been doing in the last years is competing," he said."Competing in every competition they play makes them different and it’s an important point that this group has."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2017.04.18

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg Fixtures 2017.04.18


AGG
(0-1)

Leicester City Vs Atletico Madrid

AGG
(2-1)

Real Madrid Vs Bayern

​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Real Madrid Vs Bayern

Again people still keep on underestimating us Even after that display at Allianz Arena still people believe that Bayern will be able to turn it around. Specially with Lewandowski back. Which is a huge deal obviously.
I don't think he'll be out of form. He'll be quite dreadful in the front. But nevertheless I think we've got this covered. Bayern will probably miss all their main 3 CB's. Boateng, Hummels are injured but did train. Martinez suspended. So it feels like Alaba will play CB with a new kid. Kimmich or Bernat will do a full back role with Lahm. Thiago, Xabi, Vidal in the mid,
Robben & Ribery in the wings and lewa in the front. Still quite threatening of course.
But there is one thing I noticed very much in Munich.

Bayern got tired up after constant pushing in the first half. And after the Ronaldo goal in the 47th minute, they were clueless of what to do. In the second half only One shot on goal by Bayern while we dominated but still concentrated heavily with a low pace. After the martinez goal they barely held up because of Neuer That guy is insane!

Anyway I still don't understand why people keep on underestimating us. Perhaps it's that hatred/ jealousy of another champions league success.

Zidane's Madrid is a very weird but a Special one. How many remontadas have we achived this season? From beginning of the season to the end. From the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla until now, it has mostly been comebacks! It is quite insane!
Against Sevilla, Deportivo, Villarreal, Las Palmas, Barca, Sporting Gijon, Sporting CP in the UCL at home, against Napoli, all of those games we have been behind but came back and won many! It's insane! it's not luck. Never luck. Just the attitude and belief!

Speaking of today I think it'll be another tactical battle. Not sure how carlo will play though. Perhaps he'll press high up the pitch and try to get one or two goals quickly and put pressure, or perhaps he'll sit back and choose his chances wisely. Nevertheless bayern dowsn't sit back. It's no in their DNA.
If so, I guess Zidane will use the same tactics as at Allianz Arena. He'll let them put pressure on us, choose a good counter attack and try to score,
or another set piece. Those two we are really good at.

Bale is injured of course. But I don't think it's a huge blow to us. He hasn't been in top form after injury. Was unnoticable at munich. Isco had a great game against gijon. He definitely has that barca style with him. Much like iniesta or messi . I think he's a good candidate to start the match. But he's a bit weak in the crossing department. I mean not as strong as James, Vazquez or Bale at crosses.
Vazqeuz is another good candidate. But I don't think he'll do great against bayern.
Asensio is also a very good option. A very good dribbler and he's got phase and very intelligent.
James is also quite good. It's quite hard when you have a world class bench where all of them are quite suitable to be a starter and the manager has to keep all of them happy

Because of that problem and players need to have more game time I think one will probably leave at the end of the season. Probably it'll be James.
It's quite sad really but the fact remains that it's quite wasteful of such a pure talent to remain at the bench. I would like to see a loan move if possible. Specially since all of them are quite young and could be the next golden generation of Real.

I'd choose for today Isco>Asensio>James>Vazquez probably. But it'll depend on the style of play of course. If we are going to sit bck and take our chances much more carefully probably James or Vazquez will start. But if we are going to push for an early goal or two Isco or Asensio will start.
Out of all four Isco has more of a chance after his brilliant performance against Sporting.
Anyway HE HAS TO START EITHER THI
S MATCH OR THE CLASSICO!!

Ronaldo and Benz will be vital of course as ever. Many people underestimate benzema. But I'd choose him over so many Denter forwards for many reasons.
1. He is unselfish and quite patient.
2. He links up with other players really well. Normally the center forwards job is to finish the gameplay be taking a shot at goal. but benz is sort of the holder, the driver of the ball. He takes the ball and go towards the corner and holds up until the other players move, He keeps his back against the goal and holds and passes while other players make runs, and a really good crosser as well.
3. Which takes me to number 3. He links up with ronaldo really well.

At the middle Modric, Kroos & Casemiro will play. And Ramos and Nacho as CBs and marcelo and carvajal as FBs. Carvajal has been absolutely great this season. I'd say right now we have the Best LB and RB in the world.

In fact I'd say we have the best RB, LB, CB, 2 CMs in the world in our team.
Ronaldo has kind of being relieved of his goal scoring duties these days Anyway he has become much more of a playmaker. But nevertheless gets goal when they are really needed. The best in the world for me

Nevermind what happens in the game, we will fight till the end! And we will advance!!


HALA MADRID!!!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

(AGG)

3-3

Real Madrid 1 Vs 2 Bayern

​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

RONALDO!!!!!

fucking defense!! always letting us down

Extra time with 1 man up. Come on!!!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Extra time coming up!
​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Ronaldo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

99!!!

Although it's offside ​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time ET

(AGG)

6-3

Real Madrid 4 Vs 2 Bayern

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

CR7​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Full Time ET

(AGG)

6-3

Real Madrid 4 Vs 2 Bayern

​

Great game!!

One of the toughest matches I've watched. Was really scared of conceding

Arguably the best team on the pitch on both legs were bayern. They were quick on the ball and wasn't afraid. And kept on going.
Nobody would do that to us except Bayern

Robben was the best player on the pitch IMO. He was absolutely deadly.
Then I guess it's marcelo playing his 400th RMA game. He was brilliant. Well except for perhaps holding off robben more. He made 2 clear goal chances. frist time covered with his back and the second time headed from the goal line.
And his run in the extra time!!! Marvelous!

Anyway the refree made quite a few mistakes. He gave too many chances to many players in the beginning. If he were to keep the same attitude it would've been fine but against Vidal he was too aggressive. And against Casemiro he was not.

Robben did dive in the penalty box like always but there was contact. Casemiro should've gotten the red but escaped. Vidal did not foul asensio but got red. All were decisive moments which have to be given the benefit of the doubt of course. And somehow many of them favoured us.

Two of Ronaldos goals were slightly offside. again it's very hard to read by the linesmen

Anyway,

Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 Champions League goals.
With a hat trick! Awesome stuff by the legend!

Great performance by many of the players..

I guess it all fell to the refree in the end and Bayern deserved more.

Anyway we advance!!!

Hala Madrid!!​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

And bayern did also get refreeing decisions in favou of them in fact. Like the penalty in the first leg. (missed) and many coners for us which were called as goal kicks.

BTW Casemiro was awesome!!!

If not for him we would've conceded so much more!!​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Ah and it seems like Bayerns second goal build up was offside as well I feel so much better now.​