..::Football IV::..

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Crotone 1 AC Milan 1: Rossoneri stumble again in further blow to European hopes

AC Milan's European hopes took another blow as Vincenzo Montella's side could only earn a scrappy 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Crotone on Sunday.After a damaging defeat at home to lowly Empoli last week, Milan were looking for a timely three-points against 18th-placed Crotone at Stadio Ezio Scida.

However, the strugglers took the lead after just seven minutes when Marcello Trotta pounced on a scramble in the Milan box to fire home his first goal in six months.Gabriel Paletta bundled in an equaliser shortly after the break, applying the final touch on the line after chaos in the Crotone penalty area.

But Milan - who had Juraj Kucka sent off deep into injury time - could not go on to find a crucial winner and they are five points adrift of fifth-placed Atalanta and just three ahead of city rivals Inter, who host Napoli later on Sunday.

Crotone, who saw two goals ruled out against Trotta one of which was seemingly marginally wrong, were impressive but they are still four points from safety despite making it five matches unbeaten.

Crotone beat Inter in their last home game and they almost took the lead in the second minute when Andrea Barberis' free-kick was expertly saved high to his right by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma could do nothing about Crotone's opener after just seven minutes, though.

Trotta had not scored since October but, after Milan struggled to clear, he shrugged off Cristian Zapata and thumped in a low finish that beat an unsighted Donnarumma at his near post.

The forward headed wide after 17 minutes as Crotone continued to impress, before an incorrect offside flag denied Crotone a second when Trotta ran on to Diego Falcinelli's pass to score.

Gianluca Lapadula hit Milan's first shot after 36 minutes but it was blocked, while Crotone goalkeeper Alex Cordaz parried a pair of Suso efforts as the visitors tried to find some momentum.More slack Milan defending presented Trotta with another chance shortly after half-time, but Donnarumma got down to his left to make a fine save.

Milan came from behind to beat Crotone at San Siro earlier in the season and they levelled the scores after 49 minutes in ugly fashion, with Kucka's header across goal somehow bundled across the line by Paletta.

Aleandro Rosi had to clear Lapadula's effort off the line after Cordaz was caught out of position, before the offside flag denied Trotta a second time, although this time the decision was more clear cut.

Kucka forced a fine save from Cordaz after 61 minutes as Milan pressed for a winner, then the goalkeeper dived to his left to keep out a fierce Gerard Deulofeu effort.

Trotta lashed wide on a rare Crotone second-half attack before Milan's Kucka saw red for a second yellow card deep in stoppage-time - the midfielder dismissed for the third time this season - with Montella's men now facing an uphill task to secure European football for next season.

 

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Middlesbrough 2 Manchester City 2: Jesus salvages late point in top-four hunt

Gabriel Jesus scored a dramatic late equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for Manchester City at Middlesbrough and put a further dent in the Teessiders' slim hopes of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Fourth-placed City had the chance to go three points clear of local rivals Manchester United, who drew 1-1 with Swansea City earlier on Sunday, but Pep Guardiola's side were somewhat fortunate to emerge from a closely contested game with a share of the points.

The visitors unsurprisingly had a stranglehold on possession at a sunny Riverside Stadium, but they came up against a well-organised Middlesbrough team who impressed as much with their fast breaks as with their resolute defending.

And Steve Agnew's men had a deserved lead when Alvaro Negredo scored against his old club in the 38th-minute, firing home his ninth goal of the season to equal his goal tally as a City player in the 2013-14 season.

Sergio Aguero, who limped off late in the match, scored a controversial penalty to haul City level after Marten de Roon was harshly judged to have fouled Leroy Sane in the penalty area, but Calum Chambers pounced on a loose ball in a goalmouth scramble in the 77th minute to restore Boro's lead.

But with the Riverside faithful preparing to celebrate a priceless win, Jesus headed Aguero's cross into the net to earn his side a point towards their push for a top-four finish, while Boro are six points adrift of safety with just three games to play.

City almost had the lead in the first minute, but Jesus failed to apply the finishing touch to Aguero's flashed pass across the face goal.At the other end, Negredo was perhaps thankful an offside flag was raised when he saw a presentable effort saved by Willy Caballero.

The visitors created the better early openings and Aguero curled a shot just over the bar.But Boro remained a threat and Negredo wastefully lashed another opportunity wide from close range.

Fernandinho was perhaps fortunate to escape a booking when he appeared to elbow Adam Clayton, before De Roon lofted a shot over the crossbar when Vincent Kompany failed to clear his lines.

City did go behind in the 38th minute, though, as Boro were rewarded for their hard work.Stewart Downing burst down the left and his low cross reached Negredo, who slipped as he fired a left-foot shot that went in off the left post.

Pep Guardiola sent on Raheem Sterling and Sane early in the second half but it was the home side who nearly regained the lead with Clayton's 20-yard shot forcing a diving save from Caballero after good work by Fabio.

Clayton blocked a Sterling shot at the other end shortly after as City pressed for an equaliser and Brad Guzan saved powerful drives from both Kevin de Bruyne and Sane.

The equaliser arrived in controversial fashion in the 68th minute, though, as Sane went down easily under a challenge by De Roon and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Middlesbrough protested furiously and Fabio was booked in the melee, but Aguero kept his cool and powered the penalty to the left of Guzan, who dived the wrong way.

Boro substitute Adama Traore was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi as Middlesbrough sought a late winner, and after Downing's free-kick was parried by Caballero the ball was played back into the area where Chambers bundled it into the net.

But, with just five minutes left on the clock, Aguero - who was later substituted with a seeming groin injury - was allowed time and space to send over a looping cross and Jesus was left unmarked to head home the fourth goal of his Manchester City career.

 

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Everton 0 Chelsea 3: Pedro stunner sets the tone as Conte's men pass final major test

A Pedro stunner sent Chelsea on their way to an impressive 3-0 win at Everton as Antonio Conte's men passed arguably their last major test to take a huge step towards winning the Premier League.

Chelsea moved seven points clear of second-place Tottenham – who host Arsenal later on Sunday – and are left with four relatively straightforward fixtures against Middlesbrough, West Brom, Watford and already-relegated Sunderland, three of which are at home.

The early exchanges were frantic and both sides went close to breaking the deadlock – Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the upright for Everton, before the lively Eden Hazard agonisingly missed the target.

After an open first half Chelsea became more dominant in midfield following the interval, eventually breaking Everton's resolve through a moment of genius from Pedro 24 minutes from time.

A fortuitous Gary Cahill effort and a well-worked goal from substitute Willian followed towards the end as Chelsea rounded off an emphatic second-half performance, though the loss of David Luiz to what appeared to be a groin injury may provide cause for concern.

The result damages the hopes of closest challengers Spurs, who still have to face West Ham, Manchester United, Leicester City and Hull City after this weekend.
Everton's start at Goodison Park gave every indication that Chelsea were not going to have everything their own way.With just over a minute gone, Ross Barkley played Calvert-Lewin into the left side of the area and the youngster drilled against the post.

Chelsea stepped things up soon after, though, and went very close in the 11th minute.Diego Costa charged forward on the break and released Hazard in behind, but he could only find the side-netting after skipping past Maarten Stekelenburg.

The respective defences were continuously second best and Romelu Lukaku – linked with an end-of-season return to Chelsea – highlighted that when shrugging off David Luiz and firing just wide of the left-hand post from 25 yards.And Costa was similarly dominant a few moments later, nudging Phil Jagielka before inexplicably slicing a volley well over from 10 yards.

Proceedings calmed a little towards the end of the half, but Everton still managed to spurn another chance. Enner Valencia got inside Cahill and crossed to Lukaku, who somehow failed to connect with it.

Chelsea were more purposeful at the start of the second half and they very nearly made the most of that when Victor Moses dragged a good effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post following a well-worked corner.

Everton remained a threat and Lukaku did well just after the hour mark, cutting in from the right, beating two men and then getting a shot away, but a deflection made it easy for Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea finally produced the moment that their season has deserved, as Pedro was afforded space 25 yards from goal and he lashed an unstoppable left-footed drive into the top-left corner.Any chance of an Everton turnaround was essentially put to bed 13 minutes later.Hazard lashed a low free-kick into the danger zone from the left flank and Stekelenburg parried it on to Cahill, who did enough to nudge the ball over the line.

Willian had not even been on two minutes before wrapping things, burying fellow substitute Cesc Fabregas' inch-perfect cutback to cap off a flowing move to bring the title closer.

 

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Chelsea have officially qualified for the Champions League

Chelsea have qualified for next season's Champions League after a 3-0 win at Everton on Sunday afternoon following a year of no European football.

Pedro's stunning goal set Chelsea on their way at Goodison Park as they earned more than the point they needed to clinch a return to the Champions League.Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink's Chelsea failed to secure any European football last season after a disastrous season saw the Blues finish in 10th place only a year after winning the title.

Chelsea remain favourites to win the Premier League title but Roman Abramovich's minimum expectation for his side this season was to qualify for the Champions League again.

Qualification is financially important for Europe's top clubs and Chelsea will compete for a share of the €1.3 billion prize fund for clubs. Chelsea will earn a least €12.7 million from UEFA for their participation next season, but that could rise to a maximum of €57.2 million if they win the competition.

Chelsea will also stand to earn more from the commercial and marketing side of the game for their qualification, with the aforementioned fees including just the TV and prize money on offer.


They follow the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and FC Basel in qualifying for the Champions League. Meanwhile, Everton have qualified for the Europa League after West Brom and Southampton failed to win this weekend.

 

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Tottenham 2 Arsenal 0: Alli, Kane deliver in White Hart Lane's derby farewell

Tottenham signed off on the last north London derby at the old White Hart Lane in fine style on Sunday, beating Arsenal 2-0 to ensure they will finish above their fierce local rivals in the Premier League for the first time since 1995.

There is also the small matter of the convincing victory keeping Spurs in the hunt for the title, as goals from Dele Alli, his first in this fixture, and Harry Kane, the ultimate specialist at delivering against the Gunners, moved Mauricio Pochettino's men back to within four points of league leaders Chelsea, who won 3-0 at Everton earlier in the day.

Arsenal have enjoyed plenty of success at the home of their neighbours, twice sealing the title at the historic venue, but they will leave for the final time before its redevelopment unfulfilled, having failed to take advantage of the points dropped by Manchester City and Manchester United in the hotly-contested scrap for Champions League qualification.

The result leaves Arsene Wenger's side sixth, six points back from fourth-placed City and five behind United, who visit Emirates Stadium next weekend, when Tottenham contest another London derby against West Ham.

Spurs threatened early through a Kane shot and Toby Alderweireld's near-post header, before Alli nearly broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, heading wide with the goal gaping after Kane's deflected strike wrong-footed goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Three minutes later it was Christian Eriksen's turn to go even closer, the playmaker clipping the bar with a volleyed effort after Victor Wanyama had played Song Heung-min into space down the left.

The South Korea international left Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for dead on the touchline, raced into the area and saw a curling attempt blocked, his Danish team-mate then proving unable to stroke home the loose ball.

Having struggled to impose themselves, Arsenal were restricted to half chances for Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez from range, Jan Vertonghen returning the favour by testing Cech in first-half injury time.Spurs began the second half strongly, Wanyama calling Cech into action with a fierce curling strike following a rapid counter-attack.

They deservedly broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, Alli's neat footwork creating a chance for Eriksen, who had his close-range shot from a tight angle saved by Cech. The goalkeeper could only parry the ball back into the danger area, where it was coolly stroked home by the young England midfielder.

Just three minutes later the hosts were gifted a second, Gabriel giving away a penalty with a needless trip on Kane inside the area. The striker made no mistake with the subsequent spot-kick, tucking his effort just inside the post to leave a motionless Cech with no chance, becoming the leading Spurs scorer in Premier League north London derbies.

The novel 3-4-3 formation that had prompted a change in Arsenal's recent fortunes failed them against their newly imperious rivals, as Wenger's second-half substitutes, Theo Walcott among them, proved unable to force a route back into a contest that Tottenham comfortably dominated throughout.

 

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Nice 3 Paris Saint-Germain 1: Advantage Monaco as nine-man champions implode

Nice landed a potentially critical blow to Paris Saint-Germain's title hopes as the nine-man defending champions went down 3-1 at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday to hand Monaco a huge advantage.

Unai Emery's men imploded in the final stages as Thiago Motta and Angel Di Maria saw red, ultimately succumbing to a result which leaves them trailing Monaco - who have a game in hand - by three points, with PSG having just three matches left.

Trailing 2-1 in the final minute, Motta was dismissed for a headbutt on Paul Baysse, before Anastasios Donis' header made the game safe for Nice, Di Maria then earning a straight red for reckless lunge on Arnaud Souquet.

The breathless finish was in keeping with much of what had gone before, although the drama did not outweigh the quality - evidenced by Nice's excellent opening goal as Mario Balotelli capped off a lovely move with an emphatic finish from 20 yards.

Ricardo Pereira, instrumental for the first, made PSG's task even tougher shortly after the interval with a wonderful strike, but Marquinhos did at least give the visitors a ray of hope in the 64th minute, marking the beginning of their late siege on the Nice goal.

PSG grew increasingly desperate, however, and the indiscipline of Motta and Di Maria either side of Donis' intervention means it looks increasingly likely the Ligue 1 title will leave Paris for the first time since 2012.

It was the four-time defending champions who shaded the early exchanges and looked every inch a side that knew they had to win, following Monaco's 3-1 success over Toulouse a day prior.

They almost made the most of an early Yoan Cardinale error to take the lead, as the goalkeeper fumbled a Di Maria effort at the feet of Edinson Cavani, but Dante got there first to clear the danger.

Di Maria was involved again in the 17th minute, whipping a fine corner into the box and Cavani headed it goalwards, only for Jean Seri to clear in front of the line.Nice had been very prominent in possession, though, and eventually they combined brilliantly to take the lead in the 26th minute.

Pereira terrorised Maxwell on the right flank before squaring across the edge of the box to Balotelli, who held off Marco Verratti and slammed a left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner.

PSG were forced into a change at the break, with Thomas Meunier replacing the injured Maxwell and the resulting reshuffle saw Serge Aurier move to left-back.

But the Ivorian could deal no better with Pereira than Maxwell and the winger gave PSG a mountain to climb just after the break, cutting in from the right and curling a sumptuous effort into the top-left corner via the upright.Cavani saw another header from a Di Maria corner kept at bay shortly after, with Cardinale producing a stunning save.

Cardinale was helpless just after the hour mark, though, as Silva met Di Maria's out-swinging corner and Marquinhos helped the ball over the line with a deft header.

That goal was the start of an intense PSG onslaught in which Nice struggled to ease the pressure and they had to rely on Cardinale 15 minutes from the end, as he pushed away a Silva header.

But PSG's frustrations were laid bare as Motta was first dismissed for an off-the-ball clash with Baysse in the Nice area before Donis finished off the visitors on the break.

Di Maria's wild late tackle on Souquet summed up the magnitude of PSG's implosion as Nice closed to within three points of the Parisians, whose title defence was left in tatters.

 

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North London is ours - Alli revels in Spurs' ascendance

Dele Alli has wasted no time in reminding Arsenal supporters of their diminished status after Tottenham ensured they will finish above their local rivals in the Premier League this season.

Alli opened the scoring as Spurs won 2-0 in the last north London derby at White Hart Lane before the venerable old ground is demolished to make way for a gleaming new stadium.

That result means Mauricio Pochettino's high-flying side are guaranteed to finish ahead of Arsenal, a feat they have never managed during Arsene Wenger's lengthy tenure at the helm of the Gunners.

Having netted his first north London derby goal, Alli posted a message on Twitter saying "Atmosphere was amazing, thank you to all the fans.. north London is ours!!"

"I have to blame myself a bit for my header at the far post - I was kicking myself for missing that - but we dominated from the start," Alli told BBC Sport, referring to a near miss in the first half.

"It's a huge win for us and the fans. We just have to keep looking to improve. We fell off at the end of last season, so it's important we continue to build on what we're doing."

Next up for Spurs is a trip to face West Ham on Friday, as they aim to pile the pressure on league leaders Chelsea, who are four points clear at the top with four matches of the league season remaining.

 

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Conte hails 'decisive' Fabregas

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte lauded the "decisive" Cesc Fabregas after his team took another step towards the Premier League title.

Fabregas came off the bench to set up fellow substitute Willian for the sealer in a 3-0 win at Everton on Sunday.A stunner from Pedro and Gary Cahill's goal had given Chelsea control on their way to retaining a four-point buffer atop the table.

Conte was full of praise for Fabregas, who has started just 10 league games this season, as well as Willian."I think Cesc is a player in this part of the season is showing to be decisive in every moment," he told a news conference."If he starts the game [or if] he came on during the game.

"Also Willy, I know very well that it's not easy for a player who is used to playing every game and to come on during the game."But I must be pleased with them because they are showing me to be great men and fantastic players."

It was a 25-yard stunner from Pedro which finally put Chelsea ahead in the 66th minute at Goodison Park.The goal was the former Barcelona man's 12th in all competitions, but Conte expects even more from the 29-year-old."I think Pedro is showing to be a great player. But, don't forget Pedro played for Barcelona and he won a lot with this club," Conte said.

"And he's a great player, he's having a fantastic season. But for sure, he must continue on this way and finish this season to win."Otherwise for him it's a good season, not a fantastic season."

 

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Thiago Silva: Third would be catastrophic for PSG

Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has admitted that finishing third in Ligue 1 would be a “catastrophic” for the defending champions.

Although the Brazil international laid on a goal for Marquinhos on Sunday against Nice, they went down to a 3-1 loss at the Allianz Riviera, which seems to indicate the defence of their title is over, with the former AC Milan man now focusing on holding onto second.“We now have to look ahead and win out last three matches because finishing third, it would be catastrophic for us,” he said.

“Mathematically, it’s not over but it’s almost impossible. We must win our last three matches and especially the final of the Coupe de France. We want to finish as well as possible and after go on our holidays because it’s been a little difficult for us.”PSG finished the weekend’s game with just nine men as Thiago Motta and Angel Di Maria were both dismissed late on.

“The red cards were a consequence of the match. It’s difficult to speak about the refereeing, but it’s true it was a little complicated. We’re not going to excuse our defeat on the referee, although the red cards were a little much,” he continued.

“Nice posed us many difficulties, especially in the first half. They played very well. We controlled the second half.“I think we deserved a better result, but football’s like that.”PSG play host to bottom side Bastia next week, holding just a three-point advantage over the Cote d’Azur side.

“The red cards were a consequence of the match. It’s difficult to speak about the refereeing, but it’s true it was a little complicated. We’re not going to excuse our defeat on the referee, although the red cards were a little much,” he continued.“Nice posed us many difficulties, especially in the first half. They played very well. We controlled the second half.

“I think we deserved a better result, but football’s like that.”PSG play host to bottom side Bastia next week, holding just a three-point advantage over the Cote d’Azur side.

 

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Real Madrid star Isco: Atletico desperate to beat us

Isco says Atletico Madrid are even more desperate to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals because of the recent history between the sides.
Madrid have knocked city rivals Atletico out of the tournament in each of the last three seasons, two of those victories coming in the final.

In-form Isco is eyeing what would be his third European Cup success but knows Diego Simeone's side represent a significant obstacle to achieving that goal, particularly with their enhanced motivation.

"Atletico are a very difficult team and the two-legged matches make it even more difficult," the attacking midfielder said to Codere Apuestas."I have been in Madrid for four years and in each of the four we have faced them in the Champions League.

"Hopefully the outcome will be the same as in previous years, but they will be really keen to beat us after the two Champions Leagues that we have won. "Atletico are a very good team, they have shown that. They compete very well and it is going to be a very close tie."

Isco took the opportunity to cast his mind back to the 2014 and 2016 final victories over Atleti, recalling Sergio Ramos' vital equaliser in Lisbon and last year's penalty shoot-out in Milan as his most memorable moments.

"Ramos' goal still gives me goosebumps, it makes my hairs stand up," said the 25-year-old."It was a really important goal and when he scored it I knew we wouldn't lose. It came at a key moment and I felt like I had also scored the goal.

"The shoot-out [in 2016] was the most stressful moment in my entire career. You have to be there to experience it. In the end, if it had still been level after the first five penalties, I would have taken one as well. "The important thing is that my team-mates put them away and we were able to win the Undecima.

"In those moments I was in my own world, I only remember that when Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal we ran to embrace him and it is a moment that I will never forget."

Fan favourite Isco has scored nine goals for club and country in 2017 and is expected to be rewarded for his fine form by starting the match in the absence of injured forward Gareth Bale.

"I'm lucky to have had the support of the Bernabeu crowd since the first day I stepped out on to the pitch," he said."It is easier that way. Football is magic for me, it is a special feeling every time I walk out on to the pitch and touch the ball. That is how I would define what magic is.

"The Champions League anthem always motivates you in a special way. They are big nights at the Bernabeu."

 

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Kompany: Next season we'll see if Guardiola's approach is right

Vincent Kompany believes Manchester City will not find out whether Pep Guardiola's approach is the right one for them until next season.City failed to capitalise on Manchester United's draw with Swansea City and Arsenal's defeat to Tottenham at the weekend, with Middlesbrough holding Guardiola's men to a 2-2 stalemate.

That means they remain just a point ahead of United in the race for Champions League qualification with four games of the Premier League season remaining.

Guardiola arrived in Manchester having won numerous trophies with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but has received criticism in his first season in England centred on City's inconsistent defending and his decision to replace goalkeeper Joe Hart with the technically gifted but error-prone Claudio Bravo.

Kompany, however, argues that the Catalan has inherited a completely different set of circumstances at the Etihad Stadium and should be judged next season."You can't compare Barcelona and Bayern Munich to Manchester City," he told Play Sports in Belgium."Guardiola has come to City with a very unique style and he wants to continue that philosophy. We had to work to adapt to his style.

"I don't want to sugar-coat it, but I think that next season we'll see if his approach was the right one. It looks like everything is already here, but we are still a club under construction."Next season we'll have to perform better."

Kompany, who has started five of City's past six games, is finally getting the chance to play under Guardiola on a regular basis after two years plagued by what appeared to be career-threatening injury problems."I'm very happy," he enthused. "I've worked so hard, I've fought so hard for this. My motivation has always been high. I've never doubted myself.

"I've that happy feeling: look, I'm back again! I have always been rational. I know my situation and I know why I came back. As long as I feel that inner strength, I'll be alright.

"My only wish is that I could be part of the team that reaches that final goal [of winning the Champions League]. One day it will happen – I'm sure."

 

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Watford 0 Liverpool 1: Can's stunner sees Reds capitalise on rivals' slip-ups

Emre Can's stunning acrobatic goal was enough for Liverpool to capitalise on slip-ups from their rivals for a Premier League top-four finish and beat Watford 1-0 on Monday.

With Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all dropping points a day earlier, the Reds went in search of a potentially priceless victory to boost their Champions League aspirations at Vicarage Road.

And Can produced a moment of magic that will be repeated on highlight reels for years to come, his sublime bicycle kick enough to decide the match as Sebastian Prodl struck the bar for Watford late on.

Can's marvellous strike was a moment of relief for Liverpool, who were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace last time out, after the Reds lost star playmaker Philippe Coutinho to injury early in the game.

That prompted the return of Adam Lallana from the bench for his first Liverpool appearance since March due to a thigh problem and the England midfielder was unfortunate to see a wonderfully executed volley hit the crossbar with the match goalless.

Liverpool, who won the reverse meeting 6-1 in November, created the better chances after the break but one goal was enough for them to strengthen their hold on third and move four points clear of fifth-placed United, having played a game more while Watford stay 13th.

Coutinho was hurt in an innocuous-looking clash of legs with Adrian Mariappa and, shortly after, Miguel Britos hobbled off for Watford to be replaced by Christian Kabasele.

The injuries took the sting out of the opening exchanges, but Can almost brought some much-needed life to proceedings with a well-struck left-footed effort from 25 yards that Heurelho Gomes parried to safety on his 100th consecutive league appearance.

Both teams were struggling to stamp their authority on a turgid half until Lallana went desperately close to a goal-of-the-season contender with a magnificent dipping volley that crashed against the crossbar.

Lallana was outdone by Can's effort on the stroke of half-time, though. Lucas Leiva clipped a lofted pass into the area and the Germany international executed a spectacular bicycle kick that nestled in the top-left corner.

Watford beat Liverpool 3-0 in last season's corresponding fixture but offered little on this occasion, and Gomes had his palms stung by James Milner's 20-yard free-kick after the interval.The goalkeeper was also equal to Divock Origi's bending effort from outside the box, while the striker was later wasteful when one-on-one with Gomes.

Simon Mignolet had largely been a bystander, but the Belgian made a fine fingertip stop to keep out a well-hit shot from Etienne Capoue, who was booked for remonstrating when referee Craig Pawson failed to spot the shot was saved.

A fully fit Lallana perhaps would have done better with a poor first touch when played in by Can, while substitute Daniel Sturridge was brilliantly foiled late on by Gomes.

Liverpool were almost caught cold in the last minute of injury time, but Prodl's fierce half-volley cannoned back off the crossbar, leaving the visitors breathing a late sigh of relief.

 

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'Zlatan has not suffered a career-ending injury' - Raiola reports on Ibrahimovic's successful knee surgery

Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undergone a successful surgical procedure on his injured knee, according to agent Mino Raiola.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker was forced off on a stretcher in April after going down heavily during United's Europa League tie against Anderlecht.
Studies after the game confirmed he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament, meaning Zlatan faces up to nine months on the sidelines.

At 35 the injury has even placed in doubt his career as a professional footballer, as he reaches an age that most choose to hang up their boots. But as Raiola confirmed that his client had gone under the knife in a clinic based in the United States, he emphatically denied that this was the end of Zlatan.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undergone successful knee surgery. He will make a full recovery AND HAS NOT SUFFERED A CAREER-ENDING INJURY," the agent affirmed in a statement released on Monday."The procedure was performed by Freddie Fu, M.D., and Volker Musahl, M.D., of the UPMC Sports Medicine program in Pittsburgh.

"Zlatan has started rehabilitation at UPMC and will remain under the care of Dr. Fu and Dr. Musahl throughout his recovery."Zlatan and the medical team are not available for interviews at this time. Additional updates will follow at a later date."

The striker's injury came as a bitter blow to United, who as well as battling for the Europa League title - they face Celta on Thursday in the semi final's first leg - are also in the hunt for a top-four finish that would guarantee Champions League football next season.

Ibrahimovic has effortlessly adapted to life in the Premier League to fire Jose Mourinho's men, and with 28 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions currently leads the Red Devils scoring rankings.

 

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Get well soon Zlatan!

We want you​

 

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Mata: Every game from now on is a final for Man Utd

Juan Mata has called for Manchester United to treat all of their remaining fixtures as cup finals as they aim to qualify for the Champions League.

United drew 1-1 at home to Swansea City, missing the chance to leapfrog rivals Manchester City, who also dropped points at Middlesbrough.

Jose Mourinho's men also have the chance to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, with a trip to Celta Vigo up next for the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday.

And Mata is expecting Celta to provide a tough test for United, despite his side being strong favourites to book a place in the competition's final on May 24.

"Two big challenges await us this week," Mata wrote in his weekly blog on the United website. "First of all we have to visit Celta in the Europa League. "I can say, without exaggerating, that they are one of the teams that play better football in Spain, and not only this season. Being back home will be special, but very difficult at the same time. We must perform at our best in order to beat them.

"Besides, a few days later we will visit another big opponent, Arsenal, with three key points at stake. Every game from now on is a final for us, that's how we face them."

Mata made a surprise early return from a groin injury to be named on the bench against Swansea and the Spain international was glad to be back despite United drawing at home for the 10th time in the league this season.

"This week we're having a mix of good and bad feelings once again, the latter being, of course, the draw against Swansea and Luke [Shaw] and Eric's [Bailly] injuries," Mata wrote.

"In this regard we're being very unlucky, but we have to keep looking ahead. As for the game, we let two points slip away, again, when the win was so much needed.

"But there have been very good moments during the week as well, such as my being back with the team, and also my birthday. Thank you so much to all of you for your messages, it was a great day and, although I didn't get the present of the three points, I hope we can have a great season ending in the remaining few weeks.

"As regards to my recovery, I'm very happy and looking forward to helping the team in such an important moment of the year, enjoying myself on the pitch and, hopefully, lifting another trophy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

4 EPL finals remaining for us!

Good luck Manchester United!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.05.02

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg Fixture 2017.05.02

Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid

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[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Real Madrid 3 Vs 0 Atletico Madrid

Hattrick for CR7
​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Ole Ole Ole Ole Oleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!​

 

[Anushanga777]

Full Time

Real Madrid 3 Vs 0 Atletico Madrid

Hattrick for CR7
​

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