..::Football IV::..

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Atletico Madrid 1 Copenhagen 0 (5-1 agg): Gameiro ensures Simeone's men cruise through

Atletico Madrid cruised into the last 16 of the Europa League by beating Copenhagen 1-0 at home on Thursday, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Danish champions.With Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa absent, Kevin Gameiro seized his chance to shine, giving Atletico an early lead with a fantastic left-footed drive to net for the third game in a row.

Gameiro scored from the bench in a LaLiga win over Athletic Bilbao last time out and, once he had put Atletico in front, the result of the tie was never going to be in doubt.Yannick Carrasco was omitted from the Atletico squad amid reports the Belgium winger is set to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, but with a large gulf in class between the sides Diego Simeone's men were never seriously tested.

A fifth straight win in all competitions was duly secured by Atletico, who have conceded only one goal during that run – Viktor Fischer's opener in the first leg.Atletico will now await Friday's last-16 draw, with the LaLiga side seeking to add to their 2010 and 2012 titles in this competition.


Gameiro was on target in the first leg and he gave Atletico a seventh-minute lead.

After being fed by Angel Correa, the French forward worked the ball out of his feet and thundered a 20-yard drive to the right of goalkeeper Stephan Andersen.

With Copenhagen winless in nine away games in all competitions, any hopes of a fightback already appeared forlorn, but Pieros Sotiriou should have hit the target from 20 yards after super build-up play.

Fernando Torres, making his first Europa League appearance for Atletico, missed with a header shortly before half-time as the hosts showed little attacking appetite.Sotiriou hit a decent chance straight at Jan Oblak after outmuscling Diego Godin from a long ball, but both sides were going through the motions.

Godin headed a Gabi free-kick over the crossbar after 57 minutes, then Andrija Pavlovic rifled wide after creating space for himself with a neat turn.Gameiro should have helped himself to a second when poor defending allowed the attacker to get through on goal, but the finish was too close to Andersen, who made a simple block.

Substitutes Saul and Nicolas Gaitan both flashed long-range efforts wide, but Atletico did not seem overly motivated to push for more.With a big league game against Sevilla coming against Sunday, Simeone took the chance to rest Gameiro, Correa and Koke, but there will be sterner tests to come in the Europa League.

 

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Atalanta 1 Borussia Dortmund 1 (3-4 agg): Returning Schmelzer strikes late

Marcel Schmelzer's dramatic late goal sealed a 1-1 draw for Borussia Dortmund against Atalanta and booked their spot in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Dortmund captain Schmelzer has been out of action since December with an ankle injury and wasted no time in making an impact on his comeback as a half-time replacement for Jeremy Toljan, reacting first to Etrit Berisha's fumble to lash home and give the Bundesliga side a 4-3 aggregate victory.Peter Stoger's side were second best all night and found themselves behind after just 11 minutes.Goalkeeper Roman Burki, whose season has been plagued by high-profile errors, flapped at a corner and Rafael Toloi stole in at the back post to prod into an empty net.

The hosts squandered a number of golden opportunities to put the tie beyond Dortmund, most notably through Bryan Cristante, Josip Ilicic and Alejandro Gomez.And their wastefulness was punished seven minutes from time as Schmelzer's timely intervention secured progression to the next round for the visitors.


Atalanta started at a blistering pace and could have been ahead inside four minutes, but Marten De Roon blazed his effort from the edge of the penalty area unceremoniously over the crossbar.

The Dutchman's profligacy was forgotten seven minutes later, though. Toloi took full advantage of Burki's inability to deal with Gomez's corner to prod home at the back post ahead of the despairing Sokratis Papastathopoulos.Gomez was the provider again midway through the first-half when his clipped ball over the top was met by the unmarked Cristante, who inexplicably headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

A strangely subdued Dortmund finally burst into life after the half-hour mark with Andre Schurrle testing Berisha from distance and Michy Batshuayi seeing a deflected effort creep agonisingly past the post.The hosts started the second period with the same verve that characterised their first-half display, Remo Freuler dragging a shot wide within a minute of the restart.Ilicic then drilled beyond the post, before Mattia Caldara saw his goal-bound effort deflected just over.

Dortmund threw on Marco Reus in a bid to inject some life into their stuttering attack, but it was the Serie A side who came closest to scoring next.Ilicic stormed towards the visitors' backline and curled a left-footed effort past Burki's post, while Gomez spurned a glorious opportunity with 11 minutes remaining.



On-loan Chelsea striker Batshuayi had seen a low drive thwarted by Berisha, but the keeper spilled a shot from Reus and Schmelzer pounced to seal Dortmund's place in the last 16.

 

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Guti urges Neymar to leave PSG for Real Madrid


Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti says Neymar should join the club from Paris Saint-Germain to reach new heights in his career.The Brazil star has been consistently linked with a move to the Liga champions in recent weeks, having reportedly failed to settle in France following his world-record €222million switch from Barcelona last August.

Guti, now a youth coach for Madrid, believes the Santiago Bernabeu is the only logical destination for Neymar if he decides to cut short his time in Ligue 1.

"Hopefully, he'll wear the shirt in future," he told Cadena Ser. "If he wants to advance and to scale new heights, it's only Real Madrid left for him."In the end, he was at an important club like Barcelona and now he is at another in PSG but you only really get to see him in the Champions League. All that is missing for him is Real Madrid."Rumours of interest in Neymar has led to speculation over the future of Madrid's 'BBC' attacking trio.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to join PSG and Manchester United in the past, while Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are said to be fighting to save themselves after underwhelming seasons.Guti thinks only Ronaldo is "untouchable" in Zinedine Zidane's side and claimed the Portugal international's attacking team-mates must prove their worth to the club.

"There's nobody untouchable any more, just Cristiano, because he's earned it," said Guti. "[Bale and Benzema] are great players and if they are at the top level, they are very important players for Real Madrid.

"But what Zidane has made crystal clear is that he has a great squad and anyone who proves to him that he can play will play. From now on, everyone has to put on their work overalls and try to do the best to get minutes with Zidane."

 

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Man Utd & Real Madrid in for Icardi? Wanda Nara confirms interest from 'important teams'


Inter striker Mauro Icardi is attracting interest from “important teams”, with Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly among his many suitors.The Argentina international has remained a model of consistency for inconsistent Inter this season, with 18 goals netted in 24 appearances.

That contribution, which now has him just four efforts short of 100 for the Nerazzurri, has sparked interest from leading sides across Europe, with the 25-year-old considered to be a shrewd addition for the present and future.

La Liga giants Real are said to have identified him as a possible ‘Galactico’ recruit, while Jose Mourinho remains in the market for added attacking spark at Old Trafford.

Icardi’s wife and agent, Wanda Nara, has now revealed that interest is being stepped up, while also telling Corriere dello Sport that she will not be relinquishing control of her husband’s career to the likes of Mino Raiola.She said: “In the last period, a couple of important teams have revealed that they want Mauro.

“I’m taking care of his future, I have to listen to them, evaluate the offers and the situation. Names? No names.“I have been dealing with Mauro’s contracts for over three years and we have already signed two renewals with Inter. He is happy with how I work and has never thought about changing representation.

“Mauro is a top player who continues to grow season after season. Many agents see him as a possible client, so they try to approach him. But he is calm and will continue with me: his representation will remain in the family.

“I have great respect for Raiola and for many other colleagues who would like to work with Mauro.“(But let me clarify) I am the only one dealing with contracts and the future of Icardi. Everything passes by me. It’s been like this for over three years and it will be like that also in the future.”Icardi’s current contract with Inter is due to run until 2021 and is reported to include a €110 million buyout clause.

 

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'Salah one of the best and will get better' - Totti expects even more from Liverpool star


Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is already “one of the best players in the world”, says Francesco Totti, but boasts the potential to become even better.

The Egyptian forward left Roma for Anfield in the summer of 2017 as a player considered to be good, but not yet great.His exploits for the Reds have lifted him into the latter of those categories, with 30 goals netted in just 36 appearances.

Roma legend Totti, who played alongside Salah in Italy, believes the 25-year-old can cement a standing among the global elite as he is a player who will strive for continuous improvement.

“The level he is playing at at the moment, he is one of the best players in the world — and I think he can and will get even better,” said a World Cup winner.“I know him well, he is a good friend and wants to keep ­improving, to keep ­getting better as a player.

“He does all the right things, he trains hard, he works hard, he listens to the coaches – that’s why, as good as he is playing at the moment, I think maybe there is even one more level in him.”

Salah’s efforts this season have helped to keep Liverpool in the mix for a top-four finish in the Premier League.They are also looking good to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, having established a commanding 5-0 first leg lead in a last-16 encounter with Porto.

Totti believes Salah could be the man to inspire the Reds to another continental crown, with Jurgen Klopp boasting the attacking firepower to trouble the best sides in Europe.

“He is one of those players who can make the difference in the big games,” added Totti.“That is why Liverpool cannot be ruled out of winning the Champions League.“There are more complete teams in the competition – but when you have a player like him, you start to believe anything is possible.”

 

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'We weren't good enough' - Wilshere pulls no punches after Arsenal's Ostersunds defeat


Jack Wilshere felt Arsenal were guilty of underestimating Ostersunds after the Premier League club flirted with an embarrassing exit from the Europa League on Thursday.

Arsene Wenger's side appeared to be in complete control of the last-32 tie after cruising to a 3-0 win in the first leg on Swedish soil, giving them a comfortable cushion ahead of the return fixture in north London.However, Ostersunds scored twice in the space of 70 seconds in the first half at the Emirates Stadium to suddenly put the tie back in the balance.

While Sead Kolasinac's goal shortly after the break ended the visitors' hopes of completing an improbable comeback, Wilshere knows the home side had turned in a below-par performance ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final with Manchester City.

"We were nowhere near it, especially in the first half," the England international told BT Sport."We weren't good enough. To be honest, we did improve in the second half but it still wasn't good enough.

"We're through and that's all that counts, so we will see who we get in the draw.We have a big game to come on Sunday too, so we can focus on that."But when you're 3-0 up in a two-legged tie you still have to go again — it was only half-time. Maybe we underestimated them a little bit, but the main thing is we're through."

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at home, Arsenal triumphed 4-2 on aggregate to secure a place in the last-16 of the tournament, with the draw for the next round taking place on Friday.

 

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Salah has world's best left foot? Don't forget Messi – Klopp


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unfazed when asked whether Mohamed Salah has the world's best left foot, saying Lionel Messi should not be forgotten in that category.Salah has been in remarkable form in his first season at Liverpool, scoring 30 goals in all competitions since arriving from Roma.Of his 22 Premier League goals, Salah has netted 19 with his left foot, two with his right and one with his head.

Asked if the Egypt international's left foot was the world's best, Klopp was disinterested – but said Barcelona star Messi should perhaps be considered.

"In the business? All over the world? Lionel Messi, is he left-footed, Lionel? Well, maybe we shouldn't forget him completely," the German said."But yes, the best in the world – I'm not too much interested in this category but he's got a good one. I'm happy about that.

"I am more surprised that he had a header as well and probably with the right foot he scored a few."So I don't care which part of his body he uses. It's for him like for all the other boys, but yes it's a very good left foot for sure."Salah gets a chance to add to his tally when Liverpool host West Ham in the Premier League Saturday.

 

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I want to win the English Premier League title with Liverpool – Mohamed Salah


Mohamed Salah has stated his desire to win the English Premier League title with Liverpool.The Reds last won a diadem in 2012 when they defeated Cardiff City in a penalty shoot-out to claim the League Cup for a record eighth time and have not tasted the league title since 1990.

They currently occupy the third spot with 18 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City but a win in Saturday’s clash with West Ham United could see them climb to the second spot.

And the 25-year-old who has hit the ground running since he joined the club from Italia side Roma in the summer, scoring 30 goals including his 22 in the top-flight has reiterated his aim to win titles for the club."I came here to win titles," Salah told Football Focus.

"I can tell the fans we work 100% to try and win something for the club."It's a long time since the club won the league. It's my dream to win the Premier League - but I want to win it with this club."

 

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Pep Guardiola charged by FA for wearing pro-Catalunya yellow ribbon


The Football Association (FA) has charged Manchester City manager over his wearing of a yellow ribbon on the touchline in recent months.

The coach has been wearing the ribbon to show his support of imprisoned activists and politicians who campaigned for Catalan independence. Guardiola has been a vocal supporter of those locked up in the wake of the referendum in October 2017.

The legality of the ribbon in English football became questionable, as Jose Mourinho asked in a press conference in December whether such a political message should be allowed.

According to law 4.5. of the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, players and coaches are not permitted to wear equipment with "any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images".
And the FA have opted to acknowledge Guardiola's ribbon as a breach of reguations and will take steps to punish the City coach. "Pep Guardiola has been charged for wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon, in breach of The FA’s kit and advertising regulations," a statement from the FA read.

"He has until 6pm on Monday 5 March 2018 to respond to the charge."Guardiola has explained his reason for making the tribute to those detained in his home region and feels that it is an issue that goes beyond Catalunya.

"I hope that the politicians in prison can leave as soon as possible for their families," Guardiola said in a press conference. "If it can happen to them then it can happen to us. For giving an opinion. People shouldn't be confused and think it couldn't happen to them, because it can."We cannot ignore that these eleven politicians or activists, who haven't hurt anyone, are in prison for asking to vote.

"Many things have happened but it's all because we wanted to vote, because we wanted a legal referendum. The solution is that the state and Catalunya should agree and we can have an agreed referendum. It's as simple as that."

 

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Conte happy for Mourinho to keep benching Pogba


Antonio Conte has talked up Paul Pogba's qualities and insisted that it would be better for Chelsea if Jose Mourinho leaves him out of his starting XI on Sunday.

The Blues travel to Old Trafford for a crucial fixture in the race to finish in the top four, with Pogba one of the main talking points ahead of the game having been in and out of the side in recent times.After being withdrawn after 63 minutes of United's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham in January, Pogba was then dropped to the bench against Huddersfield before again being taken off midway through the second half of the defeat to Newcastle.

He was then missing from the FA Cup win over Huddersfield due to illness and surprisingly started on the bench for the Champions League last-16 clash with Sevilla on Wednesday.

Scott McTominay has been one to benefit from Pogba's absence from the team but Conte insists he would be happy if Mourinho continues to leave out the former Juventus man.And when asked about the Frenchman potentially being on the bench again this weekend, the Blues boss said: "We are talking about a top player, about a fantastic player.

"My expectation is to see him on the pitch, if he stays out [of the XI] it will be better."As I said before, we are talking about a top player. Every coach has to find the right way to manage him. But I think that Pogba is showing at United that he is a top player."

When asked if he was surprised Pogba had been left out recently, Conte added: "I must be honest: my focus is only on Chelsea. I'm not interested on what happens with the other teams."

Pogba replaced Ander Herrera early on in United's 0-0 draw in Seville, and Mourinho fears the midfielder could be out of action for a while due to a hamstring injury.He told reporters: "Ander is out, I don’t know the final diagnosis but I know he’s out for a few weeks, I don’t know how to say few, two, three, four, five or six."

United will be looking to strengthen their grip on second place in the Premier League table, with Conte's side capable of moving ahead of them if they claim all three points at Old Trafford.

 

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Man Utd-linked Bale still important to Real Madrid, says Zidane


Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists Gareth Bale remains a valued member of his squad despite admitting to doubts over the forward's durability.Wales star Bale has only started one of Madrid's last four competitive fixtures as speculation continues to surround his long-term future, with Manchester United often linked with signing him.

The 28-year-old, who has battled persistent calf and thigh problems this season, did complete 73 minutes in last weekend's win at Real Betis, before being relegated back to the bench for the midweek trip to Leganes.

However, Zidane insists the former Tottenham man still has a part to play."He is an important player. He will always be an important player," Zidane told reporters on Friday."He is training hard, working hard like the rest of my players. "I want to see Gareth at 100 per cent. I do not want him to get injured again.

"We have got many games coming up and... I am sure Gareth will have an important part to play."Hopefully he will not get injured but you have got to be in tip top shape if you want to play every game."

Los Blancos are on a six-game unbeaten run in LaLiga heading into Saturday's visit from Alaves, scoring 26 goals in the process.And Zidane praised his players for turning around their form after a terrible start to their title defence.

"I am proud of the team. Even when things have not quite gone to plan we have shown strong character," he said."It is an impressive tally to have scored 26 goals in six games. We want to maintain this good run of form."

 

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Europa League last 16 draw: Arsenal to face AC Milan, Dortmund get Salzburg

Arsenal have been drawn against Serie A side AC Milan in the last 16 of the Europa League.

The Gunners narrowly overcame Ostersunds in the second leg of their last-32 tie, with Sead Kolasinac's goal ensuring that, despite being beaten 2-1 on the night , they advanced through 4-2 on aggregate.

Milan, meanwhile, were comfortable winners over two legs as they claimed a 4-0 aggreage win over Ludogorets - Fabio Borini scoring the only goal of the night at San Siro in the return meeting on February 22.

Arsene Wenger's side last faced Milan in the Champions League back in 2012, with the Premier League side dumped out 4-3 on aggregate despite winning the second leg of that last-16 tie 3-0.Laurent Koscielny is the only Arsenal player that still plays for the club since that last meeting - the French defender was even on the scoresheet that night, along with Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie.

Elsewhere in the draw, Dortmund will face RB Salzburg - the Bundesliga side advancing past Atalanta in a game marred by alleged racial chants aimed at on-loan striker Michy Batshuayi .

Atletico Madrid have been drawn alongside Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow, and Ligue 1 side Marseille will take on another La Liga side in the form of Athletic Bilbao. The ties will take place on the weeks of March 8 and March 15, with the quarter-final draw to follow on March 16 in Nyon.

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.02.24

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.02.24

Leicester City Vs Stoke

Bournemouth Vs Newcastle

Brighton Vs Swansea

Burnley Vs Southampton

Liverpool Vs West Ham

WBA Vs Huddersfield

Watford Vs Everton

​

 

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LA Liga Fixtures 2018.02.24

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.02.24

Celta Vigo Vs Eibar

Real Madrid Vs Alaves

Leganes Vs Las Palmas

Barcelona Vs Girona​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2018.02.24

Serie A Fixtures 2018.02.24

Bologna Vs Genoa

Inter Vs Benevento​

 

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Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.02.24

Bundesliga Fixtures 2018.02.24

Bayern Vs Hertha Berlin

Hannover Vs Monchengladbach

Hoffenheim Vs Freiburg

Stuttgart Vs Frankfurt

Werder Bremen Vs Hamburg​

 

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Inter 2 Benevento 0: Nerazzurri pick up much-needed win at San Siro

Second-half goals from Milan Skriniar and Andrea Ranocchia secured Inter a much-needed 2-0 triumph over basement boys Benevento on Saturday.

The Nerazzurri's stuttering season appeared set to plumb new depths against travel-sick opponents until they scored twice in the space of three minutes.Skriniar lifted the mood inside a toxic San Siro when he caught Benevento sleeping at a corner, the defender running on to a bouncing ball to nod home.




Ranocchia followed his fellow centre-back's lead soon after, meeting Joao Cancelo's inviting free-kick with a firm header that flashed into the bottom right corner of goalkeeper Christian Puggioni's net.

Serie A's bottom club had proved a major stumbling block until the quickfire double, and even had a stong shout for a penalty at 0-0, Danilo Cataldi denied when appearing to tumble over Ranocchia's outstretched leg.However, the visitors finished the game with 10 men, Nicolas Viola sent off after receiving two late bookings, as Inter picked up a win that lifts them up to third in the table.


For Inter, it's all about points, not performances. When they won the reverse fixture last October thanks to a brace from Marcelo Brozovic, they were unbeaten in seven games and appeared set to challenge for the Scudetto.

Instead, a run of just one win in their last 10 league outings either side of the winter break has abruptly ended any title talk and instead left them in a fight to finish in the top four.

Having seen his side struggle in a 2-0 loss at Genoa, Spalletti recalled Ivan Perisic and handed Rafinha his first start since joining from Barcelona, though the returning Mauro Icardi was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench.The changes failed to inspire the hosts in the first half, though, and it was Benevento who had the best opportunity to score before the break.

Massimo Coda's fierce drive on the counter forced Samir Handanovic into a smart save and immediately triggered a chorus of jeers from a far-from-happy Inter faithful.At the other end, Gaetano Letizia's well-timed tackle stopped Antonio Candreva from calling Puggioni into action, the forward seeing the ball taken off his left foot just as he was set to pull the trigger.

Matias Vecino finally managed Inter's first on-target attempt in the 54th minute, unleashing a 25-yard shot that Puggioni punched over for a corner in rather unorthodox fashion.Cataldi was outraged when the officials failed to point to the spot after his clash with the clumsy Ranocchia, who quickly made an impact in the opposite box to put the game beyond Benevento.

By that stage Skriniar had finally broken the deadlock, heading home his fourth goal of the season via a deflection off the underside of the crossbar.Benevento's misery was complete with the dismissal of Viola, leaving them still without an away point in Serie A. While they're stuck at the bottom, things might finally be looking up for Inter.

 

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Barcelona 6 Girona 1: Suarez treble and Messi masterclass settle Catalan clash

Lionel Messi dazzled on his way to another career record as Luis Suarez hit a hat-trick in Barcelona's 6-1 demolition of Girona.

Messi notched a superb brace and has now scored against 36 opponents in Spain's top flight – more than any other player in the competition's history.Ninth-placed Girona have made waves in their debut LaLiga season and Pablo Machin's side drew first blood at Camp Nou through Portu, the forward adding to goals against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Valencia this term.




Barca's response was brilliant, with Messi running through his full repertoire to put their Catalan neighbours in their place and move on to 30 in all competitions this season.

A 10-point lead over Atletico Madrid – who face a tricky trip to Sevilla on Sunday – was essentially secured by half-time, but Philippe Coutinho spectacular first league strike for the Blaugrana and Suarez's treble gave the home faithful further reason to revel.

It was the first time Messi, Suarez, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele were named in the same starting XI by Ernesto Valverde, but there is little doubt over who remains the master.


Ivan Rakitic picked the wrong moment to get involved in the showboating spirit of Barcelona's all-star line-up when his ill-advised backheel led to Girona's third-minute opener.

Girona scythed forward on the break and, although Aday Benitez appeared to have overrun the ball, hesitation between Barca centre-back Samuel Umtiti and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen allowed Portu to steal in and finish well from a narrow angle.The home side responded instantly – Messi rolling a typically perfect throughball for Suarez to slot home.The Argentinian superstar soon clicked into virtuoso mode with some sumptuous passing and, when Suarez returned the favour of his earlier assist, Bernardo Espinosa scampered back to head Messi's chip off the line.

Bono's efforts were not so robust after half an hour as Messi twisted back inside Jonas Ramalho and Juanpe. The resulting shot was struck firmly enough but the Girona goalkeeper should have done better than parrying into his bottom right corner.Barca's talisman seemed determined to turn Bono's night into an ordeal and he clipped a cute free-kick under a jumping defensive wall to make it 3-1.

Girona kept coming and Ter Stegen saved sharply from Anthony Lozano's header, but a blistering break orchestrated by Messi allowed Coutinho to tee up Suarez for a simple finish.There was no let-up from Valverde's side and Rakitic and Dembele combined for Suarez to hit the outside of the post in pursuit of his hat-trick after 54 minutes.

Dembele shifted inside Espinoza to come agonisingly close to a confidence-boosting goal before Gerard Pique was allowed to rest for the final half hour, having again hobbled through portions of the action.

Coutinho brought Camp Nou to its feet with a trademark curler from 25 yards midway through the second half. Bono finally bested Messi by tipping his latest free-kick away from the top corner and touched a late header from substitute Thomas Vermaelan on to the bar.But he had to pick a ball that now belongs to Suarez out of his net one last time in the 77th minute – Dembele charging down the right channel and crossing for the Uruguay striker to do the rest.



Barca finished the game with 10 when, after making all three substitutions, right-back Nelson Semedo limped off with an apparent hamstring injury.

 

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Watford 1 Everton 0: Stunning Deeney finish moves hosts six clear of trouble


Troy Deeney scored the only goal of the game with a rasping finish to move Watford six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with 1-0 win over Everton.

No team has conceded more top-flight home goals than the 26 Watford have shipped, and when Oumar Niasse inadvertently hit the woodwork in the first half, the Vicarage Road crowd would have been forgiven for expecting another difficult examination for their defence.

But, in a game in which opportunities were extremely limited, Deeney took his with aplomb 11 minutes from time to light up an otherwise disappointing spectacle.




Jordan Pickford had previously produced a fine save to deny Kiko Femenia, who had seen the Everton goalkeeper's clearance deflect off Deeney and into his path.
However, he could do little to stop the Watford captain from settling the contest as the forward rifled a stunning finish into the top-right corner.

Sam Allardyce's visitors had no response as Javi Gracia claimed his second win as Watford manager, moving them on to 33 points and into the top 10, just one point and one place behind Everton.


Everton had the best chance of the first half when Niasse saw his low cross deflected onto the base of the near post following a quick counter.

From there chances proved few and far between in the opening 45 minutes, with the even nature of the contest reflecting the two teams' relative proximity in the table.Sebastian Prodl and Michael Keane each wasted opportunities after the restart, both defenders heading off target at either end as the game became slightly more open.

Deeney then forced Pickford into action, but his save from the Watford striker's header was still relatively comfortable as defences continued to dominate.Cenk Tosun, still yet to score for Everton since his January move from Besiktas, was brought on for Niasse in the second half in an attempt from Allardyce to spark the game into life.

But one of the chief creative presences on the pitch was then withdrawn as former Everton playmaker Gerard Deulofeu limped off after the hour.Wayne Rooney fired way over on the volley before Pickford had to dive to his left to deny substitute Femenia after Deeney had partially blocked his clearance.

Yet there was an unexpected twist as Stefano Okaka pulled the ball back for Deeney to turn and lash beyond the helpless Pickford, who prevented the scoreline from being more comfortable for the hosts with a fine save from Okaka.



A remarkable late equaliser almost arrived deep in stoppage time as Pickford charged up for a corner and headed into the path of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the substitute could not scramble the ball in as Everton's miserable away record extended to one win from 22 top-flight games.

 

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Real Madrid 4 Alaves 0: Ronaldo at the double as 'BBC' delight

Cristiano Ronaldo passed up the chance to complete a hat-trick and allowed Karim Benzema to wrap up a 4-0 win over Alaves with a late penalty as Real Madrid's 'BBC' reunited to fine effect.Ronaldo struck either side of Gareth Bale's strike 28 seconds into the second half, while Benzema recovered from an abject start to the match by assisting Los Blancos' first two goals.

Having heard his team-mate jeered earlier in the contest, the Portugal international then selflessly let Benzema convert an 89th-minute penalty after Victor Laguardia brought down a marauding Bale.The result means Madrid have won five consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time this season and Zinedine Zidane will draw particular encouragement from his headline attacking stars operating so brilliantly in tandem.

A fourth consecutive LaLiga victory was ultimately too much to ask for a resurgent Alaves, who showed plenty more of the their encouraging form under Abelardo before being outgunned, Galactico-style.


Alaves should have been behind in the 18th minute when Mateo Kovacic and Theo Hernandez orchestrated a lightning counter-attack, but the much-maligned Benzema lost his footing to skew wastefully wide and draw whistles from a section of the Madrid faithful.

Benzema proved a more effective provider in the hosts' next attack of note, skipping around Alexis and crossing for Bale to send a spectacular overhead kick just wide.The visitors grew into the game and Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas reacted sharply to thwart Alfonso Pedraza low down to his left.Bale failed to punish a poor clearance from Navas' opposite number Fernando Pacheco at the other end, but Madrid led in the 44th minute.

After collecting a cute backheel from Benzema, Ronaldo turned to produced an assured left-footed finish and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner gestured towards his team-mate during the celebrations, seemingly asking for the crowd to show some appreciation.

Benzema did indeed receive some warm cheers when he cut inside to fizz a shot over in first-half stoppage time, an attempt that came after Madrid failed to clear a corner and Navas patted away an Alexis strike at his near post.Alexis was culpable in a nightmare start to the second half for Alaves, Benzema snapping the ball off his toes.

The Frenchman had Ronaldo and Bale charging forwards to his right and left. He elected to pick out Bale, who vindicated the decision by clipping a low shot past Pacheco.

Madrid began slicing Alaves open at will and it was a surprise of sorts that it took until the 61st minute for goal number three to arrive.Bale swept a pass out to Lucas Vazquez on the right and Ronaldo timed his run perfectly to convert the Spain winger's low cross for his 28th goal of the season.Lucas thrashed into the side-netting and was again denied the goal his efforts deserved 15 minutes from time, this time by the impressive Pacheco.

Ronaldo's no-look pass to Lucas was the sign of a man basking in a buoyant Bernabeu atmosphere and he judged the mood perfectly when he let Benzema arrow a spot-kick into the bottom-left corner and crown a redemptive outing.



Madrid are now within four points of Atletico Madrid in second place, while Alaves have a 10-point buffer between themselves and the relegation zone in 16th.