Blackburn Rovers 0 Liverpool 1:Liverpool attacking playmaker Philippe Coutinho produced a moment of magic late on versus Blackburn Rovers to book his side's place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley against Aston Villa.

Philippe Coutinho scored the only goal as Liverpool booked an FA Cup semi-final date with Aston Villa thanks to a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in their quarter-final replay at Ewood Park.  The Brazilian shot low across goal with 20 minutes left as Liverpool finally broke down Gary Bowyer’s resolute home side, who had earned a replay with a gritty 0-0 draw at Anfield.  Blackburn battled bravely, and they caused brief late panic when goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was sent forward for a corner in injury time.  But they could not deny the Premier League side, as Brendan Rodgers’ search for a first trophy as Liverpool manager remained on course.  Visiting goalkeeper Simon Mignolet played his part as he kept out a shot from Tom Cairney and then turned a Ben Marshall header onto the post early in the second half.  Eastwood, though, was by far the busier – and had kept his side in the game in the first half with saves from Glen Johnson and Coutinho.  Joe Allen wasted Liverpool’s first opening after four minutes when, having got to the ball first on the edge of the Blackburn area, his shot was well wide.  Raheem Sterling also tried his luck as Liverpool pressed early on, but his effort flew over.  Blackburn’s first real attack came after 13 minutes when Mamadou Sakho left the ball for Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet but was forced to race back to block Craig Conway’s shot.  Daniel Sturridge – recalled to the starting line-up in place of Lazar Markovic – shot narrowly over as Liverpool continued to dominate, before the England striker failed to control Jordan Henderson’s long ball.  Jordan Rhodes then got in front of Dejan Lovren at the other end after 25 minutes, but he headed over with a rare Blackburn chance.  An injured Sakho could only watch that attack, and the limping defender was soon substituted by Kolo Toure, in the absence of suspended Martin Skrtel.  Johnson forced a good save out of Eastwood on the half-hour mark after the defender’s initial cross had come back to him, before Eastwood again got down well to turn Coutinho’s low shot through a crowd of players and around the post.  But Blackburn began the second half with more purpose and Mignolet was forced to turn Cairney’s shot out for a corner before, from the resulting flag kick, the Belgian pushed Marshall’s header onto the post.  Corry Evans then tested Mignolet with a shot 10 minutes into the second half, as Blackburn continued to force the pace.  Just after the hour, Bowyer brought on Rudy Gestede – who was restricted to a role on the bench because of a hamstring injury – and in his first moment of action, the striker played through Rhodes, whose shot was blocked by Toure.  Finally, with 20 minutes to go, Coutinho broke the deadlock with a moment of magic. The Brazilian took a return pass from Henderson in his stride and fired low into the opposite corner from the edge of the six yard area.  There was almost late drama when, in injury time, Blackburn threw goalkeeper Eastwood forward for a corner and he caused panic as Liverpool somehow survived to book their semi-final against Villa at Wembley.

comment on this post

Read More

Napoli 0 - 1 Lazio

Senad Lulic came off the bench to fire Lazio into the Coppa Italia final as the capital club claimed a snatch-and-grab 1-0 win at Napoli on Wednesday that saw them proceed to the showpiece 2-1 on aggregate.  Lulic – a second-half substitute for Stefano Pioli’s side – turned in Felipe Anderson’s cross with just 11 minutes to play at Stadio San Paolo to book the six-time winners a spot in the June 7 showpiece against Juventus.  The final will be staged at Lazio’s Stadio Olimpico home, as they go in search of a third Coppa Italia success in seven years.  Coppa holders Napoli will feel hard done by after dominating much of the second leg, with Manolo Gabbiadini – who scored their goal in the 1-1 first-leg draw – coming closest when his excellent free-kick struck the post.  Lazio defended well but star Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain had an off night in front of goal and it proved costly as Lulic had the last laugh before making sure of their progression with a heroic goalline clearance to deny Jose Callejon a tap-in.  A delighted Pioli led the visitors’ celebrations at the final whistle as the Lazio coach goes in search of silverware to add to a campaign that looks set to end in UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in eight seasons.  Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insisted his side would not sit back despite their away goal in the first leg and they made all the early running.  A heavy touch robbed captain Marek Hamsik – back in the starting XI after being left out against Roma on Saturday – of space to get a meaningful shot off following Dries Mertens’ clever pass.  Napoli fans then thought they had scored when Gabbiadini’s superb 25-yard free-kick bent over the wall and dipped, with goalkeeper Etrit Berisha beaten, but his effort cannoned off the post as Napoli failed to make their dominance pay.  Only superb last-ditch defending in the 51st minute from Dusan Basta denied Higuain – who was set to tap in Christian Maggio’s cross unmarked at the far post.  Much of Lazio’s attacking threat came from either Miroslav Klose or Antonio Candreva, and the latter registered their first shot on target in the 54th minute before the German veteran saw penalty appeals fall on deaf ears after bustling into the area.  Having committed numbers forward, Lazio were caught out by a breathtaking Napoli counter-attack, but Higuain’s poor first touch allowed the onrushing Berisha to claim the ball.   It served as a warning, and in the 79th minute, Anderson’s deflected cross from the right beat goalkeeper Mariano Andujar but not Lulic, who simply side-footed in from four yards.  Higuain volleyed way wide as Napoli desperately sought an equaliser, and it nearly came after substitute Lorenzo Insigne charged forward down the left, but Lulic was on hand to deny Callejon with a crucial intervention that capped his superb cameo.


comment on this post

Read More

Paris Saint-Germain 4 - 1 Saint-Etienne

Zlatan Ibrahimovic passed the 100-goal mark for Paris Saint-Germain and went on to score a hat-trick as Laurent Blanc’s side beat Saint-Etienne 4-1 to reach the Coupe de France final on Wednesday.  With David Luiz, Thiago Motta and Edinson Cavani sidelined and a Coupe de la Ligue final with Bastia as well as a UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona on the horizon, PSG coach Blanc named a much-changed side for the last-four clash.  Still the Ligue 1 leaders had enough to see off a stern test from Christophe Galtier’s side, Ibrahimovic opening the scoring with a landmark goal from the penalty spot at the Parc des Princes.  The talismanic striker converted after Francois Clerc had harshly been adjudged to have pulled down Ezequiel Lavezzi.  Romain Hamouma ensured PSG’s lead short-lived when the winger levelled matters by turning home from a Yohan Mollo set-piece, only for Lavezzi to restore the hosts’ advantage after the break.  Ibrahimovic then put on a late finishing masterclass, stylishly adding PSG’s third in the 81st minute before sweeping home in injury time to take his tally to 102 for the French champions – who face Auxerre in the final on May 30.  PSG started on the front foot and Lavezzi was twice denied by Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier in the first 15 minutes.  Ruffier did well to punch away a Lavezzi volley after the Argentinian forward had latched on to an Ibrahimovic header and again thwarted the former Napoli man at the near post following more good work from the Sweden striker.  But the hosts’ pressure told in the 20th minute when Lavezzi broke through the Saint-Etienne defence before appearing to go down easily under the challenge of Clerc.  Referee Fredy Fautrel showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Ibrahimovic coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner to reach the century mark.  Yet PSG’s lead lasted all of four minutes, as Hamouma levelled by glancing home Mollo’s left-wing free-kick.  Blanc’s men would have fallen behind if not for the reflexes of Nicolas Douchez, who came in for first-choice goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu as one of six PSG changes.   Douchez used his legs to keep out former PSG striker Mevlut Erding’s shot following a poor Gregory van der Wiel back-pass and turned Loic Perrin’s header from the resulting corner over the crossbar.  Ibrahimovic forced Ruffier into another save with a low free-kick in the 35th minute and, after ramping up the pressure following the restart, PSG re-established command as Lavezzi got the goal his impressive display merited.  Lavezzi met a cross from compatriot Javier Pastore with an expertly placed header into the bottom-right corner on the hour-mark.  Ibrahimovic struck the post in the 71st minute following a quick PSG counter, but 10 minutes later he did add a third with a moment of class.  Substitute Blaise Matuidi played Ibrahimovic in and he cleverly flicked the ball round Ruffier then tapped into the empty net. The former Barcelona man then capped things off by claiming his hat-trick with a powerful strike just inside the near post in stoppage time.



comment on this post

Read More

Barcelona 4 - 0 Almeria:Messi and Suarez gave barcelona the victory

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were on target as leaders Barcelona beat Almeria 4-0 to chalk up a sixth straight La Liga win.  Messi went into the contest nursing an injury to his right foot but illuminated a largely forgettable first half with a sumptuous strike – his 44th goal in 43rd Barca appearances this term.  Suarez redeemed what had been a frustrating match individually with a similarly impressive second 10 minutes after half-time.  Defender Marc Bartra headed home in the 75th minute before Suarez tapped home in stoppage time to ensure former Barca full-back Sergi suffered defeat in his first match as Almeria coach.  The Andalusian side dispensed of Juan Ignacio Martinez after a run of seven winless games, though Sergi may well target Saturday’s fixture against fellow strugglers Granada as a chance to turn their fortunes around.  Barca appear to be hitting their straps at just the right time, however, with an ever-improving defence keeping a clean sheet for the fourth time in five outings.  Though ultimately comfortable, Barca were made to sweat through much of the first half as Suarez wasted a free header from a seventh minute corner before Messi nodded Dani Alves’ cross into the arms of goalkeeper Julian Cuesta.  Barca struggled to create early clear openings despite dominating possession and Wellington Silva was only denied by a last-ditch intervention from Pedro – the winger’s best contribution coming in defence despite being brought in to replace the off-form Neymar.  There was a vital clearance from Almeria teenage debutant Antonio Marin after Messi sent Suarez scampering in behind the visiting defence and Cuesta saved with half an hour played when Xavi drilled a volley into the turf.  Murmurs of frustration were audible from the Camp Nou terraces at that stage, but Messi punctured the air of apprehension in typically majestic style.  Cutting in from the right flank, Barca’s talisman skipped past Edgar Mendez’s challenge and curled a beauty into the far corner from the edge of the area.  Almeria retained a threat on the break after half-time and the hosts were grateful when Suarez doubled their advantage emphatically.  Again, attacking from the right proved profitable for Barca and Suarez evaded an isolated Jose Manuel Casado to thrash a left-footed shot that Cuesta could only touch into the top corner.  Ivan Rakitic and Pedro went close as Barca revelled in a more relaxed Camp Nou atmosphere.  Bartra was allowed ample room to convert a Xavi corner with 15 minutes remaining and Messi thought he had a second, only for Cuesta to impressively keep out his 88th-minute free-kick.  Suarez shrugged off brief fears that he had sustained an injury to his right leg by chalking up his brace in stoppage time, completing a simple finish from Pedro’s low cross moments after Almeria midfielder Thomas Partey had a spectacular volleyed effort disallowed – a moment to encapsulate the struggles that Sergi must turn around.








comment on this post

Read More

Atletico Madrid 2 - 0 Real Sociedad

Reigning champions Atletico Madrid eased to a third consecutive La Liga win with a routine 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Tuesday.  Coach Diego Simeone chose to shuffle his pack, making five alterations to the side that overcame Cordoba by the same scoreline on Saturday, but the changes paid instant dividends as the hosts caught Sociedad cold.  Atletico offered the latest demonstration of their set-piece prowess when Mikel Gonzalez headed Koke’s second-minute corner into his own net.  It was 2-0 shortly afterwards as former Sociedad forward Antoine Griezmann capitalised on an error from Geronimo Rulli – far from the last uncertain moment on a trying outing for the Argentine goalkeeper.  The gap between second-placed Real Madrid and Atletico is down to two points ahead of the former’s trip to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, while next week’s all-Madrid UEFA Champions League quarter-final looms on the horizon.  Simeone’s side made a strong start as Arda Turan drilled an early shot against the post on the end of Koke’s deep cross, but Atletico did not have to wait long to open the scoring.  Koke’s delivery caused problems for Sociedad once more as Gonzalez diverted the Spain midfielder’s in-swinging corner into his own goal.  An uphill task for David Moyes’ team became considerably steeper in the 10th minute when Rulli got down to keep out Koke’s dipping strike but could only push the ball to Griezmann, who dispatched a cool finish beyond the prone keeper.   A last-ditch challenge from Gonzalez prevented Griezmann from doubling his tally shortly afterwards and, although Sociedad belatedly settled into the contest, Rulli provided further cause for concern in the 27th minute when he saved unconvincingly from a Jesus Gamez drive.  Another well-planned corner routine in the 39th minute could have brought a third for Atletico but Mario Suarez missed his kick, before Koke almost caught out Rulli in fortuitous circumstances – his arching cross from the right dipping to hit the crossbar.  Suarez thumped over under pressure after Griezmann’s cushioned lay-off as Atletico continued to be the most threatening team after the break.  Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza went to ground in the area under a challenge from Miranda as the hour approached but the referee was uninterested in his penalty claims.  The hosts pressed forward once more, looking to secure the points, and substitute Raul Jimenez – on in place of Fernando Torres – saw an attempt deflected wide after Rulli clawed a Gamez cross out of his six-yard box.  Home goalkeeper Jan Oblak made sure of his third consecutive clean sheet with a brilliant 88th-minute save, pushing a free-kick from sub Esteban Granero away from the top corner as Sociedad were forced to accept a first defeat in five games.



comment on this post

Read More

Fiorentina 0 Juventus 3 (2-4 agg)

Juventus moved closer to a first Coppa Italia trophy in 20 years, reaching the showpiece after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Fiorentina 3-0 and seal a 4-2 aggregate success in their semi-final on Tuesday.  The Italian champions suffered their first home loss since 2013 in the first leg but produced an excellent display in Florence as goals from Alessandro Matri, Roberto Pereyra and Leonardo Bonucci secured their progression.  Making the win more impressive was the amount of stars Juventus were without. Forward Carlos Tevez missed with a muscular problem while Andrea Pirlo (calf) and Paul Pogba (hamstring) remained on the sidelines and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was rested.  Their win was soured by an 88th-minute red card to forward Alvaro Morata, a decision which seemed harsh. Morata’s tackle on Alessandro Diamanti was clumsy, but not reckless. He will now join Claudio Marchisio in missing the final, after the midfielder was shown a second-half yellow card.  Despite the late cards, Massimiliano Allegri’s men were more than comfortable against a flat Fiorentina and will now meet either Napoli or Lazio in the June 7 final in Rome.  Juventus last lifted the Coppa Italia in 1995, beating Parma over two legs, but have lost three finals since, most recently to Napoli in 2012.  Fiorentina’s defeat means their own drought – which runs back to 2001 – continues. They lost last season’s final to Napoli.  Mohamed Salah – so superb since joining Fiorentina on loan from Chelsea in January – tormented Juve in the first leg, scoring both goals in their 2-1 away win.  And he was nearly at it again as early as the fourth minute, after he wriggled his way into the penalty area before scoring, only to see the effort ruled out for his push on Bonucci in the build-up.  It was an early warning sign and Fiorentina would go on to control the first 20 minutes before falling behind, after Marchisio broke down the right and found Matri, who played in Morata.  And while the Spaniard’s effort was blocked, Matri pounced on the loose ball to prod past Neto and level the tie.  Stefano Sturaro went close as Juve pressed for a second, while at the other end, Fiorentina had another goal chalked off as Gonzalo Rodriguez was correctly adjudged offside before he nodded in a free-kick.  Juventus then took the aggregate lead on the stroke of half-time, as Pereyra, a constant threat with his powerful forward runs, tapped in the rebound from close range after Morata’s effort was saved.  Fiorentina were expected to respond after the break and they did initially, as Mario Gomez fired into the side netting before Salah missed the target after a dangerous run.  But their revival fizzled out as Pereyra’s shot was nearly deflected in by Stefan Savic before the same player forced a good save from Neto.  And Juventus would seal their victory from the resulting corner, as Bonucci got free of his man to volley home from seven yards in the 59th minute.  Rodriguez was then booked for an elbow on Morata as they contested a high ball, but Marchisio – who was passed fit to play despite fears he suffered a serious knee injury on international duty – was booked for his remonstrations.  Alberto Aquilani fired just wide as Fiorentina sought a response but the match petered out in the latter stages, as Juventus – leading Serie A by 14 points and still involved in the UEFA Champions League – began to dream of a historic treble.  And although Morata’s late dismissal was unfortunate, Allegri will hope to have the likes of Tevez, Pirlo and Pogba back for the final.



comment on this post

Read More

Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Manchester City

Crystal Palace put a huge dent in Manchester City’s faint hopes of retaining their Premier League title with a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park on Monday.  Goals either side of half-time from Glenn Murray – his fifth in as many matches – and Jason Puncheon sealed all three points for Palace, with Yaya Toure’s thumping late drive proving scant consolation for the champions.  Manuel Pellegrini’s side now sit nine points adrift of Chelsea having played a game more, and they head into Sunday’s derby with Manchester United in fourth and a point behind their rivals having lost three of their last five league fixtures.  City felt Murray’s first-half opener should not have stood, claiming that both he and Scott Dann were offside in the build-up, with replays showing the two decisions to be marginal.  But there could be no complaints over Puncheon’s free-kick early in the second period, a fine curling effort that left Joe Hart with no chance.  City pressed hard to get back into the game and Toure’s rasping shot reduced the arrears with 12 minutes to go, but they could find no way back as Palace’s resurgence under Alan Pardew continued.  Martin Kelly for Pape Souare was the hosts’ only change from their 2-1 win at Stoke City last time out, and it was the former Liverpool defender’s dangerous cross in the second minute that Wilfried Zaha blazed over from close range when he ought to have scored.  City responded strongly to that early scare and pinned Palace back with a period of constant pressure.  David Silva twice brought smart saves out of Julian Speroni, while Sergio Aguero struck the base of the left-hand upright with the goalkeeper motionless.  Aguero stabbed over as City continued to dominate but then, against the run of play, Palace took the lead in the 34th minute.  Dann got on the end of Joe Ledley’s flick and, after his effort was saved by Hart, the ball ran kindly for Murray to tap home from two yards.  City left the field at half-time complaining to the officials about the validity of the goal, and their mood was not improved three minutes after the restart when Puncheon sent a 20-yard free-kick over the wall and into the bottom-right corner.  There was further controversy 20 minutes from time when Murray clearly handled Fernandinho’s deflected shot in the area, but referee Michael Oliver waved away City’s vociferous appeals for a penalty.  James McArthur did brilliantly to clear another Fernandinho effort over the bar as the visitors piled on the pressure, and Toure’s superb left-footed strike from 20 yards raised hopes of a comeback.  City substitute Samir Nasri and Toure both went close with deflected efforts late on but, as was the case for Liverpool last May, City’s bid for Premier League glory seemingly came to an end at Selhurst Park.

Read More

Juventus 2 Empoli 0

Carlos Tevez led by example in the absence of several key stars as injury-hit Juventus’ ominous march towards a 31st Serie A title continued with an unconvincing 2-0 defeat of Empoli on Saturday.  Juve were without a multitude of players due to injury, including Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo, but Tevez produced an all-action display in their absence to inspire Massimiliano Allegri’s side to all three points.  The Argentina international was a constant nuisance to the Empoli backline during the first half, though the visitors were successful in frustrating their hosts for over 40 minutes.  Juve’s breakthrough eventually came just before the break, Tevez slamming home an indirect free-kick from 10 yards to delight the home fans.  Empoli improved after the break and were only denied a 53rd-minute equaliser by GIanluigi Buffon’s fine one-handed save, as Juve’s hold of the midfield battle began to loosen.  The Italy goalkeeper came to Juve’s rescue again 19 minutes from time, before more fine work from Tevez led to substitute Roberto Pereyra adding a late second for Allegri’s side, who restored their 14-point lead at the summit following Roma’s win over Napoli earlier in the day.  Despite their injury woes in midfield, Juventus did not appear to have any problems dictating proceedings during the early exchanges, crafting the first chance after just five minutes.  Tevez was unsurprisingly at the fore, as he cut on to his right foot and curled a delicate effort towards the bottom-right corner, only for Luigi Sepe to turn it around the post.  Serie A’s top scorer was central to Juve’s next opportunity 14 minutes later, deceiving two defenders with a delightful feint on the edge of the area before seeing his eventual effort smothered by the advancing Sepe.  Juve remained utterly dominant and Daniele Rugani – who is set to join Allegri’s men in July – eventually presented them with a glorious opportunity from an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area after a 42nd-minute backpass.  Tevez duly smashed the ball beyond the helpless combination of Sepe and his wall, finding the roof of the net in emphatic fashion to break the deadlock.  Regardless of their dominance, Juve had to rely on goalkeeper Buffon to keep them ahead seven minutes into the second period, as Manuel Pucciarelli raced on to Mirko Valdifiori’s long pass and saw his header acrobatically tipped wide.  The match began to descend into a scrappy midfield battle as the hour mark approached, with neither side crafting much in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.  Juve had to count on the brilliance of Buffon again in the 71st minute, the veteran rushing out to tackle Pucciarelli before then denying the Empoli striker with a reaction save.  Arturo Vidal almost put the result beyond doubt with 80 minutes on the clock, stroking just wide of the bottom-left corner from 20 yards.  The Chilean then jogged off gingerly with a knock four minutes from time, to leave Allegri with another potential midfield injury concern.  But any late collapse was prevented by Pereyra, who tapped home in stoppage time after Sepe had parried another effort from the influential Tevez.

comment on this post

Read More

Chelsea 2 - 1 Stoke City

Charlie Adam’s wonder-strike proved in vain as Chelsea beat Stoke City 2-1 to go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.  Stoke had not scored for over six years at Stamford Bridge ahead of Saturday’s trip to the capital, but when they eventually found the back of the net it was worth the wait.  Adam embarrassed Thibaut Courtois with an astonishing strike from almost 65 yards to equalise just before half-time, Eden Hazard’s 17th goal of the season having deservedly put Chelsea in front.  Jose Mourinho left Diego Costa on the bench, stating ahead of the game that it would be a “gamble” to play the striker due to his hamstring problems, and that risk back-fired when he was injured again just 11 minutes after coming on at half-time.  Loic Remy had replaced Costa in the starting line-up and, just as he did at Hull City last time out, the France forward scored the winner following a mistake from the otherwise outstanding Asmir Begovic as Chelsea continued their march towards regaining the title.  Remy wasted no time in making his presence felt, as he almost put Chelsea in front with a deflected strike that was destined for the top corner until Begovic somehow scrambled across to make an impressive reflex save just two minutes in.  Oscar failed to hit the target with a poor finish following a slick passing move, but Stoke’s resistance was ended when Hazard put Chelsea in front six minutes before half-time.  The recalled Philipp Wollscheid rashly dived in on Cesc Fabregas after being beaten by the Spain midfielder and Hazard sent Begovic the wrong way after referee Jonathan Moss had pointed to the spot.  It was difficult to see how Stoke would get back into the game, but Adam took matters into his own hands with a sensational equaliser a minute before the break.  The midfielder looked up before trying his luck with an astonishing left-footed strike from inside his own half. Although Courtois got a hand on the ball after desperately scrambling back from the edge of his penalty area, he was unable to prevent what must surely be the goal of the season.  Costa replaced Oscar at half-time and normal service was resumed, as Hazard’s drive forced Begovic to make another fine save and the Stoke keeper again reacted brilliantly to keep out a free-kick from Willian that appeared to flick off Glenn Whelan’s head.  Spain striker Costa lasted only 11 minutes before pulling up and limping away, with Didier Drogba coming on to replace him. Chelsea’s frustration was mounting by that stage, but Begovic undid his good work by gifting them a second goal.  The Bosnia-Herzegovina international rolled the ball out carelessly after 62 minutes and Willian pounced to play in Hazard, who surged into the penalty area before unselfishly laying the ball off to Remy. He had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.  Chelsea’s joy was almost short-lived, as Steven N’Zonzi clipped the outside of the post soon after Remy had struck, while Begovic made a fine double save to deny Juan Cuadrado at the other end as the leaders secured another three points.


comment on this post

Read More

Marseille 2-3 Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to win 3-2 at Marseille in a thrilling Classique and go back to the top of Ligue 1.  Lyon moved to the summit with a 3-1 win at Guingamp on Saturday but their two-point lead was dashed after an excellent PSG rearguard in Marseille.  Andre-Pierre Gignac gave the hosts a 30th-minute lead and although the outstanding Blaise Matuidi levelled, the Marseille striker restored their advantage before the half-time break with a calm finish.  Laurent Blanc's men scored twice in the first six minutes of the second half, though, through Marquinhos and Jeremy Morel's unfortunate own goal.  And that proved enough for the champions, who weathered the storm to take a one-point lead in the thrilling race for the title over Lyon, while Marseille now sit five adrift of PSG.  Marcelo Bielsa's misery was compounded when Andre Ayew was given a straight red card for protestations with the referee after full-time.  Hamstring injuries to David Luiz and Thiago Motta could sour PSG's success, however, with a crucial Champions League tie against Barcelona to come this month.  The home fans created an incredible atmosphere before kick-off inside the revamped Velodrome and the raucous noise continued during a breathless first half.  A fast early tempo was not matched by quality football, at least initially, but Gignac's first goal brought the contest to life on the half-hour mark.  The forward beat Marquinhos at the back post with a firm header from Dimitri Payet's excellent cross which saw goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu beaten from six yards at his near post.  The news went from bad to worse for PSG, as David Luiz, who had only just returned from a hamstring problem, limped off with a similar injury.  But a piece of individual brilliance from Matuidi drew the champions level 10 minutes before the break as the midfielder cut inside Brice Dja Djedje before curling into the top-right corner from 18 yards, despite the best efforts of Steve Mandanda who got a hand to the strike.  Marseille would head into the half-time break ahead, though, as a quick counter-attack saw Alaixys Romao's tackle fall for Gignac, and the forward calmly slotted past the onrushing Sirigu from 18 yards.  Gignac was only denied a first half hat-trick by Sirigu in stoppage time, and that save would prove crucial after the break.  Shortly after Payet curled wide for Marseille, PSG levelled, with Marquinhos on hand to restore parity in the 49th minute, making the most of a stroke of luck after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's mis-hit free-kick landed in his path.  And just two minutes later, PSG had the lead, as Pastore broke down the left and saw his deflected cross - intended for Ibrahimovic - turned into his own net by the unlucky Morel.  An eerie silence followed and Marseille seemed stunned, as Ibrahimovic wasted a free header before Matuidi and Pastore went close again.  Their second half domination continued right until the final whistle, but attacking verve was tempered as key midfielder Motta limped off in the closing stages, before Gignac's red card after the final whistle ended a dramatic night.


comment on this post

Read More

Celta 0-1 Barcelona

Barcelona ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory at 10-man Celta Vigo on Sunday as they restored their four-point lead at the top of La Liga thanks to Jeremy Mathieu's header.  Celta had sprung a surprise back in November with a 1-0 win at Camp Nou and they more than matched Barca for a second time in this encounter, until Mathieu - who scored in the 2-1 Clasico victory last time out - decided the game 17 minutes from time.  It could prove to be a crucial goal for Luis Enrique's side, who had earlier seen a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid hammer Granada 9-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.  Barca struggled for large parts at Balaidos, and could have been behind had Joaquin Larrivey showed more composure when presented with a glorious opportunity late in the first half.  The visitors will point to Neymar's effort early in the second period which was disallowed for offside with replays showing that to be the incorrect decision, although Mathieu's excellent header rendered that academic.  Celta's woe in front of goal was compounded late on as Fabian Orellana was dismissed in farcical circumstances - for throwing a lump of turf at Sergio Busquets.  Larrivey netted the only goal when the two sides met in the reverse fixture, and it was he who threatened first in the 11th minute with a low shot which Claudio Bravo parried away.  Barca's response was swift, with Lionel Messi - who missed both of Argentina's friendlies during the international break with a foot injury - bringing a smart stop out of Sergio Alvarez following a trademark jinking run, before Neymar sent the rebound over.  Celta continued to look dangerous, though, and Bravo had to race from his line and slide in to divert the ball away from Nolito.  Three minutes before the break, Larrivey ought to have put the hosts ahead but he lashed wildly at Orellana's pass when he had time inside the area to take a touch and pick his spot.  Barca began the second period in much more positive fashion and Neymar had a goal ruled out for offside, despite replays suggesting the Brazil forward was level with the last defender.  Messi and Nolito both fired wide for their respective sides as the game opened up, before Dani Alves snatched a golden chance wide shortly after the hour-mark.  Gerard Pique was forced into a last-ditch challenge to deny replacement Charles as the game entered the final 20 minutes, and that proved crucial as Mathieu managed to reach substitute Xavi's free-kick with a fine far-post header which went in off the crossbar.  In a bizarre conclusion, Orellana was giving his marching orders two minutes from time for aiming a lump of grass at Busquets which struck the midfielder in the neck.  Messi missed the chance to seal the win when his deft chip went over the bar, but it mattered little as Barca held on to clinch maximum points.



comment on this post

Read More

Real Madrid 9-1 Granada

Cristiano Ronaldo well and truly stole the show in Real Madrid's 9-1 win over Granada on Sunday with an eight-minute hat-trick as part of a five-goal masterclass.  The Portuguese superstar is running out of achievements to notch up in Spain, but he netted his fastest treble in a Real shirt, and his first since December, within 38 minutes of a wonderfully clinical display.  Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, twice, were also on target for Carlo Ancelotti's side in Madrid, while Diego Mainz put through his own net to compound Granada's misery late on.  Bizarrely given such an emphatic scoreline, Real were far from their fluent best early on.  However, from the moment they led after 25 minutes when Bale's recent upturn in form continued with a well-taken opener under pressure, they never looked back.  Having coolly rounded goalkeeper Oier, Bale registered his fifth goal in four outings for club and country to set the ball rolling, before Ronaldo took centre stage and almost single-handedly put Granada to the sword.  The returning James Rodriguez supplied his first before the Ballon d'Or holder made the most of two Oier errors to register his 24th, and quickest, Liga hat-trick.  The onslaught continued in the second half as Ronaldo scored his fourth in between Benzema's brace, with Roberto Ibanez's late consolation the only disappointment for the hosts.  Mainz then turned Luka Modric's cross into his own net to present Real with another gift, before Ronaldo - fittingly - had the final say to move Real to within a point of Barcelona, who play Celta Vigo later on Sunday.



comment on this post

Read More