Levante 2 - 2 Espanyol [La Liga]

La Liga strugglers Levante failed to give their survival hopes a major boost as they required a late Victor Casadesus equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw with Espanyol.  The Valencia-based outfit went into the match level on points with 18th-placed Almeria, aiming to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.  However, the hosts rarely looked capable of stealing all three points, as Espanyol forced them to come from behind twice in front of their own fans.  Lucas Vazquez, who has impressed on loan from Real Madrid this term, opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the away side, finding the bottom-right corner after creating space for himself inside the area.  Levante hit back through Simao Mate three minutes later, the Mozambique internaional nodding in from a corner, only for in-form Felipe Caicedo to restore Espanyol’s lead just before the break, holding off Juanfran to find the net against his former team.  Espanyol could not hold on, though, as Victor latched on to Kalu Uche’s flick-on and slammed home from 14 yards three minutes from time to earn Levante a point, and dent the visitors already-slim chances of UEFA Europa League qualification.


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Nantes 1 - 0 Marseille

Marseille’s faltering Ligue 1 title challenge suffered a potentially fatal blow after a huge defensive blunder gifted Nantes a 1-0 win on Friday.  Togolese attacker Serge Gakpe profited from Rod Fanni’s dreadful back-pass attempt to give the hosts the lead after 20 minutes and Marcelo Bielsa’s out-of-form side could not find a way back, meaning they could find themselves 10 points from the summit on Sunday.  The visitors had their chances to punish Nantes on the day, but proved to be the architects of their own downfall, as Gakpe pounced on Fanni’s poor pass to Steve Mandanda before slotting under the French goalkeeper.  Bielsa reacted at the break by introducing mercurial wideman Florian Thauvin for midfielder Giannelli Imbula and the winger proved a tricky customer in periods.  But Nantes goalkeeper Remy Riou remained largely untroubled until the latter stages, stopping Thauvin’s drive in straightforward fashion with four minutes to go, before Andre Ayew picked up a booking for appearing to dive inside the area.  Fanni almost redeemed himself but saw his header tipped onto the crossbar in stoppage time as Marseille lost for the third league game running.  Marseille’s desperate late pressure almost paid off, but Riou tipped Fanni’s header onto the crossbar deep into stoppage time and Nantes held on, inflicting a third successive Ligue 1 loss on Marseille.

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Eintracht Frankfurt 0 - 0 Borussia Moenchengladbach [Bundesliga]

There were chances aplenty but no goals at the Commerzbank Arena as Borussia Monchengladbach spurned the opportunity to move five points clear in third, with Eintracht Frankfurt holding firm.  Lucien Favre’s men were seeking a fifth Bundesliga win in a row, which would have given them breathing space in the final automatic qualification spot for the UEFA Champions League.  The hosts have European aspirations of their own, with the Europa League a realistic aim, but neither could seize on the openings they created.  Haris Seferovic failed to capitalise on an early opening, while Kevin Trapp made the first of many saves from Max Kruse’s sixth-minute effort at the other end.  The Frankfurt goalkeeper thwarted Alvaro Dominguez and Thorgan Hazard late on as the visitors pushed for a late winner, but the sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.  Bayer Leverkusen may have been interested onlookers as they can draw level with Monchengladbach on 54 points with a win over Hannover on Saturday.

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Professional Football League (LFP) Reduce Zlatan Ibrahimovic ban to three matches

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has seen his suspension for a foul-mouthed rant reduced to three matches by the Professional Football League (LFP).  The Paris Saint-Germain striker was initially handed a four-game ban for comments towards a referee following a Ligue 1 defeat to Bordeaux, a decision that was criticised by his club.  Ibrahimovic appeared to say: “[I’ve] played 15 years I’ve never seen a referee this s*** country. Don’t even deserve PSG to be in this country. F****** too good for all of you.”  He later apologised and PSG have welcomed the decision to reduce his ban, while aiming an attack against other Ligue 1 clubs.  “Paris Saint-Germain is happy that the LFP has accepted the 17 April proposition by the French National Olympic and Sport Committee’s conciliators, concerning the striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  “The player also confirms he has accepted the conciliatory proposition to reduce his suspension to three matches.  “The capital club takes this opportunity to invite the other actors of French football: club presidents and players, to focus on the end of the season rather than meddle in the matters of Paris Saint-Germain.  “Paris Saint-Germain respects all clubs and refuses to pass comment on their affairs and asks the same in return.”  Marseille’s Dimitri Payet has also seen a ban trimmed. He was suspended for two games after directing angry comments at the dressing room of the match officials following a 0-0 draw with Lyon, but will now sit out a solitary match.



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Manuel Pellegrini:Yaya Toure to stay at City despite questionable recent performances and persistent rumours regarding a move to Inter

Manuel Pellegrini says he will keep faith with Yaya Toure despite questionable recent performances and persistent rumours regarding a move to Inter.  The Ivorian’s nosedive in form has coincided with City’s stuttering results of late, adding to speculation he could link up with former manager Roberto Mancini at San Siro.  However, Pellegrini refused to criticise the midfielder and said Toure still had a key role to play at the club.  “Yaya is a very important player for our team,” the Chilean said.  “Maybe all of you are waiting for me to criticise him or sacrifice him, but Yaya will continue playing here because he’s a very important player for me and this squad, for the fans, for everyone.”  Last weekend’s 4-2 derby defeat to Manchester United was their fourth loss in six league games as City’s title charge has tailed off dramatically.  The reigning champions have work to do to finish in the top four this term – amid pressure from Liverpool and Southampton – but Pellegrini maintains things are not as bad as they appear.  “We are always the team that has the most possession of the ball in every game, but maybe when you are not having the results you need all is negative,” he added.  “But I think that the players are clear what we must do and after the two days [against Manchester United] we started thinking of West Ham with the whole week thinking of the next game.  “The mentality of any player winning or losing are the same thing, if you win you cannot say how good we are and you have to play another game and might lose.  “So it’s very important to change your mind 48 hours after a defeat.”  City host West Ham on Sunday, having lost 2-1 at Upton Park in October.

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Brendan Rodgers says striker Daniel Sturridge will be given every opportunity to get fit for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says striker Daniel Sturridge will be given every opportunity to get fit for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa.  The England international has had an injury-disrupted season, making just seven Premier League starts so far.  After playing 85 minutes as Liverpool picked up a 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers in their quarter-final replay on April 8, Sturridge was forced to sit out Monday’s league win against Newcastle United with a hip problem.  Sturridge was reported to have missed training with the issue on Thursday, but Rodgers has not given up hope of fielding the forward at Wembley.  “We will give him every possibility to be fit for the game,” said Rodgers.  Liverpool are looking to win the FA Cup for the first time since 2006.



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ALL EYES ON GERRARD FOR LIVERPOOL FA CUP SEMI-FINAL

The spotlight will be firmly fixed on Steven Gerrard when Liverpool and Aston Villa meet on Sunday at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final.   Liverpool’s talismanic captain is available for selection for this weekend’s semi-final after serving a three-match ban following his uncharacteristic moment of madness against arch-rivals Manchester United.   Gerrard was sent off just 38 seconds after his introduction as a half-time substitute in the Premier League encounter for a reckless stamp on Ander Herrera, with his suspension robbing him of valuable game time heading into his final month as a Liverpool player.   The 34-year-old will join LA Galaxy at the end of the season, but only after Gerrard attempts to sign off at his beloved hometown club by winning the FA Cup, with the final set to take place on the midfielder’s birthday.   Brendan Rodgers knows how significant being able to select Gerrard again is.   “Steven has produced big moments in big games,” said the Liverpool boss.   “The most important thing is having him back.”  Rodgers must decide whether to jettison Gerrard and Martin Skrtel – who has completed a three-match ban of his own – back into his side or stick with the XI that started the 2-0 league win over Newcastle United on Monday.   Daniel Sturridge missed that game due to a hip injury and will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness for the Villa clash.   Liverpool, beaten FA Cup finalists in 2011-12, have been unconvincing in reaching the competition’s last four, requiring replays to beat Championship duo Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.   And Rodgers’ men can ill-afford another lacklustre display if they are to set up the chance to give Gerrard the perfect send off, especially given Villa are rejuvenated under Tim Sherwood.    Sherwood has overseen three wins from his last six league games to lift Villa out of the relegation zone and has designs on stunning Liverpool.   “I don’t want my players to have any regrets after the game,” he said. “We’ll do everything we possibly can to make sure we’re back there in May.  “We’ve picked up some good results recently. It’s definitely a game we can win.”  Villa’s chances of doing precisely that could hinge on whether or not Gabby Agbonlahor – who netted the only goal in his side’s 1-0 league win at Anfield in September – passes a late fitness test after a hamstring injury.   Carlos Sanchez (suspended) and Ciaran Clark (medial ligament) are definitely out. Veteran goalkeeper Shay Given, who turns 39 on Monday, will start.   “Can we dare to dream?” is the view of UK Prime Minister and Villa fan David Cameron ahead of the Wembley showdown.   Gerrard will feel he has a point to prove to keep his own FA Cup dream alive.


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Mourinho plays down United injury worries:Manchester United will not be hindered by their injury problems

Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United will not be hindered by their injury problems at the back when they visit his Chelsea side on Saturday.  United travel to Stamford Bridge without Daley Blind, Phil Jones (both ankle), Michael Carrick (calf) and Marcos Rojo (stomach) following setbacks suffered in their 4-2 win over Manchester City last Sunday.  Those absentees mean that one of Tyler Blackett or Paddy McNair is likely to partner Chris Smalling in central defence.  Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho said: “Their squad is amazing, in numbers, in players, in experience, their squad is amazing.  “I sat down this week to analyse the opponents and I realise what they have. [Louis] Van Gaal is a fantastic coach to the young players, they are more than ready.”  Chelsea are eight points clear of third-placed United in the race for the Premier League title and have the advantage of a game in hand.  “To play against Man United is to play against one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Mourinho added.   “This is what everybody wants. This week I was not worried about motivating players because there is no need. It is an easy job.”

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Manchester City could be without captain Vincent Kompany for the remainder of the season due to muscle injury

Manchester City could be without captain Vincent Kompany for the remainder of the season, manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed.  The Belgium international hurt a thigh during the 4-2 derby defeat at Manchester United last Sunday and a prognosis on the defender’s recovery is not yet forthcoming.  “Kompany has a muscle injury – we don’t know how long he’ll be out for. We don’t know if he will be fit before the end of the season,” explained the Chilean.  Pellegrini has a number of other injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with West Ham.  “Dedryck Boyata is fit. [Stevan] Jovetic, [Wilfried] Bony, [Gael] Clichy, [James] Milner and Kompany are not fit for Sunday.  “It’s more important than ever to have the fans, the players and the staff together as one. We are one club.”

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Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will miss Saturday’s clash with Valencia after picking up an injury in the UEFA Champions League

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta will miss Saturday’s clash with Valencia after picking up an injury in the UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.  The midfielder was withdrawn early in the second half of Barca’s quarter-final first leg victory at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.  He was later confirmed to have suffered heavy bruising to his pelvic region, with coach Luis Enrique revealing the 30-year-old is all but certain to miss the weekend’s action at Camp Nou.  “He’s much better, he didn’t train today so in principle, unless there’s a miracle, he won’t be in the squad,” the Barca boss explained.  “He won’t be playing tomorrow.”  With Barca still in the running for La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League honours, Luis Enrique also discussed the hectic schedule his side are facing.  “I don’t want it to sound like I’m making excuses,” he added.  “Fitness wise it certainly conditions you to have less time to recovery. That’s obvious. You can see that in the way we train. We don’t want to overload the players.  “It couldn’t get much tighter, the schedule, but other teams at our level have to deal with the same kind of arrangements.  “It makes things difficult – I’m exhausted and I haven’t played a minute so imagine what it’s like for the players.  “We’re coming to the end of the season, in the position we want, with three trophies available and that’s a huge stimulation for us.”

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Van Gaal searching for answer to United injury problem

Louis van Gaal faces an injury crisis ahead of Manchester United’s crucial Premier League clash with leaders Chelsea on Saturday.   Daley Blind, Phil Jones (both ankle), Michael Carrick (calf) and Marcos Rojo (stomach) have been ruled out after suffering setbacks during United’s derby victory over Manchester City last Sunday.  United travel to Stamford Bridge one point behind second-placed Arsenal – who are in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend – and could move within five of Chelsea if Van Gaal’s injury-hit side can come away with a victory.   “It is the worst scenario,” said the Dutchman. “Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender, and Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices.  “Daley Blind and Michael Carrick could have played as holding midfields and I do not have another option. It is a puzzle.”  However, the Dutchman does have Luke Shaw available and will give Robin van Persie as much time as possible to prove his fitness.  “Shaw I think is training for a lot of weeks already so he can play,” he told MUTV. “Van Persie is another story – this is the first week he has trained with us, with the first team, but maybe we have to think about him.”

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Atletico join chase for Dybala having managed 13 goals and 9 assists 29 Serie A matches

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have taken a keen interest in Palermo striker Paulo Dybala, according to AS.  Los Colchoneros aim to further reinforce the front line in the summer and they have made the Argentine forward their primary target.  AS has suggested that Dybala’s agents are set to hold a meeting with Atletico Madrid officials as the La Liga side aim to lure the highly rated footballer to Vicente Calderon in the summer.  The 21-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players and while Palermo are ready to sell, they are holding out for €40 million.  Serie A giants Juventus are believed to be leading the chase at the moment, but Atletico seem keen to hijack their bid for the Argentine.  Dybala has been in scintillating form this season, having managed 13 goals and 9 assists 29 Serie A matches.
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Benzema to miss Malaga clash due to a knee complaint.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Real Madrid will be without the services of Karim Benzema for Saturday’s La Liga game with Malaga, although the striker will return for the second leg of his side’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.  Reports in Spain claimed that the France international – who was pictured with heavy strapping to his right leg – was forced to withdraw from Friday’s training session due to a knee complaint.  Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti confirmed: “He [Benzema] is not available, but will recover for the next game.  “We will put out the best line-up possible to win against a team that has done well and is dangerous.  “It will not change the design of the team. He can play against Atletico.”  Real welcome Malaga to the Santiago Bernabeu two points adrift of Barcelona, who host Valencia this weekend, at the top of La Liga.

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Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he expects to remain at Bayern Munich next season despite the resignation of the club doctor.

Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he expects to remain at Bayern Munich next season despite the resignation of the club doctor.  Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt announced his decision to step down on Thursday due to a break in the “bond of trust”, having claimed his medical team were made responsible for Bayern’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg loss to Porto on Wednesday.  Muller-Wohlfahrt, who also serves as doctor for the Germany national team, previously stepped down in 2008 when Jurgen Klinsmann was coach, but returned after the ex-Germany international departed.  Asked about his future following Muller-Wohlfahrt’s exit ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga game with Hoffenheim, Guardiola said: “Of course I will be staying here next season.”  Guardiola was also quizzed on footage that appears to show him sarcastically clapping in Muller-Wohlfahrt’s direction after Medhi Benatia picked up a hamstring injury at Bayer Leverkusen last week.  “It was my disappointment. Nothing to do with the doctor,” Guardiola added. “Benatia has struggled with injuries for a long time and that’s why I was frustrated. We need him.”  Turning his attention to the progress of Bayern’s high-profile absentees, Guardiola said: “[Philipp] Lahm won’t play tomorrow. He’s sick. [Franck] Ribery is also not fit.  “[Bastian] Schweinsteiger won’t be in the squad, but it’s looking better.  “These players are my heroes.  “Over the last few weeks and months, despite injuries, they’ve played every minute and are still here.  “We are strong with the team that we have, this is a strong fighting group.”


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Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew says Bolasie is worth double the $19.2 million price-tag slapped on him by Liverpool.

 Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew  says Bolasie is worth double the $19.2 million price-tag slapped on him by Liverpool.
Bolasie, who scored an 11-minute hat-trick in Palace's 4-1 away win at Sunderland last week, has been linked with a $19.2 million transfer to English Premier League rival Liverpool.  The Democratic Republic of Congo international has also been touted as a potential target for Tottenham.  But Pardew said of the reported m price-tag: "Blimey. They need to have a look at that, because he is worth double that."  Speaking on the form of Bolasie and team-mate Wilfried Zaha, Pardew added: "Those two guys, if they get isolated with defenders, then those defenders are in trouble."
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Manchester United and Arsenal battle for Higuain

Arsenal and Manchester United are both set to move for Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain this summer, according to Talkspot.  The 27 year old, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, has been in Italy for the past two seasons having signed for Rafael Benitez’s side from Real Madrid.  He has made ninety-three appearances for the Serie A side, and scored his forty-eighth goal for them in their 4-1 Europa League quarter-final win over Wolfsburg on Thursday evening.  In six-and-a-half years in Spain, he won three La Liga titles and the Copa Del Rey while internationally he was part of the Argentina squad that finished as runners-up in last summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, while he also featured in the 2010 tournament in South Africa.  Following Thursday’s results, Napoli are now favourites to win the Europa League and can be backed at a price of 8/5.

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A Newcastle United supporters’ group has finalised plans to boycott Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham at St James’ Park.

A Newcastle United supporters’ group has finalised plans to boycott Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham at St James’ Park.  The group, known as AshleyOut.com, have been quick to back the planned protest against owner Mike Ashley that snowballed on Twitter in recent weeks.  As well as a frustration at how the side are stuttering to the end of another disappointing season, sections of Newcastle’s support have grown weary at how the club is run and a perceived lack of ambition behind the scenes.   As a result, fans have been invited to protest before and after the Tottenham game, with a trip to a local park scheduled in between.  “We will head over to Leazes Park after the game has kicked off,” a statement from the group explained.  “No specific protest activities have been planned [at the park], but we will spend one and a half hours feeding the ducks, watching the grass grow and having a kick-about with fellow fans.  “There is every chance you will see more determination than on the pitch a few hundred feet to the south.”  John Carver’s side have lost their last five Premier League games and sit 13th, having not yet secured their top-flight status for next season.  Newcastle’s campaign has already seen protests against members of the club’s staff, with former manager Alan Pardew the subject of ire prior to his departure for Crystal Palace.

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Newcastle United set £10m for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin bid

Newcastle United are lining up a £10m bid for Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, according to the Metro.  The North East club are keen on securing a deal for the England U21 international, and believe that completing such a deal could help them in their attempts to lure ex-England manager Steve McClaren from Championship promotion hopefuls Derby County.  Austin, who was playing non-league football just six years ago is on the verge of a full international call up after impressing in QPR’s fight for survival, with seventeen goals in twenty-nine Premier league appearances.  Since moving to Loftus Road from Burnley in the summer of 2013, the 25 year old has racked up sixty-seven appearances in total, scoring thirty-seven goals and his seventeen in the league last season helped them achieve promotion via the play-offs.  Austin is currently two goals behind Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa and Harry Kane in the race for the Premier League’s golden boot, and can be backed at 33/1 to win the prize.

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Bayern Munich have confirmed the resignation of club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt following their 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Porto.

Muller-Wohlfahrt revealed on Thursday that he had stepped down from his position, citing a break in “the bond of trust” after feeling his medical team were blamed for injury-ravaged Bayern’s quarter-final first-leg reverse at Estadio do Dragao.  And a statement on Bayern’s official website read: “FC Bayern Munich notes with regret the decision of chief medical officer Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt [72] to resign his medical duties at the club.  “Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt in particular, but also his team, have performed first-class work for the club and its players over the years. Our sincere thanks are due for this.  “FC Bayern will shortly announce new arrangements for the club’s medical unit. Until then Dr Volker Braun, sports physician and consulting physician in trauma surgery and orthopaedics, will support the FC Bayern team at matches.”  Muller-Wohlfahrt – renowned as a world leader in the treatment of sports injuries – is also the doctor for the German national team and has been associated with Bayern for nearly 40 years.  He previously resigned his position in 2008 following a row with then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann, only to return when the ex-Germany international departed the club.  In a press conference on Friday, Bayern’s current coach, Pep Guardiola, played down suggestions of a fall-out between himself and Muller-Wohlfahrt.  Asked what had happened between the two, Guardiola replied: “Nothing. It was his decision to leave and I respect it.”


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Ancelotti:Nobody has called me from Manchester City

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has quelled talk he will leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.  The Italian has seen his future become the subject of discussion in recent weeks with his contract due to expire at the end of the next season.  Premier League champions Manchester City have been credited with an interest in the former Milan boss and Ancelotti says that while his future remains somewhat unclear, he is planning for next season at Real.  “I have another year to run and that’s enough time to see whether I will renew my contract or not,” he told esRadio.  “I’m not in any hurry; if the club hasn’t called me yet, they might call me to discuss it in September or maybe not call at all.  “Nobody has called me from Manchester City, in fact the talk is about [Jurgen] Klopp going there.  “I am not going to request a contract extension. Coaches depend on the results they attain and anything could happen. I am already planning the pre-season.”  Real remain in the running for a treble this season but must negotiate the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Atletico after Tuesday’s first leg ended goalless.  “I’ve watched a video of the game. I was happy because the team played well, especially in the first half,” he added.  “It’s difficult to play at a complicated ground like the Calderon but we weren’t happy with the result.   “This time we’ll be at home and that’s what counts.”

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The Brazil international Oscar happy at Chelsea

photo via:THENET
Chelsea F.C. midfielder Oscar has insisted he has no plans to leave Stamford Bridge amid reports suggesting Jose Mourinho is ready to listen to offers for the player.  The Brazil international, who joined Chelsea from Brasileirão side Internacional for a fee of around £20 million in the summer of 2012, has tallied six goals and seven assists in 26 English Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.  However, Oscar’s long-term future remains up in the air, especially when considering Mourinho paid £23.3 million to land Juan Cuadrado from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina in January.   “I’m very happy here,” said Oscar, who has been substituted in 18 of 24 league appearances in 2014/15. “I get along with everyone, and the club shows its praise towards me. Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world, so I don’t see why I would think of leaving.  “I’m very happy with Chelsea’s season so far and happy with my own performance as well, but I do think I could have contributed more to the team.
“There are different tactics depending on the opponents we face, and we respect the manager’s choices. Sometimes I’ve ended up not playing the entire match, but I’m doing my best to fulfil my role.”
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Jeffrey Webb re-elected as CONCACAF president for a second term

photo via:news power fm
Jeffrey Webb was thankful after being re-elected as CONCACAF president for a second term on Thursday.  Webb took over as president in 2012 and will continue in that role, with reports saying he was re-elected unopposed.  The 50-year-old from the Cayman Islands was delighted to be given the opportunity to continue as president.  “Thank you for allowing me to represent you for another term,” Webb tweeted.  “I am sure that with your support this leadership will continue to advance the game. What is great for the game, must be great for all.  “Let’s ensure that the game is bigger than any single one of us.”

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Club Brugge captain Timmy Simons was pleased with a clean sheet after his team drew the home first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final with Dnipro.

Club Brugge captain Timmy Simons was pleased with a clean sheet after his team drew the home first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final with Dnipro.  Both teams passed up chances to break the deadlock but Brugge’s Mathew Ryan found himself to be the busiest goalkeeper during the closing stages.  Brugge are competing for an unprecedented treble as they lie top of the Belgian top flight having won the domestic cup in March, and Simons conceded their continental challenge was tough.  “It’s always difficult to play a quarter-final of a European competition,” he told RTBF Sport.  “We created chances but we were unable to bring them to fruition.   “We should have made it 1-0 and that might have allowed us to win.   “But we kept the zero and it is the most important ahead of our trip to Kiev.”  Brugge forward Tom De Sutter came off the bench as Michel Preud’homme’s team pushed for victory and reflected on a frustrating evening.  De Sutter said: “It would have been nice to win but they were very complicated to play and very well organised.   “We had opportunities and need to take advantage but we failed.”
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Khouma Babacar is confident Fiorentina can go on to win the UEFA Europa League after his injury-time goal earned a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev

Khouma Babacar is confident Fiorentina can go on to win the UEFA Europa League after his injury-time goal earned a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev in Thursday’s quarter-final first-leg tie.  Jeremain Lens’ deflected first-half opener appeared as though it would be enough for Kiev to take the advantage back to Florence next week.  However, substitute Babacar showed great athleticism to flick the ball over his head from close range in the 92nd minute to earn a deserved draw at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex.  And the Senegal international was delighted to play such a vital role.  Speaking to Mediaset, he said: “It was a very important game for us, we gave everything. We played a good game.  “He [head coach Vincenzo Montella] told me that I have to continue with the right attitude and give my best. I play for the team.  “We want to go all the way and win the Europa League, we’re sure success will come soon.   “We’ll play the return leg and maybe go even further. We must continue to work well, it was impossible to lose to Kiev after playing so well.”


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United States 2-0 Mexico

The United States claimed a 2-0 win over Mexico in an international friendly in Texas on Wednesday.  Goals from Jordan Morris and Juan Agudelo in the second half saw the US to their victory at the Alamodome.  Jurgen Klinsmann’s team were mostly the better side throughout in San Antonio, and they were rewarded after the break.  Both teams were below full strength and it showed for large parts, with neither particularly able to get going.  The US were bright early on without creating any clear-cut chances.  Both teams tried their luck from range – without seriously threatening – and often broke down in the middle and attacking thirds.  Mexico went close to opening the scoring five minutes before half-time.  The overlapping Gerardo Flores beat his man before crossing to the near post, but Eduardo Herrera hit the side-netting with the difficult chance.  In his first senior international start, Morris gave the US the lead in the 49th minute and it was a fittingly scrappy goal.  The 20-year-old, who has never played a professional game, got on the end of a loose ball and used his speed before finishing cooly past Cirilo Saucedo.  Agudelo doubled the lead in the 72nd minute with a tremendous goal.  The New England Revolution forward brought down a Michael Bradley pass with a superb first touch before cutting inside and firing past Saucedo, who could have done better.  Bradley almost sealed the win in the 79th minute, but his in-swinging corner was cleared off the line.  Yet it did not matter as Mexico rarely threatened as the US enjoyed a win over their archrivals.



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Chelsea close to signing Brazilian youngster Nathan

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brazilian youngster Nathan, according to reports from The Telegraph.   The 19-year-old is considered as one of several exciting young talents in Brazil and he is now expected at Chelsea on Wednesday to discuss a £4.5m transfer move.  Reports suggest that Nathan has arrived in London for a medical after being granted permission by his present club, Atletico Paramaense, to discuss personal terms.   The youngster rose to prominence with his performances in the World U-17 Championships two years ago and can play in any of the three attacking positions – behind the striker and on both flanks.   Nathan should adapt quickly to the new conditions as he is set to link up with club’s strong Brazilian contingent, with the likes of Oscar, Willian, Ramires and Felipe Luis all in the first team squad.   The question is will he get regular game time at Chelsea?  Chelsea have made a habit on signing talented young players from around the world and sending them on loan immediately. Interestingly, these players rarely get the chance to represent the first team (Thibaut Courtois is an exception) and are sold permanently after a certain period of time.   Jose Mourinho when asked about Chelsea’s young players given first team opportunities, he said recently: “If they are good enough and if they are ready.”   The problem is these young players are never “ready” for Mourinho. And certainly are not “good enough” to represent Chelsea.   Chelsea are well equipped in their forward department having world class players like Oscar, Eden Hazard, Willian, and Juan Cuadrado in their ranks. Furthermore, Mohamed Salah could be given another chance to impress next season considering how well he has played for Fiorentina on loan.  It will be difficult for young Nathan to break into the first team ahead of all these established stars, unless Mourinho finds he is “ready” and “good enough” for first team action next season.

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Sevilla 2 - 1 Zenit St. Petersburg [Europa League]

Carlos Bacca and Denis Suarez came off the bench to score as Sevilla's inspired substitutions saw it come from behind to beat Zenit 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final.
The reigning champion fell behind to Alexander Ryazantsev's 29th-minute opener at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Thursday (Friday AEST) and for a long while looked set to face the prospect of having to overhaul a deficit in Russia next week.  Unai Emery's men - perhaps fatigued from coming from 2-0 down to snatch a point against La Liga leader Barcelona last weekend - struggled to find the final pass and were frustrated by a well-organised Zenit side.  But Bacca - introduced with 26 minutes remaining - nodded in a 73rd-minute equaliser before Barcelona loanee Suarez struck a stunning volley to settle the contest.  Suarez's thumping 87th-minute strike came from outside the penalty area and sparked wild celebrations as Sevilla grabbed a late win that gives it the upper hand heading into next week's second leg.  Zenit - which was without Russian Premier League top scorer Hulk and first-team regulars Danny, Domenico Criscito and Igor Smolnikov through suspension - does have an all-important away goal to it name, though.  Sevilla controlled the early stages but it was the visiting side which created the first real opening when Oleg Shatov saw a fierce effort saved by Sergio Rico.  Shatov's chance spurred Zenit on and Ryazantsev was only inches away from giving them a 19th-minute lead when he nodded Milan Rodic's excellent cross just wide.  Ryazantsev did get the opener 10 minutes later, though, with a superb follow-up effort delighting the small group of travelling supporters.  He cut in from the left wing and initially shot with his right foot at Rico, who could only parry in his direction, and Ryazantsev surged past Nicolas Pareja before firing the rebound into the roof of the net on his left foot.  Emery made two half-time substitutions in a bid to liven his side, as Suarez and Stephane M'Bia replaced Coke and Vicente Iborra.  And the changes made an early impact as M'Bia only just missed a low cross from Aleix Vidal on the right.  Suarez was closer to an equaliser in the 65th minute when he wriggled his way past two defenders and beat Zenit goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin with a left-footed strike, only for defender Ezequiel Garay to block his effort at the near post.  But it was another substitute who levelled proceedings, as Bacca nodded in from three yards following Vidal's superb delivery.  Vidal beat Garay to cross from the byline and Bacca met it sweetly, as Nicolas Lombaerts - stood on the goalline - could only watch it fly in.  Sevilla was buoyed by the goal and Grzegorz Krychowiak shot over with an overhead kick, before Suarez made his telling contribution, reading M'Bia's header before thrashing into the bottom-left corner in style.  The host side could have even scored a third, with Neto clearing a late Bacca effort as they finished strongly.

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Dynamo Kyiv 1 - 1 Fiorentina [Europa League]

Khouma Babacar stepped off the bench to score a dramatic late leveller and earn Fiorentina a precious away goal in a 1-1 UEFA Europa League quarter-final first-leg draw at Dynamo Kiev.
It appeared as though Fiorentina's wastefulness would prove costly as Jeremain Lens's deflected effort put the host side into a 1-0 half-time lead.  But Babacar, who replaced Mario Gomez in the 77th minute, provided a neat overhead finish in the second minute of injury time to earn a well-deserved draw.  Vincenzo Montella's team was seeking a swift response to back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Juventus and Napoli that saw it eliminated from the Coppa Italia and its Champions League hopes severely damaged.  The Serie A side caused plenty of problems in the first half at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, with Mohamed Salah and Matias Fernandez coming closest.  It was Dynamo - which is unbeaten at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League - that led at the break, though, thanks to Lens's strike, which took a kind touch off Nenad Tomovic.  But it was not to be for Sergei Rebrov's side as Babacar had the final say.  The home team was subject to a partial stadium ban due to racist behaviour of fans in the last round against Everton, but there was plenty of atmosphere in the Ukrainian capital.  Fiorentina looked to quieten the supporters and started much the brighter. The lively Salah led a three-on-two break before picking out Joaquin on the left, and he cut inside but saw his shot expertly blocked by the sliding Yevhen Khacheridi - the visiting side's calls for a penalty falling on deaf ears.  Dynamo was dealt a blow when Vitorino Antunes limped off in the 24th minute, Salah shooting tamely at Oleksandr Shovkovskiy from a good position soon after.   Fiorentina continued to create the better chances and Fernandez played a neat one-two with Gomez before curling wide of the right-hand post from the edge of the penalty area.  The Serie A side's profligacy was punished as Dynamo broke the deadlock nine minutes before the break.  Lens cut in from the right and his speculative effort clipped the heel of Tomovic and looped over Norberto Neto in the Fiorentina goal.  The start of the second half saw Fiorentina once again look the more threatening, although its final delivery was letting them down.  Dynamo was perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty in the 58th minute when Borja Valero was bundled to ground by Domagoj Vida.  Valero then saw a header hit the outside of the post when he did well to turn Marcos Alonso's cross goalwards in the 76th minute.  But Fiorentina finally got the goal its play deserved when Dynamo failed to deal with Fernandez's cross from the right and Babacar took advantage of the uncertain defending to hook the ball into the net from point-blank range.

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Club Brugge 0 - 0 Dnipro [Europa League]:Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan made key saves as his Club Brugge side and Dnipro played out an entertaining goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Michel Preud'homme's side is chasing an unprecedented treble as it sits at the top of its domestic league having already won the Belgian Cup against Anderlecht last month.  But it will have to retain its interest in continental glory with a positive result in Ukraine next week, against an opponent which produced the sharper work this time out.  Dnipro enjoyed the better of the first half, although Jose Izquierdo should have given Brugge a 27th-minute lead.  Clear chances remained elusive after the break, with Dnipro unable to find the away goal that would have aided its quest to reach a first continental semi-final.  Brugge headed into the game unbeaten in a UEFA Europa League campaign that began against Brondby in July, but the visiting side made a confident start.  Dnipro captain Ruslan Rotan spurned a good chance to put his team in front when lofted over from Valeriy Luchkevych's 10th-minute cutback.  At the other end, Izquierdo skipped past a pair of challenges and saw his curling shot deflected behind.  Yevhen Konoplyanka was at the heart of much of Dnipro's early impressive work and he drove at the home defence before unleashing a blocked shot that prompted a penalty box scramble.  The game's first clear opening fell Brugge's way as Obbi Oulare - preferred to Tom De Sutter in attack - dropped deep to thread a superb throughball into Izquierdo's path. The winger broke free of the Dnipro defence but goalkeeper Denys Boyko stood firm to deny him.  Brugge midfielder Victor Vazquez sent a vicious, dipping long-range shot just over in the 38th minute before Luchkevych and Nikola Kalinic wasted headed chances for Dnipro to make their superiority count.  Preud'homme's men began the second period with greater intent and Davy de Fauw - who endured a torrid first half defensively - was left unattended to head a 47th-minute corner wide.  Dnipro showed its prowess on the break a few moments later but Kalinic could not make contact with Rotan's cross-shot.  A flurry of yellow cards either side of the hour hindered the game's flow but both teams pressed gamely for the breakthrough - making light of their respective pre-match injury struggles.  Rotan came close to finding it once more, with Brugge's Ryan grasping his 77th-minute header at the second attempt.  That chance was crafted by another brilliant run from Konoplyanka and the playmaker was twice denied the goal his efforts deserved by Ryan in the closing minutes as an increasingly ragged Brugge held on.

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Wolfsburg 1 - 4 Napoli [Europa League]:Napoli gave Rafael Benitez the perfect birthday present with a stunning away performance to beat VfL Wolfsburg 4-1 in the UEFA Europa League.

Goals from Gonzalo Higuain, Manolo Gabbiadini and Marek Hamsik, who scored twice, put the Italian side firmly in control of its quarter-final, and gave Benitez plenty to celebrate on his 55th birthday.  Higuain broke the deadlock with a contentious strike after 15 minutes, before turning provider for Hamsik to double Napoli's advantage in the first half.  Hamsik then added a second just after the hour following calamitous defending from Josuha Guilavogui, with substitute Gabbiadini adding a fourth with 13 minutes to play.  Nicklas Bendtner pulled one back for the Bundesliga side late on, but it faces an uphill struggle to make the semi-finals when it travels to Naples on April 23.  A positive start from the host saw Kevin De Bruyne and Bas Dost cause problems, with the latter denied by Faouzi Ghoulam's crucial interception after 10 minutes.  Despite its early pressure, Wolfsburg found themselves behind five minutes later - albeit in controversial circumstances.  A diagonal pass from Dries Mertens was brought down by Higuain, seemingly with the aid of his arm, and the striker profited with a neat finish into the top-left corner.  The Argentina international was again influential midway through the opening half, taking a pass from Christian Maggio 30 yards from goal before delivering a sensational pass behind the Wolfsburg defence for Hamsik to stroke home.  Wolfsburg managed to regain some of its composure before the break, and went agonisingly close to halving the deficit when Andre Schurrle's drive was tipped onto the crossbar by Mariano Andujar in stoppage time.  Higuain should have extended Napoli's lead three minutes after the break having been spun away from two defenders, but Diego Benaglio made a superb stop having raced off his line.  A third was not too far away, though, with Guilavogui guilty of handing a goal to the visiting side.  Jose Callejon anticipated an under-hit pass and raced onto the loose ball. He then delivered a low cross for Hamsik and the Slovakia international made no mistake from seven yards.  Substitute Ivan Perisic attempted to get the host side back into the game as he found room 35 yards out, but his ambitious drive was wide of goal.  While Wolfsburg was wasteful, Napoli was thoroughly efficient and it added a fourth after 77 minutes as Gabbiadini drifted away from two defenders to head Lorenzo Insigne's cross under Benaglio's foot.  There was time for a late consolation for Dieter Hecking's side as Bendnter tapped home after excellent work by Perisic, giving Wolfsburg a glimmer of hope.

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Fenerbahce returned to action 12 days after the team bus was attacked by a gunman and claimed a 4-1 victory over Mersin Idmanyurdu in the Turkish Cup

Ismail Kartal's side has not played since their 5-1 Super Lig victory over Rizespor on April 4, when several shots were aimed at the front of its team bus after the match.  As a result the whole league program was suspended last weekend to allow a full investigation, while the Cup quarter-final was also rescheduled.  On its return to playing, Fener made a superb start as Dirk Kuyt netted twice before the break, with Hasan-Ali Kaldirim and Caner Erkin's goals securing a semi-final with Bursaspor. 

Fenerbahce had refused to play after the attack on April 4 in the Black Sea region and the Turkish Super Lig was also suspended by one week.  The club had said it would not play until the crime was solved. But although investigators were still working on the case, the club's directors said Fenerbahce had agreed to play after receiving security assurances from the government.  "Fenerbahce's directors have decided unanimously that the club should compete after receiving assurances from the highest competent authorities," the club said in a statement.  Fenerbahce is due to host Mersin at home in the second leg of a Turkish Cup tie that the Istanbul giant already lead 2-1.  After its suspension, the Super Lig also resumes on Friday with Gaziantepspor hosting Konyaspor before a round of weekend matches.  Fenerbahce will play its next Super Lig match on Monday against Bursaspor.  While the gun attack is still unresolved, the key to unlocking the situation appears to have been a rare meeting held late on Sunday by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the captains of all the Super Lig clubs.  Two people were arrested in the aftermath of the attack but were later released. It remains unclear at what stage the investigation is at.  The Fenerbahce bus was fired on, injuring the driver, as the club returned from a match in the Black Sea city of Rize.  The attack was another blow to the image of Turkish football which has been tarnished this season by crowd trouble, violent outbursts by players and thin attendances blamed on a controversial fan pass system.  Shortly after the attack, one of Fenerbahce's biggest stars, Dutchman Dirk Kuyt, announced he would be going back to the Netherlands at the end of the season.  However, he insisted he had made the decision before the gun attack on the team bus.  Despite the problems, the Super Lig is heading to a thrilling conclusion to the season with leader Galatasaray, second-placed Fenerbahce and third-placed Besiktas all in with a shot at the title.
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Celtic 4-1 Kilmarnock

Celtic came from a goal down to see off Kilmarnock 4-1 on Wednesday with Leigh Griffiths scoring a hat-trick to send his side eight points clear at the summit.  After Kris Commons cancelled out Darryl Westlake’s opener at Celtic Park, substitute Griffiths took his league tally to nine for the season with a 20-minute treble.  Westlake looked to have put Kilmarnock on course to end a three-match losing run in the Premiership when his shot took a telling deflection and evaded Craig Gordon.  However, Commons got the champions back on track with a hooked finish shortly before the hour.  It was then the Griffiths show as he scored within five minutes of replacing James Forrest.  The former Wolves man added Celtic’s second 10 minutes from time with a fierce drive that clipped the post before calmly picking his spot to round off the scoring with 85 minutes on the clock.  It leaves Kilmarnock ninth while Celtic take another step towards a fourth consecutive Scottish title.


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PSG 1 - 3 Barcelona [Champions League]

A quickfire brace from Luis Suarez put Barcelona on course for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals as they claimed a comfortable 3-1 first-leg advantage in their quarter-final meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.  After Neymar’s 18th-minute strike had given the Catalan giants an important away goal at the Parc des Princes, Suarez scored twice in 12 second-half minutes to help Barca put one foot in the last four.  Having nutmegged substitute David Luiz, the Uruguayan held off Marquinhos and Maxwell to nudge home his first, before outfoxing Luiz again en route to a beautifully-finished strike.  That set the seal on the result and put Barca on the verge of a seventh European semi-final in eight seasons, with Gregory van der Wiel’s deflected strike eight minutes from time doing little to offer Laurent Blanc’s side hope.  Having fallen behind early on, the French champions were also hit by the injury-enforced withdrawal of captain Thiago Silva – and that loss was keenly felt.  His absence added to the omissions of energetic midfielder Marco Verratti and talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic – both serving one-match bans – and the hosts now face an uphill battle in the return leg next Tuesday.  Following a low-key start, Barca  – for whom Dani Alves was suspended – gradually got into their groove and went ahead when Lionel Messi struck Salvatore Sirigu’s right-hand post with a curled strike 13 minutes in.  The visitors’ persistence was eventually rewarded when Neymar opened the scoring five minutes later – Sergio Busquets dispossessing Adrien Rabiot and allowing Messi an opportunity to craft a perfect throughball.  Neymar made no mistake with his finish and PSG were  dealt a double blow in the aftermath of the goal, as captain Silva was forced off to be replaced by Luiz.  Javier Mascherano – one of three Barca changes from the weekend Liga draw with Sevilla – produced a last-ditch tackle to deny Edinson Cavani a sight on goal as Blanc’s men enjoyed their first spell of sustained pressure.  Despite ending the half strongly, PSG almost fell further behind prior to the break when Suarez dispossessed Luiz, only to shoot tamely at Sirigu.  The hosts’ momentum continued into the second half as long-range strikes from Javier Pastore and Rabiot caused problems Marc-Andre ter Stegen.   However, Suarez took the game beyond PSG with a sublime first after 67 minutes, as he showed skill and strength to beat three markers and prod past Sirigu – registering Barca’s 400th Champions League goal.  Suarez cleverly evaded Luiz again and made it three soon afterwards with the only blow to their night coming when Jeremy Mathieu diverted Van der Wiel’s strike past Ter Stegen with time running out.  Mathieu made amends with a timely block from Cavani’s strike before the end, helping maintain Barca’s two-goal lead ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou.


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Porto 3 - 1 Bayern Munich [Champions League]

Porto took advantage of a host of defensive errors to stun Bayern Munich and prevail 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.  Bayern, winners in 2013, came into Wednesday’s clash at the Estadio do Dragao as favourites, but a trio of mistakes at the back leaves them with it all to do at the Allianz Arena next week.  In a dramatic start to proceedings, Ricardo Quaresma took full advantage of two glaring errors from Bayern in the opening 10 minutes, first converting from the penalty spot after Jackson Martinez had dispossessed Xabi Alonso and then been felled by Manuel Neuer inside the box.  Quaresma then robbed Dante and produced a calm finish to double his tally and leave visiting coach Pep Guardiola standing aghast on the touchline.  Bayern, missing the likes of Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben, got themselves back into the tie shortly before the half-hour when Thiago Alcantara scored his first goal since February 2014 with a close-range finish.  But Jerome Boateng’s second-half lapse in judgement afforded Martinez – back after over a month out with a groin problem – the opportunity to net his seventh Champions League goal of the campaign, leaving Bayern facing an uphill challenge in the second leg.  Porto took the lead in the third minute after Martinez robbed Alonso on the edge of the area and then went down under Neuer’s sliding challenge.   The goalkeeper was booked despite appearing to get a touch on the ball and Quaresma sent him the wrong way from the spot.  Robert Lewandowski headed over as Bayern almost found an equaliser, only for another defensive slip in the 10th minute to allow Porto in for their second.  Dante miscontrolled to leave Quaresma with a free run on goal and he coolly slotted past Neuer with the outside of his right boot.  A stunned Bayern slowly regained their composure and, after a period of sustained pressure, got their reward in the 28th minute when Thiago converted Boateng’s low cross at the back post.  Neuer almost suffered further embarrassment six minutes later when he fumbled Alex Sandro’s cross onto the crossbar, before gathering at the second attempt.  The Germany keeper excelled himself 12 minutes into the second half, though, producing a superb reaction save to keep out Boateng’s deflection from close range.  But there was little he could do in the 65th minute as Boateng misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Martinez to control, round Neuer and slot home.  Porto held on to their two-goal advantage in the final stages in a performance that was only soured by cautions for Sandro and Danilo, ruling them out of next Tuesday’s return leg.  Bayern, meanwhile, will hope to have at least Schweinsteiger and Ribery back for that fixture as they aim to overturn the deficit following their first defeat on Portuguese soil.

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Lyon 2 - 0 Bastia

Mohamed Yattara and Alexandre Lacazette were on target in Lyon’s 2-0 win over Bastia on Wednesday as Hubert Fournier’s side returned to the top of Ligue 1.  Lyon – capitalising on previous leaders Paris Saint-Germain being in UEFA Champions League action – eventually broke down a stubborn Bastia defence in a victory that saw Clement Grenier make his long-awaited return from injury.  The hosts were frustrated for much of the first half at the Stade Gerland, Ghislain Printant’s men defending like a side embroiled in a relegation battle.  Jordan Ferri, Nabil Fekir and Lacazette all went close prior to the interval before Grenier’s introduction helped instil further creativity within Fournier’s ranks.  In his first senior outing for 237 days, the midfielder crossed for fellow substitute Yattara to finish 13 minutes from time.  The forward had only been introduced off the bench two minutes earlier, but his impact was almost immediate and the points were sealed courtesy of Lacazette’s 25th league goal of the campaign.  A late flurry of pressure from the visitors failed to amount to anything as Lyon moved two points clear at the top, with Marseille and PSG travelling to Nantes and Nice respectively this weekend.


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Dagenham midfielder Joss Labadie has been banned for six months by the Football Association (FA) after being found guilty of biting for a second time.

 Banks took to Twitter to show the bite mark he recieved during Chesterfield's



Dagenham and Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie has been banned for six months by the Football Association (FA) after being found guilty of biting for a second time.  The 24-year-old was charged by the FA after claims that he bit Stevenage defender Ronnie Henry in a League Two encounter last month.  Labadie was banned for 10 games after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of violent conduct, with two Chesterfield players – Armand Gnanduillet and Ollie Banks – claiming he had bitten them while playing for Torquay United last season.  Dagenham and Redbridge revealed on Wednesday that Labadie has been found guilty of biting again and is now facing another lengthy absence from the game.  A statement on the club’s official website said: “Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Joss Labadie appeared before a Football Association disciplinary hearing this afternoon.     “Joss pleaded not guilty to the charge of violent conduct.     “Unfortunately, the case was found against him and the subsequent punishment issued by the FA is that he is banned from playing football games for six months commencing today.     “Both the player and the Club are awaiting the written report from the FA hearing before deciding their next steps.”

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Joel Ward has signed a new contract that will keep him at Crystal Palace until 2018.

Ward has been ever-present during his side's Premier League campaign, with Alan Pardew's men sitting 11th in the top flight.  "I'm really pleased," said Ward. "It's been something that has been talked about a little bit and I'm glad to now put that to the back and just concentrate with my football and I'm delighted to have signed the deal.  "The relationship with the gaffer and the club helped. I'm excited for what the next few years have in store.  "I love the passion of the club, the fans have been exceptional since I've come here and they've welcomed me with open arms.  "It's been a joy to play in front of them - especially at home - week in, week out. Even the travelling support's been incredible."

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Genoa 2 - 0 Parma

Parma remain 13 points from safety with just eight Serie A matches remaining after Wednesday’s 2-0 reverse at Genoa.  The fixture, originally due to take place in early March, was rescheduled amid Parma’s financial woe, with goals from Iago Falque and Leonardo Pavoletti lifting Genoa up to seventh in the table.  Parma had enjoyed rare success in the last week, with a 1-0 win over Udinese followed up by a shock victory by the same margin over runaway leaders Juventus on Saturday.  However, there was to be no third straight triumph as Falque profited from Marco Borriello’s incisive run down the right to slot home in the 14th minute.  Pavoletti added a second 14 minutes from time after a perfectly weighted pass from Diego Perotti as Genoa climbed to within five points of the UEFA Europa League spots, while Parma sank ever closer to seemingly inevitable relegation.

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Borussia Dortmund head coach Jurgen Klopp would end his tenure at the end of the season.

Klopp will leave the Bundesliga giant after seven years in charge.  The 47-year-old had a contract at Signal Iduna Park that ran until 2018, but has been permitted to terminate his deal early.  Klopp stated that the decision was taken because he no longer felt he was the best coach for Dortmund.  "We've both invested a lot and got a lot back. No-one needs to be thankful," he said.  "I've said over the last few years that when I'm no longer in the best place to coach, I will say so.  "I chose this time to announce it because in the last years some player decisions were made late and you couldn't react.  "I definitely believe this to be completely the right decision. This club deserves a manager who is 100 per cent right for the club, and that's why I made the decision."  Klopp refuted early reports that he is planning to take a sabbatical from the game and is desperate to finish his stint with a trophy in the form of the DFB-Pokal.  "This has nothing to do with me being tired," he added. "I read that this morning. I have not planned a sabbatical.  "My last wish is to finish the season in the highest possible position and that we can have an open-top parade with the cup."  Klopp, who joined from Mainz in 2008, is a popular figure at Dortmund having led the team to back-to-back league titles as well as completing a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2012.  Dortmund also made the final of the UEFA Champions League under Klopp's stewardship in 2012-2013 but it was beaten by rival Bayern Munich.  Dortmund has endured a hugely disappointing season in 2014-2015 and sits 10th in the table after 28 games.  The club was bottom of the table by the mid-season break, but an upturn in form in 2015 has at least alleviated the threat of relegation.

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Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has denied he bit Atlético’s Mario Mandzukic

photo via:WN.COM
Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has denied he bit Mario Mandzukic during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.  Various Spanish news organisations speculated Carvajal had bitten Mandzukic on the elbow and then punched the Atletico Madrid striker in the abdominal region, citing blurry footage from the Vicente Calderon.  Mandzukic was involved in a number of scuffles against Real, with the Croatian forward also suffering a cut to his face after an elbow from Sergio Ramos.  But Carvajal argued he did nothing wrong.  “I saw after the game that I am accused of biting an opponent player,” the 23-year-old wrote on Twitter.  “Let me make clear that I have not bitten anyone, nor attempted to do so.”  Atletico coach Diego Simeone was asked at his media conference about the alleged incident between Carvajal and Mandzukic – “I didn’t see it” was his response.  The 44-year-old Argentine added that he thought Ramos’ elbow on Mandzukic was accidental.


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Diego Simeone was happy with his side’s response in the second half of their goalless UEFA Champions League draw with Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was happy with his side’s response in the second half of their goalless UEFA Champions League draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday.  Real dominated the opening 45 minutes at the Vicente Calderon but could not find a way past inspired Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.  And the repeat of last season’s Champions League final finished 0-0, leaving both sides with everything to play for in next week’s second leg at The Santiago Bernabeu.  Simeone was pleased with the way his men battled their way back into the match as Atleti’s unbeaten streak against Real this season extended to seven matches.  “I want to talk about the game and assess the change in my team from the first half to the second,” Simeone told AS.  “The tie is open after this result. The boys were able to react well. We talked [at half-time] about the football and what we were doing.  “The game is where it is. We’re against a very strong opponent and I appreciate the change in the second half.  “We will go forward, calmly and to an important game. But it’s all open.”  Both Atletico’s Mario Suarez and Real’s Marcelo were booked in the second half, meaning they will miss the return clash.  “For both teams there have been heavy casualties,” Simeone said.  Atletico forward Mario Mandzukic was in the wars, bleeding profusely after being elbowed by Sergio Ramos and he also tangled with Dani Carvajal on more than one occasion.  “The elbow was inadvertent,” Simeone added.  “[Mandzukic is] brave. He made a great effort and we need him.”

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