Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid Semi Final Uefa Champions League 30/04/2014

Chelsea host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with the tie finely poised following a goalless draw last week.

Jose Mourinho's side displayed their defensive prowess at the Vicente Calderon as they frustrated their Spanish opponents during a cagey first-leg encounter.

However, the Blues know that an away goal for Atletico at Stamford Bridge would put the visitors in firm control of the contest.

Petr Cech is in line for a shock return for the hosts despite suffering a shoulder injury in the first leg, while Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel are unavailable through suspension. Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are both cup-tied.

John Terry could also return for the hosts after missing Sunday's 2-0 win over Liverpool, with Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o also expected to be brought back in following their recent absences.

Atletico, who are currently four points clear at the top of the La Liga table, have no fresh injury problems ahead of the match in West London.

Recent form

Chelsea: WWWLDW

Atletico: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineups

Chelsea: Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Ramires, Luiz; Oscar, Willian, Hazard; Eto'o

Atletico: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Felipe Luis; Garcia, Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Villa, Costa

Can You Watch Match Live Here lINK 1 LINK 2 LIVE SCORE

Read More

Real tear ragged Bayern apart to reach Champions League final

Real Madrid tore apart Bayern Munich's ragged defence apart with a ruthless first-half display as they thrashed the defending champions 4-0 in their own stadium to reach their first Champions League final for 12 years on Tuesday.

Two Sergio Ramos headers put Real 2-0 ahead after 20 minutes of the semi-final second leg and Cristiano Ronaldo added a third from a superb break before halftime.

That was his 15th goal of the competition, a record for a single season, and he extended the tally to 16 in the 90th.

Bayern, treble winners last season, were never in the hunt as they slumped to a 5-0 aggregate defeat which will leave a huge stain on coach Pep Guardiola's previously enviable record in the competition.

The only negative for Real was a booking for Xabi Alonso which will rule him out of the final against either city rivals Atletico Madrid or Chelsea.

Real, champions on a record nine occasions, had lost four semi-finals, one quarter-final and six times in the round of sixteen since their last final appearance in 2002.

Bayern, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, laid siege to Real's goal early on while the crowd attempted to intimidate the Spaniards by whistling incessantly when they had possession.

The Bavarians had won eight and drawn one of their previous nine home games against Real and needed a good performance to answer critics who said their possession game had become dull and toothless.

But, although Bayern huffed and puffed, they rarely threatened and there was always a risk they would concede a killer away goal.

That arrived in the 16th minute when Ramos rose unmarked at the far post to score with a powerful downward header.

Amid general disbelief, Real struck again four minutes later when Angel di Maria's free kick was flicked on by Pepe and Ramos headed it into the corner.

Bayern lost composure, leaving them wide open to Real's ruthless counter-attacks.

That was exactly how the third goal came with Real breaking from the edge of their own area to the other end in a matter of seconds, the move ending with Bale feeding Ronaldo to slot past Neuer.

There was an incredible moment shortly afterwards when Neuer came racing out of his goal, and sent his clearance to Ronaldo who tried to score from 40 metres but saw his shot fly over.

Bayern's shaken players got involved in several petulant exchanges as it was clear that their period of European dominance was over.

Guardiola tried to limit the damage after halftime by replacing his only striker Mario Mandzukic with defensive midfielder Javi Martinez.

Arjen Robben produced their best effort with a shot which curled narrowly wide just before the hour but Ronaldo had the last word as Real handed Bayern their heaviest-ever home defeat in European competition.

Read More

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Semi Final Uefa Champions League 29/04/2014

 

 

Even though they won the first leg against Bayern Munich inside the Bernabeu 1-0, there was probably some disappointment among the Real Madrid playing and management staff.

Karim Benzema has given them the advantage ahead of Tuesday night's return meeting in Munich, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria in particular were guilty of spurning presentable opportunities that had they been converted, would have given Los Blancos a much healthier winning margin.

Nevertheless, it is expected that Gareth Bale will be passed fit to start in the Allianz Arena, having suffered with a bout of flu in recent days. Should the Welsh international feature from the beginning, it is likely to come at the expense of Isco.

Elsewhere, Iker Casillas will continue to deputise between the posts in the Champions League instead of Diego Lopez, while Fabio Coentrao may start at left-back ahead of Marcelo because the Brazilian has only recently returned to action following a month on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint.

As for home boss Pep Guardiola, he could well make changes from the side that started in Madrid. Mario Gotze should feature in an attacking role, with Javi Martinez and Thomas Muller also pushing for recalls.

The history between the two clubs would point to a Bayern victory due to the fact that of the 10 meetings in Germany, Die Roten have won nine and drawn the other.

The one time that Madrid avoided defeat was in the quarter-finals back in 2004, as full-back Roberto Carlos cancelled out an opening goal from Bayern striker Roy Makaay.

Recent form

Bayern Munich: WLWWLW

Real Madrid: WLWWWW

Possible starting lineups

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Martinez; Gotze, Ribery, Robben; Mandzukic

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Bale; Benzema


Can You Watch Match Live Link 1 Link 2 Live Score

Read More

Match AJAX - HEERENVEEN Eredivisie 05-12-2015

e - AFC Ajax  SC Heerenveen

 Week: 15
 Amsterdam ArenA
 8°C
Away match


Ajax Last 6 Matches

29.11.2015 HOL D1 PEC Zwolle 0-2 AFC Ajax
26.11.2015 UEFA EUL Celtic FC 1-2 AFC Ajax
21.11.2015 HOL D1 AFC Ajax 5-1 SC Cambuur
08.11.2015 HOL D1 Feyenoord 1-1 AFC Ajax
05.11.2015 UEFA EUL AFC Ajax 0-0 Fenerbahçe SK
31.10.2015 HOL D1 AFC Ajax 6-0 Roda Kerkrade

Heerenveen Last 6 Matches

28.11.2015 HOL D1 SC Heerenveen 3-0 Roda Kerkrade
21.11.2015 HOL D1 AZ Alkmaar 3-1 SC Heerenveen
07.11.2015 HOL D1 FC Twente 1-4 SC Heerenveen
01.11.2015 HOL D1 SC Heerenveen 2-0 SC Cambuur
29.10.2015 HOL Cup SC Heerenveen 1-0 Helmond Sport
24.10.2015 HOL D1 Willem II Tilburg 2-2 SC Heerenveen


CHANNEL 

ESPN Caribbean
Tivibu Spor 3
Foot+
Polsat Sport Extra
Sport 2 Ukraine
Telekanal Futbol
beIN SPORTS 12 HD EN
Canal+ Futbol
Canal+ Futbol HD
SuperSport HD 5 alb
Fox Sports Eredivisie 3

Can You Watch Match Live Here Link 1 link 2 live scores 

Read More

Bayern crush Bremen 5-2 to send Real warning

 Veteran striker Claudio Pizarro scored twice in an explosive second half to help Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich crush Werder Bremen 5-2 on Saturday and send a warning to their Champions League opponents Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old Peru international, usually second choice behind Mario Mandzukic, has recently been called on to help the Bavarians out of trouble.

He did just that when he tapped in twice with the instinct of a world-class centre forward to turn the game around after Bayern trailed 2-1 at halftime.

The win will give the Bavarians a major confidence boost ahead of their semi-final second leg against visiting Real after losing the first leg 1-0 in Madrid this week.

Bayern, who had won just one of their previous four league games, got off to a bad start with Theodor Gebre Selassie catching the defence napping to complete a swift counter-attack in the 10th minute.

Wearing black armbands in memory of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, who died this week, Bayern briefly came back when out-of-form Franck Ribery managed to level after a good pass from Pizarro.

The Bayern defence remained shaky, however, with Aaron Hunt sending his marker Jerome Boateng the wrong way to slot in after 36 minutes.

Bayern, looking for a consecutive treble of titles this season, improved markedly after the break, scoring three goals in eight minutes.

They levelled with Pizarro, who turned scorer, tapping in after a Ribery corner was headed on by Thomas Mueller in the 53rd.

Read More

Roma vs. AC Milan 25/04/2014 Calcio

Roma will host AC Milan in Serie A on Friday, knowing that they must win to keep their hopes of being crowned champions alive.
Rudi Garcia's side are guaranteed to finish in the top two, but need to win their remaining four games and hope for a Juventus slump in order to overhaul the current league leaders.
The hosts, who have won their last eight matches, will be without in-form striker Mattia Destro again as he continues to serve his four-game suspension for punching Cagliari's Davide Astori earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Mehdi Benatia is also expected to miss out as he continues to recover from a muscle tear in his left leg.

The visitors will also have a number of injury concerns for their trip to Stadio Olimpico.
The Rossoneri, who have been in good form themselves recently, could still be without Keisuke Honda, who has missed their last two matches with an ankle injury, while Michael Essien is also a doubt and Nigel de Jong is suspended.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, the match finished in a 2-2 draw at the San Siro.
Recent form
Roma: WWWWWW
AC Milan: DWWWWW
Possible starting lineups
Roma: Da Sanctis, Toloi, Dodo, Castan, Maicon, Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan, Bastos, Gervinho, Totti
AC Milan: Abbiati, Mexes, Rami, Abate, Constant, Robinho, Montolivo, Kaka, Taarabt, Pazzini, Balotelli

Read More

Real's pace too hot to handle, says Lahm

Bayern Munich could not contain Real Madrid's quicksilver counter-attacks, captain Philipp Lahm said after the European champions lost 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final, first leg on Wednesday.

Madrid were happy to cede possession to Bayern for large parts of the game at the Bernabeu, but were resilient in defence and struck the decisive blow when Karim Benzema rounded off a swift break with the only goal after 19 minutes.

"We could not stop all of Real's quick breaks," Lahm told German broadcaster ZDF.

"They are top team. It is impossible not to let them have at least one chance. We played to win we wanted a goal. Now we are trailing by one goal but it is not over yet.

"We wanted to do it better no question, but it is not that easy. We now play at home everything is possible at the Allianz Arena. We have shown we can turn games around and anything can happen."

Bayern looked short of ideas in attack as they sort to find a route through the ranks of Madrid defenders and now face a tricky task at home, where a solitary Real goal would leave them needing to score three.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said Real's attacking players were always likely to pose a threat on the break and the German side would now have to figure out how to stop them putting in a repeat performance in Munich.

"We had problems today," he said. "We worked well but these are world-class players.

"When someone is as quick as (Gareth) Bale or (Cristiano)Ronaldo then you will always have problems with the counter- attacks. We can expect a similar game in Germany. We will try not to concede a goal in Munich. Everything can happen. We need to remain focused and not allow any quick breaks."

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola put the defeat down to poor finishing.

"I am proud of my team," he said. "They fought well against a tough opponent, one of the best in the world. We had a good game and I hope we will improve further next week.

"I did not want to have the typical German game of back and forth. I wanted a lot of possession and we managed that in part. But we did not finish our chances well."

Read More

PSG edge closer to another title with Evian victory

Paris St Germain moved tantalisingly close to a second successive Ligue 1 title after a last-minute goal from Blaise Matuidi sealed a 1-0 win over Evian Thonon Gaillard on Wednesday that moved them 10 points clear at the top.

Laurent Blanc's side could clinch the title with victory at Sochaux on Sunday, but they could also be crowned champions on Saturday if second-placed Monaco lose to Ajaccio.

Substitute Matuidi came on in the 71st minute and struck the winner at the death when he slid the ball under Evian keeper Jesper Hansen from a tight angle.

PSG, who won the French League Cup by beating Olympique Lyon 2-1 on Saturday, moved to 82 points from 34 games and Evian stayed 16th on 38 points, five clear of the relegation zone with four matches remaining.

Toulouse and Lyon drew 0-0 in Wednesday's other Ligue 1 match.

Read More

Benfica v Juventus Semi Final Euefa Europa League 24/04/2014

Juventus' bid to end their European drought takes them to Lisbon for Thursday's UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg at Benfica.

The Italian giants last won continental silverware in the 1999 Intertoto Cup and know this year's final will be held at their home stadium in Turin.


That gives Juve extra motivation ahead of this two-legged clash and Antonio Conte's men will hope Benfica are still affected by their title celebrations.


Jorge Jesus' side claimed their 33rd Portuguese title with a 2-0 win against Olhanense on Sunday.


Juventus are also set to win Serie A, which would give them a third successive league success, but midfielder Claudio Marchisio is not worried about fatigue with so much at stake.


"Many players in this team have never won a European competition and Juventus haven't won a trophy in Europe for so many years," Marchisio told UEFA's official website.


"When you reach this stage of the competition motivation can make the difference.


"So even if we're coming to the end of the season and our legs are beginning to feel heavy, the trophy can give you that energy to give that bit extra."


Juventus are one of just two sides remaining in the Europa League who are undefeated – the other is Benfica – but both have only been involved after dropping out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stages.


This will be Juve's first semi-final appearance in Europe since 2003, when they eventually lost the Champions League final to Milan on penalties.


They have played Benfica over two legs in UEFA competition twice previously, with the Portuguese side winning both matches in the 1968 European Cup semi-final.


Juve exacted revenge in the 1992-93 UEFA Cup quarter-finals, with current coach Conte playing a part in the win that helped them on their way to winning the trophy.


Benfica's recent pedigree in the Europa League is particularly impressive, with the Portuguese club losing last season's final to Chelsea.


They also reached the semi-finals in the 2010-11 season, were involved in the quarter-finals the year before, and are trying to win an ambitious quadruple.


With the league title already sealed - and a final-four showdown against Porto in the Taca da Liga and a Taca de Portugal final with Rio Ave on the horizon – Benfica's hopes are still on track.


They are unbeaten in their last 12 home European encounters, while their record at Estadio da Luz in the Europa League is outstanding, with 15 wins and two draws coming from their 17 matches.


Benfica will be without winger Eduardo Salvio, who broke his arm in Sunday's win, while defender Silvio broke his leg in his side's quarter-final win against AZ Alkmaar.


Striker Carlos Tevez continues to battle a thigh niggle for Juve, but Andrea Barzagli (calf) did return in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bologna.

Simone Pepe was also part of the squad after a thigh injury, while Arturo Vidal shrugged off a knee complaint to feature off the bench.

 

Can You Watch Match Live Here Link 1 Live score

Read More

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich 1-0 ~ All Goals & Highlights [23/04/2014]

Read More

Barcelona v Real Madrid Preview 21-11-2015

Real Madrid Barcelona

Week: 12

 El Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

 12°C

Referee: David Fernandez Borbalan

Away match

Real Madrid Barcelona match preview, Real Madrid Barcelona strategy analysis and expected starting line-up.

The first El Clasico match of the 2015-16 La Liga season takes place this weekend as Real Madrid host reigning champions Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening. Spain's Secretary of State for Sport has insisted that the match will go ahead, despite the attacks in Paris last weekend, but extra security will be in place for the highest profile fixture in the La Liga calendar.

Barcelona  

 Getty Images Barcelona head into this match as league leaders for the first time since September, having climbed back to the top of the standings as a result of their 3-0 win over Villarreal last time out.

Barcelona  Last 9 Matches

08.11.2015 SPA D1 FC Barcelona 3-0 Villarreal CF

04.11.2015 UEFA CL FC Barcelona 3-0 BATE Borisov

31.10.2015 SPA D1 Getafe CF 0-2 FC Barcelona

28.10.2015 SPA Cup CF Villanovense 0-0 FC Barcelona

25.10.2015 SPA D1 FC Barcelona 3-1 SD Eibar

20.10.2015 UEFA CL BATE Borisov 0-2 FC Barcelona

17.10.2015 SPA D1 FC Barcelona 5-2 Rayo Vallecano

03.10.2015 SPA D1 Sevilla FC 2-1 FC Barcelona

29.09.2015 UEFA CL FC Barcelona 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Barcelona possible starting lineup: 

Bravo, Pique, Alves, Alba, Mathieu, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Suarez, Neymar, Messi

Real Madrid

 Getty Images Rafael Benitez's side slipped to their first defeat of the season before the international break, losing 3-2 to Sevilla, despite a late goal from James Rodriguez giving the side hope of a comeback

Real Madrid Last 6 Matches

08.11.2015 SPA D1 Sevilla FC 3-2 Real Madrid

03.11.2015 UEFA CL Real Madrid 1-0 Paris St. Germain

31.10.2015 SPA D1 Real Madrid 3-1 UD Las Palmas

24.10.2015 SPA D1 Celta de Vigo 1-3 Real Madrid

21.10.2015 UEFA CL Paris St. Germain 0-0 Real Madrid

17.10.2015 SPA D1 Real Madrid 3-0 Levante UD

04.10.2015 SPA D1 Atlético Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid

30.09.2015 UEFA CL Malmö FF 0-2 Real Madrid

26.09.2015 SPA D1 Real Madrid 0-0 Málaga CF

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: 

Navas, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Danilo, Kross, Modric, Casemiro, Isco, Ronaldo, Bale

Head To Head Read  

22.03.2015 D1 FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

25.10.2014 D1 Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona

16.04.2014 Cup Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona

23.03.2014 D1 Real Madrid 3-4 FC Barcelona

26.10.2013 D1 FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

02.03.2013 D1 Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona

Channel To watch Barcelona Real Madrid  live stream

 Sky Go Extra, Sky Sports 5/HD, NOW TV, Sky GobeIN Sports en Espanol, SiriusXM FC, beIN Sports USA C More Sport 1, C More Sport HDFox Sports 2 Cambodia, Fox Sports 2 Papua New Guinea-

Links To Channel To watch Barcelona Real Madrid  live stream

Link 1 Link 2 live Score

Can You Watch Match Barcelona Real Madrid Live Here Link 1 Link 2 live Score

Read More

Match Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Semi Final Uefa Champions League 23/04/2014

 

 

 

There were many neutrals that wanted these two sides to be kept apart during the recent Champions League semi-final draw, believing that it would make for the most entertaining final in Lisbon.

Yet Real Madrid and holders Bayern Munich, who have won the competition 14 times between them, will play out the first leg of their final four clash at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Both are on a history-making quest, with Los Blancos determined to lift the famous trophy for a 10th time, while Bayern are bidding to be the first team to retain the title since the Champions League's inception in 1992. If that wasn't enough, Pep Guardiola, a legend with Real's bitter rivals Barcelona, is the German club's head coach.

During his four-year tenure in charge of the Catalans, Guardiola won nine of his 15 encounters with Real, losing just twice.

He will be without Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri for the trip, but aside from that, he has a full complement of players to select from.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez missed the 3-1 victory over Manchester United last time out through suspension, but both are available and have been tipped to be included in the starting lineup. As a result, Philipp Lahm may revert to right-back, with Thomas Muller dropping down to the bench.

The big news for hosting Madrid is that their Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, a scorer of 49 goals from his 39 outings for club and country this term, is fit to feature following a recent hamstring problem.

His return could come at the expense of Isco, with Angel Di Maria moving into a deeper role as Ronaldo moves into a three-pronged attack alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Meanwhile, if Marcelo is unable to recover from a muscular injury, Fabio Coentrao will deputise at left-back.

These two sides have met in the Spanish capital on 10 occasions, with Munich winning just twice, the last of which came back in 2001 when Brazilian striker Giovane Elber scored the only goal of the game.

Recent form

Real: WWWLWW

Bayern: DLWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Real: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Modric; Di Maria, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema

Bayern: Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Kroos, Robben, Ribery; Mandzukic

Can You Watch Live Clik Here Link 1 Link 2

Read More

Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea Semi Final Uefa Champions League 22/04/2014

 

Jose Mourinho has been here before with Chelsea. In 2005 and 2007 under his management, the Blues reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, only to be knocked out by Liverpool.

The Portuguese head coach will be hoping that it is a case of third time lucky against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg being played at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday night.

However, not only are Atletico unbeaten in front of their own supporters in La Liga this season, which has helped them to top the standings with four matches left to play, no English club has ever won from their trips to the Calderon.

Any positive result that the West Londoners are to achieve will have to be done so without the services of right-back Branislav Ivanovic, who is suspended. Consequently, Mourinho may recall the experienced Ashley Cole, with Cesar Azpilicueta switching flanks to cover Ivanovic's absence.

As well Ivanovic, Eden Hazard could also miss out. The Belgian playmaker has not played for two weeks because of a calf complaint, with the match in the Spanish capital potentially coming too soon.

Elsewhere, Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are cup-tied, but goalkeeper Petr Cech should recover from illness to feature between the posts.

Meanwhile, Atletico's major selection dilemma heavily centres around the visitors. Thibaut Courtois is in his third season on loan with Los Rojiblancos from Chelsea, but despite having a foot in both camps, UEFA have insisted that there is no clause to prevent the 21-year-old from keeping goal for the home side.

That aside, Diego Simeone has been boosted by the news that Turkish midfielder Arda Turan is fit to feature along with leading goalscorer Diego Costa, who has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

Atletico may have shown positive home form this term, but it's worth noting that Chelsea have not lost in Spain since a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis back in 2005 - a run that dates back seven Iberian encounters.

Recent form

Atletico: WDWWWW

Chelsea: LLWWWL

Possible starting lineups

Atletico: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe; Suarez, Gabi, Koke, Turan; Villa; Costa

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Ramires; Oscar, Willian, Schurrle; Eto'o

Can You Watch Match Here Link 1 Link 2 Live Sore

Read More

Juve edge towards title with win over Bologna

Juventus moved closer to a third consecutive Serie A title when a long-range Paul Pogba goal beat a dogged Bologna side 1-0 for their 17th home win in a row after a nervy display.

Antonio Conte's side are now 11 points clear of closest challengers AS Roma after France midfielder Pogba scored with a powerful low drive in the 64th minute against a well-organised Bologna team who hardly ever left their own half.

Roma play at Fiorentina later on Saturday (1900 GMT) knowing a point will guarantee them second spot and a place in the Champions League group stage but that a first title since 2001 is incredibly unlikely even if they win in Florence.

Rudi Garcia's side are 11 points ahead of third-placed Napoli, who earlier drew 1-1 at Udinese, and a draw would leave them 12 ahead with four games left and a better head-to-head record which is used to separate teams level on points.

Defeat for Bologna means they have dropped into the reelgation zone, with Sassuolo's 1-0 win at Chievo Verona earlier on Saturday moving them level with Davide Ballardini's side on 28 points but above them on head-to-head results.

Inter Milan moved a step closer to qualifying for the Europa League with a 2-0 win over 10-man Parma while AC Milan boosted their chances of European football next season with a 3-0 win over lowly Livorno in a fifth straight victory that saw Mario Balotelli score a personal best 14th league goal of the season.

Walter Mazzarri's Inter secured victory with second-half goals from Rolando and Fredy Guarin, after Gabriel Paletta was sent off for the hosts just after halftime, to stay fifth on 56 points, five ahead of Parma and Milan.

Read More

Match FC Barcelona – Real Madrid El Clasico 16.04.2014 Final Copa del Rey

 

FC Barcelona – Real Madrid – The third and last El Clasico this season’s will be played at a neutral venue in Valencia, because it is the final of King’s Cup. The match comes for both teams at a moment when neither is exactly in the best shape, and this is particularly true for Barcelona, who is again in a crisis and was eliminated from the Champions League after two consecutive defeats, while the champion’s title is slipping out of its hands. Real is in better position and will play the semi-finals of the Champions League, while in the championship it has one point more than the Catalans. However, Barcelona won both this season’s El Clasicos that had been played in La Liga. The second one was played less than a month ago in Madrid that Barca won after a great game by 4-3. Begins: 16.04.2014 – 21:30 CET

FC Barcelona

The Catalan ship has dangerously leaned once more and it is very possible that this season stays without a single trophy, which would be equal to a catastrophe. One will certainly not win and that is in the Champions League, where were eliminated by Atletico, who slowly but surely runs leaves them behind in the championship race for the title, as Barcelona again disappointed on Saturday and lost the away match in Granada. The situation has been already seen, because the match irresistibly reminded of the recent one against Valladolid that was also played away, and which also ended by 1-0. We remind that Barca lost the rematch the Champions League quarterfinals to Atletico exactly by this result.

Therefore, two consecutive matches in which Barcelona didn’t score a single goal and something like that hasn’t happened to this team for a long time. To make matters worse, all of the best strikers have played, while the defence also had it shares of problems, so in Granada Busquets had to play stopper. Now, Bartra should return but Pique is still questionable, while goalkeeper Valdes if out of the team for the rest of the season.

Probable lineups FC Barcelona: Pinto – Dani Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Jordi Alba – Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta – Fabregas, Neymar, Messi

 

Real Madrid

The situation in Spanish football is changing quickly, so Real is again in a better position than its biggest rival. True, Atletico is the new problem because it has three points more but Real still plays in the Champions League, and has a theoretical chance to win three trophies. The first one should be exactly this one in the Cup, where they lost in last season’s final to Atletico. They retaliated this season in the semi-finals and now want to give something back to Barcelona for two defeats in the championship. They don’t play badly recently apart from that relaxation in Dortmund, which they paid through the nose.

On Saturday, they had an easy job against Almeria, although a couple of standard first team players were not in the team. Injuries are the biggest problem ahead of this match, because Ronaldo hasn’t recovered and will probably not play. Almost certainly there will be no Marcel, but Sergio Ramos should be back, who also didn’t play in Almeria. Carvajal and Xabi Alonso are certainly coming back after their suspensions have expired, while Casillas goes at the goal, who hasn’t received a sing goal in the Cup this season.

Probable lineups Real Madrid: Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, F. Coentrao – Xabi Alonso, Modric – di Maria, Isco, Bale – Benzema


Can You Watch Match Live Clik Here Link 1 Link2 Live Score

Read More

Monaco put PSG title celebrations on hold

 Monaco put Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 title celebrations on hold when they snatched a 1-0 win at Stade Rennes on Saturday.

Emmanuel Riviere's second-half strike put the principality side on 69 points from 33 games, 10 adrift of champions PSG, who travel to Olympique Lyon on Sunday.

A Monaco defeat would have given PSG the opportunity to clinch their second title in a row with five games to spare, but Claudio Ranieri's side, who are set to secure a direct Champions League qualifying spot, decided otherwise.

Visitors Monaco were the first in action with Joao Moutinho's early drive going just over the bar and Riviere's low shot being blocked by Benoit Costil.

Layvin Kurzawa also came close from close range midway through the first half but Costil made another good save.

Kurzawa left the pitch with a thigh injury shortly before the break and was substituted by Andrea Raggi.

Monaco went ahead 10 minutes into the second half when Riviere beat Costil from close range after being set up by Jeremy Toulalan.

Rennes pushed hard to equalise but the Monaco defence, perfectly marshalled by Ricardo Carvalho, held on.

Monaco, however, were without French international defender Eric Abidal, whose chances of making it into France's World Cup squad look extremely slim as he was not included in the squad.

Read More

Stuttgart let in late goal at Gladbach to stay in danger zone

Former Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart conceded an 89th minute equaliser to draw 1-1 at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday and remain deep in the relegation battle.

Midfielder Daniel Didavi, who was only picked to play at the last minute, slotted in from close range after 12 minutes for the lead.

The visitors were far more aggressive and hungrier than Gladbach and hit the post with Ibrahima Traore in the 87th with a fierce free kick.

But they let their guard down the following minute allowing Juan Arango to head in the equaliser a minute from time.

The 2007 Bundesliga champions are on 28 points, one above Hamburg SV who lost 2-1 at Hanover 96 courtesy of a late winner from Didier Ya Konan to remain in the relegation playoff spot.

Gladbach dropped to fifth with VfL Wolfsburg making the most of their draw to crush Nuremberg 4-1 and leapfrog into fourth place a point above, and in contention for a spot in the Champions League competition next season.

Goals from Croats Ivan Perisic and Ivica Olic cancelled out Nuremberg's early lead. Junior Malanda and Perisic added two more late in the game.

Champions Bayern Munich take on second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the league's big game later on Saturday.

Schalke 04 are level with Dortmund on 58 points after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 on Friday.

Read More

Schalke stay in hunt for second spot

Schalke 04 kept up their chase for the Bundesliga runners-up spot with a dominant 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday to move level on points with second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Max Meyer put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute after Sead Kolasinac's long-range effort hit the woodwork and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, back in the side after injury, had his rebound saved by Kevin Trapp.

Trapp denied the Dutch striker again seven minutes later by saving his penalty but the hosts kept pouring forward in a one-sided affair with Brazil coach Felipe Scolari in the stands of the Auf Schalke arena.

Schalke hit the bar again through Leon Goretzka in the 81st but winger Jefferson Farfan, also returning from injury after a six-week absence, curled a superb free kick into the top corner to seal the win in stoppage time.

"I was not satisfied at all in the first half because we did a lot of things wrong," said Schalke coach Jens Keller, whose future at the club has been the subject of specualtion during a rollercoaster season which has produced a strong finish.

Schalke are unbeaten in seven league games and have won all four of their last home matches.

"I told my players exactly that at half time but after that we improved greatly. A lot of respect for that," Keller told reporters.

As for Huntelaar's fourth spot-kick miss out of his last six, Keller said: "The chances of him taking another penalty are diminishing."

Schalke have 58 points with four games left, trailing only on goal difference behind Dortmund who travel to champions and bitter rivals Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Read More

Lucky Real escape from Dortmund with last four spot

Lacklustre Real Madrid edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on aggregate after slumping to a 2-0 defeat on Tuesday to advance to the Champions League semi-finals and stay on track for their tenth crown.

Two first half goals by Marco Reus, both coming from Real mistakes, gave Dortmund a deserved lead as the Spaniards, who had a penalty saved in the 17th minute, were left mesmerised by the Germans' frantic pace.

Real, with top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo left on the bench due a minor knee injury, saw their 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Madrid almost evaporate in a disastrous first half for them.

Real, who twice lost to Dortmund in Germany in last season's competition including a 4-1 thrashing in the first leg of their semi-final, briefly recovered in the second half before the Germans, last season's runners-up, again surged forward, missing half a dozen clear scoring chances and also hitting the post.

The Germans got off to a fiery start, looking for an early goal that could set them on their way.

Real, however, squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead and put the tie all but beyond the hosts when they were awarded a penalty for a hand ball by defender Lukasz Piszczek and Angel Di Maria had it saved by Roman Weidenfeller.

A minute later it was Dortmund's turn to miss with Henrikh Mkhitaryan firing wide from close range but Reus made amends in the 24th, pouncing on a defensive mistake by Pepe to slot in for the lead.

Mats Hummels almost added another as the hosts piled on the pressure but his well-timed header was palmed over the bar by Real keeper Iker Casillas.

Germany international Reus crashed in his second goal in the 37th when he charged forward after another Real mistake, this time from Asier Illarramendi, fed striker Robert Lewandowski who hit the post, and was left unmarked to drill in at the far post.

Real brought on Isco in the second half to control possession and they briefly succeeded as Dortmund lost some of their passing sharpness and pace.

Dortmund were lurking on the break and almost levelled the tie when Armenian Mkhitaryan rounded Casillas but only managed to hit the post in the 65th minute.

The Germans then poured forward, determined to score a third that would force extra time but could not find the back of the net, leaving the competition with their heads held high

Read More