Messi keeps on getting better, says Sabella

Mar 17, 2014 1:28:00 PM

The 59-year-old says the forward has no limits and believes he will produce his best football for Argentina provided he is afforded enough freedom on the pitch

EXCLUSIVE
By Pilar Suarez

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has hailed Lionel Messi's ability to keep on improving his game as the Barcelona star continues to break records.

The 26-year-old became his club's all-time top goalscorer on Sunday after netting a hat-trick in the Catalans' 7-0 La Liga win over Osasuna.

"You always think that it will be hard for him to improve even further, yet he keeps on doing just that. Nobody knows what the limits of an extraordinary player like Messi are," Sabella told Goal.

Messi spent two months on the sidelines earlier this season, but the Argentina boss believes he's back to his usual best again having shaken off his injury problems.

"His injuries have affected his form. He didn't have a good pre-season due to his physical problems.

"He has fully recovered now, though, and has been doing very well again. He showed his extraordinary ability again versus Manchester City."

Sabella then went on to discuss Messi's role with Argentina and was quick to stress that it's vital for the forward to be given freedom to express himself.

"Messi must be given a certain freedom on the pitch. You can tell him to help the team when he loses the ball, but only up to a certain point. The fundamental thing is that he is feeling well and is fresh when the others get the ball to him.

"Messi has the freedom to roam around on the pitch and get into positions where he feels comfortable. He can receive the ball wherever he thinks is best."

The 26-year-old received his fair share of criticism after he failed to lead Argentina to success at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, but Sabella has insisted that the forward cannot do it all by himself.

"Irrespective of how good and extraordinary a player is, he needs the support of his team.

"It's going to be very difficult if there's no balance in the team. You need a solid team if you are to win the World Cup." --------------- goal.com

Benzema will be fit for Clasico, reveals Real Madrid boss Ancelotti

By Stefan Coerts

Mar 17, 2014 2:33:00 PM

The Frenchman is being plagued by fitness problems but los Blancos are hopeful he will be fit to feature at the Santiago Bernabeu

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema in Tuesday's Champions League match against Schalke, but remains confident that the France international will be fit for Sunday's Liga game against Barcelona.

The 26-year-old striker netted twice in los Blancos' 6-1 first-leg win in Gelsenkirchen, but a leg injury he picked up against Malaga at the weekend keeps him out of the return leg.

"Benzema can't play tomorrow [Tuesday] but we are confident he will be fit for Sunday," Ancelotti stated at a press conference.

"Benzema is a very important player, but we are lucky to be able to replace him when he is injured."

The Madrid coach then went on to stress that the game against Schalke is the perfect preparation for the upcoming Clasico.

"Sunday's match will be very balanced," the former AC Milan boss mused. "We have to play well against Schalke because it's a very important match. We have to be consistent.

"Playing well is the best way to prepare for the Clasico."

Ancelotti also revealed that a number of players will be rested against Schalke as talented youngsters such as Jese and Alvaro Morata will get the chance to prove their worth.

"We will make a few changes because some players are physically tired. Jese, Ronaldo, and Morata will all start," he declared.

"Isco will play if I don't change my mind. Isco and I are confident he can play well in midfield." -------------------- goal.com

'The sun will rise again' - Mata keen to leave Liverpool thrashing in the past

Mar 17, 2014 2:19:00 PM

The Spaniard found the loss at Old Trafford tough to take and has promised fans the club will work hard to deliver an immediate response

Juan Mata is confident Manchester United will quickly put their 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals Liverpool behind them.

United were convincingly beaten by the Anfield outfit at Old Trafford, with Steven Gerrard scoring two penalties - and missing a third - before Luis Suarez secured the win, while Nemanja Vidic was sent off.

Mata admitted "everything went bad" during the game after a positive week of training and preparation.

"The storm will pass and the sun will rise again," Mata wrote in his blog for Grada360. "I have no doubt. Besides, no one said this would be easy, but this is football.

"It gives you fantastic moments but also very hard times you have to cope with, when you have to show pride and professionalism until the end. And when all this is gone I’m sure I will be a more mature footballer.

"I have to say that our week at the training ground had been good and we were very hopeful ahead of this derby.

"However, the day of the match everything went bad. It was a tough defeat and I want to tell you that we will give everything we have in order to forget about this in the remaining games."

United face Olympiakos in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday, hoping to overturn a two-goal deficit and advance to the quarter-finals. ---------------- goal.com

Nigerians Abroad: Emenike, Osaze & Mba paint Europe with goals

By Shina Oludare

Mar 17, 2014 2:38:00 PM

It was a splendid weekend for Nigerians in foreign leagues as they matched goal scoring feats with impressive displays

ENGLAND

Peter Odemwingie was on target twice for Stoke City as they spanked West Ham United 3-1 in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon. An acrobatic effort from Peter Crouch deflected off Odemwingie to put the home side level in the 32nd minute after Andy Caroll had put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute. The Nigerian completed his brace with 11 minutes to the end of the match with a thunderous strike from the edge of Hammers’ penalty area. It was his fifth goal of the season since joining the Potters from Cardiff City.
Joseph Yobo was on for the entire duration of Norwich City’s 4-2 defeat in the hands of Southampton. It was his sixth start of the season since joining the Yellow Canaries from Fenerbahce of Turkey.
Victor Anichebe featured for 89 minutes as West Brom secured their first win of the season under new manager Pepe Mel in their 2-1 defeat of Swansea City. Going into this game, the former Everton attacker  had scored 3 goals for the Baggies in his 18th appearance of the season.
Victor Moses was nowhere to be found on Liverpool’s bench as the Reds spanked host Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in Sunday’s big game. The Chelsea loanee last featured for Brendan Rodgers’ men in their 4-3 home win against Swansea on February 23. Moses has made 15 appearances for the Red this season.
Sone Aluko made a 46th minute appearance for Hull City in their 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon. Aluko who recently made a return from injury boasts of a goal in 13 English Premier League matches for the Tigers.
Shola Ameobi was on parade for Newcastle United in their defeat to Fulham in the English Premier League. The lanky forward was a 71st minute substitute for Pappiss Cisse in the tough encounter. Ameobi has played 19 times for the Magpies this season without a goal.
Kenneth Omeruo got his fifth start with English Championship side Middlesbrough in their 0-0 draw with AFC Bournemouth. The Super Eagles defender was so impressive that he got a pass mark from manager Aitor Karanka.
Mikel Obi was not fielded by Jose Mourinho in Chelsea’s shock defeat to Aston Villa at the Villa Park on Saturday evening. The Nigerian has got his playing chances reduced since the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January. Obi has chalked up 19 EPL appearances for the Blues this season with a goal to his name.

SPAIN

Ramon Azeez featured for Almeria in their 3-1 defeat to Rayo Vallencano in the Spanish Liga. The pint-sized player who recently made his debut for the Super Eagles has featured in 23 league matches this season.

FRANCE

Vincent Enyeama was superb in goal for OSC Lille as they played a 0-0 draw with Nantes in Ligue 1. The former Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper boasts of 18 clean slates this season having conceded 18 times in 29 games for the side currently placed third in the French League.
Sunday Mba was on target for CA Bastia in Saturday’s Ligue 2 encounter against Troyes. The goal scored in the early minutes of the game was all Les Douges needed to secure maximum points despite remaining at the base of the Ligue 2 table. The former Rangers player has played nine league games for his side this season.

ITALY

Ogenyi Onazi  was on parade for SS Lazio in their 2-0 spanking of Cagliari in the Italian Seria A game played at the San Elia Stadium. The Super Eagles midfielder replaced Alvaro Gonzalez in the 81st minute of the encounter to grab his 23rd Italian league appearance of the season.
Joel Obi replaced Marco Marchionni in the 72nd minutes of Parma's 4-2 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium. The injury prone former Inter Milan player has featured five times this season in the Italian topflight.

TURKEY

Emmanuel Emenike was on target for Fenerbahce in their 2-1 victory over Erciyespor on Saturday night. The Super Eagles hitman scored the winner for his side in the 64th minute to record his tenth goal of the season.
Godfrey Oboabona saw action for the entire duration in Rizespor's 2-2 draw at home versus Besiktas on Saturday. Rizespor surrendered their two-goal lead in the first half of the encounter to see the visitors come back in the second half of the game. Oboabona has featured 12 times for the Turkish based outfit this season and has a goal to his name.

SCOTLAND

Efe Ambrose was on parade for Celtic in their 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock. The Super Eagles player was in fine form as he helped his team remain at the summit of the Scottish league. Efe has featured in all Hoops' games this season with a goal to his name.

GERMANY

Chinedu Obasi was a second half substitute for Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga as his side romped to a 2-1 win against Augsburg. The fringe Super Eagles player has played seven German league matches for Die Knappen in a season that has been plagued by injuries and fitness concerns and it would be recalled he got one of his side's goal in their home victory last week. --------------------- goal.com

Ibra fires PSG past St Etienne, Monaco edge Lyon

Last Updated: Monday, March 17, 2014, 12:00

  

Paris: Paris Saint Germain, fresh from progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals, capped a profitable week with a 2-0 win over Saint Etienne on Sunday.

The Ligue 1 leaders` closest rivals Monaco had earlier cut the gap to five points after a controversial 3-2 win over Lyon in a game where the referee subsequently admitted to mistakes on all three of Monaco`s goals.

But PSG regained their eight-point cushion on Claudio Ranieri`s side with superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic putting the game to bed with two first half goals.

This latest stepping stone on what is becoming a relentless march to the French title extended PSG`s unbeaten league run to 13 matches.

Coach Laurent Blanc brought back several players rested in midweek for the win against Bayer Leverkusen, including former St Etienne captain Blaise Matuidi.

St Etienne have developed a reputation as a bogey team for the French capital side but not on this occasion.

Ibrahimovic had PSG deservedly in front in the 14th minute, the Swedish striker rolling the ball in although St Etienne rounded on the referee claiming Matuidi had been offside.

The St Etienne goal continued to be the centre of attention as the hosts dominated, with Ibrahimovic doubling up four minutes from the break, prodding home Edinson Cavani`s cross from the left having started the sweet move.

St Etienne emerged revitalised after the interval, Benjamin Corgnet thumping the ball into the side netting after Yohan Mollo`s effort was blocked, then substitute Melvut Erding forcing PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu into producing a deft save.

PSG, who lost Yohan Cabaye to injury, the former Newcastle midfielder replaced by Marco Verrati, eventually managed to reassert themselves to hold out for the win and move closer to sealing the championship.

Earlier Monaco saw off Lyon in a contentious game marked by a series of dubious calls from the referee who later conceded all Monaco`s goals resulted from off-side situations.

For Lyon this result ended a five-match unbeaten run in the league and the former multiple French champions remain in fifth place.

Lyon, for the third match in a row, conceded a goal in the opening 10 minutes, this time Valere Garmain inflicting the damage after four minutes.

This was the first of referee Freddy Fautrel`s mistakes as Garmain was set up by Dimitar Berbatov`s back pass, with the Bulgarian striker clearly offside.

James Rodriguez doubled up for Monaco who once again was sent on his way by Berbatov in an off-side position after a cross from the right from Mounir Obbadi.

A dozen minutes after the restart Berbatov, offside when he picked up a cross, scored from close range.

Lyon had pulled one back after the half hour when Miguel Lopes on the right flank found Jimmy Briand, who gave Lyon hope of salvaging a point with 12 minutes left on the clock with his second.

Fautrel held his hands up to a bad day at the office, declaring: "We (he and his assistants) recognise mistakes were made by the refereeing team - three goals were off-side.

"I`ve got other bad memories of course but tonight is a very bad memory for me and my colleagues."

Lyon coach Remi Garde said: "I`m disappointed that the players weren`t rewarded for their enthusiasm and solidarity and courage.

"I`m not going to talk about the referee as I`d risk being banned."

Ranieri commented: "As for the refereeing I think it was very hard today for us and for Lyon. But when a team scores three goals away from home it deserves to win."

Montpellier held Bordeaux to a 1-1 draw in Sunday`s other game.

AFP ------------------------ ZEENEWS.com

Clasico on Madrid minds as Schalke hope to save face

Last Updated: Monday, March 17, 2014, 12:12

  

Madrid: Real Madrid already have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after thrashing Schalke 6-1 in the first leg of their last 16 tie in Germany three weeks ago.

However, Los Blancos are looking to head into Sunday`s potentially decisive La Liga clash with Barcelona on a positive note by extending their 30-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rest a number of first-team regulars with the Barca match in mind with the likes of Isco, Asier Illarramendi and Jese Rodriguez likely to start.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in the first leg to take his tally in the Champions League this season to 11 in just six appearances, is expected to be involved though as he targets Lionel Messi`s record for Champions League goals in a season with the 14 he struck in the 2011/12 season.

French defender Raphael Varane should also start and after being plagued by a knee injury throughout the campaign, the 20-year-old believes he is now able to play two consecutive games at a high intensity.

"I always have to be careful with the knee, but it is fine and I can play two games in a row," he said after completing the 90 minutes in Real`s 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday.

"Now we have to first think about the game against Schalke and then about Barcelona."

Schalke were also victorious at the weekend as their 2-1 win over Augsburg on Friday night consolidated their position in the fight to qualify for next season`s Champions League.

And whilst accepting a remarkable comeback is well beyond his side, captain Benedikt Hoewedes has said he wants the Royal Blues to sign off this season`s European campaign with their heads held high at the Bernabeu.

"We want to make a sensible farewell from the Champions League," said the Germany international.

"Unfortunately, the good Champions League season we had played up until then paled into the background after the 6-1 defeat against Real, so it`s even more important for us to leave behind a positive impression of both us and the club in the competition."

Former Real striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar grabbed his side`s consolation goal with a spectacular volley in the first leg and he will once again be the major threat to his old club having notched six goals in his last four games.

Peruvian winger Jefferson Farfan is likely to be missing for the Germans, however, as he missed the trip to Augsburg with a knee injury and is set to sit out the return leg.

AFP -------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Pele: Brazil's defence better than attack

Last Updated: Monday, March 17, 2014, 11:52

  

Sao Paulo: Brazil will this year boast a stronger defence than attack for the first time in a World Cup, according to football legend Pele.

The 74-year-old cited Brazil`s absence of an in-form centre forward and relative dearth of play-makers as a concern less than three months before the tournament begins, reported Xinhua.

"We have always gone to World Cups with great attacks and weak defence but this time it`s going to be exactly the opposite," Pele was quoted saying by news service Uol Sunday.

The three-time World Cup winner rated Germany, Spain, France and Argentina as Brazil`s major rivals for football`s most coveted prize. He also warned England could cause a surprise.

"England won`t win the World Cup, but they have a team that must be respected," he added.

IANS ---------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Bayern Munich chief, Uli Hoeness to serve jail term as prosecutors nix appeal

Last Updated: Monday, March 17, 2014, 16:32

  

Berlin: German football legend and former Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness is to go to jail for tax fraud after prosecutors said Monday they would not appeal the verdict.

Public prosecutors said in a statement that they did not plan to contest the three-and-a-half-year prison term handed down last week to Hoeness, 62.

Hoeness was sentenced on Thursday for cheating the state out of 28.5 million euros ($39.5 million) after a four-day trial that riveted football-obsessed Germany.

He admitted hiding his wealth in secret Swiss bank accounts while obsessively "gambling" on stock and currency markets for years before seeking to come clean in return for immunity from prosecution.

After the verdict was handed down, he walked out of the courtroom in the southern city of Munich pending an initially-planned appeal.

But a day later Hoeness announced he would forego appealing the sentence, resigning from his posts as president and board chairman of the champion club where he spent four decades.

The prosecution, which had called for a longer jail term, had also been considering an appeal.

"The Munich II public prosecutor`s office will, in the criminal proceedings against Ulrich Hoeness over tax fraud, not file an appeal against the verdict," its statement said.

No date has been set yet for Hoeness to begin his jail term, but it is expected to start in the next few weeks.

AFP --------------- ZEENEWS.com

Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa 'is the man Chelsea want: Jose Mourinho

Last Updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 14:21

  

London: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly told the club`s hierarchy that signing a world striker should be their key priority during this summer transfer window and has told his club that Atletio Madrid star Diego Costa is the `man he wants`.

The club is ready to go all out to sign Costa from Atletico Madrid this summer and have made the striker their top transfer target despite Mourinho`s links to Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao .

According to Metro.co.uk, Costa`s excellent form in La Liga, scoring 21 goals in 26 matches, has not gone unnoticed and despite Paris Saint-German and Real Madrid linked to the star`s service, Chelsea believes that they are in pole position to sign him.

Chelsea are reportedly considered to value Costa at 27 million pounds, which is below is release clause, but a fee that could be accepted if the player pushes for a switch away.

Atletico are already looking for another striker to fill Coasta`s gap as the club is well aware of their strikers rising stock and they are certain that offers would arrive for their leading light in the summer, the report added.

ANI --------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Rodgers says Man Utd will face European exile if lose to Liverpool

Last Updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 16:57

  

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London: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has reportedly warned the defending champions Manchester United that losing to the Reds in their upcoming match would pave United`s way out of the Premier League.

Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday, reportedly looking to eliminate any lingering hopes, which United is harbouring of finishing in the Champions League places.

According to the Mirror, Rodgers said that his club is 11 points clear of United now and if it goes on to 14, then David Moyes ` men cannot do anything to make it into the Champions League adding that even 11 would be `very tough` for the Old Trafford side.

Rodgers further added that his team`s first aim is to secure the fourth place and then work upwards, which could reportedly condemn their rivals to a prolonged period in the European wilderness as a by-product.

Rodgers reportedly warned Moyes` side that once a team slips out of the elite Champions League group, it is difficult to get back adding that Liverpool still have a lot of work to get into it.

ANI ---------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Moyes brands PL match against 'favourites' Liverpool as 'biggest club game in England'

Last Updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 15:41

  

Johannesburg: Manchester United manager David Moyes has said that he believes Liverpool are the `favourites` to win the upcoming Premier League match, which he branded as `the biggest club game in England`, with the Old Trafford club on Sunday.

The defending champions stand at the sixth position in the Premier League standings with no realistic chance of retaining their title 18 points behind leaders Chelsea, whereas Liverpool stand at the second position seven points behind Chelsea.

According to Sport24, Moyes said that Liverpool would go into the match as the clear ` favourites `, adding that the Anfield side`s league position suggests that they are ahead of United and Moyes` men would have to do everything possible to beat them.

Moyes also said that it would be a big boost for United to win the match on Sunday and added that everyone knows the importance of a Manchester United vs. Liverpool game, tagging it as `the biggest game in the industry`.

Although Liverpool have won their last four league matches, they have not finished above United since 2002 and despite their current chances of winning the upcoming match, Moyes reportedly believes that United still has plenty to play for.

ANI ------------------ ZEENEWS.com

Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about 'rivalry' with Gareth Bale

Last Updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 15:58

  

New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo has rubbished the reports claiming that he was not happy with Gareth Bale joining Real Madrid.

The 29-year-old footie ace said that Bale is an incredible player and a great guy, FHM India magazine reported.

Ronaldo said that there was big pressure on Bale when he arrived because of his transfer fee - but he has shown the football world that he is more than good enough to handle all of that pressure.

He added that he was looking forward to lots of success for Real Madrid with Bale.

ANI --------------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol Report

 

Spain - Primera Division

 

Atletico Madrid

1 vs 0

Espanyol

Played
March 15, 2014 10:00 PM WAT
Estadio Vicente Calderón — Madrid
Referee:‬ Pedro Pérez‎
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

 

55′ Diego Costa

 

Top of the Match

Diego Costa
Atletico Madrid

Vote for Man of the Match

Flop of the Match

Simão
Espanyol

Vote for Man of the Match

Goal.com Rating Fans' Rating

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Espanyol: Clinical Costa keeps Rojiblancos in title race

The Spain international scored a fine second-half goal to seal an important three points for Diego Simeone's side against their spirited visitors

Getty Images

Atletico Madrid kept up the pressure on Liga leaders Real Madrid with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.

After los Blancos had battled to victory over Malaga earlier in the day, a solitary Diego Costa strike was enough for Diego Simeone's side to close the gap at the top of the table and put pressure on Barcelona ahead of their match on Sunday. --------------- goal.com

Odemwingie double sinks Hammers

By Shina Oludare

Mar 15, 2014 6:42:00 PM

The Nigerian was in blistering form on Saturday afternoon as his brace ensured the Potters moved to the tenth position in the English Premiership

Peter Odemwingie was on target twice for Stoke City as they spanked West Ham United 3-1 in the English Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
The former Cardiff forward scored in each half to hand Mark Hughes' men their second win in three games in the highly entertaining encounter played at the Britannia Stadium.
An acrobatic effort from Peter Crouch deflected off Odemwingie to put the home side level in the 32nd minute after Andy Caroll had put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute.
The Nigerian completed his brace with 11 minutes to the end of the match with a thunderous strike from the edge of Hammers’ penalty area.
Odemwingie last scored for the Potters in their 2-2 draw away with Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on February 8. ------------- goal.com

England - Premier League

 

Aston Villa

1 vs 0

Chelsea Fc

Played
March 15, 2014 6:30 PM WAT
Villa Park — Birmingham
Referee:‬ C. Foy‎
Attendance:‬ 40084‎

 

82′ Fabian Delph

 

Top of the Match

Fabian Delph
Aston Villa

Fabian Delph
Aston Villa

Flop of the Match

Willian
Chelsea Fc

Willian
Chelsea Fc

Goal.com Rating Fans' Rating

Aston Villa 1-0 Chelsea: Mourinho sent off as Delph blows title race wide open

The Blues boss' record of never having won at Villa Park was extended on Saturday after a second-half goal from the Villa midfielder, as the coach, Willian and Ramires all saw red

Getty Images

Fabian Delph's second-half winner gave Aston Villa a shock 1-0 win over league-leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho had never won at Villa Park heading into the fixture and Delph's well-taken goal after the break extended the Portuguese coach's misery in the Midlands.

To add insult to injury, Willian was sent off for a second bookable offence just minutes before the winning goal, while Mourinho would have been further incensed when Ramires saw red deep into injury time.

And the Chelsea boss then made matters worse for himself as he, too, was sent to the stands right at the death. There could have been a different outcome, meanwhile, had Nemanja Matic's effort on the stroke of half-time not been ruled out for handball.

VIEW FROM VILLA PARK

By Tom Davis at Villa Park Drama here to end the second half at Villa Park as Ramires is dismissed for a challenge high over the top of the ball. It was unnecessary and caused confrontation on the pitch, including a red card for manager Jose Mourinho. Chelsea found themselves frustrated all game after some terrific defensive play from Paul Lambert’s side but Willian’s red card swung the game, and momentum, in Villa’s favour. It’s a massive blow for Mourinho, who is sure to lament decisions from the officials, who also ruled out Nemanja Matic’s goal for handball. It's a vital win for the home side as they take their tally to 34 points and another step towards safety. And how will this result impact the title race?

Chelsea still retain a six-point lead over second-placed City, though Manuel Pellegrini's men have three games in hand to cut the gap, while Villa's win lifts them to 10th.

Chelsea had Villa largely pinned back in their own half in the opening 10 minutes but the visitors were almost exposed by a Villa counterattack that ended with Christian Benteke heading Delph's cross wide.

Mourinho's men were comfortable in possession, however, with Oscar looking particularly lively - the Brazilian curling a shot just wide after 15 minutes as he ventured forward.

After a promising opening, the game suffered something of a lull - but it was Chelsea who continued to look the more likely to score and Fernando Torres fired wide from a tight angle after a neat through ball from Eden Hazard after 35 minutes.

Villa's biggest threat was on the counter and the lively Benteke saw an acrobatic half-volley from the right-hand side of the box fly wide of the far post.

The home side then had a huge let-off five minutes before the break. Willian's corner was flicked to the back post by John Terry, where Matic squeezed the ball home - only for referee Chris Foy to rule the goal out for a handball by the Serbia international.

Chelsea continued to dictate the tempo after the break and Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan had to make a smart reaction save when El Ahmadi directed Hazard's cross towards his own goal when sliding to make a block.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Chelsea continuing to probe but failing to find a way through a stern Villa rearguard.

Villa retained a foothold in the game and Benteke should have done better when he received a pass from Andreas Weimann on the edge of the area and placed a shot narrowly wide of Petr Cech's goal.

With just over 20 minutes remaining Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. Willian - who had already been booked in the first half - was rash in pulling back Delph and was shown a second yellow card, although the decision was perhaps harsh on the Brazilian.

And the hosts made the most of their numerical advantage when Marc Albrighton's cut-back from the byline went behind Delph - yet the midfielder somehow brilliantly flicked home.

Delph then went close to a second when his shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Terry, before Chelsea's match ended in further ill discipline when Ramires was sent off for a lunging tackle on El Ahmadi. Mourinho then followed, after protesting the decision to give the Brazilian his marching orders. --------------- goal.com

Malaga vs Real Madrid CF Report

 

Spain - Primera Division

 

Malaga

0 vs 1

Real Madrid CF

Played
March 15, 2014 8:00 PM WAT
Estadio La Rosaleda — Málaga
Referee:‬ Juan Martínez‎
Attendance:‬ 29265‎

 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo 23′

Top of the Match

Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid CF

Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid CF

Flop of the Match

Marcos Angeleri
Malaga

Isco
Real Madrid CF

Goal.com Rating Fans' Rating

Malaga 0-1 Real Madrid: Ronaldo the hero as Liga leaders battle to vital victory

The Portugal star's fine first-half finish was the difference as Carlo Ancelotti's side held on at La Rosaleda - although they did lose Karim Benzema to injury

Getty Images

Real Madrid secured a gritty 1-0 over Malaga on Saturday thanks to a superb first-half finish from Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal sensation's 25th league goal of the season proved the difference between the two sides at La Rosaleda, as Carlo Ancelotti's men continued to force the pace at the top of La Liga ahead of El Clasicoagainst Barcelona next weekend. After slumping to a shock 3-2 defeat at Malaga last season, Madrid looked determined to avoid a repeat this time out.

But they were still made to work for the victory, which came via Ronaldo's clever finish in the 23rd minute, as he fired across goal and into the bottom corner.
The Ballon d'Or winner could have made it more comfortable when he headed narrowly wide with another fine chance just prior to the break, but this time he was wasteful.
Isco started for Real against his former side and he should have put the match beyond them when he missed a one-on-one early in the second half.
The home side then enjoyed their fair share of late pressure, but they were ultimately unable to break down Real, as the visitors held on to stay clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid ahead of their meeting with Espanyol.
Ancelotti had insisted that the trip was of "crucial" importance to Real as they looked to at least maintain the four-point gap between themselves and Barcelona ahead their meeting next week - and the visitors looked dangerous right from the start.
They could have been awarded a penalty just six minutes in, but referee Juan Martinez ignored their protests after Marcos Angeleri brought down Gareth Bale.

After a nervous start, Malaga's first chance fell to Roque Santa Cruz 12 minutes in, as he directed a header over the crossbar following Nordin Amrabat's right-wing cross.

Unsurprisingly, Real capitalised on that miss by taking the lead.

With 23 minutes gone, Bale floated a lofted pass over to Ronaldo on the left-hand side of the area and the Portuguese cut inside before guiding a low effort into the bottom corner.

Ronaldo almost netted his second just before the break as he rose to meet Angel Di Maria's stunning volleyed cross, but Willy Caballero was grateful to see the header go wide.
Madrid where then left with a potential headache ahead of next weekend as Karim Benzema was forced to be withdrawn after having collided with Ronaldo following Bale's cross.
Real looked determined to wrap up the win as early as possible at the beginning of the second period and they should have doubled their advantage in the 51st minute, but Isco blazed over when one-on-one with Cabellero after Di Maria's solo run.

Pepe was lucky to stay on the pitch after 61 minutes when he caught Duda crudely on the knee with his studs.
Caballero then denied Ronaldo a second goal 10 minutes from time as he dived down to his right to palm away the forward's effort, but Real had done enough.
They held on for three important points in the title race, while Malaga remain in trouble at the bottom and are now only just clear of the drop zone. ---------------- goal.com

Suarez at Messi/Ronaldo level, says Rooney

Last Updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014, 20:14

  

London: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Liverpool counterpart Luis Suarez as "one of the best players in the world" ahead of the teams` Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Liverpool approach the match at Old Trafford with an 11-point lead over their old rivals and Suarez has been a key factor, scoring 24 of the 73 goals that Brendan Rodgers`s side have plundered this season.

Suarez has formed an impressive understanding with Daniel Sturridge, who is Rooney`s strike partner at international level, and the United striker feels that the Uruguayan now merits comparison with the very best.

"Suarez, for me, is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world," Rooney told United`s in-house television station, MUTV.

"He has been that good and the two of them together have been in great form this season. We will have to do everything we can to stop them on Sunday.

"I think they are both fantastic players and obviously it is good to see Sturridge doing well because he has never really had a chance at his previous clubs.

"Brendan Rodgers has given him a chance and he has taken it with both hands. That is good for England as well."
While Sturridge has contributed 18 goals to Liverpool`s league-leading tally, Rooney and Van Persie have found the net only 11 times each in the league this season.

Both players have had to contend with injuries, but they are now fit, and having each committed their futures to the club, Rooney is hopeful that the goals will soon begin to flow.

"We can do better and if we are not at the top of the league then that will get looked at, and we understand that," he said.

"We can score more goals and we know we can. We are working hard to do that, we have to keep going and hopefully that will come."United, the defending English champions, face an uphill battle to qualify for next season`s Champions League, having fallen nine points below fourth-place Manchester City, who have two games in hand.

Not since 1995 have United failed to qualify for Europe`s premier club competition and Rodgers feels that missing out on next season`s tournament could have long-lasting ramifications for David Moyes`s side.

"We still have a lot of work to get in to the Champions League," said the Liverpool manager, according to reports in several British national newspapers on Saturday.
"But when you`re not in it, even though this club is a worldwide, monumental club, we found it difficult because the best players want to play in the best competitions.

"This was Liverpool and we weren`t in the Champions League. In order to get in some of the type of players we want, that`s where we need to be and we`re trying to be.

"Any club will suffer the same when they`re not in there. There is no doubt it will hurt you, but they (United) will know that."

Liverpool, English football`s dominant force in the 1970s and 1980s, have not won a league title since 1990 and Rodgers has warned United that their own period of dominance could end just as abruptly.

"We were talking about the great Liverpool teams -- one year becomes two and then all of a sudden it was 20 years since they won the title," said the Northern Irishman, whose side went into the weekend in second place in the league table. "It can get away from you very quickly."

AFP ------------------------ ZEENEWS.com