<p>Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma.</p>

<p>Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday.</p>

<p>For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries.</p>

<p>Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from.</p>

<p><strong>Eusebio Di Francesco:</strong> "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah."</p>

<p><strong>Jurgen Klopp</strong>: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield."</p>

<p><strong>Lineup (TBC):</strong></p>

<p><strong>Liverpool:</strong> Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane.</p>

<p><strong>AS Roma:</strong> &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.</p>


Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma. Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday. For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries. Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from. Eusebio Di Francesco: "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah." Jurgen Klopp: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield." Lineup (TBC): Liverpool: Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane. AS Roma: &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.

Champions League: Match preview of Liverpool vs AS Roma

<p><u><strong>WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK</strong></u></p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/opinion-why-arsene-wenger-deserves-a-farewell-that-matches-his-feat-at-arsenal-131916">Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal?</a></p>

<h5 title="Watch: Preity Zinta shouts at fans during Punjab's match against Chennai in IPL, reveals truth"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/watch-preity-zinta-shouts-at-fans-during-punjabs-match-against-chennai-in-ipl-reveals-truth-131386">Watch: Preity Zinta shouts at fans during Punjab's match against Chennai in IPL, reveals truth</a></h5>

<h5 title="Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati BSF to lodge protest"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/hasan-ali-gatecrashes-wagah-ceremony-faces-flak-from-twitterati-bsf-to-lodge-protest-132004">Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati BSF to lodge protest</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/987701265651126276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<h5 title="Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/video-performing-bear-at-russian-soccer-match-causes-outrage-worldwide-131045">Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage</a></h5>

<h5 title="Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/watch-how-antonio-contes-wife-interrupts-press-conference-131275">Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference</a></h5>

<h5 title="Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina "><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/watch-sachin-tendulkars-comeback-in-gully-cricket-131029">Watch: Sachin Tendulkar's comeback in 'gully cricket'</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Passing by a game of cricket while driving, <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a>'s friends dared him to get out and face a few balls.<br />
<br />
The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master.<br />
<br />
(Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) <a href="https://t.co/JG2Khrqh9g">pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/986163421572890624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2018</strong></p>

<h5 title="Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018 "><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-ipl-2008-to-2018--131250">Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018</a></h5>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/pollard-seeks-advice-from-media-to-outdo-mumbais-current-form-130877">Pollard seeks advice from media to outdo Mumbai's current form</a></p>

<h5 title="IPL 2018: Watch, DJ Bravo impresses again with his dance moves"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-dj-bravo-impresses-with-his-dance-moves-again-131009">IPL 2018: Watch, DJ Bravo impresses again with his dance moves</a></h5>

<h5 title="Opinion: Curious case of Bangalore and IPL
"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/opinion-curious-case-of-bangalore-and-ipl-131194">Opinion: Curious case of Bangalore and IPL</a></h5>

<h5 title="IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya apologises to Mumbai teammate Ishan Kishan  
"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-hardik-pandya-apologises-to-mumbai-teammate-ishan-kishan---131226">IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya apologises to Mumbai teammate Ishan Kishan</a></h5>

<h5 title="Why IPL superstar Gayle is world's most valuable T20 player "><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/why-ipl-superstar-gayle-is-worlds-most-valuable-t20-player--131497">Why IPL superstar Gayle is world's most valuable T20 player</a></h5>

<h5 title="IPL 2018: How to stop AB De Villiers from scoring, reveals Ben Stokes 
"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-how-to-stop-ab-de-villiers-from-scoring-reveals-ben-stokes--132052">IPL 2018: How to stop AB De Villiers from scoring, reveals Ben Stokes</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How to stop <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://t.co/DivGdgh36Q">pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q</a></p>
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/987749945171107840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>FOOTBALL</strong></p>

<h5 title="Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-epl-start-of-a-dynasty-130675">Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?</a></h5>

<h5 title="How Pep Guardiola's signings turned Manchester City from nearly men into champions"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/how-pep-guardiolas-signings-turned-manchester-city-from-nearly-men-into-champions-130710">How Pep Guardiola's signings turned Manchester City from nearly men into champions</a></h5>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/throwback-this-is-what-lionel-messi-did-11-years-ago-for-fc-barcelona-131256">Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona</a></p>

<h5 title="Ibrahimovic says he is going to World Cup but won't say if he will play"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/videos/ibrahimovic-says-he-is-going-to-world-cup-but-wont-say-if-he-will-play-131600">Ibrahimovic says he is going to World Cup but won't say if he will play</a></h5>

<h5 title="Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/arsene-wenger-to-step-down-as-arsenal-manager-131646">Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager</a></h5>

<h5 title="Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/salomon-rondons-88th-minute-goal-help-west-brom-to-draw-against-liverpool-131944">Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool</a></h5>

<h5 title="Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-thrash-sevilla-to-win-kings-cup-for-record-30th-time-132023">Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time</a></h5>

<h5 title="FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/photos/fc-barcelona:-star-kids-add-cuteness-to-king's-cup-132116">FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup</a></h5>

<h5 title="FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/photos/fc-barcelona:-star-kids-add-cuteness-to-king's-cup-132116">FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup</a></h5>

<h5 title="Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/alexandre-lacazette-shines-in-concluding-minutes-as-arsenal-thrash-west-ham-132125">Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham</a></h5>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/fans-did-not-give-image-of-unity--that-was-hurtful-arsene-wenger-132161">Fans did not give image of unity, that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger</a></p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><b>OTHERS</b></p>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-indias-champion-shooters-speak-to-wion-131054">Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION</a></p>

<h5 title="Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina "><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/blog-virat-kohli-is-new-leading-run-scorer-in-ipl-surpasses-raina--131150">Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina</a></h5>

<h5 title="Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/not-insulted-i-sat-on-the-ground-on-my-own-cwg-gold-medallist-manu-bhaker-131176">Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker</a></h5>

<h5 title="BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/bcci-should-come-under-rti-recommends-law-commission-of-india-131199">BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India</a></h5>

<h5 title="Minor tweaks to team culture needed for Australia: Tim Paine, Australia's test captain"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/videos/minor-tweaks-to-team-culture-needed-for-australia-tim-paine-australias-test-captain-131567">Minor tweaks to team culture needed for Australia: Tim Paine, Australia's test captain</a></h5>

<h5 title="Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/coach-to-be-named-in-coming-weeks-cricket-australia-131738">Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia</a></h5>

<h5 title="Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-blooper-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-still-on-official-twitter-handle-131813">Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle</a></h5>

<h5 title="'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/informed-ganguly-about-greg-chappells-mail-to-bcci-reveals-sehwag-131887">'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag</a></h5>

<h5 title="Pliskova and Kvitova give Czechs commanding lead over Germany"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-outplays-kerber-to-send-czechs-into-fed-cup-final-132120">Petra Kvitova outplays Kerber to send Czechs into Fed Cup final</a></h5>

<h5 title="Pliskova and Kvitova give Czechs commanding lead over Germany"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-the-next-australia-cricket-coach-possible-contenders-132151">In pics: Meet the next Australia cricket coach possible contenders</a></h5>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-singh-to-retire-after-2019-world-cup-132182">Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?&nbsp</a> ​​​​​</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 16 to April 22)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal? Watch: Preity Zinta shouts at fans during Punjab's match against Chennai in IPL, reveals truth Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati BSF to lodge protest Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference Watch: Sachin Tendulkar's comeback in 'gully cricket' Passing by a game of cricket while driving, @sachin_rt's friends dared him to get out and face a few balls. The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master. (Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2018 × IPL 2018 Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018 Pollard seeks advice from media to outdo Mumbai's current form IPL 2018: Watch, DJ Bravo impresses again with his dance moves Opinion: Curious case of Bangalore and IPL IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya apologises to Mumbai teammate Ishan Kishan Why IPL superstar Gayle is world's most valuable T20 player IPL 2018: How to stop AB De Villiers from scoring, reveals Ben Stokes How to stop @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 21, 2018 × FOOTBALL Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty? How Pep Guardiola's signings turned Manchester City from nearly men into champions Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona Ibrahimovic says he is going to World Cup but won't say if he will play Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham Fans did not give image of unity, that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger OTHERS Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Minor tweaks to team culture needed for Australia: Tim Paine, Australia's test captain Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle 'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag Petra Kvitova outplays Kerber to send Czechs into Fed Cup final In pics: Meet the next Australia cricket coach possible contenders Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich.</p>

<p>When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players.</p>

<p>When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence<br />
<br />
?? <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieA_TIM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerieA_TIM</a> <a href="https://t.co/aH6DrKQeWG">pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG</a></p>
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/988131785300201472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.</p>

<p>We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences.</p>

<p>Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.</p>


Seria A teams took part in a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women

SS Napoli defeated Juventus in a dramatic fashion as Kalidou Koulibaly scored with a header in the 89th minute and stunned Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday at Allianz Arena, Munich. When the match started, players from both the team had red stripes on their cheek. Not only Juventus and Napoli players, but this trend was actively promoted this weekend by all Serie A players. When the players entered the field with red marks on their face then the fans and spectators were surprised but after some time, the commentators revealed that it is a part of a social media campaign to create awareness against violence to women. The players are sporting red marks on their face in support of a campaign against domestic violence ?? @SerieA_TIM pic.twitter.com/aH6DrKQeWG — Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 22, 2018 × The players were expressing solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. We World Onlus, a humanitarian organisation teamed up with Serie A players to promote the campaign worldwide. So far, the campaign has been very successful in reaching worldwide audiences. Also, the players should be applauded for taking part&nbspand encouraging the campaign even in the crucial matches.

Here is why Buffon, Dybala and other players were playing with red mark on their cheeks

<p>Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri was captured showing the "middle finger"&nbsp;to Juventus fans ahead of Napoli and Juventus clash on Sunday.</p>

<p>When the team bus of Napoli arrived at the Allianz Arena in Munich it was surrounded by Juventus fans and a group of people who allegedly spit&nbsp;on Nalopi team bus.</p>

<p>"I replied to a group of people who were spitting at the bus and insulting us for being Neapolitan," said Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri on the alleged unethical behaviour.</p>

<p>He also mentioned that, "I would never make a gesture like that towards anyone for being a Juventus fan."</p>

<p>"The vast majority of Juventus fans are wonderful people and there was one in our hotel who we had a good laugh and joke with."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri showing his middle finger to the Juventus fans who were insulting him ?<a href="https://t.co/t7LSdBzwQJ">pic.twitter.com/t7LSdBzwQJ</a></p>
— Ahmed Wagih (@Ahmed__Wagih) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahmed__Wagih/status/988117752132046854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After winning the match 1-0 to Juventus, Sarri said that he replied to a group of people who were spitting and insulting the Napoli team. He also mentioned that he was not targeting Juve fans.</p>


Maurizio Sarri was spotted giving the middle finger to a group of Juventus fans on Sunday

Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri was captured showing the "middle finger" to Juventus fans ahead of Napoli and Juventus clash on Sunday. When the team bus of Napoli arrived at the Allianz Arena in Munich it was surrounded by Juventus fans and a group of people who allegedly spit on Nalopi team bus. "I replied to a group of people who were spitting at the bus and insulting us for being Neapolitan," said Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri on the alleged unethical behaviour. He also mentioned that, "I would never make a gesture like that towards anyone for being a Juventus fan." "The vast majority of Juventus fans are wonderful people and there was one in our hotel who we had a good laugh and joke with." Watch the video: Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri showing his middle finger to the Juventus fans who were insulting him ?pic.twitter.com/t7LSdBzwQJ — Ahmed Wagih (@Ahmed__Wagih) April 22, 2018 × After winning the match 1-0 to Juventus, Sarri said that he replied to a group of people who were spitting and insulting the Napoli team. He also mentioned that he was not targeting Juve fans.

Caught on camera: Napoli manager Sarri's obscene gesture at Juventus fans

<p>A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month.</p>

<p>Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard.</p>

<p>"I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport.</p>

<p>Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net.</p>

<p>Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar.</p>

<p>The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot.</p>

<p>They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game.</p>

<p>Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday.</p>

<p>The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte.</p>

<p>Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game.</p>

<p>"Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United."</p>

<p>Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.</p>


Chelsea will meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 in the finals of FA Cup

A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month. Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard. "I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport. Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net. Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar. The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot. They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game. Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday. The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte. Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game. "Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United." Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.

FA Cup: Chelsea beat Southampton 2-0 in semi-final

<p>Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final between the two clubs.</p>

<p>Conte, who won the title with Chelsea last season, and Mourinho, the London club's most successful ever manager, have clashed on several occasions.</p>

<p>In January, Conte called Mourinho "a little man" after Mourinho made a pointed comment about match-fixing, a reference to Conte's four-month suspension for failing to report match-fixing while a manager in Italy. Conte was later cleared by an Italian court of any wrongdoing.</p>

<p>The Italian was quick to try to bury the hatchet on Sunday after Chelsea secured their place in the final on May 19 by beating Southampton 2-0 in the semi-final at Wembley.</p>

<p>"I think with Jose we have clarified the situation and that is the most important thing. There is not a problem between him and I," Conte said. "I think that this final is a game between two great teams."</p>

<p>Conte said Manchester United, who sit second in the English Premier League, would go into the final as favourites against fifth-placed Chelsea.</p>

<p>"I think this season we arrive not as favourite but as you know last season we lost the final despite being favourite against Arsenal," Conte said.</p>

<p>Southampton manager Mark Hughes said he was disappointed that referee Martin Atkinson had not chosen to use the Video Assistant Referee system when he awarded a foul after Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero failed to catch a high ball which appeared to cross the line with Chelsea 1-0 up.</p>

<p>"Clearly it was a match-defining moment," Hughes said. "Why it hasn’t been referred, I have no idea."</p>


Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte said he and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had settled their differences ahead of next month's FA Cup final between the two clubs. Conte, who won the title with Chelsea last season, and Mourinho, the London club's most successful ever manager, have clashed on several occasions. In January, Conte called Mourinho "a little man" after Mourinho made a pointed comment about match-fixing, a reference to Conte's four-month suspension for failing to report match-fixing while a manager in Italy. Conte was later cleared by an Italian court of any wrongdoing. The Italian was quick to try to bury the hatchet on Sunday after Chelsea secured their place in the final on May 19 by beating Southampton 2-0 in the semi-final at Wembley. "I think with Jose we have clarified the situation and that is the most important thing. There is not a problem between him and I," Conte said. "I think that this final is a game between two great teams." Conte said Manchester United, who sit second in the English Premier League, would go into the final as favourites against fifth-placed Chelsea. "I think this season we arrive not as favourite but as you know last season we lost the final despite being favourite against Arsenal," Conte said. Southampton manager Mark Hughes said he was disappointed that referee Martin Atkinson had not chosen to use the Video Assistant Referee system when he awarded a foul after Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero failed to catch a high ball which appeared to cross the line with Chelsea 1-0 up. "Clearly it was a match-defining moment," Hughes said. "Why it hasn’t been referred, I have no idea."

Mourinho spat is over ahead of FA Cup final, says Antonio Conte

<p>Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans.</p>

<p>The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job.</p>

<p>"I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United.</p>

<p>"I know that I will not get that anymore in my life."</p>

<p>Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience.</p>

<p>"I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference.</p>

<p>But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world.</p>

<p>"I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said.</p>

<p>Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons.</p>

<p>"I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Fan Base</strong></p>

<p>Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season.</p>

<p>Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg.</p>

<p>The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles.</p>

<p>"At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said.</p>

<p>"I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today."</p>

<p>He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager.</p>

<p>"My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.</p>


'I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful,' says Arsene Wenger

Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans. The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job. "I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United. "I know that I will not get that anymore in my life." Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience. "I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference. But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world. "I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said. Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons. "I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said. Fan Base Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season. Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg. The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles. "At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said. "I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today." He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager. "My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.

Fans did not give image of unity,  that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger

<p>Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United in a London derby at the Emirates on Sunday.</p>

<p>Defender Nacho Monreal put Arsenal ahead six minutes into the second half when he fired low past Joe Hart at a corner to bring the match to life after a dull first half.</p>

<p>Marko Arnautovic equalised 13 minutes later when substitute midfielder Manuel Lanzini fed him on the left and the striker shot past the diving David Ospina into the bottom far corner.</p>

<p>Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead again in the 82nd when a mistake in the Hammers defence allowed his effort from the left edge of the box to sail into the far side of Hart’s net and Alexandre Lacazette added the third and fourth goals.</p>

<p>"We took a bit of time to get going. I don't want to make excuses, we weren't quite at it," Ramsey told Sky Sports. "It was important we put it right in the second half.</p>

<p>"I'm delighted on a personal note to score -- and more importantly get the three points."</p>

<p>Hart had previously kept West Ham in the match with diving saves from Xhaka and Danny Welbeck but Arsenal climbed within six points of fifth-placed Chelsea on 57 while West Ham remain in relegation trouble six points above the drop zone on 35.</p>

<p>Asked about Wenger's departure, Ramsey said: "It's really tough to take by the group of lads. He's believed in us and given us all these opportunities over the years.</p>

<p>"We're not thinking about who's coming in next -- it's about doing it for him. Winning the Europa League would be a perfect send-off for him," he told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>That competition is effectively Arsenal's only route back into the Champions League next season but their way is blocked by formidable opponents in the form of Atletico Madrid in the semi-final. The first leg of that fixture is on Thursday at the Emirates.</p>


Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United

Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United in a London derby at the Emirates on Sunday. Defender Nacho Monreal put Arsenal ahead six minutes into the second half when he fired low past Joe Hart at a corner to bring the match to life after a dull first half. Marko Arnautovic equalised 13 minutes later when substitute midfielder Manuel Lanzini fed him on the left and the striker shot past the diving David Ospina into the bottom far corner. Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead again in the 82nd when a mistake in the Hammers defence allowed his effort from the left edge of the box to sail into the far side of Hart’s net and Alexandre Lacazette added the third and fourth goals. "We took a bit of time to get going. I don't want to make excuses, we weren't quite at it," Ramsey told Sky Sports. "It was important we put it right in the second half. "I'm delighted on a personal note to score -- and more importantly get the three points." Hart had previously kept West Ham in the match with diving saves from Xhaka and Danny Welbeck but Arsenal climbed within six points of fifth-placed Chelsea on 57 while West Ham remain in relegation trouble six points above the drop zone on 35. Asked about Wenger's departure, Ramsey said: "It's really tough to take by the group of lads. He's believed in us and given us all these opportunities over the years. "We're not thinking about who's coming in next -- it's about doing it for him. Winning the Europa League would be a perfect send-off for him," he told Sky Sports. That competition is effectively Arsenal's only route back into the Champions League next season but their way is blocked by formidable opponents in the form of Atletico Madrid in the semi-final. The first leg of that fixture is on Thursday at the Emirates.

Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham

<p>If this proves to be the first of many goodbyes for Andres Iniesta, it is a fantastic way to bow out.</p>

<p>Barcelona's captain was the man of the match on Saturday as he put on a dazzling display to help his side waltz past Sevilla in a 5-0 victory, winning the King's Cup for the fourth season in a row.</p>

<p>Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League, and reports in Spain say he will end a hugely successful era at Barcelona to try his luck in the Far East.</p>

<p>The captain cried during the final minutes of the game after being taken off to rapturous applause and his name being chanted by both sets of fans.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh3j8bigadC/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">An absolute genius midfielder? Unfortunately he's out of the CL.? - Follow @worldcupessentials for more ? - ?: @433</a></p>

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<p>"This week I will make my decision public," said Iniesta. "What makes us happy are days like today. I really wanted today to go well and from the first minute, it did.</p>

<p>"It was a great night in all senses, on a team and personal level. This is a title that we love and we will try to add the league title to finish the season on a high note."</p>

<p>This was the sixth time Iniesta has lifted the King's Cup, along with eight La Liga titles, which will become nine if Barcelona do the double by earning three more points from their last five games. He has also won four Champions League trophies.</p>

<p>Against Sevilla Iniesta was at his finest, helping Barcelona exhaust their opponents by moving the ball quickly and accurately, not letting the Andalusians breathe.</p>

<p>Goalscoring is not his forte with just one in all competitions before he netted Barcelona's fourth, rounding Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria and converting from a tight angle.</p>

<p>"Andres is a spectacle," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. "Watch him and enjoy him."</p>

<p>After the disappointment of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final exit against AS Roma, throwing away a three-goal first leg lead, Iniesta was glad to give the fans something to smile about.</p>

<p>"The team and the fans deserve 10 out of 10. There are a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings and a lot of moods. I am happy, happy we can show our best and for the title.</p>

<p>"Although we're all thinking about the game in Rome, the fans deserved this."</p>


Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League

If this proves to be the first of many goodbyes for Andres Iniesta, it is a fantastic way to bow out. Barcelona's captain was the man of the match on Saturday as he put on a dazzling display to help his side waltz past Sevilla in a 5-0 victory, winning the King's Cup for the fourth season in a row. Iniesta will make a decision over his future next week, with the 33-year-old mulling a move to the Chinese Super League, and reports in Spain say he will end a hugely successful era at Barcelona to try his luck in the Far East. The captain cried during the final minutes of the game after being taken off to rapturous applause and his name being chanted by both sets of fans. An absolute genius midfielder? Unfortunately he's out of the CL.? - Follow @worldcupessentials for more ? - ?: @433 A post shared by World Cup - Essentials (@worldcupessentials) on Apr 22, 2018 at 2:44am PDT × "This week I will make my decision public," said Iniesta. "What makes us happy are days like today. I really wanted today to go well and from the first minute, it did. "It was a great night in all senses, on a team and personal level. This is a title that we love and we will try to add the league title to finish the season on a high note." This was the sixth time Iniesta has lifted the King's Cup, along with eight La Liga titles, which will become nine if Barcelona do the double by earning three more points from their last five games. He has also won four Champions League trophies. Against Sevilla Iniesta was at his finest, helping Barcelona exhaust their opponents by moving the ball quickly and accurately, not letting the Andalusians breathe. Goalscoring is not his forte with just one in all competitions before he netted Barcelona's fourth, rounding Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria and converting from a tight angle. "Andres is a spectacle," said Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde. "Watch him and enjoy him." After the disappointment of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final exit against AS Roma, throwing away a three-goal first leg lead, Iniesta was glad to give the fans something to smile about. "The team and the fans deserve 10 out of 10. There are a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings and a lot of moods. I am happy, happy we can show our best and for the title. "Although we're all thinking about the game in Rome, the fans deserved this."

Iniesta shines brighter than ever with big decision looming

<p>Unstoppable duo Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona thrash Sevilla 5-0 to win the King's Cup final for the fourth consecutive season on Saturday as they close in on a likely domestic double.</p>

<p>Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition for a record 30th time. However, it was Iniesta and Messi who pulled all the strings as the La Liga leaders blew away Vincenzo Montella's stunned side.</p>

<p>Philippe Coutinho set up Suarez for the opening goal in the 14th minute and Barcelona dominated the rest of the game. The result goes some way to make up for their humiliating Champions League quarter-final elimination by AS Roma earlier in April.</p>

<p>Messi slammed home the second after good work from Jordi Alba with Suarez adding another, before Iniesta netted from a tight angle. Coutinho added a fifth from the penalty spot to complete the rout.</p>

<p>"This doesn't cover up what happened in Rome but it's an important title," said Suarez.</p>

<p>"At the start of the season we would have taken this, there's huge merit to it.</p>

<p>"It's strange to be knocked out of the Champions League, we gave the impression that we could go far in it."</p>

<p>Both Barcelona and Sevilla fans sang Iniesta's name when he was substituted in the final stages, with the chants echoing around the Wanda Metropolitano stadium until after the final whistle.</p>

<p>The veteran midfielder is considering a move to the Chinese Super League and this could be his last cup final for Barcelona - and he made sure it was one to remember.</p>

<p>"Barcelona had a formidable game and when they are like that it's hard to stop them," said Montella.</p>

<p>"They have formidable players like Iniesta, Messi, Suarez.</p>

<p>"I'm very sorry to the fans who were fantastic today. We are not in our best form, we have to react."</p>

<p>With Iniesta leading the way, Barca came flying out of the blocks and moved ahead after a long ball from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen found Coutinho deep in opposition territory and he set up Suarez.</p>

<p>Sevilla rallied but after a couple of half-chances Barcelona doubled their lead when Iniesta sent Alba flying down the left. The Spaniard backheeled the ball into Messi's path and the Argentine fired in.</p>

<p>Messi then created the third for Suarez with a sublime through-ball and the fourth for Iniesta, whose goal will be a special moment to take with him if he does depart.</p>

<p>Coutinho's penalty after Clement Lenglet handled the ball in the area helped Ernesto Valverde's side finish emphatically and they were soon able to celebrate with the cup which had their name on it from the start - and recently always seems to.</p>


Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition

Unstoppable duo Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona thrash Sevilla 5-0 to win the King's Cup final for the fourth consecutive season on Saturday as they close in on a likely domestic double. Luis Suarez struck twice in the first half for the Catalans as they won the competition for a record 30th time. However, it was Iniesta and Messi who pulled all the strings as the La Liga leaders blew away Vincenzo Montella's stunned side. Philippe Coutinho set up Suarez for the opening goal in the 14th minute and Barcelona dominated the rest of the game. The result goes some way to make up for their humiliating Champions League quarter-final elimination by AS Roma earlier in April. Messi slammed home the second after good work from Jordi Alba with Suarez adding another, before Iniesta netted from a tight angle. Coutinho added a fifth from the penalty spot to complete the rout. "This doesn't cover up what happened in Rome but it's an important title," said Suarez. "At the start of the season we would have taken this, there's huge merit to it. "It's strange to be knocked out of the Champions League, we gave the impression that we could go far in it." Both Barcelona and Sevilla fans sang Iniesta's name when he was substituted in the final stages, with the chants echoing around the Wanda Metropolitano stadium until after the final whistle. The veteran midfielder is considering a move to the Chinese Super League and this could be his last cup final for Barcelona - and he made sure it was one to remember. "Barcelona had a formidable game and when they are like that it's hard to stop them," said Montella. "They have formidable players like Iniesta, Messi, Suarez. "I'm very sorry to the fans who were fantastic today. We are not in our best form, we have to react." With Iniesta leading the way, Barca came flying out of the blocks and moved ahead after a long ball from goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen found Coutinho deep in opposition territory and he set up Suarez. Sevilla rallied but after a couple of half-chances Barcelona doubled their lead when Iniesta sent Alba flying down the left. The Spaniard backheeled the ball into Messi's path and the Argentine fired in. Messi then created the third for Suarez with a sublime through-ball and the fourth for Iniesta, whose goal will be a special moment to take with him if he does depart. Coutinho's penalty after Clement Lenglet handled the ball in the area helped Ernesto Valverde's side finish emphatically and they were soon able to celebrate with the cup which had their name on it from the start - and recently always seems to.

Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time

<p>Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation.</p>

<p>The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah.</p>

<p>Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson.</p>

<p>With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points.</p>

<p>Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope.</p>

<p>The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home.</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish.</p>

<p>Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal.</p>

<p>Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said.</p>

<p>His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.</p>


Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool

Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation. The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah. Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson. With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points. Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope. The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish. Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal. Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said. His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.

Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool

<p>Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, recently called it a day to his 22-year long trophy-laden managerial career at the English football club Arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 20, Wenger released a statement annoucing his departure from the club which he held dear for more than two decades.&nbsp; "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in the statement.</p>

<p>Wenger has been with the North London club since October 1996 and oversaw over 1228 games, an achievement unmatched in the Premier League history.</p>

<p>Under Wenger's guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups. He was awarded Premier League Manager of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2004.</p>

<p>In the 2015-16 season, Arsenal was in the Premier League title race but lost crucial matches and an embarrassing defeat to Premier League title winner Leicester City, which was promoted from Championship, resulted in trophy once again evading the North London club. The loss to the eventual title winner triggered a worldwide campaign, #WengerOut. The campaign unraveled like a viral fever and Arsene Wenger was at the receiving end as he could not repeat the successes he brought to the club in his glorious initial days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the fans expectations hit sky high the club's performance descended to such a disastrous low that the #WengerOut slogans got louder and louder. Besides a top-four finish, fans wanted a league title which was never in sight, resulting in frustration among the fans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wenger was expected to go or sacked at the end of 2017 season but instead the club, despite his run of poor performance, offered him two- year contract extension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A legend like Arsene would never want to go through the phase of sacking and that may have pushed him to call it a day. He quit on his own or was asked to, is altogether a different case but Arsenal without Arsene seems an end of an era. Even there were media reports that few of the Arsenal players were supporting the #WengerOut campaign.</p>

<p>Was this campaign necessary at all?</p>

<p>Arsene Wenger took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. Arsenal won seven FA Cups under his guidance. Although the problem appeared as if Wenger's philosophy was not syncing with the Gunners, after Wenger's announcement of retirement, the #WengerOut campaign transformed to #MerciArsene. Good luck, miss you messages are surfacing on the social networking sites but it looks 'fake.'</p>

<p>Even Gary Neville, English football coach and also a pundit, who has slammed Wenger on various occasions, is now sending warms wishes.</p>

<p>Neville said, "The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them.&nbsp; He now deserves the most incredible send-off from all in the coming weeks."</p>

<p>No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club.</p>

<p>Wenger urged the fans to take care of the of core values of the club, he said, "To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club."</p>

<p>My love and support forever — Arsene Wenger</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club

Arsene Wenger, one of the most successful managers in Premier League history, recently called it a day to his 22-year long trophy-laden managerial career at the English football club Arsenal. On April 20, Wenger released a statement annoucing his departure from the club which he held dear for more than two decades. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in the statement. Wenger has been with the North London club since October 1996 and oversaw over 1228 games, an achievement unmatched in the Premier League history. Under Wenger's guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League trophies and seven FA Cups. He was awarded Premier League Manager of the Year in 1998, 2002 and 2004. In the 2015-16 season, Arsenal was in the Premier League title race but lost crucial matches and an embarrassing defeat to Premier League title winner Leicester City, which was promoted from Championship, resulted in trophy once again evading the North London club. The loss to the eventual title winner triggered a worldwide campaign, #WengerOut. The campaign unraveled like a viral fever and Arsene Wenger was at the receiving end as he could not repeat the successes he brought to the club in his glorious initial days. While the fans expectations hit sky high the club's performance descended to such a disastrous low that the #WengerOut slogans got louder and louder. Besides a top-four finish, fans wanted a league title which was never in sight, resulting in frustration among the fans. Wenger was expected to go or sacked at the end of 2017 season but instead the club, despite his run of poor performance, offered him two- year contract extension. A legend like Arsene would never want to go through the phase of sacking and that may have pushed him to call it a day. He quit on his own or was asked to, is altogether a different case but Arsenal without Arsene seems an end of an era. Even there were media reports that few of the Arsenal players were supporting the #WengerOut campaign. Was this campaign necessary at all? Arsene Wenger took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. Arsenal won seven FA Cups under his guidance. Although the problem appeared as if Wenger's philosophy was not syncing with the Gunners, after Wenger's announcement of retirement, the #WengerOut campaign transformed to #MerciArsene. Good luck, miss you messages are surfacing on the social networking sites but it looks 'fake.' Even Gary Neville, English football coach and also a pundit, who has slammed Wenger on various occasions, is now sending warms wishes. Neville said, "The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send-off from all in the coming weeks." No farewell would ever compensate the damage that Wengerout campaign has done to value and ethics of Arsenal Football Club. Wenger urged the fans to take care of the of core values of the club, he said, "To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club." My love and support forever — Arsene Wenger (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal?

<p>Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers".</p>

<p>Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club.</p>

<p>Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013.</p>

<p>"I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website.</p>

<p>"It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves.</p>

<p>"In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal.</p>

<p>"He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man."</p>

<p>The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United.</p>

<p>Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.</p>


Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers"

Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to outgoing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, describing the long-serving Frenchman as "one of the greatest Premier League managers". Wenger announced on Friday that he would leave Arsenal at the end of the season, bringing an end to his near 22-year reign at the north London club. Tributes to Wenger poured in from all quarters, but Ferguson's words are particularly poignant given the longstanding rivalry between the two men who often clashed before the Scot retired in 2013. "I am really happy for Arsene Wenger. I have great respect for him and for the job he has done at Arsenal," Ferguson said in a statement on United's website. "It is great testament to his talent, professionalism and determination that he has been able to dedicate 22 years of his life to a job that he loves. "In an era where football managers sometimes only last one or two seasons, it shows what an achievement it is to serve that length of time at a club the size of Arsenal. "He is, without doubt, one of the greatest Premier League managers and I am proud to have been a rival, a colleague and a friend to such a great man." The 68-year-old Wenger won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including domestic doubles in 1998 and 2002, but bows out with Arsenal in sixth place in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against West Ham United. Wenger's team face Spain's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next week.

Arsene Wenger 'one of the greatest Premier League managers', says Alex Ferguson

<p>Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.</p>

<p>On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that."</p>

<p>While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football."</p>

<p>Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football."</p>

<p>"I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp.</p>

<p><em>Watch the full interview:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? <a href="https://t.co/p8ALJGWoxA">pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA</a></p>
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/987283482677338112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I admired his work always, it was always brilliant: Juergen Klopp

Arsene Wenger has announced that he will step down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season. He spent almost 22 years with the club and under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups. On hearing the news of&nbspWenger's&nbspoutgoing, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said, "It's his decision first of all and we have to respect that and I have no problem respecting that." While interacting with the media, Klopp said, "He's still an influencer in football." Liverpool boss also said, "He always developed teams, brought some fantastic players in, was the dominating guy mid-90s maybe, early 2000s when he was really winning pretty much everything, played wonderful football." "I admired his work always, it was always brilliant. Since I'm in England it's a little bit different because now we have to challenge them of course but from Germany, he was always a big, big role model in that job," said Juergen Klopp. Watch the full interview: Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger ? pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA — Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 20, 2018 ×

'He's still an influencer in football,' says Juergen Klopp on Wenger's outgoing

<p>Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season.</p>

<p>In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season."</p>

<p>The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special."</p>

<p>He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club.</p>

<p>In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club."</p>

<p><img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="690" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="885" /></p>

<p>The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever."</p>

<p>After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages.</p>

<p><em>See some tweets:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ?</p>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/987292110301868033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhyb6xEFYEz/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhyb6xEFYEz/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ??</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cescf4bregas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Cesc Fàbregas</a> (@cescf4bregas) on <time datetime="2018-04-20T09:58:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks.</p>
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/987257706858901505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad day for <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arsenal</a> with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rememberthetrophies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rememberthetrophies</a></p>
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/thedavidseaman/status/987261862109679617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a>... <a href="https://t.co/gbhqBu9LTq">pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq</a></p>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/987305506904657921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️<br />
<br />
Appointed manager: 1996<br />
Total games in charge (so far): 1,228<br />
Premier League: ???<br />
FA Cup: ???????<br />
Club legend ✔️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/GR4ac156la">pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la</a></p>
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/987297733680750594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season

Arsene Wenger has spent almost 22 years with the club Arsenal and has announced his retirement on Friday. He said he will leave the club at the end of the season. In 2017, Wenger had signed a two-year contract but now has overruled it, he said, "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season." The Frenchman also said, "I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special." He requested the fans for their love and support for the club and also asked them to take care of the values of the club. In his statement he mentioned, "I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high. To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club." The 68-year-old concluded his statement by saying, "My love and support forever." After his announcement to step down as the Arsenal's manager, Twitterati reacted with emotional and heartfelt messages. See some tweets: Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday ? — Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018 × Wow. I never expected that but it shows the great dignity and class of the man. I will never forget his guidance and support, his tutelage and mentorship. He had faith in me from day one and I owe him a lot, he was like a father figure to me who always pushed me to be the best. Arsene, you deserve all the respect and happiness in the world. #classact ?? A post shared by Cesc Fàbregas (@cescf4bregas) on Apr 20, 2018 at 2:58am PDT × Arsene Wenger built the best teams that I played against in English Football .The 98 team was Amazing.The biggest compliment is that he played football that made us change the way we played against them. He now deserves the most incredible send off from all in the coming weeks. — Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 20, 2018 × Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies — David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018 × Where it all began for Arsene Wenger in the #PL... pic.twitter.com/gbhqBu9LTq — Premier League (@premierleague) April 20, 2018 × ? Arsène Wenger at Arsenal ⚪️ Appointed manager: 1996 Total games in charge (so far): 1,228 Premier League: ??? FA Cup: ??????? Club legend ✔️#MerciArsène #UEL pic.twitter.com/GR4ac156la — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to quit as Arsenal manager - who's saying what

<p>Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history.</p>

<p>The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer.</p>

<p>"After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday.</p>

<p>Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out.</p>

<p>He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced.</p>

<p>The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining.</p>

<p><img alt="Arsene Wenger.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Arsene%20Wenger.JPG" width="770" /></p>

<p>They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season.</p>

<p>"I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high.</p>

<p>The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3XAQvr2pw">pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987272181880098816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Difficult Day</strong></p>

<p>Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport."</p>

<p>"One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said.</p>

<p>"His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched."</p>

<p>Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row.</p>

<p>They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002.</p>

<p>"My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future.</p>

<p>"My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me."</p>

<p>News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjP0wLMgee">pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987265043355009024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news.</p>

<p>"Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country."</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters.</p>

<p>"He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s."</p>

<p>Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club.</p>

<p>"Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerciArs%C3%A8ne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerciArsène</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wqOwveCfz">pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz</a></p>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/987258924897329152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to stand down at the end of the season after a reign of almost 22 years that made him the most successful boss in the Premier League club's history. The 68-year-old has been with the North Londoners since October 1996 and, with 1228 games in charge, is by far the longest-serving current manager in English soccer. "After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season," the Frenchman said in a statement issued by the Gunners on Friday. Wenger signed a two-year contract extension in 2017 and had said he planned to see it out. He has faced mounting criticism, however, for the club's failure to sustain a serious title challenge in recent seasons, with some fans calling for him to be replaced. The Gunners are a distant sixth in the league, 14 points adrift of fourth-placed North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with five games remaining. They are also in the semi-finals of the Europa League, however, which represents their only realistic route to the lucrative Champions League next season. "I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity," said Wenger, who urged the fans to stand behind the team and end the season on a high. The club said a successor would be appointed as soon as possible with German Thomas Tuchel, out of work since leaving Borussia Dortmund almost a year ago, installed as the early bookmakers' favourite. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/h3XAQvr2pw — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × Difficult Day Arsenal's majority owner Stan Kroenke said it was "one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport." "One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch," he said. "His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched." Wenger won three Premier League titles, including in 2003-04 when 'The Invincibles' went unbeaten for an entire season, and seven FA Cups. He took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row. They won the league and FA cup double in 1998 and 2002. "My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment," he had told reporters on Thursday when asked about his future. "My worry is to transform a season with many disappointments away from home into a success, and that’s what matters to me." News of his decision drew a flood of tributes and reaction from throughout the game. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/bjP0wLMgee — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 × "He is above Herbert Chapman and all of the guys who won trophies," former goalkeeper Bob Wilson told the BBC, adding that he was "shell-shocked" by the news. "Arsene is not only the greatest manager in Arsenal's history, he has personally changed the face of the game in this country." Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said he respected the decision: "He is an influence in football. Had a fantastic career. Outstanding personality," the German told reporters. "He was there for so long, 22 years is a long time. Maybe in the last few months not everybody was happy with this result or that... he was the dominating guy in the mid 1990s, 2000s." Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman said it was a sad day for the club. "Can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves," he asked on Twitter. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/7wqOwveCfz — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018 ×

Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager

<p>Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had a blooper moment in a recent media interaction when his wife called him in the middle of the press conference ahead of Thursday's league match against Burnley. He had journalists laughing while disconnecting the call and said, "Always in the worst moment" referring to his wife.</p>

<p>He was responding to one of the journalists when his phone rang. He took out his phone from his pocket and said,"It's my wife, and always in the worst moment (laughs). I'm sorry, you can put me a fine. I'm sorry because I am really annoyed if it happen in the same situation to you."</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Antonio Conte's Chelsea press conference was disturbed today by a phone call from his wife..<br />
<br />
'Remember to grab some milk, Antonio!' ?? <a href="https://t.co/PZ249qPQx1">pic.twitter.com/PZ249qPQx1</a></p>
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerAM/status/986602852398354432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He talked about Manchester City's success and gave the credit to City's boss Pep Guardiola for making the good investments in the talented players.</p>

<p>He also threw some lights on Chelsea's performance as the his side faced an uphill struggle to overtake London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and finish the season in fourth place to qualify for next season's Champions League.</p>

<p>Chelsea will face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.</p>


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was interrupted during a press conference by his wife's phone call

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had a blooper moment in a recent media interaction when his wife called him in the middle of the press conference ahead of Thursday's league match against Burnley. He had journalists laughing while disconnecting the call and said, "Always in the worst moment" referring to his wife. He was responding to one of the journalists when his phone rang. He took out his phone from his pocket and said,"It's my wife, and always in the worst moment (laughs). I'm sorry, you can put me a fine. I'm sorry because I am really annoyed if it happen in the same situation to you." Watch the video here: Antonio Conte's Chelsea press conference was disturbed today by a phone call from his wife.. 'Remember to grab some milk, Antonio!' ?? pic.twitter.com/PZ249qPQx1 — Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) April 18, 2018 × He talked about Manchester City's success and gave the credit to City's boss Pep Guardiola for making the good investments in the talented players. He also threw some lights on Chelsea's performance as the his side faced an uphill struggle to overtake London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and finish the season in fourth place to qualify for next season's Champions League. Chelsea will face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference

<p>Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City need to continue winning trophies if they want to be regarded among the great teams of English top-flight football, defender Kyle Walker has said.</p>

<p>City won their third title in seven seasons with five games to spare on Sunday after a record-breaking campaign that has seen manager Pep Guardiola's side outclass their rivals, but Walker believes there is potential to do more.</p>

<p>"There is still a lot of room for improvement," England international Walker told BBC Radio 5 live. "I have read some articles that say we need to win things continuously for a number of years before we are classed as a great team.</p>

<p>"Every single one of us wants to be recognised as one of the greatest teams to play in the Premier League."</p>

<p>City's march to the title and their League Cup triumph in February has been offset by a shock FA Cup exit to Wigan Athletic and the 5-1 aggregate defeat by Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals.</p>

<p>"If we concentrate on ourselves then as a team we can go on to great things," Walker added. "But the Liverpool game(s) showed us that we are not a perfect team."</p>

<p>The 27-year-old also credited perfectionist Guardiola for City's free-flowing style of play, which has led to their domestic dominance.</p>

<p>City can sweeten their title win by breaking several records in their five remaining league games, starting with Sunday's home match against struggling Swansea City.</p>


'There is still a lot of room for improvement,' the City defender added

Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City need to continue winning trophies if they want to be regarded among the great teams of English top-flight football, defender Kyle Walker has said. City won their third title in seven seasons with five games to spare on Sunday after a record-breaking campaign that has seen manager Pep Guardiola's side outclass their rivals, but Walker believes there is potential to do more. "There is still a lot of room for improvement," England international Walker told BBC Radio 5 live. "I have read some articles that say we need to win things continuously for a number of years before we are classed as a great team. "Every single one of us wants to be recognised as one of the greatest teams to play in the Premier League." City's march to the title and their League Cup triumph in February has been offset by a shock FA Cup exit to Wigan Athletic and the 5-1 aggregate defeat by Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. "If we concentrate on ourselves then as a team we can go on to great things," Walker added. "But the Liverpool game(s) showed us that we are not a perfect team." The 27-year-old also credited perfectionist Guardiola for City's free-flowing style of play, which has led to their domestic dominance. City can sweeten their title win by breaking several records in their five remaining league games, starting with Sunday's home match against struggling Swansea City.

Football: 'Every one of us wants to be recognised as one of the greatest teams,' says Manchester City's Walker

<p>Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment.</p>

<p>Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further.</p>

<p>On June&nbsp;24, 2005,&nbsp;he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain.</p>

<p>In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles.</p>

<p>Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country.</p>

<p>On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal.</p>

<p><em>Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">G⚽️AL MORNING!!!<br />
? OMG <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a><br />
? 11 years ago <a href="https://t.co/0EaBv55Wxs">pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/986516046969372672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a><br />
?...<a href="https://t.co/UvCBio57at">pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at</a></p>
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/986578667244609536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday

Lionel Messi, the Argentine star has spent his entire life with FC Barcelona. He started his career at Camp Nou and has earned accolades for the club. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child and then he moved to Spain to join Spanish giants Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player on his 18th birthday and that contract had a validity till 2010, which eventually extended further. On June 24, 2005, he marked his entry in one of the most prestigious clubs of Spain. In the presence of Messi, Barcelona have won 30 trophies, including eight LaLiga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and five Copas del Rey titles. Argentine star, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Barcelona and the Argentina national team and is considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country. On April 18, in the season 2006-2007, Messi scored a stunner against Getafe CF, when he showcased his football skills to net almost an impossible goal. He started his run from the center and dribbled past the goalkeeper and several other defenders to score the stunning goal. Let's take a look back at one of the most mesmerizing goals in the history of LaLiga. G⚽️AL MORNING!!! ? OMG #Messi ? 11 years ago pic.twitter.com/0EaBv55Wxs — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 18, 2018 × #OnThisDay 1⃣1⃣ years ago ?? Leo Messi did this for @FCBarcelona ?...pic.twitter.com/UvCBio57at — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 18, 2018 ×

Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona

<p>UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed concern over the decision to employ the video replay system (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup, saying the technology still needed more testing before it can be considered for use in the Champions League.</p>

<p>Global&nbspsoccer&nbspbody FIFA voted in March to deploy VAR at the June-July tournament in Russia, only two weeks after its use was approved by IFAB, the organisation responsible for rule changes in the sport.</p>

<p>"I have some fear for the World Cup, where we will have referees who have never officiated with the VAR," Ceferin told Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.</p>

<p>"I hope there are no scandals or problems."</p>

<p>Ceferin has already said that VAR would not be used in the Champions League next season.</p>

<p>"The Champions League is like a Ferrari or a Porsche: you cannot drive it right away, you need training, offline testing. And everyone has to understand how it works," he said.</p>

<p>"It's too early for VAR. That doesn't mean we will never have it as the process is inevitable... We'll have it one day in the Champions League but there's no rush."</p>

<p>VAR is already being used in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Portugal's Primeira Liga this season, among others. IFAB insists it has reduced refereeing mistakes but critics say there has been confusion in a number of matches.</p>

<p>Goals have been annulled several minutes after being scored -- with the teams waiting to restart -- and penalties revoked with the ball on the spot.</p>

<p>Another criticism is that the spectators are not kept informed of what is happening when a decision is reviewed.</p>

<p>Ceferin said that VAR would not have made any difference in last week's Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Juventus, where a soft stoppage-time penalty led to the Spanish side advancing 4-3 on aggregate. "What would have changed with VAR? Nothing. There are those who have watched it 20 times, I've watched it 50, but for half the people it's a penalty and for the other half, it isn't."</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed concern over the decision to employ the video replay system (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed concern over the decision to employ the video replay system (VAR) at the 2018 World Cup, saying the technology still needed more testing before it can be considered for use in the Champions League. Global&nbspsoccer&nbspbody FIFA voted in March to deploy VAR at the June-July tournament in Russia, only two weeks after its use was approved by IFAB, the organisation responsible for rule changes in the sport. "I have some fear for the World Cup, where we will have referees who have never officiated with the VAR," Ceferin told Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview. "I hope there are no scandals or problems." Ceferin has already said that VAR would not be used in the Champions League next season. "The Champions League is like a Ferrari or a Porsche: you cannot drive it right away, you need training, offline testing. And everyone has to understand how it works," he said. "It's too early for VAR. That doesn't mean we will never have it as the process is inevitable... We'll have it one day in the Champions League but there's no rush." VAR is already being used in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Portugal's Primeira Liga this season, among others. IFAB insists it has reduced refereeing mistakes but critics say there has been confusion in a number of matches. Goals have been annulled several minutes after being scored -- with the teams waiting to restart -- and penalties revoked with the ball on the spot. Another criticism is that the spectators are not kept informed of what is happening when a decision is reviewed. Ceferin said that VAR would not have made any difference in last week's Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Juventus, where a soft stoppage-time penalty led to the Spanish side advancing 4-3 on aggregate. "What would have changed with VAR? Nothing. There are those who have watched it 20 times, I've watched it 50, but for half the people it's a penalty and for the other half, it isn't."

UEFA president 'worried' over use of VAR at World Cup

<p>A circus bear used to open a&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;match in Russia's town of Pyatigorsk on Saturday (April 14) caused outrage from animal welfare groups.</p>

<p>The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht.</p>

<p>FC Angusht, who had initially shared the video, said that the bear was to be used in the World Cup opening ceremony, a claim which FIFA denied according to BBC.</p>

<p>FIFA World Cup will begin in Russia on June 14.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Monday, saying that it’s clear from the footage that “cruel training methods have been used” on the bear.<br />
<br />
Rustam Dudov, manager of the Mashuk club which arranged for the bear to perform, told the Sport Express newspaper Monday that the bear was</p>
— Стасов Антон (@Antonstasov1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Antonstasov1/status/986230441299578881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How many blows have been given to this bear to make him perform in front of thousands of cheering idiots ?</p>
— Laura Libertini (@LauraLibertini1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraLibertini1/status/986201307303342080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht

A circus bear used to open a soccer match in Russia's town of Pyatigorsk on Saturday (April 14) caused outrage from animal welfare groups. The bear, named 'Tima', performed gestures and handed the match ball to the referee before the third-tier match between FC Mashuk-KMV and FC Angusht. FC Angusht, who had initially shared the video, said that the bear was to be used in the World Cup opening ceremony, a claim which FIFA denied according to BBC. FIFA World Cup will begin in Russia on June 14. Monday, saying that it’s clear from the footage that “cruel training methods have been used” on the bear. Rustam Dudov, manager of the Mashuk club which arranged for the bear to perform, told the Sport Express newspaper Monday that the bear was — Стасов Антон (@Antonstasov1) April 17, 2018 × How many blows have been given to this bear to make him perform in front of thousands of cheering idiots ? — Laura Libertini (@LauraLibertini1) April 17, 2018 ×

Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raikkonen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raikkonen</a> takes out pit crew!? <a href="https://t.co/yhVnpbR3bq">pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq</a></p>
— Simon (@quicktweetaway) <a href="https://twitter.com/quicktweetaway/status/983018335561506817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p title="In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-meet-gold-medallists-of-india-130569">Meet India's CWG gold medallists</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a>.<a href="https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF">https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/985497970148720641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-silver-medallists-of-cwg-2018--130583">Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> won a total of 20 silver medals at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM">https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/985509673833971712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-india's-bronze-medal-winners-at-cwg-2018-130642">Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018</a></p>

<h3 title="In pics: Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018"><strong><u>IPL 2018</u></strong></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets "><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-debutant-roys-91-helps-delhi-defeat-mumbai-by-7-wickets--130443">IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets</a></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-bangalore-fail-to-climb-218-run-mountain-posted-by-rajasthan-lose-by-19-runs-130622">IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs</a></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-chennai-loses-to-punjab-by-4-runs-in-last-over-thriller---130671">IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs</a></p>

<p title="CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-fever-grips-dhoni-says-shooting-gun-is-so-much-more-fun-130624">CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhiw-D9n4wW/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-14T07:55:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT</time></p>
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<h3><u><strong>Football</strong></u></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-lose-to-bottom-placed-west-brom-city-win-title-130652">Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom</a></p>

<p><img alt="Manchester City.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Manchester%20City.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-draw-defending-champions-real-madrid-to-clash-bayern-in-semis-liverpool-face-roma-130300">Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis Liverpool face Roma</a></p>

<p><img alt="FC Bayern.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/FC%20Bayern.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p title="Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpools-salah-firmino-outlast-manchester-city-129724">Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City</a></p>

<p title="Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-roma-crush-barcelona-enter-semi-final-129717">Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final</a></p>

<p title="Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldos-penalty-ensures-juventus-exit-real-madrid-enter-semi-final-129946">Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final</a></p>

<p title="Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-beat-valencia-set-new-laliga-record-of-39-games-unbeaten-130534">Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aValencia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaValencia</a> <a href="https://t.co/macpxhIXaX">pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985341313636683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 9 to April 15)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader Scientific fact: When Messi, Neymar score a goal, the Earth moves × IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member #Raikkonen takes out pit crew!? pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq — Simon (@quicktweetaway) April 8, 2018 × Usain Bolt arrives at Commonwealth Games COMMONWEALTH GAMES In pics: Closing ceremony of 21st Commonwealth Games Meet India's CWG gold medallists #India finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st #CommonwealthGames2018.https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018 #India won a total of 20 silver medals at the #CommonwealthGames2018 in @GC2018 https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018 IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...' Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT × Football Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis Liverpool face Roma Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten ? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 15, 2018 ×

<p><br />
By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade.</p>

<p>Even more alarming for their rivals, though, after Manchester United's 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday sealed City's triumph is that Pep Guardiola's latest fabulous creation may only be at the dawn of a potential new dynasty.</p>

<p>Yet, even if City's season has already been a majestic success, what with a League Cup triumph and winning the Premier League with a record-equalling five matches to spare, a better measure will only come by the end of next season.</p>

<p>For no English champions have successfully defended their Premier League crown since City's once lordly neighbours United won the title for a third straight season in 2008-09.</p>

<p>That side, guided by Alex Ferguson and featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in their pomp, completed a remarkable three-year spell, also featuring a Champions League win, another final appearance and a Club World Cup triumph.</p>

<p>This is the deafening level of dominance that the team once famously derided as "noisy neighbours" by Ferguson will now be out to cement after what could still end up as an unprecedented 100-goal, 100-point season.</p>

<p>The last decade, though, suggests back-to-back successes will be no given. Ferguson's last United triumph in 2012-13 was by 11 points from the then champions City the following season, under new management, they finished seventh.</p>

<p>Jose Mourinho's 2015 Chelsea side won the league handsomely but could only finish 10th the following campaign. Last season's champions, Chelsea, look unlikely to be in the top four this year.</p>

<p>Yet if any team look capable of bucking this trend, it is Guardiola's latest potential masterpiece, which, remember, is still a work in progress.</p>

<p>He won both La Liga, with Barcelona, and the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich three years in succession, changing attitudes in both the Spanish and German game with the sort of possession-based pass mastery at pace that some believed would be stifled in England. That theory has been wholly debunked.</p>

<p>Certainly, Liverpool's heroics in both the Champions League and Premier League, swarming all over City for three victories this term, and Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad which delayed the coronation, dented the aura.</p>

<p>Those performances offered others a blueprint of how to knock City out of their aristocratic stride, yet still this could not hide the extent of their overall dominance.</p>

<p><strong>CONTINENTAL SUCCESS</strong></p>

<p>The dynasty will only be built on European success, though, and after the quarter-final exit to Liverpool, City's owners, who want a gilded continental powerhouse to match United's global lustre, will demand it and back those demands with huge funding.</p>

<p>Guardiola's talent and commitment is the key to this.</p>

<p>City's fans must have been left with soaring hearts on hearing how the Spaniard, in the second of a three-year deal, had talked of his long-term ambitions to make City's name resonate more in global terms.</p>

<p>"(Manchester City) does not have a history behind it at the level of titles but it does have the desire to become winners," he told a South American TV company.</p>

<p>"I do not rule out continuing to lead in 10 years. It will depend how I feel and if they want me."</p>

<p>Of course, they will want him. Every club does. His imprint in just two seasons has already been immense, vastly improving youthful talent like Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, none of whom are older than 23.</p>

<p>Key men Fernandinho and David Silva are in their thirties now but much more can be still be expected of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva alongside Kevin de Bruyne, the league's outstanding player this season.</p>

<p>"We need titles in Europe," Guardiola concedes. "After what this club has done in the last ten years, in terms of creating facilities and making it bigger, it will happen.</p>

<p>"But you need time. It might be next season or the season after that but it will happen, soon it will happen."</p>

<p>Guardiola sounded like a man who will be there when it does.</p>


City have now won their third title in seven seasons

By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade. Even more alarming for their rivals, though, after Manchester United's 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday sealed City's triumph is that Pep Guardiola's latest fabulous creation may only be at the dawn of a potential new dynasty. Yet, even if City's season has already been a majestic success, what with a League Cup triumph and winning the Premier League with a record-equalling five matches to spare, a better measure will only come by the end of next season. For no English champions have successfully defended their Premier League crown since City's once lordly neighbours United won the title for a third straight season in 2008-09. That side, guided by Alex Ferguson and featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in their pomp, completed a remarkable three-year spell, also featuring a Champions League win, another final appearance and a Club World Cup triumph. This is the deafening level of dominance that the team once famously derided as "noisy neighbours" by Ferguson will now be out to cement after what could still end up as an unprecedented 100-goal, 100-point season. The last decade, though, suggests back-to-back successes will be no given. Ferguson's last United triumph in 2012-13 was by 11 points from the then champions City the following season, under new management, they finished seventh. Jose Mourinho's 2015 Chelsea side won the league handsomely but could only finish 10th the following campaign. Last season's champions, Chelsea, look unlikely to be in the top four this year. Yet if any team look capable of bucking this trend, it is Guardiola's latest potential masterpiece, which, remember, is still a work in progress. He won both La Liga, with Barcelona, and the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich three years in succession, changing attitudes in both the Spanish and German game with the sort of possession-based pass mastery at pace that some believed would be stifled in England. That theory has been wholly debunked. Certainly, Liverpool's heroics in both the Champions League and Premier League, swarming all over City for three victories this term, and Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad which delayed the coronation, dented the aura. Those performances offered others a blueprint of how to knock City out of their aristocratic stride, yet still this could not hide the extent of their overall dominance. CONTINENTAL SUCCESS The dynasty will only be built on European success, though, and after the quarter-final exit to Liverpool, City's owners, who want a gilded continental powerhouse to match United's global lustre, will demand it and back those demands with huge funding. Guardiola's talent and commitment is the key to this. City's fans must have been left with soaring hearts on hearing how the Spaniard, in the second of a three-year deal, had talked of his long-term ambitions to make City's name resonate more in global terms. "(Manchester City) does not have a history behind it at the level of titles but it does have the desire to become winners," he told a South American TV company. "I do not rule out continuing to lead in 10 years. It will depend how I feel and if they want me." Of course, they will want him. Every club does. His imprint in just two seasons has already been immense, vastly improving youthful talent like Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, none of whom are older than 23. Key men Fernandinho and David Silva are in their thirties now but much more can be still be expected of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva alongside Kevin de Bruyne, the league's outstanding player this season. "We need titles in Europe," Guardiola concedes. "After what this club has done in the last ten years, in terms of creating facilities and making it bigger, it will happen. "But you need time. It might be next season or the season after that but it will happen, soon it will happen." Guardiola sounded like a man who will be there when it does.

Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?

<p>Barcelona responded to their shock Champions League elimination to AS Roma by beating Valencia 2-1 on Saturday in a subdued atmosphere at the Nou Camp, setting a Liga record run of 39 games unbeaten and taking them ever closer to another title.</p>

<p>Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after a quarter of an hour by meeting a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass from former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho, scoring with one touch from close range.</p>

<p>Club-record signing Coutinho then delivered an outswinging corner from which Samuel Umtiti headed in Barca's second in the 51st minute, shortly after Gerard Pique had saved Umtiti's blushes by clearing a shot from Valencia forward Santi Mina off the line following a slip by the France defender.</p>

<p>Captain Dani Parejo pulled a goal back for third-placed Valencia by squeezing an 87th-minute penalty under Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but the Catalans withstood an exciting final spell to move to within seven points of their 25th league title.</p>

<p>Ernesto Valverde's side lead nearest challengers Atletico Madrid by 14 points in the standings, with Atletico hosting Levante and fourth-placed Real visiting basement club Malaga on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Barca coach praised his players for putting the Roma defeat behind them but said their European exit had punctured their enthusiasm for the unbeaten record.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aValencia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaValencia</a> <a href="https://t.co/macpxhIXaX">pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985341313636683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"This wasn’t a week to think about records, we don’t give it too much importance. It was more important that we picked ourselves up after a difficult week," Valverde told a news conference.</p>

<p>"It's normal that these players keep on breaking records. But it was a fundamental win in many ways. First of all, I am happy with the three points. We needed 10 points to win the league, now it’s seven."</p>

<p>With heavy rain falling in the city throughout the day, 30,000 seats at the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp were unoccupied and even when Suarez provided a slick finishing touch to Coutinho's wonderful pass, celebrations were muted.</p>

<p>Valencia had made a good start and winger Goncalo Guedes hammered an early shot at Ter Stegen, who made another impressive save to thwart the Portuguese later in the half after Gerard Pique had surrendered the ball.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
? Still unbeaten! <a href="https://t.co/aOdufHxMBr">pic.twitter.com/aOdufHxMBr</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985202309075558401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The German goalkeeper also ran himself into trouble as he sent a pass straight at the feet of Valencia forward Rodrigo but redeemed himself by tipping the shot on to the crossbar and behind.</p>

<p>Lionel Messi was inactive for much of the first half but grew into the game in the second, narrowly volleying over the bar and fizzing a shot just wide after tearing through the Valencia defence.</p>

<p>"The atmosphere around the club this week has been a bit gloomy and we needed to put the brakes on that so I have to congratulate the players because it’s not been easy," added Valverde.</p>

<p>"The sensation is that we have failed, that we have disappointed the supporters, but we have to look forward and not lose sight of what we can still achieve this season."</p>


FC Barcelona has set a new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten and moved closer to clinch the title after defeating Valencia 2-1

Barcelona responded to their shock Champions League elimination to AS Roma by beating Valencia 2-1 on Saturday in a subdued atmosphere at the Nou Camp, setting a Liga record run of 39 games unbeaten and taking them ever closer to another title. Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after a quarter of an hour by meeting a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass from former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho, scoring with one touch from close range. Club-record signing Coutinho then delivered an outswinging corner from which Samuel Umtiti headed in Barca's second in the 51st minute, shortly after Gerard Pique had saved Umtiti's blushes by clearing a shot from Valencia forward Santi Mina off the line following a slip by the France defender. Captain Dani Parejo pulled a goal back for third-placed Valencia by squeezing an 87th-minute penalty under Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but the Catalans withstood an exciting final spell to move to within seven points of their 25th league title. Ernesto Valverde's side lead nearest challengers Atletico Madrid by 14 points in the standings, with Atletico hosting Levante and fourth-placed Real visiting basement club Malaga on Sunday. The Barca coach praised his players for putting the Roma defeat behind them but said their European exit had punctured their enthusiasm for the unbeaten record. ? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 15, 2018 × "This wasn’t a week to think about records, we don’t give it too much importance. It was more important that we picked ourselves up after a difficult week," Valverde told a news conference. "It's normal that these players keep on breaking records. But it was a fundamental win in many ways. First of all, I am happy with the three points. We needed 10 points to win the league, now it’s seven." With heavy rain falling in the city throughout the day, 30,000 seats at the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp were unoccupied and even when Suarez provided a slick finishing touch to Coutinho's wonderful pass, celebrations were muted. Valencia had made a good start and winger Goncalo Guedes hammered an early shot at Ter Stegen, who made another impressive save to thwart the Portuguese later in the half after Gerard Pique had surrendered the ball. ? @LaLiga ? Still unbeaten! pic.twitter.com/aOdufHxMBr — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 14, 2018 × The German goalkeeper also ran himself into trouble as he sent a pass straight at the feet of Valencia forward Rodrigo but redeemed himself by tipping the shot on to the crossbar and behind. Lionel Messi was inactive for much of the first half but grew into the game in the second, narrowly volleying over the bar and fizzing a shot just wide after tearing through the Valencia defence. "The atmosphere around the club this week has been a bit gloomy and we needed to put the brakes on that so I have to congratulate the players because it’s not been easy," added Valverde. "The sensation is that we have failed, that we have disappointed the supporters, but we have to look forward and not lose sight of what we can still achieve this season."

Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten

<p>Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League and on the other hand, Liverpool will clash with AS Roma to book a berth in the finals of Champions League according to the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland on April 13.</p>

<p>Giants-slayer AS Roma stunned FC Barcelona to enter the semi-finals, on the other hand, defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid.</p>

<p>Liverpool also are chasing a sixth European Cup, will take on Barcelona's conquerors AS Roma, and are hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 2005.</p>

<p>Bayern, who are five-time winners of the competition, have already wrapped up the German title and are eyeing a first Champions League title since 2013.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The official result of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> v <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialASRoma</a><br />
<br />
?&nbspWho will reach the final in Kyiv? <a href="https://t.co/fHyjIPresp">pic.twitter.com/fHyjIPresp</a></p>
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Defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu to enter the semi-final of Champions League

Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League and on the other hand, Liverpool will clash with AS Roma to book a berth in the finals of Champions League according to the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland on April 13. Giants-slayer AS Roma stunned FC Barcelona to enter the semi-finals, on the other hand, defending champions Real Madrid edged past Juventus 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid. Liverpool also are chasing a sixth European Cup, will take on Barcelona's conquerors AS Roma, and are hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 2005. Bayern, who are five-time winners of the competition, have already wrapped up the German title and are eyeing a first Champions League title since 2013. The official result of the #UCLdraw!@FCBayern v @realmadrid @LFC v @OfficialASRoma ?&nbspWho will reach the final in Kyiv? pic.twitter.com/fHyjIPresp — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 13, 2018 ×

Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis; Liverpool face Roma

<p>Real Madrid's star striker<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-manager-charged-with-improper-conduct-after-liverpool-defeat-129905"> Cristiano Ronaldo had the final say </a>in the crucial Champions League quarter-finals against &nbspJuventus scoring an&nbspinjury-time penalty to send his team into the semi-finals of the premier club championship on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Real who on top in aggregate goals after an impressive 3-0 win in Turin last week found themselves looking down the barrel falling behind in the match after Mario Mandzukic struck twice and Blaise Matuidi made it level on aggregate. The goals cancelled out Real's advantage.</p>

<p>Juventus though could not convert their good fortune into victory as Lucas Vazquez won a penalty in the dying moments of the game and captain Gianluigi Buffon was given a red card for venting his ire on the referee Michael Oliver.</p>

<p>Ronaldo's penalty kick proved too hot for substitute goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Portuguese star once again helped&nbsphis team to enter the last four which was Real Madrid's eight consecutive entry into the Champions League semi-finals.</p>

<p>"This referee has no heart, he has a garbage bag instead of a heart," Buffon told Italian channel Mediaset Premium after the match.&nbsp</p>

<p>"If you do not have personality and courage, you should go to the stands to watch the match with your wife and a Sprite.”&nbsp</p>


Juventus though could not convert their good fortune into victory

Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo had the final say in the crucial Champions League quarter-finals against &nbspJuventus scoring an&nbspinjury-time penalty to send his team into the semi-finals of the premier club championship on Wednesday. Real who on top in aggregate goals after an impressive 3-0 win in Turin last week found themselves looking down the barrel falling behind in the match after Mario Mandzukic struck twice and Blaise Matuidi made it level on aggregate. The goals cancelled out Real's advantage. Juventus though could not convert their good fortune into victory as Lucas Vazquez won a penalty in the dying moments of the game and captain Gianluigi Buffon was given a red card for venting his ire on the referee Michael Oliver. Ronaldo's penalty kick proved too hot for substitute goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Portuguese star once again helped&nbsphis team to enter the last four which was Real Madrid's eight consecutive entry into the Champions League semi-finals. "This referee has no heart, he has a garbage bag instead of a heart," Buffon told Italian channel Mediaset Premium after the match. "If you do not have personality and courage, you should go to the stands to watch the match with your wife and a Sprite.”

Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final

<p>Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the&nbspChampions League&nbspone day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Reds are sweating on the fitness of striker Mohamed Salah.</p>

<p>A hitherto spectacular second season under Guardiola for City has unravelled in the past week as they were thrashed at Anfield in the first leg, and then let a 2-0 lead slip with the chance to seal the Premier&nbspLeaguetitle against Manchester United in a 3-2 derby defeat on Saturday.</p>

<p>Even if City go out, Guardiola could badly do with them winning at least the match to restore battered morale ahead of a tough&nbspleague&nbspmatch with in-form Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend with the Premier&nbspLeague&nbsptitle theirs for the taking.</p>

<p>The trouble for Guardiola is even if Salah -- who scored his 38th goal of the season in the first leg before limping off -- is not able to play a role, Liverpool have enough firepower up front in the shape of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to hurt City.</p>

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Monday Salah was more of a 'yes' than a 'no' for the trip to the Etihad, though whether he plays will only be decided later on Tuesday.</p>

<p>More encouraging for Liverpool fans is that Guardiola has lost six times in the knockout stages and four of the teams who bested him went on to lift the trophy.</p>

<p>The Spaniard believes that were his team to pull off an extraordinary comeback it would take Abu Dhabi-backed City -- who have only reached the last four of the competition once -- to another level.</p>

<p>"I know we are judged on results, but on the performances my team is extraordinary. It is not comparable for many others, it's top," Guardiola, whose side still boast a 13-point lead at the top of the Premier&nbspLeague, said.</p>

<p>"They are exceptional, so I will be close to them no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. It's a joy to be manager of this team, even three days ago the way we played."</p>

<p><strong>- 'I'm never nervous' -</strong></p>

<p>One area of hope for Guardiola is that Liverpool's Achilles heel has been its defence although Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has added some steel since joining from Southampton.</p>

<p>The Dutch captain will be examined to the full at the Etihad, though, where Liverpool were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season, albeit before Van Dijk joined from Southampton.</p>

<p>Klopp's men were also crushed 4-1 by Tottenham and involved in thrilling 3-3 draws at Arsenal and Sevilla as they were routinely torn apart on their toughest travels, before the addition of the tall Dutchman.</p>

<p>Van Dijk, though, says he is not nervous at all about the impending clash -- indeed, if anything, the 26-year-old admits to being too relaxed.</p>

<p>"I always have been, sometimes a little too much," &nbspvan Dijk told journalists.</p>

<p>"Sometimes that cost me back in the day. What we do as players is something you need to enjoy.</p>

<p>"I'm never nervous.</p>

<p>"I'm just excited. I think, 'Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the&nbspChampions&nbspLeague&nbspwith my team. Just enjoy it and love it.'"</p>

<p>Van Dijk will do well to remain so relaxed given he faces a City attack bolstered by the likes of Sergio Aguero, who missed the traumatic United defeat, and Kevin De Bruyne, who only came on as a second-half substitute.&nbsp</p>

<p>If Guardiola is to seek inspiration in terms of a miraculous comeback, then United set him an example last Saturday of how quickly a match can turn on its head.</p>


Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the Champions League one day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are destined to win the&nbspChampions League&nbspone day, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Liverpool on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Reds are sweating on the fitness of striker Mohamed Salah. A hitherto spectacular second season under Guardiola for City has unravelled in the past week as they were thrashed at Anfield in the first leg, and then let a 2-0 lead slip with the chance to seal the Premier&nbspLeaguetitle against Manchester United in a 3-2 derby defeat on Saturday. Even if City go out, Guardiola could badly do with them winning at least the match to restore battered morale ahead of a tough&nbspleague&nbspmatch with in-form Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend with the Premier&nbspLeague&nbsptitle theirs for the taking. The trouble for Guardiola is even if Salah -- who scored his 38th goal of the season in the first leg before limping off -- is not able to play a role, Liverpool have enough firepower up front in the shape of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane to hurt City. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Monday Salah was more of a 'yes' than a 'no' for the trip to the Etihad, though whether he plays will only be decided later on Tuesday. More encouraging for Liverpool fans is that Guardiola has lost six times in the knockout stages and four of the teams who bested him went on to lift the trophy. The Spaniard believes that were his team to pull off an extraordinary comeback it would take Abu Dhabi-backed City -- who have only reached the last four of the competition once -- to another level. "I know we are judged on results, but on the performances my team is extraordinary. It is not comparable for many others, it's top," Guardiola, whose side still boast a 13-point lead at the top of the Premier&nbspLeague, said. "They are exceptional, so I will be close to them no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. It's a joy to be manager of this team, even three days ago the way we played." - 'I'm never nervous' - One area of hope for Guardiola is that Liverpool's Achilles heel has been its defence although Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has added some steel since joining from Southampton. The Dutch captain will be examined to the full at the Etihad, though, where Liverpool were thrashed 5-0 earlier in the season, albeit before Van Dijk joined from Southampton. Klopp's men were also crushed 4-1 by Tottenham and involved in thrilling 3-3 draws at Arsenal and Sevilla as they were routinely torn apart on their toughest travels, before the addition of the tall Dutchman. Van Dijk, though, says he is not nervous at all about the impending clash -- indeed, if anything, the 26-year-old admits to being too relaxed. "I always have been, sometimes a little too much," &nbspvan Dijk told journalists. "Sometimes that cost me back in the day. What we do as players is something you need to enjoy. "I'm never nervous. "I'm just excited. I think, 'Look where I am. Playing for the semi-finals of the&nbspChampions&nbspLeague&nbspwith my team. Just enjoy it and love it.'" Van Dijk will do well to remain so relaxed given he faces a City attack bolstered by the likes of Sergio Aguero, who missed the traumatic United defeat, and Kevin De Bruyne, who only came on as a second-half substitute. If Guardiola is to seek inspiration in terms of a miraculous comeback, then United set him an example last Saturday of how quickly a match can turn on its head.

Champions League: Pep Guardiola dreams of miracle, Klopp of holding City at bay

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 2 to April 8 )

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Five factors behind Barca's record unbeaten run Xia Boyu, a double amputee, aspires to climb Everest after ban revoked × My child's last name will be Mirza-Malik: Sania Mirza to WION × IN FOCUS Sebastian Vettel marks 200th race with thrilling Bahrain win Watch: Ronaldo's sensational 'bicycle' goal against Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Ex-England star Pietersen writes in Hindi praising India's Rhino population growth COMMONWEALTH GAMES In photos: Commonwealth Games open with beach party Weightlifter P Gururaja opens India's account, wins silver Day 1: Commonwealth Games 2018 | Weightlifter P Gururaja wins silver medal, India's first medal at CWG 2018. Go, team India. ___________________ Indian weightlifter Gururaja shows his silver medal and mascot Borbi after winning the Men's 56kg Weightlifting final during Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast. (? PTI) India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 4, 2018 at 9:56pm PDT × Commonwealth Games: Mirabai Chanu secures India's first gold medal Day 1 : Commonwealth Games 2018 | Indian weightlifter Sanijta Chanu won India’s second gold medal in women's 53kg weightlifting at CWG 2018. (? PTI) Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 5th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #sanjitachanu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 6, 2018 at 12:04am PDT × Commonwealth Games: Sanjita Chanu clinches India's second gold Commonwealth Games: Weightlifter Deepak Lather clinches bronze medal CWG 2018: Sathish Sivalingam bags India's third gold Commonwealth Games: Rahul Ragala claims India's fourth gold medal Commonwealth Games: Rahul Ragala claims India's fourth gold medal CWG 2018: Bhaker wins 10m pistol gold, Sidhu silver, Kumar bags men's bronze Day 4 — Commonwealth Games 2018 | Manu Bhaker (right) and Heena Sidhu (left) bags the Gold and Silver medals in the 10m Air Pistol event respectively.. (? PTI) . . Total medals at CWG 2018 so far = 6 Gold • 2 silver • 3 bronze Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #manubhaker #heenasidhu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 8, 2018 at 12:09am PDT × CWG 2018: Weightlifting gold rush continues, Punam claims 5th for India CWG 2018: Vikas Thakur wins 94-kg weightlifting bronze, India's fifth medal of the day CWG 2018: Indian women's TT team grabs gold after historic victory against Singapore Day 4 — Commonwealth Games 2018 Another GOLD medal! Congratulations! Indian women's table tennis team wins gold after beating Singapore in final. This is India's 7th gold at CWG 2018 (? PTI) . . Total medals so far = 7 Gold • 2 Silver • 3 bronze = 12 medals? Go, team India. We are proud of you. ___________________ India is scheduled to compete in 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia from 4th - 15th April 2018. . . . . . #teamindia #manubhaker #ravikumar #heenasidhu #indianflag #australia #goldcoast #shooting #rifle #commonwealthgames #commonwealthgames2018 #flag #indian #patriotism #commonwealth #Cyprus #sport #sports #instasport #gc2018 #sharethedream #GoldCoast2018 #cwg2018 #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 8, 2018 at 10:56am PDT × IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Liam Plunkett replaced injured Kagiso Rabada in Delhi's team IPL 2018: Pandya brothers shine as Mumbai sets 166 runs target IPL 2018: Dwayne Bravo's heroics give Chennai its first win against Mumbai KL Rahul, Karun Nair give Punjab its first victory in IPL 2018 CRICKET In absence of Steve Smith, South Africa destroy Australia by 492 runs in last Test Cricketers' union wants Smith, Warner 'disproportionate' bans reduced NZ vs ENG: Sodhi, Wagner 'heroes' as New Zealand mark series win against England Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series FOOTBALL Champions League: Ronaldo stuns Buffon as Real Madrid outplay Juventus Champions League: FC Bayern acknowledge good fortune in win at Sevilla ⚽️? FIXTURES ?⚽️ Which four are you backing to reach the semi-finals? ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/Gt7oDSMhDZ — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2018 × Champions League: Liverpool stun Manchester City with 3-0 win at Anfield Champions League: FC Barcelona defeat AS Roma in quarter-finals 1st leg Zidane says Real would not honour Barcelona title win Messi scores hat-trick, Barca equal La Liga unbeaten record Cristiano Ronaldo continues goal spree but Real held by stubborn Atletico

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw.&nbsp</p>

<p>Ronaldo followed up last week's brilliant bicycle kick against Juventus with a poacher's finish at the Santiago Bernabeu but Griezmann's strike keeps Atletico in pole position to finish second in La Liga.&nbsp</p>

<p>They retain their four-point cushion over Real while this was perhaps the perfect result for leaders Barcelona, who are now 11 points clear at the top.&nbsp</p>

<p>It not only tightens Barca's grip on the title but will likely bring forward the point when the Catalans are mathematically certain to be champions, with the 'clasico' still a possible coronation day on May 6.&nbsp</p>

<p>"We deserved more today clearly, it's a shame," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said afterwards. "We had many chances, but in the end we could have lost the game as well."</p>

<p>Griezmann's goal came on his 200th appearance for Atleti while Ronaldo's was the 500th in the 161 league matches played between these two city rivals.&nbsp</p>

<p>On Griezmann, Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "He is a great player, he did not have a good start to the season and he knows it and it is not easy to reinvent himself in the way he did in November, December.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I think the presence of (Diego) Costa has helped him a lot, having strength around him which allows him to be free."</p>

<p>In comparison to recent versions of this fixture, which have included Champions League finals, Cope del Rey finals and league games with both sides vying for the championship, this at times had a rather low-key feel.&nbsp</p>

<p>Zidane, with one eye on the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday, started with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema on the bench, the latter coming on to spare Ronaldo the final half an hour.&nbsp</p>

<p>Los Blancos own a 3-0 advantage over Juve but Zidane insists they cannot afford to be complacent.</p>

<p>"Everyone sees us going through to the semi-finals and that's exactly what we should not put in our head," Zidane said. "We know very well that we will have to suffer again on Wednesday."</p>

<p><strong>Bale quiet</strong></p>

<p>Gareth Bale was given 90 minutes, perhaps not the most positive indicator for his chances of a start in midweek. The Welshman supplied the cross for Ronaldo's equaliser but, in truth, he was quiet for long periods here, a pale shadow of his confident, marauding best.&nbsp</p>

<p>A game that looked in danger of drifting towards a stalemate sparked into life after half-time with two goals in four minutes.&nbsp</p>

<p>Ronaldo scored the first as Bale's hanging cross was misjudged by Lucas Hernandez at the back post, allowing the striker to volley in his 23rd league goal of the season.&nbsp</p>

<p>But Atleti were soon level. Griezmann slipped in Lucas and then continued his run so he was perfectly placed to slide home the rebound after Keylor Navas had parried.&nbsp</p>

<p>Real were more aggressive in the search for a late winner but Atleti dug in. Bale almost had it but put a difficult header wide, while Sergio Ramos nodded past from a corner and saw his curling free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak. If only Ronaldo had still been on the field to take it.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw

Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th goal in 15 games for Real Madrid this year was not enough to earn his side a derby victory on Sunday as an Antoine Griezmann equaliser secured Atletico a 1-1 draw. Ronaldo followed up last week's brilliant bicycle kick against Juventus with a poacher's finish at the Santiago Bernabeu but Griezmann's strike keeps Atletico in pole position to finish second in La Liga. They retain their four-point cushion over Real while this was perhaps the perfect result for leaders Barcelona, who are now 11 points clear at the top. It not only tightens Barca's grip on the title but will likely bring forward the point when the Catalans are mathematically certain to be champions, with the 'clasico' still a possible coronation day on May 6. "We deserved more today clearly, it's a shame," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said afterwards. "We had many chances, but in the end we could have lost the game as well." Griezmann's goal came on his 200th appearance for Atleti while Ronaldo's was the 500th in the 161 league matches played between these two city rivals. On Griezmann, Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "He is a great player, he did not have a good start to the season and he knows it and it is not easy to reinvent himself in the way he did in November, December. "I think the presence of (Diego) Costa has helped him a lot, having strength around him which allows him to be free." In comparison to recent versions of this fixture, which have included Champions League finals, Cope del Rey finals and league games with both sides vying for the championship, this at times had a rather low-key feel. Zidane, with one eye on the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday, started with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema on the bench, the latter coming on to spare Ronaldo the final half an hour. Los Blancos own a 3-0 advantage over Juve but Zidane insists they cannot afford to be complacent. "Everyone sees us going through to the semi-finals and that's exactly what we should not put in our head," Zidane said. "We know very well that we will have to suffer again on Wednesday." Bale quiet Gareth Bale was given 90 minutes, perhaps not the most positive indicator for his chances of a start in midweek. The Welshman supplied the cross for Ronaldo's equaliser but, in truth, he was quiet for long periods here, a pale shadow of his confident, marauding best. A game that looked in danger of drifting towards a stalemate sparked into life after half-time with two goals in four minutes. Ronaldo scored the first as Bale's hanging cross was misjudged by Lucas Hernandez at the back post, allowing the striker to volley in his 23rd league goal of the season. But Atleti were soon level. Griezmann slipped in Lucas and then continued his run so he was perfectly placed to slide home the rebound after Keylor Navas had parried. Real were more aggressive in the search for a late winner but Atleti dug in. Bale almost had it but put a difficult header wide, while Sergio Ramos nodded past from a corner and saw his curling free-kick tipped over by Jan Oblak. If only Ronaldo had still been on the field to take it.

LaLiga: Cristiano Ronaldo continues goal spree but Real held by stubborn Atletico

<p>Real Madrid is up against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and already leading 3-0 by registering an easy victory in the 1st leg.</p>

<p>In the first leg&nbsp;match, Real's star player Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the opponents and scored a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He architected the Real Madrid's win over Serie A leaders Juventus. For his stunning goal, he earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. Also, the goal became one of the most shared UEFA Champions League moments on Twitter.</p>

<p>Now, again he was seen practising the same shot during the training session ahead of Atletico Madrid clash. It seems he got some massive plans for&nbsp;Atletico.</p>

<p><em>Watch here:</em></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRSUjyBORZ/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">AGAIN ? OTRA VEZ ? @Cristiano</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realmadrid/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Real Madrid C.F. ?</a> (@realmadrid) on <time datetime="2018-04-07T13:01:02+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 7, 2018 at 6:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AGAIN ? <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> <a href="https://t.co/u40317IWpf">pic.twitter.com/u40317IWpf</a></p>
— Real Madrid C.F.???? (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/982602031662813185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less.</p>

<p>For Ronaldo's breathtaking goal, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane appreciated him and said, "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football."</p>

<p><em>Watch the incredible goal here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys <a href="https://t.co/d0BAkwOxzM">pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM</a></p>
— Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleteTweetsO/status/981304696030642176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening and after that, the team will meet Juventus on April 12 in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.</p>


Real will take on Athletico Madrid Sunday evening at 7:45 pm IST

Real Madrid is up against Juventus in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and already leading 3-0 by registering an easy victory in the 1st leg. In the first leg match, Real's star player Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the opponents and scored a sensational overhead bicycle kick. He architected the Real Madrid's win over Serie A leaders Juventus. For his stunning goal, he earned a standing ovation from the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. Also, the goal became one of the most shared UEFA Champions League moments on Twitter. Now, again he was seen practising the same shot during the training session ahead of Atletico Madrid clash. It seems he got some massive plans for Atletico. Watch here: AGAIN ? OTRA VEZ ? @Cristiano A post shared by Real Madrid C.F. ? (@realmadrid) on Apr 7, 2018 at 6:01am PDT × AGAIN ? @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/u40317IWpf — Real Madrid C.F.???? (@realmadriden) April 7, 2018 × Gianluigi Buffon was astounded by the visitors as Juve does not have the tendency to let in many goals but suffered a tragic defeat it the first leg. Now, the chances of reaching across the deficit are very less. For Ronaldo's breathtaking goal, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane appreciated him and said, "You can say he's one of the most beautiful players in the history of football." Watch the incredible goal here: Cristiano Ronaldo is a man among boys pic.twitter.com/d0BAkwOxzM — Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) April 3, 2018 × Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening and after that, the team will meet Juventus on April 12 in the second leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Watch: After scoring with it, Cristiano Ronaldo practises bicycle kick

<p>Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion.</p>

<p>A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby.</p>

<p>Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January.</p>

<p>"I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola.</p>

<p>Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford.</p>

<p>Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday.</p>

<p>The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?"</p>

<p>United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months.</p>

<p>There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona.</p>

<p>Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011.</p>

<p>Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players.</p>

<p>"Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday.</p>

<p>Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game".</p>

<p>"We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible."&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Emirati riches</strong></p>

<p>Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal.</p>

<p>The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble.</p>

<p>That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United.</p>

<p>Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending.</p>

<p>"I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money.</p>

<p>"When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money.</p>

<p>"When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."</p>


Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United

Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion. A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby. Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January. "I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford. Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday. The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?" United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months. There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona. Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011. Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players. "Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday. Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game". "We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible." Emirati riches Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal. The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble. That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United. Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending. "I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money. "When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money. "When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."

Manchester City to clash Man United for title win

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