<p>Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea&#39;s chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester on Sunday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.</p>

<p>Alvaro Morata&#39;s first goal since Boxing Day on his return to the Chelsea starting line-up put the visitors on course to bounce back from their Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona in midweek.</p>

<p>However, Jamie Vardy&#39;s equaliser 15 minutes from time made them do it the hard way in an extra 30 minutes.</p>

<p>Yet, for all Antonio Conte&#39;s complaints this season about his side&#39;s strength in depth, the Italian was able to call on Pedro to turn the game in Chelsea&#39;s favour when he headed home former Leicester favourite N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s cross.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are on semi-finals! Great job, team!! Come on Blues!! / Estamos en semifinales!!! Gran trabajo, equipo! ???????????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chelseafc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://t.co/8rU9dJTl5K">pic.twitter.com/8rU9dJTl5K</a></p>
&mdash; Pedro Rodr&iacute;guez (@_Pedro17_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Pedro17_/status/975450617543086080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>And Conte hailed his players&#39; physical and mental strength to shrug off their Champions League disappointment.</p>

<p>&quot;After a game like Barcelona game -- don&#39;t forget we spent a lot of energy -- to play 120 minutes tonight with this weather it wasn&#39;t easy,&quot; said Conte of his side&#39;s resolve in freezing conditions.</p>

<p>&quot;We showed a great desire, great will to fight, great will to reach the semi-finals and to go for the second time in a row to Wembley.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy for the win and the qualification!! There&#39;s only one way: work, work and more work!! Go Chelsea!! ????⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/Vfj0XiUpUM">pic.twitter.com/Vfj0XiUpUM</a></p>
&mdash; &Aacute;lvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaroMorata/status/975460688830353414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chelsea had lost three of their past four matches to fall behind in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as their European exit.</p>

<p>But they will fancy their chances of reaching the final for the second time in as many years under Conte after drawing Premier League strugglers Southampton in the last four.</p>

<p><strong>Morata ends drought</strong></p>

<p>Yet, the biggest plus of all for Conte going forward may be Morata&#39;s return to form after a torrid time in 2018 as both form and fitness have deserted Chelsea&#39;s &pound;70 million club record buy from Real Madrid.</p>

<p>Morata had a point to prove after being left out of the Spain squad on Friday just three months ahead of the World Cup.</p>

<p>And he looked keen to make the most of just his second start since the sides last met in a 0-0 draw in early January.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hard cup fight over 120 minutes ???????????? In the end we&#39;re through to the semi finals ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hustle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hustle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wembleycalling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wembleycalling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlwaysBelieve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlwaysBelieve</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/GDt5VS8bhc">pic.twitter.com/GDt5VS8bhc</a></p>
&mdash; Antonio R&uuml;diger (@ToniRuediger) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniRuediger/status/975462680726327297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;For sure, for the striker is very important to score,&quot; said Conte.</p>

<p>&quot;I think for Alvaro was very important to score, but at the same time I am very pleased for his performance.</p>

<p>&quot;He showed great character, he showed to be strong. I think this goal will be very important for the future for us.&quot;</p>

<p>Morata had stung the palms of Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the box and hit the outside of the post from the narrowest of angles before putting Chelsea in front three minutes before half-time.</p>

<p>Much of the credit must go to Willian, though, who surged through the heart of the Leicester midfield on the counter-attack before feeding the Spaniard.</p>

<p>And Morata coolly clipped the ball beyond the advancing Schmeichel with an assuredness unbefitting of a striker who had gone 13 games without a goal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wembley, here we come! Well done boys and thanks to our fans for the amazing support ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a><br />
<br />
Vamos a Wembley! Grande equipo y espectacular apoyo de nuestra afici&oacute;n ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEICHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEICHE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChelseaFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/pYJEPWjFTU">pic.twitter.com/pYJEPWjFTU</a></p>
&mdash; Marcos Alonso (@marcosalonso03) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcosalonso03/status/975476305683763200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The visitors were happy to take their chances on the counter-attack in the second period as they began to feel the after-effects of their run around at Barcelona in midweek.</p>

<p>Leicester&#39;s search for an equaliser was largely laboured and, even when a big chance did arise, Vardy headed wastefully over when completely unmarked inside the area.</p>

<p>However, the England international made amends 15 minutes from time when he forced the ball home at the third attempt after Vicente Iborra&#39;s first two efforts were blocked and then saved by Willy Caballero.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m a bit upset at the moment because I think we deserved another result,&quot; said Leicester manager Claude Puel.</p>

<p>&quot;They found a good clinical edge. Morata&#39;s goal was the only chance of the first half. It was harsh to concede just before half-time, but we came back with more calm and more quality.&quot;</p>

<p>Crucially, though, Conte was able to refresh his side as Pedro, Gary Cahill and Olivier Giroud were all introduced in the first half of extra time.</p>

<p>And it was Pedro who proved the match-winner in unfamiliar fashion as he rose to outjump Schmeichel and nod into an unguarded net.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea's chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester

Pedro Rodriguez came off the bench to keep Chelsea's chances of silverware this season alive with an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Leicester on Sunday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Alvaro Morata's first goal since Boxing Day on his return to the Chelsea starting line-up put the visitors on course to bounce back from their Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona in midweek. However, Jamie Vardy's equaliser 15 minutes from time made them do it the hard way in an extra 30 minutes. Yet, for all Antonio Conte's complaints this season about his side's strength in depth, the Italian was able to call on Pedro to turn the game in Chelsea's favour when he headed home former Leicester favourite N'Golo Kante's cross. We are on semi-finals! Great job, team!! Come on Blues!! / Estamos en semifinales!!! Gran trabajo, equipo! ???????????????????? @Chelseafc #CFC #FACup #LEICHE pic.twitter.com/8rU9dJTl5K — Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) March 18, 2018 × And Conte hailed his players' physical and mental strength to shrug off their Champions League disappointment. "After a game like Barcelona game -- don't forget we spent a lot of energy -- to play 120 minutes tonight with this weather it wasn't easy," said Conte of his side's resolve in freezing conditions. "We showed a great desire, great will to fight, great will to reach the semi-finals and to go for the second time in a row to Wembley." Happy for the win and the qualification!! There's only one way: work, work and more work!! Go Chelsea!! ????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Vfj0XiUpUM — Álvaro Morata (@AlvaroMorata) March 18, 2018 × Chelsea had lost three of their past four matches to fall behind in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as their European exit. But they will fancy their chances of reaching the final for the second time in as many years under Conte after drawing Premier League strugglers Southampton in the last four. Morata ends drought Yet, the biggest plus of all for Conte going forward may be Morata's return to form after a torrid time in 2018 as both form and fitness have deserted Chelsea's £70 million club record buy from Real Madrid. Morata had a point to prove after being left out of the Spain squad on Friday just three months ahead of the World Cup. And he looked keen to make the most of just his second start since the sides last met in a 0-0 draw in early January. Hard cup fight over 120 minutes ???????????? In the end we're through to the semi finals ???????? #Hustle #wembleycalling #AlwaysBelieve #FACup @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/GDt5VS8bhc — Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) March 18, 2018 × "For sure, for the striker is very important to score," said Conte. "I think for Alvaro was very important to score, but at the same time I am very pleased for his performance. "He showed great character, he showed to be strong. I think this goal will be very important for the future for us." Morata had stung the palms of Kasper Schmeichel from the edge of the box and hit the outside of the post from the narrowest of angles before putting Chelsea in front three minutes before half-time. Much of the credit must go to Willian, though, who surged through the heart of the Leicester midfield on the counter-attack before feeding the Spaniard. And Morata coolly clipped the ball beyond the advancing Schmeichel with an assuredness unbefitting of a striker who had gone 13 games without a goal. Wembley, here we come! Well done boys and thanks to our fans for the amazing support ???????????? #LEICHE @ChelseaFC Vamos a Wembley! Grande equipo y espectacular apoyo de nuestra afición ???????????? #LEICHE @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/pYJEPWjFTU — Marcos Alonso (@marcosalonso03) March 18, 2018 × The visitors were happy to take their chances on the counter-attack in the second period as they began to feel the after-effects of their run around at Barcelona in midweek. Leicester's search for an equaliser was largely laboured and, even when a big chance did arise, Vardy headed wastefully over when completely unmarked inside the area. However, the England international made amends 15 minutes from time when he forced the ball home at the third attempt after Vicente Iborra's first two efforts were blocked and then saved by Willy Caballero. "I'm a bit upset at the moment because I think we deserved another result," said Leicester manager Claude Puel. "They found a good clinical edge. Morata's goal was the only chance of the first half. It was harsh to concede just before half-time, but we came back with more calm and more quality." Crucially, though, Conte was able to refresh his side as Pedro, Gary Cahill and Olivier Giroud were all introduced in the first half of extra time. And it was Pedro who proved the match-winner in unfamiliar fashion as he rose to outjump Schmeichel and nod into an unguarded net.

FA Cup: Pedro keeps Chelsea in the hunt for FA Cup glory

<p>Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half.</p>

<p>Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left.</p>

<p>The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca&#39;s lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ca">⏰ Final whistle!<br />
FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club<br />
⚽ Alc&aacute;cer and Messi<br />
???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/Chvqy0YjYW">pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975419594440691712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? <a href="https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu">https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu</a> ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/ExI4sWte9z">pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975451807064514560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona.</p>

<p>The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post.</p>

<p>The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca&#39;s area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a><br />
???????? <a href="https://t.co/tXlafQ7Sw7">pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/975493321509474304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0

Barcelona moved 11 points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday after beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home with a goal from Paco Alcacer and a thumping strike from Lionel Messi in the first half. Alcacer took the place of suspended striker Luis Suarez in the starting line-up and scored a first goal in three months to put Barca ahead in the eighth minute, side-footing home a pass from Jordi Alba after Messi had cut in from the left. The Argentine scored for the sixth game in a row in all competitions and for the 25th time in this league campaign when he doubled Barca's lead in the 30th minute with a deadly strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. ⏰ Final whistle! FC Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club ⚽ Alcácer and Messi ???????????? #ForçaBarça #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/Chvqy0YjYW — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × ???? Best photos from the win over Athletic ???? https://t.co/cvSLLTjxLu ???????? #BarçaAthletic pic.twitter.com/ExI4sWte9z — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 × Barca lead the standings on 75 points, 11 ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid who were visiting Villarreal later on Sunday, with champions Real Madrid hosting Girona. The Catalans were missing injured midfield linchpin Sergio Busquets as well as Suarez. However, they were rampant in the first half and could have taken a heavier lead into the break as Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho hit the woodwork twice and his compatriot Paulinho struck a post. The unbeaten league leaders slowed down in the second half and Athletic came into the game for the first time but despite numerous forays into Barca's area they rarely got close to troubling goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. ???? @LaLiga ???????? pic.twitter.com/tXlafQ7Sw7 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2018 ×

La Liga: Messi magic prevails as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao

<p>Liverpool forward Mohamed&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said.</p>

<p>Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool&#39;s 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club.</p>

<p>Asked about the similarities in&nbsp;Salah&nbsp;and Messi&#39;s style of play, Klopp said: &quot;Mo is on the way, that&#39;s good. I don&#39;t think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi.</p>

<p>&quot;He (Messi) has been doing what he&#39;s been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona.&quot;</p>

<p>The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi&#39;s current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez.</p>

<p>The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013.</p>

<p>&quot;Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly,&quot; Klopp added.</p>

<p>&quot;His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it&#39;s good.&quot;</p>

<p>Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.</p>


Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is on his way to reaching the elite level of Lionel Messi but has no interest in being compared to the prodigious Barcelona striker, manager Juergen Klopp has said. Salah, 25, struck four goals in Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Watford that lifted them back into third place in the Premier League on Saturday. The Egypt international moved to 28 league goals, four goals clear of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. He has 36 in all competitions this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a debut campaign for the club. Asked about the similarities in Salah and Messi's style of play, Klopp said: "Mo is on the way, that's good. I don't think that Mo or anybody else wants to be compared with Lionel Messi. "He (Messi) has been doing what he's been doing for what feels like 20 years or so... the last player I know who had the same influence on a team performance was Diego Maradona." The last player to score four goals in a Liverpool shirt was Messi's current strike partner at Barcelona Luis Suarez. The Uruguay international netted a first-half hat-trick before adding another after the break in a 5-1 league victory over Norwich City in 2013. "Mo is on a fantastic way... but how it always is in life, if you have the skills then you have to show it constantly," Klopp added. "His consistency is good for us. He helps us a lot, the boys love playing with him, he loves playing with them, so it's good." Liverpool moved to 63 points from 31 games, two behind second-placed Manchester United who have a game in hand.

Salah 'on his way' to Messi comparisons: Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp

<p>Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday.</p>

<p>Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team.</p>

<p>Hughes&#39; main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season.</p>

<p>They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares.</p>

<p>Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday.</p>

<p>It will be Saints&#39; first appearance in the last four in 15 years.</p>

<p>&quot;It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have,&quot; said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season.</p>

<p>&quot;They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment.&quot;</p>

<p>After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute.</p>

<p>Dusan Tadic&#39;s corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan&#39;s Dan Burn couldn&#39;t react quick enough to clear off the line.</p>

<p>Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton&#39;s advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area.</p>

<p>But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini&#39;s powerful spot-kick around the post.</p>

<p>Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn&#39;t emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City.</p>

<p>In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team

Mark Hughes enjoyed the ideal start to his Southampton reign as the struggling Premier League club reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday. Hughes was hired as Southampton manager this week to replace the sacked Mauricio Pellegrino and the former Saints striker had an immediate impact on his new team. Hughes' main goal is to help Southampton preserve their top-flight status and they dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday as Crystal Palace won in the league while the Saints were preparing for their quarter-final. Nevertheless, a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals could provide a welcome tonic as the new manager tries to make his presence felt. It was essential Southampton avoided following in the footsteps of Manchester City, West Ham and Bournemouth -- top-flight sides who had all perished against third-tier giant-killers Wigan in the FA Cup this season. They achieved that aim thanks to second-half goals from Pierre Emile Hojbjerg and Cedric Soares. Southampton joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals, with Leicester and Chelsea meeting in the last quarter-final later on Sunday. It will be Saints' first appearance in the last four in 15 years. "It was an important day for the players today. I have been really impressed with the quality of the talent I have," said Hughes, who was sacked by Stoke earlier this season. "They have lost a bit of confidence recently but they are good players. "We stood up to Wigan. It was a statement of intent and a start. "We have work to do in the Premier League, but we will enjoy this moment." After a scrappy first half, Southampton took the lead in the 62nd minute. Dusan Tadic's corner was stabbed goalwards by Hojbjerg and Wigan's Dan Burn couldn't react quick enough to clear off the line. Manolo Gabbiadini had a chance to double Southampton's advantage in the 73rd minute when he got past Burn and the Wigan centre-back brought him down in the penalty area. But Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton plunged to his left and pushed Gabbiadini's powerful spot-kick around the post. Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, applied plenty of pressure in the closing stages, but couldn't emulate their epic fifth round success against Premier League leaders City. In the first minute of stoppage-time, Southampton right-back Soares surged into the area before side-footing past Walton.

Mark Hughes marks shining start as Southampton reach FA Cup semis

<p>Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United&#39;s under-performing stars that they need to &quot;grow up&quot; in the wake of the team&#39;s tame exit from the Champions League.</p>

<p>The fall-out from United&#39;s shock failure in a 2-1 home defeat against Sevilla is still being felt at Old Trafford, with Mourinho launching an impassioned defence of his record during Friday&#39;s press conference ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final with Brighton.</p>

<p>United boss Mourinho admitted his players must learn to cope with the pressure of expectations, a problem that has become all the more apparent in the wake of Tuesday&#39;s European setback.</p>

<p>&quot;The fans have to be sad with being out and the players have to learn how to cope with that level of expectation and that level of pressure,&quot; Mourinho said.</p>

<p>&quot;They have to survive and when they survive they become stronger. An easy life, and the fans not upset, and no critics? That&#39;s not good.</p>

<p>&quot;If you want to make a real top team with top mentality, you need to grow up and the best way is to have this kind of feeling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t want the fans to have low expectations, I want the fans to have high expectations because I want the players to have expectations too.&quot;</p>

<p>Those players have been a major problem for Mourinho this season, especially in recent games when the form of Paul Pogba and new signing Alexis Sanchez have come in for criticism from pundits and supporters alike.</p>

<p>But Mourinho said losing to Sevilla was not the major surprise that many claimed, even though he had spoken of his ambition to reach this season&#39;s Champions League final.</p>

<p>And, tellingly, in his analysis of his players&#39; performances this season, only Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic were spared their manager&#39;s thinly-veiled criticism.</p>

<p><strong>Go for the jugular</strong></p>

<p>&quot;I also said we are not one of the top teams, not one of the favourites to win,&quot; Mourinho added.</p>

<p>&quot;I told you that with these words because I cannot tell you with different words while I am still in competition. I cannot be in competition, go there and say we have no chance.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s the same thing. You cannot expect me to say, &#39;this and that player, they have to do better&#39;.</p>

<p>&quot;I prefer to say that Matic and Lukaku are performing at a high level from day one until the last match.</p>

<p>&quot;I cannot tell you the ones that are not performing. I cannot tell you before a Champions League match.</p>

<p>&quot;We went out to a side that&#39;s more successful than Manchester United in the last seven years in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We are out to a team that knocked out Atletico Madrid in two legs. We are knocked out by a team that is brilliant in their approach for many years, with their scouting system.&quot;</p>

<p>Despite his argument, Mourinho&#39;s relationship with his club&#39;s supporters is clearly at a difficult point after the events of midweek.</p>

<p>Mourinho conceded that, with free-spending Manchester City on course to win the title by a record margin, it will be difficult for United to challenge them in the short term.</p>

<p>&quot;We try but the reality is that some clubs, they were ready to win,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;One thing is to go for the jugular and another is to build a different process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;If the clubs that are in a better situation than us stop investing and we invest, we are side to side. If they keep investing the same or more than us, it&#39;s difficult. It&#39;s as simple as that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;So the fans, they read what people write, they listen what people say.</p>

<p>&quot;I used to call them idealists or idiots -- they can be both. In my dictionary, the dictionary of life, a person with a lot of ideas can be an ideologist or an idiot.</p>

<p>&quot;The people, they listen to the ideologists and they also listen to the idiots. That&#39;s life.&quot;</p>


'I don't want the fans to have low expectations, I want the fans to have high expectations because I want the players to have expectations too,'says Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United's under-performing stars that they need to "grow up" in the wake of the team's tame exit from the Champions League. The fall-out from United's shock failure in a 2-1 home defeat against Sevilla is still being felt at Old Trafford, with Mourinho launching an impassioned defence of his record during Friday's press conference ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final with Brighton. United boss Mourinho admitted his players must learn to cope with the pressure of expectations, a problem that has become all the more apparent in the wake of Tuesday's European setback. "The fans have to be sad with being out and the players have to learn how to cope with that level of expectation and that level of pressure," Mourinho said. "They have to survive and when they survive they become stronger. An easy life, and the fans not upset, and no critics? That's not good. "If you want to make a real top team with top mentality, you need to grow up and the best way is to have this kind of feeling. "I don't want the fans to have low expectations, I want the fans to have high expectations because I want the players to have expectations too." Those players have been a major problem for Mourinho this season, especially in recent games when the form of Paul Pogba and new signing Alexis Sanchez have come in for criticism from pundits and supporters alike. But Mourinho said losing to Sevilla was not the major surprise that many claimed, even though he had spoken of his ambition to reach this season's Champions League final. And, tellingly, in his analysis of his players' performances this season, only Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic were spared their manager's thinly-veiled criticism. Go for the jugular "I also said we are not one of the top teams, not one of the favourites to win," Mourinho added. "I told you that with these words because I cannot tell you with different words while I am still in competition. I cannot be in competition, go there and say we have no chance. "It's the same thing. You cannot expect me to say, 'this and that player, they have to do better'. "I prefer to say that Matic and Lukaku are performing at a high level from day one until the last match. "I cannot tell you the ones that are not performing. I cannot tell you before a Champions League match. "We went out to a side that's more successful than Manchester United in the last seven years in Europe. "We are out to a team that knocked out Atletico Madrid in two legs. We are knocked out by a team that is brilliant in their approach for many years, with their scouting system." Despite his argument, Mourinho's relationship with his club's supporters is clearly at a difficult point after the events of midweek. Mourinho conceded that, with free-spending Manchester City on course to win the title by a record margin, it will be difficult for United to challenge them in the short term. "We try but the reality is that some clubs, they were ready to win," he said. "One thing is to go for the jugular and another is to build a different process. "If the clubs that are in a better situation than us stop investing and we invest, we are side to side. If they keep investing the same or more than us, it's difficult. It's as simple as that. "So the fans, they read what people write, they listen what people say. "I used to call them idealists or idiots -- they can be both. In my dictionary, the dictionary of life, a person with a lot of ideas can be an ideologist or an idiot. "The people, they listen to the ideologists and they also listen to the idiots. That's life."

Jose Mourinho warns United's under-performing players

<p>FIFA are expected to rubber-stamp video assistant referee technology (VAR) for this summer&#39;s World Cup despite lingering opposition from within and outside football.</p>

<p>Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, will oversee the governing body&#39;s meeting in Bogota happy to give the green light to the system despite a long, personal spell of scepticism.</p>

<p>&quot;VAR is something positive that will bring much more to the transparency of football,&quot; said Infantino ahead of the FIFA Council meeting starting Friday.</p>

<p>&quot;Video refereeing isn&#39;t going to be the solution to everything in football. What we want to do is avoid resounding mistakes by referees.&quot;</p>

<p>At the World Cup in Russia from June 14-July 15, VAR will be used to judge whether or not a goal has been scored, analyse whether a penalty should be awarded, decide on red cards and rectify if a player has been mistakenly sanctioned.</p>

<p>The game&#39;s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), had decided two weeks ago at its meeting in Zurich to support VAR at the World Cup.</p>

<p>VAR has been trialled since 2016 by around 20 federations including the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A.</p>

<p>But it has not been universally welcomed with even UEFA, the European governing body, still to be convinced.</p>

<p>&quot;Nobody knows exactly how VAR will work. There is already a lot of confusion,&quot; said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin who insists that VAR will not be used in next season&#39;s Champions League.</p>

<p>&quot;I am not at all against it but we must better explain when it will be used. We will see at the World Cup.&quot;</p>

<p>One of the problems that dogs VAR, say its critics, is not the accuracy of its decisions but the time it takes to arrive at them.</p>

<p>It&#39;s a drawback which has left many fans and purists frustrated that the flow of a game is interrupted.</p>

<p>&quot;The intervention of VAR takes one minute on average in each game. If we lose a minute to correct mistakes, I think we have done something good,&quot; said Infantino.</p>

<p>However, Colombia coach Luis Fernando Suarez added in an interview with AFP: &quot;It seems hurried to me. I think we should do other trials in other tournaments, analyse them well, and then put it in place.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suarez, who led Ecuador at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and Honduras in 2014 in Brazil, remains a fan in general of the use of technology in football, which he has witnessed close up.</p>

<p>That came in the 2014 tournament when his Honduras team played France in Porto Alegre when the first goal decided through GLT (goal-line technology) was awarded to France.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s good and necessary that there are changes but it&#39;s essential that we don&#39;t lose the essence of football,&quot; added Suarez.</p>

<p>Elsewhere at the FIFA Council meeting, discussions will be held on the presentation of the two dossiers for hosting the 2026 World Cup where Morocco is battling against a joint USA-Canada-Mexico bid.</p>

<p>Host countries for the 2019 Under-17 and Under-20 world championships will also be decided.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


FIFA are expected to rubber-stamp video assistant referee technology (VAR) for this summer's World Cup despite lingering opposition from within and outside football

FIFA are expected to rubber-stamp video assistant referee technology (VAR) for this summer's World Cup despite lingering opposition from within and outside football. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, will oversee the governing body's meeting in Bogota happy to give the green light to the system despite a long, personal spell of scepticism. "VAR is something positive that will bring much more to the transparency of football," said Infantino ahead of the FIFA Council meeting starting Friday. "Video refereeing isn't going to be the solution to everything in football. What we want to do is avoid resounding mistakes by referees." At the World Cup in Russia from June 14-July 15, VAR will be used to judge whether or not a goal has been scored, analyse whether a penalty should be awarded, decide on red cards and rectify if a player has been mistakenly sanctioned. The game's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), had decided two weeks ago at its meeting in Zurich to support VAR at the World Cup. VAR has been trialled since 2016 by around 20 federations including the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. But it has not been universally welcomed with even UEFA, the European governing body, still to be convinced. "Nobody knows exactly how VAR will work. There is already a lot of confusion," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin who insists that VAR will not be used in next season's Champions League. "I am not at all against it but we must better explain when it will be used. We will see at the World Cup." One of the problems that dogs VAR, say its critics, is not the accuracy of its decisions but the time it takes to arrive at them. It's a drawback which has left many fans and purists frustrated that the flow of a game is interrupted. "The intervention of VAR takes one minute on average in each game. If we lose a minute to correct mistakes, I think we have done something good," said Infantino. However, Colombia coach Luis Fernando Suarez added in an interview with AFP: "It seems hurried to me. I think we should do other trials in other tournaments, analyse them well, and then put it in place." Suarez, who led Ecuador at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and Honduras in 2014 in Brazil, remains a fan in general of the use of technology in football, which he has witnessed close up. That came in the 2014 tournament when his Honduras team played France in Porto Alegre when the first goal decided through GLT (goal-line technology) was awarded to France. "It's good and necessary that there are changes but it's essential that we don't lose the essence of football," added Suarez. Elsewhere at the FIFA Council meeting, discussions will be held on the presentation of the two dossiers for hosting the 2026 World Cup where Morocco is battling against a joint USA-Canada-Mexico bid. Host countries for the 2019 Under-17 and Under-20 world championships will also be decided.

FIFA to give VAR green light at World Cup

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">FC Barcelona</a> captain, Andres Iniesta revealed a shocker that he has an offer to move to a Chinese Super League club.</p>

<p>He also mentioned that by the end of April he will make a decision on his future.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">Barcelona thrashed Chelsea</a> to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League.</p>

<p>The happiness of Barca&#39;s victory was taken away for a while when Iniesta admitted his future may lie elsewhere.</p>

<p>The Spaniard had recently signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona but contrary to that, he said, &quot;Before April 30 I have to make the decision whether I&#39;m still in Barcelona or I&#39;m going to China. I have to assess what is best for me and for the club.&quot;</p>

<p>He has won the Champions League four times and La Liga eight times wearing Barca jersey featuring in more than 400 games.</p>

<p>He also mentioned, &quot;It is a decision that I will communicate to the club first and then you will find out. I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been linked with Tianjin Quanjian, although the Chinese Super League club declared the rumours &quot;false&quot; this week and threatened legal action to stamp them out.</p>

<p>On Iniesta&#39;s shocking revelation coach Ernesto Valverde responded, &quot;It is a very personal decision. It is he who must decide it. We all have our own reasons and I am sure he will decide what is best for him.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


"I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club," says Iniesta

FC Barcelona captain, Andres Iniesta revealed a shocker that he has an offer to move to a Chinese Super League club. He also mentioned that by the end of April he will make a decision on his future. Barcelona thrashed Chelsea to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League. The happiness of Barca's victory was taken away for a while when Iniesta admitted his future may lie elsewhere. The Spaniard had recently signed a lifetime contract with FC Barcelona but contrary to that, he said, "Before April 30 I have to make the decision whether I'm still in Barcelona or I'm going to China. I have to assess what is best for me and for the club." He has won the Champions League four times and La Liga eight times wearing Barca jersey featuring in more than 400 games. He also mentioned, "It is a decision that I will communicate to the club first and then you will find out. I will make a decision before April 30. It will be the most honest for me and for the club." He has been linked with Tianjin Quanjian, although the Chinese Super League club declared the rumours "false" this week and threatened legal action to stamp them out. On Iniesta's shocking revelation coach Ernesto Valverde responded, "It is a very personal decision. It is he who must decide it. We all have our own reasons and I am sure he will decide what is best for him."

Andres Iniesta might leave FC Barcelona

<p>Chelsea suffered an early exit from the race of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">winning Champions Leauge</a> title as FC Barcelona thrashed the &#39;Blues&#39; in the decisive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messi-strikes-twice-as-barcelona-crush-chelsea-35854">second leg clash</a> of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-throwback-to-lionel-messis-first-goal-in-champions-league-35861">Lionel Messi</a> at his best blasted two magnificent goals to inspire the team to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. He also reached the milestone of completing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-throwback-to-lionel-messis-first-goal-in-champions-league-35861">100 goals in Champions League</a>.</p>

<p>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte too hailed Lionel Messi for his splendid performance in both the legs. He was asked about Messi&#39;s performance and he said, &quot;We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&quot;We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference.<br />
<br />
Antonio Conte on the Barcelona magician who put in yet another special display. We&#39;ve lost count...<br />
<br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/DesKellyBTS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DesKellyBTS</a> <a href="https://t.co/zgYG8R8v0o">pic.twitter.com/zgYG8R8v0o</a></p>
&mdash; Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/974061899456290817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Conte was obviously not happy after the match and was blaming the &quot;luck&quot; and poor start in the first half of the game.</p>

<p>In the post-match conference, he said, &quot;You can see that the result is unfair and we conceded a goal - our start was terrible - but to concede a goal after two minutes...after this we tried to play football, and for a long time we dominated the game and created chances to score - over the two legs we hit the post four times.&quot;</p>

<p>Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde responded to Conte&#39;s remark of being &quot;unlucky&quot; and said, &quot;We all see the game from our own perspective. We scored with our first shot and we clearly had more chances. They could have scored as well, but we all make an analysis from our own perspective. I accept his.&quot;</p>


Antonio Conte was not happy after the match and was blaming the "luck" and poor start for Chelsea's ouster

Chelsea suffered an early exit from the race of winning Champions Leauge title as FC Barcelona thrashed the 'Blues' in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou. Lionel Messi at his best blasted two magnificent goals to inspire the team to reach the quarter-final of the tournament. He also reached the milestone of completing 100 goals in Champions League. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte too hailed Lionel Messi for his splendid performance in both the legs. He was asked about Messi's performance and he said, "We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference." "We are talking about the best player in the world. Over the two legs, Messi made the difference. Antonio Conte on the Barcelona magician who put in yet another special display. We've lost count... ???? @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/zgYG8R8v0o — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 14, 2018 × Conte was obviously not happy after the match and was blaming the "luck" and poor start in the first half of the game. In the post-match conference, he said, "You can see that the result is unfair and we conceded a goal - our start was terrible - but to concede a goal after two minutes...after this we tried to play football, and for a long time we dominated the game and created chances to score - over the two legs we hit the post four times." Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde responded to Conte's remark of being "unlucky" and said, "We all see the game from our own perspective. We scored with our first shot and we clearly had more chances. They could have scored as well, but we all make an analysis from our own perspective. I accept his."

'Messi made the difference,' says Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

<p>Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal of Champions League&nbsp;against Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash in the round of 16 at Camp Nou and inspired the team to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League.</p>

<p>Messi scored the opener within three minutes of the first half and later assisted Ousmane Dembele to double Barca&#39;s lead.</p>

<p>In the second half, he scored another goal and slammed a century of goals in total 123 appearances to complete a 3-0 victory.</p>

<p>Messi became the second player to reach the milestone of 100 goals after Real Madrid&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games.</p>

<p>When we talk about Messi&#39;s 100th goal, let&#39;s take a look back to the mesmerising journey from where it began.</p>

<p>He scored his first goal of Champions Trophy on November 2, 2005, in the 34th minute of a group stage match against Panathinaikos at the Camp Nou.</p>

<p>In that match, Barca was already leading 2-0 and Messi did the addition when he flicked the ball over goalkeeper Galinovic scoring his first goal of UEFA champions league.</p>

<p><em>Watch Messi&#39;s first goal of Champions League.</em></p>

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<p>Messi yesterday&#39;s goal was more than magical,<em> Watch the highlights:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo Messi vs Chelsea.<br />
<br />
The greatest player of all time. <a href="https://t.co/sF3pfIijyO">pic.twitter.com/sF3pfIijyO</a></p>
&mdash; fabiano&trade; (@XaviTempo) <a href="https://twitter.com/XaviTempo/status/974049272630038528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leo messi goal (Full) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> <a href="https://t.co/9fA7x1MAqh">pic.twitter.com/9fA7x1MAqh</a></p>
&mdash; Messinho (@i_Messinho) <a href="https://twitter.com/i_Messinho/status/974012879933452293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored his first and 100th goal in UEFA Champions League at Barcelona's home ground Camp Nou

Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal of Champions League against Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash in the round of 16 at Camp Nou and inspired the team to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League. Messi scored the opener within three minutes of the first half and later assisted Ousmane Dembele to double Barca's lead. In the second half, he scored another goal and slammed a century of goals in total 123 appearances to complete a 3-0 victory. Messi became the second player to reach the milestone of 100 goals after Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games. When we talk about Messi's 100th goal, let's take a look back to the mesmerising journey from where it began. He scored his first goal of Champions Trophy on November 2, 2005, in the 34th minute of a group stage match against Panathinaikos at the Camp Nou. In that match, Barca was already leading 2-0 and Messi did the addition when he flicked the ball over goalkeeper Galinovic scoring his first goal of UEFA champions league. Watch Messi's first goal of Champions League. × Messi yesterday's goal was more than magical, Watch the highlights: Leo Messi vs Chelsea. The greatest player of all time. pic.twitter.com/sF3pfIijyO — fabiano™ (@XaviTempo) March 14, 2018 × Leo messi goal (Full) #Messi pic.twitter.com/9fA7x1MAqh — Messinho (@i_Messinho) March 14, 2018 ×

Watch: Throwback to Lionel Messi's first goal in Champions League

<p>A Thiago Alcantara strike and Sandro Wagner&#39;s first Champions League goal capped Bayern Munich&#39;s 3-1 win at Besiktas on Wednesday as the German giants cruised into the quarter-finals for the seventh year in a row.</p>

<p>Bayern completed a comprehensive 8-1 aggregate victory in Istanbul, having effectively clinched the last-16 tie following a 5-0 rout last month in the first leg in Munich.</p>

<p>For Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in October, this was his 11th straight win in the Champions League which set a new competition record.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a convincing result,&quot; said Heynckes. &quot;Besiktas hadn&rsquo;t lost here in the Champions League, so it wasn&rsquo;t easy.</p>

<p>&quot;We scored at the right times and it&#39;s normal that we dropped off a little -- losing some focus after winning 5-0 is just human.</p>

<p>&quot;The only negative today is that we picked up too many yellow cards,&quot; he added after defenders Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Rafinha all earned bookings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for a fantastic atmosphere tonight, <a href="https://twitter.com/BesiktasEnglish?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BesiktasEnglish</a> - we take our hats off to you ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/pO5UoSaGoq">pic.twitter.com/pO5UoSaGoq</a></p>
&mdash; FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974011031587520514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After Thiago fired home early on, an own goal by Besiktas right-back Gokhan Gonul put Bayern 2-0 up right at the start of the second half.</p>

<p>With their team 7-0 down overall, Besiktas finally came to life, grabbing a consolation goal by Vagner Love.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Bayern notched their third of the evening when backup striker Sandro Wagner came off the bench to mark his Champions League debut with his first goal at this level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It was a really hectic game,&quot; said Bayern captain Thomas Mueller.</p>

<p>&quot;We lost the ball a lot, especially in the second half and we didn&rsquo;t have the structure in our game that we had wanted.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for your support tonight, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> fans! ????❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/lDJI8Gb78E">pic.twitter.com/lDJI8Gb78E</a></p>
&mdash; FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974002908411912192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Having resisted the urge to name a weakened team after their first-leg romp, Bayern wasted little time taking the lead against the Turkish champions.</p>

<p>Top scorer Robert Lewandowski surprisingly started up front, leaving Wagner waiting for his elite European debut until the last 20 minutes.</p>

<p>It was a surprise move by Heynckes with tough Bundesliga games against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund to come this month.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, Lewandowski played until the 67th minute but failed to add to his 32 goals this season in all competitions.</p>

<p>Thiago, back after injury, celebrated his first Champions League goal since netting in the 3-0 win at home to Anderlecht last September.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">8️⃣ goals in two legs = a place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> last 8️⃣ for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> Report ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/E8AfMowuXv">https://t.co/E8AfMowuXv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a> <a href="https://t.co/7sJ3RQ6u3v">pic.twitter.com/7sJ3RQ6u3v</a></p>
&mdash; FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974001374127120391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>With 18 minutes gone, Bayern captain Thomas Mueller swung in a cross and the Spain international thumped the ball home from close range.</p>

<p>After claiming Bayern&#39;s 100th goal this season, Thiago was forced off on 35 minutes -- attacking midfielder James Rodriguez replaced him as the Colombian made his return from a calf injury.</p>

<p>Hummels, who along Jerome Boateng was booked in the first half, was replaced by Niklas Suele at the break before Bayern extended their lead thanks to a Besiktas own goal.</p>

<p>Right-back Rafinha whipped in a cross, but with the Besiktas defence focused on preventing the ball reaching the lurking Lewandowski, Gonul turned the ball into his own net.</p>

<p>Besiktas pulled a goal back on 59 minutes when David Alaba lost possession deep in his own half, allowing Gonul to supply Love who did just enough to roll the ball over the line.</p>

<p>Alaba atoned with a crucial block to deny Besiktas forward Mustafa Pektemek soon after, and the Austrian setup Wagner on 84 minutes as his deflected cross was chested over the line by the substitute.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Thiago Alcantara strike and Sandro Wagner's first Champions League goal capped Bayern Munich's 3-1 win at Besiktas

A Thiago Alcantara strike and Sandro Wagner's first Champions League goal capped Bayern Munich's 3-1 win at Besiktas on Wednesday as the German giants cruised into the quarter-finals for the seventh year in a row. Bayern completed a comprehensive 8-1 aggregate victory in Istanbul, having effectively clinched the last-16 tie following a 5-0 rout last month in the first leg in Munich. For Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in October, this was his 11th straight win in the Champions League which set a new competition record. "It was a convincing result," said Heynckes. "Besiktas hadn’t lost here in the Champions League, so it wasn’t easy. "We scored at the right times and it's normal that we dropped off a little -- losing some focus after winning 5-0 is just human. "The only negative today is that we picked up too many yellow cards," he added after defenders Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Rafinha all earned bookings. Thank you for a fantastic atmosphere tonight, @BesiktasEnglish - we take our hats off to you ???????? #MiaSanMia #BJKFCB pic.twitter.com/pO5UoSaGoq — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 14, 2018 × After Thiago fired home early on, an own goal by Besiktas right-back Gokhan Gonul put Bayern 2-0 up right at the start of the second half. With their team 7-0 down overall, Besiktas finally came to life, grabbing a consolation goal by Vagner Love. But Bayern notched their third of the evening when backup striker Sandro Wagner came off the bench to mark his Champions League debut with his first goal at this level. "It was a really hectic game," said Bayern captain Thomas Mueller. "We lost the ball a lot, especially in the second half and we didn’t have the structure in our game that we had wanted." Thank you for your support tonight, #FCBayern fans! ????❤️ #MiaSanMia #BJKFCB pic.twitter.com/lDJI8Gb78E — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 14, 2018 × Having resisted the urge to name a weakened team after their first-leg romp, Bayern wasted little time taking the lead against the Turkish champions. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski surprisingly started up front, leaving Wagner waiting for his elite European debut until the last 20 minutes. It was a surprise move by Heynckes with tough Bundesliga games against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund to come this month. Nevertheless, Lewandowski played until the 67th minute but failed to add to his 32 goals this season in all competitions. Thiago, back after injury, celebrated his first Champions League goal since netting in the 3-0 win at home to Anderlecht last September. 8️⃣ goals in two legs = a place in the @ChampionsLeague last 8️⃣ for #FCBayern! #BJKFCB Report ➡️ https://t.co/E8AfMowuXv #MiaSanMia #packmas pic.twitter.com/7sJ3RQ6u3v — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) March 14, 2018 × With 18 minutes gone, Bayern captain Thomas Mueller swung in a cross and the Spain international thumped the ball home from close range. After claiming Bayern's 100th goal this season, Thiago was forced off on 35 minutes -- attacking midfielder James Rodriguez replaced him as the Colombian made his return from a calf injury. Hummels, who along Jerome Boateng was booked in the first half, was replaced by Niklas Suele at the break before Bayern extended their lead thanks to a Besiktas own goal. Right-back Rafinha whipped in a cross, but with the Besiktas defence focused on preventing the ball reaching the lurking Lewandowski, Gonul turned the ball into his own net. Besiktas pulled a goal back on 59 minutes when David Alaba lost possession deep in his own half, allowing Gonul to supply Love who did just enough to roll the ball over the line. Alaba atoned with a crucial block to deny Besiktas forward Mustafa Pektemek soon after, and the Austrian setup Wagner on 84 minutes as his deflected cross was chested over the line by the substitute.

Champions League: Alcantara, Wagner shine as Bayern Munich reaches quarter-final

<p>FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at&nbsp;Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as &quot;The King&quot; and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> goals for Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>!<br />
????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aChelsea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bar&ccedil;aChelsea</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/HwrkBFFR5s">pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974030114789847040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After unfurling a banner showing the words &quot;God Save The King&quot; before kick-off, Barca&#39;s fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass.</p>

<p>He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca&#39;s lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate.</p>

<p>Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe&#39;s premier tournament, following Real Madrid&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Together!<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/kRFZOVd4m4">pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/974080312090259457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out,&quot; Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. &quot;We enjoy him. We&#39;re lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history.&quot;</p>

<p>By the end, the Argentinian&#39;s scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele&#39;s first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass.</p>

<p>&quot;I think that a fantastic player moved the final result,&quot; Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. &quot;In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It&#39;s a pity.&quot;</p>

<p>It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday&#39;s La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child.</p>

<p>Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations.</p>

<p>&quot;I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it&#39;s right,&quot; Conte added. &quot;It&#39;s right to recognise a super, super, super top player.&quot;</p>

<p>Conte&#39;s team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi scored two brilliant goals as Barcelona thrashed Chelsea 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals

FC Barcelona thrashed Chelsea in the decisive second leg clash of the of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at Camp Nou on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. Barcelona hailed Lionel Messi as "The King" and he handed Chelsea the royal punishment by scoring twice to reach 100 Champions League goals and end their quarter-final hopes. ???? @ChampionsLeague goals for Leo #Messi! ????#BarçaChelsea ???????? pic.twitter.com/HwrkBFFR5s — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 14, 2018 × After unfurling a banner showing the words "God Save The King" before kick-off, Barca's fans were celebrating after just 129 seconds at the Camp Nou as Messi found the net before Chelsea had even made a pass. He then teed up Ousmane Dembele to double Barca's lead in the second leg of the last-16 clash before registering a century of Champions League goals on his 123rd appearance to complete a 3-0 victory, 4-1 on aggregate. Messi becomes only the second player to reach the milestone in Europe's premier tournament, following Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 117 goals in 152 games. Together! ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/kRFZOVd4m4 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 15, 2018 × "He knows in certain moments the stars have to come out," Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said. "We enjoy him. We're lucky enough to be seeing something that will go down in history." By the end, the Argentinian's scintillating breakaway in the build-up to Dembele's first Barcelona goal had become little more than a footnote to what was another Messi masterclass. "I think that a fantastic player moved the final result," Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. "In these two legs, he scored three goals, he made an assist for Dembele to score a goal. It's a pity." It also caps a remarkable five days for the 30-year-old, who sat out Saturday's La Liga win over Malaga to attend to the birth of his third child. Chelsea, in touch after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, were therefore unfortunate enough to encounter the striker fresh, free and at his frighteningly brilliant best. At the finish, Conte left the field with his arm around the forward, perhaps with nothing to add but congratulations. "I think when you have the opportunity to make great compliment to Messi, I think it's right," Conte added. "It's right to recognise a super, super, super top player." Conte's team had chances, particularly in the first half, but the sense was once Barcelona were in front they were content to sit back and counter.

Champions League: Messi strikes twice as Barcelona crush Chelsea

<p>A determined AS Roma beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2008 as a magnificent finish by Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko sent them through on away goals.</p>

<p>Roma celebrated only their second win in six meetings with the Ukrainian side and got revenge for a 6-2 aggregate defeat by Shakhtar at the same stage of the competition in 2011.</p>

<p>They endured a nervy finish, however, as Shakhtar ended the match on the front foot despite playing the final few minutes with 10 men after Ivan Ordets was sent off.</p>

<p>Having trailed 2-1 from the first leg, Roma looked bereft of ideas for much of the contest at the Stadio Olimpico before Dzeko broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute following a tepid first half devoid of goal-mouth action.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A proud night for <a href="https://twitter.com/EdDzeko?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdDzeko</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ASRomaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASRomaEN</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/iZ3HLGzJt1">pic.twitter.com/iZ3HLGzJt1</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973707289424285696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Bosnian took a defence-splitting pass from midfielder Kevin Strootman into his stride and beat the offside trap before he steered the ball into the far corner with the outside of his foot past advancing keeper Andriy Pyatov.</p>

<p>The former Manchester City striker, who has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, but said after the match that he did not want to leave Roma, was given a rousing send-off by the home fans when he was substituted in the dying minutes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We did it! ????????????❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/hBzTsQ0gTK">pic.twitter.com/hBzTsQ0gTK</a></p>
&mdash; Cengiz &Uuml;nder (@cengizunder) <a href="https://twitter.com/cengizunder/status/973687231092322304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all gave absolutely everything tonight and we fully deserve to be in the quarter-finals,&quot; Dzeko was quoted as saying by Sky Sports Italia.</p>

<p>&quot;We achieved something that&#39;s been missing for 10 years and are now prepared to face anyone in the last eight. All the other teams are strong but we are strong too.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Clinical Finish</strong></p>

<p>Shakhtar came close to extending their overall advantage in the 13th minute when Roma defender Alessandro Florenzi headed a floated free kick into the box inches wide of his own far post.</p>

<p>Roma&#39;s solitary glimpse of goal in the opening half came in the 28th minute when visiting keeper Pyatov palmed away a fizzing low cross by Aleksandar Kolarov to deny Dzeko a simple tap-in from close range.</p>

<p>The home side came out with renewed purpose in the second half and Dzeko delighted their vocal fans when he broke the deadlock with a trademark clinical finish.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Scenes at full time as Roma reach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. ???? <a href="https://t.co/WDJQLH2zEh">pic.twitter.com/WDJQLH2zEh</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973683325167644677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dzeko also curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inches wide in the 62nd minute before Shakhtar centre back Ordets was shown a straight red card in the 79th for hauling down the Bosnian when he was through on goal.</p>

<p>Despite being a man down, Shakhtar launched a late onslaught and had several dangerous raids down the left flank but the home team&#39;s defence held on until the final whistle.</p>

<p>Roma&#39;s former captain Francesco Totti, who watched anxiously from the terraces, was overjoyed at fulltime.</p>

<p>&quot;A fantastic result, a fantastic Roma,&quot; he said on the club&#39;s official twitter account. &quot;Among the eight best sides in Europe and we push onto the next round.&quot;</p>


AS Roma beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2008

A determined AS Roma beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2008 as a magnificent finish by Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko sent them through on away goals. Roma celebrated only their second win in six meetings with the Ukrainian side and got revenge for a 6-2 aggregate defeat by Shakhtar at the same stage of the competition in 2011. They endured a nervy finish, however, as Shakhtar ended the match on the front foot despite playing the final few minutes with 10 men after Ivan Ordets was sent off. Having trailed 2-1 from the first leg, Roma looked bereft of ideas for much of the contest at the Stadio Olimpico before Dzeko broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute following a tepid first half devoid of goal-mouth action. A proud night for @EdDzeko and @ASRomaEN ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/iZ3HLGzJt1 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × The Bosnian took a defence-splitting pass from midfielder Kevin Strootman into his stride and beat the offside trap before he steered the ball into the far corner with the outside of his foot past advancing keeper Andriy Pyatov. The former Manchester City striker, who has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, but said after the match that he did not want to leave Roma, was given a rousing send-off by the home fans when he was substituted in the dying minutes. We did it! ????????????❤️ @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/hBzTsQ0gTK — Cengiz Ünder (@cengizunder) March 13, 2018 × "Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all gave absolutely everything tonight and we fully deserve to be in the quarter-finals," Dzeko was quoted as saying by Sky Sports Italia. "We achieved something that's been missing for 10 years and are now prepared to face anyone in the last eight. All the other teams are strong but we are strong too." Clinical Finish Shakhtar came close to extending their overall advantage in the 13th minute when Roma defender Alessandro Florenzi headed a floated free kick into the box inches wide of his own far post. Roma's solitary glimpse of goal in the opening half came in the 28th minute when visiting keeper Pyatov palmed away a fizzing low cross by Aleksandar Kolarov to deny Dzeko a simple tap-in from close range. The home side came out with renewed purpose in the second half and Dzeko delighted their vocal fans when he broke the deadlock with a trademark clinical finish. Scenes at full time as Roma reach #UCL quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. ???? pic.twitter.com/WDJQLH2zEh — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × Dzeko also curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inches wide in the 62nd minute before Shakhtar centre back Ordets was shown a straight red card in the 79th for hauling down the Bosnian when he was through on goal. Despite being a man down, Shakhtar launched a late onslaught and had several dangerous raids down the left flank but the home team's defence held on until the final whistle. Roma's former captain Francesco Totti, who watched anxiously from the terraces, was overjoyed at fulltime. "A fantastic result, a fantastic Roma," he said on the club's official twitter account. "Among the eight best sides in Europe and we push onto the next round."

Champions League: Superb Dzeko goal sends Roma into quarter-finals

<p>After a goalless first leg in Spain, it is Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.</p>

<p>Wissam Ben Yedder, the first substitute of the game for Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.</p>

<p>Ben Yedder blasted the first goal in 74th minute to give a 1-0 lead to the team by hitting a beautiful grounded shot in the right corner.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????????&nbsp;Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9B2g93qzr">pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973685148599406593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mourinho responded by throwing on Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, but their attacking edge was needed far earlier as Ben Yedder soon stretched the lead to solidify the victory in just after 2 minutes. The second goal was actually a poor defence by Manchester players when Ben Yedder&#39;s header baffled the United&#39;s goalkeeper De Gea.</p>

<p>Ben Yedder was substituted by Luis Muriel in the 72nd minute and made the difference for Sevilla.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sevilla hero Wissam Ben Yedder has scored 8 goals in 7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> games this season. ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/vhBJozoGh1">pic.twitter.com/vhBJozoGh1</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973676470626344962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>For Manchester, Romelu Lukaku tried to salvage the pride at Old Trafford by heading a magnificent goal in the 84th minute and grabbed a consolation for Jose Mourinho&#39;s under-par side but the 1-2 aggregate ousted The Red Devils from the 2018 Champions league.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A disappointing night for Manchester United...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/wEvzDDLMl2">pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973677324632776706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a basic, boring and&nbsp;dull first half&nbsp;both the sides were creating chances but the intent of netting was lacking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manchester was close to taking a 1-0 lead but the sharp cut was dejected Sevilla goalkeeper, Sergio Rico.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If ANYTHING pushed us to history at Old Trafford it&#39;s you ????<br />
<br />
THANK YOU SEVILLISTAS ❤️❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Gz5rqZkKl2">pic.twitter.com/Gz5rqZkKl2</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/973676567527329794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Though Sevilla had more chances than United and they completely outplayed Manchester United in the first half.</p>

<p>Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Sevilla reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years; The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United crashed out

After a goalless first leg in Spain, it is Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Wissam Ben Yedder, the first substitute of the game for Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years. Ben Yedder blasted the first goal in 74th minute to give a 1-0 lead to the team by hitting a beautiful grounded shot in the right corner. ???????? Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????#UCL pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × Mourinho responded by throwing on Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, but their attacking edge was needed far earlier as Ben Yedder soon stretched the lead to solidify the victory in just after 2 minutes. The second goal was actually a poor defence by Manchester players when Ben Yedder's header baffled the United's goalkeeper De Gea. Ben Yedder was substituted by Luis Muriel in the 72nd minute and made the difference for Sevilla. Sevilla hero Wissam Ben Yedder has scored 8 goals in 7 #UCL games this season. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/vhBJozoGh1 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × For Manchester, Romelu Lukaku tried to salvage the pride at Old Trafford by heading a magnificent goal in the 84th minute and grabbed a consolation for Jose Mourinho's under-par side but the 1-2 aggregate ousted The Red Devils from the 2018 Champions league. A disappointing night for Manchester United...#UCL pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × In a basic, boring and dull first half both the sides were creating chances but the intent of netting was lacking. Manchester was close to taking a 1-0 lead but the sharp cut was dejected Sevilla goalkeeper, Sergio Rico. If ANYTHING pushed us to history at Old Trafford it's you ???? THANK YOU SEVILLISTAS ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Gz5rqZkKl2 — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 13, 2018 × Though Sevilla had more chances than United and they completely outplayed Manchester United in the first half. Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years.

Champions League: Sevilla create history, boot out Manchester United

<p>The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League as Wissam Ben Yedder, the star striker of Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.</p>

<p>After a goalless first leg in Spain, it was&nbsp;Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jose Mourinho post match press conference... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mansev?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mansev</a> <a href="https://t.co/v8vjPI3nmg">pic.twitter.com/v8vjPI3nmg</a></p>
&mdash; Mister Skillz ???????? (@ennyade66) <a href="https://twitter.com/ennyade66/status/973684001239158786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the match, Jose Mourinho said, &quot;I don&#39;t want to make a drama of it, we don&#39;t have time for that. We have a match on Saturday.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We don&#39;t have time to be sad for more than 24 hours&quot;</p>

<p>He also said, &quot;That&#39;s not the end of the world. I sat in this chair twice in the Champions League and I knocked out Manchester United at home at Old Trafford.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">????????&nbsp;Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9B2g93qzr">pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973685148599406593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A disappointing night for Manchester United...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/wEvzDDLMl2">pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2</a></p>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/973677324632776706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


After a goalless first leg in Spain, it is Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League

The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League as Wissam Ben Yedder, the star striker of Sevilla, created history by inspiring the team in reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years. After a goalless first leg in Spain, it was Sevilla FC that stunned, rather shocked the Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United at their home ground to advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Jose Mourinho post match press conference... #mansev pic.twitter.com/v8vjPI3nmg — Mister Skillz ???????? (@ennyade66) March 13, 2018 × After the match, Jose Mourinho said, "I don't want to make a drama of it, we don't have time for that. We have a match on Saturday." "We don't have time to be sad for more than 24 hours" He also said, "That's not the end of the world. I sat in this chair twice in the Champions League and I knocked out Manchester United at home at Old Trafford." ???????? Fiesta at Old Trafford! ????????????#UCL pic.twitter.com/I9B2g93qzr — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 × Manchester United have now failed to reach the quarter-finals for five straight years. A disappointing night for Manchester United...#UCL pic.twitter.com/wEvzDDLMl2 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2018 ×

'That's not end of world', says Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho

<p>The Red Devils from Britain are set to face The White and Reds of Spain!</p>

<p>The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United will meet Sevilla FC to carry forward the first leg clash which was tied 0-0 at the final whistle. United will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning&nbsp;for the decisive second leg of the last-16. The match will start at 1:15 am IST early Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>The winner of the game will enter the quarter-finals. Sevilla FC has a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years.</p>

<p>On the other hand, If Manchester United losses then it will be Michael Carrick&#39;s last match in Champions League, as he announced his retirement.</p>

<p>Sevilla&#39;s Italian coach Vincenzo Montella said, &quot;This will be a game&nbsp;where it will be very complicated on the pitch.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We are up against a great opponent with great players, a great manager and a club with great history. We know we&#39;ll have to give our all and take the small moments in the game which fall our way to change the game. We are ready to do all of this, he further added&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Manchester United:</strong></p>

<p>The Red Devils manager has confirmed that Anthony Martial is fit to return as he was absent for previous two games.</p>

<p>Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were seen training on Monday which is a good news for Manchester United.</p>

<p>Manchester will enter the game with a high as they have won three consecutive wins in the Premier League. They came from behind and leapfrogged Chelsea and Crystal Palace to reach the spot two.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good to see <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyMartial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnthonyMartial</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Ibra_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ibra_Official</a> in training ahead of tomorrow&rsquo;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> return leg. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/L0Mi4oLdJ6">pic.twitter.com/L0Mi4oLdJ6</a></p>
&mdash; Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/973255602628526086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Sevilla FC:</strong></p>

<p>Currently, Sevilla is standing at number fifth position in LaLiga and are eleven points behind number four seated Valencia, hence, their hope of finishing as top four are very less.</p>

<p>Sevilla recently, shared a video on Twitter that says, &quot;We have already done incredible things&hellip;.Why not again?&quot;</p>

<p>Though, Sevilla is also not letting this go easily as they have one advantage of not losing any of the three fixtures they have played against English opposition this season.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have already done incredible things&hellip;.Why not again? ????????<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vamosmisevilla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vamosmisevilla</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HHpqvGAlqX">pic.twitter.com/HHpqvGAlqX</a></p>
&mdash; Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) <a href="https://twitter.com/SevillaFC_ENG/status/973306059833204736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United tied 0-0 with Sevilla FC in the first leg. The second leg will be played at Old Trafford

The Red Devils from Britain are set to face The White and Reds of Spain! The Jose Mourinho-led Manchester United will meet Sevilla FC to carry forward the first leg clash which was tied 0-0 at the final whistle. United will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning for the decisive second leg of the last-16. The match will start at 1:15 am IST early Wednesday morning. The winner of the game will enter the quarter-finals. Sevilla FC has a chance to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in sixty years. On the other hand, If Manchester United losses then it will be Michael Carrick's last match in Champions League, as he announced his retirement. Sevilla's Italian coach Vincenzo Montella said, "This will be a game where it will be very complicated on the pitch." "We are up against a great opponent with great players, a great manager and a club with great history. We know we'll have to give our all and take the small moments in the game which fall our way to change the game. We are ready to do all of this, he further added" Manchester United: The Red Devils manager has confirmed that Anthony Martial is fit to return as he was absent for previous two games. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were seen training on Monday which is a good news for Manchester United. Manchester will enter the game with a high as they have won three consecutive wins in the Premier League. They came from behind and leapfrogged Chelsea and Crystal Palace to reach the spot two. Good to see @AnthonyMartial and @Ibra_Official in training ahead of tomorrow’s #UCL return leg. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/L0Mi4oLdJ6 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2018 × Sevilla FC: Currently, Sevilla is standing at number fifth position in LaLiga and are eleven points behind number four seated Valencia, hence, their hope of finishing as top four are very less. Sevilla recently, shared a video on Twitter that says, "We have already done incredible things….Why not again?" Though, Sevilla is also not letting this go easily as they have one advantage of not losing any of the three fixtures they have played against English opposition this season. We have already done incredible things….Why not again? ???????? #vamosmisevilla #UCL pic.twitter.com/HHpqvGAlqX — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 12, 2018 ×

Champions League match preview: Manchester United take on Sevilla

<p>Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick confirmed on Monday he will bring an end to his illustrious career at the end of the current season at the age of 36.</p>

<p>Carrick has won 18 trophies in 12 years at United, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.</p>

<p>However, he has featured in just four games this season having had a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm detected in a League Cup game against Burton Albion in September.</p>

<p>&quot;There comes a time when, you like it or you don&#39;t like it, your body tells you it&#39;s time to stop playing football and that&#39;s pretty much where I&#39;m at,&quot; Carrick said on Monday.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s fine, it&#39;s something you&#39;ve got to accept so that is where I&#39;m at.&quot;</p>

<p>Carrick is, though, expected to remain at United as part of Jose Mourinho&#39;s coaching staff next season.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s kind of been sorted,&quot; added Carrick. &quot;We&#39;re still talking about it to be honest so there is nothing to totally confirm yet but it&#39;s looking likely.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'There comes a time when, you like it or you don't like it, your body tells you it's time to stop playing football and that's pretty much where I'm at,' said Michael Carrick

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick confirmed on Monday he will bring an end to his illustrious career at the end of the current season at the age of 36. Carrick has won 18 trophies in 12 years at United, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008. However, he has featured in just four games this season having had a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm detected in a League Cup game against Burton Albion in September. "There comes a time when, you like it or you don't like it, your body tells you it's time to stop playing football and that's pretty much where I'm at," Carrick said on Monday. "It's fine, it's something you've got to accept so that is where I'm at." Carrick is, though, expected to remain at United as part of Jose Mourinho's coaching staff next season. "It's kind of been sorted," added Carrick. "We're still talking about it to be honest so there is nothing to totally confirm yet but it's looking likely."

Michael Carrick to retire at end of the season

<p>Jose Mourinho launched a stinging attack on Dutchman Frank de Boer on Monday after the former Crystal Palace coach criticised Manchester United&#39;s sparse use of Marcus Rashford.</p>

<p>Rashford scored twice in his first Premier League start of 2018 as United edged out Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday, but Mourinho still substituted the 20-year-old England forward 20 minutes from time as he looked to make the game safe.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a pity that the manager is Mourinho because normally he&#39;s an English player, you want to give him time and he can then make mistakes,&quot; De Boer told BT Sport.</p>

<p>&quot;But Mourinho is not like that. He wants to get results.&quot;</p>

<p>De Boer was sacked by Crystal Palace after just five games in charge in September having seen the London side fail to register a point or score a goal in his four Premier League games in charge.</p>

<p>&quot;I read some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank de Boer,&quot; Mourinho said on the eve of his side&#39;s Champions League last 16, second leg with Sevilla.</p>

<p>&quot;Where he was saying it is not good for Marcus Rashford to have a coach like me because the most important thing for me is to win.</p>

<p>&quot;If he was coached by Frank, he would learn how to lose because he lost every game.&quot;</p>

<p>De Boer won four straight Dutch league titles as Ajax boss between 2011-2014.</p>

<p>Rashford&#39;s minutes have been limited since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January, but Mourinho insisted he was finding a balance between burning Rashford out and giving him enough experience.</p>

<p>&quot;Does he play every match from the start? No, of course not but he&#39;s a player we trust and I told him that before the Liverpool match,&quot; added Mourinho.</p>

<p>&quot;He had a good match and not just by scoring goals. Analysing a performance for me is more than number of goals or assists, and for me I&#39;m really happy with Marcus.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Jose Mourinho launched a stinging attack on Dutchman Frank de Boer on Monday after the former Crystal Palace coach criticised Manchester United's sparse use of Marcus Rashford

Jose Mourinho launched a stinging attack on Dutchman Frank de Boer on Monday after the former Crystal Palace coach criticised Manchester United's sparse use of Marcus Rashford. Rashford scored twice in his first Premier League start of 2018 as United edged out Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday, but Mourinho still substituted the 20-year-old England forward 20 minutes from time as he looked to make the game safe. "It's a pity that the manager is Mourinho because normally he's an English player, you want to give him time and he can then make mistakes," De Boer told BT Sport. "But Mourinho is not like that. He wants to get results." De Boer was sacked by Crystal Palace after just five games in charge in September having seen the London side fail to register a point or score a goal in his four Premier League games in charge. "I read some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank de Boer," Mourinho said on the eve of his side's Champions League last 16, second leg with Sevilla. "Where he was saying it is not good for Marcus Rashford to have a coach like me because the most important thing for me is to win. "If he was coached by Frank, he would learn how to lose because he lost every game." De Boer won four straight Dutch league titles as Ajax boss between 2011-2014. Rashford's minutes have been limited since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January, but Mourinho insisted he was finding a balance between burning Rashford out and giving him enough experience. "Does he play every match from the start? No, of course not but he's a player we trust and I told him that before the Liverpool match," added Mourinho. "He had a good match and not just by scoring goals. Analysing a performance for me is more than number of goals or assists, and for me I'm really happy with Marcus."

Frank de Boer, worst manager in history of Premier League: Mourinho

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-suffers-injury-out-for-2-weeks-35439">Sergio Aguero</a> has been included in Argentina&#39;s squad for upcoming friendly matches against Italy and Spain even though the Manchester City striker is currently injured.</p>

<p>Aguero revealed at the weekend that he would be out for two weeks with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-suffers-injury-out-for-2-weeks-35439">knee injury</a>, meaning he will not feature for City again until after the international break.</p>

<p>It would also appear to make his presence doubtful for the matches against Spain on March 23 and Italy four days later.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!</p>
&mdash; Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/972859117726588928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona&#39;s game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad.</p>

<p>Argentina plays Italy at City&#39;s Etihad Stadium in Manchester before facing Spain at Atletico Madrid&#39;s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.</p>

<p><strong>Squad:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Goalkeepers</strong>: Sergio Romero (Manchester United/ENG), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres/MEX), Willy Caballero (Chelsea/ENG)</p>

<p><strong>Defenders</strong>: Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax/NED), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Fabricio Bustos (Independiente)</p>

<p><strong>Midfielders</strong>: Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), &nbsp;Leandro Paredes (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris SG/FRA), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris SG/FRA), Pablo Perez (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente)</p>

<p><strong>Forwards</strong>: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Diego Perotti (Roma/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Lautaro Martinez (Racing Club)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona's game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad

Sergio Aguero has been included in Argentina's squad for upcoming friendly matches against Italy and Spain even though the Manchester City striker is currently injured. Aguero revealed at the weekend that he would be out for two weeks with a knee injury, meaning he will not feature for City again until after the international break. It would also appear to make his presence doubtful for the matches against Spain on March 23 and Italy four days later. During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery! — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 11, 2018 × Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona's game at the weekend to attend the birth of his son, is also in the squad. Argentina plays Italy at City's Etihad Stadium in Manchester before facing Spain at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Squad: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Manchester United/ENG), Nahuel Guzman (Tigres/MEX), Willy Caballero (Chelsea/ENG) Defenders: Federico Fazio (Roma/ITA), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton/ENG), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Taglafico (Ajax/NED), Gabriel Mercado (Sevilla/ESP), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City/ENG), Marcos Acuna (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Fabricio Bustos (Independiente) Midfielders: Eduardo Salvio (Benfica/POR), Ever Banega (Sevilla/ESP), Leandro Paredes (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Manuel Lanzini (West Ham/ENG), Javier Mascherano (Hebei Fortune/CHN), Giovani Lo Celso (Paris SG/FRA), Lucas Biglia (AC Milan/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Paris SG/FRA), Pablo Perez (Boca Juniors), Maximiliano Meza (Independiente) Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus/ITA), Diego Perotti (Roma/ITA), Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors), Lautaro Martinez (Racing Club)

Sergio Aguero named in Argentina squad despite injury

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<p>Roger Federer and Bill Gates during the practice session. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>A Michigan gymnast became the first man to accuse Larry Nassar of sexual abuse on Monday (5 March). (AP)</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/top-5-unusual-celebrations-by-cricketers-of-the-indian-subcontinent-35391">Unusual celebrations by cricketers from the Indian subcontinent&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/vijay-hazare-the-breadman-and-bradman-of-indian-cricket-35380">Remembering Vijay Hazare: The &#39;Bread-man and Bradman&#39; of Indian cricket</a></strong></p>

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<p>A file photo of Vijay Hazare. (Twitter)</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-first-and-most-remembered-century-in-ipl-history-35339">Throwback</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-first-and-most-remembered-century-in-ipl-history-35339">&nbsp;to </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-first-and-most-remembered-century-in-ipl-history-35339">first</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-first-and-most-remembered-century-in-ipl-history-35339"> and most remembered century in IPL history</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: Brendon McCullum scored 158 off 73 balls in the inaugural match and registered the first century in IPL history<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ipl</a> <a href="https://t.co/4WYp3yTw50">https://t.co/4WYp3yTw50</a></p>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/972701411929722880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>From Dhoni to Kohli, here&#39;s a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Football</big></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/griezmann-angel-vitolo-shine-as-atletico-madrid-stroll-past-celta-35445">Griezmann, Angel, Vitolo shine as Atletico Madrid stroll past Celta</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-beat-bournemouth-to-climb-third-place-35443">Tottenham Hotspur beat Bournemouth to climb </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-beat-bournemouth-to-climb-third-place-35443">third</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-beat-bournemouth-to-climb-third-place-35443"> place</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-suffers-injury-out-for-2-weeks-35439">Sergio Aguero suffers injury, out for 2 weeks</a></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rashford-shines-as-man-united-sinks-liverpool-35341"><strong>Rashford shines as Man United sink Liverpool</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/suarez-coutinho-inspire-barca-to-win-against-malaga-35360">Suarez, Coutinho inspire Barca to win against Malaga</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-registers-vital-victory-ahead-of-barca-clash-35352">Chelsea register vital victory ahead of Barca clash</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/conte-lauds-willian-as-chelsea-set-sights-on-barcelona-35346">Conte lauds Willian as Chelsea set sights on Barcelona</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-out-of-barca-squad-to-welcome-baby-ciro-35329">Messi out of Barca squad to welcome baby &#39;Ciro&#39;</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FC Barcelona striker shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites quoting, &quot;Welcome Ciro!!&#39;&#39;<a href="https://t.co/Ob8RMH6xm2">https://t.co/Ob8RMH6xm2</a></p>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/972585388173811713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-strikes-twice-to-defeat-eibar-35340">Ronaldo strikes twice to defeat Eibar</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-set-to-buy-brazilian-midfielder-arthur-35431">Barcelona set to buy Brazilian midfielder Arthur</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-real-on-song-as-psg-falter-again-in-champions-league-34934">Real Madrid on </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-real-on-song-as-psg-falter-again-in-champions-league-34934">song</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-real-on-song-as-psg-falter-again-in-champions-league-34934"> as PSG falter again in Champions League</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-just-one-in-the-world-fcb-coach-ernesto-valverde-34711">Messi just one in the world: FCB coach Ernesto Valverde</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sanchez-transferred-to-manchester-united-at-the-wrong-time-jose-mourinho-35284">Sanchez transferred to Manchester United at &#39;wrong&#39; time: Jose Mourinho</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-beat-ac-milan-to-register-much-awaited-victory-35183">Arsenal beat AC Milan to register </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-beat-ac-milan-to-register-much-awaited-victory-35183">much-awaited</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-beat-ac-milan-to-register-much-awaited-victory-35183"> victory</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Cricket</big></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-registers-easy-win-against-new-zealand-to-clinch-series-35292">England registers easy win against New </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-registers-easy-win-against-new-zealand-to-clinch-series-35292">Zealand,</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-england-registers-easy-win-against-new-zealand-to-clinch-series-35292"> clinches series</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mushfiqur-rahim-performs-naagin-dance-on-ground-to-celebrate-victory-over-sri-lanka-35374">Watch: Mushfiqur Rahim performs &#39;Naagin dance&#39; to celebrate victory over Sri Lanka</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">Warner, De Kock fined for &#39;bringing the game into disrepute&#39;</a></strong></p>

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<p>A leaked CCTV footage of the incident happened between Australian batsman David Warner and South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock. (Twitter)</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-bangladesh-t20i-nidahas-trophy-in-colombo-india-beat-bangladesh-by-six-wickets-35143">Nidahas T20I Trophy: India beat Bangladesh by six wickets</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/selecting-kohli-in-2008-ended-my-career-as-selector-claims-former-captain-vengsarkar-35159">&#39;Selecting Kohli in 2008 ended my career as selector&#39;, claims former captain Vengsarkar</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shami-loses-bccis-player-contract-after-wife-alleges-domestic-abuse-35019">Mohammed Shami loses BCCI&#39;s player contract after wife alleges domestic abuse</a></strong></p>

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<p>Mohammed Shami and his wife Hasin Jahan. (Photo courtesy: Instagram) (Zee News Network)</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-new-pay-contract-ms-dhoni-not-in-the-top-group-mohammed-shami-completely-excluded-35005">BCCI announces new pay contracts; MS Dhoni not in </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-new-pay-contract-ms-dhoni-not-in-the-top-group-mohammed-shami-completely-excluded-35005">top</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-new-pay-contract-ms-dhoni-not-in-the-top-group-mohammed-shami-completely-excluded-35005"> group, Mohammed Shami gets nothing</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-gautam-gambhir-appointed-delhi-daredevils-captain-34969">IPL: Gautam Gambhir appointed Delhi Daredevils captain</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-kusal-thisara-power-sri-lanka-to-5-wicket-victory-in-1st-t20-against-india-34927">Nidahas Trophy: Kusal, Thisara power Sri Lanka to 5-wicket victory in 1st T20 against India</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-calls-bull-on-warner-tantrum-34829">Cricket: Australia calls &#39;&#39;Bull&#39;&#39; on Warner tantrum</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801">Australian bowler Nathan Lyon fined for &#39;disrespecting&#39; AB de Villiers</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">Kagiso Rabada faces suspension for disrespecting Steve Smith</a></strong></p>

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<p>Kagiso Rabada walking towards Steve Smith. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Golf</big></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-englands-matt-wallace-claims-indian-open-title-35432"><strong>Golf: England&#39;s Matt Wallace claims Indian Open title</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wgc-mexico-championship-mickelson-wins-indias-shubnakar-sharma-ties-at-9-34700">After leading WGC Mexico Championship, India&#39;s Shubnakar Sharma ties at 9th</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Tennis</big></strong></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/taro-daniel-outplays-novak-djokovic-in-indian-wells-35446"><strong>Taro Daniel outplays Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells</strong></a></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/welcome-back-lady-serena-marks-winning-return-at-wta-indian-wells-35199">Serena Williams marks winning comeback at WTA Indian Wells</a></strong></p>

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<p>Serena Williams celebrates after winning. (Twitter)</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-serenas-comeback-her-greatest-challenge-says-coach-mouratoglou-34764">Serena&#39;s comeback her greatest challenge, says coach Mouratoglou</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-halep-pliskova-advance-muguruza-suffers-shock-defeat-35311">Halep, Pliskova advance, Muguruza suffers shock defeat</a></strong></p>

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<p>Simona Halep of Romania celebrates her win over Kristyna Pliskova of Czech Republic during the BNP Paribas Open. (AFP)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Shooting</big></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-world-cup-shooter-anjum-moudgil-wins-silver-35278">ISSF World Cup: Shooter Anjum Moudgil wins silver</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cbse-reschedules-10th-exams-dates-for-shooter-anish-bhanwala-35288">CBSE reschedules board exams dates for shooter Anish Bhanwala</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Winter Paralympics</big></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-paralympics-two-koreas-wont-march-together-at-opening-ceremony-35191">Winter Paralympics: Two Koreas won&#39;t march together at </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-paralympics-two-koreas-wont-march-together-at-opening-ceremony-35191">opening</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-paralympics-two-koreas-wont-march-together-at-opening-ceremony-35191"> ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><big>Others</big></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-badminton-serve-rule-a-tall-order-champs-say-35405">New badminton serve rule a tall order, say champs</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-legend-kobe-bryant-wins-oscar-for-best-animated-short-34818">NBA legend Kobe Bryant wins Oscar for best animated short</a></strong></p>

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<p>Kobe Bryant posing with the Oscar trophy. (AFP)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (March 5 to March 11)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Never let people limit your achievement because you are a woman: Mary Kom to WION Watch: Bill Gates teams up with Roger Federer for tennis match Roger Federer and Bill Gates during the practice session. (Twitter) × Opinion: 3 reasons why Sachin Tendulkar cannot be compared to Virat Kohli Watch: Jacob Moore accuses Larry Nassar of sexual abuse A Michigan gymnast became the first man to accuse Larry Nassar of sexual abuse on Monday (5 March). (AP) × Unusual celebrations by cricketers from the Indian subcontinent Remembering Vijay Hazare: The 'Bread-man and Bradman' of Indian cricket A file photo of Vijay Hazare. (Twitter) × Throwback to first and most remembered century in IPL history Watch: Brendon McCullum scored 158 off 73 balls in the inaugural match and registered the first century in IPL history#ipl https://t.co/4WYp3yTw50 — WION (@WIONews) March 11, 2018 × From Dhoni to Kohli, here's a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network) × Football Griezmann, Angel, Vitolo shine as Atletico Madrid stroll past Celta Tottenham Hotspur beat Bournemouth to climb third place Sergio Aguero suffers injury, out for 2 weeks Rashford shines as Man United sink Liverpool Suarez, Coutinho inspire Barca to win against Malaga Chelsea register vital victory ahead of Barca clash Conte lauds Willian as Chelsea set sights on Barcelona Messi out of Barca squad to welcome baby 'Ciro' FC Barcelona striker shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites quoting, "Welcome Ciro!!''https://t.co/Ob8RMH6xm2 — WION (@WIONews) March 10, 2018 × Ronaldo strikes twice to defeat Eibar Barcelona set to buy Brazilian midfielder Arthur Real Madrid on song as PSG falter again in Champions League Messi just one in the world: FCB coach Ernesto Valverde Sanchez transferred to Manchester United at 'wrong' time: Jose Mourinho Arsenal beat AC Milan to register much-awaited victory Cricket England registers easy win against New Zealand, clinches series Watch: Mushfiqur Rahim performs 'Naagin dance' to celebrate victory over Sri Lanka Warner, De Kock fined for 'bringing the game into disrepute' A leaked CCTV footage of the incident happened between Australian batsman David Warner and South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock. (Twitter) × Nidahas T20I Trophy: India beat Bangladesh by six wickets 'Selecting Kohli in 2008 ended my career as selector', claims former captain Vengsarkar Mohammed Shami loses BCCI's player contract after wife alleges domestic abuse Mohammed Shami and his wife Hasin Jahan. (Photo courtesy: Instagram) (Zee News Network) × BCCI announces new pay contracts; MS Dhoni not in top group, Mohammed Shami gets nothing IPL: Gautam Gambhir appointed Delhi Daredevils captain Nidahas Trophy: Kusal, Thisara power Sri Lanka to 5-wicket victory in 1st T20 against India Cricket: Australia calls ''Bull'' on Warner tantrum Australian bowler Nathan Lyon fined for 'disrespecting' AB de Villiers Kagiso Rabada faces suspension for disrespecting Steve Smith Kagiso Rabada walking towards Steve Smith. (Twitter) × Golf Golf: England's Matt Wallace claims Indian Open title After leading WGC Mexico Championship, India's Shubnakar Sharma ties at 9th Tennis Taro Daniel outplays Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells Serena Williams marks winning comeback at WTA Indian Wells Serena Williams celebrates after winning. (Twitter) × Serena's comeback her greatest challenge, says coach Mouratoglou Halep, Pliskova advance, Muguruza suffers shock defeat Simona Halep of Romania celebrates her win over Kristyna Pliskova of Czech Republic during the BNP Paribas Open. (AFP) × Shooting ISSF World Cup: Shooter Anjum Moudgil wins silver CBSE reschedules board exams dates for shooter Anish Bhanwala Winter Paralympics Winter Paralympics: Two Koreas won't march together at opening ceremony Others New badminton serve rule a tall order, say champs NBA legend Kobe Bryant wins Oscar for best animated short Kobe Bryant posing with the Oscar trophy. (AFP) ×

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Paulo Dybala scored in each half to give Juventus a 2-0 home win over Udinese and put them top of Serie A on Sunday as Napoli slipped to second following a 0-0 draw at Inter Milan.</p>

<p>Juventus, who are chasing a seventh successive league title, have 71 points from 27 games, with Napoli on 70 from 28 after a dour stalemate with Inter at the San Siro.</p>

<p>Dybala curled home a superb free kick from the edge of the area in the 20th minute to put Juventus ahead, and he was pulled down for a penalty later in the first half only for fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain to miss the spot kick.</p>

<p>Dybala added his second four minutes after halftime, Higuain expertly holding up the ball before playing it into the path of the 24-year-old, who slotted it home right-footed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondayMotivation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondayMotivation</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/hZ7yUODJ8m">pic.twitter.com/hZ7yUODJ8m</a></p>
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/973144119261483010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>Inter defender Milan Skriniar missed the game's best chance in the late fixture as he headed against the post shortly after the break, with Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne twice coming close in the latter stages.</p>

<p>The sudden death last week of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori cast a pall over Sunday's proceedings in Serie A.</p>

<p>Many of last weekend's matches were postponed following his passing and this week's games began with both silence and applause as the 31-year-old Italian international was remembered.</p>

<p>In the day's early kickoff, Vitor Hugo scored the only goal as Fiorentina beat Benevento 1-0 at the Artemio Franchi stadium in a game filled with emotional tributes to Astori, who was buried on Thursday.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgMGdZgAZUd/" 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">1️⃣1️⃣ lions. 1️⃣1️⃣ straight @seriea_tim wins. ??#FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve #JuveUdinese</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/juventus/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Juventus Football Club</a> (@juventus) on <time datetime="2018-03-11T16:08:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Mar 11, 2018 at 9:08am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Lazio's Ciro Immobile scored both goals, including a superb backheel deep into stoppage time, to give his side a share of the spoils as they drew 2-2 away to Cagliari.</p>

<p>The brace puts Serie A top scorer Immobile on 24 goals from 24 games this season, six ahead of Inter's Mauro Icardi who has 18 in 22.</p>

<p>Having started the day second from bottom, Crotone hammered Sampdoria 4-1 at home to climb out of the relegation zone, with Marcello Trotta scoring twice and missing a penalty in an eventful outing for the home side.</p>

<p>Newcomers SPAL slipped into the bottom three following a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Sassuolo while Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon netted the winner seven minutes from time to give Atalanta a 1-0 victory at Bologna.</p>

<p>Sixth-placed AC Milan grabbed a last-gasp 1-0 win at Genoa after Portuguese substitute Andre Silva headed home Suso's stoppage-time cross.</p>


Paulo Dybala scored in each half to give Juventus a 2-0 home win over Udinese and put them top of Serie A

Paulo Dybala scored in each half to give Juventus a 2-0 home win over Udinese and put them top of Serie A on Sunday as Napoli slipped to second following a 0-0 draw at Inter Milan. Juventus, who are chasing a seventh successive league title, have 71 points from 27 games, with Napoli on 70 from 28 after a dour stalemate with Inter at the San Siro. Dybala curled home a superb free kick from the edge of the area in the 20th minute to put Juventus ahead, and he was pulled down for a penalty later in the first half only for fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain to miss the spot kick. Dybala added his second four minutes after halftime, Higuain expertly holding up the ball before playing it into the path of the 24-year-old, who slotted it home right-footed. ? #MondayMotivation ? pic.twitter.com/hZ7yUODJ8m — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 12, 2018 × Inter defender Milan Skriniar missed the game's best chance in the late fixture as he headed against the post shortly after the break, with Napoli striker Lorenzo Insigne twice coming close in the latter stages. The sudden death last week of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori cast a pall over Sunday's proceedings in Serie A. Many of last weekend's matches were postponed following his passing and this week's games began with both silence and applause as the 31-year-old Italian international was remembered. In the day's early kickoff, Vitor Hugo scored the only goal as Fiorentina beat Benevento 1-0 at the Artemio Franchi stadium in a game filled with emotional tributes to Astori, who was buried on Thursday. 1️⃣1️⃣ lions. 1️⃣1️⃣ straight @seriea_tim wins. ??#FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve #JuveUdinese A post shared by Juventus Football Club (@juventus) on Mar 11, 2018 at 9:08am PDT × Lazio's Ciro Immobile scored both goals, including a superb backheel deep into stoppage time, to give his side a share of the spoils as they drew 2-2 away to Cagliari. The brace puts Serie A top scorer Immobile on 24 goals from 24 games this season, six ahead of Inter's Mauro Icardi who has 18 in 22. Having started the day second from bottom, Crotone hammered Sampdoria 4-1 at home to climb out of the relegation zone, with Marcello Trotta scoring twice and missing a penalty in an eventful outing for the home side. Newcomers SPAL slipped into the bottom three following a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Sassuolo while Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon netted the winner seven minutes from time to give Atalanta a 1-0 victory at Bologna. Sixth-placed AC Milan grabbed a last-gasp 1-0 win at Genoa after Portuguese substitute Andre Silva headed home Suso's stoppage-time cross.

Dybala double sends Juventus top of Serie A

<p>In-form&nbsp;Sergio Aguero of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. He will miss Monday&#39;s&nbsp;Premier League match against Stoke.</p>

<p>It is expected that it will take two weeks time to heal the injury and&nbsp;Aguero will mark his return in the time for City&#39;s next fixture at Everton on March 31.</p>

<p>He shared the news on his official Twitter account captioning, &quot;During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!</p>
&mdash; Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/972859117726588928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Argentine striker,&nbsp;Aguero&nbsp;is also a doubt for Argentina&#39;s World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively.</p>

<p>Manchester City is set to claim the&nbsp;Premier League title as they hold a 13-point lead and&nbsp;Aguero will have a big part to play if City&nbsp;are&nbsp;to land a first-ever Champions League after easing into the quarter-finals for just the second time in the club&#39;s history with a 5-2 aggregate win over Basel&nbsp;are in&nbsp;the last 16.</p>


The Argentine striker, Aguero is also a doubt for Argentina's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively

In-form Sergio Aguero of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. He will miss Monday's Premier League match against Stoke. It is expected that it will take two weeks time to heal the injury and Aguero will mark his return in the time for City's next fixture at Everton on March 31. He shared the news on his official Twitter account captioning, "During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery!" During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery! — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 11, 2018 × The Argentine striker, Aguero is also a doubt for Argentina's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively. Manchester City is set to claim the Premier League title as they hold a 13-point lead and Aguero will have a big part to play if City are to land a first-ever Champions League after easing into the quarter-finals for just the second time in the club's history with a 5-2 aggregate win over Basel are in the last 16.

Sergio Aguero suffers injury, out for 2 weeks

<p>Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1 with a Son Heung-min double and goals from Dele Alli and Serge Aurier to move up to third in the Premier League.</p>

<p>The loss of England international Kane, Tottenham&#39;s top scorer, who went off with an ankle injury on the half-hour, took some of the gloss off a hard-won comeback victory with the visitors slightly flattered by two late goals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Four goals, three points, third in the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a>. ????<br />
<br />
???? Thank you for your support today! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/oBIzXXUGgP">pic.twitter.com/oBIzXXUGgP</a></p>
&mdash; Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/972947775976452096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A high-octane Bournemouth startled to Junior Stanislas hitting the bar and then scoring after six minutes but Alli, who had not found the net in 15 games, ended his worst barren spell by equalising from a position usually occupied by Kane.</p>

<p>Alli also played a major part in Spurs&#39; second goal, crossing for Son to score with a scuffed shot before the South Korean netted his seventh goal in four games from a late breakaway.</p>

<p>Fullback Serge Aurier made it 4-1 late on after Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic failed to clear his lines.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1

Tottenham Hotspur overcame a worrying injury to talismanic striker Harry Kane to beat mid-table Bournemouth 4-1 with a Son Heung-min double and goals from Dele Alli and Serge Aurier to move up to third in the Premier League. The loss of England international Kane, Tottenham's top scorer, who went off with an ankle injury on the half-hour, took some of the gloss off a hard-won comeback victory with the visitors slightly flattered by two late goals. Four goals, three points, third in the @premierleague. ???? ???? Thank you for your support today! ????#COYS pic.twitter.com/oBIzXXUGgP — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 11, 2018 × A high-octane Bournemouth startled to Junior Stanislas hitting the bar and then scoring after six minutes but Alli, who had not found the net in 15 games, ended his worst barren spell by equalising from a position usually occupied by Kane. Alli also played a major part in Spurs' second goal, crossing for Son to score with a scuffed shot before the South Korean netted his seventh goal in four games from a late breakaway. Fullback Serge Aurier made it 4-1 late on after Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic failed to clear his lines.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Bournemouth to climb to third place

<p>In-form Antoine Griezmann scored one goal and made another as Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, consolidating their grip on second place.</p>

<p>Griezmann opened the scoring just before the break at the Wanda Metropolitano with his 16th goal of the season in La Liga, his 11th in the last nine games.</p>

<p>The France star, who continues to be linked with a summer move to Barcelona, then set up Vitolo to make it 2-0 before Angel Correa, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points for Diego Simeone&#39;s side.</p>

<p>It was a seventh win in eight La Liga outings for Atletico, the exception being last weekend&#39;s 1-0 loss at Barcelona.</p>

<p>As a result, the 2014 champions remain eight points behind league leaders Barca, but they are seven clear of Real Madrid in third.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">⏱ 93&#39; | 3-0 | ➕3⃣ &iexcl;FINAAAAL! &iexcl;Los tres puntos se quedan en el Wanda <a href="https://twitter.com/Metropolitano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Metropolitano</a>! ????⚪????<br />
44&#39; ⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntoGriezmann</a><br />
56&#39; ⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/VitoloMachin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VitoloMachin</a><br />
63&#39; ⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelCorrea32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngelCorrea32</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtletiCelta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtletiCelta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A%C3%BApaAtleti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#A&uacute;paAtleti</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAlU8rSTDy">pic.twitter.com/DAlU8rSTDy</a></p>
&mdash; Atl&eacute;tico de Madrid (@Atleti) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atleti/status/972880905936220160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;There is still a long way to go. We take things one game at a time and we will try to continue that way,&quot; said Simeone of his side&#39;s title chances.</p>

<p>&quot;My desire is to be in with a chance with five games left. Then we will be able to speak about something more.&quot;</p>

<p>Griezmann&#39;s goal on Sunday came a minute before the break as he controlled the ball at the back post following a corner and showed some brilliant footwork to take a Celta defender out of the game before firing into the far corner.</p>

<p>He turned provider in the 56th minute with a pass for Vitolo, who beat Ruben Blanco in the Celta goal with a clipped finish.</p>

<p>Vitolo&#39;s last three goals in La Liga have now been for three different teams -- he previously netted for Sevilla and then scored for Las Palmas against Celta earlier this season.</p>

<p>Correa came in for Vitolo just before the hour and got on the scoresheet four minutes later, finishing low into the net after his initial effort had been blocked.</p>

<p>It was Atletico&#39;s second 3-0 win at home in four days after they beat Lokomotiv Moscow by the same scoreline in their Europa League last 16, first leg on Thursday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Atletico Madrid remains eight points behind league leaders Barca, but they are seven clear of Real Madrid in third

In-form Antoine Griezmann scored one goal and made another as Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, consolidating their grip on second place. Griezmann opened the scoring just before the break at the Wanda Metropolitano with his 16th goal of the season in La Liga, his 11th in the last nine games. The France star, who continues to be linked with a summer move to Barcelona, then set up Vitolo to make it 2-0 before Angel Correa, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points for Diego Simeone's side. It was a seventh win in eight La Liga outings for Atletico, the exception being last weekend's 1-0 loss at Barcelona. As a result, the 2014 champions remain eight points behind league leaders Barca, but they are seven clear of Real Madrid in third. ⏱ 93' | 3-0 | ➕3⃣ ¡FINAAAAL! ¡Los tres puntos se quedan en el Wanda @Metropolitano! ????⚪???? 44' ⚽ @AntoGriezmann 56' ⚽ @VitoloMachin 63' ⚽ @AngelCorrea32 #AtletiCelta #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/DAlU8rSTDy — Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) March 11, 2018 × "There is still a long way to go. We take things one game at a time and we will try to continue that way," said Simeone of his side's title chances. "My desire is to be in with a chance with five games left. Then we will be able to speak about something more." Griezmann's goal on Sunday came a minute before the break as he controlled the ball at the back post following a corner and showed some brilliant footwork to take a Celta defender out of the game before firing into the far corner. He turned provider in the 56th minute with a pass for Vitolo, who beat Ruben Blanco in the Celta goal with a clipped finish. Vitolo's last three goals in La Liga have now been for three different teams -- he previously netted for Sevilla and then scored for Las Palmas against Celta earlier this season. Correa came in for Vitolo just before the hour and got on the scoresheet four minutes later, finishing low into the net after his initial effort had been blocked. It was Atletico's second 3-0 win at home in four days after they beat Lokomotiv Moscow by the same scoreline in their Europa League last 16, first leg on Thursday.

Griezmann, Angel, Vitolo shine as Atletico Madrid stroll past Celta

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo struck late with a bullet header to give Real Madrid a 2-1 win at Eibar in La Liga on Saturday, taking his side to within four points of second-placed Atletico Madrid.</p>

<p>Ronaldo scored for the seventh successive game in all competitions by blasting into the net in the 34th minute after chesting down a long ball by Luka Modric, but eighth-placed Eibar pegged the champions back when Ivan Ramis outjumped Sergio Ramos to head home from a corner in the 50th.</p>

<p>Ronaldo was denied by an inspired save by Eibar&#39;s Marko Dmitrovic, who clawed away the Portuguese&#39;s header following a cross from Gareth Bale.</p>

<p>The irrepressible striker had the final say, however, meeting a cross from Dani Carvajal in the area and powering the ball beyond the Serbian goalkeeper in the 84th minute, scoring the 13th goal in his last seven games in all competitions.</p>

<p>Ronaldo has roared back from a feeble start to the season, when he scored just once in his first eight league games, to reach 18 goals in the campaign.</p>

<p>His double against Eibar allowed him to move into the top three scorers in the league, trailing Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on 24 and 20 respectively.</p>

<p>&quot;He&#39;s from another galaxy,&quot; Real coach Zinedine Zidane said of Ronaldo.</p>

<p>&quot;He knows he&#39;s going to score, he&#39;s unique and special. His stats speak for him. And he&#39;s our player. He&#39;s always positive and if he scores twice, he wants to score a third.&quot;</p>

<p>Real are third in the Liga standings on 57 points, 12 behind runaway leaders Barcelona, who visit basement club Malaga later on Sunday. Atletico host Celta Vigo on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Better Start</strong></p>

<p>Tiny Eibar is in contention for a European place next season and made the better start to the game, with Zidane admitting his side struggled in the opening stages.</p>

<p>&quot;This victory makes me feel very good because they were the better side for a while, they played very well,&quot; added the coach.</p>

<p>&quot;This is a very difficult ground to come to and they know how to play here. We knew we were going to suffer and we did, we had trouble getting hold of the ball but we fought together with character and got the win.&quot;</p>

<p>Valencia tightened their grip on fourth place in the standings and took a giant leap towards returning to the Champions League by winning 2-0 at Sevilla, opening up an 11-point gap with the Andalusians in fifth place.</p>

<p>Spain international Rodrigo Moreno scored either side of halftime to inflict a third home defeat in little more than two months on Sevilla, whose best chance of getting back into Europe&#39;s elite competition now likely rests on them winning the tournament.</p>

<p>Vincenzo Montella&#39;s side visits Manchester United on Tuesday in a last-16 second leg, with the tie finely balanced at 0-0.</p>

<p>&quot;The first thing we need to do is forget about this disappointment and focus on Tuesday&#39;s game,&quot; Montella said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ronaldo has roared back from a feeble start to the season, when he scored just once in his first eight league games, to reach 18 goals in the campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo struck late with a bullet header to give Real Madrid a 2-1 win at Eibar in La Liga on Saturday, taking his side to within four points of second-placed Atletico Madrid. Ronaldo scored for the seventh successive game in all competitions by blasting into the net in the 34th minute after chesting down a long ball by Luka Modric, but eighth-placed Eibar pegged the champions back when Ivan Ramis outjumped Sergio Ramos to head home from a corner in the 50th. Ronaldo was denied by an inspired save by Eibar's Marko Dmitrovic, who clawed away the Portuguese's header following a cross from Gareth Bale. The irrepressible striker had the final say, however, meeting a cross from Dani Carvajal in the area and powering the ball beyond the Serbian goalkeeper in the 84th minute, scoring the 13th goal in his last seven games in all competitions. Ronaldo has roared back from a feeble start to the season, when he scored just once in his first eight league games, to reach 18 goals in the campaign. His double against Eibar allowed him to move into the top three scorers in the league, trailing Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on 24 and 20 respectively. "He's from another galaxy," Real coach Zinedine Zidane said of Ronaldo. "He knows he's going to score, he's unique and special. His stats speak for him. And he's our player. He's always positive and if he scores twice, he wants to score a third." Real are third in the Liga standings on 57 points, 12 behind runaway leaders Barcelona, who visit basement club Malaga later on Sunday. Atletico host Celta Vigo on Sunday. Better Start Tiny Eibar is in contention for a European place next season and made the better start to the game, with Zidane admitting his side struggled in the opening stages. "This victory makes me feel very good because they were the better side for a while, they played very well," added the coach. "This is a very difficult ground to come to and they know how to play here. We knew we were going to suffer and we did, we had trouble getting hold of the ball but we fought together with character and got the win." Valencia tightened their grip on fourth place in the standings and took a giant leap towards returning to the Champions League by winning 2-0 at Sevilla, opening up an 11-point gap with the Andalusians in fifth place. Spain international Rodrigo Moreno scored either side of halftime to inflict a third home defeat in little more than two months on Sevilla, whose best chance of getting back into Europe's elite competition now likely rests on them winning the tournament. Vincenzo Montella's side visits Manchester United on Tuesday in a last-16 second leg, with the tie finely balanced at 0-0. "The first thing we need to do is forget about this disappointment and focus on Tuesday's game," Montella said.

Ronaldo strikes twice to defeat Eibar

<p>Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United beat their arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday to consolidate second place in the Premier League table.</p>

<p>With runaway leaders, Manchester City on course for a third Premier League title, second place is the best the chasing pack can hope for and United moved five points ahead of Liverpool.</p>

<p>United stifled Liverpool&#39;s exhilarating attack early on and raced into a two-goal lead with 24 minutes on the clock after a double from Rashford.</p>

<p>Eric Bailly&#39;s bizarre own goal gave Liverpool hope in the second half, but United held on for the first victory over their North West rivals since January 2016.</p>

<p>&quot;Perfect result. I wouldn&#39;t go so far as saying it was a perfect performance. In the first half, the game gave us the opportunity to be direct, fast and score goals, more than we did. We were worth the win,&quot; United manager Jose Mourinho said.</p>

<p>It was an important afternoon at the bottom of the table too, with West Ham United slipping to a damaging 3-0 home defeat by Burnley to leave them three points above the relegation zone.</p>

<p>There were unsavoury scenes at London Stadium where pitch invasions and mass protests in the stands forced owners David Sullivan and David Gold to leave the director&#39;s box, with police brought in to restore order.</p>

<p>&quot;We want the supporters behind us, since I&#39;ve been here they&#39;ve been really good. But you can&#39;t cross the line and come on the pitch,&quot; West Ham manager David Moyes said.</p>

<p>Matters on the pitch added to the vitriolic mood, with Ashley Barnes and a Chris Wood double steering Burnley to a second win in a week, closing the gap on sixth-placed Arsenal, who host Watford on Sunday, to two points.</p>

<p><strong>Rashford Double</strong></p>

<p>Much of the pre-match talk centred around how United were going to cope with Liverpool&#39;s in-form front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and the league&#39;s joint-top scorer Mohamed Salah.</p>

<p>However, even without the injured Paul Pogba, it was United who started on the front foot, adopting a more direct style with Romelu Lukaku the target and the Belgium striker was influential in both Rashford goals.</p>

<p>Rashford&#39;s double - on his first Premier League start since Boxing Day - proved decisive, as Liverpool couldn&#39;t add to the Bailly own goal as they slipped to a first defeat in eight games in all competitions.</p>

<p>&quot;It didn&#39;t go our way because of the two goals we conceded,&quot; Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said.</p>

<p>&quot;We have to defend these situations better. You can always lose a header or tackle with (Romelu) Lukaku but you need to close the gap in behind.&quot;</p>

<p>In the North East, Newcastle United secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton to move five points clear of the bottom three, piling the pressure on Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino.</p>

<p>Two goals from Kenedy, on loan from Chelsea, and a Matt Ritchie strike were enough for a second successive Premier League home win for Rafael Benitez&#39;s side.</p>

<p>West Bromwich Albion&#39;s woes continued as they slipped to a 4-1 home defeat by Leicester City. Salomon Rondon gave West Brom the lead at The Hawthorns, but four Leicester goals without reply ensured West Brom stayed bottom, eight points from safety.</p>

<p>Swansea City, who had Jordan Ayew sent off in the 11th minute, held Huddersfield Town to a 0-0 draw at the John Smith&#39;s Stadium while Wayne Rooney&#39;s penalty miss mattered little as Everton beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Goodison Park.</p>


Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United beat their arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday to consolidate second place in the Premier League table

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United beat their arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday to consolidate second place in the Premier League table. With runaway leaders, Manchester City on course for a third Premier League title, second place is the best the chasing pack can hope for and United moved five points ahead of Liverpool. United stifled Liverpool's exhilarating attack early on and raced into a two-goal lead with 24 minutes on the clock after a double from Rashford. Eric Bailly's bizarre own goal gave Liverpool hope in the second half, but United held on for the first victory over their North West rivals since January 2016. "Perfect result. I wouldn't go so far as saying it was a perfect performance. In the first half, the game gave us the opportunity to be direct, fast and score goals, more than we did. We were worth the win," United manager Jose Mourinho said. It was an important afternoon at the bottom of the table too, with West Ham United slipping to a damaging 3-0 home defeat by Burnley to leave them three points above the relegation zone. There were unsavoury scenes at London Stadium where pitch invasions and mass protests in the stands forced owners David Sullivan and David Gold to leave the director's box, with police brought in to restore order. "We want the supporters behind us, since I've been here they've been really good. But you can't cross the line and come on the pitch," West Ham manager David Moyes said. Matters on the pitch added to the vitriolic mood, with Ashley Barnes and a Chris Wood double steering Burnley to a second win in a week, closing the gap on sixth-placed Arsenal, who host Watford on Sunday, to two points. Rashford Double Much of the pre-match talk centred around how United were going to cope with Liverpool's in-form front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and the league's joint-top scorer Mohamed Salah. However, even without the injured Paul Pogba, it was United who started on the front foot, adopting a more direct style with Romelu Lukaku the target and the Belgium striker was influential in both Rashford goals. Rashford's double - on his first Premier League start since Boxing Day - proved decisive, as Liverpool couldn't add to the Bailly own goal as they slipped to a first defeat in eight games in all competitions. "It didn't go our way because of the two goals we conceded," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. "We have to defend these situations better. You can always lose a header or tackle with (Romelu) Lukaku but you need to close the gap in behind." In the North East, Newcastle United secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton to move five points clear of the bottom three, piling the pressure on Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino. Two goals from Kenedy, on loan from Chelsea, and a Matt Ritchie strike were enough for a second successive Premier League home win for Rafael Benitez's side. West Bromwich Albion's woes continued as they slipped to a 4-1 home defeat by Leicester City. Salomon Rondon gave West Brom the lead at The Hawthorns, but four Leicester goals without reply ensured West Brom stayed bottom, eight points from safety. Swansea City, who had Jordan Ayew sent off in the 11th minute, held Huddersfield Town to a 0-0 draw at the John Smith's Stadium while Wayne Rooney's penalty miss mattered little as Everton beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Goodison Park.

Rashford shines as Man United sink Liverpool

<p>Willian inspired Chelsea&#39;s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday as the Blues got back to winning ways ahead of their Champions League showdown with Barcelona.</p>

<p>After successive defeats by Manchester City and Manchester United, injury-hit Palace proved to be the ideal opponents for Antonio Conte&#39;s side at Stamford Bridge.</p>

<p>Willian opened the scoring in the first half and Martin Kelly&#39;s own goal doubled the champions&#39; lead before the break.</p>

<p>A late goal for Palace by Patrick van Aanholt made things uncomfortable in the closing stages, but it was a valuable victory for Chelsea over a London rival who had proved troublesome in recent seasons.</p>

<p>Fifth-placed Chelsea are now two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who face Bournemouth on Sunday as the battle hots up for places in next season&#39;s Champions League.</p>

<p>For now, Chelsea can focus on this season&#39;s edition of the Champions League, in which they travel to Barcelona on Wednesday with the last-16 tie level at 1-1 after the first leg.</p>

<p>Palace had beaten Chelsea in their previous two encounters and won on their past two visits to Stamford Bridge, but they have now lost four games in succession and remain in the bottom three.</p>

<p>Olivier Giroud went close twice for Chelsea and both Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend missed as the two sides traded early chances.</p>

<p>But after that, it was Chelsea, with Davide Zappacosta given the freedom of the right flank, who enjoyed the majority of possession, even if their final pass was often inaccurate and too many shots were comfortably close to Wayne Hennessey.</p>

<p>Willian got it right after 25 minutes. Gaining possession five yards from the left touchline, the Brazilian cut in past two covering players and shot from 25 yards with his right foot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ball seemed to take a fractional deflection as it sped past Kelly and Giroud and went in off the near post.</p>

<p><strong>Farcical goal</strong></p>

<p>It was 2-0 seven minutes later with a goal that was as elegant in its creation as it was farcical in its final moments.</p>

<p>Cesc Fabregas began it with an inch-perfect pass out to Marcos Alonso on the left.</p>

<p>Willian dummied the wing-back&#39;s cross for Eden Hazard to collect and spread play out to Zappacosta. His angled shot hit Kelly, bounced off the head of Hennessey, back onto Kelly, and in.</p>

<p>Palace was reeling. Giroud&#39;s header was cleared off the goal-line and Alonso&#39;s volley was blocked.</p>

<p>It would have been 3-0 if James Tomkins had not anticipated Giroud&#39;s shot from Hazard&#39;s pass and dived in to block.</p>

<p>Roy Hodgson sent on Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha for the second half in place of Benteke, and it almost paid off instantly.</p>

<p>Zaha caught Zappacosta in possession and Alexander Sorloth was left with only Thibaut Courtois to beat.</p>

<p>The Norwegian must have thought his first goal in English football was a formality, but he hit his shot against the post.</p>

<p>Chelsea nearly took advantage of that let-off but Tomkins threw himself in the way of yet another goal-bound shot, this time from Willian, and Hennessey saved from Hazard.</p>

<p>Giroud then hit the post after 66 minutes with a first-time shot from a low cross by Alonso.</p>

<p>But although Chelsea continued to make most of the chances, Zaha&#39;s arrival had boosted Palace.</p>

<p>However, the 90th-minute goal he eventually created for Van Aanholt against his former club came too late.</p>

<p>The left-back&#39;s shot from Zaha&#39;s diagonal pass went almost straight through Courtois but Chelsea held on.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Willian inspired Chelsea's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday as the Blues got back to winning ways ahead of their Champions League showdown with Barcelona

Willian inspired Chelsea's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday as the Blues got back to winning ways ahead of their Champions League showdown with Barcelona. After successive defeats by Manchester City and Manchester United, injury-hit Palace proved to be the ideal opponents for Antonio Conte's side at Stamford Bridge. Willian opened the scoring in the first half and Martin Kelly's own goal doubled the champions' lead before the break. A late goal for Palace by Patrick van Aanholt made things uncomfortable in the closing stages, but it was a valuable victory for Chelsea over a London rival who had proved troublesome in recent seasons. Fifth-placed Chelsea are now two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who face Bournemouth on Sunday as the battle hots up for places in next season's Champions League. For now, Chelsea can focus on this season's edition of the Champions League, in which they travel to Barcelona on Wednesday with the last-16 tie level at 1-1 after the first leg. Palace had beaten Chelsea in their previous two encounters and won on their past two visits to Stamford Bridge, but they have now lost four games in succession and remain in the bottom three. Olivier Giroud went close twice for Chelsea and both Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend missed as the two sides traded early chances. But after that, it was Chelsea, with Davide Zappacosta given the freedom of the right flank, who enjoyed the majority of possession, even if their final pass was often inaccurate and too many shots were comfortably close to Wayne Hennessey. Willian got it right after 25 minutes. Gaining possession five yards from the left touchline, the Brazilian cut in past two covering players and shot from 25 yards with his right foot. The ball seemed to take a fractional deflection as it sped past Kelly and Giroud and went in off the near post. Farcical goal It was 2-0 seven minutes later with a goal that was as elegant in its creation as it was farcical in its final moments. Cesc Fabregas began it with an inch-perfect pass out to Marcos Alonso on the left. Willian dummied the wing-back's cross for Eden Hazard to collect and spread play out to Zappacosta. His angled shot hit Kelly, bounced off the head of Hennessey, back onto Kelly, and in. Palace was reeling. Giroud's header was cleared off the goal-line and Alonso's volley was blocked. It would have been 3-0 if James Tomkins had not anticipated Giroud's shot from Hazard's pass and dived in to block. Roy Hodgson sent on Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha for the second half in place of Benteke, and it almost paid off instantly. Zaha caught Zappacosta in possession and Alexander Sorloth was left with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. The Norwegian must have thought his first goal in English football was a formality, but he hit his shot against the post. Chelsea nearly took advantage of that let-off but Tomkins threw himself in the way of yet another goal-bound shot, this time from Willian, and Hennessey saved from Hazard. Giroud then hit the post after 66 minutes with a first-time shot from a low cross by Alonso. But although Chelsea continued to make most of the chances, Zaha's arrival had boosted Palace. However, the 90th-minute goal he eventually created for Van Aanholt against his former club came too late. The left-back's shot from Zaha's diagonal pass went almost straight through Courtois but Chelsea held on.

Chelsea register vital victory ahead of Barca clash

<p>Lionel Messi was away attending the birth of his son but Barcelona still had more than enough to beat 10-man Malaga 2-0 on Saturday and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga.</p>

<p>Messi was watching the game on a television in the hospital as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho put his team two up inside half an hour at La Rosaleda Stadium, before Samuel Garcia was sent off in the 30th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jordi Alba.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJ67QJn9Hi/" 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">Listos !!!</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/leomessi/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Leo Messi</a> (@leomessi) on <time datetime="2018-03-10T19:48:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 10, 2018 at 11:48am PST</time></p>
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<p>Down a man and without a win in 12 matches, Malaga might have feared a rout but Barca settled for a straightforward victory, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday&#39;s Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea.</p>

<p>Messi is expected back at the Camp Nou, where the score is 1-1 from the first leg, but Ernesto Valverde will have been delighted with how his attackers filled the void, as Suarez, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele all delivered excellent displays.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">???? Final whistle!<br />
⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/M%C3%A1lagaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#M&aacute;lagaBar&ccedil;a</a><br />
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LuisSuarez9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuisSuarez9</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> ????<br />
<br />
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/UKxbiVmwBM">pic.twitter.com/UKxbiVmwBM</a></p>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/972586771933466625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In particular, Dembele&#39;s brilliant turn and the pass was bettered only by Coutinho&#39;s flicked finish for what was a superb second goal.</p>

<p>The win means Barca extend their advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who can pull the deficit back to eight points with a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday.</p>

<p>Malaga, meanwhile, remains rooted to the bottom of the table.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Without Messi, Barcelona defeated10-man Malaga 2-0 and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga

Lionel Messi was away attending the birth of his son but Barcelona still had more than enough to beat 10-man Malaga 2-0 on Saturday and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga. Messi was watching the game on a television in the hospital as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho put his team two up inside half an hour at La Rosaleda Stadium, before Samuel Garcia was sent off in the 30th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jordi Alba. Listos !!! A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Mar 10, 2018 at 11:48am PST × Down a man and without a win in 12 matches, Malaga might have feared a rout but Barca settled for a straightforward victory, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday's Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea. Messi is expected back at the Camp Nou, where the score is 1-1 from the first leg, but Ernesto Valverde will have been delighted with how his attackers filled the void, as Suarez, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele all delivered excellent displays. ???? Final whistle! ⚽ #MálagaBarça ???? @LuisSuarez9, @Phil_Coutinho ???? ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/UKxbiVmwBM — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 10, 2018 × In particular, Dembele's brilliant turn and the pass was bettered only by Coutinho's flicked finish for what was a superb second goal. The win means Barca extend their advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who can pull the deficit back to eight points with a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday. Malaga, meanwhile, remains rooted to the bottom of the table.

Suarez, Coutinho inspire Barca to win against Malaga

<p>Real Madrid, the defending champions, had a dream-like season last year but this year, the performance is not up to the mark. Currently, they are 15 points behind rivals and table leader FC Barcelona.</p>

<p>But they certainly played well in the Champions League, recently, Real Madrid showed their collective strength in a clinical 2-1 win over Paris St Germain, with this win, they have entered the quarter-finals of the tournament</p>

<p>Now, Real Madrid is looking forward to maintaining the same momentum in their domestic away form when they travel to face Eibar on Saturday.</p>

<p>This season, Real faced a hoodoo of injuries, from Sergio Ramos to Gareth Bale. In a recent press conference, Zinedine Zidane talked about Gareth Bale form and injury.</p>

<p><em>Watch&nbsp;Gareth Bale trains with the teammates:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">⚽???? &iexcl;Ha comenzado nuestro &uacute;ltimo entrenamiento antes del partido de este s&aacute;bado contra el <a href="https://twitter.com/SDEibar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SDEibar</a>! Sigue toda la actualidad del equipo en la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMCity</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/3lICTv1tq6">pic.twitter.com/3lICTv1tq6</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/972057185546063872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;No, he&#39;s not a problem, we talk, I talk to him and he&#39;s not a problem.&quot;</p>

<p>He also added, &quot;He knows where he is and that the rest of the players are important too, that&#39;s all.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;What I&#39;m trying to say is that there&#39;s no problem. You want to make this a problem but there is no problem,&quot; he responded to a journalist.</p>

<p>&quot;I have to choose a team every three days, and Gareth is important for me but there are other players who are important too, that&#39;s all,&quot; he mentioned that every player is important.</p>

<p><em>Real Madrid arrived in&nbsp;Bilbao to play against Eibar on Saturday:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">????????????&iexcl;Ya estamos en Bilbao! &iexcl;Mira la c&aacute;lida bienvenida que nos brindaron en el aeropuerto y el hotel de concentraci&oacute;n nuestros <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMFans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMFans</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Zo99AoVUgu">pic.twitter.com/Zo99AoVUgu</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/972202573083152386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">???? &iexcl;Todos a bordo del avi&oacute;n con destino Bilbao! ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RMLiga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RMLiga</a> <a href="https://t.co/jm8uwhZBHX">pic.twitter.com/jm8uwhZBHX</a></p>
&mdash; Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/972177702198304769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Real Madrid is looking forward to maintaining the winning momentum in their domestic away form when they travel to face Eibar

Real Madrid, the defending champions, had a dream-like season last year but this year, the performance is not up to the mark. Currently, they are 15 points behind rivals and table leader FC Barcelona. But they certainly played well in the Champions League, recently, Real Madrid showed their collective strength in a clinical 2-1 win over Paris St Germain, with this win, they have entered the quarter-finals of the tournament Now, Real Madrid is looking forward to maintaining the same momentum in their domestic away form when they travel to face Eibar on Saturday. This season, Real faced a hoodoo of injuries, from Sergio Ramos to Gareth Bale. In a recent press conference, Zinedine Zidane talked about Gareth Bale form and injury. Watch Gareth Bale trains with the teammates: ⚽???? ¡Ha comenzado nuestro último entrenamiento antes del partido de este sábado contra el @SDEibar! Sigue toda la actualidad del equipo en la #RMCity.#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/3lICTv1tq6 — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 9, 2018 × "No, he's not a problem, we talk, I talk to him and he's not a problem." He also added, "He knows where he is and that the rest of the players are important too, that's all." "What I'm trying to say is that there's no problem. You want to make this a problem but there is no problem," he responded to a journalist. "I have to choose a team every three days, and Gareth is important for me but there are other players who are important too, that's all," he mentioned that every player is important. Real Madrid arrived in Bilbao to play against Eibar on Saturday: ????????????¡Ya estamos en Bilbao! ¡Mira la cálida bienvenida que nos brindaron en el aeropuerto y el hotel de concentración nuestros #RMFans! pic.twitter.com/Zo99AoVUgu — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 9, 2018 × ???? ¡Todos a bordo del avión con destino Bilbao! ???? #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/jm8uwhZBHX — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 9, 2018 ×

Bale's injury is 'not a problem': Zinedine Zidane

<p>Jose Mourinho admits he has not got the best out of Alexis Sanchez since his January transfer because the former Arsenal forward moved to Manchester United at the &quot;wrong&quot; time.</p>

<p>Sanchez was signed in a swap deal that reportedly made him the Premier League&#39;s best-paid player but the Chile international has scored just one goal in eight United appearances, well below his career strike rate.</p>

<p>Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form.</p>

<p>&quot;What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment of the season, in the winter market,&quot; said the Manchester United boss. &quot;That&#39;s why I don&#39;t like the winter market very much.</p>

<p>&quot;I think this was a chance that we didn&#39;t want to lose and we made. But we don&#39;t believe a lot in the winter market.</p>

<p>&quot;And for sure next season will be better for him. But of course he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him.&quot;</p>

<p>Pundits have suggested integrating Sanchez in mid-season has had an adverse effect on the form of teammates, in particular midfielder Paul Pogba.</p>

<p>But despite the obvious teething problems, Mourinho does not see Sanchez as a weakness in the United team.</p>

<p>&quot;No. That&#39;s something that we can develop and we&#39;re going to develop with time, with experience and living these experiences together,&quot; said the manager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t consider that a weakness, I consider that a huge potential to be developed.</p>

<p>&quot;He&#39;s fit and if he is trying too hard, that&#39;s great. He is not afraid to take responsibilities, not afraid to try things.&quot;</p>

<p>Sanchez&#39;s eight appearances have included two defeats, at Tottenham and Newcastle, which all but ended United&#39;s lingering hopes of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.</p>

<p><strong>Sanchez happy</strong></p>

<p>But despite an underwhelming start to Sanchez&#39;s United career, Mourinho said the player remains happy.</p>

<p>&quot;He&#39;s fine,&quot; said the United boss. &quot;He&#39;s happy that the team is getting results -- lately he was unhappy when we lost matches with him but he&#39;s a guy with great maturity and attitude and we couldn&#39;t be happier.&quot;</p>

<p>United&#39;s eagerly awaited league encounter with rivals Liverpool comes with both clubs chasing second spot behind champions-elect City.</p>

<p>And, at the start of a week in which Mourinho is also looking to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup, the United manager believes he and opposite number Jurgen Klopp are at similar stages in terms of developing their clubs.</p>

<p>&quot;They have qualities and they have weaknesses,&quot; he said. &quot;We have qualities, and we have weaknesses.</p>

<p>&quot;And one of my good qualities as coach was always to know my team&#39;s weaknesses very well and sometimes I tried to hide them and sometimes I have to try to compensate them with other things.</p>

<p>&quot;But we are very similar in terms of points in the Premier League. Liverpool have already qualified for the (Champions League) quarter-final and we still have 90 minutes or two hours of a big fight to try to be there.&quot;</p>


Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form

Jose Mourinho admits he has not got the best out of Alexis Sanchez since his January transfer because the former Arsenal forward moved to Manchester United at the "wrong" time. Sanchez was signed in a swap deal that reportedly made him the Premier League's best-paid player but the Chile international has scored just one goal in eight United appearances, well below his career strike rate. Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form. "What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment of the season, in the winter market," said the Manchester United boss. "That's why I don't like the winter market very much. "I think this was a chance that we didn't want to lose and we made. But we don't believe a lot in the winter market. "And for sure next season will be better for him. But of course he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him." Pundits have suggested integrating Sanchez in mid-season has had an adverse effect on the form of teammates, in particular midfielder Paul Pogba. But despite the obvious teething problems, Mourinho does not see Sanchez as a weakness in the United team. "No. That's something that we can develop and we're going to develop with time, with experience and living these experiences together," said the manager. "I don't consider that a weakness, I consider that a huge potential to be developed. "He's fit and if he is trying too hard, that's great. He is not afraid to take responsibilities, not afraid to try things." Sanchez's eight appearances have included two defeats, at Tottenham and Newcastle, which all but ended United's lingering hopes of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title. Sanchez happy But despite an underwhelming start to Sanchez's United career, Mourinho said the player remains happy. "He's fine," said the United boss. "He's happy that the team is getting results -- lately he was unhappy when we lost matches with him but he's a guy with great maturity and attitude and we couldn't be happier." United's eagerly awaited league encounter with rivals Liverpool comes with both clubs chasing second spot behind champions-elect City. And, at the start of a week in which Mourinho is also looking to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup, the United manager believes he and opposite number Jurgen Klopp are at similar stages in terms of developing their clubs. "They have qualities and they have weaknesses," he said. "We have qualities, and we have weaknesses. "And one of my good qualities as coach was always to know my team's weaknesses very well and sometimes I tried to hide them and sometimes I have to try to compensate them with other things. "But we are very similar in terms of points in the Premier League. Liverpool have already qualified for the (Champions League) quarter-final and we still have 90 minutes or two hours of a big fight to try to be there."

Sanchez transferred to Manchester United at 'wrong' time: Jose Mourinho

<p>Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to &quot;personal reasons&quot; as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The &quot;personal reasons&quot; were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy &quot;Ciro.&quot;</p>

<p>In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun.</p>

<p>The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy&nbsp;moments together.</p>

<p>It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, &quot;Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We&#39;re so happy!!&quot;</p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" frameborder="0" height="888" id="instagram-embed-3" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJMXQFn4hq/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=8&amp;wp=492#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A12232.420000000002%7D" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; max-width: 658px; width: calc(100% - 2px); box-shadow: none; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"></iframe><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
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<p>Earlier in the month, Messi&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Barcelona star&#39;s wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram)</p>
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<p>The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barcelona&#39;s striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago.</p>

<p>Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites.</p>

<p>On Mother&#39;s Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption &quot;Family of five&quot;.</p>

<p>Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina.</p>

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FC Barcelona striker shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites quoting, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!"

Lionel Messi has withdrawn from the squad for the game in Andalusia due to "personal reasons" as stated by Barcelona earlier this morning. The "personal reasons" were later confirmed as the birth of his third baby boy "Ciro." In Greek, the meaning of the name Ciro is sun or lordly and in Spanish also, the meaning is a bit similar which is throne or sun. The Barcelona superstar has been given time off so that he can spend time with his family and celebrate the happy moments together. It is expected that he will and be back in time for their Champions League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday. Messi shared a beautiful photo on social networking sites stating, "Welcome Ciro!! I thank God that everything went perfectly. Mother and baby boy are doing great. We're so happy!!" × Earlier in the month, Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo had revealed the gender and name of her third child. She shared a picture of a blue baby bed which was engraved with the name Ciro. The Barcelona star's wife Antonella Roccuzzo has announced name and gender of third child. (Instagram) × The adorable pair shares two sons, five-year-old Thiago and two-year-old Mateo both of them were born before marriage. Barcelona's striker Lionel Messi must have planned a new tattoo for his third baby and as he already has tributes to Mateo and Thiago. Antonella Roccuzzo had been very open about pregnancy as she kept posting related pictures on social networking sites. On Mother's Day in Argentina, Roccuzzo posted a picture of the couple and two sons Thiago, four, and Mateo, two, touching her stomach, with the caption "Family of five". Messi and Antonella, childhood lovers, got married in June 2017 in their hometown Rosario in Argentina. × ×

Messi out of Barca squad to welcome baby 'Ciro'

<p>Diego Costa helped Atletico Madrid take a big step toward the Europa League quarter-finals by scoring in a 3-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday.</p>

<p>Atletico will carry a commanding lead into the second leg in Russia.</p>

<p>Saul Niguez hit the net with a stunning strike at the Wanda Metropolitano before Costa made it two with an instinctive finish.</p>

<p>Koke added a third late on to leave Lokomotiv with a mountain to climb next week.</p>

<p>Costa has six goals in 12 appearances since moving to Atletico from Chelsea in January.</p>

<p>&quot;In the whole game we were superior,&quot; Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.</p>

<p>Security around the game was ramped up amid fears of a repeat of the fan violence that marred Athletic Bilbao&#39;s match against Spartak Moscow a fortnight ago.</p>

<p>Only around 500 Russian supporters were reported to have made the trip to the Spanish capital, however, and there was no visible sign of trouble before kick-off.</p>

<p>Lokomotiv sit seven points clear at the top of the Russian Premier League but this is as far as the club has gone in Europe since reaching the Champions League last 16 in 2004.</p>

<p>&quot;In no way did I feel embarrassment for the team,&quot; Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin said.</p>

<p>&quot;We do not consider the tie lost.&quot;</p>

<p>Atletico, meanwhile, are rated as Europa League favourites with the bookmakers and, on this evidence, they will take some stopping.</p>

<p>Lokomotiv managed only one shot on target in the 90 minutes.</p>

<p>Both teams stood around the centre circle before kick-off as a minute that began in silence broke into applause in memory of Fiorentina defender Davide Astori, who died suddenly on Sunday.</p>

<p>Atletico controlled possession early on but it took a thunderbolt from distance to break the deadlock.</p>

<p>Saul picked the ball up 30 yards out and without a better option unleashed a left-footed shot that sailed into the top corner.</p>

<p>They should have doubled their lead before half-time. Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme rushed out and was robbed of the ball by Antoine Griezmann on the touchline. With the goal gaping, the Frenchman could only guide his long-range effort wide of the far post.</p>

<p>Costa was more precise early in the second half, however, steering home the rebound after Griezmann had seen his close-range finish saved. Saul had provided the brilliant pass.</p>

<p>Griezmann was taken off in the 66th minute and Costa followed eight minutes later.</p>

<p>But there was still time for a third when Koke burst into the box and prodded a shot into the corner.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Diego Costa helped Atletico Madrid take a big step toward the Europa League quarter-finals by scoring in a 3-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday

Diego Costa helped Atletico Madrid take a big step toward the Europa League quarter-finals by scoring in a 3-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday. Atletico will carry a commanding lead into the second leg in Russia. Saul Niguez hit the net with a stunning strike at the Wanda Metropolitano before Costa made it two with an instinctive finish. Koke added a third late on to leave Lokomotiv with a mountain to climb next week. Costa has six goals in 12 appearances since moving to Atletico from Chelsea in January. "In the whole game we were superior," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. Security around the game was ramped up amid fears of a repeat of the fan violence that marred Athletic Bilbao's match against Spartak Moscow a fortnight ago. Only around 500 Russian supporters were reported to have made the trip to the Spanish capital, however, and there was no visible sign of trouble before kick-off. Lokomotiv sit seven points clear at the top of the Russian Premier League but this is as far as the club has gone in Europe since reaching the Champions League last 16 in 2004. "In no way did I feel embarrassment for the team," Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin said. "We do not consider the tie lost." Atletico, meanwhile, are rated as Europa League favourites with the bookmakers and, on this evidence, they will take some stopping. Lokomotiv managed only one shot on target in the 90 minutes. Both teams stood around the centre circle before kick-off as a minute that began in silence broke into applause in memory of Fiorentina defender Davide Astori, who died suddenly on Sunday. Atletico controlled possession early on but it took a thunderbolt from distance to break the deadlock. Saul picked the ball up 30 yards out and without a better option unleashed a left-footed shot that sailed into the top corner. They should have doubled their lead before half-time. Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme rushed out and was robbed of the ball by Antoine Griezmann on the touchline. With the goal gaping, the Frenchman could only guide his long-range effort wide of the far post. Costa was more precise early in the second half, however, steering home the rebound after Griezmann had seen his close-range finish saved. Saul had provided the brilliant pass. Griezmann was taken off in the 66th minute and Costa followed eight minutes later. But there was still time for a third when Koke burst into the box and prodded a shot into the corner.

Costa leads Atletico rout over Lokomotiv Moscow

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