Liverpool return to scene of memorable triumph

Liverpool return to scene of memorable triumph

Liverpool return to the scene of the greatest moment in their recent history in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday as Tottenham Hotspur go to Italy just three days before the English League Cup final.

The Ataturk Olympic Stadium will forever be remembered by Liverpool fans as the scene of their remarkable triumph in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final, when they came from 3-0 down to draw level at 3-3 with AC Milan before winning a penalty shoot-out to lift the European Cup for the fifth time.

On this occasion, the only prize on offer in the round-of-32, second leg is a berth in the last 16, and Liverpool hold the upper hand in the tie after a late Mario Balotelli penalty secured a 1-0 win at Anfield last week. The Reds are unbeaten in seven games while Besiktas - who are playing at the Olympic Stadium while their own ground overlooking the Bosphorus is rebuilt - were knocked off the top of the Turkish Super Lig at the weekend after losing 1-0 to Eskisehirspor.

"We want to start a new winning streak starting with the Liverpool game," Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic told Turkish media after the weekend loss. "We did not show the fight and work rate we usually do, I expect all my players to put in a lot more effort on Thursday."

Spurs face four-day challenge
Meanwhile, Tottenham face a make or break few days in their campaign as they go to Florence having to score in the second leg of their tie against Fiorentina after drawing 1-1 at White Hart Lane. The match in Italy will be a huge test of Spurs' resolve with Fiorentina unbeaten in 10 games and with the small matter of the League Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley following on Sunday.

"It will be a difficult game," said Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. "I think this is our first final before Sunday as Fiorentina are only one game from going into the next round. We know that we need to score, but we are confident."

Top goalscorer Harry Kane was one of those who sat out last week's first leg and may be kept back again with one eye on the Chelsea game. "We'd be gutted if we go out of the Europa League," added midfielder Nabil Bentaleb as he insisted that Spurs are not taking the continental competition lightly.

"We're going to go on Thursday to Fiorentina to win that game. If we start thinking like this we're not going anywhere. We have to keep that hunger we have inside us to want to win everything."

Toffees on the verge
Everton already have one foot in the next round as they host Swiss side Young Boys having won 4-1 in Bern last week with Romelu Lukaku scoring a hat-trick. As they struggle in the league, they could be forgiven for being distracted by Sunday's trip to Arsenal, but midfielder James McCarthy said Everton minds are only on continuing their European run.

"We have a big lead but we won't take any prisoners. We have come back from a great result in Europe and we need to try and get the wins at home. The fans have come out in their numbers and we need to go again on Thursday," he told the club's website.

Meanwhile, Celtic also go to Italy needing to score as they face Inter at the San Siro after a thrilling 3-3 draw in Glasgow.

Inter have the edge in the tie and have been gradually improving recently under Roberto Mancini but Celtic captain Scott Brown is hopeful the Scottish champions can pull off a shock. "We will probably go there, try to press them high up the park again and prey on their mistakes. If we do that who knows what can happen," he said.

Other second-leg ties to look out for on Thursday include holders Sevilla's trip to Germany to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead against Borussia Monchengladbach. Meanwhile, a week after their 1-1 draw with Roma, Feyenoord welcome the Serie A side to Rotterdam.

Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

Five key talking points from Manchester City v FC Barcelona

ROGER BOGUNYÀ 

The managers' approaches, Suárez's finishing and Messi's excellence all played their part in the result at the Etihad



FC Barcelona got a great result in Manchester, a 2-1 win that leaves them within touching distance of a place in the Champions League quarter finals. Here are five key factors that we’ve picked out from Tuesday’s game.

• The managers’ approaches. Both Luis Enrique and Pellegrini went for attacking methods. That was not much of a surprise as far as Barça are concerned but perhaps it was somewhat from Man City. The Chilean opted to start with two strikers, Agüero and Dzeko, a brave and unexpected choice. But Barça won the tactical battle by swarming the midfield with Sergio, Rakitic and Iniesta and with Messi dropping back to great effect.

• Suárez’s finishing. The Uruguayan had only ever scored once against Man City, but he got two more tonight. He produced a fine finish for the opener and was in the right place for the second. And he had chances to get even more goals in the first 45 minutes.

• Stunning from Messi. He may have missed a penalty, but the Argentinian provided a terrific assist for the first goal and broke through the City rearguard in the build-up to the second. He finished with an extraordinary 90% in completed passes and created danger every time the ball came near him.

• Second half resistance. Man City came out much stronger after the break. But lack of accuracy in their shooting, the security generated by Ter Stegen and some fine interventions from the centre backs, especially Piqué, presented Man City from getting any further back into the match than Agüero’s 69th minute goal.

• Keeping control. Agüero’s goal didn’t stop FC Barcelona from controlling the game towards the end. Mathieu and Adriano injected some fresh blood into the team and when Clichy was sent off it was as good as game over. And they even managed to force a penalty in injury time.

El Barça da un recital e indulta al Manchester City 1-2

1-2: El Barça da un recital e indulta al Manchester City

El Barça aplasta al City con un gran Luis Suárez en la primera parte, pero lo deja con opciones para la vuelta

Doblete del uruguayo y penalti fallado por Messi en la última jugada del partido

Joan Poquí | Manchester (Enviado especial) 

Una exhibición del Barça en la primera parte, con doblete de Luis Suárez, pudo haber dejado sentenciado el pase del Barça a los cuartos de final de la Champions, pero una serie de ocasiones desperdiciadas y, sobre todo, un penalti fallado por Messi en el último instante, dejan al City con alguna opción después de un partidazo de fútbol, vibrante y que acabó con el público inglés ovacionando a los dos equipos.


Messi ofreció un recital, igual que Suárez, pero tuvo la desgracia de fallar esa pena máxima, cometida por Zabaleta sobre él mismo, y la eliminatoria sigue abierta gracias a un gol de 'Kun' Agüero logrado en los mejores momentos del City, antes de quedarse con diez. Un gol insuficiente pero que mantiene las constantes vitales del conjunto 'citizen'.

El recital del primer tiempo lleva la rúbrica de Luis Suárez, autor material del estropicio de la primera parte, pero es colectivo. Posesiones largas, circulación rápida, recuperaciones rápidas tras las escasas pérdidas, concentración y tensión competitivas máximas y hasta detallazos técnicos como un control de espuela de Rakitic o un recorte de Neymar a Zabaleta que sentó al lateral argentino, que no le perdonó y anduvo buscando sus tobillos toda la noche.

Ciertamente, Pellgrini no mentía cuando dijo que iba a intentar tener el balón. El problema del City es que sus posesiones fueron inocuas, con David Silva desaparecido, un Djeko combativo pero aislado ante la defensa azulgrana y un Kun agazapado hasta el último minuto del primer acto, cuando aceleró y pasó a Milner, cuyo remate fue detenido por Ter Stegen.


El Barça fue todo lo contrario. Bien aposentado, supo aprovechar la fragilidad del doble pivote del City (nefastos Fernando y Milner) y de un Demichelis que continúa siendo una calamidad. Pero, aunque las pérdidas de balón del City en la media eran terreno abonado para la pegada del tridente barcelonista, los goles llegaron en jugadas de ataque estático.


Suárez, auténtica bestia negra del meta Hart, al que acribilló en el Mundial del pasado verano, inauguró el marcador a centro de Messi desde la derecha, un balón de los de toda la vida de extremo a 'nueve' pero a pierna cambiada: centro de un zurdo desde la derecha. El control de Suárez, afortunado, descolocó a Kompany, que dejó toda la portería para el charrúa, que marcó con la izquierda.


El segundo, que llegó después de otra ocasión a pase de Neymar que desperdició tratando de chutar por debajo del cuerpo de Hart, lo marcó con la derecha. Otra vez cambió de ritmo Messi para encontrar la subida de Alba, que centró al área pequeña y encontró al 'killer' Suárez presto para marcar.


Neymar y Alves tuvieron el 0-3 antes del descanso. Neymar se quedó solo ante Hart tras pase largo al hueco de Leo, pero trató de colocar el balón por encima del portero. Y unos minutos después, Alves robó un balón en terreno inglés y, con el tridente esperando el centro, le salió un centro-chut que se estrelló en el larguero.


Habiendo llegado con un marcador no del todo desastroso a la segunda parte, el City salió en tromba del vestuario. Djeko cabeceó a las manos de Ter Stregen desde la frontal de la pequeña completamente solo y el 'Kun' cruzó demasiado después de jugada personal.

La entrada en juego de Agüero, con libertad de movimientos entre líneas, estaba haciendo daño a un Mascherano impreciso y al Barça. El argentino acortó distancias tras un balón largo de Clichy que le llegó después de que Mascherano no llegase al despeje. El 'Kun' fusiló a Ter Stegen. Luis Enrique reaccionó situando a Mathieu de central y a Mascherano en la media, protegiendo mejor el eje. El sacrificado, Rakitic.


En estas circunstancias de partido, emergieron Piqué, mariscal de la defensa, e Iniesta, necesario para apostar una dosis de control. Cualquier posibilidad de que el conjunto de Pellegrini diese la vuelta al partido quedó en nada cuando Clichy, que ya tenía una tarjeta, no dudó en entrar con una plancha terrible sobre el tobillo de Alves, con lo que dejó a los suyos con diez. 


Y, si en la primera parte el Barça había perdonado, en el último minuto tuvo la sentencia definitiva desde el punto de penalti. Leo volvió a fallar desde los once metros. Hart detuvo su lanzamiento y el argentinio cabeceó fuera el rechace.

Dost double downs Hertha, Gladbach get late point

Dost double downs Hertha, Gladbach get late point

Bas Dost scored his eighth and ninth goals of 2015 as Wolfsburg claimed a 2-1 German Bundesliga victory over Hertha Berlin on Sunday. The Dutchman, who netted only twice in the first half of the season, put the Wolves in front after ten minutes before supplying the winner after Julian Schieber equalised.

The Wolves were good value for their win, which puts them ten points clear of third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and, more importantly, 12 ahead of Schalke in fourth, meaning they are on course for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Monchengladbach snatched a last-gasp equaliser at Hamburg to maintain their two-point advantage over Schalke. Zoltan Stieber gave the hosts the lead in the 75th minute, but it was not enough to earn Josef Zinnbauer's men a much-needed victory. Branimir Hrgota made it 1-1 with a stoppage-time header to leave Hamburg just two points above the relegation zone.

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

22. Sergio Romero (28) was Argentina’s last line of defence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, where La Albiceleste reached the final for the first time since 1990. He played in all seven of his team’s matches, conceding just four goals and emerging as the hero of the semi-final shoot-out victory over the Netherlands. The athletic goalkeeper also starred for his country at South Africa 2010 and at the 2011 Copa America, as well as at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2008 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, both of which were won by Argentina. A product of Racing Club’s youth academy, Romero represented the senior side for one season before joining Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, where he captured the Eredivisie title and Johan Cruyff Shield. In 2011, he signed for Sampdoria and has since – following a twelve-month loan at Monaco – established himself as the Genoa side’s No1.

23. Joe-Max Moore (44) took part in three World Cups with the United States, in 1994, 1998 and 2002. In 1999, the diminutive forward helped the Stars and Stripes to finish third at the FIFA Confederations Cup, having previously appeared at the Olympic Football Tournament at Barcelona 1992. Moore pulled on the jerseys of Saarbrucken, Nuremberg, Everton, Emelec and New England Revolution during his club career.

24. Denis Law (75) is a living legend of Scottish football, having played at the 1974 World Cup and having earned the European Footballer of the Year award in 1964. The prolific goal machine started out at Huddersfield Town, before moving on to Manchester City and Torino. In the summer of 1962, the Aberdeen native returned to English football, beginning a productive 11-year spell with Manchester United during which he would claim two Charity Shields, an FA Cup, two English League titles and a European Cup, finishing top scorer of the last-named competition.

25. Jenny Bindon (42) played for New Zealand at the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ tournaments, as well as at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. The USA-born keeper turned out for Three Kings United, Glenfield Rovers and Bay Olympic during her domestic career.

26. Griedge Mbock Bathy (20) was a key member of the French side that lifted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2012, at the culmination of which she was awarded the adidas Golden Ball. The solid defender subsequently helped her team-mates to secure a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where this time she finished second in the voting for the Golden Ball. Mbock Bathy has turned out for Guingamp since 2010.

27. Kakha Kaladze (37) was a tremendous ambassador for Georgian football throughout his playing days. After turning professional with Dinamo Tbilisi, with whom he bagged five Georgian League titles and four Georgian Cups, the five-time Georgian Footballer of the Year moved to Dynamo Kiev, where he added three Ukrainian League crowns and three Ukrainian Cups to his CV. In 2001, the talented defender was transferred to AC Milan, where he collected more silverware in the shape of a Serie A title, an Italian Cup, an Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.

28. Christian Poulsen (35) participated in Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010 with Denmark, as well as in the UEFA EURO in 2004 and 2012. The defensive midfielder rose to prominence with Copenhagen, where he gained a Danish League winners’ medal, prior to putting pen to paper with Schalke, where he hoisted the German League Cup. A successful two-year stint at Sevilla, during which he held aloft the Copa del Rey, Super Copa de Espana, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, was followed by spells at Juventus, Liverpool, Evian and Ajax, where he landed two Eredivisie titles and a Johan Cruyff Shield. In September 2014, Poulsen returned to Copenhagen.

Real beat Elche as Sociedad win seven-goal thriller

Real beat Elche as Sociedad win seven-goal thriller

Second-half goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo earned Real Madrid a 2-0 win at struggling Elche that moved them four points clear at the top of the Spanish La Liga.

Benzema, who had earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, tapped home the opener before Ronaldo powered home a header to seal the points. Victory ensured the visitors took full advantage of Barcelona's home defeat to Malaga to further strengthen their hold on top spot.

A last-minute winner from captain Xabi Prieto saw Real Sociedad win a seven-goal thriller against Sevilla 4-3. Imanol Agirretxe volleyed David Moyes' side in front shortly after a quarter of an hour, but Timothee Kolodziejczak headed in an equaliser just before half-time.

Prieto restored La Real's lead from the penalty spot at the start of the second half, but Sevilla turned the game around thanks to a header from Carlos Bacca and a penalty from substitute Kevin Gameiro. However, with nine minutes remaining, Alejandro Arribas put the ball through his own net to make it 3-3 and Prieto struck again in injury time to decide the game.

Villarreal moved within one point of Sevilla as Luciano Vietto came off the bench to secure an under-par Yellow Submarine side a 1-0 victory over Eibar. Elsewhere, Aritz Aduriz netted a late winner as Athletic Bilbao edged a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Infographic: All the key facts and figures about Manchester City

Infographic: All the key facts and figures about Manchester City

BARCELONA&MANCHESTER-CITY

The countdown to Barça’s quarter-final first leg match up with The Sky Blues has begun. We take a look at the stats of Manuel Pellegrini’s side ahead of the game on Feb 24th

FC Barcelona arrive in Manchester

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM

The team's flight touched down in England at 11.55am GMT

FC Barcelona have arrived in Manchester for Tuesday’s Champions League game. Luis Enrique has taken 21 players on the trip and their flight departed El Prat Airport at 10.40am CET and landed in England at 11.55am GMT.

The group is being led by vice-president Javier Faus, directors Susana Monje, Jordi Moix, Josep Ramon Vidal-Abarca and Pau Vilanova. President Josep Maria Bartomeu, vice-presidents Jordi Mestre and Manel Arroyo and directors Silvio Elías and Dídac Lee will be travelling on the day of the match.

The squad are staying at the Lowry Hotel. At 7.00pm CET Gerard Piqué and Luis Enrique will be giving a press conference and an hour later there will be a training session on the City of Manchester pitch. The game kicks off on Tuesday night at 8.45pm CET.

O Real Madrid quer aumentar a vantagem na liderança em Elche

NOTÍCIA | JAVIER GARCÍA

Os brancos procuram uma vitória no Martínez Valero para aumentar para quatro os pontos de vantagem sobre o Barcelona. 

Em estádios como o Martínez Valero ganham-se Ligas. O Real Madrid está consciente disso e sabe que neste momento da temporada todos os jogos começam a ser decisivos. Assim, enfrenta o jogo desta noite (20:00 h portuguesa) com a intenção de conseguir a vitória em Elche e aumentar para quatro pontos a vantagem sobre o Barcelona, que perdeu contra o Málaga.

O confronto acontece depois das importantes vitórias contra o Deportivo e Schalke 04. Agora, o objectivo é dar continuidade a essa linha num jogo que será de intensidade máxima. “Será um jogo difícil que acontece no final de uma semana em que estivemos bem e assim queremos continuar ”, advertiu Ancelotti,  que alcança os 100 jogos oficiais no clube. 

O MADRID PROCURA A VIGÉSIMA VITÓRIA NA LIGA. 

O técnico italiano convocou 20 futebolistas; entre eles os canteranos Diego Llorente e Álvaro Medrán. Continuam de fora Ramos, Coentrão, Modric, Khedira e James. Por seu lado, Cristiano Ronaldo já é o terceiro melhor marcador da história madridista, e enfrenta um adversário a quem marcou quatro golos no jogo da primeira volta.

 O adversário
O Elche recebe o conjunto branco em trajectória ascendente. Os comandados por Fran Escribá ocupam a décima sétima posição, com 23 pontos, e vão tentar continuar a somar pontos para se distanciarem dos lugares de descida. “É difícil mas temos muita ilusão na vitória. Há que estar muito concentrados e imprimir intensidade", assinalou técnico. Jonathas, com nove golos é a principal arma ofensiva.  

Dortmund pick up third consecutive win

Dortmund pick up third consecutive win

Borussia Dortmund picked up their third win in a row to pull away from the Bundesliga's relegation zone while leaving Stuttgart rooted to the bottom of the standings with a 3-2 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put Dortmund in front in the 25th minute, but a Florian Klein penalty brought Stuttgart back on level terms. Ilkay Gundogan restored Dortmund's lead before Marco Reus gave Dortmund a deserved cushion late on. Georg Niedermeier made things a little more interesting in stoppage time, but Stuttgart could count themselves fortunate to get two goals as their future looks bleaker with every game.

Dortmund were quick to stamp their authority on the game with Nuri Sahin seeing his header turned behind by Sven Ulreich before Aubameyang saw a goal disallowed for offside. Only Dortmund were doing any attacking and it seemed inevitable that they would make the breakthrough sooner or later. It happened in the 25th minute when Aubameyang tucked in Shinji Kagawa's pass from eight yards out, this time with the offside flag staying down.

Stuttgart showed some rare signs of life, and suddenly they were given a lifeline when Sahin took Niedermeier's leg from under him as he was preparing to tuck a loose ball into a practically unguarded goal from three yards out. Klein converted the penalty right into the bottom left-hand corner, beyond the reach of Roman Weidenfeller who dived the right way.

Few inside the stadium really seemed convinced that Stuttgart were going to be able to build on their equaliser, though, as Dortmund hit straight back. They regained the lead five minutes before half-time when Kagawa's backheel was helped on by Carlos Gruezo to Gundogan, who slotted his shot inside Ulreich's near post.

Dortmund continued to have an air of superiority in the second half, but struggled to translate that into goal. Kagawa saw his angled shot saved by Ulreich after good work from Reus and Aubameyang before Reus pounced on a weak backpass from Timo Baumgartl to round Ulreich and make it three late on.

It gave a more realistic look to the result, even though Niedermeier's header from a corner in the first minute of stoppage time gave Stuttgart some unexpected and ultimately unfulfilled hope.

Jose Mourinho says John Terry will be offered a new deal at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho says John Terry will be offered a new deal at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has confirmed captain John Terry will be offered a new contract with Chelsea.


Earlier this week Terry said he was hopeful of securing a deal but admitted he had yet to hold any talks with the club over an extension.

However, manager Mourinho believes the 34-year-old, who has started every league game this season, has won the right to play in the Premier League for another year.


Terry, who joined Chelsea 20 years ago as a schoolboy, had accepted the club's rule that over-30s will be offered only yearly contracts.

"I think everybody wants to stay and especially him who has been here all his life,” said Mourinho. “He accepted our policy of going year after year with a smile and he accepted it as a challenge.

"Last year he won the challenge and this year he is winning the right of getting a one-year extension. Sooner or later he will get the season contract he deserves."

Mourinho, meanwhile, added he was not talking about his own contract, despite media reports of an extension.

"I'm different. I have two more years of contract. I want to stay. I think the club is happy but... I don't need a contract right now," Mourinho said.

"I will stay (as long as) Mr Abramovich will want me to stay."

Wilshere returns, Wenger to focus on balance

Wilshere returns, Wenger to focus on balance

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the "balance of the team" must always come first.

The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on 22 November. Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery. It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI. However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone.

"Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back," said Wenger. "It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected). That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle. It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem." Wenger, though, added: "No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes."

Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew. Wenger said: "They have found confidence again and they made positive results and that is what it is about when you are a manager. We always expect a passionate afternoon there."

No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team.Arsene Wenger on not disrupting Arsenal's balance to include Jack Wilshere
Pardew has hailed midfielder Cazorla as Arsenal's stand-out player. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Wenger insists the diminutive midfielder remains very much integral to Arsenal's future plans. "Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well," Wenger said.

"He has extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go. You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there. The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him."

Wenger confirmed former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry had been back at the club this week working with the Academy as part of his first steps into a coaching career. "It is good for our young players to be coached by him, a legend of the club," said Wenger.

Asked if the French FIFA World Cup™ winner could one-day replace him as Arsenal manager, Wenger replied: "That would not be my problem, it would be a problem of the board to make that decision. Yes of course (he could be a future Arsenal manager). I have said that many times, but I have had many, many players who can do this job."

Pedro, muy activo en su partido 300

Pedro, muy activo en su partido 300

Pedro ha marcado 97 goles con la camiseta del Barça

Además, Pedro ha asistido de forma acrobática en el tercer gol del Barça

Celes Piedrabuena 

Trabajo, desequilibrio y compañerismo. Éstas son las tres virtudes que siempre han presidido el juego de Pedro y que una vez más ha desplegado en una tarde de fútbol muy especial para él, pues ante el Levante disputaba su partido 300 en Liga.

22 partidos, 11 como titular

Esta temporada Pedro ha asumido una vez más su rol, en el que era su número 22 que jugaba en Liga, once de ellos, contando el de esta noche, como titular, en los que ha conseguido cinco goles, tres de ellos cuando salía de inicio.

Con el de esta tarde en el Camp Nou, Pedro ha disputado ya 191 partidos de Liga, a los que habría que sumar los 57 de Liga de Campeones, 37 de Copa, 11 en Supercopas y 4 del Mundial de Clubs.

El jugador tinerfeño, que está a tres goles de sumar las 100 dianas como blaugrana, está siendo muy activo, empleándose en defensa como en él es habitual y como exige el guión, asociándose bien con sus compañeros en ataque e iniciando las contras rápidas que caracterizan al nuevo Barça.

Vitória e toca a pensar na Champions League

CRÓNICA | ALBERTO NAVARRO

O golaço de Isco e o tento de Benzema dão os três pontos ao líder da Liga perante um aguerrido Deportivo.

SANTIAGO BERNABÉU

2

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O Real Madrid entrou demolidor. Em pouco mais de vinte minutos, os brancos já se tinham adiantado no marcador, acertado duas bolas nos ferros e desfeito qualquer tipo de dúvida. Cristiano Ronaldo foi o primeiro a acertar no ferro. Marcelo centrou aos 13', Bale controlou e entregou o esférico ao português, que agilmente rodou e rematou com o pé esquerdo de zona frontal. Cinco minutos mais tarde, Fabricio toca o suficiente na bola para que o remate do galês acertasse no travessão.

A sorte fugia dos madridistas. E assim continuou quando um passe atrasado de Benzema aos 22' não encontrou rematador sobre a linha de golo, mas Isco aproveitou o passe de Arbeloa para fazer um golo de belo efeito, muito parecido com o que marcou ao Almería. O natural de Málaga controlou no esquina da área, levantou a cabeça e superou Fabricio com um remate em arco tão elegante como eficiente. 

O REAL MADRID É A EQUIPA COM MAIS REMATES AOS FERROS NESTA LIGA (16).

O final da primeira metade teve Cristiano Ronaldo como protagonista. O português caiu na área aos 37' ao tentar fintar Luisinho, mas Estrada Fernández não viu pénalti na acção. Seis minutos mais tarde levantou o público dos lugares com uma finta de antologia. Foi espectacular a finta que fez a Manuel Pablo.

Defesa de Casillas
Começou com um susto a segunda metade. Se o Real Madrid tinha acertado nos postes em duas ocasiões no início do jogo, agora foi a vez do conjunto galego aos 48' após um vólei de Borges. Dois minutos mais tarde foi Casillas quem evitou o empate. A sua defesa ao remate de cabeça de Riera da marca de pénalti foi decisiva.

Estreou-se Lucas Silva 

A partir desse momento o jogo partiu-se. Aconteciam mais ataques em ambas as áreas, e Ancelotti decidiu que era o momento para Lucas Silva se estrear, substituindo Illarra aos 71'. Dois minutos mais tarde aconteceu o golo dos locais. Foi tudo ao primeiro toque. Arbeloa iniciou a jogada com um magnífico passe para Cristiano Ronaldo, este assistiu Benzema e o francês picou a bola com o pé esquerdo de forma subtil para superar Fabricio.

Importante vitória do Real Madrid. Os brancos mantêm-se na liderança, colocam pressão nos rivais na luta pela Liga e já pensam no regresso da Champions League. Esta quarta-feira, na Veltins-Arena, continuam a defesa do título de campeão da Europa.

Cristiano Ronaldo estreou-se pelo Real Madrid contra o Deportivo

NOTÍCIA |  JAVIER GARCÍA

O português marcou frente ao conjunto galego, no seu primeiro jogo oficial pelo Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo guarda boas recordações dos confrontos com o Deportivo. O português disputou o seu primeiro jogo oficial pelo Real Madrid e também se estreou como goleador merengue precisamente face ao conjunto galego. Foi a 29 de Agosto de 2009, na vitória por 3-2, no Santiago Bernabéu. Cristiano marcou de penálti o segundo golo dos madridistas.

Após essa partida, o Deportivo visitou o Real Madrid em outras duas ocasiões, na Liga, e em ambas encaixou golos do sete branco. Em 2010, bisou e, em 2012, fez um hat-trick. Para além disso, no embate desta temporada, no Riazor, Cristiano também marcou três golos.

Benzema e Marcelo também se estrearam frente ao Deportivo
O primeiro jogo oficial de Cristiano no Real Madrid também assinalou a estreia de Benzema. O francês integrou o onze inicial e disputou os primeiros 72 minutos. Por seu lado, Marcelo também fez a sua estreia como madridista ante o Deportivo, mas tal aconteceu no Riazor, em Janeiro de 2007.

Five keys to victory over Villarreal

Five keys to victory over Villarreal

WWW.FCBARCELONA.COM

Camp Nou, the pressure, resilience, Iniesta and Mascherano were all big keys to the first leg win


Camp Nou: Just before the game there was a moment of silence held in memory of Udo Lattek. When it was over and the referee blew his whistle to start the match, the 57,378 spectators started cheering and didn't stop until the very end, becoming the 12th man in an effort to help their team move towards the final of the Spanish Cup. Tonight's was the final match of this competition at Camp Nou and, just like the last three ties with Huesca, Elche and Atlético Madrid, the culers won the first leg.

Pressure: Barça's three strikers, with Suárez out in front, as well as the midfielders, pressed Villarreal and denied them mobility. It was this pressure that gave Barça a 1–0 lead as pressure from Neymar and Iniesta allowed Suárez to steal the ball from Musacchio and dish to Messi for the first goal.

Iniesta: The captain led the team from the first minute. After resting in the last match at San Mamés, the midfielder was a big key both on defence and attack. It was his goal that gave Barça a 2-1 lead in the second half. In addition, his dribbling drew rounds of applause throughout the night. Near the end of the game with the ball at his feet and surrounded by yellow, four Villarreal players could only stop Iniesta by fouling him.

Resilience: The same thing happened Sunday at San Mamés and again tonight against Villarreal. Barça responded quickly to an opponent's goal by getting one right back. Against Athletic Club, Aduriz's goal was answered after just 2 minutes and 26 seconds, giving Barça a 3–1 lead. Against Villarreal, Trigueros' goal and the subsequent score by Iniesta came just 1 minute and 46 seconds apart.

Mascherano: Luis Enrique decided on tonight's line up to get the Argentine midfielder further up field. So it was no surprise that Mascherano dominated play with excellent positioning. His aggressiveness was key to muting Villarreal's dangerous transitions. The fans cheered every time he made a key steal, just as he did on 61 minutes when he came flying in with a brilliant tackle on Cheryshev to take the ball.

Robben: The Spain result was crazy

Robben: The Spain result was crazy

Memories are curious things; regardless of whether they are positive or negative, everyone is able to identify with the feelings that are stirred up when certain recollections are brought to mind. Perhaps they draw an unconscious smile or send a shiver down the spine, but they can also provoke wistful thoughts of what might have been.

Footballers are no different, as FIFA.com’s new interactive video interviews show, in which the standout performers at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ look back on select moments from the tournament - without knowing which clips they will see.  In doing so they express surprise, amusement and reveal their likeable characters: after all, even the greatest players are only human too.

Lionel Messi was the first to take the challenge and now Dutch attacker Arjen Robben follows suit, having inspired the Netherlands’ progress in Brazil with his sensational displays as both creator and goalscorer.

A sixth sense
Robben had spells with PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid before moving to Bayern Munich in 2009. In the Oranje’s first game at Brazil 2014, he faced former club-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos of defending champions Spain.He did not speak to them directly after the encounter, however. “It’s difficult after the game because they were very disappointed,” Robben said. “They’d lost the match 5-1. They’re exceptional players and it was a privilege to play with them in Madrid. Now we’ve played against each other a few times, but always with a lot of respect.”

Robben scored twice in that match and although he was not on target in the Round-of-16 tie with Mexico, he did win the penalty shortly before the final whistle that helped the Netherlands reach the next round.

Indeed, being fouled is nothing new for the Dutchman, who has to take extra care to protect himself from rough challenges. “It’s a bit of a shame that you showed this video,” the 31-year-old said, turning on the charm. “In the same game there were a lot of fouls. In the first half a defender broke his ankle by kicking me. It was also a penalty. There are many examples of fouls and you need to have a kind of sixth sense in order to see what’s coming. You have to try to protect yourself but it’s not always possible.”

Unfortunately for Robben, he did not see Javier Mascherano approach in the semi-final against Argentina, just when he looked certain to score: “I was more focused on the ball and looking at the goalkeeper and where I was going to shoot. We’ll never know what would’ve happened if he hadn’t been there with his big toe and the ball had gone in. But that’s football.”

More from Robben...
If you would like to hear what else Robben had to say then simply click on the video above and discover his thoughts on the comprehensive 5-1 thrashing of Spain in the Netherlands’ opening World Cup game, the gripping last-16 encounter with Mexico - last-gasp penalty included - the goalkeeper swap in the match against Costa Rica, the chance he missed against Argentina and Germany’s triumph in the Final at the Maracana.

Nacho, 50 jogos no Real Madrid

NOTÍCIA | 

Possiu no seu palmarés Champions, Mundial de Clubes, Supertaça da Europa, Taça do Rei e Supretaça de Espanha.e

Nacho já soma 50 partidas pelo Real Madrid. O defesa, que se estreou na equipa principal em Abril de 2011, frente ao Valência, possui um vsto palmarés com o conjunto merengue. Aos 25 anos, já conquistou uma Champions League, um Mundial de Clubes, uma Supertaça da Europa, uma Taça do Rei e uma Supertaça de Espanha.

Esta temporada, o canterano já participou em 15 encontros. Num deles, no triunfo do passado dia 10 de Janeiro, diante do Espanhol, marcou o seu primeiro golo pela equipa principal.

Keeping it in the family

Keeping it in the family

The last time Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire met in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1992, when it took 120 minutes of football and 24 penalties to separate the two sides. Captaining the Black Stars team in Senegal was Abedi Pele, and Sunday two of his sons will have an opportunity to restore the family pride as they line up against the Elephants in the championship match of the 2015 edition of the tournament. 

Amazingly enough, Andre and Jordan Ayew, who both scored in their side's 3-0 semi-final win against the hosts Equatorial Guinea, will meet another pair of brothers in Ivorian duo Kolo and Yaya Toure. FIFA.com looks at the sets of brothers and what they mean to two of Africa's glamour teams.

The Ayew brothers
When asked about that famous final two decades ago, the Ayews have played down comparisons to 1992 and their father. “We are just happy to be in the final, and I am sure that we made the whole country happy. We want to win the game on Sunday not because of 1992, but because we have not won [an AFCON] since 1982”, said Jordan, who scored the opener from the penalty spot shortly before the break.

Jordan and Andre are known for their hard work, and their selflessness when on international duty has been on notable display recently. "When I come to the Black Stars, it is all about the team. When I am in Europe with my club, then my personal aspect matters, but with the national team, it is only the squad that matters,” added Jordan.

Andre, who captained the Black Stars against the hosts in the absence of Asamoah Gyan, said that the final will be open. “Both teams have a chance of winning the match, so it will be very important for us to rest and recuperate before the game. We have a day less than Côte d'Ivoire and would have preferred to have more time to prepare, but a final is a final and we will be ready. We will do everything in our power to bring the trophy. There is no word to describe how much we want to win the trophy.

“People are questioning whether we are ready to lift the trophy again after so many years, but if we were not ready, we would not have beaten Equatorial Guinea in the semi-finals. We are ready.”

The Toure brothers
Yaya has become one of the world's greatest players, but the four-time African footballer of the Year took some time to find his form in this competition. However, the Manchester City midfielder seems to have peaked at the right time. Playing in his sixth AFCON finals, he scored an astonishing goal against the DR Congo in the semi-final and inspired his side to a 3-1 victory.

He has also taken up more of a leadership role since the retirement of Didier Drogba. “Being captain gives me great pride and I need to lead the players. We are here because we want to win the tournament and show people that we are a great country. We have a new generation of players and it is my role to lead these players. I hope to be able to do that in the final,” he said.

Côte d'Ivoire coach Herve Renard was dismissive of criticism that his captain had not played his part in the Elephants' run into the final. "I hear a lot of people saying things about Yaya Toure in Africa, but he's a big player. He showed that to all the people in the semi-final, that suddenly he can change matches. It was an amazing goal".

Both brothers have already been on the losing side in two Africa Cup of Nations finals and are eager to put that disappointment behind them. 33-year-old Kolo, who is two years older than his brother, has announced his plans to retire from the national team at the end of the tournament. “It will be great to end with a victory. We have been waiting for too long and we want to make sure that we can bring the trophy back to Abidjan this time around.”

Irrespective of who wins Sunday's final in the Estadio de Bata, the Ayews or Toures will not be the first brothers to have won the showpiece event of African football. That honor goes to the Vassalo brothers, Italo and Luciano, who are still considered amongst the best Ethiopian footballers ever. Luciano captained the side and Italo scored one of the goals as the Walias won in 1962. Since then, there have been others, like François Omam-Biyik and Andre Kana-Biyik who won with the Indomitable Lions in 1988 and the Katongo brothers Felix and Christopher, who were a part of the 2012 Zambian winning side.

On Sunday the list will be joined by another set of brothers. It remains to be seen whether it is the Ayews or the Toures.

FC Barcelona v Villarreal 3-2: Show of resilience

FC Barcelona v Villarreal 3-2: Show of resilience

MIKE TOLL 

Barça bounce back from a pair of one-goal deficits 

Neymar strikes just before the half; Rafinha and Messi finish the job 




In what was billed as a major test for two teams that rode into Camp Nou riding a wave of impressive results, it was FC Barcelona who had more answers as they came back twice from a goal down to subdue Villarreal and extend their winning streak to eight games in all competitions, their fourth straight in La Liga.

Good vibrations

The first quarter hour saw Barça monopolise possession, with the Yellow Submarine barely getting out of their own end in spite of their best intentions to string together enough passes to mount an attack. Luís Suárez had Barça’s first three scoring chances, although only one of them registered a shot on goal, as Suárez had a shot from point-blank range turned away by Villarreal keeper Asenjo on 13 minutes. Suárez had another chance in the 20th as his attempted bicycle kick was just off target.

As the half hour mark arrived, Villarreal raced out on a counterattack and, after a moment of indecision, Mario one-timed from outside the area, with Cheryshev just sticking out his foot to redirect past a diving Claudio Bravo and give Villarreal a 1–0 lead.

Down, but not out

Barça had trouble getting more opportunities until just before the half when Messi found Rafinha in the area. Rafinha’s shot was saved by Asenjo but the rebound fell right to Neymar, who banged it in to draw even.

Barça wanted to ride that energy back out onto the field after the break, but in the 51st minute, Villarreal went back on top after Piqué misjudged a ball near midfield. Giovani flew in and carried to the end line where, running out of real estate, he made a hard cut to avoid Bravo and find Vietto waiting alone to tap into the open goal. Camp Nou went silent.

Knock, knock

But just as the silence turned to a general sense of uneasiness, Rafinha got one right back after finishing off a sequence that saw both Messi and Neymar denied.

The cheering fans were just retaking their seats in the 55th when they were greeted with yet another surprise, as none other than Leo Messi put the culers on top 3–2 by depositing a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area. He was assisted on the play by Suárez.

Finally out in front, the blaugranes took a deep breath and slowly wore down Villarreal in the final 30 minutes. The visitors didn’t create any more danger as they fell for the first time since November. For Barça, the win proved their resilience, a powerful trait to have, as they march toward a decisive stretch of the season.

Xavi plays down rumours of unrest

Xavi plays down rumours of unrest

Midfielder Xavi insists calm has been restored to the Barcelona dressing room after recent suggestions of unrest among the squad had threatened to derail their season.

A surprise defeat to Real Sociedad in the Primera Division last month was swiftly followed by reports that star player Lionel Messi had clashed with coach Luis Enrique and could even leave the club because he was becoming increasingly unhappy with how things had deteriorated at the Nou Camp. However, the Argentina international later addressed the speculation as "lies", while a run of three consecutive wins plus a midweek victory over Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey suggests a crisis has been averted at Barça. And Xavi admits their focus now is on the trophies they can still win come the end of the campaign, with the league, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League well within their capabilities.

"We're united and hungry," Xavi told the club's official website. "Things always happen in the locker room, they'll continue to happen, and I think it's good that they happen. The team has moved on and doesn't care about it any more. Everything is based on results and now it seems that everything is wonderful. It's great for the whole team."

Barça lie just one point behind leaders Real Madrid, who take on Real Sociedad at the Bernebeu on Saturday a day before the Catalans meet Villarreal. Madrid are also riding a three-match winning run in La Liga but will be without leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo this weekend, as he begins a two-match ban for the red card he received against Cordoba last weekend. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has no doubt the leaders will manage without the Portuguese star, saying: ''A ban is never a good thing but we will cope with it, no problem.

"We will play the same formation as always, 4-4-2, with Gareth Bale on the left and James Rodriguez on the right. James will have a more forward position."

Atletico are ready to pounce should the top two slip up. They are four points off top spot and visit mid-table Eibar on Saturday looking for an immediate response to their cup exit at the hands of Barça. At the wrong end of the table, Granada take on fellow strugglers Elche on Saturday knowing three points would lift them off the foot of the table and above their opponents. Elche saw a three-match unbeaten run ended last weekend with a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Barcelona.

Celta Vigo are also in action on Saturday and will be aiming to arrest their slide down the table at home to Cordoba, having lost eight of their last ten league matches.

Sunday's matches see Levante, who are without a win since 23 November, take on Athletic Bilbao, Getafe travel to Almeria and Sevilla face Espanyol in a repeat of their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash, which the Barcelona-based team won. Rayo Vallecano kick-off the weekend's action with the visit of Deportivo La Coruna on Friday night, with Valencia's trip to Malaga on Monday bringing the curtain down on the 21st round of fixtures.

Spanish La Liga fixtures
Friday
Rayo Vallecano v Deportivo La Coruna

Saturday
Real Madrid v Real Sociedad
Eibar v Atletico Madrid
Granada v Elche
Celta Vigo v Cordoba 

Sunday
Levante v Athletic Club 
Almeria v Getafe
Sevilla v Espanyol 
Barcelona v Villarreal

Monday
Malaga v Valencia