Barcelona v Atletico Madrid: Do Barca truly require Griezmann?

  

Barcelona v Atletico Madrid: Do Barca truly require Griezmann ? 

4 March 2018 08:00 

It is looking progressively likely that Antoine Griezmann will be a Barcelona player before the finish of 2018. 

Most recent reports in Spain - as Atleti get ready to movement to Camp Nou on Sunday for a crunch title standoff - propose an assention has been come to between the player's agents and Barca, who have even kept aside the number seven shirt in expectation of his entry. 

The LaLiga pioneers' senior players are said to have given their endorsement to the marking of the France universal, whose €100million discharge statement speaks to a moderately humble cost in the post-Neymar scene. 

Barca would likely free up reserves for Griezmann's charge and wages by offloading any semblance of Andre Gomes, Munir El Haddadi and Paco Alcacer, with president Josep Maria Bartomeu allegedly having driven arrangements to a time when both the Catalans and Atletico Madrid would be punished monetarily if the arrangement failed to work out. 

Notwithstanding, even with the foundation for the exchange obviously laid, there are question marks over why Barca need to sign another forward, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho involving a 'phenomenal four'. 

So what, precisely, would the 26-year-old convey to Camp Nou? What might be his part? With the assistance of Opta information, we go investigating... 

8 - Antoine Griezmann's keep going 10 shots on focus in all rivalries:

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Neymar won't confront Madrid and ought to have operation, says father

28 February 2018

Neymar's dad demands his child has no possibility of playing in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League confrontation against Real Madrid and trusts surgery on a broken foot is the "snappiest approach to quicken the player's recuperation".

The world's most costly player supported a hairline break to the fifth metatarsal of his correct foot amid PSG's 3-0 prevail upon Marseille on Sunday.

PSG head mentor Unai Emery told journalists on Tuesday that there was "a little shot" Neymar could confront Real Madrid in the Champions League on March 6, when the Ligue 1 pioneers will expect to topple a 3-1 first-leg shortage at the Parc des Princes.

Emery clarified a choice was yet to be made on whether Neymar would experience surgery at the same time, with fears developing in his country over the forward's wellness for Brazil's World Cup crusade, Neymar Sr revealed to ESPN Brasil that course will realize a speedier come back to activity and expelled the idea of his child including in any potential rebound versus Madrid.

"We need to sit tight for the club's choice. PSG is sitting tight for the correct minute," he said. "The group specialist [Rodrigo Lasmar from Brazil's national setup] will arrive and they will settle on that choice together.

"Tomorrow [Wednesday] they will meet and choose. We would not like to be in this circumstance, yet we should endeavor to recoup Neymar decently well.

"PSG definitely know they won't have Neymar for six to two months, paying little heed to whether there is surgery or not.

"It is imperative to make it rapidly in light of the fact that we can't pause. Surgery is the fastest method to quicken the player's recuperation."

The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) reported head mentor Tite would postpone naming his squad for the diversions against Russia and Germany one month from now until March 12 following a pile of unwelcome end of the week concerns.

Alongside Neymar's damage, PSG focus back Marquinhos (thigh) and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho (hamstring) likewise endured wellness misfortunes, while Real Madrid left-back Marcelo is attempting to come back from a solid issue and Casemiro missed the European champions' 1-0 overcome at Espanyol because of a stomach grievance.<football>

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Pogba, Martial begin for Manchester United as Chelsea bring back Morata

Pogba, Martial begin for Manchester United as Chelsea bring back Morata 

25 February 2018 

Paul Pogba has been named in Manchester United's beginning line-up for Sunday's Premier League conflict with Chelsea. 

The 24-year-old was dropped for the last association diversion at Old Trafford, against Huddersfield Town on February 3, and was likewise let well enough alone for the beginning XI for the Champions League trek to Sevilla. 

The France worldwide is a piece of a three-man midfield for the gathering at Old Trafford, nearby Scott McTominay and previous Blues midfielder Nemanja Matic, with Ander Herrera out through damage. 

Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez join Romelu Lukaku in a three-pronged assault. 

The present #MUFC beginning XI - and it would appear that 4-3-3 for the Reds! 

#MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/h2Ri0JDeM8 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 25, 2018 

Chelsea have reviewed Alvaro Morata to the XI in a class diversion out of the blue since the 0-0 draw with Leicester City on January 13. 

Eden Hazard and Willian will play either side of the Spain striker in Antonio Conte's 3-4-3, while Danny Drinkwater has been liked to Cesc Fabregas amidst midfield. 

Gary Cahill is on the seat, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger named in the back three. 

Chelsea group: Courtois; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Drinkwater, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Hazard. 

Subs: Caballero, Cahill, Zappacosta, Emerson, Fabregas, Pedro, Giroud

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Ronaldo is a cooperative person - Zidane hails Real Madrid star's Benzema motion

Ronaldo is a cooperative person - Zidane hails Real Madrid star's Benzema motion 

25 February 2018 

Cristiano Ronaldo's choice to leave behind the possibility of a cap trap and let Karim Benzema finish the 4-0 prevail upon Alaves drew commend from Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. 

Benzema has persevered through a torrid season before objective, scoring only three times in LaLiga preceding Saturday's diversion as he drives a standout amongst the most vaunted assaults in world football. 

Areas of the Santiago Bernabeu scoffed the French striker when he lost his balance to skew a superb open door wide with the amusement bolted at 0-0. 

Be that as it may, the 30-year-old reacted to that mishap by making Ronaldo's 44th-minute opener with a charming backheel and laying on Gareth Bale's strike inside a large portion of a moment of the restart. 

Ronaldo included an eminent third yet made room for Benzema to change over a 89th-minute punishment after Victor Laguardia cut down Bale. 

"I'm cheerful for Cristiano's pleasant signal with Karim," Zidane told a post-coordinate news gathering, having watched his much-vaunted 'BBC' forward line all score in a similar counterpart out of the blue this season. 

"This shows he is a cooperative person. Karim merited this, to score an objective, as he had played a decent diversion." 

An extremely fulfilling evening at the Bernabéu! #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/nyq4VUO5nA 

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 24, 2018 

A significant part of the pre-coordinate spotlight was on Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo all being named in the beginning XI yet Zidane set his collaborate ostensibly in a 4-4-2 arrangement, with the Wales global and Lucas Vazquez urging the flanks. 

Accordingly, the head mentor was quick to guarantee Lucas got his offer of the acclaim for a determined hostile execution after half-time. 

"The BBC were dependably there," Zidane said. "They played a decent diversion, additionally Lucas Vazquez, the four in advance all played extremely well. I am cheerful for the four. 

"We will see [if Bale remains on the left] I needed to see Gareth in this position, at that point we will find in the accompanying amusements. 

"In any case, right now we have a greater amount of the consistency that we need in our play, our core interest. What's more, that accompanies recouping certainty, which is major for a player." 

Alaves were on a keep running of three successive wins in LaLiga however the man who has directed an amazing resurgence in shape, head mentor Abelardo, felt his side kept running into a Madrid side on their best keep running of frame this season. 

"Their second objective was critical, without a doubt," Abelardo told journalists. "In the principal half we had done entirely well yet the second objective so soon killed us. 

"We've met Madrid taking care of business snapshot of season. The diversion against PSG restored their certainty, which had been missing previously."

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Navas not amazed by Ronaldo's Benzema signal

Navas not amazed by Ronaldo's Benzema signal 

25 February 2018 

Cristiano Ronaldo's benevolent signal to permit battling partner Karim Benzema to score in Real Madrid's defeat of Alaves did not come as an astonishment to Keylor Navas. 

Ronaldo left behind the chance to finish his cap trap as he let Benzema seal Madrid's 4-0 triumph over Alaves in LaLiga Saturday. 

Benzema had just scored three association objectives preceding the conflict at the Santiago Bernabeu before five-time Ballon d'Or victor Ronaldo made ready for the Frenchman to change over a 89th-minute punishment. 

"Cristiano's motion says a lot for the kind of group this is and how he is as a man," goalkeeper Navas said post-coordinate. 

"We're all pulling a similar way and we need to demonstrate our solidarity like never before. 

"We're excited with Karim's objective, as colleagues, we need to stick together. We're continually going to battle for each other and keeping in mind that there is a considerable measure of discuss Karim right now, we need to help each other." 

An exceptionally fulfilling evening at the Bernabéu!#RMLiga pic.twitter.com/nyq4VUO5nA 

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 24, 2018 

On Benzema, Lucas Vazquez included: "He had a spectacular amusement, if two helps and scored… We're extremely content with his endeavors and how about we trust that this proceeds. He's slam into frame at this moment." 

Guarding champions Madrid are third in LaLiga, 14 focuses behind pioneers and adversaries Barcelona.

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Genuine Madrid's 'BBC' strikeforce hit back with a retaliation when Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema all scored in a 4-0 prevail upon Alaves on Saturday as the champions moved inside four purposes of second-set Atletico Madrid. 

Ronaldo came back to the beginning line-up in the wake of being refreshed for Wednesday's diversion with Leganes and subsequent to shaking off an excruciating lower leg thump the Portuguese put Real ahead on the stroke of halftime, exploiting an astute backheel from Benzema. 

Benzema was likewise the impetus for Real's second objective which went under a moment into the second half, with the Frenchman winning the ball back in midfield and tearing towards objective, slipping it into Bale's way for the Wales universal to opening it inside the close post. 

Ronaldo struck Real's third objective of the day and his 299th in La Liga in the 61st moment, meeting a reduction from in-frame winger Lucas Vazquez first time and sending it under the compass of previous Real goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco. 

Ronaldo at that point surrendered the chance to score a cap trap by offering Benzema punishment taking obligations after Bale was cut down, and the Frenchman committed no error, changing over from the spot in the 89th moment. 

Genuine are third in the standings on 51 focuses, 11 behind pioneers Barcelona who have Girona later on Saturday and four from Atletico, who can enlarge the hole back to seven when they visit Sevilla on Sunday.

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Man Utd news: Barcelona star 'persuaded' David De Gea will join Real Madrid this late spring

Man Utd news: Barcelona star 'persuaded' David De Gea will join Real Madrid this late spring 

DAVID DE GEA keeps on being connected with a move to Real Madrid. 

By AARON STOKES 

Distributed: 11:51, Sun, Feb 25, 2018 | UPDATED: 11:55, Sun, Feb 25, 2018 

David De GeaGetty 

David De Gea keeps on being connected with Real Madrid 

The Manchester United stop-plug has been in roused shape as of late, which has done nothing to dissipate the bits of gossip about a move to the Spanish capital. 

Madrid have battled for the lion's share of this season and its a well known fact Zinedine Zidane needs another goalkeeper in the middle of the sticks next season to stay away from a rehash of this crusade. 

Also, as per Spanish outlet Don Balon, one Spain universal knows completely that De Gea will move this late spring. 

The distribution claims Gerard Pique has officially affirmed the arrangement.

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EFL Cup last: Where do Aguero and Aubameyang rank among Europe's tip top? 

24 February 2018 

Manchester City and Arsenal will have the capacity to call upon two experts of their art as they pursue EFL Cup last grandness at Wembley on Sunday. 

Sergio Aguero is now City's unsurpassed best goalscorer and two short of raising 200 for the club, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's productive adventures at Borussia Dortmund implied there was unmistakable fervor when he landed as Arsenal's £56million record marking a month ago. 

Aguero's profits in the course of the last five seasons are amazingly reliable and he is on course for his most productive crusade yet, regardless of questions enduring over how much confidence City supervisor Pep Guardiola really has in his star forward. 

The Argentina universal is on 29 this term, following on from pulls of 29, 33, 29, 32 and 28. In spite of successive battles with solid wounds until the point when last season, when suspensions and Gabriel Jesus' entry offered new entanglements, Aguero has not faltered. 

Hitting the 40-objective stamp is well inside the 29-year-old's sights, something Aubameyang accomplished in 2016-17 having hit 39 the prior year. He outscored Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski to top the individual Bundesliga diagrams last season. 

Yet, for all their unquenchable hunger inside the 18-yard box, Aguero and Aubameyang include an inquisitive status inside the tip top of which they are without a doubt a section. 

14 - Sergio Aguero has scored 14 objectives in all rivalries in 2018, while no other @premierleague player has yet achieved twofold figures. Pioneer. pic.twitter.com/xCQm2rKNUo 

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2018 

As charges of €100m and more were sprinkled keep going close season, constantly on prime assaulting ability, Aguero and Aubameyang were oddly truant from the discussion. 

Without a doubt, reducing Aubameyang jarringly connecting himself with Real Madrid on various events, neither have been at the focal point of a big deal exchange adventure while others, whose accomplishments are less in number, have. 

At 28, the move to Arsenal is probably going to be the significant exchange of Aubameyang's profession and Aguero, particularly in light of his frequently expressed aspirations to come back to Independiente before calling time on his playing days, will most likely never recover more than the £38m City paid Atletico Madrid for his administrations in 2011. 

There are, obviously, a predetermined number of spaces for strikers at Europe's most selective clubs and Aguero plays for one with certifiable aspirations to exist in that section. 

In any case, considering Real Madrid's squad stasis and Paris Saint-Germain redesigning their forward line as of late – Aubameyang joining England's 6th best group at introduce feels odd in these conditions, while saying a lot for the cash on offer in the Premier League and Arsene Wenger's convincing forces. 

Madrid are allegedly drawn towards one of Aguero's kinsmen, Mauro Icardi, as Karim Benzema's works proceed. Aguero's status as a previous Atletico star would have confounded any change to the Santiago Bernabeu, while the possibility of him connecting up with his extraordinary companion Lionel Messi on the opposite side of the Clasico isolate has scarcely ever been esteemed deserving of a specify. 

Where Aubameyang and Aguero are positioned inside the present period will be settled by what they do over the coming months and years at Arsenal and City. The Gunners' by and large removed closeness from Premier League title races and Guardiola's want to include more forward capability speak to huge hindrances. For the present, Sunday at Wembley speaks to an alluring subsequent stage for two would-be greats. 

116 - Only Friedhelm Konietzka has a superior minutes for every objective proportion in the #Bundesliga for @BVB than @Aubameyang7 (116 mins/objective, least 10 objectives). Heavy armament specialist. #DeadlineDay @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/6w7LgxViyH 

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) January 31, 2018 

Most objectives over Europe's 'huge five' associations since 2013-14 (all rivalries) 

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 231 

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) 222 

Luis Suarez (Liverpool/Barcelona) 172 

Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund/Bayern Munich) 167 

Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) 160 

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) 151 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain) 150 

Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli/Juventus) 143 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund/Arsenal) 142 

Neymar (Barcelona/PSG) 133 

Harry Kane (Tottenham) 132 

Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao) 122 

Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon/Arsenal) 122 

Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad/Atletico Madrid) 116 

Romelu Lukaku (Everton/Manchester United) 108 

Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona/Arsenal/Manchester United) 102 

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) 100 

- Using information from the rundown above accumulated by Opta, Aguero's arrival of an objective at regular intervals is the fourth best in Europe over the period being referred to. Just Ronaldo and Messi plunge underneath superior to 100 minutes for each objective. 

- Aubameyang is one of just five players leaned to score with more than 20 for each penny of his objective endeavors, out-playing out any semblance of Lewandowski, Messi, Kane, Higuain and Ronaldo. 

- Evidence of Aguero's clinical propensities can be found in Opta's normal objectives (xG) information for this season. His 21 Premier League set against a xG of 15.4 is a greater over-execution than some other player in the division.

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Youthful: Man United can win Champions League

Youthful: Man United can win Champions League

20 February 2018 02:42

Ashley Young trusts Manchester United are fit for winning the Champions League this season.

Jose Mourinho's men influence the outing to Sevilla for the primary leg of their keep going 16 to tie on Wednesday and are falling off a FA Cup prevail upon Huddersfield Town.

While United are just viewed as an outside shot of winning the Champions League, Young trusts they are fit.

"Obviously [we can win the Champions League]," he said.

"You don't enter an opposition not to win it. That is the thing that we will hope to do and take each diversion as it comes.

"The following one is against Sevilla. That is an extreme away amusement like Huddersfield, similar to Newcastle away. That is the thing that the stadium resembles. We simply need to focus on ourselves."

A support from Romelu Lukaku helped United past Huddersfield and into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Belgium worldwide has scored 21 objectives in all rivalries in his first season at Old Trafford and Young hailed the 24-year-old.

"When you have a striker scoring objectives, it's constantly imperative. His hold-up play, his inside and out amusement was phenomenal at Huddersfield, and he's done that all through the season," Young said.

"He's getting objectives. When you have somebody who can hold up the ball like he can and get in the crate it's fabulous.

"Furthermore, you can see the mixes between them. Alexis [Sanchez] comes inside and Rom's seen him and lifted him up too and they're choosing other and they have functioned admirably together up until now."

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Zidane clues at resting Ronaldo for Real Madrid's excursion to Leganes

Zidane clues at resting Ronaldo for Real Madrid's excursion to Leganes

20 February 2018 14:58

Zinedine Zidane has indicated that in-shape Cristiano Ronaldo might be refreshed when Real Madrid visit Leganes in LaLiga on Wednesday.

The Portugal star has discovered his shooting boots in Spain's best flight, having persevered through a troublesome first 50% of the battle.

Ronaldo has gotten eight times in his previous five association trips, while he was likewise on target twice in the 3-1 Champions League prevail upon Paris Saint-Germain.

His most recent objective came as Madrid beat the competition 5-3 of every a LaLiga great away to Real Betis on Sunday.

Be that as it may, regardless of Madrid as yet being a point untied of third-put Valencia before playing an amusement close by they have held since the Club World Cup, head mentor Zidane is contemplating whether to give his charm a breather.

"I don't know how long consecutively [Ronaldo] has played 60 or 70 diversions, however he doesn't stop," Zidane told a pre-coordinate news gathering.

"There comes a minute when it is vital for him, for the group, for everything, for him to not play. He is better along these lines.

"Obviously we discuss it, for the benefit of everybody."

Zidane likewise lauded the endeavors of Gareth Bale, who has again been connected with an arrival to the Premier League this week, in the midst of a troublesome run that has seen him neglect to score in his previous five appearances.

"Gareth is how he will be, he tries to put forth a valiant effort and that is all," he included.

"There is a great deal of discuss him somehow, yet the essential thing is to understand that the group is imperative. I request that they give their everything and he tries."
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with Man Utd in front of Sevilla tie

with Man Utd in front of Sevilla tie

20 February 2018 15:10

Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were both engaged with Manchester United preparing on Tuesday as they get ready to confront Sevilla in the Champions League last 16.

France star Pogba was struck around a secret sickness in front of the Red Devils' FA Cup prevail upon Huddersfield Town a weekend ago.

Be that as it may, the midfielder was accounted for to have prepared on Sunday and was again required with whatever is left of the group as they finished last arrangements to confront the Spanish side in Wednesday's away first leg.

It stays to be checked whether Pogba will begin with his shape and association with chief Jose Mourinho under exceptional investigation, despite the fact that the director pummeled reports of a dropping out with his player as "lies" before the gathering with the Huddersfield conflict.

Incredible to see these three back in preparing, preparing for Wednesday's #UCL conflict! pic.twitter.com/71oEgVnJGs

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2018

Ibrahimovic was likewise required at Carrington, the Sweden awesome having not highlighted since the 2-2 draw against Burnley on December 26 as he works his way towards full wellness following genuine knee damage supported in April.

Ander Herrera, Antonio Valencia and Marcus Rashford, who all missed the Huddersfield diversion, were additionally present at preparing.

Here's brief comment you up this Tuesday - #MUFC preparing pics in front of tomorrow's #UCL tie against Sevilla! pic.twitter.com/95cgwc9zpN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2018

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Neymar exit made Barcelona more grounded - Ter Stegen

Neymar exit made Barcelona more grounded - Ter Stegen 

18 February 2018 

Neymar's €222million move to Paris Saint-Germain has just served to make Barcelona more grounded this season, says goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

The takeoff came during an era of saw institutional emergency at Barca, with fan outrage at the club's running intensified by a whipping to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana. 

Nonetheless, Ernesto Valverde has driven a peaceful walk towards LaLiga grandness this season, and Barca are unbeaten after 24 class diversions - a run extending back a club-record 31 association challenges - with a solid lead over Atletico Madrid in second. 

In spite of the fact that Barca's mythical 'MSN' strikeforce of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar has been separated, Ter Stegen trusts the squad in general has ventured up after the last left, moving their prosperity this term. 

"The nature of Ney, you can't clarify it," Ter Stegen told ESPN. "Since he was super essential for us, as a man [and] in the group, as a footballer. 

NEW RECORD amusements in @LaLiga without overcome ... levels with the keep running of Pep Guardiola's group in 2010/11 #EibarBarça #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/z0tb1umhqi 

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2018 

"Presently, everybody needs to comprehend what he did on the grounds that possibly he needs to win something different, additionally by and by. 

"His choice just he knows yet at last we needed to remunerate this and this isn't simple since he had so much quality, however we did it diversely and now we have an, exceptionally solid group. 

"I think we are very brave players who have influenced us significantly more grounded and ideally they to rest easy and agreeable in the group and they adjust quick." 

Two of the players drafted in to adjust for the loss of Neymar are Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho. 

The match participated in bargains that could be worth over €300m, yet Ter Stegen says both merit time to indicate they can fill the Brazil star's boots. 

"Dembele didn't play frequently on the grounds that he was harmed [and] Coutinho just came," Ter Stegen said. 

"We generally need to give them time and be understanding since they are youthful and they have some awesome years ahead." 

Barca go to Chelsea on Tuesday for the main leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Valverde has named the most grounded squad conceivable, with just the suspended Nelson Semedo and ineligible Coutinho missing. 

Our group for the excursion to London!

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Genuine Madrid turn out to be first side to score 6,000 objectives in LaLiga

Genuine Madrid turn out to be first side to score 6,000 objectives in LaLiga 

19 February 2018 

There were objectives in abundance at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday as Real Madrid made LaLiga history because of Marco Asensio in an exciting 5-3 triumph over Real Betis. 

Spanish champions Madrid turned into the main side to score 6,000 LaLiga objectives as they upset a 2-1 half-time shortage in Andalusia. 

Asensio opened the scoring in the eleventh moment before Aissa Mandi's strike and a Nacho claim objective saw the guests fall behind. 

Sergio Ramos evened out for Madrid and Asensio at that point indented his second and Madrid's third to raise the breakthrough. 

Objectives from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, either side of a Sergio Leon strike, took Madrid's count to 6,002 before the finish of the match, and fixed every one of the three focuses for Zinedine Zidane's side. 

6000 - Real Madrid are the primary group in La Liga history to achieve 6000 objectives in the opposition. Point of reference. pic.twitter.com/CqWvKWaiMz 

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 18, 2018 

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I wasn't sufficient – Guardiola uncovers Wigan dismissal

I wasn't sufficient – Guardiola uncovers Wigan dismissal 

19 February 2018 

Manchester City supervisor Pep Guardiola uncovered he relatively joined Wigan Athletic as a player, just to be rejected on the grounds that he "was sufficiently bad". 

Guardiola showed up for Barcelona, winning six LaLiga titles and an European Cup among various different trophies. 

In any case, the Spaniard – then in his mid-30s and having quite recently had a stretch at Al-Ahli – needed a change to England in 2005, with Wigan a probability. 

In front of his City side's trek to Wigan in the FA Cup on Monday, Guardiola affirmed he needed a move to the then-Premier League new young men. 

"Better believe it, years prior," he said. 

"I wasn't sufficient, that is reality. I was old, extremely old to come here. 

"I thumped the entryway, I attempted to come here to play in English football as a football player however I was not capable. 

"It was the same as when I endeavored to come here with Stuart Pearce. They were so sharp. I wasn't sufficient." 

That time when Wigan attempted to sign Pep Guardiola! #mancity pic.twitter.com/q8cXDzfhXb 

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 18, 2018 

Guardiola's all-vanquishing City make a beeline for League One high-flyers Wigan as hot top picks to achieve the FA Cup quarter-finals. 

Wigan administrator Paul Cook said he had no plans to treat his Spanish partner much distinctively to different supervisors. 

Approached in the event that he had a drink for Guardiola, Cook stated: "A container of Skol! 

"We regard Pep yet our beverages bureau won't change for anyone. I think we got [West Ham manager] David Moyes a £12 container of wine from Tesco. 

"We'll demonstrate to him the most extreme regard and I'm certain when he leaves he'll have a decent affair of Wigan."
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James leaving Madrid was the best thing, says father

James leaving Madrid was the best thing, says father 

19 February 2018 

James Rodriguez's turn from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich was the best choice he could make, as per his dad. 

In the wake of battling for diversion time at the Santiago Bernabeu, James left to the German mammoths on a two-year advance arrangement in July. 

The Colombian has inspired in the Bundesliga, scoring four times and giving six aids 16 diversions. 

His dad, Wilson Rodriguez, said the 26-year-old's choice to leave Madrid was a decent one. 

"My child did well leaving Real Madrid for Bayern Munich, he is exceptionally cheerful in Germany," he disclosed to Marca Claro. 

"I see him carrying on with a quiet and chipper life and it's unfathomably critical for him to perform on the pitch. 

"He adores Real Madrid a great deal, I don't figure anyone can ever question that, be that as it may, the best thing he could do was leave the group. 

"He had lost the donning satisfaction on the pitch that he had when [Carlo] Ancelotti was mentor." 

Subsequent to influencing 29 to class begins for Madrid in 2014-15, James made less than 18 in the two seasons that took after. 

Wilson Rodriguez said James admired Madrid mentor Zinedine Zidane, who assumed control in January 2016. 

"Zidane was one of James' footballing symbols, yet that doesn't imply that the mentor won't choose that my child can't fit into his group," he said. 

"Be that as it may, you will never hear my child speak gravely about the French mentor or censure him for something identified with football."
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He's solid – Zidane excited with Ronaldo

He's solid – Zidane excited with Ronaldo 

19 February 2018 

Genuine Madrid mentor Zinedine Zidane is pleased to see Cristiano Ronaldo discovering top shape at a significant phase of the season. 

Ronaldo scored again as Madrid conquered Real Betis 5-3 in LaLiga on Sunday. 

After not achieving his typical abnormal states ahead of schedule in the season, the Portuguese star has now scored 10 times in his previous six diversions. 

That keep running of frame has left Zidane satisfied as his group, who are fourth in the association, search for a push late in the battle. 

"He's solid and we're excited to see him scoring and pursuing things down up top," he said. 

"We're heading into the business end of the season and each diversion is crucial. 

Objectives in abundance at the Benito Villamarín! #RMLiga 

11' @marcoasensio10 

50' @SergioRamos 

59' @marcoasensio10 

65' @Cristiano 

90'+2' @Benzema pic.twitter.com/eiTYyT9zXx 

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 18, 2018 

"To see every one of the players looking so sharp is phenomenal and I'm exceptionally satisfied." 

Madrid are 17 focuses behind Barcelona in LaLiga, while they hold a 3-1 lead over Paris Saint-Germain in front of the second leg of their Champions League keep going 16 tie on March 6.
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Chelsea v Barcelona: Messi's blues against the Blues

Chelsea v Barcelona: Messi's blues against the Blues 

19 February 2018 

Barcelona's overwhelming lead at the highest point of LaLiga and place in the Copa del Rey last means Lionel Messi appears to be sure to shine his notoriety for being one of the untouched greats with yet more flatware this season. 

Be that as it may, on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, an upsetting adversary comes into see for the inconsistent Argentinian. 

Regardless of confronting Chelsea eight times in the Champions League amid his stellar profession, Messi has never scored against the authoritative Premier League champions. 

There is no other rival he has confronted all the more as often as possible without finding the net. Here, we glance back at how Chelsea have figured out how to stop the relentless power. 

0 - Lionel Messi has confronted Chelsea eight times without scoring a solitary objective from 29 shots; his most exceedingly bad record against a solitary club amid his vocation. Hex. #UCLDraw pic.twitter.com/PDe4GOndTQ 

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 11, 2017 

2005-06 Champions League round of 16 – Barcelona beat Chelsea 3-2 on total 

A 18-year-old Messi was getting a charge out of a leap forward season in the Barcelona first-group and handed over an amazing execution in a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, wandering aimlessly Asier del Horno to dissatisfaction and a red-card challenge. The damage issues that stubborn Messi's initial years struck in the arrival leg, with hamstring damage guaranteeing the 1-1 draw at Camp Nou was his last appearance of a crusade in which Frank Rijkaard's side walked to European wonderfulness. 

2006-07 Champions League gather arrange – Chelsea 1 Barcelona 0; Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2 

Didier Drogba scored the main objective in London as Chelsea picked up a measure of reprisal for the past season and it was Frank Lampard, not Messi, who created a snapshot of Camp Nou enchantment in the arrival amusement. The England midfielder spun to heave Victor Valdes – Chelsea's first equalizer in a 2-2 draw that Drogba secured profound into stoppage time. Chelsea topped Group An and Barcelona were dispensed with in the primary knockout round by inevitable sprinters up Liverpool. 

2008-09 Champions League semi-last – Barcelona advance on away objectives 

Messi was the gem in Pep Guardiola's all-vanquishing treble side and would go ahead to score in the 2-0 last triumph over Manchester United in Rome. He had no such euphoria in a cagey, questionable semi-last experience, where the principal leg in Catalonia finished goalless. Be that as it may, Messi was available to supply the go for Andres Iniesta to score his shocking and definitive damage time equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. 

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Betis supervisor would have liked to confront Madrid's BBC

     

Betis supervisor would have liked to confront Madrid's BBC 

19 February 2018 

Quique Setien felt Real Betis would have had to a greater degree a shot in their LaLiga coordinate against Real Madrid if Zinedine Zidane had begun with the BBC cutting edge. 

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo were sent in focal assaulting parts by Zidane at the Benito Villamarin, with Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio working out wide as Karim Benzema began among the substitutes. 

Asensio put Madrid ahead however Betis led the pack into half-time following Aissa Mandi's header and a possess objective by Nacho Fernandez. 

Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo found the back of the net either side of a moment for Asensio, with Benzema falling off the seat in the 89th moment to finish a 5-3 triumph after Sergio Leon set up a strained finale. 

"I'm somewhat frustrated. The match could have been over in the main half," Setien told COPE after the match. 

"I nearly would have favored Zidane to play with the BBC rather than Lucas and Asensio. 

"We would have had less issues. They protect less." 

¡Feliz por la victoria! /Happy with the triumph! #RMLiga #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/0ldy86pvVb 

— Marco Asensio (@marcoasensio10) February 18, 2018 

Dani Ceballos was denied an appearance against his previous club and has been utilized by Zidane only six times in LaLiga since his entry from Betis. 

Setien repeated a want to take the 21-year-old midfielder back to Seville 

"At whatever point there are extraordinary players on the seat it is pitiful," he disclosed to Cadena SER. "It would have been beneficial for him to come and for us as well, however things are how they are."

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Iniesta won't be influenced welcome at Stamford To connect, cautions Azpilicueta

Iniesta won't be influenced welcome at Stamford To connect, cautions Azpilicueta

19 February 2018

Cesar Azpilicueta has cautioned Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta to expect an unfriendly gathering from the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Iniesta paralyzed Blues supporters with a wonderful stoppage-time strike to acquire a 1-1 attract the second leg of their 2008-09 Champions League semi-last, sending 10-man Barca through to the last on away objectives.

It was a sledge blow for Chelsea, who saw various punishment claims turned around official Tom Henning Ovrebo in a result that still irritates with the club's steadfast.

Iniesta a week ago said it will be "unique" to come back to Stamford Bridge, yet Azpilicueta supposes it is improbable he will be made to feel welcome.

"I recall that I was in Osasuna when he scored that objective to take Barcelona to the last in Rome," the flexible protector told AS.

"That changed his history so much and I think the Chelsea fans still feel that in their souls.

"I think Andres keeps on producing bad dreams and I don't figure we will get a decent gathering."

Barcelona up next... #CHEBAR pic.twitter.com/vnIl00z14v

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2018

With Chelsea 19 focuses uncontrolled of Premier League pioneers Manchester City, the Champions League and FA Cup speak to the Blues' just residual odds of closure the season with some flatware.

"I can disclose to you that we are extremely eager to get to the quarter-finals, despite the fact that it won't be simple," said Azpilicueta.

"It's continually intriguing to play against a group that has a significant number of the best players on the planet. Barca play well, they recognize what to do constantly and the test is energizing."

On what Chelsea need to do to stop Lionel Messi having the effect, he included: "By playing the session we had always wanted and being as one. There is no other way. He is an alternate player from the rest."

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Lewandowski won't be occupied by Real Madrid bits of gossip

Lewandowski won't be occupied by Real Madrid bits of gossip

19 February 2018

Robert Lewandowski intends to disregard hypothesis about a move to Real Madrid and keep helping Bayern Munich challenge for flatware.

Poland global Lewandowski will be out of agreement at the Allianz Arena in 2021 and has been touted as an objective for Madrid, who are said to be quick to support their assaulting choices following a wavering LaLiga title barrier.

The 29-year-old declines to be occupied by such talk and demands his full spotlight will be on helping Bayern keep on enjoying accomplishment as they surround a 6th progressive Bundesliga title.

"Right now I don't stress over it," Lewandowski told Kicker.

"If I somehow managed to consider the Real theory a Bayern player it would not be beneficial for me since I wouldn't be centered around my activity here any longer.

"I'm a Bayern player and I need to give everything here."

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Bayern Munich supervisor Heynckes hails diversion changing Muller

18 February 2018

Jupp Heynckes has paid tribute to diversion changing Thomas Muller following Bayern Munich's last-heave prevail upon Bundesliga strugglers Wolfsburg.

Daniel Didavi's initial opener had put the hosts ahead and, despite the fact that Sandro Wagner leveled halfway as the second progressed half, Bayern needed to sit tight until the 91st moment for a champ - Robert Lewandowski changing over from the spot after Arjen Robben had just observed a before punishment spared.

Muller's presentation in the 62nd moment demonstrated a major defining moment in the challenge, and Heynckes says the Germany forward was vital to Bayern's triumph.

"With the substitution of Muller he has changed our amusement, since he is exceptionally adaptable, goes into the room between the lines and furthermore makes space for partners," Heynckes said.

"With the early objective, Wolfsburg could raise their diversion and be conservative and protective. We were battling in the principal half since we simply did not consolidate well.

"We had ownership, yet never got somewhere down in Wolfsburg's half. It was obvious to me that we would not get chances that way.

"Amid the second half we played all the more fluidly and speedier, and we are upbeat. For Wolfsburg, that is severe, on the grounds that they have battled exceedingly."

@lewy_official's punishment record in the #Bundesliga for #FCBayern

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Mourinho needs arbitrators to have last say on VAR

Mourinho needs arbitrators to have last say on VAR

18 February 2018

Jose Mourinho says arbitrators must have the last say on the utilization of VAR in football after another questionable episode in Manchester United's FA Cup prevail upon Huddersfield Town.

Joined advanced to the quarter-last, where they will confront Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford, after Romelu Lukaku's twofold fixed a 2-0 triumph at John Smith's Stadium.

The real argument happened seconds before half-time, however, when Juan Mata's objective was discounted for offside after a VAR referral regardless of clashing perspectives on whether the choice was right.

Mourinho, whose side were winning 1-0 at the time, demands he is supportive of VAR with regards to getting essential calls right however feels coordinate authorities ought to have their say on whether the innovation is given across the board utilize.

"The inclination is astonishing when reality comes, yet there are issues, similar to what happened today," he told a news gathering.

"Convention says it should be an 'unmistakable and evident's circumstance and it was not clear or self-evident. Be that as it may, we know it is exploratory and I am talking after a 2-0 triumph.

"I figure it ought to be the arbitrators to choose. Do they need it, do they feel content with it and do they need innovative help? Or on the other hand would they like to live with the mix-ups they make as people?"

What an away end, very few can coordinate that . Still on our walk to Wembley #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ZEYMaEZU7u

— Ashley Young (@youngy18) February 17, 2018

Mourinho at that point clowned his refusal to contend against the choice should stand him in great stead to be compensated for his conduct, something he has indicated at before this season.

"I am near winning the best-carried on administrator grant this season. Nothing can influence me to lose that this season," he said.

"I'm cheerful we are in the quarter-last. I am upbeat to win the match after a thrashing.

"The match was troublesome in light of the fact that they moved toward the match uniquely in contrast to before on the grounds that they didn't have to get a point for the class. They were hostile, they were perilous, they pushed us to great protective work."

There was an unexpected right off the bat Saturday when Paul Pogba was precluded of the match through ailment, only a day after Mourinho had hit out at recommendations of a dropping out with United's star midfielder.

The Red Devils manager stays indistinct whether the France global will be accessible for Wednesday's Champions League trek to Sevilla.

"I was told by the specialists at the beginning of today that he wasn't coming," he included.

"I don't know when he will be back."

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Genuine Madrid hurt you with nothing – Xavi says PSG misfortune a foul play

Genuine Madrid hurt you with nothing – Xavi says PSG misfortune a foul play

18 February 2018

Previous Barcelona star Xavi did not keep down in his appraisal of Paris Saint-Germain's annihilation at the Santiago Bernabeu, depicting the 3-1 Champions League misfortune to Real Madrid as a "bad form".

European titleholders Madrid scored twice in the last seven minutes to take charge of the last-16 tie after Wednesday's opening leg in the Spanish capital.

PSG broke the gridlock on account of Adrien Rabiot in the 33rd-minute before Cristiano Ronaldo changed over a punishment on the stroke of half-time.

The French guests controlled procedures in the second half yet breathtakingly crumbled amid the end organizes as Ronaldo and Marcelo sentenced PSG to a two-objective thrashing.

Pondering the outcome, Xavi – now playing for Al Sadd in Qatar – was not as much as awed with Madrid's execution against the Ligue 1 pioneers.

"Madrid have something," Xavi disclosed to So Foot. "Against them, you can never lose your shot, else they will rebuff you, yet the most exceedingly terrible thing is that they hurt the adversary with nothing.

"A counterattack was sufficient to take the triumph... F***

"You nearly believe it's a shamefulness that PSG lost by such a major edge since it was a diversion that ought to have finished 1-1, 2-2 or 2-1 for PSG."

#ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/CRyK9eaRh4

— PSG English (@PSG_English) February 17, 2018

"It's baffling, Real Madrid didn't play, yet at the same time won..." Xavi proceeded. "I saw the communicate on Spanish TV with Valdano and he said something genuine.

"In this match, there were a few stages, altogether different from each other, and there was a minute in which PSG commanded unmistakably.

"Amid those attack minutes in the Madrid territory, it was at that exact minute that PSG ought to have scored the second."

Xavi included: "Were Madrid better than PSG? For me, no, however they couldn't care less in the event that they are prevalent, in the event that they command or are overwhelmed.

"Their theory is basically to win. That is the thing that makes them so hard to play against in the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu, for instance. PSG played like Barca."

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