Real Madrid wins from Manchester United

Manchester United 1-2 Real Madrid (Agg 2-3)

Ronaldo pounces decisively after Nani sees red
The Spanish giants score twice in three second half minutes through Luka Modric and the former Old Trafford favourite after a controversial Nani red card for a foul on Arbeloa

 

Cristiano Ronaldo came back to haunt 10-man Manchester United as Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-final with a dramatic and controversial 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half but the game turned on its head after Nani was sent-off in the 56th minute for a high boot in a challenge with Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real Madrid used their man advantage and sealed the aggregate victory with two goals in three minutes. Substitute Luka Modric equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards before Ronaldo slid in at the far post to break the hearts of supporters who gave him a hero's reception before kick-off.

The result completes a wonderful week for the Spanish giants following two wins over bitter rivals Barcelona and the visiting fans saluted coach Jose Mourinho as they target an historic 10th European crown.

Ronaldo had a relatively quiet game on his first return to Old Trafford since his £80m transfer in 2009 but the script was always written for the Portuguese forward to have the final say.

He may not have done so were it not for referee Cuneyt Cakir, who infuriated United with his decision to show a red card to Nani. The United winger appeared to be challenging for the ball and certainly meant no harm to Arbeloa, but the consequence of his dismissal was that the home side's gameplan, which had worked so well to that point, was ruined.

Sir Alex Ferguson made a hugely bold decision of only naming Wayne Rooney as a substitute for United, with Ryan Giggs making his 1000th career appearance in central midfield in the absence of Phil Jones with an ankle injury. Nemanja Vidic returned at centre-back in place of Jonny Evans after the United captain missed the first leg.

There were no such surprises in the Real Madrid line-up, with Gonzalo Higuain selected ahead of Karim Benzema to lead the attack as Jose Mourinho returned to his first choice starting XI having rested a number of players in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday.

Mourinho claimed this clash between two of the biggest clubs in the Europe would "stop the world" and stars past and present were in attendance at Old Trafford for this showpiece occasion, from Diego Maradona to Gareth Bale.

Ferguson called on the crowd to "turn up the volume" in his pre-match programme notes and Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise at the teams made their way out of the tunnel at the Stretford End,  with the home fans unveiling a mosaic in support of their team.

As the team line-ups were read out, Ronaldo's name was greeted with an enormous roar from all sides of the stadium, the former United man looking choked as he patted his chest and raised an arm to acknowledge the reception.

Ferguson predicted an attacking game but set out to stifle Real and counter-attack, with his plan working almost perfectly in the first half as they restricted the visitors and came closest to opening the scoring.

United captain Vidic thought he had scored in the 21st minute but his thumping header from Giggs’ corner rattled against the post before Danny Welbeck, admittedly in an offside position, mishit the rebound straight at Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

In the 34th minute, Lopez was again forced in to action as he made a hash of his attempt to save Robin van Persie’s shot from a tight angle and had to react quickly to deflect Welbeck’s rebound over the crossbar with his shoulder.

But the hosts had to wait less than three minutes after the break to take the lead.

After Madrid defenders blocked two United shots in the penalty area, the ball landed at Nani's feet on the left. The Portuguese winger played the ball into the box and, after the faintest touch off Welbeck, Ramos could only turn it into his own net.

The turning point, however, came in the 56th minute when Nani was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Cakir for a high foot in a 50-50 challenge with Arbeloa. On first viewing, it looked a harsh decision and it certainly left Ferguson and the United players fuming with the officials.

Mourinho responded to the man advantage by bringing on Modric for Arbeloa and the former Tottenham midfielder levelled the score in the 66th minute. After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Modric breezed past Tom Cleverley and struck a thunderous effort in off the post from 25 yards.

Three minutes later, Real Madrid took the lead for the first time in the tie. Higuain fizzed a low cross along the six-yard box and Ronaldo used all of his predatory instincts to slide in at the far post and end United's European campaign.

Source: goal.com

El Clasico - Copa del Rey

Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (Agg 2-4)

Relentless Ronaldo demolishes hosts to book Copa final berth
Los Blancos put together a sterling performance in all areas of the pitch to humble their great rivals in their own back yard, and seal a place in the cup final

 

Real Madrid stormed into the Copa del Rey final in the most stunning manner possible, with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last-four clash on Tuesday.

With a 1-1 home draw to overcome from the first leg, Jose Mourinho looked on in jubilation as his team executed their gameplan to perfection, frustrating the Catalans at the back, and through an inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo, giving a counter-attacking clinic up front.

The Portuguese opened the scoring from the penalty spot 12 minutes in, becoming the first player to score in six successive Clasicos away from home, and finished off a surging break shortly before the hour mark to put Madrid in the driving seat.

Raphael Varane put the finishing touches on an unbelievable night for the visitors when he headed home a corner, with Jordi Alba's late goal coming as little consolation for the hosts.

Los Blancos now await either Sevilla or Atletico Madrid in the showpiece event on May 18.

Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi returned to start in midfield for the hosts, with Carles Puyol partnering Gerard Pique in defence. For Madrid, Varane, the standout performer from the first leg, started alongside Sergio Ramos at centre-back.

Barca started positively, and with only two minutes on the clock, were nearly ahead. Pedro did brilliantly to turn Fabio Coentrao inside out and square for Lionel Messi, who narrowly missed the target from a tight angle.

But instead, it would be Madrid who would take the lead. Ronaldo was simply too quick for Pique, and was tripped up inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty, from which the Portuguese forward slotted coolly into the bottom corner.

The Catalans exhibited their customary dominance of the ball, but Mourinho’s men were ready with discipline and numbers at the back, and a pacey threat on the counter whenever they won possession.

Referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco‎, already the villain of the piece in the eyes of the Camp Nou faithful for the decision against Pique, was showered with further vitriol from the stands after correctly denying penalty appeals for Fabregas and Pedro.

And the home fans were left frustrated again moments before half-time, when Messi drilled a free kick agonisingly into the side netting, with half of the stadium already celebrating a goal.

The Blaugrana went close again minutes after the restart when Diego Lopez parried an effort by Busquets, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking the rebound off the toes of Fabregas from point blank range.

But much like the start of the first half, the chance was spurned, and again, Madrid would punish their profligacy on the counter-attack, this time putting the tie virtually out of reach.

Sami Khedira’s sublime first-time pass after winning the ball released Angel Di Maria against Puyol. The Barca captain was left on his backside by the skill of the winger, whose initial shot was parried by Jose Pinto, only for Ronaldo to bury the rebound.

And with 22 minutes left, Madrid were in dreamland again, when Varane rose highest to head home Mesut Ozil’s corner in almost identical fashion to his goal in the first leg.

Flares were set off in the stands as a few home fans lost patience with events on the pitch, but their mood improved ever so slightly just before injury time when Alba ghosted in behind the full-back to slot Andres Iniesta's clipped pass beyond Lopez.

But the damage was long done by the irrepressible visitors, who will now contest the final in three months. The Clasico drama is not quite done, however, as both sides will lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu in la Liga on Saturday.

Source: goal.com

El Clasico report

Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona

Cesc & share Varane strikes in absorbing contest

Los Blancos' French center-back produced an exemplary performance, Which included a fine late goal, to help cancel out the Blaugrana's opener early in the second half

The shares were spoiled in a pulsating Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, as a thumping late header from Raphael Varane earned Real Madrid a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona.

The Catalan side looked to have put one foot in the final as they led late on after Cesc Fabregas had put them 1-0 up with a well-taken goal shortly after the break, only for Madrid's young defender Varane to secure the home team a draw in the 81st minute. 

Madrid were without five first-team players for their fourth Clasico of the season, as Iker Casillas and Pepe missed out because of injury, while the likes of Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria were all absent through suspension. Barcelona, meanwhile, named a full-strength starting line-up, with Jose Pinto retaining his place in goal, as he has done for the Copa del Rey.

For all their missing men it was los Blancos that made the brighter start of the two sides. Within a minute of kick-off Ronaldo was charging at the heart of the Barcelona defence, and his driving run towards goal was only stopped by a cynical challenge from Gerard Pique. The Portuguese attacker took the set piece himself and proceeded to force Pinto into making a fine diving stop.

In the 12th minute a moment of mastery from Andres Iniesta created a chance for the overlapping Jordi Alba, but the Barcelona left-back could only volley wide of Diego Lopez's goal after bursting through the Madrid defence and connecting with Iniesta's effortless chipped pass. 

Moments after being booked for a mistimed challenge on Cesc Fabregas, Ricardo Carvalho bundled into Iniesta 25 yards from goal, and from the resulting free kick Xavi came within inches of giving Barcelona the lead, as his devilish curling effort rattled the crossbar with Lopez beaten. 

Carvalho then nearly supplied an assist for Barcelona when his tame back-pass allowed Messi to steal the ball and tee up Xavi inside the Madrid box. The Barcelona midfielder arrowed a shot towards the bottom left corner but Madrid's young centre-back Varane was there on the line to brilliantly hack Xavi's goal-bound strike away from danger. 

On the half hour mark, Karim Benzema nearly scored for the home side when he found space in behind the Barcelona back-line to meet Jose Callejon's superb pass and send a volley crashing into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Somehow, a frantic opening first half ended 0-0 despite an avalanche of chances being created by two teams putting clear emphasis on attack rather than defence. 

Madrid mimicked their strong start to the first half after the break and fashioned a chance after just 40 seconds of the second period - Benzema hammering a shot over 18 yards from goal. 

Despite their pressure Madrid found themselves a goal behind in the 50th minute when Fabregas clinically side-footed the ball past Lopez after being played in by Messi. Just a single touch was needed by Messi to both dispossess Xabi Alonso and play a weighted through ball into the path of Fabregas, with the former Arsenal captain producing a cool finish to give the Catalan side a 1-0 lead. 

Then, if not for a sumptuously timed challenge from Varane, Fabregas could well have given Barcelona a two-goal lead. The Frenchman's tackle on his opponent brought Jose Mourinho to his feet, and prompted the coach to make an immediate change with his team on the back foot - introducing Luka Modric for Callejon.

Ronaldo then missed a glorious opportunity to head Madrid level from close range, but he could not test Pinto after connecting with Essien's teasing cross from the right. 

Pique, perhaps not to be outshone by Varane up the other end, then produced an equally brilliant tackle on Ronaldo as the Portugal international shaped to send a shot goalwards inside the Barcelona penalty area. 

With Barcelona seemingly set to hold out for the win, up popped Varane in the 81st minute to rise highest and send an emphatic header past Pinto from Mesut Ozil's free kick to make it 1-1 and set up an enticing second leg at Camp Nou on February 26.

Source: goal.com

Champions League's top scores!

Real Madrid are this season's Champions League top scorers

The Whites who have seven goals in the competition also lead number of shots and assists.

Real Madrid have two wins from the two matches played so far in the Champions League group stage and lead group D after victories against Manchester City at home and Ajax away. The Whites have scored seven goals and are top scorers in the tournament this season. Furthermore, Real Madrid have had the most shots (33) and also the most assists (6) in the competition so far.

The team lead by José Mourinho started this season’s European journey with an epic comeback in the Bernabéu against Manchester City. 3-2 was the final score in this first victory thanks to goals from Marcelo, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo and was followed by a more forceful (1-4) display against Ajax in Amsterdam on match day two. Ronaldo, this time scored a hat-trick, and Benzema found the net once again.

With seven goals in two matches Real Madrid have scored the most goals, followed by Málaga, Bate Borisov (Belarus) and Chelsea (England), with six goals each. Mourinho’s men have had good attacking performances and are also the team that have had the most shots on goal with 33 to date, followed by Braga (Portugal) with 29 and Dortmund (Germany) with 25.

The Real Madrid squad also have the most assists in these first two matches with six decisive passes made by their players. Benzema and Di María have two assists each and top the list along with Giroud (Arsenal), Rooney (Manchester United), Cole (Chelsea), Messi (Barcelona), Eder (Braga), Volodko (Bate Borisov) and Sougou (Cluj). Marcelo and Kaka are the other two players with assists.

Source: goal.com

Brasil 2014 Qualification Matches Report

Spain 1 - 1 France

Spain's hopes of a 25th consecutive win in qualifying were dashed after a last minute goal saw France record a 1-1 draw in an entertaining World Cup qualifying Group I clash at the Vicente Calderon.

The opener came in the 25th minute through Sergio Ramos, who needed two attempts to divert the ball into the net after earlier hitting the bar. Despite French pressure, Cesc Fabregas would see a penalty saved by Hugo Lloris, with France denied an equaliser due to an offside flag.

The visitors stepped up the pressure in the second-half, but despite numerous opportunities, it was not until the 93rd minute in which substitute Olivier Giroud netted to secure a dramatic equaliser.

The world champions started the more adventurous of the two sides, with Jordi Alba causing havoc on the left-wing. France began cautiously having opted for an inexperienced midfield, with Maxime Gonalons handed only his fifth cap ahead of Etienne Capoue.

Nevertheless, it was Vicente del Bosque's men who suffered the first blow. David Silva only lasted 12 minutes before being substituted in favour of Arsenal's Santi Cazorla, with the Manchester City star hobbling down the tunnel.

Didier Deschamps' men quickly slipped into the lull which marked their Euro 2012 exit at the hands of La Roja, and it seemed that history would repeat itself as Andres Iniesta galloped down the flank before a brilliant interjection by the returning Laurent Koscielny inside the box.

It was not long until the hosts took the lead, amidst poor defending from Les Bleus. Xavi's corner was met by Sergio Ramos, who headed against the bar. Pedro's cross back into the danger-zone was parried by Hugo Lloris, before the Real Madrid defender converted to give his side the lead on 25 minutes.

The visitors were in the ascendancy soon after conceding, and almost issued a response nine minutes later. Franck Ribery's simple pass found Karim Benzema in the box, with the striker forcing club team-mate Iker Casillas into a fine low save as Deschamps' side rallied.

Franc saw a goal ruled out five minutes before the break. A brilliant delivery from Yohan Cabaye found Benzema at the far post, with the 24-year-old heading past Casillas, only for the German linesman to rule it out for offside, though replays would suggest otherwise.

Defensive instability came back to haunt the visitors, as Koscielny clattered into Pedro, with referee Felix Brych not hesitating to award a penalty. Up stepped Cesc Fabregas, whose powerful effort was superbly beating away by Lloris. The Tottenham custodian then produced a fantastic double save to deny the former Arsenal man and Pedro just before the interval, as La Roja failed to extend their advantage.

The hosts started the second-half with similar injury concerns after Alvaro Arbeloa was forced off after a challenge by Ribery, with Atletico Madrid's Juanfran replacing the right-back. Though France did improve, creating more frequent attacking forays, they appeared to struggle against the speed of the hosts' passing game.

Ribery was once again in the thick of things, as his fizzing shot from the edge of the box whistled narrowly past Casillas' post, before a tame header was comfortably saved by the keeper.

The visitors were far more enterprising midway through the second period, and were unlucky not to have equalised when Benzema's movement on the left provided a low cross in towards Jeremy Menez, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger unable to connect well with what would have been a tap-in.

The lively Benzema got in behind the Spanish rearguard again after latching on to a fine pass from the midfield, before his cross into Moussa Sissoko at the far post was wastefully fired over by the Toulouse midfielder.

But in the 93rd minute and what was the last move of the game, a speculative cross from Ribery was turned in by substitute Giroud to send the stadium into silence and level the clash.

Spain and France remain locked on seven points ahead of the return in Paris in the New Year. The champions travel to Panama for a friendly in November, with Deschamps' side tackling Italy when qualification resumes in March 2013.

Source: goal.com

Romania 1- 4 Netherlands

Netherlands maintain winning record

The Netherlands assumed control of their FIFA World Cup™ qualification group with a thumping win over Romania in their top-of-the-table clash in Bucharest. Romania had not conceded a goal in their opening three wins, which had them level at the top of Group D with the Dutch, but their perfect record was in ruins within the opening 45 minutes.

Jeremain Lens, Bruno Martins Indi and Rafael van der Vaart were all on target before the break to ensure the visitors were on course despite a fine individual effort from Ciprian Marica in reply for the hosts. Robin van Persie, who was preferred to start ahead of Klaas Jan Huntelaar, completed the rout four minutes from the end.

Netherlands had arrived in the Romanian capital wary of their opponents after their impressive win in Turkey last week ensured they kept pace with the Dutch at the top of the standings. But any fears they held were quickly allayed as they raced into a 2-0 lead before the half-hour.

Lens grabbed a stunning opener after ten minutes when he headed in from 20 yards. Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu had seemingly cleared the danger with a punch that cleared the area, but Lens powerfully headed the ball straight back and over a home defender stationed on the line.

The visitors' advantage was doubled on 28 minutes when Van der Vaart's superb free-kick was turned in by Martins Indi at the back post. Martins Indi's task was made easier as the home defence failed to follow his run that was superbly picked out by Van der Vaart's delivery that fizzed across the top of the six-yard box.

Romania were in need of some inspiration to claw back the early damage and in Marica they found it on 40 minutes. The striker was surrounded as he began his run just outside the area but after fending off the attention of Johnny Heitinga he wriggled into space before sliding a perfectly-placed shot past Maarten Stekelenburg.

Comeback quelled

The lifeline lasted just seven minutes, however, as the hosts gave away an injury-time penalty. Gabriel Tamas brought down Luciano Narsingh in the area and Van der Vaart tucked away the ensuing penalty despite Tatarusanu guessing the right way.

Romania never recovered from conceding the goal so late in the half and could have been four down soon after the re-start but Tatarusanu tipped away Van Persie's header. The Dutchmen cruised through the majority of the second period with a pair of unnecessary cautions for Lens and De Jong causing any reason for discomfort.

They mattered little, however, as Van Persie put the seal on a win that could prove vital. The Manchester United striker, who started from the bench in last week's win over Andorra, had the simple task to force the ball in after Narsingh beat the offside trap on the right and fired a low cross into his path.

Source: fifa.com

Germany 4 - 4 Sweden

Germany threw away a four-goal lead as a late Sweden comeback saw them surrender all three points in a 4-4 World Cup qualifying draw with Sweden at the Olympiastadion

Miroslav Klose got the hosts off to a brilliant start as he netted two early goals, putting him one strike away from equalling Gerd Muller's record of 68 goals for the national team. Per Mertesacker added another before the break and soon after the restart Mesut Ozil gave Joachim Low's side a comfortable lead.

The Swedes responded impressively in the second-half and staged a magnificent comeback, with Erik Hamren's half-time substitutions having a great effect as they had a hand in all the goals. Strikes from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mikael Lustig and Johan Elmander set up a tense finish and the visitors completed an astounding recovery in stoppage time through Rasmus Elm.

But the first-half could not have contrasted more starkly as, following their 6-1 thumping of the Republic of Ireland, Germany got straight into their stride. Less than two minutes had been played when Andreas Isaksson stopped Thomas Muller and the follow-up effort crashed off the post.

The Blagult had no such luck on the next German attack as die Mannschaft took the lead in the eighth minute. Philipp Lahm played Marco Reus in at the byeline and his cutback was smashed into the top corner by Klose to finish a brilliant move.

Things only got better for the hosts as Klose added his second in the 15th minute following some intricate one-touch play. Reus initiated the move, slaloming his way into the box with two successive one-twos, before pulling the ball back to the 34-year-old who fired home at the second time of asking.

After stepping off the gas midway through the half Low's men soon reasserted themselves and following Isaksson's save to keep Reus out, they got their third in the 39th minute. A cross from the left was kept in play at the back post by Muller, whose looped header was rifled past the keeper by an unmarked Mertesacker. 

Germany did not let up after the break and after Muller was once again denied by Isaksson, a four-goal cushion was achieved in the 56th minute. At the end of a swift break, Muller delivered a cross that found Ozil at the back post. The Real Madrid man controlled the ball on his chest before angling a shot into the far corner.

The match appeared dead and buried, but Sweden pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute as Ibrahimovic beat the offside trap to steer a header past Manuel Neuer from Kim Kallstrom's ball forward.

Seemingly galvanised by that goal, another ball over the top, again courtesy of Kallstrom, created another chance for the visitors. Lustig controlled it well and with his second touch powered a shot at Neuer that somehow squirmed into the goal.

Extraordinarily, the Swedes came to within one goal of the hosts, stunning the Berlin crowd in the process. In space on the left, Alexander Kacanikilic picked out Elmander who beat Holger Badstuber to the ball and poked it in at the far post.

Tobias Sana blazed over in front of an open goal in the 85th minute but unperturbed, Sweden found the equaliser at the death. A cross from the left was not dealt with by Mertesacker and his loose header fell to Elm who volleyed in to complete the fightback.

The result means Germany have surrendered their 100 per cent record in Group C but remain three points clear of second-placed Sweden.

Source: goal.com

Italy 3-1 Denmark

Balotelli seals win for 10-man Azzurri

Cesare Prandelli's men took a significant step on the road to Rio courtesy of goals from Riccardo Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi and their enigmatic Manchester City striker

Italy strengthened their grip on top spot of Group B by making light of the dismissal of Pablo Osvaldo to defeat Denmark 3-1 at San Siro on Tuesday night.

Having withstood intense early pressure, the Azzurri stunned the visitors with two goals in the space of four minutes through Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi, to put themselves in a commanding position with half-time looming. 

However, William Kvist halved the home side's advantage with a volley before Osvaldo gave the Danes further reason for optimism by getting himself dismissed early in the second-half.

Mario Balotelli came to the Azzurri's aid, though, converting a terrific pass from the equally influential Andrea Pirlo to clinch a win that saw the Euro 2012 runners-up make it 10 points from a possible 12 so far in Group B.

Cesare Prandelli made four changes to the defence that had started in Armenia, which could perhaps explain why the hosts looked so shaky at the back inside the opening quarter. However, it was more down to the fact that the Danish midfield overran their Azzurri counterparts early on, allowing them to fully exploit Andrea Barzagli’s total inability to deal with Nicklas Bendtner in the air.

Indeed, the on-loan Juventus man really should have done better after being picked out by the marauding Lars Jacobsen inside the opening three minutes. Christian Eriksen then stung the palms of Morgan De Sanctis with a terrific drive from distance as the visitors continued to dominate. But, Italy gradually began to gain a foothold in the game and were desperately unfortunate not to open the scoring 18 minutes in, when Claudio Marchisio unleashed a sublime curling effort from the edge of the area that seemed destined for the top corner until Simon Kjaer popped up to block on the line.

Moments later, though, De Sanctis came to the Azzurri’s rescue again, somehow managing to keep out a low drive from Kvist with his knees. It was a highly unorthodox but undeniably crucial intervention from the Napoli goalkeeper, because Italy broke the deadlock with their next attack. Montolivo arrowed a ball into the bottom corner of the Danish net after latching onto a sublime lay-off from Balotelli.

Denmark were still coming to terms with that setback when Italy struck again, with Pirlo outfoxing Michael Silberbaeur on the right-hand side before crossing for De Rossi to head home. 

The visitors were well and truly reeling, but they deservedly dragged themselves back into contention right on the stroke of half-time when the impressive Kvist guided a side-footed volley, from a deflected Jacobsen cross, past De Sanctis.

The Danes then sensed a famous win on Italian soil when Osvaldo stupidly got himself sent off for lashing out at Nicolai Stokholm less than 40 seconds after the interval. However, the loss of a man actually seemed to galvanise the Azzurri, and Balotelli in particular.

Indeed, the enigmatic forward played the lone forward role to great effect and got his just rewards for doing so when Pirlo picked out his well-timed run in behind the Denmark defence with a typically measured pass, allowing Balotelli to deftly flick the ball past Stephan Andersen.

There was no way back for Denmark thereafter, meaning their hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup are now hanging by a thread, with just two points to their name after three games played. Italy, by contrast, are already well on the way to Rio.

Source: goal.com

Portugal 1-1 Northern Ireland

Postiga saves hosts but World Cup hopes dealt damaging blow

The Zaragoza striker struck to spare Paulo Bento's blushes after a battling display from the Green and White Army looked to have earned a shock victory

Helder Postiga's late equaliser bailed out a below-par Portugal side after Niall McGinn had given Northern Ireland a shock lead at the Estadio do Dragao on the night Cristiano Ronaldo won his 100th Seleccao cap.

Michael O'Neill's side travelled to Porto with eight players out injured and Gareth McAuley suspended, but took the lead after half an hour through McGinn as Portugal were caught napping at the back.

The home side rallied and spent the rest of the encounter attacking, but never looked too likely to score as Ronaldo floundered and their defence looked increasingly shaky.

They did start well, however, and Miguel Lopes, who replaced Fabio Coentrao in the starting line-up, flashed a shot just wide of the far post after two minutes, while Ronaldo dragged one wide of the other upright four minutes later.

The visitors forced three corners in the first 15 minutes as the home defence endured a shaky opening, but O'Neill's men could not make the most of their opportunities. 

But they came back through Oliver Norwood, who sent a 25-yard free kick down the throat of Seleccao goalkeeper Rui Patricio, while at the other end Roy Carroll tipped Nani's dipping header over the crossbar.

Northern Ireland had been adventurous all night - especially considering their understrength line-up - and their positive outlook paid off when Jonny Evans won the ball in his own half, burst forward and picked out Kyle Lafferty. The Sion forward advanced on the home defence before picking out McGinn, who was completely free on the left after outpacing Joao Pereira, to take a touch and fire over Patricio to record his first competitive goal for the Green and White Army.

But the visitors had to ride their luck in the aftermath of the goal, with Aaron Hughes almost heading into his own net before Craig Cathcart crashed Pereira's cross past Roy Carroll, only to see the ball come back off the crossbar. 

Portugal poured forward and Pereira's shoot drifted wide of the far post, but the visitors continued to look solid at the back, which is more than could be said for Paulo Bento's men.

Ronaldo had a 30-yard effort blocked by the imperious Jonny Evans, but went closer after 58 minutes when his half-volley from around the penalty spot was saved smartly by Carroll. 

Carroll did well to keep out a long-range effort from half-time substitute Ruben Amorim, and moments later Steven Davis almost sliced Pepe's weak cross over his own goalkeeper.

Ronaldo went close again with 20 minutes on the clock, but Hughes was on hand to get in a timely block as the Real Madrid forward set his sights on the elusive equaliser.

Postiga fired a shot straight down the throat of Carroll on 76 minutes, before stretching the keeper again three minutes later. 

But the Zaragoza striker went one better seconds afterwards when the ball fell to him inside the six-yard box. After Nani failed to make proper contact with Bruno Alves' header, Postiga brought it down, swivelled and stroked in the equaliser to the sheer delight of the home fans.

Bento's men came forward again and Silvestre Varela lashed a shot into the side netting, before Nani's dipping effort flew inches over the crossbar.

With five minutes of stoppages added on, Eder thought he had won it only for Jonny Evans to get across and divert the danger at the last minute.

That was to be the last chance of note for either side, and although the visitors will be disappointed to have conceded a late equaliser, they should be proud of their organised, determined display.

It has been a disastrous couple of games for Portugal, however. Following defeat against Russia on Friday, they have taken just one point from two games and they now have a big job on their hands to make it to Brazil 2014.

Source: goal.com

Other results:

Russia 1 - 0 Azerbaijan

Belarus 2 - 0 Georgia

Israel 3 - 0 Luxembourg

Andorra 0 - 1 Estonia 

Latvia 2 - 0 Liechtenstein

Bosnia & Herz. 1 - 4 Lithuania

Faroe Islands 1 - 4 Ireland

Cyprus 1 - 3 Norway

Ukraine 0 - Montenegro

Croatia 2 - 0 Wales

Czech Republic 0 - 0 Bulgaria

Hungary 3 - 1 Turkey

Slovakia 0 - 1 Greece

Iceland 0 - 2 Switzerland

San Marino 0 - 2 Moldova

FYR Macedonia 1 - 0 Serbia

Austria 4 - 0 Kazakhstan

Albania 1 - 0 Slovenia

Belgium 2 - 0 Scotland

Champions League results from 18 September

Real Madrid 3 - 2 Manchester City

Cristiano Ronaldo's last-minute winner gave Real Madrid a thrilling victory over Manchester City in a pulsating Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.

City keeper Joe Hart kept his side in the game before they took a shock lead through Edin Dzeko's breakaway goal.

Marcelo equalised with a deflected shot but City led again when Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick flew straight in.

In a frantic finale, Karim Benzema levelled before Ronaldo's shot flew past an unsighted Hart to win it.

That brought a spectacular sliding celebration from Real boss Jose Mourinho - who had questioned his side's focus and commitment in recent days - and provided an extraordinary finish to a game which had been completely one-sided for long periods.

The Spanish side dominated until Dzeko put City ahead after the hour mark, with Hart rescuing his side on several occasions.

But, having led with less than three minutes remaining, Roberto Mancini's men will still feel they should have won the game, let alone finish up empty-handed as they began their campaign in Group D.

A trip to the home of the Spanish champions always looked a tough way for City to begin their task of reaching the knockout stages for the first time, especially because there was no sign of any lethargy or discontent in the Real camp.

They took the game to City from the start and, inside the first five minutes, Ronaldo tested Hart for the first time when he cut inside Vincent Kompany and fired in a low shot that was heading for the bottom corner until the England keeper clawed it to safety.

That set the pattern for the rest of the first half, with Ronaldo giving Maicon a torrid time down the right, while Angel di Maria and Alvaro Arbeloa saw plenty of the ball on the opposite flank.

Hart had to come to City's rescue again with an instinctive block to keep out Gonzalo Higuain's header from Ronaldo's cross-shot, before racing off his line to close down Higuain after he beat the offside trap.

By now, Real were completely dominant and City were also grateful for some poor finishing from Higuain and Sami Khedira, who both missed the target from point-blank range.

Tellingly, Yaya Toure was City's only attacking outlet before the break, twice causing the Real defence problems after running at them from deep positions but failing to find a decisive final ball.

He was to put that right in style when he again charged forward and fed Dzeko, who steadied himself before firing home.

The goal came completely against the run of play, but it was almost followed by a second for the visitors when Carlos Tevez slipped Toure free. However he was off balance when he let fly inside the box and could only fire into the side netting.

Mourinho made a flurry of changes in a bid to rescue the game, with Benzema and Luka Modric both flung on, and in the end the home side's pressure told.

Marcelo, who had earlier gone close with two fizzing efforts from the edge of the box, made it third time lucky when he stepped inside Vincent Kompany and saw his shot come off Javi Garcia and fly into the net.

The visitors remained on the back foot but they also remained a threat at the other end, and Kolarov restored their lead when he bent the ball straight into the net from 25 yards out.

Again, the travelling fans scented what would have been a famous triumph but, once more, Real came forward, with Benzema turning inside Matija Nastasic before finding the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

From being on the brink of victory, City were now clinging on for a point. There was yet more drama to come, however, and it was former Manchester United star Ronaldo who would provide it.

With the 90 minutes almost up, he cut inside from the left and, after Kompany ducked under his shot, the ball cruelly fizzed past the helpless Hart.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Ajax

Lewandowski nets late to seal Group D victory

The Bundesliga outfit dominated proceedings in the second half after an even opening 45 minutes, and the Poland international's late strike helped them to a vital win

Borussia Dortmund recorded a 1-0 victory over Ajax at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday in their Champions League Group D opener.

The hosts should have opened the scoring in the second half via Mats Hummels, but the centre-back missed his spot kick. However, Robert Lewandowski's late goal helped Dortmund to the full three points and spared his team-mate's blushes.

BVB started the match with attacking intentions and threatened early on via Kuba and Lewandowski. However, the first big chance of the game was for Ajax following some sloppy play from Ilkay Gundogan. Ryan Babel stole the ball off the Dortmund midfielder's feet before setting up Christian Eriksen inside the area, but the Denmark international's shot was kept out by Roman Weidenfeller.

The home side then got a good chance themselves shortly after as Mario Gotze seemed to escape the attention of the Ajax defence, but Niklas Moisander bullied the creative midfielder off the ball with a last-ditch tackle.

Robert Lewandowski did come close to breaking the deadlock at the half-hour mark, but he failed to find the net as Kenneth Vermeer forced him out wide. Marcel Schmelzer tested Vermeer with a powerful shot only minutes later, but the Ajax goalkeeper punched the ball wide.

Derk Boerrigter could have opened the scoring in the 35th minute, but the winger hesitated just too long, allowing Weidenfeller to rush off his line to intercept the through pass. The loose ball then ended up at Babel's feet, but his shot was deflected wide by Neven Subotic.

Ajax made a superb start to the second half and both Siem de Jong and Babel could have added their name to the score-sheet. However, the former's shot, after a corner kick, was kept out by Weidenfeller, while the latter's header went over the crossbar.

Lewandowski then should have opened the scoring after evading the Ajax defence following a cross from the right, but the Poland star wildly blasted his shot over the bar. A brilliant through pass from Mario Gotze then found Marco Reus one-on-one with Vermeer, but the Germany international failed to beat the Ajax goalkeeper.

Shortly after this, Gotze went to ground rather easily after walking into Ricardo van Rhijn inside the Ajax area, but the referee deemed it enough for a spot kick. Mats Hummels stepped up to take it, but Vermeer once again proved to be too much of an obstacle.

Schmelzer then found himself in a dangerous position after 76 minutes of play, but the full-back hesitated just too long, allowing Van Rhijn to make a superb last-ditch tackle to clear the ball.

Nevertheless, BVB eventually got their winner after all as Lewandowski collected a high ball from the right, evaded Toby Alderweireld's tackle, and fired home from close range to make it 1-0.

Dortmund's next Champions League match is the away game against Manchester City on October 3, while Ajax host Real Madrid on the same date.

Montpellier 1-2 Arsenal

Podolski and Gervinho get Gunners off to flying start in France

The Premier League outfit showed resolve after going behind to Younes Belhanda's audacious eighth-minute penalty, with Olivier Giroud struggling to impress against his old side

Two goals in as many first-half minutes saw Arsenal triumph 2-1 over Montpellier in their Champions League opener.

The Ligue 1 champions went ahead through an audacious penalty from Younes Belhanda after just eight minutes, before two goals in as many minutes saw the game switch in the Gunners' favour as first Lukas Podolski and then Gervinho showed good composure to give their side the lead at the break.

Abou Diaby, Vito Mannone and former La Paillade striker Olivier Giroud returned to the Arsenal starting line-up in three changes from the team who comfortably beat Southampton 6-1 at the weekend, as Montpellier made six alterations from the side who lost 3-1 to newly promoted Stade de Reims.

In an intimidating start in the Stade de la Mosson - where the remnants of a multitude of pre-match flares floated menacingly over the pitch - the Champions League debutants were handed a foothold in the game when Thomas Vermaelen's clumsy challenge upended Belhanda inside the area. The Moroccan international picked himself up and dinked a cheeky penalty past the helpless Mannone for his club's first goal in the competition.

The lead did not last long - just seven minutes, in fact - as slack defending allowed Santi Cazorla and Giroud to combine and play in Podolski for a neat finish from 16 yards.

And Arsenal took the lead just two minutes later when another fantastically well-worked goal, started and finished by Gervinho as the Ivorian set Carl Jenkinson free down the left before ghosting past more half-hearted defending from the hosts to collect the left-back’s low cross and tuck the ball past Geoffrey Jourdren.

Responding impressively after going behind, Arsenal looked dangerous on every building attack whereas, at the other end of the pitch, their French opponents where having to make do with pot-shots from distance, their best effort of the half falling to Marco Estrada's low drilled effort from 25 yards out that Mannone did well to see around his near post.

Aside from the clever through-ball for Podolski's equaliser, Giroud was not having the most successful of returns to his old club – much industry but little end product, which was summed up by a twisting run into the area before flashing the shot from 12 yards past the near post in the final action of the first half.

Montpellier came out stronger after the break and were almost gifted another goal when Diaby tried to trick his way out of trouble in his own penalty area and allow Remy Cabella to pinch the ball off him but fire high and wide.

The hosts upped the ante further and again went close when Cabella spotted Mannone off his line and attempted a glorious chip from over 25 yards that thwacked off the deputising goalkeeper's bar and into touch.

In an attempt to make up for his earlier mishap, Diaby embarked on a surging run just after the hour mark that took him past three Montpellier players before feeding Cazorla for a stinging drive that Jourdren could only push away.

As the game entered the final stages, the French outfit showed the much-needed urgency they lacked throughout the majority of the game and it was that man Belhanda who was the fulcrum.

And that was no more evident than when the attacking midfielder switched the play out to the right before receiving the ball inside the area and skipping past the feet of Per Mertesacker, but he soon had his head in his hands after hitting his shot straight at Mannone from eight yards in his side’s best chance of the half as his side's chances of victory evaporated along with the smoke from those simmering flares.

Source: goal.com

And the results fro the others games:

Paris SG 4 - 1 Dynamo Kiev

AC Milan 0 - 0 Anderlecht

Malaga 3- 0 Zenit St. Petersburg

Dynamo Zagreb 0 - 2 FC Porto

Olympiacos 1 - 2 FC Schalke 04

Euro 2012 Report - Saturday 9 June

Netherlands 1-0 Denmark

Krohn-Dehli strike humbles Oranje

The Danes have sprung the first surprise of the tournament, with victory against the Dutch belittling their billing as outsiders and throwing Group B wide open.

Netherlands suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Denmark at Metalist Stadium on Saturday to kick start its Euro 2012 campaign in dreadful fashion. 

Despite fashioning a slew of chances almost straight from kickoff, the tournament favorite was extremely poor in front of goal, and the team's profligacy was punished by a fine finish from Michael Krohn Dehli after 24 minutes. 

The Dutch were similarly wasteful during the second half, their performance epitomized by the laboring Robin van Persie, who showed none of the killer instinct from his stellar 37-goal season with Arsenal. 

The race for qualification from Group B is now wide open, after a stunning smash and grab result from Denmark, which defied the odds and now has three points to give its hopes of making the Round of 16 an undeniable boost.

With first choice left back Erik Pieters unavailable, Bert van Marwijk began with Jetro Willems at the back who, at 18 years and 71 days old, became the youngest player ever to feature in the tournament.

It was the PSV Eindhoven youngster who had the first chance of the match, sending a crashing drive from long range over the bar with only three minutes gone.

Moments later, Van Persie spurned a more obvious opportunity when he belted a deflected cross off target from close range.

The Dutch appeared to be in control of proceedings, Ibrahim Afellay sending another effort off target, before Arjen Robben’s dangerous center was toe-poked into the grateful arms of Stephan Andersen.

However, for all its dominance, Netherlands lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and with 24 minutes gone, Denmark showed the team how it should be done.

Krohn-Dehli still had work to do after picking up possession just outside the area, but the Brondby winger did not hesitate, nipping past his marker and drilling between the legs of Maarten Stekelenburg.

The goal sparked Denmark into life and the team began to cause more problems by using its wide players to apply pressure down the flanks and pinging crosses into the heart of the Dutch penalty area.

The goal was almost pegged back after 36 minutes though, after a poor clearance from Andersen was pounced upon by Robben, who strode forward and bent an effort onto the base of the post.

Afellay skied another attempt following a marauding run into the box, but it was Van Persie’s miss a few minutes before halftime that left Van Marwijk shaking his head.

The Arsenal striker’s heavy first-touch betrayed a glorious set up by Wesley Sneijder, but he still should have hit the target, instead of firing wide via a deflection by Andersen.

The interval did little to turn Van Persie’s fortunes. He wasted two setups from Sneijder, with a trip over his own feet a particular cause of frustration.

Mark Van Bommel called Andersen into action with a long range pile driver, before Afellay squeezed an attempt from the edge of the box inches wide of the post, as Netherlands seemed capable of everything but putting the ball into the back of the net.

Robben planted a header the wrong side of the post, but Netherlands could have been further behind on 70 minutes had Stekelenburg not gotten a touch onto a stinging drive by Krohn-Dehli.

Denmark was holding firm at the back, and survived a late flicked header from Van Persie that inched over the bar. When a late penalty appeal for handball against Jacobsen went unanswered, the Dutch knew that their time was up.

Netherlands will have a difficult task getting its campaign back on track when it faces fellow favorite Germany in the next group match, while Denmark squares off with Portugal. Both fixtures take place next Wednesday.

Germany 1-0 Portugal 

Gomez header settles tense encounter

The Bayern Munich striker stole all three points for the tournament favorites with a second-half header, in a closely-fought encounter that could have gone either way

Germany kicked off their Euro 2012 campaign in efficient fashion, grinding out a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal at the Lviv Arena on Saturday.

Mario Gomez's pinpoint header on 72 minutes sent the beaten 2008 finalists to a crucial three points, and joint-top of Group B with Denmark after their tournament opener. 

The match was certainly not one for the purists, with clear-cut chances hard to come by. Both sides gave a disciplined, if not dynamic performance on the field, with the tension becoming unbearable at times in the stands.

After much pre-tournament speculation as to who would spearhead the attack for Germany, coach Joachim Low gave Gomez the nod ahead of Miroslav Klose as the lone striker.

The Bayern Munich man looked to repay his manager’s faith early on, sending a guided header from Jerome Boateng’s cross towards goal, which was smothered by Portugal keeper Rui Patricio.

Neither side seemed in any hurry to take control of proceedings, though Cristiano Ronaldo did cause a few hearts to flutter when he flashed a low centre across the face of goal.

With just under a quarter of an hour gone, Germany keeper Manuel Neuer was floored by a dreadful late challenge from Helder Postiga, who was perhaps fortunate to escape his briefing with referee Stephane Lannoy with only a yellow card.

Earlier in Group B’s other fixture, a chance-laden affair saw Denmark stun Netherlands, but there were no signs of such a spectacle repeating itself as goalmouth action remained elusive.

Germany, despite boasting nearly two-thirds of possession throughout the opening period, could muster nothing more than a few half-chances, with Lukas Podolski guilty of sending a pair of them off target.

Muller lashed across goal after a hurried attack by the Germans moments before Holger Badstuber was booked for clipping Nani's heels.

In fact, the best opening of the half fell to Portugal minutes before the break. Pepe attacked a rebound from a corner, but his side-footed attempt bounced off the crossbar and onto the goalline.

The match remained finely poised as the second-half wore on, with Germany just about able to claim the upper hand, though with little improvement in their cutting edge in front of goal.

On the hour mark, a heavy tackle on Sami Khedira by Fabio Coentrao saw the Portugal left-back man receive a yellow card. Boateng soon joined him in the book for manhandling Ronaldo as Paulo Bento's men looked to break.

The match needed a spark, and Low seemed set to provide one by readying Klose on the sidelines with 72 minutes gone, with the departure of Gomez appearing imminent.

But no substitution was made at that moment, because after Boateng floated in a cross from the right towards Gomez, the Bayern striker climbed above Pepe to head Germany into the lead.

The 26-year-old soon came within inches of adding another, just failing to get a toe on Muller’s centre, before belatedly making way for Klose 10 minutes from time.

That sparked a late surge for Portugal, with Nani twice coming close to bringing them back into the game, one of his efforts being an audacious 35-yard cross-shot that clipped off the woodwork.

Portugal had their best chance of the match two minutes before the end, but Neuer did fantastically well to spread himself and block Valera from point blank range.

An even later Nani effort was blocked away from goal, with Bruno Alves sending a header from the resulting corner over, as Germany held on to claim victory.

Next up for Germany is a clash against fellow favourites Netherlands, while Portugal square off against Denmark, with both matches taking place on Wednesday.

Source:goal.com

Real Madrid Report

Granada 1-2 Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho's men on course for 100-point season after late drama

An uninspired Blancos side had two late goals to thank as they turned the game on its head to earn three points against the relegation-threatened Andalusians

Real Madrid left it late as they laboured towards a 2-1 away victory against Granada to remain on course to finish the Liga campaign on 100 points.

Franco Jara grabbed the opening goal of the game in the fifth minute as an under-strength and under-par Los Blancos struggled to create anything of note. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's late penalty brought Madrid back into the game before David Cortes' inexplicable own-goal during injury time sent the newly-crowned champions onto 97 points.

Granada lost their discipline at the full-time whistle as Moises Hurtado and Guilherme Siqueira picked up red cards with Resino's side's survival in the Spanish top flight still in doubt.

After being given a guard of honour by the home side, Madrid made a shaky start to proceedings and the Spanish giants found themselves a goal down in the fifth minute. Picking the ball up on the halfway line after dispossessing Marcelo, Jara stormed past Ricardo Carvalho into the box before coolly slipping the ball underneath Antonio Adan's legs to find the back of the net.

Resino's men were nearly in wonderland two minutes later as they came mightily close to adding a second. Odion Ighalo's shot from the edge of the area was parried away by Adan before the Nigerian's rebound effort was cleared off the line by Marcelo - the Brazilian appearing in the right place at the right time to save his team further embarrassment.

Despite fighting their way back into the game, Los Blancos struggled to create goalscoring opportunities and had to wait until the 36th minute to have a shot at goal. Nuri Sahin picked the ball up 25 metres from goal before unleashing a swerving drive which narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Mourinho's men saw their first clear-cut chance of the match appear in the 42nd minute and Ronaldo was guilty of missing a glorious opportunity from close range. Karim Benzema held the ball up well before clipping a clever cross into the six-yard box yet his Portuguese team-mate could only screw his header wide of the target, much to the relief of Julio Cesar in the Granada goal as the home team headed into the interval 1-0 up.

The 2011-12 champions started the second period brightly after Gonzalo Higuain replaced Kaka and Xabi Alonso came in for Sahin, and they came close to the equaliser on 58 minutes. Marcelo's cross-field delivery evaded the Granada defence and found Benzema on the right side of the box. The Frenchman took one touch to bring the ball under his control before smashing it towards the top corner from a narrow angle; a shot which Cesar was equal to, parrying the ball out for a corner.

Seven minutes later Higuain slipped a clever through-ball into the path of Ronaldo but the former Manchester United man was faced with an angle too tight as his eventual effort was easily blocked by the goalkeeper.

Madrid were handed their opportunity back into the match in the 79th minute when Moises was penalised for wrestling Ronaldo to the ground in the box, earning himself a yellow card in the process. The Portuguese attacker stepped up to take the penalty himself, slamming his spot-kick in the bottom corner sending the keeper the wrong way to bag his 45th league goal of the season.

Los Blancos were to deal Granada a bitter blow when Benzema's cross into the box in injury time was turned into his own net by David Cortes to gift Mourinho's side all three points as Moises and Siqueira saw red cards after the final whistle.

Real finish their championship-winning campaign at the Bernabeu next weekend against Mallorca needing a win to set a new Liga record of 100 points in a single season, while Granada visit Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano in a direct scrap for survival.

source: goal.com

Chelsea consider Ronaldo bid

Chelsea are preparing to launch an audacious €100 million bid for Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonazalo Higuain, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the fastest player to reach 100 league goals in Spain with a brace against Real Sociedad on Saturday night

While the Blues' strikers have struggled for goals this season - Daniel Sturridge, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres scoring just 26 between them in all competitions - Ronaldo has scored 45 goals by himself to help Real to a six-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

And with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich thought to be planning a major squad overhaul this summer, Ronaldo and team-mate Higuain are both believed to top the list of players he wants to lead a Stamford Bridge revolution.

The Daily Telegraph reports that a potential £82.3 million move for the Real pair could depend on Jose Mourinho returning to manage the Blues, as he would need to persuade the players to leave the Bernabeu.

Should Mourinho not come back to Chelsea, the newspaper claims that Abramovich will turn his attentions to Napoli duo Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who could reportedly be prised away from the Italian side for a fee of €70 million (58.5 million).

If the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League they may have to re-assess their transfer options, though, as it would certainly adversely affect their ability to attract players of the quality of Ronaldo, Higuain, Lavezzi and Cavani.

Ronaldo bagged a brace for Real at the weekend as the Primera Division leaders beat Real Sociedad 5-1 on Saturday, the Portuguese forward becoming the fastest player to reach 100 league goals in Spain as he took his total for the club to 101 goals in just 92 league games.

Source: ESPN

Rumors???

What do you think?

3 more points for Real Madrid

Real Betis 2-3 Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo at the double as league leaders rack up 11th straight Liga success

Los Blancos came up against dogged opposition in the form of the Andalusians and claimed all three points courtesy of the Portuguese attacker's valuable double

Real Madrid displayed champion credentials as they recorded a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday night to go provisionally 13 points clear of Barcelona in La Liga.

Jorge Molina gave the home team the lead on 10 minutes before Gonzalo Higuain levelled 15 minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo's strike just after the break then gave Los Blancos the lead, only for Jefferson Montero to equalise three minutes later. Ronaldo grabbed his second of the evening 17 minutes from time to earn his side an 11th straight Liga victory in Jose Mourinho's 100th match as coach of the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The home team made a bright start to the game yet it was still a surprise when they took the lead in the 10th minute. Nacho's chipped ball was brilliantly controlled by Ruben Castro before the former Deportivo man slid it into the path of the unmarked Jorge Molina, who expertly smashed the ball past Iker Casillas from 12 yards out.

Despite continuing to look dangerous in attack, Betis appeared shaky at the back and were punished on 25 minutes as Los Blancos drew level. Mesut Ozil's lofted pass found Gonzalo Higuain, who raced clear of Jose Dorado before slamming the ball past Fabricio from 15 yards, a superb finish from the Argentine who now has 20 goals this campaign.

Conceding an equaliser was an obvious blow for Pepe Mel's men yet they were able to recover their composure and came within a whisker of regaining the lead on 42 minutes. Salva Sevilla's free-kick from just outside the box looked to be heading in, only for Casillas to superbly tip the ball onto the crossbar before Madrid cleared the danger.

It could have been Madrid heading into the break with the lead though when the visitors tested the keeper just a minute later. Marcelo's chipped pass fell to Ronaldo, who had been played onside by Paulao, yet Fabricio was alert enough to divert the ball for a corner following the Portuguese attacker's effort from close range.

Betis started the second period impressively yet found themselves behind for the first time in the game on 52 minutes. Kaka's looping pass into the box was volleyed across the six-yard line by Marcelo with Ronaldo on cue to sweep the ball home - an instinctive finish from the prolific Portuguese.

However, the Verdiblancos found an equaliser only three minutes later with Madrid conceding from a set piece; an all too familiar event for Madridistas. Salva Sevilla's corner was not the best yet the ball rebounded off the chest of Alvaro Arbeloa and straight to Jefferson Montero, who smashed it into the bottom corner with Casillas completely helpless.

For all their hard work, Betis were to come away with nothing as Ronaldo's predatory instincts broke the hearts of the home faithful on 73 minutes. Kaka's corner was expertly headed towards goal by Sergio Ramos yet despite Fabricio's decent stop, the ball fell to the 27-year-old to half-volley into an empty net.

Madrid are back at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday when they face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League for a place in the quarter-finals, while Betis are in action next weekend as they travel to Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona can cut the gap at the top back to 10 points with victory at Racing Santander on Sunday.

Source: goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo pulls away from the suspended Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Sho

The Portuguese superstar opened the scoring in Real Madrid's emphatic victory over Espanyol, 

while the Argentine picked up a booking too many and was unavailable at the weekend

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener in Real Madrid's comprehensive 5-0 win against Espanyol to open up a four-point gap between himself and Lionel Messi, who missed Barcelona's 3-1 triumph over Sporting Gijon due to suspension.

Robin van Persie scored two goals in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Liverpool, moving clear of Aleksandrs Cekulajevs, while Burak Yilmaz found the back of the net in Trabzonspor's smash-and-grab win against Besiktas to gain ground on the Latvian.

CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg battled to a 2-2 draw but Seydou Doumbia wasn't on the scoresheet for the Army Men. Mario Gomez, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Antonio Di Natale were all unable to score, and remain level with Doumbia.

The quartet were all joined on 36 points by Wayne Rooney, who opened the scoring in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose hat-trick helped AC Milan crush Palermo 4-0.

History & How It Works

In 1967-68, French football magazine L'Equipe opted to hand out an award to the top goalscorer in all European leagues for his good performances during the season. Between 1968 and 1991, high profile names such as Eusebio, Gerd Muller, Ian Rush and Marco van Basten won the coveted trophy.

However, the gap between big and small leagues started to grow in the early 90s and L'Equipe decided to make the competition unofficial after the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) issued a protest in 1991. Darko Pancev won the award that season with 34 goals, but the CFA claimed that a player had scored 40 goals in Cyprus that term.

Adidas, sponsor of the awards, still handed out the trophy until 1996 before European Sports Magazine (with L'Equipe as a member) decided to make the title official again. ESM divided all European leagues in three groups according to strength, and attached to each group a quotient by which the number of goals is multiplied to obtain the player's rating. The European Golden Shoe was thus no longer necessarily handed to the top goalscorer, but to the player with the most points. 

The weightings are determined by the league's ranking on the Uefa coefficients, which in turn depend on the results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons. Goals scored in the top five leagues according to the Uefa coefficients are multiplied by a factor of two, and goals scored in the leagues ranked six to 21 are multiplied by 1.5. Goals in all other leagues are all worth one single point.

This measure has prevented players from so-called weaker leagues from winning the European Golden Shoe, since a goal scored in, for example, Armenia, Estonia or Azerbaijan, carries less weight than a goal scored in Serie A, La Liga, the Bundesliga or the Premier League.

Players such as Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Forlan and Lionel Messi have won the European Golden Shoe in the past few seasons.

Source: goal.com