Fulham can help Frimpong fulfil his dream with Ghana - Evening Standard

Min price£50,000£70,000£100,000£120,000£150,000£170,000£200,000£220,000£250,000£275,000£300,000£325,000£350,000£375,000£400,000£425,000£450,000£475,000£500,000£550,000£600,000£650,000£700,000£750,000£800,000£900,000£1,000,000£1,100,000£1,200,000£1,300,000£1,400,000£1,500,000£2,000,000£3,000,000£4,000,000£5,000,000£10,000,000to Max price£50,000£70,000£100,000£120,000£150,000£170,000£200,000£220,000£250,000£275,000£300,000£325,000£350,000£375,000£400,000£425,000£450,000£475,000£500,000£550,000£600,000£650,000£700,000£750,000£800,000£900,000£1,000,000£1,100,000£1,200,000£1,300,000£1,400,000£1,500,000£2,000,000£3,000,000£4,000,000£5,000,000£10,000,000

More Info: FC Midtjylland - Sønderjyske [Live Football]

Bayern Munich Vs Borussia Dortmund Match Preview - International Business Times

However, league matters will be put to one side when the two clubs meet at the Allianz Arena tomorrow night for what will be a DFB-Pokal quarter-final clash.

Bayern, after a season of endless aches, has come back the way they were not quite expected to. This season, they have suffered only two losses in all competitions. This year, Bayern has let in only two goals and has won each and every one of their matches by at least a two goal margin. Dortmund has been playing quite well this season too, especially in the Champions League.

Favorites Bayern Munich will have to make do without the services of France international Franck Ribery, who is suspended because he was sent off during the match against Augsburg in the last round.

However, Javi Martinez has shaken off a minor groin strain which forced him off early against Werder Bremen at the weekend, while Daniel Van Buyten has shaken off the flu.

In contrast, visiting Dortmund should be at full strength for their trip to Bavaria. Robert Lewandowski is available following a one-game ban.

Meanwhile, Mats Hummels is fine after being withdrawn at half-time against Borussia Monchengladbach with a thigh problem, while Jakub Blaszczykowski has recovered from a minor injury.

Bayern Munich: Neuer (GK); Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Robben; Mandzukic

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller (GK); Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus; Lewandowski

Via: Slovácko - Dukla Praha [Live Football]

TV Pick: Barcelona compared to Real Madrid - GQ.com

Philadelphia Images While Gareth Bale is on unquestionably gorgeous type for Tottenham, he's got a way to go to rival the world's two most useful people on show tonight. Leo Messi makes El Classico searching for his 50thAgoal this season, having won in his last 15 fits in Manhunter Liga. Cristiano Ronaldo's 37 goals up to now seems small in contrast - however it is Real Madrid who come into tonight's Copa Del Rey conflict in good form. Barcelona are missing goalkeeper Victor Valdes and fought lately against AC Milan - so now is the perfect time for JosA Mourinho's side to have one back following a "doing a Person City" and collapsing in the category. However, if the rumours are to be considered, we might even see Bale playing in this fixture before longa Barcelona versus Real Madrid is on today at 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1. Oliver Franklin is GQ.comas functions associate. He has also created for Menas Health, Wired and the London Evening Standard.

Link: Dynamo Ceske Budejovice - Sparta Prague [Live Football]

Ajax Amsterdam 1-1 ADO Den Haag highlights - 1000 Goals

Ajax Amsterdam 1-1 ADO Den Haag highlights: Ajax Amsterdam were looking to get themselves even closer at the top of Eredivisie leader PSV Eindhoven, when Frank De Boer's men play host to Ado Den Haag on the weekend.

Fresh from disappointing exit from Europa League, Ajax looked rather uncomfortable at the start and a woeful defensive back pass allowed Tjaronn Chery to open the scoring on 30 minutes for ADO. Stunned by that opening goal, De Boer's men tried to reach immediately, but their chances were not converted by their players, forcing them to go into the second half trailing a goal down.

After the break, Ajax kept on their attacking shape, but was finding it hard to grab that breakthrough as ADO defended really tight in that match. Fortunately, with five minutes left before the half time break, the host grabbed their equalizer through Lasse Schone's fine driven shot.

Ajax Amsterdam vs ADO Den Haag highlights video. Score: 1-1. Eredivisie football match played on Monday 25 February 2013.

More Info: Stade de Reims - Paris Saint Germain [Live Football]

'Unbelievable' Gareth Bale locations Manchester City in Tottenham's views - The Independent

Andre Villas-Boas and Sam Allardyce both hailed Gareth Bale as player of the time last night after another unbelievable two-goal performance provided a gain to Spurs and moved them to third in the Premier League. Bale has now scored eight brilliant essential objectives in his last six Spurs games, putting Tottenham 1-0 up tonite from 20 yards before rating an unstoppable champion from 35 yards in the last moment. It was the 3rd game from the last four that Bale has gained for Spurs in the ultimate minutes. Spurs director Villas-Boas, who ran onto the message to grasp Bale at the final whistle, decided that Bale should get the Player of the Season awards. aI feel so,a Villas-Boas said. aIt would be undoubtedly earned, however it isn't around me to create that concern. Nevertheless you need certainly to acknowledge he is having a period. Therefore he's probably a challenger, he's for all of us, hopefully he will get there.a Defeated manager Sam Allardyce said afterward that Bale had made more of a difference than every other player in the league this season. aWeave heard a lot about Michu at Swansea and what Van Persie did for Manchester United but at as soon as thereas no one doing more for a soccer club than Gareth Bale for Tottenham, by the quality of goals he is scoring and consistent degree of goals.a Gylfi Sigurdssonas scrambled equaliser for Spurs was the initial category goal obtained with a Spurs person apart from Bale since Clint Dempsey against Manchester United on 20 January. aI am unsure anybody else has scored for them recently,a Allardyce said, aand every purpose he appears to be getting is outside package as well.a Bale settled the game in the final second, whipping the amazing Jussi Jaaskelainen from range and locating the top part. aHe is just a great, great talent and to see him keep trying within the last minute displays the talent that he is,a Villas-Boas said. aTaking the baseball, getting it, getting fouled in between, getting up a' he has got stay for keeping down a but he gets upA and gets on with business and were able to score a great goal.a aHis perfection is remarkable, the way in which it leaves off his shoe is incredible, we saw him get close a few occasions this evening, but he kept trying. His accuracy is huge, right down to the player that he is and ambition he has.a Bale has been playing in a far more forward role recently behind Emmanuel Adebayor and Villas-Boas attributed his remarkable rating run to this new place. aI think heas on a tremendous level in 2010, he is actually enjoying his soccer, now enjoying as a striker,a Villas-Boas said. aWhen you are in a position to make a person feel comfortable issues can only just get better and it isA down seriously to him and his motivation.a Allardyce said he'd no alternative but to admire the successful reach. aYou have got to appreciate the quality of the goal,a he explained. aYou are disappointed as weight when it's obtained against you but irrespective of who you're, Tottenham fan or West Ham fan, you have got to enjoy an objective that way with a player who is the huge difference for Tottenham at the moment. If you get also tight he skips past you, if you stand off him they are hit by him like that.a The gain techniques Spurs as much as third in the Premier League, two factors ahead of Chelsea and four ahead of Arsenal, whom Spurs face in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon. aThe team is extremely focused on the goals, we were given this possibility today of going third and an eight stage distance from Everton,a Villas-Boas said. Amazement have further prospect against Arsenal to go seven points ahead, it will be described as a hard game. The conditions were there for us to play this game super seriously, and that's why you found the people get because celebration.a Allardyce said he was agutteda for his people but argued that Mousa Dembele needs to have been sent off early in the 2nd half. aI feel Howard Webb has to send Dembele down. He's fouled Kevin Nolan which he got booked for, then Momo Diame, then he pulls down Joe Cole and then kicks the ball away. We are told by mike Riley all day long that is a yellow card.a

More Info: Dynamo Ceske Budejovice - Sparta Prague [Live Football]

Bayern Munich edges Borussia Dortmund in German Cup - TSN

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Arjen Robben won late in the initial half for Bayern Munich to beat title-holder Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Wednesday and achieve the German Cup semifinals. Dortmund beat Bayern 5-2 in last season's final and won its 2nd consecutive Bundesliga title. But this has been Bayern's period and it's a lead over Dortmund in the Bundesliga. After Dortmund lost ownership, offering Bayern its first win over Dortmund after five straight losses and one pull Robben curled in an attempt from the edge of the penalty spot. Stuttgart also advanced level to the semifinals for initially since 2007 with a cushty 2-0 victory over second-division Bochum. Religious Gentner scored with a deflected chance in the 18th and Vedad Ibisevic notched his first purpose of 2013 in the 83rd to secure Stuttgart's victory. Bayern and Stuttgart, which won the Bundesliga in 2007, join Wolfsburg and Freiburg in the semifinals.

Via: Hearts - Motherwell FC [Live Football]

Bayern Munich compared to. Borussia Dortmund: Final report 1-0... - SB Nation

Bayern Munich finally got the higher of Borussia Dortmund, ousting them from the DFB Pokal. Bayern Munich are certainly the most effective group in Germany, but despite the fact that they've the Bundesliga concept in their pocket, they still had something left to complete locally -- hit Borussia Dortmund. BvB were not only the two-time defending Bundesliga champions, they were Bayern slayers, toppling the Bavarians every time out. On Wednesday, Bayern finally got in at Dortmund. In a full, dominating performance that the scoreline did not reflect, Bayern destroyed Dortmund in a DFB Pokal quarterfinal gain, distributing BvB and putting themselves constantly in place to make a work at the treble. Bayern were the greater team from ab muscles start, playing much of the not quite scoring on a few occasions and first half in the Dortmund end. Toni Kroos needs to have put them in front early on, but he was off-balance when on target a rebound moved to him right in front of target and couldn't direct his shot. Arjen Robben had the opportunity of his own, also, but incredibly missed once the ball got on his right foot. Javi Martinez had Bayern's most readily useful chance and he got it well, sweetly shooting to underneath part on his first hint from ten yards, but Roman Weidenfeller robbed him with a huge save. For many their visibility, it appeared as if Bayern could get into the break scoreless, but just before the halftime whistle Robben stumbled on the recovery. The ball was given by dortmund away in their own package and it returned to Robben at 20 meters. The Dutchman, who had a few meters of room, opportunity and rapidly satisfied, correctly straightening the ball into the top part. Allianz Arena ignited and Jurgen Klopp could only smile and nod his head at the great goal that set Bayern 1-0 up. Dortmund did show some life in the second half. They really called Manuel Neuer into motion a couple moments, but Robert Lewandowski was still limited on service as the upper hand was kept by Bayern. Martinez tested Weidenfeller again in the 2nd half with a bomb from 30 meters, but the goalkeeper was as much as the job and sent it over the bar. Daniel van Buyten got a chance of his own, coming free on a large part kick, but his header missed the goal as well. In the long run, Bayern's several overlooked possibilities didn't matter. They certainly were totally dominant, keeping ownership and making openings while winning the ball back as soon as an Dortmund won it, moving forward. Bayern did the job, and amazingly also. They beat their rivals and continued their run in the DFB Pokal. Next up, the semifinals, the Champions League and maybe the treble. a just how to generate 8th graders: Strategies for Alabama and LSU a the most effective (and we mean worst) quotations from the NFL Combine a This is a fake column: Te'o can't outrun past a Naming the new NHL categories a many people adore Shep Messing a NFL Mock Draft: We've a new No. 1

West Ham v Tottenham Hotspur: Stay - Football.co.uk

WEST HAM v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Follow most of the activity as West Ham number London rivals Spurs at Upton Park in the Barclays Premier League West Ham V Tottenham - view commentary, group, and data of the overall game live. TEAM LINE-UPS West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, O'Neil, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis, Carroll, Joe Cole. Subs: Spiegel, Carlton Cole, Collison, Vaz Te, Taylor, Pogatetz, Chamakh. Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Caulker, Vertonghen, Parker, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Holtby, Adebayor. Subs: Friedel, Gallas, Naughton, Sigurdsson, Livermore, Assou-Ekotto, Carroll. MATCH CRITIQUE Allardyce caution over Bale West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes his part may have a larger potential for beating London competitors Tottenham on Monday night if they could end Gareth Bale illuminating Upton Park. The Welsh winger has been doing scintillating type for Spurs in 2010, already scoring 17 goals and hauling Andre Villas-Boas' part out of trouble on several occasion. Allardyce saw his part drop 3-1 at White Hart Lane in November, with Bale's title on the scoresheet and a Jermain Defoe brace showing enough for Spurs to get the factors. While Allardyce understands the various fighting possibilities at Villas-Boas' removal he knows Bale is most likely the person who can encourage Spurs to get a result. "They have been very good," the 58-year-old said of Spurs' season. "The group from an attacking point of view has been excellent, Recently they've lost their major goalscorer, who's Jermain Defoe, and (Emmanuel) Adebayor has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations, so from a point of view they've had to depend on one man and one man only to develop the goods. "That is Gareth Bale and he's been the major difference between Tottenham and the clubs they've played recently. "Not only has he scored essential goals, but they have already been gorgeous goals at that. He's going to need some taking care of on Monday night." Allardyce has proved equally James Collins and Joey O'Brien have now been teaching this week and are in competition. Collins has been lacking because of hamstring problem while other opponent O'Brien was sidelined with a leg injury but both are now actually element of Allardyce's squad for the London derby against Spurs. George McCartney (knee) can also be on the comeback trail but the game on Monday can come too quickly for him. Mousa Dembele contends Tottenham haven't any reason to fear anybody. The pressure is on Spurs to re-establish their four-point lead over Arsenal before next Sunday's north London derby at White Hart Lane. Last period Tottenham held a 10-point advantage within the Gunners in February, nevertheless they then fell away amazingly and wound up missing out on Champions League qualification thanks to Chelsea's win in Munich. Villas-Boas is decided never to allow same thing happen again this phrase. Where they're unbeaten since December 9, his team have been the personification of persistence in the league. Additionally they get into the game on the back of a morale-boosting win over Lyon in the Europa League - and the man who secured their advancement to the last 16 on Thursday night thinks he and his team-mates are playing at the very top of their game right now. "We do not need certainly to fear any team," said Dembele, who secured a 3-2 mixture win with a 90th moment equaliser in the Stade de Gerland. "People have value for all of us. It's crucial in the group If you should be in a winning mood. "We have two more very important games coming up in the league therefore the confidence will stay high and that's good for us." Given the gulf in potential between the two sides, West Ham are expected to approach the derby cautiously. Tottenham have struggled at times to breakdown groups who shut up shop. They've usually had to depend on the brilliance of Gareth Bale to get come away with three points, but Dembele is confident Spurs will soon be in a position to overcome their rivals on Monday whatever the methods they employ. "It is a different game to the Lyon one of course," Dembele said. "Teams always have plenty of respect for us and they drop back so it is always difficult, but I believe we need to do the huge difference, we have to fight for one another as well. It'll be a physical game, for sure, but we're used to it and this is a specific fit for us and the supporters too since it is a derby." Hugo Lloris is anticipated to return in goal after being on the seat in Lyon. Striker Jermain Defoe (leg) returns to training in a few days, but he'll not be considered for the match against his former membership. Younes Kaboul, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone (all leg) are inaccessible.

More Info: Swansea City FC - Newcastle United [Live Football]

Barcelona versus. Real Madrid, 2013 El Clasico: Ronaldos second goal...

Update: Real Madrid 3-1 Barcelona, full-time. Cristiano Ronaldo obtained another target and Real Madrid now have one foot in the Copa del Rey closing. Lionel Messi tried to do every thing by herself in the 47th minute making a lone counter assault work that has been eventually power down in the Madrid field by a trio of defenders. Even with three players against, Messi not quite took the ball straight back but was eventually overwhelmed. Madrid responded back on the counter in the 50th minute when FAbio CoentrAo got a fantastic chance from close range which was preserved nicely by JosA Manuel Pinto. Barcelona nearly got a target in the 52nd minute after having a great shot from Sergio Busquets and several follow-up efforts by various teammates. Busquets initial picture was saved by a Diego Lopez and at least two subsequent attempts were blocked by defenders before the ball was finally cleared away. Yet again Madrid's security was a lot more than as much as the job. In the minute Angel Di MarAa absolutely turned Carles Puyol in circles in the Barca box. His opportunity was blocked nonetheless it moved right to Cristiano Ronaldo who was lurking on the right side of the box. Ronaldo resolved the ball and hammered a shot into the back of the net providing a 2-0 lead to Madrid. With thirty minutes to perform and Madrid up 3-1 on combination, Barcelona now need three goals to survive. Follow @SBNationSoccer on Facebook

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Deportivo La Coruna vs. Real Madrid : Manhattan project Liga Live Report, Features, Recap - Bleacher Record

Evening real Madrid had to depend on a tripleAsubstitutionAto get three points in Galicia on Saturday. Riki gave Deportivo la Coruna a primary half lead at the Riazor, and Madrid were fortunate to only walk 1-0 at half time. On the time, Mourinho presented Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sami Khedira and the pendulum swung in Madrid's way. First Kaka equalized and then, with time running out, Gonzalo Higuain scored a late champion to break Depor hearts and abandon them adrift at the bottom of the table. Manhattan project Liga: Estadio Riazor, A Coruna (2 p.m. ET) Deportivo la Coruna 1-2 Real Madrid (Riki - Kaka, Higuain) Deportivo manhattan project Coruna:A: Aranzubia; SAlvio (Bergantinos), Marchena, KakA (Jesus Vazquez), Ayoze; Abel Aguilar, AssunAAo; Bruno Gama, ValerAn, Pizzi; Riki (NelsonAOliveira) Real Madrid:ADiego LApez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo (Ronaldo ); Essien (Khedira), Modric (Ozil ); Kaka, CallejAn, Di MarAa; Higuain So Madrid beat They to be sent by Deportivo in to a season-defining period on a higher. Thanks for joining us today, and if you are looking for a man of the fit, we had get for Kaka. Full-time. It's throughout at Riazor,AMourinho's multiple replacement spurs Madrid to return and beat Deportivo 2-1 90 +4 - Time nearly up now, Depor maybe not threatening at all. 90 - Angel Di Maria sent off! The Argentinian picks up two yellow cards in a matter of seconds. He was told to retreat for a Depor free kick and did not and was reserved, he found an additional booking and then failed to go again. Foolish. 88 - Real Madrid break Depor minds with what will certainly be described as a late champion! A fantastic change pass from Kaka plays in Cristiano Ronaldo, who unselfishly pieces for Higuain to utilize an empty net. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL for Sure Madrid! 86 - Deportivo let off the hook by the umpire. What seems like a by Aranzubia is followed by an objective mouth scramble, but the ref hits for anything and honors Depor a free kick in their six yard field. 83 - Foul by Arbeloa gives Deportivo some breathing time. True Madrid have already been pushing forward because the equalizer. 79 - Ronaldo close again! Creates enough energy on his header but does not hit the mark. 77 - Real Madrid have now been prominent since the double replacement, but Depor still turn to carry a risk on the break... Ronaldo goes close! Beats his man on the left before pulling a good save yourself from Aranzubia. 75 - Deportivo make their final change. Target scorer Riki is replaced by Portugal global NelsonAOliveira. 73 - Kaka reveals Real Madrid level to be drawn by a touch of class. Di Maria moves the ball to him on the edge of the field, and the Brazilian cooly waves one past Aranzubia. It is his first goal in La Liga in 2010. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL for Sure Madrid! 71 - Into the last 20 minutes today for Madrid to use and salvage some thing out of this sport. If their starting 11 suggested their minds were elsewhere, Mourinho's changes show today remains important too. 67 - The free end is well worked, straight from the training ground but the final baseball is merely behind Riki. 66 - Ozil's free kick is headed away, but just in terms of Di Maria who smashes it right into a wall of bodies from about 25 yards. Deportivo break and draw a free of charge kick in a promising position... 64 - Ronaldo has got the ball in the back of the net, however the hole have been up for a time. Offside. 63 - Cristiano Ronaldo draws a free start working Cristiano Ronaldo territory... ...The Portuguese forward measures around take it and smashes it to the Deportivo wall. 61 - Within the last half hour now and Depor however cause 1-0. 56 - Deportivo forced within their next change. Christ Vazquez replaces Kaka. Meanwhile Madrid produce a triple alternative - Khedira, Ozil and Ronaldo change Essien, Modric and Marcelo. 54 - Two brief confusion is caused by Pizzi free kicks in the Madrid box with little substance. Los Blancos eventually clear their lines, break and win a corner.

Chelsea FC: Grading Striker Demba Ba's Begin for the Blues - Bleacher Survey

So far, so great for Demba Ba at Stamford Bridge. Even though 27-year-old striker hasn't seen a tremendous level of playing time for the Blues since coming over from Newcastle United early in the winter transfer market, what he has shown should absolutely justify management's decision to sign the Senegalese international to a wholesome three-and-and-half yearAdeal. And many Chelsea transfer times are far more like biannual Christmas spending sprees with wealthy Uncle Roman using the elite basketball leagues across the world as his shopping centers, this January's finished up being fairly silent despite all the rumors of Radamel Falcao and Marouane Fellaini dancing through the minds of Blues fans. Chelsea bought Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool for A12 millionAand signed Ba from the Toon for A7 millionAand actually ended up with A5 million more in its coffers than it began with when all was said and done. So who says Abramovich can't be a little thrifty when he wants to? Demba Ba is proving to be always a very strong exchange for temporary manager Rafael Benitez (right) and Chelsea because being closed from Newcastle United in January.Michael Regan/Getty Images By getting BaAfor this type of good value and covering him up for these golden years of his baseball career, the Blues went quite a distance to starting to solve the problem they suddenly found themselves having last time at the striker location when team star Didier Drogba starting showing signs of aging, Fernando Torres remained ice-cold and Sturridge began voicing displeasure along with his playing time. Like fellow novices Eden Hazard, Oscar, Victor Moses and CAsar Azpilicueta, it will take time to Ba to arriving off the table, solution with his new teammates and get assimilate in to his new surroundings in West London. But once he does, expect some really big things from him. Ba prefers to play the role of main striker and fits in perfectly with Chelsea's present 4-2-3-1 tactical formation and advantages of his huge 6-foot-2-inch frame, substantial steps and extreme power to play balls in the air. Against Southampton in the next round of the FA Cup in his Blues debut, BaAscored twiceAand offered Chelsea fans just a little taste of his abilities in the field, then tallied his first English Premier League goal for the club 11 days later against those same Saints. In his go back to Tyneside and St. David' Park on Feb. 2, Ba tried to show off several of those skills in front of goal but was unjustly honored with a start working the faceAby former teammate Fabricio Coloccini and a broken nose. No red or orange carda'or charge kicka'was released, and the Magpies went on to beat Chelsea 3-2 as Ba was forced to leave the match together with his injury. So far, Blues temporary boss Rafael BenAtez has only began Ba four timesAin Premier League play and his goal against Southampton is his only top-flight tally for Chelsea currently, but time should show him to be a 20-goal-plus a season scorer. After Demba Ba (left) emerges from the shdow of present starting striker Fernando Torres (right), then Chelsea will be able to observe important his signing this winter transfer market actually was.Michael Regan/Getty Images Some of those four starts arrived on Sunday against the defending league champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and Ba again showed his ability to create havoc before the purpose when he caused a collision between himself and the Sky Blues Joe Hart, which led to a Frank Lampard punishment kickAand a wonderful save your self by the City goalkeeper. Once he's given the chance to become the key striker for the European champions, Baa'tied for fourthAin the EPL with 14 goalsa'will become even more prolific and valuable for the Blues and their offensive strikeforce. And after Ba emerges from the shadow of being Torres's back-up at striker, Chelsea and its lovers might find precisely how big the signing of the true expertise really is. >Follow me on Twitter: @KevinStott11

Via: FC Illychivets Mariupol - Metalurg Zaporozje [Live Football]

Guy City 2-0 Chelsea a' Individuals Close Title Difference To 12 Items After...

By Alan Duffy Birmingham City 2-0 Chelsea a Premier League a 24th February 2013 Birmingham City held their (super) faint hopes of maintaining their Premier League name alive by easily beating Chelsea at home on Sunday. The home side dominated for significant periods of the game, with Yaya TourA playing in an even more fighting role, nonetheless it took until the 2nd time for the Citizens to eventually open the scoring. TourAas fine target, on 63 minutes, got after Frank Lampard has seen his spot-kick saved by Joe Hart. Your home area then doubled their lead with 5 minutes to get courtesy of an exceptional Carlos Tevez attempt. With David Silva pulling the strings, the house side were undoubtedly the better side as Rafa Benitezas men didn't bring a real fighting risk. City is seen by the result now 12 factors behind Man Utd while Chelsea are only a place ahead of Spurs (who have played a game less) and only two ahead of Arsenal. Photosa Highlightsa Photos: Missouri Placed in Chelsea, Man City, Newsnow, Images, Videos

Via: VFL Wolfsburg - FC Schalke 04 [Live Football]

Barcelona to handle Real Madrid in Copa semi-final - IBNLive

Madrid: With essential Champions League activities emerging, Barcelona and Real Madrid may have done minus the disruption of playing one another twice in five days, beginning with a King's Cup semi-final 2nd leg on Tuesday. The 2 "Clasicos" - the 2nd a La Liga battle at the Bernabeu on Saturday - will give you rich entertainment for fans however they are relatively simple when compared with Barca's sport at home to AC Milan on March 12 and Real's match at Manchester United per week earlier. True Madrid could have midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Karim Benzema back from minor injuries for King's Cup semi-final second leg at slots Barcelona, instructor Jose Mourinho said on Monday. Barcelona are still reeling after heading down 2-0 to Milan at the San Siro, although they fought back from the goal down for a 2-1 La Liga get at home to Sevilla. The pair missed Saturday's 2-1 return La Liga success at Deportivo La Coruna, when Mourinho initially left leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo on the counter but brought him on in the second half to set up Gonzalo Higuain's late winner. The King's Cup is never a priority for Spain's dominant pair so long as they're still alive in Europe's elite team competition and the domestic league, and Real have all but given up on an additional consecutive Manhunter Liga name after moving 16 points behind leaders Barca with 13 games left. Barca remain reeling after going down 2-0 to Milan at the San Siro in Wednesday's last-16 first leg, although they picked themselves up and struggled back from a target down for a 2-1 La Liga win at home to Sevilla on Saturday. True, held to a draw by United at the Bernabeu On February 13, also originated from a target right down to get on Saturday, whipping base part Deportivo Manhunter Coruna 2-1 at the Riazor with Cristiano Ronaldo coming off the counter to set up Gonzalo Higuain for the winner. Associate Barca instructor Jordi Roura, standing in for Tito Vilanova who's dealing with throat surgery, recognized his players for adding Wednesday's shock opposite to their rear. "You may drop a match but the important thing is the reaction," he informed a news conference following the Sevilla game. "It was a very tough game and while we had the fit more under control," he added they scored against us. "But once again the staff rose to the event and showed the pride had a need to secure a critical success for the group plan. Their effect was splendid." Cup holders Barca have a small edge ahead of Real's trip to the Nou Camp, which will be the 224th assembly between the arch rivals in all contests, after they secured a draw at the Bernabeu in last month's first leg. Cesc Fabregas shot Barca forward five minutes after halftime and Raphael Varane nodded in a equaliser for Real seven minutes from the conclusion. True defeat Barca 1-0 to win the Cup in 2011 and They were eliminated by Barca in the last eight last phrase. The successful part after Tuesday's showdown will satisfy Atletico Madrid or Sevilla in May's ultimate. The couple meet at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan ground on Wednesday with Atletico holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the Calderon. Barca struggled to create scoring chances against both Milan and Sevilla, leading some to question their slavish adherence to a playing style and ask when faced with ultra-defensive edges if they had a highly effective "Plan B". They've also found it tough to keep a clean linen in recent excursions and Roura said it was something if they were to keep alive their hopes of a treble of trophies this term they needed seriously to increase. "It holds true that we're obtaining the odd issue in that sense and it's some thing to boost on, most importantly in our setting in defence," Roura said. "Obviously it concerns us and you want to improve that and other things," he added. Barca's World Player of the Entire Year Lionel Messi could equal the record goal tally for "Clasicos" of 18 held by former Real good Alfredo Di Stefano with a goal on Tuesday.

Via: SKN Sankt Pölten - KSV 1919 [Live Football]

Eredivisie: Willem II 2 NEC 3 - Soccerway

But the home side proved unable to find an equaliser in the time remaining, and they remain rooted to the foot of the league standings, nine points adrift of safety.

Player Reactions: AC Milan 2-0 FC Barcelona | totalBarça

After the 2-0 loss to AC Milan, a number of FC Barcelona's players spoke to the press about the game and the team's determination to improve and turn the tie around at home. "We are Futbol Club Barcelona and we have to fight back," said Gerard Piqué after the 1st leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

The Catalan was clearly disappointed with the team's performance at the San Siro: "We had the match under control in the first half but we didn't play well in the second. We fell apart after they scored the opener, it was out of control. We have to improve and learn from this." Piqué underlined that AC Milan are a dangerous side and that FC Barcelona never underestimated the Italian team. "It looked as though they were coming into the match as victims but we know this club, the history they have… There are no excuses, the pitch, the referee, nothing. We have to work hard to fight back."

Read what the other Barça players had to say about the game and their reflections on the return leg on March 12 after the jump.

"We have to be better competitors. We didn't play a good game, we didn't create goal scoring chances and that's what you have to do to win."

"It's not that we played terribly after the first goal. We didn't play well in general and that's largely due to how well our rival played. We have to improve."

"I don't think this game was lost because of the small details. I think we lacked freshness, we didn't create chances, and they were well organised. This is the Champions League."

"We have to think about the return leg and make sure it turns out differently, we have to try and score from the first minute."

"It's time to fight back. When you lose you always have to think about what went wrong and we have to prepare for the match as best as we can."

"They were more aggressive, we have to improve in the return leg. We have to have confidence in this team, we can't give up. We're going to play at home in front of our fans, we aren't going to give up."

UEFA Champions League: FC Barcelona FW David Villa The Man for Milan ... - Barca Blaugranes (blog)

With a come-from-behind win against Sevilla in the last match, it's hard not to think that Barcelona were in some way practicing to overturn the two-goal deficit in their Champions League tie with Milan.

It's not the first time that Barcelona have erased a deficit this season. In fact, Sevilla should know all about it, having ultimately lost 3-2 after leading 2-0 in their previous meeting.

A key component in the comeback victories has been the the 3-4-3 formation. An ultra-attack minded set up, it sacrifices a defender for one extra forward compared to Barca's base 4-3-3.

David Villa has often been the key man in those formations, and that was the case again yesterday as he scored Barca's first in a fairly straightforward manner.

Villa is 5'9'', small for a central forward (just two inches taller than Lionel Messi), but he can still battle centerbacks with his clever runs. His headed goal was more the result of great positioning and a pinpoint cross from Dani Alves than any particular physical attribute.

Messi is and will always be the key man in the Barca setup, but if teams pay extraordinary amounts of attention to him, it makes sense to introduce another force in his space.

This is not a plan for every match; Barca encounter packed defenses every time and usually Messi will lead Barca to victory. Rather, it's for certain situations - especially like against Sevilla.

The question is: will it be used against Milan? And if so, when? Doing it from the start would ensure the most time to try get vital goals. But it could also open up the shaky defense to a goal.

If Barca keep the clean sheet, only two goals are needed. But if Barca concede only one, they would need to score four due to the away goals rule. Maybe the key would be to start in a 4-3-3, and then switch to a 3-4-3 as needed.

The other possibility is to play Cesc Fabregas upfront, leaving Villa to play the left wing role. There are other options, like Jordi Alba, Adriano Correia, Alves, or Iniesta in the wing spots.

So, what do you think? Should Barca risk the 3-4-3 from the start against Milan? Use it at halftime? Or only towards the end?

FC Barcelona looks to establish youth setup with AFC Ajax - Barca Blaugranes (blog)

The loaning of Isaac Cuenca to Ajax makes you wonder why these two philosophy-sharing giants haven't already developed a co-operative youth setup.

Barcelona and Dutch side Ajax have long been linked and it stems from legendary player Johan Cruyff. Cruyff was a star player and manager for both the Blaugrana and de Amsterdammers and the two clubs share a philosophy of establishing an elite youth system to feed the first team. The idea of being self-sustainable and mixing experienced veterans with fresh faces was a system Cruyff set in motion during his time with the Catalan club.

Ajax claims their goal is "to form talented young players into top football players." and if you look at the players they have produced, it appears it is working. Holland greats such as Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard, Wim Kieft, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Kluivert as well as Cruyff himself have all developed from the youth academy.

Cruyff's first management job after hanging up his playing boots was at his beloved Ajax. While in Amsterdam, Cruyff developed the fabled 4-3-3 formation that we see today. Introducing three defenders plus a roaming fourth with a pivot and two controlling midfielders. Followed by two touchline hugging wingers and a central striker. With this style, Cruyff led his young Ajax side to success in the 1987 European Cup Winners' Cup. Which to date remains the club's only success in this competition after the competition was abolished in 1999.

The same free-flowing style was implemented throughout the youth team setup and Ajax continued the conveyer belt which produces players of great quality such as World Cup finalists Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Maarten Stekelenburg.

Arguably Cruyff's greatest achievement during his time at Barcelona, was the establishment of La Masia. Setting aside the European Cup triumph with the "Dream Team" , the creation of La Masia created the opportunity to routinely produce dream teams capable of conquering Europe and the ability for sustained success. The effects are in full flow today with La Masia graduates occupying the majority of the first and second teams.

Jong Ajax and Barcelona B both offer a glimpse what the future of their respective first team holds. Young talent such as Gerard Deulofeu and Jean Marie Dongou represent the future of the Blaugrana while Christian Eriksen and Viktor Fischer are currently breaking onto the Dutch scene, attracting interest from a number of high profile European clubs.

So it seems unusual that two clubs so closely linked have not established a youth partnership until now that benefits both parties. The loaning of FC Barcelona's Isaac Cuenca signals the first move in what will presumably be the start of that partnership and presumably a long partnership between the Dutch and Spanish giants. Sharing youth prospects between clubs is rarely seen at the top of the game. But this system helps to ensure players fulfil their potential.

A similar example in recent years is Luka Modrić's sale to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs agreed on a £33.2 million transfer for the Croatian midfielder, who has yet to find his feet in La Liga. But, more interestingly, the clubs announced a partnership. Full details of this partnership were not disclosed but it is widely believed that the London club now has access to observe Madrid's youth system. It is also rumoured that the partnership means Madrid get first rejection on Gareth Bale, should the Welsh winger decide to leave Tottenham. The chance to view Madrid's youth academy will greatly benefit Spurs as they look to push for progress in the Champions League.

The Barça-Ajax partnership greatly benefits both parties. Players such as Cuenca, who are finding places in the Barcelona first team limited gain valuable playing time in a different culture. An example of this is Cesc Fàbregas, while the midfielder did not leave on loan his time with Arsenal has greatly enhanced his game. He picked up more of an attacking mind-set and his time as club captain developed his leadership skills. When he eventually returned to the Camp Nou the difference showed and combined with his renewed La Masia training, Fàbregas is now one of the team's strongest players.

So far for Ajax, Cuenca has played two games and earned himself an assist in his debut. Cuenca will return to Spain on June 30th and it will be interesting to see if his loan move has been of benefit and if this partnership will be a strong one.

Daytona 500 works on routine, day after supporters hurt

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) a' Fans experiencing unsafe following the horrifying crash at Daytona International Speedway a day earlier were able to change seats for NASCAR's biggest competition on Sunday. Individuals successfully restored a portion of wall a 54 feet wide and 22 feet high a that was shredded Saturday when Kyle Larson's car went flying on the ultimate panel of a second-tier race and crashed through the screen that separates vehicles from supporters. Large pieces of debris, including a tire, dispersed in to the upper and lower section of the stands. The accident your day before the Daytona 500 wounded more than 30 people, elevating more questions about lover safety at race tracks. Halifax Health spokesman Byron Cogdell said eight people with crash-related injuries remained hospitalized in Daytona Beach in stable condition. The six people delivered to an alternative Halifax hospital in Port Orange with crash-related accidents had all been cleared, Cogdell said. A spokeswoman at Florida Memorial Medical Center wouldn't generate information on the people delivered to that hospital. Course President Joie Chitwood, meanwhile, said if any fans are uncomfortable with their up-close sitting for the Daytona 500, officers would work to maneuver them. "If fans are unhappy making use of their seating area or we would shift them," Chitwood said, should they have any incidents. "So we'll treat that area like we do every other area of the grandstand. where they are sitting If a fan isn't comfortable, we make every accommodation we can." There were several accidents throughout the Daytona 500, although nothing that put fans in peril. Jimmie Johnson won the race for the second time. Larry Spencer of Nanticoke, Pa., said he wasn't sure if he wants to ever stay that minimal again after his 15-year-old brother, Derrick, required three stitches in his cheek after being struck by material dust flying from Saturday's crash. Per day after sitting near the wall, they returned with passes a large number of rows farther from the track. "I thought it had been just neat to begin to see the vehicles going by that close," Spencer said. "After yesterday, although, I definitely will rethink sitting lower actually again." The tire that flew to the stands arrived a few rows above where they had been standing. Following the accident, exploring at the people seriously hurt, Spencer said he chose to just take his brother to a hospital herself so that speedway crews and paramedics might focus on the people who needed more help. "The only way to explain it was such as a bomb went off, and the car pretty much exploded," Spencer said. Course individuals concluded repairs about 2 a.m. Sunday, having installed a new barrier article, new material meshing and the main concrete wall. Officials do not restore the collapsed cross-over gate, that allows fans to travel between the infield and the stands before events. Daytona features a grandstand remodel in the offing. Chitwood said the incidents may induce an overhaul that may include sturdier fences or stands further from the on-track motion. "It is hard to connect both right now in terms of a potential redevelopment and what occurred," Chitwood said. "We were organized yesterday, had emergency medical react. As we study on this, you bet: If there are items that we could integrate in to the future, whether it is the property now or some other redevelopment, we will. "The key is sitting yourself down with NASCAR, discovering the things that happened and how we deal with them." Daytona reexamined its fencing and wound up replacing the complete thing following Carl Edwards' frightening crash at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama in '09. Edwards' car sailed into the wall and spewed trash into the stands. "We have made changes since then," Chitwood said. "I think that is the key: that we study on this and find out what else we need to do." NASCAR plans to take what remained of Larson's sheared car along with trash back to its research and development center in Charlotte, N.C., for assessment. "We'll make the most effective and brightest," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's senior vice president for racing procedures. "Anything we can learn is likely to be applied. ... Supporters are our first priority. Demonstrably we wish everyone to be safe at an event. We have talked to the speedway. We're confident in what's in place at today's event. Undoubtedly still thinking about these affected, but we are confident to maneuver forward with this race." The 12-car accident started as the checkered flag was approached by the front-runners. Head Regan Smith experimented with prevent Brad Keselowski for the gain, triggering a pileup which could have been much worse. Larson's burning motor wedged by way of a gaping hole in the wall. Pieces and parts of his car dispersed into the stands, including a tire that removed the top of the wall and landed midway up the spectator area closest to the track. The 20-year-old Larson stood in shock a few feet from his car as fans in the stands waved frantically for help. Smoke from the burning engine shortly clouded the location, and emergency vehicles originated on the scene. Ambulance sirens could possibly be noticed wailing behind the grandstands at any given time the race winner might generally be doing celebratory burnouts. "It was freaky. When I looked to my right, the crash happened," Rick Harpster of Orange Park said. "I looked over and I found a tire fly right over the fence to the stands, but after that I didn't see whatever else. That was the worst thing I've observed, seeing that tire travel to the stands. I knew it had been planning to be severe." In 1987, Bobby Allison's car raised off the course at Talladega while running more than 200 mph, careening into the steel-cable barrier and scattering debris into the audience. That accident led to the usage of horsepower-sapping restrictor plates at Talladega and its sister track in Daytona, NASCAR's fastest layouts. Consequently, the cars all run not quite exactly the same pace, and the field is usually bunched tightly together a' which plenty of people have warned is actually a more harmful scenario than higher rates. "That is among the items that really does scare you," Allison said. "But it's always a possibility because of the rates, where they are." Dumb Associated Press author Jennifer Kay in Miami led for this survey.

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Jimmie Johnson wins Daytona 500 for second time

After winning the Daytona 500 for the second time, Johnson gave a shoutout to his sponsor Lowe's, the home improvement chain.

Danica Patrick was running third heading to the final lap, but she dropped back to eighth as everyone jostled for position.

Johnson, a five-time champion, also won the 500 in 2006. But he's had some tough finishes in recent years, including a 42nd-place flameout in 2012.

Jimmie Johnson leads and Danica Patrick is still in the mix after a late caution flag for debris on the track in turn two.

When the green flag came out with six laps to go, Johnson was followed by defending Cup champion Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer. Patrick is running sixth.

Defending champ Matt Kenseth had led more laps than anyone when, suddenly, his car began smoking on lap 149. He headed to pit road and it didn't take long for the crew to push him behind the wall, ruining any hopes of becoming the first back-to-back winner since Sterling Marlin in 1994-95.

Kenseth and his new teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, were actually running 1-2-3 when Kenseth had some sort of engine or transmission problem. Just two laps later, Busch's car also went out, smoking as well, sending the driver of the No. 18 machine storming through the garage, ripping off his racesuit.

"It's really unfortunate," Busch said. "We were running 1-2-3 and it felt like we were dropping like flies. Something inside the motor broke that's not supposed to break. It's a little devastating when you're running 1-2-3 like that. Hopefully the No. 11 (Hamlin) can bring it home."

Edwards was caught up in a crash heading into turn one at the Daytona 500, another case of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trevor Bayne bumped Brad Keselowski from behind, which sent the No. 21 car sliding sideways.

Stewart was 82 laps behind the leaders when he rolled out of the garage after an early crash. His frustration was never more evident than when he joined in the repair effort, banging on his No. 14 car with a hammer during the long stint in the paddock.

"To hell with the season," Stewart said. "I wanted to win the Daytona 500. We had a car that we could pass with today. We were passing cars by ourselves. I was so happy with our car, was just waiting for it to all get sorted out again. I don't know what started it, but we just got caught up in another wreck."

Stewart's misfortune came a day after he won the lower-division Nationwide race — his 19th career triumph at Daytona.

While there's nothing unusual about Kenseth leading at Daytona, where he's won two of the last three years, it's a bit jarring to see him doing it in the No. 20 car.

Kenseth had spent his entire Cup career driving the No. 17 machine for Roush Fenway Racing, but he switched to Joe Gibbs Racing this season. He's got a new car, a new number, a new sponsor and a new team.

The first woman to start from the pole at the Daytona 500 has become the first female to lead a lap in a NASCAR Cup race.

Patrick sent the huge crowd into a frenzy when she snatched the lead from Michael Waltrip on lap 90 after a series of pit stops under yellow. She led two laps before Denny Hamlin surged to the front.

But Patrick has shown her qualifying run was no fluke. She's got a strong car and has been in the top 10 all day as the 200-lap race approaches the midway point.

Patrick switched to NASCAR last year after becoming the first woman to lead laps at the Indianapolis 500, as well as being the first to win an IndyCar race.

In the strangest part of the buildup to the Daytona 500, Mr. Cent brought back memories of Joe Namath's awkward attempt to plant one on Suzy Kolber when he tried the same move with Andrews on pit road.

Former 500 winners Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and Jamie McMurray were caught up in the crash on lap 33. So was defending Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski.

The melee began coming through the tri-oval when Kasey Kahne's car began to slide across the track after appearing to get bumped from behind by Kyle Busch.

At least two other drivers also got caught up in the mess: Juan Pablo Montoya and Casey Mears. Joey Logano made a great move to dodge the spinning cars.

HANG ON TIGHT: From one defending champion to another, Brad Keselowski had a piece of advice for Daytona 500 starter Ray Lewis:

The retired Baltimore Ravens star served as honorary starter for the Daytona 500. Lewis waved the green flag without incident Sunday to start the "Great American Race."

"Brad texted me on the way in, the one rule is, don't drop the flag," Lewis said before the race. "I'm going to squeeze the flag very hard. I want to watch this and be a part of it. To be here is an awesome experience."

Lewis was one of several stars at Daytona International Speedway. Rappers T.I. and 50 Cent attended NASCAR's season opener, which has Danica Patrick starting on the pole.

Oscar-nominated actor James Franco was the grand marshall and said, "Drivers and Danica, start your engines!" The Zac Brown Band played a pre-race concert in the Daytona International Speedway infield. Band member Clay Cook performed the national anthem.

Retired baseball pitcher Tom Gordon, comedian Drew Carey, and Wes Welker and Steve Spurrier also were in attendance.

Lewis called Keselowski on the eve of the 2012 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and left him an inspirational voice message. Keselowski also often listens to Lewis' motivational speeches before races.

"I caught a glimpse of how he always watched my videos and it really inspired him," Lewis said. "That's when me and him really started having conversations with each other, and from there it just turned into a friendship. I send him motivational things, and heads-up on what I am doing, that's where the relationship has gone."

DANICA DROPS BACK: Danica Patrick made history by becoming the first woman to start from the pole in a NASCAR Cup race.

Choosing the outside spot on the front row, Patrick gave up the lead to Jeff Gordon on the very first lap, missing out on an early chance to become the first female to lead a Cup lap.

Patrick went on the radio before the race to thank her crew for giving her such a strong car. "I'll do the best job I can to do my end of the deal today," she said. "All in all, thank you for everything. You guys are awesome."

Later, Patrick sent the huge crowd into a frenzy when she snatched the lead from Michael Waltrip on lap 90 after a series of pit stops under yellow. She led two laps before Denny Hamlin surged to the front.

Of course, this year is different. Danica Patrick is the first woman to start from the pole in a Cup race, and Franco hinted beforehand that he was planning an audible. As unpredictable as ever, he passed on a chance to copy the command that was used when Patrick raced in the Indianapolis 500, "Lady and gentlemen, start your engines."

One day after a harrowing crash injured dozens of fans in the stands, those same seats are filling up for the Daytona 500.

"These should be good seats," said Rick Barasso, as he settled into a spot that was right in the danger zone when Kyle Larson's car slammed into the catch fencing on the final lap of a Nationwide Series race Saturday. "I mean, what are the chances of it happening again?"

That seems to be the attitude of the fans heading into the Daytona 500, the season-opening Cup race and biggest event on the NASCAR schedule. Most people say it's worth the risk to sit next to the ear-rattling action — no more than 20 feet away for those in the first row. They love to hear the engines, smell the exhaust, and feel the wind whipping in their face as 43 cars go by at nearly 200 mph.

Raymond Gober returned to the same location where he was nearly struck by a bolt from Larson's car. He scooped up the debris as a souvenir, though he acknowledged being a little nervous about his seat on the back row of the lower level. He even considered wearing his motorcycle helmet to the 500, but figured "everybody would start laughing at me." Next year, he plans to buy an upper-level seat in the main grandstand.

There are grim reminders of what happened Saturday: a bloody spot that had been washed down (not entirely, though), a tire mark on a seat, another seat that was partially bent from getting struck by that same tire.

EDITOR'S NOTE — "Daytona 500 Watch" shows you the Daytona 500 and events surrounding the race through the eyes of Associated Press journalists. Follow them on Twitter.

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Casillas recovering from injury wants with getting championship title this year

Iker Casillas says his recovery from the broken bone in his hand is certainly going much better than expected and he could be back involving the Real Madrid articles the moment late March.

Casillas' finger was broken by a random kick from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa during Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final sport at the Mestalla on January 23.

It was feared he would face 90 days on the sidelines, and the club moved quickly to sign Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to play in their likely season-defining games against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.

The Madrid club captain told reporters on Thursday night, at the beginning of a new club store at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the initial timeframe had only been a worst-case scenario.

"I am feeling very positive," Casillas said. "The surgeon gave the worst-case scenario to me, he explained 90 days it may take. But when the splint was removed yesterday, I was told I'd a month left. Now I'm doing effective exercises to have mobility and energy back the finger."

Casillas said he'd been working hard at Madrid's Valdebebas training facility to have straight back playing the moment possible.

"Until now I've not had much power in it, but I'm getting it back little by little," he said. "We are at the halfway point of the injury. I have still got monthly to go. I will need certainly to work more and experience more to get right back the mobility of before. I'm getting excited about returning. It's worse being off the message than on it."

The big event was also attended by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, though coach Jose Mourinho was absent.

Alonso told reporters that he did not know yet whether he would get over his crotch issue in time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.

"I am in the restoration stage," the midfielder said. "I am hoping to get better as soon as possible, to get gone the disquiet and reunite in top form. Lots of people ask when I'll be ready. I desire to be able to perform against Barca, but I do not have a remedy right now."

Former Liverpool person Alonso said that, with the tie balanced at 1-1, whoever won first in the Champions League last 16 return sport at Manchester United on March 5 will be favourites to advance.

"They may have the support of the fans," he explained. "It will probably be considered a problem. The side that scores first is likely to be favourites. Old Trafford is a superb ground and it's the kind of match most of us prefer to play. The tie is quite open."

Di Maria said that it will suit Madrid to be playing overseas in both of the future, probably season-defining, activities.

"Things are getting well and develop to keep this way," he explained. "We know that we've to have major matches in both contests and that it'll maybe not be easy. Since we prosper when things are against us probably playing away will undoubtedly be in our favour. We have had this week to work with the easiest way to approach the activities. I really hope everything goes well."

Benzema, who remains a doubt for Saturday evening's La Liga sport at Deportivo La Coruna, said he was not worried about his current poor form facing goal.

"I trust than I've so far that I score more goals, however the important thing may be the team and to win the future matches," he said. "We need certainly to interact to win. We have a fantastic team and we're all in good form."

Kaka executed terrific in the game against La Coruna

"From the initial moment of the next half we found a big change of attitude. We didn't win because of the alterations, which were made in the twelfth minute of the second half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all of the participants that sparked the comeback.

"It does work that actually he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is important for the group, that he's playing well and that he's another alternative. That's always positive. 

Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who had been happy with the reaction of the team after going behind to a Riki attack on 35 minutes. 
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an chance to change their fortunes. In the 2nd half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we could get the three points house or apartment with us." 

Until the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla afterwards Saturday morning, the gain moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Despite the margin remaining exactly the same, Kaka feels victory over Depor could boost Real's likelihood of claiming silverware this period. 

"I am much better. What we have around the corner is interesting and it's the major the main period and if the manager wants me to play I will be there to help in these matches." 

"The group is playing well and things are becoming better for me personally also. In soccer everything changes rapidly and I'm very happy to support the team win. 
"[It was] a significant victory really hard match. In the first half we were just a little nervous and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points which are important for us and for what's ahead over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officials site. 
True originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain won an 88th-minute winner for the visitors. After enduring a difficult cause with minimal sport time, Kaka now feels he is able to help his team as they look to keep their Manhunter Liga and Champions League hopes alive. 

Kaka has expressed delight at his recent change in fortunes, because the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo La Coruna. 

Kaka played terrific in the match against Deportivo

"From the very first second of the next half we found an alteration of attitude. We didn't win because of the alternatives, which were made in the second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all the players that sparked the comeback.

"It is true that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. His state of mind helps him and this is essential for the group, that he's playing well and that he is another alternative. That's usually positive. 

Kaka's performance also received the praise of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who was pleased with the result of the team after going behind to a Riki hit on 35 minutes. 
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us as an chance to change their fortunes. However in the next half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we could get the three things home with us." 

Before the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla afterwards Saturday night, the win moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Regardless of the border remaining the exact same, Kaka thinks victory over Depor can boost Real's odds of claiming carpet this period. 

"I am much better. What we have nearby is exciting and it is the important part of the time and if the director wants me to play I'll be there to simply help in these matches." 

"The team is playing well and things are receiving better for me also. In football everything changes rapidly and I'm happy to help the team win. 
"[It was] a significant success in a very difficult match. In the first half we were just a little troubled and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points which can be essential for us and for what is in the future over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officers website. 
Real originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka rating the equaliser before Gonzalo Higuain won an 88th-minute winner for the readers. After enduring a difficult cause with minimal sport time, Kaka now thinks as they turn to keep their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive he can help his group. 

Kaka has expressed pleasure at his new change in fortunes, as the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo La Coruna. 

Bundesliga: Matchday 23 Preview February 22-24

Freiburg - Bundesliga Matchday 23 kicks off with the Friday evening opener between SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Three points separate the two sides, occupying spot four and five. FC Bayern currently holds a 15 point lead over the remainder of the pack. With FC Bayern leading head and heel over the top of its closest contenders by 15 points, all eyes will be on Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in their quest for second and third place. Bayern hosts Bremen on Saturday in an attempt to continue their post Christmas run to add three more points to their balance sheet. In 22 starts, the Bayern side has only been defeated once, won 18 and recorded three draws. The weeks since the winter break have been brutal, with five match days, the international week, UEFA League and Champions League competitions this week, followed by the DFB Pokal next week, the three top clubs, Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen, have to take strategical considerations into account. Bayern, with a strong bench has some options and Dortmund demonstrated that they are not a push over either after defeating the Gunners in London. Freiburg and Frankfurt will be battling for fourth and fifth spots on Friday and that match could go either way. On Saturday Munich hosts Bremen and Munich will attempt to maintain its top spot monopoly or hope to build on it. Statistically that match should go to Bayern. Stuttgart will host Nuernberg, a difficult match for the Schwaben. This match will be two days after today's Euro League match. The matchday on Saturday continues with Hannover hosting Hamburg. These two clubs are separated by four points and Hannover will attempt to make hay despite its contest today in the Euro League. Augsburg hosts Hoffenheim in a match up of relegation zone clubs. Augsburg is potent at home and Hoffenheim will have a difficult task to maintain its one point lead over the Bavarians. Stuttgart hosts the Franken from Nuernberg and although this match should go to Stuttgart, Nuernberg has a tough side, with plenty of work ethic. With Stuttgart's away match in the Euro League today, Nuernberg could take one if not all three points. Mainz 05, a strong home side, will be hosting Wolfsburg. The factory team will be in action next week against Kickers Offenbach in the DFB Cup quarter final and this will influence the strategy for this match. Mainz has the advantage and should take the points in this contest. On Sunday two matches remain when Gladbach hosts Dortmund and tail light Greuther Fuerth meets Leverkusen. Despite Dortmund's upcoming DFB Cup game against Munich this should be easy pickings for the defending champion. Newcomer Greuther Fuerth has only won two games in 22 starts and Leverkusen should easily hold the upper end in this contest. . Champion's League The first leg of the round of 16 Champions League concluded yesterday with Schalke 04 edging a 1-1 draw against Galatasaray and Bayern Muenchen recorded a 3-1 win against the Gunners, while Dortmund played 2-2 against Shaktar Dontesk last week. All three teams are in a good starting position for the second leg to be played next month. Euro League Today Leverkusen, VFB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and Gladbach will attempt to get through to the round of 16 in the Euro League. Only Hannover has home pitch advantage, but needs to overcome a 3-1 deficit from its first leg result against FC Anzi. Leverkusen lost its home match in the first leg and has to overcome a 1-0 deficit in Lisbon. Stuttgart's 1-1 first leg home game result against Genk is not insurmountable. Gladbach has a more difficult task since Lazio scored three away goals in the first leg. All four German teams will be challenged in today's matches. DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) Another consideration in this weekend's encounters is next week's DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) quarter finals. Six of the eight clubs are in the top flight and next Wednesday sees the giants take to the pitch. Bayern Muenchen will be hosting Borussia Dortmund in the quarter finals. Last year Bayern won no trophies and Juergen Klopp's Borussia defeated Bayern and won the DFB Pokal. Will Dortmund be a cup spoiler for Bayern again? This upcoming match will influence the starting eleven in this weekend's competition. Back to Matchday 23 There are many considerations leading up to this weekend's games. The venues will be filled and the battle for Euro League spots will continue for the majority of the field. Whether or not the top three can increase the gap from the rest of the field remains to be seen. The relegation zone and this year's league champion are all but decided, but the battle at the bottom will be for the 16th spot and the last chance relegation spot to play against the second leagues third side. While Bayern, remains on the top, Dortmund and Leverkusen still have some faint hope to get to the top, but that hope is dwindling. Perhaps either team has to settle for second spot and a Champions League berth for next year. There is little doubt that both Jupp Heynckes and Juergen Klopp are focused on next week's DFB Cup quarter final. Friday February 22 SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt Saturday February 23 FC Bayern vs Werder Bremen VfB Stuttgart vs 1.FC Nuernberg FC Augsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV FSV Mainz 05 vs VfL Wolfsburg Schalke 04 vs Fortuna Düsseldorf Sunday February 24 M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund Greuther Fuerth vs Bayer Leverkusen Posn----Team-----------GP---W---D---L---GF/GA--Pts 1---------FC Bayern------- 22---18---3---1-----57:7-----57 2---------Dortmund--------22---12---6---4-----50:26----42 3---------Leverkusen------22---12---5---5-----43:30----41 4---------Frankfurt----------22---11---4---7-----38:34 ---37 5---------Freiburg-----------22-----9---7---6-----29:22----34 6---------Hamburg----------22---10----4---8-----27:27----34 7---------Mainz---------------22-----9----5---8-----30:27----32 8-------- Hannover----------22-----9----3--10-----41:41----30 9---------Schalke-------------22-----8----6---8-----35:37----30 10-------M'gladbach--------22-----7-----9---6-----31:33----30 11-------Bremen-------------22-----8-----4--10----38:41----28 12-------Stuttgart------------22-----8-----4--10----24:39----28 13-------Düsseldorf---------22-----7-----6----9----27:29----27 14-------Nürnberg-----------22-----6-----8----8----22:29----26 15-------Wolfsburg----------22-----7-----5---10----22:32----26 16-------Hoffenheim---------22-----4-----4---14----26:46----16 17--------Augsburg----------22-----2-----9---11----18:35----15 18--------Greuther Fürth---22-----2-----6---14----13:36----12

Via: Norwich City - Everton FC [Live Football]

(Video) Lyon 1-1 Tottenham: Europa League Highlights ...

A last-gasp goal from Mousa Dembele booked English Premier League side Tottenham a place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday as he rescued a 3-2 aggregate win over French hosts Lyon.

Spurs, who now face Inter Milan, had won the opening encounter 2-1 but trailed for much of the match to a 17th-minute goal from Maxime Gonalons before a cracking drive from Dembele rescued the Londoners and saved them from an exit on away goals.

Joining Spurs in the next round were fellow English travellers Newcastle, who thanked Shola Ameobi's third European goal of the season from the penalty spot for a 1-0 win at Metalist Kharkiv, the Ukrainians who held the Magpies to a goalless stalemate on Tyneside last week.

Newcastle were under the cosh for much of the match and Dutch keeper Tim Krul made several top drawer saves, before Ameobi struck on 64 minutes for a crucial away goal after keeper Olexandr Goryainov upended Moussa Sissoko.

And despite late pressure from the Ukrainians — Brazilian striker Willian Gomes hitting the post — Newcastle, whose last trophy came in the old Fairs Cup, predecessor of the now defunct UEFA Cup, back in 1969, held on to advance as Kharkiv suffered only their second defeat in 12 outings at the Metalist Stadium.

Both Spurs, UEFA Cup winners in 1972 and 1984, and Newcastle had to make do with runners-up finishes in the opening group stage with both sides fielding at times less than full strength line-ups to cope with the dual challenge of Europe and the Premier League.

Marseille's English midfielder Joey Barton, who is set to go up against David Beckham in Ligue 1 this weekend when the former England skipper makes his debut for Paris Saint Germain, lamented Lyon's exit.

But he took to Twitter to note that Newcastle are the next best thing for French fans with their clutch of recent French signings.

Spoiling matters for Tottenham was the fact that seven people had Wednesday night sustained minor injuries when visiting fans were attacked by a group of 50 masked men who burst into a Lyon bar throwing chairs and stones, local officials said.

Link: CS Concordia Chiajna - CS Turnu Severin [Live Football]

Will Ursuline Academy get its soccer field at last? | City Hall Blog

The renowned Catholic girls school on Walnut Hill Lane is set Thursday to try, once more, to get the city and its neighbors to agree to the construction of a lighted soccer field at the southwest corner of Walnut Hill and Inwood Road.

The school's first effort, in 2001, was denied in a 13-2 vote after neighbors complained about light pollution, noise and traffic that might come from soccer games and practice.

Few dispute Ursuline needs a field. Its athletes in soccer, lacrosse and other field sports must scramble for practice and game space away from their school. But building a lighted field that satisfies neighbors' concerns has proved difficult.

On Thursday, the school will try again to strike that balance when it goes before the City Plan Commission with an application that is a significantly different, scaled-down version of what was proposed in the past.

The city required a photometric study to gauge how light will spill over from the field. It also called for a traffic study and a traffic management plan.

Usurline's plan calls for a total of eight lights atop 45 foot poles. The school will also put up a 4 foot six inch retaining wall that will be topped with a 20 foot net.

The plan for Ursuline is more restrictive than that of other well known private schools nearby. In a briefing for the plan commission, staff explained that is because Ursuline has "more pronounced residential adjacency" and because its request comes after the school was included in one of the city's planned development districts.

Ursuline's application notes, however, that the school has made efforts to reach out to its neighbors in hopes of getting them to adopt the plan.

Council member Ann Margolin, who likely will have final say on the matter, indicated she is getting input from proponents and opponents.

More Info: AO Xanthi - Veria FC [Live Football]

AC Milan stuns FC Barcelona 2-0 in Champions League - San ...

AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng celebrates after scoring during the Champions League round of 16, first leg soccer match against FC Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Felice Calabro')

Kevin-Prince Boateng gave Milan the lead in controversial circumstances in the 57th minute. Cristian Zapata appeared to handle Riccardo Montolivo's assist in the buildup.

It was a deserved win for Milan, which contained Barcelona's potent attack impressively, allowing it just two shots on target all match.

The result caps a stunning turnaround of fortunes for Milan. Massimiliano Allegri's side started the season dreadfully and was 15th in the Italian league after eight games. It is now third.

School Wants to Add Soccer Field to 22 State Titles | NBC 5 Dallas ...

Perennial state soccer champ Ursuline Academy of Dallas is one step closer to finally winning the fight for home field advantage.

The Catholic college preparatory high school for girls on Walnut Hill Lane in Preston Hollow has 22 straight state titles but does not have its own soccer field.

Ursuline Academy is proposing that the poles go no higher than 45 feet, with special lights that shine only on the playing surface.

Via: Panathinaikos Athens - OFI Crete [Live Football]

Arsenal v Bayern Munich: Choose the MotM | News Archive | News ...

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Alex Ferguson warns Manchester United stars: Dont step of the gas ...

With the Premier League virtually sewn up and a place in the last eight of the Champions League beckoning, Fergie wants his stars to keep their feet on the gas.

And Monday's man-of-the-match Nani said: "It is very important, the manager has told us that he wants to win the FA Cup and we are very focused on this competition.

Nani stepped out of the Old Trafford shadows with a goal against Reading and an assist for Javier Hernandez's clincher.

The Portuguese winger, 26, was offered to Zenit St Petersburg this season and has also been linked as part of a package for Porto's Colombian winger James Rodriguez.

Nani's close pal Anderson, 24, believes that despite struggling to hold down regular first-team places, the pair can be part of a group who could form the backbone of the team for the next few years.

Anderson believes he is getting back to his best after being plagued by knee and hamstring injuries for much of the past three years.

Plus, they are favourites to KO Real Madrid and reach the last eight of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the first leg of their second-round clash.

"We have a good team, we have a good squad and if everyone remains focused and concentrated then we can win everything.

Link: Real Murcia - CD Numancia [Live Football]

Bundesliga: Matchday 23 Survey Feb 22-24

Freiburg - Bundesliga Matchday 23 begins with the Friday morning opener between SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Three points split the 2 sides, occupying location four and five. FC Bayern currently holds a 15 point lead within the remainder of the bunch. With FC Bayern leading head and heel over the top of its nearest contenders by 15 points, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen within their quest for second and third place. Bayern hosts Bremen on Saturday within an attempt to continue their post Christmas run to incorporate three more factors with their balance sheet. In 22 starts, the Bayern part has only been defeated once, won 18 and recorded three draws. The days because the winter break have been brutal, with five match times, the international week, UEFA League and Champions League games this week, followed closely by the DFB Pokal next week, the three leading groups, Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen, have to just take strategical considerations under consideration. Bayern, with a bench has some alternatives and Dortmund demonstrated they are not really a force over possibly after beating the Gunners in London. Frankfurt and Freiburg is likely to be struggling for fourth and fifth areas on Friday and that fit may go either way. On Saturday Munich hosts Bremen and Munich may make an effort to maintain its top area monopoly or hope to build on it. Statistically that match is going to Bayern. Stuttgart will host Nuernberg, a difficult fit for the Schwaben. This match will undoubtedly be two days after today's Euro League match. The matchday on Saturday continues with Hannover hosting Hamburg. Those two clubs are divided by four factors and Hannover can attempt to make hay despite its tournament currently in the Euro League. Augsburg hosts Hoffenheim in a match up of relegation area groups. Augsburg is potent at home and Hoffenheim will have a difficult task to maintain its one point lead on the Bavarians. Stuttgart hosts the Franken from Nuernberg and while this match should go to Stuttgart, Nuernberg has a difficult area, with lots of work ethic. With Stuttgart's away match in the Euro League today, Nuernberg might take one if not all three things. Mainz 05, a strong home side, will soon be hosting Wolfsburg. The factory group will maintain action a few weeks against Kickers Offenbach in the DFB Cup quarter closing and this will influence the technique for this match. Mainz has the advantage and should take the details in this competition. On when Gladbach hosts Dortmund and tail light Greuther Fuerth matches Leverkusen Sunday two matches remain. Despite Dortmund's upcoming DFB Cup game against Munich this will be easy pickings for the defending champion. Newcomer Greuther Fuerth has just won two games in 22 starts and Leverkusen should easily support the upper end in this competition. . Champion's Group The first leg of the round of 16 Champions League concluded recently with Schalke 04 edging a draw against Galatasaray and Bayern Muenchen recorded a win against the Gunners, while Dortmund enjoyed 2-2 against Shaktar Dontesk the other day. All three groups have been in a good starting place for the second leg to be performed next month. Euro Group Today Leverkusen, VFB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and Gladbach will try to get through to the round of 16 in the Euro League. Just Hannover has home pitch edge, but needs to over come a deficit from its first leg result against Hamilton Academical Anzi. Leverkusen lost its home match in the initial leg and must over come a deficit in Lisbon. Stuttgart's 1-1 first leg house sport effect against Genk isn't impossible. Gladbach has a more difficult task since Lazio scored three away objectives in the first leg. All four German groups will undoubtedly be challenged in today's matches. DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) Still another consideration in this weekend's activities is next week's DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) quarter finals. Six of the ten clubs are in the top flight and next Wednesday considers the giants decide to try the message. Bayern Muenchen will soon be hosting Borussia Dortmund in the quarter finals. Last year Bayern won number awards and Juergen Klopp's Borussia beat Bayern and won the DFB Pokal. May Dortmund be a glass spoiler for Bayern again? This upcoming fit may influence the starting eleven in this weekend's competition. Back once again to Matchday 23 There are many factors prior to this weekend's games. The venues will be filled and the fight for Euro League locations will carry on for the most the area. Whether the most effective three can increase the space from the others of the field remains to be seen. The relegation area and this year's league champion are but decided, but the fight at the bottom will be for the 16th spot and the last opportunity relegation spot to play from the second leagues third side. While Bayern, stays on the top, Dortmund and Leverkusen still have some faint hope to get to the top, but that hope is diminishing. Probably either group has to settle for second place and a Champions League berth for next year. There is little doubt that both Jupp Heynckes and Juergen Klopp are centered on next week's DFB Cup fraction ultimate. Friday February 22 SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt Sunday February 23 FC Bayern compared to Werder Bremen VfB Stuttgart versus 1.FC Nuernberg Hamilton Academical Augsburg vs 1899 Hoffenheim Hannover 96 vs Hamburger SV FSV Mainz 05 compared to VfL Wolfsburg Schalke 04 versus Fortuna DAsseldorf Wednesday February 24 M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund Greuther Fuerth vs Bayer Leverkusen Posn----Team-----------GP---W---D---L---GF/GA--Pts 1---------FC Bayern------- 22---18---3---1-----57:7-----57 2---------Dortmund--------22---12---6---4-----50:26----42 3---------Leverkusen------22---12---5---5-----43:30----41 4---------Frankfurt----------22---11---4---7-----38:34 ---37 5---------Freiburg-----------22-----9---7---6-----29:22----34 6---------Hamburg----------22---10----4---8-----27:27----34 7---------Mainz---------------22-----9----5---8-----30:27----32 8-------- Hannover----------22-----9----3--10-----41:41----30 9---------Schalke-------------22-----8----6---8-----35:37----30 10-------M'gladbach--------22-----7-----9---6-----31:33----30 11-------Bremen-------------22-----8-----4--10----38:41----28 12-------Stuttgart------------22-----8-----4--10----24:39----28 13-------DAsseldorf---------22-----7-----6----9----27:29----27 14-------NArnberg-----------22-----6-----8----8----22:29----26 15-------Wolfsburg----------22-----7-----5---10----22:32----26 16-------Hoffenheim---------22-----4-----4---14----26:46----16 17--------Augsburg----------22-----2-----9---11----18:35----15 18--------Greuther FArth---22-----2-----6---14----13:36----12

Greuther Fürth sack head coach Mike Büskens - SBNation.com

Greuther Fürth have announced that they have parted ways with manager Mike Büskens effective immediately. Büskens is the fourth Bundesliga manager fired this season.

Büskens, 44, took over Fürth during the winter break of the 2009-10 season. That season he saved them from relegation, and Fürth just missed out on promotion the next season. In his third season in charge, Der Kleeblätter won the 2.Bundesliga and secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time ever.

It was always going to be a long shot for Fürth to remain in the Bundesliga, and they've definitely taken their bumps along the road so far this season. Through 22 games, Fürth has only won twice, and none of them have been at home in the Trolli Arena.

Helmut Hack, the club's president, spoke on Büskens: "Because we know how much we have Mike Büskens to thank for, it was a very difficult decision for us. We still have a chance of survival and we wanted to try and give the team some fresh impulse."

Sporting director Rouven Schröder and U-23 coach Ludwig Preis will take over the club on an interim basis. A permanent replacement will be hired in the future.

Via: CS Sedan - Tours FC [Live Football]

Winners League Match Preview: AC Milan versus Hamilton Academical Barcelona...

Hamilton Academical Barcelona finds itself in arguably the Champions League Round of 16as most intriguing fitting against AC Milan. One of the very most storied factors in European soccer, Milan will endeavour to capitalize on new sort, new people, and home industry gain Wednesday in one of the sportas good cathedralsa'the San Siro. Staff News: AC Milan The Rossoneri are still experiencing a unbeaten streak in Serie A, pulling only once away to Cagliari. The campaign got off to a rocky start, however Milan have increased slightly, although the part still sits in third position, 11 points behind Juventus and six points behind Napoli. Massimo Allegrias squad is one slip-up away from dropping to sixth at the hands of Lazio, Inter Milan and Fiorentina. With aging experts Massimo Ambrosini (35), Phillipe MexAs (30), Daniele Bonera (31), Christian Abbiati (35), Luca Antonini (30) and aSupera Mario Yepes (37), Massimo Allegrias side appears used compared to the side that forced a draw at this same stadium at the conclusion of March in the Champions League quarter-final first knee last year. Ambrosini had a terrific morning maintaining Lionel Messi silent facing Abbiati and the blaugrana had to wait for a clash at the Camp Nou to make sure development to the semi-finals with a 3-1 win. But a fresh faced team has pundits excited. Eleven players who played against Milan last season are history, including Alexandre Pato (Corinthians) and Thiago Silva (PSG). With exciting bursts of creativity this strategy coming from the likes of Kevin Prince-Boateng (25), Giampaolo Pazzini (28), and Stephan El Shaarawy (20), the Italians have plenty to worry the Catalans. Perhaps even a Bojan KrkiA (22) might make a direct effect from the seat. AC Milan Predicted Starting XI: Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, MexAs, Delaware Sciglio; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino; Boateng, Pazzini, El Shaarawy Staff News: Hamilton Academical Barcelona With Tito Vilanova in Ny and David Villa in Barcelona, the blaugranaas small accidents actually seem quite large. Adriano and Eric Abidal also lose out through injury and disease, respectively. The sometimes suspect backline is practically at full strength with Jordi Alba and Daniel Alves set to bomb the flanks with tricky crosses and overlapping runs. Whether Javier Mascherano gets to start over Carles Puyol is truly the sole question here. Supporters could practically taste the reunite of Abidal, as has been reported by totalBarAaAand Sport. And as examined by our very own Eric Coffin-Gould, with such a link at stake, while it's essential to maintain testing La Masiaas young defenders like Martin Montoya and Marc Bartra, this really is hardly enough time to accomplish it. Person should be considerable but hopefully not spent. Man-marking Messi seems to be the law of the land these days, but hopefully this may open up opportunities for Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro to extend and present Abbiati. Hamilton Academical Barcelona Predicted Starting XI: Valdes; Alves, PiquA, Puyol, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, FAbregas; Pedro, Messi, Iniesta Predicted outcome: Milan is just a challenging opponent and when left to a unique products, may perform a amount on Jordi Rouraas area. Expect a frustrating and tough challenge to take place mainly around Milanas remaining third. FC Barcelona must come away with the target advantage. Believed scoreline: AC Milan 1-2 Hamilton Academical Barcelona Image: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/Getty Pictures

Link: Leixoes - SL Benfica B [Live Football]

Fabricio Coloccini: Newcastle worries are behind me – now lets win ...

But with the Argie set to lead the Toon here tonight in the second leg of the Europa League last-32 clash against Metalist Kharkiv, the chance remains of going to those talks with a shiny medal around his neck.

Last week's 0-0 draw at St James' Park — in which Papiss Cisse had TWO goals wrongly ruled out for offside — has left this tie wide open.

He said: "Yes. I am happy to play now. When the situation was finished, I said to the club that we can turn the page, we have moved on. I'm only focusing on the club now.

NEWCASTLE (likely): Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Gutierrez, Cabaye, Tiote, Marveaux, Sissoko, Cisse.

Pepe Reina in Liverpool Europa League rally-cry | The Sun |Sport ...

The Reds go into tomorrow's second leg against Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 down following their flop in Russia last week.

"We have to show character from the beginning, especially in the first 15-20 minutes to get the people right behind us, but then they will lift us in the weak moments as they always do.

"The fact it is a night game makes it different. Supporters come to the game more excited. It's difficult to explain, but there's a different kind of atmosphere.

"Everybody knows about Anfield on a European night and I can tell you from experience, it's very impressive when you play against Liverpool at Anfield."

Liverpool need to score three goals to see off the Russians in normal time — and Reina admits the Reds cannot afford to concede.

He added: "The mentality of the players is different when you go into a game like this because you know you have to win by two or three goals.

"90 minutes is a long period of time and we have to make sure we defend well first and then we will have the chances.

"2-0 is a very tough result to overturn, but if there is one place that can do it, it's Anfield — there is no doubt about that."

Reina ranks Liverpool's win over Chelsea in the 2007 Champions League semi-final as his best-ever atmosphere at Anfield.

"Although it was not 2-0, it was 1-0, it was a difficult result and history could have been different if they'd scored in the first few minutes or so.

Via: Canada U20 - Nicaragua U20 [Live Football]

Bundesliga wrap: Nuremberg salvage stage - Soccerway

17 February 2013 20:56 A 92nd-minute equaliser guaranteed Nuremberg a share of the points in a 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Hannover 96 on Sunday. Hungarian midfielder Szabolcs Huszti seized the lead for Hannover on 41 minutes as he sweetly hit into the part of the target from Sergio da Silva Pinto's cross. The lead lasted until eight minutes after the restart when Nuremberg's Timm Klose headed home Hiroshi Kiyotake's delivery. Didier Ya Konan re-established the advantage for Hannover in the 68th moment before Polter's late attack guaranteed an earned sketch for Nuremberg. The result was a missed chance for Hannover, who would have established themselves in the top half of the standings while Nuremberg remain in 14th position, 10 points free from the relegation zone. In other Bundesliga motion, an earlier target was enough for Stuttgart to file a win at Hoffenheim. Martin Harnik's third-minute header from Ibrahima Traore's mix finished Stuttgart's function of five successive losses and raised them to 12th in the rankings. Hoffenheim, who had 63 percent of the property in losing, stay in the relegation zone, 10 items from safety.

Link: To Ittihad Kalba - Al-Nasr [Live Football]