PAOK vs Panathinaikos PREVIEW

<br /> <br />     PAOK is situated on the 1st place in Greece Super League Play Offs and comes after three victories and two draws.<br />     Panathinaikos are only one point behind their opponents today with two victories, two draws and a defeat.<br />     Last round PAOK recorded a scoreless draw with AEK and Panathinaikos defeat 1-0 Panionios. The last head to head match between the two teams was two weeks ago and the resit was 1-1.<br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script> <!-- olfa --> <ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-8981092383058457" data-ad-slot="8264054525" style="display: inline-block; height: 280px; width: 336px;"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </center> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://static.007soccerpicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PAOK-vs-Panathinaikos.jpg?7adf4d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://static.007soccerpicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PAOK-vs-Panathinaikos.jpg?7adf4d" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

PAOK vs Panathinaikos PREVIEW

    PAOK is situated on the 1st place in Greece Super League Play Offs and comes after three victories and two draws.     Panathinaikos a...

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Euro 2016Looking to build momentum after Sunday's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

Spain face South Korea on Wednesday looking to continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with another win, after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 on Sunday.<br /><br />Uli Stielike's South Korea, meanwhile, are on a 13-game unbeaten streak stretching back to January 2015, when they lost 2-1 to Australia in the AFC Asian Cup final.<br /><br />South Korea have also won all of their 2018 World Cup qualifying games thus far, an 8-0 win against Laos in September 2015 being the heaviest winning margin.<br /><br />Injuries and suspensions<br /><br />Celebrations and commiserations are ongoing for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively after the Champions League final on Saturday, so both sets of players are unlikely to join up with the squad until the Georgia friendly on June 7.<br /><br />Vicente del Bosque has no injuries to contend with within the squad, although Dani Carvajal has recently been ruled out of the European Championship.<br /><br />The 24-year-old picked up a hip problem in Milan and will most likely be replaced by Arsenal's Hector Bellerin.<br /><br />South Korea, in turn, has two injuries: a fractured toe for Ja-Cheol Koo means he's unlikely to return until June, while Joo-Ho Park has been unavailable since April 21 due to a tibia injury.<br /><br />History<br /><br />South Korea famously beat Spain on penalties in the 2002 World Cup, but have been less succesful in their other encounters against La Roja.<br /><br />Michel's hat-trick was enough to beat South Korea 3-1 in the 1990 World Cup group stages, and a 2-2 stalemate followed in the 1994 World Cup.<br /><br />The two teams' last meeting came in May 2012 during a 4-1 friendly win for the Roja.<br /><br />Player to watch: Nolito<br /><br />Having already been prolific for Celta Vigo during the 2015/16 season and contributing 12 goals and seven assists, Nolito staked his claim with a brace on Sunday.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646839286728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646839286728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Euro 2016Looking to build momentum after Sunday's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina

Spain face South Korea on Wednesday looking to continue their preparations for Euro 2016 with another win, after beating Bosnia and Herzegov...

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MexicoAlan Pulido confirmed as safe and sound

The authorities billed it as a rescue, but Mexican football player Alan Pulido escaped his kidnappers by punching the one guarding him, snatching a cellphone and calling for help, a top official in the country's violent northeast said on Monday.<br /><br />State security forces located Pulido within minutes of his call from a safe house in the restive city of Ciudad Victoria in Tamaulipas state, as they were scouring the area nearby, state prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla told local radio.<br /><br />The 25-year-old Mexico national team striker who also plays professionally with the Greek team Olympiakos disappeared in his hometown on Saturday night, when he was intercepted by gunmen after leaving a party with his girlfriend.<br /><br />Pulido called Mexico's emergency services around midnight on Sunday after the fistfight. He then cut his wrist trying to open a locked glass door, Quintanilla said.<br /><br />"There was an exchange of blows between them," Quintanilla said. "At some point he was able to make a call."<br /><br />Police have detained the captor, one of least four involved, who belonged to a criminal gang. It was unclear whether they were connected to the feared Zetas drug cartel, which controls much of the state.<br /><br />In the early hours of Monday, Tamaulipas Governor Egidio Torre Cantu appeared on local television, flanked by Pulido, congratulating security forces for rescuing him.<br /><br />The player was wearing a multicolored T-shirt and shorts and had a bandage wrapped around his right hand.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646855498611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646855498611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

MexicoAlan Pulido confirmed as safe and sound

The authorities billed it as a rescue, but Mexican football player Alan Pulido escaped his kidnappers by punching the one guarding him, snat...

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Perez: Real Madrid is eternal ♥

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez was in buoyant spirits on Monday as he visited MARCA with the club's 11th Champions League trophy.<br /><br />Los Blancos beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final on Saturday night to win their second trophy in three years.<br /><br />Perez gave an interview at MARCA's offices to reflect on the victory and season as a whole, which will be available to read in Tuesday's edition.<br /><br />"Real Madrid is eternal", he said, as he stood beaming for photographs with the famous trophy.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_z6v3dzle/height/402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_z6v3dzle/height/402" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Perez: Real Madrid is eternal ♥

Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez was in buoyant spirits on Monday as he visited MARCA with the club's 11th Champions League ...

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Real coach wastes no time in getting back to work

Zinedine Zidane has already started his pre-season preparations as the Frenchman held a meeting at Valdebebas to organise Real Madrid's training schedule.<br /><br />The season begins with a familiar encounter as they take on Sevilla on August 9 in a repeat of 2014's European Super Cup.<br /><br />The club have planned a North American trip that will be divided into two parts with the first being in Canada where they'll focus on fitness and training before taking Los Blancos to the United States.<br /><br />Real Madrid play Paris Saint-Germain in Ohio on the July 27 before travelling to Michigan to face Chelsea three days laters.<br /><br />Their final test in the United States comes against Carlo Ancelloti's Bayern Munich on August 3 in New Jersey.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/04/19/14610552764703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/04/19/14610552764703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real coach wastes no time in getting back to work

Zinedine Zidane has already started his pre-season preparations as the Frenchman held a meeting at Valdebebas to organise Real Madrid's ...

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Portuguese winger can stake a claim at Euro 2016

Having won Real Madrid an 11th Champions League title at the San Siro on Saturday night with his decisive penaly, Cristiano Ronaldo has put himself into a great position to be named the best player in the world in January.<br /><br />The Portuguese attacker has had another incredible season and became the first player to score 50 goals or more in six consecutive seasons with 16 in Europe and 35 in the league.<br /><br />Ronaldo last won the award in 2014 having won it previously in 2013 and 2008 and will be at the front and centre of the discussion when the 2016 award is being decided.<br /><br />The 31-year-old makes his way to France for the Euros where he is the star of his Portugal side, aware that a good showing will push him further clear of other Ballon d'Or hopefuls.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646837856333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/31/14646837856333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Portuguese winger can stake a claim at Euro 2016

Having won Real Madrid an 11th Champions League title at the San Siro on Saturday night with his decisive penaly, Cristiano Ronaldo has put ...

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Pogba and De Gea among stars touted for Real

With the transfer market soon opening, Florentino Perez maintains he does not know who he will bring in as Real Madrid's next Galactico.<br /><br />Having just won the Champions League and pushed Barcelona to the final day in the La Liga despite looking out of it for much of the domestic campaign, Los Blancos are in good stead to bolster their squad for next season.<br /><br />"It's very difficult to bring someone," he told MARCA. "It's the truth.<br /><br />"I'll talk to Zidane. Our obligation is to be much better every year. He will decide if we can get someone better than we have."<br /><br />The 69-year-old recognises how good Paul Pogba is, for example, but says the club have six excellent players in midfield, highlighting Gareth Bale's influence.<br /><br />"[Pogba] is a great player, but in midfield we have six great players, so I would not want to discuss speculation, " Perez continued.<br /><br />"While he excites me, it is difficult to reach agreements if there are no termination clauses. If a player such as him is available, we may go for him, but would have to reach an agreement.<br /><br />"[Bale] has had a spectacular end of season, with excellent commitment. In the last league games he was spectacular, without any doubt."<br /><br />With regard to Davide De Gea, the Real chief maintains it is hard to talk about while Keylor Navas is in such great form for Los Blancos.<br /><br />"I am not the one who has to decide," he maintains. "I would say it is very difficult to manage two great players in that position".<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_i3kwgzh1/height/402" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_i3kwgzh1/height/402" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Pogba and De Gea among stars touted for Real

With the transfer market soon opening, Florentino Perez maintains he does not know who he will bring in as Real Madrid's next Galactico....

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Champions LeagueAtletico Madrid's style won't be an issue for Los Blancos

Ahead of the 2016 Champions League final, Zinedine Zidane highlighted the need for hard work against opponents Atletico Madrid, if his side are to leave Milan with the title.<br /><br />The two sides go head-to-head in the final for the second time in three years, with Los Blancos emerging victorious in Lisbon in 2014.<br /><br />Despite the more physical style of the Rojiblancos, Zidane is not expecting the game to turn into a slugfest, but instead one with will need a lot of effort from his players.<br /><br />"I think it's going to be a difficult game," Zidane told the press, "but hard or aggressive? No. I think it'll be extremely difficult, for sure, but we already know this and we're prepared for it.<br /><br />"It will be a very complicated game, but we know this and are prepared for it. But in a final it is perfectly normal to have problems in a game. You need to suffer to win.<br /><br />"Above all we have to defend well when we don't have the ball. And on top of that we have our attacking weapons. But what we have to do on Saturday is run, run and run.<br /><br />"If we lose it won't be a failure, as no one can take away what we have done up to now. Failure can come with our attitude, and not expressing ourselves properly."<br /><br />Milan 2016 will be Zidane's first final as coach of Real Madrid, though he previously played in the final of the Champions League as a player, and doesn't feel there is any difference between the two experiences.<br /><br />"I feel the same," he continued. "The situation is different, though. I am happy to be here and happy with what has happened to me and to the team.<br /><br />"Reaching a final isn't easy. What the players have done is phenomenal and this is the cherry on top of the cake.<br /><br />"As you'd expect, I'm a bit stressed right now because I have to answer all these questions. When the match begins I'll be a bit more tense but that's usual too, it's part of coaching. I like it, I like this kind of pressure.<br /><br />"I've experienced it as a player but as a coach it's completely different. Carlo Ancelotti used to tell me that often. He told me before the final in Lisbon 'I hope you experience this some day as head coach'. Here we are, so I keep thinking of Carlo."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643679123801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643679123801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions LeagueAtletico Madrid's style won't be an issue for Los Blancos

Ahead of the 2016 Champions League final, Zinedine Zidane highlighted the need for hard work against opponents Atletico Madrid, if his side ...

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Champions League FinalZidane's use of the Brazilian has impressed Cholo Simeone

With just one day to go until the Champions League final in Milan, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone highlighted the impact Casemiro has had on Real Madrid.<br /><br />The two sides face off at the Stadio San Siro on Saturday evening with the Rojiblancos having lost to their great rivals in the final two years ago, though Atleti are unbeaten in their last six matches against Los Blancos.<br /><br />Simeone did highlight the difference in the Real team since his opposite number Zinedine Zidane put Brazilian Casemiro into the starting eleven.<br /><br />"It's amazing the work Zidane's done; he's taken the decision to rely on Casemiro, which has changed the team," the Argentine told reporters.<br /><br />"He didn't allow the past of the club to affect him, and that's making him an important coach.<br /><br />"For the balance of the side, Casemiro is their most important player, certainly.<br /><br />"He allows them to regroup better if they lose the ball and maintain their offensive potential."<br /><br />Moving onto the topic of tactics Simeone was clear that both teams will likely stick to similar ways of playing, and doesn't see much between the two sides.<br /><br />"I'm always looking forward, trying to find the best for each situation," he went on.<br /><br />"If you think we're superstitious, you under-estimate the work we're carrying out.<br /><br />"The beginning of the game will be very tense, very even.<br /><br />"Whoever wins the early battles in midfield will have an advantage and Madrid, with their technical qualities, might try to play more."<br /><br />The desire to win is a trait Simeone has deeply engrained in his players, and this he feels this coupled with the resolve the group has, could give them an advantage.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643450298814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643450298814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions League FinalZidane's use of the Brazilian has impressed Cholo Simeone

With just one day to go until the Champions League final in Milan, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone highlighted the impact Casemiro has ha...

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Champions LeagueThe keys to winning the final How Real Madrid can beat Atletico

<br /><br />Just how do you beat Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side?<br /><br />The Real Madrid players will be given their instructions in the coming hours ahead of the 2016 Champions League final in Milan.<br /><br />Of late, Los Blancos have endured much suffering at the hands of their city rivals however there are plans in place to emerge from Italy with the eleventh Champions League trophy.<br /><br />The midfield is in the hands of Modric and Kroos: The German and Croatian pair have the task of moving the ball at a high tempo to try and pick holes in the almost watertight Atletico defence.<br /><br />Make use of set-pieces: Dead ball scenarios can be crucial in tight matches. Atletico is well versed in this art yet Zinedine Zidane's charges are not far behind.<br /><br />Try to run in behind: Attacking against Atletico can be very difficult but Real must try and run in behind the full-backs in order to try and create chances by overloading the penalty area.<br /><br />Be effective in front of goal: Atletico are undone so rarely that Real's forwards have to be clinical when they get their chances, and there cannot be any profligacy.<br /><br />Utilise Casemiro's qualities: The Brazilian midfielder is vitally important. His position as a holding midfielder is key as he will have to double-up on both flanks to prevent Saul and Koke dictating play.<br /><br />Play through Marcelo: The Brazilian full-back is a key figure in both phases of play for Zidane and he was the difference maker from the left in Lisbon two years ago. If he can repeat his performance in Milan on Saturday, he will cause chaos for Los Colchoneros.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642824553357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642824553357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Champions LeagueThe keys to winning the final How Real Madrid can beat Atletico

Just how do you beat Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side? The Real Madrid players will be given their instructions in the coming hours ...

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Ronaldo: I hope Mourinho can help bri

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he hopes his former coach Jose Mourinho can be a success at Manchester United.<br /><br />The Portuguese striker admits that he still feels a lot for the English club he once played at.<br /><br />"If that's what Manchester United want, then I think it's good," he said about the coach's seemingly imminent arrival.<br /><br />"I hope Mourinho can help Manchester get back to the top - it hurts me to see them how they are at the moment because I still have a place for them in my heart."<br /><br />The attacker admits he holds no grudges against his compatriot, saying: "I'm sure one day I'll hug him.<br /><br />"You have to know how to forgive, my father taught me not to be resentful.<br /><br />"In general, we had our problems like anything else in life- like you'd have with your wife or your girlfriend- but if I saw him today there'd be no problems.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642847866066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/26/14642847866066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Ronaldo: I hope Mourinho can help bri

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he hopes his former coach Jose Mourinho can be a success at Manchester United. The Portu...

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Cristiano Ronaldo: I'd rather have the Champions League than the double

Cristiano Ronaldo said that he would rather win the Champions League over the double and that he isn't bothered by Barcelona's success.<br /><br />The Portuguese attacker was speaking at an interview which is to be aired on Spanish television on Friday.<br /><br />"I'm not bothered by Barca's double, not at all," he said.<br /><br />"I know that if we win the Champions League it's worth more than the double - there are amazing players that have never won it and it's a dream."<br /><br />When pressed on Gerard Pique's celebrations, during which he imitated Ronaldo, the Madrid forward admitted that people seem to have a fascination with him.<br /><br />"Whenever people are celebrating, they remember Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />"I'm always there but there won't be a problem when I play against Pique again."<br /><br />The striker did admit however, that he was disappointed not to end the season as top goalscorer.<br /><br />"It's obvious that it annoyed me not to win but I wasn't obsessed.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'd rather have the Champions League than the double

Cristiano Ronaldo said that he would rather win the Champions League over the double and that he isn't bothered by Barcelona's succe...

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Real Madrid Forward opens up about family Cristiano Ronaldo

<br /> <br /> Cristiano Ronaldo has talked intimately about his family, revealing how his deep love for Real Madrid means his young son can never follow Barcelona, and opens up about fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho's decision to coach Manchester United.<br /> <br /> The forward gives a rare insight into his personal life including his relationship with his son and his mother.<br /> <br /> "My son has changed my life in many ways," he said in an interview for 'Jugones' being broadcast on Spanish television channel La Sexta on Friday.<br /> <br /> "It is impossible that he will support Barcelona because he has my genes, but if he fought his ground on this, I would accept it.<br /> <br /> "My mother is the pillar of the family and she helps me a lot with Cris," the forward said.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="full-video" id="video-57473e5546163fef3d8b4584_container" style="height: 402px;"> </div>

Real Madrid Forward opens up about family Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has talked intimately about his family, revealing how his deep love for Real Madrid means his young son can never follow...

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Real Madrid600,000 euros each if they beat Atletico Madrid

The Champions League is worth its weight in gold, particularly for Real Madrid players who will pocket a handsome 600,000 euro bonus if they get their hands on the trophy.<br /><br />Either Real or Atletico Madrid will be crowned the best in Europe on Saturday to receive more than sporting glory - the monetary reward is worth having too.<br /><br />For winning the Champions League and going on to take part in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, it is estimated a club will get close to 120 million euros from the two sporting bodies based in Nyon and Zurich.<br /><br />In the case of Los Blancos, that would mean 600,000 euros for each participating player who helped them to win their 11th continental title.<br /><br />The lion's share would go to all first-team players, regardless of how many games they've played, while participating reserve players would get a proportion along with employees.<br /><br />The agreement has been decided by key players such as Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo with the president Florentino Perez.<br /><br />It is considerably more than the 400,000 euros they received for winning the trophy in Lisbon two years ago.<br /><br />This extra outlay can cause problems in balancing the books but Real Madrid always makes provisions to prevent problems.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643366817144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643366817144.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid600,000 euros each if they beat Atletico Madrid

The Champions League is worth its weight in gold, particularly for Real Madrid players who will pocket a handsome 600,000 euro bonus if they...

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Benzema faces up to his final challenge in Champions League

In the Champions League final in Milan Karim Benzema will say goodbye to a difficult season because, despite being prolific on the pitch, his alleged involvement in a sex scandal has marred his year.<br /><br />It could be the perfect end to a campaign that has seen the striker embroiled in sex-tape blackmail allegations involving France teammate Mathieu Valbuena, which led to him being overlooked for the Euro 2016 tournament being played in his home country.<br /><br />Despite being put in the spotlight, his performances have not suffered - far from it.<br /><br />Los Blancos have drawn on his pride and talent to steer him through one of his best seasons since arriving in summer 2009.<br /><br />With just 90 minutes left of the season, the Frenchman has clocked up 28 goals - 24 in La Liga and four in the Champions League - to be the best supporting goal scorer for the insatiable Cristiano Ronaldo.<br /><br />Now his final challenge is to rise to the occasion in Milan.<br /><br />The big games don't faze him as his record shows, having already won one Champions League, La Liga, two Copa del Reys, one UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de Espana and a FIFA Club World Cup.<br /><br />However, the important thing is how he shapes up on Saturday and how he compares to the opposition.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643378941515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/27/14643378941515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Benzema faces up to his final challenge in Champions League

In the Champions League final in Milan Karim Benzema will say goodbye to a difficult season because, despite being prolific on the pitch, hi...

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Champions League Final 2016 Botinero restaurant houses

In one of the most luxurious areas of Milan, the Brera neighbourhood, is the Botinero restaurant and football boot museum owned by Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.<br /><br />For any football fan travelling to the Champions League final, this is a 'must do.'<br /><br />The boots of Fernando Torres from his time at Liverpool and Zinedine Zidane when the Real Madrid coach plied his trade at Juventus, can be found here.<br /><br />It is a usual haunt of Diego Simeone when he's in the city and the Atletico coach was last here when looking for a pre-final training base.<br /><br />Spanish meats are served, particularly Valencian cow, but it is pasta that the restaurant is most known for.<br /><br />This is Italy after all.<br /><br />As well as the food, customers come to admire the boots.<br /><br />Lionel Messi, Raul, Karim Benzema, Xavi Hernandez, Gabriel Batistuta, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Juan Mata, Roberto Baggio - the list of boots on show is extensive.<br /> <br /> <br />

Champions League Final 2016 Botinero restaurant houses

In one of the most luxurious areas of Milan, the Brera neighbourhood, is the Botinero restaurant and football boot museum owned by Javier Za...

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Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's talisman

Cristiano Ronaldo owes most of his fame and fortune to his exploits with Real Madrid, yet he also remains a hugely influential figure when representing his country.<br /> <br /> Portugal's results have improved enormously since Ronaldo made his international debut against Kazakhstan as an 18-year-old in 2003.<br /> <br /> Their recent record at major tournaments is the envy of many bigger countries after they reached the Euro 2004 final, 2006 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2012 semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Spain in a shootout.<br /> <br /> Portugal have suffered when Ronaldo, who has captained them since he was 22, has been off-form such as at the last World Cup when he suffered a bout of tendinosis in his left knee in the run-up to the competition.<br /> <br /> The Madeira-born forward, who makes a point of breaking records, is Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 56 goals in 125 appearances and needs three more caps to beat Luis Figo's record.<br /> <br /> Nevertheless, the three-times world player of the year has not been above criticism, with most of his goals coming in qualifying matches against weaker opponents and many supporters wondering why he did not take a penalty in the 2012 shootout against Spain.<br /> <br /> <span id="goog_1803938263"></span><span id="goog_1803938264"></span><br />

Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's talisman

Cristiano Ronaldo owes most of his fame and fortune to his exploits with Real Madrid, yet he also remains a hugely influential figure when r...

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distractions could undo Conte's Italy

Italy coach Antonio Conte goes into the European Championship with questions hanging over his team after injuries disrupted his selection plans and a lack of punch was exposed up front.<br /><br />Adding to the frustrations of only occasional get-togethers with his players has been the distraction of his impending move back to club football with Chelsea.<br /><br />However, the former Juventus coach was relieved to be cleared of any role in a 2011 match-fixing scandal while in charge of Serie B side Siena a month before the tournament's June 10 kickoff.<br /><br />The passionate Conte showed his frustration with managing a national team when he graphically described his displeasure with the long spells "in the garage" and far from the track.<br /><br />That will not lessen his desire to bow out in glory in France and he has the tactical nous and motivational powers to succeed.<br /><br />"I'm very tired of spending so much time in the garage," he said before two March friendlies in which Italy drew 1-1 with European Championship holders Spain and were beaten 4-1 by World Cup winners Germany.<br /><br />"In the garage, I smelt the smell of the machine, or rubber and motor oil, not the grass of the pitch."<br /><br />Italy, who lost the Euro 2012 final to Spain in Kiev, were unbeaten in the qualifiers this time round thanks to a strong defence and a brilliant goalkeeper in captain Gianluigi Buffon.<br /><br />However, injuries have disrupted Conte's midfield plans with Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio of Juventus both out of the tournament after injuries requiring surgery.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642063278188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642063278188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

distractions could undo Conte's Italy

Italy coach Antonio Conte goes into the European Championship with questions hanging over his team after injuries disrupted his selection pl...

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Goalkeeping giant Buffon stands test for Italy

There is no stopping master goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in his ambition to add more major titles to his collection of the 2006 World Cup and seven Serie A championships.<br /><br />Buffon, who will lead Italy in France when they look to end a 48-year wait for their second European Championship crown, has extended his contract with Juventus beyond his 40th birthday as he also seeks the equally elusive Champions League.<br /><br />He has been a runner-up in both, finishing on the losing side in the Euro 2012 final against Spain in Kiev.<br /><br />The question is whether Antonio Conte's Italy will be good enough to go one better even with record holder Buffon, ripening with age like a vintage Chianti, between the posts.<br /><br />Buffon, Italy's most capped player with 156 appearances, set a Serie A record in March of 974 minutes without conceding a goal.<br /><br />"I was born for this type of work and to be the exception," Buffon was recently quoted as saying in La Gazzetta dello Sport.<br /><br />"If it could happen that I'd be the first player to compete in six World Cups, it would certainly mean something because of its rarity," he added with the 2018 tournament in his sights. He has seen action at the last four tournaments after being an unused reserve at France 1998.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642064297774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642064297774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Goalkeeping giant Buffon stands test for Italy

There is no stopping master goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in his ambition to add more major titles to his collection of the 2006 World Cup and...

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Iniesta aims for more glory

Andres Iniesta, the driving force behind Spanish triumphs at the last two Euros and scorer of the goal that delivered their only World Cup in between, will hope to provide further inspiration as his country target a record fourth European Championship triumph.<br /><br />The virtuoso midfielder's extra-time strike against the Netherlands in Johannesburg in 2010 earned him universal devotion in Spain, with even Real Madrid supporters giving the Barcelona man a standing ovation on his most recent visits to the Bernabeu.<br /><br />With his trusted midfield companion Xavi Hernandez retired from international football, Iniesta is the last architect of the 'tiki-taka'style of fast-moving passing football which Spain mastered to dominate the world game between 2008 and 2012.<br /><br />He has also evolved his game in recent years, dropping deeper and dictating the play rather than just fuelling the attack. His influence on games is more subtle now, yet it is no less important.<br /><br />"Iniesta has unique peripheral vision. He is a magical player," said Barca coach Luis Enrique earlier this year, while Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said recently that the midfielder was "in the form of his life".<br /><br />Named best player at Euro 2012, Iniesta is set for his sixth major tournament with Spain in France. At the age of 32, it could well be his last.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642065201950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642065201950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Iniesta aims for more glory

Andres Iniesta, the driving force behind Spanish triumphs at the last two Euros and scorer of the goal that delivered their only World Cup i...

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Hungary have the chance to update their history

Hungary have not appeared in a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup and their last European Championship appearance was in 1972. So just being there in 2016 ranks as a major achievement for a team who finished only third in their group, eventually qualifying via a 2-1 aggregate play-off win over Norway.<br /><br />Their campaign was troubled, with one coach sacked and another leaving for club football in Germany before Storck delivered unexpected qualification on an unforgettable night in Budapest.<br /><br />The qualifiers had begun in the worst possible way with a 2-1 defeat to Northern Ireland, a result that led to Attila Pinter being replaced by Pal Dardai, who started the difficult job of rebuilding a team short on confidence and cohesion.<br /><br />Dardai soon departed for Hertha Berlin, leaving Storck, the former head coach of Kazakhstan, to introduce young blood and dare his team to come good with a more attacking style.<br /><br />Among some surprising calls was his decision to play Laszlo Kleinheisler in the first game against Norway despite the midfielder not having played for his club all season after refusing to sign a contract extension.<br /><br />The 22-year-old rewarded Storck's faith with a man-of-the-match performance that was followed by a move to Werder Bremen. Kleinheisler is tipped to catch the eye in France, not least for his red hair which has led to the nickname Scholes. The midfielder also shares former Manchester United player Paul Scholes's eye for a goal.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642067170825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/25/14642067170825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Hungary have the chance to update their history

Hungary have not appeared in a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup and their last European Championship appearance was in 1972. So jus...

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Zidane looks to make history

Zinedine Zidane's name is already the stuff of Champions League legend after his remarkable volley helped Real Madrid win the 2002 final, but on Saturday he has the chance to make himself even more memorable.<br /><br />The Frenchman is aiming to join an illustrious list of people, so far numbering six, that have won Europe's elite trophy both as a player and a coach.<br /><br />If his side beat Atletico Madrid, the former midfielder will become part of an exclusive club of professionals.<br /><br />The man who opened this elite club did so with Real Madrid himself, Miguel Munoz winning an incredible five European Cups during his time at Los Blancos, three as a player and two as a coach.<br /><br />In 1985, Giovanni Trapattoni joined him, winning the trophy with AC Milan to follow up his 1963 victory as a Juventus player.<br /><br />Next up was Johan Cruyff, bringing home Barcelona's first silverware in the competition after winning it with Ajax while playing.<br /><br />Carlo Ancelotti - the man who was Real Madrid coach just a year ago - also achieved the feat, lifting the trophy twice with AC Milan in his playing days before masterminding La Decima at Madrid.<br /><br />Fifth up was Frank Rijkaard, who followed in Cruyff's footsteps by winning the European Cup as a player with Ajax and coach of Barcelona, having also tasted glory playing for Milan.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639161273894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639161273894.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Zidane looks to make history

Zinedine Zidane's name is already the stuff of Champions League legend after his remarkable volley helped Real Madrid win the 2002 final...

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Zidane has earned the right to lead Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has convinced Florentino Perez that he's the right man for the job and will stay with Real Madrid, as confirmed by many club sources during the last couple of weeks.<br /><br />While the Frenchman did not obtain the results expected throughout his first few games, he has now managed to get his team to the Champions League final and also kept fighting for La Liga title until the very end.<br /><br />Zidane became first-team coach replacing Rafa Benitez and recovered the fans' support after the Spaniard's inconsistent months.<br /><br />Perez and the rest of the board now believe they have the right man for the job, after the five months he has completed with a squad that was on the verge of falling apart.<br /><br />The president has always believed in Zidane and while his arrival to the first team was not expected to happen this soon, the Frenchman has delivered and proved that Perez had reasons to believe in him.<br /><br />Zidane has been thinking about how next year's team will look, and every decision about transfers and signings will be made after asking his opinion on the matter.<br /><br />He is under contract until the summer of 2018 and boardroom confidence and support is what matters the most in his relationship with the club.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639146385891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639146385891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Zidane has earned the right to lead Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has convinced Florentino Perez that he's the right man for the job and will stay with Real Madrid, as confirmed by many ...

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Cristiano Ronaldo protecting his thigh

Cristiano Ronaldo is adjusting his training intensity coming into Saturdays Champions League showdown against Atletico Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.<br /><br />Inside the Real Madrid camp the word is that the Portuguese wants to make sure he is 100 percent fit to unleash his full potential on the Atleti defence.<br /><br />Ronaldo completed last Friday and Saturdays practice sessions at the gym to prevent further damage on his thigh muscle, which he strained in April.<br /><br />The forward agreed with coach Zinedine Zidane to take his foot off of the accelerator over the weekend, following an intense week of training.<br /><br />Club medical staff helped the Madeira native on Sunday, whilst the rest of the team had the day off.<br /><br />Ronaldo knows what it is to reach the end of a season with little gas left in the tank, as he competed in the 2014 Champions League final and FIFA World Cup struggling with a lingering pain in his patellar tendon.<br /><br />The Portuguese had a poor showing in Lisbon aside from beating Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from the penalty spot late in extra time, when the match was all but decided.<br /><br />This seasons setback on his thigh impeded the three-time Ballon d'Or winner from participating in three away matches against Real Sociedad, Rayo Vallecano and Manchester City.<br /><br />The striker returned to the pitch to lead Los Blancos over the Citizens at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, although he did not complete either the Valencia or Deportivo La Coruna fixtures.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639944442539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639944442539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Cristiano Ronaldo protecting his thigh

Cristiano Ronaldo is adjusting his training intensity coming into Saturdays Champions League showdown against Atletico Madrid at Stadio Gius...

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Bartomeu: We ended the campaign on a high note

Josep Maria Bartomeu was delighted that Barcelona ended the season on a high note after the Copa del Rey was secured following a 2-0 win over Sevilla.<br /><br />Goals from Jordi Alba and Neymar wrapped up the silverware in extra-time, with Lionel Messi contributing two assists to inspire the ten men to another trophy.<br /><br />Bartomeu spoke at length to Telecinco and TV3 in a celebratory manner, given that Luis Enrique had closed out the season in style.<br /><br />"We were deserved winners.<br /><br />"Sevilla played very well, but didn't deserve to be champion," reasoned the Blaugrana president.<br /><br />"We had a great extra-time period.<br /><br />"We have won the double so we have to be very happy, it is a real high note.<br /><br />"It isn't quite hitting 10/10, but it is a high note.<br /><br />"Sevilla were a dignified finalist, after coming from winning the Europa League.<br /><br />"I am very happy for the players and the fans."<br /><br />The club president also had some words regarding the decisions to allow Catalan flags to be flown in Madrid, as well as fighting spirit shown by Enrique's players.<br /><br />"A Barcelona fan is respectful, they deserve to respect their team with whatever flag they like.<br /><br />"They haven't stopped supporting at any point.<br /><br />"Both the fans and Iniesta were great, with the latter having a fantastic game.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639570023891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639570023891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Bartomeu: We ended the campaign on a high note

Josep Maria Bartomeu was delighted that Barcelona ended the season on a high note after the Copa del Rey was secured following a 2-0 win ove...

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Real Madrid aim to end Milan curse

Real Madrid face a double challenge on Saturday in the Champions League final as theyll try to beat a rock-solid Atletico Madrid team and also overcome the curse of the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.<br /><br />Los Blancos have a grand total of zero wins in their previous 14 trips to Milan, not the most promising track record entering the season decider.<br /><br />Milan is the city to have hosted the Spanish giants most often in all European competitions, ahead of Munichs 12.<br /><br />No matter the competition name - Champions League, UEFA Cup or the extinct Cup Winners Cup - victory has avoided the team presided over by Florentino Perez.<br /><br />Madrid have failed to win against either AC Milan or Inter, accumulating a bleak goal difference - six scored, 21 against.<br /><br />The most lopsided defeat in Los Blancos European history was a 5-0 demolition on April 19, 1989, at the hands of Arrigo Sacchis Milan.<br /><br />The 'Quinta del Buitre' group, then coached by Leo Beenhakker, was easily dismantled by one of the best teams in football history, featuring the likes of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Carlo Ancelotti, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.<br /><br />Individually speaking, Cristiano Ronaldo is both winless and scoreless in his three previous matches at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, one of the few stadiums where the Portuguese hasnt celebrated a goal.<br /><br />Gareth Bale, contrarily, is fond of the Milan pitch - a hat-trick there as a Tottenham Hotspur full-back in 2010 brought the Welshman into the international spotlight.<br /><br />As for the other member of the BBC, Karim Benzema scored a goal to help Madrid to a draw, although he had previously lost while still playing for Olympique Lyonnais.<br /><br />Luka Modric or Pepe had no luck with their previous teams at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza either, whereas Mateo Kovacics wins arent a surprise as he played for Inter.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639942967353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639942967353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid aim to end Milan curse

Real Madrid face a double challenge on Saturday in the Champions League final as theyll try to beat a rock-solid Atletico Madrid team and al...

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Vazquez ready for long-term role

Lucas Vazquez started the season as a fringe player at Real Madrid, but his significance to the team has grown continuously and led to his place in the side next season being assured.<br /><br />Some were surprised when Rafa Benitez gave the 24-year-old a role of increased importance, but his position under Zinedine Zidane has become even more vital, and the Frenchman sees Vazquez as essential to his future plans.<br /><br />The Galician has played 1231 minutes for Los Blancos in the league this season, as well as 287 in the Champions League, and has featured more and more as the season has progressed.<br /><br />These minutes have led to a contribution of four goals and eight assists in performances that have convinced Zidane of his quality, with the coach refusing to speak to clubs about Vazquez's availability.<br /><br />Sevilla recently enquired about the Madrid youth product, and it is thought Liverpool are also among a host of European sides interested in signing him, but Zidane has been firm in his rebuttals.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639253223880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639253223880.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Vazquez ready for long-term role

Lucas Vazquez started the season as a fringe player at Real Madrid, but his significance to the team has grown continuously and led to his p...

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Zidane has earned the right to lead Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has convinced Florentino Perez that he's the right man for the job and will stay with Real Madrid, as confirmed by many club sources during the last couple of weeks.<br /><br />While the Frenchman did not obtain the results expected throughout his first few games, he has now managed to get his team to the Champions League final and also kept fighting for La Liga title until the very end.<br /><br />Zidane became first-team coach replacing Rafa Benitez and recovered the fans' support after the Spaniard's inconsistent months.<br /><br />Perez and the rest of the board now believe they have the right man for the job, after the five months he has completed with a squad that was on the verge of falling apart.<br /><br />The president has always believed in Zidane and while his arrival to the first team was not expected to happen this soon, the Frenchman has delivered and proved that Perez had reasons to believe in him.<br /><br />Zidane has been thinking about how next year's team will look, and every decision about transfers and signings will be made after asking his opinion on the matter.<br /><br />He is under contract until the summer of 2018 and boardroom confidence and support is what matters the most in his relationship with the club.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639146385891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639146385891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Zidane has earned the right to lead Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has convinced Florentino Perez that he's the right man for the job and will stay with Real Madrid, as confirmed by many ...

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Lekue called up to train with Spanish national side

Celta Vigo youngster Jonny has been replaced by Athletic club player Inigo Lekue in Vicente Del Bosque's training camp as Spain prepare for the European Championship in France.<br /><br />As part of the senior squad meet-up to kick off their preparations for the tournament in France, a small group of young players have been given the chance to train with the national side.<br /><br />The spot opened up after 22-year-old Jonny left for personal reasons according to the Spanish Federation and his replacement, who has only got one season under his belt with Athletic Club, will join the squad and start training on Monday in Las Rosas.<br /><br />Lekue becomes the second player from the Basque side to be selected after Inaki Williams was picked and both will take part in the build-up to friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Korea on May 29 and June 1, respectively.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639309294427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/22/14639309294427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Lekue called up to train with Spanish national side

Celta Vigo youngster Jonny has been replaced by Athletic club player Inigo Lekue in Vicente Del Bosque's training camp as Spain prepare ...

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Zidane: I coach the best team in the world

Zinedine Zidane has revealed what pleasure it gives him to be coach of Real Madrid, naming them as the best team in the world.<br /><br />The Frenchman was speaking to UEFA ahead of the Champions League final, and seemed delighted about his current employment.<br /><br />"I dreamed about wearing the famous white shirt, and that was made reality thanks to the President [Florentino Perez]," he said, "now I'm lucky enough to be the coach of the best club in the world, so I'm a happy man.<br /><br />"The best thing that has ever happened to me was to play for Real Madrid."<br /><br />Despite his view that Real Madrid are the world's best, the former midfielder was under no illusions that his side won't have an easy time of it against local rivals Atletico Madrid next weekend.

Zidane: I coach the best team in the world

Zinedine Zidane has revealed what pleasure it gives him to be coach of Real Madrid, naming them as the best team in the world. The Frenchman...

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Messi serves up another Cup

FC Barcelona are Copa del Rey champions for the 28th time thanks to a gutsy 2-0 win over Sevilla in extra time on Sunday night at the Estadio Vicente Calderón in Madrid.<br /><br />Just like their meeting way back in August at the UEFA Super Cup, an unexpected member of the Barcelona squad would turn out to be the hero. On that summer night in Tbilisi, Pedro was the hero with an extra time winner in a 5-4 thriller; on this occasion it was Jordi Alba, whose goal in the 96th minute was the winner for Barcelona. Neymar would then finish the extra period off with a strike in the 122nd minute to seal the crown, with each score coming off superb passes from Lionel Messi.<br /><br />Out of all the cup titles Barcelona have won in recent years, this was perhaps the most difficult, as a Javier Mascherano red card in the 36th minute saw Barcelona play nearly 90 total minutes with just 10 men. Fifty-six of those minutes were against 11 before the Andalusians were also reduced to 10 in second half stoppage when Éver Banega was sent off and then down to nine men just minutes before the final whistle when Daniel Carriço was red-carded.<br /><br />It also featured a sensational defensive performance from Barcelona centre-back Gerard Piqué, whose countless interventions allowed Barcelona to keep their heads above water while playing with the man disadvantage. The victory caps another trophy-laden season for Barcelona, who backed up last season's Treble with a league/cup double.<br /><br />Despite playing just three days prior in the Europa League final, Sevilla boss Unai Emery fielded a full-strength XI, while Barcelona manager Luis Enrique rolled out the same well-rested squad that clinched the league title last weekend. Sevilla showed no effects of fatigue from their midweek triumph over Liverpool and went at Barcelona in the initial stages of the match, while Luis Suárez fired close to Sergio Rico's goal. The first goal should have been scored by Sevilla but somehow Coke contrived to completely fluff a left-footer just after the quarter-hour mark.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639549468317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639549468317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Messi serves up another Cup

FC Barcelona are Copa del Rey champions for the 28th time thanks to a gutsy 2-0 win over Sevilla in extra time on Sunday night at the Estadi...

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Lionel Messi continues to set new records

Lionel Messi continues to set new records and Sunday's 2-0 extra-time victory over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final marked a 30th title for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.<br /><br />Such a figure puts the 28-year-old one clear of Brazilian icon Pele, and with what should be several good years left ahead in his career, it is scary to think how many Messi may end up with.<br /><br />The Rosario-born forward created both goals in extra-time to down Sevilla and claim a fourth Copa del Rey title, to go with his eight league titles, six Supercopas, four Champions Leagues, three European Supercopas and three Club World Cups with the Catalan club.<br /><br />These 28 trophies combined with Messi's Olympic gold medal and under-20 World Cup title with Argentina take his overall tally to 30.<br /><br />Pele, often still referred to as the greatest player of all-time, claimed 29 titles and while most were restricted to South American football, the Brazilian crucially lifted three World Cups.<br /><br />This latest triumph for Messi takes him clear of Pele and other greats such as Johan Cruyff and Maradona but major honours at international level still elude him.<br /><br />Lionel Messi's success has come almost exclusively in Barcelona colours but this summer the 28-year-old will lead La Albiceleste at the Copa America before perhaps a final shot at the World Cup in 2018.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639548519941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/23/14639548519941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Lionel Messi continues to set new records

Lionel Messi continues to set new records and Sunday's 2-0 extra-time victory over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final marked a 30th title...

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Real Madrid don't just play finals, they win them

<br /><br />Real Madrid's supporters are in confident mood ahead of their clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, suggesting that Los Blancos don't just get to the showpiece occasions, but win them.<br /><br />Zinedine Zidane and his side travel to Milan knowing that they have the Madridistas right behind them.<br /><br />MARCA went to speak with some of the fans about their team's prospects, 11 meeting with our journalist in Madrid's famous Meson Txistu restaurant.<br /><br />"Madrid don't play finals, they win them," said Gabriel Ortega, who is a member of the Mortera Blanca supporters branch.<br /><br />This confidence was also expressed by fan Jose Carlos Romero, who asserted: "The final will be like the one in Paris [in 2000, when Madrid beat Valencia 3-0], very easy."<br /><br />On whether Zinedine Zidane should stay with Los Blancos in the coming season, the opinion was unanimous.<br /><br />The Frenchman guided the side to second in the league as well as into the final and it's led to a desire from the supporters for the former player to remain at the club.<br /><br />"Zidane is a Madridista, he's revitalised the team and I wish he'd been there at the start of the season," said a member of the Ciudad Imperial supporters club.

Real Madrid don't just play finals, they win them

Real Madrid's supporters are in confident mood ahead of their clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, ...

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Ronaldinho dazzles with look flick

Ronaldinho showed why he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time in a charity match in Mexico, as he dazzled the audience with a no-look pass.<br /> <br /> The Brazilian played a Michael Laudrup-esque ball across the face of the goal with his back turned to the action, astonishing fans at the Estadio Azteca.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="full-video" id="video-5738ad4e46163f913f8b4609" style="height: 556.875px;"> <div style="height: 100%; position: relative; width: 100%;"> <img class="kWidgetCentered" src="http://k.uecdn.es/html5/html5lib/v1.9.1-ue2/modules/KalturaSupport/thumbnail.php/p/110/uiconf_id/8705164/entry_id/0_mudtuoh9/height/587?" /><br /> <div class="kWidgetCentered kWidgetPlayBtn" id="video-5738ad4e46163f913f8b4609_playBtn"> </div> </div> </div>

Ronaldinho dazzles with look flick

Ronaldinho showed why he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time in a charity match in Mexico, as he dazzled the audience wit...

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Benitez considers leading Newcastle

The Newcastle fans showed their support towards the Spanish coach and Benitez could now stay with the club even though his contract with them included an option to leave the club if they were relegated.<br /><br />"They made me think about the future, I feel the love of the fans and everyone else and I will consider it, although the most important thing is that we're on the same page," said Benitez.<br /><br />Newcastle and Benitez signed their contract with the clear goal in mind of staying in the Premier League, but the fans and the club's support has surprised Benitez.<br /><br />"I knew how big this club was, but I've been impressed by the fans and everyone else here," he added.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/15/14633290107905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/15/14633290107905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Benitez considers leading Newcastle

The Newcastle fans showed their support towards the Spanish coach and Benitez could now stay with the club even though his contract with the...

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Cameroon pays Patrick Ekeng

A ceremonial tribute has been held for late Cameroonian player Patrick Ekeng in the national capital Yaounde.<br /><br />Relatives and supporters of the player who died after a collapse in a match at his professional club in Bucharest, Romania, paid tribute to him at the Yaounde Sports Palace.<br /><br />The remains of the 26 year old were flown in to uncontrollable wailing.<br /><br />Cameroon Legend Rigobert Song and other sports administrators were in attendance to pay their last respect to Ekeng.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/15/14633402302062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/15/14633402302062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Cameroon pays Patrick Ekeng

A ceremonial tribute has been held for late Cameroonian player Patrick Ekeng in the national capital Yaounde. Relatives and supporters of th...

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Suspect package at Old Trafford was training device

A suspicious package which prompted the evacuation of Manchester United' s stadium on Sunday before it was subject to a controlled explosion has been identified as a training device, police said.<br /><br />The discovery of the device, earlier described by police as "incredibly lifelike" but not viable, forced the club's Premier League match against Bournemouth to be abandoned.<br /><br />"Following today's controlled explosion, we have since found out that the item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs," Assistant Chief Constable John O'Hare of the Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/16/14633497444813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/16/14633497444813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Suspect package at Old Trafford was training device

A suspicious package which prompted the evacuation of Manchester United' s stadium on Sunday before it was subject to a controlled explo...

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Ronald Koeman has suggested the key to the success

<span class="capital-letter">R</span>onald Koeman has suggested the key to the success of <strong>Johan Cruyff's historic Barcelona side was the good feeling inside the dressing room.</strong><br /> <br /> The Dutchman was a key figure in the team and scored the memorable winning goal at Wembley to deliver Barcelona their first ever European Cup.<br /> The former defender spoke of how the bond the players shared together actually made the team more successful.<br /> "Besides the quality of the players, in all those years we have a good feeling in the locker room, this was very important," he stated.<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/12/14630672077408.jpg" width="660" /></figure> "The group of players were excellent and our great relationship off the field actually united us and came through in performances on the field."<br /> Cruyff is fondly remembered as the mastermind behind the team's monumental rise to continental success and Koeman attributes the success to the coach's ability to balance the team.<br /> "We created a great team because the players had a good balance. On the one hand there were some foreign players and there was a balance between the Spanish players" he said.

Ronald Koeman has suggested the key to the success

R onald Koeman has suggested the key to the success of Johan Cruyff's historic Barcelona side was the good feeling inside the dressing r...

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Luis Suarez embarrasses journalist

Luis Suarez embarrassed a journalist on Thursday as he delivered a stinging retort following a question about his slump in form.<br /><br />The forward was asked whether or not his trip to Uruguay had affected his performance and was the reason why he hadn't scored as many goals.<br /><br />Suarez wouldn't entertain the idea and simply dismissed the question.<br /><br />"You have chosen the wrong question" Suarez joked.<br /><br />The question itself seemed odd given the fact just five days after arriving back from Uruguay, Suarez scored two goals in the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico.

Luis Suarez embarrasses journalist

Luis Suarez embarrassed a journalist on Thursday as he delivered a stinging retort following a question about his slump in form. The forward...

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El Arabi: I pray to win this game

The Moroccan forward hopes that his team can repeat the achievement of two years ago, when the Andalusians pulled off a surprising 1-0 victory.<br /><br />"If your job is to play football, then I ask to score goals, to win this game and for everything to go well," said El-Arabi in an interview with MARCA.<br /><br />Granada beat Barcelona in mid-April at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes during the 2013/14 season and the Catalans then went on to concede the title to Atletico Madrid.<br /><br />"My friend Brahimi scored a goal in the first half and in the second we parked the bus," laughed El-Arabi.<br /><br />The attacker grew up admiring the stars of Barcelona, but he won't let that get in the way of his own ambitions.<br /><br />"My idol is Ronaldo 'El Fenomino', who I remember well from his time at Barcelona, although he also played for Real Madrid," El-Arabi said.<br /><br />The striker has played for three seasons at Granada and he wants to spend another year at the club, even if he catches the attention of more glamourous sides in this match.<br /><br />"This is my home.<br /><br />"I have a year left, now I'm very focused on the match with Barcelona which will be seen around the world."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

El Arabi: I pray to win this game

The Moroccan forward hopes that his team can repeat the achievement of two years ago, when the Andalusians pulled off a surprising 1-0 victo...

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Barcelona suspend parade for security reasons

Barcelona have decided to suspend a victory parade scheduled for Saturday night, scheduled in case they win La Liga in their final game against Granada.<br /><br />The club has cited security concerns as the cause of the decision not to follow the schedule.<br /><br />In reality there are three possible reasons for the decision from the Catalan club.<br /><br />The team would not arrive until after 11pm, and it would be very late to hold such an event.<br /><br />Moreover, it would coincide with the end of the Bruce Springsteen concert in the Camp Nou, as well as the Formula One Grand Prix which is due to take place this weekend.<br /><br />Now the club is considering the possibility of postponing the celebrations until after the final of the Copa del Rey on Sunday May 22.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/13/14631336002650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/13/14631336002650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Barcelona suspend parade for security reasons

Barcelona have decided to suspend a victory parade scheduled for Saturday night, scheduled in case they win La Liga in their final game agai...

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Ben Arfa: My future is not decided yet

The 29-year-old has scored 17 goals this season, and his club confirmed last week that the Blaugrana are interested in signing him when his contract runs out in June.<br /><br />In a live Facebook chat for Eurosport, Ben Arfa denied having already put pen to paper with the Catalans.<br /><br />"I have not signed for Barcelona," he said.<br /><br />"There is a lot of noise, but I would prefer not to talk about my future.<br /><br />"The most important thing is the end of the season."<br /><br />Nice trail Monaco by two points for the final Champions League spot heading into the final week of the season, but Ben Arfa said that a third-place finish would not influence his decision.<br /><br />"Whether or not we qualify for the Champions League, my future is not decided," he said.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629749519315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629749519315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Ben Arfa: My future is not decided yet

The 29-year-old has scored 17 goals this season, and his club confirmed last week that the Blaugrana are interested in signing him when his ...

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Suarez: I never imagined I'd score goals at Barcelona

<strong>The Uruguayan has scored a league-leading 37 goals this season</strong>, and is a large part of the reason why the Blaugrana enter the final weekend on top of the La Liga table.<br /> But as his second season in Catalonia winds down, the 29-year-old said that he had low expectations after transferring from Liverpool.<br /> "I never imagined that I would be scoring goals here, I never felt I would adapt to this team's style of play the way I have," he explained in an interview with ESPN.<br /> "Sometimes they start the moves and I think that I can't do that, that they will play it like that and I will just push it [toward the goal].<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629768751029.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Suarez scored twice against Espanyol last weekend to retain a four goal lead over Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Pichichi trophy.<br /> He has 11 goals in his last four matches, but attributed his recent form to the unselfish play of his fellow strikers.<br /> "The entire team deserves the credit for my streak," he said.<br /> "Now my teammates look for me because they know I am in the running.<br /> Leo [Messi] and Neymar give me the penalty kicks, which shows that the team sees what I am capable of over these last few games and they want me to score."<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e03-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629770348600.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Barcelona need to win their final match of the season at Granada on Saturday to clinch a second-straight La Liga title.<br /> "Winning now depends upon us, and we are aware that we are one match away from winning the league, which was our main goal from the beginning of the season," Suarez said.<br /> "In February people said, 'well, now you have La Liga wrapped up and you can go after the Champions League.'<br /> "But then we had that dip in form and that's football, we didn't win and then we knew our nice lead was lost.

Suarez: I never imagined I'd score goals at Barcelona

The Uruguayan has scored a league-leading 37 goals this season , and is a large part of the reason why the Blaugrana enter the final weekend...

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Neymar close to penning lucrative new deal

The Spanish champions are desperate to tie the Brazilian to a new contract, as discussions over his release fee led to doubts over the 24-year-old's future.<br /><br />According to El Mundo Deportivo, the new three year contract extension will include a hefty 220 million euro release clause as the club look to deter any potential suitors.<br /><br />The contract talks have been ongoing for months, and with the player embroiled in tax issues over the season, clubs such as Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly been eyeing up a move for the attacker's services.<br /><br />Neymar has enjoyed another excellent season registering 27 goals and 15 assists, and is set to be rewarded with a pay rise in his new deal, one which the Camp Nou club are hoping to wrap up once the league season has been concluded.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629784191568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629784191568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Neymar close to penning lucrative new deal

The Spanish champions are desperate to tie the Brazilian to a new contract, as discussions over his release fee led to doubts over the 24-ye...

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Gaspart: Real Madrid harm football

The Catalan has hit out at claims that Barcelona may try to bribe Granada ahead of their crucial game this weekend, which decides who will win La Liga, and also denied that Barcelona used illegal means to procure the title in the 90s when he was at the club.<br /><br />"The only thing Real Madrid do is harm football. If I was a Granada player I'd be offended, because it insinuates that I could be bought, it's an indecent campaign," said the 71-year-old.<br /><br />He added that he doubts such things could happen in the game, but that if that were the case, then proven action would have to be taken.<br /><br />"I believe in football and its honesty. If such things are discovered, though - through secure investigations - then the clubs involved will have to be punished," Gaspart stated.<br /><br />The ex-Blaugrana chief also spoke about allegations that Barcelona rewarded Tenerife with millions of euros in the 1990s, after they beat Real Madrid on the final day to give his club the title.<br /><br />"Whoever says that is a liar.<br /><br />"All Barcelona did was invite Tenerife to [pre-season trophy] the Gamper, not a euro was paid," remarked the businessman.<br /><br />Gaspart said that he is confident both Granada and Deportivo La Coruna, who face Real Madrid this weekend, will be trying as hard as they can to prevent their respective opponents from lifting the silverware.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e03-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629842176254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e03-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629842176254.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Gaspart: Real Madrid harm football

The Catalan has hit out at claims that Barcelona may try to bribe Granada ahead of their crucial game this weekend, which decides who will w...

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Mascherano: We're not only playing against the opposition

With Real Madrid hot on their heels in the league, the Argentine and his men know that they must not falter this weekend amidst the intense pressure.<br /><br />"Ultimately, we're not only playing against the opposition, but ourselves," he told ESPN on Wednesday.<br /><br />"We're a unit and we know it all depends on us, that it will be a tough game like the others we've had in the last few weeks.<br /><br />"There will be no margin for error, and that means we'll try to go out in the best way possible to avoid any accidents."<br /><br />Granada will have nothing to play for on Saturday, having already secured a finishing position above the relegation zone after a stunning 4-1 win at Sevilla last weekend.<br /><br />"We know that it will be complex playing against a team who have nothing to play for, but we should be afforded more freedom and time."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e03-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629890800150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e03-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629890800150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Mascherano: We're not only playing against the opposition

With Real Madrid hot on their heels in the league, the Argentine and his men know that they must not falter this weekend amidst the intense ...

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Real players making great steps under Zidane

Previous coach Rafa Benitez's final game in charge came in a 2-2 draw against Valencia on January 3, whilst Zidane beat them on Saturday and now has a 33rd league title for the club in his sights.<br /> The difference between the present day and Benitez's final moments are staggering.<br /> Real are now one point behind league leaders Barcelona going into their final against Deportivo La Coruna and have a second Champions League final in three seasons to look forward to.<br /> Quite a few factors can point to this remarkable turnaround but none more so than the players themselves.<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629642392041.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez are considered two of the most improved under Zidane, whilst with Benitez their game time came off the bench, or they simply had to watch on from the stands.<br /> Casemiro started seven games and made four substitute appearances for Benitez.<br /> Zidane, meanwhile, has already made him a key figure in his line-up by starting the Brazilian nine times and bringing him off the bench just once.<br /> The 24-year old made appearances against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on September 12 and October 4 respectively, but endured a five-game wait absence in between as he was lowered down the pecking order.<br /> He then kept his place in Benitez's squad until the Clasico on November 21, where the former Liverpool manager reverted to tactics of old playing James Rodriguez in a three-man midfield.<br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629642745943.jpg" width="660" /></figure> Real went on to lose 4-0 and thus began the unfolding of Benitez's time at the club.<br /> Academy graduate Lucas Vazquez played two games for Benitez making eight appearances as a substitute.<br /> With Zidane, however, Vazquez has made seven starts and as many introductions from the bench.<br /> The 24-year old has made good use of the opportunities after injuries to Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Real players making great steps under Zidane

Previous coach Rafa Benitez's final game in charge came in a 2-2 draw against Valencia on January 3, whilst Zidane beat them on Saturda...

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Zidane earns belief from Real turnaround

After the defeat to Atletico Madrid in late February, Los Blancos were in freefall with supporters unsure of Zidane's managerial attributes.<br /> It was his first defeat as manager yet it looked to be a damaging one with Barcelona so far ahead in La Liga at the time.<br /> <br /> Defeats against your local rivals are never received well and even the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture earned by Rafa Benitez early in the season piled pressure on the former coach.<br /> Benitez was eventually dismissed and there was a fear Zidane may go the same way after the disastrous trip to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.<br /> Yet what has happened since that defeat has taken everybody by surprise as Real Madrid have put themselves back into contention for both the Champions League and La Liga titles.<br /> After the Atletico defeat, the Frenchman began to string together results with 11 consecutive victories taking full advantage of Barcelona's collapse in March.<br /> This collapse was started by a defeat to a resurgent Madrid side at the Camp Nou, a result which quietly earned Zidane huge amounts of respect amongst supporters and the press alike.<br /> <br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629704142237.jpg" width="660" /></figure><br /><br /> <br /> Whilst those 11 victories in 11 matches have done enough to keep him in a job, Zidane also has his eyes locked on another good omen involving the number 11.<br /> The 'Undecima' is a possibility with Real facing Atletico in this season's Champions League final.<br /> Zidane won Real a Champions League with a famous volley and he hopes to do the same only this time from a position on the bench.<br /> Whilst an important match for the club, the decision on the Frenchman's future has already been taken, he will keep his job.<br /> His wonderful work since the Atletico defeat will be rewarded with patience with the belief amongst the Madrid board that had they appointed him sooner, Barcelona wouldn't be in such a strong position to win the title on Sunday.<br /> He handles the media well, he is well respected within the dressing room and now after an early wobble, the 11 straight victories has shown he has the makings of a good coach.

Zidane earns belief from Real turnaround

After the defeat to Atletico Madrid in late February, Los Blancos were in freefall with supporters unsure of Zidane's managerial attri...

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Navas and Carvajal return to real Madrid

The duo missed Sunday's clash with Valencia through injury worries but returned to training with the group ahead of the final La Liga matchday.<br /> <br /> <strong>Real head to the Riazor on Saturday needing both a victory</strong> and Granada to do them a favour when Barcelona play in Andalusia at the same time.<br /> Zidane's preparations for the trip to La Coruna have begun and it is expected both Navas and Carvajal will return to the team.<br /> <br /> <figure class="multimedia-item photo-decoration" itemprop="image" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject"><img class="full-image" itemprop="contentUrl" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629782103770.jpg" width="660" /></figure> <br /> <br /> Bale however remains a fitness concern and only managed some sprinting work alone on Wednesday at Valdebebas whilst Modric was merely rested and will return on Saturday.<br /> Lucas Vazquez picked up an injury on Sunday against Valencia and while he is recovering the winger remains a doubt for the final La Liga match.<br /> Zidane also welcomed three younger players into the setup to work with the group on Wednesday as Borja Mayoral, Martin Odegaard and Marcos Llorente were all invited to participate.<br /> <br />

Navas and Carvajal return to real Madrid

The duo missed Sunday's clash with Valencia through injury worries but returned to training with the group ahead of the final La Liga ...

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Real Madrid star's agent meets PSG

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the wealthy Ligue 1 outfit are keen to bring the Real Madrid forward to the Parc de Princes, and it seems that negotiations may have already begun.<br /><br />According to Le Parisien, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes met with representatives of PSG and has come to an agreement with the French club for the possible arrival of the Portuguese international if he does in fact bid farewell to Madrid.<br /><br />Having previously promised to see out the remainder of his contract, which is set to run until 2018, PSG will likely have to wait at least until then to get their hands on the Portuguese.<br /><br />To add further difficulty, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is also intent on getting the forward to sign a new five-year contract with Los Blancos, which would make PSG's pursuit of Ronaldo that much harder.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629851249870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e02-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629851249870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid star's agent meets PSG

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, the wealthy Ligue 1 outfit are keen to bring the Real Madrid forw...

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Hopefully we'll see a repeat of the Lisbon final

The former Real keeper won European club football's most coveted prize in 2014 when Los Blancos defeated Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, with Casillas looking for a similar result when the teams come head to head again in Milan.<br /><br />"Hopefully we will see a repeat of the final in Lisbon. Let's see if the season will end well for the club, if they can't win the league then let's hope they win the Champions League," he said.<br /><br />The Real legend believes lots of the positive work coming from the team is down to new head coach Zinedine Zidane, as the club chase a league and Champions league double.<br /><br />"We now see a Real Madrid side in which few believed in two months ago, it's clear a big part of the team's turnaround has been down to the head coach."<br /><br />Following his departure from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, many have craved a full explanation as to the circumstances in which he left, with the Spanish international declaring he will reveal it all in the future.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629833908776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e01-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14629833908776.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Hopefully we'll see a repeat of the Lisbon final

The former Real keeper won European club football's most coveted prize in 2014 when Los Blancos defeated Atletico Madrid in Lisbon, with...

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Real Madrid top Forbes' most valuable teams

Spanish football giants Real Madrid retained top spot on a list of the world's most valuable football teams for a fourth consecutive year, according to a Forbes poll released on Wednesday.<br /><br />The value of the 10-time European champions rose 12 percent to $3.6 billion (2.5 billion pounds), making them the world's second most valuable sports team, surpassed only by the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys ($4 billion), Forbes said in a statement.<br /><br />Barcelona were second on the list with a value of $3.5 billion, also up 12 percent from last year. Manchester United ($3.3 billion), Bayern Munich ($2.7 billion) and Arsenal ($2 billion) rounded out the top five.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14630035549116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://e04-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2016/05/11/14630035549116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Real Madrid top Forbes' most valuable teams

Spanish football giants Real Madrid retained top spot on a list of the world's most valuable football teams for a fourth consecutive yea...

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Sevilla-Shakhtar Donetsk Statistical Preview

<br />Sevilla: David Soria; Coke, Rami, Carriço, Escudero; N'Zonzi, Krychowiak; Vitolo, Banega, Konoplyanka; Gameiro.<br />Out: Krohn-Dehli (knee), Reyes (appendicitis)<br /><br />Shakhtar: Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Ismaily; Malyshev, Stepanenko, Marlos, Taison, Kovalenko; Ferreyra.<br />Out: Azevedo (knee)<br />Doubtful: Gladkiy (unspecified), Dentinho (unspecified)<br /><br /><br />Unai Emery<br /><br />Unai Emery, Sevilla coach<br />To get to a final you have to take your chances. We need to give our opponents as few of them as possible. Both sides want to get to the final and it will be a very even game.<br /><br />We're expecting the best Shakhtar there is – they won the tournament in 2009 and they're used to winning their league. Their coach is much more experienced than I am. It is a big ask – they'll be 90 tough minutes and we need to be ready for it.<br /><br />    Snap shot: Sevilla's salvation in Donetsk<br />    Lowdown on Unai Emery<br /><br /><br /><br />Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar coach<br />In Lviv we had a very good first half but failed to convert several counterattacks. Our biggest mistake, though, was that in the second period we sat back on our 2-1 lead, content to keep it that way until the end of the match.<br /><br />It will be a complicated second leg. Sevilla are European specialists. There aren't many youngsters; it's all experienced players. And they are headed by a strong coach who does his homework on opponents and never fails to put his game plan across.<br /> <br /> <br />

Sevilla-Shakhtar Donetsk Statistical Preview

Sevilla: David Soria; Coke, Rami, Carriço, Escudero; N'Zonzi, Krychowiak; Vitolo, Banega, Konoplyanka; Gameiro. Out: Krohn-Dehli (knee),...

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Liverpool vs. Villarreal Preview

The Reds are all set for their most important match of since the end of 2013/14, with a place in a first European final since 2007 within touching distance.<br /><br />Jurgen Klopp‘s side warmed up for the game with a poor 3-1 defeat to Swansea City on Sunday, but considering the changes the German made to his team, the result will have no relevance to Thursday’s game.<br /><br />Adrian Lopez’s last-gasp winner in Spain a week ago has given Villarreal a definite advantage heading into the second-leg, but a ferocious Anfield crowd will await them for what should be a memorable occasion.<br /><br />Liverpool have produced some of the greatest European nights in history over the years, and another one on Thursday is much-needed, in order to keep their season alive.<br />Form<br /><br />SWANSEA, WALES - Sunday, May 1, 2016: Liverpool's Brad Smith is shown a second yellow and the a red card and sent off during the Premier League match against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)<br /><br />Having enjoyed an impressive run of results as winter gradually became spring, Liverpool have suffered a slight dip of late.<br /><br />They are without a win in three matches in all competitions, although it must be stressed that the dropped points against Newcastle and Swansea in the Premier League saw the Reds weakened significantly, in terms of personnel.<br /><br />The 1-0 defeat to Villarreal was a disappointing result, though, and Klopp’s tactics felt strangely conservative, considering his preference for “heavy metal” football.<br /><br />Marcelino’s side are a well-drilled outfit, but they are perfectly beatable. Liverpool missed a trick at El Madrigal, appearing happy with a 0-0 draw, and it ultimately backfired.<br /><br />Villarreal may have rested players away to Valencia on Sunday evening, but that didn’t stop them from sealing an impressive 2-0 win.<br /><br />Samuel and Lopez got the goals for the visitors, who have now all but guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League. Winning the Europa League would ensure that too, of course.<br /><br />The Yellow Submarine have now won six of their last nine games, and the fact that only Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are above them in La Liga does suggest they are a force to be reckoned with.<br /><br />They will be full of confidence as they head to Anfield, and if they can see out what is likely to be a frenetic opening to the game, they will fancy their chances of progressing to a maiden European final.<br /><br />Form Guide (Last 10 games)<br /><br />Liverpool: L-D-D-W-W-W-W-D-L-L<br /><br />Villarreal: D-W-W-W-W-L-L-D-W-W<br />Players To Watch<br /><br />VILLRREAL, SPAIN - Thursday, April 28, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet looks dejected as Villarreal CF's Adrián López celebrates scoring the winning goal in injury time during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg match at Estadio El Madrigal. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)<br /><br />Although Villarreal are very much a side built on a wonderful team ethic, there was still some undeniable individual class on show last week.<br /><br />Cedric Bakambu was quiet for much of the night, but the Congo striker’s pace and power on the counter-attack will be vital on Thursday evening.<br /><br />Roberto Soldado is an intelligent striker, and although his best years are now behind him, his link-up play with Bakambu and experience will be key in a cauldron of noise.<br /><br />Villarreal’s star man in the first-leg was undoubtedly Denis Suarez, who oozed class from start to finish.<br /><br />The 22-year-old caused real problems with his creativity, and his pass to Lopez for the game’s only goal was both unselfish and brilliantly subtle in equal measure.<br /><br />Suarez has the ability to run the show, and Liverpool must stop him from influencing things too much in the final third.<br /><br />Sergio Asenjo looked impressive in goal, and will hopefully be kept busy by a relentless Reds attack, while captain Bruno is also a key figure.<br />Team News<br /><br />LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, April 14, 2016: Liverpool's Emre Can looks dejected as Borussia Dortmund score the second goal during the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)<br /><br />Klopp has received a major injury boost with the news that Emre Can has a chance of starting Thursday’s season-defining showdown.<br /><br />The young German has overcome what looked like a season-ending ankle issue, and returned to full training earlier this week. Danny Ings is also training again, following a cruciate ligament injury but he is far from full fitness and not in the European squad now anyway.<br /><br />Mamadou Sakho is suspended by UEFA following his failed drugs test, while skipper Jordan Henderson and striker Divock Origi are still weeks away from a return.<br /><br />Daniel Sturridge has been making the headlines, having not been used in the first-leg, and Thursday feels a little like a make-or-break moment in his Liverpool career.<br /><br />Should Klopp decide not to start the 26-year-old in a game of such magnitude, it seems hard to imagine him having a long-term future at Anfield.<br /><br />Marcelino has few injury concerns ahead of the game, and his key players will be nicely rested after he made 10 changes at the weekend.<br /><br />Centre-back Eric Bailly has recovered from a knock picked up in the first-leg, which is a big boost to Villarreal.

Liverpool vs. Villarreal Preview

The Reds are all set for their most important match of since the end of 2013/14, with a place in a first European final since 2007 within to...

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Neuer cites home crowd as advantage for Atleti clash

Atletico Madrid could struggle to deal with the Allianz Arena atmosphere on its first visit, says Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.<br /><br />Manuel Neuer hopes the Allianz Arena crowd can be a factor as Bayern Munich seeks to turn around its Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid.<br /><br />Germany goalkeeper Neuer was beaten by Saul Niguez's sensational solo goal as Atleti secured a 1-0 first-leg win at the Vicente Calderon.<br /><br />Bayern will have its work cut out against the most obdurate defense in La Liga but Neuer believes Pep Guardiola's men could take advantage of Atleti having never tackled a competitive trip to Bavaria.<br /><br />"We know Atletico and we're well prepared. We know their strengths and we know ours," Neuer told a pre-match news conference. "The mood in the team is good, we're excited. We have 90 minutes to score the goal we need against Atletico. Both teams are strong in defense and do not concede a lot of goals. Atletico do not know the the atmosphere here. This will be to an advantage for us.<br /><br />"We have the opportunity to wrap this up at home and we will do everything we can to make that happen."<br /><br />Bayern has bowed out at the semifinal stage in each of the past two seasons, both times at the hands of Spanish opposition in the form of Real Madrid and Barcelona.<br /><br />But Neuer was quick to dismiss the notion of fear against La Liga's heavyweights.<br /><br />"No we’re not afraid," he added. "They are different teams anyway. All good things come in threes. We have a good possibility at home to get to the final in Milan."

Neuer cites home crowd as advantage for Atleti clash

Atletico Madrid could struggle to deal with the Allianz Arena atmosphere on its first visit, says Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Man...

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Atletico Madrid's Juanfran is assured that

"I think that in the first-leg match, we played a great first half and that allowed us to hang on during the second half. We are a team that defends very well and we all compete to the fullest in every moment. I'm sure that if we go out strong from the start, we will take the match to where we want to and in the end, it will work as we wish."<br /><br />Juanfran already has experienced some magical moments with Atletico, having been a part of the team that won the La Liga title in 2013-14 and finished runners-up in the Champions League in the same season.<br /><br />Atletico remains in the hunt for both this season, level on points with Barcelona in the league - though in second place on head-to-head record.<br /><br />And Juanfran said he was relishing the run-in and big matches that come with competing at the top.<br /><br />"To compete against fantastic players, you have to be very concentrated," he said. "We know that these games are decided by details, and we are a team of details, and I am convinced that things are going to go as we want during the match.<br /><br />"We are going to defend well, attack well and I'm sure that things will go where we want to."

Atletico Madrid's Juanfran is assured that

"I think that in the first-leg match, we played a great first half and that allowed us to hang on during the second half. We are a team...

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Manuel Pellegrini and Zinedine Zidane are putting in their final

Manuel Pellegrini and Zinedine Zidane are putting in their final preparations ahead of the crucial Champions League semifinal second leg.<br /><br />Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City will have a different attitude than Real Madrid showed in the first leg when it travels to Santiago Bernabeu, with the home side hoping star man Cristiano Ronaldo will be passed fit to play.<br /><br />The 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Etihad Stadium - which Ronaldo missed with a hamstring injury - has the tie evenly poised as the two teams meet on Wednesday bidding to reach the final in Milan.<br /><br />Madrid has also kept a clean sheet in all five of its Champions League home games this season, but Pellegrini is going to Spain targeting an away goal that he thinks could make all the difference.<br /><br />"I was surprised that Madrid sat so deep in the first leg," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "In the first half, especially, the team who wanted to get the ball higher and had more intent was ours. Perhaps at some point they were overwhelmed and maybe speculated, rightly, to play the first away match trying not to lose. Our team lacked a lot of creativity, lost the ball very quickly, but I think we had an attitude of trying to win the game. <br /><br />"We will try to do exactly the same in Madrid. We will not go to the Bernabeu trying for a goalless draw. We will try to get high, press and score a goal because a draw will favor us if we score." <br /><br />Asked about Madrid's home defensive record, he said: "Statistics are there to be broken and I also see Madrid playing more openly. <br /><br />"In Europe we have had a breakthrough. Before I arrived, the team was eliminated in the group stage, then fell twice in the second round eliminated by Barcelona. Now we are in the semifinals - it is a club that is growing and winning titles."

Manuel Pellegrini and Zinedine Zidane are putting in their final

Manuel Pellegrini and Zinedine Zidane are putting in their final preparations ahead of the crucial Champions League semifinal second leg. Ma...

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Ronaldo: Like it or not, I'll go down in history

The Blancos forward says his career statistics have guaranteed his legacy as one of the best footballers in history, whether people like it or not.<br /><br />Cristiano Ronaldo has no doubt he will be remembered as one of football's greatest ever players - even though he accepts he cannot please everyone.<br /><br />Real Madrid's record goal scorer is also the leading marksman in Champions League history and needs just seven more goals to become the first player to reach 100 in the competition.<br /><br />Ronaldo concedes he is always likely to have detractors but he insists his remarkable career statistics will guarantee his place in the footballing pantheon.<br /><br /><br />"I don't doubt that I will go down in footballing history," he told UEFA.com ahead of Madrid's semifinal second leg with Manchester City this week. "Whether people like it or not, the numbers speak for themselves. I will be up there with the rest. Some like it more, some like it less, but I have no doubt that I'm already in the history of football."<br /><br />Indeed, Ronaldo says he never doubted his own potential as a youth player with Sporting CP - although he claims the speed of his professional development came as a surprise.<br /><br />"I always felt that I was a special player, ever since I was starting out at Sporting," he said. "I felt that sooner or later I would be a top-level professional. I never thought it would come so fast, but I was preparing myself because, like I said, the talent was there. I've always worked hard, believed in my potential – in the academy at Sporting, at Manchester United and at Real Madrid as well – and I've developed more and more as a player, as a person, as a human being. I've enjoyed my work.<br /><br />"Fans always like to see a good match, and to see goals obviously. And that's my job. It's to win, play well, score as many goals as possible, help my team and enjoy it. 'Enjoy' is the word that I need to underline, because that's football: it's happiness, it's passion and it's adversity as well."<br /><br />Ronaldo identified former Portugal stars Fernando Couto, Rui Costa and Luis Figo as examples to look up to early in his career, but he says he never considered any player an idol.<br /><br />"To be honest, I never looked at any player and wanted to be like them. Some great players who have passed through Sporting but I was always thinking further ahead," he added. "I was already thinking about the national team. I felt that playing for a big club was difficult but I was going to be able to do it, but playing for the national team is always more difficult. And then things happened very quickly.<br /><br />"I signed for Manchester United, and after some time I was in the national team. My big reference points were Fernando Couto, Rui Costa and Luis Figo, because they were the biggest names in Portuguese football."<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/c8/d0/cristiano-ronaldo-cropped_1je9fo1zk7271mpnz6o849b1j.jpg?t=1976923572&w=620&h=430" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/c8/d0/cristiano-ronaldo-cropped_1je9fo1zk7271mpnz6o849b1j.jpg?t=1976923572&w=620&h=430" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Ronaldo: Like it or not, I'll go down in history

The Blancos forward says his career statistics have guaranteed his legacy as one of the best footballers in history, whether people like it ...

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Guardiola knows best – Ancelotti defends decision to bench Muller

The prolific striker was left on the bench last week as the German champion was defeated 1-0, but the incoming coach believes the right decision was made.<br /><br />Incoming Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has backed current incumbent Pep Guardiola after his decision to drop Thomas Muller for the Champions League semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.<br /><br />Munich was shot down by a single Saul Niguez goal at the Vicente Calderon, and Guardiola has been severely criticized in the wake of the defeat for opting to start with Robert Lewandowski alone up front.<br /><br />Muller had scored eight goals in 10 Champions League games prior to the semifinals including two in the quarterfinals against Juventus. However, Ancelotti has declared that the coach knows best and described the Catalan as the ‘ideal’ man to make the big decisions.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_es/95/82/thomas-muller-mario-goetze-atletico-madrid-bayern-munich-270416_1huujhe5fs1171u6r1mojx7o0r.jpg?t=1498113028&w=620&h=430" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/goal_es/95/82/thomas-muller-mario-goetze-atletico-madrid-bayern-munich-270416_1huujhe5fs1171u6r1mojx7o0r.jpg?t=1498113028&w=620&h=430" width="320" /></a></div> <br />

Guardiola knows best – Ancelotti defends decision to bench Muller

The prolific striker was left on the bench last week as the German champion was defeated 1-0, but the incoming coach believes the right deci...

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Real Madrid vs Manchester City Match preview

Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City will have a different attitude than Real Madrid showed in the first leg when it travels to Santiago Bernabeu, with the home side hoping star man Cristiano Ronaldo will be passed fit to play.<br /><br />The 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Etihad Stadium - which Ronaldo missed with a hamstring injury - has the tie evenly poised as the two teams meet on Wednesday bidding to reach the final in Milan.<br /><br />Madrid is looking to make what would be its 14th final in Europe's elite club competition, while City has already broken new ground in the tournament this season by making it past the last-16 for the first time. The Citizens' only continental final was the Cup Winners' Cup final win over Gornik Zabrze in 1970.<br /><br />The statistics are in Madrid's favor, with only 31 per cent of the teams who have drawn the home leg of a Champions League knockout tie going on to progress (nine out of 29).<br /><br />Madrid has also kept a clean sheet in all five of its Champions League home games this season, but Pellegrini is going to Spain targeting an away goal that he thinks could make all the difference.<br /><br />"I was surprised that Madrid sat so deep in the first leg," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "In the first half, especially, the team who wanted to get the ball higher and had more intent was ours. Perhaps at some point they were overwhelmed and maybe speculated, rightly, to play the first away match trying not to lose. Our team lacked a lot of creativity, lost the ball very quickly, but I think we had an attitude of trying to win the game. <br /><br />"We will try to do exactly the same in Madrid. We will not go to the Bernabeu trying for a goalless draw. We will try to get high, press and score a goal because a draw will favor us if we score." <br /><br />Asked about Madrid's home defensive record, he said: "Statistics are there to be broken and I also see Madrid playing more openly. <br /><br />"In Europe we have had a breakthrough. Before I arrived, the team was eliminated in the group stage, then fell twice in the second round eliminated by Barcelona. Now we are in the semifinals - it is a club that is growing and winning titles."<br /><br />Ronaldo completed training on Monday ahead of the game, while Madrid is also hoping to have Karim Benzema fit after he limped out of the opening match with his own hamstring problem at halftime.<br /> <br /> <br />

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Match preview

Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City will have a different attitude than Real Madrid showed in the first leg when it travels to Santiago B...

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Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid: Preview

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is confident he will be able to play in the crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.<br /><br />Boateng made his return from three months out with a groin injury against Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend, playing 68 minutes of a 1-1 draw which meant Bayern had to wait a little longer to confirm themselves as Bundesliga champions for the fourth successive season.<br /><br />The Germany international had been one of Bayern's most consistent players during the first half of the campaign and his return could prove timely, with Pep Guardiola's team looking to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against the Spanish side at the Allianz Arena.<br /><br />``Of course, I can play,'' Boateng told the club's official website. ``I will do my very best to recover as much as possible. We want to give it our all, and so do I.<br /><br />``It's clear that I am not yet back at the level I was at before the injury, but it doesn't matter when it comes to this match.<br /><br />``I was just happy to finally be back out on the pitch I am very pleased, even though I played two or three bad passes. But I need to get a feeling for the pitch again - the passes, the scenes, the turns.<br /><br />``That's all new to me after three months, but I am pleased, and will not change my game because of two or three bad passes. I want to play on Tuesday.''<br /><br />Another player desperate to play in the semi-final second leg is Franck Ribery. The winger missed the home draw with Monchengladbach with a back problem but was free to train on Monday as he called on Guardiola to pick him as the man to unlock Atletico's dogged defence.<br /><br />He told Kicker: ``I am doing a lot better. I am ready for the game against Atletico. I am really looking forward to playing against them. I have to play.''<br /><br />For Guardiola, Tuesday could be the night that defines his spell in Germany ahead of moving to Manchester City next summer.<br /><br />Win, and he is into the Champions League final; lose, and his time with Bayern might be remembered as much for three semi-final exits as it will be for their domestic dominance.<br /><br />Atletico lead courtesy of Saul Niguez's superb solo goal at the Vicente Calderon last week but Bayern have a formidable home record in the Champions League and must be confident of turning the tie around.<br /><br />Since losing the 2014 semi-final to Real Madrid, Bayern have won all 11 Champions League games in Munich. Another victory would equal Manchester United's record in the competition from 2006 to 2009.<br /><br />However, Atletico will not rest on their slender advantage and head coach Diego Simeone insists his team will be going for the win in Bavaria.<br /><br />``Let's go out and win. We know that the draw gets us through but we cannot think of staying in it. Winning is the essence of the game,'' said Simeone at his pre-match press conference.<br /><br />``I do not have any shame to acknowledge that I have fear - now and before every game.''<br /><br />Simeone gave little away about whether influential defender Diego Godin would return from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the first leg but praised the performances of fellow centre-backs Jose Gimenez, Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez this season.<br /><br />``We are fortunate to have four major centre-backs,'' he said. ``Godin's presence is very important but the form of Gimenez, Hernandez and Savic gives us security.''<br /> <br /> <br />

Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid: Preview

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is confident he will be able to play in the crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on ...

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