mario balotelli :Ballon d'Or

​What a wonderfully funny man Mario Balotelli is.

It's cute that the Italian genuinely believes he will win the Ballon d'Or one day, despite his famously erratic performances at club level, although he also admits that he may be forced to kill Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if it is to happen.

"I would have to kill them off first," he told ​​Calciomercato.
FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015
"If I think back on what I have achieved, it isn't much I can do much more."

Well, that would be one way to eliminate the main competition. Although, if anything does happen to the world's best two footballers, everyone will know that Balotelli had a motive, regardless of whether he actually followed through on the joke.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker admits he needs to do more, but it seems as if he is in the perfect place to finally develop as a footballer. Playing for Ligue 1 side Nice, Balotelli scored 15 goals in 23 league appearances, with three red cards and injury problems limiting his game time.
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Despite his obvious development Balotelli said he will not make any decisions regarding his future until he has had a chance to recover from this season's exploits.

"Now I'm going to pull the plug out for two weeks," he added.

"I'm going to go on holiday and not think about anything. I won't even watch the [Champions League] final. Then I will evaluate everything. One day I would like to end my career in my home city, but I'm still young."

copa del rey final head to head

After three years as manager of Barcelona, Luis Enrique is leaving his post with his final game coming courtesy of a Copa del Rey final against Alaves.

The Blaugrana surrendered their La Liga title to Real Madrid and they will be desperate to claim the other piece of domestic silverware available.

Enrique arrives in the fixture with a host of injuries and suspension, prompting eyebrows to be raised over whether they can see off their in-form opponents.

Here are four key battles which could decide the final fixture of the Spanish season.
1. Neymar vs Kiko Femenia

Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga
Barcelona's lethal left-winger has been in ridiculous form in 2017 and on Saturday, 26-year-old Femenia will be praying the Brazilian magician goes easy on him.

The Alaves defender was tortured by the Blaugrana forward in the 6-0 thrashing Barcelona handed out away from home earlier in the season - where he completed just 45 minutes - and all the signs suggest that the same scenario could occur again.

Femenia must stay disciplined all game to match the sheer brilliance of Neymar and if the Brazilian starts getting his own way, the Catalan's could run riot again.
2. Lionel Messi vs Zouhair Feddal

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If you are talking about battles in a match involving Barcelona, Messi simply has to be included. The Argentine forward will be looking to sign off his season in style at the expense of Alaves' central defenders.

Feddal has enjoyed a fairly good season in La Liga but facing Barca's talisman - who loves to inflict misery on defenders - will be the ultimate test.

The Moroccan must make sure he gets the correct support from his teammates and stays aware of his position, otherwise, Messi will drift inside and cut through Alaves' defence like a hot knife through butter.
3. Theo Hernandez vs Andre Gomes

Deportivo Alaves v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga
Hernandez has been possibly Alaves' finest player this season, hence the interest in him from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, with the left-back having a crucial role to play offensively on Saturday.

The athletic full-back will be tasked with getting his team up the pitch and targeting Barca's weak right-back spot, while attempting to supply Alaves' two strikers.

Gomes is expected to be drafted in due to the absence of Sergi Roberto, Aleix Vidal and Rafinha; if Hernandez can take advantage of the space left my Messi's fondness of drifting inside, he can target the out-of-position Portuguese international.
4. Andres Iniesta vs Marcos Llorente

Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga
If Alaves are to thwart Barca's star-studded lineup, they must gain some advantage in midfield. This means nullifying Iniesta, the man who makes the Blaugrana tick.

Real Madrid loanee Llorente will be one of those tasked with shackling the fleet-footed Spaniard and if he can halt his driving runs from deep, he can stop Barca's most potent supply route.

Should Llorente lose and afford Iniesta space, the likes of Messi and Neymar will see a lot more of the ball and that can only spell trouble for anyone.

The Uruguayan suffered the injury on Thursday during training

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez will be out of action for the next 15 days, according to the ​club's official website, after pulling his hamstring.
​
The Uruguayan suffered the injury on Thursday during training and initial assessments reveal it is nothing too serious.
Barcelona v Eibar - La Liga
Barcelona have one more game left this season - the Copa del Rey final against Deportivo Alaves - but Suarez was already suspended for the match.
​
The ex-Liverpool ace got himself sent off in the second leg of the semi-final against Atletico Madrid, and would have been ineligible anyway.
Suarez finished the season as the club's second top goalscorer with 37 in 51 appearances behind Lionel Messi, and is currently picking himself back up again along with the rest of his teammates after losing out in the Spanish title race to bitter rivals Real Madrid.
​
Saturday's Copa del Rey final represents Barca's last chance of silverware this season, and the chance for the outgoing Luis Enrique to leave the club on a high.

13league champion across Europe

Another footballing season has almost come to an end. Whilst many teams have delivered upon their expectations of clinching league titles, other teams have surprised us all with their outstanding efforts this season.

Here's each league champion across Europe's top 13 divisions...
1. English Premier League - Chelsea

Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
After a very disappointing title defence last season - finishing 10th - Chelsea bounced straight back and were able to win the Premier League.

They finished seven points ahead of their nearest challenger Tottenham and won their fifth Premier League title in 12 years.
2. Spanish La Liga - Real Madrid

Malaga CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
After going four years without a league title, Real Madrid secured their 33rd La Liga title - finishing three points ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona.

It was Zinedine Zidane's first full year as Head Coach of Madrid, however he has steered them to the league title and has also led his team into the Champions League final.
3. Italian Serie A - Juventus

Juventus FC v FC Crotone - Serie A
Juventus are a team who can't stop winning, after they secured their sixth consecutive league triumph. They finished four points ahead of their nearest challengers Roma, and also find themselves in the upcoming Champions League final.

They will be hoping to finish off what already has been a remarkable season in style.
4. French Ligue 1 - AS Monaco

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After watching PSG win the league title for the last four years, the trophy has final changed hands as Monaco were able to topple the Parisians and won their first league title in 17 years.

The club have had a horrid few seasons - being relegated to Ligue 2 in 2011 - however after just three seasons back in the first division, Monaco have reached the pinnacle of French football once again.
5. German Bundesliga - Bayern Munich

Bayern Muenchen v SC Freiburg - Bundesliga
Bayern were once again crowned the top team in Germany after they won their fifth consecutive Bundesliga title - their 27th league title.

Despite some surprise opposition from RB Leipzig, Bayern were able to fight off all competition they faced, and won the league by a 15 point margin.
6. Dutch Eredivisie - Feyenoord

Feyenoord v SC Heracles Almelo - Eredivisie
One team many people wouldn't have expected to see on this list is Feyenoord. After PSV Eindhoven and Ajax shared the league title for the last six years, Feyenoord were able to win their first league title since the 1998-99 season.

The title was secured on the final day after veteran striker and former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt scored a hat trick to give Feyenoord a 3-1 victory over Heracles Almelo.
7. Scottish Premiership - Celtic

Rangers v Celtic - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic won their sixth consecutive league title by an astonishing 30 point margin.

Despite their Old Firm rivals Rangers making their return to Scotland's top division, they were unable to halt the charge as Celtic ran away with their 48th league title in the club's history.
8. Portugese Primeira Liga - Benfica

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Benfica secured their 36th league title after their 2016-17 triumph.

They finished four points ahead of second place Porto and earned their fourth consecutive Primeira League title. They only lost two games all season as they ensured the trophy would remain at the Estadio Da Luz.
9. Belgian Pro League - RSC Anderlecht

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Anderlecht won their 34th league title, their first in three years.

They finished seven points ahead of second place Club Brugge and managed to win the league whilst only losing one game all season. They have now secured themselves a place in next season's Champions League by winning the title.
10. Russian Premier League - Spartak Moscow

FC Spartak Moscow vs FC Terek Grozny - Russian Premier League
Spartak Moscow secured their first league title since 2001 after winning the Russian Premier League.

They finished seven points ahead of their nearest challengers CSKA Moscow, and ensured that for the first time in six years neither Zenit Saint Petersburg nor CSKA Moscow won the league title.
11. Greek Super League - Olympiakos

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Olympiacos secured their 19th league title in 21 seasons after winning by a margin of six points.

It was their seventh consecutive league title and they now automatically qualify for next season's Champions League competition amongst the top clubs in Europe.
12. Swiss Super League - FC Basel

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FC Basel secured their 20th league title in the club's history after winning their eighth consecutive Super League title.

It proved to be a comfortable season for Basel after winning by a margin of 15 points and managing to only lose two games all season.
13. Danish Superliga - FC Copenhagen

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FC Copenhagen secured their 12th league title in the club's history after going the whole season without a defeat. They won the league by a margin of 12 points, and secured back-to-back league titles.

This league triumph will also see them entered for the Champions League group stage draw next season

5golden boot winners 2016-17

There have been goals galore this season, with talismanic strikers from across the continent stepping up to do the business for their respective sides.

With one game remaining in Serie A, Edin Dzeko and Dries Mertens will both fancy themselves for the accolade of top scorer with just a goal separating them (27 and 28 respectively).

But with all other top goalscorers virtually sewn up, we look back at the most deadly finishers from across Europe's top leagues this season.
5. Edinson Cavani (Ligue 1 - Paris Saint-Germain)

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Edinson Cavani has been prolific for PSG in Lique 1 this season with the Uruguayan scoring a staggering 35 goals in 36 games.

Nearest challenger Alexandre Lacazette will struggle to close the gap, sitting as he does on a creditable 28 for the season. Despite his remarkable goalscoring tally, Cavani's efforts weren't enough to prevent an unprecedented title win for Monaco this term.
4. Harry Kane (EPL - Tottenham Hotspur)

Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Harry Kane has continued his superb scoring record, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in consecutive seasons. The England international has scored 29 goals in just 30 appearances and capped off an excellent season with a hat-trick of left footed goals against Hull on Sunday.

Kane's merciless eye for goal brought Spurs within touching distance of champions Chelsea for much of the season, and a number of Europe's top clubs including Real Madrid are reportedly interested in securing his services.
3. Nicolai Jørgensen (Dutch Eredivisie - Feyenoord Rotterdam)

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Former Liverpool man, Dirk Kuyt attracted most of the headlines in the British press when he captained Feyenoord to an unprecedented league win, with a hat-trick on the final game of the season.

But in truth, Feyenoord owe much of their success this season to the consistent goalscoring talents of Danish international Nicolai Jørgensen. He racked up an impressive 21 goals and 11 assists this season, guaranteeing a remarkable Eredivisie win and a place in De club aan de Maas folklore.
2. Lionel Messi (La Liga - Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Villarreal CF - La Liga
Leo Messi regained the Pichichi Trophy for the first time since 2012/13 by finishing this season as La Liga's top scorer.

Messi's relentless brilliance shows no signs of fading as the Argentinian racked up 37 league goals this season, finishing eight goals ahead of last years winner Luis Suarez, and winning the scoring accolade for a fourth time.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 25 goals earned him third spot, as well as the La Liga title and place in the Champions League final.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Bundesliga - Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen - Bundesliga
The race for the Bundesliga's top scorer went to the wire this weekend, as Aubameyang scored a brace during Dortmund's 4-3 win against Werder Bremen.

The Gabon international's last gasp winner saw him earn the Torjagerkanone with 31 goals for the season, one more than Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

Aubameyang's performances have brought inevitable speculation about a move in the near future, with persistent rumours of an imminent reunion with Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside

Poor premier league XI 2016-17

Anyone who has played football at any level, knows how difficult it can be to play on the top of your game week in week out.

Unfortunately this group of players have really struggled to live up to expectations this season, in the world's most unforgiving league.

Here's a starting XI of Premier League 'stars' who really didn't do enough this season...
1. Claudio Bravo

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Many had their reservations at the start of the season when Pep Guardiola paid £17m for a 33-year-old keeper, who ousted, a more than able and fan favourite, Joe Hart.

In the end many of the sceptics proved to be correct as Bravo struggled in the Manchester City goal.

The Chilean ultimately lost his place in the City team to Willy Caballero and could leave the Etihad this summer.
2. Sam Byram

West Ham United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
After injury curtailed Byram's season in 2015/16, a lot was expected of the youngster this campaign.

However, like most in the West Ham squad he flattered to deceive at the times this season.

Next year could prove to be the making of the full-back who will need to start showing more consistent performances.
3. Wes Morgan

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Leicester's captain has failed to show the type of steady performances which saw him lift the Premier League trophy just 12 months ago.

At times Morgan looked slow and defensively naive, a shadow of himself from the previous season.

The Jamaican has also struggled with injuries this season and his future at the King Power is not a guarantee next campaign.
4. Chris Smalling

Middlesbrough v Manchester United - Premier League
Smalling was one of United's standout talents in the 2015/16 season, as many believed he was finally fulfilling his potential.

However, this year he has taken a huge step backwards and has slipped down the Old Trafford pecking order.

The likes of Phil Jones, Marcus Rojo and Eric Bailey appear to command a much higher status in Jose Mourinho's squad.
5. Alberto Moreno

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Moreno has endured a horrific year at Anfield, and not just because of that ludicrous hair cut.

The Spaniard appears destined to leave Liverpool this summer after spending most of this season on the bench.

To rub salt in wounds for Moreno, he has even found himself struggling to oust James Milner - a midfielder - from his natural position.
6. Moussa Sissoko

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford - Premier League
If ever there is an example of how things can change in 12 months, it is Moussa Sissoko.

Last summer the Frenchman had alerted many of Europe's top clubs following his impressive performances at Euro 2016.

Tottenham decided to gamble on the midfielder by paying a whopping £30m to secure his services on transfer deadline day.

Yet Sissoko's performances have been subpar all season, with many at White Hart Lane questioning his work rate and commitment. He just never seems to be enjoying himself out there and much more will be expected of him if he does end up staying with Spurs.
7. Jack Wilshere

Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Wilshere probably has the most uncertain future of any player in the Premier League.

It was hoped his loan to Bournemouth would provide the midfielder with regular playing time, which he could then use to secure his place in the Arsenal side next season.

That now looks unlikely as he failed to maintain his place in Eddie Howe's side, with the Cherries opting not to bring him back to the south coast next season an indication of his average year.
8. Mesut Ozil

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
At times this season Ozil has produced superb displays that everyone in the game knows he is capable of.

Unfortunately, these have been few and far between for the German.

Often games and have passed Ozil by, with the World Cup winner regularly looking disinterested and unconcerned whether the Gunners win or lose.
9. Riyad Mahrez

Manchester City v Leicester City - Premier League
Arguably this side could be made up entirely of Leicester's XI from last year (obviously without N'Golo Kante), but Mahrez has probably been the biggest disappointment of the lot.

Last year's PFA Players' Player of Year looked a shadow of his former self this season, with his creative juices appearing to have withered away.

The Algerian didn't manage a goal from open play in the Premier League until March, and only managed six strikes this season compared to his 17 in 2015/16.
10. Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Sturridge's late season revival should not mask what a disappointing year it's been for the striker.

The former Chelsea man only managed three league goals this season and has fallen behind Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi in Jurgen Klopp's pecking order.

Sturridge will most likely depart Anfield this summer and will hope he can get his career back on track.
11. Wayne Rooney

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Rooney's performances are often the subject of much debate, but this year there has been no denying his mediocre showings.

The striker has appeared to have lost a yard of pace and the fire in belly which has burned bright for nearly 15 years now.

United's all-time top goal scorer looks destined to leave Old Trafford this summer, after 13 years with the club.

United want Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann

United finished the season on a high with victory in the Europa League but Mourinho wants to significantly strengthen the squad this summer as he looks to build a team capable of challenging in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Mourinho was decisive in the market last summer as he provided chief executive Ed Woodward with a list of targets from which Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly were signed. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba joined United last summer And the United boss has handed Woodward a similar list of targets for this summer. United want Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann to help address a goal-scoring shortfall that saw them manage just 54 in the Premier League last season, 32 less than top scorers Tottenham. Ibrahimovic, the club's top scorer last season with 28 goals, faces an uncertain future as he continues his recovery from ruptured knee ligaments and he was coy about his plans when speaking to reporters after the Europa League final. Marcus Rashford featured heavily for United following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's injury Marcus Rashford featured heavily for United following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's injury His departure would leave a void up front for United and it is unclear whether Mourinho is ready to trust 19-year-old Marcus Rashford to fill it. Wayne Rooney's 13-year tenure at the club looks to be coming to an end after he confirmed he has received offers from other clubs in England and abroad, with the club captain admitting he "more or less" decided his future. Michael Carrick, 35, will be offered a new one-year contract by the club but Mourinho is keen to have another option in midfield after allowing Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger to leave during the season.

Truths: Brilliant Ibrahimovic gets English sides on red alert

Champions League
Truths: Brilliant Ibrahimovic gets English sides on red alert

Chelsea must ‘do an Arsenal’ to save their season; Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have Premier League clubs salivating; everyone wants to draw Benfica – it’s three truths from an eventful night in the Champions League…

1-Zlatan gets Premier League teams on red alert

Zlatan Ibrahimovic loves shutting the English up. Fans in this country have always been somewhat sceptical about the Swede's ability to perform at the highest level, with his greatest success coming in foreign leagues away from the mainstream spotlight. Champions League and World Cups? He's never really done it. Flat track pony, say the critics. It's a charge that, understandably, irritates one of the greatest forwards of his generation. That's why he enjoyed scoring that absurd overhead kick against England so much - and it's why he will have relished grabbing a goal and an assist at Stamford Bridge. What better way to silence the doubters once and for all than to spend a season or two causing havoc in the Premier League? Based on last night-s performance, and even at 34, there will be plenty of takers for the Swede when his contract with PSG expires in the summer.

2-Chelsea must 'do an Arsenal' and win FA Cup to save their season

For the past two years, Chelsea have been able to watch Arsene Wenger’s side make a last-ditch bid to salvage their season by carrying off the FA Cup. Under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea had the luxury of forgetting about the world’s oldest competition. Who needs the old pot when you are finishing in the Premier League top four, winning the title and competing in the latter stages of the Champions League?

As we know, life has not been such a bed of roses for the Chelsea fans this season. Defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 more or less ended their hopes of qualifying for Europe's elite competition next season. 10th in the table, 10 points behind Manchester City in fourth, they can forget about dining at Europe’s top table next term. Now it is all about damage limitation for last season’s fallen champions. Guus Hiddink won the trophy the last time he was Chelsea interim coach seven years ago. He must try a similar stunt this season. Like Arsenal, any form of silverware would be viewed as a form of gold in this most trying of campaigns.

3-Diego Costa is a monster - when he wants to be

Costa produced a barnstorming performance last night, and his departure through injury on the hour mark as good as ended Chelsea's chances. Strong, skilful and unrelentingly aggressive, Costa's display was the stuff of defensive nightmares. Goodness only knows what was going on in the first half of the season to make him so insipid and ineffective under Jose Mourinho, but he has since shown he has everything in his armoury to be one of the continent's elite forwards.

4-Everyone wants Benfica in the quarter-finals

The Portuguese champions have won 16 of their last 17 matches, including home-and-away victories over Zenit St St Petersburg in the Champions League last 16. But can they get past the big boys in the last eight? Not going by Tuesday's performance in Russia, despite the 2-1 win at the Petrovsky Stadium.

True, Benfica were missing their goalkeeper Julio Cesar and three first-choice defenders against Andres Villas-Boas' side, but they surely lack the quality to go any further in the competition. They have relied on the goals of Kostas Mitroglou in their recent run, but the Greek striker looks more like the Fulham flop of 2014 than the goal-a-game model of 2016 when he steps up a level from the Primeira Liga to the Champions League knock-out stages

Real Madrid are not the best team – but of course they can win the European Cup again

Champions League
Real Madrid are not the best team – but of course they can win the European Cup again

Real Madrid can still win the Champions League - but they will need two key ingredients, writes Pete Jenson.

This is not a betting column. I get into enough trouble suggesting Gary Neville can be the English Pep Guardiola and Gareth Bale can top-score at the Euros this summer without advising people what to do with their money, but Real Madrid at odds as long as 7-1 with some bookmakers for the Champions League. Seriously?

They are not the best team in Europe. We know that. They are not even the best team in Madrid at the moment. And all things being equal Barcelona will become the first team to win back-to-back Champions Leagues this May in Milan. But the European Cup is not always won by the best team. Inter Milan were not the best team in Europe in 2010 and Chelsea were not the best in 2012 to give two examples form the last five tournaments.

This Real Madrid side still has seven of the 11 players who lifted the trophy two years ago. Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria were vital to their success although they won the final without the former. But what they have lost in midfield they have maybe gained in goal where Keylor Navas is in a better moment of form than Iker Casillas was in 2014. The latter’s mistake could have cost Real Madrid in the final. The former has gone eight Champions League games without letting in a single goal.

They have the tournament’s leading scorer. Ronaldo has more than anyone else in the competition so far this season with 13, and more than anyone in the competition's history scoring his 90th UCL goal in midweek.

Madrid also have Gareth Bale back. Don’t underestimate his importance. Bale has one flaw – he can’t play a 50-game season without missing weeks through injury but when he’s fit he can do everything Ronaldo can do. Injury blip aside Bale has now scored 14 goals in his last 17 matches.

According to El Pais this week, Bale’s six-week period on the sidelines need not have been so long had the club not had him train on sand to speed his recovery. Brazilian coach Wanderly Luxemburgo installed small sand pitches at the club’s Valdebebas training ground when he briefly coached Real Madrid. Keen to use them and keen to have a picture of Bale – close to comeback – powering through the sandpit, he was asked to incorporate it into his recuperation. He did so, begrudgingly, and duly set his return back a fortnight by opening up the muscle tear in his calf.

He is now back and flying however and where once there was discord with Ronaldo it seems now there is harmony. When Ronaldo went off on his “if everyone was at my level maybe we would win the league” rant recently he name-checked Gareth as one of those key players who he prefers to play alongside. He missed the Welshman.

If Bale stays fit – and the law of averages say he has had his weeks on the treatment table for this season – and if Karim Benzema comes back in form then Madrid have a front three to strike fear into most defences. Benzema’s season has been soiled by his off-the-field problems but on it he has scored 19 goals in 20 games. Madrid also have youngsters Lucas Vazquez and Jese Rodriguez to come off the bench – scoring goals will not be a problem and despite an at times less than convincing defence, that no-goals conceded record suggests they can keep them out in Europe too.

If they are to repeat the successes of 2014, 2002, 2000 and 1998 when they won the European Cup despite, and to a degree, because of poor domestic campaigns, two things will need to happen.

They will need to find someone to do as Alonso and Di Maria did in 2014. Casemiro is not in Alonso’s league but he is more comfortable in holding midfield than Toni Kroos. And when he plays there it releases Kroos into a more creative attacking role. It’s a part he has almost forgotten how to play, such has been his exile in that more restricting position.

And the draw needs to be kind of course. If they avoid Barcelona until the final then the current odds will have been generous, if they come out of the hat with them in the quarter-final draw then maybe not so much

Messi hits hat-trick as Barcelona set Spanish record

Liga

Messi hits hat-trick as Barcelona set Spanish record

La Liga, Campo de Futbol de Vallecas – Rayo Vallecano 1 (Manucho 57) Barcelona 5 (Rakitic 22, Messi 23, 53, 72, Turan 86)

Barcelona set a record for the longest unbeaten run by any Spanish team, extending their streak to 35 matches with a 5-1 win over nine-man Rayo Vallecano.

Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick as Paco Jemez’s side hit the self-destruct button, ending the match two men short after the dismissal of both Diego Llorente and Manuel Iturra. Barcelona could have finished with more than the five goals they ultimately tallied, with Luis Suarez missing a second-half penalty.

Ivan Rakitic also found the net, making the most of some atrocious goalkeeping from Juan Carlos, with Arda Turan also notching his first goal as a Barcelona player. But it was Messi who stole the show for the Catalans.

The result put Luis Enrique’s side eight points clear at the top of the Spanish Liga table, and 12 points clear of Real Madrid. The title race might already be something of a foregone conclusion.

TALKING POINT

Why are Barcelona so bad at taking penalty kicks? For all their brilliance, Barcelona have now missed 50 percent of their penalty kicks this season. Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi have all missed two each, with the Catalans seemingly futile from just 12 yards out. And yet they have scored some of the most sublime and intricate goals this season. So why can’t they do the business from the spot?

MAN OF THE MATCH

Lionel Messi (Barcelona): With 19 goals in his last 16 appearances for Barcelona, Lionel Messi looks to have finally found his best form this season. The Argentine has passed the goalscoring responsibility to Luis Suarez and Neymar at times this season, but he was in ruthless mood against Rayo Vallecano tonight. He probably should have taken the penalty kick as well.

PLAYER RATINGS

Rayo Vallecano: Carlos 5, Quini 5, Llorente 4, Crespo 5, Tito 6, Iturra 4, Trashorras 5, Embarba 7, Piti 5, Bebe 7, Manucho 7. Subs: Amaya 5, Joni 4, Guerra 4.

Barcelona: Bravo 5, Roberto 5, Pique 6, Mascherano 6, Mathieu 7, Busquets 6, Rakitic 6, Iniesta 6, Messi 9, Neymar 7, Suarez 6. Subs: Turan 6, Vidal 5, Vermaelen 5.

[MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATS]

KEY MOMENTS

24’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 0 Barcelona 1. Oh dear. That was a howler from Carlos! He drops a cross at the feet of Rakitic who had the simple task of finishing into the empty net. Barca have the lead.

25’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 0 Barcelona 2. Barcelona double their advantage just moments later! Messi threads through Neymar, receives the return ball from the Brazilian and finishes past Carlos.

44’ - SENT OFF! Diego Llorente (Rayo Vallecano). It's a straight red card for the Rayo Vallecano player, who looked to follow through on Rakitic with his challenge. That was an unlucky one.

54’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 0 Barcelona 3. There's another goal for Barcelona, and a second of the night for Messi. Suarez strikes against the post and the Argentine finishes at the second attempt.

57’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1 Barcelona 3. They have one back! A cross to the back post is headed back across goal by Bebe and Manucho heads into the empty from about two yards out.

69’ - OFF THE CROSSBAR! Messi leaves the freekick to Neymar on the edge of the box and the Brazilian smashes his effort off the woodwork. That was inches away from another goal.

70’ - PENALTY TO BARCA, RED CARD! Busquets is cleaned out five yards out as he attempted to roll the finish from Neymar's freekick into the empty net. Iturra was the guilty party and is also dismissed!

71’ - PENALTY SAVED! Suarez steps up to the 12 yard mark and Carlos pulls off a wonderful save to deny the Barcelona striker. What is it with the Catalans and penalty kicks? Bizarre.

75’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1 Barcelona 4. This could get messy for Rayo Vallecano now. Busquets plays a simple pass through to Messi, who runs clean through on goal and finishes past Carlos.

88’ - GOAL! Rayo Vallecano 1 Barcelona 5. That's an important goal for Turan, as he scores his first goal for Barcelona. Mathieu finds the Turkish international at the back post, who heads past Carlos.

KEY STATS

Barcelona have now set a new Spanish record of 35 games unbeaten in all competitions, surpassing Real Madrid’s record of 34 games in the 1988/89 season.

Barcelona are the first side to miss seven penalties in a single La Liga season since at the 1998/99 season.

Barcelona have now passed the 300 goal mark with Luis Enrique as manager

Gianni Infantino elected FIFA president

Football

Gianni Infantino elected FIFA president

Gianni Infantino has been tasked with rebuilding FIFA’s bludgeoned reputation after being elected the new president of world football’s governing body.

After a stalemate in the first round of voting, Infantino swept to victory in round two – receiving 115 of the 207 votes cast to eclipse the sought 50 per cent majority. Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa took second with 88 votes in the four-horse race.

Infantino, who will hold the post until 2019, was visibly emotional during his victory speech in Zurich and vowed to restore FIFA’s credibility.

The lawyer only joined the FIFA race in October, one day before the deadline for nominations, as an alternative to Michel Platini, who was banned from football along with former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter for ethics violations.

WHAT INFANTINO SAID

"Dear friends, I cannot express my feelings in this moment," he announced at the FIFA congress.

"I told you I went through a journey, an exceptional journey, a journey which made me meet a lot of fantastic people, who love football and breathe football and live football every day.

"We will restore the image of FIFA and the respect of FIFA and everyone in the world will applaud us.

"I want to work with all of you together in order to restore and rebuild a new era of FIFA where we can put again football at the centre of the stage.

"FIFA has gone through sad times, moments of crisis, but those times are over. We need to implement the reform and implement good governance and transparency. We also need to have respect.

"We're going to win back this respect through hard work, commitment and we're going to make sure we can finally focus on this wonderful game."

A tedious process, which saw 207 delegates slowly cast their votes in Zurich, was extended when the first round failed to produce a winner.

However, when the stipulation for victory was cut to 50 per cent – down from two-thirds – Infantino managed to boost his tally to take a comfortable victory ahead of Sheikh Salman.

Prince Ali bin Hussein received just four votes – down from a first-round haul of 27 – while Jerome Champagne finished without a single vote.

Second round vote result (50 per cent majority required)

Infantino: 115 votes
Sheikh Salman: 88 votes
Prince Ali: 4 votes
Champagne: 0 votes
First round vote result (two-thirds majority required)

Infantino: 88 votes
Sheikh Salman: 85 votes
Prince Ali: 21 votes
Champagne: 7 votes
Tokyo Sexwale dropped out of the race earlier on Friday, bizarrely announcing to delegates: "it's your problem now."

BLATTER'S RESPONSE

The disgraced 79-year-old released a statement following the result, in which he was somewhat flattering in respect to his own reign.

"I congratulate Gianni Infantino sincerely and warmly on his election as the new president," the statement read.

"With his experience, expertise, strategic and diplomatic skills he has all the qualities to continue my work and to stabilize FIFA again."

Good luck, Gianni…

On the surface, at least, Infantino appears a reasonable bloke to lead FIFA forward – even if we currently only recognise him as the face of the Champions League draw. Hopefully he can usher a new era at FIFA, although it will take time before anyone is truly convinced its murky undertones are in the past.

The FIFA muddle isn’t over. Criminal investigations in the United States and Switzerland will likely yield more damaging revelations. But it’s a start. The Blatter era is consigned to the past. Finally, football can start the rebuilding process.

Why playing Ronaldo on the wing can keep him centre stage for longer

Liga
Why playing Ronaldo on the wing can keep him centre stage for longer

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s declining assist rate, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has made a tactical tweak to get the 31-year-old back to his absolute all-round best, writes Graham Ruthven.

There was once a banner displayed at the Santiago Bernabeu that depicted Cristiano Ronaldo in a way that wasn’t quite to his liking. Standing as he does before a free-kick – chest puffed out, shoulders raised – his figure was shown as a Transformer of some kind. Optimus Prime Goalscorer, perhaps. But the Portuguese was rumoured not to have taken too kindly to the portrayal.

It was surely meant as a compliment, playing on the notion that the Real Madrid number seven is as close to a footballing robot as there is. He has been so good over the past six years that it’s only reasonable to assume that someone somewhere deserves credit for building him in a lab. Ronaldo, however, took it as a slight on his often mechanical public persona.

Of course, that perception is of Ronaldo’s own making. There is not a more conscious player in world football, with the winger very deliberately becoming more of a centre-forward to combat the natural effects of ageing. In that sense, he probably wishes he was a robot.

Indeed, as a forward playing as the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack Ronaldo has been able to increase his efficiency, only expending energy when he really needs to or when it most likely it will result in a goal. And that is currency with which Ronaldo counts his efficiency – goals.

It might not be enough any longer, though. His scoring record for this season is still as astonishing as ever – netting 34 times in 32 appearances for Real Madrid – but his contribution has been notably on the wane. The notoriously harsh Madrid press has noticed – calling him out on a seemingly weekly basis – and Zinedine Zidane has noticed too.

But unlike Rafael Benitez before him, Zidane has taken steps to arrest Ronaldo’s declining influence. The former Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner has gone against the grain of what the player himself believed to be best for him. When some claim Zidane has found a way to revive the old Ronaldo, they really mean it.

Under Zidane, Ronaldo has been restored as a winger. Against Espanyol and in the following match against Athletic Bilbao, the Portuguese was told to predominantly stay on the flanks, resulting in Ronaldo producing his two best performances of the season so far. He scored five goals and contributed an assist over those two games, illustrating the worth of Zidane’s tactical tweak.

Naturally, Ronaldo’s instinct still sees him cut inside with frequency, often interchanging positions with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. But when Zidane has played him as a winger, the 31-year-old has looked back to something nearing his best. Recent injuries to Benzema and Bale have meant Zidane has had little choice but to field Ronaldo as a central forward (as he did in the 1-1 draw against Malaga on Sunday). The Real boss now at least has an idea of how to make the most of his prolific player, though.

Zidane has prepared for Ronaldo’s future by looking at his past. At Manchester United the player was his bombastic best. There is no doubt that in Spain he has become a true legend of the sport, with his goalscoring exploits beyond anything previously achieved, but it was in England – when he played predominantly on the wing – that the Portuguese was a real show-stopper.

There was a freedom to his play that has perhaps been restricted in recent years. With Ronaldo more concerned with winning and his general performance than his goals tally, the Portuguese was a more enjoyable player. He was easier to appreciate, easier to love and embrace. That is the player Zidane wants to uncover once more.

It goes against convention that Ronaldo can eke out the best of his remaining years out on the wings – where he has to run harder and for longer. Logically, the number nine role is where Ronaldo should be best served as his physicality declines, but Zidane has proved the contrary to be true.

With Bale still sidelined through injury, and Benzema also a doubt, it seems unlikely that Ronaldo will be used as an archetypal winger against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Instead, Zidane will probably play him as something of a lone forward supported by either Jese Rodriguez or James Rodriguez (who is also struggling with a thigh injury). Against a defensive unit as strong as Atleti’s, Ronaldo might find it particularly tough going.

The old Ronaldo might never truly return. No matter what the Real Madrid support depict, he isn’t a Transformer and at 31 his game has suffered of late – and will continue to suffer in the coming years as natural decline sets in. But by recapturing the essence of the old Ronaldo, Zidane might find a way to keep his best player at the top for a little while longer.

Bayern squander two-goal lead as Juventus keep tie alive

Champions League

Bayern squander two-goal lead as Juventus keep tie alive

Champions League, Juventus Stadium – Juventus 2 (Dybala 63’, Sturaro 76’) Bayern Munich 2 (Muller 43’, Robben 55’)

Bayern Munich squandered a dominant position as Juventus recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 and give themselves hope in their Champions League last-16 tie.

Goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben had put Pep Guardiola's side into a commanding position at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night, but second-half strikes from Paulo Dybala and substitute Stefano Sturaro enabled Max Allegri's men to restore parity in a game that had started to look like it was slipping out of their grasp.

Bayern, despite naming a starting line-up without a recognised centre-back, made much of the early running and it was little surprise when they took the lead shortly before half-time through the clinical Muller.

And the visitors' control of the tie looked to be absolute as Robben scored the most Robben goal of all time to put Bayern 2-0 up early in the second half.

But Juventus are a quality outfit and weren't willing to go down without a fight.

A Paul Pogba assist for Dybala pulled Juve back into the game and as the game wore on the unfamiliarity of the Munich backline began to show, with Juventus able to take advantage.

Pogba had become increasingly involved as the game went on, drifting in from his position out on the left wing, but it was substitute Alvaro Morata who produced the crucial cross just moments after his arrival on to the pitch, putting it on a plate for Stefano Sturaro.

Two away goals for Bayern gives them the edge in the tie, but Juve will take great encouragement from their second half showing – particularly the extent to which their star-studded forward line was able to rattle the German defence.

It's all to play for in the second leg.

TALKING POINT

How did Bayern Munich throw that away? The visitors were in complete control of this game, dominating in the manner that we’ve grown accustomed to with Pep Guardiola’s teams over the years. They were enjoying most of the ball and creating by far the better of the chances, so when Robben made it 2-0 it looked like Bayern were going to cruise into the quarter-finals. But, one small mistake in defence and Juve were back in the game. Was it the fact that Bayern have injuries in defence? Is it that Juve are actually a much better team than they showed in the first half? Or perhaps it’s that Bayern weren’t quite as dominant as the stats suggest? In reality it’s a combination of all three, but Juve’s comeback makes the second leg very tough to call.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich) – This was always going to be a testing evening for Vidal on his return to Juventus, but the midfielder was unbelievably good for Bayern, showing brilliant technique for an early strike and controlling the game superbly. He gave away just six of his 115 passes in a performance that showed the Italian Champions exactly what they’re missing.

PLAYER RATINGS

Juventus: Buffon 7; Lichtsteiner 7, Barzagli 6, Bonucci 7, Evra 6; Cuadrado 6, Khedira 5, Marchisio 5, Pogba 7; Mandzukic 6, Dybala 7. Subs: Hernanes 8, Sturaro 8, Morata 8.

Bayern: Neuer 7; Lahm 7, Kimmich 4, Alaba 7, Bernat 6; Vidal 8, Thiago 8, Muller 7; Robben 8, Costa 6, Lewandowski 7. Subs: Benatia 6, Ribery 7.

KEY MOMENTS

12’ – MISS – What a remarkable miss! Lewandowski brilliantly drags the ball past his marker to open up space in the box and then unselfishly tees up Muller, but the ball is slightly behind the German, forcing him to take a first controlling touch, and somehow he fails to make a second contact to find the back of the net. That should have been 1-0.

43’ – GOAL! Juventus 0-1 Bayern: Thomas Muller opens the scoring for Bayern, passing a shot beyond Buffon after finding the sort of space in the penalty area that seems to exist only for him. 1-0!

55’ – GOAL! Juventus 0-2 Bayern: Arjen Robben makes it 2-0 with a sublime finish after a flowing counter-attacking move, cutting inside on to his left foot and curling a shot into the far corner.

63’ – GOAL! Juventus 1-2 Bayern: Out of nothing Paulo Dybala pulls one back for Juve. A sloppy touch by Kimmich at the back gifts possession to Pogba, who immediately slides a pass through for the Argentine to finish calmly beyond Neuer. Game on?

66’ – SAVE – Juventus believe. Mandzukic wins the ball and sprints deep into the Bayern half before picking out a lovely pass to find the unmarked Cuadrado. The Colombian composes himself before pulling the trigger, but Neuer stands tall and makes a decent save.

76’ – GOAL! Juventus 2-2 Bayern: Juventus are level as Stefano Sturaro turns home Morata's cross from close-range. Substitute assisting substitute - what an impact. It's 2-2

Messi strikes twice to leave Arsenal hopes hanging by a thread

Champions League

Messi strikes twice to leave Arsenal hopes hanging by a thread

Champions League last 16 first leg, Emirates Stadium – Arsenal 0 Barcelona 2 (Messi 71, 83)

Lionel Messi struck a brace as Barcelona's late show saw them secure a 2-0 victory at Arsenal and take a commanding grip of this Champions League last-16 tie.

The visitors rolled into town boasting the much-heralded MSN in attack but they were largely nullified in the first half as Arsene Wenger's game-plan to restrict and counter-attack appeared to be working.

The hosts were resolute and organised in defence and it showed as the Catalans failed to muster an effort on target in the first half of a Champions League match for the first time since November 2013. Arsenal could have capped their positive display with a goal but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fluffed an early opening.

It proved to be costly as Barcelona grew as the game wore on and typically it was the combination of Barca's triumvirate that broke the home side's hearts with 19 minutes to go. It took just 16 seconds for Neymar, Luis Suarez and Messi to ruthlessly break on the hosts, with the Argentine providing a composed finish to net his first ever goal against Petr Cech.

Arsenal's hopes were all-but completely dashed seven minutes from the end when substitute Mathieu Flamini's first act was to bring down Messi, giving the Argentine the chance to fire a cool spot kick into the left-hand corner.

The result leaves the Gunners on the verge of an exit after losing a last-16 home match by a two-goal margin for the fourth time in a row. Realistically Arsenal needed to take an advantage to the Nou Camp for the second leg on March 16 and will now surely just go through the motions as the holders look to put the seal on their march into the last eight.

TALKING POINT

The MSN will get you in the end

Arsenal were quite rightly praised for their start to the match and for keeping Barca's front three quiet for large spells. Suarez missed some big chances at the end of the first period while Neymar also failed to come out on top in a one-on-one with Cech. The problem is that if two don't produce the goods, the third invariably does. On this occasion it was Messi's time to shine.

The Argentine's influence increased in the second period and he showed great awareness to dummy Cech before firing in the opener. Messi then won and converted the penalty to all-but book Barca's place in the last eight. Are they the best front three in history? This showing won't decide the argument, but even when they aren't at their best they have enough weapons to win games at will.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Lionel Messi (Barcelona). Quiet, but always a threat when Arsenal switched off. He ruthlessly punished them on two occasions and deserves the nod for his match-winning (and quite probably tie-winning) contributions.

PLAYER RATINGS

ARSENAL: Čech 8, Bellerin 6, Mertesacker 6, Koscielny 6, Monreal 7, Coquelin 6, Ramsey 6; Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Özil 5, Sanchez 6; Giroud 5. Subs: Walcott 6, Welbeck 6, Flamini 4.

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen 7, Alves 7, Piqué 6, Mascherano 7, Alba 6, Busquets 7, Rakitic 7, Iniesta 7, Neymar 7, Suárez 7, Messi 8.

Matchcast: Full match stats and commentary

KEY MOMENTS

22' - ARSENAL CHANCE! The hosts cut Barca open. The ball is worked back for Bellerin whose miscued shot falls kindly for Oxlade-Chamberlain. The goal is gaping but the midfielder can only fire straight at Ter Stegen from eight yards out. Barca eventually scramble it clear.

45' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Suarez latches onto Messi's pass and fires past Cech, only to see Monreal clear it off the line.

45+1' - BARCELONA CHANCE! It's another opening for Suarez who guides a free header wide from Alves's brilliant hooked cross from the right.

49' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Neymar finally sprints free as the Arsenal defence parted. The Brazilian has Messi square but opts to try and beat Cech who makes a superb block to deny Barca the lead.

60' - ARSENAL CHANCE! Ter Stegen dives to his right to get a big hand to Giroud's header and it keep it from nestling in the corner. Fine stop.

71' - GOAL! ARSENAL 0-1 BARCELONA. The visitors break up a good spell of Arsenal pressure and kill the Gunners on the break. Neymar turns and frees Suarez on the left. The Uruguayan plays Neymar back in and the Brazilian marauds to the penalty area before laying it across for Messi to finish with aplomb.

78' - BARCELONA CHANCE! It should be 2-0. Barca break with their front three once more. Neymar overdoes it in the area and sees his shot deflect back to Messi. The Argentine tees up Suarez who somehow crashes against the post from inside the six-yard box.

83' - GOAL! ARSENAL 0-2 BARCELONA. Messi coolly fires the penalty into the bottom left-hand corner with Cech diving in the opposite direction. The Argentine had earned the spot kick after being felled by Flamini.

KEY STATS

Lionel Messi now has eight CL goals vs Arsenal – only against AC Milan (8) has he scored as often.

Messi scored his first ever goals against Petr Cech, ending a run of 10 hours & 11 mins without scoring against him

Cristiano Ronaldo showing why Real Madrid can't sell him this summer

Cristiano Ronaldo showing why Real Madrid can't sell him this summer

Pete Jenson says Cristiano Ronaldo gave a timely reminder of his quality against Roma in the Champions League.

It was fascinating to watch Cristiano Ronaldo rage against the supposedly flowery friendships of Barcelona forwards Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez this week, protesting that he never said more than 'good morning' to half the Manchester United squad and yet they still won the Champions League.

While he has a point that on-the-field understanding is far more important than off-the-field book club sessions and Come Dine With Me nights, he missed the broader truth that in any profession it’s better to be surrounded by friends than enemies and for his autumn years at Real Madrid – if that is where they are to be – he will need amigos to make them as long and prosperous as possible.

Two old friends were on hand in Rome to make sure Ronaldo was the main event in the Olympic Stadium as Real Madrid came away with a 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 fixture: Marcelo and Zinedine Zidane.

The Brazilian full-back has long been the greatest source of Ronaldo goals and it was his pass into space that set Ronaldo on his way to break the deadlock and set the tone for the tie.

When he buried the chance he ran to Zidane, who knows all about the pressures of being the greatest, and the even greater pressure of having been the greatest and now facing steady decline.

Zidane – who can do anything at Madrid because of who he is – even got away with substituting Ronaldo with two minutes left. They were the first minutes of Madrid’s Champions League campaign that he had missed all season. Perhaps they should not be the last.

Zidane knows the worth of taking a break, of going slower to get further. If at the end of the season Real Madrid have resigned themselves to missing out on La Liga again and Zizou rests Ronaldo in the league so he is as feisty and fighting-fit for a Champions League semi-final as he was on Wednesday, then he will get away with it.

In his favoured inside-left position, with his friend Marcelo behind him and Zidane teaching him to coast through some training sessions, sit out some games, and so be 100 per cent for the matches that will define the season, Ronaldo can still be essential to Madrid's chances of success and it could well be worth them turning down all offers to take him this summer.

Still, Madrid have history for moving on big players. Luis Figo was ushered out the door when he did not really want to go; Iker Casillas went the same way; and Angel Di Maria was sold just three months after he had been man of the match in the Champions League final as Madrid beat Atletico 4-1 in extra-time. If Real Madrid thought bringing Robert Lewandowski to the club would cost them Ronaldo then they would seriously consider selling the Portuguese – all-time top scorer or not.

Football Leaks reminded us this week why Di Maria suddenly became surplus. It appears that James Rodridguez earns €7.7m euros (£6m) gross. Di Maria wanted €10m as part of new improved deal that, as a Champions League winner, he felt he deserved. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believed that James would be as good as Di Maria but play for over €2m less a year. So he signed him and sold the Argentine.

Football Leaks also has Toni Kroos earning €10.9m gross, Bale €10m net, and says that David De Gea would have grossed €11.8m. Rodriguez is, in Galatico terms, ‘cheap’. If they start believing that, on an estimated €17m a season, Ronaldo is ‘expensive’ then they will manoeuvre him towards the exit.

But every time it feels that he is becoming a player who does not score in the big games or on the road, or is becoming someone who only imposes himself in games where Real Madrid bully a visiting side whose entire squad earns around half of Ronaldo’s salary, he proves people wrong.

He reminded Real Madrid on Wednesday that he remains their best route to goal, and for as long as goals remain the greatest commodity in football he remains worth keeping. Even at €17m a season. He can go on being worth the money... with a little bit of help from his friends.

Mourinho: I don’t know my next club, but plenty are looking at me

Football
Mourinho: I don’t know my next club, but plenty are looking at me

Jose Mourinho has claimed he does not know his next managerial destination as reports continue to swirl around about his future.

Rumours in Italy suggest the Portuguese manager is poised to take over from Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan, with whom he won the treble in 2010, while his name is never far from stories concerning Manchester United.

And while Mourinho did dismiss a return to Inter - who he plans to watch against Sampdoria on Saturday - he gave few other clues as to his next move.

[RELATED: United ‘contacted Mourinho rep after Midtjylland humiliation’]

"There is one thing I want to clarify - I will not be directing things over there next season. Inter already have a project that belongs to Roberto Mancini and (president) Erick Thohir," Mourinho told La Stampa.

"Their ideas have my full support and I hope their plans are successful. I want to see Inter fans smiling again and so I hope to witness a victory tomorrow.

"My next club? I really do not know, but one thing is certain - I love football and I will return with the same passion and ambition I've always had.

"Right now I have respect for every coach at every club.

I'm not looking for a club, but there are clubs that are looking for me.
It is understood Chelsea, who sacked Mourinho for the second time in eight years in December, have sent the Portuguese replica versions of the Premier League and League Cup trophies he won last season, as well as a letter thanking him for his achievements.

With additional reporting from PA Sport

OUR VIEW

The bookies are convinced: Mourinho will be strutting along the Old Trafford touchline before too long.

But maybe it's not quite that clear-cut. Sure, another 'Mourinho to United' story has surfaced in the last few hours - courtesy of the Manchester Evening News - but Louis van Gaal remains in charge. Would it not make sense to have already chopped the Dutchman, if they were really set on appointing Mourinho?

Mourinho's comments appear to be a 'hurry up' message to United - and the link with Inter could be the ideal story to convince United to act quickly

Stunning win at Man City sees Spurs close in on top spot

Premier League

Stunning win at Man City sees Spurs close in on top spot

Premier League, Etihad Stadium - Manchester City (Iheanacho 74) Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Kane, 53 pen, Eriksen 83)

Christian Eriksen scored a late winner as Tottenham rode their luck to beat Manchester City 2-1 and return to second in the Premier League.

While Arsenal’s win over Leicester earlier in the day was a thrilling end-to-end contest, the second part of the top-four showdown Sunday was a tense and tight affair for long periods. After a first half of few talking points, the second exploded into action when Spurs were awarded a highly debatable penalty, with referee Mark Clattenburg pointing to the spot after Danny Rose’s cross appeared to strike the rib or armpit – not the arm – of the unlucky Raheem Sterling.

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Harry Kane struck the penalty down the middle, but there was a bitter feeling of injustice around the Etihad Stadium. That sentiment stirred City into a fightback and Kelechi Iheanacho, a super-sub for City already this season, did the business again from the bench, rifling in Gael Clichy’s cross to level.

City were in the ascendancy in the latter stages and looked the more likely to go on and claim all three points, but Spurs stung them with seven minutes to play. Substitute Erik Lamela’s fresh legs had the City defence on the back foot and the Argentine’s perfectly-weighted pass through the legs of Nicolas Otamendi found Eriksen, who kept his cool to slot past the advancing Joe Hart.

The win is a massive one for Spurs, who move ahead of their North London rivals Arsenal on goal difference to stay within two points of leaders Leicester, with Manchester City staying fourth and six points off the pace.

KEY MOMENTS

10’ - AGUERO CHANCE! Silva's cross is flicked on by Fernandinho to an off-balance Aguero, who hooks the ball over the bar from close range.

24’ - ROSE BLOCK! Danny Rose makes a vital and very brave block for Spurs, throwing himself at Sterling's shot and catching it straight in the chest.

29’ - ERIKSEN CHANCE! The Dane goes for goal from 25 yards and Hart is almost beaten, but he manages to get something behind it.

49’ - AGUERO CHANCE! Big miss by the Argentine as a cross is deflected high into the air and finds Aguero alone at the far post, but he miscues his volley high over the bar.

53’ - PENALTY! Sterling is adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Looked harsh but Spurs have a big chance now.

53’ - GOAL! Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham: Kane dinks the ball down the middle and Spurs have the lead.

74’ - GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Tottenham: Iheanacho scores! The Nigerian has done it again from the bench, rifling the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards after Clichy had picked him out.

83’ - GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Tottenham: Eriksen scores for Spurs! Lamela burst forward on the break and slides the ball through Otamendi's legs to Eriksen, who keeps his cool to slot past Hart.

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KEY STATS

Christian Eriksen has had a hand in five goals (three goals, two assists) in his last five Premier League appearances for Spurs.

Harry Kane has now scored 15 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances.

Man City have won just one of their 10 Premier League games against sides currently in the top eight this season (D3 L6).

TALKING POINT

Was it a penalty? No, definitely not, and Mark Clattenburg will be embarrassed when he watches it back. Rose’s cross struck the armpit of Sterling, who was certainly not trying to deliberately block the cross or, indeed, trying to handle it. But having clawed their way back into the game, City only have themselves to blame for letting it slip.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham): A rock at the back once again for Spurs alongside Kevin Wimmer as he reduced Aguero’s influence on the game and led the Tottenham defence by example.

PLAYER RATINGS

Manchester City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 6, Kompany 6, Otamendi 6, Clichy 7, Fernandinho 7, Fernando 7, Toure 6, Sterling 7, Silva 7, Aguero 6. Subs: Iheanacho 8, Kolarov 7.

Tottenham: Lloris 7, Walker 7, Alderweireld 9, Wimmer 8, Rose 7, Dembele 8, Dier 8, Eriksen 8, Alli 7, Son 7, Kane 6. Subs: Carroll 7, Lamela 8, Chadli n/a.

Messi stars as Barcelona put six past Celta in astonishing performance

Liga
Messi stars as Barcelona put six past Celta in astonishing performance

La Liga, Camp Nou - Barcelona 6 (Messi 28, Suarez 59, 75, 81, Rakitic 84, Neymar 90) Celta Vigo 1 (Guidetti 39)

Barcelona turned in an astonishing second-half display to blow away Celta Vigo and reassert their place at the top of La Liga with a thumping 6-1 win.

The highlight of the night at the Camp Nou was a passed penalty kick by Lionel Messi for Luis Suarez, rolling the ball from the spot for the Uruguayan striker to steam in and finish. The pair succeeded where Thierry Henry and Robert Pires failed against Manchester City for Arsenal in 2005.

But Barcelona’s second-half play in general was of an outrageous level, with Suarez netting a hat-trick to take him to the top of the Pichichi standings. There was also a sensational free-kick strike from Messi in the first half and a wonderfully deft chipped finish late on from Neymar, with Ivan Rakitic also on the scoresheet.

In this mood, it’s difficult to envisage any side getting the better of Barcelona, with their Champions League last 16 clash against Arsenal on February 23 fast approaching. This was a performance that will be talked about at Camp Nou for a long time to come.

KEY MOMENTS

28’ - GOAL! Barcelona 1 Celta Vigo 0: The home side have the lead. Messi lines up the free-kick from the best part of 30 yards and he finds the very top corner of Alvarez's net. Wow, wow, wow!

37’ - WHAT AN EFFORT THAT WAS! Beauvue smashes a strike towards goal on the full volley from a cross-field pass, but Bravo was alert to the danger to make the save at his near post.

39’ - GOAL! Barcelona 1 Celta Vigo 1: That could be a big moment in this game! Guidetti won the penalty and converts it, putting it past Bravo from 12 yards. He really wanted to take that!

47’ - SUAREZ HITS THE FAR POST! Some excellent skill at the byline sees Neymar escape Cabral, he sets up Suarez for the shot - but his side-footed effort comes back off the woodwork.

58’ - GOAL! Barcelona 2 Celta Vigo 1: An excellent goal by Barcelona! Messi teed up Suarez for the shot with a sensational return pass and the former Liverpool striker finishes with aplomb. WOW!

75’ - GOAL! Barcelona 3 Celta Vigo 1: Another stupid goal! Messi to Neymar, Neymar across the face of goal to Suarez. How did the Brazilian keep that in play and find Suarez for the easy finish?

82’ - OH MY GOODNESS! Neymar is showing off now, performing a rainbow flick over two Celta Vigo players. He's enjoying himself now! This is wonderful to watch from the Brazilian.

84’ - GOAL! Barcelona 4 Celta Vigo 1: WOW, WOW, WOW! They have done the Cruyff penalty! Messi rolls the ball to Suarez, who comes steaming in and smashes home the finish! This is laughably good!

86’ - GOAL! Barcelona 5 Celta Vigo 1: And there's the fifth goal for Barcelona, and it's naturally another excellent one. Suarez chips over the top for Rakitic, who runs on to the ball and lofts over Sergio.

90’ - GOAL! Barcelona 6 Celta Vigo 1: Another wonderful goal! This is incredible! Messi to Suarez to Neymar and the Brazilian finishes the move off with a little chip over the Celta Vigo keeper.

KEY STATS

Neymar is now the first player to reach double figure for both goals (16) and assists (10) in La Liga this season.

Luis Suarez has scored 10 goals in his last five games for Barcelona at Camp Nou (in all competitions).

Celia Vigo have scored more goals against Barcelona under Luis Enrique than any other team in La Liga (six goals in four games).

TALKING POINT

Should Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s ‘Cruyff penalty’ have stood? There’s only one place to start off - that penalty. It was a moment that will be immortalised for years to come, in a demonstration of what makes this Barcelona team so great to watch at the moment. But at the risk of being a killjoy, should it have stood? Replays showed that Suarez was in fact inside the D when the ball was rolled to the right by Messi. Technically, the penalty kick should have been taken again. For once, thank goodness the wrong decision was made.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Luis Suarez (Barcelona): The Uruguayan now stands alone at the top of the Pichichi standings, with 37 goals for Barcelona this season. Suarez is having the year of his career, scoring 10 goals in his last 10 appearances. In this form he could be a real contender for the Ballon d’Or, although a huge share of the credit for his current standard must go to Messi and Neymar. Has there ever been a better front three in the history of football?

PLAYER RATINGS

Barcelona: Bravo 7, Alves 5, Pique 6, Mascherano 5, Alba 5, Busquets 6, Iniesta 7, Messi 9, Neymar 9, Suarez 10. Subs: Turan 6, Rakitic 7, Vidal 6.

Celta Vigo: Sergio 6, Mallo 6, Cabral 6, Jonny 5, Planas 6, Radoja 5, Hernandez 5, Bauvue 6, Wass 7, Sene 5, Guidetti 7. Subs: Diaz 4, Drazic 5, Cheikh 4.

Ronaldo bags two as Real Madrid go second in La Liga

Liga

Ronaldo bags two as Real Madrid go second in La Liga

La Liga, Santiago Bernabeu - Real Madrid 4 (Ronaldo 3, 87, James 37, Kroos 45) Athletic Bilbao 2 (Eraso 10, Elustondo)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 4-2 in a thrilling match at the Bernabeu to move within a point of leaders Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday.

Barca, at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, have 54 points, Real are on 53 and Atletico Madrid 51 before their trip to Getafe on Sunday.

Real made a blistering start and Ronaldo opened the scoring after three minutes, attacking into the box from the left, cutting inside Xabier Etxeita and beating Gorka Iraizoz for his 15th goal in 14 matches.

Athletic replied in kind, hitting Real with a string of counter-attacks and were on level terms seven minutes later when midfielder Javier Eraso pounced on a poor back pass from Raphael Varane to Keylor Navas and made the most of the gift.

James restored Real's lead in the 37th with a ferocious shot from the edge of the edge of the box that the Colombian, who has struggled for form and goals, celebrated with clenched fists.

Real led by two goals at halftime after Toni Kroos scored from Ronaldo's pass in first-half added time.

"If it had been 1-1 at the break, it would have been possible to get a good result. When we were at our best, they scored two goals," Eraso told reporters.

Athletic were equal to Real in the first half and Aritz Aduriz hit the bar in the 28th minute but the home side controlled play after the interval and cruised to victory.

The home side had Varane sent off for a second booking after he elbowed striker Aduriz for the second time in the match as they went for a high ball.

The match ended in a flurry with Ronaldo scoring his 21st league goal in the 87th, Iraizoz denying him a hat-trick with a save a minute later and Athletic pulling one back with substitute Gorka Elustondo's header in added time

Manchester United line up £70 million bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Transfer talk
Manchester United line up £70 million bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 27 goals this season for DortmundManchester United have cash reserves of £121.6m it has been revealedRobert Lewandowski, Neymar and Gareth Bale are also United targets 

Manchester United are closing in on the £70million purchase of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward revealed this week to United shareholders that the club has cash reserves of £121.6m and indicated there will be 'star signings' in the summer. 

Despite the speculation surrounding manager Louis van Gaal, work on signings continues.

Star names such as Robert Lewandowski, Neymar and Gareth Bale have also been cited.

But Aubameyang is a more-likely proposition for United.

The 26-year-old has scored 27 goals for Dortmund this season and is rated by many as the best centre forward in Europe.

7 trusths: united can forget about top four,chelsea finally have swagger back

Football

7 Truths: United can forget about top four, Chelsea finally have swagger back

Manchester United's top-four hopes are over, but Chelsea's confidence has finally returned in a big way - plus why Wayne Rooney needs a fresh challenge.

United can forget about Champions League

Manchester United's hopes of finishing in the Champions League places were dealt another setback as they lost 2-1 away at Sunderland and the manner of the defeat gave very little encouragement for the rest of the campaign. Louis van Gaal has previously conceded that his job would be at serious risk if United were to fail to secure a top-four spot and that now looks like a very firm probability. With the top four playing each other this weekend, United squandered a glorious chance to haul themselves back into the mix, but instead they are set to be cut further adrift. With the title race so open, the fact that United are not even able to seriously challenge for the top four says it all about Van Gaal’s dismal campaign.

Chelsea finally have their swagger back

Ahead of the game with Newcastle, Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink bemoaned his side's lack of killer instinct - but the fact that the game was over as a contest as early as the 17th minute after goals from Diego Costa, Pedro and Willian demonstrated how clearly his message resonated with his players. Chelsea are now 12 games unbeaten since Hiddink arrived at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, but this was the first that the players appeared to have fully restored their confidence and swagger. The way the Blues powered past Newcastle showed both how insipid the same players were earlier in the season and how vibrant and dynamic their play now is under the Dutchman. What could have been.

Ronaldo is unstoppable… at the Bernabeu

The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 10 goals at home since his last one away from the Bernabeu – against Eibar back in November - shows just how stark the contrast is for the Real Madrid forward. Ronaldo has scored 14 of his 21 league goals at home this season and has frequently struggled for form and confidence (okay, maybe not that last word, actually) away from the Bernabeu. Real Madrid are now just a point behind Barcelona - albeit with Luis Enrique’s side having a game in hand against Celta Vigo on Sunday – and if Ronaldo can replicate his home form on the road for the rest of the campaign they could embark upon a very special run.

Adebayor could be an inspired signing

Alan Pardew was so desperate for a decent striker that he turned to a man who had not scored since October 2014 – but bringing in Emmanuel Adebayor could yet turn out to be an inspired move. With his talent and goalscoring ability not in doubt, Pardew will be banking on his man-management to ensure that Adebayor produces what he is clearly capable of at Selhurst Park. On a reportedly incentive-heavy contract, Adebayor has a lot to gain from his move to Palace and can prove a lot of his doubters wrong. The risk for Pardew? It’s a very small one indeed. His header against Watford reminded everyone of what he can do with the faith of his manager and an opportunity to be the main man once more.

Sunderland look set to survive yet again

Every year, seemingly without fail, Sunderland appear totally doomed before somehow turning it around in the tail end of the campaign. Again, a lethargic and potentially dismal season is showing very promising signs of being salvaged. Sam Allardyce’s appointment at the Stadium of Light was heralded as a ‘get out of the relegation zone free pass’ and, although it has taken some time for him to stamp his authority on the situation, the club’s third Premier League win over United in 30 attempts should go a long way to inspiring the millionth Great Escape.

Wayne Rooney needs a new challenge

It’s very rare to hear a footballer sound quite as down as Rooney did after United’s defeat to Sunderland. Yes, players are upset, frustrated, disappointed and sometimes even angry in their post-match interviews, but Rooney sounded utterly despondent and downtrodden. The England captain looked very much like a man who needs a new challenge – and yes, you can replace the word challenge with club. The apparently inevitable change of manager may represent the timely refresher that he so badly appears to require, but even with a change of atmosphere at the club Rooney still comes across as a player in need of a totally new environment. At his age, it could be just what he needs.

Southampton are no longer in crisis

Southampton are now in sixth place with goalkeeper Fraser Forster having extended his run of clean sheets to six after the 1-0 win over Swansea. This, let us remember, is the very same club managed by the very same man, that were the ‘club in crisis’ of a few months back. It is 633 minutes since Forster and Southampton last conceded in the Premier League and now Ronald Koeman’s upstarts are in a perfect position to leapfrog a reeling United, who currently occupy fifth spot. Just one point behind Van Gaal’s struggling side, Southampton have everything to gain from the final part of the season after a magnificent run of form. How quickly things can change