European Football News
This Page: Europe Football News / National News / Europa League including news information and comment about Europes leading and most prominent football clubs, their management and players. Reports include transfer news national league news + group & match fixtures information in the UEFA Europa League Competiton.
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Atletico win all Spanish European Final
May 10th 2012: Atletico Madrid beat Spanish counterparts 3-0 in the Romanian capital. It was Atletico’s second Europa League triumph after they defeated Londoners Fulham in the 2010 final. Diego Simone’s side are establishing their dominance of a European competition which is still very much in its infancy. Predatory Colombian Radamel Falcao stole the show for Los Rojiblancos scoring a double and Diego Ribas ensured the victory with just 5 minutes left on the clock. Bucharest was expecting to witness a much closer contest but despite Bilbao’s impressive run to the final including a demolition of English champions Manchester United, they fell short in the final as their shaky defence let them down.
European giants regain titles
May 3rd 2012: Real Madrid and Ajax were crowned champions last night in their respective leagues. Real’s 3-0 win over Atletico Bilbao at fortress San Mames confirmed their first La Liga crown in 4 years. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine Gonzalo Higuain and midfield dynamo Mesut Ozil were all on target int he victory which captured Los Blancos 32nd League title. Overcoming World Champions Barcelona is arguably decorated manager Jose Mourinho’s greatest achievement yet.
Ajax’s 2-0 triumph against the Limburgers gave the four time European Cup winners their 31st Eredivise title. Coach Frank De Boer and his assistant, the incomparable Dennis Bergkamp have performed wonders at the Amsterdam Arena to restore Ajax’s reputation as the kings of Dutch football.
European Weekend Round Up
April 30th 2012: In Spain Real Madrid took another step to claiming their first La Liga crown in 4 years with a 3-0 win over Sevilla. Pichichi favourite Cristiano Ronaldo continued his astonishing goal record with another fine effort and prolific Frenchman Karim Benzema hit a double for Los Blancos. The victory means Real are 7 points clear of Barcelona with just three games remaining. A rampant Barcelona hammered Rayo Vallecano 7-0 at their own ground. Lionel Messi and Pedro both hit braces for the Catalans. Malaga claimed a crucial 1-0 win over Valencia in the race for Champions League football. Camacho’s 27th minute strike means Malaga go level on 55 points with third place Valencia and extend their lead over 5th place Levante to three points.
In Italy Juventus remain on course for the first Scudetto in ten years after a 4-0 thumping of struggling Novara. Montenegrin Mirko Vucinic netted a brace in a vital triumph for the Old Lady. AC Milan remain three points behind leaders Juve after a comprehensive 4-1 victory at Siena. The returning Antonio Cassano scored his first goal since recovering from a life threatening heart problem. Top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted an obligatory brace for the Rossoneri. 4 teams are tied on 55 points in the quest for Champions League football.A rejuvenated Inter Milan side are one of them after their latest San Siro triumph. Inter disposed of Cesena 2-1 and Udinese recorded a crucial 2-0 win over Lazio. Udinese, Lazio, Inter Milan and Napoli are all tied on 55 points each.
In Germany champions Borussia Dortmund continued the Championship party with a 5-2 victory at Kaiserslautern. Argentime marksman Lucas Barrios marked his return with a stunning hat trick. Champions League finalists Bayern capped off a bittersweet week with a 2-0 home defeat of Stuttgart. Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller were on target for Munich. Schalke thrashed Hertha Berlin 4-0 at the Veltins Arena. The unstoppable Klass Jan Huntelaar struck twice whilst past master Raul got his name on the score sheet yet again. That victory means that the Royal Blues are now 4 points clear of Borussia Monchengladbach in 4th and Borussia seem to have that final Champions League spot tied down as Bayer Leverkusen are now 6 points behind them.
Guardiola exits Barcelona
April 29th 2012: Pep Guardiola has stepped down as manager of World champions Barcelona. The former Barca midfielder has enjoyed a tremendously successful period as their manager claiming 13 trophies in just 4 years. Guardiola had a rolling 1 year contract which he renewed every summer but has now opted to leave the Nou Camp for a fresh challenge. The man to take the helm is Catalans coach Tito Vilanova. the 42 year-old Spaniard has been Guardiola’s assistant coach since Pep took the helm back in the summer of 2008. By all accounts he is a wonderfully gifted coach but whether or not he has the credentials to assume the position of head coach of the best club side in the universe remains to be seen.
European Round Up
April 23rd 2012: In Spain Real Madrid took a massive step towards clinching the La Liga title with a famous 2-1 win against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. German midfielder Sami Khedira scored a rare goal to give Los Blancos the lead in the 17th minute. A lacklustre Barca side took 53 minutes to equalise through an untidy Alexis Sanchez goal. Many may have felt that the Catalans would then go on to claim maximum points but Pichichi Favourite Cristiano Ronaldo popped up to give Real the priceless winner. Madrid are now 7 points clear of Barca with just four games remaining and it looks as if Jose Mourinho has achieved what many felt was ”Mission Impossible”. Valencia hammered Real Betis 4-0 at the Mestailla to boost their Champions League aspirations. Feghouli and Roberto Soldado were on target as Los Che went 4 points clear of 4th place Malaga.
In Italy Champions AC Milan faltered again with a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Bologna. The Rossoneri were staring down the barrel at defeat until top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic came up with a 90th minute leveller. Juventus moved three points clear at the top after a comprehensive 4-0 home defeat of a depleted Roma side. Chilean Arturo Vidal was on ahnd with a double for the Old Lady. Lazio’s 1-1 draw with Leece at the Stadio Olimpico means they remain 3 points ahead of Udinese in the final Champions League qualification spot.
In Germany Borussia Dortmund moved ever closer to the retention of their Bundesliga title with a 2-0 home defeat of Borussia Monchengladbach. Ivan Perisic was on the score sheet along with the now prolific Japanese Shinji Kagawa. Bayern’s 2-1 victory at Werder Bremen delayed Dortmund’s title celebrations. Franck Ribery scored a stoppage time winner for the Champions League semi-finalists. Schalke drew 1-1 at struggling Augsburg courtesy of a 38th minute equaliser from talisman Klass Jan-Huntelaar. The point was valuable for Augsburg who move 4 points clear of the relegation zone whilst Schalke move two points clear of Monchengladbach in the gripping race for third spot.
European Round Up
April 16th 2012: Real Madrid remain four points clear at the top of La Liga after a 3-1 home defeat of Sporting Gijon. The outstanding Cristiano Ronaldo was on target with his 41st league goal of the season. Barcelona stay in hot pursuit of the leaders after a narrow victory at Levante. Barca came from behind courtesy of a Lionel Messi double. Espnayol gave themselves a slim chance Champions League football next year with a surprise 4-0 thrashing of third place Valencia. Cristiano Gomez and Nigerian Uche were on the scoresheet for the Catalans. Malaga dropped two points at home to struggling Real Sociedad in a 1-1 draw. The affluent club may have drawn at home but the gap to fifth place Levante was extended to three points.
In Germany Borussia Dortmund went one step closer to retaining their Bundesliga crown with a 2-1 triumph at Schalke. Die borussen went behind to a goal from Peruvian Jefferson Farfan but Sebastien Kehl won the yellow and blacks the contest with his 63rd minute strike. Bayern Munich stumbled to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Mainz at the Allianz Arena. Munich’s draw means Dortmund will seal the title with a win next weekend. Borussia Monchengladbach’s 3-0 victory over Cologne means they are now just one point below 3rd place Schale and a massive 7 points above 5th place Stuttgart.
In Italy there was no football this weekend and so Juventus stay 1 point clear of AC Milan in the race for the Scudetto.
Real Remain title favourites
April 12th 2012: La Liga leaders Real Madrid emerged victorious from a pulsating Madrid derby to maintain their 4 point advantage over Barcelona. Los Blancos took a deserved lead at the Vicente Calderon when the incomparable Cristiano Ronaldo netted his 38th league goal of an astonishing season. Atletico fired back though with an equaliser on 55 minutes from their predatory Colombian marksman Radamel Falcao. Madrid appeared to be on the verge of collapse at a vital time in the season until Portuguese Ronaldo stepped up to the plate and scored a candidate for goal of the season . Ronaldo’s wondrous strike seemed to revitalise his Real side and the talisman went on to score his 40th League goal of the campaign from the penalty spot. Substitute Jose Callejon put the game beyond any doubt with his calm finish in the 87th minute.
Borussia close in on Championship
April 12th 2012: Borussia Dortmund are on the verge of retaining their Bundesliga Crown after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Robert Lewandowski’s 77th minute strike was his 20th league goal of the season and enough to give Dortmund maximum points in this potential title decider. Dortmund were the better side throughout the contest and this pivotal win takes them 6 points clear of Bayern with just four games remaining.
European Round Up
April 8th 2012: In Spain Barcelona narrowed the gap at the top to just 4 points after a 4-1 triumph at struggling Real Zaragoza. Lionel Messi hit his 60th and 61st goal of an astonishing season and should have had a hat trick on the night. Real Madrid look to be faltering under pressure as they drew a blank at home to 3rd placed Valencia in a 0-0 stalemate. Los Blancos have seen a 10 point lead reduced to four in just one month. Levante climb back in to the last Champions League place after a 2-0 home defeat of Atletico Madrid. Valdo and Arouna Kone were on target for La Granotas. Malaga host Racing Santander on Monday night knowing a victory will see them regain that vital 4th spot.
leaders Borussia Dortmund maintain their 3 point advantage with an impressive 3-1 win against Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena. Prolific Pole Robert Lewandowski was at the double for Die Borussen. Bayern Munich stay hot on the tails of champions Borussia after securing a nervy 2-1 victory over relegation threatened Augsburg at the Allianz Arena. The Priceless Mario Gomez scored both of Bayern’s goals. Schalke tighten their grip on third spot after a 3-0 home defeat of Hannover 96. Veteran marksman Raul continued his fine run in front of goal with a double strike and his strike partner Klaas Jan-Huntelaar was on hand with an obligatory goal.
Table toppers AC Milan suffered a shock home defeat to Fiorentina. Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring with another penalty but the men from Florence showed great spirit to come from behind and win 2-1. Pastmaster Amauri scored the dramatic winner in the 89th minute. Juventus recorded a vital 2-0 win in Sicily to go back to within two points of the summit. Fabio Quagirella was on the score sheet for the Old Lady. In the battle for the final Champions League place Lazio emerged victorious over Napoli in Rome. The Eagles won 3-1 to go back into third and three points above Napoli.
European Round Up
April 1st 2012: In Spain Real Madrid remain 6 points clear at the top after a 5-1 demolition of Osasuna. Cristiano Ronaldo made it an astonishing 37 league goals for the season whilst Karim Benzema was on target with a wonder goal. Barcelona beat Europa League favourites Atletico Bilbao 2-0 at the Nou Camp. The mesmeric Lionel Messi starred in a game in which he was inevitably on the score sheet but Barca stay 6 points off the summit. 4th place Malaga saw their Champions League aspirations dealt a huge blow with a 2-0 home loss to Real Betis.
In Germany Bayern Munich cut the gap at the top to three points with a 1-0 triumph at FC Nurnberg. Dutchman Arjen Robben continued his fine goal scoring run with the winner for Bayern. Champions Borussia Dotmund’s lead slipped to just three points after an enthralling 4-4 draw with Stuttgart. Die Borussen found themselves 4-3 down with ten minutes left but rescued an equaliser with a close range finish from Mattias Hummels.
In Italy Table toppers AC Milan dropped some surprising points in 1-1 away draw with Catania. Robinho’s early opener was cancelled out by The Sicilians Nicolas Federico Spolli. That draw for the Rossoneri allows Juventus to close the gap at the top if they can defeat Napoli on Sunday in what promises to be a fascinating encounter. Lazio’s champions League hopes suffered a setback with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Parma.
Europa League Quarter Final First Legs
March 30th 2012: Athletic Bilbao came from behind to secure a fantastic 4-2 win at Schalke. Spain striker Fernando Llorente scored a double as did his legendary compatriot Raul for the Germans but it was Llorente’s Northern Spaniards who came out on top. The Royal Blues will need to emerge from the cauldron that is the San Mames with a huge win and I just don’t expect this exciting Bilabo side to capitulate in the second leg.
Atletico Madrid have a slender 2-1 lead over Hannover 96 after the first leg in the Spanish capital. Argetine striker Salvio curled in the winning goal on the 89th minute. Manchester United’s Mame Diouf is thoroughly enjoying his loan spell at Hannover and his away goal in Madrid may prove priceless in this fascinating tie.
Dutch league leaders Az Alkmaar recorded a 2-1 victory over Spanish giants Valencia. Maarten Maartens was on hand with the 79th minute winner for Alkmaar after some fine work from fellow goal scorer Brett Holman. Valencia may feel that their away goal gives them a great chance of reaching the last four when the the sides meet again at the Mestailla in a weeks time.
Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon who knocked out favourites Manchester City secured a 2-1 triumph over Ukranian outfit Metalist Kharkiv. Second half goals from defender Emilio Insua and Marat Izmailov appeared to give Sporting a major advantage going in to the second leg in Ukraine until a stoppage time strike from Metalist’s Leiton Xavier set up a mouthwatering second leg.
European Round Up
March 26th 2012: In Spain Real Madrid resumed normal service with a 5-1 home defeat of Real Sociedad. Cristiano Ronaldo’s double meant he surpassed 100 league goals for Los Blancos. Real maintain their 6 point lead over second place Barcelona. Barca kept the pressure on Real with a 2-0 away win at Mallorca. Lionel Messi scored his 35th La Liga goal of the campaign courtesy of a free-kick and defender Gerrard Pique secured the points late on for the Catalans. Affluent Malaga went three points clear in 4th spot after an impressive 2-1 triumph at Espanyol. Veteran marksman Ruud Van Nistlerooy was on the score sheet in a priceless victory for the Andalusians.
In Italy leaders AC Milan beat Roma 2-1 at the San Siro to hold on to their 4 point advantage over Juventus. A brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic included a penalty ensured maximum points for the reigning champions. Juventus heaped further misery on fallen giants Inter Milan with their 2-0 home victory. 37 year-old Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero was on target for the Old Lady. Lazio tightened their grip on third spot after a 1-0 win against Cagliari. An 88th minute strike from Senegalese Diakite gave the eagles all three points in the Italian capital.
In Germany Champions Borussia Dortmund remain five points clear at the summit. Dortmund recorded an emphatic 6-1 triumph at struggling Cologne with the outstanding Shinji Kagawa netting a brace of goals. Bayern Munich stay five points off Borussia after 2-1 victory over Hannover at the Allianz Arena. The Bundesliga’s leading scorer Mario Gomez was on target yet again and rising star Toni Kroos scored the other for Bayern. Schalke continue their rich vein of form with a 2-0 home defeat of Bayer Leverkusen. Who else but the incomparable Klaas Jan-Huntelaar with both goals for the royal blues. Schalke leapfrog Monchengladbach into third spot after Borussia suffered a surprise home loss to Hoffenheim.
Barca close on Real
March 22nd 2012: Barcelona beat Granada 5-3 at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night. Lionel Messi became the Catalans all time leading scorer with a sublime hat trick. Barca’s victory meant they closed to within 5 points of leaders Real Madrid. Madrid travelled south to face struggling Villarreal on Wednesday night. The yellow submarine had already held champions Barca at El Madrigal earlier in the season. Real went ahead courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 33rd league goal of the campaign but were reduced to just nine men after yet another show of ill discipline and petulance. Charismatic manager Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands for his protestation and the Yellows equalised late on with a fabulous strike from skipper Marcos Senna. The nine men of Madrid fought valiantly but they failed to secure maximum points and in four days they’ve witnessed the gap be reduced to 6 points from ten. Many felt that Real were the champions elect but with their advantage now at just 6 points and with an El Classico at the Nou Camp on the horizon, will Barca complete one of the greatest fightbacks in La Liga history?
Bayern book final date with Dortmund
March 22nd 2012: Bayern Munich emerged victorious from a dramatic penalty shootout with Borussia Monchengladbach to reach the German Cup final. After 120 minutes of goalless action Germany goalkeeper Oliver Neuer’s heroic stop from Norweigian Havard Nordveit’s penalty sees Munich face Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be a mouthwatering final.
European Round Up
March 19th 2012: In Spain leaders Real Madrid finally dropped points against Malaga after 11 consecutive league victories. Los Blancos were leading from a Karim Benzema strike until the 2nd minute of stoppage time when Spanish international Santi Cazorla hit a stunning free-kick to silence the Bernabeau. The draw means that Madrid’s lead at the top is cut to 8 points and despite Malaga’s precious point they fall from 4th spot to be replaced by Levante.
Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0 in Southern Spain. Lionel Messi was on traget with his 31st league goal meaning he is now just one behind Ronaldo in the quest for the coveted Pichichi trophy. Barca remain in second but are now just 8 points off the summit and could the impossible have become possible last night? Athletic Bilbao went in to Sunday’s home clash with Valencia in jubilant mood after humbling English giants Manchester United in the Europa League but they were brought back down to earth with a huge bump.Third place Valencia ran out 3-0 winners at the San Mames, Roberto Soldado staking his claim to spearhead Spain’s attack at the Euro’s with a superb hat trick.
In Italy champions AC Milan extended the gap at the top to 4 points with a 2-0 away triumph at Parma. Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed his 20th Serie A goal of the campaign and the impressive Urby Emmanuelson scored the other in what turned out to be a comfortable victory for the Rossoneri. The undefeated Juventus maintain the pressure on AC with a thumping 5-0 home defeat of Fiorentina. Montenegrin Mirko Vucinic and veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo were both on the score sheet for the old lady. Pirlo dedicated his goal to Bolton Wanderer’s player Fabrice Muamba who is fighting for his life in a London hospital after collapsing in an English FA Cup game.
Lazio failed to consolidate third place after a surprise 1-0 defeat at relegation threatened Catania. Udinese and Napoli both failed to take advantage of the Eagles slip up though as they played out a 2-2 draw in Udine. Udinese were 2-0 ahead courtesy of goals from their skipper Antonio Di Natale and Giampero Pinzi but the Naples men showed their undying spirit by salvaging a draw in the last ten minutes thanks to a double from the highly rated Edison Cavani. Napoli and Udine are tied on 47 points each just one behind Lazio who occupy the priceless Champions League spot.
In Germany Borussia Dortmund remain favourites to retain their Bundesliga crown after a 1-0 defeat of Werder Bremen at The Westfalonstadion. The Yellow and Blacks secured maximum points with an eighth minute goal from their Japanese maestro Shinji Kagawa. Bayern Munich stay in hot pursuit of Dortmund with another emphatic victory. This time it was a 6-0 drubbing of Hertha Berlin in the German capital. Dutchman Arjen Robben made it five goals in a week with his hat trick and the prolific Mario Gomez’s spot-kick was his 22nd league goal of the season. Munich’s 6 goal haul meant they’d scored an astonishing 20 goals in just three games but Bayern are still five points adrift of first place Dortmund.
Schalke remain in 4th and ten points above fifth place Bayer Leverkusen after a 4-1 away win at Kaiserslautern. Strikes from Peruvian Jefferson Farfan and top scorer Klaas Jan-Huntelaar mean that the Royal Blues remain in poll position to return to the Champions League next season.
Europa League Draw for Quarter Finals
March 16th 2012:Atletico Bilbao vs Schalke
Valencia vs AZ Alkmaar
Atletico Madrid vs Hannover 96
Sporting Lisbon vs Metalist Kharkiv
The winners of the Madrid game will meet the victors of the Bilbao tie in the semi-finals. The winner of Valencia’s tie will take on Lisbon or Metalist Kharkiv. The Europa League now has a very Spanish look about it and I expect one of the three La Liga sides to triumph in the final on May 9th.
European Round Up
March 11th 2012: In Spain Real Madrid maintained their 10 point advantage at the top with a 3-2 victory at Real Betis. Los Blancos fell behind to an early goal in Andalusia but in typical fashion clawed their way back to gain maximum points. La Liga’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo scored another brace for Real, the second goal and his 32nd in the League turned out to be the vital winner. Second place Barcelona secured a 2-0 triumph at lowly Racing Santander. Lionel Messi matched his Pichici rival Ronaldo with a double in a comfortable win for the champions. Malaga’s 1-0 home defeat of Levante saw them leapfrog their opponents in to 4th spot. A 51st minute goal from Venezuelan striker Rondon has given Manuel’s Pellegrini’s side a major boost in the race for that final Champions League place.
In Italy table toppers AC Milan extended their lead at the summit of Serie A to 4 points with a 2-0 home defeat of Leece. midfielder Antonio Nocerino notched his 9th league goal in a splendid debut season for the Rossoneri. Juventus remain second after an exasperating 0-0 draw against Genoa. The match was fairly even and in the end unbeaten Juve deserved no more than a point. Napoli recorded a thrilling 6-3 home victory over Cagliari. Slovakian Marek Hamsik and Eziquiel Lavezzi were both on target for the Blues as they jump to within 2 points of 3rd place Lazio.
In Germany Bayern Munich closed the gap to five points on leaders Dortmund courtesy of an emphatic 7-1 demolition of Hoffenheim. The magnificent Mario Gomez scored the 11th hat trick of his Bundesliga career. Champions Borussia Dortmund dropped two points in a disappointing 0-0 stalemate at FC Augsburg. Dortmund just couldn’t breach the stubborn resistance of the relegation candidates defence. Schalke maintain their firm grasp on 4th place thanks to a 3-1 defeat of Hamburg. Giant defender Christophe Metzelder’s header and Klaas Jan-Huntelaar’s nineteenth goal of the campaign helped to dispose of this mediocre Hamburg side.
European Round Up
March 5th 2012: In Spain La Liga leaders Real Madrid thrashed Champions League hopefuls Espanyol 5-0 at the Bernabeau. Cristiano Ronaldo was on target with his 30th league goal of the campaign and there was a double strike from Argetine Gonzalo Higuain. Los Blancos remain ten points clear of champions Barcelona, and the games are now running out. Ten man Barcelona beat struggling Sporting Gijon 3-1 at the Nou Camp. Giant defender Gerrard Pique was shown a straight red card for the Catalans but that didn’t prevent Lionel Messi from inspiring second placed Barca to victory. Athletic Bilbao have leapt in to the final Champions League spot with a 2-0 defeat of Basque rivals Real Sociedad. A brace of goals from winger Marko Susaeta means that Bilbao occupy that crucial 4th place but only on goal difference to Malaga.
In Italy table toppers AC Milan extended their lead at the top to three points after thumping Palermo 4-0 in Sicily. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic stole the show with a 14 minute hat trick. Juventus remain undefeated but dropped crucial home points to midtable Chievo in a 1-1 draw. A rare goal from Boukary Drame rescued a point for Chiveo as Juve slip to three points adrift of champions AC, but still have a game in hand. Lazio won the spoils in a bad tempered Roman derby to jump into the final Champions League place. Lazio took the lead through a Hernanes penalty but just six minutes later Roma equalised with a wonderful strike from Fabio Borini. Roma played most of the game with ten men after the dismissal of Dutch goalkeeper Marten Stekelenburg in the 7th minute. Lazio eventually made their one man advantage count and the winner came from veteran attacker Stefano Mauri in the 61st minute.
In Germany it was a great weekend for champions Borussia Dortmund as they widened the gap at the summit to 7 points over Bayern Munich. Dortmund beat Mainz 2-1 at the Westfalenstadion courtesy of a winning goal from Japanese star Shinji Kagawa. Munich continued their poor run of form with a 2-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen. Late strikes from Stefan Kiessling and Bellarabi gave Leverkusen maximum points and renewed hope of securing Champions League football for next season. 4th place Schalke’s faint title hopes may have evaporated altogether after an embarrassing 2-1 loss at lowly Freiburg. Borussia Monchengladbach also fell victim to a struggling team this weekend as they were defeated 1-0 at Nuremburg. An 87th minute goal from Swiss striker Albert Banjaku gave tenth place Nuremburg a memorable victory.
European International Round up
March 1st 2012: Holland won a thrilling encounter 3-2 against England At Wembley stadium. Out of favour Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben scored a wonderful solo goal and won the game in stoppage time with a curling deflected strike. World champions Spain hammered South Americans Venezuela 5-0. David Silva, Andres Iniesta and a hat trick from Valencia striker Roberto Soldado ensured a comprehensive victory.
France won 2-1 in Germany. The French continued their fine run with Chelsea’s Florent Malouda on the score sheet. Germany got a late goal through Brazilian born Cacau but it was too late and the French recorded a famous win in Bremen. Sweden secured an impressive 3-1 triumph in Croatia. Sunderland’s Seb Larrson hit a double and Zlatan Inbrahimovic was on target from the penalty spot.
Italy suffered a rare home defeat as they were upset by the USA. Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey scored the solitary goal in a historic win for the Americans. Russia won 2-0 in Denmark thanks to strikes from captain Andriy Arshavin and defensive midfielder Roman Shirokov.
Germany star Podolski poised to join Arsenal
Feb 29th 2012: German International Lukas Podolski is rumoured to have signed a pre-contract agreement to join English club Arsenal. Podolski is currently having a tremendous personal season at Bundesliga side Cologne, having scored 15 goals in 18 league matches. The Gunners attempted to land the 26 year-old in January but after failing to do so they seem to have agreed terms for the Polish born Forward to become their first major acquisition of the summer. If the move does go through then Cologne will miss the services of their top goal scorer but the big sum of money they are likely to recieve from the sale should more than compensate for their loss.
European Round Up
In Italy champions AC Milan drew 1-1 at the San Siro with title rivals Juventus. A Rossoneri side minus their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic came away disappointed as Alessandro Matri’s late leveller gave Juve a precious point. Milan are still top but juts by a point and the Old Lady have a game in hand over the leaders. Napoli rounded off a tremendous week with a 1-0 defeat of Inter Milan in Naples. Argentine striker Eziquiel Lavezzi’s winner was his third goal in a week. Lazio maintain 4th spot as German veteran Miroslav Mlose continues his great run in front of goal with a 45th minute strike in a 1-0 triumph over Fiorentina.
In Spain title favourites Real Madrid won 1-0 at Rayo Vallecano. Madrid were not at their free flowing best but a cheeky and genial back heel from Cristiano Ronaldo gave Los Blancos the points to keep them 10 points clear at the summit. Barcelona kept their faint title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid. Barca took the lead with a fabulous team goal finished by marauding right back Dani Alves. Prolific South American Falcao equalised with a fine first time volley but the game was won by World player of the year Lionel Messi’s extraordinary free-kick.That goal takes Messi one behind Ronaldo with 28 league goals in the race for the coveted pichichi trophy. Levante reclaimed the final Champions League place with an impressive 2-1 triumph at Espanyol.
In Germany Borussia Dortmund stay 4 points clear in the title race with a 3-1 home win over Hannover. A double from Pole Robert Lewndowski and a strike from Ivan Perisic gave Dortmund all three points. Bayern remain in second spot after a 2-0 home defeat of title rivals Schalke. French star Franck Ribery won the match with a brace of goals for Munich. Borussia Monchengladbach stay in third but lost momentum after their 1-1 home draw with Hamburg.
Europa League Round Up
Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 3rd of Feb 2012: Favourites Manchester City hammered holders Porto 4-0 at the Etihad to advance to the last 16 of the competition 6-1 on aggregate. Sergio Aguero stole the show with his man of the match performance and he scored along with David Silva, David Pizarro and Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.
English Champions Manchester United squeaked through 3-2 on aggregate after losing 2-1 on the night to Ajax. The Dutch giants fell behind to an early Javier Hernandez goal but showed great rezilience to bounce back and score two goals through Armenian forward Araz Obilliz. Obilliz’s second strike came in the 89th minute to ensure a nervy finish for the home side but they held on and progress to the last 16 just narrowly.
It was a good night for the three Spanish sides as Valencia went through 2-0 on aggregate against Stoke City thanks to a goal from star player, Jonas at the Mestailla. Jonas’s goal meant they won 1-0 on the night. Athletic Bilbao join their compatriots in the next round after winning 1-0 at home to Lokomotiv Moscow and they qualify on the away goals rule with an aggregate score line of 2-2. 2010 winners Atletico Madrid had one foot in the last 16 after an impressive 3-1 win at Lazio last week and they finished the job in the Spanish capital tonight with a 47th minute goal from their Uruguayan veteran, Godin.
High flying Italians Udinese progressed with an emphatic 3-0 victory away at Salonika. Greek Champions Olympiakos advanced to the final 16 with a 1-0 home defeat of Russian outfit Rubin Kazan meaning they win the tie 2-0 on aggregate.
In other Europa League results:
Club Brugge 0-1 Hannover 96 [ Hannover win 3-1 on agg] FC Twente 1-0 Steau Bucharest [Twente win 2-0 on agg], Schalke 3-1 Plezn [Schake win 3-2 on agg], Besiktas 0-1 Braga[ Beskitas qualify 2-1 on agg].
European Weekend Round Up
In Germany Borussia Dortmund went three points clear at the top with a 1-0 win at 15th place Hertha Berlin. Rising star Kevin Grosskreutz scored the only goal of the game. Bayern Munich remain in third and now four points adrift of the leaders after a poor 0-0 draw at relegation threatened Freiburg. Borussia Monchengladcah stay hot on the heels of Dortmund in second spot with a 2-1 victory at lowly Kaiserslautern. Venezuelan star Juan Arango was on target for Monchengladbach with his audacious chip in the 14th minute.
In Italy Juventus went back to the top of Serie A with a 3-1 home defeat of Catania. The undefeated Old Lady had to come from a goal behind against ten men Catania and secured the triumph with strikes from giant defender Giorgio Chiellini and a superb free-kick from past master Andrea Pirlo. Champions AC Milan stay two points off Juve after they left Cesena with a 3-1 win. Ghanaian Sulley Muntari scored a thrilling goal on his debut and Robinho added to his double in mid week against Arsenal with another goal in this comprehensive victory. Sicilian outfit Palermo hammered Lazio 5-1 causing one of the major shocks of the weekend. Inter Milan’s awful run of form continued as they were beaten 3-0 at the San Siro by Bologna, wily veteran Marco Di Vaio netting a brace for the Rossoblu.
In Spain leaders Real Madrid continued their extraordinary momentum with a 4-0 win over Racing Santander at the Bernabeau. French striker Karim Benzema scored two for Los Blanocs whilst Pichichi favourite Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand with his customary goal to keep Real ten points clear of Barcelona. Barca came from behind to thrash 3rd place Valencia 5-1 at the Nou Camp. The home side fell behind to a goal from Pablo Piatti but responded terrifically as the mesmeric Lionel Messi struck four goals and Xavi came off the bench to add salt to Valencia wounds in stoppage time with his goal. There is just two points separating 6 teams in the race for 4th spot but Espanyol have moved into the prized spot after a 1-1 draw at Levante.
European Weekend Round Up
In Italy Serie A champions AC Milan went two points above former leaders Juventus with an impressive 2-1 win at 3rd place Udinese but Juve still have two games in hand over the Rossoneri. Argentine striker Maxi Lopez scored on his home debut and Stephane El Shaarawy got the winning goal for AC. Inter Milan continue to falter as they embarrassingly lost 1-0 at home to promoted side Novara. Andrea Carracilio scored the games only goal in a historic victory for the Biancoazzuri. Lazio have leapfrogged Udinese in to third with their 3-2 home defeat of Cesena.
In Spain Real Madrid extended their lead at the top to an astonishing ten points over Barcelona. Real came from 1-0 down to beat 4th place Levante 4-2 at The Bernabeau. Cristiano Ronaldo hit his 6th hat trick of the season taking his league tally to an unprecedented 27 league goals. Barca lost 3-2 in the sub zero temperatures of Osasuna on Saturday night as Pep Guardiola fielded a bizarrely weak line up. Serbian Dejan Lekic was the hero for mid table Osasuna as he scored a double in this famous victory for the Pamplonans. Valencia thrashed Sporting Gijon 4-0 at the Mestailla to strengthen their hold on 3rd spot. Jonas hitting a brace for Los Che.
In Germany pace setters Borussia Dortmund beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 at the Westfalenstadion. Japanese star Shinji Kagawa scored the Dortmund winner which keeps Die Borussen two points clear at the summit. Bayern Munich recovered from last weekends disappointment to record a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kaiserslautern at the Allianz Arena. The clinical Mario Gomez was on target with his 17th league goal of the campaign for Bayern. In a top of the table clash Borussia Monchengladbach replace Schalke in third as the foals stunned their opponents with a 3-0 victory. Marco Reus andMike Hanke were both on the score sheet for this ever improving Monchengladbach side.
In Spain League leaders Real Madrid won 1-0 at Getafe in the Madrid derby. Sergio Ramos was back in the line up after serving a suspension and he got the winner with a header which keeps Los Blancos 7 points clear at the summit. Barcelona were also on hand with a narrow win as they triumphed 2-1 over strugglers Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp. Youngster Tello and the genial Lionel Messi got the goals for Barca. Big spending Champions League chasing Malaga showed their inconsistency once more with a 2-1 loss at newly promoted Granada.
In Germany Borussia Dortmund have leapfrogged their rivals to go top by two points. The 2011 champions won 2-0 at Nurnberg. Argentine Lucas Barrios was back amongst the goals for Dortmund as he hit a stunning volley in the 82nd minute. Bayern Munich lost their grasp on top spot as they succumbed to a 1-1 draw at Hamburg. An underperforming Bayern were behind until Ivica Olic grabbed them what may turn out be a vital equaliser in the 71st minute. Schalke drew 1-1 at home to Mainz who took the lead through a goal from January signing Mohammed Zidan but were pegged back with an levelling goal from Schalke’s new Chinese loan acquisition Chinedu Obasi.
Marseille Reach French Cup Final Again
Holders Marseille have reached the French league Cup final once again. The Southern French side beat rivals Nice 2-1 at the Stade Velodrome to advance to the 2012 final. French International striker Loic Remy opened the scoring but Le Gym managed to equalise through an Anthony Mounier volley on the brink of half time. It was Marseille’s on loan Brazilian striker Brandao who scored the winner with a well struck shot from close range. It was a feisty local derby and both sides ended the game with ten men as rising star Mathieu Valbuena was sent off for Marseille and Franck Dja Djede was dismissed for Nice. Valbuena will now miss the vital Ligue 1 clash with Lyon on the weekend due to suspension. The League Cup final between Marseille and old foes Olympique Lyon will take place on April 14th at the Stade De France in the French capital
Barcelona Win Again
Stade Rennals Sign PSG Sriker
Stade Rennais have signed PSG striker Melvut Erding on a three and a half year deal. The 24 year-old Turkish international had a good goal scoring record of 24 goals in 59 league appearances in Paris and so I believe his signing is a bit of a coup for a Ligue 1 side chasing a Champions League spot. Erding has struggled for first team opportunities this season and so has decided to join Rennes for 7.5 million Euros and he hopes to become one of the stars of this up and coming team.
Paris Saint-Germain Injury Agony
Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a major injury blow with the loss of playmaker Javier Pastore. The 22 year-old Argentine has been enjoying a fruitful debut season for the French League leaders after joining for a reported fee of 39 Million Euros last summer. Pastore has been an integral part of PSG’s success so to lose him for a month could potentially dampen their title hopes. Pastore picked up a thigh muscle tear in Friday’s french cup victory over Sable Sur Sarthe
Fomer Hearts Manager To Coach Lithuania
Fomer Hearts manager Csaba Lazlo has been appointed as the head coach of the Lithuanian national team. Lazlo had a relatively successful time in Edinburgh guiding Hearts to a third place finish in the SPL in the 2008/9 season. The 44 year-old Hungarian plied his trade for BVSC Budapest during his playing career and the Lithuanian Football Federation are delighted to have landed their number once choice as manager. The Federation released this statement on Lazlo’s appointment: ”Members of the executive committee were united over the choice of the coach, we decided that Lazlo is the best candidate given his experience and strategy presented
Newcastle Agree Fee For Freiburg Striker
Newcastle have agreed a 10 million pound fee with Freiburg for striker Pappis Cisse. The 26 year-old Senegalese international has scored an impressive 37 goals in 65 league appearances and it’s now to just down to the Magpies and Cisse to agree personal terms. The signing would be another shrewd capture by the Northeast club and clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool could learn a lot from the fantastic scouting abilities of Newcastle
Euro 21012 Tournament Information
Euro 2012 draw
Tournament starts on June 8th 2012 in The Ukraine and Poland
Group A Poland, Greece, Russia Czech Republic Group B Holland, Denmark,Germany, Portugal Group C Spain, Italy, Republic Of Ireland, Croatia Group D Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
Details of every match venue and date are given here
Chris Howe Looks At The Possible Outcome Of The Group Rounds
In Group A it’s very hard to judge who will progress as there isn’t much between the sides. I think a lot of critics will make Russia the favourites but I am not convinced that they will win this group. Greece will be underdogs but they won their qualifying group and won the 2004 tournament in Portugal. The Czech Republic are not as strong as they once were but still have enough quality to reach the quarter finals. Poland may prove to be a bit of a dark horse as they have some promising up and coming players. The Russians should be strong enough to win the group if they play to their potential and I’m going to surprise a few people by predicting the consistent Greeks to qualify with them as group runners up.
In Group B we have a much stronger looking group which presents us with a few mouth-watering games. The fight to finish top should be between tow of the top three in the world, Germany and Holland. Germany have won this tournament three times, the last time coming in 1996 and the Dutch have pedigree to as they took the title in 1988. Portugal have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks but their unconvincing route to the finals has made them an underdog. With the greatest amount of respect I don’t see the Denmark causing too many problems for the top teams. I have to go with the efficiency of Germany to finish top and their bitterest rivals the Dutch to finish just below them as group runners up.
In Group C We have the world and European champions Spain and despite a couple of disappointing results in recent friendlies they will still be favourites to retain their crown. Italy had an impressive qualifying campaign but have disappointed in recent major tournaments. Republic Of Ireland are overjoyed just to be in the competition but will find life very tough against top International teams. Croatia disposed of Turkey pretty easily in the play-offs and will fancy their chances against the Irish and Italians. Realistically I cannot see another winner in this group than the Spanish but who finishes second is very hard to call. Italy should just pip the Croatians to second spot but all three teams will believe they can qualify with Spain to the quarter finals.
In Group D England finished as group winners in qualifying but had a couple of dubious results along the way. France look like a better unit under the management of Laurent Blanc and are still blesses with plenty of individual talent. The Ukraine have the advantage of being one of the hosts but I’m not convinced they’ll have the quality in their squad to progress from this tricky group. Sweden will believe they can be successful in Group D and star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be keen to finally make his mark on a major tournament. I’m predicting France win this group as I believe if they’re top players are fit and available, they have the best team. Second spot is up for debate as England will be without animalistic Wayne Rooney in the group games, but I think their superior quality will tell and they’ll make the last 8.
England’s group games (All in The Ukraine)
Monday 11 June v France (5pm) Donetsk
Friday 15 June v Sweden (5pm) Kiev
Tuesday 19 June v Ukraine (7.45pm )Donetsk
Republic of Ireland’s group games (All in Poland)
Sunday 10 June v Croatia (7.45pm) Poznan
Thursday 14 June v Spain (7.45pm) Gdansk
Monday 18 June v Italy (7.45pm) Poznan
Details of everty match venue and date are given here
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Euro 2012 Qualifiers
This is the confirmed line up of 16 teams for the 2012 European Championships
Poland Ukraine Spain Holland France Germany Italy England Croatia Czech Republic Greece Sweden Russia Republic of Ireland Portugal Denmark.
The draw for the group stages will take place on December 2nd and we will bring it to you as we get it here at Euromost. .
Slovenia Sign Slavia Stojanovic
Slovenia have named Slavisa Stojanovic as their new manager. the 42 year-old won two national league titles with NK Domzale before becoming an assistant coach with the United Arab Emirates in 2009. Slovenia sacked previous coach Matjaz Kek last week after they failed to reach Euro 2012, finishing 4th in their group behind Serbia and Estonia. The Slovenia Football Association believe that Stojanovic has the credentials to fulfil the countries ambitions of reaching the World Cup in Brazil in 2014
Arjen Robben has undergone Groin surgery and is expected to face two weeks out. The 27 year-old Dutch winger had just returned to action for Bayern Munich after a five week lay off but after groin surgery on Friday he is now on the sidelines again. Robben has been plagued with injuries in the past year but will be hoping that this time when he returns he can remain fit for the rest of the Bundesliga campaign and help lead Munich to glory.
Kaka Thanks Mourhino
Kaka thanks his manager Jose Mourinho for reviving his Real Madrid career. The 29 year-old Brazilian has struggled in the Spanish capital since moving for an astonishing 60 million pounds back in the summer of 2009. Last season was incredibly frustrating for the former AC Milan playmaker as injuries kept him on the sidelines for the majority of the campaign. Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez have kept faith with the 2007 world footballer of the year though and in recent games he has enjoyed a resurgence in the first team and enjoyed a pivotal role in their victories. Kaka said: ”Mourinho and Perez told me they wanted me here and I will try to make sure things go well. I have a debt to them and to Real Madrid. I think I will succeed in Madrid, I am happy here and I want to play a decisive role. We must keep improving.”
