Vilanova's three stooges conspire to gift Madrid Supercopa spoils

 

Individual mistakes from Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique, as well as a red card for Adriano, handed victory to Jose Mourinho's men in the second leg at the Bernabeu

Oh dear, oh dear. Barcelona must be kicking themselves wondering just how Supercopa success managed to slip from their grasp.

The Catalans were, at one stage in the first leg, inches away from taking a 4-1 lead but now have to face up to the reality that they have not added to their trophy collection.
Following Victor Valdes' howler in the first leg, Barca's luck was out once again in the return meeting as first, after just 11 minutes, Javier Mascherano's pathetic attempt at a clearance allowed Gonzalo Higuain to race through and grab the opening goal of the game, squaring the aggregate scoreline.

And just eight minutes later there was more embarrasment for Tito Vilanova's men as Gerard Pique's lapse in concentration saw Cristiano Ronaldo's extravagent flick come off before he steadied himself and fired past Valdes to put Real two up on the night.

Surely that was that in terms of leaving Barca players with egg on their faces? Well it wasn't.

Step forward Adriano who completes the line-up of the three Barca stooges as he was red carded for pulling back Ronaldo just before the half hour mark - and not even Lionel Messi, despite his best efforts having pulled a goal back, could stop Mourinho getting his hands on more silverware...
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Nani ready to face Sir Alex as he fights for Man Utd future

 

Nani has demanded showdown talks with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United after doubts over future at Old Trafford have grown in recent weeks.
The winger, who has been targeted by Zenit St Petersburg, has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United following increased competition in wide areas. The Portugal international also failed to make the squad for United's 3-2 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

Goal.com understands Nani has demanded a £5 million pay-off in order to leave Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window on Friday, while Sir Alex is considering the option to offload the 25-year-old.

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Tottenham jump into bed with Real Madrid

 

The summer's longest transfer saga was concluded on Monday as Luka Modric finally joined La Liga champions Real Madrid for a fee of £33.2 million.

But it was Tottenham's announcement of a partnership agreement with the Spanish club that really raised eyebrows. In an opaque description typical of tie-ups like this, Spurs said: "The partnership agreement will see the two Clubs working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships."

The cynics will suggest the deal provides the north London club with a venue for an annual friendly, an opposition for Ledley King's testimonial and a high-cost destination for Gareth Bale...

But for now, enjoy Goal.com's take on Tottenham's latest coup.

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AC Milan star in 'The Can't Spendables'

 

After a disastrous summer in the transfer market, AC Milan's Serie A campaign got off to a distinctly underwhelming start with a 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria.

In addition to jettisoning veterans Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf, Mark van Bommel Gennaro Gattuso and Pippo Inzaghi in the close season, the Rossoneri also sold stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to free-spending Paris Saint-Germain and Antonio Cassano to rivals Inter in return for Giampaolo Pazzini.

Chief executive Adriano Galliani's attempts to sign replacements - Real Madrid superstar Kaka has been linked with a return to San Siro - have been undermined by the club's poor financial situation, leaving Milan's hopes of success in Italy and Europe this season looking more forlorn than ever.

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No place like home - RVP settles into life at Old Trafford

 

Those cynics hoping Robin van Persie would take time to settle at Old Trafford were proved wrong on Saturday, as the Dutchman capped his home debut with a goal in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Van Persie's superb finish helped his side draw level after going a goal down to Damien Duff's third minute opener, and the 29-year-old has claimed he has already been made to "feel at home" in the north west.

Indeed, despite arriving at the club just over a week ago, Van Persie is clearly settling into life quickly at his new ground.
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Liverpool beat Arsenal in Sahin tug of war

 

Liverpool have beaten Arsenal in their tug of war for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.
The Turkish 23-year-old looked at one point to be heading to the Emirates Stadium, but Brendan Rodgers pushed (or pulled, in this instance) for the deal harder, and a season-long loan is Anfield's reward!

Can you see Sahin thriving under Rodgers' tutelage? Or do you think the former Borussia Dortmund star will rue not choosing Arsene Wenger's squad as his temporary team-mates?

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Cassano and Pazzini trade places in San Siro swap

 

AC Milan and Inter put their rivalry aside on Wednesday, as Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini were involved in a San Siro swap deal.

Pazzini leaves Inter having failed to replicate his prolific form at Sampdoria, while the controversial Cassano says he has found his smile again upon joining Andrea Stramaccioni's side.

With the clubs being in the same city and sharing a stadium, neither player will have to travel too far after being booted out the exit door.

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Valdes plays the clown as Barcelona blunder leaves Real Madrid laughing

 

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been left looking the clown after his late blunder allowed Real Madrid to pull a goal back in the Supercopa Clasico clash which ended 3-2 on Thursday night.

The first leg at Camp Nou was going in the Catalan giants' favour as goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and Xavi replied to Cristiano Ronaldo's opening headed goal.

However, Valdes' heavy touch from a pass back led to Angel Di Maria easily pouncing on the loose ball and ensuring the cup competition is not over with the second leg of the tie to be played next Wednesday.

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Jordan Paralympic and there sexual assaults

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Rome is where the heart is for De Rossi

 

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini suffered more transfer window frustration on Tuesday afternoon.

For several months, the Italian has been in pursuit of Roma veteran Daniele De Rossi, while Jack Rodwell has been the only summer signing to join the Premier League champions.

And the Italy international seemingly ended any lingering hopes Mancini might have had of signing him, by declaring his love for Roma and commitment to the club at a press conference.
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Fellaini foils Manchester United

 

All attention turned to Manchester United last night as Sir Alex Ferguson's side took on Everton in their first game of the new Premier League season.

New signing Shinji Kagawa started while Robin van Persie was on the bench and introduced in the second half, but neither could make a significant impact in their competitive debuts for the club.

Instead, the star of the show was Marouane Fellaini, who terrorised the Manchester United defence and scored the decisive goal in a surprise 1-0 victory for David Moyes' men.
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Wigan fail to heed Hazard warning

 

One of the the most anticipated Premier League debuts in recent seasons certainly lived up to expectation on Sunday, with Eden Hazard playing a pivotal role in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Wigan.

The Belgian starlet terrorised the Latics defence in the opening stages of the clash at the DW Stadium, teeing up Branislav Ivanovic to open the scoring before winning a penalty to allow Frank Lampard to double the Blues' lead from the penalty spot.

And after a dazzling bow in England's top-flight, Wigan may not be the only side to fail to stop Hazard this season...
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Liverpool fluff their lines on opening day

 

Brendan Rodgers arrived at Liverpool this summer charged with bringing the glory days back to Anfield after a somewhat difficult season for the club last time out.

Optimism was high as the Reds headed to the Hawthorns to face West Brom, yet it was to be an opening day to forget for the former Swansea manager.

Not content with shipping three goals to the Baggies, Liverpool also had Daniel Agger sent off and Luis Suarez again misfiring in front of goal as the Reds fluffed their lines on the first day of the new Premier League season.

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Tony Scott

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The Premier League is back!

 

It's back! After three months of having to pretend to be interested in other sports, football fans can finally relax and indulge themselves in the return of the Premier League this Saturday.

Last year's campaign was one of the most dramatic in living memory, with Manchester City snatching a maiden title victory in the dying seconds of the season.

Yet, with Robin van Persie joining Manchester United, an overhaul at Arsenal, and Brendan Rodgers seeking to kickstart his Liverpool revolution, there is one heck of a stellar cast list for 2012-13 campaign...

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Wenger loses prize piece RVP just as Arsenal jigsaw looks complete

 

Arsenal's hopes of returning to the top of the Premier League table suffered a blow on Friday as Robin van Persie completed his move to Manchester United.
The Gunners looked to have taken great strides this summer by bringing in the likes of Olivier Giroud, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski following their third place finish in the 2011-12 season.

Now, though, after Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri departed last summer and with Alex Song linked with a switch to Barcelona, Arsene Wenger has lost another key piece of his Arsenal jigsaw.
 

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Van Persie & Modric break free at last to land their dream moves

 

Two of the longest-running transfer sagas of the transfer window look to set to reach their conclusion before Saturday's Premier League kick-off, with Arsenal and Tottenham both accepting bids for Robin van Persie and Luka Modric respectively.
The Spurs midfielder's move to Real Madrid has been touted since last summer, and the Croatian is believed to be jetting out to the Spanish capital on Thursday to complete his switch to Santiago Bernanbeu.

Yet Gunners fans will no doubt find their captain's departure harder to swallow, particularly with the Dutchman joining fierce rivals Manchester United...

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RVP the devil in disguise

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Agger 'inking' of staying at Liverpool but lure of Man City may prove too much

 

Daniel Agger may have given the strongest sign yet of his intention to remain at Liverpool this week by having the club's famous 'You'll Never Walk Alone' slogan tattooed onto his knuckles.
The Danish defender has been linked with an Anfield exit throughout the summer, with Premier League champions Manchester City believed to be keen on his services.

Yet despite the 27-year-old's gesture of his love for Liverpool, the lure of the Etihad Stadium and its riches may prove too tempting even for Agger.

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Llorente outgrows Athletic Bilbao as Europe's hawks wait to pounce

 

Fernando Llorente has long been attracting glances of admiration from across Europe, as the Athletic Bilbao striker played a prominent role in the club's assault on the Europa League.

Some star turns, including a fabulously taken goal against Manchester United, have in turn attracted the biggest clubs, and the Basque striker looks set to leave the club after it was revealed he would not be extending his current deal.

So, which one of the hawks circling will be on hand to pounce for the big striker who looks to have outgrown his current club?

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Hazard slips up as Mancini shows Chelsea who's boss

 

Eden Hazard may have cost Chelsea mega-bucks but his most memorable moments were ones he will want to forget after Manchester City romped to a 3-2 win in the Community Shield.

Having flirted with the Premier League champions, before opting to sign for Roberto Di Matteo's men, Hazard's name was roundly booed by the City fans when it was announced prior to kick-off.

Those same supporters had more reason to cheer during the game. An early dive did little to change their minds before an attempted back-heel to Ashley Cole saw Hazard trip over his own feet and end up face in the turf much to the delight of the City fans. 
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Mexico pave London with gold to break Brazilian hearts

 

Mexico stunned Brazil on Saturday to secure Olympic gold as Oribe Peralta's double sealed a 2-1 victory over the tournament favourites.
Peralta fired Mexico ahead after 28 seconds following a mistake from Manchester United full-back Rafael before the striker doubled his tally in the 70th minute.

Hulk's late goal set the stage for a late Brazilian revival but new Chelsea signing Oscar spurned a glorious chance to take the tie to extra time, meaning Mano Menezes' side had to settle for silver.
 

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Juve in disarray as Conte faces 10 months off the sidelines

 

While Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe were acquitted in the Scommessopoli scandal on Friday due to a lack of evidence, there was bad news for coach Antonio Conte.
The 43-year-old was found guilty of failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches while he was at Siena, and has been handed a 10-month ban from the dugout.

Without their coach for the first time against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana on Saturday, and with uncertainty over who will take charge after assistant Angelo Alessio's eight-month suspension, how will the Serie A champions fare?
 

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Returning Suarez runs rings around FC Gomel

 

The London Olympics may have been a tournament to forget for Uruguay and Luis Suarez, but the Liverpool forward returned to form in dazzling fashion at Anfield in the Europa League.
After sneaking a 1-0 win in in the first leg, without Suarez, the Reds dispatched the Belarusian side 3-0 at Anfield with Suarez delighting the home fans with an eye-catching display.

The Uruguayan had a hand in all three goals for Brendan Rodgers' men as he ran Olympic sized-rings around the visitors.
 

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Allure of Paris prises Lucas from Sir Alex's grasp

 

Sir Alex Ferguson has been left amazed after Brazil starlet Lucas Moura opted to sign for Paris Saint-Germain rather than Manchester United.

The Red Devils had looked favorites to sign the 19-year-old and his agent has even claimed the club had an agreement with Lucas.

However, the player has ultimately opted to move to Paris not least because he considers it "a much more pleasant city than Manchester" leaving a fuming Sir Alex insisting "the game's gone mad".
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Usain Bolt eyes more world records with Manchester United trial

 

Not content with being the fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt has set his sights on conquering football, starting with a trial at Manchester United.

The Jamaican 100m and 200m world record holder revealed earlier this week that he had been in touch with Rio Ferdinand on Twitter, with the experienced defender promising to arrange a try-out session for Bolt with Red Devils' boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand told the sprinter: "If you want that trial at Man Utd shout me, I'll speak to the boss!! Well done in 100m, waiting for you to smash the 200m now!"

United were just pipped at the line by neighbours Manchester City in a photo-finish conclusion to the Premier League season but with the pacy Bolt in their ranks, could United have enough to get out the blocks quicker and secure glory? 

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Ronaldo's stars align as he tops the Goal.com 50

 

This year's Goal.com 50 has been announced with Cristiano Ronaldo revealed as the top player of the past 12 months.

Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas was surprisingly placed second with Lionel Messi shunted down to third after Los Blancos' title-winning exploits in La Liga last term.
The list has sparked debate and intrigue among fans and pundits alike, and is likely to continue to do so for time to come.

Not everyone has the time to pore over the facts and stats of the list in full so we have brought the entire 50 to you in the simplest of forms.
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Look into my eyes! Oscar attempts mind control to convince Neymar to join Chelsea

 

In a world where footballers usually go to the highest bidder, it appears new Chelsea signing Oscar might resort to a unique approach to persuade Santos starlet Neymar to join him at Stamford Bridge.

The duo are currently representing Brazil at the Olympic Games, with a place in the gold medal match up for grabs when they face South Korea on Tuesday, and Roberto Di Matteo's latest recruit has been using their time together to plant seeds into Neymar's noggin.

"While we are in London, I have been telling Neymar about the ambition of Chelsea," Oscar revealed.

"When the time comes for him to join a European club, I hope I can persuade him." 

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سياسة حجب بعض المواقع الالكترونية في بعض دول العالم

 

blocking some websites in some world countries

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Team GB miss out on 'Super Saturday' gold rush

 

Team GB enjoyed an unprecedented level of success at London 2012 on Saturday, recording their most successful medal day in modern Olympic history.

Great Britain scooped six gold medals on what has now been dubbed 'Super Saturday' with Jessica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah among the winners on home soil.

But it was a different story for the men's football team who, after a promising unbeaten start in the group stages, suffered penalty shootout agony at the hands of South Korea, as Danny Sturridge missed the decisive spot kick
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Team GB in medal hunt but gold is Brazil's to lose

 

Team GB continue their hunt to medal in men's football at London 2012 but the gold remains Brazil's to lose.
Mano Menezes' men are the only side to have a 100 per cent record heading into the quarter-finals but Stuart Pearce's side beat Uruguay 1-0 en route to the knockout stage.

The South American nation face Honduras at St James' Park at 5pm on Saturday evening before Great Britain take on South Korea at 7:30pm at the Millenium Stadium.
 

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Van Persie's glee at new Arsenal arrivals

 

Oh, what do we have here then?'

Yes, that is essentially Robin van Persie's inner monologue after hearing the news that Arsenal are close to sealing deals for Malaga attacker Santi Cazorla and Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin.
Since announcing his intention not to renew his contract, which has just 12 months left to run, the striker could now have a change of heart as Arsene Wenger continues the biggest spending spree seen at the Emirates in years.
 

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Mourinho must splash the cash for Modric

 

In a transfer saga that doesn’t look like ending anytime soon, Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has rejected Real Madrid’s latest offer for Luka Modric.
As exclusively revealed by Goal.com on Wednesday, the Spanish giants have proposed a player-plus-cash deal involving Nuri Sahin and Ricardo Carvalho plus a lump sum to convince the north Londoners to part with the influential Croatian.

However, Tottenham have turned down the offer as they look for strictly cash to fund a move for a replacement, thought to be Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho.

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Berlusconi vetoes AC Milan summer spending spree

 

It turns out AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi is a spoilsport.

Just after raking in close to €60 million (£47m) from the sale of influential pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, an appetite-whetting shopping spree was expected in Milan.
However, Berlusconi has told those involved that no such flirting with the market will now take place as the cash was needed to balance the books at the San Siro outfit – with the club instead needing to nuture young talent in order to survive.

"The economic situation no longer allows for the shopping sprees of the early '90s," the former Italian Prime Minister told Milan Channel.

"We cannot buy well-established players, such as those that characterised the transfer campaigns of recent years.

"We must build a great team from the youngsters. Barcelona have done it like this. And remember that Milan also started like this, with [Paolo] Maldini, [Franco] Baresi, [Alessandro] Costacurta."

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Tevez erases dreams of Van Persie

 

Robin van Persie was omitted from Arsenal's tour of Asia earlier this month and is believed to be heading to Manchester City following his decision not to renew his contract.

Yet, a month into the transfer window, the Dutchman remains in north London. Meanwhile on City's very own Asian tour, Carlos Tevez has done his best to remind Roberto Mancini that he still exists, netting his first goal of pre-season on Monday against Malaysia XI.

And so, as the new Premier League season fast approaches, perhaps utilising a revitalised Tevez would overshadow Mancini's dreams of Van Persie.

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