Jese 'living the dream' after saving Real Madrid

Jese Rodriguez claims he was "fulfilling a dream" after he scored a late winner in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had taken the lead twice through Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo, only to be pegged back on each occasion by Pablo Piatti and Jeremy Mathieu.

But as the match at the Mestalla looked to be heading for a stalemate, Jese popped up with a goal which has kept Madrid five points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

“I was looking for Zidane in the celebrations as his support is a big influence for me," Jese explained after the match. "He and the coach give me a lot of love and Zidane is a big reason why I stayed at the club.”

Monday, December 23, 2013 12:00

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Bayern on top of the World

Bayern Munich brought their sensational 2013 to a spectacular end with victory at the Club World Cup on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side, who won the Bundesliga and Champions League last season, beat Raja Casablanca 2-0 in the final of the competition in Marrakesh.

Bayern wasted no time in establishing a hold on the game, scoring in the seventh minute through defender Dante, before Thiago Alcantara found the back of the net shortly after.

The victory leaves Bayern boasting an impressive trophy haul as the New Year approaches, and having shot to the top of the table in Germany heading into the winter break, there could be plenty more to come for Guardiola and Co.

Sunday, December 22, 2013 12:00

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Liverpool fend off Arsenal & Real Madrid with new Suarez deal

Luis Suarez is staying put for the time being after the striker signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool on Friday.

Brendan Rodgers was forced to fend off bids from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, while Real Madrid were preparing a move for the Uruguay international in January.

The Spanish club will now be inclined to rethink their approach for the striker, who has a buyout clause in his new deal which allows him to be sold to a non-British club for a set price.

Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:00

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Dzeko ready to step into Aguero's shoes

You could have forgiven Manchester City fans for cursing their luck following the news that in-form attacking sensation Sergio Aguero would be out of action for at least a month.

But fear not... Edin Dzeko is here and he's ready to lead City's Premier League title charge.

The Bosnian said: "Sergio being out is very bad for the team because he has had an amazing season so far. He has been scoring a lot of goals and he is obviously a very important player for us.

"But that's life. Now we have to try to play games without him, and try to keep winning. I am a striker that has scored goals all my life and I love to do it.

"When I get a chance I try to do my best."

Stepping into Aguero's shoes, and shirt, might be a bit of a problem, though. The Argentine stands at just 5'8" while team-mate Dzeko towers in at 6'4".

Friday, December 20, 2013 12:00

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Raja Casablanca beat Ronaldinho

Raja Casablanca made a historical achievment after beating Atletico Mineiro at the club world cup semi final with a 3-1 to face Bayern Munich in the final.

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What would you like for Christmas? Wenger's striker wishlist

Arsene Wenger has been a very busy man. The Arsenal manager has taken time out from his hectic schedule to draw up a shortlist of five strikers he'd like to pursue in the January transfer window. But will Santa deliver?

The Gunners boss will certainly be hoping that his Christmas wish comes true - as Sir Chips Keswick, Ivan Gazidis, Stan Kroenke and the rest of the board consider funding that mega January purchase that could tip the Premier League title in Arsenal's favour.

Robert Lewandowski, Diego Costa, Stephan El Shaarawy, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Fernando Llorente - all the big names are there but will Wenger get his Christmas wish? All will be revealed come January!

Thursday, December 19, 2013 11:00

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Footballers enjoy the boom after €1.2bn bonanza

This week at Goal we've been running through the 10 biggest transfer deals of the year, and giving you the inside track on how each was completed.

After massive transfer fees, bumpers wages, taxes and agent fees are totted up the sums are truly staggering: Gareth Bale's move will cost Real Madrid €198.8m!

With so much money flying around, no wonder the players have been enjoying themselves!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 07:00

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Storylines aplenty after Champions League draw

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League was completed on Monday, with some intriguing fixtures emerging to create a number of story-lines.

Didier Drogba will get his return to Chelsea and what is sure to be an emotional reunion with Jose Mourinho, after the Blues were drawn with Turkish side Galatasaray.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to draw upon all his knowledge of La Liga for the clashes with Barcelona, while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal were arguably handed the toughest tie of them all after they were paired with holders Bayern Munich.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 09:45

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VIVA ZAPATA!

Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia is a Colombian professional footballer. He currently plays for Italian Serie A club Milan as a defender, usually as a centre back. Wikipedia

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Lethal Suarez sinks Spurs

Luis Suarez was the star once again for Liverpool as the Reds destroyed Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Uruguay international scored twice as Brendan Rodgers' men thrashed Spurs 5-0 to close to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Suarez, named captain for the day in the Steven Gerrard's absence, was the star of the show and the controversial striker has now scored 17 goals in 11 appearances this season, to prove he is one of the league's deadliest strikers.

Monday, 16 December 2013 13:14

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