Man Utd look to class of '99 for inspiration

Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich is being billed as one of the biggest mismatches in the competition's recent history; the Bavarians are on a 53-match unbeaten run domestically, while United have slumped to seventh under David Moyes.

But, despite the hosts' struggles, die Roten have no intention of taking their threat lightly. "This is a difficult duel!" said Arjen Robben on Monday. "We need to perform from the first minute and put in a top performance. You need to be careful or you can lose against United."

The Dutchman knows just how dangerous the Red Devils can be, with his late volley at Old Trafford just enough to secure an away goals win over United in the 2009-10 campaign, despite the home side bossing proceedings.

Further back still, United claimed Champions League glory in 1999 despite appearing dead and buried. Sir Alex Ferguson's side were a goal down for much of the match, until Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer flipped the final on its head in stoppage time. Moyes will be looking for similar inspiration on Tuesday night if his side are to upset the form book.

Tuesday, 1 April 2014 11:00

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Liverpool continue Anfield dominance

Tottenham were the latest team to feel the wrath of Liverpool's dominance at Anfield as Tim Sherwood's side slumped to a 4-0 defeat on Sunday.

The victory fired Brendan Rodgers' charges to the top of the Premier League, two points clear of Chelsea with six matches to go.

And Anfield looks likely to be the place where the title will be decided this season, with Manchester City and Chelsea still to visit.

Liverpool have won all but two of their home games in the Premier League this term and Rodgers believes Chelsea and Manchester City will be dreading the trip to Anfield.

"There is no doubt they [our rivals] understand this is going to be a real tough place to come," said the Liverpool manager. "We love playing here. The support today was incredible and that is only going to intensify as the season goes on. It works for us rather than against us."

Monday, 31 March 2014 12:00

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Ibrahimovic settles in for goal highlight reel

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored so many extraordinary goals that he is unable to recall all of them.

As a result, the Paris Saint-Germain striker has already made plans for how to spend his retirement years - watching clips of his acrobatic efforts.

"I'm spoiled to have scored so many exceptional goals," he said. "There are a few I will see on the internet when I retire and I'll tell myself they're amazing. I'll ask myself how even I could have achieved such feats.

"In a match, it happens like that. I don't train for these, they are instinctive actions, like my goal against Bastia when I scored with the backheel. I have to try things to have a chance against opponents.

"This is what makes the difference between a small and a large team. Crazy things can come out of nowhere. This is what is good about football, it's completely unpredictable."

Saturday, 29 March 2014 12:00

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Moyes on plane protest lookout

As if David Moyes didn't already have plenty to worry about.

After a couple of positive results - against Olympiakos in the Champions League and West Ham at Upton Park - the pressure is back on the Manchester United boss after the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals City.

The result, along with a season which has fallen way below expectations following the arrival of the Scot in place of the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, has prompted a response.

One group of fans has raised the money to fund a 'fly-past' protest, with a plane set to carry a banner reading 'Wrong One - Moyes Out' over Old Trafford during the clash with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Friday, 28 March 2014 12:00

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Bayern prepare for Man Utd clash after title party

Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions on Tuesday with an incredible seven matches still to play.

Pep Guardiola's side beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 to ensure the title party could get started, as goals from Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery were enough to make it 25 league wins for the season for the ruthless Bavarians.

Asked how they would celebrate the title win, Arjen Robben said: "I don't know what follows now. We will see. If Schweini (Schweinsteiger) plans a party, he usually does that good. There will be a beer shower."

But the celebrations won't last too long - with Bayern preparing to take on Manchester United in the Champions League on April 1 as their quest for more trophies in 2013-14 continues...!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 12:00

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Smoking Bacca leaves Ronaldo & Co. in his wake

It was the Carlos Bacca show at the Ramon Sanchez on Wednesday.

The Colombian striker put a huge dent in Real Madrid's title challenge as he scored both goals in a famous 2-1 win for Unai Emery's side, with Pepe and Raphael Varane struggling to deal with the 27-year-old.

Real Madrid had taken the lead early on in the contest, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo although there was nothing stopping Bacca thereafter, with the former Club Brugge man scoring twice to leave Madrid three points behind Atletico at the top.

Thursday, 27 March 2014 12:02

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Manchester City ready to tackle in-form Rooney

A mini-revival has seen Manchester United qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals and throw their hat back in the mix for European football and it has been largely down to Wayne Rooney's form.

The England international scored one of the goals of the season against West Ham on Saturday, lobbing Adrian from all of 59 yards.

However, Tuesday night brings about a more fearsome prospect as United host Manuel Pellegrini's City at Old Trafford. David Moyes will be desperately hoping his side can avenge the 4-1 rout at the Etihad earlier this season and recognise that the form of his star striker is pivotal to that prospect.

Tuesday, 25 March 2014 09:55

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Messi the only sheriff in Clasico town

Lionel Messi came to Barcelona's rescue in an enthralling Clasico encounter on Sunday night, with the Argentine bagging a hat-trick as the Catalans twice came from behind to claim a 4-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had been under increasing scrutiny in the build-up to the match, with the Camp Nou outfit needing to win to retain any realistic hopes of winning La Liga.

And with his countryman in the last-chance saloon, Messi virtually single-handedly dragged Barca towards all three points to ease the pressure on Tata.

Despite losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi showed he remains the dominant force in Clasico contests, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the fixture.

His first-half goal was followed by two perfect penalties, and he even set-up Andres Iniesta's opener as well as threading the pass that saw Sergio Ramos sent off, proving he's the only sheriff in town.

Monday, 24 March 2014 13:00

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Mourinho spoils Wenger's party

Arsene Wenger travelled to Stamford Bridge on Saturday looking to celebrate his 1000th match in charge of Arsenal and eager to silence Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

But it was the Portuguese, who had dubbed his counterpart a “specialist in failure”, who came out on top in the London derby, as a humbling 6-0 rout and perplexing sending off overshadowed Wenger's special day.

After the defeat, the Frenchman made a swift exit and missed his post match press conference as the club bus “had to leave” – if only Arsenal had parked it in front of their goal!

Sunday, 23 March 2014 09:00

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Wenger celebrates 1000th Arsenal game

Arsene Wenger celebrates a huge milestone on Saturday as he takes charge of Arsenal for the 1000th time.

The Gunners travel to league leaders Chelsea in a crucial clash in the title race at Stamford Bridge.

Victory for Arsenal will leave them just a point behind the Blues although Wenger will be well aware he has never beaten Jose Mourinho.

Saturday, 22 March 2014 11:08

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