Atletico title win a fitting tribute to Aragones

Atletico Madrid secured an incredible Spanish league title on Saturday after holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

It has been a remarkable season for Diego Simeone's side, who also face rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24.

But the new league champions have also endured heartache this season, after Luis Aragones - the club's all-time top goalscorer and former head coach - died in February aged 75.

Simeone was quick to acknowledge Aragones after the game.

"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti," Simeone said afterwards. "To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.

"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."

Sunday, 18 May 2014 12:30

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Moyes flop costs Manchester United £30m

The full extent of the financial cost of David Moyes's ill-fated spell in charge of Manchester United was revealed on Thursday.

Old Trafford executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, explained the club's seventh-place finish in the Premier League - their worst since 1989-90 - would see a staggering £30 million drop in income due to the lack of European football next season.

But it's not all bad news for United fans - Woodward also suggested an announcement regarding the appointment of a new manager, expected to be Louis van Gaal - would be made soon.

And plenty of transfer activity is also expected at Old Trafford over the summer.

Friday, 16 May 2014 11:25

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Bela Guttman's curse strikes Benfica AGAIN

Benfica fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, making it eight straight defeats in European finals.

Hungarian boss Bela Guttman cursed the club after they refused to give the two-time European Cup-winning manager a new and improved contact in 1962, saying they would be destined to not win in Europe for another 100 years.

An extra-time defeat to Chelsea in 2012-13 was the most recent failure, before Jorge Jesus's side failed to find a way past a dogged Sevilla side in the Juventus Stadium.

Goalkeeper Beto then went on to make two saves in the shoot-out to hand the Andalusian side their third European trophy and ensure the drought at Benfica continues.

Thursday, 15 May 2014 13:32

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Tottenham bin Sherwood - and his gilet!

Tim Sherwood's gilet was in the headlines almost as much as the controversial former midfielder during his time as Tottenham boss.

As well as being worn with a strange kind of pride by Sherwood, it was hurled to the ground during one match against Arsenal and then, on the final day of the season, handed to a fan as he sat in the White Hart Lane hot-seat.

But when Daniel Levy sacked his man on Tuesday, he made sure he'll never see the cursed gilet ever again!

Wednesday, 14 May 2014 10:45

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Rooney & Roy lead England's school trip to Brazil

Roy Hodgson's England squad may read a bit like a school trip after six players under the age of 23 were named for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley, Phil Jones and Jack Wilshere will all be heading to South America, so the experience of the squad's senior players will be more vital than ever. That means Wayne Rooney riding up front with Roy!

Tuesday, 13 May 2014 12:00

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Man City coast as La Liga title scuffle continues

While Manchester City were celebrating their second Premier League title in three years having cruised to a 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of the season, the scramble for the Spanish championship continued.

Atletico Madrid, who lead La Liga by three points, were held at home by Malaga but Barcelona were unable to capitalise as they slipped to a goalless draw at Elche.

Diego Simeone's side now face a trip to Barcelona next Saturday in a match which will decide the title.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are now out of the running following their 2-0 defeat at Celta.

Monday, 12 May 2014 12:00

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Liverpool calling in Carroll favour

In a curious quirk of fate, Liverpool are hoping Andy Carroll - a player they sold last summer - can hand them the Premier League title by netting against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Reds must beat Newcastle and hope West Ham can triumph at the Etihad Stadium, with a draw likely to be enough for City who boast a healthy goal difference advantage over the Merseysiders.

Anfield midfielder Lucas Leiva admitted he would be texting both the Hammers frontman and former Reds winger Stewart Downing to urge them to do everything possible to beat City, with Carroll saying he would "do his best" to crown his old club champions.

Ironically, after ushering Carroll towards the Anfield exit little under a year ago, Liverpool now need the towering Geordie striker to do them a massive favour - it would certainly be one way to repay his £35m price-tag!

Sunday, 11 May 2014 08:30

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Real Madrid's title bid derailed

Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes have been left in tatters after Carlo Ancelotti’s side slipped to a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Valladolid on Wednesday evening.

Sergio Ramos had put Madrid in front but Osorio’s 85th-minute equaliser has left Ancelotti’s men four points behind leaders Atletico with just two games remaining.

To make matters worse, Cristiano Ronaldo limped out of match after just nine minutes with a hamstring problem.

Thursday, 8 May 2014 12:00

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Guardiola braced for beer shower

Having already wrapped up the Bundesliga in record time, Bayern Munich have the chance to secure a domestic double by winning the DFB Pokal final.

Borussia Dortmund stand in Bayern’s way on May 17 but if they find a way past Jurgen Klopp’s men, Dante says Pep Guardiola is in for a soaking.

"We want to continue preparing by being compact, aggressive and acting as a unit. We need that to be confident ahead of the final in Berlin,” said the Brazilian.

"Pep doesn't stand a chance! He'll get his beer shower - don't worry about that.”

Saturday, 10 May 2014 12:00

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Zanetti calls time on career

Javier Zanetti has confirmed he will call time on his 22-year career at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old will bow out at Inter having won Serie A five times, the Coppa Italia on four occasions, and the Champions League once.

"I feel that now is the right time to do it," he told La Nacion.

"Football has given me so much, and I have enjoyed every moment. Because after the achilles injury last April, I wanted to demonstrate that I could return and be competitive, but I could not.

"I feel complete and have realized that to retire at 40 is a priceless feeling. For me it is something that has immense value and now is the right time. Do I fear life after this? No, there is no fear."

Wednesday, May 7, 2014 12:00

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