Thursday, April 11, 2013

Dortmund - Malaga given Hollywood finale

In one of the most enthralling endings to a Champions League tie, Dortmund secured a place in the semi-finals after two injury-time strikes saw off Malaga.

Joaquin and a superb Robert Lewandowski effort set up a tense second half but it was the Spanish club who looked set for a semi-final spot after Eliseu struck in the 82nd minute.

But there was more to come from the match as Marco Reus netted in the 91st minute before Felipe Santana popped up with the decisive goal just moments before the final whistle.

"Up until now, our story has been like a Hollywood movie - hopefully it will have a Hollywood ending," Dortmund defender Neven Subotic told Uefa.

"This is the craziest moment in all of my footballing career. It has been a special match for everybody - for us and the fans." 

City take the spoils but title still in United's reach

Sergio Aguero's fine solo strike may well have tipped the Manchester derby in City's favour on Monday evening, but United still boast a 12-point gap over Roberto Mancini's side at the top of the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side need 10 more points from their remaining seven games in order to secure the Premier League title, while Manchester City look set to settle for second spot. 

Benitez denies 'hand grenade' Di Canio an explosive start

Paolo Di Canio's "management by hand grenade" threatened to pay immediate dividends when Sunderland took the lead against Chelsea on Sunday but Rafa Benitez's team came from behind to deny the Italian a perfect start.

A Cesar Azpilicueta own goal gave the Black Cats the lead at Stamford Bridge but another own goal, this time by Matthew Kilgallon, was followed by Branislav Ivanovic's similarly fortunate winner.

The victory, coupled with Tottenham's draw at Everton, strengthened Chelsea's hopes of a top-four finish but left Di Canio looking ahead to a mouthwatering Tyne-Wear derby as Sunderland edge closer to the drop zone. 

Rosicky orchestrates Arsenal top-four surge

The race for the top four intensified this weekend as ten-men Arsenal clung on to claim three huge points against West Brom, pushing them into the top four at the expense of Chelsea.

The Gunners' unsung squad players have driven the club forward in recent weeks, with Gervinho and 'Little Mozart' Tomas Rosicky combining well at the Hawthorns to narrow the gap to third-placed Tottenham to just a single point.

With Gareth Bale injured and Chelsea in the middle of a tiring and congested fixture list, Arsenal - who have picked up 22 points from a possible 27 in their last nine games - have the other Champions League contenders running scared.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Heynckes encourages Bayern booze-up

Bayern Munich can clinch the Bundesliga title on Saturday if they beat Frankfurt, and boss Jupp Heynckes has allowed his players to let their hair down.

Die Roten have run away at the top of the table this season, leading second-placed Borussia Dortmund by 20 points ahead of their trip to Commerzbank-Arena.

And despite facing a trip to Juventus for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, the 67-year-old has told his charges they can celebrate with a beer or two.