Ronaldo fires Real Madrid past Osasuna

Fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo was back in action as Real Madrid took on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

Carlo Ancelotti's men held a 2-0 lead from the first leg and quickly added to that tally with Ronaldo opening the scoring after just 20 minutes.

The Portuguese unleashed a free kick which flew straight at goalkeeper Andres Fernandez with the shot-stopper trying to punch the ball clear and succeeding only in forcing the ball onto the ground, between his legs and into the back of the net.
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Milan stars face Seedorf's new regime

Clarence Seedorf has been tasked with whipping AC Milan's inconsistent players into shape after being announced as the club's new head coach on Tuesday.

The Dutchman made over 400 appearances for Milan during his playing career and replaces Massimiliano Allegri whose reign at San Siro was called to an end on Sunday following the club's seventh defeat in Serie A this season.

AC Milan currently sit 11th in the Italian top flight and a whopping 30 points behind leaders Juventus.

Wednesday, 15 January 2014 12:00

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Ronaldo beats Ribery & Messi to Ballon d'Or

There were lots of tears as Cristiano Ronaldo scooped the Ballon d'Or for the second time in his career on Monday evening.

The Real Madrid forward batted away stiff competition from treble-winning Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery and Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi, who has already won the prize four times.

"First of all I have to say a great thanks to all of my team-mates with the club and the national team," said an overjoyed Ronaldo.

"Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award.

"Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment. All I can say is thank you to everybody that has been involved."

Tuesday, 14 January 2014 12:00

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Ronaldo the favourite to win Ballon d'Or

The winner of the 2013 Ballon d'or is announced on Monday, and Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to claim the award.

The Real Madrid star is facing competition from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.

But Messi, who won the award in 2010, 2011 and 2012, has struggled with injuries this season, leaving Ronaldo as the frontrunner despite Ribery's Champions League-winning campaign.

Monday, January 13, 2014 12:00

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Domenico Berardi and AC Milan

A star was born on Sunday as Sassuolo and an inspired Domenico Berardi effectively brought an end to Massimiliano Allegri's reign at AC Milan with a 4-3 win over the fallen giant of Serie A.

The 19-year-old now has more league goals, 11, than any other teenager in Europe's top five divisions and should his form continue, he may well sneak on to Cesare Prandelli's plane to Brazil with Italy this summer.

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Barca & Atletico all square in La Liga tug of war

Barcelona took on second-place Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday evening and drew plenty of admirers for a highly entertaining 0-0 draw.

Contested at a ferocious pace, Diego Simeone's side showed they have kept pace with Barcelona on merit and extended their lead over city rivals Real Madrid to six points.

Post-match comments also saw Atletico winger Arda Turan describe Lionel Messi as an 'alien' after a half-time cameo from the Argentina star.

Sunday, 12 January 2014 12:37

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Ancelotti wages war to keep Casillas

He may no longer be the undisputed No.1 goalkeeper at Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti is determined to keep Iker Casillas.

The Spain international lost his place in the starting XI under previous boss Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season to Diego Lopez.

Lopez continues to be a regular fixture in the starting XI under Ancelotti, but the Italian is adamant that he does not want Casillas to leave.

"It was not an easy decision, I have two goalkeepers of high quality, the best two in the world," the Italian trainer told RNE.

"I started with Diego as my No.1, but then did not consider that Casillas would not play. Rotating goalkeepers is not the most desirable thing, it is not easy, but they have understood.

"I'll fight the same way I did for Xabi. This team have key players representing the club and I will wage war for Casillas to finish his career here, in Madrid."

Ancelotti has also suggested Casillas could be in the starting lineup to face Espanyol on Sunday as Lopez is struggling with a stomach bug.

Saturday, 11 January 2014 12:45

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Yaya Toure crowned King of Africa

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure was named CAF African Footballer of the Year on Thursday.

The Ivory Coast international claimed the award for the third successive year, beating off competition from Jon Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba.

Only Samuel Eto'o has achieved the same feat, between 2003 and 2005, as Toure, who was also the only African player named on the 23-man shortlist for the Fifa World Player of the Year award.

Toure is enjoying his most prolific season to date at the Etihad Stadium, having already netted 13 goals this season.

Friday, 10 January 2014 12:15

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Samurai Honda vs Thohir

Based on the Samurai Jack series

Samurai Keisuke Honda vs Erick Thohir

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When it rains it pours on struggling Sam Allardyce

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was afforded no respite by Manchester City in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.

The Hammers are struggling in the relegation zone having failed to win a Premier League game since beating Fulham on November 30.

And Allardyce was forced to face questions about his future at the club after a 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday.

To make matters worse, City were in typically ruthless form in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg and put another six past the hapless Hammers at the Etihad Stadium.

"You can't keep losing football matches as a manager, that's for sure," Allardyce acknowledged after the game. "We know the reasons why but even those reasons will not save you in the end."

Thursday, 9 January 2014 11:30

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Peep! It's Manchester United v Referees!

David Moyes and Ryan Giggs were less than impressed following Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at Sunderland in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.

The Scottish boss said "it looks as though we are having to play them [officials] as well as the opposition at the moment" after the Black Cats were awarded a free kick and a penalty which both lead to goals.

And Giggs thinks "it's getting laughable now, the decisions just aren't quite going for us." Not an easy time to be a Manchester United player!

Wednesday, 8 January 2014 12:00

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Heaven-sent century for Milan legend Kaka

Struggling AC Milan kicked off 2014 with a 3-0 victory over Atalanta, led by club centurion Kaka.

In his second spell at San Siro, the Brazilian notched his 100th and 101st goals for the club in a win which still sees them falling short of expectations in 11th place in Serie A.

A deeply religious person, Kaka has famously worn a vest with the message 'I belong to Jesus' underneath his shirt in the past.

And there is no doubt that, in Kaka's eyes, somebody was smiling down on him on Monday.

Tuesday, 7 January 2014 11:15

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Walcott trolls Tottenham fans

The third round of the FA Cup saw north London rivals Arsenal face Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium with the Gunners coming out on top in a 2-0 win.

Goals by Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky did the damage and were enough to send Spurs tumbling out of the competition.

It wasn’t all good news for Arsenal though with Theo Walcott stretchered off, however the forward did not look too unhappy as he departed, gesturing the scoreline to Spurs fans with his hands.

Sunday, 5 January 2014 11:24

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Big Sam shot down by Forest's Merry Men

Sitting 19th in the Premier League, you'd forgive West Ham fans for thinking the FA Cup might provide a reprieve, a release from the week-to-week drudgery of an almost certain relegation battle.

You'd be wrong though. A trip to Nottingham Forest - 5th in the Championship - was never going to be a breeze and Sam Allardyce's team selection made this third round tie even tougher.

And thus, with consummate ease, Billy Davies watched the Tricky Trees demolish their top flight visitors, annihilating them 5-0 at the County Ground.

Monday, 6 January 2014 10:32

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Agent Sherwood battles Arsenal demons in Cup clash

Tim Sherwood takes his Tottenham team to the Emirates on Saturday evening but will have to quell a not-so-secret admiration for the hosts, Arsenal.

Sherwood has been seen on a talkshow discussing his affection for Tottenham's north London rivals, much to the chagrin of Lilywhite fans.

However, after a solid start as Spurs boss, he will be out to prove that his loyalty lies with his employers at White Hart Lane as the two clubs do battle for a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Saturday, 4 January 2014 10:55

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Solskjaer hopes for Cardiff communication

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced the media for the first time on Thursday after being officially unveiled as the new Cardiff City manager.

The jury is out regarding whether or not the Manchester United striker was wise to take the reins of the Welsh outfit following the acrimonious nature of the departure of Malky Mackay, who many felt was harshly treated by Vincent Tan, the club's owner.

Solskjaer will be hoping to open a better line of communication with Tan, who has reportedly promised the Norwegian that there will be money to spend in the January transfer window.

However, Solskjaer would not be drawn on any transfer targets on Thursday.

"I love working with young, enthusiastic players who want to learn and improve," he said.

"I have not read the papers, I have not seen the reports. But I am looking at the possibilities and the options we have.

"For now the most important thing is for me to work with the players who are here as they are a great bunch of lads.

"I have spoken to all of them and they have impressed me with their attitude. I can see they want to do well for themselves and the club."

Friday, January 3, 2014 16:15

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No more Saddybayor under Sherwood

Barely used by Andre Villas-Boas but leading Tim Sherwood's Tottenham on a rise back up the Premier League table...it's Emmanuel Adebayor!

The Togolese front-man headed Tottenham in front at Old Trafford on Wednesday as Spurs defeated their hosts 2-1 and has registered four goals in five games since being reinstated by Sherwood.

It makes for stark contrast to life under Villas-Boas where he was reportedly frozen out and ignored by the Portuguese. But with the 36-year-old relieved of his duties, it has come down to the new man Sherwood to put the smile back on Adebayor's face.

Thursday, 2 January 2014 11:59

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Top 10 Cartoons of 2013

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/slideshow/6054/1/title/top-10-cartoons-of-2013

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Negredo Cartoon on Marca

http://www.marca.com/2013/12/27/futbol/futbol_internacional/premier_league/1388167275.html

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Happy New Year from Goal!

It's the end of the calendar year and spirits are in the sky... footballers and managers across the world have much to reflect on - and look forward to - as we head into 2014.

It's been a great year for Pep Guardiola, who took over from Jupp Heynckes at the helm of treble winners Bayern Munich, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery fight it out for the Balon d'Or. Gareth Bale got his big-money move to Real Madrid, though it's time for Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham to leavethe party.

Jurgen Klopp is left to drown his sorrows after losing the Champions League final and dropping out of the Bundesliga title race, Jose Mourinho is back with Chelsea, Arsene Wenger is top of the pile and Luis Suarez is in and out of the dog house.

All that's left to say is Happy New Year to all our readers!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 11:30

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Wind-up merchant Mourinho takes aim at Suarez

Despite watching his Chelsea side beat Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday Jose Mourinho was still not a happy man.

The Blues boss took aim at Reds striker Luis Suarez after the game accusing him of “an acrobatic swimming pool jump” after going down in the area after a challenge from Samuel Eto’o.

While replays suggested Eto’o may have been lucky to escape conceding a penalty Mourinho insisted Suarez was the guilty party adding: “It looks like someone has shot him in the back and that is a clear yellow card.”

Monday, December 30, 2013 08:39

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Ronaldo: My favourite player? Me!

Hopefully for Cristiano Ronaldo’s sake, modesty is not one of the criteria that needs to be met in order to win the Ballon d’Or in January.

The forward may be frontrunner to win the prize after a barnstorming year at Real Madrid but when given the chance to voice his appreciation for another star in football, he spurned the opportunity.

When asked who his favourite player in the world was after receiving an award in Dubai, Ronaldo replied with a smile: "Me!"

Sunday, December 29, 2013 12:00

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No winter break for Pellegrini and Manchester City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists he does want the Premier League to implement a winter break with his side currently on a superb run of form.

The Chilean’s men have beaten title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks to move to just a point from the top of the table.

City face Crystal Palace and Swansea in the coming days as part of a busy festive schedule but Pellegrini is happy with life in England saying it is the same for all teams.

Saturday, December 28, 2013 11:04

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My interview with Kislany, nagy FOCI in Hungarian

My interview with the Hungarian blog "Kislany, nagy FOCI". Thank you Ágnes László

http://kislanynagyfoci.cafeblog.hu/2013/11/24/exkluziv-interju-omar-momamival-a-goal-com-karikaturistajaval/

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Negredo the beast tames Liverpool and Suarez

Manchester City leapfrogged Liverpool in the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over the Reds at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

Brendan Rodgers’ men had spent Christmas as league leaders but drop down to fourth despite taking the lead in the game through Philippe Coutinho.

City, however, preserved their perfect home Premier League record with Vincent Kompany equalising before Alvaro Negredo netted the winner.

The Spaniard has now netted in each of his last nine appearances at the Etihad Stadium with City now just a single point behind Arsenal as the title race hots up.

Friday, December 27, 2013 11:37

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Bore draw leaves Liverpool top at Christmas

It was a match which left little Christmas cheer for football fans as Arsenal and Chelsea played out a goalless stalemate at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.

But that draw was good news for Liverpool as they can celebrate on December 25 knowing they are leading the Premier League with Luis Suarez in red-hot form heading into the New Year.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 12:00

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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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