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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Liga leaders slip up in title race

La Liga fans must be wondering if anyone wants to win the title this season as all three sides fighting at the top of the table slipped up in an astonishing weekend of Spanish football.

Barcelona were the first side to drop points, drawing 2-2 at home to Getafe on Saturday, before Atletico Madrid appeared to relinquish their grip on top spot with a 2-0 defeat away to Levante.

Then, on Sunday night, Real Madrid failed to take advantage of their rivals' failings as they twice fell behind to Valencia, with a magical back-heel volley from Cristaino Ronaldo needed to salvage their title hopes in stoppage time.

The title is still in Ateltico's hands, but Barcelona and Madrid will be ready to pounce if Diego Simeone's men slip up on any more banana skins.

Monday, May 5, 2014 09:30

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