Tag Futebol

When Philippe Coutinho left Liverpool to join Barcelona in January, the likelihood of the Brazilian winning trophies increased significantly.

The Catalan giants are serial achievers, but there is one competition that they will not be victorious in – the Champions League.

At the start of the season, not many would have predicted that Liverpool would go further on the elite stage than Barca, but exactly that has transpired.

On Wednesday evening, Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the second leg of their quarter-final tie at the Etihad Stadium.

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The Merseyside outfit were hugely under the cosh in the first half, with many thinking that City were going to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg after Gabriel Jesus scored two minutes into the clash.

However, the Reds weathered the storm before Mohamed Salah struck in the second half to secure that all-important away goal.

Liverpool maintained their composure and Roberto Firmino wrapped up the victory with 13 minutes left on the clock.

Elsewhere in the Stadio Olimpico, Barcelona were stunned by Roma as the Italian outfit came from 4-1 down in the first leg to earn a dramatic 3-0 triumph on home soil.

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The away goals sent them through to the semi-finals, and instantly, Liverpool supporters turned on Coutinho, who caused hurt among the club’s following when he left.

The Brazilian was ineligible to play in the Champions League for Barca due to being cup-tied, but Reds fans find it amusing that his new club failed to progress further than Liverpool.

This game will be remembered for Brad Guzan’s Sunday League goalkeeping but it could have been so different had the keeper not let his side down. Here are THREE talking points from today’s game:

Give Given a chance

Brad Guzan’s error was unforgivable. Aston Villa grew into their game with last season’s Champions but they were always facing an uphill battle thanks to the keeper’s mistake. Given Given’s performance in the FA Cup for Villa he should now be given his chance in the league.

Grealish more than flash in pan

The midfielder followed up his match-winning display against Liverpool with another composed performance today. Grealish linked up Villa’s attack well and poses some awkward questions for previous manager Paul Lambert: with a side so bereft of creativity why did the Scot ignore such a player in his midst?

Benteke wrongly judged offside

Had Christian Benteke not been wrongly judges to be offside at 2-2 this game could have a very different look right now. As it was, City went up the other end and immediately scored via some Fernandinho acrobatics. Tim Sherwood has every reason to feel aggrieved.

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Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic says that he is happy to stay in Italy, despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions are believed to be keen to swoop for the Bosnian playmaker this summer, as manager Roberto Mancini looks to overhaul his squad.

His attacking set-up has been the main source of the Italian’s frustration this season, with a number of his stars failing to produce the required levels of performance on a regular basis.

As well as bringing in one or two new strikers, Mancini is looking to inject some creativity into his side, and has highlighted Pjanic as one of his top targets.

Current City forward Edin Dzeko recently praised his fellow countryman, saying that he would like to play alongside him at club level.

Although Pjanic was flattered by the compliment, the 23-year-old said that he’s fully committed to, and happy with, Roma:

“It is nice to hear that Edin has spoken well of me, but I have a contract here,” he is quoted by talkSPORT.

“Perhaps one day we’ll get the opportunity to play in the same club side, but, for now, I’m proud to be able to wear this shirt.”

Pjanic joined Roma from Lyon in 2011, and has been impressive for the Italian club.

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As well as being known for his eye for the killer ball, the midfielder has also built up a reputation for being an expert from direct set-pieces.

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Manchester United should go all out to sign Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale in this summer’s transfer window, according to former Red Devils captain Rio Ferdinand.

Bale started Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Roma on Tuesday night, but was hooked at half time following a poor first 45 minutes.

The 28-year-old is reportedly keen to stay at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid are said to be preparing to sell the Wales international to the highest bidder this summer.

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United were strongly linked with Bale before the attacker joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur, and continue to be credited with an interest in the former left-back.

Ferdinand has said that he would ‘100%’ take Bale at Old Trafford despite the former Spurs winger finding it difficult to remain injury-free over the last couple of seasons.

Ferdinand told BT Sport:

“For his talent, 100% [I would want him]. If you get him at a decent price, but talent-wise there’s not doubting this guy. But it’s just getting him out on the pitch every week is the problem. He hasn’t been able to do that.

“He’s a huge talent. He’s had a bad season by all accounts from what they’re saying, their fans are disgruntled and not happy about him. He’s got 16 goals. In the Premier League, I’d love to see him here.”

Bale has managed 81 goals and 59 assists in his 182 Real Madrid appearances since making the switch from Tottenham in the summer of 2013.

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This term, the Welshman has managed 14 goals and eight assists in 32 appearances – including 11 in 21 La Liga matches.

Fomer Everton and Manchester United boss, David Moyes has recently taken a swipe at the league where he was previously employed. Claiming the standard has declined badly in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons.

Is he right? Is ‘the best league in the world’, simply now the most overhyped one?

The last few weeks of European competition, have put the struggles of English teams into the spotlight. No teams have managed to negotiate their way into the last eight, of either club European competition.

Rather than comparing the Premier League to the other major European leagues, we will instead compare this year’s English top flight to ones of the past.

How would this year’s teams fare against previous editions of the division?

2014/15’s runaway leaders Chelsea are by far and away the best team in the league. Six points clear with a game in hand, they look sure to win the title. In comparison to previous winners, this Chelsea team are a strong winner. A fantastic goalkeeper is protected by the best central defensive partnership in the country. Their midfield, boasts one of the best defensive midfielders in the world in Matic and one of the great playmakers in Fabregas. Diego Costa leads the line for the Blues, one of the best strikers in world football. Despite their failure in Europe, this Chelsea team could boast that they would be contenders in any era of the Premier League.

It is beyond Mourinho’s men that the dearth of quality really exposes itself. Manchester City look sure to finish second. Essentially second by default, their susceptibility to concede poor goals twinned with their periods of bluntness in attack, mean Pellegrini’s men are a pale shadow of runners up in previous years. Would they hold a candle to the Manchester Untied side that they themselves pipped to the title only three years ago?

The great Arsenal and Manchester United teams of years gone by, are both completely different animals to the ones we now see. The fact that they sit so comfortably within the top four, alludes to the fact that the decline in the quality at the top end is on the slide.

Looking outside the top four, outside the elite band of teams, there are now a group of about 10-12 teams, all of whom are capable of being relegated. Although, this year it seems that all three promoted teams will be relegated, the gap between the lower end of the Premier League and the top end of the Championship is nowhere near as wide as it once seemed.

English team’s worsening performances in Europe can be completely rationalised, football is cyclical. While these shores boasted dominance over European competitions for nearly a decade, there was still a period of relative weakness before.

The easiest way to see the decline in front of our very eyes, is on the pitches in the domestic competition.

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Can any fan of a top side, even Chelsea, suggest they are now stronger than they ever have been? An Arsenal of 2004 would undoubtedly beat an Arsenal of 2015. A 2009 Manchester United, would effortlessly cast aside their modern day counterparts.

Many will argue, Moyes himself has helped to decrease the quality in the league with his poor spell at the helm at Old Trafford, but it a league wide endemic.

The Premier League of today, is a poor relative to those of years gone by.

Would it be fair to say that the outcome of this game would go a long way to determining the Premier League future of both sides? This is definitely one of the seasons cliched ‘six pointers’.

Reading have fallen back into the relegation mire after taking 10 points from a possible 12 across January and February and have lost their last three games in a row. That being said survival is by no means out of their reach and, having taken 18 of their 23 points at the Madjeski Stadium, must make home form count. The Royals were thumped by fellow strugglers Wigan on their own patch two weeks ago but with the Latics in FA Cup action this weekend Brian McDermott knows the chance move out of the relegation zone has never been greater.

The same can be said for Aston Villa who sit a point and a place above their hosts. Inexperience has burned Paul Lambert’s young side on more than one occasion this term but can take heart from a bright performance in the narrow loss to Manchester City on Monday. Its notable that, while City’s goal came from a defensive error, Villa have tightened up at the back since that horrendous run at the back end of 2012 when they conceded 15 goals in three games. That could play a huge part against Reading who’ve seen the goals dry up in recent weeks. In the same degree Lambert has Christian Benteke leading his attack and will expect the exciting Belgian to lead them to victory in Berkshire.

Team News

Adam Federici (sprained ankle) is out so Stuart Taylor will continue to deputise in goal for Reading. Jimmy Kebe is a doubt and Pavel Pogrebnyak sits out the second of a three match suspension.

Aston Villa are hoping to have captain Ron Vlaar back after he missed the previous two games with a calf problem. Fabian Delph starts a two-game ban and Karim El Ahmadi is struggling with an ankle knock.

What the managers said…

“At the end of every season as a manger you never want any regrets. I want to look back on this season and know that whatever happens we have done what we had to do and we have taken the game to the opposition. I don’t need to emphasise anything about this game to the players. They know how important it is for them, their families, our club and most importantly for our fans to put on the right performance. We want to give the supporters value for money, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do between now and the end of the season. If we can get the fans into the game early then they’ll make a real difference.” Brian McDermott wants his side to leave no lingering regrets at the seasons conclusion (readingfc.co.uk)

“There are loads of teams who will be edgy. It will take courage tomorrow. We will need it all over the pitch. To go and play football and not get caught up with the occasion. We certainly don’t look like a team that is playing under pressure. We were well in the game against Manchester City – we never allowed them to play their normal fluid game. I would like to think that everyone has fight in them to win a game – it’s okay to be aggressive. But we need to play the game and not the occasion.” Paul Lambert is convinced his side have the right attitude to avoid relegation (Daily Mail)

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Pre-Match Statistic: Expect late drama at the Madjeski Stadium as four of the last five matches between the two sides has featured a 90th minute goal.

Prediction: Reading 1-2 Aston Villa

Follow all the action in our live blog below… Live Football Blogs on FootballFanCast.com »

Rangers got back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, thrashing Dundee 4-0 at Ibrox.

Graeme Murty’s outfit had failed to win their previous three matches in the top-flight heading into the match against the Dees, but finally produced a performance worth shouting about to pick up the three points and move into second place above Aberdeen.

It was the perfect confidence booster ahead of next week’s massive semi-final against Celtic, a game which will see the Gers need to raise their game again even from Saturday’s win.

It was also a day that saw the return of defender Ross McCrorie, playing his first match since December after an ankle injury. He was impressive again before being substituted off just past the hour mark and fans couldn’t be more delighted to see his return.

They’re all hoping he’s fit enough to face the Hoops at Hampden next week, believing he’s the best option in defence or defensive midfield.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his return…

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From Europa League stand-in for the likes of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor to captain of his club in just one season… the rise of Harry Kane could be set to go into overdrive. Well, according to some reports this morning, which suggest that the goal-getting 21-year-old may be handed the armband in the not too distant future thanks to his growing importance at ‘The Lane’.It may be early days for Kane who has, to be slightly controversial, only enjoyed around six months of looking like Premier League player, but there could be some logic to it – so here are FIVE interesting points to back it up…

A growing influence

There’s no doubting that Harry Kane is now a big part of the Spurs team. From a cup player – European and continental – the young centre-forward is now the Lilywhites’ main striker and source of goals, and reports even suggest that’s now a growing influence in terms of giving team talks.

With such confidence and a level of tactical acumen, Kane looks to have what it takes for a senior role, with the run they’ve been on – one loss in ten games and a spot in the League Cup Final – backing up what he has been bringing to the table.

The main man

As a striker, Kane’s main job is to put the ball in the back of the net… and he’s certainly been doing that. The 21-year-old has scored more goals in all competitions this term than any other Premier League player, justifying Mauricio Pochettino’s call to make him the focal point of his attack. A captain needs to do more than just put the ball between the sticks, but leading by example is a key part of wearing the armband, and Kane does that with his impressive tally and all-action playing style.

White Hart Lane hero

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In modern football, it’s somewhat sad to say, local heroes are a dying breed. When Steven Gerrard retires Liverpool will lose, arguably, the best example of such a set of circumstances in the Premier League, so it would be nice to see somebody step up. Kane may have been pictured in Arsenal strips and played for their youth sides, but having spent the majority of his formative years in the white half of north London, he certainly offers a presence fans can relate to.

The chants of ‘he’s one of our own’ back that up, and he’s sure to get the support of almost every Spurs fan at White Hart Lane should he be ‘promoted’.

Leading by example

Building from the main man point, Kane really does set an example on the pitch. In the games he’s been dropped or rested in favour of Soldado or Adebayor, Spurs have lacked the intensity he offers, with his willing running, desire to take on responsibility and, of course, ability almost infectious.

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Long-term option

Spurs fans may not want to admit it, but the club, on the whole, has been a selling one in recent times. Over the course of the past few years key players such as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have been shipped out for vast profits, which has contributed to a lack of progress from the Champions League days of Harry Redknapp and his top four finishes.

Although there are suggestions Kane is already attracting Real Madrid, the player himself is thought to be keen to stay at White Hart Lane, which could make him an option for the next few years and stability could be key for Tottenham…

Atletico Madrid will request to take David de Gea on loan from Manchester United if Thibaut Courtois make his return to Chelsea at the end of the season, The Daily Mail reports.

According to the newspaper, the United goalkeeper has been linked with an early return home after struggling to cement his position between the Old Trafford sticks in his second season at the club.

De Gea, who joined Manchester United last season after a £18 million transfer, has failed to meet after two impressive years defending the Atletico Madrid goal.

Los Colchoneros would happily take de Gea back, especially if Chelsea recall the impressive Belgian stopper, Thibaut Courtois after a two-year loan at Atletico that has proven the £8million the Blues shelled out for him was value for money.

De Gea has also been linked with Real Madrid as a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas, although this option seems unlikely after Real signed Diego Lopez in the January window due to Casillas being sidelined for two months.

Although Alex Ferguson has publicly stood up for De Gea in several occasions, United would have to sign a new goalkeeper if the Spaniard finally moves back home. The name of Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic has been bandied around in the past few weeks after an outstanding Premier League season for Tony Pulis’ side.

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It would be one of the understatements of the century to claim that Leeds United fans are not happy with their football team at the moment.

The Whites are without a win in their last four Championship matches, and currently sit down in 14th position in the second tier after falling away in their early battle for a playoff spot.

A change of manager has not led to a change in form, and a number of Leeds fans are said to be considering boycotting Elland Road next season if things do not change.

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Leeds captain Liam Cooper recently attempted to rally the troops with a special tribute to the club’s supporters, but the defender’s words have not been well received.

Indeed, it has actually had the opposite impact, with a number of the club’s supporters taking to social media to reveal their views on the 26-year-old, who has had a number of difficult moments in a Leeds shirt during the 2017-18 campaign.

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A selection of the Twitter reaction can be found below: