REVEALED! Moyes says United will exploit Bayern weakness

Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that Bayern Munich have some weaknesses which they will exploit in their Champions League meeting.

United host the German champions on Tuesday in the first leg tie of the UEFA Champions league Quarter finals.

The Bavarian giants have not lost in the league this season, culminating in their 24th German title, sealed in Berlin on Tuesday.

The defending European champions last lost a game in December – but according to Moyes, who is well aware of Bayern’s quality – they do have weak areas.

Moyes told United’s official website: “When we drew them, I felt we’d drawn probably the best team in Europe at this present time.

“I think most people would agree with that…Munich are a little bit of a class above the other teams, including Borussia Dortmund.

Read more here on PUNCH

Anfield too hot for Tottenham as Super Sunday ends in white-wash

Liverpool proved too strong for Tottenham Hotspur as they trashed Spurs 4-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

The home team opened scoring with a Younes Kaboul own goal in the 2nd minutes while Luis Suarez doubled the lead 25' capitalizing on a defensive error to score his 29th goal of the season beating Robbie Fowler's a season Premier league goal scoring record for the club.

Philippe Coutinho grabs the third while Jordan Henderson 75' minutes a strike distance completed the goal route.

Liverpool now sit on top of the table with 71Pts followed by Chelsea while Manchester City sits 3rd.

In an earlier fixture, Fulham could not withstand Everton as they fell 1-3 as they remained bottom of the BPL.

Luis Suarez sets new Liverpool goal-scoring record

Uruguay and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored his 29th goal of the season to surpass Robbie Fowler's (28) all-time premier league goals in a season for the club.

Suarez took advantage of an error at the backline of Tottenham to double the lead on Sunday.

All things being equal, Suarez will score more.

Flamini hurts City top spot hope

Manchester City's visit to the Emirates on Saturday didn't yield the best of result as they pulled a 1-1 draw against Arsenal failing to capitalize on an earlier defeat from Chelsea.

City had taken the lead through Spaniard David Silva but couldn't hold on as Mathieu Flamini scored to put the match on a tie.

The chance to go atop the log this weekend now lies with Liverpool who takes on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Hold on Blues! Crystal Hit Chelsea

Chelsea suffered a disappointing loss to Crystal Palace no thanks to a John Terry own goal at Selhurst Park.

This is definitely a huge set back to the Blues' title Chase.

Meanwhile, in the Spanish La Liga, a Lionel Messi penalty secured three maximum points for Barcelona away to City rivals Espanyol.

Sigh off Relief: United triumph 4-1 over Aston Villa

Manchester United came from behind to beat Aston Villa at the Old Trafford on Saturday in th Barclays Premier League.

Villa drew the first blood in the in less than 15 minutes of play but United fired back through Wayne Rooney who also scored a Penalty to put United ahead before Juan Mata and Hernandez finished the job to end on a 4-1.

Moses can catch some breathe now in spite of the banner agitating for his removal.

Brazil 2014: Ronaldo comfortable with underdog tag

Portugal and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo says his country are no favourites in the forth coming Brazil 2014 World cup.

Ronaldo however labelled the likes of Spain, Brazil, Germany and Argentina as favourites at the mundial.

According to him, "we are Confident of having a fantastic world cup and we hope to take things step by step."

Portugal are in the same group with Ghana, USA and Germany in Group G.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Fans plan to fly a "Moyes Out" Banner

Following the recent poor run of form, Manchester United fans plan to fly a banner that reads "wrong one Moyes Out".

Aguero out, Silva in Emirates clash

City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of the clash at the Emirates on Saturday as Arsenal host Manchester City. The star striker is yet to recover from an hamstring injury he sustained earlier this month against Barcelona.

Meanwhile, David Silva who was very instrumental to City's trashing of fellow city dwellers Manchester United has been passed fit for the tie as manager Manuel Pellegrini has included him in his selection for the match.

Sebastian Vettel, Bayern clinch 2014 Sports Award

The Laureus award is held annually to celebrate remarkable achievements in Sports throughout the year ranging from individual performance or team.

This year's was held in Malaysia and here are the winners of several categories.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Sebastian Vettel established himself as one of the greatest drivers
of all-time with his fourth straight Formula One World
Championship, joining legends Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael
Schumacher and Alain Prost, who all won at least four times. At
just 26 years and 116 days, Vettel is the youngest ever four-time
champion. In 2013 he won 13 Grand Prix, including a record nine
straight victories.

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Missy Franklin was the sensation of Barcelona, becoming the first
woman in history to win six gold medals at a single World
Championships – three individual and three relay - at the age of
just 18. This followed her performance in the London Olympics
where she won four gold medals. She continues to refuse prize
money and endorsements so that she can maintain her amateur
status in college.

TEAM OF THE YEAR
Bayern Munich became the first club to complete the treble of
UEFA Champions League (their fifth win), Bundesliga and German
Cup. In the Bundesliga, they lost just one match and created a host
of records: most points in a season (91); highest winning points
margin (25); most wins (29); fewest goals conceded (18). Their
victory over CSKA Moscow in November was a record tenth
successive Champions League success.

While Tennis Player Rafael Nadal won the Come Back of the Year Award. There are also many more categories where Afghanistan Cricket team was rewarded and many others.

Click here for MORE

Wenger remains upbeat on premier league title

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says his side's performance against Manchester City saturday evening will show they have not given up on the premier league title.

Speaking at a pre match interview, Wenger made it clear that the focus hasn't changed yet.

According to Skysports, "There is no other priority other than coming first," said Wenger, who accepts this weekend represents Arsenal's last chance to stay in the race. "That is still our target.

"Champions keep going when everybody else would give up. We have an opportunity to show that we have that mentality.

"If people say Everton can catch us then we can catch the teams above us. We have not given up, believe me. It's our attitude tomorrow which will show that.

"It is the next game that is of course very important, and the next game is of massive importance because it is Man City and they fight at the top.

"They are the favourites with Chelsea and Liverpool, but when you play one of the favourites, you have an opportunity to shorten the distance to them."

In the reverse fixture at the Etihad, City defeated Arsenal 6-3 and tomorrow's match promises to be another cracker.

City midweek thrash Manchester United. 3-0, while Arsenal had to manage a 2-2 draw against Swansea City.

Offside: Lady Gaga clocks 28 Today (PHOTOS)

American Pop star Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta aka Lady Gaga is 28 Today.

Happy Birthday Gaga

Nigeria, Ghana crash out of U-17 Women's World Cup

Africa's hope of seeing one of her representatives in the final of the on going FIFA  U-17 women's world cup has hit the rock as both Ghana and Nigeria were beaten in Costa Rica at the quarter final stage.

Ghana took an early lead against Italy but finally lost out 3-4 on penalties while the Flamengoes of Nigeria could not find their feet against a technical Spanish side.

Giggs, Neville, Scholes and co buy Salford City FC

Amidst reports that Manchester United class of 92' would front in the possible take over of the club, United greats Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have agreed a deal to buy Salford City Football Club, subject to Football Association and Football League approval.

The acquisition of the Evo-Stik League Division One North club is due to be completed later in the summer.

Most of these players had a connection with Salford during their early days of football.

BREAKING: UEFA launch Nations League

The European Football governing body in the quest to further improve and standardize football in the continent has approved a planned league to replace international friendlies for member nations.

According to a press release on UEFA's website The 54 UEFA member associations unanimously adopted a four-point resolution entitled 'National men's A-team competitions 2018-2022' at the XXXVIII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Astana which will see the launch of the UEFA Nations League from 2018.

The competition will feature promotion and relegation, will see a
winning team every odd year and will replace most international
friendlies.

"We accept and respect that all UEFA member associations have
agreed to create a new competition," said Wolfgang Niersbach,
chairman of the National Teams Competition Committee. "This is a
big step for national teams in Europe and we hope that fans will
support the new format."

Read more here on UEFA.COM

La Liga: Valdes suffers ACL Tear in Barca win as Real Slump

It was mixed reaction for Barcelona as they defeated Celta Vigo 3-0  on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou but lost their first choice goal keeper to an injury that will keep him out of the season.

Víctor Valdés suffered an ACL tear on 22 minutes after saving a free kick from Augusto.

According to a statement on the club's website which reads, "The Club's Medical Services confirm that he will need surgery. The keeper fell awkwardly on his right leg, forcing him to ask to be substituted. He was subbed off two minutes later for Pinto while he was being carted off the pitch of the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's title chase suffered a setback as they were beaten 2-1 at Sevilla while fellow title contenders and City rivals Athletico Madrid saw off Granada by a lone goal from Diego Costa to clinch top spot.

As it stands, Barcelona are in second position while Real drops to third spot.

Etoo Joins fight against Ebola Virus in Guinea

Chelsea Striker Samuel Etoo has joined the campaign to fight the recently discovered Ebola Virus outbreak in Guinea.

The Cameroonian posted on his Instagram and Facebook accounts

"A deep thought for my brothers in Guinea that is currently affected by the Ebola virus. Lets fight together to defeat this scourge. #SaveAfrica"

Recent reports have it that Guinea said on Wsday it had stopped an outbreak of deadly Ebola fever from spreading beyond the country's remote southeast, although the number of deaths from suspected infections rose to at least 63.

Let's save Africa!

Iheanacho, Success, others top Provisional 35 Man Squad For AYC Qualifier

Reigning African Young Footballer of the Year, Kelechi Iheanacho and Isaac Success have been named in a 35-man provisional squad expected to reconvene on Sunday ahead of a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier.

Iheanacho is on the books of Manchester City, while Success has just recently teamed up with Granada CF in Spain.

Several other overseas-based players including Musa Muhammed (Besiktas,Turkey), Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City, England), Chidera Eze (FC Porto, Portugal), Musa Yahaya (Celta Vigo, Spain) and Sunday Alampasu, who is undergoing trials in Belgium, are also picked.

The team is made up of the bulk of the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning squad.

The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Sunday Alampasu, Adamu Abubakar, Abdulazeez Abubakar, Zaharadden Mohammed

Defenders: Samuel Okon, Aliyu Abubakar, Wilfred Ndidi, Prince Izu, Omego, Timothy Danladi Ifeanyi Nweke, Mazadu Sirajo, Mustapha Abdullahi, Musa Muhammed, Zaharaddeen Bello

Midfielders: Abdullahi Alfa, Akinjide Idowu,Ifeanyi Matthew, Mathias Samuel, Fedelix Irene, Uche Okeke, Chidiebere Nwakali

Forward: Taiwo Awoniyi, Alhassan Ibrahim, Bernard Bulbwa,Suleiman Abdullahi, Billy Auta, Abubakar Lawal, Wasiu Jimoh, Anthony Omaka,Umar Ahmed, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Musa Yahaya, Chidera Eze, Victory Omodiagbe

Why other teams will keep chasing Bayern and Barcelona

You will agree that it is always delightful to watch a football team keep Possession just like we have seen lately with Bayern Munich and Barcelona as ever.

This pattern of play has of course been translated into amazing results and record breaking feats just like we saw last night with Bayern's title glory in style.

Bayern set a record against Hertha Berlin last night with 1078.

Prior to that, Barcelona made 1046 passes v Levante in May 2011, 1035 against the same team in November 2012, 970 v Racing Santander in October 2011, 939 v Real Sociedad in 2010.

European football is trying to tell us something, but English football knows best and will go on chasing Bayern and Barcelona around the pitch.

Comparing Bayern to English teams, Dailymail.co.uk reports that, " In total, Bayern made 1078 passes last night. Back home in the Premier League, Arsenal made 686, Swansea 452, Manchester United 545, Manchester City 490, Newcastle 489, Everton 403.

Bayern Munich are operating at a different level.

It will not come as too much of a surprise that Bayern and Barcelona are the top passing teams in the five major leagues in Europe since records began in 2005.

Read more here on DAILYMAIL

They use to be scared of the Old Trafford - Rooney

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is surely not happy with recent events especially at the loss to fellow city rivals on Tuesday night as they fell 0-3.

Rooney told reporters that rivals are no longer afraid of coming to the Old Trafford and that the Old Trafford "fear factor" has vanished.

It could be recalled that Rooney labelled the 0-3 fall to Liverpool as the worst days of his career.

According to Dailymail.co.uk.....

Iheanacho, Alampasu, others out of World cup selection

As Nigerians await the provisional squad for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, Chief coach of the Nigeria Senior National Team, Stephen Keshi says the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Dele Alampasu and  others have no chance of being selected for the sundial.

He stated that these players must add to their ranks and graduate to the senior level with time.

According to Keshi "The FIFA World Cup is too far for the U-17 players. If they were U-20s, perhaps, one could have given it a consideration.”
He told Brila FM in Lagos.

It could be recalled that Dele Alampasu was the only one who made it to the last CHAN tournament in South Africa earlier this year among his peers that shone at the U-17 at United Arab Emirates last year.

Raising a glass for Bayern (Pep and Players share beer)

Now Bayern Munich can afford to take more beer. It's called drinking responsibly  lol...

Congratulations Bayern.

Bayern beat Hertha Berlin to clinch the earliest Bundesliga title

Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze put Bayern ahead in the tie scoring within 15' minutes of play at Hertha Berlin in their quest to making history.

Although Hertha Berlin pulled on back but substitute Franc Riberry ensured that the party went as planned.

According to ESPN SOCCERNET

City crush United 3-0 in Manchester derby, Arsenal draw

Edwin Dzeko scored one of the fastest goal in the derby match under a minute of play, got another to complete his double while Yaya Toure completed the job.

In the build up to the match, Manchester United looked like a side that would cause City troubles but there was no cause for alarm as the fans at Old Trafford had to enjoy City doing the scoring.

Meanhwile, it's the 10th loss for United this season. (Record in the Premier league within in a season for Utd)

At the Emirates, Arsenal were forced to a draw by Swansea City who got a late equalizer trough an own goal credited to Matthew Flamini.

Swansea got a goal in within ten minutes of play while Arsenal scored twice within a minute through Lukas Podolski who came on to replace Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 57' and Giroud scored the second for Arsenal from an attack driven by the substitute Podolski.

More accident for Arsenal you'll say.

In another fixture on the night, Everton trashed Newcastle 3-0 on away soil.

EPL: Suddenly the Manchester Derby becomes an issue

Without much ado, it could be said of this fixture that about two weeks ago no one was looking forward to this tie owing to the fact that both teams were operating from different realms. But what has changed?

Before now Manchester United have been quite inconsistent and struggling to impress in games. The team has therefore suffered much criticism, in fact, the capability of the manager was being questioned if he is indeed the chosen man for the Job.

Between last week and now, the team has picked up two emphatic wins from two matches, against Olympiakos and Westham United at the weekend.

Suddenly, Wayne Rooney has found his feet again, some say since he signed the massive deal. Gan Persie has picked up his scoring boots and clinical in front of goal, every department have been up to the task.

Manchester City on the other hand have been a side that hasn't lost focus, they've been consistent with solidity at the backline, finesse and panache in the middle and also upfront is superb.

Thence, one would conclude that this fixture promises to be mouth-watering without doubts. It is one match that can bring about a change in terms of placement on the log and chase for title especially for City.

The last ten meetings:

10 Nov 2010Manchester City v Manchester United0-0Premier League
12 Feb 2011Manchester United v Manchester City2-1Premier League
16 Apr 2011Manchester City v Manchester United1-0FA Cup
07 Aug 2011Manchester City v Manchester United2-3FA Community Shield
23 Oct 2011Manchester United v Manchester City1-6Premier League
08 Jan 2012Manchester City v Manchester United2-3FA Cup
30 Apr 2012Manchester City v Manchester United1-0Premier League
09 Dec 2012Manchester City v Manchester United2-3Premier League
08 Apr 2013Manchester United v Manchester City1-2Premier League
22 Sep 2013Manchester City v Manchester United4-1Premier League

Read more here on Supersport.com

Criticisms don't move me - Keshi

Coach of the Nigeria Senior national team Stephen Keshi says he has refused to worry about what people say and would not allow any negative thoughts influence his selection and tactics.

Keshi since taking the job in 2011 has turned around the fortunes of the nation in African football winning the African Cup of Nations in 2013, he hasn't lost any competitive game in Africa, yet has come under fire of some sect which he claims he can handle.

He told BBC that "this is life and not everybody is going to like you."

Vanguard Reports....

FA clear Gibbs and Chamberlain for Swansea tie

Sequel to the Red card awarded to Kieran Gibbs based on mistaken identity instead of Oxlade-Chamberlain in Saturday's six goal thriller against Chelsea, both players will now be available on Tuesday when Arsenal confront Swansea City on Tuesday night.

According to the FA's statement on Arsenal website that reads "An Independent Regulatory Commission today heard two claims from Arsenal, one of mistaken identity and the other of wrongful dismissal, both in relation to Saturday’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The commission ruled that the dismissal of Kieran Gibbs was a case of mistaken identity and transferred this to his team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Subsequent to deciding this matter, the commission then considered Arsenal’s claim for wrongful dismissal in relation to Oxlade-Chamberlain. This claim was upheld, meaning Oxlade-Chamberlain will not serve any suspension with the standard punishment withdrawn with immediate effect."

EPL: Osaze hopes for Top 10 finish

Osaze Odemwingie on Sunday grabbed an equalizer for his side in Sunday's 1-4 win away at Aston Villa. The goal marks his 4th for Stoke City and he took to Twitter to express his joy and also hope for a better ending in the season.

He Tweeted via @OdemwingieP  "Happy 4 our fans to witness a long awaited away win. The support was great as usual. Same focus for next games is important. Top 10 possible"

They currently sit number 10 on the English Premier League log.

Yes! Top 10 he says, not Top four. Lolz

Brazil to send Army to Rio slums to quell violence

Reports have it that there have been series of bombing and attacks on the Police in Rio de Janeiro lately, a city set to host about seven matches when the World Cup kicks off in June this year.

The Governor has therefore hinted that the entire city will be taken over by the Army prior to the World Cup in order to maintain peace and order when delegates and participants arrive Brazil.

Guardian.co.uk reports...

Ronaldo slams ref over El Clasico 3-4 defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo has blamed official Alberto Undiano for the loss to Barcelona last night at the Santiago Bernabeu stating that he was incompetent and made lots of mistakes that affected the outcome of the thrilling encounter.

The Madrid forward also mentioned that many people are not happy with Real Madrid being atop the league log as they want Barcelona to be in control.

According to DailyMail

Etoo out for two weeks

Chelsea will miss their top striker Samuel Etoo for the next few weeks after he sustained an hamstring injury during the Arsenal route that ended 6-0 where he scored his 11th league goal.

Meanwhile coach Jose Mourinho has hinted that the player may return for the UEFA champions League tie against PSG.

Dailymail reports

FIFA U-17 Women World Cup: Nigeria to play Spain in Quarter final

Nigeria’s Flamingoes top its group by beating Mexico 3 – 0 at the Under 17 Women’s World Cup on going at Estadio Nacional on March 23, 2014 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The Flamingoes beat Mexico with a deserved 3-0 scoreline to leapfrog their opponents at the top of Group D and set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.

Messi grabs Treble as Barca beat Real at Bernabeu

Amidst the drama and excitement as usual, Lionel Messi scored thrice to ensure that his side finished a goal better than Real Madrid in a highly spirited match ending 3-4 at the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

Barca took the lead in the early minutes 7' through Andres Iniesta while Benzema scored twice (20' 24') to put Real on the balance and ahead, but Messi struck few minutes to half time.

Cristiano Ronaldo Cooly slotted in a penalty kick after he was fouled in the box, controversial though. 55'

The turning point of the encounter was the 63' when Sergio Ramos was caught and given marching order for a goal-bound charge on Neymar in the box, again cool calm and collected Messi scored to level up.

Just about 6' to regulation time, Iniesta was fouled in a clumsy challenge and the Referee awarded another penalty taken by Messi to complete his treble on the night.

With the result, Barcelona are just a point behind Real who share point with Athletico Madrid on 70pts.

FACTS: Between Real Madrid and Barcelona

Ahead of tonight's clash, both teams go into the tie as the most prolific league scoring sides. The Los Blancos with 77 while Barca boast of 88 so far.

With about 10 matches to end the season, Real topple Barcelona with four points and that makes the outcome of this time important to both sides.

For stats ahead of the match Read More here

Check out Rooney's Miracle-goal in 2-0 win at Westham

The football world has witnessed lots of wonderful goals and this is one of such that won't go unnoticed, in fact cannot be forgotten so soon.

Rooney's wonder goal has been tagged as a season's best and has also been compared to David Beckham's stunner Which he lobbed past Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line on the first day of the 1996-97 season, when United went on to win the league.

Don't get it twisted, no one is tipping United to won the league this season.

Video courtesy YouTube

Skrtel has scored more goals than Fernando Torres

How wonderful it is when defenders score goals during matches to help their teams. Liverpool's Martin Skrtel is a vivid example as he has seen the back of the net six times in the English Premier League which puts him ahead of former team mate Fernando Torres who has only scored for times for Chelsea in the league his season.

You'll recall that Skrtel added to goals in the Arsenal 6-1 demolition, he also repeated a similar version against Cardiff City on Saturday.

What a contrast you'll say as one begins to ask what's happening to El Nino.

According to Sky sports

English Premier League: Chelsea whip Arsenal 6-0

Chelsea put six past Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday to further strengthen their position at the top of the league table.

The epic London derby saw Arsenal finished with 10 men as Gibbs was mistakenly sent off for an offence committed by Chamberlain who handled stopped a goal-bound strike from Hazard.

Samuel Etoo started the route in the early minutes, followed by Schuerrle, Hazard, Oscar's brace and Salah finished it up.

Chelsea however remain on top while Arsenal's hope of a top four finish remains uncertain.

What a bad day for Arsene Wenger his 1000th match in charge at Arsenal.

Bubbles Burst: Wenger is going no where

Just as Arsenal prepares to tackle league leaders Chelsea, manager Arsene Wenger is also set to make history as he celebrates his 1000th match being in charge of the Gunner although the club management is yet to disclose details of the new deal.

Before now, there have been speculations that Wenger might be  leaving the club soon but the Frenchman countered this notion and says he's committing his future to the London club.

According to Skysports, Wenger was Asked if he would still be at Arsenal after 1,010 matches, he replied: "I think so, yes.

"I want to do well, and the expectation level and the impatience is there.

"My commitment is full. I do not want to look somewhere else. I want to stay here. There shouldn't be any uncertainty at all."

So to those out there expecting his exit, sorry if your bubbles have been burst.

Van Persie happy at United and could retire there

Manchester United striker has reiterated that he is ''very happy'' at the club and neither does he have plans of leaving anytime soon nor have problems with the manager David Moyes.

The 30 year old striker joined United during the 2012/2013 season and was instrumental to their Premier League title success with then manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although his recent performance and attitude are questionable, the player however hinted that he might even spend the rest of his top flight career at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo saves 10 month old baby boy as he pays operation bill

 

Twitter/@Realmadridplace

Call it another act of philantropy or kindness, you're absolutely right. Portugal and Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo has offered to foot the operation bill of a 10-months old baby boy born with neurological disorder.

The boy Erik Ortiz Cruz suffers up to 30 epileptic fits a day and surgery is the only solution to his condition. 

Twitter/TodosomosErik

Daily mail reports that the boy's family have been unable to meet massive hospital bills with each test carried out costing around £5,020 (6,000 euros) and surgery likely to run to £50,240 (60,000 euros).

Read more HERE

Barcelona end Manchester City's UEFA Champions League dream

It was another disappointing night for England in the UEFA Champions League campaign as Manchester City failed to make it to the next round. City were confronted with the hurdle of upturning a two-goal deficit which they incurred in the first leg encounter against Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium. Coming to the Camp Nou on Wednesday night, they lost 1-2 in what could be described as an end to a big dream

PHOTO: Twitter/@mcfc

  

Goals from Lionel Messi and Daniel Alves put Barcelona ahead while a late consolation form City's inspirational captain Vincent Kompany was inconsequential to their quest amidst several wrong calls by the official during the course of the match.

 

Sometimes one is left with no choice but to conclude that football or soccer as used in some other climes can be cruel, especially when the odds or result do not go as ''planned''.

Flowing form the match, it was clear that expectations, hopes and emotions were high with regards to the eventual outcome of the match at Camp Nou which makes it a bit difficult to rate City's performance on the night with the officiating concern. But meanwhile, may be it was actually wrong for City to dream of upturning the result or would you rather say that City didn't just do quite enough to beat Barcelona on the night?

Expectedly, City fought a good fight of of faith and fate but their prowress was not enough to take out Barcelona who were impressive and showed why they are still to be revered by other teams. If one is to take into consideration the recent form of Barcelona in the La Liga, you might want to say that it would be a difficult outing in the UCL but not with a City side that seem to have lost it at home when they had the chance to fight hard.

City had their destiny in the hands of the hands of the Catalans and that is not too good at this stage of the campaign. Both teams play different style of football and the truth be told, they were playing from different perspectives that is, Barcelona were working to kill the game off ensuring no goal was behind their net but City were on a double quest, first to match up the result and then get a victory.

Another casualty lost.... Not forgetting Arsenal a team also from England crashed  a day earlier while Chelsea and Manchester United hope to sustain the English presence in the UCL.

AFCON REWARD: Dangote set to fulfill $1m promise to Super Eagles

So the reward for winning the African Cup of nations are still pouring in.... Reports have it that Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote is set to fulfill his promise of $1m to the Eagles after a public call by the captain of the team to the Billionaire and others who made a promise to the team.

"We understand the busy schedule of Alhaji Dangote, we are just asking his aides to help remind him of the promise to us. It’s just a reminder to patriots who are very busy and may not have been prompted after they made their pledges, because the players are determined to bring more honours to fatherland at the forthcoming World Cup” Enyeama said

Speaking with BBC Sports, Dangote said the only reason he hasn't redeemed his promise was because nobody from the team or NFF had contacted him

"We’ve been waiting for Nigerian officials to collect the money but nobody has written to us. We will write to them, asking for the account numbers of the players, then we’ll make the transfer immediately.”

Champions League: Arsenal, AC Milan walk on tightrope

There is a dictum that says ''it is not over until it is over'', Could this be what Arsenal and their fans across the world banks on as the London club face German Champions Bayern Munich tonight at the Allianz Arena or would it be wrong for AC Milan to go to Spain dreaming of turning the table around against Athletico Madrid?

What Arsenal must do to be in the next phase (quarter final) of the Champions League this season is to overturn 2-0 deficit tonight which ordinarily is out-rightly impossible. The Gunners can take inspiration from their last season's experience when they defeated Bayern 2-0 at the Allianz Arena but the first leg loss 1-3 at home plotted their ouster.

Bayern just after their victory in London last month, they went ahead to beat Schake 6-1 and just over the weekend they also thrashed Wolfsburg 6-1. Going forward, one can say that this Bayern side go into this tie as the favourites with some of their players returning injury that can do the damage against Arsenal.

Arsenal on the other hand won over the weekend in the English F.A Cup 4-1 which seems to be the most realistic trophy they can clinch this season.

Athletico Madrid look forward to a place in the quater final of the champions league for the first time since 1997 when they play AC Milan on Tuesday as well in the second fixture on the night.

Diego Costa's late winner gave the Spaniards the advantage three weeks ago as they won 1-0 in Italy.

Most recent form, Athletico Madrid beat Celta Vigo at the weekend 2-0 while AC Milan slump again losing to Udinese by a lone goal. They also have contrasting fortunes back home at their domestic scenes which could influence why may witness something different in this tie.AC Milan have everything to play for as they risk not winning any title this season.

Time shall tell what tonight holds.

Etoo celebrates 33rd Birthday thanks fans for support

Happy 33rd Birthday Samuel Etoo

The Cameroon striker posted on his instagram "I am so Happy to have scored the 300th goal in club of my career today. Thank you to you all for the incredible support. Go @chelseafc ''

OPINION: This same Wigan shock Man City again

Twitter/@MCFC

Last year's FA Cup final was Wigan Athletic's first appearance at the finale while for Manchester City it was their 10th, right there and then at Wembley Stadium, a shocker for City and the trophy went to Wigan who also succumbed to relegation same season. The Cup however offered them an opportunity to play in the group stages of the Europa League in 2013/2014 season.

With City's whole recruitment, form and recent performance, one would conclude that it was a bad fixture for Wigan especially as City would carry the sore they (Wigan) left on them a year ago as cited above. In fact, one would predict that we will witness a semi final with at least three teams from the top flight league but unfortunately or fortunately it went the other way round.

It is often said that once beaten twice shy, but this wasn't the case on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium as Cup favourites City fell again to Wigan 1-2 in the same cup but at a different stage this time.

In fact, you may ask, what manner of team is this Wigan standing at the door to City's ''breakthrough''. Well fate i'll say. They also came determined and gave it all like they needed the game to survive even though they did not pass the ball around as they did last season under Roberto Martinez. 

Where does this leave City who snatched the Capital One cup from Sunderland about a week ago? For those hoping to see them finish with a treble this season, kindly reduce it to a double unless you haven't heard the news yet but if you are reading this piece, you must have been informed in the paragraph above.

Anyway, the game must go on with or without City. 

We saw Arsenal demolish Everton 4-1 on Saturday in the other fixture of the Quarter Final as they now face a determined Wigan side that saw off another Premier League team but even if Wigan crash at this point they have defended their title well. Note that this statement does not presuppose that the Londoners (Arsenal) will win.

In the other fixtures however, Charlton Athletic were displaced by Sheffield United and Hull City also saw off fellow Premier league side Sunderland. 

League One's Sheffield now take on Hull City in the second semi final fixture

OPINION: Even if the ''Happy one'' resereves his happiness

Who's not going to be happy when his side wins or who will not be delighted to see his side win by at least three goals let alone four. Again, who would not like to be in Chelsea's position at this point in time, may be you should ask a team at the steering last season. 

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For Chelsea, beating a team like Tottenham Hotspur at this point in the season is good but actually best and pivotal to their title quest as they currently sit atop the English Premier League, gone seven points clear but should be noted that if Manchester City go ahead to win their remaining matches in the season (12), they will be crowned champions of the League. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho had earlier refused to be tagged the title favourites but with recent occurrences, it is obvious that the Blues have gone past the chase for top four finish and according to the Portuguese, the objective No 2 is to go for the top three which guarantees an automatic champions league spot.

He told Sky Sports: "Clearly it is very, very difficult to not get a top-four position. They (Spurs) were the biggest threats to the top four.

"If we lose seven points now with nine matches to go... a lot can happen, but 13 points with nine matches is almost impossible for us to lose that, so from now our objective in the Premier League is in our pocket.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are now the closest horses racing to make the UCL spot but such margin is enough to increase the pressure. Mourinho feels the lead is ''not realistic'' but it is clear that the ''Happy One'' is in a way satisfied with the way things are turning out right now even though he covets City's position not with the smiles on his face at the post match interview after trashing a fellow Londoner.

Samuel Etoo's old man celebration gesture (PHOTO)

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Samuel Etoo scored agaisnt Tottenham on saturday in the Barclays Premier League and his celebration was out of this world as he showed off an old man's celebration which could be a response to Mourinho's mockery of the striker who doubts his age.

It could be recalled that the Chelsea manager sparked a controversy last month raising question about how old the player is, if actually 32 or above.

Old but still firing or what could this mean?

Chelsea go seven points clear after beating Spurs 4-0

Chelsea recorded a 4-0 win over Tottenham in the Barclays premier league on Saturday which leaves the Blues seven point clear atop the table.

A goal from Samuel Etoo, Eden Hazard and Demba Ba’s brace killed off the London Derby as Tottenham finished  with 10 men after Younes Kaboul was shown a red card for a foul on Etoo in the box.

Chelsea are now unbeaten in 15 matches, 11 clean sheets in 16 games and unbeaten by Spurs since 1990 at the home.

Why Lionel Messi Vomits during games

Lionel Messi vomits during Argentina game for the third time

Dailymail.co.uk

The Barcelona Star threw up just nine minutes into his Bucharest appearance as Argentina played Romania in a friendly. 

It has however become a worrying issue as the coach of Barcelona  Tata Matino confirmed that doctors have been contacted to ascertain what is responsible.

'I've spoken with him and it happens regularly. I'm not a specialist but I understand it's not something normal,' Martino said ahead of this weekend's Primera Division trip to Real Valladolid.

'He's even been to see specialists at certain times and a solution hasn't been found yet, but there's no cause for concern It doesn't affect him doing his work at all. It's something he's had for some time.'

Source: Dailymail.co.uk