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║ UEFA Champions League 2013/2014 ║

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Rooney trains ahead of Bayern Munich clash

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Apr 8, 2014 11:29:00 AM

The England striker took part in training after seemingly overcoming the toe injury that had threatened to rule him out of the fixture at the Allianz Arena

Wayne Rooney took part in full training on Tuesday morning ahead of Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Bayern Munich.

The 28-year-old forward was initially a major doubt for the clash on Wednesday evening with a toe injury but, after missing United's 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, the striker is in line to return for the second leg in Germany.

Meanwhile, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola is convinced the England international, along with Antonio Valencia, will feature against his side.

"He [Rooney] is going to play. 100 per cent," said the Spaniard.

"He is going to play I bet you a big big glass of beer. I believe he is going to play, and Valencia too. Rooney is going to play. He is a big player."

David Moyes' men head into the fixture at the Allianz Arena having secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg and the Scot is also boosted by the return of three other senior players.

Ashley Young, Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans all joined Rooney in training on Tuesday, while Ryan Giggs, who missed the win over Newcastle, also took part. Marouane Fellaini and Rafael both missed Tuesday's session.

Bayern, meanwhile, have a number of squad concerns of their own, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez suspended and Xherdan Shaqiri injured.

 

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Lahm: Bayern will stay true to own style against Manchester United

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By Stefan Coerts
Apr 8, 2014 12:26:00 PM

The captain says that the Bavarians will not change their possession-orientated approach, pointing out that the Red Devils only had once change at Old Trafford last week

Philipp Lahm has insisted that Bayern Munich will not change their style in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester United on Wednesday.

The Bavarians enjoyed the majority of possession in last week's reverse fixture at Old Trafford, but failed to create many chances and were ultimately indebted to Bastian Schweinsteiger for claiming a 1-1 draw.

Nevertheless, Lahm has made it clear that Bayern will stay true to their own philosophy when they tackle United again, this time at the Allianz Arena.

"We all look forward to games like these. We'll go into the game absolutely determined to reach the semi-finals," the versatile defender said at a press conference.

"And we will do what we always do. Through our own possession, we do not let anything happen to our goal.

"We have spoken about the goal we conceded in Manchester. As a team we are very good in zonal marking. Normally.

"So, of course, we have spoken about this and trained on it during the week. Manchester had only one chance."

Lahm then went on to admit that former Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa could cause Bayern problems, but stressed the Japan international is not United's only attacking threat.

"Kagawa is a danger, as is every other United player," the Bayern captain warned.

 

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Chelsea 2-0 PSG (agg: 3-3): Ba strikes late to send Blues through on away goals

By Martin Samuel
Published: 20:36 GMT, 8 April 2014 | Updated: 22:57 GMT, 8 April 2014

STAMFORD BRIDGE MATCHZONE

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There it was again. The manic touchline run. It was how we were introduced to Jose Mourinho, a decade ago, and how we will remember him after he is gone, too.
Cesar Azpilicueta shot, the ball caught a tiny hold-up deflection and fell to substitute Demba Ba. It wasn't, fair to say, the cleanest finish. Ba almost scooped it into the roof of the net, off his boot, off his shin, somehow looping over goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. No-one cared.
Chelsea were through, and off went Mourinho, down the line to join the celebrations by the corner flag, just as he had done when Porto equalised at Old Trafford to eliminate Manchester United in the same competition in 2004.

This, like that, was one of his greatest nights. Chelsea have come back from 3-1 down before in the Champions League, but not at this late stage and not against a team with the potential of Paris Saint-Germain.

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Made it: Chelsea celebrate their stunning victory over PSG that sent them into the semi-finals

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Defining moment: Substitute Demba Ba slides home Chelsea's second goal to secure a semi-final place

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Game over: Ba slides the ball home to complete Chelsea's comeback against PSG

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Winner: Demba Ba celebrates after scoring the goal that sent Chelsea into the semi-finals

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There he goes: Jose Mourinho races along the touchline after Chelsea added a second, crucial goal

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Been here before: Mourinho ran down the touchline at Old Trafford in 2004 when he was manager of Porto

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Instructions: Mourinho spoke to his players as they defended their lead in the dying minutes

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Joining in: Jose Mourinho raced from the bench to instruct his players after Chelsea's late goal

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Whisper it: Mourinho instructs Fernando Torres after Ba had scored for Chelsea

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Despair: Paris Saint-Germain's Alex (centre) and his team-mates stand dejected after conceding

MATCH FACTS

Chelsea: Cech 8.5, Ivanovic 7, Cahill 7, Terry 7, Azpilicueta 6.5, Luiz 6.5, Lampard 7 (Ba 66, 7), Willian 7.5, Oscar 6.5 (Torres 81), Hazard 5 (Schurrle 18, 8), Eto'o 6.5.
Subs Not Used: Schwarzer, Cole, Mikel, Kalas.
Booked: Willian, Lampard, Ivanovic, Luiz.
Goals: Schurrle 32, Ba 87.

PSG: Sirigu 6.5, Jallet 6.5, Alex 7, Thiago Silva 7, Maxwell 6.5, Verratti 6 (Cabaye 54, 6.5), Thiago Motta 7, Matuidi 6.5, Lucas Moura 6.5 (Marquinhos 84), Cavani 6.5, Lavezzi 7.5 (Pastore 72).
Subs Not Used: Douchez, Menez, Digne, Van Der Wiel.
Booked: Verratti, Cavani, Lucas Moura, Maxwell.
Ref: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).

Those looking for omens will be heartened, though. Reversing a 3-1 defeat by Napoli two years ago was part of the campaign that ended in Champions League victory under Roberto Di Matteo. He is a shrewd one, though, Mourinho, so do not imagine for one moment that his dash to meet his players was inspired by elation only.

For a manager with no strikers, he had three on the pitch by then, and was probably telling them for what remained of the game they had to think defence first. A goal from PSG at that point would have eliminated Chelsea, surely. Amazingly, they nearly got it.

This was a night for old-fashioned heroes and none loomed larger than Petr Cech in Chelsea's goal. After his poor performance in the first leg, at fault for two goals, here was the reason Mourinho may yet resist bringing Thibault Courtois back from Atletico Madrid next season.

Cech was outstanding, most memorably four minutes into injury time when tipping around a low shot for substitute Marquinhos. Stamford Bridge was holding its breath by then; the visitors equally desperate.

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Blow: Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was forced off with a thigh injury early in the first half

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Setback: Hazard takes the applause of the crowd as he is forced off just minutes into the second leg

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Early change: Hazard is replaced by Andre Schurle as Chelsea are forced into making a first-half substitution

Ivanovic blow for Mourinho

Branislav Ivanovic will miss the first leg of Chelsea's semi-final after picking up a booking at Stamford Bridge.

The knockout rounds with Chelsea are never anything less than the grandest theatre, and this was no exception. The final whistle blown, the Chelsea players danced in a corner to One Step Beyond, while PSG's slumped to the floor and Oscar left the field in tears. He will need to get used to it; history suggests it is the semi-final stage when the drama really takes off.

Mourinho has never lost a Champions League quarter-final tie but as the time drained from the game it really did look as if this would not be his night. Referees have denied him, and Chelsea, on occasions, but here the crossbar was the greatest enemy - repelling the home side twice in 60 seconds as they went in search of that elusive second goal.

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On hand: PSG keeper Salvatore Sirigu saves a free kick from Frank Lampard in the first half

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Opener: Andre Schurrle fires home for Chelsea as they take the lead against PSG at Stamford Bridge

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Helpless: PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu can only watch as Andre Shurrle's strike finds its way into the net

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Not done yet: Schurrle celebrates with his Chelsea team-mates after opening the scoring

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Wayward: Gary Cahill slices the ball over the bar as Chelsea push forward

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What was that? John Terry gives Cahill a look after the defender blazed over from a good position

In the 52nd minute, a flowing exchange of passes ended with Oscar playing the ball out to Willian on the right. The Brazilian cut it back to Andre Schurrle who smashed his shot against the bar with goalkeeper Sirigu beaten. The ball came out and Lucas clumsily fouled Eto'o. A free-kick was awarded 25 yards out. Oscar took it and - crossbar again. Sirigu was truly leading a charmed life. At that moment the momentum was wholly with Chelsea. It was barely believable that, 35 minutes later, the score was still 1-0 and Paris were clinging on.

Really, the difference was nerve. Chelsea are a team that do not know when they are beaten, certainly in Europe, while Paris Saint-Germain have a touch of Manchester City about them.

They are still feeling their way through this tournament as a group and, when the pressure is on, they failed the test. Midway through the second-half, Edinson Cavani was put through by Yohan Cabaye, one on one.

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Missing out: Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes his seat at Stamford Bridge to watch his side take on Chelsea

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Watching brief: Blanc was without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of injury

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Old friends? Ibrahimovic shakes hands with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

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Sent flying: Willian went in hard on Lucas as Chelsea took the game to the visitors

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Caution: Willian was shown an early yellow card for a blatant foul on Lucas

The PSG bench was on its feet, preparing to celebrate, but Cavani shot over. If the game had a turning point, there it was.

Had that gone in, Chelsea were as good as dead. The same could be said of Cech's save from a free-kick by Ezequiel Lavezzi in the 55th minute - Branislav Ivanovic's booking for the foul on Blaise Matuidi takes him out of the next match - or his stop from a low strike by Lucas.

With a single goal taking the required margin of victory to 4-1, Chelsea were always vulnerable. The glory goes to the goalscorers, but the worth of that nil cannot be underestimated, either.

The first 30 minutes were perhaps the most discomforting. So much work to do yet Chelsea barely laid a glove on Paris. They lost Eden Hazard, too.

So often the difference this season, the Belgian had not been travelling well for several minutes, when Mourinho bought matters to a head. Few managers make a firm touchline call like Mourinho.

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Change of sport: Former tennis star Boris Becker was at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea take on PSG

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Safe hands: Petr Cech makes a save to keep Chelsea in front at Stamford Bridge

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In the book: Edinson Cavani was shown a yellow card for blocking David Luiz in the first half

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Come on ref! Cavani will miss PSG's next game in Europe after going in the book in the first half

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From me to you: PSG tweeted: 'Congratulations - the only Englishmen who do not want to leave Europe.'

He gave Hazard the option of continuing and receiving an uncertain reply, wasted no time: off came the talisman, on went Schurrle. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge fell a little flat. Schurrle has had his moments this season - not least that hat-trick against Fulham - but he is no Hazard. What happened next, then, was something of an irony.

Schurrle scored the goal that brought Chelsea into this game. Funny how things work out. Where Hazard had clearly been carrying his injury, Schurrle brought energy and dynamism to the left flank. Not that his goal was the greatest example of either. What was it that Mourinho said about 19th century football earlier in the season? Here was a throwback to agricultural days - a goal Dave Bassett's Wimbledon would have been proud of, or Stoke City in the heyday of Rory Delap.

It came from a long throw by Ivanovic, sailing into the penalty area, flicked on by Luiz - more shoulder than head - into the path of Schurrle, arriving late into space. Sirigu did not even move to stop his first-time finish.

Chelsea were away and with time to spare - but few imagined they would leave the denouement so late. ‘Congratulations to Chelsea - the only Englishmen who do not want to leave Europe,’ read a PSG statement on Twitter. It is impossible to deny them, at times. Long may they run.

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So close: Oscar curled a free kick on to the bar in the second half as Chelsea pushed forward

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Stranded: Sirigu is left helpless as Oscar's free kick crashes off the bar in the second half

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Crunch: Branislav Ivanovic fouls Blaise Matuidi just outside the box and earned a yellow card for his troubles

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Chance: Cavani blazed over when he looked set to level for PSG and put them in the driving seat

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Gutted: Cavani reacts after missing the chance to level the game on the night and put his side through

STAMFORD BRIDGE MATCH ZONE

Jose chatting to ball boys again

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho’s got a thing about ball boys at the moment.

After his ‘conversation’ with a Crystal Palace ball boy at Selhurst Park recently, he was at it again last night.

As early as the fifth minute, Mourinho was instructing one of the Stamford Bridge ball-boys to release the ball quicker when his side were in possession.

Making home advantage count is important, but is this taking it a step too far?

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Stars are out at Bridge

Stamford Bridge was a celebrity spotter’s dream — and not just for the football talent.

Tennis legend Boris Becker was in west London taking in Wednesday’s game, as was former France president Nicolas Sarkozy. Ex-Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko was back at the Bridge, and — last but by no means least — Niall Horan of boyband One Direction was also in attendance.

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Stylish Blanc puts Jose in shade

For once Jose Mourinho lost out in the managerial fashion stakes.

PSG boss Laurent Blanc (right) beat him hands down in the sartorial elegance category. The Chelsea manager ditched his usual club edition Dolce & Gabbana suit for a tracksuit and puffer jacket — attire he usually reserves for the Capital One Cup.

His opposite number on the other hand looked like he had stepped straight out of a Parisian fashion house, dressed to kill in a sharp black suit.


 

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Dortmund 2-0 Real Madrid (agg 2-3) : Reus double not quite enough as Ronaldo-less Madrid sneak through by finest margin

By Pete Jenson
Published: 20:34 GMT, 8 April 2014 | Updated: 22:25 GMT, 8 April 2014

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHZONE

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Real Madrid made it into the Champions League semi-final despite a defensive horror show against Borussia Dortmund, who so nearly came back from their first-leg 3-0 mauling.

With Cristiano Ronaldo not fit to start he was left pacing the touchline as Jurgen Klopp's side almost ended his Champions League campaign, laying siege to Madrid's goal with only Iker Casillas's brilliance to stop them from knocking the Carlo Ancelotti's team out.

‘He made some fantastic saves,’ said Ancelotti of his heroic keeper. ‘We gave them too many gifts especially in the first half. We were slow and made too many mistakes; we suffered too much but we are through.’

Real Madrid had the chance to settle the tie as early as the 15th minute when Łukasz Piszczek gave away a penalty.

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Not enough: Marco Reus scored twice for Borussia Dortmund but they couldn't quite find a way past Real Madrid

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Big moment: Roman Weidenfeller saves Angel Di Maria's penalty after the Argentine slipped

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Reaction: Cristiano Ronaldo can't believe Di Maria's miss

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Missed: Dortmund were left to rue a number of missed chances, including three from Henrikh Mkhitaryan

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Enough: Gareth Bale celebrates going through at full-time

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Dejection: Dortmund players react at the end of the game - Lukasz Piszczek and Mats Hummels have their head in their hands

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Delight: Ronaldo leads Real Madrid celebrations from the bench

MATCH FACTS

Dortmund: Weidenfeller 7, Piszczek 6 (Aubameyang 82), Friedrich 7, Hummels 8, Durm 6, Kirch 6, Jojic 6, Grosskreutz 7, Mkhitaryan 7, Reus 9, Lewandowski 8.
Subs not used: Langerak, Sokratis, Sahin, Hofmann, Schieber, Ducksch.
Booked: Reus, Aubamayeng.

Goals: Reus 24, 37.

Real Madrid: Casillas 9, Carvajal 6, Pepe 5, Ramos 6, Coentrao 6, Illarramendi 4 (Isco 45, 7), Alonso 6, Modric 6, Di Maria 6 (Casemiro, 73), Benzema 6 (Varane 90), Bale 6
Subs not used: Diego Lopez, Nacho, Ronaldo, Morata
Booked: Ramos, Alonso, Carvajal, Casemiro, Benzema.

Ref: Damir Skomina

The right back prepared for Fabio Coentrao's cross with both hands behind his back but then stuck out his left arm as he jumped to block the centre and left referee Damir Skomina with little option but to point to the spot.

It would have been Ronaldo's chance to make it to 15 goals in this season's Champions League but with the injured player watching from the sidelines Angel Di Maria nervously took the ball. He slipped as he ran up to the spot and made only enough contact to send his weak shot to the left of Roman Weidenfeller, who saved comfortably.

Real had started strongly but the miss seemed to invigorate Dortmund and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could have put them ahead on the night. Asier Illarramendi was muscled off the ball by Robert Lewandowski and when the ball ran to Marco Reus he played in Mkhitaryan who shot wide.

Madrid were suddenly flapping at the back and on 24 minutes awful defending from Pepe gifted Dortmund the first goal of the night. The defender headed back towards Casillas's goal allowing Reus to intercept and shot past the keeper.

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Opener: Reus touches the ball past the onrushing Iker Casillas (above) and slots home for Dortmund's first (below)

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Pouncing: Reus reacts first to make it 2-0 to the home side

Madrid were unable to stop the flow of Dortmund attacks down both flanks and nerves almost got the better of Pepe's central defensive partner Sergio Ramos.

He tangled with Robert Lewandowski inside the box and although the free-kick went against the Pole it was Ramos who was booked. The Spain defender had upset the referee with his protests but he had also caught Lewandowski in the face in the fracas.

On the half hour Xabi Alonso joined Ramos in the book for a foul on the edge of the area on Reus and from the free-kick Casillas had to turn Mats Hummels' header away for a corner.

On 37 minutes came the second defensive howler this time from Illarramendi who mis-controlled in midfield allowing the ball to break to Lewandowski. His shot hit the post but when it came out to Reus he thundered into the roof of Casillas' net.

Klopp was now grinning from ear to ear as Ronaldo emerged from the bench to remonstrate with his team-mates. He could see his dream of reaching the Champions League final in his home country next month slipping away from him.

Nothing was going Madrid's way. Luka Modric tried to send Gareth Bale racing away down the right but the ball hit his heel and bounced back into Madrid's half for Dortmund to launch yet another attack.

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Wave: Beaten manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledges a raucous home support

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Words: Bale and Weidenfeller have an argument after Bale claimed for a penalty

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Pressure: Reus attempts to put unsettle Real Madrid midfielder Luca Modric

Ancelotti took action at half time replacing Illarramendi with Isco and starting the second half with an extra man in midfield. Bale had the first chance of the second period drawing a save from Weidenfeller. Alonso then risked a red card in a clash with Mkhitaryan but just pulled out of the challenge in time.

Ronaldo sidelined with a knee problem but name among the substitutes was calmer now sipping from an energy drink just in case things went from bad to worse. Bale then wrestled his way between Hummels and Erik Durm but he was torn between finding Karim Benzema at the back post and shooting from the tight angle himself. In his cross-shot went harmlessly wide. Benzema then went through onto a Modric pass but the advancing Weidenfeller forced him wide and Hummels cleared.

Ronaldo's heart was back in his mouth on 65 minutes when Reus played Mkhitaryan through but he hit Casillas right hand upright with Madrid's defence scrambling back. This was a game Ancelotti's team needed to control from the first kick instead they had been dragged all over the rain-soaked Signal Iduna Park pitch and moments later Dani Carvajal became the third Madrid player to be booked.

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Instruction: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti speaks to his players

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Arms out: Sergio Ramos pushes Robert Lewandowski away

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Tripped: Xabi Alonso brings down Milos Jojic for a foul

Casillas then saved from Mkhitaryan and from Kevin Grosskretuz as Dortmund cavalry charges on Madrid's under-protected defence continued. Reus went down in the area with no Real defender anywhere near him and was booked for the dive.

Bale and Benzema combined in a rare Madrid attack and the Frenchman's shot was saved by Weidenfeller.

Bale was accused of diving in the last minute as he went down in the area but the referee waved away his appeals for a spot-kick and Dortmund players' appeal to book him.

It mattered not as the clock ran down on Dortmund's gallant attempt at becoming the first side to comeback from 3-0 down in a Champions League knockout against Real Madrid.

No-one looked happier at the end than Ronaldo who took to the field on the final whistle to congratulate his team-mates who had made into the semi-finals without him. But only just.

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Foot in: Asier Illarramendi is tackled by Oliver Kirch

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In control: Luka Modric dictates play in the centre of midfield

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Attack: Welsh winger Gareth Bale drives past Milos Jojic

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Up we go: Kevin Grosskreutz and Daniel Carvajal challenge for the aerial ball

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On the run: Fabio Coentrao attacks Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan

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In pain: Pepe deals with Marco Reus in his customary fashion

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Keepsake: Cristiano Ronaldo, who was missing because of injury, takes a picture of the pitch before the game

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Signature: Ronaldo signs merchandise for fans before kick-off

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Shake: Ronaldo shakes hands with supporters

 

Falcao

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Mourinho: I wasn't celebrating when Ba scored, I was telling them what to do next!

By Graeme Yorke
Published: 21:15 GMT, 8 April 2014 | Updated: 23:35 GMT, 8 April 2014

Jose Mourinho insists he was not celebrating Chelsea's pivotal second goal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG at Stamford Bridge, but was telling his strikers what to do next.

The Chelsea boss, who sprinted down the touchline to reach his players, who had piled on each other after Demba Ba's goal, claims he was attempting to set Fernando Torres and Demba Ba up for the rest of the match.

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Precaution: Mourinho pulls Andre Schurrle up from the pile of players to offer his advice

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Late on: Mourinho insists he wasn't celebrating the goal, but was giving instructions

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Frantic: Mourinho ran down the touchline past Laurent Blanc to reach the players

Chelsea won the tie on away goals after Andre Schurrle and Ba's goals levelled the tie at 3-3, the latter coming in the 87th minute.

When asked what Mourinho was doing after the goal, he said: 'Not celebrating. To tell Fernando and Demba the changes we had to do because three minutes plus extra time the way we were playing was too risky.'

Mourinho said PSG deserved to lose the tie after deciding to play on the counter attack and defend for most of the game, something the Portuguese boss said was a contradiction to how Laurent Blanc said he would set up.

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Instructions: Mourinho speaks to striker Fernando Torres in his ear after the goal

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Important: Mourinho said he was telling his strikers to change their set up after the goal

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Winner: At first it had seemed Mourinho was going down the touchline to celebrate the goal

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Repeat? Mourinho ran the length of the touchline to celebrate Porto's win over Man United in 2004

'I think we did enough in the begining of the second half to score before but we couldn't and after that there were a bit of contradiction to what they were saying on Monday.
'They played pure counter attack, no ball possession. It was difficult for us to penetrate in the second half.'

Mourinho's sprint down the touchline evoked memories of his celebration in 2004, where he ran to the Porto fans after a last-gasp goal against Manchester United put his side through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

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Defining moment: Substitute Demba Ba slides home Chelsea's second goal to secure a semi-final place

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Winner: Demba Ba celebrates after scoring the goal that sent Chelsea into the semi-finals

 

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Chelsea experience put them past PSG, says Blanc


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By Miles Chambers
Apr 8, 2014 11:02:00 PM

The hosts knocked out the French giants with goals from Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba, leaving the coach to lament the absence of injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Chelsea's experience enabled them to knock Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League, according to eliminated coach Laurent Blanc.

Les Parisiens headed into Tuesday's tie with a 3-1 lead from the Parc des Princes opener, but goals from Andre Schurrle and Blues substitute Demba Ba ensured that the 2011-12 European champions clawed into the last four at PSG's expense.

Blanc insisted that the two European giants are equals and that his side performed well at Stamford Bridge, but admitted they missed injured star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as they were dumped out on the away goal on aggregate.

"We lost out on qualification with just five minutes to go," the trainer told Sky Sport. "We had done well, then Schurrle's goal galvanised them.

"We tried to play our game a lot of the time with a high level, but also with a lot of physicality. They are stronger than us physically but we did not suffer much from this aspect.

"Both teams have been shown to be on the same level, but maybe they have more experience. We need time to grow - there is so much time to grow as you cannot become greats in a year or two.

"Obviously, based on today, we can think Ibrahimovic's absence has affected us. We haven't failed though, Chelsea just levelled it."

With European football now behind them, PSG are expected to win Ligue 1 before the end of April after opening up quite the gap over second-placed Monaco.

 

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Real Madrid lucky to still be in Champions League - Ancelotti

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By Harry West
Apr 8, 2014 11:25:00 PM

The Italian coach was relieved that his charges could edge past Dortmund, claiming they "suffered" en route to the semi-final stage on Tuesday

Carlo Ancelotti admits Real Madrid were lucky to make the Champions League semi-finals after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

With a 3-0 first-leg advantage, the Blancos looked firm favourites heading into Tuesday's game but Angel Di Maria's saved penalty and a first half brace from Marco Reus set Madrid nerves jangling.

They survived more Dortmund pressure in the second period, Henrikh Mkhitaryan striking a post while Iker Casillas was also called upon to make some crucial saves, and their coach confessed that his charges had almost paid for their poor second-leg showing.

"All games at this stage are very difficult," Ancelotti mused to reporters. "We are fortunate to be through to the semi-finals.

"We're happy to reach the semis, but not happy as we suffered a lot. Especially in the first half. We opened the tie up again.

"We were better in the second half. Football is like that, we gave away gifts, made lots of errors, we had no confidence and we suffered because of it.

"Casillas made fantastic saves in important moments of the game. His game was very, very good."

Bayern Munich or Manchester United and Atletico Madrid or Barcelona, who play on Wednesday, will join Real Madrid and fellow Tuesday victors Chelsea in the last four of the elite European competition.

 

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Terry: Mourinho got gameplan right again

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By Tom J Doyle
Apr 8, 2014 10:45:00 PM

The Blues beat PSG 2-0 to reach the last four of the Champions League on away goals, and the captain says his manager's preparation gave the hosts the edge at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea captain John Terry has hailed Jose Mourinho's tactics as the Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening.

Laurent Blanc's side won the first leg 3-1, leaving the Stamford Bridge side needing a fine turnaround to progress. Andre Schurrle struck a quarter of an hour after replacing the injured Eden Hazard in the early stages of the game.

With Chelsea needing another goal to go through, Mourinho introduced strikers Demba Ba and Fernando Torres in the second half, and the Senegal striker duly delivered with a late strike to send the Blues into the last four on away goals.

"I thought at 1-0 we always give ourselves a chance," Terry told ITV. "We worked a lot during the week on scenarios; 1-0, 2-0, 3-1. Demba comes on, we've hit the big man and he scores a great goal. Every scenario we had a gameplan and once again we got it right.

"This competition means a lot to us. The manager's been very successful. We've experienced it once and the disappointments over the years as well.

"It keeps you fighting and keeps you believing and that one time winning it, believe me, it's the best feeling ever."

Ba was delighted with his contribution from the bench, telling ITV: "It went so quick [the goal]. I was on the floor then I looked at the goal and I saw the ball was in the net. It was a big joy for everyone.

"First of all I just do what I have to do when I get chances [to play] and I didn't have chances this season but I just took it."

Mourinho - who has now won 15 of his 22 Champions League games in charge of Chelsea at the Bridge - insisted that he wasn't celebrating after dashing down the touchline following Ba's late strike.

He told ITV Sport: "No, not to celebrate. To tell Fernando [Torres] and Demba [Ba] the changes we had to do. Because there was still three minutes plus extra-time and playing the way we were playing was too risky."

 

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Klopp: Dortmund were superior

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By Harry West
Apr 8, 2014 11:14:00 PM

Despite a 2-0 victory, the German giants crashed out of the Champions League but Klopp had nothing but praise for his team

Jurgen Klopp hailed Borussia Dortmund as "incredible" after their ultimately futile 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, insisting his side were the better team.

Despite trailing 3-0 from the first-leg in Spain, Dortmund looked destined to pull off a massive comeback as Marco Reus netted twice in the first half after Angel Di Maria's penalty miss.

Dortmund created chances throughout the second period but could not force the third goal as Madrid edged through 3-2 on aggregate.

Although his side exited the competition, Klopp was proud of his players for the fight they had shown.

"Neven Subotic said to me after the game, 'I couldn't be prouder of this team'," Klopp told reporters.

"That's what the Champions League is about. We were superior tonight, but should have scored last week.

"Tonight's game was so good that there is absolutely no-one to blame for not qualifying.

"The atmosphere was awesome. We wanted to prove a point and we did that with our incredible performance."

 

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Casillas: Madrid cannot be that bad in semi-finals

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By Miles Chambers
Apr 8, 2014 10:01:00 PM

The goalkeeper was unhappy with how many errors were made at Signal Iduna Park as the Blancos went close to being eliminated to a spirited Dortmund side

Iker Casillas has warned his fellow Real Madrid team-mates that they cannot play so poorly in the Champions League semi-finals after edging past Borussia Dortmund despite losing 2-0 at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.

The Blancos started well but Angel Di Maria's saved penalty gave the hosts the momentum they sorely needed, with Marco Reus scoring twice afterwards in the first half to set up a nail-biting second period for both sets of fans.

Carlo Ancelotti's men were defending a 3-0 lead from the first-leg and, despite being second best throughout the game, they were able to prevent the Schwarzgelben scoring the third goal they needed to take the game into extra-time.

Casillas believes that Madrid made it unnecessarily hard for themselves and has demanded that mistakes are erased from their performances if they want to win La Decima this season.

"We suffered more than we should have," the goalkeeper told reporters after the game.

"The goals were from our mistakes. At 2-0 down and with a missed penalty a lot goes through your head.

"We can’t make errors like that in the semi-finals. Maybe it's good for us to get a wake-up call like that from time to time. It's better that it came tonight."

Madrid were joined in the last four by Chelsea, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, while Barcelona or Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich or Manchester United will also be entered into the draw.

 

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'It was an awesome evening' - Hummels hails Dortmund display


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By Miles Chambers
Apr 8, 2014 10:30:00 PM

The defender saw the positives in European elimination at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti's side and admitted his thoughts are "conflicted" after a top display

Mats Hummels described Borussia Dortmund's exit as an "awesome evening" despite being gutted to have been eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Schwarzgelben put up quite the fight, beating the Blancos 2-0 at Signal Iduna Park having gone into the tie 3-0 down, but their valiant performance was not enough to see them into the last four for a second consecutive season.

Instead, the team they knocked out at the semi-finals a year ago got revenge in Dortmund, but Hummels was proud of the performance and says it shows how good the team can be when faced with a great challenge.

"I am conflicted," the centre-back is quoted as telling reporters after the match. "We showed an evening that people won't forget quickly.

"We had several great chances in the second half. We could have produced one of the biggest sensations in football - now it was just an awesome evening.

"The team prove every year, again, what we have to offer. The fans were so noisy we couldn't hear each other."

Bayern Munich have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title race, but Dortmund can still win silverware if they make it through the semi-final stage of the DFB-Pokal.

 

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Xabi Alonso deserved red card, laments Dortmund boss Klopp

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By Miles Chambers
Apr 9, 2014 7:34:00 AM

The BVB trainer was disappointed that the referee chose not to dismiss the midfielder for a second bookable offence at Signal Iduna Park

Xabi Alonso should have been sent off during Borussia Dortmund's Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, according to Jurgen Klopp.

BVB, who finished runners up last season, won 2-0 on Tuesday thanks to a first-half double from Marco Reus but a 3-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu condemned them to a quarter-final elimination at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Alonso's persistent fouling in the opening 45 earned him a deserved booking, but Signal Iduna Park supporters were incensed when the Spaniard was not given his marching orders for a foul in the second half on Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Klopp felt their indignation was totally justified.

"I appreciate tremendously Xabi Alonso is a one of the best players in the world," the BVB boss told reporters, "but what he did was a tactical foul that involves yellow card and already had one. It was red-card offence.

"That would probably have complicated things by Real Madrid. But whatever I say will not change anything now.

"We were the better team but only won 2-0 and we're out - that's life."

Real Madrid have reached the semi-final stage for the fourth campaign in a row, although on all three prior occasions they have failed to reach the tournament decider.

 

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Referee was very poor, says Dortmund chief

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By Peter McVitie
Apr 9, 2014 12:45:00 AM

The chief executive was extremely proud of the Schwarzgelben and felt they would have progressed had they taken the tie into extra-time but slammed the referee after the game

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has criticised referee Damir Skomina for his performance in the German side's 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

The Schwarzgelben took a two goal lead through Marco Reus' brace as they looked to claw their way back into the tie following Madrid's 3-0 first-leg win. However, the German side couldn't find the crucial third goal which would send the tie into extra-time and crashed out of the competition.

Despite their elimination, Watzke was full of praise for the Bundesliga giants but criticised the referee for a substandard performance in the important match.

"My team did great," Watzke said after the game. "It was a fantastic experience. Nevertheless we all are a bit disappointed. We had fantastic chances in the second half, mainly Henrikh [Mkhitaryan]. I trusted in the team.

"The only one who wasn't on the level was the referee. For example, I saw a clear assault by [Sergio] Ramos against [Robert] Lewandowski.

"He made a lot of wrong decisions. I don't want to say he disadvantaged us but the performance was simply bad.

"I'm sure Madrid would have been dead, if we would have scored the third goal."

 

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Atletico Madrid-Barcelona Preview: Rojiblancos set to be without Costa for crunch clash with Catalans

The striker is expected to miss the game at the Vicente Calderon with a hamstring injury, as Diego Simeone's look to protect their away-goal advantage after a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou

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Barcelona's hunger to win the Champions League may be greater than ever after being dealt a two-window transfer ban last week.

The Camp Nou outfit were handed the punishment by Fifa a day after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

A transfer embargo of that magnitude would likely weaken Barca over the coming seasons, so Gerardo Martino's men will be keen to make the most of their opportunity this time around.

Atleti - aiming for their first semi-final appearance since 1974 - hold the away-goal advantage heading into the second leg, but may be forced to do without star striker Diego Costa, who limped off with an injured hamstring after 30 minutes last Tuesday.

Costa, who has scored seven goals in six Champions League starts this season, subsequently sat out his side's 1-0 win against Villarreal in the league on Saturday and remains a doubt as Atleti prepare to host this week's return leg.

The three previous domestic meetings between the sides pointed to this tie being a hotly contested affair, and the first leg did not disappoint.

Diego, who came on for the injured Costa, opened the scoring for Atleti in the 56th minute, before Neymar levelled matters 15 minutes later.

The result was the fourth draw between the sides in all competitions this season.

However, the hosts' home form should give them cause for optimism, having won 16 of their last 17 home games in Uefa competition.

That said, Barca have not lost for four years at Atleti, and will need to maintain that run if they are to reach a seventh successive semi-final.

The sides currently occupy the top two spots in the Spanish top flight - Atleti are one point clear of second-placed Barca - and the last two-legged tie between them, the Spanish Super Cup, was won on away goals by the Catalan giants.

While conceding it would have been nice to head into the second leg with a kinder scoreline, Barcelona's Xavi claims the need to win could benefit his side.

"Atletico cut down the space," he said. "It's not easy to create chances, and we have to be fluent in the game and move the ball quickly.

"It's a really tough match. We'd have liked to have gone there with a better result, but it all depends on us.

"We have to win and that benefits us because we're a team built to attack, but we are facing an opponent who is just the opposite."

In addition to Costa, Atleti have question marks over the fitness of Arda Turan (groin), while Barca will be without Victor Valdes (knee) and Gerard Pique (hip).

 

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Bayern Munich-Manchester United Preview: Rooney set to return as Red Devils bid to upset champions

The England international missed his side's weekend win at Newcastle with a toe injury but is reportedly winning his battle to be fit for the trip to Bavaria

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Manchester United travel to Germany hopeful of upsetting the odds and reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of holders Bayern Munich.

The clubs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes domestically this season, with Bayern having already retained their Bundesliga title while English champions United languish seventh in the Premier League table.

But while all-conquering Bayern were expected to sweep David Moyes' team aside in the first leg of their quarter-final at Old Trafford last Tuesday, a spirited display from the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw to take to the Allianz Arena - and they head into this game with all the momentum.

Bayern are without several central options through injury and suspension and were beaten for the first time in 18 months on Saturday, while United are the best away side in the English top flight and thrashed Newcastle at the weekend.

Bayern's 1-0 setback at Augsburg ended their record 53-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. Guardiola shrugged off the defeat, but described the second leg with United as a "life or death match".

By contrast, United were dominant in a 4-0 win at St James' Park on Saturday, though Juan Mata, who scored twice, is ineligible in Europe.

Striker Robin van Persie misses out again with a knee injury and Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a bruised toe, though Patrice Evra is back from a ban and should be fit despite going off against the Magpies.

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Bayern's goal in the first leg but misses out here after picking up a late red card at Old Trafford. Die Roten are also without Javi Martinez through suspension, while Thiago Alcantara is sidelined with a knee problem and Xherdan Shaqiri (thigh) will also miss out.

But despite the weekend's results and Bayern's injuries, Guardiola's side should be regarded as heavy favourites to progress.

United have endured a tricky first campaign under Moyes, who replaced the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson last July, with the club now mathematically certain to relinquish their Premier League title as they sit 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with five games to play.

They also look likely to miss out on qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96, as they are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Moyes has been under severe pressure in recent weeks, especially following humbling defeats at Olympiakos and at home to Liverpool and Manchester City. Some supporters even organised and paid for an aeroplane to fly over Old Trafford urging the club's board to sack the Scot.

And Bayern, despite their loss at the weekend, have continued to flourish under Pep Guardiola's guidance, with the Bavarians wrapping up the German title with seven matches to spare, while they remain on course to retain both their Champions League and DFB-Pokal crowns.

Schweinsteiger's away goal also puts Bayern in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals, with United needing to win or record a high-scoring draw of 2-2 or higher on the night.

However, United left-back Evra believes his side can emulate Chelsea's 2011-12 season, when the London club finished sixth in the Premier League but won the Champions League.

"It was funny because the season reminded me of the Chelsea season when they won the Champions League when they were not playing well in the league," Evra told reporters.

"I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive, so why not?

"Of course it is unusual for us to say we can save our season in one game. Now we must make sure the fans will be proud for the second leg against Bayern."

Manchester United travel to Germany hopeful of upsetting the odds and reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of holders Bayern Munich.

The clubs have enjoyed contrasting fortunes domestically this season, with Bayern having already retained their Bundesliga title while English champions United languish seventh in the Premier League table.

But while all-conquering Bayern were expected to sweep David Moyes' team aside in the first leg of their quarter-final at Old Trafford last Tuesday, a spirited display from the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw to take to the Allianz Arena - and they head into this game with all the momentum.

Bayern are without several central options through injury and suspension and were beaten for the first time in 18 months on Saturday, while United are the best away side in the English top flight and thrashed Newcastle at the weekend.

Bayern's 1-0 setback at Augsburg ended their record 53-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. Guardiola shrugged off the defeat, but described the second leg with United as a "life or death match".

By contrast, United were dominant in a 4-0 win at St James' Park on Saturday, though Juan Mata, who scored twice, is ineligible in Europe.

Striker Robin van Persie misses out again with a knee injury and Wayne Rooney is doubtful with a bruised toe, though Patrice Evra is back from a ban and should be fit despite going off against the Magpies.

Bastian Schweinsteiger scored Bayern's goal in the first leg but misses out here after picking up a late red card at Old Trafford. Die Roten are also without Javi Martinez through suspension, while Thiago Alcantara is sidelined with a knee problem and Xherdan Shaqiri (thigh) will also miss out.

But despite the weekend's results and Bayern's injuries, Guardiola's side should be regarded as heavy favourites to progress.

United have endured a tricky first campaign under Moyes, who replaced the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson last July, with the club now mathematically certain to relinquish their Premier League title as they sit 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool with five games to play.

They also look likely to miss out on qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 1995-96, as they are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Moyes has been under severe pressure in recent weeks, especially following humbling defeats at Olympiakos and at home to Liverpool and Manchester City. Some supporters even organised and paid for an aeroplane to fly over Old Trafford urging the club's board to sack the Scot.

And Bayern, despite their loss at the weekend, have continued to flourish under Pep Guardiola's guidance, with the Bavarians wrapping up the German title with seven matches to spare, while they remain on course to retain both their Champions League and DFB-Pokal crowns.

Schweinsteiger's away goal also puts Bayern in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals, with United needing to win or record a high-scoring draw of 2-2 or higher on the night.

However, United left-back Evra believes his side can emulate Chelsea's 2011-12 season, when the London club finished sixth in the Premier League but won the Champions League.

"It was funny because the season reminded me of the Chelsea season when they won the Champions League when they were not playing well in the league," Evra told reporters.

"I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive, so why not?

"Of course it is unusual for us to say we can save our season in one game. Now we must make sure the fans will be proud for the second leg against Bayern."

 

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Moyes: Rooney will definitely face Bayern

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Apr 8, 2014 5:53:00 PM

The Manchester United striker has been injured since the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, with the manager revealing a pain-killing injection is a possibility

Manchester United manager David Moyes says Wayne Rooney will "definitely" face Bayern Munich, with the striker willing to take a pain-killing injection if needed.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined with a toe injury since the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, missing the 4-0 league win over Newcastle, but has been winning his battle to be fit.

Rooney returned to training on Tuesday ahead of the Allianz Arena clash, with Pep Guardiola earlier revealing he was convinced the striker will play, and Moyes says United are desperate to include him.

"He'll definitely play. We'll do everything we possibly can [to get him on the pitch]. He's happy to take an injection to play which I think shows you his feeling about the game and the club."

"We wouldn't do anything medically wrong. We take advice from the doctors who advise us. Everybody knows the character Wayne is and he is determined to play. If he is determined we'd be mad not to let him do so."

United head to the Allianz Arena having earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Old Trafford seven days ago, but Moyes is keen to have more of a hold on the second leg and expects his squad to improve in Germany.

"I'd like to have more possession and have a bigger effect on the game, and my plans are to do that. But they were also my plans in the first game as well," Moyes continued.

"You have to respect your opponents and on the night they did some good things. But I expect us to play better and I believe we can. To get through, we will have to.

"It's the hardest game for us so far. Both teams have top players. We're almost treating it like a cup final. My focus is on getting through. The players are ready and focused. We're relishing it."

 

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Gotze: If Man Utd drop their guard, Bayern will carve them open

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By Myfanwy Garman
Apr 8, 2014 3:23:00 PM

The German has called on his team-mates to put in a spirited performance on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final

Mario Gotze has warned Manchester United that Bayern Munich will look to tear them apart if they let their guard drop on Wednesday.

The first leg of the European giants' Champions League quarter-final tussle finished 1-1 after Nemanja Vidic’s opening goal was cancelled out by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Although Bayern dominated possession, they failed to make their chances count and will be without central midfielders Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara due to suspension and injury.

Gotze has called on the Bavarians to put in a spirited performance and capitalise on any mistakes United make in order to advance to the last four of the European competition.

"We need to be even more determined and committed in the final third," the ex-Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder told the club’s official website.

"And if they do let their guard drop, we will get forward at speed and use any space that opens up. That’ll be the decisive factor on Wednesday.

"We’ll play to win, obviously. We’re utterly determined to win, score goals and play our football. It’s been our hallmark this season and we want something similar on Wednesday."

Recently the reigning European champions have hit a rough patch of form, and on Saturday they lost their first Bundesliga match of the season when Augsburg beat them 1-0.

 

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Martino wants opening goal

8 April 2014

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Gerardo Martino stressed the importance of the first goal in Barcelona's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Atletico Madrid.

The two sides have played four times this season in three separate competitions, and each time the match has ended in a draw.

Barca have not been in front in any of those games, with Diego's spectacular opener in the first leg at Camp Nou last week being cancelled out by Neymar's equaliser.

Martino wants to buck that trend in Wednesday's second leg, and believes an early goal for his side will change the complexion of the tie.

"We haven't been leading at any point and that's very important," he said.

"We need to score at least one goal tomorrow and let's see if we can create the scenario of us leading and try and manage the game from there on.

"That's just how the games have worked out. We could have scored (first) in those games but we didn't.

"I really think that we have to go into this game and keep our intensity up for the full 90 minutes.

"We know if we go a goal up we can play a different game to the ones we have seen in the previous cases."

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas, meanwhile, called on his team-mates to play with the club's identity in mind, and to be careful of Atleti's threat on the counter attack.

"We have to be Barca at our very best," he said. "They have a very defined style of play and we need to find a way of neutralising it with our own strengths.

"We need to be careful with our passing because we know they have quick players.

"We're not scared but we need to make sure we don't panic. We need to be brave."


 

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Elber not convinced by Manchester United: Only Real Madrid can beat Bayern

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Apr 9, 2014 10:31:00 AM

David Moyes's men will be hoping to book their place in the last four but the former Brazil striker is expecting the Bavarians to dominate once again


EXCLUSIVE
By Christoph Kockeis

Former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber is adamant that Manchester United are not capable of defeating the Champions League favourites in Wednesday's crunch clash at the Allianz Arena.

David Moyes's side held the Bavarian giants in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and know that victory in Bavaria will guarantee them a spot in the last four.

Bayern, though, are a formidable force on home soil and Elber believes that Real Madrid are the only side capable of beating them. The Brazilian told Goal: "Bayern are stronger than last year.

"We have to wait for the match against Manchester United, but I claim there is only one team in the Champions League that can beat Bayern and that is Real Madrid."

Although they took the lead through Nemanja Vidic shortly after half-time, United were on the back foot for much of the first leg at Old Trafford and Elber is again expecting Bayern, who quickly equalised through Bastian Schweinsteiger, to dominate possession and territory.

"You try it from the left, you try it from the right, you try it from the middle," he said of FCB's approach. "You do everything.

"And then there comes a time when you think, 'And now what else shall I do to create a chance to score?'

"You start to despair. You try to do it in one-on-one situations, you press and you don't let them breathe and be ready for their turnovers.

"Bayern will attack that way on Wednesday and get lots of chances. I am convinced of that."

Bayern scored their equaliser soon after Mario Mandzukic was was introduced as a substitute in the first leg, and Elber has urged Pep Guardiola to name the Croatian in his starting line-up.

"For me it is clear; Bayern are better with Mandzukic," he declared. "I like this guy. From very little he makes very much.

"In Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery he has top-class wingers, who always go into duels. Then he gets away from the defenders and gets onto their passes.

"With him on the pitch Bayern's play is less predictable. Even though he gets fewer chances against opponents who play very cautiously.

"An early goal would mean so much. That way Bayern will have more spaces [to exploit] and could play their usual game."

 
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