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║ UEFA Champions League 2013/2014 ║


Borussia Dortmund-Real Madrid Preview: Klopp's men need minor miracle to overcome Blancos

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. dispatched of last season's runners up with a 3-0 win in the first leg and it would be a major shock not to see them qualify

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Real Madrid have painful memories of last year's trip to Borussia Dortmund but they will be expected to put that behind them on Tuesday.

The Spanish giants took a giant stride towards the Champions League final four by winning the first leg of their quarter-final tie 3-0 last week.

Madrid were hammered 4-1 by a Robert Lewandowski-inspired Dortmund in the semi-final of the competition almost 12 months ago.

Robert Lewandowski scored all four goals as the Blancos were swept aside at Signal Iduna Park and a 2-0 victory for the Liga side in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu was in vain as Jurgen Klopp's side hung on to secure their place in the final.

Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich then consigned the Schwarzgelben to a 2-1 defeat in the Wembley final though it looks unlikely they will go one better this season.

Dortmund's chances of pulling off a stunning comeback are enhanced by the return of Bayern-bound striker Lewandowski for the second leg.

The prolific frontman missed the first leg due to suspension, but he is set to lead the line against Carlo Ancelotti's treble-chasing side.

Lewandowski was on target as Dortmund warmed up for their crunch clash with Real by beating Wolfsburg 2-1 on Saturday, moving them closer to Champions League football next season.

Ivica Olic gave Wolfsburg a half-time lead at Dortmund on Saturday, but Klopp masterminded a second-half fightback by bringing on Milos Jojic and Erik Durm at the break, with Kevin Grosskreutz moving into midfield.

The Dortmund coach could stick with that winning formula against Madrid, who also come into the game on the back of a victory.

Ancelotti's side hammered Real Sociedad 4-0 on Saturday to stay in the hunt for a treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League, but their win came at a cost as Gareth Bale suffered a knee wound when he was caught by defender Markel Bergara.

The Wales international may be forced out of the second leg, but Ballon d'Or-winner Cristiano Ronaldo could be back in the side after returning to training. The Portugal captain missed was rested on Saturday due to a knee problem of his own, but looks set to feature in Dortmund as he attempts to add to his record-equalling tally of 13 Champions League goals for the season.

Ronaldo struck in the first leg to equal the record set by Lionel Messi two years ago and it would be no surprise to see him strike again.

Dortmund will be without midfielder Sebastian Kehl due to suspension, while goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller is a doubt due to an arm injury alongside a hefty list of long-term absentees that includes Ilkay Gundogan, Marcel Schmelzer and Sven Bender.

 


Atletico's Costa in fitness battle to face Barca

By Tim Hanlon
BARCELONA Tue Apr 8, 2014 3:06am BST

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Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa leaves in the pitch after injuring his right leg during their Champions League quarter-final first leg match against Barcelona at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 1, 2014. REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino

(Reuters) - Atletico Madrid hope to have talismanic striker Diego Costa back fit against Barcelona on Wednesday when the La Liga leaders bid to pull off another Spanish surprise by reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

Spain's Costa has hit 33 goals for Diego Simeone's side in a remarkable season for Atletico, where they have come out of the shadows of their more affluent neighbours Real Madrid and La Liga champions Barca.

They picked up a 1-1 draw in a typically hard-fought battle at the Camp Nou in the Champions League first leg last week, where Costa limped off with a hamstring strain in the first half.

His replacement Diego hit a stunning shot from distance to give Atletico a valuable away goal before Neymar grabbed a draw.

Costa has been receiving intensive treatment with the aim of being ready for the home leg and is progressing well. However, with further crucial games ahead, Atletico's medical staff are wary of him coming back too soon and aggravating the injury.

Arda Turan is also a doubt with a groin strain and if he does not recover then his place on the right wing would likely go to Diego with Adrian Lopez possibly replacing Costa.

Adrian came on as a substitute and looked lively during an otherwise tired Atletico display in a 1-0 home win over Villarreal on Saturday that kept them a point clear of Barca at the top of the Spanish championship.

"I am prepared, we are all ready for when we have to play. Any opportunity in this team is important and you have to be ready to take it," Adrian told reporters.

"It has been a great season so far and we are all pleased. We have done very well but we need to keep going game by game. Now we are up against Barcelona in the Champions League and we will play it as though it were a final.

"The first leg was a good result but the tie is very open still. We know what Barcelona are capable of doing and we will have to have a great performance if we are going to qualify for the semi-finals. We will have to fight from start to finish."

PIQUE OUT

Barcelona were also below their best but beat Real Betis 3-1 at the weekend with two more goals from Lionel Messi and remain on Atletico's shoulders with the two sides also still to meet at the Camp Nou in La Liga.

Their main injury concerns are at the back where Gerard Pique is missing with a hip injury so Marc Bartra could again deputise with Carles Puyol out long term.

Barca also have to finish the season with veteran goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto after Victor Valdes was ruled out with a knee ligament injury.

"It was a tough game (at the Calderon) where we put in a great effort and now for the return leg we will be in perfect condition," Pinto told Barca TV.

"It is likely to be a tight game, the same as the first, and small details will make the difference. We hope that these small details will go for us."

(Editing by Mark Meadows;
[email protected]; +44 20 7542 7933; Reuters Messaging:; [email protected])

 

Chelsea will outscore PSG, says confident Mourinho

By Michael Hann
LONDON Mon Apr 7, 2014 8:59pm BST

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho looks on during a news conference at Stamford Bridge in London April 7, 2014. REUTERS-Stefan Wermuth

(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is in no doubt his side have the scoring capabilities to overturn a two-goal deficit in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris St Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

The English outfit failed to find their rhythm in a 3-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes last week and Mourinho labelled Javier Pastore's late goal "ridiculous" while bemoaning his lack of "real strikers".

But the Portuguese coach, who has never lost a quarter-final tie while in charge of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, is certain his side can outscore their French counterparts.

"I believe (that Chelsea will progress to the semi-finals) and my players believe, and that's the most important thing," Mourinho told reporters at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

"If you ask me if we are going to win tomorrow, I say yes. I think we are going to win. In the end of the two legs I think we are going to score more goals than them."

Despite Mourinho's assurances, Chelsea's strikers have failed to impress this season. Samuel Eto'o, who has scored all his 11 goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, is unlikely to play a full part on Tuesday as he has a hamstring injury.

A lack of faith in Fernando Torres and Demba Ba meant that Mourinho deployed German winger Andre Schuerrle as the lone front man in Paris.

PSG have their own problems up front, with talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing with a thigh injury, but Mourinho said a club with their riches should be able to cope.

"Eto'o didn't play the first game and I'm not sure he will play the second game," he continued. "Ramires is suspended, (Nemanja) Matic and (Mohamed) Salah cannot play in the Champions League and we are not crying.

"The fact that a multi-millionaire club that buys players and players doesn't play one important player like Ibrahimovic, I don't think it is a problem."

PSG coach Laurent Blanc has promised that his team will attack Chelsea from the first whistle, but Mourinho did not seem phased by his opposite number's aggressive tactics.

"They can say they come to attack, but maybe they don't cross the midfield line," he added. "Maybe they say they come to defend and they find spaces and they score goals, you don't know.

"The only thing that I know is that if we don't score a minimum of two goals we have no chance."

(Editing by Mark Meadows; [email protected]; +44 20 7542 7933; Reuters Messaging:; [email protected])

 

Ibrahimovic is the best in the world, but PSG can beat Chelsea without him - Lavezzi

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Apr 8, 2014 8:24:00 AM

The Argentine says the Ligue 1 club have already shown they can cope without the maverick No.10 against Jose Mourinho's side and will be targeting an away goal at Stamford Bridge

EXCLUSIVE
By Thomas Unsworth

Ezequiel Lavezzi is confident Paris Saint-Germain can beat Chelsea without "the best forward player in the world", Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Sweden international will miss the decisive Champions League quarter-final clash at Stamford Bridge with a hamstring injury sustained during last Wednesday's first leg, which PSG won 3-1.

Lavezzi opened the scoring that night and believes that his side have shown that they are capable of coping without a striker that he feels is without equal.

"Zlatan for me is the best forward player in the world - of course he will be missed in London - but we can beat Chelsea without him," the Argentine told Goal.

"He is a big player who has played in many big games - but we showed in the first game that we have many players with the qualities to hurt Chelsea."

Lavezzi says the Blues will not be able to execute their usual, reactive game plan on Tuesday evening and vowed that the Ligue 1 side will go in search of an away goal.

"Chelsea have to attack us - and that wont be easy for them," the winger reasoned. "It is their style to sit back and defend and try to score on the counterattack - but they need to score two goals so they wont be able to do that.

"We don't just plan to go there and defend - we have to be intelligent but we will be looking to score - because that away goal we know could kill the tie."

 

Ronaldo a serious doubt for Dortmund clash


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By Mark Doyle
Apr 7, 2014 7:42:00 PM

The Madrid talisman reportedly left training after just 20 minutes and it is now unsure if he will be fit to face the Bundesliga giants

Cristiano Ronaldo is a serious doubt for the second-leg of Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday after the forward limped off of training on Monday.

The Portuguese star left the training ground after just 20 minutes on Monday with pain in the patellar tendon in his left knee, the same injury he suffered in the 3-0 win in the first-leg against the Bundesliga giants and also kept him out of his side's fixture against Real Sociedad at the weekend.

Ronaldo was treated by the club's physiotherapist immediately after leaving the field and, while the club have not officially ruled him out of Tuesday's match, Carlo Ancelotti did insist earlier that he would not feature unless he was "100 per cent" fit.

"Regarding Cristiano, he feels that he is at 100 per cent, so we are confident that he will feature," the former AC Milan boss told reporters beforehand. "We will not risk him, though.

"Cristiano always wants to play and I want him to play. But he is a professional and knows when he can't."

With a three-goal lead in hand, Madrid appear to have one foot in the semi-finals.

However, Ancelotti is taking nothing for granted, primarily because Dortmund will be buoyed by the return of star striker Robert Lewandowski from suspension.

"We are close to reaching the semis," Ancelotti acknowledged. "It's the biggest motivation you can have.

"But Lewandowski returning makes this a different game. His presence lifts his fellow players."

Lewandowski scored all of Dortmund's goals in their 4-1 first-leg victory over Madrid in last year's semi-final tie between the two sides.

 

Madrid will punish Dortmund without mercy, says Metzelder

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Apr 8, 2014 8:00:00 AM

The 33-year-old fears BVB could be in for a heavy beating if they go all out at Signal Iduna Park in a desperate bid to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit

EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji

Christoph Metzelder has warned Borussia Dortmund that they cannot afford to neglect their defensive duties against Real Madrid if they are to have any chance of success in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

BVB were beaten 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu last week and have no other choice but to attack in the return leg at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening.

However, Metzelder has stressed that it would be a huge mistake to ignore Madrid's brilliance on the break.

"I think Dortmund will go out with everything they have early on and try and create an atmosphere where the players can outdo themselves," the former Germany international told Goal.

"Dortmund are able to defend very disciplined and to force their opponent into making mistakes.

"It will be crucial for them to find the right balance, though, because Real Madrid will punish them without mercy. If Madrid score an early goal, Dortmund's morale will be shot."

The 33-year-old, who played for both BVB and Madrid during his top-level career, expects the Liga giants to progress to the semi-finals yet can still foresee Dortmund winning the second leg.

"They got a few good chances to score in the away game," Metzelder said of Jurgen Klopp's side. "On the other hand, I got the feeling that Madrid could step it up a notch whenever they wanted.

"Their defensive display also impressed me. Both Sergio Ramos and Pepe were superb in difficult situations. The centre-backs at Madrid often suffer because the team wants to attack, but they did really well in the first leg.

"Dortmund might improve with the return of Robert Lewandowski [from suspension] and they will be more dangerous.

"I can even see them winning the return leg. I doubt that it will be enough to reach the semi-finals, however.

"Madrid will be very motivated to win the second leg as well. We all saw them against Schalke [in the last 16]."

 

Klopp warns Real Madrid: Dortmund not finished yet

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By Mark Doyle
Apr 7, 2014 6:57:00 PM

Los Blancos hold a 3-0 aggregate lead going to Tuesday's meeting between the two sides at Signal Iduna Park but the BVB boss says his troops will battle right until the end

Jurgen Klopp insists that Borussia Dortmund's Champions League tie with Real Madrid is "not over yet".

Last season's runners-up look all but certain to bow out at the quarter-final stage this time around, after suffering a crushing 3-0 first-leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.

However, while Klopp concedes that Dortmund are staring elimination in the face ahead of Tuesday's return clash at Signal Iduna Park, he says his men will fight right until the end.

"Last year, we 'went out' in the final," the BVB boss told reporters at his pre-game press conference. "This year it looks like the quarter-finals. But it is not over yet.

"Real Madrid are one of the favourites to win the Champions League but we want to defend better and use our chances better than in Madrid.

"I do believe my team showed 'cojones' in the first leg. We made mistakes in defence but we gave them a game.

"We are specialists for the second half and this is the second half of the quarter-final. We want to win it."

 

Lewandowski: Dortmund not the same side that upset Real Madrid last season


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By Mark Doyle
Apr 7, 2014 6:01:00 PM

The Poland international says it would be "crazy" to think that he could equal his four-goal haul against Los Blancos at Signal Iduna Park just under 12 months ago

Robert Lewandowski has admitted that Borussia Dortmund are not the same side that knocked Real Madrid out of last season's Champions League.

The Bundesliga outfit upset Los Blancos in the last four just under 12 months ago, with Jurgen Klopp's men progressing to the final after a dramatic 4-3 aggregate win, but the Spaniards now look all but certain to gain revenge, having routed BVB 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.

Indeed, while Lewandowski - who netted four times in last year's stirring first-leg success at Signal Iduna Park - says that he and his team-mates will give their all on Tuesday night, he cannot foresee a Schwarzgelben side shorn of the services of several key players upsetting Madrid again.

"Last year, we were a different side," the forward admitted during a pre-game press conference.

"It would be crazy to think I could score four goals again. But we are always dangerous in Dortmund.

"We have lots of injured players, but still a lot of potential. We still have a minimal chance and we want to give everything."

Lewandowski will start against Madrid after missing last week's first leg in the Spanish capital due to suspension.

 

PSG will not sit back against Chelsea, vows Blanc


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By Mark Doyle
Apr 7, 2014 5:36:00 PM

The former France international says that the Ligue 1 champions plan to impose themselves on the game at Stamford Bridge - even though they lead 3-1 on aggregate

Laurent Blanc says Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of sitting back and trying to defend their two-goal advantage when they face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The French champions lead 3-1 after last week's first leg at Parc des Prince and are therefore in the enviable position of being able to invite the Blues onto them before striking on the counterattack.

However, Blanc insists that PSG's plan is to prove themselves a major European force by taking the game to their hosts.

"We will not rely on the fact that the [scoreline] is in our favour," the former France international told reporters on Monday.

"We are going to have to have a great game. Chelsea are going to come at us, looking to level the aggregate score - this should give us chances ... not that we will sit back and endure the match.

"We want to impose our game even though we are away from home. Our aim has become very high. On the domestic front we want to win it all, but our ultimate ambition now is to win the Champions League.

"If we are to be a big European team we need to impose our rhythm and set the tempo of the game both at home and away."

 

Eto'o trains alone ahead of Paris Saint-Germain clash


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By Liam Twomey
Apr 7, 2014 1:21:00 PM

The striker has missed three games since limping out of the 6-0 demolition of Arsenal last month and worked separately from the main group on Monday

Samuel Eto'o trained alone as he bids to shake off a hamstring problem in time to feature for Chelsea against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening.

The striker, who has missed the Blues' last three matches since limping out of the 6-0 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge last month, worked separately under the supervision of assistant first team coach Rui Faria.

Andre Schurrle, however, did take full part in training despite being substituted in Chelsea's win over Stoke City on Saturday and is expected to be available to face PSG.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho should also be able to call on Jon Obi Mikel, after the Nigerian took part in the morning session despite missing the game against the Potters with injury.

January signings Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are cup-tied for Wednesday's game, while Ramires is suspended having been booked in the 3-1 first-leg loss at the Parc des Princes.

 

Rooney winning Bayern fitness battle

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By Paul Clennam
Apr 7, 2014 12:23:00 PM

The Man Utd striker was not risked in the Newcastle game and, after some light running and gym work, is in line to return for the second-leg European tie

Wayne Rooney is winning his battle to shake off a toe injury in time to face Bayern Munich in Wednesday's crucial Champions League quarter-final clash.

The Manchester United striker was absent from the 4-0 triumph over Newcastle on Saturday after picking up a knock in the first-leg 1-1 draw with the Bundesliga champions.

Scans, however, revealed no serious damage and the frontman's return to light training over the weekend has boosted manager David Moyes's hopes of being able to call on his star striker at the Allianz Arena.

A source told Goal: "Wayne has been doing some light running and gym work and there is an expectancy that he will be fit.

"The manager and staff decided not to risk him against Newcastle in the hope that the extra few days would give him a better chance of being fit, and his chances are looking better than 70 per cent at this stage."

Moyes told MUTV last week: "Wayne's got a badly bruised toe... [and] it could be a problem for the Munich game on Wednesday.

"We need to monitor it. We'll get him treatment all over the weekend and see if we can speed it up."

That treatment looks to have worked, which will be a welcome boost to a United side already stripped of striker Robin van Persie due to a knee injury.

Rooney has 17 goals in all competitions this season and the England striker will likely need to be on top form if United are to knock out tournament-favourites Bayern, who have an imperious record on home soil.

The Bavarians lost 1-0 away at Augsburg on the weekend, ending an unbeaten streak that stretched an incredible 53 Bundesliga games, but are expected to make wholesale changes for the visit of United having rested a number of their stellar names at SGL-Arena.

Moyes' side face an uphill battle to win through the last-eight clash, after Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger's strike ensured the tie would be level at 1-1 going into the return meeting in Munich.

 

Evra expects to be fit for Bayern clash despite knock

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Apr 7, 2014 11:47:00 AM

The full-back had to be withdrawn against Newcastle but is confident of taking to the field in Munich, where he hopes to spring a "surprise"

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra expects to be fit to face Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg despite picking up a knock against Newcastle.

The French full-back, who has also been struggling with a knee problem, was withdrawn in the second half of Saturday's comprehensive 4-0 victory over the Magpies but is hopeful he can make the starting XI at the Allianz Arena.

"I think I will be fit," Evra told the club's official website. "I received a knock and I was injured as well before Aston Villa with my knee so I will try my best to be fit.

"Sometimes you have to play your best and be honest with yourself and your team-mates. If you are ready to play, you have to give everything. No excuses. If you play a bad game, you can’t say it was because you were injured."

Evra missed the first leg against Bayern through suspension but is now eagerly awaiting the away leg as United bid to "surprise everyone", while he also praised Alexander Buttner for coping so well in his absence.

"I was really frustrated to not play in such a big game [the first leg] but I though Alex did a good job," the defender continued.

"I was so pleased with the performance of the lads and now we must make sure we pull off a shock because Bayern are favourites for this game.

"It is not often since I have played for Manchester United that we are not the favourites but, sometimes, you have to accept they are favourites and let’s surprise everyone."

Evra also admitted he has seen parallels between United's lacklustre season and Chelsea's Champions League-winning campaign two years ago, with both sides struggling domestically but flourishing in Europe.

"It was funny because all season reminded me of the Chelsea season [when they won the Champions League in 2012] when they were not playing well in the league," he added.

"I keep this in my mind. I am not saying we are going to do the same but sometimes you have to be positive so why not? You have to believe."

 

Matuidi: PSG can overcome Chelsea without Ibrahimovic

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By Mark Doyle
Apr 7, 2014 5:13:00 PM

The prolific Swede will miss the crucial trip to Stamford Bridge through injury but the France midfielder insists that the French champions are not reliant on the striker

Blaise Matuidi insists Paris Saint-Germain are capable of dumping Chelsea out of the Champions League without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Sweden international has hit 40 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions this season but will miss Tuesday night's quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge after suffering a hamstring injury in PSG's 3-1 victory over their English opponents at the Parc des Princes last week.

However, Matuidi is adamant that the Ligue 1 champions have sufficient quality within their ranks to cope without their talismanic forward.

"We have the capacity to reach the semi-finals - it will be down to us to show what we can do," the France international told reporters on Monday.

"The fact that Ibrahimovic is absent is a blow for the team, but we have already shown that we can manage without him."

Matuidi conceded, though, that PSG will have to be at their very best to eliminate Jose Mourinho's men.

"It is vital to play a great game against Chelsea and do everything possible to progress," the midfielder warned.

"Chelsea are a team that does not lose many matches, so we must give our maximum to cause them problems.

"The atmosphere in the group is very good, though, and we are all focused."

 

Atletico Madrid work harder than anyone, says Juanfran

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By Joe Wright
Apr 7, 2014 11:39:00 AM

The defender is confident his side will enjoy "an incredible end to the season" as they prepare for their Champions League quarter-final second leg

Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran says his side are able to challenge for top honours this season because their work-rate is stronger than that of any other side.

Diego Simeone's side are currently one point clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga following their 1-0 win over Villarreal at the weekend and will host the Blaugrana in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

Juanfran believes his side are overcoming fatigue due to their indomitable hard work on the pitch and is confident they will enjoy a special end to the current campaign.

"By the end of the season we will be better than we were on Saturday, with more hope," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I am convinced that we will have an incredible end to the season.

"Villarreal was a very hard and difficult game. We put in great effort against Barcelona and on Saturday we had to do it again.

"We noticed tiredness in some phases of matches but we make up for it with enthusiasm and heart, and this team has a lot of heart. We defend the points we have with all we have, with a great deal of effort.

"We showed at the weekend that we are a great team. I don't know if we're the best team but we run the most and work the most.

"We need the support of our fans. They can see that we left everything on every ball and we have the same goal as they do: to achieve great things."

Juanfran was also quick to praise Saturday's matchwinner Raul Garcia, as well some of the squad players who stepped into the side after their gruelling encounter at Camp Nou.

"He [Garcia] is one of the captains and very important for the team," he added.

"But it's not only Raul. There's also Guaje [David Villa], Diego Ribas and Adrian [Lopez], who came in on Saturday after so long without playing and gave everything."


 

Now or never as BVB fight for life against Madrid

Published: Monday 7 April 2014, 20.32CET

Trailing Real Madrid CF 3-0, Jürgen Klopp says there is only one way for his Borussia Dortmund team, with Robert Lewandowski back, to approach the second leg.

by Steffen Potter
from BVB Stadion Dortmund

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Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp says it is OK to go out to Real Madrid CF but that he has no plans to do so as the German team, "second-half specialists", attempt their greatest comeback yet: overturning a 3-0 first-leg defeat. There is, Klopp says, only one way to approach this quarter-final decider and, with Robert Lewandowski back from suspension, they can depend on a man who lifts their game to another level according to wary Carlo Ancelotti.

Dortmund
Jürgen Klopp, coach


I don't think it is difficult to choose an approach for tomorrow's game. We got a result in Madrid which does not leave us with much choice. As always, we will give our all to win. I cannot understand 100% why so many people are saying that we have to score in the first five minutes.

I don't know how many miracles have been proclaimed before they happened. We don't have any right to speak about that, but we have the right to give everything tomorrow and perform with will power. If we somehow get a result that takes us through, then great; if not, we want to say goodbye to the Champions League with a good performance.

You can go out against Real Madrid, that's not a problem. But if you are not fully there, you will concede more than three goals. And I don't want that. In Madrid, we did not play well, but despite that we had many good chances. We did not defend well, we did not use our chances – that's what we want to change.

In the Champions League, it is all about delaying the moment when you exit the competition. Last year we went out in the final. This year it looks likely that it will be the quarter-finals. But it is not over yet. Currently, we are sort of second-half specialists and this is the second half of the quarter-finals. We want to win it.

Weekend result

Saturday: Dortmund 2-1 VfL Wolfsburg (Lewandowski 51, Reus 77; Olić 34)
Langerak; Piszczek, Papastathopoulos, Hummels, Grosskreutz; Kehl, Şahin (Jojić 46), Aubameyang (Durm 46), Mkhitaryan (Kirch 76), Reus; Lewandowski.

• Dortmund won just their fourth home game in 12, coming from behind to beat Wolfsburg with the help of Lewandowski's 17th Bundesliga goal this season.

Team news

Roman Weidenfeller missed out against Wolfsburg due to a hand injury sustained in Madrid and while Zlatan Alomerović, 22, has been drafted into the squad to provide cover, Klopp says his No1 trained well on Monday. Nuri Şahin is doubtful with a knock and Sebastian Kehl is suspended.

Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti, coach


Lewandowski returning makes this a different game. Everyone knows the quality he brings. His Dortmund team-mates are always able to find him. His presence lifts them to another level.

You don't even think about possibly going out. Ifs and buts are of no use in football. You don't bother. It will be our task to give our best and play like we did in the first leg. Tomorrow, it is the quarter-final second leg and there is no need to motivate the players. We are within touching distance of the semis – what bigger motivation do you need?

There is no need to change the system or go for a more defensive approach. They have 90 minutes to score three, four goals. We have 90 minutes to score one, which would make things very difficult for them. The earlier we score, the easier it will be for us.

We have to find a balance between defence and attack. But we want to play our attacking brand of football. That's where our strength lies. That's what we have to bring to the pitch. But you cannot attack for the entire 90 minutes. Together, we will have to defend well at times.

I believe we can play at a very high level again. Two [recent Liga] defeats costs us dearly, but the team responded well, physically and mentally. We can continue at this level until the end of the season.

Weekend result

Saturday: Real Sociedad de Fútbol 0-4 Real Madrid (Illarramendi 45, Bale 66, Pepe 85, Morata 88)
Diego López; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Nacho; Alolnso (Casemiro 88), Illarramendi; Bale (Morata 86), Isco (Di María 81), Modrić; Benzema.

• Following back-to-back losses to FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at the end of March, Madrid have won their last three matches in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and conceding none.

Team news

Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature at the weekend because of a knee injury picked up in the first leg, and any hope of him recovering probably ended when he departed training early on Monday. Gareth Bale is expected to overcome a knee knock and Ancelotti confirmed that Pepe and Sergio Ramos will start at centre-back, with Fábio Coentrão also getting the nod.

Match fact

• Madrid have gone through in 42 of 55 European ties after winning the first leg at home, including all eight when they initially triumphed 3-0, most recently against Galatasaray AŞ in their 2012/13 quarter-final.

 

Mourinho fills Chelsea with belief for Paris test

Published: Monday 7 April 2014, 21.19CET

José Mourinho says that come kick-off his players "have to be ready, with smiles on our faces" as they seek to overturn their 3-1 first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain.


by Jamie Reid
from London

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Oscar, Eden Hazard and Willian at Chelsea training on Monday ©AFP/Getty Images

José Mourinho says it is up to his Chelsea FC players to create an atmosphere of belief at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as the Blues seek to overturn their 3-1 quarter-final first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The English side, he says, have nothing to lose as few expect them to prevail – not that Laurent Blanc buys into that viewpoint. Although shorn of the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović, Blanc hopes his charges can seal progress by exploiting any space left by Chelsea's need to attack.

Chelsea
José Mourinho, manager


I believe and my players believe and that's the most important thing. I won two finals, so the two finals are the most important good memories I have. I lost semi-finals, and when you lose semi-finals you are nearly there and the semi-finals are the biggest disappointments. I was never knocked out in the group stage, which is good for me and good for my clubs – but I still consider the two finals the most important nights.

If Paris are knocked out tomorrow it will be a big disappointment for them; if we are knocked out then it is something that a lot of people are expecting. We have to enjoy the risk of the situation. At 9.30pm [UK time] we can be out, and we know that. But at 7.45pm we have chances to be in the semi-final. So at 7.45pm we have to be ready, with smiles on our faces, to go out and see what happens – but at 7.45pm we believe we can do it.

We need the supporters but you know that without us performing it's difficult for them to support. Normally at home we play well so I think they have hope that we can do it, and I think they understand that if they can push us a little then that push is welcome – but I think everything starts with us. If we can show that we can do it then they will come with us.

Weekend result

Saturday: Chelsea FC 3-0 Stoke City FC (Salah 32, Lampard 61, Willian 72)
Čech; Ivanović, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard (Luiz 70), Matić; Schürrle (Hazard 59), Willian (Cole 78), Salah; Torres.

• Chelsea, who had lost two of their previous five fixtures in all competitions, have kept eight successive clean sheets at Stamford Bridge – and are unbreached in 732 minutes since Javier Hernández's consolation in Manchester United FC's 3-1 loss on 19 January.

Team news

Samuel Eto'o has a hamstring problem and, while Mourinho says he will not be fit on Tuesday, he does not discount using the forward at some point. Ramires is suspended.

Paris
Laurent Blanc, coach


We need to go into the game with the right spirit and the right motivation to qualify. I don't know what the probability of us going through is, but these percentages are not important – we have a match to play against a very good side and we know what went on in the first leg and we need to learn our lessons from that.

Is the match going to be like the last 30 minutes of the first half in the first leg or is it going to be a case of Paris Saint-Germain dominating the second half, or are Chelsea going to have the ball and dominate? We don't know, that's the magic of football.

In the first leg we saw that Chelsea can defend very compactly and operate with four defenders on the edge of their box. That leaves you with space down the flanks and is something that's terrific for [Ezequiel] Lavezzi because he likes to have space on the wings. He's got a lot of speed so that's something he's able to exploit and he's able to beat players and break free down there.

We caused problems for Chelsea in the first leg but it's a case of whether they play a slightly higher line in the second leg and whether they come out – if they do, that will allow space for Lavezzi and other players as well.

Weekend result

Saturday: Paris 3-0 Stade de Reims (Cavani 43, Mandi og 48 89)
Sirigu; Digne, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Van der Wiel (Camara 65); Rabiot, Cabaye, Pastore; Ménez, Cavani (Lavezzi 65), Lucas (Ongenda 72).

• Saturday's 3-0 Ligue 1 home success against Stade de Reims means Paris have won a club record 11 straight games in all competitions, conceding just four goals in the process.

Team news

Ibrahimović misses out with a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg.

Match fact

Paris have prevailed in 11 of 14 European ties in which they won the first leg at home – and have won three of the four in which that initial margin of triumph was two goals. The sole exception was against KSV Waterschei in the 1982/83 European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals, when they were 2-0 victors at home but lost 3-0 in Belgium.

 


Guardiola: Manchester United will park the bus again

By Stefan Coerts
Apr 8, 2014 11:12:00 AM

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The Bayern trainer thinks David Moyes will opt for a defensive approach once more and believes it will be a close encounter

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola expects Manchester United to sit back in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

The Premier League champions held the Bavarians to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last week with a rather defensive strategy and the Spaniard is expecting his Red Devils counterpart David Moyes to employ similar tactics in the return.

"I think they will sit very deep. They play very defensively and always look to counter – it is something they do very, very well," Guardiola said at a press conference.

"It's never easy against English teams. United are a very big team. Before the first game, everybody was talking about Bayern, but now people know that Manchester can win in Munich.

"But we're playing at home. That's an important factor. If we win, we are through. If not, we are out. It will come down to small details. Our players know, after the experience in Manchester, how United play. My players know their strength and weaknesses. "

Guardiola then went on to discuss the possibility that the tie will be decided by spot kicks and stressed that the mental aspect of the game could play a major role.

"Penalties are less about technique and more about courage," the former Barcelona boss mused. "It is all in the head."

Bayern will be without key players such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara due to suspension and injury and Guardiola admitted that he has limited options to choose from.

"We only have 14 first-team players so I have not got too many options," the former Spain international confessed.

 

Raul Garcia: Atletico will be ready for Barcelona

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By Stefan Coerts
Apr 8, 2014 12:54:00 PM

The midfielder is eagerly anticipating this week's encounter at the Vicente Calderon and is confident that the Rojiblancos can finish the job after earning a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou

Raul Garcia says Atletico Madrid are brimming with confidence ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Diego Simeone's men held the Blaugrana to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou in the reverse fixture last week and Raul Garcia says the Rojiblancos are poised to realise a "dream".

"Atletico will be ready for the game against Barcelona. We are high on confidence following the good results," the midfielder told Marca.

"We want to find right until the end and see how far we can go. We are all very pleased with what we have done so far. This season might seem like a dream, but it's actually reality.

"This is the result of a lot of hard work over the years. We have worked hard and are brimming with confidence.

"We all know how important this game is both for the club and for the fans. We are all determined to do well."

Atletico are still unbeaten against Barcelona this season, drawing all four encounters with the Catalans, and know that a 0-0 scoreline would be enough to send them through to the last four of the Champions League.

 

Sagna warns Paris Saint-Germain: Stamford Bridge is an intimidating stadium

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By Chris Davie
Apr 8, 2014 12:43:00 PM

Laurent Blanc's men travel to London for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final and the Frenchman says there is "a lot of agitation" at the Blues' ground

Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna has warned Paris Saint-Germain to expect an “intimidating” atmosphere when they meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.

Chelsea head into the second leg of their quarter-final Champions League tie following a 3-1 defeat in France, and will now require a victory with a margin of two clear goals to stand a chance of progressing.

PSG, who are without injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the fixture, are undefeated in all competitions since January 22 and have won all of their last 11 games.

"It's an intimidating stadium,” Sagna told Le Parisien. “It is a small pitch and the fans are very close to the pitch.

“There is a lot of intimidation and agitation. You really hear the chants and whistles. There are not many people, but they sound like they were doubled.”


 

Dortmund will go all-out attack, claims Carvajal


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By Stefan Coerts
Apr 8, 2014 11:44:00 AM

The full-back has revealed that Los Blancos are bracing themselves for a BVB onslaught, with Jurgen Klopp's men needing to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit

Real Madrid defender Daniel Carvajal expects Borussia Dortmund to go all-out attack right from the start of Tuesday's Champions League clash at the Signal Iduna Park.

The Bundesliga outfit were beaten 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their quarter-final tie last week and Carvajal has little doubt that they will give it their all to turn things around in the return.

"We know exactly how Dortmund play. They play good football and try to put brutal pressure on the opposition," the full-back said at a press conference.

"They will try everything to turn the tide. We will try to resist that and play to win. We expect them to go on all-out attack for the first 15, 20 minutes, propelled by their fans – they want to put pressure on us and score a quick goal.

"Then they will hope to keep things open. We have to try to avoid conceding, but why should we not try to score ourselves."

Madrid were eliminated by Dortmund in the semi-finals of the competition last season, when they lost the first leg at the Signal Iduna Prak 4-1 before recording a 2-0 win at the Bernabeu.

 
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