World Soccer Talk: March 2018

Saturday 31 March 2018

Where to find Chelsea vs. Spurs on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Chelsea vs. Spurs in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

The last time Spurs beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was on February 10, 1990 when the Lilywhites won 2-1. Twenty eight years later, can Tottenham finally record a win in west London against the Blues?

Match: Chelsea vs. Spurs

Kickoff: Sunday, 11am ET

Looking to watch Chelsea vs. Spurs online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:
US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Chelsea vs. Spurs
What: Premier League, gameweek 32
When: Game kicks off at 11am ET / 8am PT; Sunday, April 1, 2018
Where: Live on NBCSN, Telemundo, Sling Blue, DIRECTV NOW and fubo Premier (free 7-day trial)

With fubo Premier, you can watch Chelsea vs. Spurs and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

Now with fubo Premier, you can stream NBCSN, FS1, FS2 as well as beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports Net, Telemundo, Univision, Univision Deportes, UniMas, Eleven Sports, CBS, CSN and YES.

Plus fubo Premier, the legal streaming service, also streams Serie A, La Liga, Liga MX, World Cup 18/22/26, Women’s World Cup 2019, MLS, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NASL, CONCACAF Champions League, Bundesliga, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and Euro 2020 qualifiers.

The fubo Premier app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Chelsea vs. Spurs game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Chelsea vs. Spurs game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Chelsea vs. Spurs (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

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Adrenaline powers weary Ibrahimovic to dream debut

Los Angeles (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic said adrenaline carried him through his fairytale debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday after two late goals completed a second half fightback for a dramatic 4-3 win over LAFC.

The 36-year-old Swedish star lashed in a sumptuous 40-yard volleyed lob to level the score at 3-3 before heading home the winner in injury time to spark pandemonium at the StubHub Center.

Ibrahimovic, who only arrived in California on Thursday and had not played since December, admitted he felt exhausted from his match-winning 20-minute cameo after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

“I felt I’d played 40 games for my 20 minutes,” Ibrahimovic said.

“It was everything – jet lag, didn’t play for a long time. I did the first sprint and I was starting to breathe immediately.

“I was happy when the game finished because I don’t know if I could have played more.”

The former Manchester United star said fatigue had prompted him to attempt his audacious lob for the Galaxy’s third.

“When the second one came, I thought I’ll shoot and not run with the ball. That was the ball that went in,” he said.

“I saw the goalkeeper he was out and I thought I would shoot it over. I chose the power way and it went in and you don’t want the adrenaline to finish.

“If I had more strength, I would have run all over the pitch, but I just managed the one side of the field.

“Under these weather conditions, it’s not easy. I was asking for sun cream after 10 minutes.”

Ibrahimovic, who has hardly played in the past year during his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained last April, said he had been itching to take the field as Galaxy fell behind by three goals.

– ‘I gave them Zlatan’ –

“I was just waiting to come on because when you’re losing 3-0, the adrenaline is pumping even more because you want to be able to do something for your team in a difficult situation,” he said.

“The fans were demanding something and I gave them Zlatan.”

Ibrahimovic admitted however he would prefer more straightforward games in future.

“The fans enjoy a game like that, but for the players, it’s not so easy because you want to play a game where you have it under control and when you’re winning the game,” he said. “But when you’re losing 3-0 and you win 4-3, it’s fantastic for the fans.”

Ibrahimovic, who collected winners’ medals during previous spells with Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and United, said he hopes to carry on his record of success with the Galaxy.

“This is the start and I just want to be part of Galaxy’s history in MLS,” he said. “This is the first of many games to come.”

Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid meanwhile said the team had weighed playing Ibrahimovic amid concern for his fitness.

“We wanted to make sure that we didn’t do anything that would put him in a situation that could get him injured,” Schmid said, revealing that when Ibrahimovic scored his spectacular first he had turned to his coaches and said: “That’s just world class. You can’t teach that.

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Ibra-mania as Zlatan’s double seals Galaxy fightback

Los Angeles (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his arrival in Major League Soccer with two goals on his debut including an injury-time winner as the Los Angeles Galaxy fought back from three goals down to beat Los Angeles FC 4-3 on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic — who only arrived in California on Thursday — lashed home an imperious volley from 40 yards just six minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute to make it 3-3 and trigger pandemonium at the StubHub Center.

The Swede then headed home Ashley Cole’s cross in injury time to put Galaxy ahead in an extraordinary finale that lived up to the hype that surrounded the veteran striker’s arrival from Manchester United.

“My history when I come to a new team, I always score in the first game, I didn’t want to let it down this time,” Ibrahimovic said afterwards.

“I heard the crowd saying ‘We want Zlatan, we want Zlatan’ And I gave them Zlatan,” he added. “They were pushing me, and I was giving back to them.”

Ibrahimovic’s winner was the final act of a thrilling first-ever derby between the Galaxy and expansion side LAFC, who had surged into a 3-0 lead early in the second half after two goals from Carlos Vela and an own goal from Daniel Steres.

Slack play from LAFC allowed Galaxy to pull a goal back through Sebastian Lletget in the 61st minute after dogged work from Servando Carrasco.

The home crowd then roared in appreciation in the 71st minute when Ibrahimovic made his entrance from the substitutes bench.

The 36-year-old star had an instant impact and was involved in the build-up which led to Galaxy’s second goal, headed in by Chris Pontius from Emmanuel Boateng’s cross.

Suddenly the Galaxy dared to dream of an improbable comeback, and when Ibrahimovic thundered home his equaliser on 77 minutes, the home side had drawn level.

– Last word –

LAFC had a chance to regain the lead when Costa Rican international Marco Urena hit the woodwork late on.

But instead it was Ibrahimovic who was determined to have the last word.

Former Chelsea and England left-back Cole stormed forwards down the left flank and crossed into the area, and Ibrahimovic guided home the header to launch his MLS career in the most dramatic way possible.

Ibrahimovic had talked boldly on Friday of helping restore the Galaxy to their position of dominance in Major League Soccer after a dismal 2017 campaign that saw them finish bottom of the Western Conference.

However the scale of the task facing Ibrahimovic became apparent after only 26 minutes on Saturday, with Mexico striker Vela scoring twice to give LAFC a 2-0 lead that their dominant play deserved.

Vela drew first blood after only five minutes, picking up the ball on the edge of the area and curling a magnificent strike beyond the dive of Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham to make it 1-0.

Los Angeles FC continued to dominate, pressing Galaxy aggressively and threatening in attack through the lively Vela, Costa Rican international Urena and Uruguayan youngster Diego Rossi.

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Juventus pull clear as Napoli’s title dreams hit

Turin (Italy) (AFP) – Leonardo Bonucci scored on his return to Juventus but could not stop the Italian champions’ march towards a seventh straight title with a 3-1 win over AC Milan on Saturday.

Paulo Dybala opened the scoring after eight minutes with Juan Cuadrado marking his comeback from injury with the second and Sami Khedira adding a third late on as Juventus moved four points clear of Napoli whose hopes were hit by a 1-1 draw at strugglers Sassuolo.

Defender Bonucci, 30, left Turin last summer for Milan after falling out with coach Massimiliano Allegri and was jeered by the hostile crowd in the Allianz Statium.

“I’m happy for Bonucci that he got a goal, but I’m even happier that Juventus won,” said Allegri.

“It was important to get back to winning ways against Milan, who are in good shape. Wins like this send a signal.”

Dybala’s opener left a diving Gianluigi Donnarumma without a chance after the Milan keeper had earlier cleared a Gonzalo Higuain snapshot.

Milan pushed forward with Andre Silva heading wide, before Bonucci rose to nod in the equaliser — the first Serie A goal conceded by Juventus in 2018.

But the champions cranked up the tempo with Khedira setting up substitute Cuadrado whose diving header beat Donnarumma on 79 minutes with the German midfielder finishing off a Dybala cross for the third.

It was Gennaro Gattuso’s side’s first defeat of 2018 ending a ten-match unbeaten run, and giving Juventus a boost ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg game against Real Madrid.

“In the end fatigue took over and they had great players and they took advantage of it,” said Gattuso.

Juventus have 78 points from 30 games with Napoli on 74.

AC Milan stay sixth — but drop eight points off the Champions League places.

– Napoli, Roma stalled –

Napoli’s campaign has faltered in recent weeks with just one win in their last four games.

And they missed a golden opportunity to stay in touch with the leaders against Sassuolo who are hovering above the drop zone.

Matteo Politano put Sassuolo ahead after 22 minutes with Maurizio Sarri’s side saved by a Rogerio own-goal with ten minutes to go.

“We created a lot of chances again today, but it’s a period where we aren’t converting enough of them into goals,” said Sarri, whose side will meet meet Juventus in Turin next month in a clash that could be decisive for the Scudetto.

“Our objective is to reach 87 points and set a new all-time record for Napoli in Serie A. That is the only reason we are disappointed to drop two points today.”

In the fight for Champions League places, Mauro Icardi scored a brace in a 3-0 win over Verona as Inter Milan closed to within two points of third-placed Roma who were held 1-1 by Bologna.

Substitute Edin Dzeko rescued Roma who were also hit by a Radja Nainggolan muscle injury that could compromise their Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona in Spain midweek.

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PSG see off Monaco to seal fifth straight League Cup

Bordeaux (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain claimed their fifth consecutive French League Cup title as an Edinson Cavani double helped them ease to a 3-0 victory over Monaco in Saturday’s final at Bordeaux.

The Uruguayan gave PSG an eighth-minute lead from the penalty spot after a lengthy delay for a video assistant referee review, before Angel Di Maria beat Danijel Subasic at his near post to make it two and Cavani completed the scoring late on.

Kylian Mbappe was a constant menace and perhaps the difference between the two sides, as his current team beat his former club for the second successive final after last year’s 4-1 victory.

The capital club’s win also extended their all-time record amount of League Cup crowns to eight and stretched their winning streak in domestic Cup competitions to 40 matches since a French Cup defeat by Montpellier in January 2014.

The holders were awarded a spot-kick after only four minutes, as Polish centre-back Kamil Glik brought down Mbappe.

After a three-minute wait for the decision to be confirmed by VAR, Cavani stepped up to beat Subasic and grab his 34th goal of the season.

Monaco responded well and Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans fired over after some quick build-up play.

But PSG doubled their advantage in the 21st minute as Mbappe set Di Maria through on goal with a wonderful pass, and the Argentinian international fired a low shot under goalkeeper Subasic to score for the third League Cup final in a row.

Rony Lopes wasted a golden opportunity for Monaco to halve the deficit as he chipped wide with only PSG goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to beat.

Just seconds later it was Cavani’s turn to squander a magnificent chance, miskicking off target after Mbappe had laid the ball on a plate for him with the goal gaping.

Trapp’s blushes were spared shortly afterwards, as after his error allowed a Radamel Falcao header to drop into the net, VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

Leonardo Jardim’s Monaco put up a much better fight than 12 months ago, and Portuguese winger Lopes came agonisingly close early in the second half when his curling effort flicked the top of the crossbar.

Mbappe, who joined PSG from Monaco in a 180-million-euro deal last year, continued to look dangerous but proved wasteful in front of goal as he prodded past the post just two minutes after Subasic had saved at his feet.

But the 19-year-old continued to create opportunities, and it was his jinking run which ended with Cavani slotting into the corner.

The striker has now scored eight goals in French League Cup finals, after previous doubles in 2014, 2015 and last year.

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Messi rescues unbeaten Barca as Bale double propels Real

Seville (Spain) (AFP) – Lionel Messi rescued Barcelona’s unbeaten season on Saturday as the La Liga leaders scored twice in the last three minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw at Sevilla.

Messi came off the bench with his team two goals down at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Luis Suarez pulled one back in the 88th minute, before the Argentinian struck the equaliser a minute later.

Barcelona had not lost a league game this term, or in 13 months, but finishes from Franco Vazquez and Luis Muriel looked to have sealed Sevilla a stunning victory.

But Messi came up trumps again and he celebrated his goal, a bending long-range strike into the bottom corner, by rushing to the jubilant coaching staff and substitutes on the touchline.

He had been left out of the starting line-up due to a hamstring complaint, with coach Ernesto Valverde perhaps keeping one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Roma.

But he still made the decisive intervention even if Barca’s draw means Atletico Madrid can cut the gap at the top to nine points by beating Deportivo La Coruna at home on Sunday.

Sevilla, meanwhile, are still 13 points adrift of the top four, havng played a game more than Valencia, and must recover in time for their own Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

They would have been deserving winners here and, in truth, could have been out of sight had Muriel and Vazquez finished any number of dangerous breaks in the second half.

Sevilla were the better side for the opening half an hour and took a deserved lead in the 36th minute when Joaquin Correa shuffled into the area and chipped a cross into Vazquez. He poked a weak finish but it was just enough to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The hosts doubled their lead when Ever Banega’s stinging shot was pushed out too centrally by Ter Stegen, allowing Muriel to take a touch and guide the ball into the corner.

Messi came on for Ousmane Dembele just before the hour mark but Sevilla could have been three up, Jesus Navas missing the best chance as his one-on-one was cleared off the line by Gerard Pique.

They were made to pay the price as Suarez turned in from close range before the ball rolled tantalisingly out to the left foot of Messi, and he drilled it into the corner.

– Bale pushes case –

Earlier, Gareth Bale made a strong case for a starting spot against Juventus by scoring twice in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Las Palmas as Cristiano Ronaldo was rested.

Bale’s double in Gran Canaria served as a timely reminder to coach Zinedine Zidane, with the trip to Turin for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals to come on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema had doubled Real’s lead before half-time as Los Blancos moved just one point behind second-placed Atletico. Las Palmas stay 18th, seven points adrift of safety.

The only worry for Zidane was the sight of Nacho hobbling off in the first half, with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

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Liverpool the priority for Guardiola as City close on title

Liverpool (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed his focus is on their two-legged Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool even though they could be crowned Premier League champions against Manchester United next weekend.

City eased to a 3-1 win over Everton on Saturday courtesy of goals from Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling and were good value for their victory even though Yannick Bolasie pulled a goal back for the Toffees.

City’s focus will now switch to the first leg of their Champions League tie against Liverpool on Wednesday before a mouthwatering opportunity to wrap up the title against the Red Devils at the Etihad Stadium.

And Guardiola preferred to look at the bigger picture and refused to indulge in what it would mean to beat United to clinch the league.

“I understand people are going to talk about United but now all the decisions are about Liverpool,” Guardiola said.

“We have now we are closer than ever. We have one game to win. If we are not able to win, we have six more chances. We are so, so close and so happy with the performance.

“Now it is one more game and we will be champions. For the fans it is significant. It is special. It is important we win – no matter where. Of course the most important thing is these two games

“We have to go to Anfield with good feelings. Now we have a few days to prepare for this game.”

For Guardiola’s entertainers to do it against Jose Mourinho’s side would provide an appropriate signature moment and possibly the standout memory of a team with the potential to emerge as one of English football’s greatest.

The football City have played in this campaign has been simply breathless in its quality and the current 16-point advantage over second-placed United is in no way flattering.

Before this game, City had not played since a 2-0 win over Stoke on March 12 and Guardiola had been concerned whether his side would be a little rusty.

– First win over Everton –

“We were a long time without being together,” Guardiola explained. “And I didn’t want to play with seven, eight, nine players going to play Wednesday without four weeks playing together.

“We needed to play together to find our pace, our rhythm. We controlled the game and it was a huge victory. It was the first time as a manager I was able to beat Everton.”

Sane volleyed City ahead, Jesus added a second with a header before Sterling added a third just before half-time when he steered home David Silva’s cross.

Bolasie, who had headed over a 1-0 down, pulled a goal back in the second half when he arrowed home a low shot but City had taken their foot off the gas by that stage.

Those Everton supporters that remained at the final whistle applauded City’s players off the pitch which was telling of the quality of their performance and pleased Guardiola.

“Maybe because we are going to play against Liverpool, I don’t know!” added the City boss. “But thank you so much. I didn’t know it but they give credit to what the players have done.

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Bale puts hand up for Juve selection after Las Palmas double

Madrid (AFP) – Gareth Bale made a strong case for a starting spot against Juventus by scoring twice in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday.

Bale’s double in Gran Canaria served as a timely reminder to coach Zinedine Zidane, with the trip to Turin for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals to come on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema had doubled Real’s lead before half-time as Los Blancos moved just one point behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who host Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Las Palmas stay 18th, seven points adrift of safety.

The only worry for Zidane was the sight of Nacho hobbling off in the first half, with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

Bale opened the scoring with a trademark run and finish down the left before Benzema converted one penalty and then generously handed over a second, which the Welshman had earned himself.

The question now is whether Zidane was suitably impressed to pick Bale in Italy.

The 28-year-old also scored against Getafe before Real faced Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month and that was only enough to earn him a place on the bench in Paris, where he had also started the first leg.

Bale has now scored 10 goals in 11 starts since the turn of the year but the suspicion remains that Zidane does not trust him defensively against elite opposition.

Cristiano Ronaldo was rested against Las Palmas, and is sure to return against Juve, while Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio and Isco all started ahead of him across the two legs against PSG.

Isco was absent with a back problem following his hat-trick for Spain against Argentina last week, and Sergio Ramos was also spared, after picking up a knock over the international break.

Bale’s first goal arrived in the 26th minute as Luka Modric curved a superb pass inside right-back Michel Macedo, which Bale drove forward before slamming home at the near post.

Benzema tucked his penalty into the bottom corner 13 minutes later and then presented Bale with the ball after his team-mate had been fouled in the area by Ximo Navarro. Bale made no mistake.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Girona’s hopes of Europa League qualification took a knock after they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Levante. Athletic Bilbao also drew 1-1 at home to Celta Vigo.

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City down Everton, on brink of title glory

Liverpool (AFP) – Manchester City clinched a comfortable 3-1 victory over Everton on Saturday to give the leaders the tantalising prospect of being crowned Premier League champions with a win over bitter rivals Manchester United.

City secured the points at Goodison Park courtesy of goals from Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, before Yannick Bolasie pulled a goal back for Everton.

Attention for City fans will now switch to the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday before a mouthwatering opportunity to wrap up the title against United at Eastlands next Saturday.

For Pep Guardiola’s side to do it against Jose Mourinho’s men would provide an appropriate signature moment and possibly the standout memory of a team with the potential to emerge as one of English football’s greatest ever.

The football City have played in this campaign has been simply breathless in its quality and the current 16-point advantage over second-placed United is in no way flattering.

Everton were actually something of an anomaly for Guardiola –- the only top-flight team he had yet to score a victory over since he took over at City.

Indeed, his heaviest defeat as manager came in a 4-0 loss to Everton in the same fixture last season.

Despite their travails away from home, Everton had taken 23 points from the past 30 available on home turf.

However, the way City at Goodison Park started there was only going to be one outcome.

It did not take them long to assert their authority as they took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to an exquisite volley from Sane.

Aymeric Laporte sent David Silva scurrying down the left edge of the box and flicked the ball into the area before crossing and it was met by sweetly by the left boot of Sane who thumped it past Jordan Pickford.

Everton had a chance to equalise when Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s high cross picked out Bolasie, only for the winger to head over from close range.

– Different planet –

The Toffees winger immediately put his head in his hands, which is exactly what the majority of the Everton fans did moments later when City added a second.

A lightning quick attacking move started by Ederson’s quick distribution enabled City to catch Everton’s midfield flat footed.

Kevin De Bruyne lifted a cross into the penalty area and Jesus powered his header –- via the shoulder of Pickford –- into the net.

Since the start of the 2015-16 campaign, De Bruyne has provided 42 assists in the Premier League, which is more than any other player in Europe’s big five leagues.

At times, Everton centre-backs Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka appeared to glance in the direction of the bench in desperate search of answers on how to stop the wave of attacks.

None from Everton boss Sam Allardyce were forthcoming.

Just before half-time the match was over as a contest when another quicksilver attack saw Silva burst down the left flank and his low cross picked out Sterling, who adroitly steered the ball past the hapless Pickford.

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Bayern crush Dortmund but title party put on hold

Berlin (AFP) – Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski put former club Borussia Dortmund to the sword as Bayern Munich rampaged to a 6-0 win on Saturday, but the Bavarians have to wait at least another week to celebrate a sixth successive Bundesliga title.

Lewandowski was lucky not to be ruled offside when he gave Bayern the lead after just five minutes. Franck Ribery was less fortunate a few minutes later, as his goal was correctly ruled out by VAR. Luck had little to do with it, however, as Bayern completely outclassed Dortmund in the first half, strikes from James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller giving them a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark.

In the dying minutes of the half, Ribery twinkle-toed his way through the defence to set up Lewandowski’s second, before getting on the scoresheet himself with Bayern’s fifth, lofting the ball elegantly over goalkeeper Roman Burki.

After a quiet second half, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick three minutes from time, turning in Joshua Kimmich’s cross from close range.

Bayern’s title celebrations remain on hold after Schalke eased to a 2-0 victory over Freiburg earlier in the day.

Daniel Caligiuri put Schalke ahead from the penalty spot on 63 minutes, before Freiburg striker Nils Petersen saw a second yellow card for dissent. With both their striker and their coach Christian Streich sent off, Freiburg capitulated, and Guido Burgstaller secured victory 17 minutes from time.

RB Leipzig survived a late scare in Hanover, battling to a 3-2 victory to break back into the top four.

Leipzig drew first blood on 16 minutes, as Timo Werner broke down the right flank to provide Emil Forsberg with the easiest of tap-ins.

Willi Orban doubled the lead early in the second half, sending a powerful header past Philipp Tschauner. Salif Sane quickly pulled one back for Hanover, before Yussuf Poulsen appeared to secure victory for Leipzig in the 76th minute.

Niclas Fuellkrug fired Hanover back into the game with a flying header, and appeared to complete a dramatic comeback when he found the net again minutes later, only to see his equaliser disallowed for offside through VAR.

“The three points are hugely important for us and we are happy that we got the reward for our hard work,” said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl. “But we need to regain stability at the back.”

– Hoffenheim hit six –

Leipzig leapfrog Bayer Leverkusen into fourth, as the latter were held to a turgid 0-0 draw by Augsburg.

At the other end of the table, Hamburg dropped more points as they drew 1-1 in Stuttgart. Lewis Holtby scored his first league goal since August to fire Hamburg into the lead on 18 minutes, but Daniel Ginczek equalised against the run of play for Stuttgart just before half-time.

Hamburg remain bottom, a point behind fellow strugglers Cologne, who were subjected to a 6-0 thrashing at Hoffenheim.

Serge Gnabry scored two brilliant goals to kick-start the rout. Having danced around several defenders to fire in a net-busting opener in the first half, Gnabry grabbed a second just after half-time, picking out the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

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Man City one win from title, Salah sinks Palace

London (AFP) – Manchester City are one win away from being crowned Premier League champions after a swaggering 3-1 victory over Everton, while Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s hero yet again as the Egypt star clinched a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their 16-point lead at the top thanks to a scintillating first half display at Goodison Park.

City, on a five-match winning run in the league, can look forward to the delicious prospect of sealing the title when bitter rivals Manchester United visit Eastlands next Saturday.

Leroy Sane put City ahead with a sumptuous volley from David Silva’s pin-point cross in the fourth minute

Gabriel Jesus increased City’s lead eight minutes later, the Brazil forward heading in from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross.

Thrashed 4-0 at Everton last season in one of the worst defeats of Guardiola’s glittering career, City underlined their vast improvement since then as Raheem Sterling finished off a ruthless counter-attack in the 37th minute.

Yannick Bolasie drilled home for Everton in the 63rd minute, but City’s club record 13th away league win means they have 84 points and can break the previous record total for Premier League champions — Chelsea’s 85-point haul in 2005 — if they beat United.

Having already won the League Cup, City next face a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool on Wednesday.

In rainy south London, Liverpool trailed when Luka Milivojevic drove struggling Palace into a 13th-minute lead from the penalty spot after Loris Karius fouled Wilfried Zaha.

But Senegal winger Sadio Mane levelled four minutes after the break with a close-range finish.

Salah, in the midst of an incredible debut season at Liverpool, proved the match winner as he smashed home in the 84th minute.

Salah, who has 37 goals in 42 games in all competitions this term, has scored in the joint-most Premier League matches (21) in a single 38-match season.

That ties the mark set by Robin van Persie in 2012-13 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08.

“I think the moment you see it is Mo (on the ball) you feel good. It was a very cool finish and long may that form continue,” Klopp said.

Liverpool were unable to hold onto second place as Manchester United moved two points ahead of them with a 2-0 victory against Swansea at Old Trafford.

“Lots of players played internationals, so they were tired in the second half. Every point is vital because we want to stay in second place,” United manager Jose Mourinho said.

“In other leagues we would be fighting for the title. We are having a positive season and we still have the FA Cup to come.”

Romelu Lukaku scored for United with a deflected strike from Alexis Sanchez’s pass in the fifth minute.

Former Chelsea and Everton star Lukaku, who has netted in five times in his last six appearances, now has 100 career Premier League goals.

Chile forward Sanchez bagged just his second goal since joining United from Arsenal in January in the 20th minute.

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Nowhere man: Bayern insist Lewandowski will not be Real Madrid player

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has played down rumours that star striker Robert Lewandowski could be leaving for Real Madrid this summer.

Speaking to Sky ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening, Rummenigge insisted that Lewandowski would be playing in Munich next season.

“We have not discussed selling Robert at all,” said Rummenigge. “He will be a Bayern Munich player next season, I am willing to bet anything on that.”

Reports in the Spanish media have repeatedly linked 29-year-old Lewandowski to Real Madrid in recent weeks.

Speculation has only increased since the Polish international changed his representative in February, hiring the services of Pini Zahavi, an Israeli agent with close ties to the Spanish giants.

Rummenigge added: “I think Real Madrid know that (Lewandowski) has a contract at Bayern for the next three years.”

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Moyes relief as West Ham make peace with fans

London (AFP) – David Moyes admitted he was relieved peace finally broke out at the London Stadium as West Ham got their frustrated fans back on side with a vital 3-0 win against Southampton on Saturday.

Moyes’ side moved five points clear of the relegation zone thanks to Joao Mario’s opener and two goals from Marko Arnautovic.

After West Ham’s recent home defeat by Burnley was overshadowed by pitch invasions, missile-throwing and protests in front of the directors’ box, there were real fears of more unsavoury scenes.

Fans staged a protest march against co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan before kick-off, but a truce was called inside, mostly due to West Ham’s improved performance.

“The players showed how they felt about past events, they were pent up and ready to go,” Moyes said.

“I thought before kick-off the supporters showed they are with the club and with the team, and then the players showed what they were going to do. They really kicked on.

“It was a really big game for us, if we’d lost we could have slipped further down.

“We won’t get carried away, but we’ve not dropped into the bottom three. There are some big games to come and if the stadium stays like it was today it gives us a great chance.”

Despite the ill-feeling towards Sullivan and Gold, both were in attendance, although they took seats further back than usual in a directors’ box protected by extra security.

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Ocampos, Payet give Marseille dramatic win at Dijon

Dijon (France) (AFP) – Lucas Ocampos and Dimitri Payet struck in the final minutes as Marseille claimed a precious 3-1 win at Dijon in Ligue 1 on Saturday to stay on course for a Champions League place.

Valere Germain put Marseille in front 10 minutes before half-time, but the visitors then lost goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to injury for the second time in five matches.

South Korea international Kwon Chang-Hoon curled in an equaliser for Dijon with a quarter of an hour remaining.

But Germain was again involved as Marseille regained the lead on 88 minutes, his near-post header from a corner was bundled in from point-blank range by Argentine Lucas Ocampos.

A frenetic finale saw Dijon reduced to 10 men when Cedric Yambere was harshly sent off after conceding a penalty for a foul on Ocampos, although the spot-kick from Payet was saved by Baptiste Reynet.

But Payet, overlooked by Didier Deschamps for his latest France squad, atoned deep into stoppage time after winning another penalty, this time converting as Marseille pulled five points clear of fourth-placed Lyon.

Marseille go to Germany next week for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against RB Leipzig, with top scorer Florian Thauvin once more unlikely to feature as he nurses a hamstring injury.

Lyon, who beat Marseille 3-2 ahead of the international break, can reduce the gap on Sunday when they host a relegation-threatened Toulouse side.

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Game of two halves? Mourinho revels in ‘perfect first-half’

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho praised his players for a “perfect” first half performance as Romelu Lukaku scored the 100th goal of his Premier League career and Manchester United maintained their bid to finish runners-up.

The Belgian striker was joined on the scoresheet by Alexis Sanchez, for just the second time in his 11 United outings, in a routine 2-0 win over strugglers Swansea.

Mourinho’s players responded in style to the manager’s very public criticism of their efforts in the FA Cup victory over Brighton two weeks ago.

The United boss had accused his players of lacking “personality, class and desire” on that occasion.

However, with England international Jesse Lingard in magnificent form and having a hand in both goals, United had settled this game inside the opening 20 minutes.

“The first half was perfect,” said Mourinho. “One of the best halves we have played here.

“They (Swansea) didn’t cross the halfway line, they didn’t have one shot.

“We were so strong, we had lots of movement, lots of passing, we arrived in many dangerous positions, scored two, should have had at least one more.”

Lukaku’s 100th goal came after just five minutes as Lingard picked out Sanchez in the Swansea area who squared for Lukaku to score from 12 yards, via a deflection off Alfie Mawson.

“I’m really happy to achieve that milestone,” said Lukaku.

“It is a dream come true. I’m really happy to achieve that in a league I’ve wanted to play in since I was six years old.”

Just 15 minutes later, the points were as good as decided when Lingard collected the ball just inside Swansea territory and threaded through a magnificent pass for Sanchez to race on and deliver an unstoppable finish from the edge of the area.

Mourinho’s close friend Carlos Carvalhal, the Swansea manager, reshaped his team at the interval and brought on Tammy Abraham and Tom Carroll, prompting a very different second half.

– ‘Fighting for the title’ –

Still, the only moment of concern for David De Gea came on the hour when the Spanish keeper made two excellent, one-handed diving saves in quick succession from Abraham to maintain the two-goal cushion.

As United coasted to victory, Paul Pogba, handed a start for just the fourth time in United’s last 10 games, grew in influence and delivered two superb chipped passes that might have led to a third United goal.

But Juan Mata volleyed over spectacularly on the turn and Lukaku, having controlled Pogba’s pass on his chest, saw his shot blocked from six yards by Lukasz Fabianski.

Like Pogba, Sanchez’s form has also come under close scrutiny since his high-profile transfer to United but, as with his French team mate, the Chilean could be pleased with his afternoon’s endeavours.

“The team played very well in the first-half, so Alexis played well,” said Mourinho.

“But I think everybody played really well in the first half. Second-half I think Alexis was one of the guys who paid the price of the international week, playing two matches in three days.”

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Lingard stars as Lukaku brings up Premier League century

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Romelu Lukaku scored his 100th Premier League goal as Manchester United retook second place in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Swansea on Saturday, although it was Jesse Lingard who stole the show.

Lingard, who started England’s two recent friendlies, is emerging as an increasingly important figure for Gareth Southgate as he prepares for the World Cup in Russia.

The 25-year-old, playing in the ‘number 10′ role behind Lukaku, also showed his value to Jose Mourinho by helping to lay on the Belgian’s 100th goal and creating a second for Alexis Sanchez, all inside the opening 20 minutes.

After just five minutes, Lingard’s perceptive pass found Sanchez who squared for Lukaku to score his 26th goal of the season, via a deflection off defender Alfie Mawson, from 12 yards.

Then, even more impressively, Lingard collected the ball just inside the Swansea half before advancing and splitting the visitors’ defence with a pass that Sanchez ran onto before beating Lukasz Fabianski with a venomous shot from the edge of the area.

United moved back ahead of Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp’s side beat Crystal Palace, although remain 13 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City, who could secure the title against United at the Etihad Stadium next weekend should they get past Everton later on Saturday.

It was a dream opening for Mourinho, who had handed Paul Pogba just his fourth start in the 10 games since the manager appeared to have an on-field disagreement with the Frenchman in a defeat by Tottenham at the end of January.

With Mourinho’s relationship with United’s record signing having been widely questioned in the aftermath of that incident, it was an opportunity for Pogba to showcase his undoubted talents.

It was a good response from Pogba, who had impressed in France’s friendly victory in Russia in midweek, although, given the poor quality of the opposition, in a contest that did not test him too severely.

The Pogba situation has been just one of many talking points for United during a campaign which has failed to live up to the expectation of some supporters and pundits.

– Man United in ‘transition’ –

Mourinho, who has fiercely defended his own performance while, on occasion recently, publicly questioning his players, used his programme notes to launch yet another impassioned defence of his campaign.

“It is clear for everyone to see that this club is in a moment of transition,” wrote Mourinho.

“In the history of football all around the world, all of the biggest clubs have phases of continuous victories and phases of transition, and these cycles go on.

“Despite this, last season we managed to win two trophies. This season, we are through to the semi-final of the FA Cup and our aim will, of course, be to try to win it.”

One of the major criticisms levelled at Mourinho has been the supposed lack of attacking flair and ambition shown by his team although those characteristics were clearly on display against Swansea.

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Salah sinks Palace, Sanchez ends goal drought

London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah was Liverpool’s hero yet again as the Egypt star clinched a dramatic 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, while Alexis Sanchez ended his Manchester United goal drought in a 2-0 victory over Swansea on Saturday.

Despite the huge Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City looming on Wednesday, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp named his strongest side for the Premier League trip to south London.

Luka Milivojevic drove struggling Palace into a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot after Loris Karius fouled Wilfried Zaha.

But Senegal winger Sadio Mane levelled four minutes after the break with a close-range finish.

Despite having one of his quieter games of an incredible debut season at Liverpool, Salah proved the match winner as he smashed home in the 84th minute.

Salah, who has 37 goals in 42 games in all competitions this term, has scored in the joint-most Premier League matches (21) in a single 38-match season.

That ties the mark set by Robin van Persie in 2012-13 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08.

“I think the moment you see it is Mo (on the ball) you feel good. It was a very cool finish and long may that form continue,” Klopp said.

“It is usual for us that we need to fight here, especially after a difficult start, but it makes it more special at the end.”

Liverpool were unable to hold onto second place as United moved two points ahead of them at Old Trafford.

Following on from his recent 12-minute press conference rant in defence of his reign, United manager Jose Mourinho wrote in his programme notes that United are a club “in a moment of transition”.

United responded to Mourinho’s words as out-of-form midfielder Paul Pogba returned for the first time in four matches.

Romelu Lukaku scored for United with a deflected strike from Sanchez’s pass in the fifth minute.

Former Chelsea and Everton star Lukaku, who has netted in five times in his last six appearances, now has 100 career Premier League goals.

Chile forward Sanchez bagged just his second goal since joining United from Arsenal in January in the 20th minute.

The Premier League’s highest paid player had gone seven games without a goal until he finished off Jesse Lingard’s pass.

– Happy Hammers –

Later Saturday, Manchester City can restore their 16-point lead with victory at Everton which would then set up the chance to wrap up the title by defeating United next weekend.

Marko Arnautovic lifted the gloom at West Ham as his double inspired a crucial 3-0 victory against relegation rivals Southampton.

Hundreds of fans staged a march against West Ham’s co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan before kick-off in the aftermath of the crowd protests that marred their recent home defeat against Burnley.

Amid a tense atmosphere that saw extra security measures to protect the owners, on-loan Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario eased the anxiety with a 13th minute opener for David Moyes’ side.

Four minutes later, Arnautovic doubled West Ham’s lead and celebrated by shouting angrily towards Saints boss Mark Hughes, who fell out with the Austrian when they were together at Stoke.

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Icardi double as Inter, Lazio close in on ‘distracted’ Roma

Milan (AFP) – Mauro Icardi scored a brace in a 3-0 Serie A win over Verona as Inter Milan closed in on third-placed Roma who were held 1-1 by Bologna on Saturday ahead of their Champions League clash against Barcelona.

Substitute Edin Dzeko rescued a point for the side from the capital who were also hit by a Radja Nainggolan injury that could compromise their quarter-final in Spain midweek.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s Roma have 60 points from 30 games, but their grip on third is now threatened by Inter who edged two points behind.

Lazio are a further point back just outside the Champions League places for next season in fifth after surviving a scare to see off rock bottom Benevento 6-2.

Dzeko headed in after 76 minutes at the Stadio Dall’Ara after Erick Pulgar had given Bologna the lead on 18 minutes.

And the Bosnian forward admitted their trip to the Camp Nou for the first leg of their quarter-final clash was already on Roma’s minds.

“We are going into a very important match, we all had our thoughts on Barcelona a little bit, but even then we had chances and could have scored more,” said Dzeko.

“It’s difficult to explain what went wrong.”

Roma lacked speed against a Bologna side which included Di Francesco’s winger son Federico, with third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Santurro proving the unlikely hero for the home side.

Santurro was appearing in first Serie A game with Antonio Mirante suspended and understudy Angelo Da Costa injured.

And the 26-year-old did well on his debut keeping out an early Patrik Schick strike, followed by a Daniele De Rossi header from the resulting corner.

Nainggolan limped off after just 16 minutes with a muscular problem, and looks in doubt to face Barcelona.

Two minutes later Bologna were ahead, Pulgar picking up a poor clearance on the edge of the box to fire past Alisson.

Santurro denied Stephan El Shaarawy, with Kevin Strootman missing the chance to equalise when alone in front of goal.

But Dzeko replaced El Shaarawy with half an hour to go and got his head to Argentine winger Diego Perotti’s cross to fire past Santurro.

– Barcelona ‘totally different’ –

“We know that if we play like that against Barcelona, it won’t be enough,” said Di Francesco. “But we also know that Barca will attack. It will be a totally different match.”

Icardi, meanwhile, earned a standing ovation from the 60,000 crowd at the San Siro after bringing his tally of Serie A goals to 105.

The Argentine — who scored four in a 5-0 win over Sampdoria last time out — continued where he left off bagging the first after 38 seconds off an Ivan Perisic throw-in.

Perisic added a second on 13 minutes, with Icardi sliding in the third after the restart for a confidence boost ahead of next Wednesday’s Milan derby against AC Milan.

“I’m happy for my fastest goal in my career,” said Icardi. “It was the perfect day, not for goals, but because the team won. We go into the derby with the right frame of mind.

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Schalke beat Freiburg to delay Bayern title party

Berlin (AFP) – Goals from Daniel Caligiuri and Guido Burgstaller secured a 2-0 win for Schalke over Freiburg on Saturday, postponing Bayern Munich’s title celebrations.

Second-placed Schalke are now 14 points behind Bayern, meaning the league leaders cannot wrap up a sixth consecutive Bundesliga title when they face Borussia Dortmund later.

Caligiuri put Schalke ahead from the penalty spot on 63 minutes, before Freiburg striker Nils Petersen saw a second yellow card for dissent. With both their striker and their coach Christian Streich sent off, Freiburg capitulated, and Burgstaller secured victory 17 minutes from time.

RB Leipzig survived a late scare in Hanover, battling to a 3-2 victory to break back into the top four.

Leipzig drew first blood on 16 minutes, as Timo Werner broke down the right flank to provide Emil Forsberg with the easiest of tap-ins.

Leipzig leapfrog Bayer Leverkusen into fourth, as the latter were held to a turgid 0-0 draw by Augsburg.

Hamburg remain bottom, a point behind fellow strugglers Cologne, who were subjected to a 6-0 thrashing at Hoffenheim.

Cologne-born forward Mark Uth grabbed a brace, as he and Lukas Rupp scored three goals in the space of 10 minutes. Uth then set up Steven Zuber to prod home Hoffenheim’s sixth.

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Salah strikes again as Liverpool ride their luck to beat Palace

London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool rode their luck as Sadio Mane escaped a second yellow card before Mohamed Salah struck his 37th goal of the season to grind out a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Luka Milivojevic drove relegation threatened Palace into a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot.

Mane levelled four minutes after the break, but, having already been booked for diving, was later given a huge let off by referee Kevin Friend when he deliberately handled the ball just outside his own penalty area.

Klopp quickly replaced the Senegalese and Liverpool took advantage when despite having one of the quieter games of an incredible debut season at the club, Salah proved the match winner.

While Klopp insisted he believed Mane’s first yellow was unfair, even the German was surprised a second booking wasn’t forthcoming when he handled just after the hour mark.

“For Sadio it was not a perfect day and he made the wrong decision to put his hand on the ball,” said Klopp.

“I thought that was it, ‘Au Revoir, see you later’, but then it became even more strange.

“In that moment we are lucky, but in my opinion it would have been his first (deserved) yellow card of the game.”

Victory edges Liverpool ever closer to sealing a place in the top four and a return to the Champions League next season.

However, they will need a much-improved performance if they are to progress to the semi-finals of this season’s Champions League when they host runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday.

“The dirty three points are very often the most important,” added Klopp, who lamented his side’s lack of preparation for the lunchtime kick-off with various members of his squad only returning to training on Thursday after their international duties.

“Nobody should be worried about our mood. Our boys are really on fire.”

– Liverpool bailed out by Benteke –

It is Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies that will most concern Klopp ahead of facing free-scoring City as they were also bailed out by two huge misses from Christian Benteke.

A third straight home defeat for Palace leaves Roy Hodgson’s men still perilously placed just above the relegation zone.

However, the former England manager was magnanimous in his evaluation of whether Mane should have seen red.

“I’m not going to sit here saying the only reason we came away with another defeat is because the referee didn’t send one of their players off,” said Hodgson.

Palace had made the perfect start when Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius was also fortunate to avoid a red card when he brought down Wilfried Zaha and Milivojevic converted from the penalty spot.

Mane was then booked for his theatrical fall after the slightest of contact from James McArthur and his luck was out again when he did finally get the ball in the net only to be flagged offside.

Liverpool levelled four minutes into the second-half when James Milner’s drilled cross was turned home at the near post by Mane.

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Salah strikes again to move Liverpool into second

London (AFP) – Mohamed Salah rode to Liverpool’s rescue once more with the winner six minutes from time as the visitors ground out a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday to move into second in the Premier League.

Luka Milivojevic drove relegation threatened Palace into a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot, and the hosts were left to rue their luck as Liverpool duo Loris Karius and Sadio Mane could easily have been sent-off.

Mane levelled four minutes after the break and, despite having one of his quieter games of an incredible debut season at Liverpool, Salah still proved the match winner.

Liverpool leapfrog bitter rivals Manchester United, but United can retake second spot behind runaway leaders Manchester City when they host Swansea later on Saturday.

A third straight home defeat for Palace leaves Roy Hodgson’s men just two points above the drop zone, having played two games more than Southampton in 18th.

Despite a huge Champions League quarter-final, first leg with Manchester City looming at Anfield on Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp named his strongest side.

And there was plenty to concern Klopp ahead of the European encounter with free-scoring City as Palace exposed Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies.

As in their defeat to United at Old Trafford earlier this month, Liverpool were exposed down their right as young full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled to cope with the pace of power of Wilfried Zaha.

The Palace talisman should have scored when he got in behind after just nine minutes, but was denied by a brave stop from Loris Karius.

The German ‘keeper’s form has improved markedly from his early days at Anfield, however, he was caught out by Zaha’s speed when the winger flicked the ball goalward before being cleaned out by Karius.

– Liverpool bailed out by Benteke –

Referee Kevin Friend awarded the penalty and deliberated before showing Karius just a yellow card.

Milivojevic is a specialist from the spot and converted his seventh penalty from eight in the Premier League this season to give Palace the lead.

Mane was booked for a theatrical fall after the slightest of contact from James McArthur and his luck was out again when he did finally get the ball in the net only to be flagged offside.

Liverpool levelled just four minutes into the second-half when James Milner’s drilled cross was turned home at the near post by Mane.

But in worrying signs for Klopp, the visitors’ brittle defence was only bailed out by two glaring misses from Christian Benteke.

The former Liverpool striker sent an attempted lob well wide with just Karius to beat and then shot over the bar after Van Dijk had been caught in possession by Andros Townsend.

Palace players and fans were then incensed when Mane avoided a second yellow card after deliberately handling the ball on the ground when he thought he had been fouled.

Palace conceded late against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in their previous two home games, and again failed to hold out against one of the top four.

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Football legends rally round former Chelsea great Wilkins

London (AFP) – Two-time African player of the year Didier Drogba was amongst the football stars who sent messages of support to former Chelsea and Manchester United great Ray Wilkins who is seriously ill in hospital.

The 61-year-old — who was capped 84 times by England captaining them 10 times — is in an induced coma after suffering a heart attack at home.

“He’s in hospital, he’s had a cardiac arrest and is in intensive care,” his wife Jackie told the Daily Mirror on Saturday.

“He’s critically ill. The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he has had to be put in an induced coma,” added Mrs Wilkins, who according to the paper is along with other members of the family keeping a bedside vigil.

Ivory Coast legend Drogba, who scored the winning penalty for Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final shootout against Bayern Munich said the club’s ‘family’ had him firmly in their thoughts.

“Just found out about the news, be strong Ray Wilkins and family. We blue army are sending you our prayers on this religious day,” said the 40-year-old former Ivory Coast skipper.

Former Chelsea skipper Frank Lampard went on Instagram to send a message of support to Wilkins — who according to his wife is due to undergo another scan on Tuesday.

“All thoughts and strength with this man and his family tonight. An absolute gentleman,” wrote Lampard.

Gary Lineker, who was a team-mate of Wilkins’s at the 1986 World Cup which ended ignominiously for the midfielder as he became the first England player to be sent off at the finals, also wished him well.

“Thoughts are with Ray Wilkins and his family. Rooting for you, Butch (his nickname in his playing days),” tweeted Lineker.

Wilkins had a stellar playing career, although in terms of trophies he only won the 1983 FA Cup with Manchester United after a replay with Brighton — he scored a sublime goal in the first match — and the Scottish league title and League Cup in 1989.

His playing career also took him to Italian side AC Milan — prior to their years of dominating domestic and European competition — a brief spell at Paris Saint Germain and Queen’s Park Rangers.

He coached QPR, Fulham and Jordan as well as becoming caretaker manager at Chelsea when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in 2009.

Wilkins, who has been employed as a TV pundit, also worked alongside Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge and was assistant when Carlo Ancelotti took over with the club going on to achieve the domestic double in their first season together in 2009/10.

“The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight (Friday). Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support,” said a statement on the Chelsea Twitter feed.

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Friday 30 March 2018

Where to find Man Utd vs. Swansea on US TV and streaming

If you’re trying to find out how you can watch Man Utd vs. Swansea in the Premier League, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s been three weeks since Manchester United played their last Premier League game where they defeated Liverpool on March 10. It’s a welcome return to see the Red Devils back in action, this time against a Swansea City side that are battling to avoid relegation.

On the touchline, it’ll be two high-flying Portuguese managers featuring Jose Mourinho and Carlos Carvahal.

Match: Man Utd vs. Swansea

Kickoff: Saturday, 10am ET

Looking to watch Manchester United vs. Swansea online from your work, home or on the go? If you live in the USA, there are several options to catch all the action.

We Recommend:
US Only.

Here are all of the details of where you can watch it on television and via legal streaming:

Who: Manchester United vs. Swansea
What: Premier League, gameweek 32
When: Game kicks off at 10am ET / 7am PT; Saturday, March 31, 2018
Where: Live on NBCSN, Universo, Sling Blue, DIRECTV NOW and fubo Premier (free 7-day trial)

With fubo Premier, you can watch Manchester United vs. Swansea and tons more Premier League games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.

The fubo Premier app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Kindle.

Here are the steps to take to watch the Manchester United vs. Swansea game with your free fuboTV trial:

1. Click on this link for the fuboTV 7-day trial.

2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)

3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)

4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the fuboTV main screen (see screengrab below)

5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include the Manchester United vs. Swansea game (see screengrab below)

6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you, which will include NBCSN featuring Manchester United vs. Swansea (see screengrab below)

SEE MORE: Schedule of Premier League games on US TV and streaming

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Russia’s World Cup arena without a pitch

Moscow (AFP) – The grass for Russia’s perpetually delayed World Cup stadium in the provincial city of Samara is still growing in Germany.

The monumental structure’s fancy glass roof has been abandoned in favour of a more spartan metal version.

And the December 2017 construction deadline has been pushed back for the umpteenth time.

The troubles of Samara Arena have come to symbolise the pitfalls of bringing the June 14 to July 15 football showpiece to the sleepiest corners of Russia.

“There is a huge amount of work to be done,” FIFA competitions chief Colin Smith said during a March 21 inspection.

“Obviously we would expect further progress than this.”

– ‘Stairway to the Cosmos’ –

Few doubt that Russia can get its act together and have the Volga River stadium up and working by the time its first scheduled match between Costa Rica and Serbia rolls around on June 17.

But how Samara ended up without a pitch to play on less than three months before kickoff is a murky business that cost the governor his job.

The contract to build a space-themed arena that looked like a flying saucer was awarded to an established regional company a good four years ago.

Organisers even came up with a lofty motto for the 45,000 seater: “A Stairway to the Cosmos”.

The transparent dome was supposed to stetch down to the ground through an intricate mesh of beams that lit up the city skyline at night.

It was a project the likes of which no small Russian city had seen — and one meant to fit the $225 million budget fixed for all stadiums.

Samara authorities complicated matters further by packing money-spinning stores and real estate space into the design that made the arena 40 percent larger than needed.

Workers had downed their tools by the time it became clear in mid-2016 that all this would cost at least $300 million.

Less than half of the stadium was finished and FIFA began taking notice.

How much the entire thing has cost now — and who is paying for it — is not entirely clear.

The local news site 63.ru put the price at $315 million after the translucent dome was replaced with a metal one and other corners were cut.

Delays caused by a new architectural plan and construction approval pushed back the completion date from December to March and then the end of April.

The first test game is now scheduled for April 28 — if the pitch arrives in time.

– ‘We need to wait’ –

Russia’s agriculture ministry gave Samara special permission to buy the German grass to avoid the problems plaguing other Russian arenas.

The pitch is ready but there is nowhere to lay it. The surface on which it is meant to be rolled out is not completed.

Problems were only compounded when a massive flat hothouse designed to keep the soil warm collapsed in February under the weight of snow.

The ground froze over for nearly a month.

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Former England captain Wilkins ‘fights for life’ after heart attack

London (AFP) – Former England captain and Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder Ray Wilkins was fighting for his life on Friday following a heart attack with his wife telling British media: “It’s very, very bad”.

Wilkins, 61, is understood to have fallen and hit his head after his heart stopped. He has been placed in an induced coma at a London hospital.

“He is not in a good state at all, I’m afraid. He’s critically ill,” Wilkins’ wife Jackie told The Mirror newspaper.

“The cardiac arrest led to a fall which has meant he’s had to be put in an induced coma. It’s very, very bad.”

Wilkins played 84 times for England, captaining his country 10 times between 1976 and 1986.

His playing career also took him to Paris Saint Germain, Glasgow Rangers and Queen’s Park Rangers.

He coached QPR, Fulham and Jordan as well as becoming caretaker manager at Chelsea when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked in 2009.

Wilkins, who has been employed as a TV pundit, also worked alongside Guus Hiddink at Stamford Bridge and was assistant when Carlo Ancelotti took over.

“The thoughts of everybody at Chelsea Football Club are with Ray Wilkins and his family tonight. Keep fighting Ray, you have our love and support,” said a statement on the Chelsea Twitter feed.

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Ibrahimovic coy over Sweden World Cup return

Carson (United States) (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic refused to rule out his chances of playing for Sweden in the World Cup on Friday as he launched his Major League Soccer career with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The veteran striker is at the centre of a national guessing-game in Sweden over whether he may or may not be brought out of international retirement for this year’s finals in Russia.

On Friday as he was unveiled by the Galaxy in California, Ibrahimovic was coy about playing in Russia.

“Let me first enjoy it here,” Ibrahimovic said. “What happens here will take it further.

“But my focus is on Galaxy, prepare good for Galaxy, be available, help the coach, help the club, whatever they need.

“The World Cup is another question. I’ve said it before. Nobody needs to call anybody. If they want, I’m there.”

Sweden coach Janne Andersson has so far pointedly resisted the urge to make the first move, saying earlier in March that Zlatan could call him if he wanted to be considered for selection.

“Zlatan is very welcome to call me,” Andersson said, hinting he would not take the initiative.

Ibrahimovic however declined to clarify his hopes however when asked Friday if he wanted to play in the World Cup.

“Let’s keep them on their toes,” the striker said. “Let’s see. Because they’re all talking about whether I should go or if I should not go. Because they have it good, they have it bad. But so far they didn’t win nothing.

“And I know how to win.”

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‘Benjamin Button’ Ibrahimovic ready for Galaxy debut

Carson (United States) (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed Friday he had initially hoped to join the Los Angeles Galaxy two years ago as he vowed to conquer Major League Soccer in the final chapter of his glittering career.

The 36-year-old Swedish superstar told reporters at a press conference he had planned to head to California after his stint with Paris Saint-Germain came to an end in 2016, before instead opting for Manchester United.

“This thing was supposed to happen a couple of years before, but it didn’t. But I’m here now,” Ibrahimovic told reporters at the Galaxy’s StubHub Center ground.

“So the destiny was that it was supposed to happen, it was only a question of when. Finally I’m here and I’m just excited, looking forward to playing.”

Ibrahimovic was speaking after training with his new team-mates for the first time earlier Friday after arriving in Los Angeles less than 24 hours earlier.

The veteran striker, who has not played since appearing for United against Burnley in December, has declared himself fit and available for Galaxy’s much-anticipated derby with Los Angeles FC on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic insisted he was raring to go after barely playing in the past 12 months as he recovered from a serious knee injury.

“I just want to go out on the field,” Ibrahimovic said. “I know it has been a long break for me. It’s been a long wait where I haven’t been in my rhythm where I play every day because of the injury.

“Now I want to go out, smell the grass, touch the ball. Today when we finished training, I just wanted to continue. I asked the coach ‘Can I shoot some more balls?’ And he said okay, so I just shot some more balls.”

– ‘I’ll die young’ –

Ibrahimovic, whose signing for Galaxy was announced last week, compared himself to Benjamin Button, the movie character who ages in reverse.

“I feel young,” he joked. “I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old and I will die young. For sure. So don’t worry about my age.”

The striker, who will earn an estimated $3 million for two seasons in MLS, added that he had already proved sceptics wrong during his spell with United in the Premier League, where he scored 28 goals in 46 appearances before tearing knee ligaments last April.

“When I came to England they all said I was old, I came in a wheelchair,” Ibrahimovic said. “But after three months, I conquered England and they said I was flying. So age is only a number.

“I know what I am able to do, I know what I will do. I’ve come here to win. I’ve already brought my family. My wife can take care of the family and I can can take of what I’m good at — playing football. I feel excited. The lion is hungry.”

Asked about the chances of his appearing for Galaxy on Saturday, he replied: “I’m available. I have so much adrenaline in me, so I think it can hold a long time. Let’s see.

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Pogba problems nothing to do with me, insists Mourinho

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho has suggested that it is up to Paul Pogba to explain why he has been so inconsistent for Manchester United this season.

The midfielder was in fine form for France on Tuesday, scoring with a 30-yard free-kick after setting up a goal for Kylian Mbappe in a 3-1 friendly international victory over Russia in Saint Petersburg.

Pogba, though, has struggled for United in recent months.

Having scored in their first two Premier League matches of the season, he has managed only one club goal since then, which came in a 4-1 victory over Newcastle on November 18.

There have been numerous reports of disharmony between Pogba and United manager Mourinho, with France coach Didier Deschamps publicly suggesting the midfielder cannot be happy at Old Trafford.

Mourinho has repeatedly refused to give credence to those reports, but has made clear that Pogba’s problems have nothing to do with a hamstring injury suffered in September.

The 25-year-old missed more than two months of football after sustaining the injury during a Champions League group-stage victory over Basel, and has not looked as good a player since returning.

– ‘Ask him’ –

Questioned as to why that was, Mourinho told a news conference on Friday: “Ask him. Ask him when you get a chance when he thinks about it.”

On Pogba’s loss of form, the Portuguese manager added: “It’s nothing to do with his injury. His recovery was good.

“This season and also last season (he had a bad injury). I think he is very fine after the injury.

“It was a difficult injury, it was an injury that other players, other clubs, other medical assessments — they end in surgery.

“I think he is more than fine in relation to his recovery from the injury, which is an area sometimes where you have a recurrence. In his case, not at all.”

Pogba, signed for a club-record fee of £89 million ($125 million, 101 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a difficult time since his return from injury in November, amid claims –- dismissed as “lies” by Mourinho in February – that he had fallen out with the United boss.

He surprisingly pulled out of United’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Huddersfield because of illness, and Pogba then lost his place in the starting line-up to Scott McTominay for the first leg of a last-16 Champions League tie against Sevilla.

Having regained his place, Pogba suffered an injury that forced him to miss the Premier League win over Liverpool on March 10, and looked off the pace when he appeared as a substitute for the home defeat by Sevilla three days later that ended United’s European campaign.

Mourinho, meanwhile, suggested there is nothing more he can do to help the midfielder.

“I work. It’s the only thing I can do. I cannot do anything else,” he said.

– No need for Ibrahimovic replacement –

The United manager, meanwhile, has suggested he will not seek to sign a centre forward at the end of the season to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left Old Trafford last week to join LA Galaxy.

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