Atletico - The fifth assault on the Champions League

Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 win against Barcelona in the return of the quarter-finals and 2-1 in the first leg (global 3-2) for the fifth time has reached the semifinals of the Champions League, the second under the name Champions League.

Two years after the end of Lisbon Champions League 2013-14, which fell against Real Madrid in extra time 4-1, Atletico group led by Diego Simeone Argentina is again among the best four teams the continent.

Like two years ago, Atletico won the ticket to the semifinals defeating Barcelona in this season overcoming the adverse 2-1 brought the Camp Nou with a 2-0, thanks to two goals from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann in the Vicente Calderon the second penalty in the 89th minute.

In the 2013-14 season, when they played the semi-finals last time, the red and whites came to achieve a 1-1 (goals from Diego and Neymar) draw in Barcelona and served them a 1-0 (Koke) to overcome the crossing. After they beat Chelsea in the semifinals, to meet with Real in the final.

The former Atletico precedent in the semifinals of the showpiece of European football clubs have to find it under the name European Cup in 1973-74 season, just at the other end that Atletico have played in this competition, that of infamous memory for their fans against Bayern Munich German.

In the quarterfinals of 1974, the athletic victim was the Serbian Red Star, which defeated Atletico 0-2 in Belgrade (goals from Luis Aragones and José Eulogio Gárate) and served with a 0-0 in the return in Calderon. The semi-final opponent was the Scottish Celtic Glasgow, passed after a qualifying row to face Bayern in the final.

Three years earlier, Atletico overcame the quarter-final against Legia Warsaw thanks to the double value of away goals. The rojiblancos achieved a 1-0 in the first leg at the Calderon (goal Adelardo Rodríguez) and lost 2-1 in Warsaw (Ignacio Salcedo made ​​the Atletico goal, Pieszko and Stachurski scored for the hosts). They lost in semifinals against Dutch Ajax, where he played the recently deceased Johan Cruyff.

The first experience in the semifinals of the European Cup for Atletico was in the 1958-59 season , in which he beat in the quarterfinals German Schalke 04 with a 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu (goals from Vava, Gonzalez and Peiro) and 1-1 in Gelsenkirchen (Nowak for German, Vava for Atletico). They fell in the semifinals against Real Madrid, in a tie that required a playoff game.

Rojiblanco signed with their eighth victory in the quarterfinals of this competition, which has come consecutively in the last three editions. He was eliminated in the quarterfinals in three seasons: 2014-15 (Real Madrid) 1996-97 (Ajax) and 1977-78 (Bruges).

Luis Enrique: "The team is sad"

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach praised Wednesday following the elimination of his team in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with Atletico Madrid (2-0), his team has to "rise" of defeat and "improve" in the final stretch, which are "two objectives," referring to the League, of which he is leader, and the Copa del Rey.

"The team is like can only be a team that aspires to win the title was one of our goals, no doubt;. A goal that flattered us a lot, but this year will be no such a possibility.. The team is sad " he said at a news conference after the 2-0 loss at the Vicente Calderon.

"Our goals are always the highest and is proud that the club is always favorite at all, but you have to accept defeat, understood as something of sport, such self-criticism to improve and we have two competitions on the horizon in which we have to will improve our performance if we want to win them options ", reviewed.

"Any coach of any league in the world if you win those two titles (League and Cup) would be a great season, but we need to improve, I am the first , " continued Luis Enrique, who insisted that "yet" there are "two very interesting targets "and took" one hundred percent "of the blame for the defeat on Wednesday.

"For that I am the coach, the head and not intended to have any points less than one hundred percent , " he added the coach, who, when asked by Argentine Lionel Messi, declared that "the only undeniable is that it is very unfair individualized a player when there is a loss, because this is all, of all the players. "

The coach stressed the "excellent attitude of all" players in the return leg tonight at the Vicente Calderon, but admitted: " What is evidence is that we are not at our best, but in terms of attitude'm so proud of my players . "

"Sorry for the Catalans fans and my players. Our goal was to conquer all, but get up. This is a test for the team," continued Luis Enrique, also questioned the why and if he saw that this bad time could arrive.

"Because there are rainy days and other days the sun rises. We controlled parameters that are important to view the status of the players, but I have no magic ball to know how we will be if we'll be lucid ... What yes it is clear is that we can improve. it's not our best version. and from that analysis and things to improve, consider the season finale with logic and ambition that is going to have this team, "he said.

Luis Enrique admitted he expected "Atletico Madrid maybe a not so quiet" at the start of the match, "as waiting in a medium retreat". "I expected a higher pressure. We had the ball calmly and that has allowed us to have controlled the match in what is playing out against Atletico," he said.

"I think the game has gone well in the idea they had. They have taken advantage of their time in our error, have been ahead on the scoreboard and have played what they do best, to defend their own country. They do very well. they have it played a very complete match. To us it lacked perhaps more finesse and daring "he said.

"We wanted a party control through ball wearing rival. The course was not to offer frills, non-excuse me, it was difficult to stand. We had control, but not depth. We have not generated occasions. We understood that make a goal it would be very important, but it has not happened, "he added.

"In the second half, and yet it lost, we have gone with a lot more people ahead of the ball to create more situations but it cost us a lot. Congratulating Atletico Madrid and wish him the best of luck," he said.

Faith returns to lead Atletico to semifinals

Atleti, the team with more faith in Spain, again in the semifinals of the Champions League. It is no coincidence nor an extravagance. Simeone has led this team to the elite coup effort and heart . Outside was the champion, a Barcelona exceeded in the first leg until the expulsion of Torres, and at the Calderon speculated impermissibly until he was with the score against. Even then he could face a team that is growing hopelessly under the baton of Simeone, the great architect of a group that dream of back European Cup still owes history.

With the lesson learned from the qualifying round two years ago Atletico was launched by the same way then. Atletico eleven came out with rage by the opponent and the sixth gear engaged, with 50,000 throats tightening behind as usual. Barca boot that caught him off guard and spent real trouble for putting the ball. A volley from Gabi and two separate auctions of Griezmann and Carrasco gave life to the first ten minutes.

Atletico brazenly sought goal and the club reacted to harassment killing the game completely . Uncaring attack, his players were devoted to an absurd passing game in order to run rival and despair to the stands.Mascherano Pique, Jordi Alba from there, back to Ter Stegen ... and back again. It was to have the ball at any price, playing slowly and without looking askance Oblak's goal . Debatable or not, Luis Enrique's plan seemed to work. Possession Barca side shot beyond 80% and souffle party collapsed.

The tremendous letdown remediated the head Griezmann last half hour .French, jinxed so far against Barca, impeccably he finished a measured center Ter Stegen Saul beating Calderon and exploded. Barca did not expect that goal, at least not this time, so he suppressed his self - imposed slumber and began to run. And Atletico to defend, of course. And eleven.

A shot from Neymar between Uruguayans (Godin and Luis Suarez) took the game to rest and Luis Enrique to reflect. With Messi permanently installed in the middle , but far from the area, the club changed the horizontality of the first part for a much more vertical game, looking for bands and inside passes Rakitic and Iniesta. Atletico tried not towrinkle. In fact, soon after the restart he could make the second with a header that gave Saul on the outside of the bar.

Tucked into the cave

But the situation of the party invited a second agonizing part. Barca left his field and Simeone locked in just thirty meters. Each began to play it that really knows . Both forward lines that Griezmann nearly killed the party to the contras in a dogfight with Ter Stegen.Arda, received a loud blast from his old hobby, and Sergi Roberto Alves came through and Rakitic, then a bloco Oblak Suarez shot at close range.

Now it was Atletico who had more than enough minutes . Simeone further strengthened means taking the field to a Carrasco exhausted and ushering Thomas. Ghana, a physical portent, helped out wherever he could, and accompanied Griezmann in the few outings against to which end adventure.El became an ordeal for the Atletico fans. Messi, Suarez and Neymar played increasingly closer Oblak. The fear of a last tie was over, hovering in the air. The stand noticed it and raised the decibels that marked the beat Simeone from the technical area.

In the absence of five minutes Pique was already a front more. So the second goal came in a lethal against which he could only resist sticking his hand Iniesta in the area. Griezmann did not fail, and then Rizzoli avoided a possible extension of the area by pointing out a hand of Gabi who had been inside.

"Together to victory , " he reads the banner that pulled at the beginning. He knows no other way Atletico. Now happens next. Whatever happens, will also suffer .

MATCH:

2 - Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Lucas, Filipe; Saul, Gabi, Augusto (Savic, m, 91), Koke; Griezmann (Correa, m. 89) and Carrasco (Thomas, m. 72).

0 - Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves (Sergi Roberto, 64 m.), Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Rakitic (Arda Turan, 64 m.), Sergio Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Goals: 1-0, m. 35: Griezmann heads an attack Saul. 2-0, m. 87: Griezmann, penalty.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy). He admonished the Gabi (m. 69), Godin (m. 84) and local Correa (m. 89) and Luis Suarez visitors (m. 70) and Neymar (m. 77).

Subs: leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League match at the Vicente Calderon stadium before some 55,000 spectators.Filled.

Duel between Barca and Atletico fratricide. Wolfsburg, easy for Real Madrid

Nerves in the room draw in Nyon, UEFA headquarters. The story is repeated every year, but the tension is unavoidable. Ramon Calderon, manager of Real Madrid history, knew what it was. Raimundo Saporta I lived in basketball. Yes, history repeats itself since 1955, when he began the most wonderful invention by L'Equipe, a French journalist visionary, and Santiago Bernabeu, who said yes as he was offered the idea of creating a European Cup . In its staff were Gento and Di Stefano. He saw the future. That now relived in every draw. The today is tricky.

Great as Real Madrid and Manchester City this season are played. Bayern and PSG also need to show off in Europe, because they dominate their leagues regularly. Barcelona feels the pressure of being the favorite. Atletico plays the quarterfinals without more pressure than Simeone imposes his men. It is his philosophy to free the staff of external pressure. Wolfsburg and Benfica feel the illusion of those who have nothing to lose.

Infantino was lacking, now president of FIFA.There was bald to take out the balls . Pedro Pinto, director of communication UEFA made ​​presentations in Nyon before the eight ball provoke ecstasy, anger, joy, everything was going through neighborhoods, from Madrid to Barcelona via Lisbon, Munich, Manchester and Paris .

"Start the show," Pinto said to make way for Giorgio Marchetti, head of UEFA competition. Gianluca Zambrotta, historic former player of the Champions League , went on to become the first guilty of hype. The Italian took the ball Wolfsburg and seven others wanted to be his rival. He touched the Real Madrid, with the luck of playing the second leg at home.Games will be held on April 6 at the home of Wolfsburg and 12 at the Bernabeu.

The next round was the Bayern-Benfica, which will also be played on 6 and 12 April.

Following the Barcelona-Atletico Madrid emerged. The story of suspicion was repeated.Another duel between Spaniards, as happened in the previous two years when there were three Spaniards at stake in the quarterfinals. The match between Barca and Atletico occurred already in 2014, when Madrid eliminated them and reached the final. And last year, hot or cold balls joined Real Madrid and Atletico. Doubt has again become reality. Barca and Atletico will be measured on 5 (Camp Nou) and April 13 (Calderon).

The fourth round, PSG and Manchester City, was obscured before the bombing of the Spanish duel. But French and English seeking their first historic qualification for the semifinals. It also played on 5 and 13 April.

Real Madrid was pleased by the result of hype. With respect to the German enemy, was a favourite . The challenge was to avoid large, especially Barcelona, ​​Atletico and Bayern, and that happened.

Nothing pleased were the Barcelona and Atletico. Spanish did not want a confrontation and came into the contest. The confrontation of two seasons ago is repeated when the Catalans overcame Athletic. " For three consecutive years in the quarterfinals and luck has said that we have to fight to Barcelona and enter semifinals" , Clemente, Athletic spokesman said from Nyon.

Bayern was also happy. After being removed 89 minutes of the second round played, until Muller forced overtime, now it will be the Benfica desired another opponent by seven teams. The PSG-City put a new semifinalist for the first time in history.

The toughest opponent for Barcelona

You have been hit the hardest and most difficult team, our perfect nemesis, the coach who best knows us weaknesses and knows a more accurate way to abuse them.

Barcelona is the favorite to win the tie and a friend of mine, who attended training this morning Atletico , told me that on the news, among the players has been silence.

But if a team can embarrass the genius of Messi and machinery Luis Enrique, that's Atletico Madrid , with its pressure and how they fall back, his mental and physical strength, with their hard work in all areas of the field, how hard it is to stick a goal and with how little you need to marcarte one.

I did not want to Madrid or painting, or think Pep is finished ahead of Bayern. But Cholo Simeone suffer against more than against anyone, and this tie can not be taken for sentenced until the last minute is not depleted.

Barca have talent and resources to reach the last four, but will have to refine the millimeter and can afford very few mistakes. It would be appreciated, not only for the interests of Barcelona, ​​but in general football , referees appoint UEFA for two games apply carefully the regulations in order to prevent the very tough game and often violent Atletico Madrid injures the great geniuses of this magnificent sport.

Unglued kicks, can and must be able to play football. But without geniuses, football, like everything in life , becomes vulgar and without any importance.

Lisbon trembles before the arrival of Bayern

Bayern Guardiola again crossed with a Portuguese enemy in the quarterfinals of Champions . If last year had to face against Porto in Lopetegui , now they will face Benfica. The historic champion of Europe (against Barcelona in 1961 and against Real Madrid the following year) is today far from that squad led by the great Eusebio , and fear has already been installed at the Estadio da Luz before the spectacular moment form of German giant with Lewandowski, Thiago, Coman , Ribéry , Vidal , Lahm , et cetera. The great hope of the 'red eagles' is based on playing the secondleg in Portugal.

What is clear is that the team led by Luis Filipe Vieira has gone from strength to strength this season. It began in the domestic championship erratic, self - conscious about the "betrayal" of his coach in recent years.And it is that Jorge Jesus changed sides and went over to Sporting Lisbon.But over the months you have seen consolidate the commitment Rui Vitória, the coach who brought up from level to Guimaraes.

Your profile is completely different: no polemics and a rigor that has finished paying off, as the Benfica has regained the lead in the Portuguese League.Brazilian Jonas , former Valencia striker shines at the point of attack and march prominent in the struggle for the "top scorer" with 28 goals. Le clothes Greek Mitroglou , maybe something irregular but usually demonstrates a defendant thrust. In fact, on the agenda of several European giants.

Gaitan Argentine and Mexican Raul Jimenez , former Atletico Madrid, also exhibited his punching power, albeit intermittently. But the rising star of Benfica is the young Renato Sanches, 18, ​​who excels in the midfield and sees its price increase. His contribution to the Portuguese national team in the next European Championship in France can shoot even more pedigree.

Bale returns to the Champions

The tie Real Madrid may be the least open to all. Although the background, which are useless, warn Rome recent victories at the Bernabeu; . yes, by the minimum Prudent protective cremita last year slathering: Madrid Schalke received with equal advantage and suffered to pass. It was a cold one team, as the jowls soft Ancelotti, and from the beginning a mixture of cold and terror was seen in the stadium.

Rome comes improved . Spalletti has sent his word and has seven straight wins in the league. You will not have to Rudiger, sanctioned, De Rossi and perhaps Nainggolan, who left training yesterday. Will come out with all attackers in a bristling 4-2-3-1.

Spalletti has asked his players "the impossible" . In the press room he sounded like that poem Girondo, but adapted to the emotional world of a coach: " I bear my players who are incapable of three straight passes, which hurt the grass of any stadium, or fail goals and sung, but yes! irreducible and in this I am not forgive them under any pretext, they can not do theimpossible! ". Spalletti has air Sorrentino character, the world ful lyricism Berlusconi. Italian football is like his films: what will Fellini Sorrentino .

Dzeko, the center forward, will start. This can cause some problems to Zidane. And Spalletti will have seen the last matches of Madrid, it is not unreasonable to think that ordering a high pressure.

In Madrid they are recovering and only the stars and missing Benzema. Now the problem, "Jate you," they would say Tuesday and Thirteen, is plenty.The crucial question so many years: Will they always play?

It is very probable. Zidane escapes at press conferences with a smile. He smiles all the time, anything. In the field because he did not do his dribbling, but outside his fake lawn is the smile.

As lack Benzema can feed the illusion of Casemiro with Kroos and Modric.The post of Lucas, who has done everything to be a starter, would be for James, and Mayoral return with young people in Champions. The big news is Bale, "Gareth" pronounced the French by Zizou. ¿You set foot onthe left side? Check is the most important of the night, after qualifying.

If Casemiro and Ramos see a card the quarterfinal round will be lost, warns that Zidane could handle. A plant is a continuous apperceived ay.

According things go very well or very badly, I could go out and play, or walk,Francesco Totti . Dream night at the Bernabeu: go round, clap another win, and give the player the honorary emeritus ovation.

Technology for the goal line in the final of Champions and Europa League

UEFA announced today after the meeting of its Executive Committee to apply the technology of the goal line in the final of the Champions League and the Europa League in this exercise, which will take place in Milan and Basel respectively.

This technology, which allows to determine if the ball has completely surpassed the goal line or not , first used in 2012 by FIFA and was used for the first time in a major tournament for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

In late January , UEFA had already announced that the practice will also during the European Championship next summer in France and in the Champions League from next season.

Real Madrid's plan: Zidane, Champions and "tranquility"

" It is likely that this summer signings are needed, there are changes, even with the coach ...". He who utters these words is nothing less than Zinedine Zidane , at a press conference minutes after falling against Atletico (0-1) last Saturday. What certainly it seems a call to revolution, or at least the internal refounding. A few minutes later, and while in the vicinity of the Santiago Bernabeu fans chant the "Florentino resigns", comes to speak Cristiano Ronaldo , who also leaves several darts: his teammates, the medical department, the club for the season ... It's the afternoon Saturday and Real Madrid looks like a real colossus in flames , no fire line with kilometers around.

Two days later, obviously still smoke from a fire that is far from extinct in the Real Madrid . But yes, as has been contrasted Goal, at least from the meringue dome move an evacuation plan agreed upon from the quiet and thoughtful analysis after catharsis and agitation Saturday: Zinedine Zidane , the Champions League and a good dose of syrup "tranquility". A shamrock who believe capable of driving any purpose fire extinguisher.

While from the media and madridismo general heads and a major refurbishment is urgently calling on the noble floor of the Santiago Bernabeu is paid to the lessons of Zinedine Zidane, as well as the hopes and dreams planted in the Champions League. They have their reasons. On the one hand, it would not be the first season in which Real Madrid just reigning in Europe after saying goodbye prematurely Spanish championship. On the other hand, the Frenchman is hardly a newcomer, heir to vices and above defects, and a figure that is believed in Concha Espina as a cornerstone for a long-term, and not a simple patch to cover eventual dismissal.

So, the answer from Concha Espina is always the same to all questions and concerns among fans huddle: What about the future of Zidane? "Tranquility". What about drift team? "Tranquility". What will happen to the future composition of the workforce? "Tranquility". What about the claims of the public to the Directive? "Tranquility". What could happen in the team following statements by Cristiano Ronaldo ? "Tranquility".

Bad weather, good face, they say. Given the inclement strong, confident that everything will end fixing and the sun will shine. Even this season. Nobody hides and Real Madrid that the League is virtually impossible -the first, the technician himself, but the dream is still alive Eleventh. And there blind confidence that the team will trace the flight and will improve compared to that seen so far. Starting this Wednesday against Levante, and continuing for the tie against Roma within a week pending certification. Those are the greatest obsessions and urgencies in Concha Espina, today. Above all else, tranquility.

Atletico allows the escape PSV

The Champions League is not an easy tournament for Atletico, who let out alive PSV Eindhoven in a game that clearly dominated, especially in a second half in which he enjoyed numerical superiority. The 0-0 is a troubling result because the Dutch somewhat at the Calderon Simeone forces to search the trunk of lost goals. Impeccable in defense, in attack this team needs a few hours of couch. It is what it is. And it is a problem.

Yesterday rojiblanco of blue- went to press high up, plugged from minute one, causing damage to some given the preciousness rival. With command of the match , looked combinations patients, all homologable allowed for a hard grass but too long at the back of the defenses balls : Juanfran first to Griezmann, after Gabi to Vietto; Argentina striker planted in a through ball, he caught the ball and Bruma him out when barreled into the net. In the first dangerous approach of local, Locadia dropped into the box and the referee did not buy the maneuver.

To 20 minutes, PSV took the air duel. Guardado began to appear in the path of the ball , good news for his family, although the Dutch waves sometimes not congealed. The resource centers to the area caused no problems Godin Savic -Simeone specialists and increasingly relies on the Montenegrin Central, which gradually has equaled its competition with Giménez-. After a few minutes of news, the balance was about to becomeunbalanced. Koke launched Griezmann, who inexplicably missed a dogfight with Zoet . In reply, I trompicado Pereiro appeared in the area and the ball came to Propper, who finished from close range for Oblak was brilliant.

This PSV led by exazulgrana Phillip Cocu is actually a hybrid that he notices the character of his American players , present in all lines: the impetuous Colombian Arias on the right side; Moreno Mexican -in the center of the defence- and Guardado -capataz of medullary, and Pereiro Uruguayan turned to the kitchen of opposites.

Expulsion of Pereiro

The Madrid returned after the break with renewed impetus, trying to collect advantage. The party entered a stage of rapid football, with Vietto and Griezmann ready to jostling for position . The Frenchman has dropped several rungs in recent weeks after a beginning of spectacular season: collides with few defenses before taunted and is chastised with the goal.However, the Cholo preferred to switch to Vietto by Torres for the last half hour of the meeting.

Koke, another that is below their level , made ​​a clearance that took shape shot into his own net. At the other end , Godin headed on goal, but climbed on the back of Moreno and the action was canceled. The Uruguayan was the protagonist of the action that could have changed the match: he jumped for the ball and his compatriot Pereiro jumped him. The referee took out the second yellow card.

PSV began to run out of his praetorian guard with Spanish accent, becauseGuardado was replaced and the supporters dismissed him with the Mexican classic "Cielito Lindo" ( "Ay, ay, ay, ay, sing and do not cry ...").Simeone became clear that the tie could be solved taking advantage of the numerical inferiority and fatigue rival. He called Correa to invent something at short distances. He tried without success, like all his peers.

MATCH

PSV Eindhoven: Zoet; Arias, Bruma, Moreno, Willems; Guardado (Hendrix, m. 75), Propper, Van Ginkel, Narsingh (Isimat-Mirin, m. 65), and Locadia Pereiro (Lestienne, m. 85).

Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Juanfran, Godin, Savic, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Koke, Saul (Correa, 74 m.), Óliver; Griezmann and Vietto (Torres, m. 60).

Referee: Daniele Orsato (Italy). He expelled for a second yellow Pereiro and reprimanded Savic.

Bale does not risk in derby, think of Champions

Bale thinks the Champions League on March 8 match against Roma. And Zidane has him to perform at its best in the European Cup with Ronaldo and Benzema, his triumvirate of hope. The Welshman could force and play the derby on Saturday, but will not be in the best conditions and the risk of relapse into their twins damn would be too great.

All injuries since 2013 have been primed in the soleus , the left and the right. Five times broke the "left - handed", with constant relapses. It has been a chronic ailment. His athletic body, muscular, gets a hundred percent on the lawn and extreme effort involves finding a way of physical explosion, exhaust, that the Welshman has been left soleus. When Gareth Bale was best at Real Madrid always broken by this particular Achilles heel .

On the latter occasion, in his second game with Zidane, against Sporting,the Briton was defeated by the right soleus. It was the price the left and psychologically care work load in the right - hander. Always happens when players have fear of injury back in his weak spot. The face of sadness and resignation of Bale when he lost to the Spaniard set reflected his disappointment. Christian, that they say does not speak, went to console him . Welsh thought what he thinks Real Madrid: When is the best blow comes.

Against Celta in advance of the Roma

The crux of the question that asks the club, the player and Real Madrid is:Can play thirty consecutive games without breaking? He has never succeeded.

It is the challenge of the British. Having continuity . Sometimes he fell by their eagerness to return. He always did for those wanting to retake when he felt better. Now those same urges and the brakes Zidane. He prefers to recover well for the Champions League, which is accessible competition, and not to advance his return in the derby, nine points behind Barcelona, ​​with the danger of a new break.

The idea is shuffled to Bale you have two options: return a few minutes next Wednesday against Levante , on 2 March in Valencia, or leave for the visit of Celta day 5 , advance the European leg against Roma.

Pepe itself will be cleared to play against Atletico , but coach can count on Ramos and Varane, which is a warning to be sanctioned card cycle, after serving punishment in Malaga after being sent off against Athletic.

Juventus-Bayern, Coman is ready: "It will be interesting ..."

Twenty-two appearances - including two in the Champions League - and a goal scored with the shirt of Juventus , and no reference to his former club in the comment that Kingsley Coman has entrusted to your Twitter account on the official Bayern Monaco challenge for the German club.

Exponential growth, the jewel of the French, which this year has already scored 5 goals - including one in the top continental competition - in 41 appearances for the shirt of Bayern Monaco .

Final words from #Coman: "There are no more easy draws. If you want to reach the final, you have to beat the big teams."

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 14, 2015

"There are lots easier than others: if you want to get to the final, you need to beat the big teams" highlights Coman after the draw. "Against Juventus will be a very interesting game: I came to this team for big games like this . A little 'I expected to challenge them ... ". No mention of the adventure past, the team that catapulted him in football 'the great', to the Juventus that - on balance - is still the current owner of the player. A simple comment to the challenge that awaits him, without direct reference to rival the Bavarian club. A club that - he explains - has chosen for the opportunity to experience challenges such as controlled urn in Nyon.

The dates for our #UCL last 16 tie have been confirmed: #JuveFCB: 23rd February #FCBJuve: 16th March pic.twitter.com/UOtFl0IFjs

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 14, 2015

Champions League - Roma-Real Madrid: Two months less to exit the crisis and move to quarters

With fewer games left until February for match against AS Rome and unable to compete in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid will be in a unique position to address the two challenges that remain this season: Champions League and La Liga.

All bad news for Real Madrid in recent days . When they arrived some green shoots to the white club with the recovery of the injured and several victories followed, mounted the mess of elimination in the Copa del Rey and lost golden opportunity to catch up with the club in the head of the table .

However, there are always elements that make them optimistic the merengue group and their fans. As Rafa Benitez says, are the team that shot to door is completing a game in Spain, although it certainly lacks narrow your focus.

But regardless of the number of shots, goals or the flow of the game, whites have a clear advantage over its major rivals and is now in your hands properly use it.

The Italians played nine matches in Serie A, the same as Real Madrid in the league , but the difference is in the 'Cups'. While Madrid is eliminated, barring an unexpected final change, the Romanists have 3 matches on their way to the knockout European Cup. Must play this December 16th at an affordable rival Spezia Series B. make the quarter would play one more game on January 20 and reach the semis, have another engagement on 10 February.

The knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League 2015/2016

UEFA on Monday held the draw for the knockout stages of the Champions League in Nyon, Switzerland , qualifying draw that left the stars Juventus - Bayern, Arsenal - Barcelona and PSG - Chelsea .

The group winners will play the first leg away from home round on 16/17 and 23/24 February and the return in their stadium on 8/9 and 15/16 March. The draw for the quarterfinals will be held on March 18 at 12:00 CET, and the semifinals will be on 15 April, also at 12:00 CET.

The Barcelona will face Arsenal, who starred in one of the comebacks in the group stage, classifying the buzzer. The Real Madrid will face AS Roma, a team that just finished in second place in the group of the Catalans. The Athletic had fortune and play against PSV , a priori one of the weakest opponents.

The remaining matches will be Ghent - Wolfsburg, PSG - Chelsea, Juventus - Bayern, Benfica - Zenit and Dynamo Kiev - Manchester City .

Gent - Wolfsburg AS Roma - Real Madrid PSG - Chelsea Arsenal - Barcelona Juventus - Bayern Munchen PSV - Atletico Madrid Benfica - Zenit Dinamo Kiev - Manchester City

Paris Saint Germain, Juventus and Arsenal, major threats

Paris Saint Germain, Juventus and Arsenal burst as major threats in the knockout stages of the Champions League, which will be defined Monday after the draw in Nyon (Switzerland) .

The potential of French and Italian champions and competitiveness and the campus of Londoners make the shortlist for the opponents to avoid those considered top seeds, who were champions of their respective quartets in the group stage.

This is the case of the three Spanish teams, Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, which form part of the first drum of the drawing. Spanish is the same as the English most massive representation, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal said. But only the picture of Jose Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini contemplate the stage as group winners.

The draw, which will determine the sign of the second round, will be led. They may not match teams from the same country or even two teams that have been part of the same group in the previous phase.

So, Real Madrid, for example, may not meet again with Paris Saint Germain, one of the strongest teams. Barcelona may not coincide with the Roma, Atletico Madrid and Benfica.

Also, on this occasion, and by a decision of the Executive Committee of UEFA, teams of Russia and Ukraine can not be measured among them. In this case both the Zenit St. Petersburg and Dynamo Kiev, facing the draw as runners.

In addition, winners in the group stage will play the first leg away knockout 16/17 and 23/24 February and the return in their stadium on 8/9 and 15/16 March.

Spain and England, with three teams each, have the most substantial representation. Germany, meanwhile, has two teams, Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg. Like Italy, with Juventus and Roma.

The poster with a French team, Paris Saint Germain, a Dutch PSV Eindhoven, a Portuguese Benfica, a Belgian Ghent, a Russian Zenit St. Petersburg and a Ukrainian, Dynamo Kiev is completed.

Pot 1 is made by Real Madrid (ESP), Wolfsburg (GER), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Manchester City (ENG), Barcelona (ESP), Bayern Munich (GER), Chelsea (ENG) and Zenit St. Petersburg ( RUS).

Pot 2 Paris Saint Germain (FRA), PSV Eindhoven (NED), Benfica (POR), Juventus (ITA), Rome (ITA), Arsenal (ENG), Dinamo Kiev (UKR) and Ghent (BEL.

The winners of the heats will qualify for the quarterfinals and will be part of a pure draw, without conditions, to be held on March 18. The semifinals will be on April 15. 

Barcelona FC covers the record with a draw

Seldom will be presented to Bayer Leverkusen a chance as he has wasted tonight beating Barcelona , before which it tied (1-1) and lost the train of Champions, as who finished the group stage, the German team will play the Europa League, while Catalan and Roma go to eighth.

In a shock to forget Barcelona, ​​where he took second swords, the team Luis Enrique caught on a meeting in which predominated the imprecision, errors in the pass and the burden of a Bayer had to Barça on the ropes many occasions.

Party locked which Barcelona was found in the BayArena, although quite similar to that raised the Leverkusen at the Camp Nou in the first leg, with a suffocating pressure that reached the Barca defense to lose many balls.

Barcelona opted for rotations, and all lines shook a head, as the core, where Busquets fell from eleven instead a striven Samper could not emulate.

The continued theft of balls and the inability to play certain criteria led the club to live almost the entire first part boxed in their field. In one of the losses, he had a good chance Calhanoglu and 3 minutes, but the ball was lost tight near the post.

Barcelona errors were the tonic of a team that had given the alternative to young Wilfrid Kaptoum wheel (19), and put forward Sandro and Munir as companions of Messi .

A lack of Samper at the edge of the area to Wendell , and again in the execution Calhanoglu had the opportunity to make, in an action in which Ter Stegen had a right answer.

The first exit Barca decisively towards the goal of Leno the quarter hour drew in a powerful shot from Sandro, the goal stood.

In the 20th, Rakitic's hesitation when deciding which option he chose to throw a long pass found Messi startup, to enable a hand to hand with the keeper, who dribbled and beat Argentina (0-1) .

The firm Bayer continued its mission of not letting one square meter on which stop pushing and three minutes later Chicharito found a ball inside the area to be shot on goal (1-1).

The replica of Barca could have come away on a pass from Alba to Messi, but the Argentine did not adjust the ball, which went off well.

Another action of danger robbery occurred in 39, in which Ter Stegen again to make a fine save.

Barca control the ball, to set the tone and the pause was blurred against a rival that weeks ago in the first round, he did the same and made him suffer equally.

Barca did not change, nor Bayer at the break, but Luis Enrique remained the same constants in the first act, which again appear unable to articulate clear and impose calm played a game that had no wild, showing hierarchy.

In 48, a poorly defended action again Barça left Hakan Çalhanoğlu in a superb position, but his shot went just wide. Almost breathe while his rival, Bayer developed another action in which the strong shot of Bellarabi ended the ball bounced off Chicharito.

The BayArena wanted to sing the goal 60 when Bellarabi stood before Ter Stegen, but the German club held up well and avoided both. In the best moments of Leverkusen, Kampl also had his choice in a shot from distance that the Barca goal sent the corner. Bellarabi, in 74, also tried from far, without success.

In 80, the club took advantage of the Bayer and her legs were weak in a counterattack Sandro went to the line out, but his shot Leno cut him off to prevent Messi and Munir concrete terms the pass.

Ter Stegen ended Bayer options Chicharito a shot, to remove a ball that slipped when Leverkusen craved the goal that would have put them in the second round.

- Card Party:

1. Bayer Leverkusen: Leno; Hilbert, Tah, Toprak, Wendell; Kramer, Kampl; Bellarabi, Calhanoglu (Brandt Min.79) Mehmedi (Kiessling Min.70); and Javier Hernandez Chicharito.

1. Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Adriano, Bartra, Vermaelen, Alba (Camera, min.74); Samper, Kaptoum (Gumbau, Min.62), Rakitic; Messi, Sandro and Munir.

Goals: 0-1, min.20: Messi. 1-1 Min.23: Chicharito.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England). He showed yellow card to Kampl (Min.29), Bartra (Min.51) Gumbau (Min.85) and Rakitic (Min.86).

Subs: game of the sixth and final round of Group E of the Champions League match at the BayArena in Leverkusen, which saw full.

Mourinho: "We are the worst team who has finished as top"

The Portuguese Jose Mourinho , coach of Chelsea , showed Wednesday his happiness for having achieved the pass to the knockout stage of the Champions League after beating Porto (2-0), but insisted his team "is the worst they have finished in first place."

 "Apart from the result, I am very happy because my players accepted the challenge of playing to win. And that is complicated when the results have been as bad as our while," Mourinho said at the press conference after the match press.

"Now all the teams who finished as second want to play with us. Nobody wants to face Bayern Munich, Barcelona , Real Madrid or Atletico. We are the worst of which were first, "said the Portuguese.

The whole southwest of the British capital beat Porto at Stamford Bridge by a comfortable 2-0 to seal their qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

"What really gives me confidence is that we have been playing well in recent months. The results have not been good and do not reflect what the players have done. It is true we were lucky in the first goal, as the stop Casillas was very good. But that's the luck we lack in the Premier League , "he said.

The Portuguese used the press conference to praise the Spanish-Brazilian striker Diego Costa for his "effort, commitment and great movements" during the meeting.

"In recent months I missed that effort, commitment and movement that we have seen today. He was wonderful. It is true that the first goal was an own goal, but his movement was magnificent. He could score two or three goals," he said.

"However, it notes that it lacks a bit of confidence. I know the goals will come. I do not change it because I was not happy, but because they wanted something different," he added.

Despite having finished as group winners, Mourinho dismissed his team as a candidate to the title: "A team that is suffering so much like ours is not a candidate," he said.

"But with Porto we not were candidates in 2004 and won. And neither were in 2010 at Inter. When really was favorite, with Real Madrid and Chelsea, fell in the semifinals. You never know, we'll see what happens," reflected Luso.

Asked by a Portuguese journalist for the party of "Casillas," Mourinho stated that Porto "is the people who have made history in the club and Casillas have not already done."

"It's Porto. Is Porto - Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa and Vitor Bahia, but Casillas. He is a player with a history and an unparalleled track record, but has not yet made history with this team," he said .

Lewandowski also shines in Croatia

Bayern Munich does not let up, even knowing he was already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners. This team knows playing at half speed. And a brace from Robert Lewandowski finished giving three points in the Champions League . The victim this time was Dynamo Zagreb.

Now the superiority to the Croatian side not noted until the second half, after a first 45 minutes ridden times, but without success, without moving networks. 

 Lewandowski, one of the most coveted strikers in Europe, had to come to the rescue with a double. The first, head , anticipating the entire defense; the second, a gallop in the race, finishing with a bite to the departure of goalkeeper. 

 The visitors could have extended the lead, but missed penalty by Thomas Müller kept the 0-2 will add another goal on the scoreboard. 

Still, Dinamo had no choice and leave the competition as the last group, with only 3 points and 3 goals scored.

Champions League: Chelsea and Arsenal will be in 8th, Gent also

Chelsea, Arsenal, AS Roma, Dynamo Kyiv and AA Gent, for the first time in its history Wednesday took the last tickets for the 8th finals of the Champions League at the end of the last day the group stage.

Overview of forces before drawing final fate on Monday 8th, played in February and March, which oppose the first groups, which have the advantage of receiving the return leg, the second (knowing that two clubs chicken or even a federation can not meet).

Three favorites

Barcelona, ​​Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, the first of their groups, have monopolised five of the last seven C1 and are still shaking the football Europe.

Barca, the momentum of its tripled in 2014-2015 (C1, Liga Cup), administered several monumental beatings (4-0 against Real Madrid in the league, 6-1 against Roma C1). Licked his possession game, his trident MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) and the reinforcement of Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal make it a must favorite.

Bayern, he thrives on almost 3 goals per game on average, driven by the constant goals of Müller-duo Lewandowski and good adaptation of Douglas Costa. The German club and Guardiola are hungry for revenge after two failures in the last four.

Real has certainly lost some of its luster under Rafael Benitez, deemed defensive game between accumulation and squabbles of all kinds. But with such Cristiano Ronaldo, author of a new record of 11 goals in the group stage, the Spanish club can claim his "undecima (11th C1).

Accustomed to go

Atletico Madrid, the 2014 finalist, finished at Benfica in a little tough group. The combativeness of the band at Diego Simeone and his hermetic (140 goals conceded in 21 games this season) are always a formidable opponent, with Griezmann unleashed.

Manchester City is extracted from the top of a spicier chicken and will seek its first historic quarter of C1. Much will depend of Aguero, striker often injured. But at least the Citizens do not they meet Barca, their tormentor in 8th last two seasons.

Chelsea, in total dormant in the league, played Wednesday its season and Jose Mourinho perhaps his head. The Blues managed to beat Porto (2-0) and finish top of Group G. Sortis from the eighth last season, they will have to raise their level, singularly Hazard and Diego Costa, hoping to find the quarters.

Second but mighty

Juventus, finalist 2015 season started badly but recovers the bar, like Pogba. His defeat in Seville Tuesday (1-0) was however relegated to 2nd place. The Old Lady does not pay this fake 8th?

PSG - Ibrahimovic makes a close-season perfection in France but failed to overtake Real in his group, bowing 1-0 to Madrid, albeit against the run of play. After three failures quarters, Paris, which plays its season on the C1, seems better armed. But it will have to go.

Arsenal was hot but thanks to a tripling of Giroud Wednesday on the ground of Olympiakos (3-0) will be present in 8th for the 16th time in a row. It is at this stage that the Gunners were eliminated in the last five seasons ...

Surprises and outsiders

Zenit St. Petersburg finished first in its group and grazed the full house, beaten Wednesday by AA Gent (2-1). A dangerous Russian team with his attackers Hulk and Dzyuba (6 goals).

Wolfsburg and PSV have less scope than other clubs but still donated Manchester United in the Europa League. The Germans will see for the first time the 8th of C1, the Dutch no longer had played since 2007.

Roma trembled to the end, unable to beat BATE Borisov (0-0), but taking advantage of zero between Leverkusen and Barcelona (1-1). Italians suffer from poor defense.

Benfica, more comfortable than in C1, C3, may be considered by the first group as an excellent draw, as Gent, Tom Thumb who made the lunch in Lyon and Valence. Or Dynamo Kiev.

Results of the group stage of the 2015/2016 edition of the Champions League. The first two of each group are qualified in 8th finals, the third will play the Europa League.

The draw of the eighth finals played out in February and March Monday oppose the first groups, which have the advantage of receiving in the second leg, to the second. Two clubs from the same group or federation can meet.

The first group:  Real Madrid (ESP), Wolfsburg (GER), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Manchester City (ENG), FC Barcelona (ESP), Bayern Munich (GER), Chelsea (ENG), Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)

The second group: Paris SG (FRA) PSV Eindhoven (NED), Benfica (POR), Juventus (ITA), AS Roma (ITA), Arsenal (ENG), Dynamo Kiev (UKR), Gent (BEL)

The third group, donated C3: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), Manchester United (ENG), Galatasaray (TUR), Sevilla (ESP), Leverkusen (GER), Olympiakos (GRE), FC Porto (POR), Valencia CF (ESP)

The last group eliminated: Malmö FF (SWE), CSKA Moscow (RUS), Astana (KAZ), Mönchengladbach (GER), BATE Borisov (BLR), Dinamo Zagreb (CRO), Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR), Lyon (FRA)

Champions League: Chelsea reassures and qualifies

Chelsea, which was not much better than in past events, managed to qualify with a hint of realism against FC Porto (2-0) and finish top of Group G of the Champions League, Wednesday after the sixth and final day.

With 13 points, the Blues doubled over the Portuguese, losers of the evening despite their ten units because victims away from the start of Kiev, vanqueur facing Tel Aviv (1-0), which ends at a length in front of them .

Bournemouth sealed by who had the plunge (1-0) after three encouraging matches without conceding a goal, the Londoners this time benefited from the little push they had not been Saturday.

It is not their coach José Mourinho who complain, who is increasingly heckled and offers a welcome respite before the shock which now awaits the surprising leader against Leicester.

To face his former club, the Portuguese coach had returned to the classic, with the aim Courtois, Terry in defense and to Costa.

Replacing the last two meetings, the scorer weighed, brought the opening goal, two warnings too, and received one for having left lying on foot before Casillas.

Launched towards the 12th minute, he stumbled over his team-mate but the unfortunate Marcano countered the reference that Maicon could only accompany the purpose.

However, this is the only opportunity that has obtained the Spaniard who still wait a bit to score his eighth goal in 2015.

Placed left after acting as false N.9, Hazard hope it finally score his first goal in 26 games now and it is therefore Willian, served by the Belgian, who made ​​the break to recovery (52). This is the fifth goal this season C1 for the Brazilian, more than ever top scorer in the competition.

Previously, visitors had kept the ball but unable to remove the game, Porto also struggled with a speedy compact opponent to shoot against.

The 14th Premier League so his group won for the 10th time in 13 participations.

Opposite, the Porto coach Julen Lopetegui may regret having waited to use a striker, Aboubakar in the? Case (57) because Brahimi (64) or Tello (78) were then successfully tested Courtois. But it is especially the home defeat 15 days ago against Kiev expensive.

Despite their fourth setback only in 15 European away, so leave the Portuguese fought for the 4th time at Stamford Bridge. If they want to impose day England, the draw of the C3 might give them another chance Monday.