Dowie - Jozy needs focus

Hull City boss Iain Dowie believes Jozy Altidore must work harder in training if he is to fulfil his potential.

The USA striker has headed back to Villarreal after scoring just once in his season-long loan with the soon-to-be relegated Tigers.

While Dowie believes the 20-year-old has great ability, the Tigers boss feels he needs to focus more on the training field and improve his 'football intelligence'.

Dowie said: "The fans have been fantastic, given him great support and probably he hasn't fulfilled his potential here. He's got one goal and for the level of investment it's probably not enough.

"I've spoken to Jozy a number of times since I've been here and, if Jozy can train the way he plays, I think he's got a great opportunity but he needs to understand that it's that day in, day out.

Focus

"He's a lovely, laid-back boy and there's no side to him but he needs to focus on training at a better level.

"Kevin Kilbane keeps turning it out because he trains at that level, Nicky Barmby can keep playing because he trains at that level.

"It's a different level than Jozy's used to training at and he's got to get used to it. He found the physicality of the Premier League very hard when he came in. He's got used to that now but he must not get comfortable.

"You've got to stretch yourself every day in training. I said that to him and wished him all the best for the World Cup. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a good World Cup.

"He's got the right attributes if he can play to his strengths, and that is turning defenders and running at goal. He's a monster of an athlete but he's got to use that physicality, it's about imposing that.

Two yards

"I've always felt the best part of a player's make-up is the two yards in his head. The (Teddy) Sheringhams, the (Alan) Shearers, the (Paul) Scholes, the (Ryan) Giggs, the (Wayne) Rooneys are two yards ahead of you in their head.

"Their football intelligence is bright and I think that's also something probably Jozy needs to work on."

Big expectations followed the 20-year-old to the KC Stadium but his Hull career ended on a low note when he was sent off for headbutting Sunderland's Alan Hutton last weekend.

The three-match ban meant an early end to his loan spell and, with the Tigers' relegation to the Championship all but confirmed, there is no chance of the club spending the Ј6million it would take to make the move permanent.

Altidore apologised to the Hull fans for his red card earlier this week, saying on Twitter : "I'm so sorry. Made a stupid, immature and costly mistake. I apologise to Hull City and the fans who I let down.

"I let my emotions get the best of me and lost my composure. Believe it or not, this year playing for Hull was to date the best trip I've ever been on."

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Euro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely doneDevastation for Dragutinovic

Diarra welcomes United link

Mahamadou Diarra admits he could leave Real Madrid in the summer, with Manchester United a possible destination.

Reports in Spain suggest the Mali international is on Sir Alex Ferguson's shopping list, as he looks to add extra bite to his midfield.

The Red Devils are also reported to be eyeing Diarra's namesake and Santiago Bernaebu team-mate Lassana Diarra.

However, it is believed the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth enforcer would carry a hefty price tag while Mahamadou Diarra would be available for a fraction of the price.

The African ace is certainly open to the idea of a move to Old Trafford, with first-team opportunities having proven hard to come by at Real this season.

Flattered

"I am very flattered to be linked with a prestigious club like Manchester United," said Diarra.

"They are a top team and on a same level as Madrid. The Premier League is also the top league in the world, so let's wait and see.

"I am not playing a lot and at the end of the season I will discuss my situation with all parties and a decision will be taken.

"I want to play week in, week out like all top players."

Speculation in France suggests Paris St Germain are also tracking Diarra's availability, with the Ligue 1 outfit keen for him to replace the retiring Claude Makelele.

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Ronaldo - Jose is Real dealEuro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely done

Schalke snap up Metzelder

Schalke have agreed a deal to sign Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder.

The Germany international, whose time in Madrid has been plagued by injury, will arrive on a free transfer when his contract at El Santiago Bernabeu expires.

The 29-year-old, who started his career at Schalke, has signed a three-year deal at the club.

Metzelder joined Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, but form and fitness troubles have seen him struggle to hold down a regular place in the Real side.

A statement on Schalke's official website read: "A World Cup and a European Championship runner-up will soon play for the Royal Blues.

"Christoph Metzelder is joining Schalke from Real Madrid for the coming season and receives a three-year contract until 30 June 2013."

Schalke coach Felix Magath has revealed he had tried to sign Metzelder before when he has in charge of Wolfsburg.

"At that time I got to know him and came to value him and I am ecstatic that he has chosen us," Magath told Kicker.de .

"He is not only a former Schalke youth player, but also a player with a real sense of responsibility, a leader."

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Euro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely doneWolfsburg rule out Metzelder

Villarreal vet Venta to go

Villarreal stalwart Javi Venta is to leave the Spanish outfit in the summer after more than a decade at the club.

The veteran defender moved to the club in 1999 and has since established himself as a firm fans' favourite for his commitment to the cause.

The 34-year-old, who helped Villarreal to runners-up spot in the Primera Division two years ago, admits he does not know where he will be playing next season.

He said: "Next year I won't continue here and I simply wanted to publicly thank the club.

"I can only say that I leave very happy and proud to have played so many years in Villarreal.

Best wishes

"From now I wish them all the best and you could say that I am like one more fan.

"I have felt very loved as much by my team-mates as by the fans and this is the best memory I can take away with me.

"What happens is that a moment comes when things come to an end and that's it because I still have the desire to continue on playing.

"Villarreal have given me everything on a sporting level and I will always be grateful to them."

Venta spent his first season with Villarreal's reserve side before going out on loan. On his return, he has been at the heart of their back four for the past eight seasons.

European hope

The club currently hold the last Europa League spot, two points above Getafe with four games left to play, and Venta hopes he can help them secure a European berth.

He added: "Let's hope I can bid farewell by leaving Villarreal in a European competition.

"The only thorn in my side is not to have won any trophies, but I am convinced that sooner or later they have to come.

"I still don't have anything clear (about the future) but I just hope to find a team in which I am as happy as I have been in Villarreal."

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Wolfsburg rule out Metzelder

Wolfsburg have moved to rubbish reports claiming they are set to sign Christoph Metzelder.

The Germany international will become a free agent at the end of the season, with his contract at Real Madrid set to expire.

The 29-year-old has spent the last three years with the Spanish giants, having moved to Santiago Bernabeu on a Bosman in June 2007.

He has struggled to make an impact at Real, though, with a succession of injuries keeping him sidelined for long periods.

The decision has therefore been taken from both sides to part ways, with no fresh terms set to be offered to the experienced centre-half.

No truth

With it now common knowledge that he will be up for grabs this summer, speculation has begun to circulate as to where he will end up.

With Metzelder said to favour a return to his homeland, reigning Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg were said to be a possibility.

However, the club have played down those reports, insisting they have no plans to approach the former Borussia Dortmund defender.

"These reports are pure rubbish, there is no truth in them at all," Wolfsburg managing director Dieter Hoeness told Wolfsburger Nachrichten .

"It's not true and there is nothing going on. I wonder how such reports are produced!"

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Real play down Barca visitEuro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely done

Ronaldo proud of season

Cristiano Ronaldo is satisfied with the way he has played since joining Real Madrid last summer.

Expectations could hardly have been higher after the Portugal international moved from Manchester United for a world record-breaking transfer fee of Ј80million.

Real might finish the season without a major trophy after making a surprise early exit from the UEFA Champions League, while they also trail Barcelona by one point in the Primera Liga with four games to play.

But Ronaldo has reflected with pride on his own personal performances over the course of the campaign, despite spending a period on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

"I am very happy with my season at Real Madrid," he told the Portuguese press.

"If I had not suffered the injury with a two-month gap this could have been my best year as a professional.

"In a league like Spain it is not easy to start with 20 goals and seven assists.

"After the injury against Marseille I missed 12 matches but with confidence and hard work I have returned to a good level."

Motivated

Ronaldo is confident Real will finish above Barcelona if they can win all their remaining games.

"Real Madrid have still not achieved the title but we are in there fighting with Barcelona, and in football it is not always possible to win trophies," he said.

"I am very motivated for the last four Liga matches.

"I am convinced that Barcelona will fail in this series and we will win all the matches to become champions."

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Ronaldo harbours title hopeEuro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely done

Raul to miss run-in

Real Madrid will be without veteran striker Raul for the remainder of the Liga campaign after damaging ankle ligaments.

Raul came off the bench to score in Real's 2-1 weekend win at Real Zaragoza before eventually being substituted himself.

Real have now confirmed scans on the striker's ankle show the injury will keep him on the sidelines for at least four weeks.

That means he will miss the end of season Liga run-in, including games against Osasuna, Real Mallorca, Athletic Bilbao and Malaga.

Raul's strike on Saturday was his 228th league goal and lifted him above Alfredo di Stefano on Real's list of all-time top scorers, six behind number one Hugo Sanchez with 234.

Meanwhile, Madrid also look set to be without Holland international Rafael van der Vaart for their season run-in.

Van der Vaart limped out of the Zaragoza game early on and his thigh problem will keep him sidelined for at least three weeks.

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Raul not retiring yetEuro Roundup: Man U overtake Chelsea, Hull almost surely done

All square in Basque derby

Athletic Bilbao missed the chance to go sixth in La Liga after being held to a goalless draw by Basque rivals Osasuna.

The match in Pamplona did more for the home side with Osasuna, who have only narrowly avoided relegation by one point in their previous two campaigns, looking safe.

Goalkeeper Ricardo saved from close range as Gaizka Toquero went close to

netting in stoppage time for Athletic Bilbao as Osasuna moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining.

The result did little for Athletic's pursuit of a European place, though, as they lie six points behind fourth-placed Real Mallorca and two behind Villarreal, who occupy the final Europa League berth.

Athletic had been sixth for six successive weeks until recently but have now taken just five points from their last five games.

Athletic, who finished 13th last season but qualified for Europe courtesy of reaching the Copa del Rey final, have been in the top eight for all but three rounds this term, but now face a battle to claim a European place next season after the stalemate.

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John hopes third time's the charm vs. SoundersClemente takes Valladolid job

Pep seeks new deals for duo

Pep Guardiola hopes Dani Alves and Seydou Keita will soon sign new long-term contracts with Barcelona.

Barca have been in talks with both players for some time about extending their current deals, which are set to expire in June 2012.

But nothing has been agreed yet and reports suggest the pair could leave Camp Nou this summer.

Alves' future in particular has been the subject of intense speculation, with a number of top clubs from England and Italy understood to be interested in the Brazilian right-back.

And Guardiola regards Keita and Alves as such integral figures that he is keen for the situation to be resolved quickly.

"These men are key to our game and it will be important to close this subject before the World Cup to avoid speculation in the coming weeks," Guardiola said in the Spanish press.

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Barca held to stalemateInter defeat Barcelona in semifinal opener

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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Inter defeat Barcelona in semifinal openerPrimera Liga Round-up

La Liga round-up

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid picked up victories in La Liga which means the Catalans stay one point above Los Merengues at the top.

Barca suffered at times but eventually overcame rock-bottom Xerez 3-1, who ended the game with nine men.

The Catalans began a crucial week with the right result, although the scoreline does not tell the whole story.

Pep Guardiola's makeshift side suffered some nervy moments at 2-1 before Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the all-important third goal after 55 minutes.

Barca had looked comfortable following early goals from Jeffren Suarez and

Thierry Henry, but Mario Bermejo pulled one back immediately and Xerez missed a couple of great chances to level before Ibrahimovic's strike.

They now face a crucial game against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Meanwhile, Kaka made a fairytale return to action as he emerged from the bench to net a late winner that keeps Real Madrid still firmly in the title race, following their 2-1 win at Real Zaragoza.

The Ј56million summer signing from AC Milan had missed the last six weeks with a groin problem but he was back with a bang, netting the decider against 10-man Real Zaragoza soon after appearing as a 75th-minute substitute.

Earlier, Madrid had taken a 50th-minute lead through Raul but relegation-battling Zaragoza, despite having Matteo Contini sent off two minutes later, still managed to draw level Adrian Colunga on the hour-mark.

That equaliser could have cost Madrid dear with Barcelona's victory earlier in the day, but Kaka's late strike keeps Manuel Pellegrini's men in touch with the Catalan club with four games now remaining.

In the other game on Saturday, Valencia picked up a 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the Mestalla.

A David Villa penalty in the first-half was enough for Valencia who stay third ion the table, while Depor remain in ninth.

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Inter defeat Barcelona in semifinal openerPrimera Liga round-up

Pellegrini - Kaka not faking it

Real Madrid boss Manuel Pellegrini has refuted claims in the Spanish press that Kaka has deliberately prolonged his return from a thigh injury.

The former AC Milan schemer has not featured for Real since their elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Lyon on 10th March due to a thigh strain, and has been accused of dragging out his recovery as he was unhappy at the Bernabeu.

Whilst the Ј68million signing has struggled to rediscover his excellent form with Pellegrini's men, the former Villarreal boss has reacted angrily to the rumours and insists Kaka is committed to Real.

"It is unfair not to believe he has been suffering pain," Pellegrini said

"What has been said about him doesn't correspond with his professionalism. As soon as he didn't feel any more pain, he has returned to the squad."

Kaka is set to return to the Real squad as they prepare for their final five games of the season. Pellegrini's team are one point behind defending champions Barcelona in the Primera Division standings.

Benzema

Meanwhile, Pellegrini is confident striker Karim Benzema is "perfectly calm" after hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week.

Benzema has been included in the squad to face Real Zaragoza this weekend amid allegations of off-the-field misdemeanours.

And Pellegrini believes the 22-year-old striker is not allowing himself to be affected by the reports.

"I'm always concerned about problems which could affect my players," said Pellegrini.

"I have spoken to Benzema, he told me he has nothing to do with all this.

"I find him perfectly calm. All this should not affect him on the pitch."

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Benzema happy at RealInter defeat Barcelona in semifinal opener

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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Inter defeat Barcelona in semifinal openerPrimera Liga Round-up

Villarreal track Perez

The agent of Marco Perez claims his client is close to securing a summer switch to Villarreal.

The teenage striker, who is currently on the books of Argentine outfit Gimnasia La Plata, has caught the eye of numerous European scouts this season.

The only sticking point in him completing a switch from South America is likely to concern his complicated ownership rights.

In much the same way as Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano caused problems when they joined West Ham in 2006, Colombian ace Perez is not owned by a single club.

His representative Eduardo Pimental owns half of the rights to the player, while the other 50 per cent is held by a group of investors.

This confusing matter needs to be resolved before he can go anywhere, but it appears that Villarreal will be his most likely destination should he move on at the end of the season.

Proposal

"There still isn't anything arranged because the people I have been talking too represent several teams," Pimental told Antena 2 .

"But one of them was from Villarreal and he has sent me the most interesting proposal so far."

Pimental is looking to cash in on his half of Perez's ownership rights in any sale, but admits he needs to talk with his fellow investors before any decision can be made.

"I have to meet with the owners of the other 50 per cent of the transfer to see if they want to sell the player," he added.

"Maybe they want to keep their part and I will sell my part."

Pimental believes that his stake in Perez is worth between three and four million dollars (Ј2-2.5m).

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Fabregas snr - No Real meetingAttakora no flash in the pan at TFC

Devastation for Dragutinovic

Ivica Dragutinovic is set to miss the remainder of the season and the World Cup finals after tearing his Achilles.

The Sevilla defender damaged the tendon in training on Thursday morning, bringing his campaign to a premature end.

The 34-year-old had been in fine form for his Spanish employers this term and was looking to end the season on a high.

However, the Serbia international will now be forced to watch on from the sidelines as he domestic team-mates battle for UEFA Champions League qualification and his international colleagues go for global glory in South Africa.

A statement on Sevilla's official website read: "Very bad news for Sevilla because in this morning's training session Ivica Dragutinovic fell over seriously injured.

"The Serbian tore the tendon in his left Achilles, in such a way that he has been forced to bid farewell to a season in which he was offering a superlative performance.

"Drago will travel to Finland, together with the head of the club's medical services, Juan Ribas, in order to be examined by Sakari Orava, a prestigious surgeon who specialises in this type of injury, who has treated great sportspeople of the elite."

Dr Orava is the surgeon who operated on David Beckham in mid-March after he suffered a similar injury while in action for AC Milan.

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John hopes third time's the charm vs. SoundersIniesta out for a month

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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Primera Liga Round-upInter defeat Barcelona in semifinal opener

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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Primera Liga Round-upInter defeat Barcelona in semifinal opener

Raul not retiring yet

Raul admits he is not guaranteed to be at Real Madrid next season, but has no plans to slip into retirement.

The experienced frontman has been part of the set-up at Santiago Bernabeu since joining the youth ranks in 1992.

Now 32-years-old, he has a contract for life which is automatically renewed if he plays 30 games in a season.

He has achieved that feat this term, meaning he is free to remain with Real for at least another year.

However, with first-team opportunities becoming increasingly difficult to come by, he admits that the time may have come to wave goodbye to the capital giants.

"I'm not going to retire at the moment," he said.

"I hope to see out the next year of my contract.

"We'll see what happens at the end of the season. I want to continue playing football."

Confident

Raul is hoping to sign off this season with another Primera Liga title, with Real having closed back to within a point of league leaders Barcelona with five games remaining.

"The team are confident," he added.

"I believe we are going to win the league, but what we are certainly going to do is fight to the max to achieve it.

"We are aware that at the moment we are not depending on ourselves in order to be champions.

"But it is clear that if we win the remaining five games we will have more options."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}La Liga 2009/10 Win Outright: Real Madrid 9/4

Galaxy look to keep shutdown magic doingRamos backs Pellegrini

Ronaldo hopes Real keep faith

Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping Manuel Pellegrini will still be in charge of Real Madrid next season.

The Chilean coach is reported to be edging towards the exits at Santiago Bernabeu after failing to deliver the required level of success, with Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello touted as possible replacements.

Pellegrini only joined the capital giants last summer but, like many of those before him, he could be about to become another lonely figure on the managerial merry-go-round.

Failure to win the Primera Liga would almost certainty seal his fate, with Real having surrendered the crown to arch-rivals Barcelona last season.

They also spent heavily prior to the 2009/10 campaign getting under way and have demanded an immediate return on their considerable investment.

Not everyone wants to see Pellegrini shown to the door, though, with Ronaldo of the opinion that the current coach is more than capable of brining the good times back to Real.

"I am going to be sincere," the Ј80million winger told AS .

"I like coaches with winning mentalities, but it is with Pellegrini that I find myself most happy.

"I hope he stays for two or three more years. The other coaches do not concern me."

Priority

Ronaldo is also confident that Real can still land the league title this season, with just a point separating them from table-topping Barcelona with five games remaining.

"We have got better over the past two weeks and everything is possible," said the Portugal international.

"We are only a point off the leaders. I am confident that we will win our last five matches and be proclaimed champions.

"We are focused and our priority is to win. If we do, we will celebrate very well."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Champions League 2010/11 Win Outright: Real Madrid 6/1

Real close the gapBusch: 'Maybe Real Salt Lake are my daddy'

Pires willing to play on

Robert Pires insists he has no plans to retire and has a number of options available to him for next season.

The French midfielder is currently on the books of Villarreal, who he has been with since 2006.

The 1998 World Cup winner has enjoyed a distinguished career to date, with spells taken in at Metz, Marseille and Arsenal before his arrival in Spain.

Pires accepts that he is edging towards the end of his playing days, at the age of 36, but believes he is still capable of performing at the highest level for some time yet.

He hopes he will be given the opportunity to prolong his association with Villarreal over the summer, but has revealed that he has offers from America and France should fresh terms not be forthcoming.

"I am happy at the moment and I have decided to continue playing football," said Pires.

Motivation

"I am 36 but I still have sufficient desire to help any club.

"At the moment I have offers from the MLS (Philadelphia Union) and some opportunities in France."

He added: "It is my dream though to continue at this club and I would have even more motivation were we to qualify for Europe.

"I expect to sit down with the club at the end of the season and we will evaluate the situation and come to a decision.

"I will accept whatever they decide, but I want to make it clear that I have no intention of retiring."

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Pires yet to decideMagee, Galaxy set for rematch with RSL

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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Primera Liga Round-upInter defeat Barcelona in semifinal opener

Barca held to stalemate

Espanyol put a dent in Barcelona's hopes of securing consecutive Primera Division titles after holding their local rivals to a goalless draw.

However, Pep Guardiola's side may consider it a point gained rather than two lost after playing 28 minutes with 10 men in the wake of Dani Alves' red card.

Espanyol created the best chance just before the break when Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes tipped Osvaldo's close-range shot onto the post, while the visitors also hit the woodwork early on through Pedro Rodriguez's mishit cross.

Aside from that, Barca, who had won their previous seven games, struggled to create much to worry the Espanyol defence as they drew a blank in front of goal for the first time in the league since October.

Guardiola expected a tough fixture, describing it as Espanyol's "game of the year", and he was proved correct as the home side made it hard for their high-flying opponents throughout.

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Galaxy look to keep shutdown magic doingZlatan out of Gunners return

Rossi unlikely to join Napoli

Giuseppe Rossi's agent has insisted there is 'nothing concrete' in reports linking the Villarreal forward with a move to Napoli.

The Italy international has regularly been linked with a switch back to his homeland and his representative Andrea Pastorello admits that would be an attractive proposition.

Napoli are believed to be monitoring his situation, although Pastorello says there has been no formal contact as yet.

Pastorello concedes that Rossi would be more willing to join Napoli if they qualify for Europe, but doubts whether such a transfer will go ahead.

"Rossi to Naples? There is nothing concrete," he told Radio Goal .

"For Giuseppe, to return to Italy would be a dream, but Napoli seems quite unlikely.

"Would it change anything if Napoli qualified for Europe? Anything is possible, certainly there would be a better chance."

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Euro plans for Villarreal

Primera Liga Round-up

Real Madrid closed to within a point of Barcelona with a 2-0 win over Valencia at El Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona only drawing with Espanyol on Saturday, Real Madrid knew they had the chance to get themselves back in the title race against Valencia.

Real dominated the early proceedings and they broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain converted Guti's pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied on several occasions by Valencia keeper Cesar, finally added a second 12 minutes from time when he slotted home Marcelo's cut-back.

Juan Nino inspired Tenerife to a 3-2 win over Getafe with a superb hat-trick to boost their survival hopes.

Getafe broke the deadlock on ten minutes through Pedro Leon, but Nino levelled matters on the half hour.

Nino fired Tenerife in front on 69 minutes only for Francisco Casquero to hit back for Getafe on 75 minutes.

However, a minute later Nino completed his treble and gave Tenerife the points to move them one point from safety with five games remaining.

Malaga remain just above the drop zone after a goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Valladolid.

Athletic Bilbao failed to get back into the European places as they were held to a goalless draw by Real Zaragoza at San Mames.

Basement boys Xerez saw their hopes of staying up suffer a blow after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Fabian Orellana gave Xerez an early lead after just six minutes, but goals just either side of half-time from Mohamed Tchite - the second a penalty - turned the game around.

Victor Sanchez grabbed an equaliser for Xerez 17 minutes from time, but the point does not do much for their hopes of staying in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna were held to a goalless draw by Almeria at La Riazor as the point moves the visitors further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table.

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FCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debutPrimera Liga round-up

Fabregas snr - No Real meeting

Cesc Fabregas' father has dismissed reports that he met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez at the weekend to discuss a possible deal for the Arsenal midfielder.

Speculation in Spain has claimed that Francesc Fabregas attended Real's Primera Liga game with Valencia on Sunday before holding talks with Perez.

However, Fabregas snr is adamant he was not at the Santiago Bernabeu as rumours surrounding his son's future continue to circulate.

"I was not at the Santiago Bernabeu last Sunday to speak with Florentino Perez," Fabregas snr told the Catalan media.

"I have spent the weekend at home."

Totally false

He also denied claims he met Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano, adding: "A meeting with Valdano? It is totally false.

"This morning (Monday), I have been walking around Barcelona with my daughter, this is the only truth."

Arsenal captain Fabregas has long been tipped to return to Spain, with former club Barcelona and Real repeatedly linked with bids.

Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood last week revealed that Barca had assured him they are not planning a summer offer and Arsene Wenger remains insistent his skipper will be staying at Emirates Stadium.

The midfielder is currently recovering from a cracked fibula sustained against Barca in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, but is hoping to be fit for Spain's World Cup challenge.

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Barca deny Cesc promiseBusch: 'Maybe Real Salt Lake are my daddy'

Barca voice Uefa dismay

Barcelona have hit out at Uefa for not doing more to help clubs whose travel plans have been hit for this week's European ties.

Barca and several other teams face arduous journeys by rail and road due to the volcanic ash cloud that has left air travel stricken.

Uefa chose against rearranging the crucial knock-out games until the ash has cleared, meaning Barca arrived in Italy on Monday morning after a two-day coach journey that was broken up by a night in Cannes.

The Spanish champions face Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain was disappointed with the governing body's stance.

"Uefa must be flexible," he said. "I know that there aren't enough dates to play but in the end you have to make an effort so as not to give one team an advantage, in this case the home team.

Bygone age

"At this moment in time, making a team travel by coach belongs to a bygone age.

"I would have made the effort to bring forward some league matches to leave a weekend free for the Champions League. Something should have been done not to give this advantage to the home team."

However, Begiristain is confident that the big-game atmosphere will provide enough motivation for the Champions League holders to overcome any signs of fatigue.

"This is the last step before the final," he said. "There's no tiredness here.

"It'll be really intense with defensive concentration being key.

"A Champions League semi-final is already tense by definition."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Inter Milan v Barcelona 1st Goalscorer: Messi, L. 4/1

Iniesta out for a monthChivas USA still tinkering with formation

Mallorca back into fourth

Real Mallorca reclaimed fourth spot in La Liga to maintain their push for UEFA Champions League qualification after a 2-0 home win over Osasuna.

Ruben Gonzalez opened the scoring for the hosts on 36 minutes and substitute Alhassane Keita netted a last-minute second to lift Mallorca back above Sevilla in the race for fourth.

Mallorca had won 13 of their 15 league matches at the Ono Estadi prior to this one, with their only defeats coming against Barcelona and Sevilla.

The visitors were on the ropes for much of the first half as Mallorca began with confidence. Felipe Mattioni saw his header parried by Ricardo after 10 minutes and Borja Valero's follow-up effort was blocked by Miguel Flano as the locals began with intent.

Victor Casadesus then fizzed a fierce shot over the bar two minutes later as they continued to threaten.

Osasuna weathered the storm for a while, but Mallorca ended the half with a flourish and Fernando Varela's thunderous drive sailed agonisingly wide after 35 minutes.

Less than a minute later, the locals did take the lead when Ruben sent a brilliant header past Ricardo from a Valero corner.

It was no more than Mallorca deserved and the second half started as the first had finished. Aritz Aduriz made space for himself and fired an impressive shot against the post after 51 minutes.

The Basque striker, a constant threat, then failed to connect properly with an overhead kick and drilled a powerful effort just wide of the target later on in the half.

The hosts will have felt they should have been two ahead by now, but Osasuna were still in it and Javier Camunas missed two good chances to restore parity late in the game.

The visitors committed more men later on and eventually paid the price, though, when Keita raced onto a long ball, charged into the area and beat Ricardo with a clinical left-footed drive in added time.

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Gijon no match for SevillaLos Angeles revel in Buddle's goal-scoring exploits

New deal for Espanyol starlet

Espanyol have secured Didac Vila on a new contract to keep the highly-rated defender at the club until 2015.

Didac has progressed through the ranks at Espanyol since joining as a 10-year old and is regarded as one of their most impressive youngsters.

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut at the beginning of the year and has quickly become one of the mainstays of Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Didac's contract was set to expire in 2012, but the Spain Under 20 international has extended his stay by three years.

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Magee, Galaxy set for rematch with RSLCallejon race hots up

Callejon race hots up

West Ham are reported to have entered the race for Espanyol's highly-rated striker Jose Callejon.

The Hammers are said to have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action during Saturday's Catalan derby, in which Espanyol held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw.

Blackburn and Wigan are also believed to have expressed an interest in the talented frontman, but are considered to be outsiders to land his signature.

Espanyol have already revealed that they will be willing to part with Callejon over the summer, if the price is right.

They rejected an offer of €4million (Ј3.5m) during the January transfer window, but would have had to pass 15% of that fee onto Real Madrid.

The capital giants included such a clause in Callejon's contract when they offloaded him in 2008.

However, that agreement is set to expire on 30th June, meaning Espanyol will keep 100 per cent of any fee generated.

That has convinced them that the time may be right to sell, with reports suggesting a €5million (Ј4.4m) offer would be enough to force their hand.

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Benzema happy at RealLos Angeles revel in Buddle's goal-scoring exploits

Gijon no match for Sevilla

Sevilla secured a comfortable 3-0 win against nine-man Sporting Gijon to boost their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification.

Frederic Kanoute gave the hosts the perfect start at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Piajuan as he nodded home a free-kick from close range.

Gijon's task was made even harder when striker Mate Bilic picked up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes midway through the first half.

The lead was doubled shortly after half-time when Brazil international Luis Fabiano headed Adriano's cross into the top corner.

With Sevilla now firmly in control, Gijon's ranks were depleted further as Jose Angel Valdes was sent off for a second bookable offence and Juan Cala tapped in a third goal shortly afterwards.

The win sends Sevilla into the crucial fourth place in the Primera Liga table, but their main rivals for that position, Mallorca, can leapfrog them if they beat Osasuna on Monday.

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Busch: 'Maybe Real Salt Lake are my daddy'Primera Liga round-up

Euro plans for Villarreal

Villarreal moved into the European places in the Primera Liga after a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.

At El Madrigal, defender Diego Godin's back-heel flick from a corner put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute.

Giuseppe Rossi increased the lead when he poked the ball in after a goalmouth scramble in the 44th minute, with the Atletico defence having stopped when they thought a penalty had been awarded.

Atletico star Sergio Aguero cut the deficit in the 63rd minute when he ran onto Jose Antonio Reyes' lobbed pass, chested the ball down, and shot past Diego Lopez.

But the Europa League semi-finalists could not find an equaliser and remained in 10th position in the table.

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Chivas USA still tinkering with formationPrimera Liga round-up

Ronaldo - Jose is Real deal

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo believes Jose Mournho would be the ideal man to take charge at the Bernabeu.

The Inter Milan manager has often been linked with the Real job, but fresh speculation is rife after current boss Manuel Pelligrini has underachieved this season, despite spending over Ј200million in the transfer market.

The Ј80million transfer of Ronaldo from Manchester United was just one of many big-money deals that have failed to lift Real above bitter rivals Barcelona.

Victory for Pep Guardiola's men in El Classico last weekend lifted the Catalan side three points clear at the top of the Primera Division, which further soured a campaign that saw Real's UEFA Champions League challenge ended by Lyon in the last 16.

Ronaldo would welcome Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu and believes his Portuguese compatriot could reinvigorate the club.

The former United forward told Sky Sports News : "He is a special coach. He has shown that he is one of the best in the world so maybe the people don't like him because he is top, his character, he is a special person.

"I know him very well. I like him a lot - I know his character, he is a winning guy. This is why the people don't like him.

"Madrid he'd change a lot - he'd buy new players, new coach."

Silverware

The 25-year-old admits the team are desperate to win silverware this season but knows Barcelona are in pole position.

He said: "We are out of the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, so we are not very happy of course. We are still in the league to fight so it's possible to win.

"We'll be very frustrated if we don't win anything. A team like Madrid has to win something every year.

"But Barcelona at this moment are a little bit stronger than us because they won both times they played us.

"I still believe we can improve in the next games, the next months, the next year, we'll be much stronger than we are at the moment.

"So if we don't win this season, definitely we will win next year."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Real Madrid v Valencia 1st Goalscorer: Ronaldo, C. 11/4

Busch: 'Maybe Real Salt Lake are my daddy'Ronaldo calm ahead of Clasico

Ramos backs Pellegrini

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has backed under-pressure manager Manuel Pellegrini following the defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.

Real went down 2-0 at the Bernabeu to their arch-rivals in 'El Clasico', leaving the Catalan club three points clear at the top of La Liga.

Barca are now in the driving seat to claim another Primera Division title with just seven games remaining this season, despite a mass spending spree from Madrid last summer.

Reports in Spain suggest that Pellegrini is a condemned man following the weekend reverse and their early UEFA Champions League exit, but Ramos has come out in support of the manager.

"We are going to defend the coach and he will have the support of the team until the last day," he said.

"We will be delighted if he continues."

Real director general Jorge Valdano insists Los Merengues will not give up their title fight and also gave his backing to Pellegrini.

Support

"Real will not give in and the coach has our full support," he told AS .

"The Clasico wasn't the match we had dreamed about.

"I can understand why the fans are frustrated because expectations were so high.

"Perhaps the team felt it had too much responsibility placed on its shoulders when it took the pitch. We were much more relaxed in the first match at the Nou Camp.

"Whether we win the league or not, seven finals remain and we are obligated to play our hearts out until 16 May.

"By earning the remaining 21 points we would finish with a league record 98.

"That is why we are required to put forth our best effort. And if our main rival slips up one of these days...".

Meanwhile, veteran striker Raul faces two to three weeks on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury against Barca.

The 32-year-old suffered the knock shortly after coming on as a substitute at the Bernabeu.

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}La Liga 2009/10. Click here to bet.

Real play down Barca visitBusch: 'Maybe Real Salt Lake are my daddy'

Silva helps Valencia soar

Two goals from David Silva reinforced Valencia's hold on third spot in La Liga as a 2-0 victory dented Athletic Bilbao's UEFA Champions League hopes.

Sixth-placed Bilbao arrived at the Mestalla aware that a victory would move them to within one point of the top four with six games remaining in the season.

But Silva's strikes either side of half-time quashed those hopes as Valencia moved seven points clear of Real Mallorca, who sit fourth.

Unai Emery's Valencia enjoyed the majority of the first-half possession in characteristic pass-and-move style as Bilbao struggled to find their natural, direct football.

But the hosts were guilty of not making their dominance count, with a string of chances going begging in the opening half-an-hour.

Silva, though, ensured that Valencia took a lead into half-time as the Spaniard pounced 10 minutes before the interval when Bilbao failed to clear a scrappy corner.

Bilbao almost had an equaliser shortly after the break, but home goalkeeper Sanchez Cesar brilliantly tipped away Fernando Llorente's header.

The visitors were to rue Cesar's stop as in the 62nd minute Silva scored his second of the night when superbly controlling Joaquin's chipped pass before cutting inside the Bilbao defence to fire past Gorka Iraizoz and secure the victory.

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Galaxy look to keep shutdown magic doingAgent - No Villa talks

Primera Liga round-up

Real Mallorca prevailed in the battle of the top-four chasers, while Athletic Bilbao got their European push back on track.

Elsewhere, Deportivo halted their alarming slump, but had to settle for a point on home soil, while Atletico Madrid's inconsistencies continued.

Athletic Bilbao are up to sixth in the table following a convincing 4-1 drubbing of Almeria.

Javi Martinez handed them the ideal start after just 13 minutes and Igor Gabilondo doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark.

Bilbao then wrapped things up with two goals in as many minutes, with Martinez grabbing his second of the game (49) and Fernando Llorente getting in on the act (51).

Pablo Piatti pulled one back for the visitors 19 minutes from time, but that was of scant consolation.

Osasuna returned to winning ways, after four defeats in five outings, as they saw off Real Zaragoza 2-0.

Carlos Aranda broke the deadlock just two minutes in and Krisztian Vadocz made sure of the points in the final minute.

The only negative on a positive afternoon for Osasuna was the sending off of Lopez Ruper five minutes from time.

Deportivo La Coruna entered their meeting with Racing Santander on the back of four straight defeats, but will be disappointed not to have taken all three points from their latest fixture.

Riki fired them in front at the Riazor inside 60 seconds and that looked to be enough to see the hosts home.

However, Segura Toni Moral stepped off the bench to snatch an 84th minute replay for Racing and earn a share of the spoils.

Atletico Madrid remain infuriatingly inconsistent, going down 3-0 away at Espanyol in their latest outing.

Victor Ruiz (48), Pablo Osvaldo (67) and Daniel Ivan Alonso (90) did the damage for the Catalan club, who had drawn three straight games ahead of the weekend.

A miserable day for Atletico was compounded four minutes from time when Tomas Ujfalusi was given his marching orders.

In the late kick-off, Real Mallorca edged a five-goal thriller with Valencia to pull level with fourth-placed Sevilla.

They took the lead as early as the seventh minute, as Gonzalo Casto found the target, and were two up on 22 minutes when Pierre Webo pounced.

Jordi Alba then pulled a goal back for Valencia, who left David Villa on the bench, shortly after the re-start.

Mallorca saw their two-goal cushion restored, though, on 63 minutes when Manuel Fernandes, who was later sent off, put through his own net.

Hernandez Pablo handed Los Che a late lifeline when he notched two minutes from the end, but they were unable to find a leveller.

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Copa Del Rey 2010 Win Outright: Atletico Madrid 5/4

Primera Liga round-upFCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debut

Barca deny Cesc promise

Barcelona have denied brokering a deal with Arsenal not to try and bring Spain international Cesc Fabregas back to Camp Nou.

Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood claimed on Wednesday informal talks between the clubs had taken place over Fabregas' future.

It was understood that Barca were happy with their current crop of stars and would not be making a move for the 22-year-old this summer.

Barca have held a long-standing interest in the talented playmaker, who left the Catalan giants as a teenager in September 2003.

However, technical secretary Txiki Begiristain insists nothing has been agreed with Arsenal and that if they want Fabregas they will hold transfer talks

"If Barcelona think that he is necessary for the team, they will go for him, always respecting negotiations," he told Spanish newspaper AS .

"We have never said that we will not try to sign Cesc Fabregas. We will see what happens."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/Skysports/Icons/skybet_logo.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:68px;}Arsenal 4/7, Draw 3/1, Wigan 5/1

Messi has no Premier plans

Ronaldo refutes 'party' claims

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has denied allegations that he held wild parties before and after their damaging La Liga defeat to Barcelona.

The world's most expensive player reportedly hosted a party the night before Saturday's 2-0 reverse to bitter rivals Barca which left Madrid three points behind the defending champions at the top of the table.

The former World Player of the Year was also alleged to have thrown another event following the loss at the Bernabeu, while several of his team-mates were apparently present at both events, which were said to have lasted well into the early hours of the morning.

The ex-Manchester United winger has confirmed he has instructed his lawyers to clear his name and punish those who have cast a shadow over his professionalism and dignity.

False

"It has come to my attention that in the program "Salva-Me" on Spanish television channel Telecinco, there were references made to alleged parties held at my house, one on Friday, the eve of the game against Barcelona, which reportedly lasted until five in the morning, and one on Saturday night itself, interspersed with several comments which were intolerably depreciating to my dignity and my professionalism," read a statement.

"I categorically refute such accusations, which are completely false and delusional: there is really not even one iota of truth in them.

"With a game the next day, it is more than obvious that I spent Friday night resting and, on Saturday night, my spirit was anything but festive.

"Considering the gravity of the charges, I have instructed my lawyers to, without any reflection, use all legal means to restore the truth of the matter and ensure that those responsible are punished to the fullest extent legally provided."

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Pique - Messi is the bestThe Sideline: Is threat of terrorist attack on South Africa for real?

Primera Liga round-up

Tenerife and Real Valladolid secured vital wins in midweek to boost their respective survival bids.

Tenerife headed out on the road to Sporting Gijon and emerged with a much-needed 2-0 victory.

They left it late before securing the points, with 70 minutes on the clock by the time Roman Martinez broke the deadlock.

Alejandro Alfaro fired in a second three minutes from time to wrap things up, condemning Sporting to a fourth successive game without a win.

Tenerife are now just two points from safety with six games of the season remaining.

Another of those sides hoping to beat the drop are Real Valladolid, and they aided their cause considerably with an impressive 2-1 win over high-flying Sevilla.

Da Costa Diego headed them in front three minutes before the interval at Nuevo Jose Zorilla and Manucho doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half.

Juan Torres Ruiz Cala did pull one back for the visitors seven minutes from time, but it was not enough.

Valladolid remain second from bottom in the table, but are now only three points from safety, while Sevilla drop out of the UEFA Champions League places into fifth.

Getafe clambered above in-form Villarreal into seventh with a 3-0 victory over the Yellow Submarines.

Miku enhanced his notable strike rate in the Primera Liga with the opener on 56 minutes.

Diego Lopez then put through his own net on 72 minutes, spilling a shot from Jose Manuel Mane.

Venezuelan strike ace Miku bagged his second of the game four minutes from time to ensure the points remained in the capital.

Getafe now sit four points adrift of the top four, with Villarreal a point further back.

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FCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debutPrimera Liga round-up

Primera Liga Round-up

Barcelona moved six points clear at the top of the Primera Liga table with a 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna at Camp Nou.

Bojan Krkic broke the deadlock on 16 minutes when he collected Xavi's clever pass to score.

The hosts doubled their lead on 69 minutes when Pedro scored from fully 40 yards as Depor goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia was left stranded after racing from his line to clear Victor Valdes' long kick upfield.

Yaya Toure added a third on 72 minutes when he blasted home from inside the box to keep Barca on course for the title.

Real Mallorca moved into fourth spot after a 1-1 draw at Real Zaragoza.

Ruben Rocha gave Mallorca the lead after just 13 minutes, but Humberto Suazo earned Zaragoza a point with a fine solo effort eight minutes later.

Basement boys Xerez boosted their survival hopes with a shock 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

Xerez stunned the home side with the opener after just nine minutes courtesy of Mario Bermejo's header.

Diego Forlan drew Atletico level three minutes later with his 17th goal of the season.

However, Xerez grabbed the winner 18 minutes from time when Emiliano Armenteros headed home unmarked to give the visitors only their second away win of the campaign.

Malaga twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Osasuna and lift them three points clear of the drop zone.

Walter Pandiani fired Osasuna in front after ten minutes, but Salvador Caicedo equalised for Malaga on 32 minutes.

Uruguayan striker Pandiani restored Osasuna's lead three minutes into the second half, but Nabil Baha earned Malaga a precious point with a 76th-minute leveller.

Racing Santander moved further clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table with a 3-1 victory over ten-man Espanyol.

Ivan Alonso opened the scoring for Espanyol on 32 minutes, but Mohamed Tchite drew Racing level from the penalty spot four minutes later.

Espanyol were reduced to ten men soon after the break when goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was sent off for bringing down Pedro Munitis inside the box and Tchite kept his cool to convert from the spot.

Manuel Arana made the game safe for Racing with a third goal in the closing seconds.

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Primera Liga round-upFCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debut

Primera Liga round-up

Sevilla boosted their UEFA Champions League hopes as Villarreal edged out Sporting Gijon.

While the latest edition of El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona undoubtedly took centre stage, it was still a key weekend elsewhere in the Primera Liga.

And Sevilla tightened their grip on fourth place by coming from behind to beat struggling Malaga 2-1.

Malaga held the lead given to them by Felipe Caicedo on 17 minutes until Cala equalised midway through the second period.

Lolo then struck the winner just five minutes from time to lift Sevilla three points clear of fifth-placed Real Mallorca.

Villarreal extended their unbeaten run to four games and climbed to sixth courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Sporting Gijon.

Diego Godin fired the Yellow Submarine ahead after 16 minutes and Gijon were unable to respond.

Getafe were also narrow 1-0 winners away to bottom club Xerez, with Lopez Rafa netting the crucial goal on the hour mark.

Getafe were reduced to ten men when Leon was sent off in the 88th minute, but there was not enough time for Xerez to salvage a point.

Tenerife and Real Valladolid both remain in the relegation zone along with Xerez after playing out a goalless draw.

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FCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debutPrimera Liga round-up

Real close the gap

Real Madrid reduced Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to three points, but they had it far from their own way as they were forced to come from behind to win 2-1 at Almeria.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael van der Vaart either side of half-time cancelled out Albert Crusat's opener as Real responded to their weekend defeat to Barca, who defeated Deportivo on Wednesday.

However, while last season's runners-up will know that all that mattered was the three points, they will also be aware that they were forced to work a lot harder than they wanted against their 13th-placed opponents.

Real manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose future has been the subject of mass sack-speculation, will have been pleased with the manner in which his side started, as Ronaldo forced a tidy save from Diego Alvez with a trademark free-kick.

But Real found themselves behind in the 14th minute when Kalu Uche held off Sergio Ramos to cross low from the byline and leave Crusat with the simple task of tapping in.

Fragile

Real were stunned, however, they were only behind for 11 minutes as Ronaldo, fresh from denying party allegations in the wake of the Barca defeat, equalised with a left-footed finish from close range after beating three Almeria defenders.

The home side should have regained the lead before half-time, but one-time Fulham target Uche unsuccessfully attempted a back-heeled flick from Crusat's centre when stood almost on the goalline.

Real, though, were dominant after the break and Alvez was called upon to deny Ronaldo and Marcelo.

Pellegrini's side continued to put their hosts under intense pressure and they eventually got their reward in the 69th minute when Van der Vaart fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

But the defensive fragilities that have marred Real's season remained throughout and Uche was guilty of missing several chances as Almeria's visitors left with three points.

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The Sideline: Is threat of terrorist attack on South Africa for real?Primera Liga round-up

Primera Liga round-up

Real Mallorca prevailed in the battle of the top-four chasers, while Athletic Bilbao got their European push back on track.

Elsewhere, Deportivo halted their alarming slump, but had to settle for a point on home soil, while Atletico Madrid's inconsistencies continued.

Athletic Bilbao are up to sixth in the table following a convincing 4-1 drubbing of Almeria.

Javi Martinez handed them the ideal start after just 13 minutes and Igor Gabilondo doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark.

Bilbao then wrapped things up with two goals in as many minutes, with Martinez grabbing his second of the game (49) and Fernando Llorente getting in on the act (51).

Pablo Piatti pulled one back for the visitors 19 minutes from time, but that was of scant consolation.

Osasuna returned to winning ways, after four defeats in five outings, as they saw off Real Zaragoza 2-0.

Carlos Aranda broke the deadlock just two minutes in and Krisztian Vadocz made sure of the points in the final minute.

The only negative on a positive afternoon for Osasuna was the sending off of Lopez Ruper five minutes from time.

Deportivo La Coruna entered their meeting with Racing Santander on the back of four straight defeats, but will be disappointed not to have taken all three points from their latest fixture.

Riki fired them in front at the Riazor inside 60 seconds and that looked to be enough to see the hosts home.

However, Segura Toni Moral stepped off the bench to snatch an 84th minute replay for Racing and earn a share of the spoils.

Atletico Madrid remain infuriatingly inconsistent, going down 3-0 away at Espanyol in their latest outing.

Victor Ruiz (48), Pablo Osvaldo (67) and Daniel Ivan Alonso (90) did the damage for the Catalan club, who had drawn three straight games ahead of the weekend.

A miserable day for Atletico was compounded four minutes from time when Tomas Ujfalusi was given his marching orders.

In the late kick-off, Real Mallorca edged a five-goal thriller with Valencia to pull level with fourth-placed Sevilla.

They took the lead as early as the seventh minute, as Gonzalo Casto found the target, and were two up on 22 minutes when Pierre Webo pounced.

Jordi Alba then pulled a goal back for Valencia, who left David Villa on the bench, shortly after the re-start.

Mallorca saw their two-goal cushion restored, though, on 63 minutes when Manuel Fernandes, who was later sent off, put through his own net.

Hernandez Pablo handed Los Che a late lifeline when he notched two minutes from the end, but they were unable to find a leveller.

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Primera Liga round-upFCD rookie Loyd pleased with his debut

Messi has no Premier plans

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he has no desire to play in the Premier League.

The Argentine superstar has already been with Barcelona for nearly a decade, despite being just 22 himself.

And Messi acknowledges that he owes Barca and he will never turn his back on the Catalan giants.

"Will I play in the Premier League one day? I have said that I want to be at Barcelona for life. I will be here for as long as they want me," he explained in the Daily Express .

"I owe Barcelona more than for giving me a chance - I owe them for changing my life."

Messi also wants to make history and he feels the current Barca side is well placed to do that.

"When you win everything, though, the only thing that can match it is winning everything again. That is the aim of this football club," he said.

"I have already said this team can go down in the history books. What we did last year was special, but to go down as the best ever we need to keep doing it and I believe we can.

"I don't believe we will be remembered for just what we won, but how we won it. I hope people enjoy watching us and I hope people in 50 years will talk about how this football team played the game.

"This Barcelona team have a chance to go down in not just recent history, but in football history.

"We are all friends. We all enjoy playing for the manager and we stay humble enough to realise how lucky we are to be playing for this club.

Fabregas talk

Messi also talked about one of his former team-mates during his youth days at Barcelona - Cesc Fabregas.

Arsene Wenger has again stressed that he will not sell his captain, but Messi insists that Fabregas will return to play with him at Barca - one day.

"Cesc has a place for Arsenal in his heart, but he has Barcelona in his blood," revealed Messi.

"He will want to win the biggest prizes in football, and I expect him to do that at Barcelona.

"I don't exactly know when that will be, but I expect him to be my Barcelona team-mate again at some point.

"I am sure that Arsene Wenger and Cesc have a father-son relationship and I know that he has a very special relationship with the Arsenal fans.

"When you grow up at a club, it is more than just a club. The coaches, the players, the people in the club will be like family.

"But Barcelona is his city and it is the club of him and his family. There are only a few players in the world who can improve this squad we have but Cesc is one of them."

World Cup hope

With every club honour already won, many are suggesting that Messi will be known as the greatest player ever - if he can lead Argentina to World Cup glory, and he will have that chance in South Africa this summer.

And the Barca star is confident his country can compete and could win the finals.

"Spain have amazing players, they are the champions of Europe and they will do well," he said.

"And I think it will be the same five or six teams as usual who will be the big threat.

"I really do believe that Argentina have amazing players, and I believe we can do it.

"Just as in any major international tournament you always need a little bit of luck to win it and we need to show we have a big heart."

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Spanish players cancel strike

The proposed strike by the Association of Spanish footballers (AFE) for this weekend has been called off.

The AFE last week announced plans to go on strike across all four divisions of the Liga Nacional Futbol Profesional (LNFP) from 16th April to 19th April.

The AFE were concerned about unpaid wages, particularly to players in the lower leagues, but promised to keep negotiating with the Spanish government's sports council (CSD) and the Spanish football federation (RFEF), as well as the LNFP.

Lengthy talks have been held over the past couple of days and sufficient progress has been made to avert industrial action.

The potential stoppage would have affected a key weekend in all the leagues, with Barcelona's game against local rivals Espanyol among the most high-profile.

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Spanish players threaten strike