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Juve close to rejoining Europe’s elite

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uventus's win over Real Madrid has strengthened their conviction that they are good enough to rejoin European football's elite.

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Turin, Italy - Juventus's win over Real Madrid has strengthened their conviction that they are good enough to rejoin European football's elite after years of watching the Champions League final stages from the sidelines.

Once regarded as one of the continent's biggest and most powerful clubs, the twice European champions have had to fight their way back to the top following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal which saw them stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated.

Their life has been further complicated by the steady decline of Serie A, where dwindling budgets means that clubs are no longer able to attract the world's top players.

Boosted by the opening of their own stadium in 2011, however, Juventus believe that, by investing wisely, they can once again compete alongside the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

They have already re-established themselves as the dominant force in Italian football and last Saturday wrapped up a fourth successive Serie A title with four matches to spare.

“We wanted to prove to ourselves that we can play at this level and face the European champions on level terms,” said goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon

The 37-year-old is the only survivor from the Juventus side which beat Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate in their last semi-final appearance in 2003, having stayed at the club even when they played in Serie B in 2006/7.

Juventus were regarded as relative lightweights in the semi-final draw which also featured Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

They spent around 42 million euros in last year's July-August transfer window, just over half of the amount Real Madrid splashed out on Colombia forward James Rodriguez alone.

But they have spent wisely over the last few years, plucking playmaker Andrea Pirlo from a dead end at AC Milan and rescuing Carlos Tevez from a difficult period at Manchester City, in addition to investing in younger players such as Alvaro Morata.

“Regardless of whether we get to the final, we have the basis for the future with lads who play with personality,” said coach Massimiliano Allegri, praising newcomers Stefano Sturaro, Roberto Pereyra and Morata.

Juve's optimism was a far cry from two years ago, when they were outclassed by Bayern Munich in a 4-0 aggregate defeat in the quarter-finals.

Antonio Conte, their coach at the time, launched an impassioned criticism of Italian football, saying it would be years before a Serie A team could win the Champions League again.

But Tuesday's win has left them tantalisingly close to Berlin, and with the possibility that Paul Pogba, the jewel in Juve's crown, could be set for a return after injury in next week's second leg.

“We need to recognise how important this result is,” said Allegri. “We've played good football this season and above all I'd say we showed signs we are superior (to Real).

“I think if we want to make the final, we've got to deliver a masterpiece in Madrid. We've laid the foundations”. – Reuters

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Chelsea offers Mourinho new deal

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are ready to conclude talks over a new contract with a view to keeping him in charge at Stamford Bridge until 2019.

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Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are ready to conclude talks over a new contract with a view to keeping him in charge at Stamford Bridge until 2019.

Mourinho’s current deal, thought to be worth £12.5million a year, expires in two years but there is a will from both sides to swiftly agree a two-year extension with improved terms. The manager will be back in his office at the training ground today after two days off following the club’s first Barclays Premier League title triumph in five years.

Chelsea hope contract negotiations can be finalised quickly before they focus on the summer transfer market.

Barcelona striker Pedro Rodriguez has emerged as a possible target as Mourinho attempts to strengthen his squad and build a dynasty at Stamford Bridge. Since returning to London from Real Madrid two years ago, he has insisted that he no longer felt the urge to club-hop in pursuit of personal ambition.

Instead, he came in legacy mode, keen to create something to compare with what Sir Alex Ferguson did at Manchester United.

Mourinho said it would be ‘impossible’ for him to match Ferguson’s 13 Premier League titles, but he is determined to achieve more at Stamford Bridge.

‘My next move will be if and when Chelsea decide it is time,’ the 52-year-old said earlier this year, and Roman Abramovich, a visible presence during the run-in, appears delighted.

Transfer business seems set to revolve around signing one or two strikers, a defender and a reserve goalkeeper, with Petr Cech expected to leave after 11 years.

Chelsea have declared an interest in Barcelona’s Pedro, having been made aware of his availability earlier this year, and they also admire Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Greizmann.

Mourinho is keen on Getafe’s 28-year-old goalkeeper Vicente Guaita (right) as back-up to Thibaut Courtois, although an English goalkeeper would help them with the quota regulations.

Rafael Varane remains a top defensive target if he can be prised out of Real Madrid but the Chelsea manager, aware that Branislav Ivanovic can operate in central defence, may opt for another full back.

Real left back Fabio Coentrao is in the frame again, with Filipe Luis set to leave Stamford Bridge, probably for a return to Atletico.

Chelsea face competition from Mainz for Japan forward Yoshinori Muto. FC Tokyo announced last month they were in negotiations with Chelsea over Muto’s sale. However, the 22-year-old believes he would gain more game time in the Bundesliga and is willing to snub Chelsea and discuss a £4m move to Germany.

Mainz management are expected to arrive in Japan next week to negotiate directly with Muto.

Chelsea’s players do not report back until tomorrow to start preparations for the game at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Mourinho knows the strain this campaign has put on a smallish squad and is planning to give them another four days off next week before they play at West Bromwich on Monday week.

Oscar is out of the final three games. The Brazil midfielder damaged a thigh muscle in training last week and will not take part in the Copa America in June. Filipe Luis and Willian have been selected by Brazil boss Dunga but not Ramires, who has a kidney problem. – Daily Mail

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Messi is unstoppable - Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says there is no way of stopping Barcelona's Lionel Messi in his present form ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash.

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Barcelona - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says there is no way of stopping Barcelona's Lionel Messi in his present form ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash.

In his former role as Barca boss, Guardiola frequently described Messi as the best player in the world.

He visited the Nou Camp as a spectator to watch his former club take apart Manchester City in the last 16 and was pictured in the stands shaking his head in disbelief as Messi wove his magic.

He now has the opportunity to pitch his Bayern side against the club where he is still idolised for what he achieved as both a player and coach.

If he is to emerge a winner at the Nou Camp, he says his side will have to find other ways to beat Barca than trying to cut out the threat of Messi.

“You don't stop Messi, in this form, no,” Guardiola told a news conference in Barcelona on Tuesday.

“In the last few months he has been unstoppable. He is too good. Maybe you can try different tactics like getting close to him, making it difficult for him to get the ball, put three players on him but against talent of this size then you cannot defend against it. We will have to look at other ways to win the game.”

The Argentine has scored 51 goals in all competitions this season and is part of a formidable attacking trident with Luis Suarez and Neymar. They have notched up 108 goals between them.

Guardiola also feels it would be futile to try and beat Barcelona at their own possession-based game.

“No team has beaten Barcelona for possession. It has always been like that,” said the Bayern coach.

“We will do what I think is necessary though and we will see who is in (the final in) Berlin next week.

“It is difficult to find weaknesses in this Barca team which has so much talent but we will try and make the most of our virtues. Barca have talent and they know how to play together.”

While Guardiola admits it is likely to be an emotional occasion, he is clear in his mind about what he needs to do.

“It is great to be here and it is impossible not to think of the memories. I knew that if I trained other big teams I would come here with them but I am not here for people to pay homage but to take Bayern to the final,” he said. – Reuters

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Sturridge hip surgery successful

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has had successful surgery on a hip problem that effectively ended his season, he said on social media.

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Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has had successful surgery on a hip problem that effectively ended his season, he said on social media.

The 25-year-old England international has been sidelined by hip and thigh injuries and has not played since the FA Cup quarter-final win over Blackburn Rovers on April 8.

Sturridge's season ended once Liverpool decided to send him to the United States for an assessment of the injuries that have seen him miss most of the campaign.

After having the surgery in New York, Sturridge will now start a recovery programme to get fit for next season.

“Just want to let the world know I've had a successful operation on my hip today and I want to thank God for allowing that to be possible,” Sturridge wrote on Instagram.

He started the first three games this season, scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory over Southampton on the opening day, but did not play from the end of August to late January.

Sturridge has only played 18 games in this campaign, scoring five goals, compared to 33 appearances last season and 24 goals.

Liverpool still harbour faint hopes of a top-four Premier League finish and a place in next season's Champions League. They are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with three games left. – Reuters

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United hoping for Jones boost

Manchester United could have defender Phil Jones back for the final three games of their season as they try to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

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London - Manchester United could have defender Phil Jones back for the final three games of their season as they try to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The versatile England international has been out since mid-April with an ankle injury but played for United's under-21s on Monday and came through unscathed.

After three consecutive league defeats in which they failed to score, the return of Jones would be a boost for United who are four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.

They face Crystal Palace away on Saturday, then Arsenal at home and finish the season at Hull City.

“(As a team) we have got a long way to go as there are still three games coming up, three massive games, and we have got to approach it in the right way. I'm sure we can do that and cement that top-four finish,” Jones told the club's website.

“I'm happy to play in the Under-21s and get some fitness. I feel I'm ready to go again and hopefully I can make the squad on Saturday. Hopefully, I'll recover on Tuesday, then train on Wednesday and Thursday, and see how it goes.” – Reuters

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Coloccini apologises for Newcastle fiasco

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has written an open letter of apology to fans for the club's woeful form.

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Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has written an open letter of apology to fans for the club's woeful form that has left them battling to retain their Premier League status.

A run of eight successive league defeats has left Newcastle two points above the relegation zone, with three matches remaining of what has turned into a nightmare run-in.

“On behalf of the squad we would like to apologise for the moment we are going through. Needless to say this is not anything intentional,” Argentina central defender Coloccini wrote on the club's website (www.nufc.co.uk) on Tuesday.

“The time we have left to turn around this situation is short but after the end of the season we will try to learn from the mistakes we made so that we don't have to go through this again.

“This is as painful for us as it is for you, because when this team comes on to the pitch we do so with the intention of winning and to defend not just the colours of this club, not just our shirt, but also to represent thousands of fans, the whole city.”

Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat by Leicester City on Saturday, in which they had two players sent off, has provoked an outbreak of soul-searching at the north east club.

On Monday, a club statement said there had been two days of “frank discussions” involving under-fire manager John Carver and senior players who, along with the board, were “focused” and “determined” that the club retain their Premier League status.

Carver came in for heavy criticism from the media in the wake of the Leicester defeat for suggesting Newcastle defender Mike Williamson had got himself red-carded deliberately.

Coloccini said it was now time for everyone at the club to put past problems aside and called on supporters to get behind the team for the remaining fixtures.

The Magpies host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday before finishing the season with games at Queens Park Rangers and home to West Ham United.

“Players and staff have come together in order to leave all past problems aside and to focus 100 percent on the three 'cup finals' that we have left,” said Coloccini.

“I would like to make a call to all fans today to also leave aside all differences, all different opinions, anything that divides us as people who love this club.

“On Saturday, please come to St James' Park, create a great atmosphere, support the team more than ever, because at the end of the day what matters the most here is Newcastle United Football Club.” – Reuters

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McCarthy unharmed during robbery

Three gunmen stormed a barber’s shop in Johannesburg and targeted soccer star Benni McCarthy, said his agent.

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Johannesburg - South Africa's record goal-scorer Benni McCarthy was robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday while having a haircut in Johannesburg, his agent said.

Three gunmen stormed a barber's shop in Johannesburg's Melrose suburb, robbing the 37-year-old of his wedding ring, watch and other valuables. He was not injured.

McCarthy's agent Percy Adams said the robbers targeted just the striker - who helped Portugal's Porto to win the 2004 Champions League under Jose Mourinho - in a packed salon.

The robbers ignored nine other patrons in the hairdressers.

“They didn't even touch other people, they didn't want money, nothing, they just went for him, took what they got from him and then left,” Adams told Talk Radio 702.

McCarthy is post-apartheid South Africa's leading scorer with 31 goals, including eight at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso where Bafana Bafana finished runners-up.

He went on to play in Europe including Portugal, Spain and England with Blackburn and West Ham.

He is currently studying for a Uefa coaching licence with Scottish club Hibernian.

Several South African sporting stars have been victims of crime in the past year, including Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, shot dead during a suspected robbery last year.

AFP

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Tevez penalty stuns Real Madrid

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez played a key role in the Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

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Turin, Italy - Juventus striker Carlos Tevez smashed home a second-half penalty as the hosts stunned holders Real Madrid with a 2-1 win in an absorbing Champions League semi-final, first leg on Tuesday.

The irrepressible Argentine, playing some of the best football of his career, won the spot kick just before the hour when he was upended by Dani Carvajal on a breakaway and tucked it away to give Juve the edge after a pulsating, open game.

The home side's Alvaro Morata scored against his old club, although he declined to celebrate, in the ninth minute but Cristiano Ronaldo headed the equaliser for Real in the 27th.

Although Juventus are regarded as one of the most powerful clubs in Europe, Serie A's recent decline means they have been unable to keep up financially with the continent's elite and were regarded as relative lightweights among the semi-finalists.

They were given a painful reminder of the gap two years ago when Bayern Munich beat them 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals but Tuesday's win suggests they are back near the top.

Giorgio Chiellini, booked for a crunching tackle in stoppage time, symbolised Juve's determination by playing the last few minutes with a bandage around his head after suffering a cut.

Real began shakily and played well in patches though Sergio Ramos, once again moved up to midfield, looked uncomfortable, at one point spraying a cross-field pass aimlessly into touch, and Welshman Gareth Bale was subdued on his return from injury.

“We made more mistakes than usual, not just Sergio, but at the back we had more difficulties because Juve put us under a lot of pressure but Sergio did a good job as he did in the past games,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Tevez had a hand in the opening goal when his shot towards the far corner was saved by Iker Casillas but went straight to Morata who tapped home.

Real regained their composure and equalised when James Rodriguez cleverly flicked a bouncing ball over a defender for Ronaldo to head home at the far post.

Ronaldo's goal meant the Portuguese regained the lead from Lionel Messi as the Champions League's all-time leading scorer with 76 goals, although the Argentine is in action for Barcelona against Bayern Munich in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

The game could have turned out differently but Real forward James Rodriguez wasted a glorious chance when he headed against the bar from point-blank range before the break.

Real fell behind again after an attack broke down.

The ball was cleared to Morata who sent Tevez charging away and the Argentine's run ended in the Real penalty area where he was bundled over by Carvajal.

Tevez got up to beat Casillas from the spot with a shot down the middle.

The game continued to swing from end to end and substitute Fernando Llorente missed two good chances to put Juventus in an even stronger position.

Reuters

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Benni McCarthy robbed at gunpoint

Former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy has reportedly been robbed at gunpoint shortly after arriving back in SA.

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Johannesburg - Media reports say that former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy was robbed at gunpoint in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.

McCarthy had arrived in the country earlier on Tuesday and then made his way to a hair salon, ahead of his stint as a soccer analyst on a TV broadcast on Tuesday evening.

Reports say that soon after McCarthy arrived at the salon at around 1pm, three armed men walked in, drew their firearms and demanded McCarthy’s personal belongings, before driving off.

None of the other patrons in the salon were robbed.

ANA

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Turmoil at Newcastle

John Carver offered to fall on his sword during a meeting with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley after an amazing 48 hours at St James’ Park.

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John Carver offered to fall on his sword during a meeting with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley after an amazing 48 hours at St James’ Park.

Sportsmail can today reveal the full disturbing picture of a club in turmoil following a series of meetings between players, management and executives since the shameful 3-0 loss at Leicester on Saturday.

In an attempt to save Newcastle from relegation, Carver told owner Mike Ashley he would stand aside if the club could find a replacement.Incredibly, Newcastle approached Derby manager Steve McClaren to take the last three games of the season, in a desperate attempt to find the points they need to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

McClaren turned down the chance to move to the North East and appears determined to lead another Derby assault on promotion from the Championship next season.

The failure to recruit McClaren, who has failed to get Derby into the play-offs this campaign, forced Newcastle to release a statement backing Carver. But the current boss’s power has been eroded over the past few weeks by the betrayal of senior players.

Yesterday, the squad attended the club’s Darsley Park training centre for a meeting on their own as they look for the win that could keep Newcastle in the top flight.

Coaching staff were excluded from the summit, which was attended by first-team players ahead of a warm-down session and massages for those who played on Saturday.

This is not the first time the players have held a meeting during Newcastle’s depressing run, but the slump has continued. A Newcastle source told Sportsmail: ‘It’s just meetings about meetings.’

Carver has been attempting to develop a siege mentality at the club following a run of results that has left Newcastle two points above the relegation zone.

At half-time at Leicester, it has emerged that the players were deliberately provoked by coaching staff in an attempt to get a reaction after the break.

By then they were 2-0 down following a first-minute goal by Leonardo Ulloa and a 17th-minute effort by Leicester defender Wes Morgan.

Amid fiery exchanges, the players were told they were so bad they would be practising kick-offs in training this week because they had surrendered possession so easily. Just three minutes after the restart, they conceded a third goal when Ulloa scored again, this time from the penalty spot.

Carver fears the worst after his side’s run of league defeats was extended to eight. The manager wanted a response from his players in the dressing room, but he fears they lack the necessary leadership and character going into the final three games.

There have been a number of attempts by the Newcastle boss to provoke the players on the training field, but there is now an air of resignation among the squad. Managing director Charnley, who has been hugely supportive of Carver since he replaced Alan Pardew in January, also met with the coaching staff.

And it has emerged that an administrative decision means young central defender Jamaal Lascelles, who has been on loan at Nottingham Forest for the season, will not be available to face West Bromwich Albion this Saturday.

Newcastle agreed to let Lascelles’ contract at the City Ground run until the end of May in case Forest made the Championship play-offs. In the event, Dougie Freedman’s side finished 19 points behind sixth-placed Ipswich. On top of that, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, the 25-year-old defender signed from Montpellier in 2013, is on loan at Roma for the season.

Newcastle will be without Mike Williamson, sent off in disgrace at Leicester, for the clash with Tony Pulis’s side at St James’ Park.

Carver could play Ryan Taylor alongside Fabricio Coloccini at centre half.

Vernon Anita is expected to play at right back against West Brom, with Jonas Gutierrez at left back if Newcastle survive the week without any more injuries.

Although Newcastle’s future hinges on the next three games, Ashley was warned about the potential problems at the club by his then manager Pardew last summer.

During Newcastle’s tour to New Zealand, Pardew expressed reservations about the squad and warned the executive they would face a relegation battle.

Pardew, now in charge at Crystal Palace, has been proved right after a run of defeats that began when Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United on March 4.

Newcastle have not won a game since the 1-0 win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park on February 28 and they now face a massive battle for survival.

After Saturday’s clash with West Bromwich, the team travel to relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers before their final game of the season, at home to West Ham on May 24.

There is an outside chance striker Papiss Cisse, who is recovering from a knee injury, could return for the final two games, but he remains upset about Newcastle’s attempts to sell him in January.

Cisse, who has scored 11 times for Newcastle this season, has not played since Newcastle’s home defeat by Manchester United, after which he was hit with a seven-match ban for spitting at defender Jonny Evans.– Daily Mail

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Messi is unstoppable, says Pep

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says there is no way of stopping Barcelona's Lionel Messi in his present form.

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Barcelona - Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says there is no way of stopping Barcelona's Lionel Messi in his present form ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash on Wednesday.