Messi strikes twice as Barcelona strengthen hold on top spot

Lionel Messi struck twice as leaders Barcelona survived a second-half spell of pressure at Mallorca to win 4-2 and strengthen their position at the top of La Liga on Sunday.
Xavi Hernandez, Messi and Cristian Tello got first-half goals for the Catalans before Victor Casadesus and Michael Pereira reduced the lead after the interval.
Messi then hit his fifteenth in the league to wrap up the game and make it 76 goals now in 2012, beating Pele's tally of 75 from 1958 and taking him to within nine of Gerd Muller's all time record total of 85 set in 1972.
The win increases Barca's lead to six points at the top, ahead of games for Atletico and Real Madrid, who sit 2nd and 3rd, later on Sunday.
Barca made five changes from the side that had lost 2-1 to Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, David Villa and Tello all starting.
The visitors began slowly and Mallorca enjoyed the better early chances.
Barca keeper Valdes was alert to tip wide a header from Israeli international Tomer Hemed on 22 minutes.
However, five minutes later Barca were ahead when Xavi curled a perfect free-kick over the defensive wall after Jose Luis Marti fouled Fabregas on the left edge of the area.
Mallorca centre-half Pedro Geromel saved an almost certain second on 34 minutes when a Tello cross was about to find Villa in front of an open goal.
Barca were now on top and looking to add to their lead and did so on 43 minutes when Messi went on a run and hit a well struck shot - though Dudu Aouate in the Mallorca goal should have done better than allow the ball to

squirm out of his hands and into the net.
A minute later and Tello controlled a pass on the left-wing before cutting inside and unleashing a right-footed drive that went across Aouate and into the far corner.
Half-time arrived and Barca suddenly had a three-goal cushion they hardly deserved.
Mallorca began to find their way back into it early in the second-half, however.
A Casadesus drive was blocked by Fabregas before Michael Pereira converted a right wing cross to reduce the lead on 55 minutes.
Two minutes later Busquets' outstretched hand made enough contact with the ball for the referee to award a penalty that Casadesus converted to reduce the arrears to 3-2.
Mallorca rallied without really causing too much trouble before Messi smashed home his second on 76 minutes to make the game safe after Alexis Sanchez had cleverly chested a cross into his path.
Earlier on Sunday Athletic Bilbao battled to a hard fought 2-1 win over Sevilla despite finishing the game with ten men.
Oscar de Marcos put Bilbao ahead on 27 minutes side-footing home a cross from Jon Aurtenetxe before Markel Susaeta doubled the lead just before the interval.
Ander Herrera received his marching orders for a second caution with fifteen minutes remaining, and Alvaro Negredo struck a penalty four minutes later to give the away side some hope.
However Bilbao held on to claim the win that moves them to within a point of Sevilla, who have 15, in mid-table.
Also on 15 points are Valladolid and Valencia, who drew 1-1 with Ali Cissokho in the thick of the action.
Valencia's French full-back opened the scoring in the first-half but then received a straight red for a trip in the area on Omar Ramos.
Victor Perez converted the penalty for a share of the points.
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Juventus duo: 'Di Matteo is doing a great job'

Roberto Di Matteo has received a welcome vote of confidence ahead of Chelsea's potential do-or-die Champions League game at Juventus - from the opposition.

Juve star Claudio Marchisio and assistant manager Angelo Alessio both hailed the job done by their fellow Italian at Stamford Bridge, the latter confident Di Matteo would not be sacked if the European champions failed to reach the knockout stages.

And that was exactly the outcome Marchisio and Alessio were seeking as they plotted the win over Chelsea on night that would put their own side on the brink of qualifying at the holders' expense.

Despite Di Matteo securing the Blues' first-ever Champions League title in May, there is no telling how owner Roman Abramovich would respond to them becoming the first holders to crash out before Christmas.

But Alessio, performing the duties of Juve manager Antonio Conte during the remainder of the latter's ban over the 'Calcioscommesse' match-fixing scandal, said of Di Matteo: "He did something extraordinary last season and he is showing it again this year.

"We're pleased when an Italian coach does so well in England. We are pleased with what he has done and what he is doing. I don't think he is actually going to lose his job if they don't qualify."

Di Matteo came from nowhere to become the first Italian to win the European Cup with a foreign club after being promoted to caretaker manager at Chelsea.

His appointment as permanent boss was greeted with scepticism amid suggestions securing Pep Guardiola was Abramovich's long-term aim and two Barclays Premier League points from 12 have not helped the incumbent's cause.

But Juve midfielder Marchisio added: "He arrived in mid-season in place of the previous coach. For this reason, he was probably under pressure but, nonetheless, he has been able to reach great things, so I am extremely happy and satisfied with his results."

Juve are sweating over the availability of one of their strikers after Mirko Vucinic missed training on Sunday due to flu. However, he did train on Monday afternoon after Alessio said he would be assessed ahead of Tuesday's game.

Beckham to leave Galaxy

Former England midfielder David Beckham is to leave the Los Angeles Galaxy after next month's MLS Cup.

The 37-year-old is in line to end his six-year Galaxy stay in style as they defend their title against the Houston Dynamo on December 1 before seeking to extend his playing career elsewhere.

He told the Major League Soccer website: "I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career."

Although Beckham had an option on his contract, signed in January, for another year with the Galaxy, his decision to leave is no great surprise.

Football Federation Australia last week claimed they had been approached by the former Manchester United star's camp with a view to the player spending a short stint in the A-League, though his spokesman described that as "rubbish".

Wherever he goes, the move will end an eventful career in MLS which saw the midfielder become face of a new era for the sport in North America.

His final game will take place at the Galaxy's own Home Depot Center, where he arrived on the American stage as the first designated player in MLS back in 2007.

"I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future," Beckham added.

Beckham was brought to America as much for the effect of his brand as his on-field ability, and MLS commissioner Don Garber believes he has been successful in helping to grow the sport.

"When David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, he set out to help grow MLS and the sport of soccer in North America," he said. "There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad than it was when he arrived."

Aston Villa Focus - Manchester United teach Villa youngsters a lesson once more

A spirited defeat, an unlucky loss, a terrific effort. Usually these are the words that many managers in the past have used to cover up a poor defeat for their team’s, but in the case of what occurred at Villa Park on Saturday evening, they are very fitting.

Villa were superb in the first half, limiting their opponents to only one shot at goal, and snatching a goal themselves through the energetic Andreas Weimann with a terrific first time effort flying past Manchester United ‘keeper David De Gea. The goal had been created by Christian Benteke, who had out-muscled the returning Chris Smalling before picking out Weimann with a pin point pass across the box.

They started the second half just the way they had ended the first, closing down their opponents at every point, making it difficult for the visitors to play through them. Villa deservedly went 2-0 up with another well taken goal from Weimann, his movement too good for the Manchester United defence as Villa looked solid in attack and defence.

It was Javier Hernandez who would ultimately be the star of the show, as he grabbed himself a double and had another shot take a deflection off Villa captain Ron Vlaar to complete a Manchester United comeback. “Chicharito” had replaced Ashley Young at half time, who looked a shadow of his former self as he was making his return to Villa Park. Villa have seen plenty of comebacks from Manchester United over the years, and credit must go to Sir Alex Ferguson once more for a terrific substitution which changed the shape of the match.

Though there are plenty of positives that the Aston Villa players and fans can take from the terrific game on Saturday evening, the manner of the loss after being 2-0 ahead may just be the lasting memory in some of the players thoughts. It was a game that Villa were never expected to win, and Man Utd were always heavy favourites, so you can say the result was exactly what had been predicted. The result is just part of this story though, as Paul Lambert can take great heart in a performance that pushed Manchester United right until the final whistle. 

With champions Manchester City at the Etihad next for Villa, the task of getting three points does not get any easier. Despite the loss and the position the club still find themselves in, they can now travel to the Etihad knowing that they can give any team in this league a tough game, and hope for a repeat of the result they achieved against Manchester City in the League Cup earlier this season.

Di Matteo claims Suarez push

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo claimed Luis Suarez got away with a push on Ramires prior to scoring Liverpool's equaliser at Stamford Bridge.

The Uruguay international got away from the Blues midfielder to nod home at the far post in the 73rd minute following Jamie Carragher's flick on, cancelling out John Terry's opener.

Di Matteo, who saw his skipper stretchered off prior to the interval following an accidental collision with Suarez with a knee injury that requires an MRI scan on Monday morning, felt his players had otherwise shackled the Reds' danger-man well.

He said: "Carragher flicked it on and then Ramires got a little push from Suarez just to get free - he was with him - it just created a bit of space for him.

"I thought during the game we didn't allow him (Suarez) to do anything and it's a shame because we really deserved to win this game. He is a goalscorer and he has got this instinct and he showed that again."

Di Matteo admitted his side were made to pay for their failure to take a number of chances to put the result beyond doubt, with Juan Mata guilty of blazing over the bar just before the interval.

"We controlled the game and had chances for a second goal and that is probably a disappointment, 1-0 is always dangerous," he added. "We needed to score a second one.

"He (Reds goalkeeper Brad Jones) made some very good saves and also some misses from us. We had a fabulous chance just before half-time from Mata.

"We knew we needed a second goal and pushed it in the second half and we needed to take it."

Neymar: I' m no savior

Brazilian sensation Neymar has revealed his unease at being considered a pop star and insists he alone will not guarantee Brazil success at the 2014 World Cup.

The 20-year-old Santos striker is already considered the face of Brazil' s World Cup campaign. His face appears on magazine covers and TV commercials throughout the country and his every move - from his new haircut to the latest music download on his ipod - is considered newsworthy by Brazil' s media.

"I know that people copy my hairstyle, my ways and everything else," Neymar said on Wednesday. "But I don' t feel like a pop star. I am happy for the affection people show towards me because I was a fan and still am. I know how it is to have an idol."

With 53 goals from 46 matches for club and country in 2012, Neymar has also been making major headlines for his deeds on the pitch.

But he is adamant that he does not carry Brazil' s hopes of winning the World Cup on home soil in less than two years' time.

"Everybody has their role to play," Neymar said. "If my teammates don' t pass the ball to me or if they don' t make a run, maybe I won' t be able to get the ball and dribble. It' s a team sport.

"The responsibility always has to be shared and everybody is important. One player alone will not achieve anything. I' m going to be one more Brazilian fighting and striving to win the World Cup."

Neymar has reportedly rejected offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea and has denied speculation of a deal to join Barcelona in the next European summer transfer window.

He reiterated his intention to remain at Santos at least until his current contract expires in 2014.

"I' m happy here in Brazil. It' s my dream to play in Europe but now is not the right moment."

Ronaldinho unhurt in three-car pile-up

Ronaldinho revealed his relief on Thursday after walking away unharmed from a three-car pile-up that left the driver of another vehicle needing emergency medical treatment.

The 32-year-old was on his way to a training session with Atletico Mineiro in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte when his Porsche Cayenne collided with a Chevette before slamming into a truck.

Ronaldinho was in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, which was driven by his personal chauffeur Daniel Candido.

Police spokesman Ederson Miranda Marinho, who was called to the scene of the accident, said the driver of the Chevette was taken to a hospital emergency ward with what was later described as a "minor" neck injury.

"Thankfully nobody was seriously injured," Ronaldinho said on his Twitter account. "My driver Daniel and I had a big fright."

Immediately after the incident Ronaldinho called his Atletico Mineiro teammate Jo, who drove the former Barcelona and AC Milan star to the club's training base.

The two-time FIFA world player of the year is expected to play in Atletico's visit to Coritiba on Sunday.

Arsenal to test Palace's resolve with £9m move for wonderkid Zaha in January

Arsenal will launch a £9million move to land Crystal Palace whizkid Wilfried Zaha in January. 

The club have watched the 19-year-old, who grew up as an Arsenal supporter, on several occasions this season. 

And Arsenal’s interest in Zaha took a step forward last weekend when chief scout Steve Rowley watched the teenager put in a scintillating display
against Leicester.

The winger is settled in London and is no hurry to leave Selhurst Park, but it is understood the youngster would find it difficult to turned down a switch to a top Premier League club.

Arsenal are likely to start their bidding with a deal worth £9m, an offer which will comprise of a number of performance-related add-ons.

But Palace, who were continuing with their attempts to name Blackpool manager Ian Holloway as their next manager, will not let their teenage sensation leave Selhurst Park without a fight.

Financially, the club are under no pressure to sell Zaha in January, while chairman Steve Parish has publicly insisted it would take a £20million offer for Palace to part with their Ivory-Coast born forward.

The south London club remained determined to keep hold of Zaha, particularly if they remain in the hunt for promotion at the turn of the year, and will inform their incoming manager their are no plans to sell the forward in January.

But that will not stop Arsenal testing Palace’s resolve. It is highly unlikely Palace will accept an £9million offer - but the the Gunners are determined to land the youngster.

An improved bid between £12m-£15m could leave Parish with a serious question to answer.

Malaga Aim To Keep Isco Star

Manchester City target Isco may be out of reach as Malaga look to increase the midfielder’s release clause from £17 million.

The Sun report the Spanish international has caught the eye of City’s scouts but Malaga intend to keep their Isco going on Saturday night by offering a new contract along with a new buyout clause of £30 million.

If the higher release trigger deters City’s pursuit for the 20 year old then Real Madrid may be ready to join the party.

Allegri eyes fourth spot

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has spoken about the importance of earning a win over Chievo in Serie A on Saturday.

Allegri's struggling side sit 12th on 11 points but could lift up to as high as seventh if other results go their way.

He said a victory was crucial to his team's chances of eventually moving into the top four, where he wants them to be.


"I believe tomorrow's match is even more important than the match against Genoa," Allegri said on Friday.

"We had to win the match against Genoa – first of all to move away from the bottom of the table then because we had won only one other home match against Cagliari. 

"On top of that we had scored only one goal in the five home matches, including the Champions League match. 

"Tomorrow's match is even more important because a win would allow us to climb further up the table and we wouldn't be far from fourth position."

Allegri has been criticised regularly throughout the start of the season, with his position at the helm coming into question. 

The 45-year-old said he only changed his formation when necessary – due to injuries and wanting to deploy his players in their right positions.

"I don't change the formation for fun. We don't have much time to work but the players pick up everything quickly," Allegri said.

"If I have two wide players in (Urby) Emanuelson and (Stephan) El Shaarawy, it's obvious that we have to change our system of play. 

"And of course injuries to (Kevin-Prince) Boateng, Robinho and (Alexandre) Pato forced me into making certain choices."

Messi becomes a dad but still ready to play

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi announced Friday the birth of his first child, Thiago, although the club says he will still play on Saturday.
Messi's partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, delivered their son at the Dexeus hospital about 700 metres (less than half a mile) from Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium.
"Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone," the 25-year-old Argentine said on his Facebook page.
Messi had permission to miss football training in the morning "for a personal matter" on the eve of Barcelona's home game against Celta de Vigo, Barcelona said in an online statement.

But coach Tito Vilanova said the Argentine is still expected to play at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
"In principle he will be there for the game. It does not change anything that he has not trained for one day, it's not important," Vilanova told a news conference.
In an interview published this week, Messi said he will not be pushing Thiago to lace up his football boots as a career.
"He should be whatever he wants to be," Messi told Spain's top selling daily Marca.
"When he grows up he will get to know what he wants and what he chooses will be fine for me, for his mother and for everyone."
Thiago's arrival caps and no doubt overwhelms a string of good news for Messi in the past week.
The football wonder picked up the Golden Boot award on Monday for scoring 50 goals last season and he is favoured this year to win his fourth Ballon d'Or award for the world's best footballer.
Last weekend he also scored his 300th career goal.

Sir Alex Ferguson doubts Chelsea's Mark Clattenburg claims

Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe referee Mark Clattenburg used "inappropriate language" towards Chelsea player John Mikel Obi.

The Blues accused Clattenburg of making a racist remark during their 3-2 defeat by United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"I don't believe he would make comments like that," said Ferguson. "I refuse to believe it. It's unthinkable."

Responding to Ferguson's remarks, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo said: "He likes to talk about other clubs."

The former Italy international added: "We tend not to, so I'll leave it up to him.

"It doesn't really affect me too much to be honest.

"It's a free country where everybody has the freedom of speech.

Man. City go CL bottom after loss at Ajax

English champions Manchester City suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday to go bottom in Champions League Group D.

Ajax started the match well and played better than Manchester City in the first 20 minutes. This did not result in open chances, but with some shots from outside of the penalty area the home team revealed its intentions. However, a fast break by Manchester City seemed to end the hope of Ajax immediately.

Micah Richards passed to James Milner and the English midfielder moved up to the Ajax penalty area and found a completely free Samir Nasri on the left side. The French midfielder curled the ball over goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer into the net.

After that goal in the 22nd minute the confidence of the home team disappeared right away. The visitors took control and Ajax took long to recover from that setback. Out of nothing the Amsterdam side did manage to regain itself in the final minute of the first half. Ricardo van Rhijn's cross was finished convincingly by Ajax captain Siem de Jong.

The second half started with both teams waiting for the other to come. This status quo was broken in the 57th minute. A corner kick by Christian Eriksen was headed in by Ajax defender Niklas Moisander to take a 2-1 lead.

It became worse for the English champions in the 68th minute. Christian Eriksen created space for himself and his shot was deflected into the net by Gael Clichy, making 3-1 advantage for the Dutch side. Tobias Sana could have secured the victory with a fourth goal, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Joe Hart.

With two extra strikers, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini initiated a final offensive which resulted in possibilities for Edin Dzeko and Nasri.

However, Ajax were able to hold on and grab their first points in Group D. The Dutch champions are now third with three points after three matches, two more than Manchester City.

Borussia Dortmund lead the group after defeating Real Madrid 2- 1. Dortmund are on seven points, one point ahead of Real. The first two after six matches qualify for the next round of the Champions League, while the number three continues in the Europa League.

Messi scores hat-trick to maintain Barca's 8-point lead over Real

 Leo Messi's hat-trick helped FC Barcelona overcome a disastrous refereeing performance and maintain their eight point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish La Liga on Sunday.

Barca's thrilling 5-4 win on Saturday night had excitement and controversy. After Barca went 3-0 up after just 17 minutes thanks to goals from Jordi Alba, Christian Tello and Leo Messi, a dreadful decision from referee Parados Romero awarded Deportivo a penalty after a clear Riki dive outside the Barca area.

Bergantinos made it 3-2 before Messi's second of the night to make it 4-2 two minutes from the break.

Pizzi made it 4-3 with a free kick three minutes into the second half and Barca then found themselves down to 10 men as Riki exaggerated and accidental contact with Javier Mascherano to earn the defender a second booking.

Messi then completed his hat-trick with a fine solo goal, but there was more drama after Alba scored a bizarre own goal with 11 minutes remaining to make it 5-4.

Deportivo hurled everything forward but Barca were able to hold on, although it is clear they will have to improve in defense.

Real Madrid had a very comfortable 2-0 home win to recently promoted Celta Vigo.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a deflected shot 12 minutes into the first half and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty after a questionable decision by referee Clos Gomez 22 minutes from time sealed the win for Jose Mourinho's side.

Atletico Madrid remain level of points with Barcelona thanks to a 90th minute free kick from Radamel Falcao, which gave them a 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Falcao's impressive strike from outside of the penalty area means he has scored nine goals in eight league matches.

First half goals from Helder Postiga and Victor Rodriguez put Zaragoza on track to a 2-1 win away to Granada.

Zaragoza were in control for most of the game but were made to suffer in the closing minutes after El-Arabi's header 13 minutes from time gave Granada hope.

Meanwhile Osasuna and Betis produced a totally forgettable 0-0, which leaves Osasuna bottom of the table and Betis fifth.

Sunday kicked off with a dull game between Getafe and Levante, which the visitors won thanks to a magnificent goal from Levante striker Michel Herrero making the difference in an otherwise grim affair.

Espanyol took their first win of the season 3-2 at home Rayo Vallecano, Christian Stauni scored the winning goal in injury time when the game had looked to be heading for a draw. Saturday saw Malaga remain in third place after coming from behind to defeat Valladolid 2-1. Manucho put Valladolid ahead after nine minutes and a well-organized display by the visitors frustrated Malaga until Izco equalized after 38 mnutes.

Manucho was sent off for a second yellow card with 10 minutes remaining and Joaquin Sanchez missed a penalty for Malaga with five minutes remaining. However, he then made amends by scoring the winning goal from close range two minutes later as the Valladolid defense suffered a major loss of concentration.

Two late goals gave Valencia what had looked an unlikely 3-2 win at home to Athletic Club Bilbao. Two goals from Aritz Aduriz, against the club that had sold him this summer had put Athletic 2- 1 up, but following Ander Herrera's 70th minute sending off, and 88th and 90th minute goal from Tino Costa and Nelson Valdez gave the home side a dramatic three points.