Monday Night Football result

This is the result of the Monday Night Football game that was played in the Premier League last night:
Aston Villa 6-1 Sunderland.

Christian Benteke's second-half hat-trick lifted Aston Villa's hopes of Premier League survival and brought Sunderland's revival under new manager Paolo Di Canio to an abrupt halt as the Black Cats were thrashed at Villa Park.

Di Canio described this vital meeting of the strugglers as Sunderland's "Champions League Final" - but it turned into a nightmare as they were dragged right back into the relegation fight along with north-east neighbours Newcastle.
The home victory, and emphatic winning margin, also made it a bad night for Wigan as they now lie five points adrift of Villa, albeit with a game in hand.
Villa's goals, coupled with Newcastle's 6-0 home defeat by Liverpool, also mean the Midlanders leapfrog Alan Pardew's side on goal difference.
And to make matters worse for Sunderland, the influential Stephane Sessegnon was given a straight red card in the second half for a challenge on Yacouba Sylla, prematurely ending his season at this vital time.
Ron Vlaar's thumping shot gave Villa the lead on the half-hour only for Danny Rose to equalise almost instantly for Sunderland.
Andreas Weimann restored Villa's advantage before half-time to set the stage for the powerful Benteke to demonstrate once more the quality that has made him such an outstanding purchase by manager Paul Lambert following his £7m summer arrival from Belgian side Genk.
The 22-year-old striker tormented the Sunderland defence with a 17-minute hat-trick and Gabriel Agbonlahor added further polish to Villa's goal difference with the sixth two minutes from time.

Super Sunday results

Here are the results of the Super Sunday Premier League games:
Reading 0-0 QPR.

Reading and Queens Park Rangers were relegated to the Championship after a scrappy goalless draw between the Premier League's bottom two clubs.

Royals striker Pavel Pogrebnyak was denied by Jose Bosingwa's clearance off the line before the Russian fired just wide after Jobi McAnuff's pass.
Esteban Granero clipped the bar for Harry Redknapp's QPR in a game lacking in quality at the Madejski Stadium. And both teams will play next season in the second tier after poor campaigns.
Reading and QPR have been flirting with relegation all season yet their fate is now sealed.
Even if they win their remaining three games they can only reach a maximum of 34 points.

Chelsea 2-0 Swansea.

Chelsea kept up the hunt for Champions League qualification with victory over Swansea City on Sunday.

Oscar opened the scoring with a low cross-shot after being picked out by substitute Frank Lampard.
Lampard then struck his 201st Chelsea goal, one off the club record, from the penalty spot after Juan Mata was sent tumbling by Leon Britton.
Swansea had little to show for their afternoon, although Angel Rangel's shot did need a smart save from Petr Cech. Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded referee Mark Clattenburg, making his first return to Stamford Bridge since being embroiled in a racism row involving Chelsea players John Mikel Obi and Ramires last October.

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester Utd.

Robin van Persie answered the taunts of Arsenal's fans as he returned to the Emirates Stadium with a goal that denied his former club a vital victory in their fight to secure Champions League football next season.

Arsenal formed a guard for Van Persie and his Manchester United team-mates before kick-off after they secured the Premier League title - but the goodwill ended there in a fiercely fought contest.
Van Persie's mistake contributed to Theo Walcott giving Arsenal an early lead but he made amends when he equalised from the spot just before half-time after he was fouled by Bacary Sagna.It was Van Persie's 29th goal in all competitions this season, which emphasised his influence on United's 20th crown and contributed to the lingering ill-feeling felt by Arsenal supporters after his departure.

Premier League result

The late Premier League game today was between Newcastle and Liverpool and here is the result:
Newcastle 0-6 Liverpool.

Liverpool barely missed the banned Luis Suarez during an emphatic win against relegation-threatened Newcastle. Daniel Agger's looping header and Jordan Henderson's cool finish in the first half set Liverpool on the way to their biggest victory of the season. Daniel Sturridge scored twice from close range before Fabio Borini poked in his first league goal for the Reds. Mathieu Debuchy saw red for clattering through Philippe Coutinho and Henderson curled in the subsequent free-kick.The spotlight had been on Suarez throughout the week, with even Prime Minister David Cameron intervening, saying the striker set"the most appalling example" to children when he bit Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last Sunday.

Premier League results

These are the results of the Premier League that were played today on the 27th of March 2013: Wigan 2-2 Tottenham.

Emmerson Boyce's own goal in the dying minutes cruelly robbed Wigan of a much-needed victory over Tottenham and left their survival hopes in the balance. Callum McManaman's stunning second-half strike had set Wigan on course for a win that would have lifted them out of the Premier League's bottom three. Spurs had taken the lead through Bale only for Boyce to level with a header. McManaman then stuck to raise Wigan's hopes only for Boyce to deflect into his own net with injury time looming.


Everton 1-0 Fulham.

Everton stayed in the running for a place in Europe next season after victory over Fulham at Goodison Park. Steven Pienaar's stylish finish from Seamus Coleman's low cross condemned Fulham to a fourth defeat in five. Everton, now three points behind fifth-placed Spurs, twice went close to extending their lead through Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas. But Fulham, who lost Dimitar Berbatov to injury, almost equalised through Urby Emanuelson's 12-yard effort.

Southampton 0-3 West Brom.

West Brom earned three points in an exciting clash against Southampton which saw three players sent off. The Baggies took an early lead when Marc-Antoine Fortune bundled the ball over the line at the third attempt. Romelu Lukaku rounded Saints keeper Artur Boruc to double West Brom's lead before Southampton sub Gaston Ramirez and Albion's Fortune were dismissed. Shane Long completed the win with a low strike and Saints' Danny Fox saw red for a two-footed lunge on Steven Reid.

Stoke 1-0 Norwich.

Charlie Adam's second-half strike put Stoke on the brink of Premier League safety and left opponents Norwich facing a nervy end to the season. The Scottish midfielder latched onto a Peter Crouch flick and finished smartly to seal the Potters' third win of 2013. Crouch missed a good chance to extend the lead, but the hosts held on easily against a toothless Canaries attack. The win moves Stoke onto 40 points, while Norwich remain on 38 points - six points clear of the relegation zone. 

Premier League result

This is the result of the early kick off match in the Premier League: Man City 2-1 West Ham.

Manchester City's first game since surrendering the Premier League title to Manchester United ended with a hard-fought win over West Ham.

Sergio Aguero slotted in a low Samir Nasri cross to put City ahead.
City failed to take their chances as Carlos Tevez blazed a shot high and Nasri mistimed a shot from eight yards.
Yaya Toure's curler into the top corner sealed City's win before Andy Carroll's shot squirmed past Joe Hart for a consolation Hammers goal.

The result leaves City 13 points adrift of Champions Utd.

Ligue 1

Leonardo: I'm stayin, Ibra too.

PSG sporting director Leonardo has denied rumours that he is set to leave the club, also declaring that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be going anywhere but leaving a question mark over the future of coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Rumours have been circulating that the Brazilian could be on his way to Inter - a club where he still has many contacts after a stint as coach in 2010-11 - but on Wednesday afternoon he decided to set the record straight on that - and a number of other transfer issues.

SC Bastia: Slowly but surely.

UEFA Cup finalists in 1978, a brilliant Bastia team captured the imagination of this football-mad island, and with the club riding high again, Bastia are managing to lure some big names to Corsica.

Ex-France winger Jérôme Rothen came here two years ago, when Bastia were in the second division and Rothen had been without a club for seven months.
Rothen: 'Atmosphere is brilliant'
"A player signs for Bastia for different reasons. He signs because of the club's ambition - these days they're competing with wealthier Ligue 1 teams - but also for the quality of life you get here," the ex-PSG and Rangers man told beIN Sport. "The beautiful climate and scenery make up a bit for the poor facilities at the club and the training ground that isn't fitting of a Ligue 1 club. The sun and the sea help the players forget that and that's why the atmosphere is brilliant."

 

Serie A news

Inter director announces five new signings.

Inter have already begun the process of overhauling their squad ahead of the 2013-14 season. The San Siro outfit have enured a tough Serie A campaign this time around and remain outsiders in the race to secure European football next season.

However, head coach Andrea Stramaccioni's rebuilding plans are now underway after club

director Marco Fassone announced the signings of five new "interesting" players, who will join when the transfer window reopens in the close season.

Chiellini: Juventus not thinking about Scudetto.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has insisted his team-mates are not even thinking about the possibility of securing the Scudetto this weekend.
Antonio Conte's team could move 14 points clear at the summit with 12 left to play for should they defeat Torino and second-placed Napoli fail to beat Pescara.
But Chiellini does not believe that Walter Mazzarri's men will be troubled on Saturday afternoon.

 

Bundesliga news

Frankfurt close in on Schalke in Champions League chase.

Frankfurt - Eintracht Frankfurt reduced the arrears on Schalke 04 in the hunt for fourth place to one point with a 1-0 win at the Commerzbank Arena, thanks to Marco Russ' goal.
It was also a fine day for goalkeeper Oka Nikolov, who defied his 38 years to make fine saves from Michel Bastos, Marco Höger and Raffael as the Royal Blues stormed out of the blocks, and saved the result in the second half.
The Frankfurt custodian exceeded himself to prevent Bastos from giving the visitors the lead from the penalty spot after Stefan Aigner handled the ball inside the penalty area. Inspired by their goalkeeper’s defiance, Frankfurt started to take the initiative and went in front just before the break through Marco Russ' header.

Wolfsburg compound Werder's woes.

Bremen - VfL Wolfsburg piled the misery on northern German rivals SV Werder Bremen with a 3-0 win at the Weserstadion, putting some daylight between the two sides in the bottom half of the table.

Shooting star Maximilian Arnold scored his second goal in as many games to give the Wolves an early lead before Ivica Olic doubled up before half time. Diego then presented an unwelcome gift to his former club with the third goal from the penalty spot as Wolfsburg notched their 200th Bundesliga victory.

La Liga news

Barcelona will sign four or five players, says Vice-President.

Barcelona vice-president Josep Bartomeu has revealed the Catalans intend to sign four or five new players in the summer transfer window.

The Primera Division leaders have been linked with players such as Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and Santos forward Neymar in the past few months, but Bartomeu has stressed they have not reached an agreement with the latter just yet.

"We'll make four or five signings in the summer," the club's vice-president told Catalunya Radio. "We need to shake up the squad. We've also got players from the B team.

"We haven't signed Neymar. He's a player we are interested in, we've said that before, and we'll see what happens when the season finishes."

Bundesliga not better than La Liga, insists Iniesta.

"[Like Bayern], Borussia Dortmund are also in a very good spell but it's not that the Spanish league is below [the Bundesliga]," Iniesta told reporters on Thursday. "It's just that the Germans have outscored their opponents.

"But there are second legs to play and we can try to match those results."Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta insists that the Champions League semi-final first-leg results do not prove that the Bundesliga has overtaken La Liga as the dominant domestic competition in European football.

It has been argued that Bayern Munich's stunning 4-0 rout of the Blaugrana on Tuesday night, coupled with Borussia Dortmund's 4-1 demolition of Real Madrid, represents a significant continental power shift but the Spain star feels that it would be a mistake to read too much into the outcome of two games.

Uefa Champions League results

These are the results of the Champions League semi-final first leg that were played on Tuesday the 23rd of April and Wednedsay the 24th of April: Bayern Munich 4-0 Barcelona.
 

Bayern Munich cemented their status as the growing power in European football by ruthlessly dismantling favourites Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Jupp Heynckes' newly crowned Bundesliga champions produced a magnificent performance laced with power, intensity and quality to give the Catalan superstars a mauling they will surely find impossible to avenge in the Nou Camp next Wednesday.
This was Barca's worst defeat in Europe since they were beaten by the same scoreline by Dynamo Kiev in 1997, and no team has lost the first leg of a European Cup tie by four or more goals and progressed to the next round.
Barca coach Tito Vilanova gambled and lost on a clearly unfit Lionel Messi - but to suggest this was the prime factor behind this crushing loss is to do a grave disservice to Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Real Madrid.

Robert Lewandowski produced a striker's masterclass as he scored four goals against Real Madrid in a commanding Champions League semi-final first-leg victory for Borussia Dortmund.

The Poland striker volleyed in Mario Gotze's cross at the back post early on before Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in.
Lewandowski collected Marco Reus's shot to poke in past Diego Lopez and crashed home a 12-yard strike for a hat-trick.
The 24-year-old converted his fourth from the spot, after Reus was fouled.
With his contract due to expire at the end of next season, the forward has been a reported summer target for Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
And his value will increase no end after he became the first player to score four times in a Champions League semi-final.

Monday Night Football result

On Monday Night Football Manchester Utd were playing Aston Villa at home. If they won, they would be crowned champions of the Premier League once again. Man Utd 3-0 Aston Villa.

Manchester United wrapped up a 20th league title in convincing style after Robin van Persie's first-half hat-trick sank Aston Villa.

The Dutch striker has been United's stellar striker for much of the season before labouring of late after two goals in his previous seven Premier League appearances.
But the £24m summer signing returned to form in spectacular fashion to secure the silverware with four games to spare.
Defeat for Manchester City at Tottenham on Sunday meant that United knew before kick-off that victory would be enough for them to cross the line.
Despite an improved second-half showing by Villa, now three points above the relegation zone with four games remaining, that outcome never seriously looked in doubt.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has now won the Premier League 13 times but the manner and margin of this triumph, a year after seeing the title wrenched from his grasp by City with the last kick of the season, should give him as much satisfaction as his first success.

Premier League results

These are the results of the Super Sunday Premier League games:
Tottenham 3-1 Manchester City.

Tottenham produced a stunning fightback against Manchester City to boost their Champions League ambitions and leave Manchester United three points away from winning the Premier League title.

City led through Samir Nasri's early strike before Spurs hit back with three goals in seven second-half minutes.Clint Dempsey's tap-in levelled before Jermain Defoe fired past Joe Hart.

Gareth Bale, returning from injury, dinked a third as Spurs moved to within a point of fourth-placed Chelsea. Bale's goal capped a dramatic turnaround in north London and means United will clinch their 20th top-flight crown by beating Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday.

Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea.

Luis Suarez headed a dramatic late equaliser for Liverpool against Chelsea in a match that will be remembered for his bite on Branislav Ivanovic.

Oscar headed in a corner to put the visitors in front but Daniel Sturridge tapped in a Suarez cross to equalise.
An Eden Hazard penalty restored Chelsea's lead after a handball by Suarez, who bit defender Ivanovic's arm shortly afterwards.
Suarez then levelled in the 97th minute to leave Chelsea fourth in the league.
The Uruguayan guided in a header from Sturridge's cross deep into stoppage time but it is his bite on Ivanovic which will make the headlines.

Premier League results

These are the results of the Premier League from Saturday the 20th of April:
 Fulham 0-1 Arsenal.

 Arsenal moved back into third place in the Premier League with an unconvincing London derby win over 10-man Fulham.

The Gunners dominated early on and seemed to have been gifted a path to victory by Steve Sidwell's 12th-minute dismissal for a lunge on Mikel Arteta.
But Fulham posed the greater threat and Arsenal were fortunate to lead at half-time through Per Mertesacker's header.
They continued to struggle but held on despite Olivier Giroud's red card for a last-minute lunge on Stanislav Manolev.

Norwich 2-1 Reading.

Reading edged closer to relegation as Norwich City scored two goals in the space of 90 seconds to take a big step towards Premier League survival.

Ryan Bennett opened the scoring from eight yards after Royals keeper Alex McCarthy had denied Grant Holt.
Norwich fans were still celebrating when Elliott Bennett made it 2-0 after McCarthy failed to deal with a cross.Garath McCleary scored a consolation for Reading, now 10 points from safety with four games left, from 18 yards.


QPR 0-2 Stoke.

Stoke City took a big step towards survival with a rare away win that all but sealed Queens Park Rangers' fate.

The visitors took the lead just before half-time when Peter Crouch converted Cameron Jerome's cut-back.
And Jon Walters sealed the win from the penalty spot after Clint Hill had impeded Crouch. Stoke moved up to 15th place, six points clear of the drop zone, while QPR will be relegated on Monday if Aston Villa beat Manchester United.


Sunderland 1-0 Everton.

Sunderland took another step towards securing Premier League survival as manager Paolo Di Canio marked his first match at the Stadium of Light with victory over Everton.

Stephane Sessegnon scored the game's only goal just before half-time, stabbing a shot beyond Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.
The visitors pressed in the second half, with substitute Nikica Jelavic's header saved before Leighton Baines's late free-kick was blocked.
But Sunderland held firm to secure a second successive win under Di Canio.


Swansea 0-0 Southampton.

Southampton extended their unbeaten run to six games with a hard-earned point at Swansea.

Rickie Lambert came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when his free-kick forced Michel Vorm to make a fingertip save.
Swansea found it hard to break down a stubborn defence and Nathan Dyer had a shot cleared off the line by Maya Yoshida.
Vorm preserved a point for Swansea when he denied substitute Emmanuel Mayuka.


West Brom 1-1 Newcastle.

Newcastle's lingering relegation fears continued after they were held to a draw by West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Yoan Gouffran's glanced header from Papiss Cisse's cross put the Magpies in front, while the visitors wasted a number of chances to extend their lead.
Baggies striker Romelu Lukaku's header hit the crossbar before Billy Jones slid in a left-foot shot to equalise. Newcastle hung on for a draw and are six points above 18th-placed Wigan, having played an extra game.


West Ham 2-0 Wigan.

West Ham's clinical victory over Wigan appeared to end any lingering worries they had about relegation but caused further anxiety for the Latics.

The irrepressible Shaun Maloney had an effort stopped by Jussi Jaaskelainen before Matt Jarvis was fortunate to find the bottom corner from his cross.
Wigan had a host of chances after the break with James McArthur closest.
Kevin Nolan's late volley then came against the run of play, keeping Wigan in the Premier League's bottom three.

Ligue 1 news

PSG a step closer, while Lyon a stumble back.

Paris Saint-Germain shrugged off their Champions League heartache to move another step closer to winning the Ligue 1 title in Week 32, while Olympique Lyonnais got back to winning ways.

PSG took plenty of plaudits after running Barcelona so close in the Champions League quarter-finals, but it was back to earth with a bang for Carlo Ancelotti's side as they travelled to bottom club Troyes. It was an uncomfortable afternoon at times, but Blaise Matuidi netted the only goal of the game early in the second half against his former club, bringing a third national title into full view.
With second-placed Marseille drawing 0-0 at Lille on Sunday evening, PSG are now nine points clear with just six games remaining, and there is even the outside possibility that they could wrap up the championship before the end of this month.

Moravcik a sainte saint.

Former Slovak international Lubomir Moravcik became a folk hero in six years at AS Saint-Etienne, and returns to France on Saturday to give his former club his support in the Coupe de la Ligue final. Exclusive interview.

Ligue1.com: You were at Saint-Etienne for six years. Is there still a little piece of your heart devoted to it?

Lubomir Moravcik: Of course, because it was my first foreign club. Above all, it was a club where football was a great phenomenon, a great passion for the people in the region. At that time, Lyon weren't the same club as after 2000, so Saint-Etienne were the club of the people. It was a source of pride for the people of the Rhone region. As a footballer, we were idolised. Football is something very important for people in that region.

Serie A news

Zanetti looks to save Inter's season.

Javier Zanetti has turned his attention to a Coppa Italia semi-final against Roma after Inter's 2-0 loss against Cagliari at the weekend.

Inter were beaten 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of the tie and Zanetti is desperate to turn things around in the return clash as he aims to save Inter's season with cup success. "We want to play well against Roma on Wednesday. There's no point talking about the match against Cagliari as we can't do anything about it. Now we need to think about performing well on Wednesday," the Inter skipper told the club's official website.

Montolivo targets Juve scalp.

AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has called for a committed display from his side against Juventus at the weekend.

The Italy international realises that beating the reigning Serie A champions will be though, but is adamant the Rossoneri owe it to their fans to aim for victory in every match.

"We face a tough team in Turin, both individually and as as a team. They are deservedly top of the table," Montolivo told Milan Channel.

Bundesliga news

Mourinho watches Dortmund flex muscles.

Fürth - Under the gaze of Real Madrid CF coach Jose Mourinho, Borussia Dortmund sent out a fresh warning to the Spanish heavyweights, should it be required, that their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final encounter is going to be an equally tough assignment for both parties.
A 6-1 demolition of Greuther Fürth also further cemented Dortmund’s second place in a Bundesliga dominated by FC Bayern Munich, and it would have given the visiting Merengues boss - who left with Dortmund cruising at 5-0 - plenty to ponder.

Treble in sight for Bayern.

Munich - FC Bayern Munich booked their place in the final of the DFB Cup for the fourth time in the last five seasons with a thumping 6-1 victory over a spirited but ultimately outclassed VfL Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena.
Mario Gomez came off the bench to chip in with a hat-trick, after Mario Mandzukic and Arjen Robben had scored for the Reds in the first half, Xherdan Shaqiri adding a third soon after the restart. Diego’s thunderous effort on the stroke of half time was a small consolation for the visitors.

La Liga news

Ronaldo can pip Messi to Ballon d'Or says Metzelder

The German defender feels his former team-mate has every chance of winning the individual award this year and has hailed his professionalism.

Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder believes Cristiano Ronaldo has a good chance of pipping Barcelona star Lionel Messi to the Fifa Ballon d'Or this year if Real Madrid win the Champions League.

The Madrid attacker had to settle for second spot in the prestigious individual award in 2011 and 2012, but his former team-mate believes he could very well bring home the trophy the next time around.

"I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo - and not Messi - can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or if Real Madrid win the Champions League this season," Metzelder was quoted as saying by Bild.

"Cristiano is probably even more complete than Messi because of his incredible dynamics. A shot from 45 yards out is like a rocket with him."

"Barcelona have a legacy that other teams lack" - Xavi Hernandez.

The 33-year-old midfielder believes that dominating opponents is important and is excited by the prospect of potentially playing the Champions League final at Wembley again.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has stated that the club have a strong identity and legacy that other top teams lack.

The veteran midfielder has been as influential as ever this season, with the club on the brink of wrestling the Liga title from the grasp of Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana have also reached the last four of the Champions League, but despite the prospect of bolstering their reserves of silverware, Xavi believes that results are not always the ultimate barometer of quality.

"Other teams win and are happy, but it's not the same. The identity is lacking," the 33-year-old told Uefa's Champions magazine.

"In football the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy."

Premier League result

Last night on the 16th of April Everton travelled to the Emirates Stadium to take on The Gunners. Here is the result and the match report: Arsenal 0-0 Everton.

Arsenal's four-match winning run ended with a goalless draw against Everton, a result that did neither side much good in their Champions League quest.

The Toffees, who were fortunate not to have Darron Gibson sent off, started brightly and went close through Steven Pienaar and the lively Ross Barkley.
Olivier Giroud was wasteful for Arsenal, now two points clear of fifth-placed Spurs having played a game more.
Giroud was denied by Seamus Coleman's clearance as Everton secured a point.
The Toffees thoroughly deserved a draw in what was a fiercely contested encounter, and are now unbeaten in six league games.
But David Moyes' side, now within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea but having played two games more, were unable to find the goal that would have really improved their prospects of playing in next season's Champions League.

Premier League results

These are the other results of the Premier League that were played on Sunday the 14th of April:

Stoke 0-2 Man Utd.

Manchester United moved to within seven points of securing a 20th league title with a routine win that pushed Stoke further towards the relegation zone.

Robin van Persie made sure of the points with a second-half penalty that ended a run of 10 games without a goal.
That came after Michael Carrick had given United the perfect start, prodding home from a scrappy corner. The result leaves Stoke only three points above the bottom three, having won two of the last 17 league matches.

Newcastle 0-3 Sunderland.

Paolo Di Canio masterminded Sunderland's first victory at St James' Park in 13 years to give their Premier League survival hopes a massive boost while dragging Newcastle into the relegation scrap.

In only the Italian's second game in charge, his team delivered a devastating blow to their arch rivals as Stephane Sessegnon's first-half goal was followed up by strikes by Adam Johnson and David Vaughan late in the second period.
The manner of the victory will give fresh hope to the Black Cats, who moved three points clear of the relegation zone with five games to go and to within two points of Alan Pardew's side. And it also looked to have justified the surprise dismissal of former boss Martin O'Neill as Di Canio's side reversed their slump of nine games without a win in some style.

FA Cup results

These are the results of the FA Cup semi-finals: Millwalll 0-2 Wigan.

Wigan Athletic reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their 81-year history with a deserved victory over Championship side Millwall at Wembley in a match marred by serious crowd violence.

Shaun Maloney's first-half goal put Roberto Martinez's Premier League side on their way and Callum McManaman secured a meeting with Chelsea or Manchester City next month when he finished off a flowing move 12 minutes from time.
Sadly, however, the occasion was scarred in the closing stages as prolonged fighting broke out in several areas of Millwall's allocated end.
It was an unsavoury conclusion to a game in which the south London side battled gamely but could never match the class of Wigan, who ran out winners with something to spare.

Chelsea 1-2 Man City.

Manchester City will meet Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final after winning an enthralling Wembley encounter with Chelsea.

The 2011 winners looked on course for a comfortable victory as goals either side of half-time from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero gave them the lead their dominance deserved.
Chelsea, to their great credit given their recent arduous schedule, somehow summoned up reserves of strength and resilience after Demba Ba's stunning goal set up a grandstand finish that could have forced extra time. The rejuvenated holders pressed for an equaliser that seemed unlikely for long periods and it took some key interventions from Joe Hart's deputy Costel Pantilimon, particularly from Ba, to assure City of a return to Wembley next month.

Premier League results

These are the results of the Barclays Premier League that were played today on the 13th of April:
Arsenal 3-1 Norwich.

Arsenal scored three in the final seven minutes to fight back to beat Norwich and move third in the Premier League.

Norwich took the lead just before the hour through Michael Turner's header from a Robert Snodgrass free-kick.
Mikel Arteta scored from the spot after Kei Kamara was penalised for a challenge on Olivier Giroud.

Giroud touched in from an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cross before substitute Lukas Podolski drove in a third in added time.

For 85 minutes, Arsene Wenger looked set to start a pivotal week for his team's Champions League hopes with a defeat.

Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham.

Aston Villa remain precariously placed in the battle against relegation after being held to a draw by Fulham.

Both sides had wasted chances before Charles N'Zogbia deservedly put Villa ahead when he curled in a shot.
But the home side's Fabian Delph glanced Bryan Ruiz's corner into his own net to gift Fulham an equaliser.
Delph had a chance to atone for his error only for the midfielder to sky a far-post shot after the visitors failed to clear an Andreas Weimann cross.
The anxious faces among the Villa crowd as the final whistle closed in were a sign of the trouble their side are in as they lie three points from the Premier League's bottom three.

Everton 2-0 QPR.

Everton scored either side of half-time to maintain their European challenge and push Queens Park Rangers closer to relegation from the Premier League.

The visitors were in the ascendancy when Loic Remy's shot was saved by Tim Howard after Junior Hoilett's early curler fizzed just wide.
But five minutes before the break, Darron Gibson's shot was massively deflected off Clint Hill on its way in.
And, after Everton improved, Victor Anichebe flicked in following a corner.
For periods in the first half it looked as though QPR might continue their three-game unbeaten run against the Toffees since their return to the top flight in May 2011.

Reading 0-0 Liverpool.

Liverpool's faint hopes of European qualification suffered a further setback as Reading held them to a second successive draw on an afternoon of frustration at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy produced a man-of-the-match display with a string of outstanding saves.
Liverpool had a host of chances, with Luis Suarez going closest with a chip that was cleared off the line.

Reading twice went close late on but Liverpool's Pepe Reina stood firm.

This was a result that did little to cheer either manager. It was the first time in 14 months that Liverpool had failed to score in consecutive matches and although it ended a run of seven successive defeats for Reading, it did little to keep alive their increasingly desperate battle against relegation.

Southampton 1-1 West Ham.

Southampton and West Ham moved closer to sealing their Premier League status with a hard-earned draw at St Mary's.

Rickie Lambert saw an effort clawed onto the post by West Ham keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen while Hammers striker Andy Carroll volleyed wide from close range.
Gaston Ramirez fired Saints into the lead with a clinical finish after his initial shot was blocked.
But Carroll levelled the game with a low free-kick under the Saints wall as both teams moved onto 38 points.

Uefa Champions League results

These are the results of the quarter-finals of the Champions League that were played on Tuesday the 9th of April and Wednesday the 10th of April: Galatasary 3-2 Real Madrid.

Real Madrid survived a second-half onslaught from Galatasaray in their Champions League quarter-final to reach the last four for a record 24th time.

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced the Turkish crowd with an early volley and Galatasaray rarely threatened until Emmanuel Eboue's thumping strike.
Wesley Sneijder steered in and Didier Drogba's backheel left Real rocking, before Ronaldo killed their hopes.
Real substitute Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off following two late bookings.

Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga.

Borussia Dortmund scored twice in injury time to snatch a dramatic Champions League victory over Malaga and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Marco Reus and then Felipe Santana struck for the German side, although the winning goal - poked home from a matter of inches - looked offside.
After a goalless first leg in Spain, Joaquin scored from 20 yards for Malaga before Robert Lewandowski equalised. Substitute Eliseu looked to have scored Malaga's winner before the late goals.

Juventus 0-2 Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich reached their third Champions League semi-final in four years after knocking out Juventus.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, the Germans were again comfortable as Mario Mandzukic headed in Bastian Schweinsteiger's free-kick before Claudio Pizarro slotted in late on.
Arjen Robben also hit the post as Bayern created the best chances.
Juve were restricted to Andrea Pirlo's saved free-kick and Fabio Quagliarella's shot which hit the post.
The scoreline mirrored the first leg in Munich, and there was again a gulf in class between the two teams who are top of their respective domestic leagues.

Barcelona 1-1 PSG.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to kick-start a Barcelona fightback as the four-time winners reached the Champions League semi-finals on away goals.

Javier Pastore's clipped finish put Paris St-Germain ahead for the first time in the tie, 3-2 on aggregate.
But Messi, who suffered a hamstring strain in the first leg, inspired Barca and was involved as Pedro hammered home from 15 yards.
Andres Iniesta almost added a second for the hosts after a sublime turn.
PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti ushered David Beckham off the bench in the closing stages, but the former England captain could not replicate Messi's impact on the game as the visitors struggled to force their way back onto the front foot.

Bundesliga news

Bayern dig in to clinch 22nd Bundesliga title

Frankfurt - The record titleholders wrapped up their 23rd German Championship and 22nd Bundesliga title in record time, but it was far from straight-forward as FC Bayern Munich were forced to work hard for their narrow 1-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Eagles' resiliency was to be admired, but in the end Bastian Schweinsteiger's sublime finish in the second half proved to be the winner as Bayern maintained their 20-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with just 18 points left to play for.

Dortmund eyeing last-four berth

Dortmund - Borussia Dortmund will be looking to complete the first part of what could be a Bundesliga double act in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League when they play host to Malaga CF on Tuesday evening (kick-off 20:45 CEST).
A 0-0 draw from the first leg in Spain stands the dislodged Bundesliga champions in good stead for the second leg at the Signal Iduna Park, and leaves the prospect of an all-German final still very much alive.

Ligue 1 news

Aurier: Out of position but in the groove

When Toulouse paid Lens 1.6 million Euros for Serge Aurier's signature last summer, a few eyebrows were raised. The Ivory Coast-born player has since made that fee look derisory, becoming a devastating force from deep.

When Serge Aurier left RC Lens for Toulouse FC last year, he was a raw, teenage defender with all the makings of a top player. Fast-forward 15 months, and the right-back - now a first choice in Alain Casanova's team - is beginning to fulfil his immense promise.
"Before I joined Toulouse, I didn't have the same focus," he explained to beIN Sport. "The coach here has taught me to be more disciplined, to stay level-headed and make sure I attack and defend at the right times."

Looking good for Paris Saint-Germain

Seven points clear at the top with seven games to play, things are looking good for Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, the tear-up for the Champions League spots and to avoid the drop are certain to provide much drama.

PSG were 2-0 winners at Rennes on Saturday to re-establish a seven-point gap over second-placed Olympique de Marseille, who had temporarily reduced the deficit to four points with a 1-0 home win over Bordeaux the previous evening. Jérémy Ménez's magnificent 56^th-minute solo goal sent PSG on their way and strengthened the French international's claims for a starting berth in Barcelona on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. David Beckham came off the bench at half-time and provided his first assist in French football in added time, Ligue 1 top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic turning in his 26^th league goal of the season from close range.

Serie A news

Juve must believe

Andrea Pirlo has urged his Juventus team-mates to keep believing in themselves as they prepare for their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 by the German outfit at the Allianz Arena last week, yet Pirlo remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals of the competition."We have to believe in ourselves and be convinced that we can turn things around," the influential midfielder said ahead of the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Balotelli suspended for three games.

AC Milan's Mario Balotelli has been handed a three-match ban for his conduct during the team's 2-2 draw with Fiorentina on Sunday.

The former Manchester City striker picked up an automatic one-match suspension for his fifth yellow card since returning to Italy in January, but has had an extra two games added to the ban because of insulting comments made towards the match officials. He will now miss the Rossoneri's Serie A clash with Napoli next weekend as well as encounters against league leaders Juventus and Catania.

La Liga news

Manchester City to offer Aguero new deal to ward off Real Madrid interest.

Manchester City will offer Sergio Aguero a new five-year deal this summer in a bid to end Real Madrid's interest in the striker.
The Argentine, who netted a stunning solo goal to win the Manchester derby for the Premier League champions on Monday evening, has three years remaining on his existing deal but City's owners want to put him further out of bounds.

 

 Thiago Silva refuses to rule out Barcelona move.

The former Milan defender has stressed that anything can happen in the future amid ongoing speculation linking him with the Catalans

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has hinted that he would be open to a move to Barcelona if the Primera Division giants came knocking again.

The Blaugrana already showed an interest in signing the Brazil international last summer, but he eventually left the Serie A giants for PSG instead.

But after putting in a commanding display in the first-leg of les Parisiens' Champions League quarter-final with the Catalans, rumours have again linked the player with a move to Camp Nou and he has hinted he would be open to a possible switch.

 

 

Premier League Results

These are the results of the Premier League that were played on Sunday the 7th of April:
Liverpool 0-0 West Brom.

Liverpool and West Ham fought out a largely disappointing goalless draw which damages the home team's European ambitions but eased relegation concerns for their opponents.

The Hammers were denied their first win at Anfield for 50 years when Lucas Leiva cleared Jack Collison's late header off the line.
Luis Suarez was marshalled expertly by West Ham defender James Collins, although the Uruguay forward did force an injury-time save from Jussi Jaaskelainen at the goalkeeper's near post with a low shot.

Tottenham 2-2 Everton.

Gylfi Sigurdsson scored a late equaliser for Tottenham against Everton to cap a riveting match between two Champions League hopefuls.

Spurs took the lead after just 33 seconds when Emmanuel Adebayor converted Jan Vertonghen's low cross.
But Everton levelled through Phil Jagielka and took the lead from a fine solo goal by Kevin Mirallas.
In a frantic finale, Adebayor struck the post and Sigurdsson slotted home the rebound to claim a vital point.
There was still time for Everton to go close as Victor Anichebe ran through on goal and saw his shot smothered by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland.

Paolo Di Canio's reign as Sunderland manager began with a defeat at Chelsea that leaves The Black Cats deep in the fight to stay in the Premier League.

The Italian had the start he wanted when Cesar Azpilicueta's own goal gave Sunderland a surprise lead moments before half-time.
Sunderland's renewed optimism was short-lived, however, as Chelsea were in front 10 minutes after the interval as a result of another own goal, this time a deflection off Matt Kilgallon, and Branislav Ivanovic's touch on a David Luiz shot.

Newcastle 1-0 Fulham.

Papiss Cisse scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Newcastle deservedly beat Fulham to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

After hitting the post and missing a number of other chances, Cisse volleyed home with one of the game's last kicks.
Mid-table Fulham went close in either half through Dimitar Berbatov, but they were under pressure for long periods.

QPR 1-1 Wigan.

Shaun Maloney's 94th-minute free-kick earned struggling Wigan a point and denied 10-man QPR what would have been a vital win at the bottom of the table.

Loic Remy hit the post early on but Rangers had to play for 70 minutes with 10 men after Bobby Zamora was sent off for a high challenge on Jordi Gomez.
Wigan struggled to make their extra man count and QPR thought they had won it through Remy's superb breakaway goal. But Maloney replied in injury time with a curling shot into the top corner.

Premier League results

These are the results of the Premier League that were played on Saturday 6th of April.

Reading 0-2 Southampton.

Reading's hopes of avoiding relegation suffered another massive blow as they were well beaten by a Southampton side who have all but secured safety.

The Royals, managed by former Saints boss Nigel Adkins, made a bright start but faded badly after Jay Rodriguez slid in to give Southampton the lead.
The visitors' dominance brought further reward when Adam Lallana slotted the second past Adam Federici.
Reading rarely threatened as they slumped to a seventh successive loss.

Norwich 2-2 Swansea.

Luke Moore's fifth goal of the season rescued a point for Swansea against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Michael Turner put the Canaries ahead early in the second half after Robert Snodgrass equalised Michu's opener for Swansea.
And the Spanish midfielder missed a glorious chance to give Swansea all three points in added time.
The result leaves Norwich in 13th place, still only five points clear of the relegation places.
It was Norwich's fifth draw in their last six home matches, and their continued failure to open a comfortable gap over the teams in the bottom three will be a worry for manager Chris Hughton.
For much of the second half they looked the stronger team after Swansea dominated possession for the opening 50 minutes.

Stoke 1-3 Aston Villa.

Aston Villa moved out of the relegation zone by beating Stoke, whose own survival fears grew after the loss.

Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa the lead when he side-footed in from close range at the second attempt.
Villa almost added a second when Andreas Weimann's effort came back off the post, before Michael Kightly slammed in a shot to level for Stoke.
But a spectacular Matthew Lowton strike restored Villa's lead and Christian Benteke slotted in to wrap up the win.
It was a storming finish to the game from Villa as they claimed a third victory in four games to lift them three points above the relegation zone.

West Brom 1-2 Arsenal.

Tomas Rosicky scored in each half as 10-man Arsenal withstood a West Brom fightback to move above Chelsea into fourth place in the Premier League.

Rosicky cleared a Claudio Yacob effort off the line before putting Arsenal ahead with a powerful diving header.
The Czech midfielder struck again after half-time, drilling into the bottom corner at the second attempt.
James Morrison converted a penalty as Per Mertesacker was sent off for a foul on Shane Long, but Arsenal held firm.
They go a point clear of Chelsea in the final Champions League spot, but have played a game more than the Stamford Bridge club.

Uefa Champions League results

These are the results of the Champions League that were played on Wednesday:

Real Madrid 3-0 Galatasary.

Real Madrid took a huge stride towards the Champions League semi-finals by brushing aside Galatasaray in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo handed the hosts an early lead by coolly chipping over goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Karim Benzema deftly controlled Michael Essien's cross to stroke in the second, before substitute Gonzalo Higuain nodded in after the break.
Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue wasted the Turkish champions' best chances.
Galatasaray were far from outclassed in the opening 70 minutes and created a number of decent opportunities, particularly in the first half, as they searched for a vital away goal.

Malaga 0-0 Borussia Dortmund.

 Borussia Dortmund wasted a clutch of chances as they were held to a goalless draw at Malaga in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Mario Gotze was the chief culprit for the Germans, twice denied by goalkeeper Willy after going clean through.
Robert Lewandowski's composure in front of goal also deserted him as he scuffed wide early in the second half.
Weligton's well-saved header and Isco's fierce shot were as close as the hosts came to breaking the deadlock.

Uefa Champions League results

These are the results of the Champions League matches that were played on Tuesday the 2nd of April.

 PSG 2-2 Barcelona.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one goal and set up the other as he inspired Paris St-Germain against former club Barcelona in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg match.

The Swede stabbed home from an apparently offside position to cancel out Lionel Messi's well-made opener.
Xavi's 89th-minute penalty after Salvatore Sirigu fouled Alexis Sanchez seemed to have secured Barca's win.
But Ibrahimovic's 94th-minute knock-down was swept home by Blaise Matuidi.
It was a disappointing end for Barcelona, who had lost Messi to a hamstring strain at half-time and Javier Mascherano to another injury in the second half.

Bayern Munich 2-0 Juventus.

Bayern Munich produced an authoritative performance at home to leave Juventus facing an uphill task to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

The German league leaders made the perfect start when David Alaba's deflected 35-yard shot spun past Gianluigi Buffon inside 30 seconds.
Thomas Mueller tapped in Mario Mandzukic's square pass to double Bayern's lead after the break.
Juventus' best chances fell to Arturo Vidal who twice shot at Manuel Neuer.

FA Cup result

On Monday the 1st of April the replay of the FA Cup quarter-final was played between Chelsea and Man Utd at Stamford Bridge. The result ended in a 1-0 win to Chelsea, which progresses them into the semi-final.

Demba Ba's winner ended Manchester United's quest for the domestic Double and secured holders Chelsea an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Ba's athletic finish early in the second half leaves United concentrating on winning the Premier League title - with a 20th title all but secured as they currently hold a 15-point advantage.
Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, was able to celebrate victory over old adversary Sir Alex Ferguson and remains in contention to win the FA Cup and Europa League.

Premier League result

Today on the 1st of April Fulham hosted relegation strugglers QPR to Craven Cottage. Fulham were off to the best of starts when Dimitar Berbatov scored in the 8th minute from the penalty spot. He then added another goal in the 22nd minute. 4 minutes from half time Clint Hill gave Fulham a comfortable 3-0 lead with an own goal. Then just on half-time Adel Taarabt got a controversial goal for QPR. In the second half there was only one goal and that goal was scored on the 51st minute by QPR striker Loic Remy. So at the end of that game QPR remain well hidden from reaching 17th place to stay up out of the relegation zone.