Liverpool tie with Sion

A dull 0-0 game with very few highlights allowed Jurgen Klopp's side to top their Europa League group while FC Sion qualify for the knock-out rounds in their very first European tournament.

Despite a near mis-hap from Simone Mignolet in the first minute, Liverpool controlled the possession in the opening of the match and had a great chance when Brad Smith crossed the ball to Divock Origi who failed to finish. The Belgian was unmarked and coughed up a very good chance which should have been converted.

Liverpool were quite happy to give possession to FC Sion and the Swiss side were struggling to do anything with it. The game wasn't played at a particularly fast pace during the first half with both sides happy to let the other take take the initiative. Sion had a few half chances but Origi had another chance but the defender covered and blocked expertly.

Liverpool had another good chance when Adam Lallana skipped by a few Sion challenges into the box, but was starved of options and the chance petered out. The chance was created down the left by Ben Smith's overlapping runs and James Milner. This is where Liverpool could get in behind the Swiss defence but the end product was often lacking.

It was a pretty dull first half, with neither side really pressurising each other. Liverpool were already qualified while Sion only needed a point to guarantee qualification.

There was virtually nothing to report on in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but the arrival of Philippe Coutinho was imminent and the Brazilian had every opportunity to conjure something up in the free number 10 role. Recovering after a four week lay off, Coutinho would want to lay down a marker for future matches.

Sion had several set pieces most of which were wasted poorly. One was a training ground routine which allowed a Sion player to remain unmarked and attempt to get a decent ball in but it came to nothing. Origi had a chance when the ball was slid through to him. With the keeper baring down on him, the Liverpool man had to try and take the ball around him but the keeper got hands and diverted in elsewhere.

Coutinho broke through the middle in between the defence and midfield, and slid Roberto Firmino through but the first touch from his fellow countryman was poor and the ball rolled harmlessly out for a goal kick. Inside the last 10 minutes. Smith once again broke down the left before hitting a teasing ball into the box. Origi failed to get any meaningful contact on the ball as the keeper clutched to it harmlessly.

It was a game with a draw written all over it and I probably should have guessed this from the standings before the match. Needless to say that it finished 0-0, but the Swiss supporters were incredible as they witnessed their side qualified for their first ever knockout round in Europe.

Higuain Sends Napoli Top

A brace from Gonzalo Higuain proved enough to see off the challenge of Internzionale at Stadio San Paolo.

The action commenced 65 seconds from the kick off when Higuain belted in a goal from the edge of the box. While Inter may claim that Jose Callejon handled the ball, it would have been a very harsh decision if penalised. Jaison Murillo missed a good opportunity to clear the lines and would have prevented the goal being scored.

Inter were nervy and Napoli were creating good opportunities. Marek Hamsik dinked a ball into the box but Callejon couldn't supply a finish. This is the first time I've watched Napoli this season and the changes Maurizio Sarri has made are incredible. Napoli are more easy on the eye to watch with their fluid passing style of play and more importantly, they look like a cohesive team. Under Rafa Benitez they often conceded from winning positions and never looked settled.

Lorenzo Insigne and Hamsik were getting too much space in between the Inter midfield and defence. This allowed the Neapolitan defenders to slide balls through to the creative midfielders and when they turned and run at the Milanese defence, they looked vulnerable. Napoli were having all of the ball and when Inter did get possession, they looked lost and eventually conceded the ball back to their hosts. They looked like they missed Geoffrey Kondogbia in the middle of the pitch.

Inter had a glorious chance five minutes before the interval. It was the first occasion in which Adem Ljajic got on the ball and decided to run with it. He found himself on the right wing and hit a low ball into the box only for Ivan Perisic to scuff the shot wide. Inter don't create many opportunities or score goals so this one represented a golden chance for the Nerazzurri to level it up.

Things got harder for Internazionale when Yuto Nagatomo received his second yellow card. Nice play from Allan on the right allowed him to evade one challenge and give himself space and time to dink the ball over Nagatomo before being taken out. There was no doubt that it was a second yellow card and it gave Roberto Mancini some thinking to do over the break if his side are to remain at the top of the table this week.

In the second half, Napoli displayed all of the dominance they showed in the first half, but weren't as creative and free-flowing, largely down to Mancini's astute tactics. They limited Napoli by keeping Hamsik and Insigne quiet and the second half remained scoreless until the hour mark. Higuain netted his and Napoli's second when a hopeful long header from Raul Albiol caught Murillo and Miranda off guard. The former Madridista had enough speed and power to hold off the challenges before burying the ball past Samir Handanovic.

From out of nowhere, Adem Ljajic halved the deficit five minutes later. An error from Faouzi Ghoulam poked the ball into the path of the Serbian international before taking a touch and curling it into the bottom corner. The goal gave Inter the lift they needed but also meant that their hosts had to concentrate for the remaining 20 minutes. Marcelo Brozovic had a mazy run which opened up a shooting opportunity, but his shot did not hit the target.

Inter had possibly their best opportunity of the game when Ivan Perisic threaded a ball through to the goal scorer, Ljajic and with Jonathan Biabiany free at the front post, he tried to pull the ball back to the edge of the area only for it to be easily intercepted. This was a massive opportunity that would have certainly resulted in the net bulging it the 24 year old had made the correct decision. Despite the missed opportunity, Inter had silenced the San Paolo and dragged themselves kicking and screaming back into the match.

After a great chance from Ljajic, Higuain had a great opportunity to net his hat trick and put the game out of the sight of the Milanese side. He beat numerous straggling challenges in a mazy run and released a shot that was goal-bound only for a terrific save from Handanovic to foil the World Cup runner-up. At the other end, both substitute Stefan Jovetic and Miranda had excellent headers that almost equalised. Jovetic was denied by the post, while a full stretch Pepe Reina thwarted Miranda. The reaction on the face of the former Liverpool keeper was a picture of relief at the end of the game.

Napoli held on to go top of Serie A, while Inter can be pleased with a steely performance that almost snatched them a point. Napoli are an exciting team and Sarri will definitely have them competing for silverware at the end of the season.

Juve Cruise Past Palermo

Goals from Mario Mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza gave Juventus a comfortable victory in Sicily.

Palermo pressed high early on and looked to take the the game to their visitors. The high pressing caused some worry for Juve but they dealt with it well. The home side did have a chance inside the tenth minute when Vazquez broke on the counter, and found Oscar Hiljemark on the right edge of the box. The Swede fired over and didn't pose any threat to Gianluigi Buffon.

Stefan Sorrentino looked nervy in nets for Palermo, particularly in the opening 15 minutes of the match. He flapped at a few crosses that seemed relatively easy and this was something that Juve could exploit with the height of Mario Mandzukic in the box for the Turin side. Also, Juventus were getting joy through their wing backs, Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra who were being given space out wide, albeit for an offside flag or poor touch.

Leonardo Bonucci had a terrific chance after a Paul Pogba out swinging corner. The veteran defender was left unmarked but a poor connection with the ball and it sailed wide. Juve had another free header, this time from Palermo old boy, Paulo Dybala. The Argentine was unable to convert a golden opportunity.

At half time both sides had plenty to reflect on. Juventus had to take their opportunities that were given to them, while Palermo needed to pay more attention to Juve's win backs who were being keft one on one with their full backs. The home side also needed to capitalise on the break and be a bit more lethal.

The dead lock was broken 7 minutes after the restart when Paulo Dybala swung a tantalising ball into the box. Mario Mandzukic rose highest to nod past Sorrentino in nets. The goal had lifted the champions as they pressed Palermo and the Sicilians struggled to get any possession. 

The game continued in relatively the same vain. The first goal took the stuffing out of Palermo and they struggled to recover. Buffon was hardly troubled all night and despite being very well protected, I do think a slightly better team than Palermo could have tested and asked a few more questions of the defence.

The second goal killed the game with less than a minute to go. Paul Pogba rolled the ball into the feet of Stefano Sturaro who finished the shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Simone Zaza scored a third after a break from the half line. He played a one-two with Alvaro Morata before leaving the keeper no chance with his shot.

Juventus continue their resurgence as they move up to fifth position and just six points off the top of the table with two-thirds of the season to play. It has to be noted that the top three sides play tomorrow night, but the win for Juventus was needed, if not as emphatic as the scoreline suggests.

First Away Win For Sunderland

A blunder from Scott Dann gave Sam Allardyce's Sunderland side three vital points and their first away win of the season.

Sunderland had to withstand a lot of pressure early on with Yannick Bolasie causing problems down the left wing, but it was Sunderland who had the best opportunity of the opening 10 minutes. A majestic ball split the centre half and right back from Billy Jones to find Patrick Van Aanholt making the run but he decided to hit the ball first time instead of letting it roll across his body and playing it into the 6 yard box where Jermain Defoe would have been on hand to tap into an empty net.

Crystal Palace found it hard to get the ball into the box with Sunderland dropping deeper and keeping the 3 man midfield just in front of the box. James McArthur managed to crack of a shot from just outside the box after picking up a loose ball. Costel Pantilimon saved comfortably, but this represented their first real chance with half an hour gone.

With five minutes left in the first half, it was easy to see why Palace had such a bad home record, they posed the biggest threat on the counter attack while struggled to break the Mackems down. Sunderland were wise not committing too many bodies forward as they would be exposed at the back, particularly with the lack of pace of Younas Kaboul and John O'Shea.

Shortly before half time, Lee Cattermole played a ball similar to that of Billy Jones' earlier. It split the defence and but Van Aanholt could not control ball. The first half ended with both sides having chances but Sunderland arguably having the better of them.

After half time Palace signalled their intent through a quick tempo and a shot from Yohan Cabaye required a good save from Pantilimon. Bolasie and Zaha looked a threat down the wings. Sunderland had an excellent chance through Younas Kaboul. A whipped corner in was met by the head of the former Spurs man and he bulleted a header towards the far corner. A benefits of having a man on the post paid dividends as it was hooked off the line as Wayne Hennessey was beaten in nets.

Bakary Sakho cracked a fizzing shot off but it just went wide. Alan Pardew must have told his side to get a few more shots off and try to test Costel Pantilimon. Sunderland had another great chance when a long pass was pumped forward towards Jermain Defoe. The former English international would have been one on one with the keeper if it wasn't for a vital touch from Delaney.

Palace were getting beyond their man to create space, but it was often the final ball which thwarted the attacking move. While they were creating chances in the final third, the introduction for Sunderland of Duncan Watmore and Jeremie Lens posed a few new problems at the back. On 74 minutes, Watmore Bolasie down the right and fizzed a cross into the box it was cleared but fell to Jones whose shot was easily saved by Hennessey. 

The deadline was broken just before the 80 minute mark when a terrible mix up between Scott Dann and Hennessey allowed Jermain Defoe to put the ball into an empty net. If Palace struggled to break down Sunderland when the game was level then things were going to get a lot more difficult now. Younas Kaboul, who was great all night, continued to pop up and prevent any Palace attacking threat.

In the closing 10 minutes, Palace did have several opportunities through Bolasie, Zaha and McArthur but Sunderland defended resolutely and managed to hang on for a well earned first away win of the season 

Barca Run Riot at the Bernabeu

The most eagerly anticipated match in the Spanish calendar ended in a pretty one sided affair. Goals from Neymar, Andres Iniesta and a brace from Luis Suarez humbled Real Madrid and piled on the pressure for Rafa Benitez. 

From the off Barca dominated. Neymar had the opening chance after a lay off by Luis Suarez from a Jordi Alba cross but his shot ballooned over. It wasn't long until the deadlock was broken by Luis Suarez with a lovely outside of the foot effort. Sergi Roberto's surging run forward caused problems for Madrid and committed Varane before sliding through to Suarez.

A sweeping ball from Iniesta found another great run from Roberto and with a bit more composure it would have been 2-0. Barca were causing problems which would be of concern for Benitez. Roberto blazed a shot over the bar on 25 minutes. Another great opportunity and the young Spaniard was at the centre of everything. 

Real Madrid pressed from the front and it nearly paid off as Ivan Rakitic was dispossessed but they couldn't make use of the chance. In the opening half an hour Barcelona had the better of the opportunities and looked the more settled. Particularly early on, Madrid gave up some easy chances but they tightened up as the half went only to be undone in the closing stages of the half.

Karim Benzema had a great chance after a sliced clearance but he failed to connect with the ball and it allowed Barca to counter. Neymar doubled the Catalan side's lead after being slid through by Iniesta and putting it through Navas' legs. Once again Madrid were carved open and it was going to take a great second half performance to get back in the match.

Barcelona were often reluctant to hit the long ball out from the back and looked to play out. When it worked, it looked beautiful but there was always a chance that it could back fire and result in a Madrid goal. It rarely failed however and Barcelona looked class above their counterparts.

Barcelona had a terrific chance to put their hosts to bed with a golden clear cut chance with Neymar skipping away from a challenge and racing to the byline before cutting the ball back to the edge of the box. Suarez got a toe to the ball but Marcelo was on hand to block the ball. Again Varane blocked a Rakitic shot but Madrid were living dangerously. Half time was greeted by jeers by the Bernabeu faithful and they showed their opinion of what they had seen from their side.  

Straight from the kick off, Marcelo skipped down the left flank but his shot hit the side netting. Minutes later, James Rodriguez released a shot from outside the area that was heading into the bottom corner but for an incredible save from Claudio Bravo. It was a positive reaction, but the elusive early goal evaded their grasp.

The game was finished the match through captain Andres Iniesta. It was a beautiful passage of play and a rocket of a finish by Iniesta. Luka Modric was motionless as the Spanish international cruised passed to release the shot. Minutes later they were queuing up for the fourth but Suarez hit the side netting. Madrid have been totally out played and deserve to be 3-0 down.

The little magician came on as the third goal went in and he had his first sighter on 66 minutes, a lovely lifted ball found Suarez but Varane scuffed the ball away to Neymar whose back heel found Messi but Varane blocked the shot once again. Ronaldo had an incredible chance to grab a goal back after a swift counter attack. He tried to lift the ball over Bravo but the Chilean read the move and saved comfortably.

Barca were on form and Suarez scored the fourth and his second after springing the offside trap and lifting over Navas. The Catalans were cruising, but they looked capable of scoring more goals. You could tell that Madrid were trying to get out of the match and that they just wanted the final whistle.

It went from bad to worse for Madrid when Isco was shown a straight red for a horrific challenge on Neymar. It was the correct decision and made the final 5 minutes very tough for the home side. Ronaldo had the final say for Madrid when he bulleted a header but it was equally met by Bravo. The Chilean keeper has played well on the few occasions that he was called upon.

At full time, Barcelona deserved their 4-0 victory and it probably could have been 2 or 3 more. The white handkerchiefs were waved around the Bernabeu and the Madristas expressed their dissatisfaction of their sides performance. Benitez will have questions to answer and they may be questions that he won't want to hear.

Spurs Too Good For Aston Villa

Remi Garde has a lot of work to do if he is going to keep his new employers in the Premier League, despite a late fight back and goal from Aston Villa's Jordan Ayew. Goals from Moussa Dembele, Dele Alli and Harry Kane send the Villains back to Birmingham empty handed.

It took Spurs only two minutes to open the score. Moussa Dembele controlled a long and hopeful ball before beating Ciaran Clark and powering past Brad Guzan in nets. Clark was poor defensively and overpowered by Dembele. Villa were being dominated in midfield and a goal glut was on the cards if things did not change.

Scott Sinclair managed the Villians first shot on target on 11 minutes. He slalomed between two Spurs players before cracking a shot that Hugo Lloris could only parry and the follow up effort from Jack Grealish sailed out for a goal kick. The game settled down after the frantic five minutes and Villa began to get more on the ball however they did look nervous when required to defend.

Harry Kane had an opportunity when he broke down the left channel. After cutting in onto his right foot, his shot was deflected before being tipped over by Brad Guzan. From the resulting corner, Danny Rose had an excellent opportunity after a neat training ground move but his shot grazed the cross bar.

As the interval approached, you just thought that Spurs had the potential to kick on during the half, but they failed and this could come back to bite them later in the game. Credit to Villa though, they managed to drag themselves back into the game.

On the stroke of half time, Spurs did strike again. Dele Alli used his chest to control the ball after a cross was cleared before vollying into the bottom left hand corner. At 2-0, Villa needed to change at half time if they were going to get anything out of the game.

For the second half, summer signing Rudy Gestede replaced captain Gabby Agbonlahor and he gave Villa more of a target man up front. Yet still they struggled with possession and looked a side that was shot of confidence. They continued to be poor in possession and were unable to make use of the height and strength of Gestede.

Spurs continued to press and looked increasingly more likely to add to their total. Christian Eriksen and co in the midfield dominated the game from start to finish and Villa never tried to close the Spurs playmakers down. Aston Villa's Jack Grealish struggled to make an impact on the game and was starved of the ball for most of it before eventually being substituted on 65 minutes.

Gestede had a really good chance on 73 minutes. Spurs were sloppy in the defensive third of the pitch and were dispossessed by Carles Gil. The substitute found Gestede but his shot from a golden position was blocked over the bar. Nothing materialised from the resulting corner, but it did seem to give Villa a bit of confidence as they piled players into the final third. It was also a wake up for Spurs knowing that if they give their opposition a goal then it could make a nervy last 15 minutes,

Leandro Bacuna had a shot from outside the box that cracked the outside of the post. villa had grown in confidence and grabbed a goal back off a deflected shot from Jordan Ayew. Villa had threatened, but Spurs didn't heed the warning and found themselves in a game for the last 10 minutes, one that they should have wrapped up ages ago. The White Hart Lane faithful realised and offered their words of encouragement.

That man Gestede had an excellent chance to level the game up. A hopeful ball into the box was made dangerous by Lloris' decision to come for it. Effectively taking himself out of the game, all Gestede had to do was to hit the target, but his header went wide. Ayew went close once again shortly later, but it was too little too late for the visitors. Despite controlling the game easily for 80 minutes, the pendulum had swung for the last 10 in the favour of the visitors.

The game was made secure by Harry Kane in stoppage time. Spurs countered through Eriksen and found Erik Lamela on the right before unselfishly squaring for Kane to fire into the top of the net. This put the game to bed and kept Spurs' firing on all cylinders and their unbeaten run in full flight.

For Aston Villa, their troubles continue and Remi Garde will have to perform miracles to save Villa from the drop. He can take encouragement from the 10 minutes after the consolation when they pressed and caused problems for a well marshalled Spurs defence. 

Milan End Lazio's Perfect Home Record

Milan send a message out to the rest of Serie A as goals from Andrea Bertolacci, Philippe Mexes and Carlos Bacca see them Lazio's winning run at the Stadio Olimpico.

Knowing what was riding on the game, plenty of physical tackles were going in as the match started. Milan's Alessio Cerci looked lively as did Giacomo Bonaventura. The former Torino man was played off the shoulder of the defenders the whole night and often found space in behind. Lazio were struggling to get on the ball and when they did, poor decision making meant that the ball was regularly lost. 20 minutes in, Milan's 16 year old goal keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was yet to be tested.

Milan made their dominance pay off. Cerci picked up the ball on the right and an in-swinging cross/shot was poorly dealt with by Federico Marchetti who palmed the ball into the path of Andrea Bertolacci who put the ball in the back of the net. Mihajlovic's summer signing with his first goal for the club. Lazio looked lethargic, lost and their perfect home record this season was in jeopardy.

Alessio Cerci had an excellent chance to double their lead. From a free kick, Riccardo Montolivo picked out a superb pass to Cerci who had a foot on his man. The winger killed the ball with his first touch before trying to guide a shot into the far corner only for the upright to come to the rescue of Lazio. If there was ever a move that deserved a goal, this was it as the vision of Montolivo and technique of Cerci was incredible.

The home side did get their first shot on target shortly before the break. Felipe Anderson cut in off the right, pegged the Milan defender before his shot ricocheted into the arms of Donnarumma. It was the first time, their talisman got on the ball, but his shot was easily dealt with by the keeper. As the first half concluded, the Milan display would have deluighted Mihajlovic while Stefano Pioli would have loads to think about and the Olimpico faithful made their thoughts heard.

Lazio needed a big improvement in the second half and a free kick into the box caused concern as Alex collided with his keeper and seemed to be out cold before he hit the floor. Philippe Mexes was his replacement and he had an immediate impact. Bonaventura's free kick into the box was met by the head of Mexes and he doubled the lead just 40 seconds since entering the game. Questions must be asked of Marchetti as well as the defensive line which failed to track the run of the goal scorer. 

Confidence was drained in the Lazio ranks while Milan were enjoying playing their football with a distinct swagger - Bonaventura's elastico that won a free kick was evidence of this. Pioli needed to change personnel if they were to get back in the game. Another chance came for Milan through Juraj Kucka as he got in behind the defence. With Carlos Bacca in the box, he failed to find the Colombian first time and when the cross was put in, it was cleared by Mauricio.

A cross was swung into the box and caused confusion for the Milan defenders. With Senad Lulic arriving, he controlled but was unable to lift the ball over the 6 ft 5 Milan keeper. Positive signs that Lazio can get more chances out of a defence that has only kept one clean sheet all season. Substitute, Ricardo Kishna thought that he had given Lazio a lifeline after he turned a ball into the net after a save from Donnarumma, however the assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside. It may have been disallowed but it did give the home side a much needed lift.

The lift was only temporary. Carlos Bacca rounded the keeper and scored after receiving the ball of Bonaventura who secured his second assist of the night. Milan never let Lazio get a foothold in the game and the margin does not flatter the away side one bit. With the victory secured, a clean sheet was next on the agenda, however Kishna dashed hopes of this on 85 minutes with a powerful shot that beat the Milan keeper at his near post.

Milan leave Rome with all three points as well as a good performance in an open game. They end their 6 year wait for a victory in the Stadio Olimpico and this victory sets them on there way to achieve a third placed finish that would see Champions League football return to the San Siro.

PSG Remain Unbeaten in the League

Goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Layvin Kurzawa, Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura gave PSG a comfortable victory over Saint Etienne and ensure the Ligue 1 holders remain unbeaten in the league.

Having returned from a Europa League tie against Dnipro in Ukraine, it was no surprise that St Etienne surrendered most of the possession to their hosts and tiredness was evident as the match progressed.

The first chance did fall to PSG, as Angel Di Maria a terrific out-swinging corner found the head of Thiago Motta but he could not direct the header on target. Two chances followed for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he failed to control the first and fired the second straight at the keeper.

Saint Etienne had the first attack on the 15 minute mark, when Valentin Eysseric's shot grazed the post. PSG took the lead 7 minutes later through Layvin Kurzawa. With Saint Etienne playing a high line, Kurzawa found himself in space on the left. He beat the defender before firing the shot into the back of the net via the hand of Stephane Ruffier for his first goal since joining the club from AS Monaco in the summer. With PSG completely dominant in the first half hour, it was only a matter of time before the second goal came.

After a terrific interception from Thiago Silva launched a counter attack, Angel Di Maria picked up the ball and struck a shot from outside the box that Ruffier had to parry to safety. Despite this, the visitors had grown into the game and were beginning to get foothold, but similarly, PSG look like they can add to their goal if and when they want.

Ruffier saved Saint Etienne's blushes with another terrific save in the second quarter of the game. After a loose pass was picked up by Cavani, Ibrahimovic was played through and he very unselfishly squared the ball to partner Cavani but his attempted shot was blocked by the goal keeper. A super save that kept the deficit at just one goal. Shortly before the interval the big Swede had another chance to double his side's lead, but his header looped over the bar off a Di Maria cross.

Straight from the kick off in the second period, PSG showed their attacking strength. Di Maria's shot trickled just wide and shortly after, Ibrahimovic squared a ball across the box for Cavani to tap in. The same pair linked up minutes later but Cavani scuffed his shot wide. He really should have done better. Saint Etienne were getting punished for their high defensive line and open play and with the continental hangover looming, a humbling was on the cards if they don't tighten up.

The third goal was scored through Saint Etienne's worst nightmare, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A sharp turn from Di Maria allowed the Argentine space and his pass found Edinson Cavani. With Ibra in the box, he repaid the pass earlier in the second half offered by the Swede and squared it to give the the 34 year old his 9th goal in his last five games against away side. Not known for their passing relationship, Cavani and Ibrahimovic surprised many tonight.

Saint Etienne managed to get a goal back in comical fashion. Kevin Monnet-Paquet's cross was poorly hacked away by Marquinhos and in an attempt to either control or clear the ball, Marco Verratti deflected it into the back of his own net. Even though it proved nothing more than a consolation, PSG will be annoyed to have conceded their clean sheet.

That goal for Saint Etienne seemed to give the side a bit of a lift, as several chances fell to the away side with Robert Beric having the pick of them. However a fourth PSG goal was scored as full time approached. Verratti dinked the ball into the box and Lucas Moura's header was clumsily dealt with by Ruffier and the ball managed to cross the line. The veteran Saint Etienne keeper had a good night, with this being the only blemish on his performance.

The PSG midfield won the game tonight. They retained possession expertly while fighting for the ball when they lost it. The Saint Etienne midfield was often outnumbered when Ibrahimovic dropped back or when Di Maria cut inside. A victory was nothing short of what Laurent Blanc expected of his side and as they look almost invincible in the league, much will be expected of them in Europe. 

Nerazzurri and Old Lady Share the Spoils in Milan

A goalless draw was the outcome in the Giuseppe Meazza in an enthralling encounter that contained some high octane footballing action.

Juventus were the side trailing Internazionale by 9 points and it was the visitors that started with the more possession. The prize in this game was massive so there was no surprise to see the referee dishing out bookings inside the first ten minutes. Claudio Marchisio, Felipe Melo and Sami Khedira getting jotted down by the ref.

The chances were thin to report on in the first 20 minutes. Juan Cuadrado did have a shot from the right that disturbed the side netting while Stefan Jovetic's free kick didn’t have Gianluigi Buffon worried. Nevertheless it was a pulsating opening quarter with plenty of passion being displayed by both sides.

Internazionale had a hand ball appeal turned down after 25 minutes after excellent work from Marcelo Brozovic down the left but replays showed that the ref made the correct decision. Jovetic had an excellent chance to break the deadlock shortly after when Jeison Murillo slid the Montenegrin through but he was foiled by an excellent save from the 159 times capped Italian stopper.

Inter were most definitely on top as the half hour mark approached. Buffon once again saved Juve's blushes when he tipped a curling shot from Brozovic onto the bar after a short corner. Juventus were struggling and having to commit cynical fouls to slow the game down and to try and get a foothold in it.

Inter seemed to have surrendered their momentum when Felipe Melo looked to have brought Khedira down with a challenge from behind but the referee deemed the challenge to be fair and waved play on. Replays lead me to believe that the Brazilian was lucky not to pick up a second yellow.

Both defences were on form. Andrea Barzagli was on fire and frequently thwarted Inter in their steps. Likewise an excellent challenge from Murillo prevented Simone Zaza from getting a shot on target. The referee blew an electric first half to a close.

Right from the off, Juve pressurised Inter and Cuadrado nearly squeezed a shot through Samir Handanovic's legs. The Old Lady dominated the midfield in the first 10 minutes of the second half, much to the contrary at the tail end of the first half. A snap shot from Stefan Jovetic was sweetly struck from about 10 yards outside the area, but Buffon was equal to the shot despite the vigorous dip just in front of him.

With an hour gone, it was Roberto Mancini who decided to try and force things with the introduction of Fredy Guarin. The pace of the game was frantic from the off of the game, with both sides causing each other problems and neither looking as if they would succumb to tiredness. It looked as if it was going to take a mistake or a piece of magic to separate the sides.

Undoubtedly the chance of the game was squandered by Sami Khedira just before the 70th minute mark. Excellent control, composure and awareness from Alvaro Morata inside the box allowed the Spanish international time to find the former Madrid man. Unchallenged a goal looked inevitable but his shot hit the post and bounced clear of danger.

As the final 5 minutes approached, it looked as if both sides were going away with a point each. Ivan Perisic did have a late free kick that sailed over the bar, not troubling Buffon, while a late surge by Cuadrado to the by-line looked promising, until he failed to find Paulo Dybala or Paul Pogba free on the edge of the 6 yard box. It was excellent play by Cuadrado to beat his opponent on the right flank.

Neither side could be separated and a point each was definitely the correct result. Juventus needed the victory more than the Nerazzurri as they continue to falter in attempt to get their Serie A campaign up and running.

Dutch Crash Out In Qualifiers

After a dismal Euro qualifying campaign, the Netherlands quest has finally died a death. Throughout this match they looked clueless and devoid of confidence, epitomising their campaign to date.

Right from the off, the Dutch showed their intent. A shot from Anwar El Ghazi was straight at Cech and the keeper saved comfortably. El Ghazi turned provider when his low cross found Wesley Sneijder on the edge of the box but he lacked the composure and sent the ball into Row Z. That's two chances the Dutch have had within the first 10 minutes and were made to rue them once 90 minutes were up.

However it was the Czech Republic that struck first. A flick from Tomas Necid split the defence and allowed Pavel Kaderabek to run in on Jasper Cillessen's net. A shot across the goal left the keeper helpless and gave the Dutch a mountain to climb. There was a notable change in the mood once the goal went in as the Dutch crowd created a raucous atmosphere up until that point. 

At the half hour mark, The Netherlands were having the majority of possession  but they evidently did not know what to do with the possession. No penetration and apart from those chances in the first minutes they didn't look like they were able to score against the Czechs.

The second goal came much to the dismay of the Dutch faithful. A Theodor Gebre Selassie throw in found the right winger before he chipped into Josef Sural who poked the ball past Cillessen in nets. It was poor defending from Van Dijk to allow the Czech wriggle away and double their lead.  Danny Blind had seen enough and introduced Robin Van Persie, substituting Ridejwald. 

This substitution seemed to give the Dutch a lift, creating several opportunities shortly after. Wesley Sneijder released Memphis Depay in behind the defence. He was through on goal but a desperate lunge from Marek Suchy brought the United man down and was dismissed for a professional foul. At half time, the Netherlands looked down and out, however the momentum from the red card had completely swung in favour of the home side.

The second half started and The Netherlands were keen to press. They had several attempts but were unable to latch onto and control the final ball. Time was not on the side of the Dutch and they were beginning to feel the pressure. Despite having the possession, the Czechs were relatively untroubled and Cech had minimal saves to make.

As the game progressed, the Netherlands resorted to long balls. 20 minutes into the second half and the Dutch were yet to make any advantage of the man extra. It was the away side that were going to hit the final nail into the coffin of the Netherlands. A free kick was swung in, and in an attempt to clear it, Robin Van Persie headed into his own net. 

Just short of the 70 minute mark, Klaas Jan Huntelaar headed a consolation for the home side and it would take a miracle to reach the next round. Huntelaar had another attempt but he shot straight at the Czech keeper. Like the red card, the goal seemed to give the Netherlands a lift, but it seriously looked as if they didn't know how to use it. It's not too often we see a Dutch side lump so many long, meaningless balls into the box.

The Netherlands got a second goal back after Van Persie redeemed himself after nudging the ball past Cech after a flick on from Wolfsburg man Bas Dost. Minutes later, Van Persie went down inside the box, but the referee deemed it to be a dive and booked the Dutchman.

The Dutch are out and truthfully, they didn't deserve anything from the game, never mind the qualifying campaign. It's back to the drawing board for Danny Blind and his Dutch side as they prepare to embark on a World Cup qualifying campaign that they cannot afford to mess up.

Vietto Saves The Day in Madrid Derby

A late Luciano Vietto goal cancelled out Karim Benzema's early strike as both sides leave the Vicente Calderon with one point.

Real Madrid started the game on top and it took less than 10 minutes for Karim Benzema to nod the visitors in front. Atletico lined up as they are to be expected, with everyone behind the ball and looked to counter, but this changed when going behind. The home side had a great chance through Angel Correa but he dragged his shot past Keylor Navas' right post.

The referee awarded the home side a chance to level the score line, but only after pressure from Atleti's front line on the Madrid defence.  Fernando Torres intercepted Sergio Ramos's pass but the former Liverpool man faltered and squandered the chance. Tiago picked up the loose ball only for Sergio Ramos, again, to scythe the veteran midfielder down. Antoine Griezmann stepped up but Navas dived to his left and saved the penalty from the young Frenchman.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first attempt came just after the half hour mark, but he ballooned the shot over the bar. Real lost fullback Dani Carvajal shortly before the half time whistle. The Spanish international was a key attacking outlet in the first half and always endeavoured to whip the ball into the box. It looked precautionary, but will no doubt the loss will worry Vicente Del Bosque ahead of Spain's Euro Qualifier on Friday.

Half-time beckoned and the score remained 1-0 to Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid were not creating much and anything they did create seemed to come from a Real mistake. For the second half, Simeone introduced the pace of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco in the place of Oliver Torres in an attempt to find an equaliser. 

Contrary to the first half, Atleti looked to take the game to their city rivals while Real were content to sit back and hit them on the counter attack. The home side had a few snap shots but they were blocked in tandem by the defensive pairing of Ramos and Varane. 

Atleti's only attacking outlet was down the flanks, where the wingers and full backs crossed the ball into the box. Largely the deliveries were disappointing and Madrid's back four dealt with them comfortably. Gareth Bale was introduced by Rafa Benitez, but never really had an impact on the game.

Despite Atleti's chances coming like treacle, they did manage an equaliser with seven minutes remaining. Ferreira-Carrasco broke down the left wing, beating Alvaro Arbeloa before zipping a low cross into the box. Griezmann's flick was blocked, but newbie, Luciano Vietto was on hand to net his first goal for the club. The goal seemed to spark the home side into life as they pressed their visitors higher up the pitch.

Jackson Martinez had an excellent opportunity to win the game for Atletico, with a shot from several yards outside the box. Although struck well, Navas was on hand to save once again. Both sides wanted the victory so the latter of the game descended into an end to end spectacle with neither side able to clinch all three points.

Real Madrid will be disappointed that they could not hold onto the one goal lead that would have sent them of the table, while Atletico Madrid will definitely see this as one point gained rather than two points dropped.

A Tale of Two Halves

It was definitely a tale of two halves at The Hawthorns tonight as Everton scored 3 unanswered goals to come back from two goals and secure the three points.

Berahino netted at the tail end of a grim first half before doubling their lead through a header from Craig Dawson. A Romelu Lukaku brace and Arouna Kone sent the Toffees away happy.

James Morrison had the first opportunity of the match with a sweetly struck shot that stung the hands of Tim Howard in the Everton goal. It was a tentative start to the match as both sides were happy to exchange possession. There weren't many goal scoring opportunities in the opening and both sides seemed more worried about not letting the other concede.

Everton did look good on the counter and created a lovely move just before the half hour mark. A Ross Barkley dummy made the momentum before finding Deulofeu. The low delivery was textbook, but Barkley couldn't nudge it towards the goal.

The crowd were finally given something to shout about on the cusp of half time. Want-away striker, Saido Berahino broke the deadlock with a shot that squeezed passed Tim Howard in nets after a stray pass from Gareth Barry. A special mention must go to James Morrison for the assist, whose pass was on a six pence. Roberto Martinez will be very disappointed to concede in that manner. The supporters can be forgiven if they fell asleep watching this match, as the quality was equal to a Sunday League game.

The goal sparked Everton into life, as they had managed a few half chances, one of which was a dangerous ball zipped across the six yard box. I speak for a lot of people when I say that I've never wanted a half time whistle to come as quick. Deulofeu and Barkley looked the only players in the first half that were capable of creating something, so both need to be utilised more after the interval.

We had more clear cut opportunities in  the opening 5 minutes than in the whole of the first half. James Morrison's deflected shot fell very kindly to James McClean but he ballooned the shot over the bar. Craig Dawson doubled the Baggies' lead from a header of a Chris Brunt corner, but the marking was absoutely horrendous. Martinez will be keen to thresh out any set piece calamities in preparation for the Merseyside derby on Sunday. Just 27 seconds later, Romelu Lukaku headed Everton back into the game and gave the travelling support some hope.

Berahino had the chance to bury Everton, but superb defending from Brendan Galloway denied the England U21 international. Not long after the chance, the game was levelled. Arouna Kone was played onside by Chris Brunt and he had all the time in the world to slot the ball past Boaz Myhill in goal. Kone's equaliser injected all sorts of confidence into Everton and they looked the more likely to go and find the winner.

A winner was what they got. That man Deulofeu, provided the spark and his ball was latched onto by Lukaku and at the second attempt bundled the ball into he net. It was coming, and it was the former Baggie who came back to haunt his old team. Rickie Lambert was introduced and West Brom resorted to the more familiar tactics of Tony Pulis by lumping the ball up to the big man.

Everton were victorious, but Martinez will still have concerns in the manner the goals were conceding. Going forward, Everton were very good when they got the ball to Deulofeu. The former Barca man assisted twice and delivered a performance that helped change the game on it's head. For Tony Pulis, it will be worrying how his side crumbled despite a two goal lead. Pulis won't be happy, particulary with Everton's first goal and will make his feelings clear to his players.

At half time I didn't think I would be reflecting on a goal fest, but football can be surprising at the best of times. For Everton they face Liverpool on Sunday and West Brom will be looking to make amends against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Guarin Strike Edges Out Rivals

The master beats the apprentice in a thrilling encounter in Milan. A sensational effort from Fredy Guarin gives Roberto Mancini the victory over his former assistant manager Sinisa Mihajlovic.

This game helped dispel all the common stereotypes with Italian football and the game started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to attack. The first sight on goal went the way of the Rossoneri with Carlos Bacca capitalising on a stray ball from Jeison Murillo. His pass to Luiz Fabiano was weighted perfectly but the shot was well saved by Samir Handanovic in the Inter net. Milan's front duo of Bacca and Fabiano were causing all sorts of problems for the Nerazzuri defence.

Once again, the movement of Luis Adriano wreaked havoc for Inter, but the Brazilian couldn't supply the finish. AC Milan looked sharp on the break, while Inter's defence looked shaky and coughed up several opportunities. In the dying embers of the opening half, Inter were gifted an excellent chance. Superb creativity from loanee Stefan Jovetic worked space and he was able to play Mauro Icardi through. Milan's full backs kept the Inter captain onside but his shot was scuffed and saved by Diego Lopez.

It was a superb half of football with both sides playing flowing, attacking football, aided by some excellent refereeing from Gianluca Rocchi - It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Similar to the first half, the second period started frenetically. Jovetic was creating chances but couldn't get a shot away, while at the back, Inter were looking frail.

Their frailties continued as the Nerazzuri nearly played themselves into a sticky situation at the back. However Kondogbia managed to play the ball wide and after two passes, Fredy Guarin pulled the trigger and his shot left Lopez with no chance in the nets. The ball could have very nearly ended up in the Inter net but once they got out of trouble, Milan were at sixes and sevens at the back and their risk was rewarded. Icardi had an excellent chance to double Inter's lead but he got too low and his header soared over the bar.

Italy's bad boy, Mario Balotelli was introduced with half an hour to go to a chorus of jeers. His distribution was impressive, and he nearly equalised with less than 15 minutes to go when his shot cannoned off the upright. Balotelli impressed me, and he looked as if he had a new lease of life since leaving Anfield. In the last ten minutes Milan piled on the pressure and Internazionale barricaded their defence. Inter managed to hold on for a one goal victory and now sit top of Serie A with maximum points.

There are positives and negatives for both sides to work on. Inter will be pleased to have the bragging rights and also maintain their great start, however defensive worries will remain in Roberto Mancini's mind. For Mihajlovic, it obviously will be a disappointment to lose the derby, however his side fashioned some excellent chances and on another day could have been a different result. Inter are looking strong and will definitely be challenging come the end of the season.

A Valiant Effort Falls Short for Bayern

A gutsy second half performance from Bayern Munich was not enough to overturn the 3-0 lead that Barcelona had amassed in the Nou Camp. A Neymar brace sent the Catalonian side through but goals from Medhi Benatia, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller sealed the 3-2 victory for the German side.

Similar to the first leg, Bayern adopted a risky 3 man defence at the start of the game when in possession and when the ball was conceded the holding midfielders would drop in to fill the gaps. This was the same formation that got cut open in the opening stages of the first leg but we can excuse Guardiola considering the predicament he was in.

Unlike last Wednesday, Guardiola's gamble paid off inside 10 minutes. A floated corner from Xabi Alonso was met by the head of Benatia and he guided the ball home unmarked. It was very shoddy defending from Barcelona and they put themselves under needless pressure. This lifted the Bavarians and hit the visitors. Bayern were bossing and were comfortably on top in the opening exchanges.

Their dominance only lasted 8 minutes. Completely against the run of play, Barca drained every ounce of optimism out of the very passionate and exuberant Munich vocal support with the equaliser. For the second time this match, Barca exploited Bayern's high line. A through ball from Messi found Suarez who squared it to Neymar and allowed him to roll the ball into an empty net. Shortly after, Messi was adjudged to be offside from a defence splitting pass. Bayern needed to have this 3 man transition nailed and can't give away cheap possession or else they were going to be on the end of a hammering.

Chances were coming at both ends through Lewandowski, Messi and Muller but Barca improved their lead on 28 minutes when goal scorer Benatia mistimed the ball leaving Suarez to race through and once again find his partner in crime who netted for his and Barca's second on the night. Never mind a hill, Guardiola's side had Mount Everest to climb and with the Catalans in imperious form, it was an impossible task.

Barca certainly rode their luck. A superb run from Thiago allowed Lewandowski to ghost into space. When the ball landed at the Pole's feet, 2 foot either side of the keeper and it was a certain goal. Instead, Ter Stegen parried before clawing it off the line. It was a good save, but Lewandowski really should have scored. The forward line for Munich got into excellent positions but were very wasteful tonight.  

Throughout the game, Bayern were decent in attack, fashioning numerous chances but were let down by the finish and suicidal defending at times. The second half began tentatively, as if both sides knew that the tie was over as a contest. With the league wrapped up for Bayern and no cup final to savour, they had simply pride to play for, while Barcelona have a tricky fixture against Atletico Madrid at the weekend. This probably explains the differing approaches made by managers as the game progressed. Both sides had chances, but the tempo barely exceeded a walking pace.

Bayern were rewarded for their superb pressing game inside the Barca half when they dispossessed the opposition in the final third. A shot from Lewandowski hit the net via the post and left Marc Andre Ter Stegen rooted. It was his 6th goal in the competition this year but he could easily have had 6 over the tie. Bayern enjoyed the majority of possession and Barca seemed content to soak up possession through the introuduction of Jeremy Mathieu and attempt to hit the home side on the counter. Would this defensive decision cost Barcelona? 

With 20 minutes to go, a curling shot from Thomas Muller found its was into the back of the net. I felt that Muller had been disappointing tonight as he squandered a fair few glorious chances in the first half. They took the lead on the night, probably the least that Guardiola expected from the second half. Bayern were getting chances but as 80 minutes beckoned, it seemed a little to late for the German Champions.

Munich kept pressing but they were unable to break Barca's defence for the fourth time tonight. The last action of the game was courtesy of Neymar. The Brazilian was on the hunt for his hat trick down the left flank, but instead of rolling it past Manuel Neuer, he played an over hit ball which Messi couldn't turn home. Neymar put in a decent shift, although him and Messi went missing under the dominance from Bayern in the final half.

It was a valiant second half effort from the Bavarians to win the game, but the damage was already inflicted in the first leg. I still maintain that if Lewandowski netted that open goal in the first leg, the game could have been a completely different story. Barca march on and have a treble to compete for. We could see them in Berlin competing to for the final jewel in the crown on what has been a topsy turvy season for the Spanish side.

Carlos Tevez hands Juventus the Initiative

A desperate performance from Real Madrid ensured that they left Turin having to overturn a 1 goal deficit, while Juventus can be quietly confident about their chances in the Bernabeu.

The game started at a frantic pace with a goalkeeping error from Iker Casillas nearly gifting Arturo Vidal a free shot. Juventus made a positive start with Vidal and Carlos Tevez finding pockets of space between the defence and attack. Alvaro Morata was able to outmuscle Pepe and to get a lobbed attempt on goal from about 25 yards only for the Spanish international to tamely fend it away.

Juve were awarded for their attacking exploits when a pass found Tevez in space on the edge of the box. His shot was palmed away by Casillas only to into the path of his former team mate, Alvaro Morata, and he had the easiest finish of his career. Madrid were still in the changing rooms.

The first 20 minutes belonged to Juventus. They received the majority of possession and dominated the midfield encounter. Their pressure was exceptional and they man marked Cristiano Ronaldo with aplomb. Frustration was building from Ronaldo and co. Tevez and Vidal brought to light Sergio Ramos' incapabilities when he was played out of position.

Juve's vulnerabilities on the flanks were fatally exposed when James Rodriguez was able to beat Patrice Evra and a ball found Ronaldo who ghosted into the edge of the 6 yard area to nod home from point blank range. While the opening 20 minutes belonged to Juve, the confidence began to grow in the final stages of the first half for Real Madrid.

Some brilliant, free flowing football from Real Madrid showed us why they are European Champions. Great build up play from Marcelo and Carvajal allowed Isco to fire the ball along the box and a header from James cannoned off the cross bar to Marcelo who sent it over the ball. This would be the last action of what was an interesting half.

The first ten minutes of the second half was sloppy, but it sparked into life when a scintillating run from Carlos Tevez ended in a penalty when Carvajal bundled the Argentine to the floor. He stepped up to restore Juve's lead and send the Juventus Stadium into raptures. The pendulum had swung back in favour of the Turin side.

As the game grew older, Real were beginning to get more and more edgy. Andrea Barzagli was introduced to help solidify things at the back while, Ancelotti brought on the quarter final winner, Javier Hernandez for some inspiration.

The Mexican looked lively and thrived upon a tired Juve defence but was unable to capitalise. The Old Lady were content to absorb the pressure in the closing stages and try and take a lead to the infamous Santiago Bernabeu. The passion displayed on the pitch from the home side was epitomised through tackles from Vidal and Andrea Pirlo who through their bodies at everything.

Real Madrid had too many passengers tonight and Juventus take a deserved lead to the Bernabeu. They will have every confidence that they can continue their excellent form this year into the return leg while Real will have to think long and hard at how to break a decent Italian defence.

Chicharito fires Real Madrid into the Semi Finals

Real Madrid pursue a second consecutive Champions League title, while Arda Turan's dubious red card halts Atleti's progress

Manchester United loanee Javier Hernandez, will have put his face in the shop window tonight with his very late winner that he scored the goal to send Los Blancos into the last four.

Despite several changes, Real Madrid were able to dominate the opening 20 minutes, but were unable to breach the typically disciplined Simeone side. Atleti did have their share of pressure, with Koke and Griezmann finding holes in behind the defence.

With the half time whistle blowing when the game remained scoreless, it was a game that wasn't very exciting, but fascinating nonetheless. Gamez had a shot saved by Casillas, while Ronaldo scuffed one wide before firing straight at Oblak when he really should have done better. Atleti conceded fouls to break up the game and frustrate Madrid and it was certainly working for the visitors.  

The second half started at a frenetic pace with Hernandez pulling a glorious chance across the face of the goal. The visitors were swinging balls into the box, but Real's defence dealt with them. Ramos found himself unmarked inside the box after a Ronaldo cross, but was unable to steer the ball to either side of Oblak. Likewise, a Koke header was straight at Casillas.

The tie swung in the favour of the Royals when a high foot from Arda Turan earned him a second yellow card. Real were able to make the extra man count, when Ronaldo squared the ball to Chicharito to give Real their first victory over Atleti this season.

Real Madrid's title defence continues as they march into the semi finals at the dispense of their city neighbours.

Man of the Match

I thought both Godin and Miranda had exceptional games, but my man of the match has to go to the match winner, Javier Hernandez. He ran every lost cause and was rightly rewarded with the winning goal.