'The responsibility falls onto the shoulders of Real Madrid's greatest ever goalscorer.... Ronaldo to win the Champions League: and he does do! Real Madrid have won the Champions League for the 11th time!'
-Darren Fletcher (BT Sport Commentator) on the 28th of May, 2016.
Before these words were uttered, the world saw what you'll describe as a pulsating and entertaining final between two city neighbours in Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively. Man of the match and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos put his side ahead in the early exchanges after turning in Gareth Bale's flick on from Toni Kroos' deft free-kick delivery. French superstar Antoine Griezmann, who's been Atlèti's saviour many times this season thumped his penalty onto the underside of the crossbar, but not over the line. Referee Mark Clattenburg penalised Kepler Pepe for a thwack on the back of Fernando Torres' calf in the 18-yard box. There was an equaliser deservedly you feel: halftime substitute Yannick-Ferreira Carrasco ghosted behind Los Blancos' back four and converted Juanfran centre past a stretching Keylor Navas into the roof of the net. The Giuseppe Meazza erupted as that went in. Game went all the way into the dreaded penalty shootout. Koke Resurecciòn and Dani Carvajal limped off after feeling great discomforts. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and fullback Danilo took their places respectively. Lucas Hernandez also came on for injured Filipe Luis.
Just like in Lisbon two years ago, no side ever laid down. Real got in front and had chances to kill the game off, notably the chances that fell to both Karim Benzema and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who for some reason we're not as clinical as they have been throughout this season. Gareth Bale and substitute Lucas Vazquez (on for Benzema) also had chances, but Jan Oblak proved impenetrable. Simeone's side had chances of their own after the equaliser. Antoine Griezmann went for the spectacular after Real Madrid failed to clear an Atlèti corner. His effort went just about over Keylor Navas' bar.
Mark Clattenburg ended proceedings after the end of extra time: still nothing to differentiate the sides on the scoreboard. Tired legs, tired minds, nerves of steel and veins full of ice needed from 12 yards out. Everyone dispatched their penalties with aplomb, everyone but, Spanish defender Juanfran. A hero against PSV Eindhoven earlier in the competition, turned villain as his effort hit the post and went out. What happened next needed the attention of the engraver. Up stepped a certain player, who wasn't up to his usual standards during those two hours. Cristiano Ronaldo, who said he had a premonition about this particular shootout, buried his penalty and sent a shockwave of emotions round the football world. Zinedine Zidane became the first Frenchman to win the trophy and also to win it as a player, an assistant manager, and as head coach. For a side deemed finished when he was called in January, this is truly magnificent. Eleven times Kings of Europe! Koke couldn't watch as he broke down in tears only to be consoled by compatriot El Niño (Fernando Torres). Marcelo, overwhelmed by the occasion, also let the tears out. It was Real Madrid's night as it turned out, and that wrapped up the club footballing season for 2015-2016. They will play Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup this summer.
Next up, the European Championship in France which kicks off on the 10th of June. Will it be a Cristiano redemption in international tournaments, or a German superiority? The Copa America 2016 and the Rio Olympics, not so far away. Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, here are your chances alright. This is going to be a good old sporting summer you feel. Not to forget, Josè and Pep will be back in August. Will he cement his name again as 'the Special One'? Will Zidane win La DuoDecima for Real Madrid in quick succession?
Don't forget to join our Euro 2016 Fantasy league with the code 145838UP. The winner gets a France home or away jersey. We're expecting you.
Real Madrid and Club de Atletico Madrid have progressed to the final of the prestigious UEFA Champions League which will be played on the 28th of May in the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy. It's El Dèrbi Madrileno in the UEFA Champions League Final again.
Rivalries are once of the most exciting components of any sport, and this particular rivalry about to open another chapter will be eagerly anticipated around the globe. This final will for the second time, see two teams face each other from the same city. Last time out was in Lisbon (2014) when Spaniard Sergio Ramos' deft header with almost two minutes left, saved his side's blushes and helped finish off Atletico in extra-time. That game ended 4-1.
Club Atletico De Madrid have real reason to be confident as they have won four and drawn one of the last six meetings with their more-illustrious opponents, Real Madrid CF. Slovak goalie Jan Oblak has the highest shutouts in Europe's top 5 leagues (23). The Colchoneros have only conceded twice in all the knockout games in this season's UEFA Champions League. Superbly stunning that is. Former Atletico midfielder Diego Simeone will be reeling for another clean sheet, and definitely more fulfilling: the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy. With his side falling at the penultimate hurdle of the Liga BBVA to already-relegated Madrid neighbors Levante, he will do all he can to become kings of Europe. He has a fully-fit squad and will be lighting up at the prospects of having Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres up front as those two have been so key in Atletico's trophy quests this season, as is Spanish playmaker Koke Resurecciòn who has racked up an impressive number of goals and assists this season. Spanish stalwart Saùl Niguez misses this one after he got sent off in the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich. Club President Enrique Cerezo will be hoping as other Atletico fans, that his side inflict revenge for the heartbreak of 2014 in Milan. Against their city neighbors, Atleti at times see it as their right to claim victory. Atletico have won thrice in succession in the Bernabèu against Real Madrid, and have lost only once in the last ten meetings. For a side who are considered to be inferior to their more illustrious city neighbors in Real Madrid, this is truly magnificent.
Zinedine Zidane and his side have got their wish, they are 90 minutes or so away from satisfying the incessant craving for La Undecima. After conceding only twice throughout the competition and scoring a truly impressive 19 times in those games leading up to the final, they will be praying for a repeat of history however it comes. Last time these clubs met in a European final was in 2014, when Welshman Gareth paid virtually every penny of the 100 million pounds dished out for him by Florentino Perez with the big moment in the second-half of extra time to put his side ahead in that chapter of this never-ending rivalry. Marcelo Vieira and sharpshooter Cristiano Ronaldo added to that goal to clinch La Decima for Real Madrid. Will history repeat itself, or will stats go out the window? We'll know when on the 28th of this month. Real though, have real reason to panic, as they've won just one of the past six outings with their city rivals. Most times against Atletico, they look almost powerless, more like their wings were clipped really. If they are to win, they must match the physicality of this Atletico side whilst being clinical on the break and taking chances when they come. Club manager Zizou can boast a fully-fit squad as recently injured CR7, Benzema, Bale, and Casemiro are all fit to play. Also, there is no suspension for any player. After missing out by the odd point on La Liga thanks to a certain Uruguayan magician, it's looks like it's La Undecima or bust for Zizou.
Like a top box office movie, this particular encounter promises to be enthralling as exciting with every minute passing by. Present manager Zinedine Zidane looks to join the select few who have won the UEFA Champions as a player and a manager. Diego Simeone who hasn't won it as a player (even at Atletico Madrid) will be looking to have a 'first-time' feeling of success in Europe's elite competition. Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo apparently needs a win on Saturday to push his Ballon D'Or claim even further into the ascendancy. He could also be the first man to score in three European Cup finals. Also, Brit Gareth Bale aims to stake his claim as a 'specialist in finals'. His big goal last time out in a final quenched the 12-year wait for La Decima. Karim Benzema desires to add to his best-scoring tally in a season with a victory in Italy. Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann look to wrap up a truly impressive campaign. Both these players at times have lifted the Colchoneros over the finish line on their own.
It's your typical Italian Job stakeout, there aren't Charlize Theron or Edward Norton out here; but there are some of the best in the business that will be on show for their respective sides come Saturday the 28th of May. Mark it out in your calendar, folks, as it promises to be a true spectacle. La Undecima and La Primera on the cards here, who will get their names engraved on the trophy?
Could Real Madrid get their hands on an eleventh CL title? (Pic: Pinterest.com)
Real Madrid welcome former manager Josè Manuel Pellegrini and Manchester City to the Estadio Santiago Bernabèu for the second leg of this year's UEFA Champions League semifinal. Both sides played out a stalemate at the Etihad stadium as marksman Cristiano Ronaldo sat out the tie nursing a thigh strain. Karim Benzema only lasted the first half as he too had a muscle strain. Zidane will be hoping both of his stars are fit come Wednesday the 4th of May.
Los Blancos had chances in the second half to grab an away goal in that game, but were foiled by the virtually unbeatable Joe Hart. The English shot stopper made two really outstanding saves; one to deny Casemiro with a trailing left foot and the other in an unorthodox fashion to keep out Pepe from barely five yards out. Substitute Jesè Rodriguez hit the top of the bar with a looping header. Hosts Manchester City only pulled out one notable save out of Keylor Navas in the dying embers of the game as Zidane's side did all they could to prevent losing in the first leg.
(Video: YouTube)
Real will have much encouragement to go all the way into the final as they boast a very impressive winning streak at the Bernabèu in this season's edition (5 wins out of 5). They also come into this encounter on the back of five straight clean sheets on home soil. This really impressive record also comes with a daunting tally of 18 goals scored in those five games. Talk about attacking prowess. Most notably in this tie is the massive support the Madridistas show for their side as we saw against German minnows VFL Wolfsburg. Los Merengues will be immensely boosted by the returns of CR7 and Karim Benzema and also having a fully fit squad who literally give their all each time being called upon.
Every winning side has to have a certain style that gives them results and this particular crop of players have one. It is one hinged on high energy levels evident in chasing back to retrieve possession and a lethal counter attack when on the break.
Can these two help fire Real Madrid to the title? (Pic: FourFourtwo)
This pattern of play is brought about by the technical prowess of World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane who has tweaked nearly to perfection the mechanics of this well-oiled machine known as Real Madrid. Will they be able to go all the way? We'll just have to wait and see. The objective for President Florentino Perez is to see his side win the game on the night. Even at the Bernabèu, this is no easy task.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo described the game against Wolfsburg as the 'perfect night'.If Cristiano is fit to play on Wednesday, we might just see another Portuguese holocaust rain terror. Madrid that night were at times in truth, unplayable. If we see anything or even more of what we saw at the Bernabèu last time out, we could see them take that one step closer when they are one game away from clinching La Undecima.
First we'll like to apologize, PLAYS OF THE WEEK has not been posted for a while now and that was due to some changes going on with our site in other to make things easy and smooth for you the fans. Secondly what a week to come back, fairytales do happen, Leicester City with the odds of 5000/1 have won the Barclays Premier League, who would have taught, anyway let's get to business.
FLOP OF THE WEEK: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga and Champions League).
The Germans would have had a torrid week as they lost their first leg away Champions League tie to Atletico 1-0, and over the weekend, they had the chance to wrap up the the Bundesliga but this was halted as Moenchengladbach held the Bavarians to a draw at the Allianz Arena. Guardiola and his boys did not have any answer to these setbacks but everything could turn around by the time we're posting the next Plays OF The Week.
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Saul Niguez (Atletico).
More misery for the Bavarians on POTW, but props has to be given to the lad for his bravery and craft. Saul picked up the ball from the midfield area ran through on goal beating three Bayern players in the process. then picked his corner perfectly placing a shot that Manuel Neuer could not reach. Good goal by the 21 year old spaniard, he's one to watch.
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle).
It's times like these we really cherish this sport we love so much, as the drama of a last ditch tackle or something important could get you to a step of you achieving your goal and ambition. Newcastle conceded a penalty after going 1-0 up with few minutes left in the game. Former Geordie Yohan Cabaye stepped up to take the penalty and the frenchman hit the ball low and hard but the young goalie was able to read the situation and save the penalty. That save from Karl Darlow might just help Newcastle beat the drop as they look to continue to be a Premier League team.
MATCH OF THE WEEK: Watford V Aston-Villa (Barclays Premier League).
This was going to be a match for pride as both teams know their faiths already. Aston-Villa are getting ready for life in the Championship while Watford have ascertained their desire of remaining a Premier League club.
In the first-half, Watford were in control at the early stages but it was Villa that took a shock lead as Clarian Clark scored from an assist by Ashley Westwood, 1-0 to Villa. The West-Midlands club held their own and were showing some spirit but all fell downcast as Swiss International Almen Abdi scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 from a well placed free-kick. (Fun Fact: That is the first free-kick scored by a Watford player in the Premier League). 1-1 at the break.
Second-Half started with Villa on the up and they were rewarded for it as a quick 1-2 passing move between Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew resulted to the latter getting the second goal for Aston Villa. It looked like Villa were finally going to get a victory but drama took place in the 73rd minute were Aly Cissokho was sent-off for a last man challenge on Ikechi Anya, Villa down to ten men. Minutes after Watford capitalised on their man advantage as captain and lifelong Birmingham fan Troy Deeney scored the equaliser. 2-2 with just stoppage time to go but Villa as they've been all season could not hold on as Troy Deeney scored again to win it for Watford 3-2. Aston Villa have now gone 11 games without a victory #OHBOY.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Rafa Benitez (Newcastle).
Could possibly be his toughest job in his merry go-round career, and Newcastle faithfuls are loving the man already. With 8 points from a possible 12 in Newcastle's last four games, Rafa has been able to rally his troops as they look to beat the drop and continue being a Premier League club next season, Newcastle's latest 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace got them out of the drop zone and they're odds on favorites to remain in the league versus their rivals. If he manages to keep them (Newcastle) up, we're sure Chelsea fans will not be happy.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Leicester City (Barclays Premier League).
5000/1, these were the digits ignored by punters all over the world and now it has come to pass. If you got on it then kudos and if not you can try Burnley next season because that is the same number given by the bookies. Extraordinary achievement from this crop of players, they were determined, desired and ready to fight for themselves as they charged towards the title. Every obstacle they dealt with the situation and also they were able to contain the pressure that was put towards them. We could write a whole column on Leicester but that's for another day let's just congratulate the English Champions Leicester City by poking ourselves and know the feeling is true.
COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK:
GK: Karl Darlow (Newcastle United).
After first Tim Krul and Rob Elliot were sidelined with long-term injuries, the young English lad Karl Darlow was thrown into the mix of battle and so far the goalie has been paving his way. His key moment was the penalty save in his team's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace which got the Magpies out of the drop zone.
RB: Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United).
Another player who has stepped up his game since Rafa Benitez came in, the dutch man has been used at full-back positions where he has flourished racking up goals and assists recently. He had a solid game against Crystal Palace as he helped his team obtain all three points in their Barclays Premier League fixture.
CB: Stefan Savic (Atletico).
The center-back has been part of the pack that has kept 5 clean sheets in their last five games and Barcelona and Bayern Munich are part of the opponents they've faced. Savic was very solid against Bayern, he was always on the tail of Lewandowski giving the polish striker no breathing space. Atletico's defence can have a shout of being one of the best out there today and Savic is an important part of it.
CB: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).
We've really not rated him in the TSM camp, but he has been able to show character and lead his pack to the summit of greatness. Morgan was great in Leicester City's 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford over the weekend. He scored the equaliser that got his team a point and that point also confirmed them as Champions of England. Wonder if one of the big teams will cash in on him?
LB: Filipe Luis (Atletico).
The full-back has always been top notch for his club. The thing about it is that he can mix it up, when he has to silky he will give you that and when he has to be rugged and fight, he also has that in his locker. Great performance from the full-back in the past week as he helped Atletico beat Bayern and Rayo Vallecano respectively.
CM: Mark Noble (West-Ham).
A hammer till he dies, the West-Ham captain scored a brace as he helped West-Ham gain all 3 points in their 3-0 away win at West-Brom. West-Ham are still in touching distance to play Champions League football net season and that'll be a new way to launch a Stadium.
CM: Saul Niguez (Atletico).
The man on everyone's lips at the red side of Madrid. The young man's solo goal was enough to get a first leg victory for his team over Bayern. Hope his form can continue and propel his team to greatness this season.
RW: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid).
No Ronaldo, no worries we've got Gareth Bale. He has carried the mantle since Ronaldo hit the sidelines by getting vital goals for his team. For the second week running Bale has scored the winning goal for Real Madrid which keeps them in touch in the battle to win the league title
Bale is a player Real can look forward to in years to come.
LW: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
People ask where he has been all season well he answered with a 45 minutes cameo as he helped Chelsea salvage a draw after they were 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham. His magic of last season burst on the Stamford Bridge pitch and his performance on the night waved the crowd. He capped of his performance with a great goal which also dented Tottenham's title hopes.
AM: Sadio Mane (Southampton).
Not many can boast of two Premier League hat-tricks but this Senegalese can. He was involved in all 4 goals scored by Southampton as they thrashed Manchester City 4-2 at the St Mary's over the weekend. Mane scored a hat-trick and assisted another to help boost Southampton's chances of qualification for Europe.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).
Routine win for PSG as they beat Rennes 4-0 in their Ligue 1 fixture. Ibrahimovic scored a brace on the night which takes his tally to 44 goals in 47 appearances this season. Fine wine never gets old.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wes Morgan (Leicester City).
The Jamaican International has been top notch all season, his leadership qualities have come into play as Leicester celebrate what is a fairytale in Sports today. He scored the goal that won them the title at Old Trafford and his never say die attitude has propelled him and his teammates to the greatest achievement they could ever ascertain. They're all legends and Wes Morgan leads the pack.
Yesterday's games wraps up the 1st stage of 2015/2016 UEFA Champions League Quarter Final games and the results are as follows:
Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid.
(Suarez 63, 74 Torres 25)
Luis Suarez's brace gives Barcelona edge (Pic: DailyMail)
This game was undoubtedly one of the most difficult fixture compared to the others, and it was an entertaining fixture. The two Spanish giants started the game with panache and aplomb, MSN individually missing chances before Griezmann himself coming close. The first goal of the game came from their lowkey Nemesis, Fineboy el nino Torres, former liverpool striker scores with a finish in between Ter Stegen's legs in the 25 minute. He later goes on to pick a yellow in the 29th minute and another yellow in the 35th minute which unsurprisingly earns him an early shower.
Poetic init?
The first half ends with ten man Atletico holding on to a 1 goal lead. Luis Suarez, another former liverpool striker equalizes for the Champions League defending Champions on the 63rd minute and then scores again on the 74th minute. This is the 2nd game in a row when Atletico scores first and still goes ahead to bottle it to Barcelona. Just so you know fouls stats are 19-16, to be honest i expected way more.
It was a good game to watch, Atletico would be excited with their away goal but will not be happy with lack of their striker Fernando Torres.
Prediction: Barcelona to qualify
Bayern Munchen 1-0 Benfica.
(Arturo Vidal 2)
Arturo Vidal celebrates his early goal (Pic: Goal.com)
I have to come clean with you and tell you this was a boring game to watch, apart from the Vidal 2nd minute header coming from when future legend Juan Bernat picked him out. Vidal still went ahead to have the most chances of the games with Benfica's defenders choking out the Polish great Lewandowski and Versatile Thomas Muller. Pre match conference before this game Bayern's boss mentioned that Benfica had the best defense in the competition and it would be difficult to score them, well he did not lie. The best chance of the game did come from the Polish great though, missing an open goal in the 89th minute to seal off the game.
The Bavarians would be disappointed to come out of this home tie with just a goal, and the Portuguese leaders would know they have a great chance of qualifying to the semi finals if they have a good result at Lisbon. Bayern had 8 shots and 6 on target and Benfica had half of these respectively. What are the chances?
Prediction: Bayern Munchen to qualify.
Wolfsburg 2-0 Real Madrid
(Ricardo Rodriguez pen 18, Maximilian Arnold 25)
Wolfsburg Celebrate their 2-0 win over Real Madrid (Pic: The Guardian)
To say anyone could have predicted this result turning out this way, you need to get at me so you can predict my future for me. Wolfsburg have just 3 wins in 15 games, 1,2,3 in 15 games that means 1 win every 5 games and 10 times Champions league winner were fresh from defeating fierce rivals Barcelona with 10 men at Camp Nou. Lets repeat that again Wolfsburg with a form of 1 win in every 5 games defeated Real Madrid who are fresh from coming behind to beat Barcelona at Camp Nou with ten men, 2 unreplied goals. The beauty of football.
An 18th minute penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez as it appeared that Casemiro fouled Andre Schurrle in the box and the Swiss made no mistake from the spot to give the German 8th position team a 1 goal lead at the Volkswagen arena. Seven minutes later Arnold tapped in Wolfsburg's 2nd after a cross from Henrique to send the home fans to Euphoria. Madrid had chances to score, but did not take them and from a team planning on riding on their El classico's victory to win their 11th European trophy this was a very disappointing result.
Wolfsburg would be happy with this result,and would go to the Santiago Bernabeu knowing that if they are organised and play a very defensive game they will go through to the semifinals. Real Madrid on the other hand would need 3 goals to qualify if they are to avoid penalty shootouts and they know an away goal conceded would make things very difficult for them to qualify.
Prediction: Wolfsburg to qualify (What can I say, I'm a fan of fairytales)
Paris St Germain 2-2 Manchester City
(Ibrahimovic 41, Rabiot 60 - De Bruyne 38, Fernandinho 73)
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his goal against PSG. (Pic: Citizen.co.za)
The best game of the quarter finals so far, it contained everything a football soap opera required except a red card. 4 goals, yellow cards, yellow cards which seemed like red because of the missing next game implication, several penalty shouts, a penalty save, a howler, etc. Just imagine everything you think deserved to be in a telenovela of football and you will have it in this game. A penalty miss by Ibrahimovic as returnee from injury Joe Hart, guessed the right way and saved the penalty. The french 2015/16 league winners went behind after a first-rate finish from De bruyne which left Trapp with no chance, after he was put through by Fernandinho and some comical defending from David Luiz. A howler from Fernando allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic grab an equalizer 3 minutes after, when he could not take the ball out of his danger area and was put under pressure by the big Swede. Second half begun and the french Champions took the lead from a former City academy player, Rabiot finish after some abysmal defending from Man city in the 60th minute. 13 minutes later the Citizens equalize from Fernandinho after another set of poor defending from prodigal boy Aurier.
Matuidi and David Luiz wont feature in the 2nd leg at Man City's home due to yellow cards picked up today and with Verratti already injured and City possessing away goal advantage. Blanc would need his players to dig deep to salvage qualification against City and if Man City can get their defense in shape, they would need to just play their game at home to get qualification.
Sorry we did not bring you PLAYS OF THE WEEK last week, we had to sort out some technical issues and now that is behind us we can now focus on the sport we love; Football. It was another shocking week ranging from the FA Cup and other league games coming through, anyway let's get into it.
FLOP OF THE WEEK: Arsenal (FA Cup).
Earlier in the week the Gunners played their replay fixture against Hull and they went through the fixture easily seeing their opponents off 4-0 on the night. The victory got them a quarter-final tie against Watford, and as usual Arsenal tend to show their consistency of being inconsistent. They lost the game 2-1 which saw them get knocked out of the competition in which they were back to back winners over the last 2 years. Now they've slim hope of getting silverware this season as they're on the edge in the Premier League and Champions League.
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Dimitri Payet (West-Ham).
The french midfielder has been on sensational form for West-Ham all season and he kept doing his what he knows how to do best as he helped West-Ham get a replay in their 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Payet gave West-Ham the lead by scoring a beater of a free-kick, beating David De Gea from 30-35 yards. Enjoy the goal;
SAVE OF THE WEEK: David De Gea (Manchester United).
Without this man in goal for United this season, the Red Devils will not be alive in the top four race or still have a chance in the Europa League. This save showed how sharp and alert David can be but it was not enough to help Manchester United in their 2-0 Europa League win
MATCH OF THE WEEK: Sevilla V Villarreal (Spanish La Liga).
It was a good game for the neutral, goals, comebacks, cards and anything you could grace for in a Football game.
First-Half started and both teams attacked each other from the start, but it was not till the 23rd minute we saw the first goal, Vicente Iborra gave Sevilla the lead 1-0 to the home team. Six minutes later Congolese International Cedric Bakambu made it 1-1 by scoring the equaliser. It wasn't long before the same man made it 2-1 to Villarreal as the yellow submarines took control of the game. First half finished 1-2 as the visitors won the half.
Second-Half started the same way both teams attacking each other as usual but this time Sevilla put more pressure on their opponents. The pressured payed off and Sevilla got their equaliser when Victor Ruiz put through his own goal and the score became 2-2. Sevilla did not rest on their laurels and they pushed for another goal which they got rewarded for when Yevheniy Konoplyanka scored a worldie goal to make it 3-2 to Sevilla. It was time for Villarreal to respond but it was to no avail as Sevilla scored another goal in the 90th to clear all doubts. Jose Antonio Reyes got the 4th goal for the home team.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Quique Sanchez Flores (Watford).
Watford have had a above average season so far and they've copped it with a FA Cup semi-final ticket in which they play Crystal Palace. They got to this stage by beating Arsenal 2-1 in their quarter-final tie against Arsenal.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Paris Saint Germain (Ligue 1).
They wrapped up the title this past weekend in style as they beat Troyes 9-0 in their Ligue 1 fixture. With 8 games to go, this is the fastest any team in France has won the league in their history. Congratulations.
COMBINED TEAM OF THE WEEK:
GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus).
The Italian veteran kept a clean sheet in Juventus 1-0 win over Sassuolo in their weekend fixture and that was his 10th clean sheet in a row for his team which records at 903 minutes. He needs 4 more minutes to break the current record held by AC Milan great Sebastiano Rossi's record.
RB: Allan Nyom (Watford).
He had a solid game for his team against Arsenal as he helped to knock the gunners out of the FA Cup. He totally isolated Alexis and challenged him on every take on the Arsenal forward had. Nyom has been one of Watford's key players all season.
CB: Craig Cathcart (Watford).
The Centre-back had a smashing as he made last ditch tackles to stop Arsenal's shots on goal. Cathcart has been one of the unsung performers for Watford this season.
CB: Timm Klose (Norwich).
The former Wolfsburg player did not give Aguero any breathing space as Norwich were able to crop out a point in their 0-0 draw against the Citizens. It's an added point for Norwich as they look to survive in the Premier League.
LB; Danilo D'Ambrosio (Inter-Milan).
The full-back has been consistent for all the blue side of Milan all season and he showed how good he has been by getting one of the two goals scored by Inter in their win over Bologna in the Serie A. Never doubt a late call up from his country.
CM: Adrien Rabiot (PSG).
The player must have settled his nerves and put his head in the game and this week his quality told. He scored in his team's 2-1 victory over Chelsea which saw them qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals, plus he scored in PSG's 9-0 demolition of Troyes which saw them win the Ligue 1 title.
CM: Dele Alli (Tottenham).
The young sensation had a simple calm and collected game in Spurs 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. The young cub set up both goals for his compatriot Harry Kane as Tottenham continue to push Leicester City for the league title.
LW: Marco Reus (Dortmund).
The tricky forward scored a brace in his team's Europa League fixture against Tottenham (Dortmund 3-0 Tottenham), He also scored in Dortmund's 2-0 win over Mainz in their weekend Bundesliga fixture.
RW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona).
The little magician scored a goal and made up 3 as Barcelona continued their rout sharing spree, this time they beat Getafe 6-0 in their La Liga fixture over the weekend. Arsenal be wary
ST: Romelu Lukaku (Everton).
The Everton forward was able to break his jinx of not scoring against his old club by scoring a brace against Chelsea as his goals knocked the blues out of the FA Cup. Romelu is having the best season of his young career so far, he has notched up 25 goals.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).
He scored a milestone of goals this week, scored 1 in PSG's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Champions League and he scored a double brace in PSG's 9-0 win over Troyes which saw them wrap up Ligue 1 in style.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG).
At the age of 34 his numbers are still on the top, infact this should be his best tally season in his career. The veteran swede has scored 35 goals in 38 appearances this season and he has also scored a 100 goals in Ligue 1, that is in 4 seasons with the capital club. As he said he can play till his 40 and the feature on fine wine seems to be a feature of the swede's as well.
