Holders Bayern Munich eased into the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals with a 2-0 win home over Eintracht Braunschweig to keep alive their hopes of becoming the first team to win the competition three times in succession.
David Alaba finally broke the second-tier side s resistance with a free-kick in first-half injury time in what was the first goal Braunschweig had conceded in this season s cup.
Mario Gotze doubled the advantage following a neat dribble shortly after the restart.
The result sent the record 17-time DFB-Pokal champions into the last eight and ensured Bayern have won 15 straight matches in the tournament since losing to Borussia Dortmund in the 2012 final.
Furthermore, Bayern recorded their eighth straight victory – and seventh straight clean …
Market: Napoli win
Odds:
Knowing that three points on Friday would see them break back into the top-six, Napoli will make the trip to the Stadio Mario Rigamonti looking to make another statement.
Starting with the hosts, hit with what was a routine 2-0 defeat away at Juventus last weekend and still struggling to adjust to life back in Italy s top-flight, Brescia are spiraling towards a Serie B return. Losing three of their last four and yet to record a victory since the 14th of December, a nine-match winless run, Le Rondinelle have also continued to shine some glaring issues on home soil. Since making their Serie A return last summer, Diego López s men have managed to land just a sole victory at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti since opening the 2019/2020 campaign. …
Diego Simeone s men have not had a very good season. They began the year as one of few teams that had enough weapons to potentially threaten the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, their season has not gone according to the expectations. Poor managerial decisions, poor form from a few players and a clear lack of firepower upfront have the Madrid-based side in fifth place of the standings with 44 points. Most of that “poor form” can be attributed to the fact Atletico have drawn a league-high 11 times but, as a testament of their strong defensive work, only Real Madrid have lost fewer games than Atletico’s four. They have scored 29 goals this season – the lowest mark between the first nine teams in the standings – but have conceded just 19 times. They own the league…
Los Angeles Galaxy s Bruce Arena was named the 2008 Major League Soccer coach of the year Wednesday, after guiding the club to its first playoff berth since 2005.
Arena, now in his second season as Galaxy head coach, led Los Angeles to one of the most dramatic single season turnarounds in MLS history.
In 2008, the Galaxy finished at the bottom of the Western Conference, surrendering a league-high 62 goals.
One of Arena s biggest priorities during the 2009 off season was to solidify the club s defense.
Arena drafted University of Maryland star defender Omar Gonzalez with the third overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and brought in US national team veteran Gregg Berhalter at centreback.
Arena also handed the netminding duties to first-year MLS …
I found myself taking my girlfriend out on Saturday evening instead of watching my beloved Everton get beaten by Manchester United.
I know they would get beaten and I think most other Blues fans were realistic enough to know our fate before the game had even kicked-off.
I have to admit that afterwards I felt like a traitor, a fair weather supporter but to be honest I have found it painful to watch Everton this season.
Injuries and luck have played a big part in our poor performances this season. However you cant use those excuses all season. The Everton side that took to the pitch against Manchester United contained international and experienced players along with the two youngsters who have had to fill in all season.
Big week
This week sees two …
Cesc Fabregas has refused to rule out the possibility of playing in the Chinese Super League.
The Spain international watched former team-mate Oscar swap Chelsea for Shanghai SIPG during the transfer window, as the Brazilian joined the likes of Carlos Tevez, Hulk, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Axel Witsel and Ramires in China.
Blues striker Diego Costa continues to be linked with the CSL and Fabregas left the door open for a stint in Asia himself.
You never know, the 29-year-old told Natacha Tannous in a YouTube interview when asked about playing in China.
Once I don t think I can play in Europe, my plan at the moment is to go to the United States.
But you never know.
Fabregas has struggled for game time under Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte…
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says it is a pity Kevin De Bruyne will be on the opposing team in their crunch trip to take on Manchester City in the Premier League.
Conte s side have won seven consecutive top-flight matches and sit one point clear of Liverpool and Pep Guardiola s City at the top of the table ahead of the game.
De Bruyne is one of Guardiola s key players having started in 10 of their 13 top-flight games this season and the Chelsea boss agreed that his team had sold him too early back in 2014.
The Belgium international spent a superb campaign with Wolfsburg before joining City the following season, leaving Chelsea having to cope with him on Saturday.
De Bruyne played with Chelsea and I think he is a really great player, Conte said at his p…
Market: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 8/11 @
In what could prove to be a cagey affair from BMO Field in midweek, Toronto will welcome New York Red Bulls to town in the early hours of Thursday.
Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of yet another downbeat display last weekend, Toronto find themselves in the midst of a real MLS struggle. Once again battling it out at the foot of the Eastern Conference standings and tipped as a real underdog contender in the race to clinch a play-off ticket in 2023, Bob Bradley has found plenty of pressure on his shoulders over recent times. Eventually getting hit with a routine 2-0 loss away at Montreal a few days ago, the one-time Swansea boss has seen his side lose each of their last three domestic appearances. With that run high…
What the papers say
Newcastle are considering signing Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in the summer transfer window in a move to solidify their defence, according to the Daily Mail. The 25-year-old has played 13 games in the Premier League this season and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail also says Liverpool are interested in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who could be available for a free transfer in the summer window.
The Sun reports Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday could look to sign Orlando City and United States forward Duncan McGuire if they survive relegation this season. The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals in 32 games for Orlando this campaign.
Social media round-up
Brighton are ready to sell Kaoru M…
Papiss Cisse is determined to fight for his place in Newcastle United s first team, amid reports the club are looking to sell the striker.
The Senegal international, who moved to St James Park from Freiburg in January 2012, scored 11 goals in 22 Premier League games last season.
Cisse was hit with a seven-match ban for spitting at Manchester United defender Jonny Evans last term, before returning for Newcastle s last three matches as they narrowly avoided relegation.
With Steve McClaren taking over as head coach earlier this month, reports emerged that Cisse may be sold to raise funds for new signings, but he stated his intention to stay put.
I m here, I m at Newcastle and I have one and a half [years left on my] contract, Cisse told Sky Sports N…