Showing posts with label Matchday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matchday. Show all posts
11:23
Goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses in the first leg allow Rafa Benitez's men a bit of breathing space as they make the long trip to the Russian capital.
By Al Hain-Cole, Goal.com editor.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
TEAM NEWS
Vladimir Dyadyun will compete for a place up front with Salomon Rondon for the hosts, who have no injury concerns to speak of.
Cesar Navas, Ivan Marcano and Roman Sharonov will fight for two places in the centre of defence, while Oleg Kuzmin may replace Gokdeniz Karadeniz on the right-hand side of midfield.
Chelsea face a potential dilemma at left-back, where Ashley Cole's (hamstring) usual deputy Ryan Bertrand is struggling with a virus. Nathan Ake is the club's only other natural left-back, while Paulo Ferreira could fill in from his preferred right-back position.
Gary Cahill is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus on the knee he damaged in last month's win against West Ham.
With Demba Ba cup-tied, Fernando Torres will continue up front, having scored twice in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz, Ramires and Juan Mata are likely to be rested after playing three games in less than a week, so John Terry, Frank Lampard and Victor Moses should come into the starting line-up.
Rubin Kazan vs Chelsea Europa League Preview
April 10, 2013
Goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses in the first leg allow Rafa Benitez's men a bit of breathing space as they make the long trip to the Russian capital.
By Al Hain-Cole, Goal.com editor.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
RUBIN KAZAN
Ryzhikov
Kaleshin, Navas, Sharonov, Ansaldi
Orbaiz, Natcho
Kasaev, Eremenko, Karadeniz
Rondon
CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand
Lampard, Mikel
Moses, Oscar, Hazard
Torres
TEAM NEWS
Vladimir Dyadyun will compete for a place up front with Salomon Rondon for the hosts, who have no injury concerns to speak of.
Cesar Navas, Ivan Marcano and Roman Sharonov will fight for two places in the centre of defence, while Oleg Kuzmin may replace Gokdeniz Karadeniz on the right-hand side of midfield.
Chelsea face a potential dilemma at left-back, where Ashley Cole's (hamstring) usual deputy Ryan Bertrand is struggling with a virus. Nathan Ake is the club's only other natural left-back, while Paulo Ferreira could fill in from his preferred right-back position.
Gary Cahill is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus on the knee he damaged in last month's win against West Ham.
With Demba Ba cup-tied, Fernando Torres will continue up front, having scored twice in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz, Ramires and Juan Mata are likely to be rested after playing three games in less than a week, so John Terry, Frank Lampard and Victor Moses should come into the starting line-up.
10:13
The Blaugrana will hope that home advantage can give them the edge over Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded outfit in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.
By Karthick Arvinth, Goal.com editor
PROBABLE LINEUPS
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is racing to recover from a hamstring strain in time for the crunch encounter against Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou.
Cesc Fabregas is likely to be preferred in attack if Messi fails to return, while Pedro is also in contention for a starting berth after recovering from a calf injury.
Blaugrana boss Tito Vilanova may deploy either Sergio Busquets or Alex Song in central defence in place of the inexperienced Marc Bartra to counter the attacking threat of the visitors.
PSG captain Thiago Silva is expected to play despite missing the weekend win at Rennes with a bruised knee.
Thiago Motta (groin) and Alex (thigh) should also be fit, but Blaise Matuidi is suspended after picking up his third booking of the competition in the first leg.
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Champions League Preview
The Blaugrana will hope that home advantage can give them the edge over Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded outfit in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.
By Karthick Arvinth, Goal.com editor
PROBABLE LINEUPS
BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves - Piqué - Song - Alba
Xavi - Busquets - Iniesta
Pedro - Fàbregas - Villa
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Jallet - Alex - Silva - Maxwell
Moura - Beckham - Chantôme - Pastore
Ibrahimovic - Lavezzi
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is racing to recover from a hamstring strain in time for the crunch encounter against Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou.
Cesc Fabregas is likely to be preferred in attack if Messi fails to return, while Pedro is also in contention for a starting berth after recovering from a calf injury.
Blaugrana boss Tito Vilanova may deploy either Sergio Busquets or Alex Song in central defence in place of the inexperienced Marc Bartra to counter the attacking threat of the visitors.
PSG captain Thiago Silva is expected to play despite missing the weekend win at Rennes with a bruised knee.
Thiago Motta (groin) and Alex (thigh) should also be fit, but Blaise Matuidi is suspended after picking up his third booking of the competition in the first leg.
10:09
Jupp Heynckes' side lifted their 23rd domestic title on Saturday and are in pole position to progress to the last four of the Champions League against Antonio Conte's men.
By Craig Turnbull, Goal.com editor
PROBABLE LINEUPS
TEAM NEWS
Juventus will be without Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal for the second leg clash in Turin following their first-leg bookings, as the Bianconeri look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich.
The bulk of the Old Lady's starting XI were rested at the weekend which means there could be up to seven changes to the side that beat Pescara 2-1. Gianluigi Buffon should return, while Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are welcomed back from their domestic suspensions, meaning the back four that has served Juve so well this season will be unchanged.
Federico Peluso is likely to start ahead of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah, who has suffered indifferent form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simone Padoin could fill the right wing-back slot while Paul Pogba is in contention to start in place of the suspended Vidal.
Mirko Vucinic has fully recovered from illness but Sebastian Giovinco will miss the match after being stretchered off on Saturday, leaving Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri to battle it out for the remaining place upfront.
Javi Martinez is available again for Bayern after being suspended for the first leg, but Toni Kroos injured his adductor in Munich which means there is likely to be a reshuffle in attack, with Arjen Robben wide on the right, Thomas Muller drifting inside to occupy the No.10 role and Franck Ribery wide left.
Mario Mandzukic was rested against Frankfurt at the weekend but he is likely to start again against Antonio Conte's men.
Juventus vs Bayern Munich Champions League Preview
Jupp Heynckes' side lifted their 23rd domestic title on Saturday and are in pole position to progress to the last four of the Champions League against Antonio Conte's men.
By Craig Turnbull, Goal.com editor
PROBABLE LINEUPS
JUVENTUS
Buffon
Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini
Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso
Vucinic, Quagliarella
BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer
Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba
Martinez, Schweinsteiger
Robben, Muller, Ribery
Mandzukic
TEAM NEWS
Juventus will be without Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal for the second leg clash in Turin following their first-leg bookings, as the Bianconeri look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich.
The bulk of the Old Lady's starting XI were rested at the weekend which means there could be up to seven changes to the side that beat Pescara 2-1. Gianluigi Buffon should return, while Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are welcomed back from their domestic suspensions, meaning the back four that has served Juve so well this season will be unchanged.
Federico Peluso is likely to start ahead of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah, who has suffered indifferent form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simone Padoin could fill the right wing-back slot while Paul Pogba is in contention to start in place of the suspended Vidal.
Mirko Vucinic has fully recovered from illness but Sebastian Giovinco will miss the match after being stretchered off on Saturday, leaving Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri to battle it out for the remaining place upfront.
Javi Martinez is available again for Bayern after being suspended for the first leg, but Toni Kroos injured his adductor in Munich which means there is likely to be a reshuffle in attack, with Arjen Robben wide on the right, Thomas Muller drifting inside to occupy the No.10 role and Franck Ribery wide left.
Mario Mandzukic was rested against Frankfurt at the weekend but he is likely to start again against Antonio Conte's men.
05:14
The duo both struck at the death to take BVB from the brink of elimination and into the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of the devastated Spanish side.
By Tom Webber, Goal.com editor
Borussia Dortmund booked their space in the final four of the Champions League with a miraculous 3-2 win over Malaga at the Signal Iduna Park.
BVB failed to make their dominance count at La Roselada last week and it looked to be a recurring theme when Joaquin put Manuel Pellegrini's ahead, but Robert Lewandowski equalised before the break. Eliseu looked to have broken BVB hearts with a late goal but two stoppage-time strikes courtesy of Marco Reus and Felipe Santana ensured an unbelievable comeback.
With the tie so delicately balanced from the first leg, such a conservative approach to the early stages from both teams was somewhat predictable.
As the minutes ticked by the hosts became more adventurous and in the 16th minute Lewandowski got his first chance to shoot at goal. He elected for an audacious 25-yard chip from Mario Gotze's pass but his overcooked attempt floated over the stranded Willy Caballero's goal.
Los Boquerones had struggled to string a meaningful attack together but in the 25th minute when they silenced the Signal Iduna Park.
Julio Baptista pounced on a poor clearance from Felipe Santana and his pass found Joaquin. After a tight give-and-go with Isco, the 31-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and sent a low shot past Roman Weidenfeller to net a huge away goal.
Apprehension and frustration began to spread around the stadium but their worries were eased five minutes before half time. Reus flicked Gotze's pass beautifully into the path of Lewandowski who rounded Willy and slotted the ball into the empty net to finish off a superb team move.
Joaquin was gifted a free header in the last action of the first half which Weidenfeller comfortably held and the start of the second half offered similarly enticing opportunities for both sides.
Lewandowski was unable to guide his shot past Willy after some more quick, crisp interplay with Gotze and minutes later the Weidenfeller managed to get a strong hand to the ball to keep Joaquin's header.
Malaga continued to squeeze the play and force the Bundesliga side into sending the long ball up from the back. However, when Sergio Sanchez failed to deal with one such pass Gotze could not find the from a glorious position in the 53rd minute.
The organisation of Pellegrini's defence was exemplary and after Dortmund had a goal ruled out correctly for offside, Duda's thunderous effort almost added to the disappointment of the home fans.
The heroics of Malaga goalkeeper Willy were a huge reason that the first leg ended goalless and the Argentine was at it again in the closing stages, denying both Reus and Gotze from close range
The home fans' misery looked to have been compounded in the 82nd minute as a swift break from the visitors ended with second-half substitute Eliseu sweeping home from close range.
Yet there was still time for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history, which Reus began as he slotted home following a long ball in the 91st minute.
Two minutes later the turnaround was complete and the stadium went from despair to unbridled jubilation.
Following a cross from the left a scramble in the area was put to an end when Santana swept the ball into the net from one yard out.
Somehow Dortmund, who will be joined in the semi-finals by Real Madrid, managed to keep their unbeaten home record in the tournament intact as their victory ended Malaga's fairytale run.
Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga (Agg 3-2) Champions League Qtr-Final Match Report
The duo both struck at the death to take BVB from the brink of elimination and into the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of the devastated Spanish side.
By Tom Webber, Goal.com editor
Borussia Dortmund booked their space in the final four of the Champions League with a miraculous 3-2 win over Malaga at the Signal Iduna Park.
BVB failed to make their dominance count at La Roselada last week and it looked to be a recurring theme when Joaquin put Manuel Pellegrini's ahead, but Robert Lewandowski equalised before the break. Eliseu looked to have broken BVB hearts with a late goal but two stoppage-time strikes courtesy of Marco Reus and Felipe Santana ensured an unbelievable comeback.
With the tie so delicately balanced from the first leg, such a conservative approach to the early stages from both teams was somewhat predictable.
As the minutes ticked by the hosts became more adventurous and in the 16th minute Lewandowski got his first chance to shoot at goal. He elected for an audacious 25-yard chip from Mario Gotze's pass but his overcooked attempt floated over the stranded Willy Caballero's goal.
Los Boquerones had struggled to string a meaningful attack together but in the 25th minute when they silenced the Signal Iduna Park.
Julio Baptista pounced on a poor clearance from Felipe Santana and his pass found Joaquin. After a tight give-and-go with Isco, the 31-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and sent a low shot past Roman Weidenfeller to net a huge away goal.
Apprehension and frustration began to spread around the stadium but their worries were eased five minutes before half time. Reus flicked Gotze's pass beautifully into the path of Lewandowski who rounded Willy and slotted the ball into the empty net to finish off a superb team move.
Joaquin was gifted a free header in the last action of the first half which Weidenfeller comfortably held and the start of the second half offered similarly enticing opportunities for both sides.
Lewandowski was unable to guide his shot past Willy after some more quick, crisp interplay with Gotze and minutes later the Weidenfeller managed to get a strong hand to the ball to keep Joaquin's header.
Malaga continued to squeeze the play and force the Bundesliga side into sending the long ball up from the back. However, when Sergio Sanchez failed to deal with one such pass Gotze could not find the from a glorious position in the 53rd minute.
The organisation of Pellegrini's defence was exemplary and after Dortmund had a goal ruled out correctly for offside, Duda's thunderous effort almost added to the disappointment of the home fans.
The heroics of Malaga goalkeeper Willy were a huge reason that the first leg ended goalless and the Argentine was at it again in the closing stages, denying both Reus and Gotze from close range
The home fans' misery looked to have been compounded in the 82nd minute as a swift break from the visitors ended with second-half substitute Eliseu sweeping home from close range.
Yet there was still time for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history, which Reus began as he slotted home following a long ball in the 91st minute.
Two minutes later the turnaround was complete and the stadium went from despair to unbridled jubilation.
Following a cross from the left a scramble in the area was put to an end when Santana swept the ball into the net from one yard out.
Somehow Dortmund, who will be joined in the semi-finals by Real Madrid, managed to keep their unbeaten home record in the tournament intact as their victory ended Malaga's fairytale run.
05:10
It all looked so easy for the Spaniards after Ronaldo took the lead, but the home side came back ferociously and Mourinho's men entered the last-four by the skin of their teeth.
By Daniel Edwards, Goal.com editor
Real Madrid were made to sweat in Istanbul but held on for a 3-2 defeat away to Galatasaray, a result which nevertheless assured their passage into the last four of the Champions League with a 5-3 victory on aggregate.
The Spanish side looked set to cruise through when Cristiano Ronaldo opened up a four-goal aggregate lead in the opening minutes, but a timid response by the visitors encouraged the Turkish giants to chase the impossible, which they almost achieved as Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba hit in the second half. Ronaldo finally ended their hopes with a late goal that sealed victory.
Virtually assured of a place in the Champions League semi-finals thanks to a dominant 3-0 win in the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid nevertheless began the second leg in belligerent fashion, pushing forward immediately in search of a goal.
Angel Di Maria was almost the man to provide it in the first minute of play, picking up a loose ball after Fernando Muslera's rushed clearance outside the area. The Argentine went for the net, but with Galatasaray defenders scampering back he saw the effort fall just the wrong side of the post.
Away fans, however, did not have to wait long, as after just seven minutes of play the Merengue got the strike that would surely put the tie beyond the faintest of doubts. An overlapping Sami Khedira streaked past on the right-hand side, and put a teasing ball into the middle. As the Turkish backline failed to react, Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand to tap home, recording his 49th Champions League goal and drawing level with the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano in the historical charts.
Despite that early blow, Galatasaray held their heads high, dominating possession against Jose Mourinho's men and attempting to match their rivals. Didier Drogba was the target of much of the Turks' attacking play, but was let down by poor service and his own fading reflexes, and struggled to make an impact. Madrid sat back and were content to allow their opponents to do the running, while on the counter-attack they remained a frightening force.
This potency on the break was demonstrated when Di Maria went within a hair's breadth of adding a second. The midfielder latched to a wonderful flick from Ronaldo to break free on the left, and looked destined to put his name on the board. He did not count on the heroics of Muslera, however. The goalkeeper pulled off a breathtaking fingertip save to keep Angel out, and ensure that the gap would not widen as the two sides went in for the break.
The Turkish side continued their unlikely pursuit in the second half, and were rewarded with their first goal of the tie 57 minutes in - and it was one worth waiting for. A speculative ball across the Madrid area was not picked up by anyone, which allowed Emmanuel Eboue to meet it just on the edge of the area. The right-back had been disappointing during the opening hour, but atoned with a stunning power shot which left Lopez no chance to save, and put Galatasaray on the board.
The hosts were now buoyant, and could have reduced the deficit to 'just' three goals if Sneijder had converted a golden chance. The Netherlands star found himself in the right place at the back post after a low cross was deflected into his path but, gloriously unmarked, he fluffed a left-footed shot to save Madrid from falling behind on the night. The midfielder was not done, however, cutting inside his marker from deep, Sneijder went to to release a bullet of a shot that put his side ahead, at least for the second leg.
The Turkish crowd, from a position of despair, could not believe their eyes. Drogba set up an unthinkable last 20 minutes with a wonderful backheel into the net, putting Galatasaray 3-1 up and leaving just two goals for the comeback.
And Drogba thought he had levelled the tie before being pulled back for an offside and Madrid lived to breathe another day, Ronaldo confirming their passage with a strong finish in the final minute. The Merengue join Borussia Dortmund in the penultimate stage of the competition with Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain fighting to claim the final two spots on Wednesday evening.
Galatasaray 3-2 Real Madrid (Agg 3-5) Champions League Match Report
It all looked so easy for the Spaniards after Ronaldo took the lead, but the home side came back ferociously and Mourinho's men entered the last-four by the skin of their teeth.
By Daniel Edwards, Goal.com editor
Real Madrid were made to sweat in Istanbul but held on for a 3-2 defeat away to Galatasaray, a result which nevertheless assured their passage into the last four of the Champions League with a 5-3 victory on aggregate.
The Spanish side looked set to cruise through when Cristiano Ronaldo opened up a four-goal aggregate lead in the opening minutes, but a timid response by the visitors encouraged the Turkish giants to chase the impossible, which they almost achieved as Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba hit in the second half. Ronaldo finally ended their hopes with a late goal that sealed victory.
Virtually assured of a place in the Champions League semi-finals thanks to a dominant 3-0 win in the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid nevertheless began the second leg in belligerent fashion, pushing forward immediately in search of a goal.
Angel Di Maria was almost the man to provide it in the first minute of play, picking up a loose ball after Fernando Muslera's rushed clearance outside the area. The Argentine went for the net, but with Galatasaray defenders scampering back he saw the effort fall just the wrong side of the post.
Away fans, however, did not have to wait long, as after just seven minutes of play the Merengue got the strike that would surely put the tie beyond the faintest of doubts. An overlapping Sami Khedira streaked past on the right-hand side, and put a teasing ball into the middle. As the Turkish backline failed to react, Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand to tap home, recording his 49th Champions League goal and drawing level with the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano in the historical charts.
Despite that early blow, Galatasaray held their heads high, dominating possession against Jose Mourinho's men and attempting to match their rivals. Didier Drogba was the target of much of the Turks' attacking play, but was let down by poor service and his own fading reflexes, and struggled to make an impact. Madrid sat back and were content to allow their opponents to do the running, while on the counter-attack they remained a frightening force.
This potency on the break was demonstrated when Di Maria went within a hair's breadth of adding a second. The midfielder latched to a wonderful flick from Ronaldo to break free on the left, and looked destined to put his name on the board. He did not count on the heroics of Muslera, however. The goalkeeper pulled off a breathtaking fingertip save to keep Angel out, and ensure that the gap would not widen as the two sides went in for the break.
The Turkish side continued their unlikely pursuit in the second half, and were rewarded with their first goal of the tie 57 minutes in - and it was one worth waiting for. A speculative ball across the Madrid area was not picked up by anyone, which allowed Emmanuel Eboue to meet it just on the edge of the area. The right-back had been disappointing during the opening hour, but atoned with a stunning power shot which left Lopez no chance to save, and put Galatasaray on the board.
The hosts were now buoyant, and could have reduced the deficit to 'just' three goals if Sneijder had converted a golden chance. The Netherlands star found himself in the right place at the back post after a low cross was deflected into his path but, gloriously unmarked, he fluffed a left-footed shot to save Madrid from falling behind on the night. The midfielder was not done, however, cutting inside his marker from deep, Sneijder went to to release a bullet of a shot that put his side ahead, at least for the second leg.
The Turkish crowd, from a position of despair, could not believe their eyes. Drogba set up an unthinkable last 20 minutes with a wonderful backheel into the net, putting Galatasaray 3-1 up and leaving just two goals for the comeback.
And Drogba thought he had levelled the tie before being pulled back for an offside and Madrid lived to breathe another day, Ronaldo confirming their passage with a strong finish in the final minute. The Merengue join Borussia Dortmund in the penultimate stage of the competition with Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain fighting to claim the final two spots on Wednesday evening.
05:55
TEAM NEWS
Borussia Dortmund will look to put the disappointment of losing their Bundesliga title behind them by reaching the last four of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich clinched the championship at the weekend, forcing Dortmund to hand the trophy over to them at the end of the current season.
However, there is still one piece of silverware Jurgen Klopp's side could win this season, and they host Malaga on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw in the away leg, confident they can move to within 180 minutes of the final.
"Everything has been really positive so far, but we've got to be careful," the boss said.
"My feeling is we are going to continue to write this wonderful story. We are ready, we are motivated and we really love this competition.
"You either feel the pressure, or you feel the opportunity, and we see the opportunity."
Opportunity knocked a week ago in Spain, but a profligate attack saw Dortmund come away empty-handed, although a goalless draw nevertheless gives them a good position for tomorrow night's return leg at the Westfalenstadion.
However, Klopp does not like the way the German media seem to be playing down the threat of Malaga, and turning last week's draw into a failure.
"I really cannot understand how you can expect one to just go to Malaga and win comfortably," he said at the pre-match press conference.
"They are strong opponents in a fantastic competition and we are right in the zone, which is all we need."
That zone is the intimidating black and yellow back backdrop provided by the largest terrace in Europe.
Although the 81,000 capacity is reduced for UEFA regulations on all-seater stadia, the noise will nevertheless be electrifying, according to Klopp.
"Just imagine that this could be the last time for a long time tomorrow, so we've got to give it our best to make sure it isn't," he said.
"We've got to keep our calm and we need the fans for that. I would like for everybody who comes here tomorrow night to bring more positive energy than they have ever had in their lives.
"Then we are truly uncomfortable opponents."
Klopp rested seven members of his regular side at the weekend, but he will pick his strongest XI tomorrow with defender Mats Hummels a candidate again.
Full-back Marcel Schmelzer will also be involved, even if he broke his nose in the first leg.
"This is something unique," said the Germany international. "None of us have ever reached the quarter-finals, let alone the semis.
"We have come through a difficult group and for every one of us, playing Malaga tomorrow night for a place in the last four is the biggest thing which has happened to us."
Bidding to stop Dortmund is former Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis, who knows exactly what to expect in Dortmund.
"I know the atmosphere here, but that shouldn't faze us," he said. "Anybody who thinks Dortmund are already through is mistaken."
Indeed, rather than being intimidated by the atmosphere, Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho believes they can use it to motivate them.
"Nobody likes playing in front of empty stands," he said. "It's like a final for us. I think the atmosphere's going to help us."
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was not in Dortmund today as he returned to his native Chile after his father passed away at the weekend. He is due to arrive in Dortmund in time for kick-off, and will find a team ready to go the extra mile for him.
"We're all sad," said Demichelis. "We want to win this for him. He will be with us tomorrow and we will try all we can to go through for him."
Source: SkySports
Borussia Dortmund vs Malaga Champions League Preview
April 09, 2013
TEAM NEWS
Borussia Dortmund will look to put the disappointment of losing their Bundesliga title behind them by reaching the last four of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Bayern Munich clinched the championship at the weekend, forcing Dortmund to hand the trophy over to them at the end of the current season.
However, there is still one piece of silverware Jurgen Klopp's side could win this season, and they host Malaga on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw in the away leg, confident they can move to within 180 minutes of the final.
"Everything has been really positive so far, but we've got to be careful," the boss said.
"My feeling is we are going to continue to write this wonderful story. We are ready, we are motivated and we really love this competition.
"You either feel the pressure, or you feel the opportunity, and we see the opportunity."
Opportunity knocked a week ago in Spain, but a profligate attack saw Dortmund come away empty-handed, although a goalless draw nevertheless gives them a good position for tomorrow night's return leg at the Westfalenstadion.
However, Klopp does not like the way the German media seem to be playing down the threat of Malaga, and turning last week's draw into a failure.
"I really cannot understand how you can expect one to just go to Malaga and win comfortably," he said at the pre-match press conference.
"They are strong opponents in a fantastic competition and we are right in the zone, which is all we need."
That zone is the intimidating black and yellow back backdrop provided by the largest terrace in Europe.
Although the 81,000 capacity is reduced for UEFA regulations on all-seater stadia, the noise will nevertheless be electrifying, according to Klopp.
"Just imagine that this could be the last time for a long time tomorrow, so we've got to give it our best to make sure it isn't," he said.
"We've got to keep our calm and we need the fans for that. I would like for everybody who comes here tomorrow night to bring more positive energy than they have ever had in their lives.
"Then we are truly uncomfortable opponents."
Klopp rested seven members of his regular side at the weekend, but he will pick his strongest XI tomorrow with defender Mats Hummels a candidate again.
Full-back Marcel Schmelzer will also be involved, even if he broke his nose in the first leg.
"This is something unique," said the Germany international. "None of us have ever reached the quarter-finals, let alone the semis.
"We have come through a difficult group and for every one of us, playing Malaga tomorrow night for a place in the last four is the biggest thing which has happened to us."
Bidding to stop Dortmund is former Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis, who knows exactly what to expect in Dortmund.
"I know the atmosphere here, but that shouldn't faze us," he said. "Anybody who thinks Dortmund are already through is mistaken."
Indeed, rather than being intimidated by the atmosphere, Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho believes they can use it to motivate them.
"Nobody likes playing in front of empty stands," he said. "It's like a final for us. I think the atmosphere's going to help us."
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini was not in Dortmund today as he returned to his native Chile after his father passed away at the weekend. He is due to arrive in Dortmund in time for kick-off, and will find a team ready to go the extra mile for him.
"We're all sad," said Demichelis. "We want to win this for him. He will be with us tomorrow and we will try all we can to go through for him."
Source: SkySports
05:53
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid will not hide behind their three-goal lead and will go to Galatasaray on the attack, according to goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Real secured a 3-0 advantage in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu but will face a hostile crowd in Istanbul as they bid to make their 24th semi-final appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain were all on target for Jose Mourinho's side in the first leg, but while they have a solid lead ahead of the return match, Lopez believes the only way to guarantee their place in the last four is to take the attack to Gala.
"We must try to play as much as possible like in the first leg," Lopez told the club's website.
"They are a team who play well on the counter-attack, and they have very fast players up front who are always looking for depth. We have to keep calm in defence, keep everything tight and go for them.
"We mustn't think about the 3-0, although it is clear that this is a knock-out match and the 3-0 is there, but I see scoring a goal or looking for goals as the key.
"Our mentality will be to go there and score, and not hide behind the 3-0 , because that would be a mistake."
Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba, who won the Champions League title last season with Chelsea, is in good form ahead of the match having scored twice in Saturday's 3-1 win over Mersin Idmanyurdu in the Turkish Super Lig.
Drogba joined Galatasaray in January after spending time at Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua following his departure from Chelsea last May.
"I have a special relationship with the Champions League - it is a trophy I had to wait a long time to touch," Drogba told uefa.com.
"It is a real joy for me to be back in the Champions League, and especially to hear its anthem at the beginning of each game.
"I have found a club that is ambitious, with a great project. They at some point want to win the Champions League. It is a great choice for me.
"I wanted to rediscover the passion I experienced in Marseille. I want to be part of this adventure, part of this challenge. This is something very exciting."
Gala have seen their preparations for the match overshadowed as coach Fatih Terim is facing a lengthy touchline ban after a heated argument during the league game on Saturday.
Terim was sent to the stands with assistants Hasan Sas and Umit Davala, which could mean Duygu Erdogan might make history this weekend as the first woman to coach a Super Lig team.
Erdogan and goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel are the only eligible names to coach the side if Terim and his two assistants are given a ban.
Source: SkySports
Galatasaray vs Real Madrid Champions League Preview
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid will not hide behind their three-goal lead and will go to Galatasaray on the attack, according to goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
Real secured a 3-0 advantage in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu but will face a hostile crowd in Istanbul as they bid to make their 24th semi-final appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain were all on target for Jose Mourinho's side in the first leg, but while they have a solid lead ahead of the return match, Lopez believes the only way to guarantee their place in the last four is to take the attack to Gala.
"We must try to play as much as possible like in the first leg," Lopez told the club's website.
"They are a team who play well on the counter-attack, and they have very fast players up front who are always looking for depth. We have to keep calm in defence, keep everything tight and go for them.
"We mustn't think about the 3-0, although it is clear that this is a knock-out match and the 3-0 is there, but I see scoring a goal or looking for goals as the key.
"Our mentality will be to go there and score, and not hide behind the 3-0 , because that would be a mistake."
Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba, who won the Champions League title last season with Chelsea, is in good form ahead of the match having scored twice in Saturday's 3-1 win over Mersin Idmanyurdu in the Turkish Super Lig.
Drogba joined Galatasaray in January after spending time at Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua following his departure from Chelsea last May.
"I have a special relationship with the Champions League - it is a trophy I had to wait a long time to touch," Drogba told uefa.com.
"It is a real joy for me to be back in the Champions League, and especially to hear its anthem at the beginning of each game.
"I have found a club that is ambitious, with a great project. They at some point want to win the Champions League. It is a great choice for me.
"I wanted to rediscover the passion I experienced in Marseille. I want to be part of this adventure, part of this challenge. This is something very exciting."
Gala have seen their preparations for the match overshadowed as coach Fatih Terim is facing a lengthy touchline ban after a heated argument during the league game on Saturday.
Terim was sent to the stands with assistants Hasan Sas and Umit Davala, which could mean Duygu Erdogan might make history this weekend as the first woman to coach a Super Lig team.
Erdogan and goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel are the only eligible names to coach the side if Terim and his two assistants are given a ban.
Source: SkySports
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